Model Of Psychological Health Research Articles

Gender Differences in the Organizational Structure of the Rational/Irrational Beliefs in Depressive Symptoms

We conduct a cross-sectional study to examine gender differences in the organizational structure of irrational/rational beliefs in the symptoms of depression in a sample of undergraduate students (N = 476). The findings suggest that the psychological distress and health models of REBT are valid for both genders. The demandingness, as the primary irrational belief process, indirectly predicts depressive symptoms through the secondary irrational belief process (awfulizing) for both males and females. However, there are some gender differences. Frustration intolerance has a unique contribution to the symptoms of depressive for males, while global evaluation of self plays a vital role in the relationship between demandingness and depressive symptoms for females. Regarding the psychological health model, findings suggest that the primary rational belief process (preference) predicts the symptoms of depression through secondary rational belief processes (non-awfulizing) for both genders. However, unconditional self-acceptance beliefs play a significant role in this relationship only for women. Furthermore, current findings suggest that the indirect predictive effect of demandingness on the symptoms of depression via global evaluation of self and awfulizing beliefs differs depending on the level of non-awfulizing and unconditional self-acceptance beliefs for women. Non-awfulizing beliefs function as a protective factor against the indirect predictive effect of demandingness on depressive symptoms via awfulizing beliefs for the total sample. We discussed the potential theoretical and clinical implications in detail.

Rational beliefs, happiness and optimism: An empirical assessment of REBT's model of psychological health.

This study sought to test the validity of the psychological health model of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT). Specifically, this study sought to investigate if rational beliefs were associated with happiness and optimism. A multinational sample of 397 university students completed self-report measures of rational beliefs, happiness and optimism. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used in order to test the validity of the REBT model of psychological health. The result of the SEM analysis provided empirical support for REBT's psychological health model of happiness and optimism. The model as a whole explained 33% of variance in levels of happiness and 40% of variance in levels of optimism. Self-acceptance beliefs were positively and directly associated with happiness and optimism. Preference beliefs were positively and indirectly associated with happiness and optimism via self-acceptance beliefs. REBT may offer a viable psychotherapeutic method to not only alleviate psychological distress, but also build positive emotion. Current findings may help to bridge the divide between the fields of positive psychology and clinical psychology.

Can the REBT theory explain loneliness? Theoretical and clinical applications

Loneliness is a common psychological experience affecting a significant minority of the general population. Loneliness may in part be related to the existence of dysfunctional cognitive evaluations. To date, however, loneliness has yet to be explicitly assessed within a cognitive-behavioural theoretical framework. The current study sought to determine the association between negative cognitions, within the context of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), and the experience of loneliness. A multinational sample of university students (n = 397) completed self-report assessments of rational and irrational beliefs, and loneliness. Structural equation modelling results found that the REBT model of psychopathology, and the REBT model of psychological health, provided satisfactory representations of loneliness, explaining 36% and 23% of variance in loneliness, respectively. Several dysfunctional (“Demandingness”, “Catastrophising” and “Self-Downing” beliefs) and functional (“Preferences” and “Self-Acceptance” beliefs) cognitions were directly and indirectly associated with loneliness. These results highlight that cognitions and loneliness are meaningfully related, and indicate that cognitive-behavioural models may be useful in understanding loneliness. More specifically, current results suggest that REBT may offer a viable psychotherapeutic approach to treating loneliness.

A Measure and Model of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace that Reflects Canada's National Standard

AbstractTo monitor workplace factors associated with well‐being and performance in the Department of National Defence, and embodying departmental efforts to create and maintain a healthy workplace, we assembled a comprehensive and psychometrically sound survey battery that reflects Canada's national standard for psychological health and safety. Moreover, for testing and understanding the relationships among the survey variables and national standard factors, we applied an evidence‐based framework to build a conceptual psychological health and safety model. In this article, we introduce our survey and model to other organizations and the wider academic community, we provide some preliminary support for the pattern of results illustrated in our climate profiles, and we discuss our future research agenda to address current limitations. © 2018 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of National Defence.

Predicting Athletes' Pre-Exercise Fluid Intake: A Theoretical Integration Approach.

