Health Psychology Research Articles

Lifestyle modification program (IM Healthy) for cancer survivors: Implementation of a reimbursable telehealth group program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We designed and pilot-tested a reimbursable lifestyle change program delivered via telehealth that was initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program (IM Healthy) focused on increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, and facilitating stress management and healthy behavior change. Retrospective chart review was used to collect data on IM Healthy participants from the period of Sept 2021 to Aug 2022. The program was offered three days each week with the same topic presented each day. Patients chose which day they attended. Meetings were primarily led by a health psychologist, with intermittent weeks led by a dietitian or physical therapist. Chart review provided demographics, group attendance, ESAS-FS, PROMIS10, weight, and BMI. Patient feedback regarding the telehealth program was collected approximately 6months following the data collection period. Patients (N = 50) mostly women (90%) with mean 57.9years old (SD = 11.2) attended at least one group with an average of 13.1 (SD = 10.8; range = 1-45) attended sessions. Frequency of individual psychology sessions decreased after starting IM Healthy (z = - 2.17, p = 0.03). Overall, patients provided positive feedback including feelings of connectedness and physical and psychological benefit. Patients endorsed moderate to high perceived success in physical activity, nutrition, and stress management. We demonstrate that a reimbursable lifestyle change group program can be tailored to telehealth and is well-received and beneficial to cancer survivors.

Ethnographic Exploration of Mental Health Awareness and Perception Among the Ayta Magbukun

The Ayta Magbukun is a prominent indigenous group inhabiting the Bataan Peninsula. This study aims to gain insight into the community's awareness and perspectives on mental health, as well as the challenges they face, given the limited information and resources readily available on their end. Using an ethnographic approach, the study was conducted through careful observations and field work, employing five voluntary tribe members selected through convenience sampling. The study revealed significant challenges in the community's ability to obtain formal mental health assistance and relevant information about mental health among Filipino indigenous people. The findings revealed that the Ayta Magbukun have a basic understanding of mental health, but their overall awareness remains limited. They mainly rely on traditional health care practices, and face challenges in accessing formal mental health services and acquiring mental health literacy. The study identified three main themes about their 1) Mental Health Awareness, 2) use of Alternative Healing, highlighting the community's reliance and preference for traditional practices; and 3) existing Barriers to Wellness that hinder their access to mental health resources. It is suggested that the community's psychological perspectives and socioeconomic conditions can significantly affect their ability to achieve overall well-being. Also, it highlights the need for culturally appropriate mental health programs and accessible mental healthcare for the Ayta Magbukun as well as for other indigenous communities in the Philippines. Generally, the paper contributes to the broader discussion of indigenous mental health and Filipino psychology by advocating for approaches that align with culturally appropriate indigenous perspectives on mental health, promoting resilience and holistic wellness in these communities.

What made people (more) positive toward the COVID-19 vaccine? Exploring positive and negative deviance perspectives.

Despite the associations of certain beliefs and worldviews (e.g., religiosity and belief in conspiracy theories) with non-vaccination behavior, some individuals who hold these views still choose vaccination, and vice versa. This study aims to explore why individuals choose to be vaccinated against COVID-19, despite holding opposing beliefs and worldviews, or refrain from doing so, when their beliefs align with vaccination. By examining both positive and negative deviant behavior, we seek to identify strategies and barriers for public health officials to develop interventions to improve vaccination uptake. We conducted semi-structured online interviews with 21 Dutch adults aged 28-75years (13 positive deviants and 8 negative deviants) between January and July 2022. Interviewees were recruited on the basis of their response patterns in a survey that was part of a larger project on understanding vaccine hesitancy in the Netherlands. The interviews focused on how they formed their intention toward the COVID-19 vaccine and what could change it in the future. The data were analyzed via semi-inductive coding with Atlas.ti.23. Positive deviants got vaccinated because they perceived COVID-19 as a threat, wanted to protect (vulnerable) others, or wanted to regain their freedom. Negative deviants did not get vaccinated because they did not perceive the vaccine as appropriate, the disease not as a threat, for religious reasons, or did not trust the authorities. The most important barriers and strategies that were identified that could improve vaccination uptake were unrelated to underlying beliefs and worldviews but related to characteristics of the vaccine such as effectiveness and (potential) side-effects. This study demonstrates the applicability of traditional health psychology models, such as the health belief model, in explaining deviant vaccination behavior. Additionally, leveraging prosocial motivations and imposing restrictions on non-vaccinated individuals have been effective strategies for promoting vaccination uptake, albeit restricted to pandemic contexts. As some individuals will remain resistant to vaccination efforts, tailored interventions for vaccine-hesitant individuals may yield greater success rather than attempting to persuade strict opponents of vaccination.

