Cognitive Scale Research Articles

Effect of comprehensive intervention model based on drug-psychology-society-skills on medication compliance and cognitive ability of chronic schizophrenia patients

BACKGROUND The intervention value of a drug-psycho-social-skill model on medication compliance and cognitive ability in patients with chronic schizophrenia was unknown. AIM To explore the intervention value of a drug-psycho-social-skill model on medication compliance and cognitive ability in patients with chronic schizophrenia. METHODS Overall, 98 out-patients and in-patients with chronic schizophrenia treated in our hospital from February 2022 to January 2023 were included and randomly divided into the study (50 patients) and control groups (48 patients). For 3 months, the control group was treated with conventional drugs, and the research group with a comprehensive intervention model of drug-psychology-society-skills. Data were obtained for the mini mental assessment scale (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA), positive and negative symptom scale, insight and treatment attitude scale, cognitive ability scale and social skills [personal and social function scale (PSP)]. The adverse reactions were observed. RESULTS After the intervention, the MMSE and MoCA scores improved in both groups. MoCA scores in the study group (26.58 ± 3.21) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in the control group (24.68 ± 3.02), MMSE scores were not significantly higher. Post-intervention, positive and negative symptom scores improved in both groups, and the positive and negative symptom scores in the study group [(12.01 ± 2.58) and (32.51 ± 2.11)] were significantly (P < 0.05) different than those in the control group [(14.54 ± 2.33) and (33.74 ± 2.55)]. Post-intervention, insight and treatment attitudes questionnaire scores of both groups were improved and compared with the control group (7.97 ± 3.02), the study group (13.56 ± 6.35) had significantly (P < 0.05) higher scores. Post-intervention, the MATRICS consensus cognitive battery score of both groups was improved and compared with the control group (38.44 ± 6.23), the score of the study group was significantly (P < 0.05) increased (43.51 ± 6.01). Post-intervention, the PSP score of the study group (78.38 ± 6.63) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the control group (74.52 ± 7.01). During the intervention period, the incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was 6.25%, not significantly different from that in the control group (8.33%). During the intervention, both groups experienced adverse reactions, with no significant difference between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The comprehensive intervention model based on drug-psychology-society-skills has obvious intervention effects on patients with chronic schizophrenia, which improves their cognitive ability and reduces their positive and negative symptoms. Simultaneously, it improves the self-knowledge of patients, improves their attitude toward treatment, effectively promotes the recovery of patients' social functions, and is safe. Therefore, it is worthy of being vigorously promoted and widely used in clinics.

More Positive Attitudes to Aging are Associated with Lower Subjective Cognitive Decline: Moderating Roles of Affective Well-Being.

This study cross-sectionally examined associations between older adults' aging attitudes and subjective cognitive decline as well as moderating effects of current positive affect and depressive symptoms. Data were collected via an online survey among U.S. adults 65+ (N = 339, 55.5% female, Mage = 71.7, SD ± 4.78) with no self-reported diagnosis of dementia. SCD was measured with the Everyday Cognition scale; attitudes to physical change, psychological growth, and psychosocial loss in aging were measured with the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire. A Poisson regression analysis showed that overall aging attitudes, attitudes to physical change, and psychosocial loss were associated with SCD, but attitudes to psychosocial growth were not. More positive attitudes to physical change were associated with lower SCD; more negative attitudes to psychosocial loss were associated with higher SCD. The association between more positive attitudes to physical change in aging and lower SCD was accentuated with lower current positive mood and higher current depressive symptoms.

