Initial Anxiety Levels Research Articles

Coordination of parent and adolescent attachment across time.

Adolescence is a period of rapid social changes that may have important implications for the ways adolescents think, feel, and behave in their close relationships. According to family systems theory, adolescents' attachment-related changes have the potential to spread throughout their family system, leading to coordinated changes in parents' and adolescents' attachment styles over time. The present study analyzed data from 205 adolescents (MageT1 = 14.0, SD = 0.9; 44% female, 56% male; 51% White, 33% African American, 3% Hispanic/Latino, 1% Asian American, 12% another race/ethnicity) and their parents (196 mothers, 105 fathers; median household incomeT1 = $100,000) who completed self-report measures of their general attachment styles annually for 5 years. Using a latent growth curve framework, we examined the extent of coordination among adolescents' and parents' long-term trajectories and shorter term fluctuations in attachment security. The results revealed a push-and-pull dynamic between mothers' and adolescents' long-term trajectories of attachment security. Mothers who reported higher initial levels of attachment anxiety tended to have adolescent children who reported higher initial levels of avoidance. Additionally, adolescents who increased in attachment avoidance over time tended to have mothers who increased in attachment anxiety. Mothers and fathers mirrored each other's patterns of attachment security as their children navigated their teenage years, reporting similar initial levels of attachment avoidance and synchronized shorter term fluctuations in attachment anxiety and avoidance across time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Impact of Dental Treatment Simulation App on Anxiety of Pediatric Dental Patients: An Observational Study

ABSTRACT Aim: The study aimed to investigate the effect of a dental treatment simulation app on the anxiety levels of pediatric dental patients. Materials and Methods: Forty children, aged 4–8 years and with no prior dental experience, were randomly assigned to either the control group (group I) or the dental app group (group II). The children’s anxiety levels were measured before and after undergoing restorative dental treatment, using the Chota Bheem Chutki pictorial scale. Results: The initial anxiety levels were similar across both groups. Post treatment, the dental app group exhibited a significant reduction in anxiety compared to the control group. This suggests that the simulation app has a beneficial effect in lowering dental anxiety in children. Conclusion: The dental treatment simulation app can effectively reduce pre and postoperative anxiety in pediatric patients, potentially enhancing their overall dental experience.

Anxiety trajectories from pregnancy to one-year postpartum and their contributors during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Background Anxiety in the peripartum period (pregnancy through one-year postpartum) has negative impacts on mothers and infants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, high rates of anxiety were reported worldwide, but trajectories for how these symptoms change longitudinally in the peripartum period remain unknown. Methods A total of 1,411 women who were pregnant during the second U.S. COVID-19 surge completed four study questionnaires between December 2020 and March 2022, including assessments of anxiety symptoms (GAD-7) and individual and community-level contributors. Latent Class Growth Mixture Models (LCGMM) were used to identify anxiety trajectories, and multinomial logistic regression was used to identify contributors to class membership. Results Three classes of anxiety symptom trajectories were identified. Class 1 (n = 956, 67.8%) experienced minimal/mild anxiety throughout the peripartum period. Class 2 (n = 362, 25.7%) experienced initial moderate anxiety that remained stable. Class 3 (n = 93, 6.6%) experienced initial moderate anxiety that increased to severe in the postpartum period. Stress and history of mental health diagnosis contributed to higher initial levels of anxiety and ongoing social support contributed to lower levels of anxiety. In addition, financial insecurity increased the risk of belonging to Class 3. Conclusions Screening for anxiety symptoms and psychosocial vulnerabilities in the peripartum period is vital, as is early intervention. This is especially the case among women with limited financial and social resources who may experience chronic or worsening anxiety as they transition to parenthood.

