Maladaptive Coping Mechanisms Research Articles

Dimensions of living with emetophobia

Purpose This paper aims to present an examination of selected literature about the lived experiences of those with emetophobia. Its intention is to inform further empirical enquiry and subsequent approaches to treatment and care aimed at inclusive support for sufferers. To that end, it is important to bring the sufferers’ narrative into public and professional domains. Design/methodology/approach A systematic search of multiple databases using the search engine Discover@bolton and grey literature was undertaken to obtain evidence about the lived experiences of people with emetophobia. The search terms used were “emetophobia” and combinations of associated topic phrases using Boolean operators (AND / OR): “Emetophobia” OR “fear of vomiting” OR “fear of being sick”, Emetophobia AND “lived experiences” and finally Emetophobia OR “fear of vomiting” OR “fear of being sick” AND “lived experiences”. Eight papers were included in the review and five items of grey literature. Findings Several themes were identified in this literature including fear, escape and avoidance, other influences, consequences and medicalisation. The findings reveal that the experiences of those with emetophobia are subsumed beneath a focus on diagnosis and treatment. When it comes to understanding the actual lived experience of a person with emetophobia, the evidence presents the reader with what treatment may work and how they might respond to it, but largely omits the voice of the individual with emetophobia. This signals a need to undertake enquiry to bring this to the fore and so inform ways of greater inclusive practice for the public and professionals alike. Research limitations/implications The evidence reviewed in this paper can be noted for the limited discussion about the individual’s lived experience of emetophobia. Gaining insight into this would contribute to raising awareness in a wider public arena and inform carers and healthcare professionals’ understanding. It would also display the importance of an individual context and health journey. Practical implications Knowing this can inform approaches to helping an individual either to live with the phobia and manage its impact on daily living (positive rather than maladaptive coping mechanisms) or to overcome it with or without adjunct medical treatment (if this is possible). Social implications Knowing based on contemporary empirical enquiry will inform policy and guideline development. Whatever course is taken, it must contribute to steps being taken towards achieving a better quality of life for individual sufferers. The findings of this paper likewise inform the need for further study into the individual lived experience of emetophobia. Originality/value This paper is original in having identified a need to bring empirical evidence of the lived experience of sufferers with emetophobia into the public and professional domain.

What do you think caused your ALS? An analysis of the CDC national amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient registry qualitative risk factor data using artificial intelligence and qualitative methodology

Objective: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable, progressive neurodegenerative disease with a significant health burden and poorly understood etiology. This analysis assessed the narrative responses from 3,061 participants in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National ALS Registry who answered the question, “What do you think caused your ALS?” Methods: Data analysis used qualitative methods and artificial intelligence (AI) using natural language processing (NLP), specifically, Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) to explore responses regarding participants’ perceptions of the cause of their disease. Results: Both qualitative and AI analysis methods revealed several, often aligned themes, which pointed to perceived causes including genetic, environmental, and military exposures. However, the qualitative analysis revealed detailed themes and subthemes, providing a more comprehensive understanding of participants’ perceptions. Although there were areas of alignment between AI and qualitative analysis, AI’s broader categories did not capture the nuances discovered using the more traditional, qualitative approach. The qualitative analysis also revealed that the potential causes of ALS were described within narratives that sometimes indicate self-blame and other maladaptive coping mechanisms. Conclusions: This analysis highlights the diverse range of factors that individuals with ALS consider as perceived causes for their disease. Understanding these perceptions can help clinicians to better support people living with ALS (PLWALS). The analysis highlights the benefits of using traditional qualitative methods to supplement or improve upon AI-based approaches. This rapidly evolving area of data science has the potential to remove barriers to accessing the rich narratives of people with lived experience.

Burnout and coping mechanisms among healthcare professionals in central Uganda.

