Domains Of Psychological Well-being Research Articles

Exploring the Therapeutic Effect of Yoga to Enhance Psychological Well-being among Adolescent Girl Students

Background: Globally, Yoga is known as the wealth of India, the most oldest and powerful interventional method to develop healthy physical, mental/psychological, and spiritual up liftmen.
 Aim: The present study’s aim is to see the role of yogic practices in enhancing psychological well-being among adolescent girl students.
 Methodology: A total of 60 unmarried adolescent girls were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, between the age group 13-15 years and randomly divided into 02 groups (30-30 in experimental and control group). A Checklist for Psychological well-being prepared by the researcher at RINPAS has been used to assess adolescents’ psychological well-being. All participants were assessed at the beginning (pre) and after 03 months (post). The experimental group received a structured yogic intervention program (techniques included Surya-Namaskara, Pranayama, and Yoga-Nidra; 24 sessions).
 Result: Result has found significant changes on experimental group participants on various domains of psychological well-being at 0.01 and 0.05 levels as compared to control group participants.
 Conclusion: The result found that yogic practice is quite effective to enhance psychological well-being among adolescent girl students. As an intervention yoga and its techniques have the potential to develop positive healthy mental health, self-awareness as well as mental relaxation.

Greener on the other side? an analysis of the association between residential greenspace and psychological well-being among people living with spinal cord injury in the United States.

Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from a multisite survey study. To describe associations between residential greenspace and psychological well-being among adults living with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Community. Participants were from the Spinal Cord Injury-Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) Calibration Study (N = 313). Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis was used to define five- and half-mile buffer areas around participants' residential addresses to represent community and neighborhood environments, respectively, and to create measures of natural and developed open greenspace. Associations of greenspace measures with two SCI-QOL psychological well-being domains (positive affect and depressive symptoms) were modeled using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, adjusted for demographic, injury-related, and community socioeconomic characteristics. People living in a community with a moderate amount of natural greenspace reported less positive affect and more depressive symptoms compared to people living in a community with low natural greenspace. At the neighborhood level, a moderate amount of developed open space was associated with less positive affect and more depressive symptoms than a low amount of developed open space. Contrary to expectations, residential greenspace had a negative relationship with psychological well-being in this sample of adults with SCI. Understanding how and why natural spaces are associated with quality of life for people with mobility disabilities can influence public policy and urban planning designs to ensure that residential greenspaces are accessible and beneficial to all.

Age-trends in Cognitive Function and Quality of Life: Sex Differences in a Community Population in Taiwan

Population aging has developed into a significant area of concern in developed countries, especially in relation to the preservation of functional independence and the quality of life (QoL). However, information on the contribution of sex differences in quality of life and cognitive function is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate potential differences in cognitive function and QoL between males and females. For this study, we recruited 382 healthy subjects aged 19–79 years from communities in Southern Taiwan. Cognitive function and QoL were assessed using the UCSD Performance-based Skills Assessment, Brief Version (UPSA-B) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. The effects of sex, age groups, and interaction of sex and age on the UPSA-B and WHOQOL-BREF scores were examined. We found that the financial and communication domains of the UPSA-B showed declining trends with age in both sexes, although these trends were more obvious in females than in males. In the domain of Physical Capacity, QoL showed an age-increased trend in males, while QoL in the Environment domain showed an age-increased trend in females. Regarding the relationships between cognitive function and QoL, we found that the financial skill and communication skill of UPSA-B was positively correlated to the psychological well-being domain of WHOQOL-BREF, in males of age

