Adaptive Coping Strategies Research Articles

Posttraumatic growth in young adults with parents diagnosed with cancer: Application of the self-regulation model

Abstract Background The rising incidence of cancer has led to an increased number of adult children impacted by parental cancer. Previous research primarily focused on younger individuals, leaving a gap in understanding the experiences of adult children aged 20–35. Objectives To examine a model that integrates the interrelationships among the disease’s characteristics (i.e., disease stage), illness representations, coping strategies, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in young adults with parents diagnosed with cancer. In addition, we examined indirect relationships involving illness representations as independent variables, coping strategies as mediators, and PTG as the outcome variable. Purpose The rising incidence of cancer has led to an increased number of adult children impacted by parental cancer. Previous research primarily focused on younger individuals, leaving a gap in understanding the experiences of adult children aged 20–35. This study examines a model that integrates the interrelationships among the disease’s characteristics (i.e., disease stage), illness representations, coping strategies, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in young adults with parents diagnosed with cancer. In addition, we examined indirect relationships involving illness representations as independent variables, coping strategies as mediators, and PTG as the outcome variable. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 109 adult children (ages 20–35) of cancer patients. Data were collected using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, and the COPE questionnaire. Path analysis was performed to test the study’s hypotheses. Results The findings revealed that illness representations and coping strategies accounted for significant variance in PTG. Higher perceived severity of the parent’s illness was associated with greater use of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies, which were linked to higher PTG. Lower perceived control over the illness was associated with less use of problem-focused coping and subsequently lower PTG. Conclusions This study underscores the importance of subjective perceptions and coping strategies in fostering PTG among young adults with parents diagnosed with cancer. The findings highlight the need for tailored psychosocial interventions to enhance adaptive illness representations and effective coping strategies, promoting resilience and growth in this unique demographic.

Proximal and distal minority stressors and mental health among young gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Kisumu, Kenya.

Young gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Kenya experience pervasive intersectional stigma and discrimination, contributing to elevated levels of negative mental health symptoms. Grounded in the Minority Stress Model, this paper explores associations of proximal and distal minority stressors with three types of negative mental health outcomes among young HIV-negative GBMSM (n = 63) between the ages of 19-34 who participated in a pilot trial of a sexual health intervention. Using the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PC-PTSD-5 screening measures, levels of clinically significant symptoms were reported as follows: 15.8% depressive symptoms, 12.7% anxiety symptoms, 31.7% posttraumatic stress symptoms. Results from stepwise linear regression analyses suggest that GBMSM-related stigma (distal stressor) was the strongest correlate for all three mental health outcomes, and concealment motivation (proximal stressor) was an additional significant correlate only in the depressive symptoms model. These findings should be viewed with caution and seen as initial observations given the small sample which limits our interpretations of the findings. Structural-level interventions are needed to decrease GBMSM's exposure to intersectional stigma and discrimination, such as decriminalization of same-sex sexual activity, as well as individual and group-level interventions that assist GBMSM with improving their adaptive coping strategies.

Beyond the Surgery: The Impact of Coping Strategies on Persistent Pain After Rotator Cuff Repair

Background: Rotator cuff repair is widely recognized as one of the most painful orthopedic surgeries, yet postoperative pain management in these patients is often underexplored. This study aimed to explore the relationship between pain outcomes and functional recovery six months after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR), with a focus on the role of different pain coping mechanisms as mediators. Methods: This study included 83 patients that underwent rotator cuff repair. Pain levels were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI-SF), while shoulder function was evaluated using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). Coping strategies, including self-statements, ignoring pain, distraction, and praying, were examined in relation to pain severity and interference and were assessed with the Coping Strategies Questionnaire-Revised (CSQ-R). Simple and parallel mediation analyses were performed using the PROCESS macro to assess the mediating effects of coping mechanisms on the relationship between pain intensity, pain interference, and postoperative OSS. Results: Post-surgery, patients showed a significant improvement in OSS (from 29 ± 9 to 42 ± 6). At six months, 24% of patients reported chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP), defined as a pain severity score of 3 or higher. Correlation analyses revealed that OSS was negatively associated with pain catastrophizing (r = −0.35, p < 0.01) and praying (r = −0.28, p < 0.01). OSS was significantly negatively associated with pain severity (r = −0.54; p < 0.01) and pain interference (r = −0.51, p < 0.01). Mediation analysis demonstrated that coping self-statements significantly mediated the relationship between pain interference and shoulder function (a*b = 0.5266 (BootSE = 0.2691, 95% CI [0.1010, 1.1470]), emphasizing the important role of cognitive strategies in supporting recovery outcomes. Conclusions: Patients engaging in adaptive coping strategies, particularly coping self-statements, reported better functional outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions focusing on effective pain coping mechanisms to improve recovery post-ARCR.

