The impact of collective trauma on mental health psychology practitioners' wellbeing: Insights gained from Covid-19

The meteoric rise in generative AI has created both opportunities and ethical challenges for the mental health disciplines, namely in clinical mental health counseling, psychology, psychiatry, and social work. While these disciplines have been grounded in well-established ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, justice, fidelity, and confidentiality, the exponential ubiquity of AI in society has rendered mental health professionals unsure as to how to navigate ethical decision making in the AI era. The author proposes a preliminary ethical framework which synthesizes the code of ethics of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), which is then organized around five pillars: (i) autonomy and informed consent; (ii) beneficence and non-malfeasance; (iii) confidentiality, privacy, and transparency; (iv) justice, fairness and inclusiveness; and (v) fidelity, professional integrity, and accountability. These pillars are juxtaposed with AI ethical guidelines developed by multinational organizations, governmental and non-governmental entities, and technology corporations. The resulting integrated ethical framework provides a practical cogent structure that mental health professionals can use when navigating this uncharted terrain. A case study based on the proposed ethical framework and strategies that clinical mental professionals can consider prior to incorporating AI into their clinical repertoire are offered. Limitations of the framework and its implications for future research are addressed.

Persons living with chronic disease present with a widearray of emotions. These range from affable andaccepting, action- oriented attitude, to anxious, afraid orapathic, adynamic acceptance of disease. Yet others maybe argumentative and angry, or openly aggressive andantisocial. Increasingly, primary care practitioners alsoencounter ‘pseudo academic’ or hyperaware’ patients,who base their knowledge on non scientific social media.This communication describes the various array ofemotions encountered in chronic diseases such asdiabetes and obesity, and suggests an individualizedapproach to deal with them. keywords: Biopsychosocial model, chronic care,emotional health, mental health psychology,psychosocial aspects

Urological cancers are associated with reduced quality of life and high psychological burden, yet affected patients receive less psychosocial support than other cancer groups. Electronic health literacy (eHL) may facilitate independent access to resources, but its role for psychological outcomes and quality of life in this group is unclear. This study examined associations between eHL, psychological symptoms, and quality of life during transition from inpatient to outpatient care. A prospective, single-centre observational study was conducted. Eligible inpatients (urological cancer, Distress Thermometer ≥5 and/or request for psycho-oncological support) received an initial psycho-oncology consultation and completed surveys during inpatient treatment (T1) and three months later (T2). Measures included socio-demographics, PO-BADO, eHL (eHEALS), distress, depression (PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-2), and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30). Of 108 patients completing T1, 71 completed T2. After controlling for age, eHL was not significantly associated with distress, depression, anxiety, or quality of life. Age did not moderate these relationships. In this sample, eHL showed no significant associations with psychological outcomes or quality of life. However, higher age was linked to lower eHL, suggesting that older patients may face barriers to digital health engagement. Age-related differences in eHL should be considered when designing digital support services for urological cancer patients.

Obituary – Remembering Heinz Walter Krohne, One of the Founders of Health Psychology in Germany

Survivorship bias, the tendency to focus on participants who successfully complete a study while overlooking those who drop out or experience negative outcomes, significantly impacts the validity of psychological research. This systematic review examines the prevalence and consequences of survivorship bias across key domains, including mental health, cognitive aging, epidemiology, resilience, and social psychology. Using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, 20 studies published between 2018 and 2022 were analyzed for their methodologies, findings, and proposed solutions. The findings reveal that survivorship bias skews research outcomes by overestimating treatment effectiveness, underestimating psychological distress, and misrepresenting cognitive decline. In mental health research, studies often exclude individuals with severe psychological distress, leading to an incomplete picture of treatment efficacy. Similarly, cognitive aging studies underestimate dementia risk by focusing on individuals with slower cognitive decline. Epidemiological research on COVID-19 is also affected, with missing data distorting estimates of disease impact and transmission. This review underscores the importance of adopting more inclusive research designs, employing statistical corrections such as intention-to-treat analyses, and improving participant retention strategies. Addressing survivorship bias is critical for ensuring the accuracy and generalizability of psychological research, ultimately leading to more effective clinical and public health interventions.

