Mean Satisfaction With Life Scale Research Articles

“Childless cat ladies” and the 2024 US presidential election

Abstract Introduction : This study, part of a larger research project assessing the political views of people with pets (dogs and cats), investigates the political views and life satisfaction of women without children who own cats. The research aims to provide insights into this group’s perspectives on current issues, including abortion rights and voting intentions for the 2024 US presidential election. Methods : A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in August 2024, involving 236 American women cat owners without children, recruited through Prolific, an online marketplace for survey respondents. The survey assessed the sample’s demographics, life satisfaction using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), concerns about current events, views on abortion, political affiliation, and voting intentions. Results : Participants mean SWLS score was 18.64 (SD = 7.74), comparable to other adult populations. The majority identified as liberal (71%) and Democrat (54%). This population’s top concerns included healthcare, abortion rights, climate change and environment, and government ethics. A total of 88.1% believed abortion should be legal in all or most circumstances. Regarding the 2024 election, 86.4% plan to vote, with 72.9% of those planning to vote indicating they support the Harris/Walz ticket. Discussion/Conclusion : The findings suggest that childless women with cats are a politically engaged population with predominantly liberal views. While study limitations include lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the sample, this research provides valuable insights into the political leanings and life satisfaction of an often-stereotyped group.

Investigation of Health-Related Quality of Life, Anxiety and Satisfaction in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism.

Features of post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety may be present in pulmonary embolism (PE) patients, along with impaired quality of life (QoL). We aim to evaluate health-related QoL, anxiety and satisfaction with life in patients with PE. Patients with PE were enrolled during their follow-up. All participants completed the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) X1 and X2 forms, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). 92 PE patients were included (mean age ± SD = 62.50 ± 15.33 years, 56.5% males). The median values of the SF-36 subscales were below the corresponding values of the Greek general population (besides the mental health (MH) subscale). Mean STAIX1 levels were 37.05 ± 11.17 and mean STAIX2 levels were 39.80 ± 10.47. Mean SWLS levels were 23.31 ± 6.58. According to multiple linear regression analysis, the MH and general health subscales were predictive of SWLS levels (F (10.76) = 10.576, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.581). The MH score (β = -0.242, p < 0.01) and STAIX1 level (β = 0.312, p < 0.001) (F (9.77) = 26.445, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.756) were predictive of STAIX2. Patients with PE exhibit slight satisfaction with life, borderline anxiety and impaired HRQoL.

PENGARUH TERAPI SENI TIE-DYE TERHADAP KEPUASAN HIDUP PASIEN SKIZOFRENIA DI RSJD Dr. RM. SOEDJARWADI KLATEN

Schizophrenia is a psychosocial disorder that affects behavior, feelings, strange delusions, and chaotic thinking patterns. Schizophrenia patients experience a decrease in life satisfaction and well-being related to physical, social, and psychological conditions in carrying out daily activities. Art therapy has the potential to be a way to minimize existing negative symptoms and overcome life stress. This study aims to determine the effect of tie-dye art therapy on the life satisfaction of schizophrenia patients at RSJD Dr. RM. Soedjarwadi Klaten. Research method: Quantitative research using a one-group pre-test-post- test pre-experimental design. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling. The research sample was 21 schizophrenia patients. Life satisfaction was measured using the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) instrument. Hypothesis testing uses the paired sample t-test. Research results: The sample was dominated by those aged 17-25 years (33.3%), men (61.9%), junior high school education (71.4%), and unmarried (42.9%). After the sample received 6 sessions of tie-dye art therapy treatment/intervention, the sample experienced an increase in the mean SWLS score. The life satisfaction hypothesis test showed a p-value of 0.000 (&lt;0.05). This means that there is an influence of tie-dye art therapy on the life satisfaction of schizophrenia patients at RSJD Dr. RM. Soedjarwadi Klaten. In batik therapy, patients can express expressions that cannot be expressed directly, increasing happiness and increasing life satisfaction for schizophrenic patients in RSJ who are undergoing rehabilitation. Conclusion: Tie-dye art therapy influences the life satisfaction of schizophrenia patients at RSJD Dr. RM. Soedjarwadi Klaten.

