Integrating health and clinical psychology into sport injury research: A necessary theoretical and applied expansion. A comment on "Psychology of sport injury: Selected debates and contemporary issues" (Podlog and Ivarsson, this issue).

Increasing self- and desired psychiatric diagnoses among emerging adults: Mixed-methods insights from clinical psychologists

Why do mood disturbances often occur in early postpartum? An integrative neurobiological and evolutionary perspective.

Understanding Stress and Burnout Experiences Among Trainee Clinical Psychologists: Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy

Background: Parents of youth with chronic health conditions face several challenges in supporting their children across contexts. Involvement of parents in a child’s pain management approach is accepted as best practice, yet there is little guidance on how to best parent the child with chronic pain. Prior studies have shown that parents require support and education to effectively care for their children and themselves. This quality improvement program evaluation aimed to evaluate group-level: (1) feasibility of the Creating Bonds program, (2) acceptability and perceived effectiveness of the program, and (3) suggestions for program improvements. Methods: In this quality improvement program evaluation, parents (N = 40) of youth with chronic pain from the United States and Europe were recruited online to participate in a virtual peer-support and educational program, Creating Bonds, offered through the nonprofit organization, Creative Healing for Youth in Pain. Creating Bonds is an 8-week, virtual, supportive, and educational program for parents and caregivers of youth with chronic pain led by a licensed clinical psychologist. A mixed methods approach evaluated the impact of and suggestions for improving the program. Independent samples t-tests were used to examine quantitative items related to understanding of pain, isolation, confusion, distress, relationships, and self-care. Qualitative responses were evaluated for common themes through an inductive thematic analysis. Results: Results indicated that Creating Bonds significantly improved parents’ level of understanding of chronic pain, relationships with others, and self-care, and significantly reduced confusion about parenting a child with chronic pain, stress, and anxiety levels (ps < 0.05). Levels of isolation moderately decreased. Parents qualitatively described the experience as validating, connecting, and educational, with both emotional relief and practical strategies emerging as benefits. Conclusions: Quantitative results and qualitative themes capture the dual role of the Creating Bonds program in providing tangible parenting tools alongside education and critical psychosocial support. Parents entered with uncertainty, a desire for strategies, and hope for connection, and they came away with validation, practical parenting tools, and a community facing similar experiences.

Background/Objectives: Since October 2019, Lebanon has faced continuous sociopolitical and economic instability. Clinical psychologists have played a central role in responding to rising mental health needs, yet little is known about their own psychological well-being. Methods: This study examined mental health outcomes among 157 certified psychologists (clinical and educational psychologists) working in Lebanon. A cross-sectional study was conducted with psychologists aged 30–53 years across all Lebanese governorates, who were recruited through snowball and word-of-mouth sampling. Participants completed validated measures of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (LAS-10), perceived stress (PSS-10), subjective well-being (WHO-5), eating attitudes (EAT-26), and self-esteem (A-SISE). Results: Results showed that 44% of participants reported at least mild depressive symptoms, 14% met criteria for anxiety, and 57% experienced moderate to high perceived stress, while most showed no risk for eating disorders. Bivariate and multivariate analyses identified self-esteem as a predictive factor, negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress, and positively associated with subjective well-being. Additional risk factors included younger age, being unmarried, not having children, prior psychological history, health problems, lower income, and working as an educational rather than clinical psychologist. Conclusions: These findings highlight aspects of vulnerability among psychologists and underline the need for targeted interventions for at-risk groups. Strengthening self-esteem may contribute to enhancing clinicians’ mental health. However, these conclusions should be interpreted in light of several limitations, including the small sample size, the non-probability and gender-skewed nature of the sample, partly due to the relatively limited number of practicing psychologists in Lebanon.

Existential distress is a debilitating condition in end-of-life cancer patients. The Psycho-existential Symptom Assessment Scale (PeSAS) was developed to screen psycho-existential symptoms in palliative care, but limited research has examined its use. This study aimed to implement the Italian version of the PeSAS in palliative care services and to evaluate changes in healthcare providers' (HCPs) competence after experiential training. It also aimed to estimate the frequency of psycho-existential symptoms and explore the scale structure using network analysis. Two-hour experiential workshops were conducted in 5 Italian palliative care services by a clinical psychologist specialized in psycho-oncology and palliative care. Training covered psycho-existential distress, role-play, and feedback. Pre- and post-workshop questionnaires assessed clinicians' self-efficacy in evaluating physical, psycho-existential, and suicidal symptoms, managing distress, and providing psychosocial support. Patient cross-sectional data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and exploratory graph analysis. One hundred one clinicians from 3 services participated. Significant results were found in HCPs' self-efficacy, with the largest effect in assessing suicidal symptoms (Cohen's d=0.54), followed by managing distress (d=0.47) and evaluating psycho-existential symptoms (d=0.40). Of 210 patients screened, 194 were included. PeSAS scores were strongly associated with Hopelessness (strength=1.30) and depression (1.18), while being trapped by illness (-1.64) and wishing to die (-1.12) had weaker associations. The Italian PeSAS is feasible for integration into palliative care. Strong associations highlight targets for interventions, while weaker associations suggest the need for additional approaches. PeSAS enhances HCPs' ability to address the psycho-existential needs in end-of-life care.

