Improvement In Self-esteem Research Articles

Development and validation of a self-esteem improvement program for family caregivers with dementia ‐ Utilizing ICT

The sense of caregiving burden can be significant among family caring for people with dementia and can impact mental health. Research to find ways to alleviate this burden is extremely important. Dr Yoshihiro Saito, Faculty of Nursing, Reiwa Health Sciences University, Japan, is leading a team working to develop and validate a self-esteem improvement programme designed for family caregivers of those with dementia. The project was inspired by Saito experiencing firsthand the stresses placed on family carers of people with dementia. The goal of the programme is to reduce the self-blame of dementia family caregivers and is informed by Saito’s expertise in cognitive behavioural therapy. A key part of the programme is self-compassion in order to help caregivers realise their worth. Ultimately, the aim is that, through the programme, caregivers can be kinder to themselves and realise the value and significance of their efforts. Alongside heading up this project, Saito is a supervisor for the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Training Programme of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan, focusing on popularising cognitive behavioural therapy and training the next generation. In this role, he listens to and reviews recordings of cognitive behavioural therapy sessions, providing practical advice. In the context of Japan’s ageing population, there will be an increase in people with dementia and family caregivers. Therefore, Saitoâ–™s work will be hugely beneficial in assisting those with dementia, caregivers and society.

Improved Self-Esteem: Vital in Promoting Enhancement of Living Conditions

The individuals from the stage of early childhood, throughout their lives need to acquire an efficient understanding of meaning and significance of self-esteem. Furthermore, they need to augment information in terms of all the factors, which are necessary in carrying out this task. The individuals are required to augment their information in terms of different factors, which are facilitating in the achievement of this goal. The different types of factors are, job duties, responsibilities, methodologies, procedures, techniques, approaches, efficiency, morality, ethics, diligence and conscientiousness. Furthermore, individuals are required to ensure, they are not overwhelmed by any types of stressful situations. In cases of these, one needs to cope with these in an effective manner. Furthermore, these are prevented from giving rise to impediments within the course of putting into operation different tasks and activities. One of the important aspects that needs to be taken into account is, these should not have unfavourable effects on overall living conditions of individuals. In addition, throughout the lives of the individuals, they need to augment information in terms of various factors, which are facilitating in promoting enhancement of overall personality traits. As a consequence, individuals, belonging to all occupations and communities will render an important contribution in enhancing self-esteem. Therefore, it can be stated, improved self-esteem is vital in promoting enhancement of living conditions. The main concepts that are taken into account in this research paper are, understanding the meaning and significance of self-esteem, measures to be put into operation in bringing about improvements in self-esteem and advantages of bringing about improvements in self-esteem.

The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Mental Health, Self-esteem and Emotion Regulation of Medical Students with Imposter Syndrome

Background: Medical students often experience self-doubt due to the demanding nature of their coursework and numerous assignments, which may indicate Imposter Syndrome (IS). Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in improving mental health, self-esteem, and emotional regulation among medical students dealing with IS. Methods: A semi-experimental design was used, incorporating a pre-test-post-test approach with a control group. The statistical sample included medical students from Tarbiat Modares University in 2023. A total of 36 students were selected through purposeful sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 18) or the control group (n = 18). Data collection tools included questionnaires assessing IS, mental health, self-esteem, and emotion regulation. The experimental group received eight 90-minute CBT sessions based on the approach by Egan and Shafran (2017), while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of covariance with SPSS24 software. Results: The results showed that CBT significantly reduced expressive suppression (F = 78.04, η² = 0.72) and increased mental health (F = 37.73, η² = 0.56), self-esteem (F = 54.76, η² = 0.64), and cognitive reappraisal (F = 35.65, η² = 0.55) among students with IS (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings suggest that CBT is an effective intervention for improving the psychological well-being of medical students experiencing IS. The significant improvements in mental health, self-esteem, and emotional regulation underscore CBT's potential as a valuable tool for this population.

