Improvements In Positive Affect Research Articles

Optimizing the Use of Personal Values to Promote Medication Adherence: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Affective and Behavioral Responses to Theory-Driven Domain Congruent Versus Incongruent Values Approaches.

Self-affirmation theory (SAT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) embody competing approaches to leveraging personal values to motivate behavior change but are rarely compared in the domain of health behavior. This study compares these theory-driven values-based interventions for promoting medication adherence. To compare affective and behavioral responses to competing values-based medication adherence interventions. In this three-armed randomized trial, participants with cancer (n = 95) or diabetes (n = 97) recruited online using Prolific and prescribed daily oral medication for that disease completed a one-session online writing intervention leveraging (1) a domain incongruent (DI) value, where the value was not connected to medication adherence; (2) a domain congruent (DC) value, where the value was connected to adherence; or (3) a control condition, focused on medication adherence procedures. There were no main effects of conditions on reported medication adherence at the 1-month follow-up. During the intervention, positive affect was higher in the values conditions than control (p < .001), and trended higher in DI versus DC (p = .054). Negative affect did not vary between the values and control groups (p = .093) but was lower in DI versus DC (p = .006). Improvements in positive affect over the course of the intervention were associated with increased adherence behavior for individuals who started with low levels of positive affect (p = .003). Disease type did not moderate findings. Consistent with SAT, focusing on DI values led to more positive and less negative affect than connecting values directly to behavior in a threatening domain such as chronic illness. For some participants, increases in positive affect predicted greater adherence.

Examining Affordances of Outdoor Natural versus Built Environments

Whereas previous psychological research has examined the benefits of nature from a stress-reduction and attention-restoration perspective, the current studies focus on what possibilities for action are evoked by natural versus built environments. After a study pilot-testing a novel self-administration procedure for soliciting what individuals feel they “could do” in a built or natural outdoor site after walking in it, two studies were conducted to test quantitative differences in the action possibilities (i.e., affordances) that walkers detected when moving through a built or a natural site. A naturalistic study involved community participants who were recruited on-site at one of 12 built or natural sites within the same region of a community. A field experiment involved college students randomly assigned to walk one of four sites (forest or meadow, or one of two downtown areas in a downtown of a small town). No reliable differences were detected in number of responses to the prompt “I could…” completed by participants as a function of natural versus built sites. However, in the field experiment, participants in built rather than natural sites generated more verb and social content, and more total words. In the experiment, participants who walked natural sites had more improvement in positive affect than those who walked built sites.

Phone-based virtual exploration of green space increases positive affect in students with test anxiety: a pre-post experimental study with qualitative insights

Nature confers a host of benefits including recovering from stress, replenishing attentional resources, improving mood, and decreasing negative thinking. Virtual nature, i.e. exposure to natural environments through technological means, has proven to also be efficacious in producing benefits, although more limitedly. Previous studies with immersive virtual reality with university students have shown that one bout of virtual nature can reduce negative affect in students with high test anxiety and can reduce feeling of worry and panic after several weeks of daily exposure. The present study aimed at replicating the effect of one bout of virtual nature on affect and extend it to cognition in a sample of university students with different levels of test anxiety. An inexpensive goggle + phone apparatus was utilized and the one bout of virtual nature was self-administered. 48 university students took part in the study, randomized between viewing a 360 degrees video of nature or of an urban environment. They completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and the Cognitive Reflection Test before and after the exposure to the virtual environments and responded to open-ended questions about their experience of the intervention. Results showed improvements in positive affect in students with higher anxiety were obtained in the nature condition, no other effects were found. Qualitative appraisal indicated that participants in the nature condition felt more relaxed and focused, however the technical issues were detrimental to the benefits. In conclusion one bout of virtual nature could support students with higher test anxiety when confronted with examinations.

