Experience Of Feelings Research Articles

AI feel you: customer experience assessment via chatbot interviews

PurposeWhile customer experience (CE) is recognized as a critical determinant of business success, both academics and managers are yet to find a means to gain a comprehensive understanding of CE cost-effectively. The authors argue that the application of relevant AI technology could help address this challenge. Employing interactively prompted narrative storytelling, and the authors investigate the effectiveness of sentiment analysis (SA) on extracting valuable CE insights from primary qualitative data generated via chatbot interviews.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on a granular and semantically clear framework for studying CE feelings, an artificial intelligence (AI) augmented chatbot was designed. The chatbot interviewed a crowdsourced sample of consumers about their recalled service experience feelings. By combining free-text and closed-ended questions, the authors were able to compare extracted sentiment polarities against established measurement scales and empirically validate our novel approach.FindingsThe authors demonstrate that SA can effectively extract CE feelings from primary chatbot data. This findings also suggest that further enhancement in accuracy can be achieved via improvements in the interplay between the chatbot interviewer and SA extraction algorithms.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed customer-centric approach can help service companies to study and better understand CE feelings in a cost-effective and scalable manner. The AI-augmented chatbots can also help companies to foster immersive and engaging relationships with customers. This study focuses on feelings, warranting further research on AI's value in studying other CE elements.Originality/valueThe unique inquisitive role of AI-infused chatbots in conducting interviews and analyzing data in realtime, offers considerable potential for studying CE and other subjective constructs.

Associations of Affect, Action Readiness, and Sexual Functioning.

IntroductionEmotions are theorized to contain the components of affect and action readiness. Affect guides behavior by causing an approach or withdrawal orientation. Action readiness is the individual's degree of willingness to interact with the environment. Emotions contribute to changes in behavior and physiological responses.AimThe present study applied these notions to sexuality and examined the associations between affect, action readiness, and sexual functioning.MethodsParticipants were male patients with urologic condition (N = 70) with and without sexual problems.Main Outcome MeasureAffect and action readiness were jointly assessed using the latent factor of affective polarity of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Trait affective polarity was assessed questioning generally experienced feelings. State affective polarity was assessed after exposure to an erotic stimulus and questioning momentaneously experienced feelings. Sexual functioning was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Functioning questionnaire.ResultsA significant increase of approach-oriented action readiness was found after erotic stimulation, relative to trait levels. In addition, significant associations were found between state approach-oriented action readiness and various aspects of sexual functioning. Interventions based on principles of positive psychology might be developed to reinforce action readiness in men with erectile dysfunction. The strength of the current research concerns the introduction of action readiness as a potential psychological factor implied in sexual functioning. Limitations pertain to the use of the algorithm used to calculate state approach-oriented action readiness and the use of the current sample of patients with urological conditions, limiting generalizability of findings.ConclusionAction readiness was found to correlate positively with all aspects of sexual functioning. Further research into the role of action readiness in sexuality is recommended.Henckens MJMJ, de Vries P, Janssen E, et al. Associations of Affect, Action Readiness, and Sexual Functioning. Sex Med 2020;8:691–698.

The Development of Virtual Reality as a Tool to Investigate Eating Behavior

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to a) determine the feasibility of eating in virtual reality (VR) environment while wearing a head mounted display (HMD) and b) determine the effect of eating in a virtual restaurant on food intake, sensory evaluation of the test food and masticatory parameters. Methods Fifteen adults were asked to report to the laboratory on two occasions, separated by at least one week, at their usual lunchtime. On reporting to the laboratory, surface electrodes were attached to the left and right masseter muscles to measure masticatory activity and a wristband placed on the non-dominant wrist to collect physiological data. The participant sat quietly for 5 minutes before a VR (HMD) was placed on their head. The HMD displayed either a virtual restaurant (pizzeria) or a blank scene (consisting of a white background and a table). The participant's hand movements were captured using an infrared camera mounted on the HMD so when the participant moved their hands this was represented by computer generated model hands in the VR scene. The test foods (pizza bites) were represented in VR using a 3D model of pizza bites. The test foods were arranged so that when the participant touched the test food model in the VR scene they touched the test food in real life allowing them to locate and pick up the test food. The participant was instructed to eat the test food until they felt comfortably full. When the participant finished eating the equipment was removed and they completed questionnaires regarding their feelings of presence and experiences in the VR environment and their ratings of the test food attributes. Results Participants were able to successfully locate and eat the pizza rolls while in the VR environment. The participants feeling of presence was higher in the restaurant scene compared to the blank scene (P < 0.05). Heart rate and skin temperature were higher in the restaurant scene (P < 0.05). Differences in masticatory parameters were found with participants using fewer masticatory cycles before swallowing in the restaurant scene (P < 0.05). There were no differences between scenes regarding the sensory evaluation of the test foods. There was no difference in food intake between the treatments. Conclusions Eating in VR is feasible and may provide a new method to understand eating behavior in different contexts. Funding Sources None.

