Feelings Of Optimism Research Articles

Family Health Histories and Their Impact on Retirement Confidence.

Retirement confidence is a key social barometer. In this article, we examine how personal and parental health histories relate to working-age adults' feelings of optimism or pessimism about their overall retirement prospects. This study links survey data on retirement planning with information on respondents' own health histories and those of their parents. The multivariate models control for the respondents' socio-demographic and economic characteristics along with past retirement planning activities when estimating the relationships between family health histories and retirement confidence. Retirement confidence is inversely related to parental history of cancer and cardiovascular disease but not to personal health history. In contrast, retirement confidence is positively associated with both parents being deceased. As members of the public become increasingly aware of how genetics and other family factors affect intergenerational transmission of chronic diseases, it is likely that the link between family health histories and retirement confidence will intensify.

Associations between knowledge of disease, depression and anxiety, social support, sense of coherence and optimism with health-related quality of life in an ambulatory sample of adolescents with heart disease

Advances in overall management have led to an increasing number of adolescents with congenital heart disease reaching adulthood. This study aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life in adolescents with heart disease, and examine its relationship with the adolescents' knowledge and understanding of their congenital heart disease, its severity, and its relationship to the degree of anxiety and depression, feeling of optimism and sense of coherence experienced by the adolescents together with their social support. Adolescents with heart disease were recruited from an ambulatory setting at a tertiary centre. Patients completed self-report questionnaires including the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0-Cardiac Module, a questionnaire assessing the adolescents' knowledge of their cardiac condition, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Life Orientation Test-Revised, and Sense of Coherence-13, supplemented by clinical information provided by the attending cardiologists. A total of 114 patients aged 12-20 years were recruited over 15 months. In all, 98% of patients were in New York Heart Association class I. Their health-related quality of life was found to positively correlate with a low level of anxiety and depression (Pearson correlation, r = -0.57, p < 0.001), a good knowledge of their cardiac condition (r = 0.31, p < 0.01), feelings of optimism (r = 0.39, p < 0.001), adequate social support (r = 0.27, p < 0.01), and a strong sense of coherence (r = 0.24, p < 0.01). Adolescents' knowledge and understanding of their cardiac abnormality together with an improved sense of well-being had a positive influence on their health-related quality of life.

The Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents with Heart Disease

To evaluate the prevalence and contributory factors of depression and anxiety in adolescents with heart disease. A cohort of adolescents was recruited from an ambulatory cardiology clinic at a tertiary center and from such clinics run privately. Questionnaires included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Life Orientation Test-Revised, and Sense of Coherence-13. A total of 119 adolescents aged 12-20 years were recruited. Most of the participants (90%) had congenital heart disease. Nearly all (98%) were in New York Heart Association Functional Classification class I. Approximately one-half of the participants had had previous surgeries and/or catheter interventions. Eleven patients (9%) were above the cut-off score for likely depression, and 32 (27%) had likely anxiety. A feeling of optimism was the most significant factor in reducing anxiety and depression, followed by good social support and a strong sense of coherence (multiple regressions, β = -0.38, -0.2, -0.17, respectively). Depression and anxiety were found to be common in a relatively well adolescent population with heart disease. None of those affected had been clinically assessed and appropriately treated by a mental health professional. Protective factors against depression and anxiety need be developed as well as appropriate assessment and intervention.

An Introduction to the Current State of HIV Vaccine Research

Copyright: © 2012 Van Regenmortel MHV. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Since 1987, more than 30 candidate HIV-1 vaccines have advanced to human clinical trials, of which some were large-scale phase IIb and III trials [1-3]. Of all these trials, only the Thai Phase III RV144 trial, based on a recombinant canarypox-HIV vector prime and recombinant HIV-1 envelope gp120 subunit protein, showed modest protection against HIV-1 infection [4]. This result came as a surprise because the RV144 trial, which had initially been fiercely condemned as illconceived and unjustified [5-7], instilled a new feeling of optimism into the field, because it suggested that developing a preventive HIV-1 vaccine may after all be feasible. Three years later, it seems appropriate to devote a special issue of the Journal of AIDS and Clinical Research to review what progress has been made in the search for a preventive HIV-1 vaccine.

Living with a ventricular assist device

The overall prevalence of heart failure is increasing which is placing a burden on the health-care system. Treatment strategies include pharmacological support and heart transplantation. Due to shortage in donor organs and ineligibility for transplant, ventricular assist devices (VADs) have proved an alternative in bridging the patient to transplantation or as destination therapy. Although these devices have been shown to decrease symptoms and prolong survival they are associated with a new way of living for the recipient and caregiver. Emotions from being overwhelmed to feelings of optimism are experienced. Nurses working with this population need to be aware of the emotional and physical impact living with a VAD has on the recipient and caregiver.

