Behavioral Disengagement Research Articles

Influential role of self-regulated learning in preventing moral disengagement

ABSTRACT Along with the increased interest in theory and research concerning moral agency and moral disengagement, there has been heightened attention to the significant role of self-regulated learning in developing self-directed, proactive, and skilled learners. Nevertheless, these 2 psychosocial mechanisms have not been fully integrated to explain learners’ development and academic success. Their integration could explain why some students engage in prosocial behavior, sustain motivation, self-regulate, and avoid transgressing behavior, while others are unwilling to delay gratification, sustain low motivation, disregard self-regulation, and engage in moral disengagement. Understanding research on moral agency, moral disengagement, and the development of self-regulation can discourage transgressive behavior and moral disengagement while fostering prosocial behavior and moral agency among students. This article applies Bandura’s theory on moral agency and moral disengagement to the educational practice of self-regulated learning to enhance teaching practice and academic learning while inhibiting moral disengagement.

In their own words: a qualitative study of coping mechanisms employed by patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

Positive coping mediates improved outcomes from integrated palliative care in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We qualitatively explored patients' coping mechanisms to better understand this relationship. We enrolled patients with high-risk AML admitted to Duke Hospital's inpatient hematologic malignancy service for intensive chemotherapy. This study is a secondary analysis of previously collected longitudinal qualitative data, with interviews conducted between February 2014 and August 2015. Interviews were coded in NVivo to identify examples of approach-oriented and avoidant coping. Patients demonstrated approach-oriented coping in many forms including acceptance, positive reframing, active coping, religious coping, and social coping. Acceptance included accepting their prognosis, the uncertainty of AML, and lifestyle changes due to the disease. Patients exhibited positive reframing by speculating about how their situation could be worse, deriving meaning from their experience, and expressing newfound appreciation for activities previously taken for granted. Social coping involved patients receiving support from their community or care team; however, some expressed guilt for being a "burden" on family. Avoidant coping included denial, behavioral disengagement, and self-blame. Some denied their prognosis, but denial was more commonly demonstrated via patients cognitively distancing themselves from their disease. Much of the behavioral disengagement described by patients was attributed to their symptoms (i.e., lethargy) which prevented patients from maintaining relationships or participating in activities previously enjoyed. These results demonstrate the diverse and nuanced applications of coping mechanisms amid a recent AML diagnosis. Future research should examine coping in the context of novel low-intensity AML therapies.

Discrimination and adherence in a cross-sectional study of Latino sexual minority men with HIV: Coping with discrimination as a mediator and coping self-efficacy as a moderator.

Discrimination is associated with antiretroviral therapy non-adherence and reduced well-being among people with HIV. We examined the potential for coping to mediate the associations between intersectional discrimination and non-adherence and coping self-efficacy (confidence in one's ability to cope with discrimination) as a moderator that may buffer the negative effects of discrimination on non-adherence in a cross-sectional convenience sample of 82 Latino sexual minority men with HIV. In bivariate linear regressions, discrimination targeting Latino ethnic origin, undocumented residency status, and sexual orientation were each significantly associated with lower self-reported antiretroviral therapy non-adherence (percentage of prescribed doses taken in the last month) and greater use of disengagement coping (denial, substance use, venting, self-blame, behavioral disengagement). Associations between discrimination targeting Latino ethnicity and non-adherence, and discrimination targeting undocumented residency status and non-adherence, were each mediated by disengagement coping responses. Moderation analyses highlighted significant discrimination by coping self-efficacy interaction effects-both coping self-efficacy for problem solving and stopping unpleasant emotions/thoughts each moderated the associations between Latino discrimination and adherence, between undocumented residency status discrimination and adherence, and between HIV discrimination and adherence. Coping self-efficacy for getting social support moderated the association between undocumented residency status discrimination and adherence. Further, the interaction coefficients across models indicated that the negative effects of discrimination on adherence were attenuated at higher levels of coping self-efficacy. Findings highlight the need for structural interventions that reduce-and ultimately eliminate-discrimination, and interventions that address the harmful effects of discrimination and adherence improvement interventions to enhance coping skills among people faced with intersectional discrimination.