Heterogeneous Brain Dynamics Between Acute Cerebellar and Brainstem Infarction

To evaluate the alterations in brain dynamics in patients suffering from brainstem or cerebellar infarctions and their potential associations with cognitive function. In this study, 37 patients were recruited who had acute cerebellar infarction (CI), 32 patients who had acute brainstem infarction (BsI), and 40 healthy controls (HC). Every participant had their resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) data captured, and the EEG microstates were analyzed. The cognitive function was measured by the Neuropsychological Cognitive Scale including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Boston Naming Test (BNT), the Digit Span Test (Digitspan), and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Compared with the HC group, the transition probabilities from Microstate A(MsA) and MsD to MsC significantly decreased while the transition probabilities from MsA to MsD and from MsD to MsB significantly increased in the BsI group. By contrast, the CI group showed a significant increase in transition probabilities from MsA and MsD to MsC, whereas the transitions from MsD to MsB significantly decreased. Subgroup analysis within the CI group demonstrated that the CI patients with dizziness showed increased coverage and duration in MsB but decreased MsD occurrence than those of CI patients with vertigo. In addition, the BsI patients with pons infarction performed a decreased transition probability between MsA and MsD than those of BsI patients with medulla oblongata infarctions. Moreover, the changes in Microstate (Ms) were significantly correlated with cognitive scales in patients with CI or BsI. Altered brain dynamics in patients with CI or BsI suggested that disturbances in resting brain networks might play a functional role in the cognitive impairment of the CI or BsI patients. Through the use of microstate analysis, the dizziness or vertigo following CI could be differentiated. These findings may serve as a powerful tool in our future clinical practices.

Psychometric properties of comprehensive cognitive, affective, and psychomotor competency assessment scales in psychodynamic psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder

BackgroundPsychodynamic psychotherapy is a type of psychotherapy for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, competency in conducting effective psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD is difficult to evaluate. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the psychometric properties of a comprehensive scale to assess cognitive, affective, and psychomotor competencies (CS-CAPC) in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD.MethodsThis is a qualitative study. The first step used the Delphi technique to gather experts’ opinions on the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor competencies necessary to conduct psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD. The experts comprised three psychotherapists, seven psychiatrists with experience in psychotherapy, and nine teaching staff. A panel discussion was conducted to obtain qualitative data. Thematic data analysis was adopted, and content validity testing was used to analyze the content validity of the CS-CAPC in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD.ResultsThe CS-CAPC comprised two scales assessing two specific competencies in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD: The first scale, the psychodynamic formulation competency assessment scale (PF-CAS), comprised six items, including the case description, etiology, and potential course of therapy. The second scale, the practical-competency assessment scale (PC-CAS) for psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD, comprised 12 items, including building a therapeutic alliance, performing psychodynamic interventions while working through the therapeutic process, and closing the session. The scale-level content validity index (S-CVI) for the PF-CAS was 0.981, and that for the PC-CAS in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD was 1.00.ConclusionThe CS-CAPC in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD had good validity in assessing individual competency in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains.

Are the Results of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Third Edition) Predictive for Later Motor Skills and School Performance?

Background/Objectives: The first year of life represents a critical developmental stage in which the foundations for motor, cognitive, language, and social–emotional development are set. During this time, development occurs rapidly, making early detection of developmental disorders essential for timely intervention. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development—Third Edition (Bayley-III) is an effective tool for assessing language, motor, and cognitive development in children aged 1 to 42 months. This study aimed to investigate whether or not the results of the Bayley-III in healthy one-year-old children are predictive for their later motor skills and school performance. Methods: This study had a prospective, longitudinal design. The study participants were healthy children having performed Bayley-III at 1 year with information on motor performance (n = 170) at age 5–10 and school grades (n = 69) at age 7–10. Linear or logistic regression analysis was performed for data analysis. Results: Below-average performance in the cognitive part of the Bayley-III at age 1 was significantly associated with poorer performance in balancing backwards (b = −0.45), sideways jumping (b = −0.42), standing long jump (b = −0.54), and forward bends (b = −0.59) at age 5–10 (all p < 0.05). Performance in other parts of the Bayley-III was not significantly associated with later motor skills. Furthermore, we did not observe any significant associations between performance in the Bayley-III and grades in school. The associations were not moderated by age, sex, or socioeconomic status (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: The cognitive scale of the Bayley-III may be used as a predictive tool for later motor skills. Regarding school performance, the Bayley-III cannot be considered predictive.

