Adequate Coping Skills Research Articles

Challenging parents, teacher occupational stress and health in Dutch primary schools

Continual exposure to challenging behaviour, i.c. from parents, can seriously deplete the teacher’s emotional and physical resources, leading to self-doubt, loss of satisfaction from teaching, impulsivity, rigidity or feelings of anger and guilt. Research on teacher stress has largely focused on environmental and contextual factors while ignoring personality characteristics of teachers. In this study, we examined teacher’s perceptions of their own ability to handle challenging parent behaviour and to establish positive relationships as a possible influence on the quality of teacher-parent relationships. Using a canonical correlation method, we found that unsatisfied parents, overprotective parents, neglectful parents and excessively worried parents have the largest impact on teacher stress. Teachers who experience stress from challenging parent behaviour, suffer mostly from negative feelings toward parents, frustration on working with parents, loss of satisfaction with teaching and to a lesser extent health problems. The data for this research was collected in February and March 2007, amongst 212 elementary school teachers in the middle and middle-east region and urban agglomeration of Western-Holland, the Netherlands. The main aim of this research project is to identify at risk teachers (i.e. those most vulnerable to the presence of behaviourally challenging parents) so that interventions, both in initial teacher training as well as in in-service training, can be applied to help them develop adequate attitudes and coping skills.

The Impact of Mental Well-Being, Stress, and Coping Strategies on Resilience among Staff Nurses during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: A Structural Equational Model.

Previous studies have revealed various factors related to nurses' resilience and predictors of resilience. However, there are no studies analysing the association of three variables-mental well-being, coping strategies, and stress-with resilience. This study aims to assess the impact of mental well-being, levels of stress, and coping strategies on resilience using path analysis. This study used a cross-sectional approach that involved 763 nurses from 16 major hospitals in the eastern and northern regions of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data gathering was conducted from August to November 2022. The staff nurses possessed positive mental wellness (3.75 ± 1.08), moderate stress levels (3.06 ± 1.21), adequate coping skills (3.33 ± 1.23), and a low level of resilience (2.90 ± 1.040). Age had a small effect on resilience (β = 0.040; p < 0.001) but work experience (β = -0.019; p > 0.139) and marital status (β = 0.019; p > 0.072) were not significant. Conversely, mental well-being (β = 0.043; p < 0.001) and stress (β = -0.089; p < 0.001) had a small effect on resilience, but coping strategies (β = 0.561; p < 0.001) had a large effect on resilience. Therefore, coping strategies must be reinforced at all times to assist nurses and other healthcare professionals in identifying contributing elements that maintain these workers' resilience in the face of unforeseen and protracted pandemics and other life events.

Coping with dysmenorrhea: a qualitative analysis of period pain management among students who menstruate

BackgroundDysmenorrhea, or period pain, affects up to 95% of menstruating individuals and is a common cause of educational absenteeism among students who menstruate worldwide. Evidence suggests that students may lack sufficient knowledge about their menstrual health, which may impede self-management. The aim of the current study was to explore pain management strategies used by students in Ireland with painful periods and to identify their unaddressed needs across physical, psychological, educational, and social domains.MethodsThis study used a qualitative, interpretive design and opportunity sampling approach to collect and interpret individual accounts of dysmenorrhea from third-level students in Ireland. Data from 21 students were collected using semi-structured online one-to-one interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsAnalysis resulted in the construction of five themes: (1) Pain management is self-directed trial-and-error, (2) Home as safe haven, (3) Prioritising productivity over pain, (4) We’re missing an option between ‘normalise’ and ‘medicalise’, and (5) Cycle of censorship and concealment. Overall, limited formal education on dysmenorrhea and prevailing negative attitudes towards menstruation create an unsupportive environment for students to learn adequate coping skills. Beyond education, menstrual stigma may also restrict the availability of clear management guidance in domestic and medical spheres. Experiences of dysmenorrhea were also influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, where work-from-home measures were viewed favourably by individuals with dysmenorrhea.ConclusionsThis study indicates that students in Ireland are inadequately prepared to cope with dysmenorrhea. The current findings have substantial implications for evaluating and reforming current menstrual education standards, in addition to clarifying the negative effects of social stigma on menstrual health literacy.