To investigate the effectiveness of the Melanoma Care Program, an evidence-based, psychological intervention delivered through a stepped-care model, to address fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in patients with early-stage melanoma at 6- and 12-month follow-up, when implemented into routine practice. Individuals with stage 0-II melanoma participated in FCR severity screening using the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory. Participants with an FCR severity score of ≤ 12 were offered usual care. Participants with an FCR severity score of ≥ 13 were offered a psychoeducational booklet and a stepped-care model offering participants up to 5 psychotherapeutic telehealth sessions with a clinical psychologist. Multivariable linear mixed modelling was used to analyse outcomes at 1 week, 6months, and 12months post-intervention, including FCR severity (primary outcome), symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, melanoma-related knowledge, and health-related quality of life. One hundred and forty-three participants (111 women, mean age of 54.6years) were screened; 115 (80%) participants had an FCR severity score ≥ 13, and of these, 112 (97%) participated in the intervention. Seventy-four participants (66%) completed 12-month follow-up. Adjusted multivariable linear mixed modelling demonstrated that the significant reduction in FCR severity found at 1 week post-intervention (mean change from baseline: -3.79; 95% CI: -4.72, -2.85; p < 0.001) was maintained at 6 months (mean change from baseline: -4.28; 95% CI: -5.30, -3.27; p < 0.001) and 12 months (mean change from baseline: -4.59; 95% CI: -5.62, -3.57; p < 0.001). The Melanoma Care Program maintained effectiveness at 6- and 12-month follow-up when implemented into routine clinical practice for people with early-stage melanoma.

BackgroundPlasma p‐tau217 is emerging as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis, offering a more accessible alternative to CSF and amyloid‐PET. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment – Thai Version (MoCA‐Thai) and Mini‐Mental State Examination – Thai Version (MMSE‐Thai) are widely used to detect cognitive impairment in clinical settings, but their optimal cut‐off scores for identifying AD pathology, particularly with plasma p‐tau217, remain unclear, especially in lower‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). This study evaluates the performance of MoCA‐Thai, MoCA–Memory Index Score (MoCA‐MIS), and MMSE‐Thai for AD diagnosis using plasma p‐tau217.MethodsWe recruited patients with early‐stage dementia (CDR ≤ 1) from the INDE cohort at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand (NCT06375213). AD pathology was determined using an internally validated plasma p‐tau217 cutoff (>7.46 pg/mL). Cognitive assessments and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scoring were conducted by trained clinical psychologists. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Youden's index were used to determine optimal cut‐off scores.ResultsThere were no significant differences in age, sex, or education level between AD and non‐AD groups (Table 1). However, AD patients had significantly lower scores on MoCA‐Thai, MoCA‐MIS, and MMSE‐Thai (p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that MoCA‐MIS (AUROC = 0.762) had the highest discriminative ability, followed by MoCA‐Thai (AUROC = 0.738) and MMSE‐Thai (AUROC = 0.725) (Figure 1). Optimal cut‐off scores were determined as ≤21 for MoCA‐Thai (Sensitivity = 75%, Specificity = 69%) and ≤6 for MoCA‐MIS (Sensitivity = 67%, Specificity = 77%) (Table 2).ConclusionIn our cohort, a MoCA‐Thai cut‐off of ≤21 and a MoCA‐MIS cut‐off of ≤6 provided the best optimal sensitivity and specificity for detecting AD pathology. These findings support the integration of cognitive screening tests with plasma biomarkers to enhance early AD detection in clinical settings in Thailand, where access to advanced diagnostics is limited.

