Differences In Emotional Distress Research Articles

Profiles of Dementia Caregivers according to Psychosocial and Resource Variables. Importance of Kinship.

The present study aims to analyze the existence of different profiles in family caregivers of people with dementia according to psychosocial and resource variables. In addition, it aims to study whether there is a greater representation of each kinship group in each of the profiles and if there are differences in emotional distress among such profiles considering the kinship with the care-recipient. Participants were 288 family dementia caregivers, divided into four kinship groups (wives, husbands, sons and daughters). Psychosocial (familism, dysfunctional thoughts and experiential avoidance), resource (leisure activities and social support) and outcomes (depressive, anxious and guilt symptomatology) variables were collected. A hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward's method, an exploratory factor analysis of two fixed factors and contingency tables were performed. Five clusters were obtained: Low psychosocial vulnerability-High resources, Low psychosocial vulnerability-Low resources, Mixed, High psychosocial vulnerability-High resources, and High psychosocial vulnerability-Low resources. Results suggested that clusters associated with lower distress were the Low psychosocial vulnerability-High resources and the High psychosocial vulnerability-High resources. Clusters associated with higher distress were the Low psychosocial vulnerability-Low resources and Mixed. High levels of dysfunctional thoughts, familism and experiential avoidance do not always have a maladaptive function. This could depend on sociocultural and resource variables such as the kinship with the caregiver or perceived social support. The identification of profiles of family caregivers potentially needing protection and vulnerable to psychological distress could help to increase the effectiveness of interventions aimed at this population.

Person-Centered Associations between High- and Low-Risk Personality Profiles and Psychological Adjustment in University Students

Personality traits are considered potential risk or protective factors for learning and psychological adjustment. This is a concern in higher education settings, which comprise mostly youth in emerging adulthood. The purpose of this study is to apply a person-centered approach to identify personality profiles of university students based on their character traits and then evaluate whether some clusters predict differences in emotional distress and coping strategies. We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey with 467 southern Italian undergraduate university students (M=21.8, SD=3.69). Students completed an anonymous online survey and self-report questionnaires measuring sociodemographic characteristics, personality traits (Personality Inventory for DSM-5), emotional distress (General Anxiety Disorders-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and coping strategies (Brief-COPE). Two distinct clusters were identified, differing in relation to maladaptive personality traits. One was characterized by high maladaptive personality traits, comprising 45.6% of the sample population. This high-risk profile evidenced higher levels of negative affect, detachment, psychoticism, antagonism, and disinhibition. A second cluster, with low maladaptive personality traits, represented the remainder of the sample. Participants featuring high maladaptive personality traits reported lower functioning in terms of avoidant coping strategies in comparison to the second low-risk cluster. Generating profiles of latent traits, such as in cluster analysis, can enhance a more profound theoretical understanding of underlying patterns within personality traits. This can enable higher education settings to meet variations in student needs by adapting their support services and interventions. Students can be trained to use coping strategies more effectively and efficiently.

Stepped-care to improve mental health outcomes among underserved patients with lung and head and neck cancer.

The comparative effectiveness study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03016403) assessed the effects of a stepped-care intervention versus usual care on mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, coping self-efficacy, emotional distress (anxiety and depression combined), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and perceived stress among underserved patients (i.e., low-income, uninsured, underinsured) with lung cancer (LC) and head-and-neck cancer (HNC). In a randomized controlled trial, we investigated if 147 patients who received the stepped-care intervention had better mental health outcomes compared to 139 patients who received usual care. Using an intent-to-treat approach, we analyzed outcomes with linear mixed models. For the primary outcomes estimated mean differences (denoted by "Δ"), depression (Δ=1.75, 95% CI=0.52, 2.98, p=0.01) and coping self-efficacy (Δ=-15.24, 95% CI=-26.12, -4.36, p=0.01) were better for patients who received the intervention compared to patients who received usual care, but anxiety outcomes were not different. For secondary outcomes, emotional distress (Δ=1.97, 95% CI: 0.68, 3.54, p =< 0.01) and HRQoL (Δ=-4.16 95% CI: -7.45, -0.87, p=0.01) were better for patients who received the intervention compared to usual care patients, while perceived stress was not different across groups. The stepped-care intervention influenced depression and coping self-efficacy, important outcomes for patients with acute illnesses like LC and HNC. Although differences in emotional distress met the minimally important differences (MID) previously reported, depression and HRQoL were not above the MID threshold. Our study is among a few to report differences in mental health outcomes for underserved LC and HNC patients after receiving a psychological intervention. NCT03016403.

Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Distress for Young People and Adults in Pandemic Context

The COVID-19 pandemic context put to test all adaptive skills of human beings around the world. In this disruptive context, a sample of 401 respondents (173 male and 228 female), aged between 19 and 65 years old, were assessed using the Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (USAQ), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), the Emotional Distress Profile (PDE) and the Autonomy Questionnaire, from Cognitrom Assessment System. The main objectives of the study aimed at identifying the significant differences in emotional distress, coping mechanisms, autonomy and self-acceptance based on gender and age as grouping variables, and the significant relationships between all these variables. Statistics show differences in behavioural and emotional autonomy between male and female, differences related to catastrophizing and blaming others as resilience mechanisms between male and female, differences in self-acceptance and positive assessment (as coping mechanism) between young people and adults, and significant negative correlations between emotional distress and all types of autonomy (value, cognitive, behavioural and emotional), significant positive correlation with coping mechanisms like blaming others, catastrophizing, self-blame and acceptance, and significant negative correlation with positive assessment and refocusing on planning. All results are discussed in the context of the disruption caused by the pandemic context and in relationship with the necessity of supporting people to maintain their mental health and well-being, now more than ever, with the new turning back to the previous way of life caused by the lifting of the state of alert by the authorities.

The psychological impact of food allergy and undergoing a food challenge test in adult age.

Introduction. Despite an increasing number of adults being affected by food allergy, there is currently limited research regarding the psychological impact of living with this condition in this age group and the effect of undergoing food challenge testing - the gold standard for diagnosis - on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Objective. To assess whether ruling out a food allergy using an open food challenge could improve HRQoL and emotional well-being. To evaluate whether HRQoL gains are higher among people testing negative for food allergy and whether people higher on health anxiety would be less reassured by a negative food challenge. Methods. A cross-sectional study (n = 276) and a prospective study (n = 53) were performed. Adults with a positive (n = 34), or negative food challenge (n = 34), or with an allergy confirmed via other means (No challenge, n = 208), completed the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Adult Form, General Health Questionnaire-12, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory short form, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, shortened version of the Health Anxiety Questionnaire in addition to clinical and demographic variables. A prospective study examined these measures before and three months after a food challenge (negative, n = 45; positive, n = 8). Results. Adults with a negative food challenge outcome had better HRQoL than those with a food allergy confirmed via other means (No challenge), with no differences between the two allergy positive groups (food challenge vs no challenge). No group differences in emotional distress, health anxiety or mood were found. The prospective study showed HRQoL significantly improved following a food challenge (F(1,39) = 16.868; p minor 0.001; Intention-to-treat F(1,52) = 15.346; p minor 0.001). High health anxiety was not associated with lower reassurance following a negative test. Conclusions. People who have a food allergy excluded following a food challenge have better HRQoL. There was a significant improvement in HRQoL following an open food challenge which supports the need to increase provision of food challenge testing in this age group.

Differences in Emotional Distress Among Black and White Breast Cancer Survivors During the Covid-19 Pandemic: a National Survey.

