Coping Methods Research Articles

How Managers Experience Downsizing: Navigating among Professional, Loyal, Empathic, and Critical Positions

ABSTRACT Downsizing, a significant organizational change, is often entrusted to middle managers. These agents play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of downsizing, yet we know little about their downsizing experiences. In this study, our research question was: how do managers who have to lay off people experience downsizing. We used discourse analysis to describe what we refer to as ‘discursive positions’ adopted by downsizing agents in our interviews. Our research material comprises 21 interviews in a large Finnish manufacturing company that underwent a downsizing process. We show how 12 downsizing agents navigated among different discursive positions while serving many conflicting interests. The rationalistic positions of Professional and Loyal target the shareholders, other business professionals, and the employer. The position of Empathic addresses subordinates, and the position of Critical is directed at top management and human resource professionals. We show how discursive positions are divided into rational and emotional spheres and examine the strong tensions between them. It appears that middle managers apply several often-contradictory discursive positions, struggle with satisfying conflicting expectations from top management and from their subordinates, and use several coping methods. MAD statement A common challenge for change managers is that they are brought in only after a downsizing decision has already been made. Sustainable change management requires ongoing preparation for change, regardless of whether downsizing or restructuring is imminent. This proactive approach helps all stakeholders to respond responsibly when an urgent situation arises. It also reduces the need for abrupt action and prevents reactive, high-speed learning that often accompanies such crises. We recommend that companies establish a cross-functional change team to develop long-term personnel reduction strategies. While constant change is often celebrated in management, we argue that many organizations would benefit from maintaining a reasonable degree of stability.

RESILIENCE PROGRAMS FOR ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Adolescents face a variety of risks because of the stage of life in which they find themselves. The concept of psychological resilience comes to the fore in terms of developing coping methods against the risks they face. For this reason, it is noteworthy that, especially in recent years, there has been an increase in research investigating the relationship between resilience and various variables, as well as experimental studies aimed at improving resilience in adolescents. The purpose of this research is to systematically review the studies examining the effects of programs developed to improve resilience in adolescents. For this purpose, a literature search was conducted in Wiley Online Library, Science Direct, PubMed, and Ulakbim databases using the keywords “resilience”, “prevention”, “program”, “intervention”, “psycho-education”, “school-based” and “training” between May and June 2024, and 513 studies were found. These studies were reviewed in line with the PRISMA guide and the selection criteria of the study, and 5 studies were included in the research. In these studies, the research method and measurement tools used in these studies and the implemented program, and its effectiveness were reviewed. In the selected studies, it was found that the programs implemented for adolescents had a positive impact on the building of resilience.

Psychological and Pedagogical Support for Future Technology Teachers in the Educational-Scientific-Production Cluster

The article examines the importance of psychological and pedagogical support in the training process of future technology teachers, particularly in the context of modern educational challenges and the full-scale war. This support is aimed at developing emotional intelligence, stress resilience, preventing professional burnout, improving communication skills, and providing supervision. The research emphasizes the formation of teachers' professional identity, as well as their ability for self-analysis and self-reflection. Special attention is given to methods of coping with emotional stress during the war, including relaxation techniques, stress management, the use of positive thinking, and maintaining a work-life balance. The article is based on the experience of the Social and Psychological Center of the Lviv Educational-Scientific-Production Cluster, which focuses its efforts on supporting future teachers through supervision, training, and consultations. The cluster integrates theoretical knowledge, scientific research, and practical training for specialists in the fields of vocational education and production. This model of teacher training is aimed at enhancing their qualifications, developing professional competencies, and adapting to the demands of the modern labor market. The study explores the key stages of teacher training, which include foundational theoretical preparation, scientific research, practical internships at production enterprises, and further professional development. Special attention is paid to the implementation of innovative teaching approaches and the use of modern technologies that enable future teachers not only to master new teaching methodologies but also to integrate contemporary production processes into educational programs.

