Mixed Between-within Subjects ANOVA Research Articles

An Investigation of Mindfulness Training As a Self-Care Strategy for Trauma Counsellors

ABSTRACT Trauma counselors are vulnerable to negative impacts such as secondary traumatic stress and vicarious traumatization. This study investigated Mindfulness Training as a self-care strategy for counselors in South Africa, examining the effect of MT on negative and positive secondary trauma impacts (STI), and employing a quasi-experimental embedded mixed methods research model to investigate the impact of MT and areas of greatest post-intervention change. The study compared pre- and posttest scores across an MT intervention group and an active control group. A mixed Between-Within Subjects ANOVA was tested for mean differences between the two independent groups, while simultaneously subjecting participants to repeated measures, to establish whether mean changes in the outcome scores on the dependent variables from pretest to posttest differed significantly for individuals over time within the groups. Results indicated that MT was effective in reducing negative STI and in increasing trait mindfulness. Benefits were sustained three months post-intervention. MT was associated with variable rates of change on each outcome measure. The evidence supports the role of MT in reducing negative STIs in trauma counselors.

76 The Effects of Strategies-Based Training in Improving Memory Outcomes in Healthy Older Adults

Objective:The goal of our study was to examine the possible effects of a strategies-based training intervention on objective memory performance and subjective memory in healthy older adults. While slight declines in memory naturally occur in the aging process, these changes may impact the quality of life for older adults.Participants and Methods:Patients (n = 11, aged 50-80, mean age = 70.73, SD = 4.41) with subjective memory complaints were recruited from memory clinics within an academic medical center. All participants engaged in one-on-one, three one-hour memory training sessions over the course of several weeks to undergo strategies-based training intervention (e.g., mnemonics). All participants completed neuropsychological battery of tests at baseline and at post-intervention (about 8-10 weeks after baseline). Tests included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Hopkins Verbal List Test (HVLT-R), the Visual Reproduction subtest of the Weschler Memory Scale (WMS-IV), and the Multiphasic Memory Questionnaire.Results:Data were analyzed using a mixed between-within subjects ANOVA and t-tests. Groups were created based on the participant’s MoCA score. While a total of 11 participants completed baseline testing and the memory training sessions, two did not return for post-intervention testing; as such their data were excluded from analyses. Older adults with a MoCA score of 26-30 (n = 6), but not older adults with a MoCA score 25 and below (n = 3), had a significant improvement in visual learning and encoding, F (1, 7) = 10.028, r = .50, p < .05. The high MoCA performers demonstrated an improved performance in their immediate visual memory from baseline (M = 10, SD = 3.53) to post-intervention (M = 12, SD = 3.35), t(9) = .895, p = .001 (two-tailed). Ratings of memory satisfaction among high MoCA performers also increased from baseline (M = 48, SD = 11.47) to post-intervention (M = 51, SD = 5.43), t(9) = .707, p < .05 (two-tailed). Among both groups, a significant increase in perceived memory ability was demonstrated from baseline (M = 50, SD =10.1) to post-intervention (M = 54, SD = 12.35), t(8) = .807, p < .05 (two-tailed).Conclusions:These findings indicate that a brief memory training program may improve visual encoding and subjective memory in healthy older adults with memory concerns. Individuals with subjective memory concerns who undergo a cognitive training program seem to demonstrate improved encoding of nonverbal material. These participants also reported a greater memory satisfaction and improved perceived memory ability after completion of a memory training program. Interestingly, these findings were only seen in adults whose MoCA performance was within normal limits. Although a systematic review suggests the improvement of memory performances on cognitively impaired participants (Simon, Yokomizo, & Bottino, 2012), this may not have been demonstrated in the current study due to a low sample size and/or to the brief duration of the cognitive training. Future directions include increasing sample size and offering booster sessions to explore whether cognitively impaired adults may benefit from repetition.

