Coping Styles Research Articles

Relationships of the adversity quotient subtypes of nursing interns with depression, coping styles, positive psychological capital, and professional adaptability: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundNursing interns encounter numerous professional pressures during clinical practice. Assessing adversity quotient levels and understanding the influencing factors are crucial for supporting students’ seamless transition to professional nurses.PurposeThis study examined the adversity quotient subtypes of nursing interns and explored the relationships between adversity quotient and depression, coping styles, positive psychological capital, and professional adaptability.MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional research design, involving a survey of 287 nursing interns in five general hospitals in Shanghai, China. Latent profile analysis was conducted to explore the subtypes of adversity quotient with the four domains as input variables. Multinomial logistic regression models and multiple correspondence analysis were used for subsequent data analysis.ResultsThe average adversity quotient score of the nursing interns was 116.63 ± 32.22. A three-profile solution was obtained based on the latent profile analysis results. Three distinct subtypes emerged: a high-adversity quotient subtype (n = 50, 17.4%), a medium-adversity quotient subtype (n = 189, 65.9%), and a relatively low-adversity quotient subtype (n = 48, 16.7%). Multinomial logistic regression revealed that nursing interns in the high-adversity quotient subtype tended to be male, and had higher scores for positive psychological capital, negative coping style, and professional adaptability (p < 0.05).ConclusionMost of the nursing interns were in the medium adversity quotient subtype. Gender, positive psychological capital, negative coping style and professional adaptability were all significantly related to the adversity quotient. Boosting the positive psychological capital of nursing interns is an effective way to improve the adversity quotient.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Empowerment Program on Self-Compassion, Self-Esteem and Ways of Coping With Stress of Women Experienced Violence: A Randomised Controlled Study.

The aim of this experimental research is to assess the impact of a mindfulness-based empowerment program applied to women who have experienced violence on their levels of self-compassion, self-esteem and coping with stress. The study was a randomised controlled trial with a control group. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG, n1 = 27) and the control group (CG, n2 = 26) from women who had experienced violence. Descriptive statistical methods and t-tests for dependent and independent groups were employed in data analysis. After the mindfulness-based empowerment program, the intervention group exhibited a statistically significant high effect size in post-intervention measurements compared to the control group for the Self-Compassion Scale, Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and Coping Styles Scale total and subscale mean scores (p < 0.001). The mindfulness-based empowerment program has been found to enhance self-compassion, self-esteem and coping levels in women who have experienced violence. Therefore, it is recommended to promote the widespread adoption of mindfulness-based interventions for individuals who have undergone trauma, such as violence, to facilitate their re-empowerment and functional recovery. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05310656.

The efficacy of the 5E rehabilitation nursing model combined with mindfulness training on alleviating psychological distress and modulating coping styles in patients with acute myocardial infarction post-PCI: An observation study.

To explore the influence of the 5E rehabilitation nursing model integrated with mindfulness training on mitigating psychological distress and adjusting coping styles in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The clinical data of 94 patients with AMI who underwent PCI from August 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on different nursing modes. Among them, 47 cases received routine interventions were categorized into the control group, and 47 cases received the 5E rehabilitation nursing model integrated with mindfulness training on the basis of routine interventions were categorized into the study group. After 3 months of intervention, both groups exhibited a significant reduction in Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Depression Scale scores compared to the pre-intervention period, with the study group demonstrating lower scores than the control group (P < .05). Herth Hope Index scores significantly improved in both groups after intervention, with the study group exhibiting higher scores than the control group (P < .05). After 3 months of interventions, Self-Care Agency scores significantly elevated in both groups, with the study group demonstrating higher scores than the control group (P < .05). WHO Quality of Life-BREF scores significantly improved in both groups, with the study group demonstrating higher scores than the control group (P < .05). The study group exhibited higher compliance and satisfaction levels and lower complication rate compared to the control group (P < .05). Integrating the 5E rehabilitation nursing model with mindfulness training effectively alleviates psychological distress, ameliorates quality of life, and improves satisfaction in AMI patients after PCI.