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES ON THE EFFECTS OF THE CHANGES IN TREATMENT PROCESSES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON INFERTILE COUPLES: LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has been rapidly raging. Suspending the services related to infertility and assisted reproductive techniques are among the measures taken to prevent the spread of the epidemic. Various guides and recommendations have been published by many national and international associations for this purpose. Recommendations foresee the completion of cycles that have already been initiated and require no new reproductive therapies to be initiated except for patients with low ovarian reserve and those with a background of oncological disorders. The majority of couples whose treatment is suspended/postponed throughout this process have experienced intense stress, sadness and anxiety. In addition, some of the patients do not have adequate coping skills. This article is designated as a literature review in order to provide information about the current emotional states of infertile couples throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and to guide the studies planned for their needs. Due to the fact that the subject is related to the pandemic, the years covered by the literature review were limited to 2019 and later. As a result of the literature review; 2 studies conducted in Turkey and 5 studies conducted abroad, examining the effects of COVID-19 on infertile couples, were included. Majority of studies revealed that suspending fertility treatments caused high levels of anxiety and stress in infertile couples. Providing psychological counseling services to couples through online platforms by health professionals is thought to enable couples to cope better with the situation.

Effect of parental relationships on stress levels of students in a medical college

Introduction: Multiple studies have been conducted on the theme of stress faced by medical students due to the load of medical education and lack of adequate stress coping skills which may affect the students variedly.&#x0D; Objective: To critically assess stress levels in medical students of Shifa College of Medicine (a private medical college in Islamabad, Pakistan) and the quality of relationship between students and parents, thereby studying a relationship between the two.&#x0D; Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of Shifa College of Medicine. A sample size of 315 students filled a pretested student stress questionnaire, which was made using the student life stress inventory survey consisting of 34 questions. Data was then analyzed using SPSS version 23.&#x0D; Results: Increased levels of stress were found to be common among medical students with a prevalence of 53.3% among our study group. A total of 65.7% students face stress due to the increased expectations of their parents. There was a positive correlation (p&lt;0.05) between stress faced by medical students and their relationship with parents. Academics, lack of recreational time and high self-expectations were also major contributors to student stress.&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a positive relationship between parental involvement and medical student stress at Shifa College of Medicine, which manifested in the form of excessively high parental aspirations, leading to adverse effects on the academic, social and personal life of a medical student.

Stress, Depression, Coping Strategy and Respiratory Health Status of Traffic Police at Anand District, Gujarat, India

Introduction: There is lot of stress and stress associated mental illness among the traffic police fraternity. Many environmental factors are responsible for this development. Measurement of the stress levels and implementation of coping strategies are very important to maintain the health of the traffic police. Aim: To assess the level of stress, depression, coping strategy and respiratory health status of traffic police at Anand district, Gujarat, India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study including 100 participants was conducted by the Department of Mental Health Nursing, Manikaka Topawala Institute of Nursing, Charotar University of Science and Technology, Anand District, Gujarat, India from December 2019 to February 2020. Validated tool Job Stress Scale, standardised tool beck depression inventory, coping strategy scale were used to assess the level of stress, depression and coping strategy respectively. Spirometer was used to assess respiratory function. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software version 20.0 and Spirometry Longitudinal Data Analysis (SPIROLA) software version 3.0.3. Results: The study reveals that majority (69%) of the traffic police were facing extreme stress, 11% of traffic police were suffering from mild mood disorder, 73% were having adequate coping skills, 88% were non smokers and 97% traffic police were not using any substances, 65% demonstrated expiratory Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) of 2.6%-3.5%, 66% demonstrated 2.6%-3.5% Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), 76% experienced 96-100 FEV1/FVC ratio1, 53% experienced 6%-8% peak expiratory flow. Pulmonary function test found to be normal however, it is declined in smokers comparative to non smokers. Conclusion: The study concludes that stress and depression were observed in traffic police which they were managing with adaptive coping strategy. However, pulmonary function is found normal in comparing to predictive value, necessary precautions need to be taken by Traffic Police Department by offering protective device like mask to decrease the respiratory health issues.

