Changes In Self-perception Research Articles

Self-Reported Changes in the Professional Singing Voice After Surgical Intervention Treatment for Breast Cancer: A Survey Pilot Study of Female Professional Singers

The effects of breast cancer surgical treatment on the professional singing voice are unknown. The purpose of this study was to discover whether there are self-perceived changes in the quality and/or process of singing experienced by professional female singers who have undergone surgical intervention for the treatment of diagnosed breast cancer-including any changes perceived from the use of radiation, chemotherapy, and other drug treatments related to those surgeries. A voluntary subject pool comprised female professional singers who have undergone surgery for breast cancer was recruited from professional singing networks. Participants underwent evaluation through an anonymous online survey, psychometrically vetted for content and instrument reliability/validity before administration. Valid participants (N=56) responded to 45 questions regarding surgical procedures, related therapies, and self-perceived vocal effects. Analysis of results produced a preliminary description of types of voice change, duration of changes, and qualitative self-perceptions. This initial report reveals that there are self-perceived singing voice changes experienced by professional singers treated for breast cancer. However, additional research is needed to determine the degree of vocal impact perceived to be attributable to individual surgical interventions and related therapies.

Leprosy reactions after release from multidrug therapy in an endemic cluster in Brazil: patient awareness of symptoms and self-perceived changes in life

We assessed diagnosis and consequences of leprosy reactions as perceived by affected individuals. A cross-sectional study was performed in five municipalities in an endemic disease cluster in Brazil. Structured interviews included 280 leprosy-affected individuals who had experienced reactions after release from treatment (RFT), 2007-2009. Open questions included information on diagnostic features of leprosy reactions, sensory loss and self-perceived changes in life after experiencing leprosy reactions. In this study, 43.2% were diagnosed with reaction during multi-drug therapy. In the majority of cases, the patient himself/herself perceived disease symptoms first (n=240; 85.8%). Primary Health Care Centres were the first entry point into the health system for 95/150 (63.3%). In 72.6% of these, leprosy diagnosis was made within the primary care setting. Patientperceived signs and symptoms of reactions included skin lesions (42%) and neurological symptoms (39%). In total, 216/280 (77.1%) stated that they had perceived changes in life. Physical impairments limiting possibilities to work and reduced income were mentioned commonly (n=118; 54.6%). Discrimination and social isolation were also experienced. Our study indicates an inadequate response of health services for individuals with reactions after RFT. An integrated approach is needed, including physical, psychological care and self-care groups.

Potraumatyczny wzrost - zróżnicowanie ze względu na rodzaj doświadczonego zdarzenia

The experience of negative life events may involve such negative as positive effects. These positive, referred to as posttraumatic growth, include changes in self-perception, relations to others, and changes in philosophy of life. Among the factors that determine the occurrence of positive changes after trauma the type of experienced event and socio-demographic variables are mentioned. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the type of experienced negative event, gender, age and severity of posttraumatic growth. The study group consists of 730 participants (49,6% men, 50,4% – women), aged 16–75 years (M = 36,5, SD = 14,3), who experienced various negative life events. Polish version of Posttraumatic Growth Inventory was used in the study. The results indicated that type of experienced event and gender were related to the level of posttraumatic growth. Moreover the results indicated that examining the relationship between socio-demographic variables and posttraumatic growth should take into account not only the overall result but also the different areas of growth.

The role of social support in posttraumatic growth in people struggling with cancer

The experience of cancer, in addition to a number of adverse effects that manifest themselves in different spheres of functioning, may also serve human development. This was confirmed by recent studies on posttraumatic growth. This phenomenon requires the presence of positive changes in self-perception, interpersonal relationships, and philosophy of life, which appear as a result of attempts to cope with the aftermath of traumatic events.<br /> Studies indicate that the incidence of positive changes as a result of the experience of cancer is quite high and occurs in 30-90% of patients. They relate mainly to the relationships with other people and an appreciation of life and are characteristic especially for the early stages of diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Among the factors determining posttraumatic growth, a key role is attributed to social support. This paper presents the role of social support in the process of developing positive changes after the trauma associated with the experience of cancer, including the types and sources of support.

Women, meaning making and lifestyle change after a cardiac event

Many US women have had or will experience a cardiac event and little is known about their learning experiences associated with subsequent lifestyle change. In this qualitative study, the researcher examined the experiential learning of 22 women who made lifestyle changes after a cardiac event. Meaning making experiences were examined for influence in changing behaviour, self-perception and outlook. The researcher identified findings which indicate that prior experiences, the cardiac event itself, post-event experiences and reflection helped facilitate lifestyle change, changes in self-perception and the incorporation of advocacy. Implications of the study include attendance to pre- and post-experiences and that the cardiac event itself provides a foundation for making changes and developing new ways of living with heart disease.

