Personality Changes Research Articles

Interpersonal dynamics of traumatic brain injury within romantic relationships described in online forums

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have serious consequences for people’s physical health and the quality of their romantic relationships. Less clear, however, are the interpersonal dynamics of couples navigating the aftermath of TBI. We used data scraping techniques to capture five years of posts submitted to online help-seeking forums, and we analyzed the resulting 349 single-spaced pages of data using codebook thematic analysis. Both TBI survivors and partners reported the focal themes of personality changes and relationship changes. TBI survivors emphasized a lack of understanding that led to grief and loss, relational uncertainty, and isolation. Partners reported poor treatment that culminated in negative emotions and relational uncertainty. The data showed notable similarities and differences between TBI survivors and partners. We interpret the results via four prominent theories of marriage and family relationships: ambiguous loss theory, relational turbulence theory, the theory of resilience and relational load, and family systems theory. Overall, our findings shed light on interpersonal dynamics after TBI and lay a foundation for future theoretical and clinical advances.

Multiple brain abscesses caused by Nocardia farcinica infection after hand injury: A case report and literature review.

Nocardia infection is commonly regarded as an opportunistic pulmonary pathogen affecting debilitated or immunocompromised individuals. Brain abscesses caused by Nocardia farcinica are rare and pose a diagnostic challenge. Traditional diagnostic techniques for identifying Nocardia species, such as blood culture, microscopy, and pathology, have shown inadequate performance. In the reported case, we applied metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to diagnose a case of brain abscess due to N. farcinica. A 66-year-old female developed a brain abscess after sustaining a hand injury. The patient exhibited a gradual change in personality and experienced tremors in her right upper limb for a duration of 1 month. The pathogen responsible for the multiple brain abscesses was identified in the cerebrospinal fluid as N. farcinica through mNGS. Antibiotic treatment included trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, linezolid, amikacin, meropenem, and moxifloxacin. The patient's symptoms and signs improved significantly after administration of antibiotics to which the pathogen is known to be sensitive. After 5 months of follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed that the abscess was basically cured. The patient lived a normal life with no adverse drug reactions. Nocardia brain infection is characterized by an insidious onset and lacks distinctive clinical and imaging features. mNGS was advantageous for the timely identification and management of Nocardia-associated brain abscess in the present case and obviated the need for invasive brain surgery. Expeditious and precise diagnosis coupled with prompt antibiotic therapy can significantly reduce the mortality rate associated with this condition.

Determination of the Presence of Potassium Bromates in Bread Samples Produced in Azare

Introduction/background: To improve bread texture, taste, elasticity of the dough, appearance and sometimes aroma, some ingredients are usually added. However, these ingredients are known to produce adverse health effects over a period of time or if taking in large quantities. One of the commonest food additives is potassium bromate, due to its low cost and being the most efficient oxidizing agent, potassium bromate has been the common choice among bakers and flours millers to raise the dough elasticity and improve texture. Potassium bromate is known to produced reproductive damage, repeated exposure can cause bronchitis, irritability, impaired thinking, personality changes and damage to the kidneys. Larger than recommended quantities should therefore be avoided in processed foods such as bread. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the presence and the level of potassium bromate in some selected bread samples produced in Azare. Azare is the headquarter of Katagum Local government area of Bauchi state Nigeria. Methods: Bread samples were collected from nine different bakeries that were sited within Azare. And these are the major breads produced and consumed in Azare town and neighboring villages. The bread samples were subjected to both qualitative and quantitative assay to determine the presence and level of the potassium bromate. The qualitative assay was conducted using simple qualitative method where color change (yellow to purple) produces when potassium bromates react with potassium iodide indicate presence of the potassium bromate. While the concentration of the potassium bromate in the bread samples was determine using spectrophotometric analysis measured at 620 nm. The linear regression curve derived from the standard solutions of Potassium bromate was used to calculate the concentration of potassium bromate levels in the bread samples. Results: The results indicated that bread produced in 5 of the 9 bakeries used in this study contained potassium bromate level within the recommended FDA and NAFDAC permissible level of 0.02ug/g and below. While the remaining four samples contained potassium bromate level higher than the NAFDAC recommended level. Overall, the potassium bromate level across the selected bakeries in this study conducted in Azare town Katagum local government of Bauchi state Nigeria was found in range between -0.91ug/g to 0.40ug/g.