Perceived Stress in Undergraduate OT Students

Abstract Date Presented 03/28/20 Increased stress levels can affect undergraduate OT students’ academic performance, quality of life, mental health, and development of therapeutic relationships. In this survey study, academics and time constraints were identified by students as causing the highest levels of perceived stress. It is important for students to learn to identify stressors and how to manage them so that they can employ adequate coping skills and foster effective therapeutic rapport with clients. Primary Author and Speaker: Laura Poleshuck Contributing Authors: Samantha Eckhardt, Shelby Peck, Caryn Salce, Sophie Valenti

Defining vulnerability in European pregnant women, a Delphi study

ObjectiveVulnerability among pregnant women is an important and complex theme in the everyday practice of midwives. Exchanging knowledge and best practices about vulnerability between midwives in Europe can contribute to improving the knowledge and skills of midwives and as a result improve the care for vulnerable pregnant women. We therefore start a consortium with midwives, midwifery teachers, researchers and students from organizations of seven European cities with the aim to exchange knowledge and best practices concerning vulnerable pregnant women between midwives. To be able to effectively exchange knowledge and best practices, our consortium started with this study focuses on establishing a mutual definition of vulnerable pregnant women. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a mutual definition of vulnerable pregnant women and to identify aspects related to vulnerability. DesignDelphi study with four rounds: (1) gathering existing knowledge from literature and definitions used by partners of the consortium, (2) and (3) two survey rounds and (4) an in-person consensus meeting. SettingConsortium of midwives, midwifery teachers, researchers and students from Antwerp (Belgium), Ghent (Belgium), Turku (Finland), Milan (Italy), Piła (Poland), Lisbon (Portugal) and Rotterdam (The Netherlands) ParticipantsWe included all consortium members in the Delphi study. FindingsVarious aspects related to vulnerability and appropriate definitions were identified during the Delphi rounds. Consensus about the aspects related to vulnerability and the definition of vulnerable pregnant women was reached during the final consensus meeting. A vulnerable pregnant woman was defined as a woman who is threatened by physical, psychological, cognitive and/or social risk factors in combination with lack of adequate support and/or adequate coping skills. Key conclusionWe reached consensus about a mutual definition of vulnerable pregnant women and aspects related to vulnerability within this consortium. The Delphi approach led to interesting discussions and was a valuable method to define the concept of vulnerable pregnant women within our project . Implications for practiceIn order to accomplish a project that aimed to improve care for vulnerable pregnant women it was important to first identify the population of vulnerable pregnant women with a mutual definition.

Nightmare distress revisited: Cognitive appraisal of nightmares according to Lazarus’ transactional model of stress

Aim of the current research was to newly conceptualize nightmare distress. The special focus was on the appraisal of nightmare distress while applying a theory-driven approach based on Lazarus’ transactional model of stress. It was argued that individuals feel the more distressed the more they feel threatened and harmed by their nightmares (primary appraisal according to Lazarus) and the more they lack of adequate coping skills to deal with the stressor (secondary appraisal). Based on these assumptions, the questionnaire of Cognitive Appraisal of Nightmares (CAN) was challenged empirically in two studies of patients who have experienced distressing nightmares using explorative and confirmative factor analyses (N = 504 and N = 402). Items and scales showed good psychometric properties and plausible correlations. The CAN sum score was more distinct from nightmare frequency than the frequently used Nightmare Distress Questionnaire (NDQ), underpinning that frequency and distress are both different approaches to what patients suffer from. The NDQ was particularly associated with acted out behaviors after a nightmare, while the CAN was particularly associated with physiological and emotional consequences of a nightmare. In order to obtain a multifactorial and theory-driven picture about how individuals appraise their nightmares, the CAN may be convenient.

