Development Of Coping Strategies Research Articles

Combating Social Isolation and Loneliness in Online Distance Learning: Lived Experiences of College Students

The COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to online distance learning (ODL) intensify social isolation and loneliness globally, particularly among college students. This study explores the experiences of nine university students in Baguio City who face these challenges. Through semi-structured interviews and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, the research reveals students struggle with their psychological well-being, the emotional impact of ODL, and demanding academic adjustments. However, students also develop coping strategies and seek support, ultimately viewing ODL as an innovative learning environment. These findings highlight the need for educators and policymakers to reassess current practices and implement strategies that support the holistic development of students in the evolving digital landscape.

Managing emotional and physical stress in sickle cell anemia: a review of effective strategies and approaches

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder characterized by recurrent pain episodes, chronic complications, and significant emotional and physical stress. This review article explores effective strategies for managing both the emotional and physical aspects of stress in SCA patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as “sickle cell anemia,” “stress management,” “psychological support,” and “pain management.” Emotional stress in SCA arises from chronic pain, frequent hospitalizations, and disease uncertainty, leading to conditions such as anxiety and depression. Effective management of emotional stress involves a combination of psychological counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and support groups, which help patients develop coping strategies and address the mental health challenges of living with a chronic illness. This review evaluates various psychological interventions and their impact on patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for integrated mental health support in the management of SCA. Physical stress in SCA is primarily due to acute vaso-occlusive crises and chronic pain, which require effective pain management and preventive measures. The review explores pharmacological treatments, such as opioids and hydroxyurea, as well as non-pharmacological approaches, including physical therapy and lifestyle modifications. Additionally, the article discusses innovative therapies like gene therapy and stem cell transplantation, which hold promise for long-term disease management.

Immunological resilience of a temperate catshark to a simulated marine heatwave.

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) have recently been proposed to be more relevant in driving population changes than the continuous increase in average temperatures associated with climate change. The causal processes underpinning MHW effects in sharks are unclear but may be linked to changes in fitness caused by physiological trade-offs that influence the immune response. Considering the scarcity of data about the immune response of sharks under anomalous warming events, the present study analyzed several fitness indices and characterized the immune response (in the blood, epigonal organ, liver, spleen and intestine) of temperate adult small-spotted catsharks (Scyliorhinus canicula) after a 30 day exposure to a category II MHW. The results indicated that adult small-spotted catsharks have developed coping strategies for MHWs. Specifically, among the 35 parameters investigated, only the gonad-to-body ratio (GBR) and plasma glucose concentration showed significant increases. In contrast, gene expression of igm and tumor necrosis factor receptor (tnfr) in blood cells, and tnfr in the epigonal organ, as well as the number of monocytes, all significantly decreased. Although a decline in immune function in small-spotted catsharks was revealed following MHW exposure, energy mobilization restored homeostasis and indicated a shift in energy allocation towards reproduction. Group resilience may be due to the variable tolerance of individuals, the phenotypic plasticity of cellular immunity, thermal imprinting and/or metabolic capacity of the individuals.

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.

Boron toxicity in plants: understanding mechanisms and developing coping strategies; a review.

Boron is essential for plants, but excess can induce toxicity. Boron (B) is a vital micronutrient for plants, but excess B can induce toxicity symptoms and reduce crop yields. B bioavailability depends on soil properties, including clay type, pH, and organic matter content. Symptoms of B toxicity include reduced shoot and root growth, leaf chlorosis and necrosis, impaired photosynthesis, and disrupted pollen development. This review paper examines the current knowledge on B toxicity mechanisms, tolerance strategies, and management approaches in plants. This review covers (1) factors affecting B bioavailability; (2) toxicity symptoms in plants; (3) uptake, transport, and detoxification mechanisms; and (4) strategies. To mitigate toxicity, plants reduce B uptake, activate efflux transporters, compartmentalize B, and enhance antioxidant systems. On the basis of this review, future research should focus on identifying novel tolerance mechanisms, exploring genetic strategies for improved B management, and developing innovative agronomic interventions. These insights will facilitate the breeding and management of crops for enhanced productivity under B toxicity stress.

The experiences and psychological impact of living with premenstrual disorders: a systematic review and thematic synthesis.

