Character Of Man Research Articles

COUNSELING MODEL BASED ON GUSJIGANG CULTURE: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF COUNSELING MODEL BASED ON LOCAL WISDOMS IN KUDUS

This article discusses the developing of conceptual framework of gusjigang counseling model as a manifestation of local wisdoms hold by the people of Kudus regency. Gusjigang is a philosophy of life taught by Sunan Kudus (one of the nine Java island’s first Muslim missionaries) which teaches men to have a good behavior (gus), to be good at reciting Koran (ji) as well as trading (gang). Gusjigang counseling model is close to Islamic counseling nuance which sets out the Islamic values of Kudus people who have been widely known as religious people. The goals of this counseling model are to develop men's virtuous characters, scientific and systematic thoughts, and improve persistence, creativity, innovativeness to survive.

한국 남성들의 외모 관련 삶의 질 척도 개발 및 외모 관련 삶의 질에 영향을 미치는 신체요인 분석

Importance of appearance as a means of self-expression and communication is increasing in modern society even for men. And appearance has become an significant factor affecting men's quality of life. The main objectives of this study were to develop an instrument measuring appearance related quality of life(ARQoL), and examine the body factors influencing ARQoL. The ARQoL instrument was developed from in-depth interviews, focus group interviews, and literature review, and were revised through two pre-tests. The final questionnaire was administered through on-line survey with 440 men. Quota sampling was used based on age and body size. The results indicated that high ARQoL group showed significantly higher satisfaction on body factors including face, weight, shape, body proportion, hair, and overall impression than low ARQoL group. There was no significant difference in terms of satisfaction on height between two groups. Factor analysis showed that ARQoL consists of four factors - physical, economic, psychological and social factors. Overall impression was the most important body factor affecting all four factors of ARQoL and has very strong influence especially on economic ARQoL. BMI was also a significant factor affecting physical, economic and social ARQoL except psychological factor of ARQoL. Face had significant influence only on economic and psychological aspects of ARQoL.

Gender and Racial Differences in Stress, Coping, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease

ContextLiving with chronic kidney disease can be stressful and influence an individual's health-related quality of life. Effective coping strategies may reduce stress and improve quality of life in individuals with chronic medical conditions. ObjectivesHealth-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important outcome for patients living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and it is necessary to better understand potential gender and racial differences and predictors associated with reduced HRQOL, so that effective interventions can be developed. MethodsParticipants included 182 patients with CKD who were administered a battery of questions that included the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36, Perceived Stress Scale, and the Brief COPE. Demographic and disease-specific information was abstracted from the patients' medical record. ResultsNo differences by race were observed with regard to stress, quality of life, or coping with the exception that minority patients reported use of religious coping more often (P = 0.001) and had higher levels of energy compared with nonminority patients with CKD (P = 0.27). Women with CKD tended to use self-distraction (P = 0.002), positive reframing (P = 0.035), venting (P = 0.024), and religious coping (P = 0 < 0.001) more often than men. No significant differences in perceived stress or domains of quality of life were observed between men and women with CKD. A link between coping strategies and HRQOL was observed in women (P = 0.001–0.02) but not men. Perceived stress was associated with poorer quality of life for men (P = 0.017 to <0.001) and women (P = 0.001 to <0.001), but more domains of men's quality of life were affected by perceived stress compared with women. ConclusionsThe findings of the study suggest that the wider range of coping strategies used by women may be associated with buffering the link between perceived stress and quality of life. Men with CKD may benefit from interventions that not only reduce stress but also facilitate the use of a broader range of coping strategies to reduce stress and improve quality of life.

Long Day's Journey Into Night

Long Day's Journey Into Night

Long Day's Journey Into Night

Long Day's Journey Into Night

Erectile dysfunction, masculinity, and psychosocial outcomes: a review of the experiences of men after prostate cancer treatment.

