Greater Increase In Self-efficacy Research Articles

Better self-explaining backwards or forwards? Prompting self-explanation in video-based modelling examples for learning a diagnostic strategy

Self-explanation prompts in example-based learning are usually directed backwards: Learners are required to self-explain problem-solving steps just presented (retrospective prompts). However, it might also help to self-explain upcoming steps (anticipatory prompts). The effects of the prompt type may differ for learners with various expertise levels, with anticipatory prompts being better for learners with more expertise. In an experiment, we employed extensive modelling examples and different types of self-explanations prompts to teach 78 automotive apprentices a complex and job-relevant problem-solving strategy, namely the diagnosis of car malfunctions. We tested the effects of these modelling examples and self-explanation prompts on problem-solving strategy knowledge and skill, self-efficacy, and cognitive load while learning. In two conditions, the apprentices learned with modelling examples and received either retrospective or anticipatory prompts. The third condition was a control condition receiving no modelling examples, but the respective open problems. In comparison with the control condition, modelling examples did not promote learning. However, we observed differential effects of the self-explanation prompts depending on the learner’s prior knowledge level. Apprentices with higher prior knowledge learned more when learning with anticipatory prompts. Apprentices with less prior knowledge experienced a greater increase in self-efficacy and a higher germane cognitive load when learning with retrospective prompts. These findings suggest using different self-explanation prompts for learners possessing varying levels of expertise.

Brief imaginal exposure exercises for social anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial of a self-help momentary intervention app

IntroductionEmerging technological interventions for psychological disorders are being developed continually. Offering imaginal exposure exercises as a self-help intervention presents the opportunity to acquire foundational skills to address social anxiety. The current study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel smartphone application for social interaction anxiety. MethodsParticipants (n = 82) were adults meeting criteria for social anxiety disorder. They were randomly assigned to imaginal exposure (IE; n = 39) or self-monitoring (n = 43) delivered multiple times daily via a smartphone application for a one-week trial. It was expected that participants using the IE exercises would demonstrate significantly greater declines in social anxiety in addition to increases in self-efficacy and that compliance would serve as a predictor of outcome. Mixed-effects models were utilized. ResultsParticipants using IE (vs. self-monitoring) evidenced significantly greater reductions in social anxiety from pre- to post-treatment and at 1-month follow-up. Similarly, IE (vs. self-monitoring) led to significantly greater increases in self-efficacy from pre- to post-treatment and 1-month follow-up. Further, more completed IE exercises predicted significantly greater changes in social anxiety and self-efficacy at subsequent timepoints compared with self-monitoring. ConclusionsFindings suggest that a brief IE self-help intervention was effective in targeting social interaction anxiety.

Universal Teacher-Child Interaction Training in early childhood special education: A cluster randomized control trial

Growing evidence suggests that Teacher-Child Interaction Training-Universal (TCIT-U) is effective for increasing teachers' use of strategies that promote positive child behavior, but more rigorous research with larger, diverse samples is needed to understand the effects of TCIT-U on teacher and child outcomes in early childhood special education. Using a cluster randomized control trial, we evaluated the effects of TCIT-U on (a) teacher skill acquisition and self-efficacy and (b) child behavior and developmental functioning. Teachers in the TCIT-U group (n = 37) exhibited significantly greater increases in positive attention skills, increased consistent responding, and decreased critical statements relative to teachers in the waitlist control group (n = 36) at post and 1-month follow-up (d's range from 0.52 to 1.61). Teachers in the TCIT-U group also exhibited significantly fewer directive statements (d's range from 0.52 to 0.79) and greater increases in self-efficacy compared to waitlist teachers at post (d's range from 0.60 to 0.76). TCIT-U was also associated with short-term benefits for child behavior. Frequency (d = 0.41) and total number of behavior problems (d = 0.36) were significantly lower in the TCIT-U group than in the waitlist group at post (but not follow-up), with small-to-medium effects. The waitlist group, but not the TCIT-U group, demonstrated an increasing trend in number of problem behaviors over time. There were no significant between-group differences in developmental functioning. Current findings build support for the effectiveness of TCIT-U as universal prevention of behavior problems with an ethnically and racially diverse sample of teachers and children, including children with developmental disabilities. Implications for implementation of TCIT-U in the early childhood special education setting are discussed.

