Psychological Adjustment Difficulties Research Articles

QOL-28. NEUROCOGNITIVE DEFICITS, EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCES, PSYCHOSOMATIC COMPLAINS – ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS OR COMORBID DIAGNOSIS IN CNS GERMINOMA? OVERVIEW OF GROUP AND CASE STUDIES

Abstract BACKGROUND CNS Germinoma cases are associated with good medical prognosis, low risk for neurological deficits and high cognitive functioning. Deeper psychological and neuropsychological examination and longitudinal observation shows also neurocognitive problems and emotional disturbances. The purpose of the study was to assess patients with CNS Germinoma (during and after anticancer treatment), expressed specific psychological and physical symptoms and to find the reason for this. METHODS Since 1998 all patients treated at our center are under psychological control and care. From these group 78 patients with CNS Germinoma with additional significant symptoms, seriously affected their quality of life and everyday activity, were selected for psychological and neuropsychological assessment. Age at psychological intervention ranged from 6 5/12 to 34 8/12 yrs. The patients have no pre-diagnosis history of neurological, developmental or psychiatric disorder. They were examined using a battery of standardized psychological and neuropsychological methods. RESULTS In our sample FIQ (full-scale intelligence quotient) score ranged from 59 to 139. The most patients presented average level of intelligence. However, cognitive functioning was often reduced due to emotional disturbances and psychosomatic complains. 2 patients showed memory disorders, one of them TGA (transient global amnesia) at the time of diagnosis. All patients struggled with emotional disturbances at different grades, especially internalizing type of problems (immaturity, depression, anxiety, instability, inhibition, negative attitude) or were considered to be at risk for psychological adjustment difficulties and tendency to somatization. Analyzed group of patients showed also social competences deficits. They may exhibit deficit in age-appropriate social competence and peers relations. CONCLUSIONS Although CNS Germinoma patients shows similar behavioral and emotional phenotype, there are significant differences between them in terms of cognitive functions. The range of results is wide, from high levels to neurocognitive disorders. Therefore, risk factors, diagnostic criteria and effective neuropsychological intervention, will also be presented and discussed.

The design of a career transition psychological support program for retired Olympic athletes in Japan

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of an intervention program focused on career transition psychological support for retired Olympic athletes in Japan. It was expected that the intervention program would significantly enhance knowledge about career transition support for athletes and also enhance attitudes towards seeking career transition support. 24 retired Japanese female athletes who had competed in the Olympics between 1996 and 2016 participated in the study. The content of the support program was delivered in a three-part workshop, focusing on career transitions in sport, post-retirement psychological adjustment difficulties, and coping strategies. Pre-workshop and post-workshop assessment were conducted. Career transition support knowledge for athletes and attitudes about seeking career transition support significantly increased. The current results suggest that increasing knowledge helps retired and retiring athletes seek professional help. Practical applications and future research recommendations are provided.

Cultural orientation, social support, and discrimination in regard to adjustment among foreign workers in Denmark

With contemporary acceleration of globalization, both majority and minority groups are experiencing increased intercultural contact. Globalization has motivated an expanding number of foreign workers, who are psychologically and socioculturally adjusting to new cultural contexts. Such adjustment, which represents a component of acculturation, centers on heritage cultural maintenance and destination cultural acquisition. During acculturation, foreign workers’ cultural orientation is modified through interaction with others and through the extent to which one feels included and supported within the local and national contexts of reception. In the present study, experiences of social support and discrimination were examined as mediating the associations of cultural orientation with both psychological and sociocultural adjustment difficulties among foreign workers in Denmark (N = 259). Results indicate that heritage cultural orientation was positively, and Danish cultural orientation negatively, associated with sociocultural difficulties. Furthermore, perceived discrimination was positively associated with perceived stress and with sociocultural difficulties. Danish cultural orientation was indirectly linked with lower levels of stress and sociocultural difficulties through social support from friends. The present study contributes to our understanding of the dynamic and complex interplay among individual and contextual factors shaping foreign workers’ intercultural adjustment. Results highlight how interpersonal conditions, in the form of social support and discrimination, can affect psychosocial adjustment and, consequently, the retention of foreign workers within a given country.