The Covid-19 pandemic is straining US healthcare resources, causing significant disruptions in cancer care. Prior to the pandemic, Black cancer survivors experienced a disproportionate burden of delays in cancer treatment compared to White cancer survivors. As a result of the pandemic, disruptions in care are widespread and affect cancer survivors regardless of race. This shift presented an opportunity to investigate differences in how Black and White cancer survivors experience disruptions in cancer care due to the pandemic. We conducted a national survey of adult breast cancer survivors, distributed online from 4/2/20 to 4/27/20. We used t-tests to compare cancer and non-cancer-related worry during the Covid-19 pandemic between Black and White breast cancer survivors. Analysis of data from 570 respondents (106 Black and 464 White) indicated significantly higher levels of distress among White respondents compared to Black respondents. Our results point to the importance of assessing race differences in emotional response to disruptions in cancer care during the pandemic. We suggest that differences in emotional distress may reflect differences in previous experience of treatment delays and coping strategies between Black and White breast cancer survivors.

Predicting decisional conflict: Anxiety and depression in shared decision making

ObjectivesEmotional distress can be a potential barrier to shared decision making (SDM), yet affect is typically not systematically assessed in medical consultation. We examined whether urological patients report anxiety or depression prior to a consultation and if emotional distress predicts decisional conflict thereafter. MethodsWe recruited a large sample of urological outpatients (N = 397) with a range of different diagnoses (42 % oncological). Prior to a medical consultation, patients filled in questionnaires, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. After the consultation, patients completed the Decisional Conflict Scale. We scored the rate of anxiety and depression in our sample and conducted multiple regression analysis to examine if emotional distress before the consultation predicts decisional conflict thereafter. ResultsAbout a quarter of patients reported values at or above cut-off for clinically relevant emotional distress. Emotional distress significantly predicted a higher degree of decisional conflict. There were no differences in emotional distress between patients with and without uro-oncological diagnosis. ConclusionsEmotional distress is common in urology patients – oncological as well as non-oncological. It predicts decisional conflict after physician consultation. Practice ImplicationsEmotional distress should be systematically assessed in clinical consultations. This may improve the process and outcome of SDM.

Emotional distress among the Bedouin Arab and Jewish elderly in Israel: The roles of gender, discrimination, and self-esteem

Mental-health problems are common among older adults, especially those who are members of disadvantaged ethnic minorities. We explored ethnic and gender differences in emotional distress, perceived discrimination, and self-esteem among elderly Bedouin Arab and Jewish individuals in Israel, as well as the moderating role of discrimination in the association between self-esteem and emotional distress among Bedouin Arabs. The sample included 256 older adults (60 years old and above): 147 native-born Israeli Jews and 109 Bedouin Arabs. Participants completed self-report questionnaires that assessed emotional distress, perceived discrimination, self-esteem, and sociodemographic factors. Israeli Jews reported lower levels of emotional distress than Bedouin Arabs. Bedouin Arab women reported more emotional distress than Bedouin Arab men. Among the Bedouin Arabs, gender differences were found in the associations of perceived discrimination and self-esteem with emotional distress. Among the Bedouin men, discrimination and self-esteem were found to be significant predictors of emotional distress. Among the Bedouin women, we found a similar association between self-esteem and emotional distress. However, the protective role of self-esteem disappeared in the context of higher levels of daily discrimination. This study underscores how gender can affect the moderating role of discrimination in the association between self-esteem and emotional distress among the elderly.

The Association Between Deaf Identity and Emotional Distress Among Adolescents.

The sociocultural approach regards being deaf as a cultural characteristic in the identity of a deaf/hard-of-hearing (D/HH) person. The degree to which one integrates the hearing and Deaf cultures ("acculturation") is an important factor for the well-being of deaf adolescents. We examined the relationship between acculturation patterns and emotional distress among D/HH (n =69) compared to hearing (n =60) adolescents in Israel. We used culturally and linguistically accessible measures. Our findings showed no significant differences in emotional distress between D/HH and their hearing counterparts. Acculturation played an important role predicting emotional distress. Identification with both the Deaf and hearing cultures was associated with reduced somatization. Exposure to discrimination and social support was also associated with emotional distress in predictable ways. Findings are interpreted within the specific context of Israeli society and highlight the importance of using adaptive linguistic and cultural assessment tools with D/HH populations.