Rozwój potraumatyczny u dzieci i młodzieży – ofiar wypadków drogowych. Rola wsparcia społecznego

IntroductionParticipation in a traffic accident is a situation harmful to health and/or life of the individual, and from this point of view it is considered as a traumatic situation. AimThe target of the paper was to reply a question whether a phenomenon of posttraumatic growth appears in children and adolescents – victims of traffic accidents as well as to determine whether a social support would increase a probability of its occurrence. Material and MethodsThe examined group was composed of 71 persons – children and adolescents at the age of 10–16, who experienced a traffic accident. The posttraumatic growth was measured with the application of the Personal Growth Questionnaire – KOW-27 (D/M) elaborated by N. Oginska-Bulik. In order to estimate a social support level, the Social Support Scale developed by K. Kmiecik-Baran was applied. Results and ConclusionsFrom the obtained results it appeared that children and adolescents who suffered trauma connected with a traffic accident, presented an average intensity of posttraumatic growth. 18.3% of the respondents revealed a high degree of posttraumatic growth, 42.3% – a low degree, and 39.4% – an average degree. The social support is positively linked with some of its dimensions. An instrumental support - as found in relatives – helps to improve relationships with the others, whereas an informative support – as received from teachers – increases a probability of positive changes in self-perception.

Meditation and Psychological Health: Modeling Theoretically Derived Predictors, Processes, and Outcomes

Despite evidence attesting to positive psychological effects of meditation, little is known about how variance in the level of engagement with meditation actually relates to positive outcomes. This study draws on multiple traditional and contemporary theoretical frameworks to (1) uncover fundamental aspects of variability in meditation practice, (2) test the role of several primary and secondary processes believed to be responsible for positive effects, and (3) explore a range of positive and negative outcomes believed to be closely aligned with the original intended outcomes of meditation practices. Using two large (each N > 500) heterogeneous samples of meditation practitioners, this study calibrated and then cross-validated a theoretical model testing the plausibility of several causal pathways linking variation in experience with meditation to positive and negative psychological outcomes. Results showed that individual differences in meditation involve both behavioral aspects accounting for the degree of engagement, and psychological aspects incorporating the intensity or depth of this engagement. Variation in these aspects accounts for large proportions of variance in psychological health and functioning outcomes. Several factors representing attention refinement (mindfulness), changes in self-perception and outlook (transcendence), worldview (insight), and psychological development serve as plausible change mechanisms serving to transmit the effects of meditation on psychological health and functioning.

Where is straight ahead to a patient with unilateral vestibular loss?

The vestibular system is classically associated with postural control, oculomotor reflexes and self-motion perception. The patients with vestibular loss are primarily concerned with balance and gait problems including head and trunk tilt and walking trajectory deviation to the lesioned side. These long-lasting postural and locomotor biases are thought to originate from changes in spatial perception of self. Indeed, we show here that vestibular cues are necessary for an accurate representation of body orientation. Patients with right (RVN; n=11) or left vestibular neurotomy (LVN; 9) as a treatment for Menière’s disease were compared with 10 healthy controls. The subjective straight ahead (SSA) was investigated using a method disentangling lateral shift and tilt components of error. In the horizontal plane, subjects were required to align a rod with their body midline. In the frontal plane, they were asked to align the rod with the midline of head or trunk. The analysis of SSA clearly showed distinct results according to the side of the lesion. The LVN patients had a contralesional lateral shift of SSA. In addition, they showed an ipsilesional tilt, more severe for the head than for the trunk. By contrast, in RVN patients, the representation of the body midline was fairly accurate in both the horizontal and frontal planes and did not differ from that of control subjects. The present study shows deviations in body orientation representation after unilateral vestibular loss. Deviations are observed in the horizontal as well as in the frontal planes. Interestingly, only patients with left vestibular loss were concerned with these changes in perception of self-orientation in space. These data support the hypothesis of an asymmetric vestibular function in healthy subjects and confirm the similarity of functional disorders in patients with vestibular deficits or spatial neglect. For the first time, this similarity is found at the level of body representation.

