Improve Coping Strategies Research Articles

An intervention to improve coping strategies in adult male prisoners with a history of traumatic brain injury: A pilot randomised clinical trial

Objective: To determine whether a psychological intervention improves coping, post-concussion symptoms and decreases in-prison infractions in adult males with a history of traumatic brain injury. Design: A single centre, randomised, wait-list, pilot study. Setting: A high security prison in New Zealand. Subjects: Fifty-five adult male participants who had experienced at least one traumatic brain injury in their lifetime (mean age 37.29 +/−9.81 years). Intervention: A manualised ten session, in-person, group based combined Cognitive Behavioural Therapy /Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction intervention versus wait list control. Main measures: The Negative Affect Repair Questionnaire and Rivermead Post-concussion Symptom Questionnaire were completed at baseline, post-intervention (five weeks) and at 12 week follow up. In-prison misconduct charges and negative file notes were reviewed for the previous five weeks at each assessment time point. Results: There was an improvement in the use of calming and distraction strategies in the intervention group from baseline (x̄ = 17.38, SD = 3.57) to post-intervention (x̄ = 18.67, SD = 3.84) and 12-week follow up (x̄ = 18.13, SD = 2.63). Participants in the intervention group had significantly higher negative affect repair on the calming and distractive strategies subscale following completion of the intervention, compared to wait-list controls (F = 4.69, P = 0.04) with a moderate effect size (ηp2 = 0.11). Improvements in use of calming and distractive strategies was not sustained at the twelve-week follow-up (F = 0.87, P = 0.36). There was no-significant improvement on other negative affect subscales or for post-concussion symptoms or decrease in-prison infractions. Conclusion: A manualised psychological intervention may have the potential to facilitate the development of positive coping strategies in prisoners with a history of traumatic brain injury.

The day-to-day relationship between self-esteem and depressive mood in Chinese culture

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between self-esteem and depressive symptoms on a day-to-day level in Chinese culture. We employed the daily diary methodology to measure self-esteem and depressive symptoms among college students every day for 14 consecutive days. The sample comprised 278 university students from Taiwan. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory Short Form, and self-esteem with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Data were analyzed with an extension of the first-order vector autoregressive model to determine whether preceding state of self-esteem and depressive symptom severity predicted the subsequent state of the other. The preceding state of depressive symptom severity predicted the subsequent state of self-esteem, with no opposite effect. This may be attributed to cultural factors. In Chinese culture, individuals are encouraged to internalize or suppress depressive symptoms to maintain harmony in interpersonal relationships. Our findings are significant for the development of psychoeducation to improve coping strategies for depressive symptoms among Chinese people.

Diet and physical activity after liver transplant: A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators to following advice.

Liver transplant recipients are given diet and physical activity advice to aid recovery and promote long-term health. The present study aimed to explore patients' experiences of receiving and implementing diet and physical activity advice after liver transplant and identify barriers and facilitators to following recommendations. A qualitative descriptive design included purposive sampling of 13 liver transplant recipients. Semi-structured audio-recorded interviews and inductive thematic analysis using a framework were undertaken concurrently to enable recruitment until saturation of themes occurred. Overall experiences varied between participants and settings, as well as over time. Seven themes emerged, all representing both barriers and facilitators to implementing advice. Poor capability and loss of confidence were barriers that improved in hospital because healthcare professionals enabled participants to set and achieve goals but remained key barriers after discharge from hospital. The format and consistency of advice influenced participants' confidence in the healthcare team. Social support helped participants to return to and implement advice, although social networks could also have a negative influence. Advice and modelling of behaviour from other transplant recipients were facilitators. Symptoms, side effects, comorbidities and the environment presented barriers and facilitators. The desire to return to normal and coping strategies were drivers of behaviours, which were also influenced by participants' beliefs and values. The variation in experiences indicates a need for individually tailored advice that is consistent across the multidisciplinary team. Interventions for behaviour change that merit further investigation include goal setting, improving coping strategies, peer support and modifying the hospital and home environment.