Do Mood Swings Drive Business Cycles and is it Rational?

This paper provides new evidence in support of the idea that bouts of optimism and pessimism drive much of US business cycles. In particular, we begin by using sign-restriction based identification schemes to isolate innovations in optimism or pessimism and we document the extent to which such episodes explain macroeconomic fluctuations. We then examine the link between these identified mood shocks and subsequent developments in fundamentals using alternative identification schemes (i.e., variants of the maximum forecast error variance approach). We find that there is a very close link between the two, suggesting that agents' feelings of optimism and pessimism are at least partially rational as total factor productivity (TFP) is observed to rise 8-10 quarters after an initial bout of optimism. While this later finding is consistent with some previous findings in the news shock literature, we cannot rule out that such episodes reflect self-fulfilling beliefs. Overall, we argue that mood swings account for over 50% of business cycle fluctuations in hours and output.

Hoping in Hard Times

Colleges and universities are destined to endure at least a short-term future of economic stress. Endowment spending models ensure minimal to no returns for at least one, if not two, more years. Public institutions will have absorbed so many budget cuts that it will take years before revenues approach recent levels, and deferred maintenance of buildings will limit most facility enhancements on campuses for quite some time. The most immediate consequences on students are just now being understood. Hopes and fears operate in a delicate and harmonious interplay. stimulating feelings of optimism and pessimism as the world turns.

In response to Foster J., Bidewell J., Buckmaster A., Lees S. &amp; Henderson‐Smart D. (2008) Parental stress and satisfaction in the non‐tertiary special care nursery. Journal of Advanced Nursing61(5), 522–530.

In response to Foster J., Bidewell J., Buckmaster A., Lees S. &amp; Henderson‐Smart D. (2008) Parental stress and satisfaction in the non‐tertiary special care nursery. <i>Journal of Advanced Nursing</i><b>61</b>(5), 522–530.

The Effect of Consumers' Expectations in a Booming Housing Market: Space-time Patterns in the Netherlands, 1999–2000

Even though economic models have been relatively successful in explaining the long-run patterns of house prices, they have more difficulties in explaining short-run developments in the housing market. However, the fact that during such ‘bubbles’ the spatial pattern of house prices, which can mainly be attributed to accessibility differences, usually remains unchanged, suggests that the irrational forces that are presumably responsible for unexplained movements in house prices obey some regularities: they seem to affect the level of house prices, but not their spatial pattern. This suggests that it is worthwhile to consider the explanatory power of psychological variables like those reflecting general (nation-wide) feelings of optimism or pessimism. This paper considers the development of Dutch house prices in the years 1999 and 2000, when house prices increased fast. Existing explanations of the long-run development of Dutch house prices on the basis of economic fundamentals (notably income and the mortgage interest rate) would suggest a much more modest development of house prices over these years. The paper also shows that commonly used housing market indicators, notably the number of vacancies (houses for sale) and the time on the market, are unable to explain the development of house prices during this period. However, the paper finds a strong relationship between the development of house prices and the Dutch index of consumer confidence.

Can attribution theory explain carers' propensity to help men with intellectual disabilities who display inappropriate sexual behaviour?

This study examined the responses of care managers and direct care staff to vignettes of inappropriate sexual behaviour by a man with an intellectual disability. The aim was to test the theory that helping behaviour is determined by emotional responses (positive and negative emotional reactions, and optimism), which in turn are determined by causal attributions (respectively: controllability and stability of the incident depicted in the vignette). The vignettes varied in response topography and the age of the victim. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between causal attributions, emotional responses, and willingness to invest extra time and effort in the service user's care. No support was found for the pathway: low controllability --> increased sympathy and/or decreased negative emotions --> increased helping. However, strong support was found for the pathway: low stability --> high optimism --> increased helping, particularly in direct care staff. High levels of sympathy were also associated with increased helping, the effect again being mediated by feelings of optimism. The data provide support for one (but not the other) strand of attribution theory as applied to inappropriate sexual behaviour. The discussion considers the discrepancy between the present data and the far less encouraging literature on attribution theory as applied to challenging behaviour.

The Effect of Consumers' Expectations in a Booming Housing Market: Space-Time Patterns in the Netherlands, 1999-2000

Even though economic models have been relatively successful in explaining the long run patterns of house prices, they have more difficulties in explaining short run developments of the housing markets. However, the fact that during such 'bubbles' the spatial pattern of house prices, which can mainly be attributed to accessibility differences, usually remains unchanged, suggests that the irrational forces that are presumably responsible for unexplained movements in house prices obey some regularities: they seem to affect the level of house prices, but not their spatial pattern. This suggests that it is worthwhile to consider the explanatory power of psychological variables like those reflecting general (nation wide) feelings of optimism or pessimism. This paper considers the development of Dutch house prices in the years 1999 and 2000, when house prices increased fast. Existing explanations of the long run development of Dutch house prices on the basis of economic fundamentals (notably income and the mortgage interest rate) would suggest a much more modest development of house prices over these years. We also show that commonly used housing market indicators, notably the number of vacancies (houses for sale) and the time on the market, are unable to explain the development of house prices during this period. However, we find a strong relationship between the development of house prices and the Dutch index of consumer confidence.