Faculty development initiatives designed to promote leadership in medical education. A BEME systematic review: BEME Guide No. 19

Faculty development initiatives designed to promote leadership in medical education. A BEME systematic review: BEME Guide No. 19

Improving interprofessional competence in undergraduate students using a novel blended learning approach

Interprofessional simulation interventions, especially when face-to-face, involve considerable resources and require that all participants convene in a single location at a specific time. Scheduling multiple people across different programs is an important barrier to implementing interprofessional education interventions. This study explored a novel way to overcome the challenges associated with scheduling interprofessional learning experiences through the use of simulations in a virtual environment (Web.Alive™) where learners interact as avatars. In this study, 60 recent graduates from nursing, paramedic, police, and child and youth service programs participated in a 2-day workshop designed to improve interprofessional competencies through a blend of learning environments that included virtual face-to-face experiences, traditional face-to-face experiences and online experiences. Changes in learners' interprofessional competence were assessed through three outcomes: change in interprofessional attitudes pre- to post-workshop, self-perceived changes in interprofessional competence and observer ratings of performance across three clinical simulations. Results from the study indicate that from baseline to post-intervention, there was significant improvement in learners' interprofessional competence across all outcomes, and that the blended learning environment provided an acceptable way to develop these competencies.

Perceived Social Acceptance and Peer Status Differentially Predict Adjustment in Youth With and Without ADHD

Objective: This study extends previous research and examined if the longitudinal relation between self-perceived social acceptance and changes in adjustment was moderated by peer status and ADHD diagnosis. Method: A sample of children with ADHD and a normative comparison group (age 8-13 years) were assessed at baseline and one-year follow-up. Self-perceived social acceptance, peer status, and three areas of adjustment (depression symptoms, aggression/conduct problems, and social skills) were measured. Results: Moderation was found when predicting depression symptoms and aggression/conduct problems. Specifically, in children with ADHD only, higher perceived social acceptance protected against increases in depression symptoms for those with lower peer preference, but predicted greater aggression/conduct problems for those with higher peer preference. There was not evidence of significant moderation for predicting social skills; instead non-ADHD status, greater peer preference, and greater self-perceived social acceptance were each predictive of greater social skills. Conclusion: Results highlight the complex association between positive social self-perceptions and adjustment for children with ADHD and caution against a universal assumption that high self-perceptions are adaptive.

Tattoo and the Self

There has been an increase in the numbers of women getting tattoos. The purpose of this study was to better understand tattooed women focusing on how having a tattoo influenced both self perceptions and subsequent behaviors. Our study was guided by three research questions: (1) What meaning do women assign to their tattoos and to what extent were these meanings dynamic? (2) What changes in self perception did women attribute to their being tattooed? (3) What changes in behavior did women attribute to their being tattooed? In-depth interviews of thirty tattooed women served as our data. Tattoos held several meanings for participants including connection to self, life events, relationships, and spirituality. Tattoos were closely related to some aspect of the self (82%). For some participants the meaning changed over time (61%). The act of obtaining tattoos resulted in a change in how participants viewed themselves and their behavior.

What has personality and emotional intelligence to do with ‘feeling different’ while using a foreign language?

The present study investigates the link between personality traits (OCEAN Personality test), emotional intelligence (EI) (Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire) and the notion of ‘feeling different’ while using a foreign language among 102 Polish–English bilinguals and Polish L2 users of English who were immersed in a foreign language and culture. Statistical analyses reveal that personality traits such as Extraversion, Agreeableness and Openness had an effect on self-perceived changes in behaviour or body language and occurred while a foreign language was used. A similar effect had been found for EI factors such as Emotion expression, Empathy, Social awareness, Emotion perception, Emotion management, Emotionality and Sociability. These results could explain why some people report changes in personality when switching languages and some do not. Therefore, it is speculated that the existence of self-reported personality changes could be assigned more to certain personality traits and EI, which enables such subtle changes to be noticed, rather than stemming from a difference in the existence of such changes in these participants. The results of this study show the complexity of the relationship between language, culture and emotions, suggesting that both higher- and lower-order personality traits should be incorporated into further research on various aspects of bilingualism.

