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PloS One 2014Increasing survival rates in childhood cancer have yielded a growing population of parents of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). This systematic review compiles the... (Review)
Review
Increasing survival rates in childhood cancer have yielded a growing population of parents of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). This systematic review compiles the literature on positive and negative long-term psychological late effects for parents of CCSs, reported at least five years after the child's diagnosis and/or two years after the end of the child's treatment. Systematic searches were made in the databases CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and PubMed. Fifteen studies, published between 1988 and 2010, from 12 projects were included. Thirteen studies used quantitative methodology, one quantitative and qualitative methodology, and one qualitative methodology. A total of 1045 parents participated in the reviewed studies. Mean scores were within normal ranges for general psychological distress, coping, and family functioning. However, a substantial subgroup reported a clinical level of general psychological distress, and 21-44% reported a severe level of posttraumatic stress symptoms. Worry, disease-related thoughts and feelings, marital strains, as well as posttraumatic growth was reported. Several factors were associated with the long-term late effects, such as parents' maladaptive coping during earlier stages of the childs disease trajectory and children's current poor adjustment. Quality assessments of reviewed studies and clinical implications of findings are discussed and recommendations for future research are presented.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Neoplasms; Parents; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Stress, Psychological; Surveys and Questionnaires; Survivors
PubMed: 25058607
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103340 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Feb 2024The use of technology in psychological treatments can bring evidence-based interventions closer to more people using fewer resources. The aim of this systematic review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The use of technology in psychological treatments can bring evidence-based interventions closer to more people using fewer resources. The aim of this systematic review and preliminary meta-analysis was to summarize all the available information about technology-supported psychological treatments for Adjustment Disorder (AjD) patients of all ages.
METHOD
Eligibility criteria included studies that tested a technology-supported treatment in patients with AjD and reported data on a mental health outcome. Case studies and case series were excluded. Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0. tool for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and the NHLBI tool for pre-post studies.
RESULTS
Nine articles (8 RCTs and 1 pre-post study) were included, eight that tested computerised interventions and two that used virtual reality. The meta-analysis showed the superior efficacy of the intervention groups compared to control conditions in reducing mental health symptomatology and a significant improvement between pre- and post-treatment.
LIMITATIONS
The small number of studies included and the high heterogeneity among them were two of the main limitations.
CONCLUSIONS
These results are similar to those observed in previous systematic reviews on technology-supported treatments for other mental disorders and suggest that these interventions could be effective for patients with AjD. However, further research is needed to determine the advantages and disadvantages of these interventions for the treatment of AjD in different age populations such as children, adolescents or older adults, as well as effective means for improving treatment retention.
Topics: Adolescent; Aged; Child; Humans; Adjustment Disorders; Mental Health; Technology
PubMed: 37992766
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.11.059 -
PloS One 2013Previous reviews show that reporting guidelines have improved the quality of trial reports in medicine, yet existing guidelines may not be fully suited for social and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Previous reviews show that reporting guidelines have improved the quality of trial reports in medicine, yet existing guidelines may not be fully suited for social and psychological intervention trials.
OBJECTIVE/DESIGN
We conducted a two-part study that reviewed (1) reporting guidelines for and (2) the reporting quality of social and psychological intervention trials.
DATA SOURCES
(1) To identify reporting guidelines, we systematically searched multiple electronic databases and reporting guideline registries. (2) To identify trials, we hand-searched 40 journals with the 10 highest impact factors in clinical psychology, criminology, education, and social work. ELIGIBILITY: (1) Reporting guidelines consisted of articles introducing a checklist of reporting standards relevant to social and psychological intervention trials. (2) Trials reported randomised experiments of complex interventions with psychological, social, or health outcomes.
RESULTS
(1) We identified 19 reporting guidelines that yielded 147 reporting standards relevant to social and psychological interventions. Social and behavioural science guidelines included 89 standards not found in CONSORT guidelines. However, CONSORT guidelines used more recommended techniques for development and dissemination compared to other guidelines. (2) Our review of trials (n = 239) revealed that many standards were poorly reported, such as identification as a randomised trial in titles (20% reported the information) and abstracts (55%); information about blinding (15%), sequence generation (23%), and allocation concealment (17%); and details about actual delivery of experimental (43%) and control interventions (34%), participant uptake (25%), and service environment (28%). Only 11 of 40 journals referenced reporting guidelines in "Instructions to Authors."
CONCLUSION
Existing reporting guidelines have important limitations in content, development, and/or dissemination. Important details are routinely missing from trial publications; most leading journals in social and behavioural sciences do not ask authors to follow reporting standards. Findings demonstrate a need to develop a CONSORT extension with updated standards for social and psychological intervention trials.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Information Dissemination; Mental Disorders; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Research Design; Research Report; Social Adjustment
PubMed: 23734256
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065442 -
Journal of Cancer Survivorship :... Apr 2018Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common forms of cancer amongst males. Men's coping responses are an important determinant of functioning and adjustment to this...