PSIHOLOŠKO, TELESNO I SOCIJALNO BLAGOSTANJE STARIH OSOBA NAKON GUBITKA SUPRUŽNIKA

Cilj ovog istraživanja je ispitivanje psihofizičkog i socijalnog blagostanja starih osoba nakon nedavnog gubitka supružnika. Istraživanje blagostanja starih ožalošćenih je sprovedeno poređenjem grupe tugujućih (64 ispitanika) i netugujućih starih osoba (104 ispitanika). Starost ispitanika obe grupe kretala se od 65 do 89 godina. Dobijeni rezultati potvrđuju postojanje značajnih razlika u nivou većine ispitivanih indikatora blagostanja. Razlike su uglavnom male do srednje veličine efekta. Stare osobe koje su u protekla dva do tri meseca izgubile supružnike ispoljavaju očekivano niže zadovoljstvo životom i niži doživljaj smisla života, kao i više vrednosti negativnog i niži stepen pozitivnog afekta u poređenju sa ispitanicima u bračnom odnosu. Dodatno, tugujuće osobe izveštavaju o većem doživljaju usamljenosti, uprkos snažnije percipiranoj dostupnosti instrumentalne podrške. Suprotno očekivanjima proisteklim iz nekih ranijih nalaza, razlike između tugujućih i netugujućih ispitanika nisu registrovane u pogledu stepena emocionalnog distresa i percipiranog zdravstvenog statusa. Takođe, ove dve grupe ispitanika se ne razlikuju po nivou rezilijentnosti i percipirane emocionalne podrške, dok se razlike pojavljuju u nivou funkcionalnog statusa. Tugujući ispitanici se pokazuju kao funkcionalno nezavisniji od netugujućih. Polne razlike u grupi tugujućih ispitanika utvrđene su samo u slučaju negativnog afekta, koji je u većoj meri zastupljen kod udovica. Uopšteno, dobijeni rezultati su u većem delu u skladu sa ranijim istraživanjima, ali delimično ukazuju i na izvesne specifičnosti koje moguće proističu iz nekih karakteristika tugovanja i starenja u našoj kulturi.

Emotional distress and tobacco demand during the menstrual cycle in female smokers

ABSTRACTFluctuations in ovarian hormones over the menstrual cycle contribute to cigarette reward, however less is known about menstrual cycle influences on emotional distress in female smokers. We examined between-group differences in emotional distress (negative affectivity, emotion dysregulation, distress intolerance) and hypothetical cigarette purchasing (i.e. tobacco demand) among female smokers at three different menstrual stages. Women (n = 32) were non-treatment seeking daily smokers not on hormonal contraceptive, and were currently in their follicular (estradiol-dominant; n = 10), early-mid luteal (progesterone-dominant; n = 15), and late-luteal phase (decreasing progesterone/estradiol; n = 7). Effect sizes are reported given the small sample. Women in the late-luteal phase, relative to the follicular and early-mid luteal phases, reported higher levels of negative affectivity (d = 0.69), emotion dysregulation (d = 1.03), and distress intolerance (d = −0.86). Compared to the early-mid luteal and late-luteal phases, women in the follicular phase reported the highest hypothetical cigarette consumption when cigarettes were free (d = 0.71) and made the largest maximum expenditures on cigarettes (d = 0.74). Findings offer preliminary evidence that the late-luteal phase is characterized by emotional distress, and the follicular phase is associated with elevated tobacco demand, which if replicated could implicate ovarian hormones in emotion-focused smoking.