Health psychology, also known as clinical psychology or behavioral medicine, is a field that studies Physiological, Social and Biological There are several elements that influence health and how they affect, prevent, and encourage sickness. It's a habit that motivates people to make health-conscious choices like working out, Cultural ideas, family ties, and social support networks are examples of model factors. Eating well and being more active can help prevent disease. Biological variables include things like inherited personality traits and genetic illnesses. Psychological influences include things like lifestyle, personality traits, and stress levels. Primary care is psychological patients and families for common physical and mental health problems will experience the full application of knowledge and principles their lives. Research significance: Research in health care for psychopathology is essential for advancing mental health care, improving treatment strategies, promoting early intervention, and reducing societal stigma surrounding mental illness. It lies in its ability to improve Quality of life. Significance of this study that individual’s burden on healthcare systems, and foster a greater understanding of mental health in society. Many individuals with mental health disorders also suffer from physical health problems, and understanding the connections between mental and physical health can lead to better, integrated care approaches. Methodology: A method used for ranking and selection. EDAS (Estimation Alternatives in decision making problems involving multiple conflicting criteria. The process involves evaluating each alternative (treatment or intervention, in the context of psychopathology) based on its performance relative to other alternatives, and then determining which one best meets the desired criteria. Alternative: QH1, QH2, QH3, QH4, QH5 refers to an approach that combines medication and therapy to address mental illness for individuals diagnosed with mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. For example, using antidepressants such as sertraline or fluoxetine along with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) allows for a comprehensive treatment plan. Medication targets neurochemical imbalances, while therapy helps individuals understand and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to their symptoms. This integrated approach has been shown to be effective in improving patients’ emotional and psychological well-being, helping them manage symptoms, and achieving long-term stability. The combination Especially pharmacological and therapeutic treatments beneficial for people experiencing moderate to severe symptoms, as they address both biological and cognitive aspects mental illness. This holistic treatment approach can provide patients with better symptom management and improved quality of life, especially for those who do not respond to holistic treatments. Ongoing monitoring of both medication doses and treatment progress is important for optimal outcomes. Evaluation preference: The parameters of tolerability, Energy efficiency, flexibility and real-time predictability, reliability, integrity, management provide a comprehensive framework for assessing its effectiveness. Tolerability reflects the patient’s ability to handle the treatment without major side effects, while predictability assesses the sustained relief of symptoms. It ensures that benefits are maintained over the long term, while integrity ensures that the treatment focuses on key goals. Energy efficiency assesses the balance between treatment intensity and benefit, and flexibility allows for meeting the needs of the individual patient. Finally, real-time management helps patients manage immediate symptoms and provides ongoing support. If all of these factors are assessed positively, a treatment approach such as can be considered a very effective, well-rounded solution for managing mood disorders. Results: QH5 represents the most effective treatment approach, offering consistent results, long-term benefits, and personalized care that caters to individual patient needs. QH4, however, is considered less effective and has limitations in terms of predictability, tolerance, and long-term results, making it less suitable for patients with more severe symptoms. The ranking highlights the critical importance of selecting the most appropriate treatment option tailored to the patient’s needs, ensuring the best outcomes for their mental health and overall well-being.