Loneliness, Social Support, and Psychological Wellbeing Among Older Adults

Social support in old age has been linked to psychological wellbeing outcomes, such as depressive symptoms. However, insufficient attention has been paid to implications of social support for different domains of psychological wellbeing. In this study, we explored these associations among 797 older adults (mean age = 78.61 years) living in a retirement community in Florida from the ECRC study. Our findings show that measures of social support and connectedness have varying influences on psychological wellbeing. Loneliness was associated with lower life satisfaction (b=- -1.12, p<0.001) and higher depressive symptoms (b=3.52, p<0.001). Higher self-rated social support was associated with higher life satisfaction (b= 1.66, p<0.001) but did not predict depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms, however, were significantly higher (b=-1.45) among individuals who reported that they don’t have anyone who they can turn to if they feel lonely and want to talk. Feeling lonely also predicted lower positive affects among these older adults (b=-0.65, p<0.001). Similarly, loneliness also predicted higher negative affects (b=1.28, p<0.001). Negative affects were also significantly higher among women (b=-1.15, p<0.001) but lower among those who were living alone (b=-1.06, p<0.001). Overall, our findings underscore the importance of social support and connectedness for psychological wellbeing in later life. This finding is consistent with prior research demonstrating significance of social support in later life for the overall psychological wellbeing of the older adults.

Linking Religious Identity, Participation, and Faith to Domains of Mental Health in Late Life

Religiosity in late life has been linked to psychological well-being outcomes. However, there has been insufficient attention to complex associations between different domains of religiosity and domains of psychological wellbeing. We explored associations between religious identity, religious participation, religious coping (trust in God), and mental health indicators of depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and positive/negative affect among 797 independent, retirement community-dwelling older adults. At baseline, religious identity (expressed as self- concept) and religious participation (church attendance) each were associated with fewer depressive symptoms (b=-0.47, p<0.05; b=-0.19, p<0.05). Religious identity, however, was significantly associated with both life satisfaction and positive affects but not with negative affect. Religious coping was associated with greater life satisfaction and positive affect. Our longitudinal analysis documented a statistically significant decline in depressive symptoms, and increase in life satisfaction and positive affect, with corresponding increase in religious identity over time. However, changes in religious identity did not lead to significant changes in negative affect over time. Religious coping and church attendance fully explained the influence of religious identity on changes in life satisfaction. Although the influence of religious identity on depressive symptoms and positive affect was weakened, its significant influence was maintained even after the consideration of religious coping and church attendance. Beyond religious identity, we also observed a significant increase in positive affect with a corresponding increase in religious coping. Overall, our findings support expectations that religious identification and practices are associated with greater psychological well-being among community dwelling old- old adults.

Cognitive and socio-emotional correlates of psychological well-being and mental health in Guatemalan adults

BackgroundLittle is known about associations of psychological and mental well-being with cognitive and socioemotional factors in low and middle-income countries, particularly among vulnerable populations born in adverse environments that may restrict developmental potential. This study aimed to examine the cognitive and socioemotional correlates of psychological well-being and mental health in a cohort of Guatemalan adults born in contexts of poverty and malnutrition.MethodsFrom Dec 2017 to Apr 2019, data were collected from 704 women and 564 men ages 40–57 years living in four rural villages in eastern Guatemala and Guatemala City. We measured latent domains of psychological well-being, spirituality and religion, emotional support, and executive function using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Under a Structural Equation Modeling framework, we examined intercorrelations among latent domains and observed measures of intelligence and mental health.ResultsCFA supported the construct validity of factor structures in this population. Correlations of psychological well-being with spirituality and religion were moderate in women (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and men (r = 0.70, p < 0.001). Executive function was weakly correlated with psychological well-being in men (r = 0.23, p < 0.001) and showed no association in women. Correlations of psychological well-being with emotional support and IQ were weak in women (r = 0.34, and r = 0.15, respectively; p < 0.001 for both) and men (r = 0.35, and r = 0.25, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). Mental health and IQ were weakly correlated in men (r = 0.09, p < 0.05) and showed no association in women. Mental health showed weak correlations with emotional support (r = 0.18, p < 0.001 in women; r = 0.09, p < 0.05 in men), psychological well-being (r = 0.32 and r = 0.35, in women and men respectively; p < 0.001 for both) and showed no association with executive function in both sexes.ConclusionsOf all examined factors, spirituality and religion made the greatest contribution to psychological well-being. These findings support the notion that in populations experiencing difficult circumstances, religion can perhaps make a greater contribution to well-being and aid coping. More research is needed to examine mediators of this association.