Understanding the impact of newborn touch upon mothers of hospitalized preterm neonates.

Introduction: Many interventions have been designed to support the development of the preterm baby and minimise the complications of prematurity. However, there is limited evidence of the possible psychological benefits of touch to the mother when she is the one performing the support programme during the hospitalisation of her newborn. Objective: This study explored whether the type of touch provided to preterm neonates had an impact on maternal self-efficacy, self-esteem and maternal-to-infant attachment, as-well-as newborn weight gain. Methods: Using a randomised cluster trial, forty babies and their mothers were allocated to one of two groups receiving either a touch-based intervention (TAC-TIC; Touching And Caressing; Tender In Caring) or spontaneous touch. Results: Mothers who provided the touch-based intervention demonstrated greater increases in self-efficacy, self-esteem and attachment, and babies gained more weight than those using spontaneous touch. Conclusion: The results indicate that systematic touch interventions may be used to facilitate the mother-baby relationship as well as to promote newborn weight gain.

519-P: “What Can I Eat?” Healthy Choices for American Indians and Alaska Natives with T2D: Randomized Wait-List Controlled Trial Outcomes from a Nutrition Diabetes Education Program

“What Can I Eat? (WCIE) Healthy Choices for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) with T2D” is a 5-lesson diabetes nutrition education program culturally adapted for AI/ANs with T2D. Classes were taught synchronously via Zoom at 5 reservation-based or urban inter-tribal clinical sites nationwide in 2021. Classes were taught by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) and topics included the diabetes plate, sugar sweetened beverages, heart healthy choices, food label reading. Class activities included didactic sessions, hands-on interactive learning, physical activity, mindful eating, and goal setting. Participants were recruited through diabetes registries at each collaborating site and randomized to either the immediate or the wait list group. The former group started classes immediately upon randomization; the latter started classes 3 months after randomization. Participants (N=58) were AI/AN adults with T2D (baseline data: mean age 58.6 +/-11.1 years, 26% male; BMI 33.8 (+/- 7.1)) . Before participation, each enrollee received a “class kit” including class activity resources and tools to collect evaluation data (i.e., scale, A1C kit, blood pressure monitor, and paper impact surveys) . Classes 1-4 were taught weekly for 4 weeks; the 5th class was taught 3 months after class #1. Data were collected at 3 timepoints: baseline, 1 month (after class 4) and 3 month (after class 5) . Outcomes included diabetes self-efficacy, behavior (physical activity and diet) , and clinical measures (BMI, blood pressure, A1c) . Linear mixed models were used to assess intervention effects on changes in outcome measures from baseline. No significant changes from pre to post were observed in behavior or clinical outcomes. Compared to the wait list group, the immediate group had greater increase in self-efficacy for using the diabetes plate at 1 and 3 months (ps<0.01) and for making healthy food choices at 1 month (p=0.047) . Disclosure K.R.Moore: Consultant; Novo Nordisk. D.Pavli: None. H.Pontius: None. J.Yanson: None. L.Jiang: None. Ai/an wcie study group: n/a. S.A.Stotz: n/a. A.G.Brega: None. M.C.Mcnulty: None. I.Adedoyin: None. G.Austin: None. N.Couture: None. H.Garrow: None. N.O'banion: None. Funding American Diabetes Association (4-18-SMSC-01)

A Pilot Evaluation of a Social Justice and Race Equity Training for Volunteer Mentors.