IntroductionDespite the high prevalence of chronic low back pain (cLBP), its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Addressing modifiable psychosocial resources and health behaviours such as physical activity offers a promising avenue for reducing the impact of cLBP. Furthermore, although the relationship between physical activity and pain is theorised as a within-person process, previous research has primarily focused on between-person differences. In this article, we present the protocol for the prospective observational study PRIA (Psychologie und Rückengesundheit im Alltag), which is part of a larger interdisciplinary research consortium investigating preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of cLBP. Drawing on theories from health and pain psychology, the outlined study examines the interplay between different dimensions of cLBP and back health, physical activity and their psychosocial determinants within individuals in their everyday lives.Methods and analysisThis prospective longitudinal study combines online questionnaires with ecological momentary assessment of health behaviours, cognitions, affect, social support and pain using a smartphone-based app (movisensXS) and continuous measurement of physical activity by accelerometry (movisens Move 4). Parameters will be recorded at baseline (T0), daily for the following 14 days (five times per day at 09:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00, resulting in up to 70 measurement occasions), 3 and 6 months later (T1 and T2). A total of 230 participants (115 individuals with cLBP and 115 without cLBP) aged 18–64 years will be enrolled. The associations between cLBP and the measured parameters will be examined using multilevel models.Ethics and disseminationThe university’s ethics committee at the MSB Medical School Berlin approved the study on 8 March 2021 (approval number MSB-2021/59, amendment approved on 10 November 2023, amendment number MSB-2023/145). Ethical approval for the FOR 5177 initial screening was granted by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (EA1/058/21). All participants provided written informed consent. The results of this research will be published in peer-reviewed international journals, presented at national and international conferences, and reported to the German Research Foundation.Trial registration numberDRKS00032978.

ObjectivesTo showcase the planning and optimization processes involved in developing a digital behaviour change intervention through the example of a self‐management support tool for young people with acne (‘Acne Care Online’).DesignFollowing Medical Research Council guidance, a theory, evidence, and person‐based approach was employed, drawing on existing evidence, stakeholder expertise, health psychology theory, and qualitative methods to underpin intervention content, structure and functionality.MethodsSystematic reviews of literature concerning acne help‐seeking and treatment adherence, theoretical understandings of health‐related behaviour, guidance from public contributors, and interviews with young people with acne (n = 24), their parents/carers (n = 8) and healthcare professionals (n = 18), informed the intervention's guiding principles and logic model. Draft intervention content was then developed by a multidisciplinary study team including public contributors and health professionals, and optimized through 53 think‐aloud interviews with intended users.ResultsThe development process created Acne Care Online ready for trial evaluation. It also provided insights into self‐management challenges amongst this group – including their reluctance to consult, and misconceptions about treatments that hinder effective management (e.g., using products with no active ingredients, concerns about side effects, and unrealistic expectations). Acne Care Online appeared engaging, informative and relevant, with early feedback from health professionals suggesting it could be integrated into current healthcare practice.ConclusionsThis study provides insights into theory and person‐informed development processes for behaviour change interventions. Here, the acceptability and perceived value of Acne Care Online was evidenced. The work also provides important insights for clinicians managing young people seeking support for acne.

Teaching has become one of the most psychologically demanding professions in the 21st century, particularly within policy-driven education systems. The present study investigates how everyday (quotidian) job stress interacts with intrinsic job appreciation to shape occupational well-being among Indian school teachers. Anchored in Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, the study adopts a sequential explanatory mixed-method design integrating quantitative survey analysis (χ² and p-values) with qualitative thematic interpretation. Findings reveal that moderate job stress coexists with strong intrinsic job appreciation, indicating a complex adaptive process rather than simple burnout. Age emerged as a moderating variable: teachers over 40 reported significantly lower stress than those in the 31–40 range, who experienced heavier administrative and instructional responsibilities. Policy-driven hygiene factors, such as biometric attendance and rigid supervisory protocols, were identified as primary stress inducers. Conversely, intrinsic motivators—such as student progress, self-efficacy, and moral purpose—functioned as psychological buffers sustaining occupational health. The study contributes to occupational health psychology by extending Herzberg’s framework from job satisfaction to stress resilience. It emphasizes that enhancing teacher well-being requires a systemic balance between accountability mechanisms and psychological recognition.