Influence of Depression and Loneliness on Suicidal Behaviour Among Public University Students in Malaysia

Suicide is a serious and curable public health issue that is alarming towards early adults like university students who are undergoing personal and social phase changes and pressures. This study investigates the influence of depression and loneliness on the suicidal behaviour of public university students in Malaysia. The quantitative study involved 406 public university students in Malaysia, including early teens aged 20 years and below and adults aged 40 years and above. Three instruments were used: Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3. Data analysis involves examining basic statistical information. For this study, a stratified and proportional random selection method was used. The results indicated that public university students in Malaysia generally exhibited minimal levels of depression, loneliness, and suicidal behaviour. Depression and loneliness emerged as significant positive predictors influencing suicidal behaviour, accounting for 49.3% of the variance, while loneliness contributed to 0.3%. These non-significant findings suggest that overall, the mental well-being of the students is good. The study also highlights the role of cultural and societal factors unique to Malaysia in promoting positive mental health outcomes.

Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalitis: A Nationwide Study in Latvia.

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is the third most common encephalitis in children. Diagnosis can be challenging due to overlapping and diverse clinical presentations as well as various investigation results. This study aims to characterize the clinical, diagnostic features, as well as treatment and outcomes of AE in children and determine the incidence of pediatric AE in Latvia. The study was conducted at the Children's Clinical University Hospital in Riga. The study participants were patients under the age of 18 years diagnosed with AE from 2014 to 2022. Data regarding clinical characteristics, investigation findings, treatment strategy, and outcomes were retrospectively collected from the medical history data system. We included 18 pediatric patients diagnosed with AE. The mean incidence of pediatric AE in Latvia was 0.56 per 100,000 children. Most patients (66.6%) had seronegative AE. In the seropositive group, the most common was anti-methyl-D-aspartate receptor AE, with two patients having other antibodies. The most prevalent clinical features were personality change, cognitive impairment, autonomic dysfunction, and movement disorders. The majority of patients (58.8%) received first-line treatment only. More than half (55.6%) of our AE patient group had long-term sequelae. Our study shows that the pediatric AE incidence in Latvia is similar to what has been previously reported in other studies. A relatively high proportion of seronegative AE was present in our cohort, indicating that awareness of possible misdiagnosis should be raised. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms, characterize clinical features, and determine the treatment of choice in different situations to improve long-term outcomes.

Resistance to Change or Transformation After Involuntary Unemployment and Underemployment: A Theoretical Model

Significant changes in workplace strategy or economic instability can lead individuals into emotional and spiritual crises, triggering identity transformations. This paper explores the effects of involuntary unemployment, underemployment, compromised employment, and mandatory retirement, referred to as involuntary second-order employment disruptions, on personal identity. Drawing from theories of quantum personal change and positive psychology, the paper discusses how these changes can lead to emotional and spiritual distress, akin to a “dark night of the soul,” potentially resulting in posttraumatic transformation. The transition through this crisis involves stages of resistance and adaptation, ultimately leading to a profound shift in identity and purpose. The process includes disengagement, disidentification, disenchantment, and disorientation, which can create significant psychological challenges, and involuntary opportunities for spiritual growth and self-actualization. The paper proposes that these employment disruptions are catalysts for deep personal transformation, highlighting the importance of managing such transitions effectively to foster resilience and positive outcomes.

