Cope Research Articles

When Hope Fades: Considering Self-Esteem, Depression, Social Support, Loneliness in The Context of Suicide Prevention

Individuals engaging in suicidal ideation or making suicide attempts are a substantial demographic group to investigate preventive mental health due to inherent high risks associated with potential outcomes of suicidal behaviors for public health. Factors increasing the likelihood of suicide might include self-esteem, depression, social support, loneliness, or certain demographic profiles, and the purpose of this study is to synthesize these variables to advocate for effective strategies to intervene in cases of suicide. Specifically, this commentary aims to identify suicidal coping mechanisms and psychological resilience factors among suicidal individuals through the enhancement of self-esteem, intervention of depressive symptoms, and promotion of connectedness. Through discussing the determinants that might play a role in the onset of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, this paper has important implications for suicide prevention strategies and the identification of psychological resilience factors that can predict suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in individuals.

Türkiye's responses to the 2023 earthquakes: An application of family adjustment and adaptation response model

AbstractAfter devastating earthquakes struck Türkiye in February 2023, the country faced the challenge of addressing the psychosocial needs of the survivors. This article uses the Family Adjustment and Adaptation Response (FAAR) model to conceptualize Türkiye's responses to the earthquakes in terms of its demands (i.e., cumulative strains and current stressors), capabilities (i.e., existing resources and coping mechanisms), and meaning/belief systems (i.e., shared meaning, religion/spirituality, and positive outlook/hope). A historical context is provided to better understand the cumulative tensions and resilience of the country, seeking ways to strengthen effective crisis responses in anticipation of an even bigger earthquake in the coming years. Additionally, this article may spark a conversation among family practitioners in different countries about how to collaborate on mobilizing resources during challenging times.

Parental and Pediatric Perspectives during the Cancer Trajectory: A Systematic Review

Background: The cancer journey is a complex and emotionally challenging experience for both children diagnosed with cancer and their parents. Understanding the perspectives of both groups can provide critical insights into improving care, psychological support, and overall quality of life during treatment and survivorship. Objectives: This systematic review aims to synthesize existing literature on the perspectives of both pediatric cancer patients and their parents throughout the cancer trajectory, focusing on emotional, psychological, and social aspects. It seeks to highlight key themes and identify gaps in research for potential future studies. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, C.I.N.A.H.L., PsycINFO, and Scopus for studies published between 2013 and 2023. Eligible studies included those addressing pediatric patients with cancer, their parents, and their experiences during diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment phases. The studies were critically appraised using the P.R.I.S.M.A. guidelines, and thematic analysis was applied to extract key findings. Results: A total of 6 studies met the inclusion criteria, revealing both parents and children experience anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, especially during diagnosis and treatment initiation. Parental distress often mirrors or exceeds the child’s emotional challenges. Parents seek clear and transparent communication with healthcare providers, while children often desire age-appropriate information about their condition and treatment. Parents and children adopt a range of coping mechanisms, including reliance on healthcare professionals, family support, and religious or spiritual beliefs. Parents express concern about the long-term impact of treatment on the child's health, education, and social life. Pediatric patients often focus on maintaining normalcy, friendships, and school participation during treatment. Both groups emphasize the importance of emotional and psychological support from healthcare teams, family, and peer support networks during the cancer journey. Conclusion: The review underscores the profound emotional and psychological burden of cancer on both pediatric patients and their parents. Effective communication, individualized support systems, and addressing the unique needs of both parties are critical for improving overall well-being during the cancer trajectory. Further research is needed to explore interventions that can mitigate distress and enhance coping strategies for parents and children.

Molecular mechanism and application of emerging technologies in study of bacterial persisters.