Editorial

Welcome to the 101st issue of Mental Health Practice. If you’ll indulge me for a moment or two, I feel it is important to comment on what feels like a momentous event. On joining RCN Publishing ten years ago, I was handed a remit to examine the feasibility of launching a journal aimed mainly - but not exclusively - at nurses working in the mental health field. We kicked off that first issue back in September 1997 with a modest number of subscribers, numbering around 300 as I recall. But the launch was underpinned by a wonderful feeling of optimism – albeit tempered by the knowledge that being in the commercial world of publishing meant we had to swim quickly or sink.

Children’s rights in educational relationships

The aim of this study is that of reaching a better comprehension of the topic of children’s rights within educational relationships. In a first stage, we analysed the representational field of children’s rights produced through free associations by the two partners who are in conflict in everyday life, namely adults (n=267) and adolescents (n=143). In a second stage, we chose a sample of 690 adult subjects that were all parents, half of whom were also teachers; through a structured questionnaire we investigated the role of several aspects (responsibility, respect, values, conditions influencing children’s growth and sense of justice) in the organisation of social representations of children’s rights. The results outlined different contrasts in the organisation of the representational scenario. The first opposes adults and adolescents, in the sense that adults emphasise their duties of offering protection and care, while the youngsters describe rights in terms of autonomous field of experience. Within the group of adults, several differences emerged between teachers and parents: the first seem more doubtful about the positive outcomes of personal involvement, while parents are moved by a general feeling of optimism, anchored in the faith in the family’s strength and integrity.

‘Misconceptions’ in midwifery and motherhood

I quite like this time of year. The roads that have been abnormally quiet are filling up as children return to school. There is an autumn nip in the air but the days are still sunny. Lots of people, including myself, have been on holiday and are back at work feeling refreshed. I have a feeling of optimism as during the first week I am back at work I gradually piece together what has been going on in the world of maternity services. Then I pick up the Saturday morning paper and read an edited extract from a new book by the feminist author Naomi Wolf Misconceptions: Truth, Lies and The Unexpected On The Journey To Motherhood.

Dispositional factors, coping and adaptation during menopause

The objective of the study was to examine the direct and indirect influences of dispositional factors, namely optimism, health-related hardiness (HRH) and sense of coherence (SOC), on the symptom experiences of peri- and postmenopausal women. Indirect effects of dispositional factors were examined via attitudes to the menopause and coping (emotion-versus problem-focused). A survey methodology was employed to assess the research objective for 176 peri- and postmenopausal women recruited from menopause clinics and family planning centers in Queensland, Australia. Emotional stability of the subjects was statistically controlled to eliminate any possible confounding effect on symptom reporting. The results indicated that optimism and SOC affect menopausal health directly, as evidenced by fewer symptoms reported by women scoring highly on these dispositions. Any indirect effect of HRH, optimism and SOC appears to be exerted via problem-focused coping rather than emotion-focused coping or through attitudes. It was concluded that dispositional factors are important to the experience of the menopause and how women adapt to their midlife transition. Psychologists and professionals working in menopause clinics may need to promote feelings of optimism and a sense of coherence in menopausal women, to facilitate better adaptation to this important transitional phase in women's lives.

Beliefs about steroids: User vs. non-user comparisons

The differences in beliefs about the effects of anabolic steroid (AS) use between AS users and non-users provides potentially important clues to understanding AS use. Two groups of bodybuilders were used in this comparison: AS users ( n = 20) and non-users ( n = 27). Subjects completed a 40-item scale measuring their beliefs about the effects of steroids, both physical and psychological (Beliefs About Steroids Scale: BASS). MANOVA comparisons between AS users and non-users on the BASS items indicate that AS-using bodybuilders believe that AS enhance their physical strength, athletic ability, confidence, assertiveness, feelings of sexuality, and feelings of optimism.

Feelings of Optimism and Pessimism in Japanese Students' Transition to Junior High School

Generalized future expectancies of personal life success (optimism) and failure (pessimism) were examined in a cross-sectional study, with a sample of Japanese fifth-through ninth-grade students (N = 584). Average optimism scores were lower and average pessimism scores were higher after (seventh grade) than before (sixth grade) the transition to junior high school (JHS). Profiles of the optimism and pessimism subscales at fifth through ninth grades differed from each other as follows. Higher optimism scores were observed at ninth grade than at eighth grade, and the lowest pessimism scores were found at sixth grade. Measures of optimism and pessimism correlated in positive and negative directions, respectively, with students' estimates of general interest in school, peer relationships, and academic studies at all five grade levels. At the time of JHS transition, measures of optimism and pessimism did not correlate with relations with teachers. Findings are discussed as they relate to qualitative differences between elementary school and JHS in Japan.

