Lower Levels Of Psychological Distress Research Articles

“May all be well”: The links between compassion, psychological distress, and mindfulness in teaching in early years

AbstractThis study investigated the relationship between compassion and mindfulness in teaching among early years practitioners, with low levels of psychological distress as a mediator. A total of 81 early years practitioners were recruited from the United Kingdom via mass emails and announcements on social media platforms. Findings based on path analysis indicated that lower psychological distress mediated the positive relation between compassion and intrapersonal mindfulness in teaching, after controlling for level of education, years of practice, and role of practitioner. More specifically, compassion was related to psychological distress, intrapersonal mindfulness, and interpersonal mindfulness in teaching, whereas psychological distress was related to intrapersonal mindfulness, but not interpersonal mindfulness in teaching. The present findings inform early years practitioners and researchers of a differential chain of processes between compassion, psychological distress, and mindfulness in teaching.

Latinx Immigrant Health: Does Immigrants’ Perceptions of Integration Protect their Health?

Restrictive immigration policies and enforcement practices are associated with poor health and mental health outcomes among Latinx immigrants. Over the last two decades, the state of California has enacted over 20 pro-integration immigration policies to protect and enhance the quality of life for immigrants. Accounting for the nested structure of immigration policy, this study examined the relationship between immigrants’ perceptions of integration and health. Participants originated primarily from Mexico ( N = 137). Hierarchical regression analysis was used to evaluate the contribution of variables in sequential blocks. While controlling for demographics, and immigration characteristics, we assessed the relationship between California immigration policy knowledge, perceived immigrant integration, threat of deportation, and two indicators of health—psychological distress and self-rated health. Perceived immigrant integration was associated with lower levels of psychological distress and better self-rated health. The threat of deportation was associated with a decline in self-rated health and higher levels of psychological distress. Policy advocacy and access to health care are needed to reduce the harmful effects of enforcement practices.

From shame to dysmorphic concern and anxiety: the role of body image-related psychological flexibility

ABSTRACT Objective Body image-related psychological flexibility is considered an important positive process in the field of body image, associated with lower levels of psychological distress. The present study hypothesised body image flexibility as a relevant construct in the study of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). A mediation model was proposed, exploring if body image flexibility mediated the relationship between shame – a core construct of BDD symptomatology – and dysmorphic concern and anxiety while controlling for age and BMI. Methods The sample comprised 477 Portuguese-speaking participants from the general population – male and female, who completed a set of self-report measures. Results Females presented significantly higher levels of dysmorphic concern (d = .42). All main variables under study were significantly correlated, with dysmorphic concern presenting positive correlations with internal shame, external shame, and anxiety, and a negative and weak correlation with body image flexibility. Path analysis results indicated that body image flexibility mediated the relationship between shame, in its internal dimension, and dysmorphic concern and anxiety, explaining 34% of the variance of dysmorphic concern and 24% of anxiety. The model was invariant across biological sex. Conclusions Our results support the pervasive association between internal shame and dysmorphic concern, and indicate body image flexibility as a relevant emotional process in this relationship.

Professional, educational and psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatricians

ABSTRACT Objectives COVID-19 infection is not limited to medical aspects, but may have significant negative impacts on education, tourism, the economy as well as sociocultural, ethical, and legal aspects. We aimed to assess the multidimensional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatricians by examining their COVID-19 infection, domestic life and quarantine, as well as work patterns, educational activities, and psychosocial impact. Methods An online survey consisted of seven sections and 68 questions was prepared through ‘Google Forms.’ The survey was sent via e-mail to physicians who are members of the National Pediatric Association of Turkey. Results The pandemic has affected pediatricians working in our country in a multifaceted aspect. They experienced significant anxiety/depression/stress, 8% of them felt it at a pathological level and were receiving treatment, and women and young pediatricians were more vulnerable to the pandemic. The more adequately informed about the disease, the more prepared for COVID-19 and lower levels of psychological distress, which emphasizes the importance of education and institutional continuing support. Our study showed that academic education was seriously disrupted and the satisfaction rate with virtual education was low. Conclusion Although COVID-19 has less impact today, it has taught us that it is necessary to be ready for new pandemics in the future. The required measures should be taken urgently and effectively healthcare professionals should follow a rational and applicable disaster plan.