Mothers of Autistic Children: Is the Burden of Care, Extended Time Spend and Money Constraints, Effecting Their Social Participation?

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between caregiving for autistic children and their mothers' social participation. It also evaluated the effects of three factors; time, finances and stigma attached to the disability upon social participation. Methods: Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit mothers of autistic children living in Saudi Arabia. A survey was conducted to collect data from 42 mothers of children with autism. Ordinal regression was used to examine the relationship between the social participation of the mothers of autistic children and caregiving and the other factors. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse demographic data. Results: We found that caregiving for autistic children had a negative relationship with the amount of mothers' social participation (significant at p<0.05). Moreover, social participation was affected negatively by factors such as time, finance and stigma. The most significant amongst them was time followed by financial constraints. Stigma was the least momentous factor. Conclusions: The social participation of mothers of autistic children in Saudi Arabia is negatively influenced by multidimensional and high care demands. This is further complicated by additional financial pressures, time constraints, and stigma associated with this disabling condition. Provision of a variety of social support programs and training, such as effective time management, adequate coping skills, and counseling services may help in overcoming these obstacles. This, in turn, may aid not only in improving social participation but also occupational balance, psychological well-being and quality of life of the affected mothers

Minority stress, perceived burdensomeness, and depressive symptoms among sexual minority youth

Although studies have shown links between minority stress and mental health (e.g., Meyer, 2003), there is little research explaining this association. Research has suggested that adequate coping skills might protect youth from the negative impact of stress (Compas et al., 2017). Thus, we aimed to examine: 1) whether associations between minority stress and depressive symptoms occurred through mechanisms of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, and 2) whether these associations were dependent on level of problem-solving coping (moderated mediation). Using an online survey of 267 sexual minority youth from the Netherlands (16–22 years; 28.8% male), the results show an indirect relationship of sexual orientation victimization and internalized homophobia with depressive symptoms occurring through perceived burdensomeness; for both males and females. Problem-solving coping skills did not significantly moderate the aforementioned indirect relationships. These results have implications for prevention and intervention work that currently focuses on social isolation rather than perceived burdensomeness.

Quality of life, delinquency and psychosocial functioning of adolescents in secure residential care: testing two assumptions of the Good Lives Model

BackgroundIn this study, two assumptions derived from the Good Lives Model were examined: whether subjective Quality of Life is related to delinquent behaviour and psychosocial problems, and whether adolescents with adequate coping skills are less likely to commit delinquent behaviour or show psychosocial problems.MethodTo this end, data of 95 adolescents with severe psychiatric problems who participated in a four-wave longitudinal study were examined. Subjective Quality of Life was assessed with the ten domains of the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile and coping skills with the Utrecht Coping List for Adolescents.ResultsResults showed that adolescents who reported a lower Quality of Life on the health domain had more psychosocial problems at follow-up. No relationship was found between Quality of Life and delinquent behaviour. In addition, active and passive coping were associated with delinquent behaviour and psychosocial functioning at follow-up.ConclusionsBased on the results of this longitudinal study, the strongest support was found for the second assumption derived from the Good Lives Model. Adolescents with adequate coping skills are less likely to commit delinquent behaviour and have fewer psychosocial problems at follow-up. The current study provides support for the use of strength-based elements in the treatment programmes for adolescents in secure residential care.