Prostate cancer (PC) treatment side-effects such as erectile dysfunction (ED) can impact men’s quality of life (QoL), psychosocial and psycho-sexual adjustment. Masculinity (i.e., men’s identity or sense of themselves as being a man) may also be linked to how men respond to PC treatment and ED however the exact nature of this link is unclear. This review aims to provide a snapshot of the current state of evidence regarding ED, masculinity and psychosocial impacts after PC treatment. Three databases (Medline/PsycINFO, CINHAL, and EMBASE) were searched January 1st 1980 to January 31st 2016. Study inclusion criteria were: patients treated for PC; ED or sexual function measured; masculinity measured in quantitative studies or emerged as a theme in qualitative studies; included psychosocial or QoL outcome(s); published in English language, peer-reviewed journal articles. Fifty two articles (14 quantitative, 38 qualitative) met review criteria. Studies were predominantly cross-sectional, North American, samples of heterosexual men, with localised PC, and treated with radical prostatectomy. Results show that masculinity framed men’s responses to, and was harmed by their experience with, ED after PC treatment. In qualitative studies, men with ED consistently reported lost (no longer a man) or diminished (less of a man) masculinity, and this was linked to depression, embarrassment, decreased self-worth, and fear of being stigmatised. The correlation between ED and masculinity was similarly supported in quantitative studies. In two studies, masculinity was also a moderator of poorer QoL and mental health outcomes for PC patients with ED. In qualitative studies, masculinity underpinned how men interpreted and adjusted to their experience. Men used traditional (hegemonic) coping responses including emotional restraint, stoicism, acceptance, optimism, and humour or rationalised their experience relative to their age (ED inevitable), prolonged life (ED small price to pay), definition of sex (more than erection and penetration), other evidence of virility (already had children) or sexual prowess (sown a lot of wild oats). Limitations of studies reviewed included: poorly developed theoretical and context-specific measurement approaches; few quantitative empirical or prospective studies; moderating or mediating factors rarely assessed; heterogeneity (demographics, sexual orientation, treatment type) rarely considered. Clinicians and health practitioners can help PC patients with ED to broaden their perceptions of sexual relationships and assist them to make meaning out of their experience in ways that decrease the threat to their masculinity. The challenge going forward is to better unpack the relationship between ED and masculinity for PC patients by addressing the methodological limitations outlined so that interventions for ED that incorporate masculinity in a holistic way can be developed.

Effects of Testosterone Replacement on Pain Catastrophizing and Sleep Quality in Men with Opioid-Induced Androgen Deficiency

The objective of this investigation was to determine the effects of testosterone administration on pain catastrophizing and sleep quality in adult men with opioid-induced androgen deficiency. Sixty-two men aged 18-64 years using opioid analgesics for chronic non-cancer pain with total testosterone levels < 350 ng/dl were randomized to 14 weeks of transdermal testosterone gel or placebo gel daily. Total testosterone levels were measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and free testosterone was calculated using the law of mass action equation. Outcomes were assessed by administering validated instruments such as Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at baseline and 14 weeks. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Mean (SD) total testosterone concentrations increased from 223 ± 86 to 775 ± 555 ng/dl in the testosterone group, but did not meaningfully change in placebo group. Mean changes in PCS and ISI scores during intervention did not differ significantly between groups and were not related to changes in on-treatment serum testosterone concentrations. In this 14-week trial, testosterone administration in men with opioid-induced androgen deficiency was not associated with improvements in pain catastrophizing or sleep quality.

Social Modulation or Hormonal Causation? Linkages of Testosterone with Sexual Activity and Relationship Quality in a Nationally Representative Longitudinal Sample of Older Adults.