Adverse and benevolent childhood experiences among adults in the United Kingdom: a latent class analysis

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are important factors for population mental and physical health. While considerable public health literature demonstrates the global relevance of ACEs, more recent research shows that benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) might be important to consider in their direct and mitigating roles for psychological distress and other mental health outcomes. There is little evidence of latent class examinations involving both ACEs and BCEs among adults in western nations. The present study sought to replicate and extend prior literature by: (1) assessing the extent to which past latent class groupings reproduce in present samples, and (2) analyzing the association of latent classes of childhood experiences with psychological distress and suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STBs). We examined psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, general wellbeing) and STBs (i.e., suicidal ideation, self-harm ideation and behaviour, entrapment, and defeat).MethodData were drawn from two nationwide cross-sectional online survey studies in the United Kingdom. The first sample (N = 488) was drawn from a study on suicidal behaviour, and the second sample (N = 447) was from a study concerning risk for interpersonal violence.ResultsResults largely replicated an existing four class solution of childhood experiences: Class 1 (Moderate ACEs/High BCEs; 17.6%), Class 2 (High ACEs/Moderate BCEs; 15.3%), Class 3 (Low ACEs/High BCEs; 48.3%), and Class 4 (Low ACEs/Moderate BCEs; 18.8%). Class 2 (High ACEs/Moderate BCEs) was associated with consistently worse psychological distress and STBs. Classes containing high BCEs (1 and 3) were characterized by generally lower levels of psychological distress and STBs.ConclusionsResults affirm the potential value for jointly considering ACEs and BCEs to understand psychological distress and STBs. ACEs and BCEs may serve foundational roles in theories of suicide. The protective role of BCEs hypothesized in resiliency theory may be supported. Prevention practice and research implications are discussed.

Social microclimates and well-being.

Emotional well-being has a known relationship with a person's direct social ties, including friendships; but do ambient social and emotional features of the local community also play a role? This work takes advantage of university students' assignment to different local networks-or "social microclimates"-to probe this question. Using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, we quantify the collective impact of individual, social network, and microclimate factors on the emotional well-being of a cohort of first-year college students. Results indicate that well-being tracks individual factors but also myriad social and microclimate factors, reflecting one's peers and social surroundings. Students who belonged to emotionally stable and tight-knit microclimates (i.e., had emotionally stable friends or resided in densely connected residence halls) reported lower levels of psychological distress and higher levels of life satisfaction, even when controlling for factors such as personality and social network size. Although rarely discussed or acknowledged in the policies that create them, social microclimates are consequential to well-being, especially during life transitions. The effects of microclimate factors are small relative to some individual factors; however, they explain unique variance in well-being that is not directly captured by emotional stability or other individual factors. These findings are novel, but preliminary, and should be replicated in new samples and contexts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Predictors of Symptoms Trajectories in Newly Diagnosed Ulcerative Colitis: A 3-Year Follow-up Cohort Study.

Psychological symptoms are associated with poorer ulcerative colitis [UC]-related outcomes. However, the majority of research is cross-sectional. We aimed to identify subgroups based on the longitudinal evolution of GI symptom levels and health-related quality of life [HRQoL], and to disentangle the directionality of effects between GI symptom levels and psychological distress. Self-reported gastrointestinal [GI] symptom severity, HRQoL, inflammatory biomarkers, and psychological distress were assessed in 98 newly diagnosed UC patients at disease onset and yearly for 3 consecutive years. Latent class growth analysis was used to determine subgroups based on longitudinal trajectories of symptom severity and HRQoL, and baseline predictors of trajectory group membership were determined. Cross-lagged structural equation models were used to disentangle temporal relationships between psychological functioning and symptom severity. Patients with higher initial psychological distress had increased probability of maintaining higher levels of diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Conversely, patients with lower initial levels of diarrhoea and abdominal pain had higher chances of maintaining lower levels of psychological distress. Higher levels of C-reactive protein at baseline predicted greater improvements in mental health after anti-inflammatory treatment. Reductions in diarrhoea and abdominal pain preceded reductions in psychological symptoms over time. Baseline psychological distress is predictive of increased GI symptom severity and reduced mental HRQoL over time, suggesting early assessment of psychological symptoms may identify patients who may have worse disease trajectories. Abdominal pain predicted increased psychological distress, but not the other way around. Intervening on abdominal pain may help prevent or reduce future psychological distress.