The specific impacts of abuse adverse childhood experiences on repetitive negative thinking in major depressive disorder.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention model in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at Da Nang City Rehabilitation Hospital. Methods: This non-controlled clinical intervention study used a pre–post design in 79 children aged 16 months to 5 years diagnosed with ASD according to DSM-5 criteria. The interventions included speech therapy, occupational therapy, clinical psychology, physical therapy, special education, and family involvement, with a minimum of 20 hours per week for 6 months. Outcomes were assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) before and after intervention. Results: After six months, 73.4% of participants achieved at least minimal clinical improvement. The proportion of children classified with severe ASD decreased from 22.8% to 3.8% (p &lt; 0.05). The mean CARS score decreased from 33.9 ± 4.9 to 30.3 ± 3.0, and the mean ATEC score decreased from 84.2 to 60.0 (p &lt; 0.05). All ATEC subscales improved, with the most significant changes in social functioning and language–communication. Conclusion: The multidisciplinary intervention model produced significant improvements in behavior, language, and social functioning among children with ASD. This model represents a comprehensive, feasible, and context-appropriate approach for hospital-based rehabilitation.

Based on current regulatory legal acts defining the content of comprehensive rehabilitation and habilitation for disabled children, this paper presents an analysis of rehabilitation measures aimed at adolescents with mental disorders and disorders. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the practical potential of A.R. Luria's experimentally developed technology for psychological correction of various behavioral and emotional disorders in disabled children with mental disabilities, who belong to Target Rehabilitation Group (TRG) No. 1, during the rehabilitation process. This article utilizes theoretical analysis of scientific sources on the topic of comprehensive rehabilitation and habilitation of children with disabilities, as well as Russian regulatory documents governing rehabilitation activities. The primary method, based on the author's experience in providing comprehensive rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities at the State Autonomous Institution "Regional Center for Rehabilitation of the Disabled," is participant observation of the work of clinical psychologists, members of the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, who provide social and psychological services to adolescents with CRG 1. Three typical cases of psychological correction of various behavioral and emotional disorders in children with disabilities are described, using a technology experimentally developed by A.R. Luria. Based on the described correctional work, it is concluded that teaching children the ability to cope with maladaptive behavior patterns and reducing dependence on the influence of negative environmental factors, using a methodology rooted in cultural-historical psychology, demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of this method.

Pre-implementation contexts for the integration of mental health screening and guided action into noma care: perceptions of service providers in Nigeria.

This mixed-methods study investigates the integration of technology-enhanced learning (TEL) into clinical psychology training, examining both student outcomes and perceptions. It combines quantitative performance data with qualitative narratives, situating findings within African realities (Nigeria and Kenya) while contributing to global discourse. The research demonstrates how TEL can enhance access, learning flexibility, and equity, while also raising contextual challenges of digital literacy, infrastructure, and mentorship. Findings suggest that TEL supports dialogical learning and cumulative knowledge-building while also requiring adaptation to African sociocultural, theological, and developmental realities.

Dental and Oral Health Therapists (DOHTs) have been integral for improving oral health equity in New Zealand for communities of all ages. Although DOHTs have a three-year health sciences degree and clinical control to diagnose, prescribe and interpret radiographs, undertake treatments including minor surgery, provide oversight and guidance for non-registered staff to do minor procedures, their current Public Service Association Allied Health, Scientific and Technical Multiemployer Collective Agreement scale (PSA MECA) which dictates the salary and conditions in the public sector does not reflect their skills or public health contributions, contributing to systemic workforce shortages. Using results from the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ) workforce data and analysis of trends affecting the oral health field, this paper presents why it is essential to reform policies to address the inequalities DOHTs face in the public sector, keep them satisfied in their jobs, and recognise the level of complexity displayed by the profession. This perspective paper proposes DOHTs have same status as Nurse Practitioners or Clinical Psychologists and suggests that they should be given a separate pay structure from other Allied Health practitioners, thereby reflecting the nature of their autonomous role and the clinical responsibilities they independently undertake post-graduation, compared to other health sciences degrees.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) is one of the chronic conditions with the greatest impact on public health, influenced by factors such as sedentary lifestyle, inadequate diet, population aging, and socioeconomic inequalities. Given this scenario, the present study aimed to analyze the most effective strategies for prevention, education, and control of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus within public health policies, considering their implementation and impact on patients' quality of life. The narrative literature review showed that educational programs focused on self-care, healthy eating, and physical activity significantly reduce the incidence of DM2 and improve glycemic control. However, barriers such as low education levels, financial difficulties, and restricted access to health services compromise adherence to treatment, especially among vulnerable populations. Public policies, despite advances, still face challenges related to equity and the effectiveness of the proposed actions. The studies analyzed demonstrate that interdisciplinary clinical management, involving physicians, nutritionists, nurses, and psychologists, represents the most effective approach for disease control and prevention of complications. Conclui-se que estratégias integradas, contínuas e sensíveis às condições socioculturais são essenciais para melhorar os desfechos clínicos e reduzir o impacto do DM2 na população.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been associated with difficulties in recognizing emotions from nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions (Barrett et al., 2019). Less is known about linguistic aspects of emotional communication, particularly when prosody and semantics convey incongruent information. Clinical psychology suggests that such incongruences may trigger emotional dysregulation by creating internal conflict without impairing message comprehension (Mitchell, 2006). This study examined how prosody–semantics interaction influences emotion recognition in adolescents with ASD attending mainstream schools. Using an experimental task, participants listened to sentences with congruent or incongruent prosodic–semantic content. Results showed that adolescents with ASD performed similarly to neurotypical peers, with higher accuracy in congruent conditions. These findings indicate that prosody–semantics incongruence can affect emotional regulation and processing. Consistent with the Emotional Dysregulation Hypothesis (Mazefsky &amp; White, 2014), mainstream integration and sustained social interaction may support compensatory strategies to manage conflicting emotional information.