Quality of Interactions, Children’s Psychological Adjustment and Parental Stress in Foster Families: the Mediating Role of Parental Sense of Competence

Foster children’s emotional and behavioral difficulties are often a challenge for foster caregivers, who may experience reduced feelings of competence in their parental role, as well as increased levels of parental stress. In turn, these difficulties can negatively affect the quality of the interactions between them. In the present work, our first objective was to analyze the quality of the interactions between 49 Spanish foster children aged 4–9 years and their main caregivers, and its relationship with some variables, which were studied as potential predictors: the caregivers’ parental stress and sense of competence, the children’s psychological adjustment difficulties, and the children and caregivers’ socio-demographic profile. We assessed caregiver-child interactions using an observational task (Co-Construction Task). The caregivers completed standardized questionnaires regarding their parental stress (Parenting Stress Index-Short Form; PSI-SF), parental sense of competence (Parenting Sense of Competence Scale; PSOC), and foster children’s psychological adjustment difficulties (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; SDQ). Also, we obtained their socio-demographic information through the families’ caseworkers. The second objective was to examine whether caregivers’ parental sense of competence mediated the relationship between children’s psychological adjustment difficulties and caregivers’ parental stress. Results concerning our first objective showed that caregivers’ parental stress and children’s age were significant predictors of the quality of caregiver-child interactions. As for the second objective, our mediation model indicated that parental sense of competence partially mediated the relationship between children’s psychological adjustment difficulties and caregivers’ parental stress. Lastly, we comment on some practical implications based on our results, which point to the need to include both self-report and observational measures when assessing and intervening with foster families.

Psychology Professionals in Educational Contexts: An Unavoidable Necessity

Mental health problems and psychological adjustment difficulties among young people are emerging as a personal, family, educational, social, and health challenge. It is necessary to address this emerging social defiance by studying and implementing strategies to promote emotional well-being and prevent psychological problems in educational contexts. The aim of this work is to highlight, based on the epidemiological data derived from the PSICE (Evidence-based Psychology in Educational Contexts) project, the importance of addressing mental health in school settings. First, an introduction to the study of human behavior and psychological adjustment problems is given. Secondly, the importance of educational centers as the natural place to promote the psychological well-being and child and adolescent mental health is discussed. Thirdly, the prevalence results derived from the PSICE study are mentioned. To conclude, a summary section highlights the imperative need to promote, protect, and care for mental health during childhood and adolescence in educational settings. The promotion of psychological well-being and the prevention of mental health problems in educational contexts are the best investments on the part of societies, governments, and institutions.

The Influence of Socioeconomic Status (SES) and Processing Speed on the Psychological Adjustment and Wellbeing of Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors.

Simple SummaryProcessing speed (PS) is one of the most impaired functions in pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTSs) and it has been linked to difficulties in their psychological functioning, together with other non-insult-related risk factors, such as socio-economic status (SES). Given the psychological adjustment difficulties observed in PBTS, the aim of the current study was to explore the relationship between SES and psychological functioning, measured with the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and considering the contribution of PS as a mediator. The results demonstrated that the influence of SES on the CBCL total index was mediated by PS. Furthermore, PS was found to have a mediating effect on the SES–internalizing problems relationship but not on the SES–externalizing problems relationship. These findings suggest that PS may be a rehabilitation target to prevent psychological distress and should be addressed, especially for PBTSs who live in a disadvantaged situation.(1) Background: The relationship between processing speed (PS) and psychological adjustment in the healthy population is well established, as is that between low socio-economic status (SES) and psychological distress. While PS is one of the most impaired functions in pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTSs), previous research has demonstrated that low SES may be a predictor of increased psychosocial risk in PBTSs. Given the psychological adjustment difficulties observed in PBTS, in the current study we aimed to explore the relationship between SES and psychological functioning, considering the contribution of PS as a mediator. (2) Methods: demographic and clinical data of 80 children (age range: 4–17 y.o.) were retrospectively collected. Psychological measures were the parent-compiled versions of the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Mediation analysis models were performed on psychological measures with and without the inclusion of covariates. (3) Results: The influence of SES on the CBCL total index was mediated by PS. Furthermore, PS was found to have a mediating effect on the relationship between SES and internalizing problems but not on the relationship between SES and externalizing problems. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that PS may be a rehabilitation target for the prevention of psychological distress and should be addressed especially for PBTSs who live in a disadvantaged situation.

Cognitive deficiency, parental relationship, and coping strategies are related with anxiety and depression among parents of children with epilepsy.

