Personality Changes Research Articles

Does cochlear implantation affect personality of hearing-impaired patients? A five-year follow-up study

Background Previous studies found that in patients with profound hearing loss the NEO- personality factor Openness-to-experience is lowered. Objective Assuming that lowered Openness-to-experience may be due to limited access to sounds, we hypothesized that levels of Openness-to-experience would increase in these patients after cochlear implantation. Material and methods Twenty adults (mean age: 61 years; active CI users) with bilateral profound hearing loss were assessed with the NEO-Five-Factor-Inventory before cochlear implantation (pre) and five years later (post). Results No significant pre-post changes in personality were seen. Both before and five years after cochlear implantation, the sample had normal age- and gender-specific mean values on the factors Extraversion, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness (T ≈ 50), but significantly lowered mean values on Openness-to-experience (T ≈ 42, p < 0.001). Conclusions and significance Cochlear implantation apparently has no (or at best very little) effect on Openness-to-experience in profoundly hearing impaired patients. While this study demonstrates once again, that high-grade hearing loss may be associated with less openness to new experiences, the reason for this association remains unclear.

"He is changing, but I'm changing too": An interpretative phenomenological analysis of spouse caregivers' identity in the context of dementia.

This study explores the process through which informal caregivers, particularly spouses, construct their identity within the context of caregiving for individuals with dementia. Despite extensive research in psychology aimed at defining caregiving (e.g. tasks, consequences), few informal caregivers identify themselves as such. For instance, the affective bond shared between caregivers and care-recipients often imbues caregiving responsibilities with a sense of "naturalness," especially if the care-recipient is a spouse. To investigate the nature of caregiver identity construction, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with spouse caregivers of dementia patients. The collected data underwent interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three interconnected themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Perceiving changes in my partner, which involves recognising alterations in the care-receiver's characteristics due to dementia; (2) Processing changes, encompassing the experience of grieving losses and reminiscing about the past; and (3) Perceiving changes in myself, referring to the acknowledgement of personal changes due to caregiving. The study emphasises the dynamic and ongoing nature of caregiver identity construction, which begins with the early recognition of changes in the care-receiver. Interestingly, spouse caregivers oscillate between their identity as a spouse and caregiver, influenced by how they process changes undergone by their partner. Contrasting with previous theories on caregivers' identity, our results focus of caregivers' perceptions rather than their relationship with the care-recipient or caregiving tasks.

Increases in sense of purpose predict future positive changes in personality traits.

This longitudinal study examined the reciprocal relationship between the Big Five personality traits and sense of purpose over a 13-year period using a nationally representative sample of American adults (N = 11,010). The random intercept cross-lagged panel model revealed unidirectional effects: increases in sense of purpose predicted subsequent increases in openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion, as well as decreases in neuroticism. Conversely, changes in personality traits did not predict future changes in sense of purpose. One potential mechanism underlying this effect might involve the link between sense of purpose and optimal self-regulatory processes and outcomes, such as successful planning, goal-directed behaviour, and self-control, which promote gradual positive changes in personality traits. Another plausible mechanism may be the association between purpose and improved subjective well-being and reduced psychological distress, which have been found to predict positive changes in personality traits. These findings challenge previous research that has interpreted cross-sectional associations as evidence that personality traits are predictive of purpose, rather than the other way around. The findings that intentionally cultivating a strong sense of purpose may facilitate positive personality change in adulthood.

Nonresident fathers' seeking continuity in relationships with their children: Commitment, personal change, and reliance on others

AbstractObjectiveTo explore intrinsic and extrinsic factors that help nonresident fathers' continuing relationships with their children.BackgroundResearch on nonresident fathers tends to focus on rates or trajectories of contact and the perspectives or experiences of children or others and highlights significant barriers to development and maintenance of relationships between nonresident fathers and their children. What helps the growth and development of nonresident fathers' relationships with their children are less well understood and less frequently researched. This research sought to fill the gap in the literature of what is known that helps nonresident fathers maintain meaningful relationships with their children.MethodA qualitative research approach was chosen using thematic analysis of semistructured, in‐depth interviews. Recruitment was via social media and community sites targeting nonresident fathers after divorce.ResultsParticipants highlighted deep commitment to ongoing fathering and a deep desire for meaningful relationships with children. The experience of divorce had a highly negative impact, but some positives emerged that enhanced their relationship. Significant others played contingent roles helping participants improve their relationships with their children.ConclusionContinuity of relationships with children was the direct result of participants' actions to remain involved and their ongoing commitment to their children through strong and unwavering fatherhood role salience. These factors, together with actions for self‐improvement, managing change, and fostering cooperative relationships with relevant others, helped fathers maintain positive engagement and relationships with their children.ImplicationsThe nonresident fathers in this study relied on their own initiatives, resilience, and resources to remain engaged with their children. Policies and programs should respond to and encourage the development of policies and programs that help nonresident fathers' relationships with children in practical and meaningful ways.