A psychometric examination of the cognitive flexibility scale and its association with Orthorexia Nervosa

BackgroundThe Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS) is a 12-item self-report questionnaire designed to assess cognitive flexibility. Despite its widespread use, its psychometric properties have yet to be evaluated in the Italian context. Furthermore, while cognitive flexibility has emerged as a central correlate in Feeding and Eating Disorders, only a limited number of studies have investigated its association with Orthorexia Nervosa (ON), a clinical condition characterized by a pathological fixation with healthy eating. The present study aimed to fill these two knowledge gaps.MethodsA total of 803 participants (Mage = 33.89, SD = 9.44; 68.6% females) were enrolled in the investigation. The sample was randomly split into two subsamples: the first one for examining the psychometric properties of the CFS, and the second one for evaluating its association with ON symptoms. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing the constructs under investigation.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis revealed a global dimension of cognitive flexibility, alongside a method factor accounting for covariance arising by reverse-worded items. The CFS, which was factorially invariant across genders, yielded a reliable total score (ω = 0.834) and provided evidence of convergent and criterion-related validity. Importantly, structural equation modelling showed that cognitive flexibility was negatively associated with emotional distress resulting from violations of orthorexic dietary rules (β = -0.279, p < .001).ConclusionsThe CFS demonstrated to be a psychometrically robust instrument in the Italian context. Moreover, cognitive flexibility may be an important treatment target for mitigating the distress derived from ON symptoms, informing the development of future therapeutic approaches.

A Step Forward in Long COVID Research: Validating the Post-COVID Cognitive Impairment Scale

A Step Forward in Long COVID Research: Validating the Post-COVID Cognitive Impairment Scale

내면화된 수치심이 대인관계문제에 미치는 영향: 부적응적 인지정서조절과 무조건적 자기수용의 순차적 매개효과

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of internalized shame, maladaptive cognitive emotional regulation, and unconditional self-acceptance on interpersonal problems among college students. The participants were 312 college students(110 males and 202 females) enrolled in a four-year university in Korea, and an online survey was conducted using the Internalized Shame Scale, Maladaptive Cognitive Emotion Regulation Scale, Unconditional Self-Acceptance Scale(self-acceptance as being, self-acceptance from judgment), and Interpersonal Problems Scale. The data from the survey were analyzed using PROCESS Macro 6. The results showed that, first, internalized shame had a direct effect on interpersonal problems. between internalized shame and interpersonal problems. Third, unconditional self-acceptance(self-acceptance as being, self-acceptance from judgment) did not mediate the relationship between internalized shame and interpersonal problems. Fourth, maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation and judgmental self-acceptance sequentially mediated the effects of internalized shame on interpersonal problems. Based on these findings, research implications, limitations, and suggestions are discussed.

The effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral counseling program to alleviate cognitive distortions among kidney failure patients at Al-Kamil Hospital

This scientific paper based on scientific research to investigate a cognitive behavioral counseling program to reduce the cognitive distortions and future anxiety of kidney failure patients at Dr. Dalal Kidney Dialysis Center, Al Kamline Hospital, the tow researcher used the experimental method single group design including a sample size of (30) patients who were selected on purposeful method. The researcher implemented the Cognitive Distortions Scale prepared by Dr. Eslam Alassar and the data has been processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program using: Pearson's correlation coefficient, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, one-sample t-test, one-way variance (ANOVA). The tow researcher concluded the following results: Cognitive distortions among kidney failure patients at Al-Kamline Hospital, Dr. Dalal Center for Hemodialysis are characterized by: Dalal for kidney dialysis is high. There are also statistically significant differences in the effectiveness of the behavioral guidance program among the members of the experimental group between the pre-measurement and the post-measurement in favor of the post-measurement. There are also no statistically significant differences between the members of the experimental group attributed to the age variable. There are no statistically significant differences between the members of the experimental group attributed to the educational level variable, and there are no statistically significant differences between the members of the experimental group attributed to the social status variable. At the end of the research, the researcher presented a number of recommendations, the most important of which is the need to prepare psychological treatment programs to treat cognitive distortions for psychiatric patients in general and kidney patients in particular.

