Interpersonal Characteristics Research Articles

Do perfectionism, body image concerns, and intimacy predict genitopelvic pain in the postpartum? A prospective study of new mothers.

Genitopelvic pain following childbirth is common and likely to challenge the psychological, relational, and sexual well-being of new mothers. While genitopelvic pain generally decreases during the postpartum period, personal and interpersonal characteristics may explain why genitopelvic pain persists beyond the period of physical recovery in some mothers. Body image concerns, increased stress, and relationship challenges would be particularly salient during pregnancy and the postpartum period, which could put new mothers at greater risk of sexual difficulties. Also, mothers may display a negative appraisal regarding genitopelvic pain and doubt their ability to cope with it, which may contribute to the pain. The current study aimed to examine the role of perfectionism, body image concerns, and perceived intimacy in the occurrence and change in genitopelvic pain in new mothers in postpartum. A total of 211 new mothers and their partners were recruited for a larger prospective dyadic study on the transition to parenthood. Mothers completed a single item assessing genitopelvic pain, in addition to brief validated questionnaires measuring perfectionism, body image concerns, and perceived couple intimacy during pregnancy and at 4, 8, and 12months postpartum. Five multilevel modeling analyses revealed that adaptive perfectionism, maladaptive perfectionism, and body image concerns were associated with a higher occurrence of genitopelvic pain from 4 to 12months postpartum. Mothers' and partners' perceived intimacy was not significantly related to new mothers' genitopelvic pain. None of the predictors modified the trajectory of genitopelvic pain over time. Raising awareness among health care professionals regarding the role of perfectionism and body image concerns in genitopelvic pain may help them identify new mothers at risk of chronic genitopelvic pain, while offering a new avenue of intervention. There has been little research examining the role of perfectionism, body image concerns, and intimacy in postpartum genitopelvic pain. Based on a longitudinal prospective approach, this study identified perfectionism and body image concerns as significant predictors of postpartum genitopelvic pain. However, prepregnancy genitopelvic pain, genitopelvic pain intensity, and sexual distress were not measured. Adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism and body image concerns are associated with new mothers' genitopelvic pain up to 12months postpartum.

Therapeutic and risk relevance of psychopathy and general criminal attitude change in an institutional sexual offense treatment program.

We examined the interrelationships between psychopathy, changes in general criminal attitudes, and community recidivism in a sample of 212 men who attended an institutional sexual offense treatment program (SOTP) and were followed for an average of 12.73years post-release. The men completed a self-report measure of general criminal attitudes, the Criminal Sentiments Scale, as part of routine SOTP service delivery, Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) ratings were completed via file review, and recidivism data were obtained from official criminal records. Criminal attitude endorsement and criminal attitude change had clinically meaningful, but differential, associations with the antisocial and interpersonal features of psychopathy. Further, positive changes in criminal attitudes-particularly tolerance of law violations (i.e., rationalizations for criminal behavior)-were significantly predictive of reductions in community violent and general recidivism after controlling for PCL-R score. Results demonstrate that general criminal attitude change has risk relevance in the treatment of high psychopathy persons with sexual offense histories.

“Being Open About Struggle”: Youth Practices and Perspectives on Resilience

Youth create resilience in a landscape of interpersonal, environmental, and political factors by navigating personal and community stressors. The goal of this study was to explore how youth conceptualize resilience and overcome stressors within their everyday life experiences. Using a national text message survey, 894 youth (ages 14–24 years) were asked five open-ended questions about their life experiences relating to stressors and their abilities to express resilience. Four themes were identified through qualitative, thematic analysis: (1) relationships are key to resilience; (2) perspective is everything; (3) resources can help build and maintain resilience; and (4) resilience is difficult to practice when you feel out of control. The timing of this study during the COVID-19 pandemic offers a focused insight into the meaning-making of resilience among youth that highlights structural and interpersonal characteristics. These definitions of resilience can inform future research and resource provision for youth.