Dental students' Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality profile in the past 50 years: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dental students' personalities are strongly correlated with their didactic and clinical performances. With the significant changes in the social environment in the past decades, students' personalities may also change dramatically. Additionally, with the increasing number of international students admitted into US dental programs, educators must pay attention to the potential personality differences between domestic and international students. A systematic review focusing on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality types of dental students was conducted with 11 literature databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline. The quality assessment of each included article was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool. Meta-analyses were conducted for each personality type within the United States in the past 50 years, and in each country in the past 20 years. Eighteen articles (17 reports) were included after the eligibility assessment. The longitudinal trends within the United States showed the predominant two personality types have changed from Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging (ESFJ) and Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging (ESTJ) to ESTJ and Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging (ISTJ) during the past 50 years. When comparing different countries, the United States, China, Korea, and Iran have the same two dominant personality types (ESTJ and ISTJ) but not the Philippines (Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Perceiving and Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Perceiving). However, there are large variations in the prevalence of other personality types. There have been constant changes in the predominant personalities of dental students over the years. Additionally, understanding the diversity of personality types within the United States as well as among different countries could serve as the foundation for further improvements in teaching strategies and student support services.

Income change and sympathy for right-wing populist parties in the Netherlands: The role of gender and income inequality within households.

The global rise of right-wing populist [RWP] parties presents a major political concern. RWP parties' voters tend to be citizens who have either experienced or fear economic deprivation. Income change constitutes a viable measure of this deprivation. However, previous contributions examining effects of income change on support for RWP parties have yielded diverging conclusions. This paper challenges previous findings by incorporating considerations of gender and within-household inequality. We hypothesise a negative relationship between, on the one hand, personal and household income change and, on the other hand, sympathy towards RWP parties. Furthermore, we expect to find a stronger association between personal income change and RWP sympathy among men. Moreover, we expect the relationship between household income change and RWP sympathy to differ between genders. Finally, we hypothesise that this gender disparity can be interpreted by considering who contributes most to the household income. All these hypotheses are grounded in gender socialisation and economic dominance theories. Analysing Dutch LISS longitudinal data spanning from 2007 to 2021 (N=7,801, n=43,954) through fixed-effects multilevel linear regression models enables us to address various competing explanations. It appears that only for men, personal income change is negatively linked with sympathies towards RWP parties. However, considering who is the highest earner within households reveals that women are also affected by their personal income change if they earn the highest income. For both men and women, household income change is negatively linked with sympathies towards RWP parties. These results lend partial support to both the socialisation and economic dominance theories. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Personality traits and measures of neuropsychiatric symptoms

Objectives Changes in personality and behavioral symptoms are a core clinical criterion for the diagnosis of dementia. This study examines the association between caregiver-rated personality traits and multiple measures of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Method Caregivers of individuals with dementia (N = 191) or cancer (N = 137) provided premorbid and concurrent personality trait ratings using the Big Five Inventory-2. Caregivers also completed the Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist, Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire, and Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist. Results In the combined sample, high concurrent neuroticism was associated with emotional dysregulation (r = 0.51), low agreeableness with impulse dyscontrol (r=-0.40), and low conscientiousness with decreased motivation (r=-0.42). Associations were similar across neuropsychiatric symptom scales, similar across cancer and dementia, but stronger with concurrent than premorbid personality ratings, and stronger for the individuals with mild than moderate-severe dementia. Conclusion Personality was associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms, including with the measure for mild behavioral impairment. Personality had stronger associations when concurrently assessed, indicating that personality traits co-develop with neuropsychiatric symptoms. The associations were similar across cancer and dementia, suggesting transdiagnostic processes not limited to dementia. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are partly an expression of personality; accounting for personality traits could help with diagnosis and disease monitoring, tailoring interventions, and fostering person-centered care.