The effects of illness perception on death anxiety and satisfaction with life in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of illness perception on death anxiety and satisfaction with life in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer. This cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted with 125 patients with cancer who were admitted to the oncology clinic of a university hospital in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey between March and December 2022 and who met the research criteria and accepted to participate in the study. The data were collected with "Patient descriptive information form," "Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ)," "Scale of Death Anxiety (SDA)," and "Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)." It was found that mean BIPQ score of the patients was 39.54±12.82, the mean SDA score was 8.02±3.16, and the mean SWLS score was 14.74±5.19. BIPQ total score was found to affect SDA total score positively (β=.751) and SWLS total score negatively (β=-.591). SDA total score was found to affect SWLS total score negatively (β=-.216) (p<.05). It was found that patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer had moderate level of illness perception and life satisfaction, and high death anxiety. It was found that as illness perception of the patients increased, their death anxiety increased and satisfaction with life decreased. In addition, it was found that as the death anxiety of patients increased, their satisfaction with life decreased.

Hopelessness and life satisfaction in patients with serious mental disorders: A cross-sectional study.

The main purpose of treatment and management in chronic mental disorders is to improve the quality of life (QOL). Hopelessness indicates a significant cognitive vulnerability that is associated with suicide risk. It is important for clinicians to have information about their patients' life satisfaction and spirituality. This study was conducted to determine hopelessness and life satisfaction in patients who received service from a community mental health center (CMHC). This cross-sectional study was conducted with patients diagnosed with psychosis (n=66) and bipolar disorder (n=24) according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) criteria, at a community mental health center serving in a hospital located in eastern Turkiye. Data was collected by a psychiatrist between January and May 2019 with face-to-face interviews, using a questionnaire, Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). In the study, it was found that the mean BHS and SWLS scores of the patients did not differ significantly between the diagnosis groups (p>0.05). A moderately negative correlation was found between the patients' mean BHS and SWLS scores (rs=-0.450, p<0.001). In addition, it was determined that the hopelessness level of the secondary school graduates was low (p<0.05), the mean BHS score increased as the age and time from diagnosis of the patients increased (p<0.001), and there was a low negative correlation between the time from diagnosis and the mean SWLS score (rs: -0.208; p<0.05). In this study, it was found that the hopelessness level of the patients was low, their life satisfaction was moderate, and as the hopelessness level increased, their life satisfaction decreased. In addition, it was determined that the hopelessness and life satisfaction levels of the patients did not differ by to the diagnosis groups. It is extremely important for mental health professionals to consider aspects such as hope and life satisfaction, which are key in the recovery of patients.

Characteristics of a Post-Coronavirus-19 Sample Undergoing Rehabilitation: An Exploratory Study

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> Describe sample presenting to a brain rehabilitation clinic with cognitive impairment after COVID-19 infection. <h3>Design</h3> Pre- and post-intervention measures from a clinical sample. <h3>Setting</h3> Outpatient Brain Rehabilitation Clinic. <h3>Participants</h3> Eight patients undergoing outpatient rehabilitation after COVID-19 infection (Mean age = 47.1, Range: 38-55 years; females = 6, males = 2; 4 hospitalized at time of acute infection, Mean time to treatment 243 days, Range: 84-415 days). <h3>Interventions</h3> Treatment by an experienced team of interdisciplinary providers with composition and treatment frequency tailored to individual needs. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); Participation Index of the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (M2PI); Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS); Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory – 22 (NSI-22). <h3>Results</h3> Average number visits = 6.5 (Range: 0-25). Treatment attendance was close to 100%. Mean PHQ-9 on admission 10.625 (Range: 3-18) and at discharge 10.25 (Range: 1-17). Mean M2PI on admission was 13 (Range:8-24, and on discharge was 10.875 (Range: 0-20). Mean SWLS was the same at admission and discharge, 20.625 (Range: Admit: 15-29, Discharge 10-29). NSI-22 mean on admission 37.375 (Range 16-49) and on discharge 31.5 (Range:6-54). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Most of our sample reported moderate to moderate-severe depression. Most endorsed moderate-severe disability on the M2PI. This changed only slightly over treatment. This sample reported highly variable symptom complaint and life satisfaction. Of 5 patients with worsening scores over treatment, 4 were patients who started treatment well over 200 days after their initial diagnosis (Range: 229-415 days). Our treatment sample reports variable symptomatology and outcomes that may be tied to time to initiating rehabilitation. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None.