The escalating global prevalence of burnout among healthcare professionals poses a serious health concern. Recent studies focus on prevalence and predictors of burnout among healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for well-being interventions. This study investigates burnout and coping mechanisms among healthcare professionals in central Uganda, addressing the dearth of knowledge about coping strategies specific to the region. An analytical facility cross-sectional study was conducted in five healthcare facilities in central Uganda between June to July 2023. Participants included physicians, nurses, and technicians actively engaged in direct patient care. Data were collected using socio-demographic surveys, the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL-5), and the Brief-COPE tools. The study revealed a high prevalence of burnout, with 39.8% of participants experiencing significant levels. Active coping, positive reframing, and denial were negatively correlated with low burnout levels. Dysfunctional coping, specifically self-distraction and denial, showed positive correlations with average and high burnout levels. Emotion-focused coping mechanisms were not employed across burnout levels. The results emphasize the demanding nature of healthcare roles in the region and highlight the need for comprehensive, context-specific interventions to address burnout globally. While some healthcare professionals utilized adaptive strategies such as seeking social support, engaging in self-care activities, and utilizing problem-solving skills, others resorted to maladaptive coping mechanisms such as substance use and avoidance behaviors. This dichotomy highlights the need for targeted interventions to promote adaptive coping strategies and mitigate the negative impact of maladaptive behaviors on individual well-being and patient care.

Childhood Emotional Abuse, Neuroticism, Perfectionism, and Workaholism in an Italian Sample of Young Workers.

The literature has linked childhood emotional abuse (CEA) to severe negative outcomes such as the development of several maladaptive personality traits and coping mechanisms. Nonetheless, its concurrent connection with neuroticism, perfectionism, and workaholism has not been explored. For the above reasons, the present study sought to investigate whether neuroticism and perfectionism mediate the relationship between CEA and workaholism, as well as evaluate the gender invariance of the model. The sample of the present research comprised 1176 young workers (50% women), aged 18-25, who completed validated self-report questionnaires. The findings highlighted significant positive direct and indirect paths, suggesting a complex interplay between CEA, neuroticism, perfectionism, and workaholism. Furthermore, the model exhibited no significant differences between genders, suggesting that the identified relationships are consistent across both women and men. The findings highlight the importance of identifying CEA and considering the adoption of trauma-informed approaches to manage its adverse effects, thereby potentially averting the onset of workaholism. Moreover, the results underline the necessity for customized preventive measures, aiming to mitigate traits associated with neuroticism and perfectionism as potential paths for successful therapeutic interventions.

Borderline Bireylerde Kendine Zarar Verme Davranışı ve İntihar Girişimine Yönelik Psikolojik Müdahaleler: Sistematik Derleme

Self-harm behaviour and suicide attempts are considered maladaptive coping mechanisms by individuals with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Numerous studies have demonstrated that individuals with BPD are at a heightened risk for self-harm behaviour and suicide. Therefore, there is a need for intervention efforts aimed at reducing self-harm and suicide attempts in this population by promoting more functional coping strategies. No systematic review has been conducted to explore the effectiveness of such interventions. A systematic review was performed to identify randomized controlled trials of interventions to reduce self-harm and suicide attempts among individuals with BPD, published between 2012 and 2022. PsycARTICLES, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Taylor & Francis databases were examined in the review. A total of 6,760 studies were initially screened, only 13 were selected for review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results indicated that the standard dialectical behaviour therapy protocol, with the addition of psychological intervention components such as skills training, exposure and acceptance, statistically significantly increased recovery. Statistically significant results have been obtained from various psychotherapeutic intervention groups such as schema therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and emotion regulation therapy However, it was noted that existing protocols might be inadequate in preventing relapse and addressing potential negative outcomes such as premature termination of therapy.