Vaccine Hesitancy in the Autism Spectrum Disorder Context: Parental Vaccine Decision-Making and Coping with Stress Strategies.

Despite no scientific evidence linking vaccines to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), vaccine hesitancy persists among parents of children with ASD. This study aims to compare vaccine hesitancy and behaviors among parents of children with ASD, other Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD), and without NDD, and to examine the relationship between stress coping mechanisms and vaccine hesitancy, including comparing coping mechanisms between diagnostic groups as well as their association with hesitancy. In this cross-sectional study, one parent of each child with ASD, non-ASD NDD, or without NDD was included. Data were collected using a researcher-created form, the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Turkish, and the Coping Style Scale Brief Form. Vaccine hesitancy, parents' COVID-19 vaccination status, and vaccination status of children's younger siblings were analyzed through univariate and multivariate analyses, with a focus on correlations between vaccine hesitancy and coping styles. The study included one parent from each of 299 children. Parents of children with ASD showed an adjusted odds ratio of 2.66 (95% CI 1.35-5.06) for high vaccine hesitancy, 2.57 (95% CI 1.17-5.65) for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and 1.40 (95% CI 0.45-4.40) for younger siblings not receiving routine vaccines. A weak but significant correlation was observed between vaccine hesitancy and the use of restraint coping style among these parents (r = 0.280; p = 0.010). The study underscores the importance of targeted educational efforts and personalized communication to address vaccine hesitancy among parents of children with ASD. Enhancing vaccination coverage in this community requires further research to develop interventions tailored to their specific needs.

It is all about discomfort avoidance: maladaptive daydreaming, frustration intolerance, and coping strategies – a network analysis

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a need to daydream that replaces human interactions and disturbs everyday life. Research suggests that MD can be considered a stress-relief strategy, as a repeating sequence of using imagination may play a significant role in calming oneself down and seeking comfort through escapism and avoidance. The current study explored the relationships between maladaptive daydreaming, coping styles, and frustration intolerance (including discomfort and emotional intolerance) in a general population. The sample was divided into two subgroups: maladaptive daydreamers (MDers) and non-maladaptive daydreamers (non-MDers) based on the cutoff score in the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale-16 (MDS-16). Three hundred seventeen individuals participated in the study, including 142 MDers. The results showed significantly higher levels of frustration intolerance (U = 9952.00, p <.01) and avoidance-focused strategies (U = 10170.00, p <.01) among the MDers. Non-MDers scored significantly higher on the Emotional support-seeking scale (U = 16117.50, p <.001). Additionally, the network analysis proved differences in the variables’ dynamics: only in the MDers network MD exhibited significant edges with avoidant coping (0.05), discomfort intolerance (0.10), entitlement (0.07), and emotional intolerance (0.10). Entitlement was the variable of the highest expected influence in both subgroups studied. The current study proposes clinical implications: as emotional intolerance may serve as an essential factor in maintaining engagement in maladaptive daydreaming, the role of discomfort intolerance and its links to avoidance should be of significant focus in MD therapy.

'I cannot accept it' distressing experiences in parents of children diagnosed with cancer: A qualitative study.