An investigative study on the causes of depression and the coping strategies among clinical medical students in private universities in North Central Nigeria

BackgroundDepression is among known mental health conditions and students in schools of medicine are not immune to it. In this investigative study, 211 clinical medical students of two private universities from North-Central Nigeria were examined on depression prevalence, the contributory factors and their coping strategies.MethodsThe Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), the Medical Student’s Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) and identified coping strategies according to Coping Oriented to Problems Experienced Inventory (COPE) were instruments of data collection.ResultsThe results were obtained by both descriptive analysis and test of association between some categorical variables. The depression prevalence amongst the participants was 159 (75.4%). Females (124 (78.0%)) were more depressed than males (35 (22.0%)). Factors identified as contributing to depression were the heavy academic workload (124 (78.5%)), insufficient family time (93 (58.1%)) and financial constraints (54 (34.0%)). The most utilized method of coping with their stress was engaging on social media (133 (84.2%)), followed by talking with relatives or friends (99 (62.7%)) and use of recreational drugs (20 (12.8%)). The findings from this study have shown that more than three-quarters of the respondents suffered from varying degrees of depression from mild, 63 (29.9%), moderate, 53 (25.1%) to severe, 43 (20.4%).ConclusionsThe heavy academic workload was a major source of depression. Colleges of Medicine should take pro-active steps towards their students’ mental health and academic workload should be well spaced to reduce the stress imposed by the frequency of examinations.

Structural relationship among aggression, depression, smartphone dependency, and cyberbullying perpetration

This study aims to examine the structural relationship between aggression, depression, smartphone dependency, and cyberbullying perpetration in youth and explores gender differences in that relationship. We analyzed the 2nd wave data of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey 2018 for middle school students. Structural equation modeling results showed that smartphone dependency partially mediated the relationship between aggression and cyberbullying perpetration (β = 0.050, p < 0.01). In contrast, smartphone dependency fully mediated the relationship between depression and cyberbullying perpetration (β = 0.029, p < 0.01). Aggression, depression, and smartphone dependency are the main predictors of cyberbullying perpetration. The effects of aggression and depression on cyberbullying perpetration were different through the mediator variable of smartphone dependency. The positive effect of aggression on smartphone dependency was twice greater in girls (Boys, B = 0.222, p < 0.001; Girls, B = 0.497, p < 0.001), and that of depression on smartphone dependency was three times greater in boys (Boys, B = 0.308, p < 0.001; Girls, B = 0.097, p < 0.05). These results were interpreted as reflecting the boys’ emotional suppression. Adolescent boys tend to suppress depression more than to express it according to the process of masculine emotional socialization. Various educational interventions are needed, such as providing cognitive behavioral therapy to convert adolescents’ relational aggression into a sound coping method considering girls’ sensitivity to relationships. Based on the findings, we present field-oriented practical considerations for improving our understanding of cyberbullying and preventing cyberbullying perpetration.

Physical Symptoms and Coping Strategies With Earthquake Stress Among Adults Living in Tent Cities: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to examine the physical symptoms, coping strategies for earthquake stress and factors predicting coping strategies among adults staying in tent cities after an earthquake. A cross-sectional design was conducted. The study sample consisted of 706 adults residing in tent cities in three cities of earthquake-affected regions. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys and the Earthquake Coping Strategies Scale, starting from the 16th day after the earthquake in February-March 2023. Independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, McNemar test and multiple linear regression analysis used for data analysis. The first three physical symptoms with the highest frequency after the earthquake were insomnia, frequent waking and difficulty falling asleep, respectively. Individuals with chronic illnesses, lower education levels, no previous experience with earthquakes and having undamaged homes more frequently used religious coping strategies. Individuals with higher incomes, employed individuals, non-smokers and those with having undamaged homes more frequently used positive reappraisal strategies. The present study concluded that physical symptoms were common among individuals in the post-earthquake period and that many individuals adopted religious coping strategies. Nurses can develop effective interventions for preventing physical and mental health problems in the post-earthquake period. They can contribute significantly as caregivers, leaders, researchers and advisors in health monitoring and improvement practices for individuals after earthquakes. The results of the study are instructive for designing prevention and improvement practices to minimise future destructive effects of earthquakes. Individuals mostly experienced sleep problems and preferred different coping styles in the early post-earthquake period. The physical and mental health of individuals can be improved by early intervention and encouraging effective coping methods after an earthquake. STROBE checklist. No patient or public involvement.

