Aspects Of Psychosocial Well-being Research Articles

Psychosocial wellbeing in people with melanoma in-situ: a systematic review

This systematic review aims to evaluate the prevalence of reductions in psychosocial wellbeing among patient with melanoma in situ (MIS). It also aims to identify factors associated with psychosocial reactions, the instruments used to measure psychosocial outcomes, and to evaluate existing intervention programs for supporting this population. Search strategies for different databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were designed and implemented. A total of 2378 records were identified, resulting in 22 included papers. Various aspects of psychosocial wellbeing were evaluated in the reviewed articles, with fear of cancer recurrence being the most frequently investigated among patients diagnosed with melanoma. Only 2 of the 22 studies reported data for MIS patients, indicating no significant difference in psychosocial welling between patients with MIS and those at higher stages. Regarding interventional support, there is a notable lack of interventions specifically addressing the psychosocial needs of MIS patients. Our findings highlight a significant research gap on psychosocial wellbeing following a MIS diagnosis and suggest a shortage of targeted psychosocial interventions for this growing patient population. The observed variability in measuring psychosocial aspects presents challenges in identifying the essential components of effective interventions. Future research should prioritize employing mixed methodologies and addressing the unique needs of MIS patients.

Games in everyday life: Profiles of adolescent digital gaming motives and well-being outcomes

Especially since the 2010s, we have seen rapidly increasing discussion and research on the causal and correlational relations between digital gaming and different dimensions of well-being. This quantitative study presents a starting point of a four-year longitudinal study of the connections between adolescents’ gaming motives, gaming culture participation, and different aspects of psychosocial well-being (digital engagement, internalising symptoms, and academic adjustment) in a sample (N = 2053) of actively gaming Finnish 6th and 8th graders (ages 11–14). Results show three distinct player profiles differing in gaming motives and well-being correlates: escapist game players, achiever game players, and recreational game players. These provide a starting point for exploring both the interactions between gaming and well-being and the stability of gaming motives over time.

The influence of weight on psychosocial well-being in diabetes

BackgroundIndividuals with diabetes experience a wide variety of psychosocial responses to their illness due, in part, to the nature of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Variation in patient weight may play a central role in these differences, yet its influence on psychosocial variation is largely unknown. The current study investigates the relationship between patients’ perceived weight status and aspects of psychosocial well-being among individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsIndividuals who were diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were assessed via an online survey from the Diabetes, Identity, Attributions, and Health Study. Participants were categorized into a lower v. higher weight status group based on their self-reported perceived weight. Analyses of covariance were conducted to assess differences in measures of disease onset blame, diabetes stigma, and identity concerns among diabetes type and perceived weight status. Covariates included in our models were gender, age, education, and time since diagnosis. Bonferroni correction was used for post-hoc tests to assess any significant interactions found in our models.ResultsFindings indicated that weight moderates multiple psychosocial outcomes pertinent to illness experience. Those with T2D and lower weight blamed themselves less for their disease onset, while those with higher weight felt blamed more for their disease onset by others, regardless of diabetes type. Individuals with T1D and higher weight were more frequently and more concerned about being mistaken for having the other disease type (i.e., T2D) compared to those with lower weight.ConclusionsWeight is a key influence on the psychosocial outcomes for people with diabetes, but it operates differently in type 1 versus type 2 diabetes. By further examining the unique interaction between disease type and weight status we may be able to improve psychological well-being among affected individuals of all sizes.