A questionnaire to assess ecoanxiety and its sociodemographic determinants among Italian adolescents

Abstract Background Climate change poses serious challenges to Public Health, including mental health impacts. In Italy, few studies investigated the rise of eco-anxiety, especially among adolescents, who are the main group affected by this feeling. Specific measurement tools for this population are needed to fill this gap. The aim is to adapt the Italian version of the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS) to adolescents, and pair it with a socioeconomic and demographic questionnaire (SDQ) to assess determinants. Methods The Italian CCAS was modified for adolescents through a process involving a literature review, expert discussions, and a pretest. This adapted version (a-CCAS) was tested with individuals aged 14-18 years old, maintaining an ideal ratio of 10 respondents per item. Extant psychometric scales were utilized to assess its validity. The SDQ was developed from results of a systematic review of known associations between socioeconomic and demographic factors and eco-anxiety in youth, and expert discussions, and validated by piloting the SDQ with another sample of adolescents. Internal consistency of the a-CCAS and SDQ was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha (Cα). Results The a-CCAS kept most of its original content, comprising 13 items and 2 subscales: cognitive and functional impairment. Pilot respondents were 162; Cα coefficient was >0.7 for both subscales. Convergent and concurrent validity showed positive correlations with the extant scales. The SDQ comprised 12 items in 3 domains: family, social and political-environmental determinants. Respondents were 47 and Cα coefficient was >0.7. Conclusions The a-CCAS and SDQ are valid tools for assessing baseline eco-anxiety and its determinants in Italian adolescents and can contribute to Public Health efforts to reduce the climate-related mental health burden, by measuring the impact of specific educational interventions about climate change targeted at the young. This questionnaire was created as part of the PRIN P2022JJ3LB project. Key messages • These results contribute to filling an evidence gap on eco-anxiety and its socioeconomic and demographic determinants among Italian adolescents by providing researchers with a valid measurement tool. • This tool holds promise for assessing the impact of psychologically-informed educational interventions about climate change and adaptive coping strategies on adolescents’ eco-anxiety levels.

How delusions can uncover sources of harm and pathology: The epistemic value of interoceptive and unconscious information

Prevailing views of delusional beliefs frame them as pathological and harmful, leaving little room for understanding why delusions may emerge. Lisa Bortolotti’s book, “Why Delusions Matter,” offers a more compassionate perspective on delusions, framing them as adaptive and meaningful responses to crises. Many psychologists and philosophers have asserted that delusions can function as psychological defense mechanisms or adaptive coping strategies that protectively obscure painful realities. However, some delusions, especially those that arise in the context of traumatic experiences and psychosis, can be better understood as the body’s attempt to alert us to sources of harm and reveal, rather than obscure, important information. Drawing from neuroscience literature and the author’s personal encounters with psychosis and trauma, this article explores the ways in which some delusions can help us access interoceptive information from the body, uncovering sources of pathology, as well as previously unconscious information about harmful traumatic experiences. Ultimately, taking an epistemic justice lens to delusions, uplifts their value in revealing very real embodied experiences of the individual expressing them.

The Mediation Role of Coping With Stress in the Relationship Between Psychological Flexibility and Posttraumatic Growth in Cancer Patients.