فعالية برنامج إرشادي معرفي سلوکي لتحسين استراتيجيات مواجهة الضغوط النفسية لدى تلاميذ المرحلة الإعدادية ذوي صعوبات التعلم

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى إعداد برنامج إرشادي معرفي سلوکي لتحسين استراتيجيات مواجهة الضغوط النفسية لدى تلاميذ المرحلة الإعدادية ذوي صعوبات التعلم، والکشف عن فعاليته. وقد تکونت عينة الدراسة من (40) تلميذا وتلميذة من ذوي صعوبات التعلم بالصف الثاني بالمرحلة الاعدادية، مقسمين إلى مجموعتين: مجموعة تجريبية وتتضمن (20) تلميذا وتلميذة (10 إناث، و10 ذکور)، ومجموعة ضابطة وتتضمن (20) تلميذا وتلميذة (10 إناث، و10 ذکور)، بمتوسط عمر زمني (13,608) سنة، وانحراف معياري (0,336). واشتملت أدوات الدراسة على: تقديرات الأخصائي النفسي والاجتماعي والمعلمين، ملاحظة الباحثة لأداء التلاميذ في أثناء الحصص، استمارة جمع بيانات التلميذ (إعداد الباحثة)، مقياس المصفوفات المتتابعة المعياري المطور لجون رافن (SPM)، اختبار الفرز العصبي السريع (QNST)، مقياس المستوى الاجتماعي الاقتصادي للأسرة، مقياس استراتيجيات مواجهة الضغوط النفسية لدى ذوي صعوبات التعلم (إعداد الباحثة)، برنامج ارشادي معرفي سلوکي لتحسين استراتيجيات مواجهة الضغوط النفسية (إعداد الباحثة).واستخدمت الباحثة الأساليب الإحصائية التالية: المتوسط الحسابي والانحراف المعياري، اختبار مان-ويتني، واختبار ويلکوکسون، وحجم الأثر (r) للإحصاء اللابارامتري وذلک باستخدام برنامج الحزم الإحصائية للعلوم الاجتماعية SPSS Ver. 21. وأسفرت نتائج الدراسة عن فعالية البرنامج الإرشادي المعرفي السلوکي لتحسين استراتيجيات مواجهة الضغوط النفسية لدى تلاميذ المرحلة الإعدادية ذوي صعوبات التعلم، واستمرار فعاليته بعد فترة من التطبيق. الکلمات المفتاحية: الإرشاد المعرفي السلوکي، الضغوط النفسية، استراتيجيات مواجهة الضغوط النفسية، ذوي صعوبات التعلم، تلاميذ المرحلة الإعدادية. Abstract This research aimed to preparing a cognitive behavioral counseling program to improve coping strategies of psychological stress among preparatory school students with learning disabilities, and identified. The sample of the current research consisted of (40) students with learning disabilities in the second grade of preparatory school, divided into two groups: an experimental group which included (20) students: (10 females, 10 males), and a control group which included (20) students: (10 females, 10 males), average age (13,608 ± 0.336). The research included the following instruments: Psychologists, Social Workers and Teachers’ Assessments, The Researcher's Observation of Students’ Performance during Lessons, Data Collection Form for Students (by: the researcher), The Developed Standard Progressive Matrices scale (SPM) (for: John Raven), Quick Neurological Screening Test (QNST), The Family's Social and Economic Level Scale, Coping Strategies of Psychological Stress Scale for Learning Disabilities Students (by: the researcher) and A Cognitive Behavioral Counseling Program to Improve Coping Strategies of Psychological Stress (by: the researcher). The researcher used the following statistical techniques: Mean, Standard Deviation, the Mann-Whitney test, the Wilcoxon test and the Effect Size (r) for Nonparametric Statistics, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Ver. 21. The research findings revealed the effectiveness of the Cognitive Behavioral Counseling Program to improve coping strategies of psychological stress among preparatory school students with learning disabilities, and its continued effectiveness after a period of application.