Pre-exercise fluid intake is an important healthy behavior for maintaining athletes’ sports performances and health. However, athletes’ behavioral adherence to fluid intake and its underlying psychological mechanisms have not been investigated. This prospective study aimed to use a health psychology model that integrates the self-determination theory and the theory of planned behavior for understanding pre-exercise fluid intake among athletes. Participants (n = 179) were athletes from college sport teams who completed surveys at two time points. Baseline (Time 1) assessment comprised psychological variables of the integrated model (i.e., autonomous and controlled motivation, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention) and fluid intake (i.e., behavior) was measured prospectively at one month (Time 2). Path analysis showed that the positive association between autonomous motivation and intention was mediated by subjective norm and perceived behavioral control. Controlled motivation positively predicted the subjective norm. Intentions positively predicted pre-exercise fluid intake behavior. Overall, the pattern of results was generally consistent with the integrated model, and it was suggested that athletes’ pre-exercise fluid intake behaviors were associated with the motivational and social cognitive factors of the model. The research findings could be informative for coaches and sport scientists to promote athletes’ pre-exercise fluid intake behaviors.

Barriers to the adoption of humane dog training methods

Abstract The use of aversive dog training methods is associated with risks to animal welfare, yet most dog owners continue to use positive punishment and negative reinforcement at least some of the time. This study reviews the barriers to the adoption of humane dog training methods by the general public. Lack of knowledge of the welfare risks, the poor quality of much information available to dog owners (should they seek it out), lack of regulation of dog trainers, and theoretical and practical knowledge of dog training will all affect people's choice of method. The differing positions of animal behavior and veterinary organizations and dog trainers may contribute to the idea that there is a lack of consensus on appropriate methods. The reasoned action approach, which is one of the most extensively tested models in health promotion and psychology, is a promising way of understanding people's intentions and likelihood of using humane dog training methods. Suggestions for future research include developing an understanding of how perceived social norms link to dog training behavior and the best ways to teach humane dog training methods.

A meta‐analysis of the relationship between rational beliefs and psychological distress

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) model of psychological health assumes that rational beliefs cause functional emotions and adaptive behavior, but the presumed role of rational beliefs as protective factor against psychological distress/disorders is still in debate. An important step in validating an evidence-based therapy is to investigate the underling theoretical assumptions. Thus, the aim of the present meta-analysis is to investigate the direction and magnitude of the relationship between rational beliefs and psychological distress. Our search identified 26 studies that met our criteria. We evaluated the effect size using the random-effects model and we tested the moderator role of several variables. The overall results revealed a medium negative association between rational beliefs and psychological distress, r=-0.31. The strongest association was found for unconditional acceptance beliefs (r = -0.41). The results add empirical evidence for the underling theory of REBT and revealed that the strength of the association between rational beliefs and distress is robust for a wide range of emotional problems. Therefore, rational beliefs could be a trans-diagnostic protective factor against distress. Moreover, results emphasized that rational beliefs type is an important factor, suggesting an increased focus in therapy on the developing of unconditional acceptance and self-acceptance beliefs.

Testing the team identification–social psychological health model: Mediational relationships among team identification, sport fandom, sense of belonging, and meaning in life.

Testing the team identification–social psychological health model: Mediational relationships among team identification, sport fandom, sense of belonging, and meaning in life.

An Empirical Assessment of REBT Models of Psychopathology and Psychological Health in the Prediction of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms.

This study aimed to assess the validity of two models which integrate the cognitive (satisfaction with life) and affective (symptoms of anxiety and depression) aspects of subjective well-being within the framework of rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) theory; specifically REBT's theory of psychopathology and theory of psychological health. 397 Irish and Northern Irish undergraduate students completed measures of rational/irrational beliefs, satisfaction with life, and anxiety/depression symptoms. Structural equation modelling techniques were used in order to test our hypothesis within a cross-sectional design. REBT's theory of psychopathology (χ2 = 373.78, d.f. = 163, p < .001; comparative fit index (CFI) = .92; Tucker Lewis index (TLI) = .91; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .06 (95% CI = .05 to .07); standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = .07) and psychological health (χ2 = 371.89, d.f. = 181, p < .001; CFI = .93; TLI = .92; RMSEA = .05 (95% CI = .04 to .06); SRMR = .06) provided acceptable fit of the data. Moreover, the psychopathology model explained 34% of variance in levels of anxiety/depression, while the psychological health model explained 33% of variance. This study provides important findings linking the fields of clinical and positive psychology within a comprehensible framework for both researchers and clinicians. Findings are discussed in relation to the possibility of more effective interventions, incorporating and targeting not only negative outcomes, but also positive concepts within the same model.

The application of health psychology theory to hearing loss research

Hearing loss (HL) is a widespread condition that can impair daily functioning, including communication and social participation. The last decade has seen an increase in the utilisation of health psychology theory to investigate the health-related behaviours of individuals with HL. There has been particular interest in the issue of individuals with HL under-using or not using hearing aids. This discussion paper examines several key HL research studies that have employed health psychology theories and models, such as the health belief model and the theory of planned behaviour. The paper concludes by exploring avenues for future research in this field.

