General Mood Research Articles

Hooked on a feeling: The effect of music tempo on attitudes and the mediating role of consumers' affective responses

AbstractWith today's high degree of advertising clutter, marketers might greatly focus on evoking emotion or creating hedonic (e.g., feeling) experiences for consumers in order to improve practice. These strategies minimize the effort needed to process a message and can influence consumers' decisions. In 4 studies, we examine the effects of music tempo on consumers' attitudes toward the brand while further considering the mediating role of evoked feelings. Study 1 and 2 supports that music tempo in commercials influences consumers' affective response to the music in advertising. Study 3 replicated this effect using a controlled experiment and extended the research by demonstrating that tempo also affects general mood states, in addition to feelings evoked by the music. Last, Study 4 demonstrates that need for emotion moderates the role of affect as information. This research contributes to theory in sensory marketing and consumer behavior and offers practical implications to improve marketing practice.

Colon Cancer Worry in Appalachia.

Appalachia has a higher incidence of and mortality from colon cancer (CC) than other regions of the United States; thus, it is important to know the potential impact of elevated risk on cancer worry. Guided by the Self-regulation model, we investigated the association of demographic, cultural (e.g., fatalism, religious commitment), and psychological factors (e.g., perceived risk, general mood) with CC worry among a sample of Appalachian women. A mixed method design was utilized. Appalachian women completed surveys in the quantitative section (n = 134) and semi-structured interviews in the qualitative section (n = 24). Logistic regression was employed to calculate odds ratios (OR) for quantitative data, and immersion/crystallization was utilized to analyze qualitative data. In the quantitative section, 45% of the participants expressed some degree of CC worry. CC worry was associated with higher than high school education (OR 3.63), absolute perceived risk for CC (OR 5.82), high anxiety (OR 4.68), and awareness of easy access (OR 3.98) or difficult access (OR 3.18) to health care specialists as compared to not being aware of the access. there was no association between CC worry and adherence to CC screening guidelines. The qualitative section revealed fear, disengagement, depression, shock, and worry. Additionally, embarrassment, discomfort, and worry were reported with regard to CC screening. Fears included having to wear a colostomy bag and being a burden on family. CC worry was common in Appalachians and associated with higher perceptions of risk for CC and general anxiety, but not with adherence to screening guidelines. The mixed method design allowed for enhanced understanding of CC-related feelings, especially CC worry, including social/contextual fears.

Modeling valuation and core affect in a cognitive architecture: The impact of valence and arousal on memory and decision-making

A novel approach to adding primitive evaluative capabilities to a cognitive architecture is proposed. Two sub-symbolic quantities called valuation and arousal are learned for each declarative memory element based on usage statistics and the reward it generates. As a result, each memory element can be characterized as positive or negative and having a certain degree of affective intensity. In turn, these characteristics affect the latency and probability of retrieval for that memory element. Two global accumulators called core-affect-valuation and core-affect-arousal are computed as weighted sums of all retrievable valuations and arousals, respectively. The weights reflect usage history, context relevance, and reward accrual for all retrievable memory elements. These accumulators describe the general disposition or mood of the system. Core affect dynamics are used as reward signals to learn valuation and arousal values for new objects or events. The new architectural mechanism is used to develop two models that demonstrate the impact of affective valence and arousal on memory and decision-making. The models are fit to datasets from the literature and make novel predictions. The value of including valuation and core affect mechanisms in a cognitive architecture is discussed.

Yoga in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer: Impact on quality of life in a randomized controlled trial.