Changes in psychosocial wellbeing over a five-year period in two predominantly Black Pittsburgh neighbourhoods: A comparison between gentrifying and non-gentrifying census tracts

Gentrification often leads to changes within urban neighbourhoods. While redevelopment and investment may improve the built environment in gentrifying neighbourhoods, there may be disruptive impacts that affect health and wellbeing for existing residents. A growing body of literature explores the impact of gentrification on the psychosocial wellbeing of residents. This study sought to understand gentrification’s effects on three aspects of psychosocial wellbeing in a random sample of predominantly Black residents in two neighbourhoods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ( n = 662). Residents were enrolled in 2011 and surveyed multiple times through 2018. We used American Community Survey data to create a tract-level measure of gentrification to categorise the 13 census tracts in the two neighbourhoods as gentrified or not gentrified between 2011 and 2018 and assessed whether gentrified tracts experienced predominantly White or Black gentrification. We then estimated multivariate regression models to test associations between gentrification status and participant-level changes in perceived neighbourhood social cohesion, neighbourhood satisfaction and psychological distress, between 2013 and 2018. Relative to participants living in non-gentrified tracts, we found those living in gentrified tracts (all of which were Black gentrified) experienced smaller improvements in perceived neighbourhood social cohesion (coef. =−0.21, p = 0.005) and neighbourhood satisfaction (d y/d x = 0.12, p = 0.003). We found no statistically significant association between gentrification and changes in psychological distress. These results suggest that although gentrification may bring about needed resources in the community, further consideration should be given to help ensure any detrimental effects on social cohesion and neighbourhood satisfaction are mitigated.

S03-1 Physical literacy, physical activity and wellbeing in Danish children

BackgroundPL is increasingly regarded as a ‘cause of the causes’ to health promotion. Cross-sectional studies have shown associations between children’s PL, physical activity (PA) behaviors and well-being. This presentation aims to present empirical evidence from a large-scale research project in Denmark assessing children’s physical literacy. Results from two studies will be presented and discussed. The first aims to examine the associations between Danish children’s PL and their physical and psychosocial well-being and whether the associations are mediated by moderate-to-high intensity physical activity (MVPA). The second aim is to examine the synergies between movement behaviors and levels of PL.MethodsCross-sectional data from Danish school children aged 7-13 years were collected in Jan-Dec 2020 in the Danish Assessment of Physical Literacy (DAPL) project. PL was assessed with DAPL which measures the affective, cognitive, and physical domains of PL. Sedentary time and time spent in different PA intensities was measured with accelerometers (Axivity), psychosocial well-being was measured with The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and physical wellbeing was measured with the KIDSCREEN questionnaire. In study 1, structural equation models were constructed with PL and MVPA as predictors of physical well-being and four aspects of psychosocial well-being. In study 2 a compositional analysis was applied with average weekly time spent sedentary, in low PA, moderate PA and vigorous PA as the compositional response and levels of PL as predictor.ResultsA positive moderate association between PL and physical well-being, partly mediated by MVPA was observed. PL was positively associated with the positive aspects of psychosocial wellbeing and negatively associated with the negative aspects (behavior problems). None of the associations between PL and aspects of psychosocial wellbeing were mediated by MVPA. Results from study 2 are ongoing.ConclusionsThe studies contribute to evidence on the link between PL, physical activity, and health outcomes. The study found beneficial relations between PL and physical and psychosocial well-being.

'The Big Island Model': Resident experiences of a novel permanent supportive housing model for responding to rural homelessness.

Research on rural homelessness focuses primarily on describing the experiences and prevalence of homelessness in rural contexts, with little focus on intervention strategies. We conducted a case study of the 'Big Island Model' (BIM), a novel approach to providing housing and support to individuals experiencing homelessness that has been developed for, and reflects, a rural context. We interviewed 13 participants (n=10 men; n=3 women) supported by the BIM using mixed interviews including qualitative and quantitative components exploring experiences of living within this model and aspects of psychosocial well-being. Descriptive statistics were calculated to represent demographic data and participants' scores on standardised measures. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted with threshold scores and population norms derived from existing literature to identify any differences between residents' median scores on each standardised scale and scores derived from published literature. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. On measures of meaningful activity, residents reported significantly lower levels of boredom (p < 0.01) and a greater degree of engagement in productivity (p < 0.01) compared with participants in other studies. Mental well-being was reported to be higher (p < 0.05) and drug use was significantly lower than a low-moderate range (p < 0.01). Community integration scores revealed significantly lower physical integration (p < 0.05) and significantly higher psychological integration than individuals who had transitioned to housing in another study (p < 0.001). Our analysis of qualitative interviews resulted in the identification of a central essence characterising residents' experiences: 'Becoming Through Belonging'. This essence was represented by four distinct themes: (1) the healing qualities of nature; (2) being meaningfully occupied; (3) living in a mutually supportive environment; and (4) this place is here to help.