Since the discovery of antibiotics, they have served as a potent weapon against bacterial infections; however, natural evolution has allowed bacteria to adapt and develop coping mechanisms, ultimately leading to the concerning escalation of multidrug resistance. Bacterial persisters are a subpopulation that can survive briefly under high concentrations of antibiotic treatment and resume growth after lethal stress. Importantly, bacterial persisters are thought to be a significant cause of ineffective antibiotic therapy and recurrent infections in clinical practice and are thought to contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it is essential to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of persister formation and to develop precise medical strategies to combat persistent infections. However, there are many difficulties in studying persisters due to their small proportion in the microbiota and their non-heritable nature. In this review, we discuss the similarities and differences of antibiotic resistance, tolerance, persistence, and viable but non-culturable cells, summarize the molecular mechanisms that affect the formation of persisters, and outline the emerging technologies in the study of persisters.

A psychological reaction of higher education students to the new national exit exam in the case of Dilla University, 2023

IntroductionTest anxiety is an emotional state characterized by physiological and behavioral responses linked to the fear of poor exam results. It can result in a significant impact in the overall academic achievement of students. Addressing the contributing factors of the problem is better to intervene in the academic challenges of students and create a conducive learning environment. Thus, this study investigated the association between test anxiety and the newly implemented national exit exam program among prospective graduate students at Dilla University in 2023.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional design was employed, involving 357 participants recruited from August 15 to September 14, 2023. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires combined with interviews. The Westside Test Anxiety Inventory (WTAI) assessed test anxiety levels. Epi Info version 7 facilitated data entry, with subsequent analysis conducted using SPSS version 25. A p < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance in the multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsThe prevalence of test anxiety associated with the national exit exam among prospective graduates at Dilla University was 68.9% (95% CI: 63.9–73.7%). The analysis identified significant associations between test anxiety and several factors: non-formal educational background of parents (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI: 2.12–4.65), moderate social support (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.12–0.46), and poor coping mechanisms (AOR = 3.67, 95% CI: 2.45–5.67).ConclusionThis study revealed a substantial prevalence of test anxiety among graduating students about the national exit exam. The findings suggest that factors such as limited social support and inadequate coping mechanisms contribute to test anxiety. Targeted interventions, including social support programs, counseling services, coping mechanism training, parental education, and support for students with lower academic performance, may be beneficial in mitigating test anxiety.

Reading Skills Enhancement of Secondary Learners Amid Pandemic: Narrative Exposition of English Teachers in Focus

This study explored the expositions of English teachers in enhancing the reading skills of secondary learners amid the pandemic, particularly in Davao del Sur division, there were ten (10) English teachers who participated in the study. This study made use of a phenomenological approach to extract the ideas of the participants. The virtual in-depth interview was employed to gather some information as regards to their respective experiences as they implement school-based programs on the reading skills enhancement of secondary learners amid the pandemic. Using the thematic analysis, the following themes emerged: interrupted face-to-face reading program implementation, deteriorating reading abilities during the pandemic, and stalled parents' involvement in the reading development of children. The coping mechanisms of the English teachers in enhancing the reading skills of secondary learners were establishing a reading environment, strengthening parents' involvement in the reading program, and the use of technology-related reading lessons. The insights drawn from the findings of the study were: Upskilling and reskilling of teachers in enhancing the reading skills of learners, and Plan reading programs appropriate for remote learners. They may continuously be innovative in designing reading programs appropriate for every modality preferred by the learners. The teachers may continue upskilling themselves to address the gaps of every learner in the school that needed attention in terms of reading literacy. Attending webinars is an avenue to enhance their competency in being an effective reading teacher.