Dyadic adjustment of persons with albinism and their significant other: A Bayesian mediation model of the Actor-Partner Interdependence (APIMeM).

Limited standardized empirical research exists in France on the psychosocial implications of albinism, prompting an investigation into how affected persons adapt to their disabilities. Recent advancements in health psychology have led researchers to adopt a systemic approach, considering disabilities and involving close relatives in the adaptation process. The aim of this study was to explore the mediating role of dyadic coping within family dyads, where one is a person with albinism (PWA) and the other is a close relative. The study included 38 family dyads with each member responding individually to an online standardized protocol. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling, facilitated by a patient association (Genespoir) and professionals from medical referral centers involved in the project. Dyads with a PWA born, raised, or residing in Africa during the study were excluded. Three statistical models based on Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM) were Bayesian-tested using weakly informative priors. Models 2 and 3 emerged as the most effective at explaining the data. Model 2 showed the mediating role of common dyadic coping between the quality of the relationship and anxiety level and suggested that PWAs tend to feel more anxious when they report high levels of shared adaptation with their close relative. Model 3 highlighted the role of albinism-related emotional impact in mediating the relationship between stigma consciousness and overall quality of life, but this was observed only among PWAs. Greater consciousness of stigma among PWAs was associated with increased emotional impact, resulting in a more impaired quality of life. Social implications of albinism seem to be crucial in dyadic adjustment to albinism. Personal perceptions and the associated stigma (i.e., ableism) linked to albinism may influence the ambivalent manner in which individuals adapt to their condition. Future studies should further investigate these intricate mechanisms, as outlined by our proposed conceptual model.

Individual Rumination in Adult Cancer Care: A Concept Analysis.

To conceptualize rumination in adult cancer care. Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was used to examine rumination in adults with cancer. A systematic search was conducted across psychology, nursing, medicine, and public health disciplines in PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Scopus databases from their inception to April 2024. Additional records were identified by manually searching reference lists of relevant studies. Analysis of 50 articles identified rumination's three defining attributes (intrusions, brooding, instrumentality), antecedents (cancer-related adversity, pre-existing susceptibilities), and consequences (psychophysiological functioning impairments, long-term adaptation). Key features included trait-state duality, internal variability, external cyclicality, and high emotional correlation. This concept analysis establishes a preliminary conceptual model of rumination in adult cancer care, integrating its attributes, antecedents, and consequences. The model offers insights into rumination mechanisms, highlighting its complexity and variability, and may inform the development of targeted interventions and theoretical development for cancer population. Further research is needed to validate the model and explore its clinical applications. Understanding rumination in adult cancer care helps nurses identify and support at-risk patients. By recognizing key signs, nurses can implement targeted interventions to improve patients' emotional and psychological well-being, ultimately enhancing their long-term adaptation and quality of life.

Examining associations between body appreciation and positive well-being among young adults: A cross-sectional analysis.