Examining adults’ behavioral patterns in a sequence of problem solving tasks in technology-rich environments

Computer-based assessment allows for the monitoring of test-takers’ behaviors. Previous research has made efforts to identify their behavioral patterns or investigate potentially influential factors. However, very few studies have examined the changes in behavioral patterns when completing a sequence of tasks. To fill this research gap, we aim to 1) explore different disengaged and engaged behavioral patterns in completing problem-solving tasks, 2) investigate changing behavioral patterns across different tasks, and 3) examine both task and individual characteristics relating to the changing behavioral patterns on all tasks. Data used in this study were drawn from log data of the U.S. Piaac 2012 (N = 660). We first identified two disengaged behaviors (i.e., rapid omit and rapid perfunctory action). Results of cluster analysis also show six types of engaged behaviors (i.e., proficient, exploring, hasty, reflecting, struggling, and passive). Overall, the transition of behavior patterns of adults in the first 8 tasks was relatively stable, while it was more complex in the following 6 tasks. The results of multinomial regression analysis indicate that adults' behaviors in completing problem-solving in technology-rich environments are mostly due to task-related factors, and individual-related factors including age, education attainment, and gender, as well as learning abilities and the use of ICT skills. The findings from this study provide several implications for future vocational training in the context of ICT needs.

Predictors and coping strategies for stress, anxiety and depression among medical undergraduates and postgraduates in Puducherry

Background: Higher proportion of medical students experience stress, anxiety and depression than compared to general population in Indian settings which are often underdiagnosed. This study aim was to assess the frequency, predictors and coping strategies of stress, anxiety and depression among the medical undergraduates and postgraduates of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: Questionnaire based online cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 medical undergraduates and post graduate students from June to July, 2021. Sociodemographic profile, questions from the depression, anxiety, stress scale-4 and details of coping strategies were collected. The data were analysed using SPSS 21.0 Descriptive statistics, Chi square test and Multinomial logistic regression analysis were used. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.5±3.1 years. Majority (63.1%) belonged to upper middle class. 92.3% joined the medical course with personal interest. The frequency of severe depression, anxiety and stress was 22.4%, 16.2% and 18% respectively. The frequency of extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress was 16.4%, 23.2% and 9% respectively. Acceptance, self-distraction and positive reframing were commonly followed coping strategies. Substance abuse and behavioural disengagement were the least followed. Significant association was observed between Emotion focused and avoidant coping with depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusions: Higher frequency of depression (47.1%), anxiety (52.9%), and stress (38%), was observed among the students. Acceptance, positive reframing and self-distraction were commonly used coping strategies. Significant association seen with depression, anxiety and stress with emotion- focused and avoidant coping strategies.

School-based Management Challenges and Coping Strategies in the Secondary Educational System of Puerto Princesa City and Palawan during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Educators’ coping methods are becoming more widely recognized worldwide as a critical element of a resilient educational system. This study aimed to assess the educational challenges faced by school heads, teachers, and parents during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the four aspects of school-based management (SBM) practices, and to evaluate the different coping strategies adopted. A triangulation research design and a cross-sectional study approach were used, utilizing the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory. The study was conducted in the Divisions of Puerto Princesa City (PPC) and Palawan secondary schools with a total of 735 respondents. The findings revealed that challenges were fairly evident across all four aspects of SBM practices in the PPC and Palawan Divisions. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test showed significant differences in the level of challenges encountered by secondary school heads between the two Divisions, specifically in "leadership and governance" (W=45, p-value=0.010), "curriculum and instruction" (W=114, p-value=0.000), "accountability and continuous improvement" (W=56, p-value=0.012), and "management of resources" (W=16, p-value=0.028). Results from Brief COPE indicated that the most used coping mechanism by school heads and teachers was “active coping,” with 3.65±0.42 and 3.85±0.69 respectively, while for parents, “self-distraction” (3.33±0.0) accounts the most used domain. Parents and school heads had high coping skills in the domains of “active coping,” “denial,” and “behavioral disengagement,” while “self-distraction” was also highly manifested by school heads. However, teachers had high coping skills in all 14 domains of the Brief COPE. The Wilcoxon test found no significant differences in the varying coping strategies of school head (W=97, p-value=0.982), teachers (W=118, p-value=0.370), and parents (W=119, p-value=0.334) between PPC and Palawan Divisions. This study paves opportunities to implement a customized intervention program based on the perceived needs of these stakeholders as a starting point to address the challenges they faced during the pandemic.

