Increase In Psychological Well-being Research Articles

Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Comorbid Mental Disorders - Is there a Psychotherapeutic Undertreatment? - Results of the DiMPS Study

Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased likelihood of mental disorders, especially depression. Despite a frequently postulated underprovision, the actual need for psychotherapeutic treatment in this patient group has hardly been investigated. The aim of this study is to analyze the care situation of diabetes patients with mental comorbidities in Germany. 240 consecutively treated patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were examined cross-sectionally and longitudinally in a tertiary diabetological center. After a screening and diagnostic examination, 94 patients with comorbid mental disorders were included in the study. Patients then decided on the treatment of their mental disorder according to a standardized shared decision-making process. At the 6-month follow-up, 77 of the 94 patients (81.9%) provided information about the realization of their treatment decision and the obstacles they encountered. 39.2% of patients with diabetes had a mental disorder. Of these, 44.2% were already receiving psychotherapy or medication. After six months, 46.8% were able to implement their treatment decision. Only 7.1% did not receive any treatment despite their efforts. The 6-month follow-up showed a significant reduction in diabetes-related distress (PAID; p<0.05) and an increase in psychological well-being in all subgroups, regardless of treatment initiation (WHO-5; p<0.05). Contrary to the widespread notion of a lack of access to psychotherapy for people with diabetes and mental disorders in Germany, this assumption could not be confirmed in this study. Equating the frequency of mental disorders with the need for psychotherapeutic and/or psychopharmacological treatment without considering the specific treatment needs and preferences of patients may lead to an overestimation of the need for care.

Physical Exercise and Mental Health in Adolescents: Scoping Review

Objective. To identify the most implemented exercises and their prescription, in addition to the effects of exercise on mental health in adolescents. Methods. A scoping review was performed from search of electronic databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Springer, Google Scholar, from 23/08/2023 to 01/01/2024 in English, Spanish, and Portuguese language, including randomized clinical trial and cohort type studies. Results. A total of 7 articles were included: 57.14% controlled clinical trials, 100% in English. The number of participants was 85,637 aged 12 to 16 years. Intervention time ranged from 8 to 43 weeks, 2 to 5 times per week, 1 session per day, duration per session 10 to 120 minutes. The most used type of training was Programmed Physical Education followed by High Intensity Interval Training. Conclusions. Exercises such as Programmed Physical Education, High Intensity Interval Training, Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity are included, which show positive effects on the increase in psychological well-being, quality of life and a significant decrease in anxiety and stress symptoms.

Mindfulness to enhance quality of life and support advance care planning: a pilot randomized controlled trial for adults with advanced cancer and their family caregivers

BackgroundPatients with advanced cancer and family caregivers often use avoidant coping strategies, such as delaying advance care planning discussions, which contribute to deterioration in their quality of life. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise in improving quality of life in this population but have rarely been applied to advance care planning. This pilot trial examined the preliminary efficacy of a group-based Mindfulness to Enhance Quality of Life and Support Advance Care Planning (MEANING) intervention for patient-caregiver dyads coping with advanced cancer. Primary outcomes were patient and caregiver quality of life or well-being, and secondary outcomes included patient advanced care planning engagement (self-efficacy and readiness) and other psychological and symptom outcomes.MethodsIn this pilot trial, dyads coping with advanced cancer were recruited from five oncology clinics in the midwestern U.S. and randomized to six weekly group sessions of a mindfulness intervention (n = 33 dyads) or usual care (n = 22 dyads). Outcomes were assessed via surveys at baseline, post-intervention, and 1 month post-intervention. All available data were included in the multilevel models assessing intervention efficacy.ResultsPatients in the MEANING condition experienced significant increases in existential well-being and self-efficacy for advance care planning across follow-ups, whereas usual care patients did not. Other group differences in outcomes were not statistically significant. These outcomes included other facets of patient well-being, caregiver quality of life, patient readiness for advance care planning, caregiver burden, and patient and caregiver depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbance, cognitive avoidance, and peaceful acceptance of cancer. However, only MEANING patients showed moderate increases in psychological well-being across follow-ups, and MEANING caregivers showed moderate increases in quality of life at 1-month follow-up. Certain psychological outcomes, such as caregiver burden at 1-month follow-up, also showed moderate improvement in the MEANING condition. Patients in both conditions reported small to moderate increases in readiness to engage in advance care planning.ConclusionsA mindfulness-based intervention showed promise in improving quality-of-life and advance care planning outcomes in patients and caregivers coping with advanced cancer and warrants further testing.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03257007. Registered 22 August 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03257007.