This study used population-representative longitudinal data from the 2005-2006 and 2010-2011 waves of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project-a probability sample of US adults aged 57-85 at baseline (N=650 women and 620 men)-to examine the causal direction in linkages of endogenous testosterone (T) with sexual activity and relationship quality. For both genders, our autoregressive effects indicated a large amount of temporal stability, not just in individual-level attributes (T, masturbation) but also dyadic ones (partnered sex, relationship quality)-indicating that a need for more nuanced theories of relational processes. Cross-lagged results suggested gender-specific effects-generally more consistent with sexual or relational modulation of T than with hormonal causation. Specifically, men's findings indicated their T might be elevated by their sexual (masturbatory) activity but not vice versa, although androgen levels did lower men's subsequent relationship quality. Women's T, in contrast, was negatively influenced not just by their higher relationship quality but also by their more frequent partnered sex-perhaps reflecting a changing function of sexual activity in late life.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an increasingly common diagnosis seen in men over age 50 years. Primary care providers must be aware of patient presentation, diagnostic tests, appropriate lifestyle modifications, treatment options, and potential complications in order to properly manage and educate patients with BPH. If left untreated, BPH can significantly decrease a man's quality of life; however, many pharmacologic and surgical treatments are available to control the symptoms.

중년남성의 주관적 삶의 질 모형 구축

The purpose of this study was to construct and test a structural equation model of subjective quality of life in middle-aged men. The participants were 493 middle-aged men. Data were collected from September 10 to October 31, 2011. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0 and AMOS 19.0. Self-esteem, social support, family communication showed direct and indirect effect on subjective quality of life for middle-aged married men, and job satisfaction showed a direct effect on subjective quality of life. The structural regression model of middle-aged men's subjective quality of life was a good fit with the model. These results indicate that it is necessary to design intervention programs to increase self-esteem, social support, family communication and job satisfaction in order to increase middle-aged men's subjective quality of life.

Focal vs extended ablation in localized prostate cancer with irreversible electroporation; a multi-center randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundCurrent surgical and ablative treatment options for prostate cancer (PCa) may result in a high incidence of (temporary) incontinence, erectile dysfunction and/or bowel damage. These side effects are due to procedure related effects on adjacent structures including blood vessels, bowel, urethra and/or neurovascular bundle. Ablation with irreversible electroporation (IRE) has shown to be effective and safe in destroying PCa cells and also has the potential advantage of sparing surrounding tissue and vital structures, resulting in less impaired functional outcomes and maintaining men’s quality of life.Methods/DesignIn this randomized controlled trial (RCT) on IRE in localized PCa, 200 patients with organ-confined, unilateral (T1c-T2b) low- to intermediate-risk PCa (Gleason sum score 6 and 7) on transperineal template-mapping biopsies (TTMB) will be included. Patients will be randomized into focal or extended ablation of cancer foci with IRE. Oncological efficacy will be determined by multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound imaging if available, TTMP and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) follow-up. Patients will be evaluated up to 5 years on functional outcomes and quality of life with the use of standardized questionnaires.DiscussionThere is critical need of larger, standardized RCTs evaluating long-term oncological and functional outcomes before introducing IRE and other focal therapy modalities as an accepted and safe therapeutic option for PCa. This RCT will provide important short- and long-term data and elucidates the differences between focal or extended ablation of localized, unilateral low- to intermediate-risk PCa with IRE.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov database registration number NCT01835977. The Dutch Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects registration number NL50791.018.14.

Age-related Decline in Handgrip Strength and Loss of Forearm Muscle Size and/or Muscle Quality in Men