PURPOSE
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common forms of cancer amongst males. Men's coping responses are an important determinant of functioning and adjustment to this disease. Previous qualitative research exists in this area, but the current review sought to systematically review and summarise these studies.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted to identify studies concerned with men's coping strategies in their attempts to live with PCa. A search of relevant electronic databases was conducted to identify studies that met inclusion criteria for this review. Methodological quality assessment was also undertaken for each included study.
RESULTS
One hundred twenty-one publications were identified for initial screening, and 18 studies were included in the review. A total of five coping strategy categories or 'meta-themes' were identified across included studies. These categories were labelled 'avoidance, minimisation, and withdrawal', 'directing cognition and attention', 'reframing masculinity and seeking support', 'retain pre-illness identity and lifestyle', and 'symptom/side-effect management'.
CONCLUSIONS
A range of coping strategies were reported by men with PCa. Some of these strategies appear to be partially influenced by gender roles and masculinities. Coping meta-themes reported in this review have also been found in other research on men's coping. Strategies relating to flexible interpretation of gender roles/masculinities may be a particularly relevant category of coping responses due to the hypothesised beneficial impact of flexibility on psychological well-being.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS
PCa survivors utilise a range of coping strategies, and the types of strategies used may have implications for men's well-being. The ability to be flexible in both coping responses used, and in the view of oneself as a man may be particularly important skills in meeting the challenges associated with this disease.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cancer Survivors; Humans; Male; Masculinity; Middle Aged; Prostatic Neoplasms; Qualitative Research; Social Adjustment
PubMed: 29063497
DOI: 10.1007/s11764-017-0654-8 -
Przeglad Menopauzalny = Menopause Review Mar 2022The paths of medically assisted reproduction represent the most important scientific progress to cope with the inability to achieve spontaneous conception (SC) and to... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The paths of medically assisted reproduction represent the most important scientific progress to cope with the inability to achieve spontaneous conception (SC) and to reach desired parenthood. Couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) and couples not facing ovulation induction and artificial fertilization show sufficient levels of well-being and psychological adjustment. However, in some cases couples undergoing ART show lower perceived quality of life than couples with SC.Our aim is to investigate the main psychological variables involved in the special risk condition of medically assisted reproduction and how they could direct specific guidelines to enhance mental wellbeing in dealing with infertility.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
In this regard, we performed a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. From all the studies included, the considered outcome measures were psychological, social, and relational variables and are presented in a systematic approach.
RESULTS
A total of 14 studies were included in this article, according to our strict inclusion criteria.
CONCLUSIONS
Conflicting results have been proven by this systematic review. Even though all underlined the importance of taking charge of the psychological variables in infertility, few studies monitored and evaluated the effectiveness of these interventions. Moreover, none of the selected studies monitored the evolutionary implications of parental competence on the development of children born from ART.
PubMed: 35388278
DOI: 10.5114/pm.2022.114404 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2022Hereditary cancer syndromes are inherited pathogenic genetic variants that significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. When individuals become aware of their... (Review)
Review
Hereditary cancer syndromes are inherited pathogenic genetic variants that significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. When individuals become aware of their increased probability of having cancer, the whole family is affected by this new reality and needs to adjust. However, adjustment to hereditary cancer syndromes has been mainly studied at an individual level, and research about familial adjustment remains dispersed and disorganized. To overcome this gap, this review aims to understand how families adjust to genetic testing and risk management, and to what extent the family's adjustment influences the psychological response and risk management behaviors of mutation carriers. We conducted searches on the PubMed/Med Line, PsycInfo, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases and used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT-v2018) to assess the methodological quality of each selected study. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria. Most results highlighted the interdependent nature of adjustment of pathogenic variant carriers and their families. The way carriers adjust to the syndrome is highly dependent on family functioning and related to how family members react to the new genetic information, particularly partners and siblings. Couples who share their worries and communicate openly about cancer risk present a better long-term adjustment than couples who use protective buffering (not talking about it to avoid disturbing the partner) or emotional distancing. Parents need help dealing with disclosing genetic information to their children. These findings reinforce the importance of adopting a family-centered approach in the context of genetic counseling and the necessity of involving family members in research.
Topics: Child; Family; Genetic Counseling; Genetic Testing; Humans; Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary; Risk
PubMed: 35162625
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031603 -
Journal of Traumatic Stress Dec 2020Child refugees are at high risk for problems with academic achievement and psychosocial well-being. We aimed to review the literature concerning these outcomes in...
Child refugees are at high risk for problems with academic achievement and psychosocial well-being. We aimed to review the literature concerning these outcomes in primary school-aged child refugees. This study was a systematic review and included studies that reported on outcomes of interest in child refugees between 5 and 12 years of age. Our search generated 3,172 articles; we selected 313 for review and included 45. Child refugees are diverse in their educational performance, and early deficits often resolve with time spent in the host country. These children are at an increased risk of emotional and behavioral difficulties, and multiple factors are associated with these outcomes. Although educational difficulties of primary school-aged child refugees in high-income countries tend to resolve, the risks for psychosocial problems persist. This review provides a deepened understanding of the diverse educational and psychosocial experiences of these children and highlights the need for developing health and educational programs to support this population.
