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BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Oct 2022Bereavement is associated with negative affective, cognitive, behavioural and physiological responses. However, factors, such as coping, self-efficacy and self-esteem,...
OBJECTIVES
Bereavement is associated with negative affective, cognitive, behavioural and physiological responses. However, factors, such as coping, self-efficacy and self-esteem, can buffer negative effects of grief, and can be increased through mutual support interventions, such as shared leisure activities. This study used a non-randomised controlled design to explore the effects of group choir singing on mental health among people who have been bereaved due to cancer.
METHODS
A total of 58 adults bereaved in the last 5 years who had not started psychological therapy in the last 12 weeks or medication for anxiety or depression in the last month were recruited and elected to join a choir (n=29) or participate in the non-intervention control group (n=29). Joining a choir involved engaging in 90 min weekly singing and social sessions for 12 weeks with a post-intervention assessment at week 24. We used linear mixed effects models adjusted for demographics, health-related variables, musical engagement and time since bereavement to model changes over time between the two groups in symptoms of anxiety, depression, well-being, self-efficacy and self-esteem.
RESULTS
Participants who sang in a choir had more stable symptoms of depression and levels of well-being, as well as gradual improvements in their sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem over the 24 weeks. In contrast, those in the control group showed gradual increases in depressive symptoms, reductions in levels of well-being and self-esteem and no improvement in their self-efficacy. These results were independent of all covariates.
CONCLUSIONS
Weekly group singing could be a promising mutual support intervention for people experiencing grief.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT02756780.
Topics: Adult; Bereavement; Depression; Grief; Humans; Mental Health; Self Efficacy; Singing
PubMed: 31243022
DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-001642 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2020Studies on the solitude capacity of university students have been extremely limited and failed to clearly illustrate the correlation of solitude capacity with internal...
Studies on the solitude capacity of university students have been extremely limited and failed to clearly illustrate the correlation of solitude capacity with internal psychological variables and the favorability of interpersonal relationships. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation of college students' solitude capacity with scores for self-esteem, self-efficacy, and interpersonal relationships. A cross-sectional study was adopted for this study. Data were collected from a university in southern Taiwan using a structured questionnaire, the content of which included demographic data and scores from the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), the Interpersonal Relationship Scale (IRS), and the Solitude Capacity Scale (SCS). The final sample comprised 562 participants (mean age = 17.51 ± 1.27 years). Adjustment of the demographic variables yielded a significantly positive correlation in the total RSE and SCS ( < 0.01) scores and that in the total GSE and SCS ( < 0.01) scores. Moreover, the relationship with family (IRS subscale) and total SCS score ( < 0.05) exhibited a significant positive correlation. The findings of this study reveal that solitude capacity is significantly correlated with self-esteem, self-efficacy, and the favorability of family relationships.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Self Concept; Self Efficacy; Social Interaction; Students; Taiwan; Universities
PubMed: 33182478
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218274 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2021Studies of the Spanish adolescent population has concluded that victimization is related to lack of emotional regulation and impulse control. Therefore, if a victim is...
Studies of the Spanish adolescent population has concluded that victimization is related to lack of emotional regulation and impulse control. Therefore, if a victim is unable to recognize, understand and regulate their emotions, this can result in rejection by their peers. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine regulatory emotional self-efficacy as a possible mediator in the association between peer and parents attachment and victimization. Adolescents ( = 563) completed Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy, Inventory of Parents and Peer Attachment and Kid at School questionnaires. Structural equation models (SEMs) were used to predict a latent variable of victimization with parents and peer attachment, emphasizing the mediating role of regulatory emotional self-efficacy, as comprised by a positive and a negative aspect. Results showed that peer attachment had an indirect negative effect, through perceived self-efficacy, in managing a positive effect in victimization, while father attachment had an indirect negative affect, through perceived self-efficacy, in managing a negative affect in victimization, and Mother attachment had no statistically significant indirect effect in victimization. This study suggests that the roles of parents and peers, and also between mothers and fathers, are different in relation to the perception of victimization of adolescents. Findings provide relevant information regarding implications for prevention and intervention in victimization.
Topics: Adolescent; Bullying; Crime Victims; Cross-Sectional Studies; Emotions; Female; Humans; Male; Peer Group; Self Efficacy
PubMed: 33672503
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042062 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2022This study investigated the relationships among Japanese nursing professionals' percetions of the importance of smoking cessation support (SCS), attitude toward SCS, SCS...