A biphasic response to blueberry supplementation on depressive symptoms in emerging adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to examine the acute and chronic effects of wild blueberry supplementation on mood, executive function, and serum biomarkers of neuroplasticity, inflammation, and oxidative stress in emerging adults with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms.MethodsIn this double-blind trial, 60 emerging adults (Mage = 20.0 years, 32% male) with self-reported depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to receive a single blueberry drink (acute phase), followed by 6 weeks of daily blueberry supplementation (chronic phase), or a matched placebo drink. The primary outcome was Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores at 6-week follow-up. Further measures included momentary affect (PANAS-X) and accuracy on an executive function task. The data were analyzed using ANCOVAs adjusted for baseline values, sex, and habitual fruit and vegetable intake. Estimated marginal means were calculated to compare the treatment arms.ResultsThe blueberry drink significantly improved positive affect (p = 0.026) and executive function (p = 0.025) at 2 h post-ingestion, with change scores being positively correlated in the blueberry group (r = 0.424, p = 0.017). However, after six weeks of supplementation the reduction in BDI-II scores was greater in the placebo group by 5.8 points (95% CI: 0.8–10.7, p = 0.023). Generalized anxiety and anhedonia also decreased significantly more in the placebo group. No significant differences were found for any of the biomarkers.ConclusionsSix weeks of wild blueberry supplementation were inferior to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, the correlated improvements in positive affect and executive function after a single dose of blueberries point to a beneficial, albeit transient, psychological effect. These contrasting results suggest a biphasic, hormetic-like response that warrants further investigation.Trial registration: NCT04647019, dated 30 November, 2020.

Impact of Gayatri Sadhana Camp on Stress and Well-being Parameters: A Mixed-method Study

ABSTRACT Background: Meditation using mantras is widely practiced in India and the world. Among the ancient Vedic mantras, the Gayatri Mantra (GM) holds profound significance. Despite its importance, limited scientific studies explore its effects. However, the research on the comprehensive effect of GM sadhana, including its components as explained in the traditional text, has been underexplored. Therefore, this study explores the effect of GM-based practices in a camp on the stress and well-being indicators of individuals by employing a mixed-method study design. Methodology: The study involved 32 participants (18 males, 14 females; mean age = 50.44 years) attending a residential camp of Gayatri Sadhana. Psychological assessments were conducted using the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience, Scale of General Well-Being, Peace of Mind Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale, at the beginning and end of the camp. In addition, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interview schedules to understand the participant’s experiences with the Gayatri Sadhana program. Results:: Result showed a significant improvement in positive affect, general well-being, peace of mind, and a significant reduction in stress and negative affect among all participants (P &lt; 0.01). The qualitative interview responses revealed mental health benefits across various domains. The findings from the standard questionnaire strongly correlated with the qualitative responses from the interview schedule. Conclusion: Gayatri Sadhana appears to possess the potential to alleviate stress and enhance the general well-being of individuals. This study sheds light on the benefits of this ancient mantra-based practice and suggests its relevance in promoting overall well-being.

How Personalized Behavioral Activation Interventions Improve the Behaviors of Individuals with Anhedonia

Background. Interventions for anhedonia often focus on re-engagement in pleasurable activities. We aimed to examine how anhedonic individuals changed their lifestyle behavior (i.e., physical activity, time outside, worrying, and social activity) after a personalized lifestyle advice session, and how these changes in behavior where associated with improvement. Methods. Participants were 69 young adults with persistent anhedonia, who filled out 3 assessments per day about lifestyle behaviors and affect for 3 months. After an observation month, participants received personalized lifestyle advice. Results. Results showed that only changes in social interaction, physical activity, and worrying were associated with improvement in positive affect (PA) and pleasure. Further exploration of the reciprocal associations between behaviors and PA and pleasure showed that physical activity and worrying were reciprocally associated with PA or pleasure, indicating a positive feedback loop. Conclusions. Results indicate that momentary assessments are an effective tool to detect mechanisms of change in interventions.

Hatha yoga is more effective in improving kinesiophobia and subjective well-being when combined with self-compassion meditation in people with CLBP: a randomized control trial.

The present study aims to examine whether combining hatha yoga practice with self-compassion meditation could influence kinesiophobia, emotions, perceived stress, and perceived disability among individuals with chronic low back pain when compared with hatha yoga alone. The randomized controlled study included 70 participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP) who were randomly assigned to a Hatha yoga group (HY; n = 35) or a Hatha yoga group plus self-compassion meditation (HYSCM; n = 35). Participants followed a protocol for 8 weeks, and the assessments were carried out before and after the intervention, with a follow-up evaluation conducted after one month. The participants completed the PANAS, PSS, TSK, and RMQ questionnaires. A Generalized Estimating Equation was used to explore the effect of interventions. Both HY and HYSCM groups improved kinesiophobia, perceived disability, and stress at the follow-up. However, the HYSCM group shown a more significant reduction in kinesiophobia compared to the HY group. Moreover, significant improvement in positive affect and a reduction in negative affect over time in the HYSCM group were observed. Hatha yoga practice when combined with self-compassion meditation led to extra benefits by exhibiting a prolonged effect, especially on kinesiophobia positive and negative effects.