Associations between self-compassion and moral injury among healthcare workers: A cross-sectional study.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) can face situations that conflict with their moral beliefs, leading to moral injury, an adverse psychological consequence that was more frequent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-compassion is a potential coping mechanism for moral injury by encouraging acceptance of human limitations and suffering. This study aimed to examine the associations between self-compassion components and moral injury prevalence among HCWs in Quebec, Canada, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study design was employed. Participants: and research context: The sample of this study consisted of HCWs and leaders from the Quebec province. Participants completed validated self-administered questionnaires assessing both positive and negative self-compassion components (self-kindness vs self-judgment; common humanity vs isolation; and mindfulness vs overidentification) and moral injury dimensions (self-oriented and other-oriented). Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between self-compassion components and moral injury dimensions were modeled using Poison robust regressions. The models were adjusted for various covariates, including sex, age, gender, and socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the ethics committee of the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale in Quebec, Canada. All participants provided written informed consent prior to participating in the study. Additionally, permission was sought and obtained from the original authors of the tools used in this study, including the self-compassion and moral injury scales. The study involved 572 HCWs (60.5% nurses) and leaders. Around half of the participants (50.70%) exhibited moderate levels of self-compassion, while the prevalence of low levels of self-compassion ranged from 21.68% to 48.08% for the positive subscales and from 23.78% to 44.41% for the negative subscales. Regarding moral injury, 10.14% of participants reported moderate to high self-oriented moral injury, 29.19% reported moderate to high other-oriented moral injury, and 13.81% demonstrated moderate to high total moral injury. Higher self-compassion levels were associated with lower moral injury prevalence. HCWs with high self-compassion had a 93% lower likelihood of experiencing moral injury (PR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.03-0.19). Self-kindness demonstrated the strongest association with reduced moral injury (PR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.11-0.52), followed by mindfulness (PR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.18-0.75). However, common humanity did not show a statistically significant association with moral injury prevalence. These findings suggest a potential association between self-compassion and reduced prevalence of moral injury among HCWs, highlighting promising interventions to manage moral injury during crises. Such initiatives could promote the mental wellbeing of HCWs and preventing the negative consequences of moral injury, including anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Beyond the Binary: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Gender Dysphoric Adolescents in Indonesia

Introduction: Gender dysphoria among adolescents is increasingly recognized globally, yet research on the lived experiences of transgender youth in Indonesia remains limited. This study aimed to explore the unique challenges, coping mechanisms, and support needs of Indonesian adolescents navigating gender dysphoria within a sociocultural context characterized by traditional gender norms and limited access to specialized healthcare. Methods: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adolescents (aged 13-19) who identified as experiencing gender dysphoria. Participants were recruited through LGBTQ+ youth organizations and community centers in Jakarta and Surabaya. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns within their narratives. Results: Four major themes emerged: (1) Early Recognition and Internal Conflict: Participants described an early awareness of their gender identity incongruence, often accompanied by feelings of confusion, shame, and fear due to societal expectations and potential rejection. (2) Navigating Disclosure and Social Support: Coming out to family and peers was a significant challenge, with varied responses ranging from acceptance to rejection. Support networks, primarily found within online communities and LGBTQ+ organizations, played a crucial role in fostering resilience. (3) Barriers to Accessing Healthcare: Participants reported significant obstacles in accessing gender-affirming care, including limited availability of specialized healthcare providers, financial constraints, and lack of family support. (4) Resilience and Hope for the Future: Despite the challenges, participants expressed resilience, hope, and a strong desire to live authentically. They emphasized the importance of self-acceptance, peer support, and advocacy for greater understanding and acceptance of gender diversity in Indonesia. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the experiences of gender dysphoric adolescents in Indonesia. Findings highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, improved access to gender-affirming care, and supportive interventions to promote the well-being of this vulnerable population.

Education based on the theory of planned behavior to improve medication regimen adherence, hope and marital quality in patients with substance use disorder.

Regarding the psychosocial aspect of treating those with substance use, it is crucial for them to exhibit a capacity for personal transformation, fully utilize their remaining capabilities, and eradicate societal discrimination. We aimed to assess the efficacy of educational instruction grounded in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in enhancing adherence to medication regimens, fostering hope, and improving marital quality among people with substance use disorders. This study was conducted at the Rapid Addiction Closure Center in Fasa city, Iran, involving a sample of 140 patients undergoing addiction treatment with methadone and buprenorphine in 2021-2022. Subjects were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in 15 weekly educational sessions, each lasting 50 to 55min, covering topics such as quitting strategies, social support, problem solving, communication skills, and coping mechanisms. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, TPB construct questionnaires, Miller's Hope Survey, and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. The study included 140 individuals receiving treatment for addiction. No differences were seen among the two groups in education, occupation, marital status, and living conditions before the intervention. However, six months later, the intervention group showed improvements in attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, medication regimen adherence, hope, and marital quality compared to controls. The results indicate that family-based educational interventions grounded in TPB are effective in improving medication regimen adherence, hope, and marital quality among patients with substance use disorders. Significant increases in attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention positively impacted medication regimen adherence in these patients.