Gratitude, optimism, and satisfaction with life and patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Associations between positive psychological well-being (PPWB) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs, e.g., quality of life [QOL]) have yet to be studied extensively in patients with hematologic malignancies who are allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors, despite substantial evidence that PPWB impacts PROs of other medical populations. We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data examining the association of PPWB and PROs at day 100 post-transplant among 158 allogeneic HSCT recipients. Optimism, gratitude, life satisfaction, and PROs (i.e., QOL, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms) were assessed using the Life Orientation Test-Revised, Gratitude Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist-Civilian Version, respectively. We used linear and multivariate regressions for all analyses and controlled for patient factors. Optimism was associated with better QOL (β=1.46; p<0.001) and lower levels of anxiety (β=-0.28; p<0.001), depression (β=-0.31; p<0.001), and PTSD (β=-0.58; p<0.001). Gratitude was associated with better QOL (β=1.11; p<0.001) and lower levels of anxiety (β=-0.21; p=0.001), depression (β=-0.14; p=0.021), and PTSD (β=-0.32; p=0.032). Finally, satisfaction with life was associated with better QOL (β=1.26; p<0.001) and lower levels of anxiety (β=-0.18; p<0.001), depression (β=-0.21; p<0.001), and PTSD (β=-0.49; p<0.001). Optimism, gratitude, and satisfaction with life were all associated with better QOL and lower levels of psychological distress in allogeneic HSCT survivors. These data support studies to harness PPWB as a therapeutic intervention for this population throughout HSCT recovery.

The moderating effect of psychological distress in the association between temperaments and dark future among young adults

ObjectiveThe aim of the current study is to evaluate the moderating effect of psychological distress variables, depression, anxiety and stress on the relationship between affective temperaments and future anxiety, assessed with the Dark Future scale.MethodsLebanese adults from all districts/governorates of Lebanon participated in this cross-sectional study. The data was collected through a questionnaire including: a section about sociodemographic characteristics, the Dark Future scale (DFS), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-8) and the Affective Temperament Scale (TEMPS-M).ResultsThe interaction irritable temperament by psychological distress (p = .007) was significantly associated with dark future; at low levels of psychological distress, more irritable temperament (Beta = 0.16) was significantly associated with more dark future. The interaction anxious temperament by psychological distress (p = .010) was significantly associated with dark future; at low (Beta = 0.34), moderate (Beta = 0.25) and high (Beta = 0.15) levels of psychological distress, more anxious temperament was significantly associated with more dark future.ConclusionThe nature of the associations among depression, anxiety and stress, specific temperaments and anxiety towards the future in a sample of Lebanese individuals was clarified. This is especially significant as Lebanese people live in circumstances that promote psychological distress and future anxiety such as dramatic economic and political crises, instability and lack of security in different aspects of life.

The Influence of Positive and Negative Aspects of Perfectionism on Psychological Distress in Emerging Adulthood: Exploring the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion.

Perfectionism constitutes a multidimensional personality trait. According to the diathesis-stress model, perfectionism may predispose individuals to experience increased psychological distress during stressful periods. Since self-compassion is considered as a protective factor within the context of mental health difficulties, the primary objective of this study was to explore the mediating function of self-compassion in the relationship between positive (i.e., high standards and order) and negative (i.e., discrepancy) aspects of perfectionism and psychological distress among Greek emerging adults. The sample consisted of 410 university students (47.6% males and 52.4% females), with a mean age of 20.61 ± 1.88 years. The Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) were used to assess perfectionism, self-compassion, and psychological distress, respectively. The results indicated that self-compassion mediated the association between positive and negative aspects of perfectionism and different dimensions of psychological distress (i.e., somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression). Specifically, discrepancy and increased levels of high standards were related to lower levels of self-compassion, thus leading to greater endorsement of psychological distress. In contrast, order was associated with higher levels of self-compassion, thus leading to lower levels of psychological distress. The findings of the present study highlight that self-compassion is an overall important area to examine in nonclinical populations. These findings have implications for the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in enhancing individuals' self-acceptance and awareness of their perfectionistic tendencies, as well as compassion-focused therapy (CFT) in elevating self-compassion, mindfulness, and overall psychological well-being while reducing psychological distress.

