Brief Resilience Scale Research Articles

Leveraging Network Insights into Positive Emotions and Resilience for Better Life Satisfaction

Introduction/Objective Within a network analysis framework, this study explored the relationships between positive emotions, resilience, and life satisfaction. Positive emotions and resilience are critical to enhancing psychological well-being, but their complex interplay requires further investigation, particularly in a Greek adult population. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with 1,230 Greek adults (67.6% females, 32.4% males), using a network analysis to assess the relationships among positive emotions, resilience, and life satisfaction. Data were collected through the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE-8), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Network structures were constructed using the graphical LASSO technique for partial correlation analysis, and Bayesian networks were applied to generate Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) to identify directional pathways. Centrality metrics were used to determine critical variables in the network. Results Happiness, pleasure, and contentment are examples of positive emotions that are central nodes in the network that are highly correlated with higher levels of life satisfaction. Resilience, primarily as a recovery mechanism from stress, showed weaker direct associations with life satisfaction. The DAG revealed that positive emotions significantly influenced life satisfaction, suggesting their pivotal role in improving well-being. Conclusion The findings underscore the importance of positive emotions in enhancing life satisfaction, suggesting that interventions targeting emotional well-being may be more effective than those focused solely on resilience. These insights offer a foundation for developing psychological interventions to improve life satisfaction.

The association between mindfulness, resilience, and academic achievement of pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundLiterature suggests that mindfulness and resilience positively impact academic performance. This study was conducted to assess mindfulness and resilience levels among pharmacy students. The study also aimed to explore the relationship between mindfulness and resilience, as well as their effects on GPA, which serves as an indicator of academic performance.MethodsThe study utilized the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), a validated tool consisting of 39 items across five domains: observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging of inner experience, and non-reactivity. Additionally, the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), a validated questionnaire with 6 items using a 5-point Likert scale, was employed to assess resilience.ResultsThe average scores obtained from the mindfulness and resilience scales were 3.00 (SD = 0.36) and 3.00 (SD = 0.65), indicating intermediate levels of resilience and mindfulness, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in mindfulness scores between male and female students, or between students with and without a previous diagnosis of mental health issues. However, a statistically significant higher level of resilience was observed among students who have never been diagnosed with mental health issues compared to those who reported a previous diagnosis. However, females scored significantly higher in the observing domain of mindfulness compared to males, while males scored significantly higher in the acting with awareness domain. Students who had never been diagnosed with mental health issues scored significantly higher in acting with awareness. A significant positive association was found between resilience and mindfulness scores of the students (r = 0.45, p < 0.001). However, significant positive correlation was found between resilience and describing as well as acting with awareness mindfulness, p < 0.05. Assessing the association between student GPA and mindfulness as well as resilience scores showed a weak association.Discussion and conclusionTailored interventions and programs could be implemented to foster resilience, enhance students’ ability to cope, and equip them with tools to bounce back in the face of adversity. Further research could explore other factors that might influence the strength of the relationships between mindfulness and resilience, and student GPA.

Psychological resilience in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: effect of involvement of major salivary and lacrimal glands.

The aim of this study was to assess whether the involvement of major salivary and lacrimal glands in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) affected the psychological resilience of patients. This cross-sectional study included 116 patients with pSS. Data were collected through clinical examinations, measurement of salivary flow rates (SFRs), and from Schirmer's test, as well as from patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), such as the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI), Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Hyposalivation was defined as an unstimulated SFR of≤0.1mL/min. The BRS score (mean±SD=2.60±0.69) was lower in patients with recurrent parotitis (2.11±0.37) than in those without recurrent parotitis (2.67±0.86), in the whole group. In patients with an unacceptable symptom state (ESSPRI score≥5 points), a lower BRS score was observed in patients with both hyposalivation and ocular dryness (2.59±0.69) than in patients with isolated hyposalivation (2.84±0.84). The BRS score was also negatively associated with the WPAI-Daily Impairment and OHIP-14 scores in patients with hyposalivation as well as with HADS-A (the seven items of HADS relating to the anxiety dimension) and HADS-D (the seven items of HADS relating to the depression dimension) in the whole group. The results suggest that psychological resilience in pSS may be affected by recurrent parotitis, the levels of anxiety and depression, as well as hyposalivation with ocular dryness.