To explore the distressing experiences of Chinese parents of children with cancer from the perspective of psychological inflexibility. A qualitative study using a descriptive qualitative approach based on the model of psychological inflexibility was adopted. Individual semi-structured interviews through synchronized online video were conducted with 21 Chinese parents of children with cancer from October 2020 to May 2021. Data were analysed using content analysis. Four themes and 11 subthemes were identified: (i) immersion in struggling and suffering, (ii) avoidance and suppression, (iii) blaming and complaint and (iv) helplessness and worthlessness. Parents were unwilling to accept the diagnosis and witness their children's suffering, trapped in uncontrollable negative emotions and thoughts. Avoiding emotions and socializing, blaming themselves or complaining of injustice were common. They felt helpless towards life and valueless without the child. The research findings provide additional perspectives in understanding the distressing experiences in parents of children with cancer. Overall, the emotional and coping styles indicated the lack of psychological flexibility of parents when facing childhood cancer, which is profoundly influenced by Chinese culture. Healthcare professionals are recommended to provide culturally sensitive strategies or interventions for building psychological flexibility in addressing parental psychological distress. The study provides insights into exploring distressing experiences and reveals the inflexible psychological and behavioural patterns in parents of children with cancer, which could benefit healthcare providers in managing parental psychological distress and helping these parents build flexible coping strategies. The COREQ guideline was followed. No patient or public involvement.

Effects of generational age on religious coping and psychological outcomes in females exposed to interpersonal violence.

This study seeks to examine the psychological outcomes and religious coping styles of women who are exposed to IpV as it relates to generational differences. A national stratified convenience sample of women in the United States (N = 1,165) was recruited online using the Qualtrics crowdsourcing service. Participants (n = 538) who reported having experienced interpersonal violence (i.e., sexual assault, physical assault, assault with a weapon) were designated as the IpV group. Those (n = 627) who reported no exposure to these events were designated as a no IpV comparison group (Non-IpV). Several two-way analyses of variance revealed that there was a statistically significant interaction between generations and IpV for depression, F(2, 1159) = 3.78, p = .023, anxiety, F(2, 1159) = 4.77, p = .009, stress, F(2, 1159) = 4.10, p = .017, and positive religious coping, F(2, 1,159) = 3.57, p = .028. These results suggest that generational differences may exist in psychological outcomes and RS coping in women who have experienced IpV compared to comparison groups. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Autolesiones en jóvenes universitarios sobrevivientes del suicidio

Self-injurious behaviors often arise as an attempt to regulate emotions and temporarily alleviate emotional and social pain, potentially leading to suicidal attempts over time—a complex phenomenon that demands a profound and diverse understanding of intense emotional distress and an urgent need for help and support. Thus, this article aimed to explore self-injurious experiences in survivors of suicide attempts during university years through a systematic review methodology using the PRISMA protocol, identifying and critically evaluating the quality of 24 studies spanning a period from 2003 to 2024, using keywords such as self-injury, non-suicidal self-injury, university students, adolescents, young adults, and others in databases like Web of Science, Redalyc, and Dialnet. It was found that self-injurious experiences in university students include cuts, burns, blows, pinches, falls, bites, scratches, and more, resulting from depression, anxiety, stress, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, avoidant coping styles, psychoactive substance use, bullying, academic pressure, history of violence, existential void, fatalistic attitudes, low self-esteem, cognitive rumination, family dysfunction, negative sexual experiences, and more. The above reveals that these experiences require specialized management that includes institutional and family care and support protocols, encompassing emotional, social, and personal factors, which implies the creation of early intervention programs, continuous psychological support, and awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with self-injury and suicide.

Nurse burnout: deep connections and solutions revealed by network analysis

BackgroundBurnout is very important to nurses’ physical and mental health and career development. Current approaches to assessing nurse burnout tend to use a total score modeling paradigm to explore the impact of external factors on burnout. The purpose of this study is to delve into the item-level relationship between nurse burnout and its influencing factors at both the social and psychological levels using a network analysis approach.MethodsThis study was conducted in June 2023 and 1,005 nurses from 4 hospitals out of 8 tertiary care hospitals in Harbin were selected to participate in this study using whole cluster sampling method. Measurements included a general demographic questionnaire, Trait coping styles questionnaire, Organizational commitment questionnaire, Work-family conflict scale, Transformational leadership questionnaire, and Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey.ResultsOur results suggest that “C1 Time-Based work interference with family” showed the strongest centrality and bridging in the overall network. This finding underscores its centrality to burnout. Other strongest bridge symptoms included “E2 Reduced personal accomplishment” and “A1 Positive coping styles” indicating their strongest connections to other clusters.ConclusionsNurse administrators should be encouraged to pay more attention to nurses’ work situations and family distress, and to help nurses in a flexible way.