What makes a good general practice consultation: an exploratory pilot study with people from a low socioeconomic background

BackgroundWhilst patients from low socioeconomic (SES) backgrounds are at increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, typically managed within general practice, they report less positive consultation experiences with general practitioners (GP). To our knowledge, existing research does not provide an in-depth understanding of GP conducts contribute to positive consultations.AimTo identify the factors that patients from low SES backgrounds perceive as essential for creating good consultation experiences.Design & settingThis qualitative research was performed in Melbourne GP clinics.MethodWe used an appreciative inquiry approach, focused on positive consultation experiences, previously shown to be helpful for researching sensitive topics. Nine patients with low SES backgrounds who reported positive consultation experiences, undertook a semi-structured qualitative interview whilst watching the video-recording of their GP consultation. Four different GPs were captured in the recordings. Inductive thematic coding was performed by two researchers.ResultsFour categories were developed relating to: (1) the doctor’s demeanour and the patient’s feelings, (2) the therapeutic relationship, (3) the doctor’s therapeutic skill set and (4) communication techniques. In each interview, the discussion about the video-recorded consultation often triggered reflections about previous consultations with the respective GP.ConclusionFor patients from low SES groups, positive consultation experiences were underpinned by perceived continuity of care with a specific GP who consistently showed good communication skills and key interpersonal characteristics. This research is a small step towards increasing our understanding of the experience of individuals with low SES backgrounds in primary care and the existing health inequities within this.

Voluntary sport programs for individuals with mental health disorders: The trainer’s and participant’s view

Introduction
 There is strong evidence that physical activities are important in increasing and maintaining mental health as well as in preventing relapse after mental health disorders (Schulz et al., 2011). Physical activity is an integral part of the treatment program in psychiatric hospitals in Switzerland (CH; Brand et al., 2016). However, after discharge from the hospital in CH, there are insufficient opportunities to engage in physical activity for individuals with mental health disorders (IMHD). To close this gap, voluntary sports groups (VSG) for IMHD have been growing in Switzerland since 2016, mainly organized by the PluSport Umbrella Organization of Swiss Disabled Sports (Kiselev & Loosli, 2019). Yet, little is known about these VSG and their training settings. The perspectives of IMHD and trainers of these groups as well as the perceived barriers and facilitators for participating for IMHD have neither been assessed nor included in the design of sports programs. Therefore, two studies aimed to explore the point of view of the IMHD (first study) and the trainers of these groups (second study) on challenges, barriers, and facilitators for IMHD regarding participation in VSG for IMHD. Additionally, given the crucial role of the trainers in the training process and the importance of their interpersonal characteristics, both studies aimed to identify reasons/motivations and proper personality characteristics of the VSG trainers from the interviewees’ perspective.
 Methods
 Both studies consisted of 15 semi-structured interviews each (with participants (1st study) and with trainers (2nd study) of VSG for IMHD). The results were analyzed using thematic analysis using Nvivo (Guest et al., 2012).
 Results
 Several training facilitators and trainers’ characteristics supporting the participation of the IMHD in VSG for IMHD were named by interviewees (e.g., offer-specific, emotional, rational motives, social skills of the trainers, and ability to set boundaries). At the same time, respondents reported several barriers as possible inhibitors for the participation of IMHD in VSG for IMHD (e.g., intrapersonal, structural, offer-specific, interpersonal and socio-cultural). Within the interviews, IMHD described predominantly positive perceived outcomes from participating in VSG for IMHD. On the other side, trainers of VSG for IMHD highlighted the satisfaction of doing sports with IMHD and of the contribution to improving the physical activity habits of IMHD as the main factors for their commitment as coaches (Baumberger et al., under review; Epiney et al., 2023).
 Discussion/Conclusion
 IMHD benefit socially, physically, and psychologically from participating in VSG for IMHD. However, participation is associated with barriers that need to be minimized in the future to make participation more accessible. Furthermore, the findings suggest improving the recruitment of future trainers of VSG for IMHD by focusing on assessing the appropriate personality characteristics of trainers and their motives. Additionally, findings should be integrated into the educational materials of Swiss disabled sports systems to ensure the proper upskilling of the new and present trainers of VSG for IMHD and ensure the quality and attractiveness of these groups for the target population . Finally, a large-scale survey is necessary to validate the results among the population.
 References
 Baumberger, C., Wieber, F., Pauli, C., Loosli, D., Kleim, B., & Kiselev, N. (under review). Active bodies - Active minds? A deep dive into the voluntary sports programs for individuals with psychiatric disorders in Switzerland: Participants view. BMC Public Health.
 Brand, S., Colledge, F., Beeler, N., Pühse, U., Kalak, N., Sadeghi Bahmani, D., Mikoteit, T., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., & Gerber, M. (2016). The current state of physical activity and exercise programs in German-speaking, Swiss psychiatric hospitals: Results from a brief online survey. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 12, 1309-1317. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S107313
 Epiney, F., Wieber, F., Loosli, D., Znoj, H., & Kiselev, N. (2023). Voluntary sports programs for individuals with mental health disorders: The trainer’s view. Plos one, 18(10), Article e0290404. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0290404
 Guest, G., MacQueen, K., & Namey, E. (2012). Applied Thematic Analysis. SAGE. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483384436
 Kiselev, N., & Loosli, D. (2019). Kann ich mitmachen? Behinderten- und Rollstuhlsportclubs in der Schweiz und der Zugang zum Behinderten- und Rollstuhlsport [Disabled and wheelchair sports clubs in Switzerland and access to disabled and wheelchair sports]. Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Heilpädagogik, 25(5-6), 13-20.
 Schulz, K. H., Meyer, A., & Langguth, N. (2011). Körperliche Aktivität und psychische Gesundheit [Physical activity and mental health]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz, 55(1), 55-65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-011-1387-x