Direct retrospective measurement of therapeutic changes: an example using the Czech version of the Questionnaire of Personal Changes (Q-PC)

Objective: The study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Czech translation of the Questionnaire of Personal Changes (Q-PC), a measure designed for retrospective (direct) measurement of change in psychotherapy. Methods: A sample of group psychotherapy clients (N = 222) and a nonclinical sample (N = 167) sample were used. Clients in the clinical sample were administered the Q-PC in addition to several pre–post outcome measures. Confirmatory factor analysis, correlational analysis, and structural equation modeling were used to test the Q-PC’s factor structure, longitudinal measurement invariance, reliability, convergent validity, sensitivity to change, and other psychometric properties. Results: The Q-PC demonstrated a unidimensional structure that was strictly invariant between two follow-up measurement waves. The measure also demonstrated excellent reliability and sensitivity to change and good convergent validity. Furthermore, it demonstrated a similar relationship to baseline severity as the pre–post outcome measures. Conclusions: The retrospective measurement of change is a promising approach that has the potential to complement the traditional pre–post measurement of change.

Identifying and Addressing Functional Communication Challenges in Patients With Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia.

We describe the communication challenges of four patients with a neurodegenerative disorder consistent with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), characterized by early behavioral and personality changes. By describing their clinical profiles, we identify common barriers to functional communication in this population and provide recommendations for how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) might contribute to minimizing them. Four patients with bvFTD were selected from a cohort of patients with progressive communication impairments. Three of them returned for at least one follow-up visit. Case histories are presented along with the results of comprehensive speech and language, neuropsychological, and neurological testing. At the time of initial evaluation, patients were between the ages of 54 and 66 years and had been experiencing symptoms for 1.5-6 years. Consistent with their bvFTD diagnoses, all patients had prominent behavioral and personality changes that impacted communication. Patients 1 and 2 also had mild aphasia at enrollment, primarily characterized by anomia and loss of word meaning. Patients 3 and 4 both had apraxia of speech and moderate-to-severe aphasia at enrollment with prominent anomia and agrammatism. All four patients had impaired executive functioning and relative sparing of visuospatial skills; episodic memory was also impaired for Patients 2 and 4. Even though functional communication was progressively limited for all patients, none of them received regular support from an SLP. This case series adds to a scant, but growing, literature demonstrating that patients with bvFTD have communication impairments. SLPs are uniquely positioned to identify barriers to functional communication and to provide tailored strategy training to the patients and their care partners over the course of their disease. Systematic evaluation of the efficacy of treatment in this population would be valuable. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25933762.

The Journey to the West and Back to the East: Earning My Own Chair

ABSTRACT Psychoanalysis can complement traditional Chinese culture. Although psychoanalytic theory and clinical technique have been developing smoothly in China for only about 20 years, it has been quickly accepted by many mental health practitioners. In this article, I try to use my own experience of growing from a village girl to a psychoanalyst, the founder of Xinxun Institute for Psychology, a wife who found her own Mr. Right, and a mother with three daughters as an example to explain why psychoanalysis is helpful to Chinese people. By talking about The Journey To The West – a classical Chinese mythical story and as a metaphor of my own seeking the way out of the village to a bigger world, sharing my dream material, and using my own paintings as illustrations to show you how psychoanalysis meets the needs of contemporary Chinese people in pursuit of psychological growth, personality change, and dealing with the haunt of trans-generational trauma.

Language learning and escapism: how five Norwegian adolescents escape reality through reading and/or gaming extramurally in L2 English

ABSTRACT Purpose This qualitative-dominant study focuses on five foreign/second language (L2) English learners in 10th grade (age 15) in Norway. The purpose is to provide insight into the processes underlying L2 English learning by looking at what escapist reading/gaming means for participants’ beliefs about their L2 English proficiency. Methodology Semi-structured interviews were conducted about learners’ engagement in reading/gaming in English outside of school, i.e. extramural English (EE). While other studies have explored EE reading/gaming, this study is innovative in that it contributes by additionally examining the role of escapism for L2 English learning. Escapism is the practice of temporarily escaping reality and everyday troubles. Purposive sampling was employed, and data were analyzed using inductive, reflexive thematic analysis. Findings and originality Three themes emerged: Relief: Students used escapism to temporarily escape stress, without losing their sense of reality. Personal changes: Students reported that escapism practices impacted their social skills and viewpoints positively. Language: Students perceived improvement in their English skills due to their escapism. L2 English was necessary to create distance from reality, and English reading/gaming material was associated with higher quality than material in other languages. These findings indicate that all participants experienced escapism similarly, as a positive outlet for stress. L2 English was necessary for escaping, which participants claimed to positively influence their English proficiency. Value The value of the present study lies in its attempt to shed new light on L2 English learning, by aiming to fill the research gap about the relationship between escapism and L2 English learning.

