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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... 2012Social support is regarded as a complex construct which has long been suggested to have direct and buffering effects on patients' wellbeing and emotional adjustment to... (Review)
Review
Social support is regarded as a complex construct which has long been suggested to have direct and buffering effects on patients' wellbeing and emotional adjustment to cancer. Cross-sectional and prospective studies show a positive association between perceived social support and psychological adjustment following cancer treatment. Research findings suggest that the evidence for the relationship between social support and cancer progression is sufficiently strong. This report points out the importance of social support in cancer and provides recommendations for health care professionals.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Humans; Neoplasms; Social Support
PubMed: 23098436
DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2012.13.8.3569 -
Acta Clinica Croatica Sep 2018- The purpose of the present study was to examine the association among the risk of eating disorder (ED), psychological adjustment, empathy, attachment style and...
- The purpose of the present study was to examine the association among the risk of eating disorder (ED), psychological adjustment, empathy, attachment style and thin-ideal internalization among adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN), as compared to a healthy control (HC) group. The Questionnaire of General Data, the Eating Disorders Inventory-3 (EDI-3), the Questionnaire of Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance-3 (SATAQ-3), the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) and the Basic Empathy Scale (BES) were administered to 35 female adolescents with AN and 35 HC adolescents. Eating disorder risk was found to be highest in AN females with higher levels of general psychological maladjustment (GPMC), followed by HC females with higher thin-ideal internalization. In the AN group, attachment style and thin-ideal internalization in combination with GPMC were not indicated as significant predictors of eating disorder risk. Study data provide support to conceptualizations of EDs that emphasize the role of general psychological maladjustment in the development of EDs.
Topics: Adolescent; Anorexia Nervosa; Body Image; Croatia; Emotional Adjustment; Empathy; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Humans; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 31168171
DOI: 10.20471/acc.2018.57.03.01 -
Journal of Perinatology : Official... Dec 2015Family involvement is a key to realize the potential for long-lasting positive effects on physical, cognitive and psychosocial development of all babies, including those... (Review)
Review
Family involvement is a key to realize the potential for long-lasting positive effects on physical, cognitive and psychosocial development of all babies, including those in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Family-centered developmental care (FCDC) recognizes the family as vital members of the NICU health-care team. As such, families are integrated into decision-making processes and are collaborators in their baby's care. Through standardized use of FCDC principles in the NICU, a foundation is constructed to enhance the family's lifelong relationship with their child and optimize development of the baby. Recommendations are made for supporting parental roles as caregivers of their babies in the NICU, supporting NICU staff participation in FCDC and creating NICU policies that support this type of care. These recommendations are designed to meet the basic human needs of all babies, the special needs of hospitalized babies and the needs of families who are coping with the crisis of having a baby in the NICU.
Topics: Adult; Child Development; Decision Making; Emotional Adjustment; Humans; Infant Care; Infant, Newborn; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Parenting; Professional-Family Relations
PubMed: 26597804
DOI: 10.1038/jp.2015.142 -
European Psychiatry : the Journal of... Jan 2019New research suggests that, rather than representing a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional processing difficulties reflect co-occurring... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
New research suggests that, rather than representing a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional processing difficulties reflect co-occurring alexithymia. Autistic individuals with alexithymia could therefore represent a specific subgroup of autism who may benefit from tailored interventions. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the nature and prevalence of alexithymia in autism using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS).
METHODS
Online scientific databases were searched systematically for studies on ASD popu lations using the TAS. Meta-analyses were performed to evaluate differences in scores between the ASD and neurotypical groups, and to determine the prevalence of alexithymia in these populations.
RESULTS
15 articles comparing autistic and neurotypical (NT) groups were identified. Autistic people scored significantly higher on all scores compared to the NT group. There was also a higher prevalence of alexithymia in the ASD group (49.93% compared to 4.89%), with a significantly increased risk of alexithymia in autistic participants.
CONCLUSIONS
This review highlights that alexithymia is common, rather than universal, in ASD, supporting a growing body of evidence that co-occurring autism and alexithymia represents a specific subgroup in the ASD population that may have specific clinical needs. More research is needed to understand the nature and implications of co-occurring ASD and alexithymia.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Affective Symptoms; Autistic Disorder; Comorbidity; Emotional Adjustment; Female; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Psychological Tests
PubMed: 30399531
DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.09.004 -
Health Psychology : Official Journal of... May 2021To examine effects of stress on caregiver psychological adjustment during the first year of pediatric cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To examine effects of stress on caregiver psychological adjustment during the first year of pediatric cancer.