Testimony and Non-Evidential Reasons for Belief (A Non-Purist Place for Interpersonalism)

Abstract Interpersonalist theories of testimony have the theoretical virtue of giving room to the characteristic interpersonal features of testimonial exchange among persons. Nonetheless, it has been argued that they are at a serious disadvantage when it comes to accounting for the way in which testimonial beliefs may be epistemically justified. In this paper, we defend the epistemological credentials of interpersonalism, emphasizing that it is inseparable from the acceptance of non-evidential epistemic reasons to believe, which demands proper conceptual elaborations on the notions of epistemic reasons and of epistemic justification. We offer a proper reading of epistemic reason, and we defend non-purism on justification as the adequate way to conceive the epistemic proposal of interpersonalism on testimony, realizing that only this combination is capable of apprehending certain cases in which there seems to be no way to rule out the idea that the assurance offered by the testifier offers an epistemic reason to believe that it is not evidential.

Interpersonal Features Associated with Feelings of Not Mattering Assessed With The Anti-Mattering Scale: An Analysis of Interpersonal Closeness, Connection, and Conflict

Interpersonal Features Associated with Feelings of Not Mattering Assessed With The Anti-Mattering Scale: An Analysis of Interpersonal Closeness, Connection, and Conflict

Evaluative language in undergraduate academic writing: expressions of attitude as sources of text effectiveness in English as a Foreign Language

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to explore whether the use of attitudinal language stands as a potential source of effectiveness in undergraduate academic writing in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). In order to achieve this purpose, interpersonal features of a corpus of essays written by Mexican undergraduate students of English Language and Literature were analyzed. The model of appraisal (Martin, James R. & Peter R. R. White. 2005. The language of evaluation: Appraisal systems in English. Basingtoke: Palgrave Macmillan) was used to trace and contrast attitude resources of affect, judgement and appreciation in academic essays in relation to the grades they were granted by university professors at different levels of instruction. The results of the study confirm a significant relation between the use of resources of attitude and the perceived (in)effectiveness of the analyzed texts, as well as factors which potentially determine the nature of such relation and pose relevant implications for academic writing instruction in EFL in the context of the analyzed corpus.