This study investigated the relationships among Japanese nursing professionals' percetions of the importance of smoking cessation support (SCS), attitude toward SCS, SCS self-efficacy, and SCS behaviors. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was administered to 613 nursing professionals (valid response rate: 89.9%) who participated in SCS workshops in Japan between May 2019 and February 2020. The survey measured factors such as SCS behaviors (the 5 As) and attitude toward SCS. Participants responded that they "always" or "usually" performed the 5 As at the following rates: Ask, 65.6%; Advise, 46.7%; Assess, 34.4%; Assist, 19.7%; and Arrange, 20.9%. Significant differences in implementation rates between "non-engagers" and "engagers" were found for all steps except Ask. Those who engaged daily in SCS had significantly higher scores for SCS behaviors and SCS perceived importance, attitude, and self-efficacy than those who did not. Structural equation modeling yielded a model with 61% explanatory power, which demonstrated that beliefs about and perceived importance of SCS had a greater impact on SCS behaviors than self-efficacy. Promotion of SCS behaviors among nursing professionals in Japan requires the beliefs about and recognition of the importance of SCS to be improved. The importance of engaging in SCS daily is also recommended.
Topics: Attitude of Health Personnel; Humans; Japan; Self Efficacy; Smoking Cessation; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 35206486
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042304 -
Advances in Physiology Education Dec 2022There is increasing awareness of the importance of civic engagement in higher education. Service-learning activities in undergraduate programs, in particular, have been...
There is increasing awareness of the importance of civic engagement in higher education. Service-learning activities in undergraduate programs, in particular, have been linked to positive academic outcomes and gains in various forms of self-efficacy. Exercise Science students at our university complete two service-learning courses as part of the curriculum, each of which involves implementing a structured 12-week individualized fitness training program with a community member client. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of these service-learning experiences on Exercise Science students' self-efficacy for fitness assessment and exercise prescription. Students completed a seven-item self-efficacy questionnaire administered at both the beginning and end of each service-learning course and reflected on their experience using an end-of-course survey. Our results showed significant improvements in self-efficacy from pretest to posttest for each of the two service-learning experiences, with the second experience producing additional gains in self-efficacy over and above the first. Students also reported improved confidence in their fitness assessment and exercise prescription skills in the end-of-course survey. Community members involved in the fitness training program reported a positive experience with students' knowledge of fitness assessment and exercise prescription as well as their own progression to independence in a home exercise program. Our findings highlight the benefits of including a structured service-learning experience in the Exercise Science curriculum. This study was done to investigate the effect of a structured fitness training experience on Exercise Science students' self-efficacy for fitness assessment and exercise prescription. Our results indicate a significant improvement in self-efficacy from pretest to posttest. Students also reported improved confidence in their fitness assessment and exercise prescription skills. Community members reported a positive experience with students' knowledge of fitness assessment and exercise prescription and their progression to independence in a home exercise program.
Topics: Curriculum; Humans; Learning; Self Efficacy; Students; Universities
PubMed: 36049067
DOI: 10.1152/advan.00058.2022 -
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Mar 2023Although hate speech is widely recognized as an online phenomenon, very few studies have investigated hate speech among adolescents in offline settings (e.g., schools)....
Although hate speech is widely recognized as an online phenomenon, very few studies have investigated hate speech among adolescents in offline settings (e.g., schools). At the same time, not much is known about countering hate speech (counterspeech) among adolescents and which factors are associated with it. To this end, the present study used the socio-ecological framework to investigate the direct and indirect links among one contextual factor (i.e., classroom climate) and two intrapersonal factors (i.e., empathy for victims of hate speech, self-efficacy regarding intervention in hate speech) to understand counterspeech among adolescents. The sample is based on self-reports of 3,225 students in Grades 7 to 9 (51.7% self-identified as female) from 36 schools in Germany and Switzerland. Self-report questionnaires were administered to measure classroom climate, empathy, self-efficacy, and counterspeech. After controlling for adolescents' grade, gender, immigrant background, and socioeconomic status (SES), the 2-(1-1)-1 multilevel mediation analysis showed that classroom climate (L2), empathy for victims of hate speech (L1), and self-efficacy toward intervention in hate speech (L1) had a positive effect on countering hate speech (L1). Classroom climate (L2) was also positively linked to empathy for victims of hate speech (L1), and self-efficacy toward intervention in hate speech (L1). Furthermore, classroom climate (L2) was indirectly associated with countering hate speech (L1) via greater empathy (L1) and self-efficacy (L1). The findings highlight the need to focus on contextual and intrapersonal factors when trying to facilitate adolescents' willingness to face hate speech with civic courage and proactively engage against it.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adolescent; Hate; Empathy; Self Efficacy; Speech; Mediation Analysis
PubMed: 36148972
DOI: 10.1177/08862605221120905 -
Journal of Pediatric Health Care :... 2020Children with chronic illnesses and medical complexity (CIMC) require frequent health-care use, thereby increasing medical care costs. We evaluated parent-child...
INTRODUCTION
Children with chronic illnesses and medical complexity (CIMC) require frequent health-care use, thereby increasing medical care costs. We evaluated parent-child perceptions of self-management, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with CIMC.