Psychological well-being in college students: Psychometric properties of the Brief Inventory of Thriving (BIT) and the Comprehensive Inventory of Thriving (CIT)

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the psychometric properties of two integrative inventories of psychological well-being– the Brief Inventory of Thriving (BIT) and the Comprehensive Inventory of Thriving (CIT)– that could be widely used among Turkish young adults. This study also aimed to examine whether students with severe psychological health symptoms reported higher levels of loneliness, lack of control, and negative feelings, and fewer positive domains of the CIT (e.g., support, belonging, positive feelings, and self-efficacy). The participants of this study included 314 Turkish undergraduate students (76% female with an age range of 18–47 years [M = 22.83, SD = 4.09]) from a state university in Turkey. Confirmatory factor analyses showed good psychometric fit statistics of both the CIT and BIT, confirming the latent structure of inventories. Factor loadings of the CIT items were strong, with robust indicator reliabilities. With regard to the concurrent validity of the measures, the study results showed that the domains and the brief version of the measure had significant correlations with psychological health symptoms. Additionally, individuals with severe mental health symptoms reported fewer positive psychological domains of psychological well-being, whereas having higher negative domains of psychological well-being than those with mild symptoms. Specifically, Cohen's d effect sizes were large for some social resources and subjective well-being domains. Overall, these results provide evidence suggesting that both the CIT and BIT could be used to assess psychological well-being among Turkish young adults.

Health, Wellbeing, and Prognosis of Australian Adolescents with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A Case-Controlled Follow-Up Study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to follow-up an Australian cohort of adolescents newly-diagnosed with ME/CFS at a tertiary paediatric ME/CFS clinic and healthy controls over a mean period of two years (range 1–5 years) from diagnosis. Objectives were to (a) examine changes over time in health and psychological wellbeing, (b) track ME/CFS symptomatology and fulfillment of paediatric ME/CFS diagnostic criteria over time, and (c) determine baseline predictors of ME/CFS criteria fulfilment at follow-up. Methods: 34 participants aged 13–18 years (25 ME/CFS, 23 controls) completed standardised questionnaires at diagnosis (baseline) and follow-up assessing fatigue, sleep quality and hygiene, pain, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life. ME/CFS symptomatology and diagnostic criteria fulfilment was also recorded. Results: ME/CFS patients showed significant improvement in most health and psychological wellbeing domains over time, compared with controls who remained relatively stable. However, fatigue, pain, and health-related quality of life remained significantly poorer amongst ME/CFS patients compared with controls at follow-up. Sixty-five percent of ME/CFS patients at baseline continued to fulfil ME/CFS diagnostic criteria at follow-up, with pain the most frequently experienced symptom. Eighty-two percent of patients at follow-up self-reported that they still had ME/CFS, with 79% of these patients fulfilling criteria. No significant baseline predictors of ME/CFS criteria fulfilment at follow-up were observed, although pain experienced at baseline was significantly associated with criteria fulfilment at follow-up (R = 0.6, p = 0.02). Conclusions: The majority of Australian adolescents with ME/CFS continue to fulfil diagnostic criteria at follow-up, with fatigue, pain, and health-related quality of life representing domains particularly relevant to perpetuation of ME/CFS symptoms in the early years following diagnosis. This has direct clinical impact for treating clinicians in providing a more realistic prognosis and highlighting the need for intervention with young people with ME/CFS at the initial diagnosis and start of treatment.