Associations between children’s physical literacy and well-being: is physical activity a mediator?

BackgroundPhysical literacy (PL) is a multi-dimensional concept that provides a holistic understanding of movement and physical activity. PL contains an affective, a physical, and a cognitive domain, which together lay the foundation for the individual’s capacity and the tendency for participating in physical activities currently and throughout life. PL is increasingly regarded as a ‘cause of the causes’ to health promotion. Cross-sectional studies have shown associations between children’s PL, physical activity behaviours, and well-being. This study aims to examine the associations between Danish children’s PL and their physical and psychosocial well-being and whether the associations are mediated by moderate- to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA).MethodsCross-sectional data from Danish schoolchildren aged 7–13 years were collected in Jan-Dec 2020 in the Danish Assessment of Physical Literacy (DAPL) project. PL was assessed with the DAPL which measures the affective, cognitive, and physical domains of PL. MVPA (min/day) was measured with accelerometers (Axivity), psychosocial well-being was measured with The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and physical well-being was measured with the KIDSCREEN questionnaire. Structural equation models were constructed with PL and MVPA as predictors of physical well-being and four aspects of psychosocial well-being.ResultsA positive moderate association between PL and physical well-being, partly mediated by MVPA was observed. PL was positively associated with the positive aspects of psychosocial well-being and negatively associated with the negative aspects (behaviour problems). None of the associations between PL and aspects of psychosocial well-being were mediated by MVPA.ConclusionsThe study contributes to evidence on the link between PL, physical activity, and health outcomes. The study found beneficial relations between PL and physical and psychosocial well-being. MVPA mediated part of the relationship between PL and physical well-being but not psychosocial well-being.

Tools to measure the impact of early childhood development interventions on maternal mental health in low- and middle-income countries

Low- and middle-income countries around the world are expanding investments in early childhood development (ECD) programs, but few evaluations of ECD programs measure impacts on maternal mental health as well as on other, closely associated psychosocial domains. One reason may be a lack of familiarity with appropriate survey instruments for measuring different aspects of maternal psychosocial well-being among ECD-focused researchers. We identified 478 empirical studies of ECD programs in low- and middle-income countries; 55 of them measure impacts on maternal mental health and related domains. In this article, we identify 22 instruments used to measure maternal depression, stress, anxiety, and other aspects of psychosocial well-being. We provide guidance on the uses of each instrument and examples of country contexts where each has been implemented.

Allostatic Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Transgender and Gender Expansive Youth: Protocol for a Pilot Cohort Study.