Religiosity and mental health: Changes in religious beliefs, complicated grief, posttraumatic stress disorder, and major depression following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

This cross-sectional retrospective study examined self-perceived changes in importance of religious beliefs (RBs) following the attacks of September 11, 2001, and assessed their associations with complicated grief (CG), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). Data were collected from 608 participants 2.5 to 3.5 years after the attacks. Whereas the majority of the participants reported no change in importance of RBs, 11% reported increased importance and 10% reported decreased importance of RBs after 9/11. Decreased, but no increased, importance of RBs was found to be associated with severity of loss and trauma (i.e., loss of a child, direct exposure to the attacks, watching the attacks unfold live on TV). In addition, decreased RBs after 9/11, as compared with no change, was significantly associated with all mental health outcomes, namely CG, PTSD, and MDD. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Hierarchical Factor Structure of the Turkish Version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory in a Normal Population

Background: Negative consequences of traumatic experiences, such as depression, anxiety, or dissociative symptoms, etc. have been reported by many researchers. However, it is proposed that stressful events not only lead to poor psychological outcomes but also may trigger positive changes. Several instruments gauging posttraumatic benefits have been developed to examine the effects of factors that may promote positive psychological outcomes in the aftermath of stressful events. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) is one of the prominent instruments that assess posttraumatic positive changes. In this study we aimed to assess psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the PTGI. Method: This study differed to an extent from previous studies concerning the features of the PTGI. We used a dispositional form of the instrument in a sample recruited from high school and university students. Our data were collected from 723 volunteers. 367 subjects were males (50.76%) and 356 subjects were females (49.24%). Also we did not specify any selection criteria in recruiting subjects owing to their adverse life experiences with a presumption that stressful life events are not uncommon in normal population. We administered to participants a dispositional form of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and the Personal View Survey-III. Item statistics for the measure were computed. We performed an explanatory factor analysis by using principal components with promax rotation and a confirmatory factor analysis by using structural equation modeling. Since the factor inter-correlations were higher than .40 we computed Schmid-Leiman transformation to obtain second-order general factor loadings. Inner consistencies and 15-day test-retest intracorrelations were calculated. Results: Item discrimination indexes ranged from .28 to .72. Promax rotated principal components analysis pointed out a three-factor structure. It was found in model testing with structural equation modeling that three-factor structure was valid for the Turkish version of the PTGI. After computing second-order factor loadings, we detected that general factor accounted for 64 percentage of the total variance. Three subscales of the measure were the Changes in Self-Perception, Changes in Philosophy of Life, and Changes in Relationship. Internal consistency for the Changes in Self-Perception subscale was 0.88, for the Changes in Philosophy of Life subscale was 0.78, for the Changes in Relationship was 0.77, and for the overall items was 0.92. 15-day test-retest intra-correlation for the composite scores was 0.83 and intra-correlations for the subscale scores ranged from 0.70 to 0.85. Conclusion: Turkish version of the measure revealed a three-factor first-order structure. However, it seems that the concept of posttraumatic benefits measured by the PTGI has a tendency to represent a unidimensional psychological construct in Turkish sample. Since the three-factor structure was validated, three-su

Self-perception of women after mastectomy as an ego defence mechanism. Comparison with a group of healthy women

Aim of the studyAnalysis of changes in self-perception in post-mastectomy patients and its comparison with self-perception of healthy women.Material and methodsThe subjects of this study were 50 women. The main group was post-mastectomy patients involved in the meetings of the Amazons Club (25 women). The reference group consisted of 25 healthy women. The method used in the study was the ACL (Adjective Check List) test, identifying 37 dimensions of self-image. Oncological patients completed a test twice (for current and pre-cancer self-image), and healthy women once – for current self. Both groups were selected similarly in respect of education level for the purpose of ensuring a similar level of insight.ResultsRetrospective self-image and the current one in the Amazon women group were highly convergent. Existing differences include a reduced need for achievement and dominance, and a lower level of self-confidence. However, the comparison of current self-images in both groups showed a large discrepancy of the results. The Amazon women assess themselves in a much more negative way. Also, their self-image is self-contradictory in certain characteristics.ConclusionsMastectomy is a difficult experience requiring one to re-adapt and to accept oneself thereafter. The way of thinking about oneself is a defence mechanism helping to cope. The work with patients programmes must, therefore, focus on identifying their emotions and thoughts, especially on those they do not want to accept because of the perceived pressure from the environment to effectively and quickly deal with this difficult situation. The increasing acceptance of personal limitations may help the affected women to adjust psychologically faster and easier.

The relationship between change in self-perceptions of aging and physical functioning in older adults.