Anxiety in a COVID-19 school year context: three-way longitudinal study on Slovenian adolescent sample

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives We investigated the trajectories of anxiety, general anxiety and more specifically COVID-19 anxiety in the period of school closure in Slovenia using a longitudinal design with three time points: at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the school year. Design and Methods We have used data from a representative adolescent sample for Slovenia (n = 1233) and two anxiety scales: the LAOM Anxiety Scale and the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale. The findings from latent growth curve models show a significant difference in initial levels and a decrease in both types of anxiety as well as an interaction effect between the initial level and the rate of change of COVID-19 anxiety. In addition to investigating the change in time, we were interested in covariates. Results and Conclusions The findings show significant effects of: (a) gender, school level and academic achievement on initial levels of COVID-19 anxiety; (b) gender and school level on initial levels of anxiety; (c) gender on the rate of change in anxiety; (d) academic achievement on the rate of change in COVID-19 anxiety; and, additionally, (e) the significant but different role that school belongingness plays in anxiety and in particular COVID-19 anxiety.

The effectiveness of a health education intervention to reduce anxiety in quarantined COVID-19 patients: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic is regarded as a serious public health concern that boosts levels of stress and anxiety which could be explained by several reasons, including social isolation. In this regard, we aimed to assess the impact of health education on the anxiety level of COVID-19 patients during the isolation period.MethodsThis is a randomized controlled trial conducted between February 2021 and June 2021. Patients tested positive for Covid-19 with mild to moderate forms were randomized to Education (n = 267) or control (n = 269). The education group received a phone health education session on day 1 (D1) following the diagnosis. The three components of the health education intervention were an explanation of the coronavirus disease, what to do in the event of complications, and the recommended preventive measures. The two groups received a telephone evaluation of their Hospital Anxiety and Depression scores on D1 and day seven D7 following the positive diagnosis. The primary outcome was the rate of anxiety reduction in each group on D7 based on a HAD-A score ≥ 8. Secondary outcomes were the rate of anxiety reduction on D7 based on a HAD-A score ≥ 11, the percentage of people complying with isolation and the scores of adherences to preventive measures during the isolation in each group.ResultsHundred and ninety-six patients in the intervention group and 206 patients in the control group completed the study. The sociodemographic, clinical, and initial anxiety level features of the intervention and control groups were comparable at baseline (p ≥ 0.05). On D7, the education group’s anxiety level (HAD-A ≥ 8) decreased from 26 to 16.3% (p = 0.013) while in the control group it increased from 19.4 to 22.8% (p = 0.37). Thus, the percentage change in anxiety between D1 and D7 (delta D7 – D1) was − 9.7% in the Education group and + 3.4% in the Control group. Using the HAD-A ≥ 11 thresholds, the percentage of anxiety decreased from 15.3 to 11.2% (p = 0.26) between D1 and D7, while it increased in the control group from 9.7 to 15.7% (p = 0.045). Thus, the education group’s change in anxiety (delta D7 - D1) was − 4.1%, while the control group’s change was + 6%.ConclusionDuring an outbreak, providing health education to quarantined patients may be beneficial to reduce the psychological impact of the disease.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05715593, retrospectively registered on 8/02/2023 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=NCT05715593&Search=Search.

Psychological distress among healthcare students in Poland from COVID-19 to war on Ukraine: a cross-sectional exploratory study.

Healthcare students went through a rough time in March 2022 due to extreme changes in the educational system (moving from online to stationary learning) and Ukrainian-Russian war circumstances. Our study aims to update knowledge about psychological distress and its impact on healthcare students in Poland after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by intense and political instability in Europe. We conducted a cross-sectional study on healthcare students from Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland, from March to April 2022. The questionnaire included subjective retrospective 5-point Likert-scales ratings of anxiety, stress, and depression and self-reported information on various psychological distress predictors. The anxiety levels at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic were higher than in April 2022. There was no significant reduction in stress and depression. Females had higher initial anxiety levels than post-pandemic levels. Higher reported levels of anxiety, stress, and depression were significantly correlated with political instability in Eastern Europe (Spearman ranxiety = 0.178, rstress = 0.169, rdepression = 0.154, p ≤ 0.001, respectively). The concern about moving towards online education showed a significant association only with stress level (rstress = 0.099, p = 0.034). We also observed a positive correlation between anxiety, stress, and depression and deteriorating sleep quality (Spearman ranxiety,=0.325, rstress = 0.410, rdepression = 0.440, p < 0.001), the feeling of worsening relationships with family and peers (ranxiety = 0.325, rstress = 0.343, rdepression = 0.379, p < 0.001), and the sense of loss of efficient time management (ranxiety = 0.321, rstress = 0.345, rdepression = 0.410, p < 0.001). Throughout the progression of the Ukrainian war and the COVID-19 pandemic, females reported improved (lower levels) levels of anxiety. Nevertheless, the current levels of self-reported anxiety post-pandemic remain alarming, while stress and depression levels remained unchanged. Mental, psychological, and social support activities are required for healthcare students, especially those away from their families. Time management, academic performance, and coping skills in relation to the additional stressors of war and the global pandemic require further research in this group of students.