527 Background: Yoga has been tested in multiple small-randomized studies for its impact on quality of life (QOL) on breast cancer (BC). We propose to study the effect of yoga on disease free survival as the primary endpoint in women with operable breast cancer. (Study methodology details refer to NCT02161900). Methods: Women with non-metastatic BC were randomized to yoga and conventional exercise (YCE) versus conventional exercise only (CE) in addition to standard therapy. Over and above documentation of recurrence and death, QOL was assessed in these women using the EORTC QLQC30, BR23, Brief fatigue inventory (BFI), Visual pain scores (VPS) and a spirituality questionnaire (SQ). EORTC QLQ was assessed at baseline (BL), 6-9 months (mo), 18-21 mo. BFI and VPS at BL, 6-8 mo and 12-15 mo and SQ at BL and 12-15 mo. We report the first interim analysis of QOL in 605 patients randomized to the study with atleast 1 year of follow up. The groups were balanced in both arms with respect to clinico-pathological factors. Results: At 6-9 mo (completion of adjuvant therapy), there was no significant difference in global QOL scores (p = 0.08), however 52% women on YCE showed an improvement from baseline compared to 42% in CE. At 18-21 mo emotional function scores were better in YCE (p = 0.002); with lesser systemic side effects in YCE arm (44% vs 56% p = NS). The median score of fatigue after adjuvant therapy measured by QLQ C30 was lower in YCE (17.37vs22.22, p = 0.003) which was similar to that observed by BFI at 12-15 mo (1.6vs 2, p = 0.04). Also in YCE there was lower reporting of detriment in general activity (41%vs 59%) and mood (34%vs66%) (p = NS). In VPS at 12-15mo, the median scores for pain intensity (p = 0.042), pain on movement (p = 0.038), pain on mobilization (p = 0.008) were lower in YCE. Lastly SQ assessed spirituality and showed no difference, but less deterioration compared to baseline scores in YCE. Conclusions: Yoga did not show a significant difference in global QOL but had a major benefit reaching statistical significance in fatigue, emotional score and pain. Yoga is a low-risk, low-cost complementary therapy that may improve compliance to therapy by improving parameters that can affect day-to-day activity in women with breast cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT02161900.

Affective concordance in couples: a cross-sectional analysis of depression and anxiety consultations within a population of 13,507 couples in primary care

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are common and have a significant impact on the individual and wider society. One theory proposed to explain a heightened risk for depression and anxiety is affective concordance in couples (e.g. influence of shared mood states, shared health beliefs). Whilst research has shown concordance for severe psychiatric illnesses and general mood in couples, little attention has been given to concordance for common psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety. The aims of this study were to test affective concordance in couples and examine potential influences on concordance.MethodsStudy design is a 1-year cross-sectional study of anxiety and depression consultations in primary care. Data were obtained from a validated primary care database of recorded consultations. Outcome was the presence of an anxiety or depression Read Code (GP recorded reason for consultation) in the female (within the couple dyad), and exposure was a recorded Read Code of anxiety or depression in the male. Logistic regression was used to test associations with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) reported. Statistical adjustment was carried out on potential influences of concordance; age, environment (deprivation), healthcare behaviour (consultation frequency), and comorbidity.ResultsA population of 13,507 couples were identified in which 927 people consulted for anxiety and 538 for depression. Logistic regression showed a 3 times increase in odds of an anxiety consultation in females if their male partner had also consulted OR 2.98 (95% CI 2.15 to 4.13). For depression females were over 4 times the odds of consulting if their male partner had also consulted OR 4.45 (95% CI 2.79 to 7.09). Adjustment within a multivariable model showed some reduction in odds; concordant anxiety was reduced to 2.5 times odds OR 2.48 (95%CI 1.76 to 3.50) and depression reduced to OR 3.39 (2.07 to 5.54).ConclusionResults show significant associations for affective concordance in couples. Factors influencing concordance are comorbidity and environmental factors, however reasons for deciding to consult (positive or negative) are unknown. This study highlights the patients’ social context as a factor in consultations for anxiety and depression and gives support to the consideration of the patient’s household as an influence on mental health.