Spirituality as an International Coping Method during Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought forth global challenges in socioeconomic, political, and public health dimensions. For many, spirituality was a powerful source of support during this pandemic experience. The current review provides an apt overview of spirituality as a coping method to mitigate the mental and emotional impact of global turmoil of Covid-19 within the context of Europe. Using select studies from Czechia, Italy, and Turkey which have low, middle, and high religiosity indexes respectively, the potential positive effects of spirituality are examined across differing samples, geographical contexts, and traumatic events. We conclude that while spirituality is not a one-size-fits all method to mitigate the impact of trauma, exploration of potential interventions that also include spirituality might be beneficial for the field at large, and those affected by myriads of different acute or chronic traumatic events.

Achievement Motivation and Stress Coping Styles of Physical Education Major

This study conducted in-depth research and statistics on the achievement motivation and stress coping methods of college students majoring in physical education at Hunan University of Science and Technology. The research subjects were college students majoring in physical education at Hunan University of Science and Technology. Understand their current evaluation of their achievement motivation and stress coping styles in physical education. The results show: The survey of student respondents shows that the gender distribution is basically balanced (males account for 50.77%, females account for 49.23%), mainly including sophomores and seniors. The interviewees generally affirmed the achievement motivation and stress coping style of physical education. However, although male and female students are consistent in their achievement motivation, the sociocultural factors that may affect this phenomenon were not explored in depth, which limits a comprehensive understanding of gender differences. Reduced performance among senior students in motivation to pursue success and avoid failure may be due to increased academic stress and psychological exhaustion. However, research has not analyzed the specific impact of these factors in detail, resulting in insufficient recommendations on how to effectively support older students. Although participants showed diversity in stress coping strategies, a tendency toward avoidance strategies may impact their long-term mental health. Research has not fully explored how to cultivate students' more active coping styles to enhance their ability and resilience to cope with stress.

Global self-esteem and coping with stress by Polish students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students experience considerable stress and anxiety during the course of their studies, which has a significant impact on their health and hinders the learning process. There are many stressors that can intensify stress, which is why choosing the right strategies for coping with stress and self-esteem is so important. The study was conducted on 798 students of the School of Public Health at the University of Warmia and Mazury in majors: nursing, midwifery, emergency medicine and dietetics (subgroup 1; n = 428; 53.77%) and at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, major: veterinary medicine (subgroup 2; n = 368; 46.23%). The study employed the diagnostic survey method using a questionnaire technique including Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, MINI-COPE, PSS-10, and a self-questionnaire. The scores obtained by over half of the students were indicative of low global self-esteem, whereas over 80% of the students felt stress at a high intensity. Moreover, it was shown that the veterinary medicine students demonstrated a higher intensity of coping strategies, i.e., active coping (p < 0.04) and planning (p < 0.02), than medicine students. The study revealed that students, irrespective of the major, experienced high levels of stress. Self-esteem had a significant impact on the stress level and methods of coping with difficult situations in students of medicine. A majority of the students applied positive styles of coping with stress.

Exploring the lived experience and coping strategies of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) among emerging adults

AbstractThe Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent in the 21st century, fueled by the rise of social media. FoMO, characterized by the apprehension that others may be having more rewarding experiences and a desire to stay continually connected, has significant implications for mental health, particularly among emerging adults. This qualitative study aims to explore the subjective lived experiences of FoMO and the coping strategies employed by emerging adults. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, and thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. The findings revealed that participants experienced FoMO as involving feelings of exclusion, disconnection, and inadequacy upon becoming aware of experiences peers were having. However, FoMO was also perceived as an important signal of unmet needs, prompting reflection on the misalignment between one’s actual life and desired life. FoMO was amplified in contexts involving identity formation and pivotal life choices, such as social, professional (education/work/career), and dating situations. Participants described various spontaneous coping strategies, such as cognitive reappraisal and perspective-taking to reframe it constructively, emotional coping through self-soothing, and behavioral approaches like temporarily disconnecting from social media. These self-initiated coping methods suggest a potential for developing new interventions aimed at empowering emerging adults to manage the effects of FoMO on their well-being. While most research emphasizes the connection between FoMO and technology, this study advances the understanding of FoMO by highlighting its characteristics as an everyday experience in various life domains along with ways of coping during the developmental period of emerging adulthood.