METHOD
Parent-children pairs (n = 32) completed three measures before discharge from the hospital (Patient Activation Measure, Self-Efficacy Scale, and Acute Care-Pediatric Quality of Life for Children 8-12 and 13-17 years).
RESULTS
Parents (56.3%) and children (40.6%) reported moderate levels of self-management. HRQOL was correlated with both self-management (r = .441, p = .12) and self-efficacy (r = .464, p = .008). At least 25% to 50% reported low PedsQL subscale scores (< 70), which indicate problems with physical, emotional, social, and mental domains.
DISCUSSION
Our findings support the assessment of not only physical but also mental, emotional, and social needs in children with CIMC. We recommend development and testing strategies promoting self-management and self-efficacy to maximize HRQOL and improve health outcomes in children with CIMC.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Parents; Quality of Life; Self Efficacy; Self-Management
PubMed: 32107073
DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2019.11.009 -
PloS One 2021While research has focused on understanding teachers' attitudes towards the inclusion of children with special educational needs into general education classrooms, there...
BACKGROUND
While research has focused on understanding teachers' attitudes towards the inclusion of children with special educational needs into general education classrooms, there are lacunae that have yet to be addressed. This study examined the association between perceived self-efficacy and attitudes towards inclusion among elementary school teachers. The study also examined the role of teachers' self-efficacy as a mediating variable between knowledge of inclusion policy, perception of school support and teachers' attitudes towards inclusion.
METHODS
Teachers (N = 352) working in general or special education schools completed questionnaires assessing attitudes towards inclusion, sense of self-efficacy, knowledge of current policy, and perception of support for inclusive practices.
RESULTS
Higher perceived knowledge of inclusion policy and higher perceived school support of inclusion were both related to higher self-efficacy regarding inclusion, which, in turn, was related to more positive attitudes about inclusion.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that point to being knowledgeable regarding local and national policy is important in order to increase feelings of self-efficacy regarding the implementation of effective educational practice. To enhance inclusion, local and national policy must be clearly communicated to teachers. Furthermore, leadership and a supportive school environment are conducive to successful inclusive education.
Topics: Attitude; Child; Education, Special; Humans; Male; School Teachers; Schools; Self Efficacy
PubMed: 34543328
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257657 -
Place Attachment and Household Disaster Preparedness: Examining the Mediation Role of Self-Efficacy.International Journal of Environmental... May 2021Household preparedness is essential for resilience-building and disaster risk reduction. Limited studies have explored the correlations between place attachment,...
Household preparedness is essential for resilience-building and disaster risk reduction. Limited studies have explored the correlations between place attachment, self-efficacy, and disaster preparedness, especially in the east Asian cultural context. This study investigates the mediating role of self-efficacy between place attachment and disaster preparedness based on data from the 2018 Shandong General Social Survey (N = 2181) in China. We categorized the preparedness behaviors into three specific clusters: material, behavioral and awareness preparedness. Multiple linear regressions and the Sobel Goodman tests were employed to estimate the correlations with the control of necessary confounding variables such as disaster experience, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. The results demonstrate that both the place attachment and self-efficacy are correlated with higher degrees of overall preparedness and all three types of preparedness, and self-efficacy plays a mediating role between place attachment and disaster preparedness. These findings highlight the importance of promoting place attachment and self-efficacy in the advocacies and outreach activities of disaster preparedness.
Topics: China; Disaster Planning; Disasters; Family Characteristics; Self Efficacy
PubMed: 34070983
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115565 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2022Given the high global incidence and disabling nature of alcohol use disorders, alongside high relapse rates, we sought to investigate potential predictors of abstinence,...
Given the high global incidence and disabling nature of alcohol use disorders, alongside high relapse rates, we sought to investigate potential predictors of abstinence, considered a prerequisite of full remission. With an aim to examine (i) the effect of personality, alcohol abstinence self-efficacy, and depressive symptomatology on abstinence status as our primary objective, and (ii) interactions between these three factors, as well as (iii) their changes over time as two secondary objectives, we recruited 51 inpatients at an alcohol rehabilitation center to complete the International Personality Item Pool, the Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory, and to provide information on abstinence attainment 2 months post-treatment. Although regression analyses revealed no evidence for the effect of the investigated factors (personality, self-efficacy, or depressive symptoms) on post-therapy abstinence, other findings emerged, demonstrating (i) a significant reduction in the severity of depressive symptoms, (ii) the effect of personality and alcohol abstinence self-efficacy on depressive symptom severity, and (iii) the role of personality in predicting the temptation to use alcohol in recovering drinkers. These preliminary indications of links between personality, self-efficacy, and subjective well-being mark a promising area for future research on powerful and relevant cues of relapse and abstinence efficacy.
Topics: Alcohol Abstinence; Alcoholism; Humans; Personality; Personality Inventory; Recurrence; Self Efficacy
PubMed: 35897394
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159023