The Effectiveness of Spiritual Group Therapy on Psychological Well-Being and Self-Efficacy of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Tehran in 2023

Introduction: Diabetes, as one of the common causes of mortality worldwide, extends beyond physical aspects and can impact psychological and emotional dimensions as well. Therefore, the present research aimed to determine the effectiveness of spiritual therapy on the psychological well-being and self-efficacy of patients with type 2 diabetes in Tehran. Methods: This study was a semi-experimental research with a pretest-posttest and a three-month follow-up design with a control group. The study population consisted of all the patients with type 2 diabetes who attended treatment centers in Tehran (Masih Daneshvari, Nikan, and the Iranian Diabetes Association) from August to November 2023. Among the patients, 37 were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (N=18) and the control group (N=19). The data collection tools included a demographic information form, the standardized Ryff's scale of psychological well-being– short form (Cronbach's alpha= 0/72), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (Cronbach's alpha= 0/83). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-21 software. Additionally, given the different stages of measurement (pre-test, post-test, and follow-up), repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis. Results: The results indicated that spiritual therapy led to an increase in psychological well-being (F=132/56, P&lt;0/001) and self-efficacy (F=15/51, P&lt;0/001) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the effect size of spiritual therapy on psychological well-being was 79%, and self-efficacy was 31%, and the sustainability of its effects was observed up to three months after treatment. Conclusion: The findings suggest the impact of spiritual therapy on enhancing psychological well-being and self-efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended that, in addition to the routine treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes, spiritual therapy be utilized to enhance the psychological well-being of the patients.

The impact of surgical intervention on religious coping, psychological well-being, and pain levels in older adult patients: A quasi-experimental study

AimThis study aimed to determine the impact of surgical intervention on religious coping, psychological well-being, and pain levels in older adult patients. MethodThe data of the study, which used a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design without a control group, was collected between July 1, 2023, - January 30, 2024. Data collection involved the use of a Personal Information Form, the Religious Coping Scale, the Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Visual Analog Scale. ResultsThe results revealed a significant increase in psychological well-being and positive religious coping after surgical intervention compared to presurgical levels (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that male gender, younger age, enhanced psychological well-being, and positive religious coping were identified as factors contributing to a reduction in postsurgical pain levels. ConclusionThe study's results indicate that surgical intervention serves as a significant variable influencing psychological well-being and religious coping among older adult patients.

Effectiveness of Online Programmes for Family Carers of People with Intellectual Disabilities: Systematic Review of the International Evidence Base.

This systematic literature review examines the evidence base on the effectiveness of online programmes on the mental health and well-being of family carers of people with intellectual disabilities. Databases (ERIC, Medline, PsycINFO and CINAHL) were searched for intervention studies that considered online interventions for family carers of people with intellectual disabilities. Data were extracted using standardised data extraction tools. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2). Screening, extraction and assessment of bias were completed independently by two members of the research team. Given the low number of included studies and different outcomes assessed within them, it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis; therefore, data are presented narratively. Two studies met the criteria to be included in the review. Both studies utilised a feasibility randomised controlled trial methodology. One study found a significant decrease in parental stress, while the other found a significant increase in psychological well-being. Caution must be taken in drawing firm conclusions, given the small sample sizes and low retention rates in both studies. Online programmes seem to offer potential benefits to family carers of people with intellectual disabilities. However, further investigation is needed to examine these programmes, adopting a collaborative approach with family carers.

Relations between the meaning of work, psychological well-being, and psychological distress: A study in the state military police in São Paulo, Brazil

The state military police of the Brazilian state of São Paulo (PMESP) has the lowest number of police officers in the institution since the 1990s, compared to itself, with a vast number of unpaid leave and resignation requests. Low salaries appear to be a reason, but the police say that this is not the only factor to be rectified; lack of recognition and difficulties in overcoming trauma are also frequently mentioned. This picture refers to a situation that can be understood as low motivation, loss of meaning, and psychological suffering. This study aimed to understand whether there is a general loss of meaning at work in PMESP, together with well-being and psychological suffering. Using structural equation modeling, the study sought to understand the factors that give meaning to the work of these professionals and their consequences for well-being and psychological distress at work. Social usefulness and learning and development opportunities showed a meaningful relationship with meaning of work, with learning and development opportunities being the most important for the surveyed military police officers. Regarding the consequent constructs of meaning of work, significant relationships between psychological well-being at work and psychological suffering were verified. The study indicates that when meaning is constructed (via social utility and learning), there is an increase in psychological well-being, as well as a decrease in the effect of psychological suffering.