The Influence of Sports Dance on Self-esteem Among College Students

Background and Aims: College students' lives depend greatly on their sense of self-worth. It has an impact on their social interactions, emotional well-being, and academic achievement. Several issues can arise for college students, such as social pressures, anxiety related to appearance, and negative body image. These elements may damage their sense of self-worth, which subsequently impacts their general health and standard of living. Sports dance is a unique physical activity that combines artistic ability and physical prowess to positively impact college students' self-esteem. Sports dancing has also been linked to improvements in self-esteem and self-image in addition to physical health, according to earlier research. The two main goals of this study are to first compare the experimental group's self-esteem before and after they participated in sports dancing, and then to compare the experimental group's self-esteem with that of the control group. Methodology: This study included a sample of 20 third-year undergraduate students from the Dance Department, College of Art, Chongqing University of Mechanical and Electrical Technology. The samples were divided into two groups: 10 students, consisting of 5 female and 5 male students, in both the experimental and control groups. The experimental group used the sports dance training method, while the control group used the traditional teaching method. A self-designed, expert-reviewed Rosenberg's self-esteem scale was issued before and after the experiment to determine the influence of sports dance exercises on the self-esteem of the sample group. Data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, and t-tests. Result: Before engaging in sports dance training, the experimental group's mean self-esteem score was found to be 28.3, while the control group's mean score was 28.8 before receiving traditional instruction. Following the experiment, the experimental group's mean score on self-esteem increased to 35.6, while the control group's score stayed at 27.8. After taking the sports dance course, the experimental group felt more confident in themselves. The mean score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group. Students in the experimental group demonstrated higher levels of engagement in class during sports dance training. When given chores involving dance, they showed initiative in solving problems and made their own choices. They conversed with people more and gained self-assurance when voicing their ideas. These findings imply that sports dancing significantly and favorably raised the students' self-esteem. Conclusion: The results show that sports dance programs can help students feel better about their bodies and have higher self-esteem. Students receive timely rewards throughout the sports dance learning process, which boosts their self-esteem in the classroom and promotes greater interaction between them. By working together to create dance performances, students improve their interpersonal skills and become fully immersed in a stimulating, dynamic, and demanding learning environment. This promotes a calm and pleasurable learning environment while also helping students develop their knowledge and skills and improving their communication skills. This study provides educational institutions and schools with a workable strategy for enhancing students' mental health by introducing sports dance courses. The results also highlight sports dance's potential as a useful tool for psychological intervention. Mental health practitioners might think about introducing elements of sports dance into psychotherapy sessions to help patients feel better about themselves.

Enhancing self-esteem and self-compassion to mitigate suicide risk: A feasibility and acceptability study among Japanese university students

ObjectivesSuicide is a serious mental health problem among university students. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a novel intervention that targets suicide risk by enhancing self-esteem and self-compassion. MethodsParticipants were recruited from the healthcare center at a Japanese University. Measurements of suicidal risk, self-compassion, self-esteem, and other psychological variables were collected at baseline, post-intervention, four-week follow-up, eight-week follow-up, and twelve-week follow-up. Participants also provided feedback on the program's acceptability. ResultsA total of 17 participants consented to participate in the intervention, 14 completed post-treatment assessment, 10 completed the four-week follow-up assessment, and 8 completed the eight-week and twelve-week follow-up assessment. Following the intervention, the study observed moderate to large improvements in self-esteem, self-compassion, hopelessness, depression, and suicide risk. The participants also reported reliable changes in clinical outcomes and positive perceptions of the program. ConclusionsThe psychoeducation program exhibited high acceptability and feasibility and promising early outcomes. Despite the small sample size and lack of a control group, these findings suggest potential benefits of the program. Further studies for examining the efficacy of the program are highly warranted.

Psychosocial benefits of dental corrections in adolescents and adults

Dental corrections play a pivotal role in enhancing psychosocial health among adolescents and adults, offering significant improvements in self-esteem, social interactions, and overall psychological well-being. Adolescents, who are particularly vulnerable to social pressures and self-esteem issues, benefit greatly from orthodontic treatments that address malocclusions and misalignments. These treatments lead to heightened self-confidence, reduced social anxiety, and fewer instances of bullying, fostering healthier social development and mental health. In adults, dental corrections not only improve aesthetics but also enhance professional and personal interactions. Improved dental health leads to increased social engagement, better communication, and higher levels of life satisfaction, reducing social withdrawal and depressive symptoms. The ability to smile confidently, speak clearly, and eat comfortably without feeling self-conscious is crucial for mental well-being. Individuals with enhanced dental aesthetics report significant improvements in their quality of life, engaging more in social activities and forming meaningful relationships. Research supports the profound impact of dental corrections on reducing anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Adolescents and adults who undergo these treatments experience a notable boost in self-esteem and confidence, which translates into improved academic performance, career opportunities, and overall life satisfaction. The broader implications of these findings emphasize the need for dental care practices to incorporate psychosocial considerations, enhancing the overall patient experience and promoting long-term mental health benefits. By prioritizing the psychosocial outcomes of dental treatments, dental professionals can significantly improve the quality of life for their patients, contributing to their overall well-being and societal participation.