Resilience, Anger, and Insomnia in Nurses after the End of the Pandemic Crisis.

Nurses seem to be persistently experiencing intense psychological repercussions, even after the official conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study conducted after the end of the pandemic crisis, from 1 June 2023 to 30 June 2023, we evaluated the levels and explored the associations between anger, insomnia, and resilience among Greek nurses. A total of 441 nurses participated in an online survey and were invited to state their work experience, gender, and age and to complete the self-report measures of the Dimensions of Anger Reactions-5 (DAR-5), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). Overall, 62.1% of the participants presented with positive scores on the AIS, and 41.5% displayed positive values on the DAR-5 scale, whereas 24.9% demonstrated scores indicative of low resilience on the BRS. A regression analysis revealed that 23.5% of the variance in the AIS scores can be attributed to the DAR-5 scores and 3% to the BRS scores. A mediation analysis confirmed the protective role of resilience, contributing as a negative mediator in the DAR-5 and AIS relationship. Screening for insomnia symptoms and anger issues among nurses after the end of the pandemic and implementing appropriate interventions is considered imperative to avoid long-term health consequences.

Psychological problems among elementary and high school educators in Canada: association with sick days in the prior school year.

Increased sick leave among educators can detrimentally impact students' productivity, and academic achievement. It remains unknown whether the number of sick days taken by educators in the preceding school year correlates with the prevalence or severity of psychological problems among educators in the subsequent school year. This study aimed to examine the number of self-reported sick days taken by educators in three Canadian provinces during the 2021/2022 academic year and its association with measures of stress, burnout, low resilience, depression, and anxiety during the 2022/2023 school year. Data was collected from educators in three Canadian provinces, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, from September 1, 2022, to August 30, 2023. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educator Survey (MBI-ES), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and the Perceived Stress Scale were used to assess burnout, resilience, and stress, respectively. Likely Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and likely Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scales, respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28. A total of 763 subscribers completed all the demographic, professional questions, and clinical scales, giving a response rate of 39.91%. Of these, there were 94 (12.3%) males and 669 (87.7%) females. Educators who reported taking 11 or more sick days in the previous academic year were at least three times more likely to exhibit high stress, emotional exhaustion, likely GAD, low resilience, and likely MDD than educators with no sick days during the preceding year. Similarly, educators with 11 or more sick days had significantly higher mean scores on the GAD-7 scale, the PHQ-9 scale, the PSS-10, the MBI Emotional Exhaustion subscale, and the MBI Depersonalization subscale than those with zero sick days. This study demonstrates a significant association between sick days and the prevalence and severity of high stress, low resilience, burnout, anxiety, and depression among educators. Short-term sick leave can escalate into long-term absences without adequate support for teachers. Governments and policymakers in the education sector must foster a supportive environment that enables teachers to thrive and effectively perform their professional role without taking prolonged sick days, which can undermine student learning and achievement.

Investigating the Impact of Caregiver Adverse Childhood Experiences Screening and Pediatrician-Led Discussions on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in a Majority-Hispanic Pediatric Primary Care Clinic Setting

Background: Evidence suggests that screening and provider-led discussions of parental adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may help identify at-risk families and be linked to positive health outcomes in caregivers and their children. However, the direct effect of ACEs screening and discussions on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has yet to be studied. Objectives: To determine if screening or provider-led discussions of parental ACEs are associated with inadvertent worsening of PTSD symptoms 1 week after screening. Research Design: Data was obtained as part of a cluster randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of ACEs screening and provider-led discussions on child health care utilization outcomes. Baseline surveys were completed before scheduled infant well child checks (WCCs). Providers were randomized into the standard of care or intervention (discussion) conditions. Intervention providers were trained in delivering brief trauma-informed discussions about the impact of ACEs on parenting during WCCs. Subjects: Caregivers in a pediatric primary care clinic serving predominantly Hispanic and low socioeconomically resourced families (N=179, 93% female, 87% Hispanic). Measures: The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and ACEs screening were completed at baseline. PC-PTSD-5 was repeated 1-week after screening. Results: Mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression analysis of PTSD scores from baseline to 1-week postscreening with the full sample showed no significant effect of time [odds ratio (OR)=1.21, P=0.68], group (OR=1.68, P=0.33), or their interaction (OR=0.48, P=0.21). Conclusions: Screening or brief discussion of ACEs with providers trained in trauma-informed care were not associated with worsening PTSD symptoms.