Patients with intermediate risk thyroid cancer face the decision of whether or not to undergo radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment after total thyroidectomy. This process is challenging due to the unclear risks and benefits of RAI treatment for intermediate risk disease. The study identified the decisional needs of patients offered RAI treatment for thyroid cancer to inform the development of a web-based patient decision aid (PtDA). We used purposive sampling to recruit 23 adult patients with thyroid cancer (Mage = 39.1; 83% female) from three metropolitan hospitals who were offered RAI treatment. Participants completed an online survey before taking part in one of four 2-h focus groups moderated by a clinical psychologist. Semi-structured interviews explored patients' experiences, decisional needs, and recommended elements for a PtDA. Two raters independently coded transcripts and used content analysis to analyze qualitative data. RESULTS: Content analysis revealed three broad domains: (1) the range of patient involvement in the RAI treatment decision-making process, (2) personal values-based decisional outcomes, and (3) decision aid content recommendations on the basis of patients' knowledge gaps about RAI treatment. Patients' recommendations included the need for information on the RAI dose and common side effects, risk stratification, safety precautions for radioactivity, low-iodine diet guidance, and financial costs. The study provides patient insights for a targeted web-based PtDA that integrates personal values, risk information, and logistical considerations to support informed decision-making about RAI treatment. Future research to examine the benefits of PtDAs for treatment of intermediate-risk thyroid cancer is needed.

ABSTRACT Background and Aim Improving life skills through training, particularly by employing the reading of Masnavi’s stories, can contribute to enhancing individuals’ quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Masnavi’s metaphors in improving life skills. Method The research utilized a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test and a control group. The statistical population consisted of clients aged 20–50 at Rāyin Psychological Clinic in the year (2024–2025). Using convenience sampling, 21 participants were selected. Twelve stories were chosen from the Masnavi, and the embedded life skills within them were identified. Six sessions were conducted, with one story-reading session held every two weeks. The research instrument was the Life Skills Questionnaire developed by Saatchi and colleagues (2009). Conclusion The findings of this study indicated that Masnavi-based instruction had a significant effect on improving all components of life skills, including individual skills (self-awareness, goal orientation, decision-making), social skills (effective communication, interpersonal relationships, participation), and cognitive skills (problem-solving, creative and critical thinking).

Introduction: The aim of the study was to identify the relationships between early maladaptive schemas and preferred life values in a group of young adults from Generation Z. It was hypothesized that schemas, which according to theory are shaped in early childhood, may significantly relate to the value system of young individuals. Method: The study involved 191 individuals aged 18–35 years (M = 22.9; SD = 3.62). The Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ–S3) and the Schwartz Value Survey (PVQ-21) were used. The correlational analysis was exploratory in nature and aimed to identify relationships between types of schemas and values. Results: Moderate relationships were found between schemas and values. Self-enhancement was associated with dominance, severity, and the need for acceptance. Conservation correlated with emotional inhibition and seeking approval. Openness to change was positively related to dominance and negatively to feelings of defectiveness. Self-transcendence was linked to self-sacrifice and the need for acceptance. Conclusions: The obtained results suggest that the value system may be partially rooted in unconscious emotional schemas. This opens new perspectives for the integration of clinical and motivational psychology and practical applications in psychotherapy and education.