Cognitive-Behavioral-Related Prayer Types and Mental Health Relations among Muslim Samples

Psychological and subjective well-being depends on how an individual feels about his/her life and how he/she responds to life events. Individually, the person may unconsciously feel all external events occurring beyond his/her control in his cognitive schemas. Especially considering mental health, the influence of religious beliefs and practices on various components of mental well-being has emerged as one of the most studied topics in the psychology of religion in recent years. Most studies have focused on the role of religion in seeking answers about individuals' search for meaning and their reactions to life events. There is a prevalent finding that prayer plays a constructive role in the lives of individuals faced with life’s difficulties and exposed to stressors. Thus, for scientists over the past few decades, the possible application of the cognitive behavioral framework within the psychology of religion has become a key element of both subjective and psychological well-being. Using theoretical applications as to the relationship between religiosity and mental health, it was appeared that various prayer measures are predominantly derived from Christian religious norms and beliefs. However, non-Christian religions have been mostly disregarded in such inquiries. More specifically, the links between religiosity and mental health among Muslim individuals have been neglected even though there are several forms of religious behavior in Islam that are of great importance to the daily lives of believers. Therefore, the current research aims to investigate the link between different types of Islamic prayer and indicators of well-being using the cognitive-behavioral mechanism among Muslim individuals. An online link was used to recruit participants from many Islamic student communities and several worship places in different cities/regions of England in this study. The online questionnaire composed of six prayer types (obligatory, necessary, voluntarily, supererogatory, supplication, and invocation prayers), six psychological well-being domains (autonomy, environmental mastery, positive relations with others, personal growth, self-acceptance, and purpose in life), and two subjective well-being domains (life satisfaction, and positive and negative affects). The representative sample consisted of 214 participants (female= 145, male= 69), aged between 18 and 66 (M = 27.01, SD = 8.80). The results of the correlational analysis indicated that obligatory (fard) prayer, voluntarily (sunna) prayer, supplication (duʿāʾ) prayer and invocation (dhikr/remembrance of God) prayer have positive relationship with the well-being variables, while no correlation of necessary (wājib) prayer and supererogatory (nawāfil) prayer with any of the well-being variables is appeared. The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that obligatory, voluntarily, and necessary prayers were not predictors of psychological or subjective well-being variables. Although only the type of supererogatory prayer was found to be predictive, the relationship was in the opposite direction. In addition, the supplication prayer accounted for the unique variance in predicting the psychological well-being scores, while the invocation prayer accounted for the unique variance in predicting subjective well-being. In light of James and Wells’ cognitive and behavioral models, the present study has identified only the types of supplication and invocation prayer as important factors that have a positive effect for individuals in providing psychological support for them. Therefore, the presented data suggest that people are more like to have better psychological and subjective well-being when their prayers take the form of a supplication prayer and invocation prayer in which they rely on God for guidance and support and refresh their thinking through feeling God’s presence. As can be seen from the present findings, it is important to consider the applicability of belief structures in specific community settings. Here, both the theoretical framework and practical direction can contribute to an understanding being held as to the relationship between Muslim prayer types and mental well-being and provides guidance for health practitioners regarding how different prayer models can lead individuals to have better well-being.

Self-management, self-esteem and their associations with psychological well-being in people with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundOptimal self-management seem to be protective factor of health-related quality of life and psychological well-being in many chronic conditions. However, the results in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are still inconclusive. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the associations between self-management, self-esteem and psychological well-being in people with MS when controlled for sociodemographic and clinical variables. MethodsA total of 165 people with MS filled in The Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, and General Health Questionnaire-28, to assess main variables under study. Functional status was measured by Kurtzke disability Status Scale. ResultsWe found significant associations between self-esteem and somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. Explained variance of the models ranged from 16% to 38% for somatic symptoms and severe depression, respectively. Self-management significantly contributed to the explained variance in all models sans GHQ social dysfunction. Self-esteem was significant contributor to overall variance in all models. DiscussionAccording to our results, self-management and self-esteem were found to be associated with multiple domains of psychological well-being. These findings may be used in neurological practice, to help people with MS who report psychological distress in one or more domains.