Stress management training program for stress reduction and coping improvement in public health nurses: A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the stress management interventional program in reducing occupational stress and improving coping strategies among public health nurses. A double-blind, cluster-randomized approach was used as a randomization method for this study to evaluate the stress management interventional program. A cluster-randomized controlled trial was carried out in eight comprehensive healthcare centres in Amman city, Jordan; four centres were randomly assigned to each experimental and control group. One hundred and seventy nurses were selected randomly from March 2019 - August 2019 and data were collected by using the Nursing Stress Scale & brief COPE over three data collection times. Both descriptive and inferential statistics (repeated measure ANOVA, Independent t test, and chi-squared) were used to answer the research questions of this study. The results showed that both the levels of occupational stress and coping strategies were significantly different between the two study groups over the three data collection points (p<0.05). Based on the findings of this study, the stress management program is an effective non-invasive method that can be used to reduce stress levels and improve coping strategies for public health nurses. The implementation of stress management interventions in health care is likely to help nurses manage occupational stress in practice. Nurses suffer from a high level of occupational stress. In particular, approximately74% of nurses experience severe occupational stress, which can lead to many mental and physical disorders. However, nurses were less able to utilize the correct stress preventive strategies due to gaps in knowledge, skills, and awareness. This study contributed to the provision of empirical evidence of the effectiveness of the stress management program in reducing occupational stress and improving coping strategies among public health nurses. A stress management intervention program is a valuable non-invasive method that can be used by healthcare organizations to reduce stress levels and improve coping strategies for nurses in practice. NCT03833986.

Effects of caregiver dementia training in caregiver-patient dyads: A randomized controlled study.

ObjectivesCaregivers for people with dementia (PWD) have reported needing emotional and social support, improved coping strategies, and better information about the illness and available support services. In this study, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of an Australian multicomponent community‐based training program that we adapted and implemented in a non‐medical Dutch health care setting.Methods and designA randomized controlled trial was performed: 142 dyads of cohabiting caregivers and PwD were randomized to control (care as usual) or intervention (training program) groups and outcomes were compared. Programs lasted 1 week, comprised 14 sessions, and were delivered by specialist staff. We included 16 groups of two to six caregivers. The primary outcome was care‐related quality of life (CarerQol‐7D) at 3 months. The main secondary outcomes for caregivers were self‐rated burden, health and mood symptoms, and for PwD were neuropsychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and agitation.ResultsNo significant difference was observed for the primary outcome. However, caregivers experienced fewer role limitations due to physical function (adjusted mean difference, 13.04; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 3.15‐22.93), emotional function (13.52; 95%CI, 3.76‐23.28), and pain reduction (9.43; 95%CI, 1.00‐17.86). Positive outcomes identified by qualitative analysis included better acceptance and coping and improved knowledge of dementia and available community services and facilities.ConclusionQuantitative analysis showed that the multicomponent course did not affect care‐related quality of life but did have a positive effect on experienced role limitations and pain. Qualitative analysis showed that the course met the needs of participating dyads.

Does physical activity associated with chronic food restriction alleviate anxiety like behaviour, in female mice?