Negative self-perceptions of aging (SPA) have been linked to poor physical health and functioning outcomes in late life, yet the direction of this relationship remain unclear. Using data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Aging, we investigated the directionality of the dynamic relationship between self-perceptions of aging and physical functioning in 1,212 adults 65 years and above (mean age = 76.89, SD = 6.12) over 5 waves (up to 16 years). Bivariate Dual Change Score Models (BDCSM) revealed that the best fitting model for the data was that which allowed SPA to predict change in physical functioning over time lags of 1 year. The direction of the relationship remained after controlling for age, gender, partner status, residential care, number of medical conditions, self-rated health, and psychological well-being. Findings suggest that more positive SPA may be protective of decline in physical functioning in late life.

Chiropractic Treatment vs Self-Management in Patients With Acute Chest Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Patients Without Acute Coronary Syndrome

Objective The musculoskeletal system is a common but often overlooked cause of chest pain. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the relative effectiveness of 2 treatment approaches for acute musculoskeletal chest pain: (1) chiropractic treatment that included spinal manipulation and (2) self-management as an example of minimal intervention. Methods In a nonblinded, randomized, controlled trial set at an emergency cardiology department and 4 outpatient chiropractic clinics, 115 consecutive patients with acute chest pain and no clear medical diagnosis at initial presentation were included. After a baseline evaluation, patients with musculoskeletal chest pain were randomized to 4 weeks of chiropractic treatment or self-management, with posttreatment questionnaire follow-up 4 and 12 weeks later. Primary outcome measures were numeric change in pain intensity (11-point box numerical rating scale) and self-perceived change in pain (7-point ordinal scale). Results Both groups experienced decreases in pain, self-perceived positive changes, and increases in Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-Item Health Survey scores. Observed between-group significant differences were in favor of chiropractic treatment at 4 weeks regarding the primary outcome of self-perceived change in chest pain and at 12 weeks with respect to the primary outcome of numeric change in pain intensity. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first randomized trial assessing chiropractic treatment vs minimal intervention in patients without acute coronary syndrome but with musculoskeletal chest pain. Results suggest that chiropractic treatment might be useful; but further research in relation to patient selection, standardization of interventions, and identification of potentially active ingredients is needed.

Predictors of Psychological Well-Being of Adolescents’ Parents

Informed by theories about processes in families with adolescent children, this study examined the contribution of self-perceived decline in physical and cognitive functioning related to midlife, marital satisfaction, and parent–child conflict to psychological well-being of parents of young adolescents. Parental well-being was conceptualized within Ryff’s multidimensional model, which encompasses six dimensions: Autonomy, Self-Acceptance, Environmental Mastery, Positive Relationships with Others, Personal Growth, and Purpose in Life. In examining relationships between parental well-being and supposed predictors, sociodemographic variables (parental age and education), perceived general life stress, and perceived available social support were controlled for. Participants were Croatian mothers (N = 356) and fathers (N = 328) whose oldest child was transitioning to adolescence. Overall, the patterns of associations between the studied predictors and well-being dimensions were similar for mothers and fathers. The main finding of the study was that individual differences in the psychological well-being of adolescents’ parents may be more attributable to self-perceived midlife changes (particularly for mothers) and marital satisfaction (particularly for fathers) than to perceived level of parent–adolescent conflict.

Disparity in Perceived Illness Intrusiveness and Illness Severity Between Cardiac Patients and Their Spouses

Recovery following a cardiac event is a complex physiological and psychological process that seldom occurs in isolation. The interdependence of a marital relationship may result in the spouse influencing the patient's overall recovery and the psychological well-being of both. The aim of the study was to assess whether perceived illness intrusiveness and illness severity differed between cardiac patients and their spouses and whether their perceptions were modified by treatment received. A thematic analysis of written feedback from patients and spouses informed the interpretation of the quantitative results. Sixty-two male cardiac patients and their female spouses completed the Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale and Perceived Severity of Illness Scale. Participants also provided written comments about anticipated life changes. A 2-way mixed-model analysis of variance was used to compare patient and spouse scores. There were no differences in terms of perceived illness intrusiveness. A statistically significant higher level of perceived illness severity was reported by spouses whose husbands had cardiac surgery (difference = 48.8 points, F1,59 = 23.2, P = .001). Five themes emerged from the written responses of the patients: anticipated lifestyle change, change in self-perception, reprioritization, enhanced quality of life, and uncertainty. Four themes emerged from the spouses: taking on responsibility, uncertainty, enhanced quality of life, and getting back to normal. Spouses of cardiac surgery patients had different perceptions about illness than their patient-partner. Future research should be directed toward a better understanding of how divergent illness beliefs develop during the recovery period, and how they impact physical and psychological well-being.