Psychometric properties of the German version of the brief resilience scale in persons with mental disorders

The Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) was developed to assess individual differences in the ability to recover from stress despite adversity and has been translated into several languages. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties (i.e., item characteristics, reliability, factor structure, measurement invariance, and validity) of the German version of the BRS in persons with mental disorders. A total of N = 5,986 persons admitted to inpatient treatment completed the German version of the BRS and other questionnaires. The discriminating power of the items, the difficulty of the items, and the internal consistency were all sufficient. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis supported the two–factor structure of the BRS, consistent with the findings of the German validation study in a non–clinical sample. The BRS also had strict measurement invariance across diagnostic groups for mental disorders according to ICD–10. Validity was examined using a network analysis, in which the BRS demonstrated positive correlations with life satisfaction, self–efficacy and optimism and negative correlations with somatic symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. The BRS can serve as a reliable and valid tool for assessing resilience in clinical settings, facilitating the identification of persons with potentially lower psychosocial resources.

New norm values of the brief resilience scale (BRS) from the German general population with new post-COVID-19 data

BackgroundThe concept of psychological resilience has spurred extensive research across various fields, with the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) emerging as a concise tool to measure an individual’s ability to rebound from stress. It has been translated into multiple languages, including German, but the validation of the German version occurred prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to examine new norm values and psychometric properties of the BRS.MethodsNorm values, the factor structure, reliability and validity of the BRS were examined using data from a representative survey of the German general population (N = 2522).ResultsThe results indicated that the method-factor model showed the best fit, suggesting a nuanced understanding of resilience beyond a single-factor approach. The BRS demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity based on both latent and manifest correlations. Moreover, the study revealed increasing postpandemic resilience scores.ConclusionsThe results of this study provide support for the psychometric reliability and validity of the German version of the BRS after the COVID-19 pandemic and underscore the importance of assessing resilience amidst evolving societal challenges and highlight the need for further exploration in diverse populations.

Personal characteristic differences among Doctor of Physical Therapy students with unique sociodemographic factors

BackgroundThe Association of American Medical Colleges suggests an Experiences-Attributes-Metrics framework for holistic review, but there is minimal research on demographic and personal characteristic attributes and the interplay between these Attributes subcategories. Understanding how personal attributes may vary among students considered represented and those considered underrepresented in one or more categories is critical to avoid unintentionally perpetuating practices that favor represented groups. This study explored differences in six personal characteristics either consistently related to academic performance or deemed positive professional traits based on diversity characteristics (categories of underrepresentation), age, and sex.MethodsThree cohorts of first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students at a single institution were invited to participate in this prospective, observational study. Participants completed six surveys: PROMIS® General Self-efficacy, PROMIS® Anxiety, 12-item Grit Scale, Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and PROMIS® Positive Affect. T-tests and ANOVAs (or nonparametric equivalents) were used to examine differences in these measures by number of diversity characteristics, age, and sex. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine if diversity characteristics explained additional variance in each of the personal attribute scores after controlling for age and sex.ResultsOne Hundred and Forty Five students participated (80.7% female, 77.9% < 25 years old, 51% 0 diversity characteristics). Students with more diversity characteristics and males reported higher self-efficacy and resilience (p’s < 0.05). Females reported higher anxiety (p’s < 0.01). Diversity characteristics explained additional variance in self-efficacy (3.3%, p = 0.02) and resilience (2.5%, p = 0.05) after controlling for age and sex. Grit, perceived stress, and positive affect did not show any group differences.ConclusionsUnderrepresented students demonstrated higher self-efficacy and resilience than their represented peers, qualities that may be important to overcome challenges prior to and during graduate school. Males exhibited higher self-efficacy and resilience, but lower anxiety than females which is generally consistent across higher education. Grit, perceived stress, and positive affect were similar across all students and may be less useful to create a diverse learning environment. Further studies should investigate differences in attributes among admitted and unadmitted students and the relationship to future performance for admitted students.