METHOD
Caregivers (N = 159) of children with cancer completed monthly questionnaires assessing domains of caregiver psychological adjustment (depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms) and stress (general life stress, treatment-related stress, caregiver perceptions of treatment intensity and life threat). Effects of stress were assessed at two levels to examine whether within-person changes in stress predicted concurrent changes in caregiver adjustment and whether average stress was associated with between-person differences in caregiver adjustment trajectories.
RESULTS
Overall, higher levels of stress factors were associated with poorer caregiver adjustment at both the between- and within-person levels, with high average levels of treatment-related stress and general life stress emerging as leading predictors of worse adjustment.
CONCLUSIONS
Both types of stressors, those directly related as well as unrelated to a child's cancer, contribute uniquely to caregiver distress. Caregiver distress is impacted by both overall levels of stress over time as well as month-to-month changes in stress. Implications for informing care for at-risk caregivers are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Caregivers; Child; Child, Preschool; Emotional Adjustment; Female; Humans; Male; Neoplasms; Parents; Stress, Psychological; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34152783
DOI: 10.1037/hea0001070 -
Pain Research & Management 2022Research has pointed to two profiles of persons with fibromyalgia according to differences in functionality, thus distinguishing between functional and dysfunctional...
OBJECTIVES
Research has pointed to two profiles of persons with fibromyalgia according to differences in functionality, thus distinguishing between functional and dysfunctional patients. The role of psychological factors underlying such clusters is unclear. This study aims to explore the contribution of pain beliefs and coping on fibromyalgia clustering.
METHODS
A cluster analysis was performed to classify 238 women with fibromyalgia using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory as clustering variables. Cluster differences in physical functioning, depression, pain beliefs, coping, and age were then calculated (Student's -test). Finally, a binary logistic regression was conducted to study the unique contribution of age, beliefs, and coping on cluster classification.
RESULTS
Two clusters were revealed. Cluster 1 had a poor adaptation to fibromyalgia regarding physical functioning and depression. They generally embraced less adaptive beliefs (i.e., disability, harm, emotion, and requests) and coping strategies (i.e., guarding, resting, and asking for assistance). Cluster 2 showed a better adaptation to fibromyalgia and adopted more favorable beliefs (i.e., control) and coping strategies (i.e., exercise and task persistence). Cluster differences in age were significant but small. The backward binary logistic regression suggested a final model with six predictors (guarding, task persistence, harm, emotion, solicitude, and age) that explained 31% of the variance of group membership. . These results suggest that only a subset of psychological variables uniquely and independently contribute to functional/dysfunctional group membership. The results support the need to address psychological components in the management of fibromyalgia and point to a subset of preferred target beliefs and coping strategies.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Emotional Adjustment; Female; Fibromyalgia; Humans; Male; Pain; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 35463626
DOI: 10.1155/2022/1066192 -
BMC Public Health Jan 2023Health-related behaviors may change after retirement and induce changes in the mental health. This systematic review aimed to investigate the nature of changes in...
BACKGROUND
Health-related behaviors may change after retirement and induce changes in the mental health. This systematic review aimed to investigate the nature of changes in physical activity and leisure activities, as well as the relationship between physical activity, leisure, and psychological adjustment among retirees.
METHODS
Search of papers was done in three electronic databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus without constraints on time, geographical regions, or languages in February 2022. The papers that had examined the relationship between physical activity and adjustment among retirees using observational design (cross-sectional or longitudinal) were included in the present study. To evaluate the methodological quality of cross-sectional studies, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist, and for longitudinal studies, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) were used.
RESULTS
The search results identified 1458 records. Twenty-six papers were included in this review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings of most of these studies indicated a significant positive correlation between physical activity, leisure, and psychological adjustment in retirees. Retirees were mostly engaged in passive leisure activities such as reading, watching TV and movies, and less engaged in physical activities, sport, or physical exercise. General organized assessment of the total physical activity among retirees was not possible.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the study findings, it can be stated that there is a positive correlation between physical activity, leisure, and the retirees' adjustment. Usage of the same and valid measurement method specific to old age and retirement period can be useful in more precise assessment of physical activity and its association with adjustment among retirees.
Topics: Humans; Emotional Adjustment; Cross-Sectional Studies; Exercise; Leisure Activities; Health Behavior; Retirement
PubMed: 36709282
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15080-5 -
BMC Oral Health Nov 2022Patients with ocular loss tend to have physical and psychosocial difficulties. Maxillofacial prosthetic specialists involved in the treatment should be trained with...
BACKGROUND
Patients with ocular loss tend to have physical and psychosocial difficulties. Maxillofacial prosthetic specialists involved in the treatment should be trained with competence to manage psychological complications. However, due to the multifactorial origin of the psychosocial distress, designing such training activities can be challenging. This research aimed to construct a conceptual framework illustrating the effects of ocular loss on patients' physical and psychosocial well-being and their coping strategies, to propose the learning content of training sessions.