Influence of CrossFit and Deep End Fitness training on mental health and coping in athletes.

Physical exercise is known to improve mental health. Athletes can experience unique physical and emotional stressors, which can deteriorate mental health and cognitive function. Training apathy can lead to cognitive dissonance and further degrade performance by promoting maladaptive, avoidance coping strategies. Introduction of psychosocial and training variables, such as those used in CrossFit (CF) and other community-based fitness programs with strong peer support have been shown to help reduce training apathy and negative affect. Here, we explored whether addition of psychophysiological variation, experienced as "hunger for air" during underwater breath-hold exercises, could provide unique mental health benefits for athletes. We studied the influence of CF and Deep End Fitness (DEF), a community-based underwater fitness program, on several outcome measures of mental health and emotional well-being in volunteer athletes. We observed a significant reduction in stress scores of both the control CF training group and the experimental DEF group. We found that DEF produced a significant improvement in positive affect while CF training did not. Further supportive of our hypothesis that the psychological and biological stressors experienced in underwater, breath-hold training cause positive adaptive changes and benefits, DEF training uniquely increased problem-based coping. While our observations demonstrate both CF and DEF training can improve mental health in athletes, DEF produced additional, unique benefits to positive coping and attitudes of athletes. Future studies should further evaluate the broader benefits of community-based, underwater training programs on psychological and physiological health in athletes and the public.

Amplification of Positivity Treatment for Anxiety and Depression: A Randomized Experimental Therapeutics Trial Targeting Social Reward Sensitivity to Enhance Social Connectedness

BackgroundSocial disconnection is common and causes significant impairment in anxiety and depressive disorders, and it does not respond sufficiently to available treatments. The positive valence system supports social bond formation and maintenance but is often hyporesponsive in people with anxiety or depression. We conducted an experimental therapeutics trial to test the hypothesis that targeting positive valence processes through cognitive and behavioral strategies would enhance responsivity to social rewards, a core mechanism underlying social connectedness. MethodsSixty-eight adults who endorsed clinically elevated anxiety and/or depression with social impairment were randomized 1:1:1 to 5 (n = 23) or 10 (n = 22) sessions of amplification of positivity (AMP) treatment or waitlist (n = 23). Pre- to posttreatment change in striatal activity (primary outcome) during social reward anticipation was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging, and reactivity to a social affiliation task (secondary) and self-reported social connectedness (exploratory) were examined. Primary analyses compared AMP (doses combined) versus waitlist. A second aim was to compare the effects of different doses. ResultsAMP engaged the hypothesized treatment target, leading to greater striatal activation during anticipation of social rewards versus waitlist (d = 1.01 [95% CI = 0.42–1.61]; largest striatal volume). AMP yielded larger improvements in positive affect and approach behavior during the affiliation task (but not other outcomes) and social connectedness. Larger striatal and social connectedness increases were observed for 5-session versus 10-session AMP (d range = 0.08–1.03). ConclusionsTeaching people with anxiety or depression strategies to increase positive thoughts, behaviors, and emotions enhances activity in brain regions that govern social reward processing and promotes social connectedness. Social reward sensitivity may be a transdiagnostic target for remediating social disconnection.

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Positive Affect Skills Intervention for Adults With Fibromyalgia.