Experience of the nursing team concerning the care of patients with meningitis attended in emergency department

Objective: To unveil the experience of the nursing team in relation to the care of patients with meningitis attended in emergency departments.Methods: Exploratory and qualitative study made with 13 nurses and 12 nursing technicians from the emergency sector of a public hospital located in Northeast of Brazil. The data was gathered through an interview using a semi-structured script. The interviews were transcribed, processed in the Iramuteq software and analyzed with the descending hierarchical classification.Results: Three categories were obtained and they were referent to the accomplished interventions (administration of medication, patient’s isolation, contribution in the accomplishment of exams, use of individual protection equipment and humanization), to the experienced feelings (fear and unsafety) and the disease’s suggestive alerts (headache, neck stiffness, changes in the conscience level and vomit).Conclusions: The nursing experience in the care of patients with meningitis, in the emergency sector, was shown to be permeated by the accomplishment of interventions, feelings, and knowledge about the symptoms.

Sentimentos vivenciados por mulheres climatéricas: percepções de usuárias da atenção primária em saúde

Objetivo: Conhecer os sentimentos de mulheres que vivenciam o climatério acerca desta fase da vida. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa com 18 mulheres que vivenciam o período do climatério realizada em uma Estratégia em Saúde da Família de um município da região sul do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada em setembro de 2016. A análise dos dados foi a partir da Análise de Conteúdo de Minayo. Resultados: Os sentimentos citados pelas depoentes com maior frequência foram a melancolia, a baixa autoestima e depressão, pois o climatério é percebido como um período desconhecido e misterioso, que remete ao envelhecimento, a perdas e a negação. Nesse sentido, o cuidado de enfermagem precisa consubstanciar-se nos aspectos emocionais, sociais, biológicos, sexuais, ambientais e culturais que perpassam o climatério. Conclusão: Nessa perspectiva, para uma atuação qualificada na área da assistência à saúde da mulher climatérica, é essencial práticas que valorizem o conhecimento prévio e sentimentos experienciados, facultando, assim, um espaço de construção de saberes e fazeres neste campo de conhecimento.

The Rhythmic Finger Focus Hypnotic Technique: Multilevel Application of Ericksonian Utilization

ABSTRACT This paper presents a hypnotic technique that starts with a suggested focus on one’s fingertips, and movement of the hands in a self-determined rhythm. The technique involves the use of the utilization principle of Milton Erickson in multiple ways. This includes utilizing psychomotor agitation characteristic of psychophysiological arousal, directing it toward movement that generates the sensations upon which to focus. It utilizes the sensitivity of the fingertips, the high degree of representation of the hands in the somatosensory cortex, and the tendency of the brain to orient to novelty to help facilitate focused absorption. It generates counter stimulation for pain management, and emotionally self- soothing tactile sensations. The technique is further designed to activate and utilize prior sensorimotor learning and sensory experiences associated with the hands to access feelings of mastery, creativity, flow, self-efficacy, and other positive emotional experiences. It is hypothesized that multisystem coherence is generated through activating prior positive motor, behavioral and affective experiential learning. It is further hypothesized that the rhythmic movement and sensory input simultaneously generated by and processed in the right and left hemispheres, entrains the hemispheres toward greater sympathetic/parasympathetic balance.

Factors associated with caregiver burden among adult (19–64 years) informal caregivers – An analysis from Dutch Municipal Health Service data