Discoursing disciplinarity: A bibliometric analysis of published research in the past 30 years

Diverging from the long-held homogeneous view of academic discourse, the issue of disciplinarity has come to the forefront in EAP teaching and discourse analysis. Although disciplinary discourse is a well-established and expanding line of inquiry, there has been limited retrospective analysis to unpack its evolutionary nuances. This bibliometric study maps its evolution from 1990 to 2022, tracing its journey from a fringe component within applied linguistics and language pedagogy to a globally recognized field. Using 921 articles retrieved from the Web of Science's core collection, our analysis reveals enduring scholarly interest in disciplinary literacy, writing, and socialization, with a marked shift since 2006 towards exploring the interplay between disciplinary knowledge-making practices and interpersonal features, such as stance, identity, and function. These studies, often using corpus approaches, highlight how these themes both reflect and are shaped by the disciplinary epistemology and ideology inherent in communities of practice. Emerging areas include student writing, spoken English, multimodal resources, and the temporal and interdisciplinary dynamics in various disciplines. The diverse authorship and geographical sources across various fields further underscore the global relevance of these topics. This overview could serve as a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and practitioners navigating this dynamic and significant field.

Interpersonal Characteristics and Binge Eating among Patients Pursuing Bariatric Surgery.

Preoperative binge eating behavior has been associated with difficulties in weight loss maintenance among patients pursuing bariatric surgery. However, limited data exists on the relationship between interpersonal difficulties and binge eating. To identify interpersonal factors linked with binge eating among bariatric surgery candidates. One hundred and seventeen adult bariatric surgery candidates (BMI = 42.2 ± 5.2) from three different hospitals completed questionnaires on the day of their bariatric committee meeting for operation approval. Binge eating was assessed using the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns-5 (QEWP-5) as a dichotomous variable. Self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and interpersonal characteristics were evaluated using the short version of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32). Sociodemographic variables (age, gender, income, education) and BMI were considered as confounders. Approximately 25% of bariatric surgery candidates reported experiencing binge eating episodes within the previous three months. Participants with binge eating exhibited significantly lower self-esteem and more interpersonal difficulties, particularly in the domains of aggressiveness and dependence, compared to those without binge eating. Logistic regression analysis revealed that aggressiveness was a significant predictor of binge eating in this sample. This study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to investigate the relationship between interpersonal difficulties and binge eating among bariatric surgery candidates. The findings highlight the significant contribution of aggressiveness to binge eating and emphasize the importance of clinicians assessing patients' interpersonal functioning, particularly with regard to aggressiveness, as a factor that may contribute to the maintenance and occurrence of binge eating behaviors.

Accelerating Research Careers in Science Through Early Mentored Research Experiences for Undergraduates and Masters' Students at the University of California, San Francisco Center for AIDS Research.

Investments early in the academic pathway are essential to increasing the diversity of the HIV research workforce. Applied mentored research experiences can advance research skills, self-efficacy, and retention in science among scholars considered to be underrepresented minorities. The UCSF Center for AIDS Research Scholars Program is a 16-week program that pairs URM undergraduate and masters-level students from San Francisco State University with URM investigators from the UCSF. The program includes one-on-one mentorship on an independent research project, a core-curriculum on research methods and HIV-specific topics, and clinical shadowing. We evaluated program outcomes and areas for improvement with preprogram and postprogram survey and qualitative data from scholars and mentors from June to October 2022. Outcomes included interest in HIV research and growth on a 20-item measure of research skills, knowledge, and confidence. Six URM scholars enrolled in the inaugural cohort and were paired with 6 mentors. Preprogram and postprogram evaluations showed gains in interest in HIV research, 0% preprogram and 100% of scholars postprogram reporting much or extensive interest in HIV research, and gains across all domains from self-confidence, skills, and clarification of a research career path. Qualitative findings noted the importance of peer support and interpersonal features of mentors, including treating them like equals. Areas for improvement included more opportunities for primary data collection and specific training around mentoring undergraduates for mentors. The UCSF Center for AIDS Research Scholars Program was successful in building foundational skills, knowledge, confidence, and interest in HIV research among URM undergraduates and masters-level students.