A Serious Video Game Targeting HIV Testing and Counseling: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeAdolescents are the age group that is least likely to know their HIV status and may unknowingly transmit the virus to others. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of the original video game intervention, PlayTest!, on behavioral antecedents for HIV testing and counseling (HTC). MethodsParticipants (N = 287 adolescents) were recruited between 2018 and 2020 and were 48% female, aged 14–18 years (mean age = 15.4 years), and 76% racial minorities. Participants were randomized 1:1 and assigned to either play PlayTest! or a set of control games, ∼one session per week for an hour per session over 4–6 weeks (gameplay) after school. The primary outcome measure was participants' attitudes around HTC at 6 months, with intentions, knowledge, self-efficacy, and behaviors assessed as secondary outcomes. ResultsTwo hundred and ninety-six participants were enrolled/randomized; nine were withdrawn due to incomplete parental consent forms, leaving 287 participants: 145 were randomized to PlayTest! and 142 to the control condition. Mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs assessed the impact of the study conditions on outcomes. Improvements were seen in the PlayTest! group in HTC attitudes (p < .001), intentions (p < .001), knowledge (p < .001), and self-efficacy (p = .002) at all time-points. At 6 months, for those who had access to HTC (N = 134; prior to COVID-19) and for those who did not have access to HTC (N = 261; during COVID-19), there were no differences in self-reported HTC between the two groups (p = .289 and p = .074, respectively). DiscussionPlayTest! impacted important behavioral antecedents related to HTC and has the potential to broadly increase HTC rates in adolescents.

O.2.2-3 Virtual nature as an intervention to promote connectedness with and visitation of nature among university students: a randomized trial

Abstract Purpose Human-nature interactions, including visitation of nature and nature connectedness (NC), a psychological construct defining an individual’s cognitive and affective connection with the natural world, are associated with a variety of health and well-being indicators. University students often experience high levels of stress and mental health challenges, while having little access to and few opportunities to interact with nature. This randomized controlled trial explored the effectiveness of a virtual nature intervention, delivered either through two-dimensional (2D) or immersive virtual reality (VR) devices, in eliciting increased NC and the likelihood of visiting a naturalistic location among university students. Methods Thirty-eight university students (age 24.7±5.4 year) were randomized into two groups and viewed a video of a naturalistic location in the vicinity of the university campus either through VR or 2D devices. Further, participants received information about the naturalistic location and were invited to an organized hiking tour in that location. Pre- and post-assessment of NC, intention to engage in active nature visits, intention to visit the location viewed in VR or 2D, and intention to participate in the hiking tour were collected. Additionally, participation in the hiking tour was recorded. Results A mixed between-within subjects ANOVA showed that both conditions significantly improved NC (F1,35 = 293.302; p &amp;lt; 0.001), intention to visit the location (F1,36 = 18.848; p &amp;lt; 0.001), and intention to participate in the hiking tour (F1,36 = 12.450; p &amp;lt; 0.001), but did not improve intention to engage in active nature visits, with no significant differences between the type of virtual nature exposures (VR vs. 2D). Six (16.7%) students participated in the organized tour, three from each condition. The type of virtual nature exposure was not a significant predictor for participating in the tour. Conclusions This study provides evidence of the potential of virtual nature exposure in promoting NC and visitation of nature among university students, regardless of the technology employed (VR or 2D). More research is needed to better understand the impact of such types of intervention in supporting behavior changes and health in this population.

Impacts of repeated retrieval of positive and neutral memories on posttrauma health: An investigative pilot study

Background and objectivesEvidence indicates that positive memory processes play a role in the etiology and maintenance of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and related posttrauma health indicators. To extend this research, the current pilot study examined if repeated retrieval of positive vs. neutral memories was associated with (1) less PTSS and depression severity; and (2) improved affect and cognitions (fewer posttrauma cognitions, more positively-valenced affect, less negatively-valenced affect, less negative affect interference, less anhedonia, retrieval of more positive specific memories, retrieval of fewer negative specific memories). MethodsTwenty-five trauma-exposed participants were randomly assigned to a positive or neutral memory task condition. They participated in four weekly experimental sessions facilitated by an experimenter virtually; each consecutive session was separated by 6–8 days. We conducted mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs to examine study hypotheses. ResultsNo interaction effects were significant. There were significant main effects of time on PTSS and depression severity, posttrauma cognitions, positively-valenced and negatively-valenced affect, and negative affect interference. LimitationsWe used self-report measures, small and non-clinical sample with limited demographic diversity, and virtual format; did not record memory narratives; and did not have a trauma memory condition. ConclusionsBased on pilot data, our findings suggest that individuals who retrieve positive or neutral memories repeatedly may report less PTSS and depression severity, fewer posttrauma cognitions, and improved affect. Results provide an impetus to examine impacts of and mechanisms underlying memory interventions (beyond a sole focus on negatively-valenced memories) in trauma work.