Mentor training on cultural humility is an area of needed support in formal youth mentoring relationships. This pilot study used an experimental design to examine the role of a social justice and race equity training on volunteer mentors' cognitive and affective outcomes related to cultural humility in mentoring. The sample included 99 volunteer mentors paired with adolescent mentees in an established formal mentoring program. Mentors predominantly identified as White (89%), and the majority (72%) were paired with youth of color. Participants were randomly assigned to either the training or control condition. Findings from intention-to-treat analyses indicated that training group participants (n=49) exhibited greater increases in self-efficacy to provide racial/ethnic support over time than participants in the control group (n=50). As-treated analyses indicated that training attendees (n=23) exhibited greater increases in self-efficacy to provide racial/ethnic support over time than participants who did not attend the training (n=76). Results indicated no significant changes over time in participants' training content knowledge, awareness of racial privilege, ethnocultural empathy, or social justice interest and behavioral intentions. Analyses also indicated an attendance bias within the training condition, such that mentors who attended the training reported significantly more awareness of racial privilege, social justice interest, and social justice behavioral intentions compared to training condition mentors who were invited but did not attend the training. Implications for training volunteer mentors within formal mentoring programs are discussed.

Anesthesia Simulation Boot Camp-a Decade of Experience Enhancing Self-efficacy in First-year Residents.

Novice anesthesiology residents must acquire new technical, cognitive, and behavioral skills as they transition into the high-stakes perioperative environment. Simulation-based education improves procedural skill and behavior, and it permits deliberate practice with feedback; exposure to uncommon, high-consequence events; assessment; reproducibility; and zero risk to patients. We introduced a 5-day, high-fidelity Simulation Boot Camp (SBC) in 2006 for first-year clinical anesthesia residents (CA-1s) and report over a decade of experience assessing its impact on self-efficacy, value, feasibility, and sustainability. All CA-1s in our residency program participated in the SBC as part of orientation. Participants completed 2 individual high-fidelity simulations per day, each with a private debriefing session from an attending anesthesiologist in our simulation center. We measured their self-reported confidence, which we report as self-efficacy (SE), the belief in one's own ability to successfully execute a skill or behavior necessary for a desired outcome, for 25 basic anesthesia skills before and after course completion. Participants also completed a postcourse evaluation. Of the 281 CA-1s who participated in the course from 2006 to 2016, we collected data on 267 (95%). SE improved over the course of SBC for all 25 individual skills (P < .001) and remained stable over the decade-long period of study. Univariate analysis revealed a strong association between increased SE and male sex (P < .001), video gaming experience (P < .001), and completion of a prior residency (P = .018). Males were also more likely to report video gaming experience (P < .001). Multivariable analysis revealed that although women had lower SE than did men, they had a greater increase in SE attributed to participation in SBC (P = .041). Participants strongly agreed SBC was a realistic and nonjudgmental learning tool, built confidence, and should be mandatory. Most comments were positive, reflecting overall satisfaction with SBC. SBC increases SE, is feasible, valuable to participants, and sustainable with remarkably consistency over the study period.

Effects of Resistance Training on Smoking Abstinence Self-Efficacy in Sedentary Smokers

Introduction: Cigarette smoking is prevalent with 40 million Americans smoking and one in five deaths attributed to this behavior. Aims: This study examined effects of a resistance training (RT) program on smoking abstinence self-efficacy. Methods: Forty (40) participants were randomized into intervention or control groups. Smoking abstinence self-efficacy, withdrawal symptoms, and smoking behavior were measured. Results/Findings: RT group presented with statistically significant greater increases in self-efficacy compared to control. RT group participants also presented with non-significantly greater decreases in smoking behavior and withdrawal symptoms compared to control. Conclusions: This study demonstrates effectiveness of RT in improving smoking abstinence self-efficacy.