Оценка личностных, межличностных и социальных проблем в ресоциализации лиц, привлекавшихся к уголовной ответственности

Abstract: Introduction. The research is aimed at studying the difficulties of convicts’ resocialisation as well as individuals subjected to administrative supervision. The relevance of the study is based on the social significance of countering recidivism, reducing the level of offences, as well as the necessity to gain new scientific knowledge concerning the resocialisation factors. The problem of the study is in the lack of a comprehensive understanding of resocialisation factors, diverse ideas about personal and interpersonal characteristics, and social factors disrupting resocialisation process.
 Research methods include theoretical methods of cognition: generalisation, categorisation and systematisation of information regarding the factors contributing to the resocialisation of convicted individuals; empirical methods of cognition: questionnaire, mathematical and statistical analysis - descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, comparative analysis – Mann–Whitney U-criterion.
 Results of the study. The diverse socio-psychological causes of resocialisation disorders were generalised in the form of a three-component model describing personal characteristics, interpersonal relations and social conditions. The empirical study of perceptions of the causes of resocialisation was carried out. The sample included individuals serving sentences in correctional institutions of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, individuals under administrative supervision (n = 252) and law enforcement officers (n = 232).
 Conclusions. The theoretical model of resocialisation difficulties has been verified. Differences in the perception of the reasons causing resocialisation failures in the group of convicted individuals and law enforcement officers have been established. Recidivists are characterised by the desire to blame the social environment, underestimation of their own negative personal characteristics and social conditions. These include alcohol and other addictions, their manipulation of others, retention of a criminal lifestyle, idleness and hedonism. Law enforcement officers are characterised by increased attention to the conditions of social functioning and negative personal characteristics of ex-convicts.
 The results broaden and clarify scientific ideas about the factors that impede resocialisation, and the tools developed in the course of the study have been tested and are applicable for the practical study of a set of socio-psychological problems of integration of convicted individuals into the community.

The relation between psychopathy factors and emotional states prior and during criminal behaviour in a Dutch sample

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the predictive value of psychopathy features on crime-related emotional states in forensic male patients with offence histories who were mandated to Dutch clinical care.Design/methodology/approachThe study had a retrospective design in which psychopathy features were assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised. For each patient, information on the events leading up to the crime and a description of the crime itself were extracted from the hospital record to assess emotional states. These crime-related emotional states were assessed using the mode observation scale. The sample consisted of 175 patients with offence histories.FindingsMultiple regression analyses indicated that affective features of psychopathy were a negative predictor for feelings of vulnerability in the events leading up to the crime but not predictive of loneliness. The interpersonal features were predictive of deceit during criminal behaviour.Practical implicationsThis study leads to a better, more nuanced and substantiated understanding of which emotional states play a prominent role in criminal behaviour and how these states are affected by psychopathic traits. This knowledge can influence existing treatment programmes for patients with offence histories.Originality/valueSeveral studies have examined the relationship between emotional states and criminal behaviour and between psychopathy and emotions, but less is known about the predictive relationship between psychopathy features and crime-scene-related emotional states.

Applying Rasch analysis in refinement and validation of interpersonal skills measure for gifted children.

Interpersonal characteristics of gifted adolescents is important because of the potential influence on individuals' psychological health and future professional success. Understanding the interpersonal characteristics requires valid and reliable measures. This study attempted to explicitly describe the application of Rasch analysis in the validation and development process of an existing measure of interpersonal skills among gifted adolescent in Ohio. We extensively evaluated the psychometric properties of the 40-item scale measuring the interpersonal competence of adolescents among the gifted population in Ohio (N = 127) using Rasch analysis. Multiple aspects of reliability and validity were tested including dimensionality, rating scale functioning, and fit statistics. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was confirmed with an adequate fit to the Rasch model. However, the scale demonstrates relatively poor performance in terms of unidimensionality with our sample. Also, the rating scale categories were confusing given that our sample could not effectively distinguish some adjacent categories. Corresponding refinements have been made and the revised scale formed a meaningful linear progression with improved performance on unidimensionality, rating scale functioning, and fit statistics. The study provided evidence that the construct of interpersonal skills is measurable. Based upon the original Interpersonal Competence Questionnaires consists of 40 items, the author extracted and piloted a refined measure consisting of 31 items that performed a meaningful, theoretically consistent linear progression measure that could be used to measure the level of interpersonal skills of gifted children.