Interest in positive body image stems from its contrast with negative body image. Research shows self-compassion and physical activity enhance body appreciation and positive well-being, yet their interaction in young adults is not well understood. This study examined connections between self-compassion, planned physical activity and intrinsic exercise motivations in 386 adults aged 18-39 (Mage = 27.54; SD = 5.58). Path analysis and serial mediation analysis revealed positive associations between self-compassion, planned physical activity, body appreciation and positive well-being, with notable sex differences. In men, self-compassion was linked to planned physical activity through intrinsic exercise motivations, which improved positive well-being via body appreciation. For women, planned physical activity indirectly influenced positive well-being through body appreciation. These findings underscore the importance of integrating sex-specific factors into health psychology interventions aimed at promoting positive body image. They also suggest avenues for future research to enhance well-being through targeted self-compassion and physical activity strategies.

Self-Management in Children and Adolescents With Chronic Illness: An Evolutionary Analysis of the Concept.

To increase conceptual clarity regarding the self-management of school-age children and adolescents with chronic illnesses in a community context. Concept Analysis: Rodgers' evolutionary approach. Search conducted in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, Nursing and Allied Health Collection, Academic Search Complete, Cochrane, Web of Science, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Scopus, Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence Synthesis. Thirty-one articles were identified, published between 2004 and 2023. Followed the Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research guidelines-Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020. Self-management in children and adolescents with chronic illness, in school age, in a community context, consists of a process of acquiring knowledge and beliefs that promote the self-efficacy of this population in developing skills to face needs inherent to the health condition. Promoting self-management goes beyond simply educating for skill acquisition. Participants with stronger beliefs in their ability to control their behaviours are more successful in self-management. The activation of resources that position the child as an agent of change is recommended. It contributes to the development of strategies that promote self-management across different healthcare disciplines, focusing on education and change, but also on psychological encouragement to foster confidence in change. Competent self-management during childhood promotes autonomy, empowerment, and control of the condition, with consequent physical and emotional well-being, quality of life, family stability, and social development. There was no direct contribution from patients or the public in this work (literature review).

Nursing Students’ Perceptions about Perinatal Mental Health Issues

The mental health of women in the perinatal period is the focus of attention around the world. Many studies emphasize the problems that women experience during pregnancy or after childbirth, also focusing on mental health problems. In this context, the attention towards the woman, both during pregnancy and after birth, should be very great, especially from the health professionals. The paper aims to explore the perception of students enrolled in the professional master’s study program in Health Psychology at "Luigj Gurakuqi" University, Shkodër, Albania regarding their knowledge of perinatal mental health problems, and their ability to identify and managing these problems. Nursing students have high levels of awareness related to perinatal mental health issues. Their perceptions of their knowledge regarding perinatal mental health issues, as well as their confidence in identifying and in managing them, is positive. Students believe that they have the appropriate skills to assess and care for women with mental health problems, both during pregnancy and after, but, also, they need further training to improve their skills. It is necessary to carry out more extensive studies on this topic in our country to shed light on the Albanian reality. Also, it is necessary to revise the curricula, especially in general nursing education program, and to provide training for nurses on the problems of perinatal mental health issues. Keywords: perinatal mental health, awareness issues, curricula revision

Introducing the Health Psychology and Health & Wellbeing sections of Health Interactions

Introducing the Health Psychology and Health & Wellbeing sections of Health Interactions

Development and Pilot Implementation of a Theory-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Protocol for Adults With Chronic Cognitive Complaints After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

The aim of this study was to describe the development of and pilot feasibility outcomes for a strategy-based, brief, intensive cognitive rehabilitation intervention delivered to U.S. service members and veterans with mild traumatic brain injury in a recently completed 3-year pragmatic clinical trial: Symptom-Targeted Approach to Rehabilitation for Concussion (STAR-C). To develop STAR-C, we used the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System to identify core elements and principles from a previous randomized clinical trial of cognitive rehabilitation, and incorporated principles of neuroplasticity (e.g., high-dose spaced practice of personally meaningful tasks), best clinical practices (e.g., client-centered goal setting), health psychology (e.g., a focus on self-efficacy and motivation), and community-based participation research (e.g., the protocol was co-designed by clinicians and researchers). Treatment was based on a resource-allocation theory of everyday cognitive challenges, which predicted that automatic strategy use would reduce cognitive demands of everyday activities and therefore reduce cognitive symptoms. Treatment was delivered by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and occupational therapists (OTs), using a protocol that included a problem-focused intake questionnaire, manualized treatment, and clinician resources. Therapy was delivered individually in six to 10 virtual or in-person sessions over 3-4 weeks. Therapy focused on desired changes in function, scaled using Goal Attainment Scaling. Trained SLPs and OTs delivered STAR-C to 53 U.S. service members and veterans, with treatment fidelity > 95%. Participants and clinicians rated STAR-C as acceptable, feasible, and appropriate, and most participants attained and maintained targets. STAR-C appears to be a feasible method for improving everyday cognitive performance and efficacy should be tested in a controlled study. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.28222613.