Remotely Delivered Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise for Coronary Heart Disease: Nonrandomized Feasibility Study

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended for coronary heart disease (CHD). However, poor uptake of and poor adherence to CR exercise programs have been reported globally. Delivering CR exercise classes remotely may remove some of the barriers associated with traditional hospital- or center-based CR. We have developed a bespoke platform, Eastern Corridor Medical Engineering Centre-Cardiac Rehabilitation (ECME-CR), to support remotely delivered CR exercise. This pilot trial sought to test the ECME-CR platform and examine the efficacy and feasibility of a remote CR exercise program compared to a traditional center-based program. In all, 21 participants with CHD were recruited and assigned to either the intervention or control group. Both groups performed the same 8-week exercise program. Participants in the intervention group took part in web-based exercise classes and used the ECME-CR platform during the intervention period, whereas participants in the control group attended in-person classes. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and following the 8-week intervention period. The primary outcome measure was exercise capacity, assessed using a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Secondary outcomes included measurement of grip strength, self-reported quality of life, heart rate, blood pressure, and body composition. A series of mixed between-within subjects ANOVA were conducted to examine the mean differences in study outcomes between and within groups. Participant adherence to the exercise program was also analyzed. In all, 8 participants (male: n=5; age: mean 69.7, SD 7.2 years; height: mean 163.9, SD 5.4 cm; weight: mean 81.6, SD 14.1 kg) in the intervention group and 9 participants (male: n=9; age: mean 69.8, SD 8.2 years; height: mean 173.8, SD 5.2 cm; weight: mean 94.4, SD 18.0 kg) in the control group completed the exercise program. Although improvements in 6MWT distance were observed from baseline to follow-up in both the intervention (mean 490.1, SD 80.2 m to mean 504.5, SD 93.7 m) and control (mean 510.2, SD 48.3 m to mean 520.6, SD 49.4 m) group, no significant interaction effect (F1,14=.026; P=.87) nor effect for time (F1,14=2.51; P=.14) were observed. No significant effects emerged for any of the other secondary end points (all P>.0275). Adherence to the exercise program was high in both the intervention (14.25/16, 89.1%) and control (14.33/16, 89.6%) group. No adverse events or safety issues were reported in either group during the study. This pilot trial did not show evidence of significant positive effect for either the remotely delivered or center-based program. The 6MWT may not have been sufficiently sensitive to identify a change in this cohort of participants with stable CHD. This trial does provide evidence that remote CR exercise, supported with digital self-monitoring, is feasible and may be considered for individuals less likely to participate in traditional center-based programs. RR2-10.2196/31855.

Sikap Siswa pada Pembelajaran melalui Teams-Games-Tournament (TGT)

This study aims to determine student attitudes in learning mathematics using the Teams-Games-Tournaments (TGT) cooperative at SMK Negeri 1 Tembilahan, Riau. Research respondents consisted of 64 students in class X. A total of 32 students were involved in the experimental group and 32 students for the control group. Mathematical attitudes were measured using 19 questions adapted from Arsaythamby and Rosna Awang Hashim (2009), while 20 questions were used to measure student attitudes using TGT adapted from Slavin (1995). The data were collected three times, namely the Initial Test, Post 1 and Post 2 tests which took place five weeks after the Initial Test and Post 1 Test. Data analysis used mixed between-within subjects ANOVA. The results of this study indicate that mathematical attitudes have an important role in increasing mathematical achievement in TGT cooperative learning. The results of the interviews showed the addition of students' interest and motivation in mathematics in TGT cooperative learning. Meanwhile, the results of the observations show that students and teachers are active during the teaching and learning process using TGT. This can be seen from the interactions between students and teachers who work well together.