Impact of Anxiety, Depression, and Coping Strategies on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

With the significant increase in the life expectancy of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, many individuals now reach adulthood and develop specific coping strategies to maintain their physical and mental well-being. This study aims to evaluate coping styles and their relationship with mental health and Health-Related Quality of Life (H-RQoL) in adult CF patients. Thirty adult CF patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess anxiety and depression, the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised to evaluate quality of life, and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced questionnaire to assess coping strategies. Twelve individuals (40%) met the diagnostic criteria for being at risk of experiencing anxiety and/or depression. Anxiety risk group exhibited lower life quality scores in the domains of vitality, emotional functioning, and role limitations (P = .027, P = .001, and P = .001, respectively). Patients reporting depressive symptoms had lower scores in emotional functioning and role limitations domains of quality of life (P = .005 and P = .018, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that depression and anxiety scores were significant predictors of emotional quality of life. In terms of coping strategies, "acceptance" was the most commonly preferred, while "substance use" was the least preferred strategy among all participants. Patients at risk of anxiety and/or depression often chose "avoidance" as their coping strategy. Anxiety and depressive symptoms are prevalent and associated with poorer H-RQoL in adult CF patients. These patients preferred to employ giving up strategy when dealing with the disease. Therefore, it is essential to screen adult CF patients for mental health risks and to work on improving their coping strategies.

Current status and factors influencing the work readiness of middle-aged and young postoperative lung cancer patients.

To identify the current status of return-to-work readiness and analyze its influencing factors among middle-aged and young postoperative lung cancer patients. From July 2022 to February 2023, a total of 144 middle-aged and young postoperative lung cancer patients who had been treated in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of West China Hospital, Sichuan University and had not returned to work were selected as the research subjects. A general information questionnaire, the Readiness for Return-To-Work (RRTW) Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) were used for the survey. Univariate analysis and ordinal logistic regression analysis were used to assess the current status of work readiness and its influencing factors. The distribution of work readiness from high to low was as follows: behavioral preparation-self-assessment stage, intention stage, preintention stage, and behavioral preparation-action stage. Univariate analysis showed that age, place of residence, occupation, nature of work, average family income, scope of surgery, postoperative complications, surgical site, and primary coping strategies were statistically significant (P < .05). The ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that patients engaged in mentally oriented work (odds ratio [OR] = 13.78, P < .001), with a monthly family income of ≥ 10,000¥ (OR = 6.28, P = .017), proactive coping strategies (OR = 4.84, P = .019), and higher self-efficacy (OR = 1.17, P < .001) had higher work readiness. Patients engaged in other industries (OR = 0.25, P = .028), agricultural, forestry, and fishing labor (OR = 0.08, P < .001), unemployed (OR = 0.12, P = .038), and with a monthly family income of < 1000¥ (OR = 0.07, P = .026) had lower work readiness. In overall, this study suggests that the work readiness of postoperative lung cancer patients needs improvement. Occupation, nature of work, average family income, primary coping strategies, and general self-efficacy are associated with return-to-work readiness among middle-aged and young postoperative lung cancer patients.