Does mindfulness matter in the development of character strengths? A RCT study comparing mindfulness-based strengths practice and character strengths-based intervention

ABSTRACT Character strengths-based interventions (CSBI) take various forms and integrate different ingredients into interventions. This study investigated the role of mindfulness in strengths development, directly comparing the effects of mindfulness-based strengths practice (MBSP) and a form of CSBI without mindfulness. Ninety-five participants were randomly assigned to MBSP, CSBI, and blank control groups. Participants’ mindfulness, character strengths, strengths knowledge, strengths use, psychological well-being (PWB), and subjective well-being (SWB) were assessed before and after the intervention, and one month later. The results showed that MBSP and CSBI were equally effective in enhancing character strengths, strengths knowledge, and strengths use. MBSP was more effective in promoting mindfulness, PWB, and overall character strengths, while CSBI was more effective in enhancing participants’ SWB. The development of strengths knowledge and strengths use served as serial mediators of the increase in character strengths, and the development of mindfulness served as the mediator of the increase in PWB.

Improving the Psychological Well-Being of Post-Pandemic Students through Optimistic Thinking Training

One of the changes that have occurred in the field of education after the COVID-19 pandemic is the drastic change in the learning model, where teaching and learning activities are carried out online. This requires students to adapt quickly. This adjustment has an impact on students' psychological well-being as they deal with the changes that occur. The psychological well-being of post-pandemic students is in the low and medium categories, so an effort is needed to improve this condition. The optimistic thinking training aims to help students improve their psychological wellbeing after the pandemic. The stages in this program are providing optimistic thinking interventions using the ABCDE (Adversity, Belief, Consequences, Disposition, and Energization) method. The result of this training is an increase in psychological well-being among students who take part in the training program. Having psychological well-being can help students master and adapt to the environment effectively, establish positive relationships with others, and develop their potential from time to time.&#x0D; Highlights:&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Rapid Adaptation: Students faced a rapid shift to online learning during the pandemic, requiring quick adaptation to a new learning model.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Optimistic Thinking Training: Implementing the ABCDE method, optimistic thinking training aims to improve the psychological well-being of post-pandemic students.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Benefits of Psychological Well-Being: Improved psychological well-being helps students effectively navigate their environment, establish positive relationships, and maximize their potential.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: online learning, psychological well-being, optimistic thinking training, post-pandemic students, adaptation.

Improving the Psychological Well-Being of Post-Pandemic Students through Optimistic Thinking Training

One of the changes that have occurred in the field of education after the COVID-19 pandemic is the drastic change in the learning model, where teaching and learning activities are carried out online. This requires students to adapt quickly. This adjustment has an impact on students' psychological well-being as they deal with the changes that occur. The psychological well-being of post-pandemic students is in the low and medium categories, so an effort is needed to improve this condition. The optimistic thinking training aims to help students improve their psychological wellbeing after the pandemic. The stages in this program are providing optimistic thinking interventions using the ABCDE (Adversity, Belief, Consequences, Disposition, and Energization) method. The result of this training is an increase in psychological well-being among students who take part in the training program. Having psychological well-being can help students master and adapt to the environment effectively, establish positive relationships with others, and develop their potential from time to time.&#x0D; Highlights:&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Rapid Adaptation: Students faced a rapid shift to online learning during the pandemic, requiring quick adaptation to a new learning model.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Optimistic Thinking Training: Implementing the ABCDE method, optimistic thinking training aims to improve the psychological well-being of post-pandemic students.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Benefits of Psychological Well-Being: Improved psychological well-being helps students effectively navigate their environment, establish positive relationships, and maximize their potential.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: online learning, psychological well-being, optimistic thinking training, post-pandemic students, adaptation.