The value of the theoretical framework of candidacy in exploring access and experiences of healthcare services

Qualitative investigations of lived experience of illness and concurrent experiences of healthcare service use are a key topic for health psychology. Theories investigating access and utilisation of services are often either too reductionist to account for all relevant aspects, or too complex to pragmatically apply. In addition, theories based on structural factors such as service availability may overlook crucial psychological and sociological factors. Theories which view formal entry into healthcare services as the initial point of healthcare use risk overlooking crucial healthcare decisions. Similarly, theories which focus solely on the role of either service–users or healthcare professionals in healthcare use may obscure the importance and context of synergistic decisions. The theoretical framework of candidacy can address a variety of access and utilisation factors from varying conceptual backgrounds and identify practical targets for intervention within healthcare services. This article outlines the value and explanatory potential of this framework for research investigating access and lived experiences of healthcare services, provides a brief critique of its relevance to two classic health psychology models (namely illness representations and transtheoretical stages of change) and suggests future directions for research.

Examining Sport Team Identification, Social Connections, and Social Well-being among High School Students

Past research has found that sport team identification is positively correlated with social psychological health (Phua, 2012; Wann &amp; Weaver, 2009) including work testing adolescent fans (Wann, Brasher, Thomas, &amp; Scheuchner, in press). The current study was designed to extend previous investigations by examining the relationship between team identification and the establishment and maintenance of social connections. Data from 177 high school students confirmed expectations as identification with a high school football team was positively correlated with both social well-being and social connections. However, social connections were not found to mediate the relationship between identification and well-being, contrary to the team identification – social psychological health model (Wann, 2006b).

Exploring the influence of culture on hearing help-seeking and hearing-aid uptake

Objective: The purpose of this paper was to highlight the importance of cultural influence in understanding hearing-help seeking and hearing-aid uptake. Design: Information on audiological services in different countries and ‘theories related to cross-culture’ is presented, followed by a general discussion. Study sample: Twenty-seven relevant literature reviews on hearing impairment, cross-cultural studies, and the health psychology model and others as secondary resources. Results: Despite the adverse consequences of hearing impairment and the significant potential benefits of audiological rehabilitation, only a small number of those with hearing impairment seek professional help and take up appropriate rehabilitation. Therefore, hearing help-seeking and hearing-aid uptake has recently become the hot topic for clinicians and researchers. Previous research has identified many contributing factors for hearing help-seeking with self-reported hearing disability being one of the main factors. Although significant differences in help-seeking and hearing-aid adoption rates have been reported across countries in population studies, limited literature on the influence of cross-cultural factors in this area calls for an immediate need for research. Conclusions: This paper highlights the importance of psychological models and cross-cultural research in the area of hearing help-seeking and hearing-aid uptake, and consequently some directions for future research are proposed.

Rational Beliefs as Cognitive Protective Factors Against Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

The current study investigated the predictions of rational emotive behaviour therapy’s (REBT) model of psychological health that rational beliefs would act as cognitive protective factors against posttraumatic stress responses. The study aimed to contribute original data regarding the role of functional cognitions in the prevention of posttraumatic stress symptomology. A model consistent with REBT’s theory of psychological health was investigated through the use of structural equation modelling among a sample of 309 international emergency service personnel who had all been exposed to a significant life trauma. Results indicated that the REBT model of posttraumatic stress responses was found to be an acceptable fit of the data (χ2 = 199.99, df = 94, p < .001; RMSEA = .06 (CI 90 % = .05/.08); SRMR = .05; CFI = .93; TLI = .91) and explained 76 % of variance in posttraumatic stress symptoms. Self-acceptance beliefs and high frustration tolerance beliefs negatively predicted posttraumatic stress responses; non-catastrophizing beliefs positively predicted posttraumatic stress responses; and indirect effects were observed between preference beliefs and posttraumatic stress responses via self-acceptance and high frustration tolerance beliefs. Results suggest that rational beliefs are negatively associated with posttraumatic stress responses and support the REBT model of psychological health. Current results contribute important information regarding the role of functional cognitions in the alleviation of posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Verification of a Predictive Model of Psychological Health at Work in Canada and France