The association of cognitive coping style with patient preferences in a patient-led follow-up study among colorectal cancer survivors

IntroductionAmidst the rising number of cancer survivors and personnel shortages, optimisation of follow-up strategies is imperative, especially since intensive follow-up does not lead to survival benefits. Understanding patient preferences and identifying the associated patient profiles is crucial. Coping style may be a key determinant in achieving this. Our study aims to evaluate preferences, identify coping styles and their associated factors, and explore the association between coping style and patients’ preferences in colorectal cancer (CRC) follow-up.MethodsIn a prospective multicentre implementation study, patients completed the Threatening Medical Situations Inventory (TMSI) to determine their coping style. Simultaneously patients choose their follow-up preferences for the CRC trajectory regarding frequency of tumour marker determination, location of blood sampling, and manner of contact.ResultsA total of 188 patients completed the TMSI questionnaire after inclusion. A more intensive follow-up was preferred by 71.5% of patients. Of all patients, 52.0% had a coping style classified as ‘blunting’ and 34.0% as ‘monitoring’. Variables such as a younger age, female gender, higher educational level, and lower ASA scores were associated with having higher monitoring scores. However, there were no significant associations between follow-up preferences and patients’ coping styles.ConclusionThis study suggests that none of the provided options in a patient-led follow-up are unsuitable for patients who underwent curative surgery for primary CRC, based on coping style determined at baseline. Low-intensity surveillance after curative resection of CRC may, therefore, be suitable for a wide range of patients independent of coping styles.

Personal Growth Initiative: Relation to Coping Styles, Strategies, and Self-Efficacy

Personal growth initiative (PGI) refers to active and intentional participation in the growth process. PGI includes behavioral and cognitive skills and attitudes that are captured by four factors: Readiness for Change, Planfulness, Using Resources, and Intentional Behavior. There is substantial evidence supporting the positive relations between PGI and various domains of well-being. However, a lack of nuance regarding how the four facets of PGI differentially relate to other aspects of optimal functioning, such as coping, persists. Additionally, PGI has been theoretically tied to coping, but there is limited empirical evidence substantiating this link. Thus, the current study examined the relations between PGI and coping styles, strategies, and self-efficacy in a sample of 789 college students through a series of three canonical correlations. The findings indicated different combinations of the four aspects of PGI related significantly to 13 coping styles, three coping strategies, and three forms of coping self-efficacy. These findings have implications for both the theory and operationalization of PGI, such as the viability of the four separate aspects of PGI, as well as for the application of PGI and coping in college settings, including the development of trainings to increase PGI and adaptive aspects of coping.

Examining Coping Strategies and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence for the Protective Role of Problem-Focused Coping.

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, studies documented a marked decline in mental health and well-being when compared with prepandemic levels. This study examined how different coping styles were associated with anxiety, depression, and sleep problems among U.S. adults March-April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from 535 U.S. adults across three time points were analyzed using longitudinal multilevel logistic and linear regression modeling. Avoidant-emotional coping was associated with greater odds of experiencing anxiety (OR = 1.65, p < .001). Both avoidant- and active-emotional coping were associated with greater odds of experiencing depression (OR = 1.67, p < .001, and OR = 1.09, p = .022, respectively) and sleep problems (b = 0.05, p < .001, and b = 0.01, p = .005, respectively). Alternatively, problem-focused coping was associated with lower odds of depression (OR = 0.86, p < .001). Results converge with previous evidence suggesting the perniciousness of avoidant-emotional coping during the pandemic, but also underscore that problem-focused coping strategies may represent one important source of resilience for adults to adapt despite such challenges.

Nighttime Fears and Coping Responses in School-Aged Children: A Latent Profile Analysis.

Nighttime fears are common among school-aged children and may be linked to psychological difficulties, while coping strategies may vary and affect their emotional well-being. This study aimed to identify patterns of nighttime fears and coping styles in school-aged children using Latent Profile Analysis. Subsequently, possible predictors of the latent profiles were tested through multinomial logistic regression analysis. A sample of 786 Spanish-speaking children (aged 8 to 12; = 9.66, = 1.20; 51.3% girls) participated and completed self-report measures of nighttime fears and coping responses. The results revealed four latent profiles: (1)"low fears, low self-control" (24.2%), (2)"high fears (except for imaginary fears), maladaptive coping" (22.8%), (3)"moderate fears, adaptive coping" (44.9%), and (4)"high fears, maladaptive coping" (8.1%). The regression analysis revealed that sociodemographic characteristics and children's perceived helpfulness of coping strategies were predictors of the latent profiles. These findings suggest the presence of distinct patterns and heterogeneous subgroups, which may emerge as higher or lower risk profiles. It highlights the need to consider the existing patterns to provide tailored interventions targeting nighttime fears.

Compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and coping strategies of mental health professionals.

The prevalence of compassion fatigue (CF) and secondary traumatic stress (STS) has been studied with a predominant focus on medical care professionals, indicating a significant presence of STS and CF among them. The present study has identified a dearth in the representation of mental healthcare professionals (MHPs), grouped by psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatry nurses, and psychiatric social workers within the Indian context. To assess the degree of CF and STS and the subsequent coping mechanisms adopted by MHPs. This study followed a cross-sectional research design. There were 75 participants selected using purposive sampling and administered scales that measured CF, STS, and coping strategies adopted by the participants. There is a strong presence of CF in MHPs along with problem-focused coping as the preliminary approach to STS. Participants with average or higher scores in STS had higher intrusion scores. Higher STS scores tend to have avoidant coping styles in comparison to the larger sample. Female participants indicated higher levels of CF and STS than their male counterparts. The study emphasizes on the immediate requirement to address and manage CF levels among the MHPs and focus on the factors that continue to aggravate STS.

Coping style as a risk factor for future alcohol use disorder: A 16-year longitudinal study in a Canadian military sample

BackgroundCoping strategies used in response to stress have the potential to influence the development of mental health disorders, including alcohol use disorders. The current study investigated whether coping strategies placed an individual at greater likelihood for developing a future alcohol use disorder. MethodsThis study used data from the Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey; a nationally representative 16-year follow-up survey, with initial data collected in the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey – Canadian Forces Supplement. The total sample from the two datasets included 2941 individuals who were Regular Force members in 2002. Coping styles included problem-focused, avoidant, and self-medication. Adjusted logistic regression analyses examined relationships between coping style (in 2002) and alcohol use disorders (developed between 2002 and 2018). ResultsSelf-medication coping in 2002 was associated with any alcohol disorder since last interview (i.e., 2002–2018) (AOR 1.26; 95 % CI, 1.02–1.57) and during the past year (adjusted odds ratios [AOR 1.26; 95 % CI, 1.08–1.47]), as well as past-year binge drinking (AOR 1.19; 95 % CI, 1.09–1.29). Problem-focused coping was protective against past-year alcohol abuse (AOR 0.84; 95 % CI, 0.71–1.00) and any alcohol use disorder (AOR 0.87; 95 % CI 0.76–1.00). ConclusionCoping styles were strongly associated with future alcohol use disorders. Notably, results show the risk extended over a 16-year period. Findings suggest the use of self-medicating coping strategies places an individual at increased risk of developing alcohol use disorders, while problem-focused coping may decrease future risk of alcohol use disorders.

The perceived social support of parents having bipolar disorder impacts their children’s mental health: a 10-year longitudinal study

BackgroundThe offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (OBD) are at higher risk of developing psychopathology than the offspring of parents with no affective disorder (control). In addition to genetic predisposition, childhood adversity and a stressful family environment are important risk factors for the OBD. Protective factors in parents, such as social support and coping strategies, may buffer the effects of stress on at-risk children. This study tested whether parents’ social support and coping style attenuated the link between risk status (OBD vs. control) and psychopathology in offspring.MethodsDuring offspring’s middle childhood, parents underwent a diagnostic interview and completed social support and coping style questionnaires. Sixty-nine OBD (39 female) and 69 control (29 female) offspring between ages 13 and 29 completed a diagnostic interview approximately 10 years later.ResultsParents’ social support satisfaction moderated the link between offspring risk status and their development of substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms (F(1,131) = 5.90, p = .017). Parents’ social network size moderated the link between offspring risk status and their development of anxiety and depression symptoms in an unexpected direction (F(1,131) = 5.07, p = .026). No effects of parents’ coping style were found.ConclusionsAmong the OBD, having parents with greater social support satisfaction and, unexpectedly, a smaller social network buffered their development of SUD and depression and anxiety symptoms by early adulthood. Parents’ social support may thus have a protective function for children in these high-risk families.