Objectives: Active and adaptive coping strategies have been identified as factors that can assist cancer patients in effectively managing and overcoming the crisis, leading to the potential for post-traumatic growth during the diagnosis and treatment stages. Psychological flexibility is another factor that can protect individuals and promote more adaptive reactions to traumatic situations. The study aims to examine the investigation of the mediation role of coping with stress in the relationship between psychological flexibility and posttraumatic growth in cancer patients. Methods: This study was conducted with 97 (63 women, 34 male) participants aged between 38 and 82 who are literate and diagnosed with breast cancer or gynecological cancers (endometrial, cervical, vulvar) undergoing radiotherapy planning at the Radiation Oncology Clinic of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Hospital. Demographic Information Form, Psychological Flexibility Scale, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, and Coping Styles Scale were applied to the participants. The mediation effects were interpreted using bootstrap confidence intervals and VAF values. Results: This study showed that the active coping styles partially mediated the relationship between psychological flexibility and posttraumatic growth. Conclusion: In this regard, by organizing psychoeducational programs and interventions aimed at increasing psychological flexibility for individuals diagnosed with cancer or undergoing treatment, individuals can be enabled to cope with stress more actively, and thus post-traumatic growth can be achieved.

Mental Health in Altruism Scenarios: Coping Strategies in Volunteers of The Civil Defense of The Mojana Sucreña Area – Colombia

Introduction: Coping strategies are of vital importance for Civil Defense volunteers because they can cope with the stress and emotional demands associated with their work, ensuring their well-being and their ability to provide quality assistance to affected communities. Objective: To describe the coping strategies used by the volunteers of the Colombian Civil Defense - Mojana Sucreña area during natural disasters. Method: Research framed under a positivist paradigm, quantitative descriptive type, the population chosen were 148 volunteer leaders of the Civil Defense to whom the modified Coping Strategies Scale (EEC-M) was applied to identify the strategies most used by these leaders when facing a calamity where their urgent intervention is required. Results: The strategies most used by the volunteers by factors were: religion (79.7%) and seeking professional support (79.1%), which indicates that the volunteers cling to God and seek the opinion of a professional to resolve any conflict that may arise. Now, the most limited strategy by the volunteers is the expression of the difficulty of Coping (70.3%) and Denial (64.2%) which means that it is difficult for them to express their difficulties. Conclusion: Keep in mind that each person has different ways of coping with stress and adverse situations. Some strategies may be more effective than others, and it is essential to provide Civil Defense volunteers with the necessary tools and support to develop adaptive coping strategies.

Coping Flexibility: Match Between Coping Strategy and Perceived Stressor Controllability Predicts Depressed Mood

AbstractIndividual differences in coping responses can predict psychological distress, anxiety, and depression; therefore, it is vital to explore adaptive coping strategies. Recent research suggests that an individual’s ability to choose strategies based on the context may be more important than the ability to use any one strategy, an ability termed coping flexibility. For example, problem-focused coping is adaptive for situations of high control, while emotion-focused coping is adaptive for situations of low control. This conceptualization of coping flexibility, termed strategy-situation fit, consists of the match of strategy to situation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate if daily fluctuations in strategy-situation fit for daily stressors would be associated with daily levels of depressed mood. A seven-day diary study in a sample of undergraduate students (n = 75) was completed. The results of generalized linear mixed models demonstrated that in situations of high stress and high control, more use of emotion-focused coping was related to higher levels of depressed mood. Additionally, in situations of high stress and low control, more use of emotion-focused coping was related to lower levels of depressed mood. These findings suggest that the match between emotion-focused coping and perceived stressor controllability can be a predictor of daily experiences of depressed mood when faced with high-level stressors.