Predictors of stress among nursing home staff during COVID-19 pandemic

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has placed immense strain on nursing home staff, necessitating a closer examination of factors contributing to their stress levels. This study investigates predictors of stress among nursing home workers during the pandemic, focusing on psychological constructs such as burnout, sense of coherence (SOC), psychological flexibility, and cognitive fusion. A total of 170 nursing home professionals participated, completing questionnaires assessing various dimensions of burnout, SOC, experiential avoidance, anxious feelings and thoughts, and perceived stress. Results reveal significant correlations between perceived stress and emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment, SOC comprehensibility, manageability, meaningfulness, experiential avoidance, and anxious feelings and thoughts. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrates that experiential avoidance, anxious feelings and thoughts, emotional exhaustion, SOC comprehensibility, and personal accomplishment significantly predict perceived stress levels. These findings underscore the importance of addressing maladaptive coping mechanisms and promoting factors such as SOC and personal accomplishment to mitigate stress and burnout among nursing home professionals. Targeted interventions aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility and coping strategies are crucial for supporting the well-being of nursing home staff and ensuring high-quality care for residents amidst the ongoing pandemic challenges.

(174) Sexual Dysfunction and Coping Mechanisms among Women Using Hormonal Contraceptives at Kawempe Hospital - A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Introduction Sexual dysfunction is a significant problem among women, and it is associated with maladaptive coping mechanisms that can further worsen the situation. In African regions, the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is highly linked to hormonal contraceptives (HCs), a popular method of birth control. Uganda has a relatively high prevalence of HC use among women of reproductive age. However, there is limited research on sexual dysfunction and coping mechanisms among women who use HCs in Kawempe Hospital. Objective This study aimed to (1) estimate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women who use hormonal contraceptives, (2) describe the coping mechanisms used by women who use hormonal contraceptives, and (3) identify the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with sexual dysfunction among women using hormonal contraceptives at Kawempe Hospital. Methods This was a cross-sectional study where sexually active adult females who were on hormonal contraceptives and gave informed consent were consecutively sampled. The female sexual function index and the SexFlex scale were used to assess sexual dysfunction and coping mechanisms of women using hormonal contraceptives. Means, proportions, chi squares and logistic regression were used to describe the population and determine characteristics associated with sexual dysfunction. Results Of the 401 participants recruited for the study, 386 were analyzed due to 15 incomplete questionnaires. The average age of participants was 29.4 years. Of the participants, almost half 46.6% used implants. The prevalence of FSD was 74.6%. Participants with FSD reported more reflexive 82 (28.47%) and less approach coping 62 (21.53%) than participants without FSD. Factors associated with FSD were relationship dissatisfaction (OR=3.78, 95% CI: 1.68, 8.5), psychological distress (OR=2.12, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.86), finding sex important (OR=0.22, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.88) and approach coping mechanisms (OR=0.49, 95%CI: 0.26, 0.95). FSD was not significantly associated with HCs Conclusions This study found that women HCs have a high prevalence of FSD that is associated with psychological factors such as relationship dissatisfaction and psychological distress. The study suggests that women using HCs should be regularly screened for FSD and that clinicians should help them find solutions to the underlying causes. Disclosure No.

The Relationship of Coping Mechanisms and Mental Health After Breakup

A person's coping mechanism in dealing with problems in life, whether problems with family, friends, or problems with a partner, can affect mental health conditions. Unstable mental health conditions in students can have an impact on their daily lives. This study aims to determine the relationship between coping mechanisms and mental health after a breakup. By using a cross-sectional approach, a sampling technique using purposive sampling and 101 respondents participated. Data collection using a coping mechanism questionnaire and mental health after a breakup questionnaire. The results showed that some respondents had adaptive coping mechanisms (53.5%) and good mental health (55.4%). The results of statistical analysis using the chi-square test showed a significant relationship between coping mechanisms and mental health (p value=0.001) and students with maladaptive coping mechanisms were 10 times more likely to experience poor mental health after they experienced a breakup. Efforts are needed to improve students' adaptive coping skills to prevent poor mental health problems when they experience a breakup.