How Menstrual Hygiene Management Facilities are Supportive to Girl Students in the School Environment in Tanzania

The study aimed at examining how menstrual hygiene facilities are supportive to girl students in the school environment in selected secondary school in Dodoma city. The study adopted exploratory research design. This study employed a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion as data collection tools. A total of 29 students from four different private and public schools in Dodoma city were involved. The study found that menstrual hygiene management facilities were not supportive to girl students in the school environment. Most girls faced different challenges when they were at school; this study found out that there was insufficient water, soap, pads, scarce toilets and no private rooms. Most of them waited until the end of the session; they would not leave the class until they were the last to leave and when they leave, would wrap sweaters around their waists. The findings revealed that the selected secondary schools in Dodoma City have no private changing rooms. Female students were use conventional restroom facilities as personal changing areas. The study recommends that the government, through the Ministry of Health, should make available sanitary pads and distribute them to all secondary school girls for free. Further, the government should set aside 1% of all education budget to be used in the production of sanitary pads. The government may exempt tax to all sanitary products produced within and outside the country to reduce the price of the product.

Peri-ictal psychiatric manifestations in people with epilepsy: An umbrella review.

We aimed to conduct an umbrella review to summarize the existing evidence regarding the prevalence of peri-ictal psychiatric manifestations (PM) in people with epilepsy (PWE) including pre-ictal, ictal, and postictal stages. Databases were searched up to June 2023 for systematic reviews (SR) of observational studies that included patients with epilepsy peri-ictal PM. Data selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (with the AMSTAR-2 instrument) were performed by two independent reviewers. We performed a narrative synthesis using previous guidelines. We used a self-developed decision table according to the GRADE system adapted for narrative outcomes if the certainty of outcomes was not determined by systematic review authors. Four SRs were included comprising 66 primary studies (n = 10 217). Three SRs evaluated one period (pre-ictal, ictal, and postictal), and one did not determine it. During the pre-ictal period, the more prevalent symptom was confusion, although with a low certainty (due to the heterogeneity and serious risk of bias). One systematic review that only included case reports evaluated the ictal period, finding mood/anxiety disorders, psychosis, and personality changes. The postictal period included the most PM (anxiety: 45.0% and depressive symptoms: 43.0%), with very low certainty, due to risk of bias, potential publication bias, heterogeneity, and failure to report the confidence intervals. With very low certainty, epileptic periods are characterized by a wide spectrum of PM, being postictal symptoms the most prevalent, predominantly anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Further understanding of these PM of epilepsy could improve the attention of the people with epilepsy. In this review of reviews, we summarize the frequency in which psychiatric manifestations occur in relation to an epileptic seizure. A total of 10 217 patients were reported in the reviews. The most common manifestations included symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as changes in the normal behavior of the patient. These manifestations occurred most frequently right after the seizure finished.

Personality development through yoga practice is the foundation of a self-realized life

Personality is the dynamic conjunction of mental and physical qualities by which an individual harmonizes with his external environment. Different dimensions i.e., physical, mental, spiritual, social etc. affect it. Psychologists believe that personality is worth studying. It is a fact that by developing the different dimensions as mentioned, a person can enrich in superior personality. In this, Yoga Vidya, the heritage of Indian culture, proves effective in the form of an important means. Yoga Vidya, by improving the way of living life, behavioral traits and by uplifting the spiritual level is an effective method of making positive changes in personality. The objective of the presented research work is to understand the effect of Yoga Vidya on different dimensions of personality, so that by self-development, a person can be successful in uplifting himself and the nation. In the first part of the research, the introduction of personality and its psychological and Yogic aspect have been explained. In the second part, giving introduction to yoga, an attempt has been made to explain the effect of yoga practices on personality, for which the facts and concepts of all-round personality development propounded by Upanishads, Darshana, Gita etc. have been included. The research work ends with the conclusion that personality development is possible through yoga and a developed personality is the key to become self-reliant, which is the foundation of self-reliant India. A well-developed personality plays an important role in the progress of the country.