자폐스펙트럼장애 아동 대인관계 척도개발

Objectives In this study, the purpose of this study was to develop and verify the validity of an interpersonal relationship test tool for children with autism spectrum disorder perceived by teachers.
 Methods As for the research method, preliminary questions were formed through previous studies and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, and finally 30 questions were derived through the Delphi technique. Consent was obtained from special school teachers, general kindergarten and elementary school teachers, and a total of 164 children, including 49 ASD children and 115 normally developing children, were evaluated by the teacher, and the results were analyzed. To do this, reliability and validity were performed.
 Results In order to derive the results, data were collected from teachers, and the internal consistency of the items was evaluated with Cronbach's α through the SPSS 20 statistical program, and the reliability of the result was .975, and exploratory factor analysis was conducted to confirm construct validity. With a three-factor structure, KMO=.935 is suitable for factor analysis, and RMSEA in confirmatory factor analysis is .098, moderate fit, TLI=.863, CFI=.873, a good value was not obtained, but it was confirmed as an acceptable level of fit. In addition, K-SCQ and criterion validity were confirmed to confirm a significant correlation.
 Conclusions In this study, I aimed to confirm the development and validation of interpersonal relationship tests for children with autism spectrum disorder perceived by teachers. The purpose of the interpersonal test designed by this researcher was not to screen for autism spectrum disorder, but to screen for children with autism spectrum disorder only through observation by teachers of children who have not reached typical development at school sites, daycare centers for preschoolers, or kindergartens. In addition, it was confirmed by the correlation between K-SCQ and interpersonal test results that it is a scale that can serve as an objective preliminary information for ASD diagnosis.In addition, this study, similar to the results of the Social Skills Q-Sort evoked by Locke and colleagues (2014), in a reference that is unique and often ignored in the school setting, provides insight into the interpersonal relationships of children with autism spectrum disorders with the peers they normally interact with. It is worthwhile to provide additional evidence for the imbalance.it collects information on the interpersonal characteristics of children with ASD and identifies strengths and weaknesses. In the interpersonal factor, which is one of the three factors of the interpersonal relationship test, there is a difference between normal children and children with autism spectrum disorder (T-test=-15.570), but this factor is 38.98 compared to the ASD child test result of 17.82. As a result, it is meaningful that it can be interpreted as a test that can apply interpersonal factors to all children with a lower result than other factors. The interpersonal test is meaningful in identifying the most important part of sociability and in selecting children who are socially alienated and face difficulties in interpersonal relationships. In addition, it can be said that it is useful in assigning the function of the sociality program of children with autism spectrum disorder as a pre- and post-measurement tool of the study.