Psychological status of patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion undergoing bimaxillary surgery: A comparative study.

Skeletal Class III malocclusion can significantly impact psychological well-being. Although bimaxillary surgery is a well-established corrective intervention, its psychological effects are not fully understood. This study aims to investigate changes in self-esteem, sensitivity to criticism, and social appearance anxiety following surgery to inform targeted nursing interventions for psychological adaptation. This comparative study included 205 participants: 150 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion who underwent bimaxillary surgery, and a control group of 55 individuals without malocclusion. The malocclusion group had a mean age of 21.99 ± 2.28 years (96 males, 109 females). The control group consisted of department interns with Class I occlusion, normal overjet and overbite, and typical facial appearance, with a mean age of 21.61 ± 2.40 years (26 males, 29 females). Psychological assessments, validated for reliability, measured self-esteem, sensitivity to criticism, and social appearance anxiety before and after surgery. Statistical analyses, including independent sample t tests and one-way ANOVA, were performed to compare outcomes between the groups, with a significance level set at P < .05. Preoperative assessments revealed that patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion had significantly lower self-esteem and higher sensitivity to criticism and social appearance anxiety compared to the control group (P < .05). Postoperatively, there were modest improvements in self-esteem and significant reductions in sensitivity to criticism and social appearance anxiety, though levels of social appearance anxiety remained higher than those in the control group (P < .05). No significant differences in self-esteem and sensitivity to criticism were observed between the surgical and control groups postoperatively (P > .05). Within-group comparisons showed significant improvements in all measures after surgery (P < .05). Bimaxillary surgery positively affects the psychological well-being of patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion, enhancing self-esteem and reducing sensitivity to criticism and social appearance anxiety. However, some psychological concerns persist, indicating a need for targeted nursing interventions to further support these patients' psychological well-being.

Outdoor adventure education for adolescent social and emotional wellbeing: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT This study examines the effects of OAE on adolescent social and emotional wellbeing and their contributors. Intervention studies (single or multi-arm) assessing the effects of OAE on wellbeing were included. Meta-analysis was conducted on outcomes of interest, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) Tool assessed RoB in multi-arm studies. Four studies assessed within-group change (n = 368), and six assessed between-group change (n = 1,143). Findings indicate significant between-group improvements in resilience, self-esteem and social belonging when OAE was compared to no intervention, but no self-efficacy and overall wellbeing changes were observed. Studies were at high risk of bias, and the credibility of the presented evidence was very low. OAE may benefit adolescents’ interpersonal connectedness and psychological strengths, but we cannot be confident in effect estimates due to bias and low-quality evidence. As such, this study is significant in highlighting the need for more research rigour in OAE.

The effectiveness of active rehabilitation camp on wheelchair users’ self-esteem

Background: The Active Rehabilitation Camps (ARC) provide access to comprehensive rehabilitation. The main goal is to provide wheelchair users achieving the maximum possible independence in performing activities of daily living, to help them accept a new lifestyle, as well as comprehensive rehabilitation in the social and vocational fields. Higher self-esteem in wheelchair users help them overcome barriers in everyday living, increase initiative, improve their mental health and well-being.Aims of the study: The aim of the research was to evaluate the impact of Active Rehabilitation Camps on self-esteem of wheelchair users.Material and methods: 95 adult wheelchair users aged 18 to 75 took part in the study. 92 participants were included in the analysis (31 women and 61 men). The research tool was a questionnaire including first part with personal data and a second part - an international and validated questionnaire the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). All participants filled the questionnaire at the beginning of the ARC and after two-week camp.Results: The results showed a significant improvement in self-esteem among participant after camps, total self-esteem according to RSES increased from 28.32 4.99 before a camp, to 30.8 4.85 after a camp (p&lt;0.0001). Our results showed that apart from general self-esteem, SE in such domains as “on the whole, I am satisfied with myself”, “I am able to do things as well as most other people” or “I take a positive attitude towards myself” increased significantly after the ARC (p&lt;0.001).Conclusions: The activities of the Active Rehabilitation Camp including access to physical activity, health-promoting education, experience exchange and integration of wheelchair users, increase the level of self-esteem of Active Rehabilitation Camp participants. Systematic physical activities, social and emotional support, as well as appropriate education should be provided in everyday rehabilitation among wheelchair users to improve their self-esteem and everyday life functioning.