BackgroundThe diagnosis of epilepsy in a child often and understandably causes psychological adjustment difficulties in the parents. To help parents of children with epilepsy cope with stress, it is important to understand how parents cope with the sickness of their child. The objective of this study was to assess factors related to the state of anxiety and depression among parents of children with epilepsy.MethodsThe present study was a cross‐sectional study, and the data were collected through an anonymous, Internet‐based survey platform between October 2018 and October 2019 from 250 participants aged 22–65 years. Participants were invited to fill questionnaires include socioeconomic questionnaire, anxiety, depression, and coping strategies scale.ResultAmong the parents of children with epilepsy, 48.8% (122/250) had depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 [PHQ‐9] score >4) and 46.4% (116/250) had anxiety symptoms (7‐item Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD‐7] score >5). Depression among parents of children with epilepsy was significantly associated with comorbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.392, 95% CI = 0.182–0.846), a poor parental relationship (OR = 0.283, 95% CI = 0.130–0.614), positive coping (OR = 0.947, 95% CI = 0.903–0.992), and negative coping (OR = 1.287, 95% CI = 1.179–1.405). Anxiety among parents of children with epilepsy was significantly associated with a poor parental relationship (OR = 0.416, 95% CI = 0.207–0.835) and negative coping (OR = 1.155, 95% CI = 1.087–1.228).ConclusionsThe present study indicates the importance of couple support and providing effective coping to make parents of children with epilepsy more resilient in the presence of negative life events, especially for parents of children with comorbidity with cognitive deficiency.

Affecting Factors on Sleep Quality in Foreign Workers

Objectives: This study aimed to identify effects of stressors and psychological adaptation of foreign workers on sleep quality.Methods: Data from 97 participants at the Busan Foreign Residents Center were included in the final analysis. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, job related characteristics, stressors, psychological adaptation, and sleep quality. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting sleep quality using SPSS 28.0 program.Results: There was no significant difference in sleep quality according to demographic characteristics such as gender, age, and education. In the case of health characteristics, sleep quality was poor when current or past smoking and subjective health status were moderate or unhealthy. As a result of the correlation analysis among stressors, psychological adaptation, and sleep quality, sleep quality was positively correlated with family stress (r = 0.21, p< 0.05) and psychological adaptation (r = 0.34, p< 0.01). As a result of hierarchical linear regression analysis, non-smoking (β= -0.25, p< 0.05) and salary of 1.5 million won or more (β= -0.34, p< 0.001) were factors that improved sleep quality, while psychological adjustment difficulties (β= 0.33, p< 0.01) was a factor that deteriorated the quality of sleep.Conclusions: We confirmed that smoking status, wage level, and psychological adjustment are important factors affecting sleep quality. It is proposed to operate a comprehensive mental health program for improvement of sleep quality for foreign workers.

Analysis of Psychosocial Adjustment in the Family During Confinement: Problems and Habits of Children and Youth and Parental Stress and Resilience.

The COVID-19 health crisis has led to a dramatic change in dynamics and habits of families, which may be a factor involved in the development and maintenance of problems and difficulties in children. The present study is a cross-sectional study that aims to describe and analyze the relationship between the difficulties in psychological adjustment and the change of habits of the infant-juvenile population as perceived by their parents and their stress and resilience during the total confinement of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, as well as analyzing the course of the changes and the relationships between weeks 3 to 6, that is, the score of different participants in each week of the confinement. The sample is comprised of 883 parents of children and adolescents between 3 and 18 years of age. Children’s psychological adjustment, children’s habits, parental stress, and parental resilience were assessed by parents. The results show that parents perceive a change in the habits and psychological difficulties in their children. At the same time, our results describe parents with a high level of stress and resilience, with differences depending on the children’s ages. The time of confinement accentuates the perception of parents about the psychological difficulties of their children and parental stress, as well as a decrease in resilience. These difficulties are reduced when the parent has resilience competencies. These results show that the resilience of parents mediate the relationship between parental stress and psychological problems of their children. These results shows that COVID-19 lockdown had a considerable effect on families, both on children and parents. Some practical implications based on results are provided.

Assessing psychological adjustment and cultural reintegration after military service: development and psychometric evaluation of the post-separation Military-Civilian Adjustment and Reintegration Measure (M-CARM)