Caregiver burden in Parkinson’s disease: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundProviding informal care for a person with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be a demanding process affecting several dimensions of a caregiver’s life and potentially causing caregiver burden. Despite the emerging literature on caregiver burden in people with PD, little is known about the inter-relationship between quantitative and qualitative findings. Filling this knowledge gap will provide a more holistic approach to develop and design innovations aiming at reducing or even preventing caregiver burden. This study aimed to characterize the determinants of caregiver burden among informal caregivers of persons with PD, in order to facilitate the development of tailored interventions that reduce caregiver burden.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in The Netherlands using a sequential mixed methods approach, entailing a quantitative study of 504 persons with PD and their informal caregivers as well as a qualitative study in a representative subsample of 17 informal caregivers. The quantitative study included a standardized questionnaire of caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Inventory) and patient-related (Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Acceptance of Illness Scale, MDS-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part II on motor functions in daily life, Self-assessment Parkinson’s Disease Disability Score), caregiver-related (Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experience Inventory, Caregiver Activation Measurement, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support) and interpersonal determinants (sociodemographic variables including among others gender, age, education, marital status and working status). The qualitative study consisted of semi-structured interviews. Multivariable regression and thematic analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.ResultsA total of 337 caregivers were women (66.9%), and the majority of people with PD were men (N = 321, 63.7%). The mean age of persons with PD was 69.9 (standard deviation [SD] 8.1) years, and the mean disease duration was 7.2 (SD 5.2) years. A total of 366 (72.6%) persons with PD had no active employment. The mean age of informal caregivers was 67.5 (SD 9.2) years. Most informal caregivers were female (66.9%), had no active employment (65.9%) and were the spouse of the person with PD (90.7%). The mean Zarit Burden Inventory score was 15.9 (SD 11.7). The quantitative study showed that a lack of active employment of the person affected by PD was associated with a higher caregiver burden. The qualitative study revealed cognitive decline and psychological or emotional deficits of the person with PD as additional patient-related determinants of higher caregiver burden. The following caregiver-related and interpersonal determinants were associated with higher caregiver burden: low social support (quantitative study), concerns about the future (qualitative study), the caregiving-induced requirement of restrictions in everyday life (qualitative study), changes in the relationship with the person with PD (qualitative study) and a problem-focused or avoidant coping style (both studies). Integration of both data strands revealed that qualitative findings expanded quantitative findings by (1) distinguishing between the impact of the relationship with the person with PD and the relationship with others on perceived social support, (2) revealing the impact of non-motor symptoms next to motor symptoms and (3) revealing the following additional factors impacting caregiver burden: concern about the future, perceived restrictions and limitations in performing daily activities due to the disease, and negative feelings and emotional well-being. Qualitative findings were discordant with the quantitative finding demonstrating that problem-focused was associated with a higher caregiver burden. Factor analyses showed three sub-dimensions of the Zarit Burden Inventory: (i) role intensity and resource strain, (2) social restriction and anger and (3) self-criticism. Quantitative analysis showed that avoidant coping was a determinant for all three subscales, whereas problem-solved coping and perceived social support were significant predictors on two subscales, role intensity and resource strain and self-criticism.ConclusionsThe burden experienced by informal caregivers of persons with PD is determined by a complex interplay of patient-related, caregiver-related and interpersonal characteristics. Our study highlights the utility of a mixed-methods approach to unravel the multidimensional burden experienced by informal caregivers of persons with chronic disease. We also offer starting points for the development of a tailored supportive approach for caregivers.

Students’ Perceptions of Effective TEFL Instructors in Cambodian Higher Education Institutions

English language as a medium of instruction has been popular under globalization. English is now a popular medium of instruction and a major subject in Cambodia because most higher education institutions (HEIs) have adopted it as a common language for a learning curriculum. However, teaching English effectively has also been a concern in Cambodia because learners are not proficient or fluent in English. Moreover, most English classes have been taught by fresh graduates with little English teaching experience, and some instructors even teach subjects not in their field. Therefore, this study surveyed 265 year-4 TEFL students at three universities by asking them to rate their instructors’ teaching effectiveness. Instructors’ qualifications, content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, pedagogical skills, and personal and interpersonal characteristics are used to examine students’ perceptions of effective TEFL instructors. The study showed higher percentages of students’ positive perceptions of the five domains of effective TEFL instructors. The findings are also consistent with the results of previous studies, suggesting that these qualities and characteristics should be must-have criteria for TEFL instructors in higher education. Thus, educational institutions should create certain criteria for selecting qualified university instructors. The findings can help the institutions develop human resources with these quality aspects or elements when selecting effective English language instructors. HEIs can use these criteria based on the results of this study, while TEFL instructors need to develop or improve themselves to have these qualities and other attributes for English teaching.