Mapping the regional and remote specialised mental health workforce: Commentary on the AIHW data for 2022-2023.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare publishes statistical indicator reports on the specialised mental health workforce. These include data for 2022-2023 on psychiatrists, mental health nurses, mental health occupational therapists, psychologists and mental health social workers. We provide a brief commentary on these reports, reflecting upon the implications of such changes for psychiatric practice and patient care. Overall, there are fewer mental health workers with increasing distance from urban centres. There are insufficient rural psychiatrists with the NT and Queensland having higher rates per 100,000 in outer regional and remote areas. Psychologists and mental health nurses have the highest rates per 100,000 in rural areas. Though low in absolute rates per 100,000, mental health social workers are better distributed in rural compared to urban areas. Further data on public, private and non-governmental sector employment would be useful.

The Need for Controllability and Predictability questionnaire (NCP-q): psychometric properties and preliminary findings in a clinical sample

BackgroundGiven the importance of the need for controllability and predictability in the broad field of health psychology, a high-quality measurement tool for these constructs is required.Participants and procedureThe objective of our study was to validate the Need for Controllability and Predictability questionnaire (NCP-q), which is a 15-item self-report measure that assesses an individual’s need for controllability and predictability. In study 1, an explora-tory (n = 464) and confirmatory (n = 304) factor analysis was performed in two student convenience samples. In study 2, NCP-q data of patients with panic disorder (n = 34), stress related syndromes (overstrain, n = 33; burnout, n = 39), func-tional somatic syndromes (fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome, n = 34), and healthy controls (n = 30) were com-pared.ResultsThe results from study 1 suggest that the NCP-q should be used as a one-dimensional instrument. The NCP-q has excellent internal consistency and an acceptable four-week test-retest reliability. Convergent validity was demonstrated. Study 2 re-vealed significantly higher NCP-q scores for all patient groups compared to healthy controls, but no differences between patient groups.ConclusionsA higher self-reported need for controllability and predictability can be seen as a transdiagnostic underlying mechanism of different patient groups characterized by experiencing physical symptoms in daily life. The NCP-q can be used as a reliable, concise, and clinically relevant research tool and may contribute to identifying relevant underlying mechanisms in different patient samples.

ME patient experiences: Sampling bias limits the external validity of findings.

In a recent paper in Journal of Health Psychology, Kielland et al. present a study with the first objective of documenting how helpful or unhelpful persons with ME perceive common services and interventions. The authors recruited participants by respondent driven sampling, a method that aims to produce estimates that correct for sampling bias. However, we argue that the main assumptions of the method are not met, and that the results of the study thus cannot be generalised to the intended target population.

UNDERSTANDING LIVED EXPERIENCES THROUGH AN INCLUSIVE LENS OF INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS (IPA) AND INTERPRETATIVE POETICS (IP)