Divulging the Impetus of Yoga on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Its Persona in Alleviating Anxiety Experienced by Youth: A Cohort Interventional Study.

Globalization endangers youngsters worldwide with new standards and possibilities. Hereat of being exposed to greater demands and expectations, when it comes to performance review, their life may become more distressed. Yoga with revolutionary methods may assistyoungsters in bettering their physical health regardingtheir maximal oxygen uptake, and also help manage their anxiety. This study ascertains the effect of yoga on youth's anxiety levels and cardio-respiratory fitness. It was a longitudinal interventional study recruiting 99 medical students wherein VO2max (maximal oxygen uptake) on thetreadmill/ergometer exercise and anxiety scores throughSpielberger's anxiety scale was assessed at baseline and evaluated after 6 months of a regular yogic regime.The VO2max wasrecorded by the metabolic module of Labchart software (Bella Vista,New South Wales, Australia). The VO2max evaluated by incremental exercise to volitional fatigue was found to be 2.64 ± 0.49 L/min in males and 1.51 ± 0.44 L/min in females pre-yoga and 2.81 ± 0.52 L/min in males and 1.69 ± 0.47 L/min in females post yoga. The difference in the endline and baseline VO2max values of yoga-performing males (t=6.595, p<0.001) and females (t = 2.478, p = 0.017) was found to be significantly higher than non-yoga performers. The METS value obtained in males was 11.96 and in females was 7.68 before yoga. Post-yoga values were 13.44 and 8.37, respectively. The difference in total anxiety scores post-intervention was 34.6 which was statistically significant (t= 4.959, p <0.001). From the viewpoint of a physiologist, higher VO2max in young adults links to better physical fitness which is the potential outcome of regular yogic practice. As a result ofregular yogic practice, initial soaring anxiety levels of subjects culminated in a drastic observable reduction in anxiety, which helped inculcate a judicious acumen in youngsters.

Risk factors for worse anxiety trajectories among patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy

Patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer often experience heightened anxiety. While receipt of chemotherapy occurs over multiple cycles, limited research has examined anxiety longitudinally. The purposes of this study, in a large sample of patients with breast, gynecological, gastrointestinal, or lung cancer, were to evaluate, over the course of two cycles of chemotherapy, for inter-individual differences in the trajectories of anxiety and identify associations between demographic, clinical, symptom, and psychological adjustment characteristics and initial levels and trajectories of anxiety. Patients with breast, gynecologic, lung, or gastrointestinal cancer (n = 1323) were assessed with the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. At enrollment, patients completed self-report instruments assessing demographic, symptom, stress, and coping characteristics. We used hierarchical linear modeling to identify risk factors associated with initial levels and trajectories of state anxiety. Inter-individual differences in initial levels of anxiety were associated with functional status, sleep disturbance, morning fatigue, cognitive function, global and cancer-specific stress, resilience, and several coping characteristics (i.e., sense of coherence, acceptance, using emotional support, self-distraction, denial, venting, and self-blame). Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with interindividual differences in anxiety trajectories were age, employment status, and MAX-2 score. This study provides novel data on the course and predictors of anxiety during two cycles of chemotherapy among a large sample of patients with varied cancer types. Further research focused on risk factors for heightened levels of anxiety during chemotherapy may help point toward more effective interventions for this commonly experienced symptom.