As the psychological impact and decreased quality of life experienced by women living with a Premenstrual Disorder (PMD) has been reported in the literature, the aim of this systematic review and thematic synthesis was to explore a) their experiences and the psychological impact of PMDs, specifically Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and b) their perceived support needs. Six databases were searched for publications reporting on qualitative studies, since the database inception. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed. Seventeen papers reporting on 479 women met the inclusion criteria: ten focused on PMS, six on PMDD and one on PMS and PMDD combined. Two main PMD themes were identified: 1) controlled by PMDs, which had three subthemes, and 2) a women and life left broken, with five subthemes. Women's accounts revealed that experiences of PMDs were intense, life changing and life-controlling. Women were left holding the responsibility of understanding and managing their own condition, whilst advocating for themselves in a healthcare setting in which their condition has been little understood. Consequently, women developed coping strategies to lead a functional life, and experienced changes to their sense of self. Clinical recommendations included the need for professionals working with women in crisis, to assess for PMDs and signpost towards specialist services.

Comparative study on the effects of role changes in simulation training among Korean nursing students

BackgroundSimulation education, based on experiential learning, helps nursing students develop coping strategies through reflective problem-solving in a safe environment. This enhances their ability to respond to similar new experiences and improves their caring abilities. Most nursing schools use simulation education, although the applications vary. This study identified a more effective simulation teaching method for nursing students by comparing the effects between two groups: one that performs one role per scenario and another that rotates through multiple roles per scenario. MethodsUsing a randomized control group pre-post design, we equally divided 62 students aged ≥19 years enrolled at a university in Changwon city, South Korea into a single-scenario role rotation group (SRRG) and a multiscenario role fixation group (MRFG). Data were analyzed by performing χ2 tests, independent t-tests, and paired t-tests. ResultsLearning confidence and critical thinking significantly changed in the SRRG; clinical competency significantly changed in the MRFG. ConclusionsExposure to multiple scenario simulations improves clinical competency. Changing roles in a single scenario boost learning confidence and critical thinking disposition.

MENTAL HEALTH HEROES: Skills desired by professionals for person-centered psychosocial care

The paradigm of psychosocial care in mental health is guided by the assistance provided in the territory to facilitate the identification and meeting of people's needs, as well as favoring psychosocial reintegration. The objective was to describe the competencies desired by mental health professionals for person-centered psychosocial care. This is an intervention research with a qualitative approach carried out with 30 professionals from two Psychosocial Care Centers in the central region of Brazil from October to December 2022. Four group meetings were held in the format of experiential workshops recorded in audio format. For data collection, the “My superpower” technique was used, in which professionals expressed which skills they would like to have in their care practice. The data was subjected to thematic content analysis. The skills desired by professionals were: usable and useful intelligence, time control, reading minds, reading thoughts, erasing minds, healing, eliminating pain, adjusting family relationships, forgetting the past, clearing hurts, welcoming with quality and in a short time develop coping strategies and instill hope. Some competencies are linked to the psychosocial and person-centered care model, while others are associated with the biomedical model based on curative practices.

Lessons learned during the pandemic: Parental coping and the positive effects of COVID‐19

AbstractObjectiveThis exploratory mixed‐methods study examined the perceptions of parental experience, coping, and resiliency of 690 parents in the United States during the pandemic.BackgroundIn response to being faced with additional stressors from the onset of COVID‐19 pandemic, many families tapped into coping strategies and resilience.ResultsA survey administered during July–September of 2020 determined that parental stress, difficulties with COVID‐19, and family functioning significantly impacted overall parental experience. Health concerns did not have a significant impact on parenting. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed to answer two open‐ended questions regarding parents coping and positive effects of the pandemic. Four subthemes emerged: (a) readjusting connections, (b) intentional wellness, (c) family cohesion, and (d) deceleration of time.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that parents were able to develop coping strategies and find positives even during the early stages of the pandemic.ImplicationsThis study provides support for Walsh's (2020) description of “bouncing forward” versus the traditional notion of “bouncing back” in the face of change and uncertainty, especially for higher resourced families. A common experience for participants was the reported use of intentional strategies that aided in processing, healing, and hope during this time of uncertainty.

Beyond catching a glimpse: young adults' perceptions of social media cooking content

PurposeThe study aims to explore how young adults perceive cooking contents on social media and their interaction with it.Design/methodology/approachQualitative study using semi structured interviews with Brazilian young adults who cook (19–24 years old, n = 31) was the method employed. Interview audio recordings were transcribed and submitted to inductive and reflexive thematic analysis.FindingsData analysis generated six different themes. Young adults valued the profiles’ aesthetics and quality in terms of straightforwardness, trustworthiness, novelty and authenticity of information; they also identified with the profiles’ authors. When pressed for time, aesthetics was less valued than straightforwardness. Participants felt overwhelmed by the excessive information on social media and developed coping strategies to deal with this issue.Originality/valueThe lack of cooking and food skills is a recognized barrier for healthy eating in the young adult population. Social media can play a prominent role in delivering cooking-related information to the younger generation, but research on people’s perceptions of the cooking content available online is scarce and does not focus on how actual engagement with the available content happens. This qualitative exploration revealed which features young adults prefer when using social media to access cooking content, which can inform future interventions to promote cooking and improve health.