The time course of health-related Quality of Life in rectal cancer patients undergoing combined modality treatment

Background and purposeThis exploratory prospective observational study investigated the changes in Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in rectal cancer patients (RCPs), from diagnosis to one-year-post-surgery follow-up and explored the role of physical symptoms and psychological determinants on HRQoL at the different time points. Materials and methodsWe assessed HRQoL, psychological distress, coping, affectivity, alexithymia and social support in 43 RCPs treated with preoperative (chemo)radiation and surgery, at three different assessment time points: diagnosis (T0), one month after the end of preoperative treatment (T1), one month after resection surgery (T2), and at follow-up (T3). ResultsThe data showed that HRQoL decreased during active treatments, especially between T1 and T2 (p = 0.005), before increasing again at follow-up (p = 0.002).Baseline intestinal symptoms (p < 0.001) and negative affectivity trait (p = 0.03) significantly predicted HRQoL at T0. Baseline pain (p < 0.001), intestinal (p = 0.003) and urinary (p = 0.009) symptoms at T1 significantly predicted HRQoL at T1. A fatalistic coping style at T1 (p = 0.013), psychological distress (p = 0.003), mouth symptoms (p = 0.001) at T2 significantly predicted HRQoL at T2. Similarly, a fatalistic coping style at T1 (p = 0.006), psychological distress (p = 0.004), mouth (p = 0.002) and pain symptoms (p = 0.002) at T3 significantly predicted HRQoL at T3. ConclusionSeveral physical and psychological factors are involved in the changes occurring after diagnosis in RCPs’ HRQoL. While cancer-related symptoms and treatment-related physical side effects are the main predictors of HRQoL at diagnosis and during active treatments, early psychological reactions have a higher predictive weight in post-treatment HRQoL.These data emphasise the importance of active screening, early diagnosis, and preventive psychological interventions immediately after diagnosis to improve HRQoL and psychological health outcomes.

Individuals with genetic high-risk for psychosis experience impaired coping styles compared with healthy controls.

Individuals with schizophrenia tend to have negative coping styles and low levels of self-esteem, but it is unclear whether coping styles and self-esteem levels are altered in people in the prodromal phase of psychosis. The study was designed to assess the role of coping style and self-esteem in the context of different phases of schizophrenia. Recurrent Schizophrenia (ReSch), first-episode schizophrenia patients (FEP), genetic-high risk for psychosis (GHR) patients, and healthy controls (HC) (40 per group) were subjected to in-person clinical interviews. The results of these interviews were then used to gauge coping style and self-esteem using the Coping Styles Questionnaire (CSQ) and the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data were analyzed through ANCOVAs and logistic regression analyses. The results found that positive coping style (CSQ problem-solving and CSQ seeking for help) generally decline with progression through the HC, GHR, and FEP groups, while negative coping style (CSQ fantasy, CSQ repression and CSQ self-blame) generally increase with progression through the HC, GHR, and FEP groups (except that GHR group was slightly lower than HC group in CSQ self-blame). Results for members of ReSch group were in line with those of members of the FEP group in coping style. At the level of self-esteem, the GHR group was similar to the HC group and significantly higher than the FEP group and the ReSch group. Logistic regression analyses indicated that GHR group patients exhibited increased negative coping styles (CSQ fantasy) relative to members of the HC group, but had greater Positive coping style (CSQ problem-solving) than did members of the FEP group. These findings suggest that both GHR individuals experience impaired negative coping styles which expands the understanding of the psychological characteristics of the prodromal group. Further explorations are warranted to develop optimal psychosocial interventions.