Students’ Self-Efficacy and Resilience in An Online Environment in a Post-Pandemic

Covid-19 has caused tremendous changes in all spheres of life, including education. Coronavirus has dramatically altered situation all over the globe. The pandemic has forced to switch education towards online teaching mode, where learning content was delivered both, synchronously and asynchronously. After the pandemic, it has become impossible to return to the same patterns of life and studies as before. Hybrid teaching has become a reality in majority of higher institutions in many countries. The aim of this study it to explore the aspects of efficacy in an online learning environment by building higher students’ stress resilience in facing New Normal in a post-pandemic time. Research methodology. For the purpose of this study the authors used a questionnaire to explore stress resilience and self-efficacy in an online learning environment in a post pandemic. New sentence: Additionally, they conducted focus group interviews to examine coping mechanisms for building greater stress resilience among students in higher education. It was concluded that online learning requires paradigm shift in education towards post-industrial model by focusing on learner-centred constructivist approaches in co-creating knowledge in a self-directed learning mode. The intention of the authors was to explore a potential of pedagogical approaches on how to apply complex design of an online learning environment to become more efficient.

Protocol for the development and piloting of a cluster randomised controlled trial for stress prevention, management, and coping mechanism among police officers in Nigeria.

Policing is a stressful occupation. Police officers are exposed to stressors that are inherent in the organization and operations of law enforcement. Similar to their counterparts around the world, many Nigeria police officers are exposed to high levels of stress, making them vulnerable to stress-related mental health conditions and other noncommunicable diseases. Despite these risks and their consequences to the health and safety of police officers and the larger society, interventions are currently not available to address this challenge in Nigeria. This pilot study aims to assess the burden of stress from a national sample of police officers and test the feasibility of an intervention for stress prevention, management, and coping mechanisms among police officers in Nigeria. This is a three-phase study: (1) a needs assessment and situational analysis using a convergent parallel, mixed-methods approach to determine the prevalence of stress and mental health burden among 1200 police officers in four randomly selected states in four geopolitical zones of the country, (2) the development of a peer-led intervention for stress prevention, management, and coping mechanism which will be tested using a cluster randomized trial among 200 police officers, and (3) the preliminary evaluation of the intervention based on knowledge about stress management and mental disorders and psychological distress and reduction in stress levels. These measures will be obtained at baseline (T0), immediate (T1), and 6-month post-intervention (T2). Feasibility will be determined based on enrollment rate, attendance, and completion of the group sessions. Multivariable linear regression models taking into account clustering effects will be used to estimate between-group differences in outcome measures. Findings from the study will inform policy review and the development of a pragmatic intervention on stress prevention and management among police officers. This will enhance the policing role of officers, thus contributing to the safety of the communities they serve. PACTR Registry: PACTR202310474721238. Registered on 6 October, 2023. https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=25663 . Protocol version number 1.0 (date: 6 October, 2023).

Nursing as an earthquake survivor: A qualitative study on nurses traumatized by the Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Turkey.