Age-related decline in handgrip strength (HGS) is associated with several unfavorable health conditions and an increased risk of all-cause mortality. In general, muscle strength declines at a higher rate than muscle mass. Thus, an age-related decline in muscle strength/mass ratio (i.e., muscle quality) would be expected, however, it is unknown whether muscle quality in the forearm associates with HGS in the aging process. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships between age-related declines in HGS and loss of forearm muscle size and/or muscle quality in men. METHODS: Two hundred fifty men aged 20-89 had muscle thickness (MT) measured by ultrasound at the anterior forearm of the dominant hand. MT was measured as the perpendicular distance between the subcutaneous adipose tissue-muscle interface and muscle-bone interface of the ulna (MT-ulna). HGS was also measured for the dominant hand with a hand dynamometer. Muscle quality (MQ) was defined as a ratio of HGS to MT-ulna. A one-way ANOVA determined differences between age groups for each variable and Pearson correlation coefficients were performed for all variables. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: HGS was similar among younger groups (47.6 [7.5] kg in aged 20-29 (n=34), 48.8 [7.7] kg in aged 30-39 (n=23) and 47.5 [7.2] kg in aged 40-49 (n=25)) and it decreased (p<0.001) gradually with age (43.8 [6.7] kg in aged 50-59 (n=47), 40.6 [6.7] kg in aged 60-69 (n=46), 36.7 [5.1] kg in aged 70-79 (n=47) and 33.4 [4.6] kg in aged 80-89 (n=28). MT-ulna was similar among young and middle-aged groups (3.92 [0.30] cm in aged 20-29, 3.85 [0.38] cm in aged 30-39, 3.83 [0.35] cm in aged 40-49, 3.82 [0.33] cm in aged 50-59 and 3.81 [0.29] cm in age 60-69) and was lower (p<0.01) in aged 70-79 (3.66 [0.26] cm) and aged 80-89 (3.58 [0.32] cm) compared to the aged 20-29. MQ was similar among younger groups (aged 20-29 to aged 40-49) and it decreased (p<0.01) gradually with age. MQ was strongly correlated to HGS in each age group (r=0.767-0.873), while MT-ulna was low to moderately correlated to HGS in each age group (r=0.344-0.759). CONCLUSIONS: Age-related decline in HGS is associated with MQ, but it appears to be accelerated after age 70 due to forearm muscle loss. Future research could investigate this further by looking at the association between loss of forearm muscle mass/MQ and mortality.

Topical Application of Thermobalancing Therapy Enabled by Therapeutic Device Treats Enlarged Prostate and Improves Men's Quality of Life; New Opportunity in BPH Treatment

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common problem for men over 50 that causes Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) and is usually treated with phytotherapy, medications and surgical procedures.

Male hormones and men's quality of life.

Male hormones can significantly impact a man's quality of life. Recently, there has been controversy with the use of testosterone and its impact on a man's quality of life. These controversies include testosterone's effect on cardiovascular disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, and fertility. The purpose of this manuscript is to further evaluate mainly testosterone's effect in these controversial areas as well as testosterone's overall effect on a man's quality of life. Recent findings suggest that testosterone does not increase a man's risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer. Men with low testosterone levels are more likely to suffer a cardiovascular event and develop insulin resistance. Exogenous testosterone is a natural contraceptive and men desiring to preserve their fertility should use mechanisms to raise their own natural endogenous testosterone production. Although testosterone deficiency can significantly impair a man's quality of life, testosterone therapy has been shown to significantly improve many of these qualities, such as depression, bone mineral density, energy, libido, erectile function, muscle mass, insulin resistance, and lower urinary tract symptoms. Testosterone therapy can be administered safely to symptomatic hypogonadal men.

Erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction is a multidimensional but common male sexual dysfunction that involves an alteration in any of the components of the erectile response, including organic, relational and psychological. Roles for nonendocrine (neurogenic, vasculogenic and iatrogenic) and endocrine pathways have been proposed. Owing to its strong association with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, cardiac assessment may be warranted in men with symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Minimally invasive interventions to relieve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction include lifestyle modifications, oral drugs, injected vasodilator agents and vacuum erection devices. Surgical therapies are reserved for the subset of patients who have contraindications to these nonsurgical interventions, those who experience adverse effects from (or are refractory to) medical therapy and those who also have penile fibrosis or penile vascular insufficiency. Erectile dysfunction can have deleterious effects on a man's quality of life; most patients have symptoms of depression and anxiety related to sexual performance. These symptoms, in turn, affect his partner's sexual experience and the couple's quality of life. This Primer highlights numerous aspects of erectile dysfunction, summarizes new treatment targets and ongoing preclinical studies that evaluate new pharmacotherapies, and covers the topic of regenerative medicine, which represents the future of sexual medicine.