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by excessive weight loss, persistent food restriction and inappropriate physical activity relative to declining energy balance. The comorbidity with depression and/or anxiety disorders might contribute to the “chronicization” of the disease. We aimed here to question first the link between physical activity and anxiety from a clinical investigation of AN patients (n = 206). Then, using a rodent model mimicking numerous physiological and metabolic alterations commonly seen in AN patients, we examined whether 1) chronic food restriction increased anxiety-like behaviour and 2) physical activity plays a role in regulating anxiety levels. To this end, we exposed young female mice to a chronic food restriction (FR, n = 8) paradigm combined or not with access to a running wheel (FRW, n = 8) for two weeks. The mice were compared to a group of mice fed ad libitum without (AL, n = 6) or with running wheel access (ALW, n = 8). We explored anxiety-like behaviour of all mice in the following tests: hyponeophagia, marble burying, elevated plus maze, open field, and the light and dark box. On the last day, we used a restraint test of 30 min duration and measured their stress reactivity by assaying plasma corticosterone. In the open field and the elevated plus-maze, we found that FRW mice behaved similarly to AL and ALW mice whereas FR mice did not express anxiety-like behaviour. The FRW mice displayed the lowest latency to reach the food in the hyponeophagia test. Regarding stress reactivity, FRW mice exhibited corticosterone reactivity after acute stress that was similar to the control mice, while FR mice did not fully return to basal corticosterone at one hour after the restraint stress. Taken together, these data demonstrate a differential reactivity to acute stress in FR conditions and a beneficial effect of running wheel activity in ALW and FRW conditions. Moreover, we report the absence of a typical anxiety-like behaviour associated with the food restriction (FR and FRW groups). We conclude that this model (FR and FRW mice) did not express typical anxiety-like behaviour, but that physical activity linked to food restriction improved coping strategies in an anxiogenic context.

A review of psychosocial interventions targeting families of children with cancer.

Psychosocial interventions in families of children with cancer are considered an effective way of empowering family members to tackle the complex hurdles they face. The ability of parents to develop adaptive coping strategies during the child's treatment is not only important to their own mental and physical health, but also to their child's well-being and long-term adjustment with the disease. The aim of this review was to evaluate the existing literature for the period from 2009 to 2017 on psychosocial interventions targeting families of children with cancer. We searched the PubMed database using the following combination of keywords: "cancer AND children AND (intervention OR training) AND (mothers OR primary caregivers OR parents OR fathers OR siblings)." After careful evaluation of 995 papers, 17 full-text papers were found to match our criteria (12 randomized controlled trials and 5 quasi-experimental studies). The quality of the studies was assessed using the Delphi score questionnaire, and the score of the reviewed studies ranged from 3 to 5. The findings suggest that most interventions reduced distress and improved coping strategies among participants. Interventions, mainly cognitive behavioral therapy and problem-solving skills training targeting maternal distress, were associated with improved adjustment outcomes in mothers of children with cancer. Psychosocial interventions are helpful, and efforts should be made to promote them in a larger scale. Protocols should be implemented to ensure that all parents benefit. Computer-assisted methods may provide additional benefit by improving cancer-related knowledge and cancer-related communication.

Effect of Nursing Guidelines on Coping of Infertile Couples Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Context: Infertility is defined as not being able to conceive after one year of unprotected sex. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process of fertilization where an ovum is combined with sperm outside the body, in vitro. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is psychologically and emotionally stressful. Coping strategies are needed to master, tolerate, reduce, or minimize stressful events.&#x0D; Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nursing guidelines on coping of infertile couples' undergoing In Vitro Fertilization.&#x0D; Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized to achieve the aim of this study. This study conducted at the assisted reproductive technology unit of Ain shams Maternity University Hospital on a convenient sample of 98 couples undergoing fertility treatments. Two tools were used for data collection; the first tool was a structured interviewing questionnaire to assess the couple's socio-demographic data, obstetric history, the couple's knowledge regarding in vitro fertilization. The second tool was ways of coping scale (WQS) to assess coping strategies among the infertile couple.&#x0D; Results: There is no statistically significant difference between couples in both groups according to their knowledge and their coping strategies to IVF before the implementation of nursing guidelines (p&gt; 0.05). In contrast, there is a highly statistically significant improvement in knowledge and coping strategies of couples on the study group compared to control group couples after implementation of nursing guidelines(p&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: The finding of the current study supported the hypothesis, which stated that the infertile couples who will expose to the nursing guidelines, will exhibit improved coping strategies to IVF compared to the controls. The study recommended the application of nursing guidelines at the IVF unit of Ain Shams Maternity University Hospital and other settings for IVF treatment as routine care to improve infertile couples' coping strategies.

Effectiveness of stress management interventional programme on occupational stress for nurses: A systematic review.