The Impact of Stress-Coping Strategies and the Severity of Psoriasis on Self-Esteem, Illness Acceptance and Life Satisfaction.

IntroductionThe visibility of skin lesions is a significant burden for patients with psoriasis, who experience social hostility as well as many emotional and psychological problems. The recurrent nature of cutaneous manifestations and their location are also a source of emotional distress, which in turn is one of the main factors that intensifies skin lesions in these patients. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the severity of psoriasis and stress-coping strategies on general psychometric measures in the affected patients.MethodsThe study used a short demographic questionnaire, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), and four standardised general psychometric tools: Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). A total of 111 patients participated in the study.ResultsThe mean PASI score was 14.0 (12.1–15.9). The mean SWLS score was below average, i.e., 18.5 (17.3–19.7), and the SES score—26.8 points (26.1–27.5)—indicated self-esteem slightly above average among patients with psoriasis. The mean stress-coping level measured with CISS was 53.6 (51.9–55.2) for the task-oriented strategy (TOS), 46.2 (43.8–48.6) for the emotion-oriented strategy (EOS) and 50.1 (48.5–51.8) for the avoidance-oriented strategy (AOS). Higher PASI was associated with lower illness acceptance among men (r = 0.48) and lower self-esteem among women (r = 0.44). The level of life satisfaction was lower in respondents with higher PASI scores (mainly in the group of women, r = 0.44).ConclusionsHigher severity of psoriasis (PASI) and greater frequency of emotion-oriented stress-coping mechanisms (CISS) are factors that negatively affect the overall psychophysical condition of respondents.

Skin-Disease Specific and Generic Psychometric Measures in Patients with Psoriasis.

IntroductionPsychosocial problems of patients with chronic dermatoses, such as psoriasis, add to their somatic ailments, which results in the lack of illness acceptance, lowered self-esteem, deteriorated quality of life, and an array of somatic comorbidities. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of psoriasis on the quality of life, sense of stigmatization, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life in patients with psoriasis.MethodsThe study was based on a short survey prepared by the authors and five validated scales: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), 6-Item Stigmatization Scale, 33-Item Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). The study included 111 patients with psoriasis (46.8% women and 53.2% men). The inclusion criteria of the study were the diagnosis of plaque psoriasis and written informed consent to participate.ResultsDLQI scores ranged between 0 and 28 points (pts) (mean 10.8 pts). Mean stigmatization scores determined with the 33- and 6-Item Stigmatization Scale were 81.6 pts and 7.5 pts, respectively. The mean SWLS score for the study group (18.5 pts) was slightly below the average. The mean score SES of 27 pts implies that the study respondents’ self-esteem level was slightly above the average.ConclusionsSatisfaction with life turned out to be significantly modulated by overall stigmatization level on the 33-Item Stigmatization Scale (the stronger the sense of stigmatization, the lower the satisfaction with life) and education (respondents with higher education presented with higher satisfaction with life than those with non-higher education).

The Effect of Nurses' Death Anxiety on Life Satisfaction During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey.

The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of nurses’ death anxiety on life satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted with 411 nurses in Turkey. Data were collected online through Google Forms using a sociodemographic form, the Revised Death Anxiety Scale (RDAS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Percentages, means, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and hierarchical linear regression models were used to analyze the data. The nurses’ mean age was 28.11 (SD = 6.27) years. More than half of the nurses stated that there were COVID-19 patients in the clinic where they worked (56.0%) and that they were afraid to provide care to patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (54.5%). Their mean RDAS total score was 57.33 (SD = 16.20), indicating moderate death anxiety, and their mean SWLS total score was 2.58 (SD = 0.82), indicating a low level of life satisfaction. Sociodemographic variables accounted for 8.8% of the variance. Death anxiety was associated with life satisfaction (β = − 0.118, p < 0.05). Model 3, which included all of the analyzed independent variables, explained 17% of the variance in life satisfaction (R2 = 0.171, p < 0.001). This study showed that death anxiety adversely affects life satisfaction. Higher death anxiety among nurses was associated with lower satisfaction with life. Based on the findings, we recommend providing more psychological and communication support to nurses and implementing systematic physical and psychological evaluations of nurses to facilitate early intervention.