Positive Psychology Intervention for Promoting Mental Health, Life Satisfaction and Happiness Level among Adolescents

Background: Adolescents’ behavioral and emotional disorders denote a considerable public health problem in developing countries. Hence, positive psychology intervention plays a prominent role in promoting mental health and increase happiness among adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of positive psychology intervention for promoting mental health, life satisfaction, and happiness level among adolescents. Method: A quasi-experimental research one group pre-test and post-test design were used with baseline data collected from second and third-year preparatory students from Saris Alliyan Aljadida preparatory school, Menoufia governorate, Egypt. Seven instruments were utilized; a constructed interview questionnaire, Brief Symptom Inventory, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Life Orientation Test-Revised, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and The Oxford Happiness Questionnaires. Result: the current study's findings proved there were significantly greater increases in self-efficacy, self-esteem, optimism, and life satisfaction scores from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Also, there was significantly greater increases in happiness level from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Conclusion: This study showed the importance of the application of positive psychology intervention for promoting mental health and increase life satisfaction and happiness levels among adolescents. Recommendation: Based on the study's findings, it was recommended the school nurse regularly assess all adolescents to identify those with low levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Also, the school nurse applies positive psychology intervention to prevent depression, promote mental health and increase life satisfaction and happiness levels among adolescents in the school setting. How to Cite this Article Pubmed Style Amal A. El-Abbassy, Alyaa Hosam El Din Salam, Kariema I. EL Berry, Reda Elfeshawy. Psychology Intervention for Promoting Mental Health, Life Satisfaction and Happiness Level among SRP. 2020; 11(10): 996-1008. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.10.149 Web Style Amal A. El-Abbassy, Alyaa Hosam El Din Salam, Kariema I. EL Berry, Reda Elfeshawy. Psychology Intervention for Promoting Mental Health, Life Satisfaction and Happiness Level among http://www.sysrevpharm.org/?mno=43681 [Access: March 30, 2021]. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.10.149 AMA (American Medical Association) Style Amal A. El-Abbassy, Alyaa Hosam El Din Salam, Kariema I. EL Berry, Reda Elfeshawy. Psychology Intervention for Promoting Mental Health, Life Satisfaction and Happiness Level among SRP. 2020; 11(10): 996-1008. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.10.149 Vancouver/ICMJE Style Amal A. El-Abbassy, Alyaa Hosam El Din Salam, Kariema I. EL Berry, Reda Elfeshawy. Psychology Intervention for Promoting Mental Health, Life Satisfaction and Happiness Level among SRP. (2020), [cited March 30, 2021]; 11(10): 996-1008. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.10.149 Harvard Style Amal A. El-Abbassy, Alyaa Hosam El Din Salam, Kariema I. EL Berry, Reda Elfeshawy (2020) Psychology Intervention for Promoting Mental Health, Life Satisfaction and Happiness Level among SRP, 11 (10), 996-1008. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.10.149 Turabian Style Amal A. El-Abbassy, Alyaa Hosam El Din Salam, Kariema I. EL Berry, Reda Elfeshawy. 2020. Psychology Intervention for Promoting Mental Health, Life Satisfaction and Happiness Level among Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy, 11 (10), 996-1008. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.10.149 Chicago Style Amal A. El-Abbassy, Alyaa Hosam El Din Salam, Kariema I. EL Berry, Reda Elfeshawy. Positive Psychology Intervention for Promoting Mental Health, Life Satisfaction and Happiness Level among Adolescents. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy 11 (2020), 996-1008. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.10.149 MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style Amal A. El-Abbassy, Alyaa Hosam El Din Salam, Kariema I. EL Berry, Reda Elfeshawy. Positive Psychology Intervention for Promoting Mental Health, Life Satisfaction and Happiness Level among Adolescents. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy 11.10 (2020), 996-1008. Print. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.10.149 APA (American Psychological Association) Style Amal A. El-Abbassy, Alyaa Hosam El Din Salam, Kariema I. EL Berry, Reda Elfeshawy (2020) Psychology Intervention for Promoting Mental Health, Life Satisfaction and Happiness Level among Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy, 11 (10), 996-1008. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.10.149

Increasing self-efficacy and knowledge in carer training: Hispanic versus Caucasian.