BackgroundA growing number of adolescents are coming out as transgender and gender expansive (TGE). These teenagers have been shown to have significantly worse health outcomes than their cisgender peers. Hypotheses to explain this discrepancy are based on increased stress levels surrounding the societal acceptance of gender identity. In this context, elevated allostatic load (AL), which describes the wear and tear sustained by the body in response to repeated exposure to stress, has been associated with adverse long-term health outcomes.ObjectiveThis protocol aims to measure AL among TGE adolescents compared with their cisgender peers and assess how AL varies depending on psychological stress and perceived societal acceptance.MethodsThis is an observational proof-of-concept pilot study in which AL will be measured by assaying an array of inflammatory cytokines and cortisol in urine, saliva, and hair samples of TGE youth, and these parameters will be compared with those of age-matched control participants. A questionnaire will assess 4 aspects of psychosocial well-being: presence and management of depression and anxiety, gender identity support by family members, gender minority stress, and degree of perceived safety in the surrounding community. Samples and surveys will be collected at 3 visits (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months). This study will incorporate TGE coinvestigators to inform all aspects of design, data collection, and analysis and ensure that practices are carried out in a respectful and sensitive manner.ResultsAs of May 2021, the start of data collection for this project has continued to be postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has both impacted the functioning of the clinic and funding requests. We hope to begin participant recruitment and interviews with coinvestigators soon.ConclusionsWe hypothesize that AL will be primarily influenced by psychological well-being and perceived support and that it will be similar in TGE adolescents and in age-matched cisgender control participants when acceptance and perceived support are high. The results of this study have the potential to increase our understanding of the health challenges faced by TGE individuals during adolescence as well as to show that low levels of acceptance may have detrimental health outcomes secondary to elevated ALs; this may lead to the development of a biomarker profile to assess allostatic stress in TGE patients that can be used to guide management.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/24100

Quantifying the psychosocial impact of a weekend retreat on adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology patients

Objective This study aimed to determine if AYA oncology patients experienced a quantifiable improvement in psychosocial outcomes after attending a weekend retreat with their peers. Methods AYA oncology patients attended a weekend retreat. They completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General (FACT-G) before, 1 month after, and 6 months after the weekend retreat. Controls were age-matched oncology patients who did not attend the retreat. Findings Retreat participants’ scores did not significantly change over time; however, retreat participants’ scores at 1-month follow-up were significantly higher than control group scores. Conclusions AYA oncology patients may experience transient improvement in psychological well-being after attending a retreat, but benefits may not be durable. Work remains needed to examine the impact of retreat attendance on specific aspects of psychosocial well-being. Implications for psychosocial oncology: Work is needed to decrease perceived attendance barriers for AYA oncology patients who have a low quality of life. Future retreat planners may consider modifying retreat activities and consider alternative retreat locations that appeal to campers with limited mobility, chronic pain, and/or other quality of life limitations. Additional study is needed to determine whether brief overnight or weekend retreats can be as effective as week-long camps in enhancing oncology patients’ quality of life. Future researchers should compare changes in weekend retreat attendees’ quality of life to changes in quality of life for a control group (e.g., via a waitlist control study design).

Caregivers of Patients With Brain Metastases: A Description of Caregiving Responsibilities and Psychosocial Well-being.

There are increasing numbers of cancer patients with brain metastases, and there is a high potential for caregiving burden. Little work has explored caregiving responsibilities and psychosocial well-being in informal family caregivers (FCGs) of cancer patients with brain metastases. This study aimed to address this gap in the literature. Data were drawn from baseline pilot study data. Caregivers completed demographic information and provided a self-report of their caring responsibilities and psychosocial well-being via questionnaire. Participants were 21 FCGs of patients with brain metastases. Many caregivers are devoting extensive time to providing care; there was high variability in the number and types of caregiving activities reported. Although many caregivers report feeling well supported, other aspects of psychosocial well-being were less robust, including anxiety, depression, burden, and coping self-efficacy. Although FCGs reported mitigating factors such as social support, they still experience significant distress. Findings support previous work suggesting that neuro-oncology caregiving is burdensome, with adverse effects on health and well-being. Foundational work, such as this, will set the stage to identify areas for future intervention.