A first-choice combined oral contraceptive influences general well-being in healthy women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

To determine whether there is a causal effect of oral contraceptive (OC) treatment on general well-being and depressed mood in healthy women. Double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial. University hospital. Three hundred and forty healthy women aged 18-35years randomized to treatment, of whom 332 completed the data collection at follow-up evaluation. A combined OC (150μg levonorgestrel and 30μg ethinylestradiol) or placebo for 3months of treatment. Primary outcome measures: global score of Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); secondary outcome measures: six separate dimensions of the PGWBI. The OC treatment statistically significantly decreased general well-being compared with placebo -4.12 (95% CI, -7.18 to -1.06). Furthermore, OC decreased the following PGWBI dimensions compared with placebo: positive well-being -3.90 (95% CI, -7.78 to -0.01), self-control -6.63 (95% CI, -11.20 to -2.06), and vitality -6.84 (95% CI, -10.80 to -2.88). The effect of OC on depressive symptoms and on the PGWBI dimension depressed mood were not statistically significant. This study demonstrates a statistically significant reduction in general well-being by a first-choice OC in comparison with placebo in healthy women. We found no statistically significant effects on depressive symptoms. A reduction in general well-being should be of clinical importance.

Assessing the Emotional Intelligence of Gifted and Talented Adolescent Students in the Kingdom of Bahrain

This study assessed the differences in the emotional intelligence of gifted adolescent students and talented adolescent students in Bahrain. The sample consisted of 80 gifted adolescent students and 80 talented adolescent students in Grades 9 through 12. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicates that there were significant differences in emotional intelligence levels, as measured by the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory, between gifted students and talented students in Bahrain in the direction of gifted students. There were differences between the gifted and the talented students in intrapersonal, adaptability, general mood subtest, and total emotional intelligence scores. Finally, gifted males had higher total emotional intelligence scores than gifted females; talented females had higher interpersonal scores than talented males.

Impact of emotional intelligence on level of academic achievement in a sample of Saudi female medical student

BackgroundEmotional intelligence (EI) assessment has become an effective technique in exploring individual competencies. In the medical educational, there is a growing evidence for relation between academic achievement and emotional intelligence.ObjectiveTo examine relation between academic achievement and emotional intelligence among medical students.MethodA cross-sectional study of 189 female university students using paper-based Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version was conducted. BarOn EQ-i:YV consists of 7 sub-scores which estimate various domains of emotional intelligence along with general mood. The academic achievement was assessed via self-reported Grade Point Average (GPA).ResultThe average Intrapersonal score of participating students was 14.9 ± 3.4 and Interpersonal was 41.7 ± 4.9. The students scored 32.0 ± 5.0 in stress management scale and 31.9 ± 4 in adaptability. The lowest score achieved in the Emotional Inelegance scale was 32.5 whereas the top score was 71.3. The average general mood was 47.1 ± 6.4 and the positive impression ranged between 6 and 23 (17.3 ± 2.8). Positive week correlations were defined between the GPA and self-efficacy (r = 0.13) and Adaptability (r = 0.08) though these correlations were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Linear regression model showed that domains of Bar-On scale could explain up to 33% of changes in GPA (R2 = 0.33) with significant effect of self-efficacy, adaptability and general mood scores (P < 0.05).ConclusionMedical students showed high level of emotional intelligence which positively affect their academic achievement. Therefore, improving the emotional intelligence domains can help students improving their academic achievement.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Reasoning, critical thinking and attitudes toward substance abuse in adolescence: Explaining the mediator role of emotional intelligence

IntroductionAdolescence is frequently described as a golden time for prevention of substance abuse.AimsThis study is aimed at determining the fit of structural equation modeling for change of attitude toward substance abuse based on the components of emotional intelligence (intrapersonal awareness, interpersonal awareness, adaptation, stress management, and general mood) and reasoning, critical thinking in female adolescents.Objectives and methodsThe data were collected in random multistage sampling from 800 senior high school students at 4 different regions of Tehran by using the Bar-on Emotional Intelligence Inventory, the adolescent-special revised inventory, Ricketts Critical Thinking Questionnaire, New Jersey Test of Reasoning Skills and Nazari's Questionnaire for Attitude toward Substance Abuse. In the 618 valid questionnaires were statistically analyzed.ResultsPath analysis and path coefficients in the structural equation model suggested that the strongest relation belongs to the reasoning skill, directly predicting attitude with a 61% level and also, has indirect, significant impacts on attitude through intrapersonal awareness, adaptation and stress management. The weakest relation belongs to general mood which, with a 21% level, predicts attitude toward substance abuse. Results of the fit indices in the final model also indicate that all indices are at a desirable level and the model has good fit to the data, implying that there is a linear relation between independent variables and between the moderating variables and a dependent variable.ConclusionsIt is reasonable to show the importance of attitude toward substance abuse in prevention programs for students.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Enhancing emotional intelligence at school: Evaluation of the effectiveness of a two-year intervention program in Spanish pre-adolescents