Use and Perceptions of Mobile Mental Health Applications Among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The use and perceptions of smartphone-based mental health applications (MH-Apps) in Saudi Arabia require exploration. This study investigated MH-App use among Saudi Arabian healthcare workers (HCWs), including psychiatrists, psychologists, and family medicine physicians. It also assessed HCWs' interest in and willingness to integrate these apps into their practices, as well as their cognitive flexibility and its relationship with their attitudes and app use. This cross-sectional study involved 386 participants recruited using convenience and snowball sampling. The Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS) was used to assess cognitive flexibility. The results showed that 33.2% of HCWs downloaded MH-Apps, with 67.9% considering them somewhat beneficial. However, most had not yet tried them. Only 7% of HCWs strongly agreed that these apps are evidence-based. Concerns about using these apps in their practices were reported by 36.5% of HCWs, with the most common concern being the lack of evidence-based support. The primary reason for downloading MH-Apps for personal use was to improve mental well-being, whereas patient-related use was psychoeducation. Furthermore, 27.5% of HCWs recommended MH-Apps to their patients, with old age, women, and psychiatrists/psychologists more likely to recommend them. Higher CFS scores were more strongly associated with older HCWs, those who had ever recommended MH-Apps, and those who used the apps. Saudi Arabian HCWs should be encouraged to use and recommend MH-Apps, with more evidence-based research needed to address concerns. Further research on cognitive flexibility's implications for clinical practice is also warranted.

Need to Belong and Cognitive Flexibility in Young Adults: Mediating Role of Negative Affect and Moderating Role of Agreeableness

Objective: Previous studies propose that the need to belong can explain some emotional and cognitive mechanisms. Yet, it is unclear which cognitive and emotional mechanisms may be predicted by the need to belong and whether this relationship varies within different personality traits. The general purpose of this study was to scrutinize the role of emotion and personal traits in the relationship between the need to belong and cognitive flexibility with the help of a model. Method: A total of 719 university students, 446 female and 273 male, employed the participant group of the study (M ± SDage = 21.38 ± 1.97). Data measurement tools were Standard Information Form, Cognitive Flexibility Scale, Need to Belong Scale, Big Five Personality Traits Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Scale. Results: The mediation analysis demonstrated a significant indirect effect of the need to belong on cognitive flexibility through negative affect (b =-.0606, t = -3.189). This finding showed that the need to belong reduced cognitive flexibility by increasing negative affect. With regard to the moderation analysis results, the interaction effect of the need to belong and agreeableness personality trait (need to belong X agreeableness) significantly predicted cognitive flexibility (b =-.1169; CI 95% =-.2033 to -.0304, t =-2.6542, p = 0.0081). Accordingly, the negative direct effect of the need to belong on cognitive flexibility was stronger in the lower agreeableness condition. Conclusion: The current study indicated that agreeableness moderates the negative effect of the need to belong on cognitive flexibility. The highest cognitive flexibility was observed in the lower need to belong and higher agreeableness conditions. In conclusion, it is suggested that the effect of the need to belong on cognitive abilities may be accompanied by personality traits and emotional processes.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the Suicide Cognitions Scale-Revised (SCS-R) in Spanish Adolescents in Residential Care.

The Suicide Cognitions Scale (SCS) has demonstrated considerable promise as a risk screening tool, although it has yet to be validated for use with adolescents or in Spanish-speaking populations. The aim of this study was to develop a Spanish version of the 16-item SCS-Revised (SCS-R) and to examine its psychometric properties in a sample of adolescents. Participants were 172 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 15.32, SD = 1.57) and currently in residential care. They completed the Spanish SCS-R and a series of other psychological measures. The psychometric properties of the SCS-R were examined through factor analyses and testing of convergent/discriminant validity and construct validity. Factor analyses supported a bifactor structure, indicating that SCS-R items were primarily measuring a common underlying latent variable. SCS-R scores were positively correlated with multiple indicators of psychopathology and other suicide risk factors (e.g., depression, hopelessness) but negatively correlated with protective factors (e.g., believing that one's mental pain will eventually end). Importantly, SCS-R scores differentiated adolescents in residential care who had previously attempted suicide from those who had only thought about suicide. Scores also differentiated adolescents who had previously attempted suicide from those who had previously only engaged in non-suicidal self-injury. This constitutes further evidence that the SCS-R measures a construct that distinguishes suicidal thought from action and is specific to suicidal forms of self-harm. Overall, the results suggest that the Spanish SCS-R is a potentially useful tool for identifying adolescents at risk of attempting suicide in residential care.