The Influence of Resilience on Outcomes After Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Resiliency is the ability to recover from stressful events and has been shown to correlate with patient outcomes following certain orthopaedic procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between resiliency and outcomes following TAA. A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing primary TAA between April 2015 and September 2022 was performed (N = 83). Data included demographics, comorbidities, complications, preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) functional scores, Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) scores, and surgical satisfaction. Patients were defined as having low resilience (LR), normal resilience (NR), or high resilience (HR) based on a BRS score of <3, 3-4.30, and >4.3, respectively. High resilience patients had significantly higher postoperative FAAM ADL, Sports, and Overall scores as well as a significantly greater increase from preoperative scores compared with LR and NR patients. Low resilience patients had significantly lower FAAM Sports and Overall scores compared with normal and high resilience patients. BRS scores positively correlated with postoperative FAAM scores. We found no difference in satisfaction or VAS between the 3 cohorts. Multivariate regression analysis identified BRS scores to be an independent predictor for greater changes in FAAM scores following TAA. Although functional improvements following TAA are expected, patients with higher resilience at baseline are more likely to experience greater improvements in functional outcomes following surgery. Level III.

The Association between Frailty, Quality of Life and Resilience in Community-dwelling Retirement Village Residents

ObjectivesHousing quality has significant impact on the wider determinants of health and quality of life (QoL). Retirement villages are considered age-friendly accommodation for community-dwelling older people, offering a variable range of services and supports. We wished to explore the relationship among frailty, QoL, and resilience in older people residing in retirement villages. DesignCross-sectional analysis within a longitudinal study. Setting and participantsResidents from 33 retirement villages in Auckland, Aotearoa, New Zealand. MethodsFrailty [using an interRAI-Community Health Assessment-based frailty index FI)], QoL [World Health Organization Quality of Life–Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) and WHOQOL–Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD)], and resilience [Brief Resilience Scale (BRS)]. Associations among frailty, QoL, and resilience were examined using regression analysis adjusting for confounders. ResultsMean (SD): FI 0.2 (0.1) in 479 residents, BRS 3.7 (0.8) in 395 residents, WHOQOL-OLD total score 69.9 (12.2). FI was inversely related to BRS [adjusted mean difference (MD) −0.35; 95% CI −0.43 to −0.26; P < .001] and WHOQOL-OLD (MD, −5.45; 95% CI −6.89 to 4.01; P < .001). FI inverse relationship was seen across all facets of WHOQOL-OLD and all WHOQOL-BREF facets except psychological. Conclusions and ImplicationsFrailty was inversely related to resilience and multiple domains of QoL in those living in presumed age-friendly and relatively resource-rich environments. Studies exploring causal relationships between these facets could inform interventions necessary to improve QoL and resilience in those living with frailty. Specific multidimensional needs, wishes, and concerns of older people living with frailty needs to be explored in order to potentially intervene on frailty, QoL, and resilience.

An ecology of resilience: A nature-informed pilot curriculum for improving stress management in college students

Objective: Mental health of college students is a matter of concern, and counseling centers have experienced a surge in demand and strain on capacity to provide services. This study explored the efficacy of a novel, nature-informed stress management curriculum entitled The Ecology of Resilience delivered via a for-credit general education course. The goals were a more favorable perception of stress and increased sense of bouncing back from stress (resilience). Participants: One hundred fifty-seven junior- and senior-level undergraduates participated in a project spanning three semesters from January 2022 to April 2023. Methods: The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) were employed in a pretest/post-test arrangement. Results: PSS scores decreased significantly and BRS scores increased significantly for students enrolled in the course versus a control group. Conclusions: Curricula like the Ecology of Resilience, presented within the contexts of for-credit academic courses, are viable options for addressing student mental health.