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a two-year intervention program to promote emotional intelligence (EI) at school. Participants were 228 primary school pupils between 10 and 11 years old. This study evaluated the effects of the intervention using a pre- and post-experimental design with a control group and four evaluation moments. EI was assessed with the EQ-i:YV questionnaire by Bar-On and Parker (2000), adapted to Spanish by Ferrándiz, Hernández, Bermejo, Ferrando, and Sáinz (2012). The results showed the effectiveness of the intervention, highlighting an increase in all the EI dimensions of the Bar-On model: intrapersonal, interpersonal, stress management, adaptability, and general mood. These findings suggest that EI can be improved. Results are discussed, and recommendations are made for future implementation.

Spirituality and Compassionate Love in Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Social Workers

Compassionate Love leads to the most social good for those who are its recipients. However, self-benefits may also occur as a result of experiencing compassionate love for others. Mental health professionals and clinicians have long noted the positive benefits of giving to others or having altruistic orientation toward others. For example, according to the helper therapy principle, identified in social work research done with self-help groups (Reissman, 1965) doing something for others is fulfilling and can increase the self-esteem of the person providing the help. A small amount of research, much of it conducted with older adults and cross-sectionally, indicates that giving to others is associated with life satisfaction, happiness, and self-esteem (Caprara & Steca, 2005; Simmons, 1991). However, almost no research has examined the outcomes for the self of experiencing pro-social emotions, such as empathy, sympathy, or compassionate love. Feeling intense pro-social emotion, distinct from engaging in a helping behavior, may also result in many positive benefits to the self, including increased self-esteem, general positive mood, and closeness to the targets of one's empathy or compassion. Furthermore, when people themselves become the target of another's compassionate love or empathy, they may experience increase in self-esteem and good mood.Compassionate love, however, is more encompassing and can be experienced for family, friends, peripheral ties, and all ofhumanity (Sprecher & Fehr, 2005). Compassionate love is a central feature in many religious traditions (Underwood, 2002) and is a self-giving, caring, love that values the other. It is associated, but not synonymous with, related concepts such as empathy, perspective-taking, altruism, social support, volunteerism, romantic love, and familial love. Although empathy has long been viewed as a major factor in promoting prosocial behavior toward others (Davis, 1996; Dovidio & Penner, 2001) compassionate love can be considered to be a more long-lasting, pro-social, emotion directed toward others, and thus may be more likely to lead to altruistic behavior (Sprecher & Fehr, 2005). Sprecher and Fehr have defined compassionate love as: an attitude toward other(s), either close others or strangers or all ofhumanity; containing feelings, cognitions, and behaviors that are focused on caring, concern, tenderness, and orientation toward supporting, helping, and understanding the other(s), particularly when the other(s) is (are) perceived to be suffering or in need.Recently, a call has been made for more scientific study of compassionate (or altruistic) love (Post et al., 2002). In a recent set of studies, Fehr and Sprecher (2004) using a prototype analysis (Fehr, 1988) examined the key features of compassionate love reflected in laymen conceptions. Through various studies, including social cognition tasks such as reaction times to features of love, it was found that compassionate love is a complex and multifaceted concept. The features that laymen regard as most central to the concept are those that are considered to be central to love in general trust, caring, honesty. The researchers concluded that what is unique to compassionate love is the inclusion of features that depict selflessness, putting the other head of oneself, making sacrifices for the other, and so on (Fehr & Sprecher, 2004).Scientists also have recently measured compassionate love, as attitude directed toward others, in order to examine the correlates of the experience. Sprecher and Fehr developed a compassionate love scale that can be used, in different versions, to measure compassionate love forhumanity/strangers, close others (family & friends), and a specific close other. They found that people experience compassionate love to a greater degree for close others than for strangers/humanity, that scores on the compassionate love scale are correlated positively with providing social support for others and with volunteerism, and that spirituality and religiosity are associated positively with experiencing compassionate love, particularly for humanity and strangers. …