AimNurses are teachers to their patients and need to know best practices for diverse families living with dementia. Little is known about Hispanic beliefs around dementia knowledge and self‐efficacy that may have an impact on the learning situation.DesignA pre‐/postresearch design was used in this intervention study with a baseline assessment of dementia knowledge and caregiver self‐efficacy and a reassessment at training completion.MethodsInvestigation of education training with two caregiver groups caring for persons with dementia: Caucasian and Hispanic. Convenience sample consisted of 567 Caucasians and 104 Hispanic dementia caregivers. Groups received training in their primary language accompanied by a training book (Dealing with Dementia Guide) also in the primary language.ResultsDementia knowledge and caregiver self‐efficacy increased in both groups with the Hispanic group demonstrating significantly greater increase in self‐efficacy. The Caucasian group had a significantly greater increase in the dementia knowledge compared with the Hispanic group.

Change in self-efficacy after participation in a supported self-management program for osteoarthritis – an observational study of 11 906 patients

Purpose: Describe the change in self-efficacy after a supported osteoarthritis self-management program.Materials and methods: An observational register-based study comprising 11 906 patients. Participants with hip or knee osteoarthritis self-reported at baseline, 3 and 12 months. Self-efficacy for pain and other symptoms were assessed with the Arthritis Self-efficacy Scale. Change was analyzed using a mixed-effect model for repeated measurements.Results: In total, 9440 (pain subscale) and 9361 (symptom subscale) patients reported self-efficacy scores at baseline and at least one follow-up. The lowest self-efficacy at baseline was reported by patients with low education, walking difficulties, comorbidity and low physical activity level. Overall, the self-efficacy scores improved at the 3-month follow-up and returned to baseline at the 12-month follow-up. Younger age (pain and symptom subscales) and exercise (pain subscale) were associated with a greater increase in self-efficacy. Obesity (pain subscale) and hip problems (pain and symptom subscales) were associated with lower self-efficacy at baseline and a greater decrease at follow-up.Conclusion: Self-efficacy was related to the level of education, physical activity, mobility, and comorbidity. In addition, hip problems or obesity were associated with greater difficulties in enhancing or maintaining self-efficacy. An increased focus on patients with hip problems or obesity might help to improve outcomes after supported self-management programs for osteoarthritis.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSelf-efficacy increased more in younger patients and in those who opted for exercise as part of the intervention, which indicates that offering supported self-management early in the course of the disease might be important.Lower self-efficacy at baseline and reduced beliefs about their ability to manage pain indicate that patients with hip OA or obesity may need to be given a special focus by healthcare.Self-efficacy in managing pain and other symptoms seemed to increase after a supported self-management osteoarthritis program, but was not maintained at the 12-month follow-up, indicating that more on-going support might be needed to maintain self-efficacy.

Trends in self-efficacy to quit and smoking urges among homeless smokers participating in a smoking cessation RCT

IntroductionIn the U.S., approximately 73% of homeless adults smoke cigarettes and they experience difficulty quitting. Homeless smokers report low self-efficacy to quit and that smoking urges are a barrier to quitting. Self-efficacy to quit and smoking urges are dynamic and change throughout smoking cessation treatment. This study examines changes in self-efficacy to quit and smoking urges throughout a smoking cessation intervention among the homeless and identifies predictors of change in these characteristics. MethodsHomeless smokers (n=430) participating in a smoking cessation randomized controlled trial in the U.S. completed surveys at baseline, and weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 26 on demographic and smoking characteristics (i.e., confidence to quit, self-efficacy to refrain from smoking, and smoking urges). A growth curve analysis was conducted by modeling change in the smoking characteristics over time and examining the variability in the change in smoking characteristics by demographic characteristics and treatment group. ResultsAmong the full sample, self-efficacy to refrain from smoking increased linearly over time, confidence to quit increased until the midpoint of treatment but subsequently decreased, and smoking urges decreased until the midpoint of treatment but subsequently increased. There were race differences in these trajectories. Racial minorities experienced significantly greater increases in self-efficacy to refrain from smoking than Whites and Blacks had higher confidence to quit than Whites. ConclusionsWhite participants experienced less increase in self-efficacy to refrain from smoking and lower confidence to quit and therefore may be a good target for efforts to increase self-efficacy to quit as part of homeless-targeted smoking cessation interventions. Sustaining high confidence to quit and low smoking urges throughout treatment could be key to promoting higher cessation rates among the homeless.