Assessing Knowledge and Perceptions of Alzheimer's Disease Among Employees of a Pharmaceutical Company in Spain: A Comparison Between Caregivers and Non-Caregivers.

BackgroundRaising knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may help in identifying the disorder, seeking earlier appropriate healthcare, and decreasing its stigma. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and perceptions towards people with AD among employees of a pharmaceutical company in Spain.MethodsA non-interventional, cross-sectional study was conducted among 447 employees. Participants answered demographic questions and completed the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). Caregivers also answered questions related to their personal experience with patients with AD and completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist (RMBPC), and the Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS).ResultsParticipants were mostly between 30 and 50 years old (63%), female (65.3%), and had bachelor or master degrees (82.7%). Forty-two (9.4%) of participants were caregivers, mainly of moderate to severe dementia subjects. Overall knowledge about AD was moderate (mean ADKS score = 21.2 ± 2.8 [70.6% of correct answers]). Risk factors and caregiving were the domains with lowest scores (correct answers: 58.58% and 63%, respectively). Mean total ADKS score was significantly higher in participants caring for people with AD compared with non-caregivers (22.1 ± 2.9 and 21.0 ± 2.8; p=0.02, respectively). There was no statistically significant association between total ADKS score and age, sex, educational level, or relative’s AD severity. Most caregivers were satisfied with life (mean SWLS score = 26.8 ± 5.6) showing a low impact from behavioral problems (mean RMBPC reaction score = 26.81 ± 20.2). Six of them (14.3%) were scored as depressed.ConclusionThere is a continuing need to improve understanding of AD to fill the gaps in knowledge of the disease, even in a population working in healthcare sector with a high educational level.

Life satisfaction of Taiwanese dental graduates received residencies in the U.S.: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEach year, more than 200 international dental graduates start U.S. specialty trainings to become specialists. It is unknown if their life satisfaction is associated with any dental career-related factor before residencies (e.g. dental school class rank, research experience, or private practice experience) and after residencies (e.g. staying in the U.S., teaching status, workplace, or board certification). This cross-sectional study aimed to identify these potential factors by surveying Taiwanese dental graduates who pursued U.S. residencies.MethodsLife satisfaction was measured with a structured questionnaire, Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), which includes five statements on a 5-point Likert scale. Online surveys were sent out to 290 Taiwanese dental graduates who were known to pursue U.S. residencies. T-test, one way analysis of variance, and multivariable adjusted generalized linear model (GLM) were used to assess the differences of mean SWLS scores from different variables.ResultsSurveys were completed by 158 dentists. Mean SWLS score of 125 specialists was higher (p = 0.0007) than the score of 33 residents. For the 125 specialists, multivariable adjusted GLM demonstrated better life satisfaction was positively associated with multiple independent factors, such as having research experience, being ranked in the top 26 ~ 50% of the class in dental school, starting U.S. residency within 4 years after dental school, starting residency before year 1996, and specializing in endodontics (vs. periodontics). Life satisfaction was not associated with any factors after residency (e.g. staying in the U.S. afterwards, teaching status, or workplace), but better mean life satisfaction score was significantly associated with being American specialty board certified (p < 0.001) for the specialists in the 26 ~ 75% of their class in dental school. For the 33 residents, better mean life satisfaction score was associated with better dental school class rank in both bivariate (p = 0.020) and multivariable adjusted GLM (p = 0.004) analyses.ConclusionsThe life satisfaction of Taiwanese dental graduates pursuing U.S. residencies might be associated with some professional factors, such as research experience, dental school class rank, residency timing, specialty type, and specialty board certification. We hope our results may provide some objective information on making career decisions for international dental graduates/students who are preparing for U.S. residency.