Evidence that specific personal relationships evoke maladaptive personality expression

ABSTRACT Introduction This research applied relational regulation theory (RRT) to maladaptive personality as identified in the DSM-5, dimension trait model. RRT describes how individual social network members help people regulate their own affect, thought and action. Previous research found that people expressed different levels of normal personality dimensions and affect depending upon the network members that people were with or thinking about. Methods College students (N = 719) rated their expression of maladaptive dimensions and affect when with important network members, as well as the interpersonal characteristics of network members. Results People’s maladaptive personality expression was strongly consistent across network members (recipient effects). Yet, personality expression also varied strongly depending upon which network member the recipient was with or thinking about (dyadic effects). PID-5 negative affectivity and PANAS negative affect more strongly reflected dyads than recipients. Antagonism and disinhibition more strongly reflected recipients than dyads. Network members who evoked maladaptive expressions were seen by recipients as unsupportive, unresponsive, as evoking conflict, attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety. However, the interpersonal constructs were mostly redundant in predicting maladaptive personality. Findings were replicated across random subsamples and gender. Conclusion The findings provide evidence that important personal relationships can evoke the expression of maladaptive personality.

Latent Transitions of Census-level Deprivation and Network Analysis of Conduct Problem Behaviours.

Conduct problems are more prevalent in neighbourhoods that have a vulnerable structure (e.g., high neighbourhood-level deprivation) and disarranged interpersonal characteristics (e.g., low social cohesion and informal social control at the neighbourhood level). However, as an indicator of neighbourhood structure, neighbourhood deprivation has typically not been assessed longitudinally and solely based on neighbourhood-level socioeconomic status rather than a wide variety of census-level deprivation indicators. Also, few studies have examined which CD behaviours (e.g., stealing) interplay with neighbourhood risks (e.g., low social cohesion). In this study, latent transitions of neighbourhood-level deprivation patterns, based on census-level information, were estimated between age 12.5 and 15.5 using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). In network models, we employed multi-informant variables and estimated interplays between mother-reported CD behaviours and child-reported social cohesion, informal social control and deviant peer affiliations within different patterns of the latent neighbourhood-level deprivation transitions. We identified three constant deprivation patterns: deprived, intermediate and low pattern. In the deprived pattern, the CD behaviour "bullying" had the highest interplay with lack of social cohesions, social control, and high deviant peer affiliation. In contrast, non-violent CD behaviours: "lying" and "staying after dark ", showed importance in the intermediate and low patterns, respectively. Regardless of deprivation patterns, social cohesion played a protective role, whereas affiliation with deviant peers involved in property crime was a risk factor for CD behaviours. The identified CD behaviours can serve as a screening tool, and interventions increasing social cohesion might mitigate CD development.

Positive and Negative Leadership in Late Childhood: Similarities in Individual but Differences in Interpersonal Characteristics

Previous research has shown that leadership is associated not only with positive but also with negative characteristics and behaviors; knowledge of the similarities and differences between positive and negative leaders remains insufficient. This study aimed to examine (1) the existence of different subtypes of leaders and (2) to what extent these leaders differed on individual and interpersonal characteristics. The sample contained 9213 students in grades 3–6 (Dutch grades 5–8), from 392 classrooms in 98 schools (50.3% girls, Mage = 10.13 ± 1.23 years). Latent profile analysis identified three leader profiles and four non-leader profiles based on peer nominations received for leadership, popularity, and positive (defending) and negative (bullying) behavior: (1) positive leaders, (2) negative leaders, (3) non-popular leaders, (4) popular children, (5) bullies, (6) extreme bullies, and (7) modal children. Multinomial logistic regression showed similarities and differences between positive and negative leaders, as well as between each of these and the other five profiles. Positive leaders were more accepted and less rejected and had more friendships than negative leaders, but the differences in individual characteristics (self-esteem, self-control, and social goals) were less clear. This study demonstrated that 10–15% of the children were perceived as leaders, and that positive leadership became more prevalent in the higher grades. Nevertheless, negative leadership occurred also in the higher grades. Interventions aimed at turning negative leaders into positive leaders may work, because positive and negative leaders do not differ greatly in individual characteristics. Such interventions may improve the relationships of negative leaders with their classmates, which may be good for their likeability (but not at the expense of their popularity) as well as for the social atmosphere in the class as a whole.