The Association between the Severity of Dysmenorrhea and Psychological Distress of Women Working in Central Tokyo-A Preliminary Study.

This study aims to clarify the association between the severity of dysmenorrhea and psychological distress among working women in central Tokyo and examine the effect modification of job stressors. The participants in this cross-sectional study were 312 women who had undergone health check-ups in the "Marunouchi Hokenshitsu" project. The severity of dysmenorrhea was defined as the degree of daily life disturbance with menstrual pain, and the outcome variable was the K6 scores. To assess the association of psychological distress with the severity of dysmenorrhea, multiple regression analyses were performed. The results revealed that 18.3% of the 289 working women were in the moderate/severe group of dysmenorrhea. In multiple regression analysis, moderate/severe dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress, but the significance disappeared after adjusting for gynecology such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and workplace-related factors. The degree of job control was significantly associated with lower levels of psychological distress and may modify psychological distress caused by dysmenorrhea. Moderate/severe dysmenorrhea may be associated with higher levels of psychological distress in working women, and psychological symptoms of PMS) and the degree of job control were possible effect factors, and there may be effect modification by the degree of job control.

Predicting profiles of post-trauma adaptation in first responders and civilians after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings: The role of distress, growth, and emotion regulation.

Responses to trauma are often characterized either by the presence or absence of psychological distress; however, the process of adapting after trauma also includes potential positive change. While some studies document that the majority of individuals exposed to single event terrorism report low levels of psychological distress, more research is needed to understand different adaptation profiles following this type of trauma, and the factors that might predict responses. We examined post-trauma responses in 257 first responders/medical professionals (66.8 percent) and civilians (33.2 percent) exposed to the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings. Data for post-trauma profiles-post-traumatic growth (PTG), post-traumatic stress, and emotion regulation-and profile predictors-trauma proximity, trauma history, and coping flexibility-were collected approximately 2.5 years after the bombings. Latent profile analysis identified response profiles, and multinomial logistic regression identified demographic, event-specific, and psychological predictors of profile membership. Four profiles emerged: (1) symptomatic, (2) resistant, (3) resilient, and (4) struggling growth. First responder role decreased the odds of belonging to the struggling growth profile, as compared to the symptomatic profile. Greater coping flexibility and adaptive emotion regulation increased the odds of membership in the struggling growth, rather than symptomatic profile. A subset of individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms years after trauma exposure may also be utilizing flexible, adaptive coping strategies and experiencing PTG. First responders may have difficulty experiencing simultaneous -distress and growth, and interventions designed to promote healthy post-trauma adaptation for this population could be tailored accordingly.

Adults' and older adults' mental health during COVID-19 in Hong Kong: An ecological analysis of family resilience.

Based on an ecological model of resilience, this study aimed to identify common and differential ecological risk and protective factors influencing the psychological health of general adult population (aged 18-60) and older adults (older than 60) in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic. A population-based random telephone survey was conducted in 2020, and 877 respondents in Hong Kong (308 older adults, i.e., older than 60; 569 adults, i.e., aged 18-60) were interviewed. Multiple group structural equation modeling was used to examine the proposed model. Chinese older adults in Hong Kong reported significantly lower levels of psychological distress than adults, and no difference in levels of family functioning was evident between the two groups. Community resources and family functioning served as important protectors for both groups. Parent-child conflicts were a significant mediator between COVID-19 stressors and psychological distress for adults only, while a decreasing level of outdoor family leisure served as a significant mediator for older adults only. The findings highlighted the importance of providing family- and community-based mental health services for Chinese people facing a public health crisis such as COVID-19 in Hong Kong. Mental health services designed for adult and older adult family members should emphasize different components. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Growing old and being old: Emotional well-being across adulthood.