Cyber Dating Abuse Victimization: Links With Psychosocial Functioning

It is well established that technology can be used to enact intimate partner violence (IPV). However, less is known about how cyber dating abuse (CDA) is associated with psychosocial functioning, especially when accounting for other forms of frequently co-occurring IPV victimization. The current study sought to determine the unique associations of CDA victimization when controlling for multiple forms of in-person IPV victimization. Two hundred seventy-eight men and women between 17 and 25 years of age (M = 20.5, SD = 1.9) who were currently in an intimate relationship for at least 3 months participated in this study. Participants completed questionnaires about their IPV and CDA victimization, as well as a range of indices of psychosocial well-being. Experiencing CDA victimization was related to increased alcohol use for both men and women, and increased fear of partner for women, even after controlling for in-person IPV. For depression, perceived stress, relationship satisfaction, quality of life, social support, and post-traumatic stress, CDA victimization did not predict levels above in-person IPV victimization. Although these results suggest some unique associations between CDA victimization and aspects of psychosocial well-being that require further attention, they also highlight that CDA often occurs within a broader pattern of abuse that includes in-person IPV. These results suggest that the need for prevention and treatment for relationships that involve in-person abuse is still most salient, and that a narrow focus on CDA may limit the utility of prevention and treatment efforts. Further work is needed to integrate research on in-person and CDA victimization, rather than to create a new field of research and practice based solely on CDA.

Effects of structured group psychosocial support sessions on psychosocial wellbeing of children and their caregivers: a descriptive study

BackgroundChildren aged 7–12 years and their caregivers participated in a series of group psychosocial support sessions, using standard manuals specifically developed for facilitating such sessions such as Children Affected by Armed Conflict and Joint Sessions. The sessions used various activities, including drawing, storytelling, folk games, and other activities, to provide participants with opportunities to express their feelings, learn and practice new coping skills, and interact with others. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of structured psychosocial support sessions on the psychosocial wellbeing of children and their caregivers in the Gaza Strip. MethodsThis descriptive study involved children and female caregivers selected from six locations using a stratified sampling technique. External numerators collected data before and after the group sessions. Two interview questionnaires with questions about psychological and social status were used, one for children and one for caregivers. The caregivers' questionnaire also assessed their psychosocial knowledge. Adult participants and caregivers of participating children provided verbal consent. Data were analysed with SPSS, and a p value less than 0·05 indicated significance. Findings155 children (77 [50%] boys and 78 [50%] girls) and 155 female caregivers were enrolled from a population of 1720 children (50% boys and 50% girls) and 1720 female caregivers. The sessions improved psychosocial wellbeing in participants, with the average psychosocial wellbeing score increasing from 58% to 87% in children and from 69% to 84% in caregivers. Caregivers' knowledge increased from 70% to 82%. Improvement was found in the various aspects of psychosocial wellbeing. No differences were found with respect to location, sex, and age. InterpretationStructured group sessions improved psychosocial wellbeing in children and caregivers and improved caregivers' knowledge. Given the design of this study, it is difficult to fully attribute these results to the intervention. FundingNone.

Coping self-efficacy and psychosocial well-being of marginalised South African youth

The aim of this study was to investigate coping self-efficacy and aspects of psychosocial well-being amongst youth from marginalised backgrounds. A total of 794 black South African marginalised youth (males = 54%, females = 46%, age range between 18 and 30 years) voluntarily participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants completed surveys of coping self-efficacy, mental health, and mood disorder. Structural equation modelling was applied to construct an explanatory model for coping self-efficacy and psychosocial well-being among the marginalised youth. The resulting structural model showed that coping self-efficacy significantly and positively predicted the emotional and psychological dimensions of psychosocial well-being among the youth. Psychosocial well-being was associated with of a lower risk for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in these marginalised young people.

Bidirectional associations between psychosocial well-being and body mass index in European children: longitudinal findings from the IDEFICS study.