The effect of training given to parents with mentally disabled children on their life satisfaction self-stigma of seeking help depression and stress-coping styles.

It is important to identify problem areas of parents with mentally disabled children, to support them, to address their stress sources and to effectively cope with them. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of training given to parents with mentally disabled children on their life satisfaction, self-stigma of seeking help, depression and stress-coping styles. Families with disabled children who continued their education at the Special Education Centers in Sivas created the sample of this pre- and post-test study (with control group). The data were collected with the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Self-Stigma of Seeking Psychological Help Scale (SSPHS) and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ). The scales were re-applied to the experimental group (n = 75) after the application of scales and 5-week training. Individuals in the control group were not given any training. The Mann-Whitney U test, t test and Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis were used in the evaluation of the data. The mean SWLS score was 19.14 ± 7.24 (min: 3; max: 31) before the training and 21.68 ± 7.39 (min: 6; max: 35) after the training. The mean BDI score was 16.92 ± 10.84 (min: 1; max: 60) before the training and 10.24 ± 7.77 (min: 0; max: 33) after the training. The mean SSPHS score was 58.18 ± 9.96 (min: 32; max: 82) before the training and 52.65 ± 14.28 (min: 28; max: 84) after the training. The mean optimistic approach score of SSPHS was 9.73 ± 2.67 (min: 2; max: 15) before the training and 10.58 ± 2.19 (min: 4; max: 15) after the training. It was determined that the difference between mean scores of the control group before and after the training was not significant (p > .05). The training has positively affected the decrease in depression and self-stigmatization, and the increase in life satisfaction and stress-coping styles after the training. It is recommended to plan research studies to identify the need for support of parents, and to structure the trainings to be given according to the results of the educational intervention researches.

How well does a wellbeing measure predict psychiatric ‘caseness’ as well as suicide risk and self-harm in adolescents?

Screening for psychiatric disorders may be hampered by traditional measures that increase participant burden and elicit negative responses via denial and social desirability biases. This study examined the utility of a wellbeing measure to identify psychopathology and suicide risk in adolescent participants. 1,579 students from Sydney schools participated in a survey which assessed wellbeing using the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) as well as psychiatric disorders and suicide risk. Results showed that low scores on the SWLS discriminated adolescents who had experienced a psychiatric condition or suicidality from those not so assigned. Specifically, students with no psychiatric diagnosis yielded a mean SWLS score of 28.0 while for those assigned a diagnosis, mean scores ranged from 19.4–3.0 across the various psychiatric conditions. Students who reported any suicidal ideation yielded a mean SWLS score of 22.7, and those with a current suicidal plan yielded a mean score of 17.7. We derived SWLS cut-off scores for predicting psychiatric caseness and suicidality but established that they had low positive predictive power. The SWLS therefore appears to provide a limited proxy measure of the chance of a psychiatric disorder or psychological distress, and might usefully complement more direct measures of such states.

Quality of life in Maltese Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: a Second Look – An APPROACH-IS Substudy

Background: A first quality of life (QOL) study among Maltese adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) in 2016 found no significant differences when compared to the general population. The aims of the present study were to (1) compare QOL between Maltese and other European ACHD patients and (2) investigate medical predictors (i.e. number of surgical/non-surgical interventions, heart failure, arrhythmias, pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, cardiac hospitalisation during preceding year, follow-up frequency, other medical conditions, mood/anxiety/psychiatric disorders) of QOL in Maltese patients.Methods: Data collected during “Assessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease–International Study” (APPROACH-IS) was used. QOL was measured using linear analog scale (LAS) and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). QOL in 109 Maltese and 1510 European participants was compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the predictive value of medical factors on QOL in Maltese patients.Results: There were no significant differences in QOL between the two cohorts [mean LAS Malta 80.51 (95% CI 77.96,83.07) vs. European 79.43 (95% CI 78.65,80.21) (p=0.776); mean SWLS Malta 26.00 (95% CI 24.94,27.06) vs. European 26.26 (95% CI 25.95,26.57) (p=0.288)] and no significant differences when cohorts were divided by gender and age. Only a mood/anxiety/other psychiatric disorder significantly predicted poorer QOL on both scales in Maltese patients (LAS (ß=-.389, p&lt;0.001), SWLS (ß=-.352, p=0.001)). Conclusions: Maltese ACHD patients have a good QOL comparable to that of European counterparts. Mood, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders can negatively impact Maltese patients’ QOL. Better access to clinical psychology services should be ensured.