Due to the ageing population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, it is expected that the demand on informal caregivers will increase. Many informal caregivers experience burden, which can have negative consequences for their own health and that of the care recipient. To prevent caregiver burden, it is important to investigate factors associated with this burden. We aimed to identify factors associated with caregiver burden in adult informal caregivers. Among a sample of adult informal caregivers (n = 1,100) of the Dutch region of Zaanstreek‐Waterland, perceived caregiver burden, demographic factors, caregiving situation, health‐related factors and socio‐financial factors were measured as part of the national Health Survey in 2016. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, for which a backward selection method was applied, associations with caregiver burden were studied. In the multivariate model, time spent providing informal care was significantly associated with perceived caregiver burden, with an odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval] of 7.52 [3.93–14.39] for those spending >16 hr compared to 1–2 hr on informal care. Also providing care to their child(ren) (OR: 2.55 [1.51–4.31]), poor perceived health (OR: 1.80 [1.20–2.68]) and loneliness of the caregiver (OR: 2.05 [1.41–2.99]) were significantly associated with caregiver burden. To possibly prevent and reduce informal caregiver burden, factors associated with such burden should be intervened on. As such, special attention should be paid to caregivers who provide many hours of care or provide care to their child(ren), as well as those who have a poor perceived health themselves and/or experience feelings of loneliness.

Supported self-management as a model for end-of-life care in the setting of malignant bowel obstruction: A qualitative study

ObjectiveWomen with advanced gynecologic cancer and malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) undergo repeated hospitalizations, experience feelings of isolation and abandonment, and often die in acute settings. Innovative outpatient models of care are needed to address the unmet needs of this population at the end-of-life. We implemented a novel supported self-management (SMS) program focused on increasing patients' skill and confidence in managing MBO proactively in the ambulatory setting. MethodsWe performed a qualitative descriptive study embedded in a prospective single-arm evaluative trial (Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03260647) to understand the impact of this program on patients' sense of support, degree of distress, quality of care, and capacity to self-manage. Semi-structured interviews were completed and analysed using the Chronic Care Model as a theoretical framework. Data saturation was confirmed after 15 interviews. ResultsFifteen patients (age range: 47–82) with diagnoses of advanced ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer were interviewed; 10 had died by end of follow-up, with a median interval from interview to death of 5 months. Patients were able to self-manage the: (i) medical aspects; (ii) psychological consequences, and (iii) changes in life roles and expectations resulting from their condition. Patients felt greatly supported, less isolated, and secure in their knowledge and ability to access care due to SMS. While patients understood their disease was not curative they did not fully appreciate that MBO signalled a significantly poorer prognosis. ConclusionOutpatient SMS interventions can be successfully implemented even for rapidly fatal conditions at the end-of-life and offer significant benefit to gynecologic cancer patients with MBO. Counselling should focus on the specific trajectory of MBO, and early palliative care referrals should be standard practice.

Suicide Prevention Education for Psychiatric Inpatient Nurses in Egypt

The completed suicide of a patient represents a critical event for any nurse who was in charge of or had some contact with the individual or their family. Nurses may blame themselves and experience feelings of worthlessness associated with their inability to prevent the patient's death. One way to prevent an attempted or completed suicide on the inpatient unit is to educate psychiatric nursing personnel in suicide prevention. The focus of the current article is to present and discuss the unique issues faced by nursing educators in Egypt and whether the education and training of nurses employed at a rural hospital in Egypt would be a useful step toward mitigating these high-risk behaviors and lethal actions. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(5), 32-38.].

Wat als Bert en Ernie meer dan vrienden waren?

What if Bert and Ernie were more than friends? Flemish parents on homosexuality in children’s programmes This article examines Flemish parents’ opinion on the depiction of homosexual characters in children’s television. Based on twenty interviews, three categories were composed in relation to different gradations of acceptance. The first category consists of parents who found it necessary to represent homosexuality on television, so that children learn from a young age that this minority group exists. The second category experienced feelings of aversion when two people of the same sex had physical contact with each other. This was considered unnecessary or inappropriate, particularly for young children. The third category includes parents who criticized the amount of homosexual characters on contemporary television, calling it ‘positive discrimination’. In sum, Flemish parents approve the depiction of homosexual characters on children’s television, yet opinions vary on how television should portray them. Physical contact between two people of the same sex, in particular, is perceived as a possible threat to ‘childhood innocence’.

The Politics of Happiness

With its annual World Happiness Report, Gallup has been ranking the feelings of different nations since 2012 (Figure 1). In the latest contest, Finland edged out Denmark for happiest nation on earth. The United States placed nineteenth. South Sudan came in last. The results are based on surveys with queries such as the following: “Please imagine a ladder, with steps numbered from 0 at the bottom to 10 at the top. The top of the ladder represents the best possible life for you and the bottom of the ladder represents the worst possible life for you. On which step of the ladder would you say you personally feel you stand at this time?” and “Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with your freedom to choose what you do with your life?” Respondents also report whether they have made charitable donations, and whether they have smiled, laughed, or experienced feelings of enjoyment or happiness recently.