The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of stress management interventional programme in reducing occupational stress among nurses. Nursing professionals are placed continuously at the forefront in the area of health care which makes them highly exposed to professional stress. Randomized controlled trial studies (RCTs) were systematically searched in eight different databases for works published in English from 2011 to 2019; inclusion criteria were applied by two reviewers critically and assessed the risk of bias using Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). The systematic search contributed to the extraction of approximately 10 most relevant RCTs. Most of the RCTs considered in this systematic review revealed that the stress reduction interventions and strategies were effective in reducing the levels of occupational stress experienced by nurses. Current review shows that stress management interventional programme tends to be effective, but additional well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm their effectiveness. Implementing stress management interventions within health care organisations are likely to assist nurses in reducing occupational stress and in improving coping strategies used by nurses for dealing with stress.

Perceived stressfulness mediates the effects of subjective social support and negative coping style on suicide risk in Chinese patients with major depressive disorder

BackgroundRisk factors for suicide have been widely investigated in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD); However, far less research has been conducted on protective factors for suicide. MethodsThe diagnosis of MDD and suicide risk were evaluated by the Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Social support and coping behaviors were assessed by the Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS) and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), respectively. Life stressors were captured by the Life Events Scale (LES). Severity of depression was assessed by 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17). Logistic regression analysis and path analyses were used to test the association of protective factors, risk factors, life stress and suicide risk. ResultsPatients with suicide risk showed a significantly lower level of subjective social support (adjusted P < 0.012), a higher level of perceived stressfulness (P < 0.001) and negative coping style (P = 0.008) compared with patients without suicide risk. Path analysis showed that perceived stressfulness can mediate the protective effect of subjective social support and deleterious effect of negative coping style on suicide risk. LimitationsCross-sectional design, and retrospective recall of stressful life events. ConclusionsThis study suggests that subjective social support and negative coping style may be regarded as a protective factor and a risk factor for suicide risk in MDD patients, respectively, and perceived stressfulness mediates their roles in suicide. Further suicide prevention and intervention strategies should focus on increasing individual subjective social support and improving coping strategies to enhance their resilience.

Stigma-related Factors and their Effects on Health-care Workers during COVID-19 Pandemics in Turkey: A Multicenter Study.

Objectives:Infectious diseases–related stigmatization is a common feature in health-care workers (HCWs). This study aims to evaluate the factors associated with stigmas and the effects of stigmatization in HCWs during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods:This study was conducted by an anonymous online survey of 452 actively working HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. All subjects provided informed consent electronically before registration and completed the sociodemographic data form, a questionnaire about COVID-19 pandemics, a COVID-19 stigmatization questionnaire for health-care workers, a hospital anxiety depression scale form (HADS), a psychological well-being scale form, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale short form (WHO-QOL BREF) and Coping Styles Scale brief form (CBSS-BF).Results:Perception of stigma score was significantly higher among HCWs with one or more of the following characteristics: they had worked with patients with COVID-19 (+) but had no specific training related to coronavirus, experienced COVID-19 symptoms themselves, delayed testing due to anxiety, received psychological support during COVID-19 pandemics, suffered from a psychological disorder, or had suicidal thoughts/attempts before or during the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.05). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between the perception of stigmatization score and HAD-S (p<0.05). A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between the perception of the stigmatization score and the Psychological Well-Being Score, CSS-BF problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping, and all subscales of WHOQOL-BRIEF (p<0.05).Conclusion:The findings of our study showed that the negative perception of stigma in HCWs could affect their psychological well-being and life satisfaction. During the pandemic, it is necessary to prevent stigmatizing HCWs and improve coping strategies to protect their mental health and increase their life quality.