Correlations between satisfaction with life and selected personal resources among students of Universities of the Third Age.

PurposeThe aim of the study was to identify personal resources, including health-related resources, sense of self-efficacy, attitude to life (optimism/pessimism) and self-assessment, and to determine their relationship with satisfaction with life in members of the Universities of the Third Age (U3As) in Poland. The impact of sociodemographic factors was analyzed.Materials and methodsThe study included 320 participants of U3As; their mean age was 67.5 years and the vast majority of them were women (92.5%). The study was a screening test based on a diagnostic survey using validated scales, Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) and Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and a survey of own design.ResultsMen showed significantly higher mean SWLS scores than women. SWLS scores were found to correlate significantly with LOT-R (r=0.411; P<0.001) and GSES scores (r=0.451; P<0.001). The respondents’ financial situation had a significant impact on their scores in all scales: SWLS (P<0.001), LOT-R (P<0.001) and GSES (P<0.001). Educational attainment of the respondents showed a significant correlation with SWLS (P=0.004) and GSES (P=0.011).ConclusionIn the process of preparation for successful aging, particular emphasis should be placed on the continuous development of an individual, as it leads to the improvement of their socioeconomic status. Also, promoting positive personality traits and responsibility for one’s own life, including health, is of vital importance. The study is particularly important for the early identification of individuals at risk of unsuccessful aging.

Effect of nurses’ religious beliefs on their empathy and life satisfaction

&lt;b&gt;Introduction&lt;/b&gt;: Nursing is one of those medical professions that are inseparably associated with being in continuous contact with other people, and it is worth noting that there are things that cannot be acquired in the course of an education. These include conscience and empathy as subjective and ultimate standards of morality, which help nurses make morally good decisions and that represent criteria for assessing their behavior. &lt;b&gt;Purpose&lt;/b&gt;: To assess the effect of nurses' religious beliefs on their empathy and life satisfaction. &lt;b&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/b&gt;: The study included 150 nurses and 150 nursing students, using our own questionnaire, the Empathy Understanding Questionnaire (KRE) by Węgliński and The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt;: The mean level of KRE-based empathic understanding was 65.7  9.4 points, which indicates that it was relatively high. The lowest level was 39, and the highest was 92 points. Mean SWLS score was about 20 points, which indicates that the studied nurses were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with their life. Respondents with the highest level of empathy would discontinue treatment due to their beliefs or they would choose another unspecified solution. No significant correlations were found between the levels of empathy and life satisfaction and the opinion on the role of religious beliefs in the choice of nursing profession, and regarding religion as an obstacle in performing work-related tasks. &lt;b&gt;Conclusions&lt;/b&gt;: Nurses showed relatively high levels of empathy and average levels of life satisfaction. The importance of nurses’ religiousness in making therapeutic decisions did not correspond with life satisfaction nor their level of empathy.

Caregiving Burden and Life Satisfaction Among Caregivers of Cancer Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department.

This descriptive and cross-sectional study aimed to determine caregiving burden and life satisfaction among caregivers of cancer patients admitted to the emergency department. The study included 272 caregivers. Data were collected using an information form, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Among the patients, 19.1% were diagnosed with lung cancer; 44.1% were in the fourth stage of their disease; and 52% had metastasis. The mean ZBI total score was 41.2 ± 9.7, while the mean SWLS total score of caregivers was 17.6 ± 4.0. It was concluded that the mean ZBI and SWLS scores of patients' caregivers were moderately and negatively correlated ( p < .001, r = -.485). There was a negative and significant relationship between caregiving burden and quality of life.