Objective Pain Assessment Using Vital Signs

Abstract Pain is considered as an emotional experience and unrestful feeling associated with tissue damage. The feeling of pain occurs when the interpretation starts in brain; as a signal is sent through nerve fiber to the brain. Pain allows the body to prevent further tissue damage. Since there are different ways of expressing and feeling pain, the experience of pain is unique for everybody. In this respect, objective pain assessment is a key step and a major challenge in proper management of pain in different individuals. In this study, we offer a computational solution for objective assessment of pain using vital signs. To this end, we have reported the prediction for existence of pain by calculating the performances of several computational methods that take the sequence of vital signs acquired until pain observation as input. We claim that the use of computational intelligence methods can encourage computer-aided monitoring of pain in a hospitalized environment to a certain degree.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПЕРЕЖИВАННЯ ПОЧУТТЯ САМОТНОСТІ ЖІНКАМИ З РІЗНИХ СОЦІАЛЬНИХ ГРУП

The article presents the results of research on an experienced feeling of loneliness by women from different social groups. It was determined that an experienced feeling of loneliness by women was affected directly by the specific group membership. It was revealed as a trend that graver loneliness was observed in the group of women with disabilities, and the easiest one in the group of women at the temporarily occupied territory of Donbass or internally displaced women. The average level observed in the group of religious women from Kyiv. Existence or absence of children at women had no significant effect on women’s feeling of loneliness. The description indicated only that religious women in the penal colony or the disabled (deaf and dumb) women had graver loneliness than women at the temporarily occupied territory of Donbass, IDP or Kyivans. The identified psychological factors that affect loneliness: cheerfulness, personal potential (successful or failed), present or absent motivation for self-realization and an individual position in relation to herself and others: positive-indulgent or aggressive-negative (socially adapted or disadaptive). Women without motivation to achieve success or to personal development, with aggressive behaviour and negative attitude to themselves and others, experiencing conflicts are more socially desadaptive in society and feel lonely than women with good mood, positive attitudes to themselves and others, cheerful, who are motivated for self-realization and success.

When an Error Leads to Confidence: False Insight and Feeling of Knowing in Anagram Solving

Solutions accompanied by Aha!-experiences are called insights, or, if they are wrong, false insights. Classical theories cannot give an explanation for false insight because they consider Aha!-experience and other metacognitive feelings just as side effects of the cognitive processes. From this perspective, dissociations between cognition and metacognition are impossible. According to the signal theories of insight, metacognitive feelings, including Aha!-experience, form in two stages. Finding a solution on the unconscious level causes a non-specific emotional signal that is attributed by consciousness to any process or task. In this case, false insight and other dissociations between cognitive and metacognitive processes appear because of the misattribution of the signal. The current work tests this hypothesis. We suggested that solving an interfering problem unconsciously would lead to false insights or higher feeling of knowing ratings. We created a method of the false semantic hint to simulate this situation in the experiment. The problems were anagrams with one solution and one word shorter by one letter inside them. The false hints were pictures that referred to shorter words inside the anagrams. We found that participants tend to make more intrusion errors after this type of priming. This proves our method to be working and means that the signal from an interfering problem might be attributed to the main one. Also, the feeling of knowing ratings after intrusion errors were higher than after omission errors. This result can be interpreted as an aftereffect of the initial metacognitive signal and a possibility of its repeated attribution.

A Friendly Article: The Qualitative Investigation of Anthropomorphism in Autistic and Nonautistic Adults.

Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics to nonhuman agents. This common tendency is thought to be driven by a heightened motivation for social connection and may therefore be expected to be reduced in autistic individuals given that this group has been claimed to demonstrate reduced social motivation in some settings. However, the subject of anthropomorphism in autism has not been studied extensively, and online forums, autobiographical accounts, and recent research on the topic suggest that, contrary to this expectation, anthropomorphism is commonly experienced by autistic individuals. We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight autistic and eight nonautistic adults, all who reported a tendency to anthropomorphize. We recorded, transcribed, and analyzed the interviews according to the thematic analysis framework with the objective of identifying similarities and differences in the lived experiences of anthropomorphism in autistic and nonautistic individuals. Individuals in both groups described anthropomorphism as comforting, promoting a sense of safety and friendship with, and feelings of empathy and sympathy toward, nonhuman agents. Autistic individuals stressed the important role anthropomorphized agents played in their life, particularly when growing up: easing loneliness and helping develop an understanding of emotions and relationships. Participants also expressed negative aspects of the phenomenon, with both autistic and nonautistic individuals worrying about anthropomorphized agents' feelings and well-being. For some individuals, such thoughts and feelings caused distress and were experienced as intrusive due to their involuntary nature. Autistic and nonautistic adults showed very similar anthropomorphic patterns. Although preliminary in nature, our findings highlight characteristics of anthropomorphic experiences for autistic and nonautistic individuals, furthering our understanding of individual differences in social cognition. By illustrating the important role nonhuman agents may play in the lives of autistic individuals, our findings may also guide future research and practice. Why was this study done?: 'Anthropomorphism' is when you feel that non-human items have human characteristics, for example if you experience plants, animals, or household objects as having thoughts or feelings. Anthropomorphism is experienced by many people in many different ways. Researchers think it might happen when people have a strong desire for social connection. This has led some to suggest that autistic people will be less likely to anthropomorphise due to difficulties in social understanding and motivation. However, researchers have not examined this directly, and our prior research, together with comments in online forums and autobiographical accounts, indicated that autistic individuals may experience a special relationship with non-human items.What was the purpose of this study?: The purpose of the study was to speak directly to people who anthropomorphise and hear about their experiences. We could then compare patterns of anthropomorphism between autistic and non-autistic adults.What did the researchers do?: We interviewed 16 adults (8 autistic and 8 non-autistic) who told us they anthropomorphised, and asked about their personal experiences of anthropomorphism.What were the results of the study?: Autistic and non-autistic adults described very similar experiences of anthropomorphism. People in both groups described anthropomorphism as comforting, and said that it gave them a sense of safety and friendship. They also cared for, and experienced feelings of empathy toward, anthropomorphised items. Individuals in both groups worried about anthropomorphised items' feelings and well-being and this caused some people considerable distress. Autistic individuals stressed the important role anthropomorphised items played in their life, particularly when growing up: reducing loneliness and helping them develop an understanding of emotions and relationships.What do these findings add to what was already known?: Our findings show that there are many similarities in the experiences of anthropomorphism in autistic and non-autistic adults. The findings also show how, for some autistic adults, anthropomorphism was helpful in developing relationships with other people.What are potential weaknesses in the study?: The small number of participants means that we do not know whether the findings would apply to all people who experience anthropomorphism.How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future?: By showing the various ways in which autistic individuals attach social meanings (such as feelings of caring or friendship) to anthropomorphised items, our findings add to a growing number of studies which challenge the commonly-held assumption that autistic individuals are less motivated to make social connections. Our work shows that autistic individuals may be highly motivated to connect socially, and that meaningful social connections and expressions of empathy need not be limited to human beings.

Revising Computerized Therapy for Wider Appeal Among Adolescents: Youth Perspectives on a Revised Version of SPARX.

Background: The way in which computerized therapy is presented may be important for its uptake. We aimed to explore adolescents’ views on the appeal of a tested computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) for depression (SPARX), and a revised version (SPARX-R). The versions were similar but while SPARX is presented explicitly as a treatment for depression, SPARX-R is presented as providing skills that could be useful for young people for when they were depressed, down, angry, or stressed. Methods: We held 9 focus groups with a total of 79 adolescents (13–19 years old; 47 females; 34 New Zealand European; 22 Māori or Pacific; 60 reported having experienced feeling down or low for at least several days in a row). Groups viewed the opening sequences of SPARX and SPARX-R (in random order), then took part in a semi-structured discussion and completed a brief questionnaire. Responses were analyzed using a general inductive approach. Results: Participants considered both SPARX and SPARX-R useful and considered the stated purpose of the program to be important. Four themes contrasted the two approaches. The first, “naming depression is risky”, referred to perceptions that an explicit focus on depression could be off-putting, including for adolescents with depression. The second theme of “universality” reflected preferences for a universal approach as young people might not recognize that they were depressed, and all would benefit from the program. In contrast, “validation” reflected the view of a significant minority that naming depression could be validating for some. Finally, the theme of “choice” reflected a near-unanimously expressed preference for both options to be offered, allowing user choice. In questionnaire responses, 40 (68%) of participants preferred SPARX-R, 13 (18%) preferred SPARX, while 10 (14%) “didn’t mind”. Responses were similar among participants who reported that they had experienced at least a few days of low mood and those who had not. Conclusions: The way a CCBT program is presented may have implications for its appeal. The potential population impact of CCBT programs explicitly targeting depression and those targeting more universal feelings such as being stressed or feeling depressed should be explored for varied user groups.