The Association Between Spousal Caregiver Status and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults

Older adults often bear the responsibility of taking care of their spouses who have physical or cognitive impairments. Although previous studies suggested various caregiving-related negative experiences might be related to older spousal caregivers’ mental health status, the components of psychological well-being (PSW) among older spousal caregivers have not been fully explored. This study examined the association between spousal caregiver status and PSW. Data were drawn from wave 2014 of the Health and Retirement Study. The sample consisted of 3,857 adults who were above 50, and 376 of the participants provided care in activities in daily life (ADL) or instrumental activities in daily life (IADL) to their spouses/partners. Three hundred and thirty-one of them had a spouse/partner who needed care, but did not provide the care to their spouse/partner. The majority of participants, 3,150 of them, did not provide care, and their spouse/partner did not need care. Four domains of PSW were assessed: purpose of life, life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. Univariate analyses and multivariable linear regression were used for analyses. Spousal caregivers and non-caregivers with need had a worse PS status, compared to non-caregivers without need. But after adjusting for socio-economic resources, health status, or social support factor, the difference in their four domains of PSW was insignificant. Older spousal caregivers’ PSW could be protected by promoting that population’s socio-economic resources and health status. Future practice needs to address caregivers’ emotional need. Future research need to examine the long-term effect of caregiving on older spousal caregivers’ PSW.

Psychological well-being and gene expression in Korean adults: The role of age

BackgroundHappiness has traditionally been thought to comprise two parts - pleasure (hedonia) and meaning (eudaimonia). Even though the two types of happiness are correlated, genomics studies have found distinct transcriptional correlates of hedonia and eudaimonia, particularly in the Conserved Transcriptional Response to Adversity (CTRA) marked by up-regulation of proinflammatory genes and down-regulation of interferon-related genes. Eudaimonia has been associated with reduced CTRA gene expression in several studies, whereas hedonia shows no consistent association with the CTRA. However, most of these social genomics studies have been conducted in Western cultures with Caucasian samples, so it is unclear if these findings extended to non-Western cultures with other ethnic groups. Moreover, it is unknown whether age might modify the association between CTRA gene expression and eudaimonia. To this end, we examined in a sample of Koreans the relationship between CTRA profiles and measures of hedonia and eudaimonia, as well as the role of age in modulating the strength of those relationships. MethodsBlood samples were collected from 152 healthy Korean adults (mean age = 44.64; 50 % female). Well-being was measured using the Mental Health Continuum short form (MHC-SF), Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-being (PWB), and subjective well-being (SWB) scales. RNA transcriptome profiles were obtained by RNA sequencing. Mixed effect linear model analyses examined the association between CTRA gene expression and measures of MHC-SF, SWB, PWB (total scores and six subscales) and additional analyses examined a possible moderating role of age. ResultsCTRA gene expression was significantly downregulated in association with the MHC-SF eudaimonic scores as well as the PWB total scores. Among the six domains of PWB, autonomy showed the strongest inverse correlation with CTRA profiles. Moreover, the inverse association between CTRA and PWB was stronger for older participants. ConclusionEudaimonia is associated with reduced CTRA gene expression in a Korean population, with particularly marked relationships for autonomy. Findings also suggest that aging with meaning may bring biological advantage in later life.

The role of partner support, ego-resiliency, prenatal attitudes towards maternity and pregnancy in psychological well-being of women in high-risk and low-risk pregnancy

ABSTRACTWe have shown by multiple regression analyses that partner support (as an external source of support) and ego-resiliency (as a personality trait and internal source of support) are significant factors contributing to pregnant women’s satisfaction with many different domains of psychological well-being (PWB), such as positive relations with others, self-acceptance, and environmental mastery, facilitating better psychological adaptation to pregnancy and motherhood. Type of pregnancy (high-risk or low-risk) is important for two areas of PWB of pregnant women, namely positive relations with others and self-acceptance. The attitudes towards maternity and pregnancy are weaker predictor than ego-resiliency and partner support and they are significant only for one PWB dimension – autonomy. Positive or negative attitudes towards motherhood and the unborn child depend on the education level. They are less stable factors than ego-resiliency. Empirical evidence is found for the moderating role of the pregnancy type (low- vs. high-risk) in the relationships between support from partner and two dimensions of PWB: positive relations with others and purpose in life. The received partner support helps women in high-risk pregnancy with positive psychological functioning, especially in maintaining the belief that their life is purposeful and in sustaining quality relationships with others.