Nurses' critical input and firsthand disaster management experience are vital to healthcare quality. This study aims to comprehend nurses' experiences during and after the earthquakes, their coping mechanisms for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the consequent effects on their profession, given the nurses' crucial role in disaster response. A descriptive qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted between April and May 2024. Fifteen nurses were selected using criterion and snowball sampling methods from those working as earthquake survivor nurses in the affected areas. The COREQ guidelines for reporting qualitative research were followed. Five main themes were: emotional reactions/physical difficulties, career and motivation, PTSD and well-being, suggestions, and work performance. The results highlighted the significant psychological and professional challenges that nurses encounter, including the effects of severe PTSD symptoms, coping strategies, and the influence on their capacity to deliver care. Nurses dealing with earthquakes face unique challenges that test their resilience on all levels. Learning from their experiences and coping mechanisms can help healthcare systems support these frontline workers better. Investing in disaster preparedness and mental health resources for nurses is crucial for their well-being and the overall strength of the healthcare system during crises. Effectively managing workloads and rest periods can reduce physical fatigue and prevent burnout. Shift rotations and adequate staffing levels are necessary. Access to psychological mental health support is vital for nurses to recover from the psychological effects of disasters. Regular disaster preparedness training is imperative for physical safety and psychological resilience. Robust support systems, including safe accommodation and peer support groups, are crucial for nurses in disaster response.

The Intersection of Traumatic Brain Injury, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Disorders in Incarcerated Women Addressing Intergenerational Trauma through Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

The intersection of traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance abuse, and mental health disorders presents a significant challenge within the incarcerated female population, where rates of these conditions are alarmingly high. This paper explores the multifaceted relationships among TBI, substance abuse, and mental health disorders, emphasizing the impact of intergenerational trauma on this vulnerable group. Women in correctional facilities often experience a history of trauma, exacerbating their mental health challenges and increasing the likelihood of substance use as a maladaptive coping mechanism. The cumulative effects of TBI can further complicate their psychological and emotional well-being, leading to a cycle of trauma that is perpetuated across generations. Through a review of current literature and case studies, this paper advocates for the implementation of neuropsychological rehabilitation programs that address the unique needs of incarcerated women. Such interventions are crucial not only for improving individual outcomes but also for breaking the cycle of trauma that affects families and communities. Recommendations for policy reforms and future research directions are provided to enhance the efficacy of rehabilitation efforts and support the reintegration of these women into society.

Refugee Caregivers’ Perceptions of Using Mindfulness-Based Interventions to Support Coping Skills in Children with Disability in Jordan

Background: Refugee children with disabilities are vulnerable to developing dysfunctional coping skills due to barriers in accessing health care services, including occupational therapy (OT). This study investigated the perceptions of refugee caregivers regarding the use of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) as a treatment for coping skills among their children with disabilities. Methods: A qualitative survey was used to analyse the coping mechanisms and access to services among refugee children with disabilities, as well as their caregivers’ perceptions regarding the use of MBIs. The caregivers were recruited using convenience sampling from a database of individuals at the Al-Baqa’a refugee camp in Jordan via their community-based rehabilitation (CBR) centre. A demographic survey was sent to 156 refugees using WhatsApp. Refugees above the age of 18 years identifying as the caregivers of children with disabilities were eligible. Twenty-eight individuals completed the survey, and twenty-six were eligible. Open-ended questions asked about their child’s struggles, supports, barriers to support, and perceptions of MBIs. The data were collected via Google Sheets. Three researchers coded the responses using a descriptive coding method and line-by-line analysis. Results: Five themes were derived from the responses: “Daily Challenges”, “Support and Strategies”, “barriers to accessing support”, “MBIs: Caregiver Perceptions”, and “MBIs: Barriers”. The participants identified the behavioural, emotional, and cognitive challenges impacting their child’s participation. Financial and environmental constraints, stigma, and timing were the reported barriers to services. The participants felt positive about the potential of MBIs to support their children. Conclusions: Overall, this study obtained foundational data to establish accessible mental health programmes for refugees with disabilities. Further research is needed to transcend the barriers and maintain MBI programmes in the community and the home settings.

Coping strategies for household water insecurity in rural Gambia, mediating factors in the relationship between weather, water and health.