First Descents, an adventure program for young adults with cancer: who benefits?

Participation in camps, adventure programs, retreats, and other social events offers experiences that can promote self-efficacy and quality of life. The purpose of the study was to examine whether participation in a 1-week outdoor adventure program resulted in improvements in psychological distress, self-efficacy, and/or social support for young adult cancer patients (AYAs) aged 18-40years. The study examined the differential effect of participation for AYAs who indicated moderate to severe symptoms of psychological distress prior to their trip. Standardized measures of distress, self-efficacy, and social support were administered pre-trip, post-trip, and 1month after program completion (follow-up). Univariate and multivariate models examined baseline scores for non-distressed participants compared to distressed participants, changes in outcomes from pre-trip to post-trip and follow-up for the entire sample, and the extent to which change rates for each outcome differed for distressed versus non-distressed participants. All participants demonstrated significant improvement in self-efficacy over time. Distressed participants reported a significantly greater decrease in distress symptoms and greater increase in self-efficacy and social support at post-trip and 1month later when compared to non-distressed participants. Findings suggest that participation in an outdoor recreational activity designed specifically for AYAs with cancer contributes to significant reductions in distress and improvements in self-efficacy and social support, and particularly for AYAs reporting clinically significant distress symptoms prior to the initiation of their activity.

Virtual weight loss program for African-American breast cancer survivors: Preliminary results.

163 Background: Obesity is associated with higher breast cancer recurrence and death, and poorer health and quality of life. African-American (AA) women have the highest prevalence of obesity, obesity-related comorbidities, and breast cancer mortality compared with other racial/ethnic groups. Weight loss after breast cancer diagnosis may lower rates of recurrence and improve fitness, fatigue, and quality of life. Methods: This 6-month randomized controlled trial pilot-tests the use of a Fitbit activity tracker (Fitbit only group) versus Fitbit plus SparkPeople, a free web-based weight loss program (combined group) among 70 AA breast cancer survivors. Paired t-tests assess changes from baseline to 6-months among each participant in primary (weight, body mass index [BMI], percent body fat) and secondary (24-hour caloric intake, daily number of steps, quality of life, self-monitoring strategies, self-efficacy) outcomes. Two-group t-tests assess differences in outcomes between the two groups. Results: Currently, 36 of 46 (78.3%) eligible participants have enrolled and completed baseline assessments. Mean age of participants is 61.7 years (SD 8.7) and mean BMI is 36.9 (SD 7.0). Analyses of the first 25 participants who completed 3-month assessments (Fitbit only N = 12; combined group N = 13) show significant weight loss in both groups; Fitbit only: mean weight change -6.73 pounds, SD 4.61, p &lt; 0.001; mean BMI change -0.96 kg/m2, SD 0.84, p = 0.002; combined group: mean weight change -5.95 pounds, SD 5.84, p = 0.003; mean BMI change -1.03 kg/m2, SD 0.77, p &lt; 0.001. All participants significantly increased tracking of diet (Fitbit only p = 0.016; combined group p &lt; 0.001) and physical activity (Fitbit only p &lt; 0.001; combined group p = 0.001). Though not significant, combined group participants showed greater increases in self-efficacy for eating healthy and reducing fat and calories, and increases in daily steps (+1308 vs. +285 for Fitbit only group). Preliminary analyses show no statistically significant difference in changes in outcomes from baseline to 3 months between the two groups. Conclusions: Both programs show potential as convenient and efficient weight loss methods for African-American breast cancer survivors. Clinical trial information: NCT02699983.