Stress, dyadic coping, and relationship satisfaction in late adolescent couples

In adult couples, stress emerging outside the relationship (extra-dyadic stress) spills over into the relationship evoking conflict between the partners (intra-dyadic stress), which itself has a negative effect on relationship satisfaction over time. This detrimental effect of stress spillover can be buffered by adequate dyadic coping (DC) skills of both partners. The current study aimed at replicating these effects in a sample of 96 Swiss adult couples and 124 Swiss late adolescent (non-cohabitating) couples, who were in a serious relationship for at least 1 year. We examined (a) whether extra-dyadic stress is associated with intra-dyadic stress and relationship satisfaction and (b) whether the potential buffering effect of DC on these associations already exists in this important developmental phase. Contrary to the adult sample, for which indirect actor and partner effects were significant, we found a marginally significantly negative indirect actor effect of extra-dyadic stress on relationship satisfaction via intra-dyadic stress in late adolescents only for participants experiencing high extra-dyadic stress and low support from the partner. DC moderated the spillover between extra-dyadic and intra-dyadic stress for late adolescents. This study highlights the importance of investigating dyadic processes in romantic relationships in late adolescence to gain an insight into these relationships and the associated developmental processes.

The Coraline Effect: The Misdiagnosis of Personality Disorders in College Students Who Grew Up With a Personality Disordered Parent

ABSTRACTCollege students may be misdiagnosed as personality disordered when in fact their problems are better explained by their upbringing. Growing up with a personality disordered parent may cause them to initially present with what appear to be personality disordered traits due to issues such as not learning adequate coping skills. Accurate diagnosis is important because it affects current treatment and referrals for longer-term treatment.

The Dutch Version of the Emotion Reactivity Scale

In the present study we investigated the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Emotion Reactivity Scale (ERS; Nock, Wedig, Holmberg, &amp; Hooley, 2008 ). A sample of 615 high school students completed the ERS, together with the Adult Temperament Questionnaire, the Utrecht Coping List, the Self-Injury Questionnaire, and the Eating Disorder Inventory-2. Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the one- and the three factor structure of the ERS. Both solutions showed stability across sex. However, given the high correlations between the three ERS subscales (ranging from r = .87 to r = .94), the more parsimonious 1-factor solution was preferred. The resulting ERS total scale had an internal consistency coefficient of .95 and was positively related to the temperament trait Negative Affectivity and negatively to Effortful Control. Additionally, it correlated significantly and positively with less adequate coping skills (such as Passive Depressive Reaction Patterns and Avoidance) and negatively with adequate coping skills (such as Active Problem Solving). Finally, the ERS scale discriminated between high school students with and without nonsuicidal self-injurious and eating-disorder related behaviors. The ERS is a reliable and valid questionnaire to measure emotion reactivity.

Virginia Woolf’s History of Sexual Victimization: A Case Study in Light of Current Research

Virginia Woolf’s history of sexual victimization is presented in a case study format, and reviewed in light of the present literature on the impact of child sexual abuse (CSA) to human development. The methodology to compose the case study involved reviewing the works of Woolf’s main biographers, the author’s memoirs, and the groundbreaking work of Louise DeSalvo, presenting data from Woolf’s diaries and letters, in which sexual abuse is disclosed. Woolf was sexually abused by her two older half-brothers. The abuse was extremely traumatic, and lasted several years. The various mental health symptoms that Woolf experienced are consistent with the literature of CSA. Woolf also presented some adequate coping skills by disclosing the CSA publicly, keeping records of her depressive episodes, and seeking help. Like many incest survivors, Woolf’s sexual abuse was minimized and questioned by biographers. In addition to Woolf’s enormous literary legacy, her knowledge of psychology was impressive. She was a feminist, as well as a visionary in exploring the effects of CSA before other incest survivors. Understanding her life influences is advantageous, not only to literary scholars but to most readers, and mainly clinicians and researchers are interested in the dynamics of sexual abuse.