To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a positive affect skills intervention for middle-aged and older adults with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Ninety-five participants with FMS aged 50 and older (94% female) were randomized to 1 of 2 conditions: (a) Lessons in Affect Regulation to Keep Stress and Pain UndeR control (LARKSPUR; n = 49) or (b) emotion reporting/control (n = 46). LARKSPUR included 5 weeks of skill training that targeted 8 skills to help foster positive affect, including (a) noticing positive events, (b) savoring positive events, (c) identifying personal strengths, (d) behavioral activation to set and work toward attainable goals, (e) mindfulness, (f) positive reappraisal, (g) gratitude, and (h) acts of kindness. Outcome data were collected via online surveys at baseline, postintervention, and 1-month follow-up. Completion rates (88%) and satisfaction ratings (10-point scale) were high (LARKSPUR: M = 9.14, standard deviation (SD) = 1.49; control: M = 8.59, SD = 1.97). Improvements were greater in LARKSPUR participants compared with control participants on measures of positive affect (Cohen's d = 0.19 [0.15, 0.24]), negative affect (Cohen's d = -0.07 [-0.11, -0.02]), and pain catastrophizing (Cohen's d = -0.14 [-0.23, -0.05]). Improvements in positive affect (Cohen's d = 0.17 [0.13, 0.22]) and negative affect (Cohen's d = -0.11 [-0.15, -0.06]) were maintained at 1-month follow-up. Dose-response analyses indicated that intervention engagement significantly predicted pre-to-post and post-to-follow-up reductions in pain catastrophizing. The current preliminary findings add to existing literature and highlight the specific potential of internet-delivered positive affect skills programs for adults with FMS. NCT04869345.

Exploring Art Hives: Implications of virtual art studio communities on positive and negative affect

This study investigated the relationship between virtual Art Hives, a community art studio program, and positive and negative affect in 24 undergraduate college students. Past research indicated a sharp increase in anxiety disorders and depression in adults in the United States (Gallagher, 2010). However, art making has been shown to decrease negative affect and increase positive affect. Furthermore, a strong sense of community has been shown to buffer against symptoms of anxiety and depression. In this study, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS: Watson & Clark, 1988) and the Sense of Community Index-2 (SCI-2: Chavis et al., 2008) measured sense of community and changes in affect before and after virtually participating in an Art Hive. Participants could use any materials available to them during participation. Results showed significant improvements in positive affect after participation but no significant changes in negative affect. Additionally, sense of community was found to be a significant predictor of changes in positive affect. These findings suggest that a brief period of art making virtually with other people can significantly improve positive affect, which may have implications for art studio communities as resources for the well-being of college students and others.

Effects of Acute Exercise on Affect, Anxiety, and Self-Esteem in Poly-Substance Dependent Inpatients

Introduction: Negative affect and anxiety frequently precede the onset of drug use in those with substance use disorder (SUD). Low self-esteem may increase the risk of relapse. We examined the short-term effects of exercise on affect, anxiety, and self-esteem in inpatients with poly-SUD. Methods: This is a multicenter randomized control trial (RCT) with a crossover design. Thirty-eight inpatients (37.3 ± 6.4 years; 84% male) from three clinics participated in 45 min of soccer, circuit training, and control condition (psychoeducation) in a random order. Positive and negative affect (PANAS), state anxiety (single item), and self-esteem (Rosenberg SE-scale) were measured immediately before, immediately after, 1-h, 2-h, and 4-h post-exercise. Heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion were taken. Effects were assessed using linear mixed effects models. Results: Compared to the control condition, there were significant post-exercise improvements in positive affect (β = 2.99, CI = 0.39: 5.58), self-esteem (β = 1.84, CI = 0.49: 3.20), and anxiety (β = −0.69, CI = −1.34: −0.04) after circuit training (shown) and soccer. Effects persisted 4-h post-exercise. Reductions in negative affect were observed 2-h (circuit training: β = −3.39, CI = −6.35: −1.51) and 4-h (soccer: β = −3.71, CI = −6.03: −1.39) post-exercise, respectively. Conclusion: Moderately strenuous exercise undertaken in naturalistic settings may improve mental health symptoms in poly-SUD inpatients for up to 4-h post-exercise.

A randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of the Dutch version of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS\xae)