BackgroundThe negative impact of childhood overweight on psychosocial well-being has been demonstrated in a number of studies. There is also evidence that psychosocial well-being may influence future overweight. We examined the bidirectional association between childhood overweight and psychosocial well-being in children from a large European cohort.The dual aim was to investigate the chronology of associations between overweight and psychosocial health indicators and the extent to which these associations may be explained by parental education.MethodsParticipants from the IDEFICS study were recruited from eight countries between September 2007 and June 2008 when the children were aged 2 to 9.9 years old. Children and families provided data on lifestyle, psychosocial well-being, and measured anthropometry at baseline and at follow-up 2 years later. This study includes children with weight, height, and psychosocial well-being measurements at both time points (n = 7,831). Psychosocial well-being was measured by the KINDL® and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire respectively. The first instrument measures health-related quality of life including emotional well-being, self-esteem, parent relations and social relations while the second measures well-being based on emotional symptoms, conduct problems and peer-related problems. Logistic regression was used for modeling longitudinal associations.ResultsChildren who were overweight at baseline had increased risk of poor health-related quality of life (odds ratio (OR) = 1.23; 95 % confidence interval (CI):1.03–1.48) measured 2 years later; this association was unidirectional. In contrast to health-related quality of life, poor well-being at baseline was associated with increased risk of overweight (OR = 1.39; 95 % CI:1.03–1.86) at 2 year follow-up; this association was also only observed in one direction. Adjustment for parental education did not change our findings.ConclusionOur findings indicate that the association between overweight and psychosocial well-being may be bidirectional but varies by assessment measures. Future research should further investigate which aspects of psychosocial well-being are most likely to precede overweight and which are more likely to be consequences of overweight.

OA32 Let's talk about - all ireland survey of palliative care experiences.

: "During Phase 1 of the Let's Talk About patient experience survey, 367 responses were submitted by people who use or care (or cared) for someone with a serious or progressive life-limiting condition from across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The overall purpose of the Let's Talk About initiative is to gain a better understanding the issues that matter most to individuals so that the design and delivery of services and supports can be improved and tailored accordingly. The method collects individual narratives about a high impact good or bad experience of palliative care services which can be accessed at a micro level combined with a meta-analysis of a large quantity of qualitative information. Input from users and carers, and specialist and general palliative care professional's was reflected in the design of the survey tool, during the engagement phase and with the interpretation of the dataset. This is a novel approach to identifying the lived experience of users in receipt of palliative care which directs focus to the vital aspects of psychosocial wellbeing within the palliative care experience. The results have informed initial strategic recommendations aimed at a variety of key stakeholders including policy makers and commissioners, palliative care providers and agencies with a palliative care interest. Phase II of the survey will complete May 2015 www.letstalk-about.org" Report to reference: Let's Talk About Survey Report: Phase 1 http://aiihpc.org/policy-practice/141/phase-i-report/.

Interventions for improving communication with children and adolescents about their cancer