From Feeling Tough to Mental Growth: Coping with Sexual Bullying During Childhood in Gay and Bisexual Men

ABSTRACT This qualitative study was conducted to understand how gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Taiwan cope with childhood bullying because of their sexual orientation or gender nonconformity. We explored their journey from feeling disturbed to receiving social support, developing coping strategies, and achieving self-growth. Colaizzi’s phenomenological approach was used to investigate subject experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 GBM who had experienced high-level sexual bullying in childhood. Relevant data were collected to assess their experiences of sexual bullying, their coping strategies, and subjective effects of corresponding adjustments in interpersonal interactions. Subject experiences concentrated on six themes related to sexual bullying and coping strategies: bullying at developmental stages, bullying everywhere, facing bullying alone, various impacts of bullying, overcoming challenges of interpersonal relationships, and building a strong and carefree self. Our findings can provide mental health professionals with key insights into the contexts of sexual bullying and the associated psychological distress in GBM. This study further clarifies the coping responses of these individuals and their psychological growth following such adverse experiences.

The importance of variance and microsite conditions for growth and hydraulic responses following long-term rewetting in pedunculate oak wood

Key messageEarly rewetting influenced growth variability and hydraulic uniformity in Pedunculate oak wood on disturbed peatland. Long-term study highlighted vessel widening's importance in adapting to water availability changes.Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) is a widely recognized flood-tolerant tree that thrives on fertile and moist soil conditions, such as on or close to peatland ecosystems. In the frame of climate change counteracting policies, rewetting peatland ecosystems is gaining increasing interest, while the ecological consequences are not always clear. Whereas the effect of flooding on wood anatomical traits of pedunculate oak is widely documented, little is known about the effect of permanent rewetting. In this study, we investigated the wood anatomical responses of 12 pedunculate oak trees located on a formerly drained peatland in NE Germany, that experienced flooding and a consequent rewetting. Wood anatomical traits were analyzed via CARROT, a tool that employs the accuracy and efficiency of artificial intelligence to identify tree rings and vessels. Growth anatomical traits (e.g., tree ring width) showed a sudden increase after the rewetting started in 1995, while hydraulic traits (Dh and Ks) displayed a decreasing trend only after the rewetting process was fostered by the opening of an artificial canal in 2004. Variance analysis highlighted subtle changes in the trait’s distribution over time: high soil water content triggered variability in the growth anatomical traits and, simultaneously, homogeneity in the hydraulic traits. Results suggest the relevance of the “vessel widening” mechanisms to develop coping strategies in response to the later stage of the rewetting, and pose relevant insights concerning the importance of specific site conditions for the implementation of rewetting policies in peatlands with presence of pedunculate oak.

Strategi coping pada mahasiswi korban perceraian orangtua

Individuals need to develop coping strategies to overcome feelings, express emotions, and find strategies to deal with parental divorce situations. The purpose of this study was to determine the coping strategies used by female students in dealing with parental divorce that occurred in their lives and to determine the factors that influence female students in taking these coping strategies. The method in this study was qualitative and the research design was phenomenology. The subjects in this study were students aged 20–25 who experienced parental divorce, totaling four people. Data collection by conducting interviews. The data analysis techniques used were making interview transcripts, conducting data reduction, coding processes, and drawing conclusions from the data that had been collected. The results of the study showed that the coping strategies used by subjects who experienced parental divorce were problem-focused coping strategies, emotion-focused coping strategies, and acceptance. Then, in carrying out these coping strategies, individuals are influenced by factors, including physical condition factors, positive views, social support, and material.

Psychological, sociocultural, and coping experiences of women with infertility using traditional healthcare services in Harare urban, Zimbabwe: A qualitative study.

This study focused on the psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of infertility among women with infertility in Harare Urban who have utilised traditional healthcare systems to address their infertility problem. It also emphasises their coping strategies for dealing with the challenges encountered along the infertile journey. This was a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach, focusing on the experiences of five women. Data from the interviews was analysed using a simplified version of Hycner's (1985) five-step explication process. The study produced three main themes: psychological experiences, socio-cultural experiences, and coping experiences, along with seven sub-themes. The results showed that women experienced intense distress, sorrow, and self-blame because of their inability to have children, further compounded by the stigma they faced from their families and communities. Women with infertility are subjected to derogatory labels, social contempt, ridicule, and being undervalued, which leads them to develop coping strategies to endure the adverse encounters. These coping mechanisms can have either positive or negative effects on their overall welfare. The exploration of psychological, socio-cultural factors, and coping mechanisms of women with infertility problems' presents a chance to co-create interventions that empower them.