Remaking the corporate bond market: The state and evolution of the European investment grade corporate bond secondary market

Two years on from the first International Capital Market Association (ICMA) study into the state and evolution of the European investment grade corporate bond secondary market, this new study seeks to assess how the market has evolved in that time and, in doing so, to address three fundamental questions: (1) What do we mean by market liquidity and how is this changing, if at all? (2) How are market participants adapting and evolving their business models in response to any changes in market conditions? (3) What is the future of the market and what factors are most likely to affect liquidity? In attempting to answer these three questions, the study utilises a triangular approach of quantitative and qualitative data collation and analysis. The study concludes that, for the most part, the ability either to source or provide secondary market liquidity continues to be challenged. Yet, despite a more challenged environment, the general mood of most stakeholders remains relatively upbeat as market participants adapt. Furthermore, the study notes that corporate issuers themselves are becoming increasingly concerned by secondary market liquidity conditions. Finally, the study suggests that from the perspective of many participants, the current market model is not sustainable, at least not in the long-term, and certainly not post-central bank intervention.

Emotional intelligence in South African women leaders in higher education

Orientation: This study contributes to an in-depth understanding of emotional intelligence (EI) in women leaders in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in South Africa from an inside perspective. Research purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore EI in South African women leaders working in HEIs to identify women leader’s strengths, foci and their possible areas of development. The aim is to get deeper insights in EI in women leaders because EI is associated with effective leadership qualities, creativity and innovation, as well as empathetic communication which is needed in the challenging HEI workplaces. Motivation for the study: Emotional intelligence is an important source for women leaders to increase leadership qualities. This study is motivated by a deep interest to explore aspects of EI in women leaders in this specific professional context. Research design, approach and method: The study uses a qualitative research design and an approach based on Dilthey’s modern hermeneutics of ‘Verstehen’ (understanding). Twenty-three women leaders of the Higher Education Research Service (HERS-SA) network were interviewed through semi-structured interviews. One researcher observed behaviour in one HEI to support the interpretation of the data. Data were analysed through content analysis. Main findings: Findings show that women leaders mainly refer to intrapersonal emotional quotient (EQ), followed by interpersonal EQ, adaptability, stress management and, finally, general mood. The most highly rated components of EQ are self-regard, followed by interpersonal relationships, problem solving, empathy, emotional self-awareness, assertiveness, impulse control and social responsibility. Findings also provide ideas on what EQ components can be further developed. Practical/managerial implications: New insights are provided on what components of EI should be developed in women leaders to increase overall EI, on cognitive and behavioural levels. Contribution/value-add: This research provides new and original context-specific insights on EI in HEIs in South Africa, which can be used as a basis for future research on women leaders while providing a knowledge base for contemporary training of EI in HEIs.

Artistic activities and psychological well-being perceived by patients with spinal cord injury

This study aimed to determine whether engaging in artistic activities affected the psychological well-being of patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). 19 hospital patients with SCI regularly engaged in arts-based activities such as painting, woodworking and working with clay. The psychological general well-being index (PGWBI) was used to measure the subjective well-being of participants during two periods. The first period coincided with the reactivation phase, in which individual physical and psychological health conditions began to improve, allowing them to participate in the activities; the second phase coincided with the pre-discharge period, after the patients carried out the artistic activities. The results showed a statistically significant change of the PGWBI global score from a moderate distress level to the absence of distress, while 4 domains out of the 6 PGWBI domains (general health, vitality, depressed mood and positive well-being) demonstrated a statistically significant change.