A prospective analysis of loss of control over eating, sociodemographics, and mental health during COVID-19 in the United States

PurposeThe study assessed the relationships between sociodemographics, mental health, and prospective changes in loss of control over eating (LOCE). MethodsSixty-nine participants (Mage = 39.81 years, SD = 12.25; 49.3% female) completed a survey assessing sociodemographics, mental health, and LOCE at three time points. ResultsA one-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences between the Wave 1 and Wave 3 LOCE. Mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs revealed a main effects of time, essential worker status, and mental health constructs. Interaction effects were observed for sex, anxiety, and stress with time. ConclusionFindings provide insight into eating behaviors during COVID-19.

Evaluation of a virtual reality E-cigarette prevention game for adolescents

ObjectiveTo test preliminary efficacy and acceptability of Invite Only VR: A Vaping Prevention Game (Invite Only VR), an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) prevention game that uses virtual reality (VR) hardware. Methods285 adolescents (146 boys; ages 11–14; M = 12.45 years; SD = 0.57) were enrolled in this non-equivalent control groups design through their middle school. Participants who played Invite Only VR for 1.5 h were compared to treatment as usual at 4 timepoints: baseline, post gameplay, 3 and 6 months. Evidence of the efficacy of the game to influence e-cigarette use, e-cigarette knowledge, nicotine addiction knowledge, perceived addictiveness of e-cigarettes, perceived likelihood of using e-cigarettes, perceptions of harm, self-efficacy to refuse, social approval of e-cigarettes, and e-cigarette social perceptions was assessed using mixed between-within subjects ANOVAS. Intervention acceptability was indicated by measures of gameplay experience/satisfaction, VR experience, and perceived responsibility for game-based decisions. ResultsFrom baseline to 6 months, Invite Only VR players improved in e-cigarette knowledge, nicotine addiction knowledge, perceived addictiveness of e-cigarettes, perceptions of harm, and social perceptions about e-cigarette use compared to the control group. No significant changes were observed for the other dependent variables, including e-cigarette use. Ratings of gameplay experience and satisfaction, VR experience, and game-based decisions were high. ConclusionsInvite Only VR may help players develop knowledge about e-cigarettes and nicotine addiction, as well as encourage the development of healthy harm and social perceptions regarding e-cigarette use that persist 6 months beyond gameplay. Adolescents’ satisfaction with the VR gameplay indicates preliminary intervention acceptability.

Helping Students “Do School”: Examining the Impact of Understanding Text Organization on Student Navigation and Comprehension of Textbook Content

As students proceed through school, they are expected to comprehend complex texts but may not have the necessary competencies to do so. This study examined the impact of teaching text organization of lengthy social studies textbook passages on student comprehension of the content contained there. Over a 10-week period, 205 sixth-grade students received either routine social studies instruction or instruction on identifying rhetorical patterns used to organize textbook content and on constructing graphic representations of that content. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured by comparing graphic representations and written summaries generated by participants before and after instruction. A mixed between-within subjects ANOVA showed a statistically significant interaction between time and treatment on graphic representation and written summary scores for the intervention group indicating that explicit instruction in rhetorical patterns facilitates recognition of key information and supporting details in text. Implications are discussed.

Foot joint coupling variability differences between habitual rearfoot and forefoot runners prior to and following an exhaustive run

As joint coupling variability has been associated with running-related lower extremity injury, the purpose of this study was to identify how variability within the foot may be different between forefoot (FFS) and rearfoot strike (RFS) runners. Identifying typical variability in uninjured runners may contribute to understanding of ideal coordination associated with running foot strike patterns.Fifteen FFS and 15 RFS runners performed a maximal-effort 5 km treadmill run. A 7-segment foot model identified 6 functional articulations (rearfoot, medial and lateral midfoot and forefoot, and 1st metatarsophalangeal) for analysis. Beginning and end of the run motion capture data were analyzed. Vector coding was used to calculate 6 joint couples. Standard deviations of the coupling angles were used to identify variability within subphases of stance (loading, mid-stance, terminal, and pre-swing). Mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs compared differences between the foot strikes, pre and post run.Increased variability was identified within medial foot coupling for FFS and within lateral foot coupling for RFS during loading and mid-stance. The exhaustive run increased variability during mid-stance for both groups.Interpretation. Joint coupling variability profiles for FFS and RFS runners suggest different foot regions have varying coordination needs which should be considered when comparing the strike patterns.