Depression, anxiety and coping mechanisms among mental healthcare practitioners during COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed the psychological functioning of mental healthcare practitioners under severe strain. Coping methods may affect mental health outcomes. The study examined the relationship between depression, anxiety, stress, and coping styles utilised by mental healthcare practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three private and one public mental healthcare facility in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Respondents completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief-COPE) inventories. An ordinal regression model was used to assess the relationship between coping styles, anxiety and depression. A total of 212 practitioners were included in the analysis. According to DASS-21 measures, approximately 41% and 28% of respondents had moderate to severe depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively, with the highest prevalence among younger female respondents and nurses. The association between stress severity, anxiety and depression was significant. Avoidant coping methods and two approach coping strategies (planning and acceptance) were associated with depression and anxiety. Anxiety was linked to an increased likelihood of transitioning to higher avoidant categories, while participants with depression were less likely to move to higher avoidant or approach categories. Mental healthcare practitioners, especially nurses, experienced significant COVID-19-related psychological distress during the pandemic. Avoidant coping mechanisms may increase the risk of poor mental health outcomes. This study added data on the mental health effects of COVID-19 on mental healthcare practitioners, as well as psychological methods used to cope during the pandemic.

Psychoeducation as burnout prevention for Hungarian teachers

The aim of this study is to examine the role of psychoeducation in preventing burnout among Hungarian teachers. Psychoeducation is a structured method of delivering professional information, combining elements of education, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and grouptherapy, with the goal of developing coping strategies to maintain health and ensure therapeutic collaboration. As part of the research, a 30-hour training program was developed and implemented with two groups, consisting of kindergarten and special education teachers (N=35). The core components of the training included self-awareness exercises, autogenic training techniques, and conflict management strategies. Changes in participants' burnout levels, psychological immune systems, coping methods, and perceived social support were assessed using pre- and post-training questionnaires (Maslach Burnout Inventory Educator Survey (MBI-ES), Oláh’s Psychological Immune System Survey, Coping Methods Questionnaire, MOS SSS-H Social Support Questionnaire, and Mental Health Test). A significant reduction in burnout was observed. The findings support previous research indicating that psychoeducation can effectively reduce stress and burnout, though its effectiveness may depend on various factors, such as the length and intensity of the program, as well as participants' motivation and commitment. Future research should involve larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs to assess the long-term benefits of psychoeducational interventions more accurately for teacher burnout.

The impact of resilience on academic performance with a focus on mature learners

BackgroundResilience is an essential psychological trait that empowers individuals to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges. Although it is acknowledged that health professionals need to possess high levels of resilience, there has been limited research comparing how different groups of health students, particularly school leaver undergraduates and mature age graduate entry students, develop resilience in their coursework.MethodsThis study combines both objective (academic grades with validated survey results) and subjective data (interviews) to compare how resilience is related to academic coursework performance for two groups of pharmacy students: the mature age graduate entry (GE, N = 64) learners and school leaver undergraduate (UG, N = 208) learners. We employed a sequential explanatory mixed methods design using surveys, academic performance data and semi-structured interviews. The survey tapped constructs related to resilience (burnout, stressors and coping methods) while the interviews elicited a more nuanced understanding of individual and environmental factors.ResultsAlthough there was no statistical difference in burnout experience between the two groups, GE students exhibited more positive resilience attitudes than UG when selecting resilience statements on the survey. Both cohorts indicated in the survey that engaging in distraction activities (physical exercise, sleeping, listening to music, anything other than the stressor) was their most preferred method of relieving stress. Within UG student survey responses, those who indicated support from partners, friends and family had better academic performance, while those who did not report coping methods did worse academically. The three key environmental factors we identified that contributed to both undergraduate and graduate entry resilience were workload, feedback provision and psychosocial support.ConclusionsCurrently, there is still a need for resilience programs geared at academic success to be implemented in higher education. This study provides objective evidence of academic success coupled with exploration into the nuances of resilience amongst different student groups. It not only highlights the differing resilience development strategies and burnout coping mechanisms in emerging health professionals, but showcases the juxtaposition of two different learner groups (UG and GE students) within a discipline. The cross-cohort facilitation of learning as in the discipline-specific strategies identified can help both groups develop resilience and inform future innovations. By comparing mature-age graduate students and younger-in-age undergraduate students, we identified a wider range of strategies and more positive attitudes to burnout in mature-age students. Health and clinical educators in university health degrees, clinical placements and clinical workplaces can develop effective training materials based on findings from this study to 1) assist undergraduate younger-age health students with developing resilience and 2) further refine mature-age health students’ and practicing health professionals’ resilience in today’s fast-paced clinical workplaces.