Sex with the Other: Anxieties and Representations of Gender in Europe during the Refugee Crisis

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks witnessed in Paris in November 2015, a radicalisation of the tensions in the matter of asylum seekers and integration has re-emerged. This same anxiety has risen with renewed force just a few weeks later, when newspapers reported that an unspecified number of men of Middle Eastern and North African appearance sexually assaulted a thousand women during the New Year’s Eve festivity in Cologne, in what has been eventually described as a mass sex attack. This case has unfolded a new aspect of this particular tension. A general mood of hysteria with reference to a homogeneous and unified Islamic culture, considered incapable of respecting women, has suddenly risen again. Just like Muslim women have suffered for centuries from the male domination in their countries, it has been said, now it was the freedom of the European ones to appear at stake. In this context, the female body has been used as a battleground for claims of modernity, civilisation and power over the Middle Eastern menace in a variety of ways. The present essay provides an account of the use of gender stereotypes and dynamics in the context of recent migration to Europe. It shows how women’s bodies are placed in post-colonial political and racial discourses, considering the media as pivotal actors in the construction of a vicious cycle in which the discourse on the female honour gives legitimacy to a growing closure in the dialogue about and with the other.

Emotional intelligence in South African women leaders in higher education

Orientation: This study contributes to an in-depth understanding of emotional intelligence (EI) in women leaders in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in South Africa from an inside perspective.Research purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore EI in South African women leaders working in HEIs to identify women leader’s strengths, foci and their possible areas of development. The aim is to get deeper insights in EI in women leaders because EI is associated with effective leadership qualities, creativity and innovation, as well as empathetic communication which is needed in the challenging HEI workplaces.Motivation for the study: Emotional intelligence is an important source for women leaders to increase leadership qualities. This study is motivated by a deep interest to explore aspects of EI in women leaders in this specific professional context.Research design, approach and method: The study uses a qualitative research design and an approach based on Dilthey’s modern hermeneutics of ‘Verstehen’ (understanding). Twenty-three women leaders of the Higher Education Research Service (HERS-SA) network were interviewed through semi-structured interviews. One researcher observed behaviour in one HEI to support the interpretation of the data. Data were analysed through content analysis.Main findings: Findings show that women leaders mainly refer to intrapersonal emotional quotient (EQ), followed by interpersonal EQ, adaptability, stress management and, finally, general mood. The most highly rated components of EQ are self-regard, followed by interpersonal relationships, problem solving, empathy, emotional self-awareness, assertiveness, impulse control and social responsibility. Findings also provide ideas on what EQ components can be further developed.Practical/managerial implications: New insights are provided on what components of EI should be developed in women leaders to increase overall EI, on cognitive and behavioural levels.Contribution/value-add: This research provides new and original context-specific insights on EI in HEIs in South Africa, which can be used as a basis for future research on women leaders while providing a knowledge base for contemporary training of EI in HEIs.

Australian exploration review 2016

In 2016, explorers in Australia were called upon to demonstrate realistic optimism. The year clearly demonstrated that during an industry contraction, such as that seen by the upstream oil and gas industry since the oil price crash of late 2014, near field conventional exploration still produces discoveries. These include Shefu, Muruk, Davis, Outtrim and Spartan. Amungee NW demonstrated unconventional gas flows in the Beetaloo Basin. As usual, new reservoirs were discovered in appraisal programs such as at Roc and Phoenix South. Exploration lows, however, were the general mood with the inevitable unsuccessful wells, decreases in permit awards and associated work programs, the general low level of drilling activity both offshore and onshore, frustrations at approval delays and constraints and the still contracting business environment. This Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia review looks in detail at the trends and highlights for oil and gas exploration both onshore and offshore Australia during 2016; not just outcomes with the drill bit, but also leading industry health indicators such as drilling, seismic data acquisition and permit awards. It also seeks to be insightful and to make conclusions about the condition of oil and gas exploration in Australia, as well as comment on future implications for the industry.

Factors Affecting Cognitive Impairment and Depression in the Elderly Who Live Alone: Cases in Daejeon Metropolitan City.