BackgroundThis study examines the effectiveness of the culturally adapted Dutch version of The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®), utilizing a randomized control trial (RCT) with an active treatment control condition.Methods106 adolescents with ASD, aged 12–18 years, were randomly assigned to one of two group interventions: the experimental condition (PEERS®; n = 54) or the active treatment control condition (Regulation, Organization and Autonomy Didactics; ROAD; n = 52). Effects of interventions on social skills were primarily assessed using an observational measure (CASS – Contextual Assessment Social Skills). Secondary indices of social skills were self, parent and teacher reported questionnaire data (i.e., Social Responsiveness Scale; SRS, and Social Skills Improvement System; SSIS). Treatment satisfaction was also obtained from adolescents and their parents.ResultsResults on the observational measure of social skills revealed improvements in positive affect, overall quality of rapport, as well as starting and ending a conversation, irrespective of condition. Compared to ROAD, PEERS® participants showed increased overall self-reported social skills (SSIS). Parent reports showed decreased overall social skill impairment (SRS) as well as improved social communication (SSIS subscale), with significantly more progress in the PEERS® group. Furthermore, parents of adolescents in the PEERS® group were significantly more satisfied with the intervention (M = 8.20, SD = 1.46) than parents of adolescents in the ROAD group (M = 7.52, SD = 1.45). The self-reported treatment satisfaction of adolescents did not differ between conditions. Teacher data showed decreased social skill impairment as measured with the SRS, irrespective of condition.ConclusionsThis study reveals promising indications that the Dutch version of PEERS® enhances social skills in adolescents with ASD. Yet, further research is needed into how effectiveness can be optimized.Trial registrationDutch trail register NTR6255 (NL6117) 08/02/2017 https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6117

Optimizing Outcomes of Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) in Older Adults (OPTIMUM): Measures of Psychological Well-Being

<h3>Introduction</h3> The "Optimizing Antidepressants for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Older Adults" (OPTIMUM) study, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, is a 5-center collaboration that randomized 621 depressed individuals aged 60+ with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), the largest pharmacotherapy trial of TRD in late life. A key goal of this pragmatic trial was to measure outcomes of interest to patients, which in this trial included psychological wellbeing. This construct is closely tied to psychological and physical functioning and can be measured by self-report. <h3>Methods</h3> Participants were recruited and randomized if they were 60 years and older, met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, and had a score of 10 or higher on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), despite having been treated with at least two antidepressants with an adequate dosage and for at least four weeks (with previous psychotropic medications being different from the medications being testing in OPTIMUM). Upon study entry, participants were randomized to one of three strategies: augmentation with aripiprazole, augmentation with bupropion, or switch to bupropion. Treatment effectiveness was assessed using the Montgomery Asberg Rating Scale (MADRS) after ten weeks of treatment. Participants were also tested at the beginning and end of this 10-week step with the NIH Toolbox Psychological Well-being battery. Two wellbeing scales were used: positive affect (34 items) and general life satisfaction (16 items). Positive affect is characterized as happiness, contentment, and interest in pleasurable or achievement–relevant activities. Each item is scored on a 5-point scale ranging from "not at all" to "very much". General life satisfaction is the cognitive evaluation of life experiences; items assessing this concept are usually phrased in a general or global way rather than having a momentary or recent recall period. These items administered are scored on either a 5-point or 7-point scale ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree." <h3>Results</h3> Of the 621 study participants, 212 were randomized to augmentation with aripiprazole, 206 to augmentation with bupropion, and 203 to a switch to bupropion. Participants randomized to augmentation with either aripiprazole or bupropion showed a statistically significant improvement in their general life satisfaction subscale score (aripipirazole: 2.99, p< 0.0001; bupropion: 2.61, p=0.0001), while those switched to bupropion did not. Participants in either of the two augmentation arms also showed a statistically significant improvement in positive affect (aripiprazole: 5.35, p< 0.0001; bupropion: 5.02, p< 0.0001) while those switching to bupropion did not. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Among older adults with TRD, augmentation with aripiprazole or bupropion was associated with a statistically significant improvement in psychological well-being and positive affect, while a switch to bupropion monotherapy did not. Further research is needed to replicate findings. <h3>This research was funded by</h3> Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)

" A Motor Imagery Training for Improving Action Cognition Results in the Reduction of Residual Symptoms after Major Depressive Disorder: A Single-Case Study"

The high rate of recurrence and residual symptoms of depression continuously motivate the search for new treatments addressing this challenging condition. In this single-case study, we reported the application of a cognitive rehabilitation skills training based on remote kinematics as a treatment for residual depression by targeting deficits of mental simulations of action. We found that the administration of Kinect-based rehabilitation training resulted in important improvements showed by significant mean baseline reductions (MBLR) of difficulty in imagining positive actions (MBLR= 54 %), negative emotions (MBLR = 36.3 %), cognitive flexibility (MBLR= 69.7 %), depressive symptoms (MBLR= 80%), and physical retardation (MBLR= 50 %). Similarly, improvements in positive affect (MBLR = 107 %) and vividness of motor imagery for positive actions were registered (MBLR= 100 %). We also found unique effects of our intervention such as reports of involuntary action simulations to distant stimuli or extended affordances. The training was well-accepted and the patient considered it was an entertaining way to do physical exercises and to get in physical and mental shape. We concluded that further scientific research of remote Kinematic interventions in depression may be warranted.