Basic Tenets of Separation Theory

This article outlines the basic tenets of separation theory, including the fantasy bond and the voice process. The fantasy bond is a unifying concept explaining how human beings seek security in fantasies of fusion in an attempt to heal the fracture related to interpersonal trauma compounded by death anxiety. Painful elements in parent–child interactions are incorporated in the form of a negative thought process or “voice,” creating a division in the personality between the self and the anti-self. My colleagues and I developed a methodology called “voice therapy” to expose and contend with people’s destructive attitudes and attacks on themselves. The article also describes the evolution of a group of more than 100 associates and friends who have lived in close proximity and shared their innermost feelings in an ongoing group experience for more than 40 years. These people contributed significantly to the evolution of separation theory. Together, we developed an implicit set of values based on understanding factors that hurt people in their psychological development. The article specifies the concepts learned from observing the reference population and delineates findings from research in the neurosciences, attachment theory, and terror management theory that validate the key concepts of separation theory.

Innovations in skin camouflaging techniques: Where are we scientifically?

Cutaneous disorders can impact on the psycho-social well-being of children and adults alike, which has been reviewed elsewhere (Body Image 27, 2018 and 98). The present review sets out to evaluate progressions in skin masking and camouflaging techniques together with evaluating the efficacy of these. There does not appear to have been any recent reviews about innovations in skin camouflaging techniques. Using the National Centre for Biotechnology Information PubMed database, a search was made for all studies published between 2000 and 2019 that met defined inclusion criteria. A total of seven relevant publications were identified. Of the seven studies identified, skin camouflaging improved quality of life in three studies and reduced anxiety, depression and social isolation in others. Of the camouflaging methods used, liquidized simulated second skin technology (Microskin™) appears to look particularly promising. This method of colour matching and a spray/stippling application uses a technology that binds to the epidermis of the skin helping to overcome previous concerns about the colour, coverage and application of camouflage and masking bases. Two studies showed that this innovative mode of camouflaging raised confidence, feelings of happiness and social experiences in children and adolescents with burn scarring. Very few studies reported drawbacks of camouflaging techniques, with limited colour matches and 'itching' appearing to be the main shortcomings. New technologies now appear to be addressing these. Results show that there is wide variation in the quality and modes of skin camouflaging. Of the methods used, simulated second skin technology appears to be an important and effective therapy for individuals with cutaneous skin disorders. Training schemes along with increased awareness of this technique must now be communicated to medical professionals who come into contact with children and adults who could benefit physically, psychologically and socially from this therapy.

Experiences of involuntary childlessness and treatment in the UK: what has changed in 20 years?

This study examined the financial, emotional and relationship impacts of involuntary childlessness and treatment, and the satisfaction with support from professionals. 796 participants in the UK completed an online survey based on a similar survey conducted in 1997. 55% of participants had to pay for at least part of their treatment. High levels of distress were experienced and 42% experienced suicidal feelings at least occasionally. Those most at risk of distress and suicidal feelings had experienced unsuccessful treatment outcomes, spent longer trying to conceive and reported some relationship strains. While 75% would like to have received counselling if it had been free, 45% only received such counselling and 54% of these had to fund some of it themselves. Although advances have been made in improving the availability of funded treatment and psychological support, involuntary childlessness and treatment continue to have financial, emotional and relationship consequences for many people. While counselling was generally reported to be useful, an approach involving all fertility clinic staff in the psychosocial care of clients is advisable.

Children report positive experiences of animal-assisted therapy in paediatric hospital care.

To evaluate children's experiences of and responses to animal-assisted therapy using a therapy dog as complementary treatment in paediatric hospital care. The study was performed using mixed methods, by means of qualitative and quantitative data. Fifty children in a paediatric surgery ward, at a tertiary hospital in Sweden, were included between February 2016 to May 2017. Children answered questions about feelings of well-being and experiences of the hospital stay before and after animal-assisted therapy, and experiences of their interaction with a therapy dog. The children's well-being increased from moderately good before to very good after animal-assisted therapy, and the children assessed the hospital stay as better after than before. The vast majority of the children (93%) assessed the interaction with the dog as very good. The children described mixed experiences before and mainly positive aspects of joy, satisfaction and pain relief after animal-assisted therapy. The children's responses before interaction, of both a positive and negative nature, show a focus shift after the interaction with a therapy dog to mainly positive nature regarding self-reported feeling of well-being and experiences of the hospital stay. Using a therapy dog in paediatric hospital care is suitable complementary treatment.