Background and PurposeWith the rapid increase in the number of elderly people in Korea, multiple socio-economic problems have emerged. In 2015, 6.4 million people accounting for about 13% of the total population in Korea were aged 65 years and over. As the elderly population continues to grow, the elderly who live alone are also increasing. They have potential risks in medical and neuropsychological aspects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between cognition and socio-environmental status in the elderly who live alone.MethodsThis study was conducted on 512 people who live alone (equivalent to 1% of the total elderly people) in Daejeon Metropolitan City between April and November 2015. Structured questionnaires were used to investigate the general characteristics, socio-economic status, physical status, and mood for participants. Simple tests using Mini-Mental Status Examination-Demetia Screening, Geriatric Depression Scale and Korean-instrumental activities of daily living were also performed.ResultsAmong the 512 participants, 109 participants (21.3%) had cognitive impairment, and 128 participants (25.0%) had depression. The number of daily meals, frequency of meeting with family, and depression were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment. Factors including the duration of living alone, cognitive impairment, poor self-perceived health status, frequency of meeting with family and duration of education were considered an independent risk factor for depression.ConclusionsThis study showed that the elderly who live alone are susceptible to cognitive impairment and depression, and factors including the number of daily meals, social contact, and self-perceived health status may affect cognition and depressive mood. Thus, physicians need to pay attention to management of major factors that may cause cognition impairment and depression in the elderly who live alone; in addition, they require ongoing community interest and support.

The burden of chronic pain after major head and neck tumor therapy.

Introduction:Little is known about the burden of chronic pain after major head and neck tumors’ therapy. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic pain, explore the factors associated with the presence of chronic pain, and assess the consequences of chronic pain on the patients’ quality of life.Methodology:This was a cross-sectional survey among patients who had completed their therapy (e.g., surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy) for major head and neck (larynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, oral cavity, tongue, and sinuses) tumors after at least 3 months. We collected relevant demographic and clinical data and administered the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form, Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire-Short Form, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale questionnaires. Possible risk factors were explored using a classification tree model.Results:A total of 102 patients (59 men, 42 women) were enrolled in this study between 3 and 72 months after tumor treatment. 30% of the patients reported having chronic pain after their major head and neck tumors’ therapy. The average pain score in the last 24-hr was 3.4 (standard deviation = 2.7). The prevalence of patients with chronic pain was higher (42%) among those who had surgery. Factors associated with chronic pain were female sex, older age, surgery, advanced cancer stage, and radiotherapy. Patients who reported having chronic pain also reported having a lower quality of life manifested by impairments in general activity, mood, walking ability, normal work, and sleeping. Patients who reported having chronic pain had higher Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores.Conclusion:Our study highlighted the high burden of chronic pain after therapy for major head and neck tumors. We identified demographic and clinical factors that are associated with the presence of chronic pain. Further studies are required to better understand the risk factors to implement strategies to prevent, alleviate, and treat chronic pain associated with major head and neck tumor therapies.

Evaluation of the functional state of operators with allowance for individual psychological characteristics

The article deals with the features of the evaluation of changes in functional state during the professional activity of operators. We estimated the dynamics of the functional state and efficiency of operatorsunder the effect of aircraft noise and individual psychophysiological characteristics. We also investigated changes in the functional state of operators depending on their psychological characteristics. It was found that changes in the functional state of the organism in operators with high level of anxiety, low degree of extroversion and high emotional lability were more pronounced in the modeling of operator activity with exposure to aircraft noise, as evidenced by significant changes in psychophysiological parameters. After 60 minutes of noise stress, the latent period of a simple and a complex sensorimotor reaction in introverts increased by 9.1% (p < 0.05) and 8.1% (p < 0.05), respectively. In the group of subjects with high level of anxiety, there were a decrease in the general state, activity and mood by 18.9% (p < 0.01), 20.9 and 14.9% (p < 0.05), respectively, and a decrease in the accuracy of reaction to a.moving object by 3 times (p < 0.05). The latent period of simple sensorimotor reaction in emotionally labile subjects after the exercise was increased by 15% (p < 0.05), and the reaction time on a moving object was increased by 8:9% (p < 0.05) as compared with the group of emotionally stable sub- jects. Thus, the data suggest that changes in the functional state of operators depend on the level of extroversion, personal anxiety and emotional lability and do not depend on'the level of behavioral regulation, which must be taken into considerationduring the assessment of functional state.