Substance Use and Sexual Risk Mediated by Social Support Among Black Men

Health and social disparities are widespread among men who have sex with men (MSM). Although literature indicates that Black MSM (BMSM) are no more likely than other MSM to report sexual risk behaviors, such as unprotected anal intercourse, studies have reported that buying and trading sex appear to be important risk factors for BMSM. Substance use generally is not significantly greater among BMSM than other MSM, studies have found that BMSM report more powder and crack cocaine use than other MSM. The lack of adequate coping skills and social support for BMSM has also been documented. This paper examines differences in substance use, sexual risk behaviors and social support among Black and non-black MSM, in a sample of 515 men participating in a randomized intervention trial. BMSM reported higher rates of substance dependence (72.2 vs. 59.5%, P = .015) and buying sex (49.1 vs. 17.4%, P < .000) than non-Black MSM. BMSM also reported lower levels of social support than other MSM on all measures included in the study; e.g., getting help and emotional support from others (38.0 vs. 52.8%, P < .006). Mediation analyses showed that BMSM's higher rates of substance dependence and buying sex are partially mediated by lower levels of social support. Our data appear to show that lack of social support is an important influence on risk behaviors among BMSM. Qualitative data also supported these findings. Sexual risk and substance use prevention interventions should address BMSM's capacity to build adequate and supportive relationships.

Depression in hearing-impaired children

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the levels of depressive symptoms and the unique contribution of two aspects of emotion regulation (coping and mood states) to the development of depression in hearing-impaired children and a control group. MethodsIn order to compare the groups, self-report questionnaires concerning symptoms of depression, coping strategies, and mood states were used. The study group consisted of 27 children with cochlear implants, 56 children with conventional hearing aids, and 117 normally hearing children. ResultsHearing-impaired children reliably reported more symptoms of depression than their normally hearing peers. Degree of hearing loss, socioeconomic status, gender, and age were unrelated to the level of depressive symptoms. But attending mainstream schools or using exclusively speech for communication were related to fewer depressive symptoms. The associations with depressive symptoms differed between the groups. For hearing-impaired children, the cognitive aspects (coping) and the affective aspects (mood states) of emotional functioning contributed separately to the prediction of depressive symptoms. For normally hearing children an integration of cognitive and affective aspects was detected: adequate coping skills prevented the development of negative mood states and in turn depressive symptoms. ConclusionsHearing-impaired children reported more depressive symptoms than normally hearing children. Prevention and treatment of depression in hearing-impaired children could focus on the use of coping strategies adequately, because these strategies have a direct relation with the level of depression.

Self-Identity in an Adolescent a Decade after Spinal Cord Injury

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this mixed methods case study was to describe the current self-identity of an adolescent a decade after spinal cord injury and how he recalls his rehabilitative journey through recovery. The instruments included three in-depth interviews, administration of the Lin Interest Check List, the Stress Profile, and the Tennessee Self Concept Scale: 2. An association between participation in meaningful occupations and regaining self-identity was articulated. Results revealed above average self-concept and adequate coping skills with high use of positive appraisal. Higher scores in family and social self-concept validate his strong reliance on spirituality and his local church as a support system. In contrast, this client also scored above average on negative appraisal and on self-criticism. Implications for improved practice for occupational therapists and other rehabilitation science professionals are discussed.

Contextual Influences on Marriage

Current proposals to promote and strengthen marriage among low-income populations focus on values and behavioral skills as primary targets of intervention. Marital research that examines contextual influences on marriage calls these emphases into question. Ethnographic and survey research reveal no evidence that populations experiencing higher rates of divorce value healthy marriages any less than other populations do. Longitudinal and observational research reveals two mechanisms through which the environment of a marriage may enhance or constrain effective relationship maintenance. First, some environments contain fewer sources of support and pose more severe challenges than others, presenting marriages in those environments with greater burdens than marriages in more supportive environments are faced with. Second, when demands external to the marriage are relatively high, even couples with adequate coping skills may have difficulty exercising those skills effectively. Together, such findings suggest that successful policies and interventions to strengthen marriages need to acknowledge the environments within which marriages take place.