Longitudinal associations of physical fitness and affect with depression, anxiety and life satisfaction in adult women with fibromyalgia.

This study analysed the longitudinal associations of physical fitness and affect with depression, anxiety and life satisfaction at 2- and 5-year follow-up. In 312 adult women with fibromyalgia, physical fitness was measured by performance-based tests and affect, depression, anxiety and life satisfaction were self-reported using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Beck Depression Inventory-second edition (BDI-II), State Trait Anxiety Inventory-I (STAI) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), respectively. We conducted sequential linear regression analyses adjusted for baseline levels of depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, age, body fat percentage and education. At the 2-year follow-up, all the associations under study were significant. At the 5-year follow-up, a number of associations remained significant. First, lowering negative affect was independently associated with lower depression, anxiety and higher life satisfaction (β's from 0.14 to 0.31). Second, favourable changes in positive affect were independently associated with lower anxiety (β = 0.21) and higher life satisfaction (β = 0.28). Third, enhancing physical fitness was related to higher life satisfaction (β = 0.16). Reductions in negative affect were associated with more favourabledepression, anxiety and life satisfaction at the 2- and 5-year follow-up. Improvements in positive affect were associated with more favourable anxiety and life satisfaction and enhancements in physical fitness were associated with higher life satisfaction. If corroborated in clinical-experimental research, these findings may guide the development of interventions that are tailored to the levels of physical fitness, affect and the outcome of interest (i.e. depression, anxiety or life satisfaction) in women with fibromyalgia.

"Skip the Small Talk" Virtual Event Intended to Promote Social Connection During a Global Pandemic: Online Survey Study.

BackgroundSocial distancing measures meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the past year have exacerbated loneliness and depression in the United States. While virtual tools exist to improve social connections, there have been limited attempts to assess community-based, virtual methods to promote new social connections.ObjectiveIn this proof-of-concept study, we examined the extent to which Skip the Small Talk (STST)—a business dedicated to hosting events to facilitate structured, vulnerable conversations between strangers—helped reduce loneliness in a virtual format in the early months of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. We predicted that participants who attended STST virtual events would show a reduction in loneliness, improvement in positive affect, and reduction in negative affect after attending an event. We were also interested in exploring the role of depression symptoms on these results as well as the types of goals participants accomplished by attending STST events.MethodsAdult participants who registered for an STST virtual event between March 25 and June 30, 2020, completed a survey before attending the event (pre-event survey; N=64) and a separate survey after attending the event (postevent survey; n=25). Participants reported on their depression symptoms, loneliness, and positive and negative affect. Additionally, participants reported the goals they wished to accomplish as well as those they actually accomplished by attending the STST event.ResultsThe four most cited goals that participants hoped to accomplish before attending the STST event included the following: “to make new friends,” “to have deeper/better conversations with other people,” “to feel less lonely,” and “to practice social skills.” A total of 34% (20/58) of participants who completed the pre-event survey reported depression symptoms that indicated a high risk of a major depressive episode in the preceding 2 weeks. Of the 25 participants who completed the pre- and postevent surveys, participants reported a significant reduction in loneliness (P=.03, Cohen d=0.48) and negative affect (P<.001, Cohen d=1.52) after attending the STST event compared to before the event. Additionally, depressive symptoms were significantly positively correlated with change in negative affect (P=.03), suggesting that the higher the depression score was prior to attending the STST event, the higher the reduction in negative affect was following the event. Finally, 100% of the participants who wished to reduce their loneliness (11/11) or feel less socially anxious (5/5) prior to attending the STST event reported that they accomplished those goals after the event.ConclusionsOur preliminary assessment suggests that the virtual format of STST was helpful for reducing loneliness and negative affect for participants, including those experiencing depression symptoms, during the COVID-19 pandemic. While encouraging, additional research is necessary to demonstrate whether STST has benefits when compared to other social events and interventions and whether such benefits persist beyond the events themselves.