Being there: A scoping review on psychosocial challenges faced by adolescents during bereavement in the Southern African Development Community

Background information: Bereavement enhances adolescent’s chances of suffering from psychosocial problems globally and adolescents in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are not an exception. Due to the mourning condition, some of the adolescents become susceptible to multiple mental disorders, stigmatization and social rejection leading to maladaptive coping mechanisms such as substance abuse. Purpose: This study aimed to synthesize the existing literature on the psychological challenges faced by adolescents during bereavement in SADC. Methods: We opted for a scoping review due to its ability to rapidly map the existing literature sourced from international databases (JSTOR, and PubMed), local databases (Sabinet African Journal) and performed hand-search using Google Scholar. We made use of operators and techniques such as Boolean operators, truncations and MeSH terms. The inclusion of the study was limited to adolescents aged 10–26 years within SADC, primary studies (qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods) and a 10-year projection of studies conducted from 2013 to 2023 in SADC. Results: The findings of the study revealed that adolescents in SADC experience feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, anger, grief overload, suicidal thoughts, shock and confusion as a result of bereavement. They are also battling with poor academic performance and abuse due to being socially stigmatized and rejected. To cope with this ordeal, some of the adolescents’ resort to dropping out of school, social isolation and substance abuse. Conclusions and recommendations: Our research has revealed that bereavement in adolescents is closely linked with psychological challenges. In addition to psychological distress, our research has unveiled profound social challenges faced by bereaved adolescents. Adolescents frequently encounter the risk of abuse within their families and experience financial hardships following the loss of loved ones. Thus, recommends a constructive active plan for offering support services to bereaved adolescents and, the adoption and promotion of bereavement programs within families, communities and social welfare centres to address risk factors of maladaptive coping.

Maladaptive Coping Mechanisms of Sring Venka in Response to Sexual Trauma and PTSD in The Poppy War Series by R.F. Kuang

The purpose of this article is to validate the thesis that Sring Venka, a character of Rebecca F. Kuang’s The Poppy War, a grim-fantasy series based on historical events of the 20th century China, uses maladaptive coping mechanisms (also known as immature defences) due to suffering from sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after rape. Nevertheless, although the series is popular in the mainstream media, the character of Venka is often overlooked or grossly misunderstood. This article opens with a brief synopsis of the series and current critical commentary with the emphasis on Venka. Second, I outline the theoretical aspects in order to understand the reasoning behind Venka’s trauma, PTSD, and, resulting from both, maladaptive coping mechanisms. In what follows, I expand on how Venka’s trauma, PTSD, and maladaptive coping mechanisms are presented in the series and how they affect her. Lastly, I utilise the results of the analysis in the concluding section in order to explore several of its implications.

Instagram, Depression, and Dark Flow - Using Social Media as a Maladaptive Coping Mechanism

Background: Instagram is a popular social media platform which uses algorithms to tailor content to the specific interests of individual users. We proposed that this tailored content induces a flow state where users become completely absorbed and time passes imperceptibly, creating a highly satisfying experience. For those who use Instagram to escape from depression, Instagram may provide the relief that they seek, but at a cost – neglecting real-life social supports and work/academic commitments. This neglect leads to further problems that prompt greater Instagram dependence. Methods: Using a repeated-measures design, 114 participants engaged in three conditions (Control, Generalized, and Personalized) for 10 minutes each. Participants answered questions about flow and positive affect (after each condition), as well as their Instagram use habits, depression, reasons for using Instagram, and time spent on Instagram. Results: We demonstrated that Instagram’s algorithms were effective. Participants experienced significantly greater flow and positive affect when using their tailored-content Instagram compared to a generalized account based on the interests of 30 random users. As evidence for our proposed cycle of dependence, we showed significant associations between depression, flow, and a measure of problematic Instagram use, as well as associations between being motivated to use Instagram to escape problems and problematic Instagram use. Conclusions: These results suggest that, at least for a subset of individuals with depression, Instagram serves as a maladaptive, escape-coping mechanism which induces flow and elevates mood, but ultimately leads to more problems due to overextended Instagram use.

HOW DO OLDER ADULTS COPE WITH INTERSECTIONAL EXPERIENCES OF AGEISM AND RACISM?