The present study examines change in reports of daily, weekly, and monthly psychological distress over 20 years, and of negative and positive affect over 10 years, using data from the Midlife in the United States study. The study includes three waves of data collection on adults ranging from 22 to 95 years old. Cross-sectional findings reveal that older age is related to lower levels of psychological distress and negative affect and to higher levels of positive affect across each successive age group. Yet, longitudinal findings vary across younger, middle-aged, and older adults. Psychological distress decreases over time among younger adults (although only until age 33 for weekly reports), remains stable in midlife, and is stable (monthly) or slightly increases (daily and weekly) among older adults. For negative affect, levels decrease over time for younger and middle-aged adults, and only increase for the oldest adults for daily and monthly affect. Positive affect is stable over time among younger adults, but decreases in midlife starting in the mid-fifties. In conclusion, overall patterns of findings suggest that being old (assessed cross-sectionally) is related to higher levels of emotional well-being. Growing old (assessed longitudinally) is related to improvements in emotional well-being across younger and early middle adulthood, which mirrors cross-sectional findings. There is relative stability in later midlife, however, and continued stability or slight declines across older age. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Affirming educational and workplace settings are associated with positive mental health and happiness outcomes for LGBTQA + youth in Australia.

Affirming socio-cultural settings are essential for protecting the mental health and wellbeing of lesbian, bisexual or pansexual, trans and gender diverse, asexual and queer (LGBTQA +) youth. However, limited research has explored the role of affirming educational and workplace settings, as reported by LGBTQA + youth themselves, with respect to their mental health and wellbeing. Moreover, existing research maintains a focus on mitigating poor mental health outcomes, with little attention to positive wellbeing outcomes among LGBTQA + youth. Using data from the largest national survey of LGBTQA + youth aged 14-21 in Australia, multivariable regression analyses were conducted to explore associations between affirming educational and workplace settings and psychological distress and subjective wellbeing among 4,331 cisgender and 1,537 trans and gender diverse youth. Additionally, a series of multivariable regression analyses were conducted to explore individual sociodemographic traits that are associated with reporting affirming educational or workplace settings. Both cisgender and trans or gender diverse participants who reported that their education institution or workplace were affirming of their LGBTQA + identity reported lower levels of psychological distress as well as higher levels of subjective happiness. Additionally, affirming environments were not experienced equally across all subsections of LGBTQA + youth, with reporting of an affirming educational or workplace setting differing most noticeably across gender, type of educational institution and residential location. The findings demonstrate that affirming educational and workplace settings can result not only in better mental health, but also greater levels of subjective happiness among LGBTQA + youth. The outcomes illustrate the importance of ensuring all LGBTQA + youth are afforded the opportunity to thrive in environments where they feel validated and confident to express their identities. The findings further highlight a need to target education institutions and workplaces to ensure the implementation of policies and practices that promote not just inclusion of LGBTQA + youth but affirmation of their identities.

RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY, AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG SCIENTISTS DURING THE PANDEMIC: A FOUR‐COUNTRY STUDY

AbstractA vast body of research shows largely positive associations between religiosity/spirituality (R/S) and positive well‐being outcomes. Such research has examined religious communities and general populations, but little is known about the relationship between R/S and well‐being among scientists, who typically tend to be less religious than the general public. Drawing on nationally representative survey data on physicists and biologists in India, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States (N = 3442), this study examines whether the relationship between R/S and mental health holds for scientists, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We find that net of statistical controls, higher levels of religious and spiritual commitment are associated with significantly higher levels of well‐being and lower levels of psychological distress. Overall, the results indicate that a positive relationship between R/S and mental health holds even for scientists. The study's findings have implications for future analysis of the relationship between R/S and the well‐being of people working in other professions.

Coping with psychological distress during COVID-19: a cautionary note of self-criticalness and personal resilience among healthcare workers

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in immense pressure on healthcare workers (HCWs) and healthcare systems worldwide. The current multi-centre evaluation sought to explore the association between coping behaviours and levels of psychological distress among HCWs working during the initial onset of COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachBetween April and July 2020 HCWs at three urban hospitals in England were invited to complete an online survey measuring personal and professional characteristics, psychological distress and coping. A principal component analysis (PCA) identified components of coping and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the relationship between components of coping and psychological distress.FindingsA total of 2,254 HCWs participated (77% female, 67% white, 66% in clinical roles). Three components for coping were retained in the PCA analysis: external strategies, internal strategies and self-criticalness/substance use. SEM indicated that internally based coping was associated with lower levels of psychological distress, whereas externally based coping and self-criticalness were associated with greater psychological distress. The final model accounted for 35% of the variance in psychological distress.Originality/valueThis multi-centre evaluation provides unique insight into the level of psychological distress among HCWs during the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) and associated coping strategies. Addressing self-criticalness and supporting cognitive-based internal coping strategies among HCWs may protect against prolonged exposure to psychological distress. Findings highlight the importance of developing a culture of professional resilience among this vital workforce as a whole rather than placing pressure on an individual's personal resilience.