My avatar makes me feel good? The effect of avatar personalisation and virtual agent interactions on self-esteem

ABSTRACT The theory of Objective Self-Awareness (OSA) and related studies suggest that embodiment of personalised avatars may induce self-awareness and influence self-esteem. Additionally, the Computers Are Social Actors (CASA) paradigm suggests that humans may mindlessly respond to computers in ways that are similar to human interactions. Based on those assertions, it is plausible that virtual embodiment of a personalised avatar and interactions with a virtual agent can shift self-esteem. However, those effects on self-esteem have not been thoroughly examined in past studies. To address these research gaps, a 2 (avatar personalisation: personalised vs. non-personalised avatar) × 2 (virtual agent interaction valence: positive vs. negative) between-subjects experiment was conducted using a Virtual Reality (VR) simulation (N =171). Findings from the study showed that there was no effects of avatar personalisation and virtual agent interaction valence on state self-esteem change. However, the pairwise comparisons present some preliminary indications that avatar personalisation and positive interactions with a virtual agent may facilitate improvements in state self-esteem altogether. Implications of the study findings are discussed.

Promoting social inclusion and quality of life in older adults through aerobic exercise programs

Background: Aging is an individual and collective process that alters health and quality of life of older adults. It deteriorates the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems and causes damage to functionality. In the same way, the main risk factors for chronic diseases are overweight and sedentary lifestyle. The key to improve the quality of life is to be physically and mentally active. Objective: to apply an intervention to improve the life quality of older adults through an aerobic exercise program. Methods: a quantitative, observational and longitudinal approach was applied. The program lasted 12 weeks with an initial and final evaluation. The population consisted of 30 older adults, who underwent a warm-up, aerobic exercise (dance therapy) and flexibility and stretching exercises. The SF-36 quality of life questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used. Results: it was established with a value p&lt;0.001 that the dimensions evaluated by the SF-36 questionnaire improved. There was a change in physical function, physical role, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role and mental health, as well as in the level of physical activity. Conclusions: a positive change was observed. The aerobic exercise program reduces the musculoskeletal pain associated with aging and produces an increase in physical functionality. As a consequence, it favors an improvement in self-efficacy and self-esteem.

The effect of Transcendental Meditation on self-esteem, self-efficacy, and gratitude, for increasing empowerment of female youth in Uganda

This longitudinal study with female youth in the slums of Kampala, Uganda (n = 130), explored the impact of the Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) technique on self-esteem, the primary outcome measure, and self-efficacy, gratitude, hope, tiredness, and resilience as secondary outcomes. Quality-of-life behaviors were also assessed, including excessive alcohol use. After baseline testing participants learned TM over five consecutive days. Participants practiced TM at home for 20 min twice a day and attended two follow-up sessions. Post-testing occurred at five months. Significant improvements in self-esteem (p < .001), self-efficacy (p < .001), gratitude (p < .001), and tiredness (p = .05) were found. A decrease in excessive alcohol use was also observed (p = .02). At eight months a short answer questionnaire showed improved physical health, decreased stress and anxiety levels, and improved relationships in the family and community. Our findings have important implications for enhancing the well-being and empowerment of these vulnerable female youth.