An Islamic Paradigm of Psychology and Mental Health Based on the Quran and the Sunnah: A Literature Review

The use of psychoactive substances among the younger generation has reached a critical level in modern Russian society. The main threat of addictions is the inevitability of the spread of psychoactive substances among the youngest and most vulnerable due to the age characteristics of the development of the population group, the destruction of the human psyche, as well as the lack of protective mechanisms to protect against the effects of drugs. Currently, various institutions, including educational ones, are developing and implementing comprehensive preventive, rehabilitation and psychocorrection programs to counter the use of psychoactive substances. However, the real situation in the country shows that the existing measures are clearly not enough, often they are formal in nature and require new more effective forms of work. Higher educational institutions are no exception, where the work on the prevention of addictions is not systemic in nature, does not cover a sufficient number of students and the most popular form of addiction prevention work is psychodiagnostics and questionnaires about the spread of addictions.To solve this problem, employees of the Department of Communicology and Psychology of Southwestern State University and the Department of Health Psychology and Neuropsychology of Kursk State Medical University systematically study the main forms of addictions among students. The analysis of the results of the latest comprehensive study made it possible to determine the main trends in changing the structure of consumption of harmful substances, as well as the socio-psychological causes of addictions of boys and girls. In the course of studying the problem, the assumption was confirmed that young people with clear life guidelines, the desire to be necessary and useful to society, are not at risk of predisposition to various kinds of addictions.

Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental disorder with a high prevalence rate and a high recurrence rate. Therefore, identifying and intervening in the core symptoms of MDD patients is of great significance. Anhedonia is manifested as an individual losing interest in activities or experiencing a significant decrease in the sense of pleasure, which is one of the two core symptoms of MDD. Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) training refers to the process of stimulating individuals’ hope for positive future scenarios and encouraging them to take purposeful actions, which may have an effect in alleviating anhedonia. However, the perception of anhedonia of MDD patients among Chinese healthcare professionals is still unclear, and there has been no exploration of the views of healthcare professionals regarding the implementation of EFT training for MDD patients led by psychiatric nurses in a clinical setting. Aim: This study aimed to understand the attention paid by Chinese healthcare professionals to the symptom of anhedonia in patients with MDD, as well as their previous coping strategies. This study further explored the views of healthcare professionals regarding the implementation of EFT training for MDD patients led by psychiatric nurses with a psychological therapist certificate in China, as well as suggestions for future implementation. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study adopted a phenomenological approach. Using purposive sampling, 15 healthcare professionals (psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychological counselors) were recruited from the psychiatry department of a public tertiary hospital in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Using the NVivo 12 Plus software, the semi-structured interviews and analyses were conducted by applying Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method. Rigor was ensured through checks of credibility, dependability, and confirmability during data collection and analysis. Results: A thematic analysis revealed that, while psychia-trists and psychological counselors viewed anhedonia as a significant treatment target, nurses were more focused on immediate patient safety concerns. Participants recognized the potential of EFT training to alleviate anhedonia but identified several implementation challenges, including patient resistance, cognitive limitations, and the need for tailored interventions. Conclusions: The research results indicated that psychiatric nurses had relatively poor ability to identify anhedonia. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the awareness of psychiatric nurses regarding the clinical significance of anhedonia, and incorporate knowledge related to anhedonia into routine nursing training. It is suggested that communication and collaboration among psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychological counselors should be strengthened, and an assessment and feedback process for the lack of anhedonia in patients with MDD should be established, so as to assist these patients in achieving faster psychological recovery. Given the sufficient staffing conditions in the field of psychiatry nursing in China, the design concept and curriculum of EFT training for psychiatry nurses with a psychological therapist certificate should be promoted. Encourage psychiatry nurses with a psychological therapist certificate to conduct offline and online group EFT training intervention forms for MDD patients in the hospital wards during their hospitalization periods, as well as after discharge at home.