The purpose of this study was to test the invariance of a predictive model of psychological health at work (PHW) in Canada and France. The model a) defines PHW as an integrative second-order variable (low distress, high well-being) and b) includes three categories of PHW inductors (job demands, personal resources and social-organizational resources) and one psychological intermediate variable (needs satisfaction) that were found to be directly or indirectly related to PHW in a previous study on a sample of French teachers (Boudrias, Desrumaux, Gaudreau, Nelson, Savoie and Brunet, 2011). To test if this model is invariant across countries, these data from French teachers ( N = 391) were reanalyzed and compared with data from a sample of Canadian teachers ( N = 480) who completed the same set of questionnaires. Results from structural equation modeling analyses indicated that the model is completely invariant across the two samples. Therefore, pathways to PHW appeared to generalize across these samples of teachers without the addition of other cultural variables. This PHW model suggests that personal resources exert considerable influence directly and indirectly on psychological health through multiple mediators. Research implications and study limitations are discussed.

Psychological technologies of improvement of students’ health as a component of forming anti-extremist attitudes in the youth environment

The article deals with the potential of the application of health-improving psychological technologies to forming anti-extremist tolerant attitudes in the youth environment. In the article the author analyzes problems of psychological health of university students in their interrelation with problems of tolerance and extremism in the youth environment. The author brings forward a three-level model of psychological health of students and describes its specific parameters and integral indices. The results of the monitoring of psychological health of students of various departments of Southern Federal University (SFedU) (573 respondents) are adduced; the revealed factorial structures in subgroups of male and female students and their qualitative psychological characteristics are described. The author suggests his own classification of psychological health-improving technologies and a scheme of health-improving work in the university on the basis of the offered three-level model of psychological health.

Modeling the experience of psychological health at work: The role of personal resources, social-organizational resources, and job demands.

This study tested a model of psychological health in the workplace. Psychological health is conceptualized as an integrative variable covering both positive (well-being) and negative (distress) health symptoms. Based on complementary theories and scientific evidence, three categories of psychological health predictors were identified and organized in an integrated model: job demands, social‐organizational resources (supportive climate, procedural and distributive justice), and personal resources (optimism and resilience). The model hypothesized direct and indirect effects of predictors on psychological health through the satisfaction of individuals’ basic needs and based on predictors’ interplay. Structural equation modeling performed on cross-sectional data collected from 391 teachers lent support to the hypothesized model. Results suggested that personal resources exert important direct and indirect influences on psychological health through multiple mediators. Research implications and study limitations are discussed.

Applying the Team Identification—Social Psychological Health Model to Older Sport Fans

According to the Team Identification-Social Psychological Health Model (Wann, 2006b), team identification and social psychological health should be positively correlated because identification leads to important social connections which, in turn, facilitate well-being. Although past research substantiates the hypothesized positive relationship between team identification and well-being, earlier studies focused solely on college student populations. The current study extended past work in this area by investigating the team identification/well-being relationship among older sport fans. A sample of older adults (N = 96; M age = 70.82) completed scales assessing demographics, identification with a local college basketball team, and measures of social psychological well-being. As hypothesized, team identification accounted for a significant proportion of unique variance in two measures of social psychological health (collective self-esteem and loneliness).

The team identification–social psychological health model: Sport fans gaining connections to others via sport team identification.

Previous work has consistently found positive relationships between levels of sport team identification and social psychological well-being. According to the Team Identification‐Social Psychological Health Model, these effects result from the increased social connections fans generate through their interest in the team. The current pair of investigations was designed to test the hypotheses that (1) team identification is positively related to social well-being and (2) team identification is positively related to social connections. In addition, the interrelationships among the variables were investigated (i.e., tests for mediation and moderation). In Study 1, a sample of 161 college students completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, identification with a local team, connections gained by following the team, and social well-being. Results indicated that, as expected, team identification was positively related to both well-being and social connections. Subsequent analyses failed to find evidence that social connections mediated or moderated the relationship between team identification and social psychological health. Study 2 (N 199 students from the same university as Study 1) replicated the results of the initial study using a more general measure of social connections (i.e., the Campus Connectedness Scale). Discussion includes the implications for the Team Identification‐Social Psychological Health Model and the directionality between identification and social connections.

Cancer Ward

The novel Cancer ward (Solzhenitsyn, 1968) was used to examine the perceptions that cancer patients hold regarding their illness and its treatment, and how these perceptions relate to theoretical models in health psychology. Excerpts were identified, categorized and interpreted using the Self-Regulation Model of illness. The model's dimensions of illness perceptions were apparent throughout Cancer ward. Patients held specific representations about cancer, many of which are similar to those found today. Analysing a novel on cancer provides insight into patients' embodied experiences and perceptions of cancer and treatment. Incorporating illness perceptions into medical care improves the quality of life of patients.