Examining Associations of Coping Strategies with Stress, Alcohol, and Substance use among College Athletes: Implications for Improving Athlete Coping

The pressures of collegiate athletics - including commitments to training, travel, and competition - can contribute to maladaptive coping among college athletes, including alcohol and other substance use. However, few researchers have sought to understand substance use as a coping strategy in this population. We administered online surveys to 188 college athletes competing across NCAA/NJCAA divisions at six U.S. institutions to examine factors associated with substance use coping and whether specific strategies of coping were associated with risk of substance use. We found older athletes, males, and those with higher stress were more likely to use substances to cope. Higher behavioral disengagement, higher substance use coping, and lower religious coping were associated with increased likelihood of binge drinking and substance-related risk behaviors. These findings point to the importance of developing targeted interventions aimed at addressing stress and facilitating healthy coping to reduce problematic drinking and substance use among college athletes.

Subjective wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: A 3-year, 35-wave longitudinal study

ABSTRACT This article reports the results of a longitudinal study conducted between December 2019 and December 2022 (35 waves) with 979 participants in Germany. Based on event, transition, and adaptation theories, trajectories of subjective wellbeing (i.e. life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect) were hypothesized and tested across multiple national lockdown and restriction periods. In addition, based on the transactional stress model, this study examined how individuals’ stress appraisals (i.e. threat, challenge) and coping strategies (i.e. active coping, behavioral disengagement) moderate trajectories of subjective wellbeing. There was evidence for some relatively weak lockdown effects on wellbeing and for subsequent recovery effects. Evidence for moderating effects of stress appraisals and coping strategies was mixed. Overall, findings suggest that national lockdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic had negative, albeit on average relatively weak, effects on subjective wellbeing. Moreover, certain stress appraisals and coping strategies might help individuals maintain wellbeing in times of crisis.

Stress and Avoidant Coping: Predictors of Quality of Life Among Filipino Graduating Students

<p style="text-align:justify">The responsibilities of emerging adulthood and academic pressure are some stressful situations encountered among graduating students. Those graduating students used different coping that deals with stressful situations that may affect their quality of life. This study, a predictive correlational design, was conducted on 202 Filipino graduating university/college students to determine if stress and avoidant coping can predict their quality of life. Results showed a significant relationship existed between stress, avoidant coping, and quality of life. Stepwise forward regression analysis tested two regression models, where model 1 revealed that stress negatively predicted the quality of life. Whereas model 2 suggested that stress and avoidant coping (i.e., behavioral disengagement) was significantly higher in predicting the quality of life among graduating students.</p>

Translation and validation of the Chinese version of the acceptance and action questionnaire for cancer in patients with advanced lung cancer

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Cancer (C-AAQ–Cancer) in patients with advanced lung cancer. MethodsIn Phase I, the AAQ-Cancer was translated from English to Chinese. In Phase II, an expert panel was invited to examine the content validity of the translated instrument, and pilot testing was performed. In Phase III, a total of 200 patients with advanced lung cancer from a university-affiliated hospital in central China were recruited to test the construct validity of the translated AAQ-Cancer using exploratory factor analysis, and reliability was assessed based on internal consistency and test–retest reliability. ResultsThe semantic equivalence and content validity index of the C-AAQ–Cancer were satisfactory. Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the C-AAQ–Cancer contained the following five subscales: cancer concerns, blunting, blame, distancing, and behavioral disengagement. These subscales explain 68.28% of the total variance. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.87, and the test–retest reliability was 0.839. ConclusionsThis study evaluated the psychometric properties of the C-AAQ–Cancer. The findings support the reliability and validity of this instrument in evaluating experiential avoidance or acceptance levels in patients with advanced lung cancer.

Uncertainty and coping in patients with newly diagnosed indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (iNHL).