Shame, Catastrophizing, and Negative Partner Responses Are Associated With Lower Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction and More Negative Affect in Men With Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie's disease (PD) has a negative impact on men's sexual functioning and quality of life, but little is known about why some men cope better than others and what the effects of PD are on their relationships. The aims of the present study were to describe negative affect, pain, and relationship and sexual satisfaction in men with PD, and to explore their psychosocial correlates. Participants were 110 men diagnosed with PD. All men completed questionnaires. The main outcome measures were as follows: Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Negative Affect Scale. The predictor variables were the following: Experience of Shame Scale, Body Esteem Scale, Body Image Self-Consciousness Scale, Index of Male Genital Image, a modified Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and a modified Multidimensional Pain Inventory. Although men with PD had mean sexual/relationship satisfaction and negative affect scores indicating mild impairment, there was a wide range of variation, with 42% to 52% scoring in the clinical range. Catastrophizing was significantly associated with reduced sexual satisfaction and increased negative affect and pain. Shame was also associated with increased negative affect. The significant associations of relationship satisfaction were partner responses and shame. Given the lack of curative treatment in PD, understanding why some men cope better than others may guide therapy. Shame, catastrophizing, and partner responses may be important therapeutic targets.

Effect of Myoinositol and Antioxidants on Sperm Quality in Men with Metabolic Syndrome.

This prospective longitudinal study investigated the effects of a dietary supplement in patients affected by reduced sperm motility (asthenospermic males) with metabolic syndrome. The product tested was Andrositol®, which contains myoinositol (MI) as principal compound, in association with other molecules, and the parameters evaluated were semen characteristics as well as hormone and metabolic profiles. The inclusion criteria were subjects aged over 18 years, with asthenospermia and metabolic syndrome. The exclusion criteria were presence of cryptorchidism, varicocele, and prostatitis. For this study, 45 males who had such features were enrolled. Their selection was made according to the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (5th Edition) for the Evaluation of Human Semen. Hormone and metabolic profiles and semen parameters were assessed at the beginning of the study and after three months of treatment with Andrositol. The differences between the values before and after the supplementation were found statistically significant. Andrositol normalized the metabolic profile of these patients, improving their insulin sensitivity. Moreover, testosterone levels were increased and the semen characteristics, such as sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, highly improved. In conclusion, the association of MI with other molecules (micronutrients and vitamins) could be an effective therapy for metabolic disorders, as well as hormonal and spermatic changes responsible for male infertility.

Gender Differences in Sleep Disturbance among Elderly Koreans: Hallym Aging Study.

Sleep is an important component in our lives as it is necessary throughout one’s entire life span. This study was conducted to elucidate whether there are gender differences in sleep quality and what factors can affect sleep quality in community-dwelling elderly Koreans. A total of 382 subjects (175 males and 207 females) were recruited among elderly aged 45 or over who participated in the 2010 Hallym Aging Study (HAS). They were invited to a general hospital and were evaluated for socioeconomic status, smoking history, and various clinical measures. Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A higher score indicates poorer subjective sleep quality, (PSQI global score > 5 suggests sleep disturbance). After adjusting for potential covariates, our results show that alcohol increases the odds for poor sleep (odds ratio [OR] = 3.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–10.10) in males. In females, lack of exercise was the major risk factor of poor sleep as they are 4.46 times more likely to suffer from low sleep quality than those who exercise regularly (95% CI=1.56–13.75). Stress was also a risk factor for poor sleep. It was 5.60 times higher in the “always have stress” group than the “do not have stress” group (95% CI = 1.54–20.34). Thus, alcohol consumption is associated with men’s sleep quality, while exercise and stress level affect women’s.