The article explores the psychological aspects of the impact of traumatic experience on an individual's mental health. It analyzes the mechanisms underlying the development of post-traumatic reactions, including anxiety, depression, adaptation disorders, and somatic symptoms. The role of individual resources, social environment, and psychological support in overcoming the consequences of psychological trauma is defined. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early diagnosis and psychocorrectional interventions to preserve mental well-being under prolonged stress. The research findings can be applied in crisis psychology, psychotherapy, and mental health education programs. The article also investigates the impact of war-related traumatic experience on the mental health of university students under conditions of chronic stress. The sample includes students from two higher education institutions in Vinnytsia region, ensuring an interdisciplinary approach to analyzing psychosomatic manifestations. Based on survey results and medical consultations, two groups were formed: psychosomatically healthy students and those with psychosomatic complaints. The use of psychodiagnostic tools (SCL-90-R, HADS, GHQ-28) revealed high levels of anxiety, depression, somatization, and emotional instability among students prone to psychosomatic disorders, as well as latent stress responses in the conditionally healthy group. Based on the obtained data, a matrix of targeted psychocorrectional strategies was developed, covering key symptoms and corresponding directions of psychological assistance. The matrix is adaptive and suitable for both therapeutic and preventive work within the educational environment. The article also substantiates current trends in psychological support programs in higher education institutions, including the shift toward systemic support, integration of psychoeducation, digitalization of assistance, and trauma-focused approaches. The research results confirm the need for a comprehensive response to the challenges of student mental health during periods of social instability.

Impaired Perceived Health (PH) is frequently encountered in Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD). Health Anxiety (HA) and Psychological Attribution (PA) of symptoms are influential factors in the conversion of poor PH into Somatic Complaints (SC). This study explores the mediating roles of HA and PA in the relationship between PH and SC in SSD while controlling for family history of chronic disease and various demographic factors such as gender, age, education level, income level, and marital status. To better reflect the current DSM-5 SSD diagnosis, participants were recruited from seven different clinics across five health institutions in three major provinces of Turkey (Istanbul, Ankara, and Mersin), rather than only from psychiatric clinics. The cross-sectional study included a total of 314 SSD outpatients: 212 women (67.5%) and 102 men (32.5%), with ages ranging from 18 to 84years (M = 39; SD = 14). The Whiteley Index and Symptom Interpretation Questionnaire, along with a semi-structured form questioning PH, SC, and demographics, were administered to all participants under the supervision of clinicians. Additionally, the Clinician Assessment Form was used as evidence of whether the patients had SSD or not. To check the indirect effect of PH on SC through HA and PA, mediation model 4 (parallel mediation) of the SPSS PROCESS macro was used. There was a significant total indirect effect of PH through HA and PA, b = -.12% CI [-.09,-.18], from which an indirect effect of PH on SC through HA was b = -.08, CI [-.05,-.12], and through PA it equaled b = -.04, CI [-.02,-.07]. The indirect to total effect ratio was .49.

The utility of radiation and radiation therapy to treat patients with cancer is determined by more than just biomedical or physical factors: patient perceptions of radiation influence both uptake of and adherence to radiation therapy. Such perceptions have been represented in various genres of art and are identifiable in novels, poems, music, film and paintings. In this paper, we outline how radiation therapy has been represented in novels, poems, music, film and the visual arts. Adopting a narrative review approach, empirical research on patient perceptions of radiation therapy is briefly summarised, as are studies on behavioural interventions to help patients cope with radiation therapy. The potential applicability of music (music therapy), film (photovoice) and painting (art therapy) in patients having to undergo radiation therapy is briefly considered. Key findings pertain to improving psychological responses to radiation therapy (reduction in anxiety, depression, fatigue), medical outcomes (duration and perceived discomfort) and patient-healthcare provider communication. As health humanities is the overarching paradigm for research and clinical work in this domain, the examination of patient experiences of radiation therapy provides a novel and timely field of research and clinical work in radiation therapy and health psychology.