Examination Of Feeling States After An Acute Bout Of Foam Rolling And High Intensity Exercise

Psychological benefits of massage include acute improvement in positive affect, relaxation, perceived soreness, fatigue, and reductions in anxiety. Foam rolling (FR) also acutely reduces perceptions of soreness and fatigue. Physical activity increases positive and decreases negative affect. It is unknown whether FR may have the same effects on mood as massage and/or exercise. PURPOSE: To examine changes in affect following an acute bout of FR and subsequent high intensity exercise. We hypothesize that positive affect and tranquility will increase, fatigue and negative affect will decrease. METHODS: 14 trained runners (32.9 ± 12.4 yr; 171.1 ± 7.0 cm; 67.8 ± 6.7 kg; 17.8 ± 8.1 %BF; 51.5 ± 9.8 mL/kg/min V̇O2peak) were recruited. Baseline testing included body fat percentage, V̇O2peak and a familiarization run. In the experimental session, participants completed FR prior to a 4-minute high-intensity treadmill run. FR was applied bilaterally to the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and gluteal muscles for 90 seconds per muscle group. The Physical Activity Affect Scale (PAAS) measured affect before FR, after FR and after exercise. The PAAS has 4 subscales: positive affect, negative affect, fatigue and tranquility. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess PAAS changes over time. Pearson’s correlation was run to determine a relationship between baseline scores and the amount of affective change. RESULTS: Post hoc power analysis was .84. Tranquility significantly decreased from baseline (7.71 ± 1.5) to post-running (5.64 ± 2.6) and from post-FR (7.57 ± 2.4) to post-running (p < .05). No other statistically significant differences were found. Significant negative correlations were found between baseline value and affective change for both positive affect and fatigue after FR (r = -.70, r = -.62) and after exercise (r = -.79, r = -.72). Subjects worked at an intensity of 83.5 ± .09 %V̇O2peak. CONCLUSIONS: Decreases in tranquility and no changes in positive affect after high-intensity exercise are consistent with literature assessing mood post-exercise. FR does not seem to elicit the same responses on affect as massage and physical activity. This study supports previous literature finding the magnitude of change in positive affect and fatigue is related to baseline values.

A SMART approach to reducing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation symptoms: Results from a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundStress and negative emotions contribute to atrial fibrillation (AF). Mind-body practices decrease stress and negative emotions and may reduce AF episodes and improve quality of life for patients with AF.ObjectiveWe examined the effects of a multimodal mind-body program, the SMART Program, on AF-related quality of life in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF).MethodsIn this randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot trial, 18 subjects with PAF participated in an 8-week SMART Program delivered online immediately or 3 months later. Validated measures were completed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months (waitlist group only).ResultsComparing pre- vs post-program scores among all 18 participants, subjects reported improvement in AF-related quality of life (Cohen’s d = 0.75, P = .005) and depression (d = 0.50, P = .05) but not anxiety (d = 0.35, P = .16). Subjects also reported improvements in AF symptom severity (P = .026), distress (P = .014), positive affect (P = .003), and ability to cope with stress (P = .001). Compared to waitlist control subjects, those in the immediate group reported improvement in positive affect (d = 1.20, P = .021) and coping with stress (d = 1.36, P = .011) after participating in the program.ConclusionThe SMART Program, delivered virtually, may enhance positive emotions and coping with stress as well as decrease negative emotions and AF symptoms. These results warrant a larger trial to better understand the potential benefits of such programs for patients with PAF.

Changes in Neural Reward Processing Following Amplification of Positivity Treatment for Depression and Anxiety: Outcomes From a Randomized Waitlist Controlled Trial

The positive valence system (PVS) is an important yet understudied treatment target in anxiety and depression. A pilot trial (NCT02330627) evaluating the efficacy of Amplification of Positivity (AMP), a new transdiagnostic positive activity intervention protocol for anxiety and depression, showed that, compared to a waitlist control group, patients in the treatment group had significantly larger improvements in positive affect—returning participants, on average, to normative levels of positive emotional functioning. The neural mechanisms underlying these changes are unknown but may increase our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that eventually lead to improved, more targeted treatments. The present study therefore investigated the neural reward-processing-related changes following AMP.