Wisdom as a Meditation on Life: Spinoza on Bacon and Civil History

In letter 37 to Johannes Bouwmeester, Spinoza identifies a historiola mentis à la Bacon as an important tool for distinguishing more easily between adequate and inadequate ideas. This paper contends that Spinoza's advice is to take into account Baconian-style ‘Civil History’ as providing instructive material for contemplating the variety, complexity, and persistency of human passionate behaviour. Specifically, it argues that Baconian civil history forms an integral part of Spinoza's reflections on provisional morality. Although for Spinoza, philosophical beatitude ultimately demands understanding affects through their first causes – the intuitive perception of things sub specie aeternitatis – in the realm of everyday Spinoza allows for a different, more pragmatic approach to morality. This paper argues at this stage that a philosophical understanding of the mind and its affections is not needed. Spinoza, following Bacon, holds that conduct of practical affairs is particularly improved when those so engaged acquire historical knowledge of the human condition and apply it. Specifically, both authors place special emphasis on a history of men's characters, actions, and vices as providing the material basis for concrete, directly applicable moral and civil precepts.

African American and Latino Men's Recommendations for an Improved Campus Environment

The purpose of this study was to share findings from semistructured qualitative interviews with 9 African American and 12 Latino men about their ideas on how university personnel could better support their needs. Stressing the need for African American men to learn self-reliance to counter microaggressions, African American participants offered recommendations to students rather than personnel. Latino participants discussed the need for personnel to provide critical information about college resources. Keywords: African Americans, Latinos, microaggressions ********** Despite increased representation in the United States, African American and Latino young men struggle in many important areas of their lives. For the past 4 decades, they have maintained the highest school dropout and incarceration rates of all ethnic groups in the United States (Reyes & Nakagawa, 2010), and although most youth transition front adolescence to adulthood to lead healthy, sustainable lives, some young people, a disproportionate number of whom are Black and Latino males, are trapped in a cycle of prison, poverty, and disadvantage (Reyes & Nakagawa, 2010, p. 37). With respect to college completion, the number of African American and Latino men attaining a bachelor's degree is much lower than the number of White and Asian and Pacific Islander men (Aud et al., 2012). It is known that degree attainment contributes to greater economic stability (U.S. Department of Labor, 2015), which is positively associated with mental health (Eaton & Muntaner, 1999). Thus, diminished educational attainment has significant consequences for African American and Latino men, who already contend with gendered racism in the workplace, housing, and many other important areas of their lives (Edley & Ruiz de Velasco, 2010). The academic achievement of African American and Latino men is an important issue for counselors in educational settings. As outlined by Lewis, Arnold, House, and Toporek (2003), advocacy-oriented counselors recognize the impact of social, political, economic, and cultural factors on human development (p. 1) and, in the case of African American and Latino men, understand both the challenges they face in their pursuit of higher education and the importance of degree completion for men's later quality of life. Unfortunately, research has found that as Latino men advance in college, they become less likely to rely on others for support (Gloria, Castellanos, Scull, & Villegas, 2009). Munoz (1986) found that Latino students reported higher levels of personal stress than did their White peers when they sought out support for academic and/ or personal needs for fear that they were confirming others' perceptions that they were not college material. Therefore, more research is needed to explore the barriers faced by African American and Latino college men with accessing critical campus resources, such as mental health support, as well as the important role counselors can play in improving men's overall educational experiences. Conceptual Framework This study was greatly informed by critical race theory (CRT), a paradigm based in critical legal studies (Delgado & Stefancic, 2001; Ladson-Billings, 1998) that emerged in the 1970s to critique the treatment of race and racism in American legal ideology and practice. Critical legal studies was rooted in the assumption that legal doctrine within the United States, having developed amid the backdrop of the nation's historically oppressive treatment of people of color, could not function as a race-neutral system. Rather, the American legal system, much like other major institutions, was an extension of the racist underpinnings of the country and thereby inadvertently served to maintain the status quo (i.e., the mistreatment of people of color). Within education, CRT has been adopted as a conceptual framework that places a historical and cultural lens on educational policies and policy making and thereby encourages an analysis of racial exclusion and other forms of discrimination against students (Ladson-Billings, 1998; Villalpando, 2004). …