The growing use of digital technology has changed how young people live, learn, and connect with others. These tools have made communication faster and access to information easier, but their overuse can also lead to what is known as digital overload. This condition often brings feelings of mental fatigue, anxiety, poor concentration, and emotional instability. The present integrative review examines how digital overload affects the mental health of young people by drawing evidence from research in psychology, communication, and public health. Guided by the Health Belief Model, the review explores how beliefs about risk, benefits, and self-control influence young people’s behavior and attitudes toward technology use. The findings show that excessive screen exposure is closely linked with depression, low self-esteem, loneliness, and disturbed sleep. It also reveals that social media contributes to emotional challenges through mechanisms such as social comparison, fear of missing out, and constant exposure to information. In addition, the review highlights the importance of teaching digital literacy, emotional regulation, and mindfulness as ways to protect mental health. The overall findings emphasize the need for balanced, evidence-based approaches that help young people use technology responsibly while maintaining their emotional and psychological well-being. Keywords: digital overload, social media, mental health, youth, Health Belief Model, psychological well-being

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have become a central focus in psychology, psychiatry, and public health due to their profound and lasting impacts on emotional and behavioral well-being. This systematic review examines the association between ACEs and abnormal behavior, emphasizing internalizing outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, alongside externalizing outcomes including aggression, hyperactivity, and antisocial tendencies. Drawing evidence from ninety-eight studies conducted across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Africa, the review pays particular attention to African contexts, where heritage connections, communal belonging, and spiritual practices are integral to trauma recovery. Across diverse settings, findings consistently indicate that the number and severity of ACEs are strongly linked with the emergence of abnormal behavioral patterns. Gender-specific differences were evident, with females exhibiting higher internalizing outcomes and males displaying more externalizing behaviors. In African settings, traditional rituals, spiritual practices, and communal belonging served as key mediators mitigating the long-term impacts of trauma and fostering resilience. The review underscores the urgent need for trauma-informed and culturally sensitive interventions that integrate heritage, spirituality, and community. It highlights critical research gaps, including the scarcity of long-term, heritage-centered, and gender-inclusive studies. By aligning clinical and communal recovery strategies, sustainable pathways can be established to disrupt intergenerational cycles of trauma and nurture resilience within African communities and beyond. Keywords: Adverse childhood experiences; abnormal behavior; trauma recovery; resilience; heritage connections; communal belonging; gender differences; Africa; spirituality; systematic review.

ABSTRACT Minority group psychological therapists experience high indices of microaggressions and discrimination from service users, a lack of protection and inadequate clinical supervision, which negatively impacts therapist wellbeing. There is a lack of research detailing the experiences of LGBTQ+ therapists, and the subsequent impact on personal and professional wellbeing. This research therefore explored the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ psychological therapists, working within professional settings with service users and their professional support systems. Nine participants took part in qualitative interviews or questionnaires. Content analysis was used to analyse the data and five concepts were constructed. A contextual concept of intersectionality and difference was created, alongside four others: societal assumptions, hiding my identity, lonely and ill-equipped, and bringing my whole self therapeutic relationship. Intersectionality and difference framed the experiences of the participants, highlighting the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, and the neccessary sensitivity for understanding the ‘whole’ person. The authors recommend that LGBTQ+ affirmative teaching is embedded in psychological professions training courses to improve cultural awareness, minimise discrimination and create a supportive and safe environment. In addition, LGBTQ+ affirmative clinical supervision is key to providing a reflective space for exploring the interface between personal and professional identities and the impact on clinical practice.

This paper examines ethical challenges in clinical health psychology through a diversity-informed lens, drawing on insights gained from a 2025 panel discussion at the biannual meeting of the Association of Psychologists in Academic Health Centers (APAHC), held at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL. The ethically relevant outcomes from the panel centered on four key domains: (1) ethical practice with diverse patients using organ transplantation as an exemplar, (2) ethical oversight in academic medicine and research, including the roles of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), (3) the implications of grant terminations based on "gender identity" or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) considerations, and (4) the implications of legal challenges to training a health care workforce that represents the populations they will serve. Across these domains, the panel emphasized the importance of advancing ethical practices that address persistent disparities affecting historically underserved communities.