BackgroundThe transition out of military service and subsequent reintegration to civilian life has been established as a period associated with an increased risk of psychological adjustment difficulties, psychiatric disorders and suicide risk, yet no tool exists to measure cultural and psychological adjustment following permanent separation from the military. This study describes the two-phase mixed-methods development and validation of the self-report Military-Civilian Adjustment and Reintegration Measure (M-CARM).MethodsIn Phase I, four focus groups (n = 20) and semi-structured one-on-one interviews (n = 80) enabled thematic analysis and generation of 53 initial items that were reviewed by an expert multidisciplinary panel (n = 12) and piloted for clarity and relevance in an Australian service-veteran sample (n = 11). In Phase II, psychometric properties of the 47 items resulting from Phase I were evaluated with online assessment of a convenience sample of transitioned Australian Defence Force veterans (n = 725). Analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as evaluation of test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and convergent, divergent and discriminant validity.ResultsExploratory factor analysis on a randomized split-half sample (n = 357), resulted in a 21-item, five-factor solution of Purpose and Connection, Help seeking, Beliefs about civilians, Resentment and regret, and Regimentation, explaining 53.22% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (n = 368) verified this factor structure without modification (χ2 = 304.96, df = 160; CFI = .96, TLI = .94, NFI = .91, RMSEA = .05). Strong convergent, divergent and discriminant validity was demonstrated as M-CARM scores significantly correlated with related constructs assessed by standardised clinical measures as well as differentiated groups based on three binary reintegration items, with large effect sizes (d = > 1). Strong test-retest reliability for the total score (n = 186, r = .93) and excellent internal consistency (n = 725, a = .90) were also found.ConclusionsResults provide promising evidence the M-CARM is a valid, reliable measure of psychological and cultural reintegration to civilian life, with potential for considerable clinical and research application.

A Latent Class Analysis of Adolescents in First-Year University: Associations with Psychosocial Adjustment Throughout the Emerging Adult Period and Post-University Outcomes.

The long-term outcomes for adolescents who struggle in first-year university remain unexplored. This 7-year longitudinal study aimed to identify distinct groups of adolescents based on their characteristics/behaviors in first-year university, and then assess whether these groups differ in psychosocial adjustment trajectories (i.e., mental health, positive relationships) throughout the emerging adult period, as well as in graduation rates, employment characteristics, and reflections on time spent at university. Participants (N = 1017; 71% female; Year 1 Mage = 19 years) enrolled in a Canadian university completed a survey annually for 7 years. Four groups in Year 1 were identified: Good Students who exhibited no difficulties; Sensation-Seeking who prioritized social engagement and substance use over academic engagement but reported no psychological adjustment difficulties; Struggling Students who had the most difficulties; and Club Involved who exhibited high club involvement. The Struggling Students Group continued to have more psychosocial adjustment difficulties than the other groups during and after university, were more likely to drop out of university, and to later have less job satisfaction. This group requires the most support. Consideration also should be given to the Sensation-Seeking Group, as they reported a lack of academic motivation (and regret about that later) and also were more likely to drop out of university. At the same time, they may be more difficult to target given that they did not report psychosocial difficulties. Overall, the findings highlight the need for early support and discourage a 'one-size fits all' method for promoting psychosocial adjustment.

Psychological adjustment outcomes among pediatric brain tumor survivors: A meta-analysis.

Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at significant risk for psychological adjustment difficulties, including greater depressive and anxious symptomology. Systematic reviews have identified this heightened risk among youth with medical conditions, but these reviews have not been specific to PBTS. Therefore, the current study aimed to directly examine the psychological adjustment of PBTS as compared to healthy peers. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using PubMed, PsychInfo, and Academic Search Premier databases. The search yielded 2833 articles, with 22 articles meeting inclusion criteria. A statistically significant overall medium effect size (Hedge's g=0.32) indicated that PBTS exhibited poorer overall psychological adjustment relative to healthy comparison groups. Studies that included younger children were associated with larger between-group differences. When evaluating specific outcomes, PBTS had relatively higher levels of depressive symptoms (Hedge's g=0.36), anxious symptoms (Hedge's g=0.11), and general distress (Hedge's g=0.22), but not more externalizing problems. The present study confirmed that PBTS are indeed at greater risk for psychological adjustment difficulties relative to healthy comparison groups. These findings highlight the importance of psychosocial screening among this population. Given that depressive symptoms were the most elevated relative to healthy peers, investigation of such symptomatology among PBTS is particularly important.