Pain Resilience and Coping Behaviors in Individuals in a Collectivist Social Context.

Pain resilience (PR) may be associated with different coping skills, resulting in differences in pain outcomes. This study aimed to understand the role of PR in dictating the choice of coping methods. This study completed a preliminary validation of the Mandarin Chinese version of the Pain Resilience Scale (PRS-C) with online survey data (n = 46). Further, we conducted interviews with individuals with chronic low back pain (n = 24). The PRS-C psychometric properties were assessed using a confirmatory factor analysis. The interviews explored pain history, treatment experiences, and coping strategies and were analyzed thematically. The validated PRS-C (10 items) demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties. The interview results showed that participants who scored lower were more likely to adopt disengagement rather than engagement coping strategies. Qualitative data revealed three themes explaining why and how participants in this collectivist social framework chose their coping methods. The findings suggest that while participants tried to understand their pain and treatment experiences, the cognitive appraisal construct in PR influenced some of the coping experiences. However, deeply influenced by Confucianism and Buddhism, participants also expressed factors beyond the scope of individual fortitudes, such as the relationship with a higher power that significantly influenced their coping behaviors.

Problems Encountered in the Counseling Process in the Context of Cultural Sensitivity and Coping Methods: Opinions of School Counselors

This study, it is aimed to examine the problems that arise in the context of cultural sensitivity in the counseling process and the methods of coping with these problems based on the views of school counselors. For the data obtained using the interview technique, which is one of the qualitative research methods. The study included a total of 35 participants, with 25 women and 10 men, who had a minimum of three years of professional experience in private and public schools during the 2021-2022 academic year. Interviews were conducted digitally on the Zoom platform using a semi-structured form developed by the researcher. All interviews were subjected to content analysis. According to the results of the data analysis conducted with the Maxqda 2020 program, the participant's perspective on the concept of cultural sensitivity consists of self-awareness, respect, and acceptance of different cultures. The most important cultural challenges reported by the participants were gender and sex, different value judgments, socioeconomic status, and language. Feelings of inadequacy and desperation were reported as the most intensely felt emotions in the face of these challenges. Participants reported using various methods to overcome cultural challenges, such as consulting colleagues gaining knowledge, and making various suggestions to overcome cultural inadequacies. It is thought that the findings obtained in this study will create an important awareness as it is a first in the literature, and it is hoped that it will contribute to policymakers, counselor educators, counselor candidates, and all counseling professionals in this field.

Coping strategies adopted by caregivers of children with autism in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Background: Emotion- and problem-focused coping strategies are frequently employed by caregivers of autistic children to increase their general well-being and resilience to the stress of raising the child. Although these strategies cannot directly address the situation, it is useful for handling stressful situations that cannot change.Objectives: The study seeks to explore and understand the emotion- and problem-focused strategies that caregivers use to cope with the challenges of raising a child with autism.Method: This was a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research study. Twenty-eight caregivers were purposive-convenient sampled from the public special schools where their autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children are schooling. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data, which were then transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.Results: Positive emotion-focused strategies include positive reappraisal, reframing and acceptance. Negative emotion-focused strategies include denial, emotional release, cognitive distortion, self-isolation, overprotection, negative self-talk, punishment and religion. Problem-focused coping strategies include active and adaptive coping, peer group, professional support and social support.Conclusion: The coping methods that have been identified can be integrated into intervention programmes and serve as a guide for specialised institutions that offer more extensive knowledge and assistance to families who are caring for children with ASD.Contribution: The study contributes to understanding the emotion- and problem-focused strategies adopted by rural caregivers in managing their emotions, interpretation of the situation and adjusting to the demands of raising an autistic child.

A qualitative study on Turkey's earthquakes, the century's catastrophe: Perspectives and coping methods of surviving nursing students.