The mediating role of psychological resilience in the effect of strength of religious faith on coping with stress in people with type 2 diabetes: A SEM analysis.

This study was conducted to examine the mediating role of psychological resilience in the effect of strength of religious faith on coping with stress in people with type 2 diabetes. This study has a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. It was conducted with 184 people with type 2 diabetes who were admitted to a family health centre in Erzurum, the east of Turkey. The data were collected by using the 'Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire', 'Brief Resilience Scale (BRS)' and 'Scale of Ways of Coping With Stress (SWCS)'. The study was reported by following the STROBE recommendations. Structural equation modelling and bootstrapping method were used to analyse the data. This study was reported following the STROBE recommendations. In the study, according to the model, the direct effect of strength of religious faith on SWCS (β = 0.564; p < 0.01) and BRS (β = 0.545; p < 0.01) was moderate, positive and significant. In addition, the effect of resilience on coping with stress (β = 0.320; p < 0.01) was also found to be moderate, positive and significant. The total effect of strength of religious faith on coping with stress mediated by resilience (β = 0.738; p < 0.01) was found to be highly positive and significant. The model explains 61.7% of the variance in coping with stress. Fit index values according to the model were found as χ2 = 2368.02, df: 980, χ2/df 2.368, RMSEA 0.088, CFI 0.773, TLI 0.760 and SRMR 0.083. It was found that strength of religious faith had a positive effect on coping with stress in people with type-2 diabetes, and this effect was strengthened by the mediating role of psychological resilience. This study shows the effect of religious belief and psychological resilience in increasing the coping skills of people with type-2 diabetes. Therefore, taking religious beliefs and spirituality into consideration in nursing care may increase patients' coping skills.

Correlates of low resilience and physical and mental well-being among Black youths in Canada

BackgroundResilience has gained considerable attention in the mental health field as a protective factor that enables individuals to overcome mental health issues and achieve positive outcomes. A better understanding of resilience among Black youth is important for supporting the strengths and capacities within this population. This study seeks to investigate the correlates of resilience among Black youths in Canada.MethodsThe survey was conducted online through REDCap between November 2022 and March 2023. The Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) was utilized to measure the capacity of participants to recover from or bounce back from stress. The BRS comprises six five-point Likert scale items. Data were analyzed employing a bivariate analysis followed by a multivariable binary logistic regression.ResultsA total of 933 Black youths participated in the study across all Canadian provinces, of which 51.8% (483) identified as female and 46.7% (436) as male. Most respondents 51.3% (479) were between the ages of 16 and 20 years, with 28% (261) between the ages of 21 and 25 years, and 20.2% (188) between the ages of 26 and 30 years. In terms of employment, 62.0% (578) were working part-time, 23.7%, (220) were unemployed, and 9.8% (91) were working full-time. Over a third of participants (39.3%, 331) rated their mental health over the last month as good, with 34% (317) giving a rating of poor and 20.9% (195) giving a rating of fair. Black youths who were working part-time had four times greater odds of expressing low resilience (OR: 4.02; 95% CI: 1.82–11.29) than those who were not working. Black youth who ranked their mental health as poor were about nine times (OR: 8.65; 95% CI: 1.826–21.978) more likely to express low resilience.ConclusionIn this study, the Black youth participants reported relatively low resilience scores. Employment, physical health, and mental health status were factors that contributed to low resilience. Further studies are needed to examine the causal link between resilience and its dynamic effect on health outcomes among Black youth. More interventions are needed to make mental health services accessible to Black youth in a more culturally sensitive way with cross-culturally trained professionals.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Brief Resilience Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Among Older Sexual Minority Women in the U.S.