Multi-environment prediction of suicidal beliefs.

Suicide disproportionately affects the military and veteran population, yet the task of identifying those at an increased risk of suicidal behavior remains challenging. In the face of this complex issue, novel machine learning methods have been applied to study the relationship between suicide and potential risk factors, but are often not generalizable to new and unseen samples. Herein, we examine the problem of prediction on unknown environments, commonly known as environment-wise domain adaptation, as it relates to the prediction of suicidal beliefs, measured with items from the Suicide Cognitions Scale (SCS). We adapt several recently invariance-based models trained using a sample consisting of people without any prior suicidal ideation (SI) to the prediction of suicidal beliefs of those with prior SI. In addition, we examine the possible causal relations regarding the SCS. Using a prospective sample of 2744 primary care patients with 17 risk and protective factors, we show that, to some extent, these methods are able to generalize to a new environment, namely, a sample with prior SI. Additionally, our results indicate suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior are likely to be causal children of SCS.

Pre- and postoperative cognitive function scores in resective and destructive surgeries for pharmacoresistant epilepsy (as assessed by MoCA)

Epilepsy is associated with comorbid diseases and cognitive impairment, which, even with successful compensation of seizures by medication and/or surgery, continue to have a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. The cognitive outcomes of surgery are variable: they may include positive changes or no changes, but there is also a risk of increasing cognitive dysfunction. Purpose of the study. To ascertain the impact of resective and destructive surgeries in pharmacoresistant epilepsy on cognitive functions, as assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) screening scale. Materials and Methods. The article presents the results of an investigation into the impact of resective and destructive surgeries in pharmacoresistant epilepsy on cognitive functions, as assessed by the MoCA. The study comprised 50 patients with a verified diagnosis of focal pharmacoresistant epilepsy, divided into two groups: group 1 (25 patients) underwent resective surgery, while group 2 (25 patients) had destructive surgery. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) prior to surgery and at intervals between six months and five years post-operatively. Results. The mean age of the subjects at the time of surgery was 33.2 ± 10.05 years, and the mean duration of epilepsy was 20.7 ± 10.98 years. In 50 % of patients, the epileptic focus was localized to the left side of the brain, while in 44 % of cases, it was localized to the right side. In 6 % of patients, the epileptic focus was bilateral. The majority of patients (70 %) exhibited temporal epilepsy, while 18 % demonstrated extratemporal epilepsy and 4 % showed both temporal and extratemporal epilepsy. At the preoperative stage, cognitive deficit was observed in the majority of patients (76 %), with an average score of 23.1 points. In the postoperative period, cognitive impairment was also observed in 76 % of patients, with no change in the mean MoCA score of 23.1. In group 1, 80 % of patients exhibited cognitive deficits prior to the operation, with an average score of 22.2. In the postoperative period, the score showed an increase, reaching 23.4. In group 2, cognitive deficit was also observed in the majority of patients (72 %) at the preoperative stage. The average score in group 2 was 21.7 points, which increased to 22.2 points after the operation. Conclusion. The practice of delaying surgical treatment for pharmacoresistant epilepsy persists, with cognitive functions preserved at the time of hospitalization in only a quarter of patients. The mean score on the Cognitive Function Assessment Screening Scale did not decline as a result of surgical intervention. However, a negative effect was observed in patients who did not show cognitive deficits prior to surgery. The findings will assist physicians in making informed decisions regarding the timing and approach to pharmacoresistant epilepsy treatment.