Autonomy in University Students: Predictive Role of Problem Focused Coping

The objective of this study was to investigate the predictive role of problem focused coping with autonomy (Sub domain of psychological well-being) among university student of Karachi, Pakistan. The entire sample consisting of 105 students (51 males &amp; 55 females) was selected from university of Karachi, Pakistan. Their age range was 19-35 years (mean age = 24.85; SD =.489). Autonomy (sub domain of Psychological Well-Being Scale-Urdu version; Ansari, 2010), Self-developed Coping Styles Scale-Urdu version (Zaman, 2015) along with demographic information form was administered. It was found that use of problem focused strategies predicts autonomy among university students. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to address the research objectives. Results indicate that problem focused coping predicts autonomy among university students. Implications of results have been discussed.

Internalizing Symptoms as Mediators of Lifetime Incidence of Trauma and Quality of Life among Out-of-School Youths.

Objectives:The present study aimed to investigate the relationships among the lifetime incidence of trauma, internalizing symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) in out-of-school youths (OSYs).Methods:We recruited 50 OSYs in South Korea. Participants completed the following surveys: completed Lifetime Incidence of Traumatic Events for children, Youth Self Report, and The KIDSCREEN-27 QoL measure for children and adolescents. Mediation analysis was conducted to test the research hypotheses.Results:The mean lifetime incidence of traumatic events among OSYs was 3.27 (standard deviation, 2.41). Internalizing symptoms significantly mediated the lifetime incidence of trauma and QoL. OSYs with fewer internalizing symptoms exhibited a better QoL in the domain of psychological well-being, although their lifetime incidence of trauma was higher.Conclusion:The results of current study suggest that assessment and therapeutic intervention with regard to internalizing symptoms are needed to increase the QoL of OSYs.

Association between Psychological Wellbeing and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence in North-Central, Nigeria

Psychological wellbeing of antiretroviral patients in Nigeria is under researched despite being a critical success factor in ART adherence. Using a sample of antiretroviral therapy patients (n=641) from six clinics in North central Nigeria in a cross sectional mixed method approach, we examined the domain of psychological wellbeing that is associated with ART adherence. ART adherence was 88%. Environmental mastery (84.4%), Autonomy (73.2%) and Self-acceptance (65.4%) were associated with higher ART adherence. Among sociodemographic characteristics, only states of residence (X2 = 26.0841, p<.05) was significant. Cognitive behavioural therapy by a skilled psychologist is crucial for empowering ART patients to maintain optimal ART adherence.

The impact of parental, peer and school attachment on the psychological well-being of early adolescents in Thailand

Secure attachment in childhood and adolescence is important to psychological well-being throughout the life span. This cross-sectional study examines the importance of attachment (i.e. parents, peers and school) and self-esteem on the psychological well-being (i.e. total psychological difficulties, externalizing problems, internalizing problems, prosocial behaviours and life satisfaction) among 1360 adolescents (aged 12–15 years) in a district of Central Thailand. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire during school hours. Path analyses investigated the significance of attachment on psychological well-being and the mediating role of self-esteem. Parental and peer attachment were negatively associated with total psychological difficulties, externalizing problems and internalizing problems, while parental and school attachment were positively associated with life satisfaction. More secure peer and school attachment were significantly associated with greater prosocial behaviours. Self-esteem was found to mediate the relationships between attachment and all domains of psychological well-being except prosocial behaviours.