Gender-focused HIV and pregnancy prevention for school-going adolescents: The Mpondombili pilot intervention in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

ABSTRACTThis pilot study evaluated a 15-session classroom intervention for HIV and pregnancy prevention among grade 8–10 boys and girls (aged 14–17 years) in rural South Africa, guided by gender-empowerment theory and implemented by teachers, nurses, and youth peer educators. Pre- and post-intervention surveys included 933 male and female students in two intervention and two comparison schools. The main outcome was condom use at last sex; secondary outcomes were partner communication, gender beliefs and values, perceived peer behaviors, and self-efficacy for safer sex. At 5 months post-intervention, change in condom use did not differ between intervention and comparison schools. Intervention school youth had greater increases in self-efficacy for unsafe sex refusal (odds ratio [OR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–2.57) and condom use (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.07–2.89), partner communication (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.27–4.23), and knowledge of HIV testing opportunities (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.08–2.87). This gender-focused pilot intervention increased adolescents’ self-efficacy and partner communication and has potential to improve preventive behaviors.

The Effect of Solution‐Focused Versus Problem‐Focused Questions: A Replication

In therapeutic conversations, questions can be considered as interventions in their own right. This study is a cross-cultural replication of Grant (Journal of Systemic Therapies, 2012, 31, 2, 21) study on the effects of different types of questions on various clinically relevant variables. A total of 204 students of a Spanish university described a real-life problem that they wanted to solve and were then randomly assigned to either a solution-focused or a problem-focused questions condition. Before and after answering the questions, they completed a set of measures that assessed positive and negative affect, self-efficacy, and goal attainment. Solution-focused questions produced a significantly greater increase in self-efficacy, goal approach, and action steps than problem-focused questions, and a significantly greater decrease in negative affect, providing further empirical support to solution-focused practices.

Automated indexing of Internet stories for health behavior change: weight loss attitude pilot study.

BackgroundAutomated health behavior change interventions show promise, but suffer from high attrition and disuse. The Internet abounds with thousands of personal narrative accounts of health behavior change that could not only provide useful information and motivation for others who are also trying to change, but an endless source of novel, entertaining stories that may keep participants more engaged than messages authored by interventionists.ObjectiveGiven a collection of relevant personal health behavior change stories gathered from the Internet, the aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an automated indexing algorithm that could select the best possible story to provide to a user to have the greatest possible impact on their attitudes toward changing a targeted health behavior, in this case weight loss.MethodsAn indexing algorithm was developed using features informed by theories from behavioral medicine together with text classification and machine learning techniques. The algorithm was trained using a crowdsourced dataset, then evaluated in a 2×2 between-subjects randomized pilot study. One factor compared the effects of participants reading 2 indexed stories vs 2 randomly selected stories, whereas the second factor compared the medium used to tell the stories: text or animated conversational agent. Outcome measures included changes in self-efficacy and decisional balance for weight loss before and after the stories were read.ResultsParticipants were recruited from a crowdsourcing website (N=103; 53.4%, 55/103 female; mean age 35, SD 10.8 years; 65.0%, 67/103 precontemplation; 19.4%, 20/103 contemplation for weight loss). Participants who read indexed stories exhibited a significantly greater increase in self-efficacy for weight loss compared to the control group (F 1,107=5.5, P=.02). There were no significant effects of indexing on change in decisional balance (F 1,97=0.05, P=.83) and no significant effects of medium on change in self-efficacy (F 1,107=0.04, P=.84) or decisional balance (F 1,97=0.78, P=.38).ConclusionsPersonal stories of health behavior change can be harvested from the Internet and used directly and automatically in interventions to affect participant attitudes, such as self-efficacy for changing behavior. Such approaches have the potential to provide highly tailored interventions that maximize engagement and retention with minimal intervention development effort.