Rural communities in low- and middle-income countries, such as The Gambia, often experience water insecurity periodically due to climate drivers such as heavy rainfall and reduced rainfall, as well as non-climate drivers such as infrastructural issues and seasonal workloads. When facing these challenges households use a variety of coping mechanisms that could pose a risk to health. We aimed to understand the drivers of water insecurity (climate and non-climate), the behavioural responses to water insecurity and the risks these responses pose to the health of communities in rural Gambia and map these findings onto a conceptual framework. We interviewed 46 participants using multiple qualitative methods. This included in-depth interviews and transect walks. A subset of 27 participants took part in three participatory pile-sorting activities. In these activities participants were asked to rank water-related activities, intrahousehold prioritisation of water, and the coping strategies utilised when facing water insecurity. Multiple strategies were identified that people used to cope with water shortages, including: reductions in hygiene, changes to food consumption, and storing water for long periods. Many of these could inadvertently introduce risks for health. For example, limiting handwashing increases the risk of water-washed diseases. Deprioritising cooking foods such as millet, which is a nutrient-dense staple food, due to the high water requirements during preparation, could impact nutritional status. Additionally, storing water for long periods could erode water quality. Social factors appeared to play an important role in the prioritisation of domestic water-use when faced with water shortages. For example, face-washing was often maintained for social reasons. Health and religion were also key influencing factors. People often tried to protect children from the effects of water insecurity, particularly school-aged children, but given the communal nature of many activities this was not always possible. Many people associated water insecurity with poor health. To reduce the risks to health, interventions need to address the drivers of water insecurity to reduce the need for these risky coping behaviours. In the short term, the promotion of behavioural adaptations that can help buffer health risks, such as water treatment, may be beneficial.

COVID-19 and Weekly Hours Worked in Single-Person Households in the United States

AbstractIn early 2020, single-person households constituted 17% of the labor force in the United States. How did these single-person households fare in terms of their weekly hours worked following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic? To answer the question, this paper used panel data from the Basic Monthly Current Population Survey and worked with a balanced panel of 2,659 single-person households that were consecutively surveyed in February, March, and April of 2020; that is, a period including the outbreak, as well as the first peak of the pandemic. In terms of the change in total hours worked per week, the paper recorded decreases across most demographic groups. Particularly, the paper documented that single-person households in any of the groups of Black, Hispanic, high school graduates, those aged less than 25, those aged between 31 and 35, and those between 46 and 50 were among the most severely negatively affected groups. Moreover, whether fixed or random effects models were used, the study concluded with a positive effect for teleworkability (the capability to work remotely) as well as with a positive effect for essential jobs on total weekly hours worked. Finally, the author included the need for safeguarding teleworkability in a broader policy discussion, as well as the need for developing coping mechanisms against disruptions of weekly hours worked especially under extreme hardships and crises.

Investigating resilience in patients with IBD: preliminary insights for understanding disease-specific resilience skills

IntroductionInflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) significantly impact patients’ quality of life. While research highlights the potential role of psychological resilience to enhance overall health and well-being in patients with chronic conditions, its specific role in the context of IBD remains underexplored. This study aimed to identify key components of resilience, while serving as a precursor to the development of a disease-specific Resilience Scale for IBD (RISE-IBD).MethodsIn semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews, fifteen patients with IBD discussed their perspectives on the construct of resilience, particularly in terms of the diverse strategies they employed to overcome IBD-related challenges. Patients also deliberated on the relevance of themes identified in two widely used and validated resilience measures. Four analysts coded the transcripts using MAXQDA. Selected items for the drafted measure were refined based on constructive feedback from an additional focus group with study participants and six multidisciplinary IBD professionals, thus establishing face and content validity.ResultsThe qualitative analysis revealed critical themes of resilience for IBD including: (1) seeking physical and emotional support from others, (2) developing personal coping mechanisms to manage stress, and (3) employing strategic disease-management techniques. These themes led to the identification of 17 items, which were categorized into three domains: interpersonal fortitude, individual character strengths, and logistical strategies.DiscussionThis study highlights the critical role of resilience, a core concept in positive psychology, in the effective self-management of IBD. The findings underscore the importance of building upon resilience strategies to help patients bolster the psychological potencies needed to manage their condition more effectively. Future research will focus on the psychometric validation of items identified for the scale. By incorporating resilience-building strategies into IBD care, we can support patients in developing a more positive outlook and improved life satisfaction.