How Online Patient-Provider Communication Alleviates Psychological Distress Among Patients with Chronic Diseases: The Role of Perceived Patient-Centered Communication and Adaptive Coping Strategies

ABSTRACT Chronic diseases, which require long-term continuous care due to the long clinical courses, may cause severe harm to the psychological well-being of a large population in the U.S. Providing convenient and affordable access to healthcare, online patient-provider communication (OPPC) is considered a potentially effective means in safeguarding psychological well-being among patients with chronic diseases. However, what underlying mechanism OPPC helps patients deal with psychological issues is largely unknown in the context of chronic diseases. Thus, drawing on the health communication pathway model, this study seeks to address the gap by investigating the psychological and behavioral mechanism of how OPPC alleviates psychological distress among patients with chronic diseases. Analyzing secondary data derived from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, Cycle 3, N = 879), this study reveals that OPPC can elicit perceptions of patient-centered communication (PCC) and facilitate patients to take adaptive coping strategies, including problem-oriented and emotion-oriented coping, thus alleviating psychological distress among patients with chronic diseases. However, only emotion-oriented coping in this process significantly reduces psychological distress. On this basis, this study advances the understanding of the therapeutic effect of OPPC among patients with chronic diseases and extends the health communication pathway model by examining the role of patient-provider communication in facilitating adaptive coping strategies.

Personal Resources for Psychological Well-Being in University Students: The Roles of Psychological Capital and Coping Strategies.

In recent years, research has noted the increasing prevalence of mental health problems among university students. The current mental health needs of the university population, along with the multitude of stressors they face, have increased the importance of examining their psychological well-being and determining the personal resources that effectively promote it. In this context, the present research aims to analyze the roles of psychological capital (PsyCap) and coping strategies as personal resources that are significantly related to the psychological well-being (PWB) of university students. Specifically, the mediating roles of various coping strategies (both adaptive and maladaptive) in the relationship between PsyCap and PWB are explored. The study involves 391 university students from Spain. The results show partial mediation effects of adaptive coping strategies (cognitive restructuring and social support) on the relationship between PsyCap and PWB. Likewise, PsyCap is shown to be a direct positive predictor of adaptive coping strategies and PWB, as well as a direct negative predictor of maladaptive coping strategies (self-criticism). Therefore, it is concluded that PsyCap and some adaptive coping strategies serve as valuable personal resources that predict PWB in university students. PsyCap is also associated with a lower tendency to engage in maladaptive coping strategies, such as self-criticism. Similarly, the use of cognitive restructuring and/or social support is related to high levels of PWB among university students.

Fostering resilient recovery: An intervention for disaster-affected teachers in Indonesia

Disasters leave survivors at heighted risk of negative psychological consequences. Teachers require post-disaster psychosocial support, given their added responsibility for supporting their students' recovery. However, alongside coping with their own mental health, teachers often lack training to support students psychologically. This study addresses this gap by detailing an intervention designed to foster resilient recovery among secondary school teachers in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, to enhance their ability to support both themselves and their students after a devastating earthquake/tsunami.Teachers (n = 37) from three disaster-affected schools participated in a one-day workshop exploring collective strengths and strategies to develop their own and their students’ post-disaster resilience, featuring the Tree of Life activity. Impact was evaluated using a pre-post intervention design. Findings from a three month follow up demonstrated significant improvements across various resilience-related measures, including personal resilience, community resilience, social support, adaptive coping strategies, psychological help seeking, earthquake anxiety, post-traumatic stress, complex post-traumatic stress and fatalism. Open-ended survey responses indicated that most teachers reporting subjective improvements in their own recovery and their capacity to support students psychologically. This study emphasises the importance of creating teacher interventions underpinned by disaster recovery theory, which offer practical skills to foster post-disaster psychosocial recovery. While the intervention exhibits promising initial results, future research would benefit from an evaluation using a randomised control group.

Coping With Side Effects: A Daily Diary Study in Women With Breast Cancer Living With Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy.

Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) is increasingly being prescribed for up to 10years to people diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. AET intake is often accompanied by side effects that significantly impact the well-being of people. The way individuals cope with medication-related side effects might play a pivotal role in their emotional adaption. This intensive-longitudinal study investigated the association between self-reported coping strategies (Brief COPE) and psychological well-being (Patient Health Questionnaire-4) among women undergoing AET. A multilevel factor analysis resulted in the identification of four coping factors, namely, problem-focused, support-focused, meaning-focused, and avoidance-focused coping. Daily coping efforts and experienced side effects were analyzed as predictors of psychological well-being using multilevel modeling. A total of 215 women (Mage=56.5±10.9years) participated, resulting in a total of n=2080 daily surveys (M=9.67±1.08). On average, women reported 3.7±2.2 different side effects per day. Days characterized by an elevated frequency of side effects and increased burden were associated with diminished well-being. Using more problem- and meaning-focused strategies than usual to cope with side effects correlated positively with well-being. Conversely, employing more support- and avoidance-focused coping strategies than usual was linked to reduced psychological well-being. Exploratory analyses focusing on individual coping strategies provided nuanced insights into coping behaviors. The present findings underscore the relationship between women's coping efforts concerning medication-related side effects during AET and their daily well-being. Psychosocial education (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy) may offer valuable benefits for patients by helping them develop adaptive coping strategies to manage side effects.

Original Research: Alarm Fatigue: Exploring the Adaptive and Maladaptive Coping Strategies of Nurses.

To improve patient safety, hospitals use alarm notification systems to increase nurses' real-time situational awareness of a patient's condition. Such alarms are critical to nurses' clinical decision-making and prioritization, thus helping to improve patient care and care efficiency. But the frequent and often simultaneous ringing of alarms, including many that are false, nonemergent, or nonactionable, has led to overwhelm, alarm distrust, and desensitization, resulting in alarm fatigue. This study aimed to explore oncology nurses' lived experiences with alarms and the adaptive and maladaptive strategies they use to cope with alarm fatigue. This qualitative, phenomenological study was guided by the theoretical framework of the Roy Adaptation Model. A purposive sample of nine nurses was recruited from two oncology units at a large midwestern Magnet hospital in the United States. Qualitative data were collected using a six-question, semistructured interview guide. Interviews were conducted either face-to-face in a private conference room on the unit or via the online videoconferencing platform Zoom. Data analysis yielded five themes, the most prominent being the high volume and frequency of alarms . Nurse participants reported adopting more maladaptive than adaptive coping strategies. Overall, they felt that the high frequency of false, nonemergent, and nonactionable alarms disrupted their workflow and contributed to a general desensitization to alarms. This study's findings offer valuable insight into the problem of alarm fatigue among nurses. Practical measures are urgently needed to reduce nurses' cognitive overload; shift nonnursing responsibilities to other staff; and implement efficiency-focused process changes, such as reengineering workflows to minimize interruptions. Every effort should be made to redesign protocols to reduce alarm fatigue, including by decreasing the number of false, nonemergent, and nonactionable calls and alarms.

The Psychosocial Burden Of Psoriasis: Understanding The Impact On Mental Health And Well-Being

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory skin condition that is distinguished by scaly, red lesions that can be uncomfortable, itchy, and disfiguring. Psoriasis can influence aspects of one’s life beyond distressful physical symptoms, such as mood and quality of life. Patients diagnosed with psoriasis are 39% more likely to suffer from concomitant depression and 31% of patients are diagnosed with anxiety [1]. Due to physical manifestations, individuals with psoriasis are at increased risk of developing issues of poor social perception and body image stress [2]. Research states that psoriasis flare-ups are sometimes directly linked with bouts of anxiety and depression; conversely, physical symptoms of psoriasis may be attributed to psychosocial issues. For example, depression may cause a lack of proper adherence to treatment and lead to exacerbated inflammation. Understanding the psychosocial aspects of psoriasis may provide pertinent clinical information; thereby, allowing seamless integration of psychiatric treatments for the overall treatment protocol for psoriasis. This project delves into understanding how decreased emotional and social well-being can challenge the proper maintenance and treatment of psoriasis. Further, this paper highlights adaptive coping strategies and social support networks that are key in enhancing treatment viability. Oliver C, Robert PD, Daihung D, et al. The Risk of Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidality in Patients With Psoriasis. Arch Dermatol. 2010;146(8) Hepat A, Chakole S, Rannaware A. Psychological Well-Being of Adult Psoriasis Patients: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2023