Self-Reported Driving Difficulty in Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury: Its Central Role in Psychological Well-Being

The ability to drive is a core function supporting independent living. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) may impair driving capacity in numerous ways. Previous research has documented that individuals with TBI have more driving-related problems than other people and has identified predictors of driving status or capacity, mostly among civilians; however, no research has examined the implications of driving limitations for the well-being of individuals with TBI. To examine the association between self-reported difficulty in driving with important domains of psychological well-being in veterans with TBI, with adjustment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and years since most recent TBI. Cross-sectional. Veterans' homes. A total of 61 veterans of the Global Wars on Terrorism diagnosed with TBI, all outpatients at a Veterans Affairs medical center rehabilitation service. Home interviews as a baseline assessment for a larger randomized controlled trial. Community reintegration (extent of social participation), depressive symptomatology, and role limitations due to physical health problems and those due to emotional problems. Self-rated competence in driving was the predictor, and sociodemographic characteristics, diagnosis of PTSD, severity of TBI, and time since most recent TBI were covariates. Self-rated driving difficulty was associated with decreased community reintegration (β = .280, P =.028), greater depressive symptomatology (β = -.402, P < .001), and greater role limitations due to physical problems (β = -.312, P =.011) and to emotional problems (β = -.324, P = .006), after we adjusted for PTSD and other variables. The self-reported ability to drive seems to be central to psychological well-being in veterans with TBI, showing clear associations with depression, community reintegration, and health-related role limitations. These associations cannot be attributed to comorbid PTSD. Rehabilitation specialists should view driving difficulty as a risk factor for poor psychosocial outcomes in veterans with TBI and seek ways to compensate for the veteran's loss of driving if it is no longer advisable. II.

Effects of an employee exercise programme on mental health

Prior research indicates that workplace wellness programmes (WWPs) are generally associated with lowered healthcare costs and improved employee health. Despite the importance of mental well-being in workplace productivity and attendance, few WWP studies have focused on improvements in psychological well-being. To examine the effects of the Bruin Health Improvement Program (BHIP), a 3-month exercise and nutrition WWP, on seven domains of health: physical and mental health, stress, energy level, social satisfaction, self-efficacy and quality of life. Using data from BHIP completers, we conducted multiple one-way multivariate analyses of variance and follow-up univariate t-tests to examine changes in physical and mental health, stress, energy level, social satisfaction, self-efficacy and quality of life. Effect sizes were also calculated post hoc to determine the magnitude of each effect. Results for the 281 participants reveal significant improvements across all seven domains (P < 0.001). Effect sizes ranged from 0.19 to 0.67. This study is unique in revealing the effects of a WWP on multiple domains of psychological well-being. Given rising healthcare costs associated with mental health, targeting mental health through WWP may be an effective strategy for reducing indirect healthcare costs associated with absenteeism and presenteeism.

Ayurvedic Management of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Life expectancy has increased as a result of advancement in medical science. As a result the prortion of elderly in the population is also greater than ever and there is a need to tackle their problems. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is one of the most common clinical manifestations af- fecting the elderly population. MCI is a term used to describe cognitive decline of thinking, memory and reasoning. This is an transitional stage between the cognitive decline of normal ageing and the more serious decline in dementia. Neurons fail to establish connections in appropriate time and when insuffi- ciently stimulated by nootropic factors, they die. This gradual- ly leads to mild cognitive impairment, as ageing occurs. Ac- cording to recent published works on cognition and dementia, 2/3 rd of all cases who are diagnosed with MCI have memory loss, more pronounced than thinking and reasoning. Timely intervention is awfully important in these cases as they are at a high risk of developing dementia. According to Sarangadhara Acharya, medha (grasping and retention power) deteriorates after the fourth decade of life and this may be considered as a warning signal for further smrti (memory) and buddhi (intellect) deterioration, in the successive years. Ayurveda has a major role to play in this arena. Rasaayana, Panchakarma therapy, drugs like guduchi, aswagandha,brahmi and the like, including various ghritas have proven effects in cognitive domains of psychological wellbeing. Further, giving constant mental stimulations through brain games which is mentioned through the concept of Buddhimedhakara gana, along with panchakarma meas- ures, bring significant results in all domains of cognition. Here is an attempt to discuss the pathogenesis and preven- tive aspects of cognitive deficits with special reference to de- mentia and MCI. Nootropic drugs, neuro rehabilitation and neuroplasticity are the three approaches which are analyzed in the purview of Ayurvedic concept and are suggested as tech- niques for the management and prevention of MCI.