Community connection is associated with lower psychological distress for sexual minority women who view community connection positively

We examined factors associated with sexual minority women’s evaluations of belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in Australia, and assessed whether a positive view of community participation impacted levels of psychological distress. 2424 cisgender sexual minority women participated in a national, online, cross-sectional survey of LGBTIQ adult Australians’ health and well-being. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to investigate sociodemographic factors associated with sexual minority women’s belonging to the LGBTQ community, feelings towards community connection, and associations between community connection and recent psychological distress. Most sexual minority women (58.9%) reported feeling that they are part of the LGBTQ community, and a majority of the participants felt positive about being connected to this community (68.5%). Participants who were bisexual, non-university educated, and who resided in an outer-suburban location were least likely to evaluate participation in the LGBTQ community positively. Feeling positive about community connection was associated with lower levels of psychological distress. Feeling a part of LGBTQ community was associated with lower psychological distress, but this link appears contingent upon positive feelings about community participation. Sexual minority women’s’ relationships to the LGBTQ community are often complex, and community connection and participation in and of itself is not a panacea for the negative outcomes associated with sexual minority stressors.

Peaceful acceptance of illness among older adults with cancer.

12045 Background: Greater illness acceptance is associated with lower levels of psychological distress and higher rates of completion of advance care planning in adults with advanced cancer. However, studies on factors associated with illness acceptance among older adults with advanced cancer are limited and historically have not explored its relationship with caregiver or physician characteristics, despite the important role caregivers and oncologists play in patient illness acceptance. We aimed to evaluate the associations of patient, caregiver, and physician-related factors with illness acceptance among older adults with cancer. Methods: We utilized data from a national geriatric assessment cluster-randomized trial (NCT 02054741; PI: Mohile; funding NCI UG1CA189961). We recruited patients aged 70 years or over with stage III or IV incurable solid tumors or lymphoma and at least one geriatric assessment domain impairment as well as their caregivers. Illness acceptance was assessed using the 5-item Peace, Equanimity, and Acceptance in the Cancer Experience (PEACE) questionnaire (range 5-20). Higher PEACE score indicates greater illness acceptance. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the associations of patient, caregiver, and physician-related variables with PEACE. Variables included patient sociodemographic factors, geriatric assessment variables, and estimated life expectancy; caregiver sociodemographic variables, anxiety, depression, and physical function; and oncologist years in practice and comfort with geriatrics. Results: We included 333 patient-caregiver dyads; mean age (SD) of patients and caregivers, respectively, were 76.8 (5.4) and 66.6 (12.1). Approximately 27%, 26%, and 16% of patients had lung, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary cancers, respectively. Mean PEACE score was 17.4 (2.5), indicating relatively high illness acceptance (Table). On regression analysis, patient psychological impairment domain (including both anxiety and depression) (B=-0.89; p&gt;0.01), patient’s lower estimated life expectancy (≤1 vs. &gt;5 years, B=-1.19, p=0.02), and lower caregiver education attainment (≤high school vs. college; B=-0.86; p&lt;0.01) were associated with a lower illness acceptance. No physician variables were associated with PEACE. Conclusions: A better understanding of illness acceptance and its associated factors can facilitate patient-caregiver dyadic interventions to improve illness acceptance. [Table: see text]

How good do you think you are with computers? The link between teachers' perceived digital literacy, occupational efficacy, and psychological distress.

The present study focused on teachers' perceived digital literacy, occupational self-efficacy, and psychological distress. Our sample included 279 Romanian teachers aged 20 to 66 (M = 31.92, SD = 11.72), with professional experience ranging from 1 to 46 years (M = 8.90). We tested a moderated mediated model, exploring occupational self-efficacy as a mediator of the relationship between perceived digital literacy (moderated by gender, controlling for age and professional experience) and psychological distress. Our findings suggested that higher levels of perceived digital literacy led to higher levels of occupational self-efficacy, which led to lower levels of psychological distress. Gender moderated this relationship, i.e., the observed indirect effects were significant for both genders, but the effects were stronger for male participants. We discuss our results concerning their practical implications for teachers' mental health and professional activity and the perspectives following the COVID-19 pandemic.