Communication with children and adolescents with cancer about their disease and treatment and the implications of these is an important aspect of good quality care. It is often poorly performed in practice. Various interventions have been developed that aim to enhance communication involving children or adolescents with cancer. To assess the effects of interventions for improving communication with children and/or adolescents about their cancer, its treatment and their implications, updating the 2003 version of this review. In April 2006 we updated searches of the following sources: CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library, issue 1 2006); MEDLINE (Ovid), (2003 to March week 5 2006); EMBASE (Ovid) (2003 to 2006 week 13); PsycINFO (Ovid) (2003 to March week 5 2006); CINAHL (Ovid) (2003 to March week 5 2006); ERIC (CSA) (earliest to 2006); Sociological Abstracts (CSA) (earliest to 2006); Dissertation Abstracts: (2002 to 6 April 2006).In 2003 we conducted searches of CENTRAL; MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, Sociological Abstracts and Dissertation Abstracts.For the initial (2001) publication of this review we also searched the following databases: PsycLIT; Cancerlit; Sociofile; Health Management Information Consortium; ASSIA; LISA; PAIS; Information Science Abstracts; JICST; Pascal; Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts; Mental Health Abstracts; AMED; MANTIS.We also searched the bibliographies of studies assessed for inclusion, and contacted experts in the field. Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials, and before and after studies, evaluating the effects of interventions for improving communication with children and/or adolescents about their cancer, treatment and related issues. Data relating to the interventions, populations and outcomes studied and the design and methodological quality of included studies were extracted by one review author and checked by another review author. We present a narrative summary of the results. One new study met the criteria for inclusion; in total we have included ten studies involving 438 participants. Studies were diverse in terms of the interventions evaluated, study designs used, types of people who participated and the outcomes measured.One study of a computer-assisted education programme reported improvements in knowledge and understanding about blood counts and cancer symptoms. One study of a CD-ROM about leukaemia reported an improvement in children's feelings of control over their health. One study of art therapy as support for children during painful procedures reported an increase in positive, collaborative behaviour. Two out of two studies of school reintegration programs reported improvements in some aspects of psychosocial wellbeing (one in anxiety and one in depression), social wellbeing (two in social competence and one in social support) and behavioural problems; and one reported improvements in physical competence. One newly-identified study of a multifaceted interactive intervention reported a reduction in distress (as measured by heart rate) related to radiation therapy.Two studies of group therapy, one of planned play and story telling, and one of a self-care coping intervention, found no significant effects on the psychological or clinical outcomes measured. Interventions to enhance communication involving children and adolescents with cancer have not been widely or rigorously assessed. The weak evidence that exists suggests that some children and adolescents with cancer may derive some benefit from specific information-giving programs, from support before and during particular procedures, and from interventions that aim to facilitate their reintegration into school and social activities. More research is needed to investigate the effects of these and other related interventions.

Psychosocial Issues in Female Obesity

Obesity is rapidly increasing throughout the world. In less than 50 years its prevalence has increased in many countries, and today overweight and obese people are more the norm than a curiosity. Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, and around a third of them are obese [1]. With its severe effects on health and disease, obesity is one of the world’s most threatening health hazards, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and certain cancers being its most apparent consequences [1]. In addition, societal pressures against obesity are strong and many studies document that being overweight is considered selfinflicted and a sign of weakness and lack of character. In accordance, several reports suggest that quality of life is grossly reduced among obese people. For instance, one study reported that mental wellbeing was worse among the obese than among the chronically ill or injured [2]. Another study found that obese people are more likely to report serious emotional problems [3]. Obesity also has severe consequences for other aspects of psychosocial wellbeing in general, which may to some constitute more of an immediate burden than the physical health consequences. The obese are being stigmatized by peers, relatives, health personnel, educators and employers. Studies show, for instance, that peers view the obese as different and undesirable, which results in teasing, bullying and social exclusion [4–7]. Also, family members have been observed to tease and critisize [5,8,9]. Paradoxically, health personnel may also take complaints from obese patients less seriously than complaints from normal-weight patients. One study

Finding benefit in breast cancer: Relations with personality, coping, and concurrent well-being

Cancer patients experience positive as well as adverse consequences from cancer diagnosis and treatment. The work reported here was part of an effort to characterize the experiences of benefit finding in breast cancer patients. A sample of 230 early-stage breast cancer patients completed a set of benefit finding items in the year post-surgery. This measure was then related to measures of concurrent coping, several aspects of psychosocial well-being, demographic variables, and several other personality traits. Benefit finding related positively to trait optimism, and to positive reframing and religious activity as coping reactions. Benefit finding related inversely to emotional distress, but was relatively unrelated to other measures of well-being.

The influence of sociocultural factors on body image: Searching for constructs.

Body image is a multidimensional construct that has received increasing scientific study over the past few decades. Considerable research has examined the determinants of body image development and functioning and their implications for other aspects of psychosocial well-being, especially eating pathology among girls and young women. Cafri, Yamamiya, Brannick, and Thompson (this issue) reported the results of a meta-analysis of how selected, self-reported sociocultural influence variables correlate with the basic dimension of body image evaluation. Their work raises and reinforces important questions about the definition and measurement of sociocultural influence constructs.