The paper describes the inclusivity of two methodological approaches, applied in PhD study, completed in 2021. The study combined Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and elements of Interpretive Poetics (IP). The focus of the study was understanding the live experiences of educated professionals from selected. African countries, living in Finland. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten participants, five females and five males from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Zambia and Ghana. At the time of the study, they were employed by Finnish companies. The data was analyzed by adopting phenomenological analytical tools and elements of interpretative poetics (IP). By incorporating elements of IP into IPA, the study created an additional analytical perspective within IPA, thus enriching it as a methodology. Adopting this additional narrative tool (IP) within IPA demonstrated that IPA can be successfully utilized by researchers from outside such fields as psychology, health psychology and medicine, where IPA is adopted. It further showed that experiences other than those connected to illness and health can be successfully investigated. It proved of value in this cross-cultural study, where a close analysis of the spoken words at the textual level, reinforced and confirmed the findings of the phenomenological (IPA) analysis, thus providing additional validity to the findings. The findings of IPA correlated and were supported by the findings of IP analysis. The identified personal experiential statements (PETs), were clearly expressed through the form of address, as divided. The story threads added a deeper layer to the meaning of the PETs. The sensemaking of lived experiences in the host culture was deeply rooted in and influenced by the values of the native cultures of the participants.

Internet addiction affects college students' intuitive eating over physical activity: Evidence from multiple studies.

Intuitive eating is a key focus in health psychology and has been closely linked to negative emotions, particularly among college students. A study examining the protective and risk factors influencing students' intuitive eating could be valuable in helping them manage their weight and improve their emotional well-being. We therefore examined the effects of physical activity and internet addiction. A total of two studies were conducted: a questionnaire survey and an ecological transient assessment. Ultimately, we found that physical activity did not influence students' intuitive eating. However, we found that internet addiction negatively influenced college students' intuitive eating, both in terms of immediate and short-term delayed effects. Using multiple studies, we found that physical activity was not a predictor of intuitive eating and that internet addiction had both immediate and short-term delayed effects on intuitive eating. Furthermore, there was no interaction effect between the two.

Characteristics of refractory disease and persistent symptoms in inflammatory arthritis: Qualitative framework analysis of interviews with patients and health care professionals.

This study aims to explore patients' and clinicians' understanding and experiences of refractory disease (RD) and persistent physical and emotional symptoms (PPES) in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA), namely rheumatoid arthritis or polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis from their perspectives through interviews and/or focus groups. A qualitative study was conducted, following a pragmatic epistemology approach with framework analysis employed. Semi-structured interviews or focus groups with IA patients (n = 25) and multi-disciplinary rheumatology HCPs (n = 32) were conducted at one time point to obtain participants respective understanding and experiences of managing RD/PPES, and its impact on the patient-professional relationship. Three key themes were identified from both patients and professionals' experiences of RD/PPES: (1) relevant treatment experiences, (2) symptoms (with or without inflammation) and (3) impact: physical, psychological and social. These themes included 28 specific categories that would be considered as components characterizing RD/PPES, most common to both patients and HCPs with six being patient-specific and only one HCP-specific. The specific biopsychosocial symptoms and impacts of RD/PPES pertain to pain, fatigue, stiffness, joint involvement and physical, psychological and social functioning and quality of life, covering disease-related distress, mobility and independence. Wider influential factors such as comorbidities, non-adherence, health/medication beliefs and behaviours and social support were also identified. Common persistent symptoms that have both mental and physical impact characterize RD/PPES in IA and therefore a more integrated holistic approach to treatment is needed from multi-disciplinary HCPs, including health psychologists.

Supporting General Practitioners and people with hypertension to maximise medication use to control blood pressure: the contribution of Collective Intelligence to the development of the ‘Maximising Adherence, Minimising Inertia’ (MIAMI) intervention