Topics: Academic Success; Anxiety; Child; Child, Preschool; Depression; Emotional Adjustment; Female; Humans; Male; Refugees; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 32803884
DOI: 10.1002/jts.22582 -
Reviews on Environmental Health Dec 2021Ambient air pollution (AAP) is an important risk factor for increased mental health morbidity. Studies have highlighted the effect of AAP on psychological stress and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Ambient air pollution (AAP) is an important risk factor for increased mental health morbidity. Studies have highlighted the effect of AAP on psychological stress and anxiety disorder. However, existing evidence regarding this is largely equivocal. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to synthesize published evidence to calculate the pooled estimate of the effect of AAP on psychological stress and anxiety disorder.
CONTENT
A systematic bibliographic search was undertaken using PubMed, JGateplus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library for observational human studies published in English till 31st March 2020 reporting the effect of AAP on psychological stress and anxiety disorder. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Meta-analysis was performed adopting a random-effects model using Meta-XL. Of 412 articles retrieved, a total of 30 articles [AAP and anxiety disorders, (n=17, 57%); AAP and psychological stress, (n=9, 30%) and AAP and both psychological stress and anxiety disorders, (n=4, 13%)] fulfilled the inclusion criteria covering a total population of 973,725 individuals. The pooled estimate (OR) of the effects of PM on psychological stress was 1.03 [(95% CI: 1.00, 1.05) (p=0.17, =41%)]. The pooled estimate of the effects of NO and PM on anxiety disorder was 0.93 [(95% CI: 0.89, 0.97) (p=0.91, =0%)] and 0.88 [(95% CI: 0.78, 0.98) (p=0.01, =59%)] respectively. The pooled estimate of the effects of PM on anxiety Disorder was 0.88 [(95% CI: 0.72, 1.06) (p=0.00, =80%)].
SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK
The present study provides the most updated pooled estimate of the effect of AAP on psychological stress and anxiety disorder. Future studies should focus on longitudinal studies conducted in LIC and LMIC countries using uniform and standardized criteria for exposure and outcome assessment as well as robust adjustment for confounders to minimize methodological heterogeneity resulting in reliable and comparable estimation of environmental mental health burden.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Anxiety Disorders; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Mental Health; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 34821119
DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0125 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2018As workforce aging continues through the next decade, the number of persons who will retire from long-held jobs and careers will increase. In recent years, researchers... (Review)
Review
As workforce aging continues through the next decade, the number of persons who will retire from long-held jobs and careers will increase. In recent years, researchers across disciplines of psychology have focused attention on the impact of the retirement process on post-retirement adjustment and well-being. The objective of the current review is twofold. The first goal is to review the literature on retirement planning with attention to past conceptualizations and current theoretical specifications. Second, empirical work investigating the psychological antecedents of retirement planning is reviewed. The primary conclusion reached from this review is that, conceptually, retirement planning continues to be poorly delineated and, thereby, narrowly investigated. Empirically, cognitive antecedents of retirement planning continue to figure prominently in both workplace and retirement researches. The boundary conditions of retirement planning, as well as alternative mechanisms for adult wellbeing, are discussed. Specifically, retirement planning's meaning amidst increasing job mobility and longer life expectancies are identified as two complementary areas for future empirical integration of work-retirement research domains.
PubMed: 30356783
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01870 -
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Aug 2020Yoga is a holistic practice that - when incorporated effectively into neurorehabilitation - has potential to meet the complex needs of persons with acquired brain injury...
Yoga is a holistic practice that - when incorporated effectively into neurorehabilitation - has potential to meet the complex needs of persons with acquired brain injury (ABI). This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, investigated cognitive, physical, and psychological outcomes following controlled trials of yoga for ABI. The search returned six eligible studies, four of which focused specifically on stroke rehabilitation. For persons with ABI broadly, within-group improvements were found after yoga for psychological and physical adjustment, quality of life, and respiratory functioning. For stroke specifically, physical and memory recovery was greater in the yoga group vs. exercise control, and within-group improvements were noted for motor functioning, self-efficacy, and quality of life outcomes. Lack of (1) between-group analyses despite the inclusion of control groups, and (2) a common yoga rehabilitation protocol including frequency, length, and duration of yoga must be addressed in future research to establish efficacy of these interventions. Considerations for psychophysiological outcome measures and cultural factors are presented in the context of future research and clinical directions.
Topics: Brain Injuries; Cognitive Dysfunction; Emotional Adjustment; Humans; Neurological Rehabilitation; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Quality of Life; Self Efficacy; Yoga
PubMed: 30789008
DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2019.1583114