Person-specific emotional dynamics: a story of a traumatic loss

The impact of traumatic loss on an individuals’ mental health is a critical area of study. While most research has focused on general grief patterns, the unique trajectories of trauma survivors have been understudied. This research utilizes a high-resolution dataset from a single individual over several years, including a period of unexpected tragedy. Using person-specific dynamic modeling and network analysis, the study examines the psychological processes related to traumatic loss. The results reveal a complex distress trajectory and emotional variability with increasing resilience over time. Findings suggest that traumatic loss can induce strongly interconnected emotional networks, typically linked to vulnerability to psychological disorders. Yet, a heightened correlation within a network representing both positive and negative aspects could indicate the emergence of adaptive coping strategies. The study emphasizes that analyzing emotional inertia and variability separately provides a holistic clinical perspective and deepens the understanding of diverse psychological states and affective dynamics. This research underlines the benefits of investigating individual experiences and stresses the need for idiographic approaches in trauma and grief studies. Future research utilizing high-resolution data from multiple individuals may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the diverse trajectories of grief and inform the future of personalized intervention and care.

Perceived academic anxiety and procrastination among emergency nursing students: the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation

Abstract Aim Explore the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation strategies used by nursing students between academic anxiety and procrastination. Design: A descriptive correlational design was used. Setting: This study was carried out in the faculty of nursing at the University of Alexandria. Sample: The participants in this study were all students enrolled in emergency nursing during the second semester of the academic year 2021–2022 and a convenience sampling of 654 nursing students. The Sobel test was used as a statistical method to determine the significance of a mediation effect by assessing whether the relationship between perceived academic anxiety and procrastination was significantly reduced when cognitive emotion regulation was included, using coefficients and standard errors from regression models to calculate the test statistic. Tools: Academic Anxiety Scale, Academic Procrastination Scale, and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire were used to collect data. Results The study found that 46.5% of students reported high anxiety levels, with 40.1% perceiving moderate anxiety and only 11.3% experiencing low anxiety. Moreover, 80.4% of nursing students showed moderate academic procrastination. There is a positive correlation between procrastination and academic anxiety, with Adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies mediating this relationship, according to the Sobel test. Conclusion Based on the results, it can be concluded that there is a complex causal and effect relationship between academic anxiety and procrastination. Nursing students may resort to academic procrastination as a means of coping. Therefore, reducing anxiety, correcting maladaptive behaviors, and enhancing adaptive cognitive and emotional regulation strategies could effectively reduce academic procrastination.

Importance of Coping Strategies on Quality of Life in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, tremors, and cognitive disorders. Individuals with MS may employ different coping strategies to manage these symptoms, which in turn can significantly impact their quality of life (QoL). This review aims to analyze these coping strategies and their impact on QoL. Furthermore, it seeks to identify the key factors that influence the choice and effectiveness of these coping strategies, providing insights into which strategies are most beneficial for enhancing QoL in people with MS. Methods: Systematic searches were performed in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. This systematic review has been registered in OSF with the number DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/QY37X. Results: A total of 1192 studies were identified. After reading the full text of the selected studies and applying predefined inclusion criteria, 19 studies were included based on their pertinence and relevance to the topic. The results revealed that emotional variables, demographic factors, personality traits, and family support significantly influence the choice of coping strategies used to manage the symptoms of MS. Problem-solving and task-oriented coping were prevalent among MS patients and associated with better QoL outcomes. Emotional-focused and avoidance strategies were generally linked to poorer QoL, though avoidance provided temporary relief in certain contexts. Social support, emotional health, and cognitive reframing were crucial in enhancing QoL. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of tailored psychoeducational and therapeutic interventions focusing on emotional health, social support, and adaptive coping strategies. These interventions can significantly improve the long-term outcomes for individuals with MS. Future research should explore the dynamic interactions between coping strategies and QoL over time, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to best support MS patients in managing their disease.