Abstract The World Health Organization recently launched a global campaign to end ageism due to its widespread, insidious negative health impacts on older adults. Similarly, racism is a key driver of health disparities and has been declared a public health crisis by jurisdictions around the United States. While a strong literature summarizes coping theory in general as well as beneficial and maladaptive coping mechanisms among older adults, limited research describes how older adults cope with experiences of ageism and racism, particularly through an intersectional lens. The aim of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand how older adults cope with intersectional experiences of ageism and racism. Twenty adults 60+ residing in the U.S. Mountain West who identified as Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), Asian-American/Pacific Islander, Indigenous, or White participated in a one-hour, semi-structured interview. A team of five coders engaged in an inductive coding process through independent coding followed by critical discussion. Peer debriefing, member checking, and an audit trail enhanced credibility. Nine themes were identified: 1) resistance, 2) exhaustion, 3) acceptance/‘let it go,’ 4) avoidance, 5) increased awareness through aging, 6) help others, 7) educate others, 8) self-determination/defy stereotypes, and 9) healthy lifestyle. These themes exemplify problem-focused and emotion-focused, as well as individual and collective coping strategies. Novel findings include how older adults may cope with ageism and racism through helping peer older adults and via increased awareness through aging. Practitioners should recommend coping strategies which combine collective and problem-focused responses to ageism and racism such as resistance, helping others, and educating others.

Medical registrars at the University of the Free State: Burnout, resilience and coping strategies.

Burnout among doctors has been linked with decreased quality of patient care. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the need to protect doctors' mental health and well-being. This study aimed to investigate burnout, resilience and coping strategies among registrars in the MMed programme of the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2020. In this quantitative, cross-sectional study, a link to an online anonymous self-administered questionnaire with socio-demographic questions, perceived stress, Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and Brief Cope was emailed to all 278 registrars. Sixty registrars responded (response rate 21.6%). More than half (55.0%) were male and 73.3% were married. There were 28.3% second- and third-year students, respectively. Most (58.3%) had 5-10 years' work experience. The CBI personal scale had the highest median value (58.3; interquartile range [IQR]: 43.3; 70.8) with 70% scoring ≥ 50. The median score for resilience was 78 of 100 (IQR: 69; 84). There were weak negative correlations between resilience and burnout scores (r= -0.31 tor= -0.37). Planning, positive reframing and acceptance were the most frequently used adaptive coping mechanisms; self-distraction was the most frequently used maladaptive coping mechanism. There was no association between gender and burnout and resilience scores. Registrars were resilient with low levels of patient- and work-related burnout, and higher personal burnout, using mostly positive coping strategies.Contribution:This study gives insight into the well-being of registrars at the UFS during COVID-19. Continuous monitoring and support for this population are essential to foster mental health and well-being.

Hidden family rules: perspective on a dysfunctional paternalistic system and the persistence of pain.

This article explores how paternalistic control and power reside within the family system and how this may influence pain and its persistence. Drawing upon clinical case studies and existing literature, this exploration emphasises the role of paternal dysfunction in creating emotional memory images and delves into how this may influence the chronification and treatment resistance of pain (i.e., making pain "sticky"). We argue that a dysfunctional paternalistic family system, often characterised by authoritarian dynamics, emotional neglect, and abuse, results in adverse experiences and emotional memory images that create a fertile ground for the entrenchment and propagation of psychosomatic symptoms, including pain. Further, the paper emphasizes the potential intergenerational effects of such a scenario, where inherited "Family Rules" drive maladaptive coping mechanisms, which contribute to the persistence of psychological and physiological distress across generations. Understanding these complexities offers new perspectives on treating psychological disorders and their physiological ramifications. It also highlights the urgency of addressing dysfunctional familial dynamics in psychotherapeutic interventions for both immediate and long-term psychophysiological health outcomes.