The Seamos Saludables Study

Latinas in the U.S. are less physically active than non-Latino white women and also report higher levels of diabetes, obesity, and other conditions related to inactivity. Interventions are needed to address disparities in this high-risk group. To evaluate the efficacy of a culturally adapted, Spanish-language, individually tailored, computer expert system-driven physical activity print-based intervention for adult Latinas. RCT. Participants were 266 inactive adult Latinas who participated between 2009 and 2012. Participants were randomized to one of two treatment arms: a 6-month tailored physical activity intervention condition or wellness contact control. For both conditions, print materials were delivered by mail. The main outcome measure was change in weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) measured by the 7-Day Physical Activity Recall interview, which was administered at baseline and post-intervention (6 months). Participants also wore accelerometers for a week at baseline and follow-up. Analyses were conducted in 2013. Increases in minutes/week of MVPA measured by the 7-Day PAR were significantly greater in the intervention group compared to the control group (mean difference=41.36, SE=7.93, p<0.01). This difference was corroborated by accelerometer readings (rho=0.44, p<0.01). Further, results indicate that intervention participants had greater increases in self-efficacy, cognitive processes, and behavioral processes at 3 months compared to control paricipants (p's<0.05). The tailored Spanish-language intervention was effective in increasing MVPA among predominantly low-income, less-acculturated Latinas. Such print-based interventions are poised for widespread dissemination, and thus may help address health disparities.

Learner-Controlled Self-Observation is Advantageous for Motor Skill Acquisition.

There were two main objectives of this research. First, we wanted to examine whether video feedback of the self (self-observation) was more effective for motor skill learning when the choice to view the video was provided to the learner (learner-controlled, LC) as opposed to an experimenter-controlled (EC) delivery. Secondly, we explored whether there were differences in the self-regulatory processes of self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation, as well as perceived choice between the LC and EC conditions. Two groups (LC and EC) of children (M age of 11.2 years; SD = 1.89) attempted to learn a progression of trampoline skills during a 2-day acquisition phase in which video self-observation was available. The second acquisition day was followed by a no self-observation retention test 1 day later. It was hypothesized that, during retention, the LC group would be more self-efficacious about their ability to progress through the trampoline skills, show greater intrinsic motivation and perceived choice, and go further in skill progression than the EC group. Analysis of the acquisition data showed the LC group had greater increases in self-efficacy as compared to the EC group. Results of the retention test showed that the participants in the LC group obtained higher scores on the intrinsic motivation and perceived choice measures and had higher skill progression scores as compared to the EC group. Regression analysis showed that group assignment and self-efficacy were significant predictors of the physical performance benefits noted in retention. These findings are discussed within Zimmerman’s (2004) self-regulation of learning model.

Increased self-efficacy to quit and perceived control over withdrawal symptoms predict smoking cessation following nicotine dependence treatment

Aim To examine changes in nicotine withdrawal, nicotine craving, self-efficacy to quit smoking, and perceived control over withdrawal symptoms as predictors of smoking cessation following behavioral counseling and nicotine replacement therapy in a sample of smokers. Design and setting The data were ascertained from a randomized effectiveness trial comparing nicotine patch to nicotine lozenge. Predictors of smoking cessation were assessed at baseline and 5 weeks post-baseline, and 24-hour point prevalence abstinence, biochemically confirmed, was assessed at the end-of-treatment (week 15) and 6 months after a target quit date (week 27). Participants 642 treatment-seeking smokers randomized to 12 weeks of nicotine patch or nicotine lozenge. Findings Participants who showed a greater increase in self-efficacy to quit smoking (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.16, p = .01) and perceived control over withdrawal symptoms (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00–1.04, p = .05) were significantly more likely to have quit smoking at week 15. Participants who showed a greater increase in self-efficacy to quit smoking (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.06, p = .01) were significantly more likely to have quit smoking at week 27. Changes in withdrawal symptoms and craving were not related to week 15 or week 27 abstinence rates. Conclusions The results highlight two relatively under-studied potential psychological predictors of abstinence following treatment for nicotine dependence. Behavioral counseling interventions to promote smoking cessation should help smokers develop confidence in their ability to quit smoking and increase their sense of control over withdrawal symptoms to increase their chances for cessation.