Emotional Distress, Bullying Victimization, and Protective Factors Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents in City, Suburban, Town, and Rural Locations

Understanding the root causes of the substantial disparities in risk and protective factors among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents is essential to the development and expansion of resources and supports for this vulnerable population. This study examines differences in emotional distress, bullying victimization, and protective factors among TGD high school students in city, suburban, town, and rural locations. Data come from a statewide school-based survey conducted in Minnesota in 2016 (n = 2,168 TGD youth). Analysis of covariance models were used to predict the prevalence of multiple indicators of emotional distress, bullying victimization, and protective factors across the 4 location categories, with multiple adjustments. Significant linear trends were observed for 2 emotional distress outcomes and 2 bullying victimization outcomes, with urban TGD students having the lowest rates and rural having the highest prevalences. Additional significant differences in emotional distress were noted, with unexpectedly high rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among suburban students. Helping TGD adolescents in all types of locations identify resources and supportive professionals is critical to supporting this population.

Struktura iskustva usamljenosti - mjerene upitnikom A. Rokach

An investigation was carried out on 484 subjects aged 16-90 years. The sample consisted of 261 women and 223 men. The aim of the investigation was to examine the structure of loneliness experience, as well as age and gender differences. A. Rokach’s questionnaire “Experience of Loneliness” was used. That part of the questionnaire (68 items) which assesses the negative aspects of loneliness was analysed with principal factor analysis. Five factors were extracted which were named as: Emotional Distress, Interpersonal Isolation, Exclusion, Social Inadequacy and Physical Manifestations. Higher order factor analysis extracted just one factor - Experience of Loneliness. The theoretical expectation that the Experience of loneliness includes emotional, social, behavioural, cognitive and physical dimensions was confirmed. There were no age differences in Emotional Distress. Younger subjects (19 to 24 years old) have higher results on Interpersonal Isolation, Exclusion and Social Inadequacy, while older subjects (65 to 90 years old) have higher results on the factor of Physical Manifestations. Gender differences are present in all five factors indicating that women are more lonely. The resu Ils are interpreted in relation to developmental theories (Erikson, Levinson). It is indicated that the results could be potentially used especially in clinical work with younger subjects.

Predictors of Breakup Distress Among Residential College Students

The college years are an important time for the development and maintenance of interpersonal relationships, particularly romantic relationships. An inevitable consequence of entering into new romantic relationships is the potential to experience romantic breakups. Among older adolescents, the termination of a romantic relationship is the most commonly nominated worst event that adolescents have experienced (Monroe, Rohde, Seeley, & Lewinsohn, 1999). While distressing, breakups are also quite common - previous research in undergraduate samples found that over two-thirds of students reported experiencing the termination of a romantic relationship as a student, and many reported experiencing multiple breakups (Field, Diego, Pelaez, Deeds & Delgado, 2009). Relationship problems are some of most frequently reported challenges noted by students seeking assistance from college and university counseling services (Erdur-Baker, Aberson, Barrow & Draper, 2006).While romantic breakups are common experiences among college students, they can lead to significant distress and impairment. During the period following a breakup, students commonly report symptoms of depression and anxiety (Chung et al., 2002b; Field et al., 2009). Students may also experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress, including intrusive thoughts and avoidance behaviors (Chung et al., 2002a, 2002b). Among a minority of students, the emotional response in the aftermath of a breakup may be severe enough to meet criteria for a major depressive episode or other psychiatric disorder (Chung et al., 2003; Maciejewski, Prigerson & Mazure, 2001). Some individuals experience a high level of somatic symptoms, such as sleep disturbances (Field et al., 2009). Students may also experience impairments in interpersonal functioning, or may withdraw from interpersonal relationships (Chung et al., 2002a; Johnson, 2001). Following a breakup, many students report impaired concentration, difficulty completing homework, and overall impairments in academic performance (Field, Diego, Pelaez, Deeds & Delgado, 2012). While breakups have the potential to lead to significant emotional, social, and academic difficulties, individual students respond to these events with varying degrees of resilience. Thus, a better understanding of factors that place students at increased risk for difficult adjustment to these common events may be helpful in settings providing support to these students, such as college counseling services.Previous research has helped clarify some of the factors that place students at-risk for emotional distress after experiencing the termination of a romantic relationship. Characteristics of the former relationship, including closeness and level of commitment, are associated with distress following relationship dissolution (Field, Diego, Pelaez, Deeds, & Delgado, 2011; Fine & Sacher, 1997). Factors related to the termination of the relationship, including who initiated the breakup, whether the breakup was perceived as a betrayal, and perceived availability of new potential partners are also associated with distress (Davis, Shaver & Vernon, 2003; Perilloux & Buss, 2008; Sprecher, 1994; Sprecher, Felmless, Metts, Fehr & Vanni, 1998). In the aftermath of a breakup, ongoing contact with a former partner - either in-person (Sbarra & Emery, 2005) or via social media (Lukacs, 2012; Marshall, 2012) - is also associated with greater levels of distress. Finally, characteristics of individuals who experience a breakup are also predictive of emotional distress. For example, a secure attachment style appears to be protective against distress following a breakup (Gilbert & Sifers, 2011; Madey & Jilek, 2012). Findings regarding gender differences in emotional distress following romantic breakups have been mixed, with some studies finding no gender differences, several finding that women experienced more distress, and one study finding that men experienced more distress (Field et al. …