“I CAN STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE AND STILL BE KIND TO MYSELF”: A CASE REPORT ON MULTIFACETED INTERVENTION FOR A YOUNG WOMAN WITH DEPRESSION AND OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS

Limited literature exists on the management of depression with comorbid Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). This case report presents the psychological intervention provided for a young woman with clinical depression, anxiety, and traits of OCPD. Additionally, she exhibits distinctive maladaptive coping mechanisms, having created vivid characters in her mind since a young age to ensure flawless behaviors. The treatment approach was based on the framework of cognitive behavioral therapy and incorporated elements of compassion training and dialectical skills training. The intervention aimed to address the complex interplay between depression, anxiety, OCPD traits, and the unique coping strategies observed in the patient. As a result of the treatment, her BDI score reduced from severe to mild, and she demonstrated an increase in healthy coping skills. This case report documents the treatment approach used to address the multidimensional challenges presented by individuals with comorbid conditions involving OCPD traits. Furthermore, recommendations are provided on how to manage similar cases.

Achieving High Goals: The Impact of Contract Grading on High School Students' Academic Performance, Avoidance Orientation, and Social Comparison

This article examines American high school students’ (N=439) self-worth protection behaviors, maladaptive coping mechanisms, and academic performance under a contract grading system, which has been understudied in contemporary secondary classrooms. The quantitative analysis revealed that under the contract grading system, 97% (n=421) earned a passing grade (i.e., A, B, or C) on the assessment and 90% (n=390) fulfilled the contract by reaching mastery (A) or proficiency (B). Compared to the previous year, students with prior experience were 19% more likely to earn an A and 16% more likely to earn a B under the grading contract despite increased workload demands. The qualitative analysis of 40 semi-structured interviews revealed that performance improved as a result of the contract’s clarity of purpose, which limited task avoidance and facilitated task-oriented effort toward a desirable goal. Students enrolled in regular courses experienced the most significant grade improvement due to clear expectations that helped them place their effort on the right tasks. The findings of this study lead to a call to action for teachers to implement contract grading in high school classrooms to clarify work expectations, improve task-oriented effort, and help students set and achieve high goals.

Abstract A104: Neglecting the obvious: A retrospective chart review analyzing the sociodemographic and psychiatric factors associated with large cutaneous tumors (LCTs) at an academic medical center

Abstract Purpose: Current understanding of factors associated with the progression and possible delay of presentation of large cutaneous tumors (LCTs) of the head and neck is widely unknown. Treatment is challenging, often requiring a multidisciplinary team, and is costly to our healthcare system. Previously published studies have concluded that the major contributing cause of LCTs is psychiatric and the result of tumor “neglect.” However, there are no set criteria delineating “neglect.” Additionally, with the increase in dermatologic wait times, there are no studies exploring the role that access to the healthcare system plays in the progression of LCTs. The purpose of our study is to (1) identify the characteristics and associations between sociodemographic and psychiatric variables among patients with LCTs and (2) analyze healthcare system factors correlating with the progression of these tumors. Summary: We characterize the role sociodemographic and psychiatric variables play among patients with LCTs. Previous publications suggest that LCTs are the product of tumor neglect—a maladaptive coping mechanism where the patient will deny the presence of an obvious, growing tumor with early signs of malignancy. The causes of tumor “neglect” are often cited as psychiatric, but this is neither well understood nor defined. The existing literature fails to consider sociodemographic variables, documented history of psychiatric disorders, and the role of hospital system challenges that contribute to the unusual presentation of LCTs. Our cohort had no history of any psychiatric condition. Patients had an average of six co-morbidities and a mean age of 79. Important healthcare system factors identified were delays in time from consultation from the outside referring provider to day of Mohs procedure, distance from the academic medical center, and type of medical insurance. Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on linked electronic health records (EHRs) data from one academic medical center. TriNetX was used for the selection of our patient cohort from 05/11/2022 – 11/11/2022. We identified 14 adult patients in our database that underwent Mohs surgery for cutaneous BCC or SCC during a six-month period with a resulting surgical defect of ≥5.0 cm and preoperative size of ≥4.0 cm. These metrics were chosen based on the Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor classification system for BCC and SCC which defines highest-risk cancers as ≥4.0 cm. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first retrospective study to evaluate factors related to LCTs at an academic institution. Contradictory to previous literature, we found no correlation to psychiatric disease among LCTs. Persistent post-pandemic health system challenges in staffing and access to coordinating oncologic OR services contributed to delays in care. Innovative approaches to health care delivery may be indicated to avert further delays contributing to LCTs. Citation Format: Nicole A. Negbenebor, Carolina Gonzalez Bravo, Kirk Sidey, Elizabeth Cusick, Marta Hemmingson-Van Beek. Neglecting the obvious: A retrospective chart review analyzing the sociodemographic and psychiatric factors associated with large cutaneous tumors (LCTs) at an academic medical center [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A104.