Objective This study sought to examine the factor structure, internal consistency, and measurement invariance of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) among older sexual minority women with disabilities. Method Participants (n = 208) consisted of sexual minority women aged 55 and older with disabilities recruited online. Results CFA results showed a one-factor structure fit BRS data, RMSEA = .050 (90% CI [.00, .107]), SRMR = .015, CFI = .990, TLI = .975, with good internal consistency (alpha = 0.863, omega = .864). For the MSPSS, CFA showed a three-factor structure fit the data, RMSEA = .080 (90% CI [.064, .096]), SRMR = .037, CFI = .959, TLI = .947, with excellent internal consistency (alpha = 0.937, omega = .937). Full scalar invariance was achieved for both BRS and MSPSS when comparing single and partnered individuals. Additionally, full scalar invariance was also achieved for MSPSS when comparing individuals with a single and multiple health conditions. For BRS, partial scalar invariance was established across health conditions. Conclusions The original factor structures of the BRS and MSPSS fit with good internal consistency, providing preliminary evidence of construct validity and reliability of scores on both scales in this population.

Prevalence and Correlates of High Stress and Low Resilience among Teachers in Three Canadian Provinces.

Objective: High stress levels can be problematic for teachers and indirectly affect students. Resilience may be a protective factor for overcoming stress. Knowledge about the prevalence and correlates of high stress and low resilience will provide information about the extent of the problem among teachers in Canada. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study among teachers in Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. Participants self-subscribed to the Wellness4Teachers supportive text messaging program and completed the online survey on enrollment. Baseline data collection occurred from 1 September 2022 to 30 August 2023. Resilience and stress were, respectively, assessed using the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The data were analyzed with SPSS version 28 using chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 1912 teachers subscribed to the Wellness4Teachers program, and 810 completed the baseline survey, yielding a response rate of 42.40%. Most of the participants, 87.8%, were female, and 12.2% were aged 18 to 61 and above. The prevalence of low resilience was 40.1%, and high stress had a prevalence of 26.3%. After controlling for all the other variables in the logistic regression model, participants with low resilience were 3.10 times more likely to experience high-stress symptoms than those with normal to high resilience (OR = 3.10; 95% CI: 2.18-4.41). Conversely, participants who reported high stress were 3.13 times more likely to have low resilience than those with low to moderate stress (OR = 3.13; 95% CI: 2.20-4.44). Additionally, junior and senior high school teachers were, respectively, 2.30 times (OR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.25-4.23) and 2.12 times (OR = 2,12; 95% CI: 1.08-4.18) more likely to have low resilience compared to elementary school teachers. Conclusions: Our study findings suggest a high prevalence of stress and low resilience among teachers in the three Canadian provinces. Administrators, policymakers in the educational field, school boards, and governments should integrate stress management and resilience-building strategies into teachers' training and continuing professional development programs.

Examining the clinical validity of the global psychotrauma screen in refugees.

The Global Psychotrauma Screen (GPS) is a brief transdiagnostic screener that covers a broad range of trauma-related disorders as well as risk factors known to influence the course of symptoms. We analyzed data from African war refugees in Australia (n = 70), including the GPS, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders (SCID-5), the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). Using the Youden's J Index to examine the clinical validity of the GPS subscales measuring PTSD, dissociation, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), we found that a PTSD subscale score of 3 or higher, and a depression and dissociation subscale score of 1 or higher, was optimally efficient for detecting a probable diagnosis (Youden's J = 0.76, J = 0.72, and J = 0.90, respectively) with high sensitivity and specificity. We were unable to test the GPS clinical validity for GAD due to the low GAD occurrence. The GPS resilience item was not related to the total score (r = 0.02), indicating low convergent validity for resilience. Risk factors, including current stressors and childhood trauma history, were related to more severe GPS symptom scores, while lack of resilience, social support, and history of mental illness were not. We conclude that the GPS may be a useful screening tool for PTSD, depression, and the dissociative subtype in refugees.

Impostor phenomenon and its association with resilience in medical education – a questionnaire study among Swedish medical students