1294. Covid-19: Impacts on Medical Students’ Mental Health in Medical Education Center of Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital

Abstract Background Thailand has experienced a repeated pandemic of COVID-19, which placed overwhelming demands on health care services. Medical students are affected by the pandemics of COVID-19, and adjustments are needed to produce medical providers for health care services as planned. Medical students have experienced consequences, especially on their mental health, due to a fear of COVID-19 infection adjustments to new learning styles. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in our hospital. We used an online platform to assess knowledge, sources of information and evaluate anxiety levels using the generalized anxiety disorder 7 (GAD-7) scale. Results Thirty-seven patients (20 women (54.1%), mean age 22.9 years) were included. The majority of students demonstrated average levels of knowledge and utilized reliable sources of information. 51.35% of students reported anxiety levels ranging from mild to severe, with sixth-year medical students whom on-site study reporting higher anxiety than the fourth and fifth-year medical students whom hybrid study (online and On-site study) (OR=5.9, P=0.02). Conclusion This study provides essential information in our hospital on the initial response and anxiety levels in medical students during a clinical rotation in the COVID-19 pandemic. In the COVID-19 pandemic or any other public health emergencies, we need to provide clinical knowledge support and psychological support for our medical students. Essential knowledge and prompt screening and response for anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic are necessary for the medical student. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Sleep Quality in An Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting: The Importance of Prior Sleep Disorders

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To assess whether demographic and clinical factors might impact sleep quality during inpatient stay in a rehabilitation setting. <h3>Design</h3> In this prospective study, patients were assessed for their sleep quality at admission and discharge. <h3>Setting</h3> Patients admitted in the acute inpatient rehabilitation unit of Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare (Pomona, California) were included in the study. <h3>Participants</h3> Thirty five patients participated to this study (age=61±16 years old; BMI=30±7kg/m2; 18 females, 18 Caucasians). <h3>Interventions</h3> None. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was administered as primary outcome. Demographic and clinical data were collected as covariates (i.e., age, BMI, gender, race, cause of hospitalization, pre-hospital setting and prior diagnosis of sleep disorders). The level of anxiety and depression were also assessed using Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). <h3>Results</h3> The average length of hospitalization was 18±8 days. Cause of hospitalization included stroke (20%), spinal cord injury (28%), orthopedic (28%) and other diagnosis (23%). In this sample, 22% had a sleep disorder diagnosis (mostly sleep apnea) and 60% came from an acute care unit. ANOVAs with repeated measures were performed on the outcome measure (PSQI) controlling for BMI and age. Among the demographic and clinical variables considered, the presence of sleep disorders had an effect on changes in PSQI total scores. The PSQI decreased significantly in patients with prior diagnosis of sleep disorders. The pre-hospital setting trended toward statistical significance only for the group without sleep disorders. The initial level of anxiety or depression did not have an effect on the PSQI scores. However, changes in BAI and PHQ-9 total scores were related to changes in PSQI. Finally, our dataset did not reveal an effect of race or gender. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Prior sleep disorders diagnoses factors has an impact on sleep quality during hospitalization. These results identify high-risk patient characteristics that impact sleep hygiene which will be taken into consideration in developing an intervention for improving inpatient sleep hygiene. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors have nothing to declare.