Satisfaction with life after burn: A Burn Model System National Database Study

ObjectivesWhile mortality rates after burn are low, physical and psychosocial impairments are common. Clinical research is focusing on reducing morbidity and optimizing quality of life. This study examines self-reported Satisfaction With Life Scale scores in a longitudinal, multicenter cohort of survivors of major burns. Risk factors associated with Satisfaction With Life Scale scores are identified. MethodsData from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) Burn Model System (BMS) database for burn survivors greater than 9 years of age, from 1994 to 2014, were analyzed. Demographic and medical data were collected on each subject. The primary outcome measures were the individual items and total Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) scores at time of hospital discharge (pre-burn recall period) and 6, 12, and 24 months after burn. The SWLS is a validated 5-item instrument with items rated on a 1–7 Likert scale. The differences in scores over time were determined and scores for burn survivors were also compared to a non-burn, healthy population. Step-wise regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of SWLS scores at different time intervals. ResultsThe SWLS was completed at time of discharge (1129 patients), 6 months after burn (1231 patients), 12 months after burn (1123 patients), and 24 months after burn (959 patients). There were no statistically significant differences between these groups in terms of medical or injury demographics. The majority of the population was Caucasian (62.9%) and male (72.6%), with a mean TBSA burned of 22.3%. Mean total SWLS scores for burn survivors were unchanged and significantly below that of a non-burn population at all examined time points after burn. Although the mean SWLS score was unchanged over time, a large number of subjects demonstrated improvement or decrement of at least one SWLS category. Gender, TBSA burned, LOS, and school status were associated with SWLS scores at 6 months; scores at 12 months were associated with LOS, school status, and amputation; scores at 24 months were associated with LOS, school status, and drug abuse. ConclusionsIn this large, longitudinal, multicenter cohort of burn survivors, satisfaction with life after burn was consistently lower than that of non-burn norms. Furthermore mean SWLS scores did not improve over the two-year follow-up period. This study demonstrates the need for continued efforts to improve patient-centered long term satisfaction with life after burn.

Life satisfaction and associated factors inpersons with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease.

Life satisfaction (LS) is an overall goal in the long-term management and rehabilitation of persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, very little is known about LS in persons with PD and no study has examined factors associated with their LS. To describe LS in persons with mild to moderate PD and to evaluate the association with gender, age, years since diagnosis, and sense of coherence, perceived participation, and mental and emotional status. Eighty persons with mild to moderate PD (46 men and 34 women, mean age 70.1 years, mean time since diagnosis 7.4 years) responded to a postal survey with the Swedish versions of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-13), the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-20). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate the association with LS. The mean SWLS total score was 21.8 points, and 45% rated themselves as satisfied to highly satisfied with their lives. SOC and years since diagnosis explained 36% of the variance, where a strong SOC, indicating a person's capacity to adapt to the overall strains of the disease, showed the strongest association with a high LS. Persons with mild to moderate PD seem to be generally satisfied with their lives but LS may decrease as the disease progresses. The strong association with SOC implies that LS may increase through rehabilitation that support persons with PD to understand and confront the nature of problems arising in their lives as a result of their PD.

Physicians’ Life Satisfaction in Bhutan: A Nationwide Survey

Objectives: Bhutan was the first country to invest in “gross national happiness”. Health care professionals usually report higher levels of happiness. In the last decade many physicians were reportedly dissatisfied with their lives and careers: “unhappy physicians”. We aimed to assess levels of happiness amongst Bhutanese physicians. Methods: Bhutanese physicians endorsed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and a demographic questionnaire. Results: Of 176 physicians in Bhutan, 110 physicians completed the survey: 25.5% women and 74.5% men. Mean age was 36.9 years. Mean SWLS score for all physicians was 23.5 ± 6.9. Conclusions: Only two thirds (66.5%) of the Bhutanese physicians who have participated in this study were satisfied with life, which was significantly lower than rate in the Bhutanese general population or among Israeli Physicians participating in a similar study.