The Impact of the Evaluation of Individual's Appearance from Social Media Platforms on Contemporary High School Student's Personality

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of social media on self-perception and personality development of high school students, with an added focus on the positive correlation between social media usage and self-perception. While there are limitations to the data collection process, the analysis suggests that increased social media use is associated with increased pressure to adhere to appearance standards. High school students' self-evaluation of their own appearance, attention to peers' appearance, and media interactions with peers all contributed to changes in perception and personality. Understanding these dynamics is critical for educators, parents, and researchers when it comes to the impact of social media on adolescent development. Future studies should establish a target number for data collection to ensure more robust findings. This study provides insight into the complex relationship between social media, self-perception, and personality development among high school students.

Exploratory Factor Model of Perceived Violence in the COVID-19 Era

Aims: This study aims to interpret the knowledge networks of students regarding dating violence, marital therapy and expectation of the relationship. Background: From the review of the theories of the cycle of violence, gender violence and the social construction of masculine and feminine identities, carried out a non - experimental, exploratory and descriptive study with a nonrandom selection of students a public university to establish a balance and a prospective expectation of violence. Methodology: They conducted interviews in the department of psychology at the public university. Participants are guaranteed the confidentiality of information and were informed that the study results do not directly or indirectly affect their academic status as only sought to investigate some related to the experience of living with parents’ speeches separately or together. Results: The results show that synaptic weights are explained by incoming, and outgoing latent layers on the pre-contemplation of violence, contemplation of aggressive relationships and personal change. Lines alluding to the kind of relationship research, negotiation and consensus decision making to warn couple conflicts.

A purposeful design for transformative networked learning in an online doctoral programme

In recent years, there has been a growing effort within a research community of NL to re-define the notion of NL and re-configure the landscape of NL practice. The present authors, who are also members of the NL community, aim to contribute to such a collective effort by filling an existing gap in the ongoing conversation—the community has mainly focused on promoting and facilitating the “network” part of NL while assuming and neglecting the “learning” part. The article first argues that the ultimate purpose of NL is to create meaningful personal and social changes: transformative NL. Therefore, the emphasis of the transformative NL design should not be restricted to facilitating learner interactions and knowledge acquisition inside an online course but expanded to helping learners’ holistic development that leads to meaningful changes in their lives outside the course. The article then proposes a “purposeful” design framework including three levels of interconnected NL communities that need to be considered when designing transformative NL: i) internal NL community in an online course that aims to transform individual students’ perspectives through tutor-driven collaborative learning, ii) external NL community in students’ real-life contexts that aims to transform group perspectives through student-driven collaborative practice, and iii) social NL community in broader contexts (or society as a community) that aims to transform social perspectives through community-driven collective action. The article also provides a brief illustration of purposeful NL design in an online doctoral programme in which the authors’ teaching and research praxis is situated.

Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia, Connecting and Differentiating Features.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD) are the leading causes of dementia, presenting a significant challenge in differential diagnosis. While their clinical presentations can overlap, their underlying pathologies are distinct. AD is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to progressive neurodegeneration. VD, on the other hand, arises from cerebrovascular insults that disrupt blood flow to the brain, causing neuronal injury and cognitive decline. Despite distinct etiologies, AD and VD share common risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Recent research suggests a potential role for oral microbiota in both diseases, warranting further investigation. The diagnostic dilemma lies in the significant overlap of symptoms including memory loss, executive dysfunction, and personality changes. The absence of definitive biomarkers and limitations of current neuroimaging techniques necessitate a multi-modal approach integrating clinical history, cognitive assessment, and neuroimaging findings. Promising avenues for improved diagnosis include the exploration of novel biomarkers like inflammatory markers, MMPs, and circulating microRNAs. Additionally, advanced neuroimaging techniques hold promise in differentiating AD and VD by revealing characteristic cerebrovascular disease patterns and brain atrophy specific to each condition. By elucidating the complexities underlying AD and VD, we can refine diagnostic accuracy and optimize treatment strategies for this ever-growing patient population. Future research efforts should focus on identifying disease-specific biomarkers and developing more effective neuroimaging methods to achieve a definitive diagnosis and guide the development of targeted therapies.

Reflections on How What We Say, Do, and Acknowledge as Intellectual and Developmental Disability Researchers Matters.

This article highlights reflections by the author on the importance of considering what we say, do and acknowledge in intellectual and developmental disability research. The goal is to advance thinking that can lead to personal and collective change in our approaches to truly share power and elevate the expertise of people with lived experience with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the movement for equity, inclusion, and disability justice. Implications for inclusive research, policy, and practice are discussed as is the need to engage in personal reflection and build new partnerships for collective change.

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.