Discharge planning, self-management, and community support: Strategies to avoid psychiatric rehospitalisation from a service user perspective

ObjectivePsychiatric rehospitalisation is often seen as a negative outcome in terms of healthcare quality and cost, as well as potentially hindering the process of recovery. The purpose of our study was to explore psychiatric rehospitalisation from a service-user perspective, paying attention to how rehospitalisation can be avoided. MethodEight focus groups, including a total of 55 mental health service users, were conducted in six European countries (Austria, Finland, Italy, Norway, Romania, and Slovenia). The results were analysed using systematic text condensation. ResultsAll participants had been in touch with mental health services for at least one year, and had experienced more than one psychiatric hospitalisation. Participants emphasised the importance of discharge planning and psychoeducation both during and after the hospital stay, as well as the benefits of structured plans, coping strategies, self-monitoring techniques, and close contact with local community services.Social contacts and meaningful activities were also considered to be critical, as was support from peers and family members. ConclusionEfforts to avoid psychiatric rehospitalisation should include actions that support a functional day-to-day life, improve coping strategies, and build on cross-sectoral collaboration. Practice implicationsThe study emphasises the need for psychoeducational and psychosocial interventions, starting already during the inpatient stay.

Ecological momentary assessment in posttraumatic stress disorder and coping. An eHealth study protocol

ABSTRACT Background: It is well known from cross-sectional studies that individual coping strategies significantly influence the pathogenesis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Equally, undisputed is the role of biological processes, e.g. of the so-called ‘stress hormone’ cortisol for the trajectory of PTSD. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA), the repeated collection of self-reported momentary states via smartphones, is ideal for shedding light upon symptom fluctuations and coping strategies. EMA may also constitute a promising approach to provide closer associations to biomarkers than retrospective self-report. The mobile application ‘CoachPTBS’, created to facilitate transition into health-care systems, bridges waiting periods for trauma-specific psychotherapy. CoachPTBS offers tools akin to EMA that could elucidate coping with stress symptoms. Moreover, the app’s self-management tools may improve coping strategies. However, these processes have never been examined in a combined, longitudinal fashion. Objective: The aim of the current study is to assess symptom fluctuations, coping strategies and long-term endocrine correlates of PTSD by a longitudinal, multimodal approach, combining traditional, online and EMA self-report with hair cortisol data and CoachPTBS as a possible novel mHealth tool. Method: 120 participants waiting for PTSD psychotherapy will be randomly grouped. After in-situ assessment and hair sample collection, 40 will receive CoachPTBS, using it daily throughout 4 weeks. A parallel group of 40 will participate in EMA, completing daily questionnaires on symptoms and coping. In between, online surveys will be conducted. After 6 weeks, a final interview and another hair sample collection will follow. Comparisons between these groups and waitlist-control, also consisting of 40 PTSD participants, and 40 non-traumatized participants assessed via EMA regarding aversive emotions and coping are planned. Discussion: Novel insights into the interplay of biological and coping strategies in PTSD are expected due to the innovative multimodal study design. Results will further explore benefits of eHealth tools on coping with PTSD.

A study to Assess the Stress among the Parents of Neonates Admitted in Neonatal Intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: The admission of neonates to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is a stress full experience for parents. Objectives: To assess the level of stress among the parents of neonates admitted in Neonatal Intensive care unit of a ter-tiary care teaching hospital and to determine the association between stress of parents of neonates with selected demo-graphic variables. Material and Methods: A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The sample were 60 parents of neonates admitted in NICU of R. L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre, Kolar. The study participants were selected by using conven-ient sampling technique. The data was collected by using Miles Parental Stress Scale. Results: The overall findings of the study revealed that 76.6% of parents of neonates experienced moderate stress and 23.3% parents expressed mild stress. The stress levels among mothers were more compared to fathers. The level of stress was more in the area of parental role alteration and child appearance and behaviour compared to sights and sounds, illness related factors, financial factors, social factors, and religious factors. The findings also revealed that the stress was more among parents having male child. This study highlights the importance and need of assessing stress among the parents of neonates admitted in NICU. Conclusion: The nurses are primary care givers and educators they should provide adequate information, motivation and counselling to reduce stress and improve coping strategies for parents of neonates admitted in NICU. Key words: Stress, Parents, NICU and Neonates

RPC Teacher-Based Program for Improving Coping Strategies to Deal with Cyberbullying.