Differences in emotional distress among inpatients with type 1, obese type 2, and non-obese type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in emotional distress among three groups of inpatients with type 1, obese type 2, and non-obese type 2 diabetes during hospitalization. Methods The 42 participating inpatients were divided into three groups: type 1 diabetes (n=11), obese type 2 diabetes [body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m(2); n=24], and non-obese type 2 diabetes (BMI <25 kg/m(2); n=7). The Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale, which is a self-administered questionnaire to assess emotional distress in the patients with diabetes, was performed at admission and discharge. Results The total PAID score was similar and tended to improve during hospitalization in all three groups, although there were differences among the groups in the scores of particular questions. At admission, the score of the question "worrying about low blood sugar reactions?" was significantly different among the three groups and highest in the patients with type 1 diabetes. At discharge, the score of "not accepting diabetes?" was significantly different among the three groups and highest in the patients with non-obese type 2 diabetes, while that of "feeling unsatisfied with your diabetes physician?" was significantly different among the three groups and highest in the patients with obese type 2 diabetes. The score of "feelings of deprivation regarding food and meals?" significantly worsened in the patients with obese type 2 diabetes during hospitalization compared with the patients in with non-obese type 2 diabetes. Conclusion The characteristics of emotional distress during hospitalization varied among the patients with the three types of diabetes, thus emphasizing the importance of tailoring support according to the type of diabetes.

Estudio comparativo de la eficacia del counselling y de la terapia de la dignidad en pacientes paliativos

AimMany works contemplate patient needs at the end of life, with many integral models for palliative care interventions. The most commonly used methodology for meeting these needs is Counselling therapy, although recently there has been an increase in the international use of the Dignity therapy. This study aims to identify and quantify differences in emotional distress, quality of life, and preservation of dignity after both of these types of interventions. MethodA study of quasi-experimental design was developed in the Home Hospitalization Service (HHS) of University General Hospital of Valencia. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 patients with an advanced oncology diagnosis were randomly assigned to the two intervention groups. Data were collected on sociodemographic, clinical, emotional distress (EVA), anxiety (HADS), depression (HADS), dignity (PDI) and quality of life (EORT-QLQ-30). Following intervention guides, patients received psychological treatment of 2-3 sessions per week at home. The statistics tests t and χ2 were used to compare the baseline characteristics of both groups, t tests for repeated measures to assess treatments efficacy, and t tests for independent groups to compare differences between interventions. ResultsThere were no differences between the groups at baseline, except for gender. The Counselling group improved in suffering, quality of life, and in two of the dignity dimensions (existential and dependence anguish). The Dignity group results were similar, except for anxiety, which did not improve after the intervention. The comparison of efficacy showed no differences between the interventions. ConclusionsBoth interventions were beneficial for patients, to the same extent, improving their quality of life, emotional well-being, and distress. Future research should study this situation taking into account one of the limitations of this study, the small sample size, and studying the repeatability of the results found in this ground-breaking work on Dignity Therapy in the Spanish context.