The Relationship Between Cognitive Distortions and School Bullying in Jerusalem Suburbs’ Schools

Objectives: The study identifies the relationship between cognitive distortions and bullying in schools in the suburbs of Jerusalem. Methods: The study used a stratified sample of 250 students who study in schools located in the suburbs of Jerusalem and whose ages range from 15 to 18 years old. The Cognitive Distortions Scale and the School Bullying Scale were used as instruments for data collection after verifying their validity and reliability. Results: The results indicated that the mean score for cognitive distortions is moderate whereas the mean score for school bullying is low. Statistically significant differences were observed in the levels of cognitive distortions based on gender, with higher levels in males. Additionally, the results showed statistically significant differences in the levels of cognitive distortions and school bullying based on students’ grades, favoring students with lower grades. However, there were no statistically significant differences based on the grade level of participants. The study also identified a weak positive correlation between cognitive distortions and school bullying. Conclusion: By shedding light on the intricate relationship between cognitive distortions and school bullying, the study stresses the significance of developing educational and psychological strategies to address these challenges. Hence, it emphasizes the need for customized interventions in schools to deal with cognitive distortions and bullying, focusing on gender differences.

Characteristics of cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome in patients with acute cerebellar stroke and its impact on outcome

Purpose To evaluate the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome scale (CCAS-S) in patients with acute cerebellar stroke (ACS) and examine its relationship with the discharge destination. Methods Patients with first-time ACS admitted to our hospital between April 2021 and April 2023 were included. The CCAS-S, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) were evaluated 1 week after stroke onset, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM)/Barthel Index (BI) at discharge, duration of hospitalization, and discharge destination were evaluated. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare CCAS-S and variables. Results Thirteen consecutive patients with ACS and age-matched comparison groups were included. The MMSE was within the normal range in all patients; however, patients with stroke had a lower total CCAS-S score (median 72, IQR 66–80) and a higher number of failed tests (median 4, IQR 3–5) than comparison. Significant deficits were observed in semantic fluency (p = 0.008), category switching (p = 0001), and similarity (p = 009). Definite CCAS were diagnosed 10 patients, respectively. Patients discharged home showed better SARA and FIM/BI but similar CCAS-S compared to those discharged to rehabilitation hospitals. Conclusion In patients with ACS, it is the impairment of motor function, not CCAS, that affects discharge destination.

Personality traits predict the need for cognitive closure in advanced undergraduate medical students

BackgroundUncertainty in medical decision-making is a significant challenge influenced by various patient- and physician-related factors. They include physicians’ clinical reasoning skills and their tolerance for uncertainty. Medical students are trained in clinical reasoning and have to learn to manage uncertainty. This study investigates the influence of personality traits on the need for cognitive closure (NCC) among final-year undergraduate medical students participating in a simulation of a first day of residency.MethodsThe study included 373 students who participated in a simulation of a first day of residency between March 2022 and November 2023. The simulation included a consultation, a management, and a patient handoff phase, followed by self-assessments of confidence in clinical reasoning. We used the 16-Need for Cognitive Closure Scale (16-NCCS) and the HEXACO Personality Inventory - Revised (HEXACO-PI-R) to assess NCC and personality traits. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore the impact of personality traits and gender differences on the NCC.ResultsOpenness, Extraversion, and Honesty-Humility negatively predicted NCC, suggesting these dimensions favor a more explorative and less hurried approach to medical decision-making. Conscientiousness and Emotionality positively predicted NCC, indicating a preference for structured and decisive processes among medical students with high scores on these dimensions. Notably, gender emerged as a significant moderator, particularly influencing the relationship between Emotionality and NCC, with female students showing a higher tendency towards seeking closure when Emotionality was high.ConclusionThe personality dimensions Openness, Extraversion, and Honesty-Humility are negatively predictive of medical students’ tendency towards cognitive closure. Learning to reflect on these interrelations is critical for medical students, as inappropriate responses to uncertainty can lead to poor medical decisions. Integrating self-reflective exercises into the curriculum could support students to recognize how their personality influences their response to uncertainty in medical practice.