Adverse childhood experiences and coping strategies: do they make a difference in psychopathic traits and altruism for young adults?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been frequently associated with the presence of psychopathic traits and low levels of altruism. However, there are psychological factors such as coping strategies and demographic variables (sex and socioeconomic status) that can also influence psychopathic and altruistic traits. This study explored the impact of ACEs on psychopathic and altruistic traits, considering participants’ coping strategies, in an underexplored population. A total of 420 young Spanish adults (18–20 years old, M = 18.92; SD = 0.77) completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Youth Psychopathic Inventory, the Altruistic Scale, and the Brief Coping Scale. Linear regression and comparative qualitative (fsQCA models) analyses indicated that total ACEs and avoidant emotion-focused coping (especially among males) were associated with higher psychopathic traits. Conversely, total ACEs and problem-focused coping (particularly among females) were linked to altruism. FsQCA models extended these findings, incorporating high SES to these previous profiles when predicting psychopathy and altruism. Thus, it is crucial to promote secure environments in childhood that facilitate the development of adaptive coping strategies. These strategies can mitigate the long-term effects of ACEs, reducing the likelihood of developing psychopathic traits while simultaneously increasing altruism.

Exploring College-Aged Student Anxiety: Aggravating Factors and Coping Strategies

<i>Undergraduate college-aged students are increasingly experiencing anxiety. Yet, many struggle to cope effectively, resulting in poor school performance and compromised health and well-being. Our goal was to identify common anxiety-inducing and aggravating stressors, as well as preferred adaptive coping strategies, in this exploratory study to inform anxiety intervention development. A total of 19 undergraduate students (17 female and 2 male) were recruited. Students previously diagnosed or treated for anxiety by a clinician participated in a two-week, daily diary entry study. A total of 219 diary entries were transcribed and thematically analyzed for student reports of awareness variables and associated coping responses. Data were compared and triangulated. Framed by cognitive-behavioral approaches to anxiety and the transactional theory of stress and coping, we identified five primary categories of anxiety-inducing or aggravating stressors: academic time management and performance, communication anxiety, competing life stressors, others’ presence and problems, and </i><i>generalized uncertainty. In addition, we found that students primarily utilized adaptive coping strategies, employing a mix of intrapersonal (e.g., alone time, breaks, hobbies/music, and staying productive) and interpersonal techniques (e.g., hanging out with and talking with friends and family). Findings highlight common anxiety stressors and demonstrate preferred and efficacious coping strategies employed by students, providing valuable insight into best practices for student well-being interventions beyond a clinical setting to manage anxiety and improve student well-being.</i>

Thermal balance in Andean lizards: A perspective from the high mountains

AbstractHigh Andean lizards in the Andes face numerous challenges in high‐altitude environments characterized by significant temperature, spatial and temporal variations. These factors greatly influence their thermal characteristics and adaptive strategies for coping with temperature fluctuations. This study aims were to investigate the thermal biology of high mountain lizards (>2000 m) inhabiting the Andes Mountain range, using information from existing literature, and to identify the potential impacts of the original climate change scenarios developed in this study. Within the Andes, high‐altitude species are primarily found in families like Liolaemidae, Gymnophthalmidae, Tropiduridae, Anolidae and Leiourisauridae. Notably, we found in the literature that the higher body temperatures and maximum critical temperatures in southern species compared to those closer to the tropics. Typically, diurnal and seasonal temperature variations have a significant impact on the body temperature of these high‐altitude lizards, but their adaptive behaviours and physiological mechanisms enhance their resistance to extreme temperatures. Populations situated below the equator often exhibit higher body temperatures and maximum critical temperatures, largely due to their exposure to higher ambient temperatures during summer. With all global warming scenarios indicating temperature increases in latitudinal regions, tropical high‐altitude lizards, historically less thermally adaptable, may be particularly susceptible to these temperature rises. It is crucial to consider that additional factors, such as species activity patterns, thermal resource availability and diminishing suitable thermal habitats, will also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of these lizard species, making the situation even more complex and challenging.