Effectiveness of the enhanced psychological well-being intervention on the psychological well-being and the burden of care for family caregivers of the persons with schizophrenia

Most of the family-based interventions focus on assisting patients more than the family caregivers. Family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia require intervention that focuses more on their strengths than on solving problems for persons with schizophrenia. Of 127 family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia, 63 were in the intervention group and 64 were in the control group. The 4 sessions of intervention were held every other week. All participants were assessed for psychological well-being and burden of care at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 3 months follow up. After receiving the intervention, the intervention group had a significant increase in psychological well-being but did not have a significant decrease in the burden of care. Further research is needed to develop specific interventions to better alleviate the burden of care for family caregivers, which might include skill-building and psychoeducation to care for persons with schizophrenia.

Organizational Support, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Among Nurses in COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Units: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: There is an increase in psychological well-being among employees who receive high levels of organizational support. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between hospital support during the COVID-19 epidemic and nurses' levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 230 nurses working in the COVID and non-COVID units of Ganjavian Hospital were enrolled using the convenience sampling method from February to October 2021. Modified organizational support and a 21-item DASS questionnaire were used to collect information. Independent t-test and pearson correlation were used to analyze the data using SPSS software version 16. Results: According to the results, 58.4% of nurses in COVID units and 64.8% in non-COVID units received moderate support from the hospital. 64.8% of COVID units experienced low levels of anxiety. As regards depression scores, 90.4% of respondents had low depression, 100% had low-stress levels, and none of the nurses had mild, moderate, or severe stress levels. 61% of non-COVID units experienced low anxiety, and 81% experienced low depression. In terms of stress scores, 97.1% showed low levels. Based on the Pearson correlation, the correlation score between organizational support and depression in the COVID and non-COVID units was (-0.28) and (-0.206), respectively. There was an inverse correlation between organizational support and anxiety in COVID and non-COVID units (-0.27). The relationship between organizational support and stress in the COVID and non-COVID sectors was (-0.29) and (-0.22). Conclusions: The moderate organizational support nurses received in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 units were associated with low levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological health in a sample of Italian adults: A three-wave longitudinal study

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting societal restrictions have had negative implications for mental health in the general population. The aims of the present longitudinal study were (i) to investigate changes in psychopathological symptoms and psychological well-being in a sample of Italian individuals surveyed at different points of the pandemic and (ii) to evaluate the potential risk and protective factors associated with the psychopathological outcomes. Self-reported data on psychiatric symptoms, and psychological well-being were collected in March 2020 (T0, the lockdown phase), in May 2020 (T1, the end of the lockdown phase), and in November 2020 (T2, the second wave of COVID-19 infection). 1258 participants (Mage=23.43, SDage=6.45; 75.4% female) were recruited at T0. Of these, 712 also completed the T1 survey, and 369 also completed the T2 survey. A significant decrease in anxiety, depressive, posttraumatic, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms and a significant increase in psychological well-being were observed from T0 to T1. All psychopathological symptoms increased, and psychological well-being decreased significantly from T1 to T2. Several demographic, psychological and COVID-19-related factors emerged as predictors over the course of the pandemic. The current findings indicated that psychological health covaried with the intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated societal restrictions.

Adolescent psychological well-being and adulthood cardiovascular disease risk: longitudinal association and implications for care quality management

PurposePrior research suggests that 80% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events can be prevented by modifying certain behaviors, yet it remains the primary cause of mortality worldwide. Early detection and management of critical modifiable factors have the potential to improve cardiovascular care quality as well as the associated health outcomes. This study aims to assess the independent impact of psychological well-being in adolescence, a modifiable factor, on long-term CVD risk and promote targeted early interventions through quality management principles.Design/methodology/approachData from the Add Health study, which employed a series of surveys and health tests (Wave 1 – Wave 4) on individuals for 14 years (from adolescence to adulthood), were obtained and analyzed longitudinally. Psychological well-being in adolescence was assessed using four Wave 1 survey questions, and 30-year CVD risk was estimated 14 years later with Wave 4 data. Three different logistic regression models were examined to understand the impact of adding covariates.FindingsThis study’s sample included 12,116 individuals who responded to all the relevant questions and underwent clinical risk factor measurements in Wave 1 (adolescence) and Wave 4 (young adulthood). Psychological well-being was protective with reduced risk for CVD across the three models tested. There is a statistically significant association, where increasing psychological well-being reduced the 30-year CVD risk exponentially in all the models. The analysis also suggested an exposure–response relationship, where the 30-year risk category of adulthood CVD decreased with an increase in psychological well-being.Practical implicationsThis research uncovers an inverse association between adolescent psychological well-being and adulthood CVD risk. This study also identifies quality management-based preventive tools/techniques to improve psychological well-being in adolescence and therefore reduce CVD risk later in life.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to establish a long-term association between positive well-being and CVD risk. Also, unlike the existing literature, this work provides implications for improving CVD care from a quality management perspective.