ABSTRACT Background: Hypertension remains one of the most important modifiable risk factors for stroke and heart disease. Anti-hypertensive medications are effective, but are often not used to maximum benefit. Sub-optimal dosing by prescribers and challenges with medication-taking for patients remain barriers to effective blood pressure control. Objectives: We aimed to systematically develop a theory-based complex intervention to support General Practitioners (GPs) and people with hypertension to maximise medication use to control blood pressure. Methods: We used the three-phase Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) as the overarching intervention development framework. Collective Intelligence methodology was used to operationalise the stakeholder input to Phases 2 and 3 of the BCW. This took the form of a Collective Intelligence workshop with 19 stakeholders from diverse backgrounds including lived experience, general practice, nursing, pharmacy and health psychology. Techniques such as barrier identification, idea-writing and scenario-based design were used to generate possible intervention options. Intervention options were then selected and refined using the Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Side-effects and Equity (APEASE) criteria and guidance from the MIAMI Public and Patient Involvement Panel. Results: The finalised MIAMI intervention consists of both GP and patient supports. GP supports include a 30-minute online training, information booklet and consultation guide (drop-down menu) embedded within the patient electronic health system. Patient supports include a pre-consultation plan, website, and a structured GP consultation with results from an Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor and urine chemical adherence test. The intervention components have been mapped to the intervention functions of the BCW and Behaviour Change Technique Ontology. Conclusion: Collective Intelligence offered a novel method to operationalise stakeholder input to Phases 2 and 3 of the BCW. The MIAMI intervention is now at pilot evaluation stage.

Psikologi Organisasi dan Aspek Kejiwaan dalam Belajar Mengajar dalam Perspektif Hadits

Organizational psychology and psychological aspects in the teaching and learning process play a crucial role in creating a productive and effective environment, both in organizational and educational contexts. Organizational psychology focuses on individual behavior within organizations and how interactions among individuals affect collective performance. In the world of education, psychological aspects are used to evaluate important characteristics such as intelligence, personality, interests, and academic achievements. This research explores the relationship between organizational psychology principles and spirituality from the perspective of the hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The first hadith reveals about motivation in an organization, where someone can participate out of fear or love, while the second hadith emphasizes the importance of choosing the right time and conditions in the learning process to avoid boredom. This research aims to explore how the hadith perspective related to organizational psychology and spirituality can be applied to improve quality and effectiveness in organizations and education. Using a qualitative approach and literature study methods, this research analyzes hadith texts and relevant literature in organizational psychology and education. Data is analyzed through a content and interpretative approach to explore the relevance of psychological principles in this context. The research results are expected to provide new insights into the application of organizational psychology and mental health in improving learning effectiveness and performance in educational organizations

THE VA GERIATRIC SCHOLARS PROGRAM IMPACT ON CLINICAL INNOVATIONS: QI COMPONENT IMPACTS OVER THE PAST DECADE

Abstract Since 2009 one of the key components of the Geriatric Scholars Program (GSP) has been the Quality Improvement Workshop and Practicum, offering the fundamentals of improvement science to scholars and guidance through real-time improvement projects within rural clinical settings. The GSP has offered this component to a wide range of providers, starting in 2009 with prescribing providers and pharmacists, expanding to an interprofessional consortium including the initial professions as well as social work, psychiatry, psychology, and functional therapists and assistants. Impact on the aging Veteran population is demonstrated through completion of improvement projects at the local level with 79 national presentations completed from 2010 - 2024. This session will explore the evolution of the QI Program over the past decade and how the program has adapted to changes in audience type based on clinical training, presentation format for the workshop material, and impact on project topic and completion rates over time. Improvement projects throughout the years and their impact on the national push for High Reliability Organization (HRO) status will also be discussed.

Examining the Relationship Between Burnout and Specific Self-Care Practices in Mental Health Professionals in Pakistan

This study is based on burnout and self-care practices of mental health professionals. Mental health professionals are working in an environment where they provide one-sided care, in which they have to give empathy, compassion, and care without getting it in return from the clients. This one-way connection requires lots of energy and effort, increasing the risk of stress and burnout, resulting in disturbed emotional and physical health. A mental health professional’s disturbed health can lead to compromised client therapy outcomes. Subsequently, self-care is considered to be an essential tool to minimize negative consequences, and it increases positive outcomes and improves quality of life. The objective of the study is to assess the relationship between burnout and six domains of self-care (physical self-care, psychological, emotional, spiritual, workplace, and balance). It is a cross-sectional, survey design research. Participants included in the study are practicing mental health professionals, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Around 385 participants were included in the study from all over Pakistan. Results of the study indicate a significant relationship between burnout and self-care.