Формирование характеристик самоактуализирующейся личности у студентов медицинского вуза

<p>Improving the quality of physician training includes the development of professionally important qualities during the period of study at a university. Psychological and pedagogical support for medical university students has not been sufficiently developed and is rarely implemented. The work is aimed at studying the formation of the qualities of a self-actualizing personality among medical university students. The authors developed and substantiated a model of psychological and pedagogical support for the formation of a complex of personal protective skills for future doctors. The authors presented the results of an empirical study obtained on a sample of 180 5th year medical university students with specialties in General Medicine and Dentistry (90 people – experimental group participating in the experimental program, 90 people – control group). The researchers used the self-actualization test technique of E. Shostrom in adaptation of L.Ya. Gozman and M.V. Crozat. The results obtained indicate that indicators of the characteristics of a self-actualizing personality change statistically significantly after participation in the experimental program. These studies can be used as an effective means of professional development for future and practicing doctors.</p>

Changes in Personality and Hardiness over the Course of Police Training

Changes in Personality and Hardiness over the Course of Police Training

Empowerment in Virtual Worlds: The Influence of Female Hero Characters on Player Self-Identity

This study examines the influence of female hero characters in virtual worlds on players’ self-identity and empowerment. The research integrates qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys to explore how players’ identification with female protagonists affects their self-concept and psychological empowerment. The study’s sample included 150 participants with diverse demographics and gaming experiences. The results reveal that players who identify strongly with female hero characters report higher self-concept and empowerment scores. These findings are supported by both thematic analysis of qualitative data and statistical analysis of quantitative data, including significant differences highlighted through t-tests. Case studies further illustrate the mechanisms through which these characters influence players’ self-identity and empowerment, providing detailed narratives of personal growth and increased confidence. The study underscores the potential of video games to serve as tools for personal development and social change, emphasizing the importance of inclusive game design that promotes diverse and empowering representations.

Association between Personal Abiotic Airborne Exposures and Body Composition Changes among Healthy Adults (60-69 Years Old): A Combined Exposome-Wide and Lipidome Mediation Approach from the China BAPE Study.

Evidence suggested that abiotic airborne exposures may be associated with changes in body composition. However, more evidence is needed to identify key pollutants linked to adverse health effects and their underlying biomolecular mechanisms, particularly in sensitive older adults. Our research aimed to systematically assess the relationship between abiotic airborne exposures and changes in body composition among healthy older adults, as well as the potential mediating mechanisms through the serum lipidome. From September 2018 to January 2019, we conducted a monthly survey among 76 healthy adults (60-69 years old) in the China Biomarkers of Air Pollutant Exposure (BAPE) study, measuring their personal exposures to 632 abiotic airborne pollutions using MicroPEM and the Fresh Air wristband, 18 body composition indicators from the InBody 770 device, and lipidomics from venous blood samples. We used an exposome-wide association study (ExWAS) and deletion/substitution/addition (DSA) model to unravel complex associations between exposure to contaminant mixtures and body composition, a Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model to assess the overall effect of key exposures on body composition, and mediation analysis to identify lipid intermediators. The ExWAS and DSA model identified that 2,4,5-T methyl ester (2,4,5-TME), 9,10-Anthracenedione (ATQ), 4b,8-dimethyl-2-isopropylphenanthrene, and 4b,5,6,7,8,8a,9,10-octahydro-(DMIP) were associated with increased body fat mass (BFM), fat mass indicators (FMI), percent body fat (PBF), and visceral fat area (VFA) in healthy older adults [Bonferroni-Hochberg false discovery rate ]. The BKMR model demonstrated a positive correlation between contaminants (anthracene, ATQ, copaene, di-epi--cedrene, and DMIP) with VFA. Mediation analysis revealed that phosphatidylcholine [PC, PC(16:1e/18:1), PC(16:2e/18:0)] and sphingolipid [SM, SM(d18:2/24:1)] mediated a significant portion, ranging from 12.27% to 26.03% (p-value ), of the observed increase in VFA. Based on the evidence from multiple model results, ATQ and DMIP were statistically significantly associated with the increased VFA levels of healthy older adults, potentially regulated through lipid intermediators. These findings may have important implications for identifying potentially harmful environmental chemicals and developing targeted strategies for the control and prevention of chronic diseases in the future, particularly as the global population is rapidly aging. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13865.