Moderating role of conflict resolution strategies in the links between peer victimization and psychological adjustment among youth

IntroductionVictims of peer victimization are likely to develop psychological adjustment difficulties. The primary goal of the present study was to examine the moderating effects of conflict resolution strategies (solution-orientation, control, nonconfrontation) on the relations between peer victimization and psychological problems (depressive symptoms, loneliness) in Chinese early adolescents using a cross-sectional design. MethodsParticipants included 569 children (298 boys) in fifth grade (M = 11.75 years, SD = 0.40) in urban China. Peer victimization, conflict resolution strategies, depressive symptoms, and loneliness were measured through self-report questionnaires. ResultsPeer victimization was positively related to depressive symptoms and loneliness. The relations between peer victimization and psychological problems were moderated by adolescents' solution-oriented and nonconfrontational strategies. Specifically, the relations between peer victimization and psychological problems, including depressive symptoms and loneliness, were attenuated by solution-orientation strategy. In addition, victimized youth who used nonconfrontation strategy were more prone to suffer from loneliness. Gender was also found to moderate these associations. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that solution-oriented conflict resolution strategy may protect victimized adolescents from developing loneliness and depressive symptoms and nonconfrontation conflict strategy may exacerbate feelings of loneliness of victimized adolescents. Intervention programs should consider helping victimized youth use more solution-oriented strategies and less nonconfrontational strategies.

Youth and Parent Illness Appraisals and Adjustment in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and their parents are at increased risk for psychological adjustment difficulties, potentially due to the uncertain and intrusive nature of IBD. However, empirical investigations have yet to assess the contribution of these unique disease features to adjustment outcomes. Our aim was to examine: 1) the influence of youth and parent perceptions of illness uncertainty and illness intrusiveness on youth adjustment; and 2) examine the influence of youth and parent perceived uncertainty and intrusiveness on parent adjustment. Youth with IBD (N = 107) and their primary caregiver completed measures of illness uncertainty, illness intrusiveness, and psychological adjustment. Results revealed that youth illness uncertainty was more closely associated with youth depressive symptoms than was youth perceived intrusiveness. Further, youth illness perceptions were more closely associated with youth depressive symptoms compared to parent perceptions; however, results also suggested that parent illness perceptions may indirectly impact youth adjustment through their influence on youth illness perceptions. Finally, parent illness intrusiveness demonstrated a more robust association with parent adjustment compared to parent illness uncertainty, and both youth and parent illness intrusiveness were independently related to parent adjustment. Findings highlighted the transactional nature of adjustment in pediatric IBD and the importance of examining clinically relevant youth and parent subjective illness perceptions, like uncertainty and intrusiveness, in investigations of youth and parent adjustment outcomes in this population.

Is there a role for mindfulness-based interventions (here defined as MBCT and MBSR) in facilitating optimal psychological adjustment in the menopause?

The menopause presents many challenges for middle-aged women worldwide, often highly productive women who are in the prime of their lives juggling busy careers and family responsibilities, when good quality of life and functional ability is an imperative. Some women cope well with their menopausal symptoms and seem to embrace this time of change, while others struggle psychologically to adjust to the changes. Mindfulness-based interventions have a robust evidence base in relation to their efficacy in both physical and psychological conditions. Both programs have been adapted for conditions where difficulties in psychological adjustment to change and/or loss are amongst the core mechanisms that maintain distress. I explored the potential aetiology of distress in the menopause and evaluated existing empirical literature to ascertain whether there is a role for mindfulness-based interventions to facilitate optimal psychological adjustment to changes in the menopause, paying particular attention to the mechanisms that lend themselves to mindfulness training being efficacious. Current available evidence is promising and supports the hypothesis that mindfulness-based interventions may have a role in facilitating psychological adjustment during the menopause transition. The dearth of literature specific to mindfulness-based interventions and the menopause was noted.

Antecedents of Psychological Adjustment of International Students Studying in China: The Roles of Self-Efficacy and Self-Esteem

Among many factors, individual difference variables are believed to be critical aspects of students’ psychological adjustment. The present study was, therefore, conducted in this context to determine the relationships between self-efficacy, self-esteem and psychological adjustment variables of depression and life satisfaction. The participants of the study were international university students (N = 328) studying in three Chinese universities in Hubei Province, Wuhan. To obtain the data, self-report questionnaires were distributed among the participants measuring their levels of self-efficacy, self-esteem, life satisfaction and depression. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between the study variables while controlling the demographics. The regression output showed that both self-efficacy and self-esteem were positively related to life satisfaction and negatively related to depression. The study further conducted mediation analyses with the help of regression PROCESS macro. The mediation results indicated that self-esteem and life satisfaction showed full parallel mediating effects on the relationship between self-efficacy and depression. Self-esteem also mediated the self-efficacy-depression relationship. Exploring the relationships between the study variables may enrich the scientific understanding of acculturative psychological outcomes in the context of individual difference variables. Findings may also provide direction for host university communities in nurturing the self-esteem and self-efficacy of their fellow international students to better deal with their psychological adjustment difficulties.