METHODS
A semi-structured interview and a topic guide were employed to explore the perceptions from patients who were receiving their first custom ocular prosthesis, fabricated by maxillofacial prosthodontists. The participants were selected using a purposeful sampling up until data saturation. The data were analyzed using framework analysis.
RESULTS
Twelve patients participated in this research. Four main themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Impact of ocular loss, (2) Factors influencing psychosocial distress, (3) Psychological adjustment, and (4) Expected treatment outcomes. Each theme appeared to have influence on the other, rather than presenting itself independently. Although patients with ocular loss experienced both physical and psychosocial difficulties, psychological distress was greatly influenced by self-perceived disfigurement, etiology, and social status. Therefore, they needed to develop their coping strategies including rehabilitation with ocular prosthesis.
CONCLUSION
Various forms of psychological adjustments were necessary in these patients with ocular loss to resume their daily lives. The specialist involved in the treatment should also partake in patients' psychological adjustment and should be competent in psychological management skills, such as supporting patients to meet their expectations.
Topics: Humans; Adaptation, Psychological; Culture; Dentists; Emotional Adjustment; Learning; Psychological Distress
PubMed: 36424616
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02597-1 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2020Dispositional personality characteristics may play a role in psychosocial adjustment to any disease, including cancer.
UNLABELLED
Dispositional personality characteristics may play a role in psychosocial adjustment to any disease, including cancer.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to identify personality profiles in breast cancer patients and to determine whether these profiles are associated with psychological adjustment or psychopathology.
METHODS
Participants were 109 women (mean age, 52.01) diagnosed with breast cancer. They completed the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III), the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Positive and Negative Affect Scales.
RESULTS
The analysis revealed two different personality profiles: (a) one group, comprising 38.23% of the sample, was characterized by paranoid, negativistic, and dependent personality traits and was considered as a "vulnerable group"; and (b) another group (61.77%) was characterized by compulsive, histrionic, and narcissistic personality traits and was considered as a "psychologically adjusted group". The vulnerable group scored higher than the psychologically adjusted group on all clinical syndromes, with scores above 60 on the anxiety, somatoform, dysthymic, and bipolar scales (score on anxiety being above 75); in contrast, the psychologically adjusted group did not reach a base rate score of 60 on any of the clinical syndromes, showing no manifestations of psychopathology. Additionally, the vulnerable group scored lower than the psychologically adjusted group on optimism, life satisfaction, and positive affect, but higher on negative affect.
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that personality traits could affect the psychological adjustment of breast cancer survivors. We discuss the implications of belonging to each group and highlight the importance of early identification of vulnerable women in order to facilitate clinical and psychological support.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Anxiety; Breast Neoplasms; Emotional Adjustment; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Personality; Personality Assessment; Personality Disorders; Personality Inventory
PubMed: 33348619
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249452 -
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine Nov 2021Following a spinal cord injury or disability (SCI/D), cognitive appraisals are a marker of psychological adjustment. The present study evaluated the clinical utility...
Following a spinal cord injury or disability (SCI/D), cognitive appraisals are a marker of psychological adjustment. The present study evaluated the clinical utility and discriminant validity of the Appraisals of DisAbility Primary and Secondary Scale - Short Form (ADAPSS-sf). The ADAPSS-sf was evaluated on 1. identification of individuals experiencing poor psychological adjustment and 2. prediction of life satisfaction beyond measures of emotional distress. A retrospective study was completed using ROC analyses and odds ratios to identify the clinical utility of the ADAPSS-sf. In addition, blocked hierarchical regression explored the ADAPSS-sf predictive characteristics for satisfaction with life beyond measures of emotional distress. Veteran's Health Administration SCI Center. Ninety outpatient veterans with SCI/Ds. Measures of psychological adjustment post-SCI/D included the PHQ-9, GAD-7, PC-PTSD, and the Diener Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The ADAPSS-sf was used as a measure of cognitive appraisals. Results indicated the ADAPSS-sf is effective in identification of poor psychological adjustment, P < .001. Diagnostic odds ratios and ADAPSS-sf cut scores were selected to prioritize sensitivity (7.17, ≤ 11), specificity (68.25, ≥ 22), or a balance of the two (16.32, ≤ 19). Hierarchical regression indicated the ADAPSS-sf accounted for unique variance in life satisfaction beyond measures of emotional distress, (Δ = .20, = -.66, (89) = 6.54, P < .001). Results indicated SCI/D specific appraisals are predictive of concurrent poor psychological adjustment and provide insight into satisfaction with life beyond measures of emotional distress.
Topics: Disabled Persons; Emotional Adjustment; Humans; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Cord Injuries; Veterans
PubMed: 32406809
DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2020.1754650