Improvement In Psychological Aspects Research Articles

Longitudinal Investigation into the Specific Psychological Benefits of Yogic Interventions for Performance Enhancement in Vijayanagar Sri Krishna Devaraya University Ballari’s Kho-Kho Athletes

Abstract: This longitudinal study explores the psychological benefits of yogic interventions on performance enhancement among Kho-Kho athletes at Vijayanagar Sri Krishna Devaraya University Ballari. The research focuses on the impact of sustained yogic practices on the psychological well-being and athletic performance of these athletes over an extended period. The study employs a rigorous methodology, Including pre- and post-intervention assessments, to measure psychological variables such as stress levels, concentration, and emotional resilience. Participants engage in a structured yogic program tailored to their specific needs, incorporating various yogic techniques such as asanas, pranayama, and meditation. Preliminary findings indicate a significant positive correlation between consistent yogic interventions and improvements in psychological aspects, contributing to enhanced performance on the Kho-Kho field. Participants report reduced stress, heightened concentration, and increased emotional stability, suggesting the potential of yogic practices as a holistic approach to athletic development. As the study progresses, a comprehensive understanding of the sustained impact of yogic interventions on these athletes emerges, providing valuable insights for sports science and coaching methodologies

The Power of the Media on Peace and Reconciliation Processes: Representing Former Enemy Groups as Moral versus Immoral Matters

The efforts of peace-building and reconciliation between historical enemies are faced with many structural and psychological obstacles. Scholars have identified mechanisms that can induce improvements in psychological aspects of intergroup relations, such as intergroup contact. However, establishing direct contact with everyone is impossible. Therefore, the mass media represents an important source through which groups learn about each other. Numerous studies have shown that stereotypical and often negative portrayals of specific social groups through the media produce or reinforce negative intergroup outcomes. In this research, the authors report results from an experimental study conducted in a post-conflict society of Bosnia and Herzegovina ( N = 119). It examined the effects of stereotypical and counter-stereotypical representations of former enemy groups (Bosniaks) through the media on intergroup behavior (reported by Bosnian Serbs). More specifically, in this research the authors explored the effects of representing out-group individuals as immoral (the stereotypical condition) and moral (the counter-stereotypical condition) on specific behavioral tendencies toward the historical enemy group. The results indicate that exposure to primarily moral information about the out-group target facilitated important positive intergroup outcomes. This study extends the literature and research on moral exemplars by demonstrating the effects on relevant intergroup outcomes whilst utilizing current (vs. historical) moral exemplar stories.

Bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy in a patient over 50 years of age: case report with an emphasis on the psychological aspect in the face of serious complications

Malignant breast neoplasia is the main cause of cancer mortality in women in Brazil, after non-melanoma skin cancer, and about 5 to 10% of these cases are associated with family inheritance; BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most frequently mutated. In this sense, there has been a paradigm shift in medical practice regarding breast cancers in recent years, with the implementation of risk-reducing surgical procedures, such as bilateral mastectomy and salpingo-oopherectomy, which still have controversies in the indication, in addition to fears and sufferings of patients, before and after the procedure. A 54-year-old female patient has been undergoing routine examinations since 2009 (49 years), as she has a family history of breast cancer. In May 2014 (54 years old), the patient underwent genetic research, discovering the pathogenic 648delT mutation in heterozygosity in the BRCA1 gene. Although complementary exams did not indicate any neoplasia, the patient wanted to undergo risk-reducing surgery. After interprofessional discussion with the patient, bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. The patient had a postoperative infection, and one of the silicone prostheses was removed from her breast. In 2015 (55 years old), she underwent a new prosthesis inclusion, evolving without complications. Currently, she is being followed up and without evidence of active cancer disease. Despite the complication with the prosthesis, there was an improvement in psychological aspects that bothered her, referring to a reduction in anxiety and fear of cancer. Although beneficial, risk-reducing mastectomy has associated risks, especially in patients with advanced age and comorbidities. However, with an appropriate approach and focused on the complexities of each person, it is possible to provide the patient with a better overall psychological experience, as demonstrated in this case reported.

Day program for young people with anorexia nervosa.