Anxiety trajectories: An observational study of women undergoing chemotherapy for breast or gynecological cancer

While anxiety is prevalent among women who undergo chemotherapy for breast or gynecologic cancer, research on its predictors has focused primarily on cross-sectional evaluations or on assessments of anxiety prior to and after receipt of chemotherapy. Few studies have evaluated for predictors of inter-individual variability in levels of anxiety during chemotherapy. This study evaluated for inter-individual differences in anxiety across two cycles of chemotherapy and identified demographic, clinical, symptom, and psychological adjustment (e.g., stress, coping) characteristics associated with initial levels and trajectories of anxiety. Patients with breast (n=530) or gynecologic (n=233) cancer completed the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. At enrollment, self-report measures were used to assess demographic, symptom, stress, and coping characteristics. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to evaluate for risk factors associated with initial levels and trajectories of state anxiety. At enrollment, demographic, clinical, symptom, and psychological adjustment characteristics associated with inter-individual differences of anxiety were: marital status, functional status, sleep disturbance, cognitive function, global stress, cancer-specific stress, resilience, sense of coherence, and the coping strategies of venting and self-blame. Employment status and morning fatigue were the only characteristics associated with inter-individual differences in the trajectories of anxiety. Denial was the only characteristic associated with both initial levels and the trajectories of anxiety. A variety of patient characteristics predicted initial levels of anxiety. Fewer characteristics predicted trajectories of anxiety. Identification of specific risk factors, such as avoidant coping, suggests the need for targeted interventions among higher-risk patients.

A Latent Growth Analysis of Individual Factors Predicting Test Anxiety During the Transition From Elementary to Secondary School

This study aimed to examine the evolution of test anxiety during the transition to secondary school, a challenging period that includes a set of contextual factors that could potentially increase students’ test anxiety. In addition, to further understand the contribution of different individual factors that might increase the susceptibility to test anxiety during this transition, the study examined the role of motivation, achievement, internalizing behaviors and gender in the development of test anxiety. A total of 478 French-speaking students (231 boys, 247 girls) were followed during their transition to secondary school. Latent growth analysis revealed an overall stable trajectory of test anxiety during the transition to secondary school. However, internalizing behaviors and gender moderated the trajectory over time. Additionally, high initial levels of internalizing behaviors, as well as lower grades in mathematics, were associated with initial levels of test anxiety, as measured at the end of elementary school.

Citalopram Did Not Significantly Improve Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Undergoing Treatment for Core Symptoms: Secondary Analysis of a Trial to Reduce Repetitive Behaviors.

Objective: Anxiety disorders are among the most common co-occurring conditions in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite their prevalence and impact, there are no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed at evaluating the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for anxiolysis in this population, who may have a different biological basis for anxiety. Methods: Secondary analyses of the STAART double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT of citalopram in children with ASD examined whether citalopram reduced anxiety measured on the parent-reported Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-4 (CASI-4) as the primary outcome. An intention-to-treat analysis involving all 149 participants used multiple imputations for missing data and included baseline stratification factors of age group and site, among others. We prespecified as clinically significant a 33% reduction in anxiety in citalopram versus placebo, coinciding with 80% power. We tested whether communicative ability on the Vineland Communication score moderated treatment effect and explored whether initial anxiety was associated with greater adverse events, which could impact on dose titration and achieving optimal dose. Results: Both groups showed substantial reduction in anxiety. Citalopram was associated with a nonsignificant 16.5% greater reduction (observed coefficient = -0.181, bootstrap standard error = 0.126, p = 0.151, confidence interval = -0.428 to 0.066). Anxiety reports were significantly lower in children with reduced communicative ability, but communicative ability did not moderate the treatment effect (interaction p = 0.294). Initial anxiety levels were not associated with increased adverse effects (interaction ps 0.162-0.954). Conclusion: Citalopram did not statistically significantly improve anxiety in children with ASD. Clinicians should be cautious in their use of SSRIs for this indication. There remains a need for well-powered clinical trials testing the efficacy of SSRIs among autistic children with anxiety disorders.

Adolescents’ trajectories of social anxiety and social withdrawal: Are they influenced by traditional bullying and cyberbullying roles?