Mindfulness Attention Awareness and Psychological Wellbeing among Students

The objective of the study was to find the relationship between ” Mindfulness Attention Awareness and Psychological Wellbeing among Students” and to know if there is any significant relationship between attachment styles and OCB. The sample of the study was collected from students in different colleges from Bangalore, Delhi and Kerala. 110 students responded after preliminary briefing. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the sample. Data was analyzed using the SPSS Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation. Mindfulness was measured using, “Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale” developed by Kirk Warren Brown, Ph. D. & Richard M. Ryan, P and “Psychological Wellbeing Scale” by Carol D. Ryff. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation was used to study the data. The analyses of the results indicated that there was a high positive correlation indicating that if there is an increase in Mindfulness Attention awareness, it will lead to an increase in Psychological wellbeing. Intervention can be done to increase the mindfulness attention awareness and Psychological wellbeing also can be increased in students.

Mediating Role of Moral Disengagement between Emotional Manipulation and Psychological Well-Being: Does Age Matter?

Background/Aims: When people hone their emotional skills, they become better at manipulating others. They use their emotional skills for coping with the demands of life. This study investigated the mediating role of moral disengagement between emotional manipulation and psychological well-being. Further, the moderating role of age is tested for the mediation model of the study. Methods: This study has a cross-sectional design. Participants included students from private and public institutions (n = 542; Mean age = 18.59 years, SD = 2.10 years; gender = 46% males). Responses were collected on emotional manipulation, moral disengagement, and psychological well-being questionnaires. Analyses were conducted using SPSS 21 and PROCESS 3.1. Results: The correlation analysis showed that both in late adolescents and young adults, moral disengagement negatively correlated with psychological well-being. However, the correlation is much stronger for young adults as compared to late adolescents. Similarly, emotional manipulation has a stronger positive correlation with moral disengagement in young adults compared to late adolescents. Results also showed that moral disengagement and emotional manipulation is higher in males than females, and psychological well-being is higher in females than males. Moral disengagement appeared to be a negative mediator for the relationship between emotional manipulation and psychological well-being. Further, age moderated the indirect effect of emotional manipulation on psychological well-being through moral disengagement. The moderation of age suggests that young adults are more inclined toward moral disengagement behaviors for manipulating emotions in comparison to late adolescents. Conclusions: It is concluded that use of emotional manipulation is associated with a direct increase in psychological well-being; however, indirect emotional manipulation decreases psychological well-being, with an increased use of moral disengagement. Moreover, this indirect effect is stronger in young adults compared to late adolescents, as young adults are more inclined toward moral disengagement.

The Effectiveness of Coloring in Reducing Anxiety and Improving PWB in Adolescents

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations. Excessive anxiety can affect various aspects of life, especially in adolescents. Adolescents who have anxiety tend to experience sleep disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. Therefore, intervention is needed for adolescents who experience anxiety. One of the appropriate interventions for adolescents is art therapy with coloring techniques. Previous research has obtained evidence that coloring can reduce anxiety and improve psychological well-being (PWB). This study aims to determine the effectiveness of coloring activities in reducing anxiety and increasing PWB in adolescents. By using a quasi-experimental design pretest-posttest, total participants in this study were 26 students aged 15-18 years, were divided into two groups, such as mandala and other shapes coloring groups. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is used to measure anxiety and the PWB questionnaire is used to measure psychological well-being. Using paired sample t-test showed that both coloring groups experienced a decrease in state anxiety before and after the intervention, but there was no significant increase in PWB. Further analysis found that mandala coloring activities were more effective in reducing anxiety than other forms of coloring activities, and PWB of the two groups did not increase. It can be concluded that coloring activities can reduce state anxiety but has not been able to increase PWB.