7568 Background: iNHLs are a heterogenous group of incurable diseases with prolonged illness courses requiring intermittent periods of surveillance and treatment. Due to illness uncertainty, patients with iNHL struggle with immense psychological distress. Yet, studies exploring coping, prognostic uncertainty and distress in this population are limited. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study of adults (age ≥ 18) newly diagnosed with iNHL at a single academic center. We enrolled consecutive patients who were diagnosed ≤ 3 months prior to study enrollment. At baseline, we collected patient reported outcomes to assess QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy), psychological symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), prognostic understanding (Prognostic Awareness Impact Scale), and coping (Brief COPE). We categorized coping as approach-oriented (active coping, use of emotional support, positive reframing, acceptance) and avoidant (behavioral disengagement, denial, and self-blame). We used median split to differentiate between low and high utilizers of approach or avoidant coping. Results: We enrolled 70.6% (48/68) of eligible patients newly diagnosed with iNHL (mean age 66.8 yrs; 39.6% chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ lymphoma; 33.3% follicular lymphoma). At baseline, nearly one-third (31.2%) experience clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression. 45.8% of patients identified prognostic uncertainty as the “the most stressful part of being a patient,” and 31.2% reported having “difficulty letting go of thoughts about their prognosis.” Notably, patients had significant misperceptions about their prognosis with incurable iNHL, as 47.9% reporting that a cure was at least ‘somewhat’ likely. Patients with iNHL most often used acceptance (56.3%), denial (47.9%), and emotional support (47.9%) as coping strategies. Patients who were high utilizers of multiple approach-oriented coping strategies experienced fewer anxiety (B = -2.66, p = 0.01) and depression (B = -1.73, p = 0.02) symptoms and improved QOL (B = 9.43, p = 0.001). Patients who highly utilized any avoidant-oriented coping strategies experienced increased anxiety symptoms (B = 2.16, p = 0.05), but no difference in depression symptoms or QOL. Conclusions: Patients with iNHL report immense prognostic uncertainty and psychological distress. Use of multiple approach oriented coping strategies was associated with decreased psychological distress and improved QOL. Interventions to address prognostic uncertainty and to promote approach oriented coping in patients with iNHL are sorely needed and have the potential to ameliorate psychological distress and improve QOL in this vulnerable population.

A pilot predictive model based on COVID-19 data to assess suicidal ideation indirectly

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health of the population. Many studies reported high levels of psychological distress and rising rates of suicidal ideation (SI). Data on a range of psychometric scales from 1790 respondents were collected in Slovenia through an online survey between July 2020 and January 2021. As a worrying percentage (9.7%) of respondents reported having SI within the last month, the goal of this study was to estimate the presence of SI, as indicated by the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS). The estimation was based on the change of habits, demographic features, strategies for coping with stress, and satisfaction with three most important aspects of life (relationships, finances, and housing). This could both help recognize the telltale factors indicative of SI and potentially identify people at risk. The factors were specifically selected to be discreet about suicide, likely sacrificing some accuracy in return. We tried four machine learning algorithms: binary logistic regression, random forest, XGBoost, and support vector machines. Logistic regression, random forest, and XGBoost models achieved comparable performance with the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.83 on previously unseen data. We found an association between various subscales of Brief-COPE and SI; Self-Blame was especially indicative of the presence of SI, followed by increase in Substance Use, low Positive Reframing, Behavioral Disengagement, dissatisfaction with relationships and lower age. The results showed that the presence of SI can be estimated with reasonable specificity and sensitivity based on the proposed indicators. This suggests that the indicators we examined have a potential to be developed into a quick screening tool that would assess suicidality indirectly, without unnecessary exposure to direct questions on suicidality. As with any screening tool, subjects identified as being at risk, should be further clinically examined.

A study of stressors, family environment, coping patterns, and family burden in persons with dissociative disorder.