Exploring the Impact of Youth Leadership DevelopmentPrograms in TVET: Systematic Literature Review

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems play a crucial role in preparing young individuals with practical skills and essential competencies needed for entering the workforce. Within this framework, the incorporation of youth leadership development programs presents a promising avenue to not only hone technical proficiencies but also cultivate leadership qualities vital for personalgrowth, civic engagement, and societal transformation. Moreover,establishing influential leadership within higher education involves seizing available opportunities and making informed decisions to effectively guideinstitutions forward. Through systematic analysis various of scholarly resources, this review to uncover the impact of youth leadership in development on personal, civic engagement dan social change. Following the PRISMA framework encompassing population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and specific exclusions, this systematic review was meticulously structured. Data were sourced from platforms such as Scholar, Science Direct, ResearchGate, OECD Library, Scopus, Springer, and Research Leap. The comprehensive review process involved scrutinizing all identified papers and conducting quality assessments. Ultimately, twenty articlesmeeting the criteria were meticulously selected for data extraction,organization, and analysis through narrative synthesis. The review identified the impact on youth through programmed of youth leadership in their development of personal, civic and social change. Empowering young individuals by fostering their skills and creating favorable conditions, experiences, and opportunities allows them to engage actively and meaningfully within their community.

Новые профессии как отражение динамики рынка труда

The development of all spheres of public life does not stand still, including the labor market is undergoing changes. In the near future, the development of technology will lead to the fact that some professions will disappear from our lives. Robots and artificial intelligence will replace specialists in some professions. Already today, experts and analysts are making predictions about the emergence of new professions in the coming years. In the XX century, it was believed that the profession turns out to be one and for life, today many do not work according to the profession they received at the university. Research shows that a modern person changes professions on average 5–7 times in his life and gradually this indicator will only increase. The article examines the list of the most promising industries of the future.

Anya’s Posttraumatic Growth Over Her Loss Trauma as Reflected in Natassa’s Critical Eleven

It has been commonly assumed that trauma only lead to a negative impact on its survivors. However, on another hand, trauma can bring positive changes. This situation is commonly said as post-traumatic growth (PTG). The PTG process takes a quite long time and each survivor has different capabilities and processes to achieve it. Anya, the main character in the novel of Critical Eleven, experiences the trauma of loss after her first baby dies. Since her baby left, Anya has been in a dark period. This research aims to determine the type of loss trauma experienced by Anya. As a trauma survivor, Anya's post-traumatic growth was also explained in this research. Two theories were utilized in this research. Freud's theory of mourning and melancholia was used to analyze the type of loss trauma that Anya experienced. Meanwhile, the post-traumatic growth theory (PTG) proposed by Tedeschi and Calhoun was used to determine Anya's post-traumatic growth domain. The primary data for this research were taken from the novel of Critical Eleven written by Ika Natassa. In addition, research related to traumatic loss and post-traumatic growth was used as supporting data. The research results show that the trauma of loss experienced by Anya is grief or mourning. Furthermore, the PTG domains found in Anya's personality reflected personal strength, inter-personal relationships, and spiritual change. In addition, this research also found that not all trauma survivors can achieve the five domains of post-traumatic growth due to the respective capabilities and life processes of each survivor.