A survey on the short to medium-term satisfaction of neurological patients treated by functional surgery for the correction of limb deformities

Objectives Functional surgery (FS) is often used to correct congenital or acquired deformities in neurological patients. Along with functional results, short- and medium-term patient satisfaction should always be considered a key goal of surgery and rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to assess the short to medium-term satisfaction of patients who underwent FS and its correlation with perceived improvements. Methods Invitation to an anonymous online survey was sent via e-mail to all neurological adult patients or caregivers of children who underwent lower or upper limb FS over the 2018–2020 period. The survey investigated patients’ satisfaction with the surgery and the variation in pain, ADLs, level of independence, body image, self-esteem, social interaction skills, participation in social events, leisure activities and sports, and use of orthoses or walking aids. Descriptive data analysis was performed. Correlations were assessed using Kendall’s tau. Results 122 out of 324 adults and 53 out of 163 children’s caregivers filled out the questionnaire, with a response rate approaching 40%. Eighty-three percent of adult respondents and 87% of the children’s caregivers were satisfied or very satisfied in the short and medium terms and reported their expectations had been met. Satisfaction was significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with improvements in functional abilities, social participation, self-esteem, and pain reduction. Half of the adults and 40% of children stopped using their orthoses or replaced them with lighter ones. Dissatisfaction and worsened conditions were reported by <10% of the respondents. Conclusion According to patients and caregivers, FS was satisfactory in the short and medium terms, following improvements in all the ICF domains for most patients.

The impacto of mammaplasty and lipectomy on self concept and body self-perception image: integrative review

The impacto of mammaplasty and lipectomy on self concept and body self-perception image: integrative review

The extended impact of co-designed personalised aids for people living with chronic conditions: an exploratory study in a healthcare setting

Assistive technology has great potential to help individuals living with chronic health conditions, however devices often fail to align with the unique requirements of users. These results in device abandonment and missed opportunities to benefit people. This exploratory study aims to evaluate the short and longer-term satisfaction, psychological benefit, use and resources involved in co-designed customised assistive devices within a current healthcare service. Individuals with chronic health conditions identified daily living challenges. Eleven individuals completed the trial and were involved throughout the design process. Outcome measures evaluated the impact of the devices provided, healthcare utilisation, help required, and resources used. Nineteen custom assistive devices were produced for twenty-four challenges in daily living identified. At 3-months, eighteen devices were still being used. Daily challenges had become easier for individuals to complete and required less help from informal carers. Individuals were satisfied with the devices and service provided. Improvements in competence, adaptability and self-esteem were sustained long-term. The average clinician’s time required to produce a device was 5 h 55 min, with an average cost of £203.79. People with chronic conditions were able to benefit from the co-design process resulting in satisfaction and long-term utilisation of the device, and positive psycho-social benefits. The costs associated with embedding this approach in a healthcare service were calculated. Scaling up the co-design process reduced the associated costs per device compared to previous work. Further work is required to evaluate co-designing across larger samples and explore opportunities to further improve the cost-efficiency.

Patient-reported outcomes of topical finasteride/minoxidil treatment for male androgenetic alopecia: A retrospective study using telemedical data.

Oral finasteride and topical minoxidil are the current standard of care for male androgenetic alopecia and a combination of the two treatments can be considered for greater efficacy. Clinical trials of topical finasteride have also yielded promising results, but routine care data are lacking. To examine patient-reported outcomes of men with androgenetic alopecia who received topical finasteride admixed with minoxidil compared to the current standard of care (oral finasteride). Retrospective, cross-sectional study with data from a German direct-to-consumer teledermatology platform between December 2021 and January 2023. Patient-reported outcomes were collected through voluntary follow-up questionnaires provided after 6 weeks on topical finasteride/minoxidil or oral finasteride treatment. A total of 1545 patients who received topical finasteride/minoxidil treatment were included; 238 (15.4%) participated in the follow-up questionnaire. At week six, 62.2% (148/238) reported positive changes in their hair appearance, and 44.1% (105/238) reported an improvement of self-esteem. Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 11.8% (28/238). Full treatment adherence was observed in 74.4% (177/238). Comparing the topical treatment group to those receiving oral finasteride, lower treatment adherence was reported, along with higher rates of local adverse events; no difference was found in the incidence of sexual adverse events. Based on patient-reported outcomes, topical finasteride/minoxidil seems to be effective and well tolerated, but not superior to oral finasteride. Lower treatment adherence for topical usage must be considered when considering treatment options. Additional real-world data are needed to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical finasteride/minoxidil.