Factors related to sleep in family caregivers of people with dementia: A systematic review

Background: Family caregivers (FCGs) face many problems when taking care of people with dementia. Purpose: This study wanted to explore the factors related to FCGs’ sleep in people with dementia. Methods: The study used a systematic review approach based on PRISMA. The study focused on FCGs for people with dementia in the home setting. A narrative synthesis was employed. Results: The result showed that the sleep problem and severity of a patient with dementia have an essential role in their state. Those indirectly impact the FCGs’ condition. The majority of the study’s sleep problems were related to physical fatigue that influenced the FCGs’ distress. Coping mechanisms have an essential role in the caregiver situation. A maladaptive coping mechanism would increase the stress of the caregiver and lead to a sleep problem. Conclusion: The consequences of those are burden and depression. Therefore, FCGs should be supported by families, friends, and healthcare workers. Community online groups of the FCGs might be helpful to support each other.

Relationship Between Anxiety, Coping Strategies, and Perfectionism in Entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Students

Introduction. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students must meet high standards throughout their lives and careers, which can cause stress and anxiety, with potentially devastating impacts. This quantitative study examined whether and to what extent perfectionism, demographic characteristics, and coping strategies relate to state (situation-related) and trait (personality-related) anxiety in DPT students. Review of Literature. Existing literature demonstrates high anxiety levels in DPT students; also, maladaptive perfectionism is associated with higher levels of stress. The predictive relationship between coping, perfectionism, and anxiety in DPT students has not been assessed. Subjects. Convenience sample of DPT students in their first through third years across 8 different DPT programs (n = 206). Methods. This paper was a cross-sectional, nonexperimental, multisite project. A hierarchical linear regression assessed the relationship between variables (demographics, coping, perfectionism, state anxiety, and trait anxiety). Results. Approximately 81.5% of the sample reported being not a perfectionist, 7.0% maladaptive perfectionists, and 11.5% adaptive perfectionists. Students using adaptive coping comprised 72.3% of the sample, whereas 28.0% used primarily maladaptive coping mechanisms. State Trait Anxiety Inventory scores were higher for this sample of DPT students when compared with published studies in the normal population. Significant predictor variables for state anxiety were sex, type of coping strategies used, and class year in the DPT program. For trait anxiety, sex, coping strategy type, maladaptive perfectionism, and class year were significant. Discussion and Conclusion. There is a predictive relationship between sex, type of coping strategies used, and year within the DPT program for both state and trait anxiety in DPT students. Presence of maladaptive perfectionism was an additional predictive variable for trait anxiety. This knowledge can help educational institutions better identify at-risk students for anxiety and tailor programs to better meet the individual needs of our students.

Stress, Mental Health, and Coping Among Workers in the Northern California Cannabis Industry: A Qualitative Descriptive Analysis.

California is home to a multibillion-dollar cannabis (marijuana) industry, but little is known about the occupational health and safety hazards faced by cannabis workers and even less of the stress, mental health, and coping mechanisms among these workers. Previous research has been based on long-term workers at legal businesses, but most California cannabis is produced and sold unlawfully. There are many seasonal workers whose experiences have not been studied. A qualitative study based on focus group discussions and key informant interviews was performed to understand cannabis workers' experiences, knowledge, and perceptions of occupational hazards. Participants reported sources of stress including production pressure and isolation, and mental health outcomes such as depression and mental fatigue. They described primarily maladaptive coping mechanisms. Unique characteristics of the cannabis industry, including criminalization and isolated, remote farms, make interventions challenging. However, policy approaches that involve community organizations could promote worker health.