BackgroundConcern over medical students’ well-being is a global issue, with studies showing high psychological distress rates. Impostor Phenomenon (IP), i.e., underestimating one’s abilities, attributing success to external factors, and feeling like a fraud, has been implicated as one reason behind these troubling findings. Meanwhile, resilience has been suggested to protect against psychological distress. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IP and its association with resilience among undergraduate medical students.MethodsThe Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and sociodemographic questions were completed by 457 medical students registered in their 2-10th semester at a Swedish university. Of the respondents, 62.6% identified as women, 36.1% as men, and 1.3% as others.ResultsThe prevalence of IP was 58.4% (defined as CIPS score ≥ 62). According to the CIPS scoring guidelines, 10.3% of participants had low IP, 29.5% moderate, 41.6% frequent, and 18.6% intense IP. Of all participants, almost 90% experienced at least moderate and 60.2% frequent to intense IP. Women had significantly higher CIPS scores and lower BRS scores than men. In contrast, neither attending semester nor age group significantly impacted CIPS scores. Finally, there was a moderate inverse correlation between the level of resilience and the prevalence of IP.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the majority of Swedish medical students feels like an impostor, and of these students, most do so frequently. Furthermore, IP is more prevalent among female students – who also show lower levels of resilience. Moreover, our results indicated that IP could hinder achieving higher resilience. Future longitudinal studies should investigate how gender norms may contribute to IP feelings and explore the potential advantages of counteracting IP and strengthening resilience among medical students. However, targeted interventions addressing individual students’ IP and resilience are insufficient. There is also a need to address structural aspects of the educational environment, such as gender stereotypes, that may contribute to IP.

Assessment of the Psychological Effects on Firefighters in the Aftermath of the Pazarcik and Elbistan Earthquakes in 2023.

In February 2023, two catastrophic earthquakes in Turkey resulted in over 50,000 fatalities and over 300,000 injuries. This study investigated the psychological effects on firefighters who engage in rescue operations following these earthquakes, focusing on trauma-related symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress, and resilience. The research employed validated psychometric instruments, including the Post-earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale (PETLDS); Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21); PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5); and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), to assess the psychological states of firefighters. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the psychological impact of earthquakes on firefighters. Specific objectives include quantifying trauma levels; identifying the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and stress among firefighters; and investigating the role of psychological resilience in mitigating the effects of disaster-related psychological trauma. This study is also aimed at providing empirical evidence to inform the development of psychological support and intervention strategies for firefighters in the aftermath of these earthquakes. In this study of 223 primarily male firefighters, significant psychological impacts from earthquake trauma were observed. The PETLDS scores indicated high trauma levels in 28 participants and modest levels in 195. Subscales revealed affective responses and cognitive structure were most affected. DASS-21 scores showed higher depression, anxiety, and stress in the high trauma group. PCL-5 and BRS analyses confirmed higher PTSD symptoms and lower resilience in high-trauma individuals. Correlation analysis highlighted strong associations between trauma, psychological distress, and decreased resilience. These findings highlight the necessity for targeted mental health interventions and support mechanisms for firefighters, contribute to the establishment of training programs to enhance psychological resilience among firefighters, and add valuable insights to the field of disaster psychology.

The Effect of Patient Resilience on Postoperative Scores After One- and Two-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

ObjectiveThe purpose is to investigate the association between resilience and outcomes of pain and neck-related disability after single- and two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). MethodsPatients who underwent single- or two-level ACDF were sent a survey between six months and two years following surgery. The survey included the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ-2). Patients completed the VAS and NDI twice, once describing preoperative pain and disability and once describing current pain and disability. Respondents were classified as high resilience (HR), medium resilience (MR), or low resilience (LR). Demographics, PSEQ-2 scores, pre- and postoperative VAS and NDI scores, and change in VAS (ΔVAS) and NDI (ΔNDI) scores were compared between groups. ResultsThirty-three patients comprised the HR group, 273 patients comprised the MR group, and 47 patients comprised the LR group. All groups demonstrated postoperative improvement in VAS and NDI scores that exceeded previously established MCID values. The HR group demonstrated greater improvement in pain compared to the LR group (ΔVAS: -5.8 for HR vs -4.4 for LR, p=0.05). Compared to the MR group, the LR group demonstrated greater postoperative pain (VAS: 3.2 for LR vs 2.5 for MR, p=0.02) and disability (NDI: 11.9 for LR vs 8.6 for MR, p=0.02). ConclusionsPatients demonstrated improvement in pain and neck-related disability after single- and two-level ACDF, regardless of resilience score. Patients with greater resilience may be expected to demonstrate more improvement in pain after ACDF.