Individual differences in emotional distress and susceptibility to inattentional blindness.

Individual differences in emotional distress and susceptibility to inattentional blindness.

Effects of a Psychoeducational Versus a Support Group Intervention in Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Limited documentation exists on the effectiveness of psychoeducational group (PEG) versus support group (SG) interventions among breast cancer patients during primary care. Support group is a component of the hospitals' routine breast cancer care. The aim of this study was to investigate which of these approaches provides the greatest benefits to participants, particularly to women with low optimism (pessimists). The primary outcomes investigated here were anxiety, depression, and mental adjustment to cancer. A total of 367 women with early-stage breast cancer were randomized to the PEG or SG intervention starting 1 to 8 weeks after surgery. The PEG intervention included health education, enhancement of problem-solving skills, stress management, and psychological support. Participants in both groups showed improvement over time; however, no significant differences in emotional distress were found. The PEG participants exhibited more positive attitude at 2 and 6 months (P < .001) and less helplessness/hopelessness (P = .01) at 2 months compared with the SG participants. However, no significant differences were found between the groups at 12 months. Pessimists did not benefit more from attending the PEG than they did from attending the SG. Both groups showed improvement in emotional distress and coping over time. Although the results were limited, the PEG intervention seems to enhance short-term, but not long-term, adaptive coping. Psychoeducational group intervention yields benefits during the difficult period when patients receive adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Thus, the hospital's standard group interventions have been changed to include more health education and stress management, but within the same time frame as the original SG.

Effect of attending childbirth education classes on psychological distress in pregnant women measured by means of the General Health Questionnaire.

Pregnancy brings about many changes in awoman's life in somatic, psychological and social spheres. Therefore, many women decide to participate in childbirth education classes. The aim of study was to determine the differences in emotional distress between women who participated in childbirth education classes and these who did not. Seventy first-time mothers after labor were examined. Based on asurvey carried out, the women were divided into two equal groups. Group Iconsisted of women who had participated in childbirth education classes and Group II of women who had not. The data was gathered by means of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) adapted to Polish conditions. There were no differences either in age or in BMI rates among the examined women. The level of education and knowledge about labor was significantly higher among the participants of childbirth classes. The results of the GHQ-12 revealed that women from Group Ihad abetter mental status than women from Group II.Significant differences were observed in terms of sleep deprivation, overcoming difficulties and in the ability to enjoy daily activities. Participation in childbirth classes has asignificant influence on psychological well-being in pregnant women as measured by the GHQ-12.

Effect of occupational therapy on functional and emotional outcomes after hip fracture treatment: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To explore whether an occupational therapy intervention combined with physiotherapy rehabilitation improved hip fracture patient outcomes regarding emotional distress, fatigue, independence and function. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Inpatient trauma ward in a rehabilitation and trauma hospital. Participants: One hundred and twenty-two patients admitted into hospital for hip fracture. Intervention: Patients were randomly assigned to a standard care group (SC, n = 61) or a combined treatment group (CT, n = 61). The SC group received conventional hospital care for hip fracture patients and the CT group underwent occupational therapy as well. Main measures: Patients’ emotional distress (GHQ-28), perceived fatigue (the first item of the BASDAI using a 0–100 visual analogue scale scale), level of independence (Modified Barthel Index) and function (Harris Hip Score) were measured at baseline and one, three and six months after the intervention. Results: Patients in the CT group experienced a considerable decrease of emotional distress at three and six months (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). A between-group analysis showed significant differences in emotional distress at one, three and six months (p < 0.001). Although fatigue levels decreased in the SC group, the most significant decline was reported by the CT group at six months (p < 0.001, mean difference = 14 points). Regarding independence level, significant differences were found within groups at each stage, but also between groups at one month in favor of the CT group. Function improved in both groups compared with baseline (p < 0.001), but no significant differences were found in functionality between groups. Conclusion: Although both groups reported significant improvements, patients in the CT group had better scores in emotional distress and dependence throughout follow-up and better scores in all measures at six months.