Clockwork precision: egg-laying-induced rise of body temperature is seasonally programmed in a wild bird

There is long time interest about the phenology of plants and animals living in seasonal environments as research in that field would help to understand the coping mechanisms leading to a higher fitness. For instance, it has been shown several decades ago that birds prepare themselves 2–4 months before the actual start of the breeding season by slowly growing reproductive organs. In parallel, the resting metabolic rate increase during reproduction in various vertebrates including mammals, reptiles, and birds. Recently, it has been reported that body temperature of a marine bird species was reaching an annual peak during egg-laying, raising the question about the seasonal dynamic of this important physiological feature. Using data loggers implanted in the abdominal cavity of female Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima mollissima) for a full year, we show here that daily body temperature (Tb.daily) is slowly increasing first and then accelerating at the approach of the laying period. Because the rise of Tb.daily is tightly associated with egg-laying in this species, we also analysed the influence of ambient temperature (water and air) and photoperiod on this seasonal dynamic. Based on the various mechanisms at work and a parsimonious interpretation of the data, we conclude that photoperiod is the main cue driving the seasonal breeding program of eiders. Although the laying dates of the instrumented females were highly clustered over a period of 4 years, we speculated that the remaining variation observed was the result of eco-physiological challenges occurring over the years.

Flood Risk Assessment and Its Implications on Critical Infrastructure Resilience in Nigeria

Flooding is one of the recurrent natural disasters in Nigeria that poses huge threats to not just people but also critical infrastructures. In 2024, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) identified 31 states including the FCT as high-risk areas for significant flood impacts. The impact of floods generally has caused devastating damage to critical infrastructures resulting from high rain intensities for a long duration. It becomes pertinent to evaluate the impact of floods on critical infrastructures like roads, bridges, residential buildings, water supply systems, and electricity facilities. Thus, this research seeks to explore the vulnerabilities and impacts of floods on critical infrastructure which is fundamental to economic growth, development, and coping mechanisms. A structured questionnaire was distributed among a sample of 90 including government department, construction industry, and community members to seek their views on the vulnerability risk of infrastructure and flood sources. Results indicate that most of the damages reported 42% were due to the destruction of roads and bridges, followed by residential houses at 31%. The main cause of flooding identified by 54% of respondents was poor drainage systems, while 31% cited poor waste management as a contributing issue. Hence, restoration of the drainage systems, implementation of prohibitions on encroachment of flood-prone areas and improvement of early warning systems are critical and pressing. The uniqueness of the study lies in its effort to address the gaps and challenges that exist in infrastructure resilience by identifying the most critical elements that are prone to risks and proposing mitigation measures against floods in the urban centers of Nigeria which are experiencing rapid growth.

Exploring the Role of Creativity in Psychological Resilience

This paper investigates the intersection between creativity and psychological resilience, examining how creative processes and expressions contribute to the development and strengthening of resilience in individuals facing adversity. Psychological resilience, often defined as the capacity to recover from stress or trauma, and creativity, regarded as the ability to generate novel ideas and solutions, are analyzed through theoretical models, empirical research, and practical interventions. The paper reviews biopsychosocial, ecological, and developmental frameworks of resilience, highlighting the critical role creativity plays in fostering adaptive coping mechanisms and enhancing mental well-being. It further explores the empirical evidence linking creative behaviors to resilience-building, particularly in response to trauma and stress. Finally, practical implications and interventions for leveraging creativity to enhance resilience across diverse populations are discussed, suggesting tailored approaches for educators, mental health professionals, and community leaders. Keywords: Psychological Resilience, Creativity, Coping Mechanisms, Stress and Trauma, Creative Expression.