Background: Cyberbullying is a serious threat to public health and teachers can play a key role in its detection, prevention and intervention. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of the RPC (“Relazioni per crescere”—Relationships to Grow) program, a short intervention, implemented at classroom level by trained teachers, aimed at improving awareness on cyberbullying and increasing proactive coping strategies to deal with cyberbullying behaviors. Method: The effectiveness of the RPC project was analyzed through an observational study (pre/post-intervention comparison), involving 898 Italian students of Lower Secondary schools (6th–8th grades). Results: Hierarchical logistic regression showed that after the intervention students were more likely to consider the different roles in cyberbullying (cyberbully, cybervictim, reinforce/assistant, defender and bystander/observer). In addition, hierarchical linear regressions highlighted an improvement of social coping and cognitive coping strategies after the intervention. Conclusions: RPC is a short, teacher-based program that can increase the awareness of cyberbullying among students and improves their effective coping strategies to address cyberbullying. Further research on the efficacy of short teacher-based programs would be worthwhile, given the limited financial and time resources of the schools, emphasizing the active and crucial role of teachers in tackling cyberbullying.

What contributes to resilience in cancer patients? A principal component analysis of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale.

Research suggests resilience is a complex multifactorial construct, which may improve health outcomes in cancer, but significant controversy exists regarding its definition and measurement. This study aimed to determine the components of resilience and their relative weight, as measured by the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale in cancer patients. As part of a larger study, a questionnaire including the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale was distributed to 228 cancer patients. Principal component analysis was performed to identify the components of resilience measured by the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Principal component analysis yielded six factors: (1) personal strength and problem-based coping, (2) spirituality/fate, (3) social support, (4) adaptability and flexibility, (5) giving best efforts and (6) self-determination, explaining 64.27% of the variance. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale accounts for approximately two-thirds of variance in resilience in cancer patients, but 36% of the total variance remains unexplained, suggesting there are still unexplored determinants of resilience in cancer. Identification of these determinants may improve measurement of resilience in cancer through refinement of existing resilience measures or development of cancer-specific measures. Given the associations found within this study, interventions targeted towards improving coping strategies in at-risk individuals, and ensuring they have adequate social and spiritual support may improve resilience, although additional research is required to verify this.

Internalizing symptoms and dating violence perpetration in adolescence

BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests an association between internalizing symptoms and violence against others. It remains unknown whether this link exists in the context of romantic relationships. In the current study, we tested whether anxiety and depression were associated over time with adolescent dating violence perpetration. MethodsThe sample included 238 Canadian adolescents (42% boys). Using a longitudinal design, their anxiety, depressive symptoms, and dating violence perpetration were annually assessed from age 14 to 15 years. ResultsCross-lagged analyses revealed effects from anxiety and depressive symptoms to dating violence one year later (β = 0.27, p < .001; and β = 0.14, p = .04, respectively). No reversed cross-lagged paths were found from dating violence to subsequent anxiety or depression. ConclusionsOur findings underscore the predictive value of internalizing symptoms on dating violence perpetration. Reducing internalizing symptoms and improving coping strategies are important targets for the prevention of dating violence.

Self-perception of adaptation among homicidally bereaved individuals following a psychoeducational intervention: a UK longitudinal qualitative study

ObjectiveResearch on homicidal bereavement has focused on postloss impact and coping. Less is known about how individuals perceive their adjustment posthomicide. Adverse experiences are likely to leave individuals with an...

Caring for yourself whilst caring for a person with dementia

Newham’s Mental Health Care of Older People’s (MHCOP) service, within East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) has been facilitating psychotherapeutic groups for relatives of people with dementia for10 years. The groups are based on an integrated, multimodal approach including psychoeducation regarding dementia. In this time approximately 120 carers have attended, reporting a variety of benefits including notably better understanding of dementia, improved coping strategies, enhanced ability to tolerate difficult feelings with compassion and acceptance, improved awareness and commitment to self-care, and reduced isolation. In keeping with the importance of co-production, a former group graduate is now involved in the co-facilitation and delivery of the group.