학부모 학교참여 휴가제 도입에 관한 학부모의 인식연구

The purpose of this study was to examine the current status of parents' participation in school and their perception of the School Activities Leave system for the introduction of the parent School Activities Leave system. The survey was conducted with 12,000 parents of kindergartens, elementary, middle, and high schools in Gyeonggi-do. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS Statistics 28.0 program, which included frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, and cross-tabulations. Additionally, text mining and emotional analysis were conducted using Orange 3 software to analyze further opinions on the parent School Activities Leave system. The survey results regarding the current status and perception of school participation are as follows. Firstly, approximately 78% of parents participated in their children's school events or meetings last year, with about 65% participating more than once a semester. This suggests a quantitative foundation for participation, but qualitative improvements are needed. Secondly, around 85% of respondents identified mothers as the main participants in parents' school involvement, reflecting a persistently high perception of women's attendance at their children's schools. Thirdly, parents recognized that participation in school would generally have positive effects, such as children's adaptation to school life and improvement of self-esteem. Nevertheless, over 70% of respondents cited lack of time as a barrier to participation, highlighting the ongoing need for time management solutions. Lastly, 86.5% of surveyed parents expressed a need for the introduction of a parental School Activities Leave system, underscoring a direct demand for such a system. Text mining analysis of additional opinions on the parent School Activities Leave system revealed a predominantly positive perception, as evidenced by the prevalence of positive words and emotions in comparison to negative ones.

Health-based physical education in an elementary school: effects on physical self-concept, motivation, fitness and physical activity

ABSTRACT Background Promoting and developing health in Physical Education should not be limited to seeking to meet recommendations for physical activity and to increase motor competence or physical fitness, but should provide students with the motivation, confidence and knowledge required for them to be active for life. The Health-based Physical Education model (HbPE) is one of the most interesting models for health development. It takes a holistic perspective of health that is compatible with the salutogenic approach, where promoting and appreciating an active life is a core element (Haerens et al. 2011). Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a Health-based Physical Education programme on health-related factors (physical fitness and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity), emotional well-being (self-esteem and physical self-concept), and motivational factors (intention to be physically active and the degree of self-determination during practice). Methods A quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-test measures was applied to a sample composed of 131 schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 years (M = 10.87 ± 0.69) belonging to six randomly assigned class groups: three to the experimental group (n = 67) and three to the control group (n = 64). The experimental group participated in an intervention programme based on the HbPE model linked to a set of strategies to promote commitment, motivation and participation, while the control group completed a traditional programme for physical fitness improvement. As measures, we used Polar® HR monitors, the ALPHA-Fitness battery, the Motivation in Physical Education Questionnaire in Primary Education, the Intention to Be Physically Active Scale and the Pictorial Scale of Physical Self-Concept for Younger Children. Findings The experimental group showed higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and a significant increase in physical fitness, including a reduction in BMI. Moreover, this group presented improvements in socio-emotional self-esteem, intrinsic motivation and the intention to be physically active. Nevertheless, against our hypothesis, quantitative analyses indicated no differences in physical self-concept. Conclusion These results support the use of HbPE as a model for designing and implementing health-promoting programmes that are compatible with a salutogenic approach. Apart from increasing physical activity and improving physical fitness, such programmes would provide knowledge and attitudes to foster practice beyond school.

A randomized controlled trial on COGITO, a free self-help smartphone app to enhance mental well-being

BackgroundSmartphone apps may help to prevent the transition from minor to severe mental health problems. We compared a free self-help smartphone app (COGITO; www.uke.de/cogito_app) against a wait-list condition for the improvement of self-esteem and depression. MethodsThe Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale represented the primary outcome in this controlled trial. The final sample (n = 213) was randomly assigned to either the app or to the control condition. ResultsThe app condition significantly improved the primary outcome relative to controls for all analyses. Satisfaction of completers was high. The present results warrant independent replication; the retention rate needs to be increased to allow solid inferences about acceptance. ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that the COGITO app may represent an effective self-help tool for psychological problems.

What’s Behind Her Smile? Health, Looks, and Self-Esteem

This paper examines how improving dental health affects economic, social, and psychological outcomes. In a randomized experiment, we provide a low-income group free dental care, including prostheses, and find significant and persistent impacts on men’s and women’s dental and self-perceived mental health. For women, treatment generates improvement in self-esteem, a higher likelihood of smiling when photographed, short-run improvements in employment and earnings, and improvement in partner interactions. We find no impact for men in these dimensions. Heterogeneity analyses suggest that treatment effects on labor market outcomes are larger for women with more severe visible dental issues at baseline. (JEL D12, D91, I12, J16, O12)