This study analyzed if adolescents’ social anxiety and social withdrawal trajectories during one year in middle school were associated with their involvement in traditional bullying or cyberbullying roles. Social anxiety and social withdrawal were assessed three times during one year, through self-reports and teacher reports. The sample was composed by 511 middle school students (Mage = 12.70; SD = 1.04; 50.7% boys). Results from the self-reports showed that victims and bully–victims did not display differences in the initial levels of social anxiety but displayed more pronounced increases in both social anxiety and social withdrawal during the analyzed period than students non-involved in both traditional bullying and cyberbullying. Furthermore, teacher reports indicated that victims and bully–victims displayed higher initial social anxiety and social withdrawal levels and a more pronounced increase in social withdrawal than students non-involved in bullying. The trajectories of social anxiety and social withdrawal were moderated by classroom size, but not by gender. These results indicate that involvement in traditional bullying and cyberbullying, as victims or bully–victims, is associated with a pronounced increase in social anxiety and social withdrawal.

Which Anxious Adolescents Were Most Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant stress and anxiety among many, individuals' experiences varied. We examined if specific forms of anxiety predicted distinct trajectories of anxiety, perceived stress, and COVID-related worries during three early months of the pandemic. In a longitudinal study (N = 291), adolescents' (n = 194) social and generalized anxiety levels were assessed via parent- and self-reports and clinical diagnostic interviews. In young adulthood (n = 164), anxiety, stress, and COVID-related worries were assessed thrice during the pandemic. Pre-pandemic generalized anxiety predicted higher initial levels and maintenance of anxiety, stress, and COVID-related worries during the pandemic. In contrast, pre-pandemic social anxiety predicted lower initial levels of anxiety, stress, and COVID-related worries, but this initial effect on anxiety and stress was offset over time by social anxiety's positive effect on the slope. Our results highlight the importance of understanding how pre-pandemic factors influence individuals' experiences during the pandemic.

Assessing the anxiety level of a volleyball team

Modern sport activity implies a lot of stress and anxiety, factors that can limit the performance level of a sportive at any category. The study focused on highlighting the importance of assessing the level of anxiety of a volleyball team. The research took place in the season 2019-2020, between 01 September 2019 and 31 March 2020, at the women volleyball club ACS Alpha Sport Team from Sibiu, Romania. The sample of research was the mini volleyball representative of ACS Alpha Sport Team, composed by 15 volleyball players of female gender (n=15), with age between 8-11 years old (10.07±2.04 years old) with an experience of 1-2 years. The research method used was the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) that was used for assessing the anxiety level of the sportive before and after the competition, also the results of the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistic indicators. The research of our investigation showed that initial anxiety level evaluated at the initial testing in September 2019 (average 23.33) was considered high, the final evaluation of anxiety showed real improvement in the anxiety level (average of 17.33). The conclusions of the research highlighted the idea that using special training for psychological preparation, playing official games and also friendly games can improve the mental strength and also reduce the anxiety level.

Examining the Directionality of the Relationship Between Maternal Warmth and Early School-Age Anxiety.

Maternal warmth has been identified as a contributing factor to the development of child anxiety; however, no studies to date have examined observed maternal warmth longitudinally in this relationship. The present study addressed this knowledge gap by examining the simultaneous development of maternal warmth and child anxiety over time (between-person effects using latent growth curve modeling) and the directionality of associations (within-person effects using autoregressive latent trajectory modeling). Participants included 753 mothers and children. Between-person effects indicated that lower initial levels of anxiety were related to greater levels of maternal warmth over time. Within-person effects showed that maternal warmth in grade 1 predicted subsequent decreases in child anxiety in grade 2 (i.e., a parent effect). Present findings demonstrate the importance of maternal warmth in the early school-age years for decreasing subsequent child anxiety.

The Efficacy of Little Lovely Dentist, Dental Song, and Tell-Show-Do Techniques in Alleviating Dental Anxiety in Paediatric Patients: A Clinical Trial.