‘Start Making Sense’: A qualitative exploration of a trauma psychoeducation group for people living with HIV

People living with HIV experience high rates of mental health issues and are disproportionately impacted by psychological trauma. Exposure to trauma can play a role in acquiring HIV, contribute to negative health outcomes and impact transmission behaviours. Start Making Sense is a Phase 1 trauma psychoeducation group for people living with HIV which aims to connect, educate and empower individuals living with the dual stigma of HIV and trauma. The group is run in collaboration between an NHS trust and a third sector charity, Blue Sky Trust, supporting people living with HIV. This qualitative study explored participants’ experiences of the group intervention. Two focus groups were held with nine participants who had completed the group. A thematic analysis of the data identified five main themes: (1) connecting with others living with HIV and trauma; (2) gaining insight and control over trauma symptoms; (3) developing self-compassion; (4) practical challenges and emotional difficulties; and (5) ‘Start Making Sense’: a catalyst for change and hope. The findings suggest that a trauma psychoeducation group has potential benefits for supporting people living with HIV in reducing social isolation and stigma, understanding trauma symptoms, developing coping strategies and increasing agency and empowerment. Delivering groups in community settings can enable people to stay connected to each other and the setting beyond the timeframe of the intervention and can strengthen co-production models. This study demonstrates the range of potential benefits that trauma psychoeducation groups can have for this population and we suggest that similar interventions are piloted and evaluated.

The impact of clinically relevant health conditions on psychosocial outcomes in survivors of childhood cancer: results of the DCCSS-LATER study.

Investigate the association between presence, number and type of clinically relevant health conditions and a range of psychosocial outcomes (emotional, social, cognitive, physical) in survivors of childhood cancer (CCS). CCS from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS)-LATER cohort (diagnosed between 1963-2001, attained age ≥ 18, diagnosed < 18, ≥ 5years since diagnosis) completed a questionnaire on health conditions (2013-2014), and questionnaires on psychosocial outcomes (2017-2020): Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short form 36, TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult Health-Related Quality of Life, and the Self-Rating Scale for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Associations among health conditions and psychosocial outcomes were assessed with regression analysis, adjusting for attained age, sex, and time since diagnosis, and adjusting for multiple testing (p < 0.004). A total of 1437 CCS, mean age 36.3years, 51.1% female, ≥ 15years since diagnosis, completed questionnaires on health and psychosocial outcomes. CCS with a clinically relevant health condition, and those with more conditions had worse emotional, social, and physical outcomes; regression coefficients were small to moderate. CCS with gastro-intestinal conditions, endocrine, nervous systems, eye, or ear conditions, and especially those with secondary malignant neoplasms, reported worse psychosocial functioning; regression coefficients were small/moderate to large. Health care professionals should be aware of the increased risk for psychosocial problems among CCS with health conditions, especially for survivors with secondary malignant neoplasms, gastro-intestinal, endocrine, nervous system, eye, and ear conditions. CCS may benefit from psychological interventions to develop coping strategies to manage health conditions and psychosocial consequences of the cancer trajectory.

QOL-34. POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS SURVIVORS OF PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract BACKGROUND Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) often report late psychosocial effects following the disease and the treatments. Recent studies have shown that PBTS can experience growth in their personal and interpersonal dimensions and develop coping strategies that allow them to deal with the stress caused by cancer diagnosis and subsequent therapies. This study aimed to describe post-traumatic growth (PTG) experiences and coping strategies among adolescents and young adults (AYA) survivors of pediatric brain tumors. METHODS AYA survivors were assessed using Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) questionnaires. They received evaluation at a median age of 20.2 years (range 13.6-28.7), with a median of 92 months from diagnosis. RESULTS Among 22 AYA survivors (M =14; F=8), the diagnosed tumor types were: germ cell tumor (10/22), low-grade glioma (4/22), embryonal tumor (3/22), high-grade glioma (2/22), craniopharyngioma (2/22), and mesenchymal tumor of the meninges (1/22).The domains of PTG in which positive changes were most frequently reported were Personal Strength (25%), Appreciation for Life (25%), and New Possibilities (23%). The less impacted domain was Spiritual Growth (9%). As regards the most adopted coping style, 38% showed higher values in the Distraction scale, 31% in the Task-Oriented scale, 15% in the Avoidance scale, and 15% in the Social Diversion scale. CONCLUSIONS PTG and coping are important indicators of psychosocial adaptation to difficult or stressful events. To develop specific interventions that enhance PTG, it is essential to understand which factors influence growth in PBTS. Our preliminary data show that all AYA survivors report PTG after treatments, at least in some domains. Further analysis is needed to identify which coping styles may influence the development of PTG.