This study examined changes in body mass index (BMI), anorectic cognitions, and psychological distress following day program treatment. Participants were 42 female patients from the Monash Health Butterfly eating disorder day program, with anorexia nervosa (AN) restricting type (n = 35) or AN binge-eating/purging type (n = 7), ranging from 12 to 24 years. Participants' BMI increased significantly over time. Higher motivation at intake predicted a greater increase in BMI over time, compared to those with lower motivation at intake. There were also significant reductions in drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression scores, and improved motivation following two, four and six months of treatment. These findings provide further evidence that day programs can assist in weight restoration and improvements in psychological aspects of AN in adolescents and young adults.

Decrease in blood pressure and improved psychological aspects through meditation training in hypertensive older adults: A randomized control study.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Zen meditation on blood pressure (BP) and quality of life in elderly subjects. A total of 59 volunteers (21 men and 38 women), aged ≥60 years with systolic BP between 130 and 159 mmHg and diastolic BP between 85 and 99 mmHg, were randomly divided into a meditation group (MG), n = 28 and a control group (CG), n = 31. The MG meditated twice a day for 20 min for 3 months, and the CG remained on a waiting list. The BP levels were measured monthly in both groups. The volunteers' medication was kept stable. A quality of life assessment instrument was applied at the beginning and end of the study. For systolic BP, analysis of variance showed the influence of time (F(4,228) = 4.74, P < 0.01, β = 0.98) and the interaction group × time (F(4,228) = 3.07, P < 0.01, β = 0.89). The MG showed a significant decrease in systolic BP levels in the second measurement after 1 month of meditation practice when compared with the CG (Newman-Keuls test, P < 0.05). Starting at the second measurement, systolic BP levels in the MG were lower than the baseline and first measurement levels; however, the systolic BP levels were similar to those observed in the CG. In the quality of life assessment evaluation, a significant improvement in psychological aspects and overall quality of life in the MG compared with the CG was observed. These results suggest that Zen meditation is an interesting tool as a complementary treatment for hypertension in elderly subjects.

Eating disorder-specific health-related quality of life and exercise in college females

Although eating disorder (ED) symptoms result in reduced quality of life (QOL), research is needed to examine variables that influence this relationship. The purpose of our study was to conceptually examine the relationship among ED-specific QOL, ED symptoms, and exercise behavior. Female university students (N=387) completed ED-specific QOL, exercise behavior, ED symptoms, and exercise dependence symptoms measures. We found support for the beneficial association of psychological QOL on ED symptoms as well as the detrimental association of exercise dependence on ED symptoms. Our results suggest that improvements in psychological aspects of QOL resulting from exercise may mediate ED symptoms when exercise motivations are not pathological. We discuss further research and intervention implications of our findings.

A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study of controlled-release paroxetine on depression and quality of life in chronic heart failure

Depression is frequently observed in patients with heart failure and is associated with poor quality of life and adverse prognosis. However, the prevalence of depression in heart failure could be overestimated because symptoms of depression overlap with those of heart failure. Similarly, the importance of depression may be overestimated if depression merely reflects worse heart failure. Because the response to depression treatment has not been evaluated in this patient population, we evaluated the efficacy of controlled-release paroxetine (paroxetine CR), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, on depression and quality of life in chronic heart failure. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design was used to evaluate reductions in depression following 12 weeks of treatment with paroxetine CR (n = 14, age 62.1 +/- 12.3 years) or placebo (n = 14, age = 61.9 +/- 9.0 years). Patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure and a score of at least 10 on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were eligible. Beck Depression Inventory was obtained at baseline and 4, 8, and 12 weeks of follow-up. Quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Controlled-release paroxetine resulted in significantly more recovery from depression (BDI <10) than placebo (69% vs 23%, P = .018) and resulted in lower continuous BDI scores throughout the intervention (P = .024). Controlled-release paroxetine was associated with higher general health levels compared with placebo on the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form survey (38 +/- 10 vs 30 +/- 6, P = .016) at 12 weeks of follow-up. Reductions in depression were correlated with improvements in psychological aspects of quality of life (P < .05) but not with physical quality of life measures (P > .10). Antidepressant therapy with paroxetine CR results in significant reductions in depression among patients with heart failure. The reductions in depression with paroxetine CR are accompanied by improvements in psychological aspects of quality of life. Larger controlled trials are needed to further document the effectiveness of paroxetine CR and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in patients with heart failure and to determine patient subgroups that are most likely to benefit from antidepressive interventions.