Evaluation of Use of Prosthesis, Mobility, and Quality of Life in Young and Adult Persons with Unilateral Above-Knee Amputation 7 Years after the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake

ABSTRACT Background The 2008 Sichuan earthquake resulted in many casualties, also leaving a great number of persons with amputation who require long-term rehabilitation. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the use of prostheses, mobility, and quality of life and to determine factors associated with better rehabilitation outcomes 7 years after the earthquake for individuals from the StandTall rehabilitation program with traumatic unilateral above-knee amputation due to earthquake injuries. Method This is a cross-sectional study. Twenty-four individuals with unilateral above-knee amputation were recruited either at home visits or during clinic sessions between December 2014 and May 2015. Main outcome measures were 12-Item Short Form Survey Version 2, Amputee Mobility Predictor, Houghton Scale, and Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales. Results Adults with unilateral above-knee amputation experienced worse psychological adjustment to limitation (p = 0.018), more social activity restrictions (p = 0.072), and suffered from more residual limb pain (p = 0.024), and phantom pain (p = 0.044). Rehabilitation success was associated with less athletic restriction (p = 0.053), less functional restriction (p = 0.077), and greater prosthetic satisfaction (p = 0.085). Conclusions Adults with unilateral above-knee amputation experienced greater difficulties in psychological adjustment to limitation and social activities, even 7 years after the amputation. Residual limb and phantom pain were greatly affected by age. Prosthetic daily wearing time correlated with better functional outcome for individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation. This study provides information regarding long-term rehabilitation outcomes of individuals with traumatic unilateral above-knee amputation. Age, daily prosthetic wearing time, and residual limb pain and phantom pain are main factors affecting rehabilitation outcomes of individuals with amputation. Physical quality of life and psychosocial quality of life are both impaired by amputation.

Experiences of adolescent lung transplant recipients: Aqualitative study.

Many young transplant recipients experience psychological distress and adjustment difficulties, yet there is little research investigating lung transplantation from the recipients' perspective. This qualitative study aimed to explore experiences of young people who underwent lung transplantation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six lung transplant recipients (aged 15-18). Interviews were analysed using IPA, a qualitative research approach examining how people make sense of their major life experiences. The analysis revealed three master themes: "Living with Dodgy Lungs" outlined how participants dealt with their experiences, managing through accepting or discussing their feelings with others, although talking was often difficult. "The Big Deal" reflected participants' experiences of the process, their expectations, and the contrast of their lives pre- and post-transplant. Inherent in their accounts was the profound meaning ascribed to transplantation, the emotional turmoil, and impact on their lives. "A Sense of Self" illustrated participants' developing identities within their social contexts and at times isolating experiences. The results highlight key areas where adolescent lung transplant recipients could be supported by clinicians, enabling the promotion of psychological well-being. Examples include supporting identity integration post-transplant, facilitating social inclusion, considering alternative means of support, and involving adolescents in healthcare decisions.

Cyber victimization and psychological adjustment difficulties among adolescents

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the buffering effect of the mediation of technology use and social support from school resource officers on the associations between cyber victimization and psychosocial adjustment difficulties (i.e. depression, anxiety, loneliness) over three years (wave-one=sixth grade; wave-two=seventh grade; wave-three=eighth grade).Design/methodology/approachParticipants were 867 eighth graders from the Midwestern USA (ages range from 13 to 15 years old; 51 percent female).FindingsThe findings revealed that high levels of wave-two perceived social support from school resource officers and the mediation of technology use made the relationship between wave-one cyber victimization and wave-three depression more negative, while lower levels of this support and less mediation of technology use made the association more positive. These patterns were not found for anxiety and loneliness.Originality/valueImplications for prevention and intervention programs and the role of school resource officers in such programs are also discussed.

Prévalence des élèves témoins de harcèlement scolaire et difficultés associées : résultats préliminaires

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of school-bullying witnesses and to examine the link between bullying observation and difficulties in psychological as well as school adjustment. Bullying profiles, being a witness of bullying, psychological distress and school well-being were measured by means of scales administered to a sample of 1272 adolescents. A total of 48.1% of students witnessed bullying. Bystanders were more prevalent among students directly involved in bullying than among “neutrals”. Witnesses had higher psychological and school adjustment difficulties compared with non-witnesses students. School-bullying observation frequency had a significant effect on the difficulties expressed. A particular attention should be paid to bullying witnesses, especially as they represent an important level of action for bullying prevention.