Mental health and quality of life in patients with chronic liver disease: a single-center structural equation model

BackgroundChronic liver disease (CLD) is one of the leading disease burdens in Pakistan. Until now, there has only been limited focus in the country on providing health services through tertiary services in urban cities, whereas there is almost no research in Pakistan on the mental health and quality of life of CLD patients. This study aimed to understand which predictors influence the mental health and quality of life of CLD patients in order to advise better policy protection.MethodsData was collected from CLD patients at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 850 respondents were part of the final sample. The age of respondents ranged from 18 to 79 years and included the following diagnosis: (i) Chronic Viral Hepatitis (n = 271), (ii) Cirrhosis (n = 259), (iii) Hepatocellular Carcinoma (n = 193), and (iv) Non-viral Liver Disease (n = 127).ResultsMean results reveal that females as well as illiterate patients need more support for mental health and communication with their physician; whereas men need more support to develop coping strategies. Structural equation modelling results reveal that the severity of symptoms (β = 0.24, p < 0.001), coping strategies (β=-0.51, p < 0.001), and doctor communication (β=-0.35, p < 0.001) predict mental health. Quality of life is associated with the severity of symptoms (β=-0.36, p < 0.001), coping strategies (β = 0.26, p < 0.05), and doctor communication (β = 0.09, p < 0.05).ConclusionsA ‘bio-psycho-social-spiritual’ model is recommended for Pakistan’s CLD patients which includes the integration of social officers to provide support in four key areas to secure mental health and quality of life of patients.

Cross Sectional Survey of Antenatal Educators’ Views About Current Antenatal Education Provision

ObjectivesAntenatal education (ANE) is part of National Health Service (NHS) care and is recommended by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to increase birth preparedness and help pregnant women/birthing people develop coping strategies for labour and birth. We aimed to understand antenatal educator views about how current ANE supports preparedness for childbirth, including coping strategy development with the aim of identifying targets for improvement.MethodsA United Kingdom wide, cross-sectional online survey was conducted between October 2019 and May 2020. Antenatal educators including NHS midwives and private providers were purposively sampled. Counts and percentages were calculated for closed responses and thematic analysis used for open text responses.ResultsNinety-nine participants responded, 62% of these did not believe that ANE prepared women for labour and birth. They identified practical barriers to accessing ANE, particularly for marginalised groups, including financial and language barriers. Educators believe class content is medically focused, and teaching is of variable quality with some midwives being ill-prepared to deliver antenatal education. 55% of antenatal educators believe the opportunity to develop coping strategies varies between location and educators and only those women who can pay for non-NHS classes are able to access all the coping strategies that can support them with labour and birth.Conclusions for PracticeAntenatal educators believe current NHS ANE does not adequately prepare women for labour and birth, leading to disparities in birth preparedness for those who cannot access non-NHS classes. To reduce this healthcare inequality, NHS classes need to be standardised, with training for midwives in delivering ANE enhanced.

Experience of psychosocial rehabilitation; perspectives of depressed adolescents.

Given the multifaceted character of depression and its related symptoms, an adolescent living with it is at increased risk for a wide range of adverse events. This research aimed to understand and characterize the psychosocial rehabilitation experiences of depressed teenage participants in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A cross-sectional semi-structured interview design influenced by an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) technique was adopted. We employed a nonprobability, purposeful sampling approach to recruit twenty-one adolescents (6 males, 15 females) diagnosed with depression from the community after one month of discharge from admission and undergoing psychosocial rehabilitation. Using separate interviews, we gathered and analyzed data using interpretive phenomenological analysis to produce themes and sub-themes. These were presented with the participants' direct quotations. We discovered that the perspectives of adolescents' psychosocial rehabilitation experience include hopelessness and suicide ideation, coping difficulties, undesirable attitudes from support networks, challenges related to school, and isolation. Participants suggested appropriate therapeutic environments, encouraging support systems, and the media's role in preventing and treating depression among young people as rehabilitation approaches that could assist adolescents to remain lucid for longer intervals. These results shed light on the tragic realities faced by depressed adolescents. There is an urgent need to put well-defined structures in place to aid their rehabilitation and develop coping strategies for a better life.