Human Rights and Canada's Foreign Policy

These are extraordinary times. As the end of the millennium approaches, incommensurable feelings of optimism and dread are in the air. History will record this period as the time the Cold War ended, the Soviet empire disintegrated, the map of Europe was redrawn, new independent states emerged, the roots of South African apartheid were severed, and major unintended changes occurred to the environment because of new technologies and economic growth. Significant points of reference are shifting, but as yet no one knows where will they stabilize. Still unfolding are struggles for supremacy between the forces of democracy and inward-looking nationalisms, between a fragile global ecosystem and the much vaunted but highly elusive new international economic order. Woven into this matrix of power relations are challenges to gender, race, and class inequities perpetrated by institutions with inherent patriarchal, racist, and classist tendencies. The tensions created by these struggles cause fear and uncertainty for many people because old ways seem incapable of dealing with unprecedented human rights dilemmas and challenges. The trend towards greater calls to respect human rights and political freedoms is as uncertain as the future role of the United Nations and other international, regional, and, in some cases, national regimes and styles of government. The role of human rights in Canada's foreign policy is in evolution and transition, adapting and reacting to the momen-

Telecommunications and computers: Whither privacy policy?

T he emerging information age has raised fears of loss of privacy, fears that have thrust privacy front and center in the national consciousness. The tenor of most writing on this subject has been especially gloomy regarding the outlook for individual privacy. In this article I will show that while there is great public concern over privacy, including a fearful vision of the future, technological change may yet improve the level of personal privacy. Surveys of public opinion taken at different times and by different organizations demonstrate that Americans have a high level of concern over potential and on-going invasions of their privacy. A stratified random sample of 1,256 adult Americans surveyed in late 1983 by Louis Harris & Associates for the Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET) revealed that while there were strong feelings of optimism about what technology could do for society, there were also grave misgivings, especially about privacy. The survey indicated that 77 percent of people are worried that computers pose a threat to their privacy. This shows an increase.of 13 points over the 64 percent found in a 1978 survey. The number of people believing that personal information about themselves is being kept in files for purposes unknown to them has gone up dramatically, from 44 percent to 67 percent since a 1973 survey by the Harris organization. A majority, 55 percent, feel that "computers can make human robots out of workers by controlling every minute of their day." Forty-two percent disagree. The 1983 survey also tested people's perceptions of how imminent the type of society outlined by George Orwell in 1984 seemed to be: 87 percent thought it possible that "individuals will be threatened with disclosure of damaging facts about them"; 70 percent that the federal government will use confidential information to intimidate individuals or groups it feels are its enemies; 79 percent that "confidential information will be used to take away the privacy, the freedom and liberty of individuals and groups of individuals"; and 63 percent that "computerized information will be taken over by the federal government and combined with electronic surveillance of individuals to control the populations under a totalitarian state" in the United States. The survey briefly described the world of 1984 to the respondents: "virtually all personal privacy had been lost and the government--called 'Big Brother '--knew almost everything that everyone was doing." Twenty-nine percent of the respondents said that they thought such a society was either here or about to arrive, and an additional 40 percent said they thought it was somewhat close. Only 28 percent said they thought such a society was not close at all; 3 percent were not sure. The public at large is not alone in its concern over privacy. Surveys of leaders of various institutions also show a significant concern over issues of privacy. The sample of elite opinion taken for the SNET/Harris survey found not only much concern over loss of privacy, but strong support for laws that would increase personal privacy. Another poll, taken in the spring of 1986 by the Daniel Yankelovich Group, found that among the 245 elites questioned about the telephone industry, infringe: ments of privacy were the fourth most often expressed concern. More than two-thirds of the state and federal legislators interviewed supported laws to restrict the compilation of information on individuals. There clearly is broad public concern over the invasion of privacy and a marked degree of support for legislation to enhance personal privacy. To explain why the bleak fears of the public are unlikely to come to pass it is necessary to understand the roots of privacy--why it emerged and why it is important to people in terms of their concepts of self and their control over their own environments.

The nature and causes of the world depression

The present world depression can be explained in terms of the overinvestment theories. and the theory of Keynes. A new element reinforcing the upswing and probably protracting the downswing was, however, added to the economic structure, the political entrepreneur, subject to similar feelings of optimism and pessimism as the entrepreneur operating in real markets. The world economy is in for chronic depression unless international agreement to a certain degree on policies of demand management and lowering interest rates is restored.