Dissociative disorder is a stress-related disorder usually present in adolescents and younger age groups. It is also accompanied by significant impairment in activity of daily living and family relations. Family environment and use of dysfunctional coping strategies play important roles in the initiation and maintenance of symptoms and this puts a considerable burden on the family. This study aims to study the presence of stressors, the role of family environment, the role of family burden, and the use of coping mechanisms in persons with dissociative disorder. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 100 persons with a dissociative disorder were included after fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria from the outpatient department (OPD) of psychiatry. In this study, the major part of the sample were women (87%), most were educated up to 12th standard or less than 12 years of formal education. According to stressors, 44% had family stress/problems. 77% (mostly women) had dissociative stupor. The dissociative disorder caused a considerable degree of burden on the other family members. There was a significant difference in financial burden among caregivers of persons who were married, belonging to rural areas, joint families, and from lower socio-economic classes. There was a significant difference in disruption of routine family activities, and burden in persons having a longer duration of illness. There was a significant difference found in conflict, achievement orientation, and dimensions of family environment between males and females. A significant difference in the venting of emotions, behavioral disengagement, and restraint as a coping strategy between males and females was found. Present study showed dissociative disorder patients cause a considerable degree of burden on family members in terms of leisure, physical, mental, financial, and routine family interrelationship domains. In personal growth and relationship dimensions, the use of dysfunctional coping strategies in the family environment has a causal effect on the symptoms of dissociative disorder patients.

Coping Mechanisms during the War in Ukraine: A Cross-Sectional Assessment among Romanian Population.

On 24 February 2022, the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine, starting a military conflict that soon turned into a full-scale war. The Romanians have been actively involved in helping their neighbors, causing the accumulation of emotional and mental pressure upon the Romanian population exposed to such a close military conflict. This cross-sectional study assessed, through an online survey (1586 adult Romanian residents), the primary coping mechanisms, quality of life and anxiety levels in response to the psychological trauma associated with the Russo-Ukrainian war. Based on the results, focusing on and venting emotions along with behavioral disengagement were the coping strategies that had the strongest negative impact on anxiety and well-being. On the other hand, positive reinterpretation and growth were associated with less anxiety, a higher degree of overall health and better quality of life. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to be performed among the Romanian population so far. Thus, we equip mental health practitioners with the tools (real-life evidence data) that will allow them to establish a more meaningful doctor-patient relationship, maximizing therapy results.

Significance of Post-Traumatic Growth and Mental Health for Coping in Multiple Sclerosis Caregivers.

We investigated the influence of post-traumatic growth (PTG) and mental health (MH) on multiple sclerosis (MS) caregivers' uses of coping strategies and identified biopsychosocial predictors of proactive or reactive coping. The Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PGI-21), Brief COPE Questionnaire (COPE-28), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used to evaluate 209 caregivers. Higher PTG was related to greater use of emotional support, positive reframing, religion, active coping, instrumental support, planning, denial, self-distraction, self-blaming, and venting. Better MH was associated with greater use of acceptance, while behavioral disengagement and self-distraction were associated with poorer MH. The PTG dimensions relating to others and new possibilities, SF-12 dimensions of physical and emotional roles as well as partnership, not living with the patient, and significant others' social support were predictors of proactive coping. Reactive coping was positively predicted by the PTG dimension relating to others, depression, vitality, other than partner relation, and physical role, and negatively predicted by mental health level and emotional role. In summary, higher MH was associated with proactive coping strategies, whereas post-traumatic growth was related to the use of a wide range of proactive coping as well as reactive coping strategies.

Self-reported health and coping strategies of Ukrainian female refugees in the Czech Republic

ABSTRACT The main aim of the study was to investigate the coping strategies and their association with self-reported general health/psychological status in Ukrainian female refugees’ sample (N = 919) in the Czech Republic. The BRIEF-COPE inventory was employed to investigate coping strategies. Binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between self-reported general health status and self-reported psychological status with coping strategies adjusted by socio-demographics. The findings showed that within problem-focused coping strategies, planning what to do and taking action to try to make the stressful situation better has been found the most frequently used. Among the emotion-focused coping, more often used strategies connected with accepting the situation and learning to live in new circumstances. On side of avoidance coping strategies, only strategies to work or to do other activities ‘to take their minds off things’ were used more often. Further, outcomes revealed that ineffective coping strategies of self-blame and behavioral disengagement were associated with poorly reported general health/psychological status, and effective coping strategy was positively associated with better-reported psychological status. The research outcomes could be useful for the policymakers to help Ukrainian female refugees to better adapt to the country and avoid worsening physical and mental health statuses.

PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG PATIENTS IN THE MAIN COVID-19 HOSPITALS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

The outbreak of pandemic disease is catastrophic and caused negative psychological effects among patients, healthcare workers and their surroundings. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation among stable hospitalized COVID-19 patients. This is a cross-sectional study with web-based online survey involving 401 stable hospitalized COVID-19 patients aged 18 years above who were selected via quota sampling technique. The questionnaire consists of socio-demographic profile, Patient Health Questionnaire 9 items (PHQ-9) and Brief COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced). The identified probable cases of depression and suicidal ideation were subsequently referred to psychiatrists. The prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation were 7.5% and 4.0% respectively. The prediction model revealed that females [aOR=5.29 (95% CI: 1.34, 20.80)], age 35-49 years old [aOR=7.47 (95% CI: 1.78, 31.30)], adopting behavioral disengagement [aOR=1.94 (95% CI: 1.31, 2.87)] and self-blame [(aOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.31, 2.30)] as coping strategies, were significant predictors of depression. The findings estimate mental health burden among COVID-19 patients in Malaysia. The establishment of continuous mental health surveillance is essential in managing cases of depression and suicidal ideation.

The Effects of Self-Esteem and Academic Engagement on University Students’ Performance

The success or failure of a student depends on several factors, including self-esteem, academic engagement, and motivation. Self-esteem and motivation have been found to influence academic engagement, which, in turn, contributes to academic performance. Through a quantitative study, 243 university students were surveyed to analyze the effects of self-esteem and motivation on their academic engagement, which would be reflected in their academic performance. The results show that self-esteem has effects on emotional and behavioral disengagement. Motivation shows greater effects on academic engagement, with metacognitive engagement predicting students' academic performance. Therefore, promoting metacognitive strategies that help students learn to plan, monitor, and self-regulate their learning will contribute to their performance.

Women's Disengagement Behaviors During Couple Conflict: Investigating Risk Indicators of Intimate Partner Violence.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern, leading to prevention efforts focused on identifying risk indicators of escalating conflict between partners. Certain behaviors during conflict discussions have been uniquely linked to IPV, and there is evidence that disengagement behaviors-an emerging construct-are associated with IPV as well. However, research on disengagement and IPV has largely been limited to self-report, and available observational research is largely cross-sectional. Addressing these limitations, this study prospectively examined the association between observed disengagement behaviors during couple's conflict discussions and IPV 1 year later, using a sample of 83 heterosexual married or cohabitating partners. Behavioral coding was used to assess each partner's observed disengagement behaviors and each partner's psychological and physical IPV was assessed via questionnaire 1 year later. Linear regressions were used to investigate links between indicators of engagement (i.e., listening, questions, eye contact) and psychological and physical IPV perpetration and victimization. Less question asking and higher eye contact by women were associated with greater psychological and physical IPV perpetrated by both women and men 1 year later. Lower listening behaviors by women were associated with greater psychological (but not physical) IPV perpetrated by men 1 year later. In contrast, no disengagement behaviors displayed by men were significantly related to IPV. Applying a latent change score framework using baseline IPV data, findings indicated replicability of results, though with less consistency, suggesting that women's disengagement behaviors may reflect a larger pattern of abuse that predates and follows disengaged couple interactions. Findings suggest that a unique blend of verbal and nonverbal indicators of women's disengagement during couple conflict provides a meaningful signal of the emotional climate of the relationship.

Hypertensives versus Normotensives: Study on Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Determinants among Industrial Workers, Hyderabad, South India.

Establishing an association between the coping strategies, stress, and lifestyle determinants with blood pressure levels among industrial workers is very essential to incorporate in the management of hypertension. A cross-sectional study was undertaken at three factories located in Hyderabad on a camp-based approach which employed the usage of two standardized data collection tools-brief cope inventory scale and perceived stress scale along with other lifestyle determinants. There were 256 study participants consisting of 144 known diagnosed cases of hypertension and 112 normotensives. Overarching coping styles mainly emotion-focused and avoidant mean scores were found to be significantly higher among the hypertensive group compared to non-hypertensives with the following facets: planning, venting, self-distraction, substance use, and behavior disengagement having higher scores and low humor scores. Mean perceived stress score, increased mean body mass index, sedentary lifestyle, and family history of hypertension were found to be statistically significant with increased odds ratio among the hypertensives group. A need exists to target this group with psychological interventions of cognitive behavior therapy at the earliest to improve the coping strategies which can be incorporated into the management of hypertension.