Marketplace Literacy as a Pathway to a Better World: Evidence from Field Experiments in Low-Access Subsistence Marketplaces

Multinational companies increasingly focus on subsistence marketplaces, given their enormous market potential. Nevertheless, their potential is untapped because subsistence consumers face extreme constraints. The authors contend that subsistence consumers need marketplace literacy to participate effectively and beneficially in marketplaces. Marketplace literacy entails the knowledge and skills that enable them to participate in a marketplace as both consumers and entrepreneurs. This is crucial for subsistence consumers, as they often must function in both roles to survive. Previous research, however, has not empirically examined the influence of marketplace literacy on well-being or marketing outcomes related to well-being. To address this gap, the authors implemented three large-scale field experiments with approximately 1,000 people in 34 remote villages in India and Tanzania. They find that marketplace literacy causes an increase in psychological well-being and consumer outcomes related to well-being (e.g., consumer confidence, decision-making ability), especially for subsistence consumers with lower marketplace access, and it causes an increase in entrepreneurial outcomes related to well-being (e.g., starting a microenterprise) for those with higher marketplace access. Overall, this research generates practical implications for the use of marketplace literacy as a pathway to a better world.

Time capsule: Nostalgia shields psychological wellbeing from limited time horizons.

Nostalgia is a bittersweet-albeit predominantly positive-self-relevant and social emotion that arises from reflecting on fond and meaningful autobiographical memories. Nostalgia might facilitate successful aging by serving as a socioemotional selectivity strategy in the face of limited time horizons. Four studies tested the role of nostalgia in maintaining psychological wellbeing across the adult life span and across differing time perspectives. In Study 1, community adults (N = 443, age 18-91) completed measures of nostalgia proneness and 6 psychological wellbeing dimensions. Age was more positively related to wellbeing for those high than low on nostalgia proneness: High-nostalgic individuals showed a maintenance or increase in psychological wellbeing with age, whereas low-nostalgic individuals did not. In Study 2 (N = 35, age 18-25), experimentally inducing a limited time perspective-a core trigger of socioemotional selectivity-in young adults prompted greater nostalgia. In Study 3 (N = 93, age 18-33) and Study 4 (N = 376, age 18-55), experimentally inducing a limited time perspective reduced some aspects of wellbeing among those who recalled an ordinary (Study 3) or lucky (Study 4) autobiographical memory, but this effect was eliminated among those who recalled a nostalgic memory. Nostalgia buffers perceptions of limited time and facilitates the maintenance of psychological wellbeing across the adult life span. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychedelic Communitas: Intersubjective Experience During Psychedelic Group Sessions Predicts Enduring Changes in Psychological Wellbeing and Social Connectedness.

Background: Recent years have seen a resurgence of research on the potential of psychedelic substances to treat addictive and mood disorders. Historically and contemporarily, psychedelic studies have emphasized the importance of contextual elements ('set and setting') in modulating acute drug effects, and ultimately, influencing long-term outcomes. Nevertheless, current small-scale clinical and laboratory studies have tended to bypass a ubiquitous contextual feature of naturalistic psychedelic use: its social dimension. This study introduces and psychometrically validates an adapted Communitas Scale, assessing acute relational experiences of perceived togetherness and shared humanity, in order to investigate psychosocial mechanisms pertinent to psychedelic ceremonies and retreats. Methods: In this observational, web-based survey study, participants (N = 886) were measured across five successive time-points: 2 weeks before, hours before, and the day after a psychedelic ceremony; as well as the day after, and 4 weeks after leaving the ceremony location. Demographics, psychological traits and state variables were assessed pre-ceremony, in addition to changes in psychological wellbeing and social connectedness from before to after the retreat, as primary outcomes. Using correlational and multiple regression (path) analyses, predictive relationships between psychosocial 'set and setting' variables, communitas, and long-term outcomes were explored. Results: The adapted Communitas Scale demonstrated substantial internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) and construct validity in comparison with validated measures of intra-subjective (visual, mystical, challenging experiences questionnaires) and inter-subjective (perceived emotional synchrony, identity fusion) experiences. Furthermore, communitas during ceremony was significantly correlated with increases in psychological wellbeing (r = 0.22), social connectedness (r = 0.25), and other salient mental health outcomes. Path analyses revealed that the effect of ceremony-communitas on long-term outcomes was fully mediated by communitas experienced in reference to the retreat overall, and that the extent of personal sharing or ‘self-disclosure’ contributed to this process. A positive relationship between participants and facilitators, and the perceived impact of emotional support, facilitated the emergence of communitas. Conclusion: Highlighting the importance of intersubjective experience, rapport, and emotional support for long-term outcomes of psychedelic use, this first quantitative examination of psychosocial factors in guided psychedelic settings is a significant step toward evidence-based benefit-maximization guidelines for collective psychedelic use.