Introduction Dental anxiety is a common occurrence in patients undergoing dental treatments, especially in children. The success in paedriatric dental treatments and patient comfort depends on controlling the level of patient's anxiety in clinical settings. This study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy of different techniques applied for the reduction of dental anxiety in paediatric patients. Material and Methods. One hundred and sixty participants were divided into 4 groups; each group having 40 patients as follows: group I: mobile application “little lovely dentist,” group II: YouTube® “dental video songs,” group III “tell-show-do,” and group IV “control.” Dental prophylaxis treatments were provided to all the participants. Initial anxiety levels were noted during the patient's education phase by measuring heart rate with pulse oximeter and distress level with facial image scale, at the same time in each group, respectively. The postoperative anxiety was noted later with the same methods, after the application of anxiety reduction techniques. The data obtained were entered in the statistical package for the social sciences software, version 25. One-way ANOVA and paired t-test for matched groups were used to compare mean values of the 4 groups, in this study to determine their effectiveness. A p value of ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results The mean age of patients in group 1 was 6.8 ± 2.1 years, group 2: 8.15 ± 2.27 years, group 3: 7.5 ± 2.3 years, and group 4: 7.27 ± 1.68 years. The intragroup comparisons of heart rate and facial image scores have shown a significant difference in before and after dental treatment procedures. Marked reduction in heart rate and facial image scale scores were found in patients belonging to group 1 (mobile applications) and group 2 (dental video songs). An increase in heart rate and facial image scale scores was seen in group 3 (tell-show-do) and the control group. Conclusion The paediatric dental anxiety is a common finding in dental clinics. Behavior modification techniques like smartphone applications, “little lovely dentist,” and “dental songs” can alleviate dental anxiety experienced by paediatric patients. The “tell-show-do” technique although most commonly used did not prove to be beneficial in the reduction of the anxiety levels.

Training public speaking with virtual social interactions: effectiveness of real-time feedback and delayed feedback

Social signal processing and virtual social interaction technologies have allowed the creation of social skills training applications, and initial studies have shown that such solutions can lead to positive training outcomes and could complement traditional teaching methods by providing cheap, accessible, safe tools for training social skills. However, these studies evaluated social skills training systems as a whole and it is unclear to what extent which components contributed to positive outcomes. In this paper, we describe an experimental study where we compared the relative efficacy of real-time interactive feedback and after-action feedback in the context of a public speaking training application. We observed that both components provide benefits to the overall training: the real-time interactive feedback made the experience more immersive and improved participants’ motivation in using the system, while the after-action feedback led to positive training outcomes when it contained personalized feedback elements. Taken in combination, these results confirm that both social signal processing technologies and virtual social interactions are both contributing to social skills training systems’ efficiency. Additionally, we observed that several individual factors, here the subjects’ initial level of public speaking anxiety, personality and tendency to immersion significantly influenced the training experience. This finding suggests that social skills training systems could benefit from being tailored to participants’ particular individual circumstances.

Understanding why apprentices consider dropping out: longitudinal prediction of apprentices\u2019 workplace interest and anxiety

Although apprenticeships ease the school-to-work transition for youth, many apprentices seriously consider dropping out. While associated with noncompletions, dropout considerations are important to study in their own right, because they reflect a negative quality of apprenticeship experience and can impact apprentices’ quality of learning and engagement. Few studies have addressed apprentices’ dropout considerations using comprehensive theoretical frameworks. To address this gap, this study examined how apprentices’ interest and anxiety growth trajectories predicted dropout considerations and associated with perceived resources and demands, grounded in expectancy-value theory (EVT) and the job demands-resources (JD-R) model. Australian apprentices (N = 2387) were surveyed at 6-month intervals utilising an accelerated longitudinal design, on their workplace interest and anxiety, job-related resources (role model, timing of choice, employer teaching, expertise, job security, and training wages) and demands (lack of information, career indecision, and excessive work). Latent growth models (LGM) within a structural equation modelling framework showed apprentices began with high interest which declined over time, and low anxiety which increased in the latter half of their first year until the end of their second year. Apprentices’ dropout considerations were predicted by initial interest and anxiety levels (at the beginning of their apprenticeship), and by interest losses during their apprenticeship (but, not by increases in anxiety). Almost half the variance in interest and anxiety trajectories was explained by apprentices’ perceived resources and demands: resources had a greater effect on promoting interest than reducing anxiety, whereas demands were more important in exacerbating anxiety.