The Influence of Sex and Gender on the Level and Course of Subjective Cognitive Complaints After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Cognitive complaints (e.g., health anxiety and illness disruption) are commonly experienced by patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). While it is known that sex and gender affect health, their influence on cognitive complaints remains unknown. The current study explored sex and gender differences in cognitive complaints during the first month (acute phase) and beyond, up to 2years (recovery phase) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 514 (Mage = 64.2 ± 8.9, 84.2% male) completed the cognitive scale of the Health Complaints Scale (i.e., overall cognitive complaints, health worry, illness disruption) at baseline, 1, 12, and 24months post-PCI. Additional questionnaires to gauge gender identity, traits, and norms were administered in a follow-up study. General linear mixed model analyses were conducted to examine the influence of sex, gender, sex × gender, and covariates on cognitive complaints. Cognitive complaints only decreased in the first month post-PCI (all p < .01). There were no clear sex differences. However, gender generally predicted cognitive complaints in the first 2 years post-PCI: masculinity was related to less complaints, whereas feminine individuals reported higher absolute levels of complaints. The current findings reveal that gender is a valuable factor concerning health complaints and indicate the need to further elaborate on the discrepancies between sex and gender in health research.

Moving Toward an Online Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): The Impact of Administration Modifications on Narrative Length and Story Richness

The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is the second most commonly used performance-based task. However, traditional TAT administration is time-consuming and raises accessibility issues. Research exploring administration modifications has found that within a lab setting, having participants type their own narratives leads to richer responses than when participants narrate the stories out loud to an examiner. The current study extends prior research by investigating the impact of card presentation (hard copy versus computer screen) and setting (in the lab versus online) on narrative quality. A four-card TAT protocol was administered to 134 college students in three separate conditions: in lab with hard copies of cards, in lab with images on the computer, and online in which participants could take the TAT wherever they wished. In all conditions, participants typed their narratives. The narratives were scored using the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale- Global Rating Method (SCORS-G). MANOVA procedures showed that SCORS-G ratings were not affected by card presentation or setting and add to prior work to suggest that the TAT can be administered online without a diminution in the quality of SCORS-G ratings at least with some populations.

Leveraging digital skills to reduce cognitive strain: Implications for academic self-efficacy in medical education

BackgroundDigital literacy influences academic behaviors, especially in medical education, where students encounter considerable academic challenges. However, the effects of this phenomenon on academic self-efficacy and cognitive load remain inadequately understood. ObjectivesThis research explores the relationships between digital literacy and academic self-efficacy, emphasizing the mediating role of cognitive load and its various dimensions among medical students in Islamabad, Pakistan. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from seven medical colleges in Islamabad, Pakistan, from October to December 2023. The research employed meticulously validated measurement tools encompassing a digital literacy scale, academic self-efficacy scale, and cognitive load scale and collected data on 633 medical students. Descriptive statistics and inferential testing (mediation analysis) were performed to investigate the direct and indirect relationships of the study variables. ResultsThe empirical results revealed that digital literacy significantly enhances academic self-efficacy both directly and indirectly. First, the total cognitive load score showed partial mediation (β = 0.165, p < 0.001). Then, individual subscale analysis revealed that intrinsic cognitive load (β = 0.147, p < 0.001) and extraneous cognitive load (β = 0.144, p < 0.001) were significant mediators. However, the mediation effect through self-perceived learning (β = 0.105, p = 0.361) was not supported, suggesting variability in how students perceive their learning gains or other influencing factors influencing this relationship, which warrants further investigation. ConclusionThe research finding underscores the crucial integration of digital literacy instruction into medical curriculums to bolster students' academic self-efficacy by adeptly managing cognitive load. While digital literacy notably reduces intrinsic and extraneous cognitive loads, its impact on perceived learning appears context-dependent and requires further exploration. Additional studies are needed to understand these relationships across educational settings and identify other potential influencing factors.