To understand the experiences and coping strategies of nursing students who were impacted by Turkey's once-in-a-century catastrophic earthquakes in 2023. Nursing students rarely experience a disaster in person, and their imagination can be limited. This study used a descriptive-qualitative study design. It was conducted with 17 first-year nursing students, studying at a university in the northeastern part of Turkey, who survived the earthquake. A personal information form and a semistructured questionnaire were used to collect the data. The data were collected between March and April 2023 and analyzed using the content analysis method and the MaXQDA programme. The data were grouped into three main themes-"What 'earthquake' was and what it is now?," "Am I aware of the 'earthquake' now?," and "Coping mechanisms and supporting systems"-and categorized into seven subthemes. The experiences of earthquake-affected nursing students emphasized the importance of being prepared for disasters and meeting their emotional needs. Including specific courses and case studies regarding disasters, whether natural or human-made, in education programs can ensure better prepared nurses. Also, the integration of content about management and coping with such crises into nursing curricula is considered vital.

SLEEP DISORDERS AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

Sleep problems in individuals with developmental disabilities pose significant challenges for them and their families. This paper aims to examine the types of sleep problems in these individuals, the causes of these issues, and their impact on daily life. Through the analysis of available literature and research conducted on a sample of 67 individuals with special needs and their parents, data are obtained on the prevalence of sleep problems, influential factors, and methods for coping with them. The results show that sleep problems in individuals with developmental disabilities are significant and can seriously impact their quality of life. More than 70% of parents state that the lack of sleep negatively affects their daily life and professional activities. The main causes of sleep problems have been identified as sensory disturbances, melatonin deficiency, and other health issues related to the child's condition. Additionally, 73.4% of parents report that they cope with their children's sleep problems independently. These findings suggest a need for improved strategies and interventions for managing sleep in individuals with developmental disabilities, including enhanced support for parents. The significance of these findings lies in highlighting the need for the development of specialized programs and interventions that will help improve the quality of life for these individuals and their families.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0153/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

'I Was too Tired to Show Compassion': A Phenomenological Qualitative Study on the Lived Compassion Fatigue Experiences of Nurses Working in Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Units.

Psychiatric nurses are at risk of experiencing compassion fatigue. Despite the economic, emotional and physical effects of compassion fatigue, it has not been sufficiently investigated in the field of psychiatric nursing, and the lived experiences of compassion fatigue, in particular, require further investigation using qualitative methods. The aim of this study was to examine the lived compassion fatigue experiences of nurses working in psychiatric clinics using a phenomenological approach. The study was conducted between December 2023 and February 2024 with 22 psychiatric nurses working in acute psychiatric clinics. Data were collected through individual, in-depth interviews, and analysed using Collaizi's seven-step descriptive analysis approach. Data analysis revealed four main themes and eight subthemes: (1) being a psychiatric nurse (multifaceted role and benefits), (2) tiredness (from traumatic effects to depersonalisation and emotional isolation), (3) causes of compassion fatigue (patient derived, system and working environment derived) and (4) coping methods (individual and expectations). Due to difficult patient profiles and adverse working conditions, psychiatric nurses experience compassion fatigue and may become desensitised to patient needs over time. Institutional support in the form of training for nurses on recognising and coping with compassion fatigue, as well as a safe and workload-balanced working environment, is essential.

The Experiences of Patients Enrolled in Community Mental Health Centers Regarding the Illness Process: A Phenomenological Study.

The aim of this study is to explore in-depth the experiences of patients enrolled in Community Mental Health Centers regarding the illness process. This study employed interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), one of the phenomenological design approaches within qualitative research methods. The study was conducted between 24 May 2023 and 23 December 2023, at two different Community Mental Health Centers located in the eastern and western regions of Turkey. Maximum variation sampling was employed in the selection of the sample, which consisted of 12 patients registered at the Community Mental Health Centers. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form. The interviews were conducted face-to-face and audio-recorded. Content analysis was performed using the MAXQDA 2022 software package. The study was written following the COREQ checklist. Based on the expressions of the patients, themes, subthemes and codes were identified. Accordingly, three themes were determined: 'emotions felt after diagnosis', 'changes in life with the illness process' and 'coping methods with the process'. This study highlights that patients from diverse geographical backgrounds, served by Community Mental Health Centers, share similar cultural and emotional experiences during their illness. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions that address universal challenges faced by patients across different regions. This research emphasises the necessity of comprehensive efforts to improve societal understanding, support mechanisms and employment prospects for individuals dealing with mental health issues in Community Mental Health Centers.