Evaluating the impact of an autogenic training relaxation intervention on levels of anxiety amongst adolescents in school

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of a group-based Autogenic Training (AT) relaxation intervention on levels of anxiety in adolescents in mainstream school settings. Method: A mixed-methods design was used to measure differences in levels of anxiety and explore a range of perceived changes between groups over time. 66 young people aged between 14 and 15 years old from 4 mainstream schools in the UK were randomly assigned within each school to a treatment or wait-list control group. Quantitative data was analysed using a mixed between-within subjects ANOVA. Qualitative information from 12 volunteer participants was analysed using Thematic Analysis. Findings: Results showed a main effect of time for both the treatment group and the wait-list group however no significant main interaction was found. Qualitative results showed perceived improvements in social relationships and connectivity; reflectiveness; selfawareness; physiological symptoms; and a sense of control. Limitations: Measures were reliant on self-reported data. Schools were recruited through self-referral and expression of interest excluding participants who may not have the opportunity to take part. There were no opportunities to collect follow up data. Conclusions: Results suggest that a structured AT relaxation intervention delivered in a familiar school environment may significantly reduce levels of anxiety amongst adolescents. However, significant improvements for the wait-list group also raises questions around the potential of other supportive variables such as acknowledgement and validation of feelings; the promise and availability of forthcoming support; and the potential impact of raised awareness and interest in pupil wellbeing amongst school staff.

An Experimental Test of the Efficacy of Gain- and Loss-Framed Messages for Doping Prevention in Adolescent Athletes

Background: Doping is a prevalent issue, not only among Olympians and professional athletes; young athletes and those at the sub-elite level have reported doping as well. Doping programs have been developed to target adolescent athletes and prevent doping initiation. The efficacy of primary doping prevention initiatives may be enhanced with health communication strategies, such as message framing. To date, there have been very few studies examining message framing among adolescents and none in the context of doping prevention. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of gain-framed and loss-framed messages on key psychological antecedents of doping among adolescent athletes. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 133 athletes aged 12 to 16 years old (Mage=13.73; 53% boys) from a variety of sports viewed either a gain- or loss-framed video. Intentions, attitudes, self-efficacy, and perceived norms were all assessed immediately before and after the videos. Results: Mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs revealed no differential influence for either message frame on changes in any of the outcomes. Attitudes, self-efficacy, and perceived norms all increased significantly over time for participants in both conditions. Conclusions/Importance: Overall, the findings suggest that a brief messaging intervention may have a beneficial influence on psychosocial constructs related to doping. There is no strong evidence to support definitive recommendations regarding optimal message framing for doping prevention among adolescent athletes.

The effects of the physical procedures in patients with diabetic neuropathy

Background/Aim. Neuropathy represents the most frequent complication in the patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Symmetric distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP), which represents the most frequent type of diabetic neuropathy, is present in 30% of hospitalized diabetic patients. The aim of our study was to compare the effects of physical therapy (PT) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on pain reduction and quality of life improvement in the DSP patients. Methods. The study was performed on 60 adult patients with DM type 2 and DSP. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: group A (n = 30) was treated by PT and group B (n = 30) was treated by ALA. The study lasted 6 months during which 3 diagnostictherapeutic cycles were performed. To asses their pain before and after every of 3 cycles, we used visual analog scale (VAS). We also evaluated quality of life before the 1st and after the 3rd cycle with the European Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L). To analyze results between groups we used mixed between-within subjects ANOVA and statistical significance was set on p &lt; 0.05. Results. Pain intensity showed statistically significant influence of both PT and ALA (? = 0.028; p &lt; 0.001). A statistically significant difference between the effects of those two therapy modalities was observed (F = 4.78; p &lt; 0.05): PT reduced pain to the greater extent than ALA. A statistically significant improvement was found in the domain of pain/discomfort both in the group A (? = 0.54, p &lt; 0.001) and group B (? = 0.57, p &lt; 0.001), as well as anxiety/depression (group A: ? = 0.32, p = 0.008; group B: ? = 0.22, p &lt; 0.019) and EQ-VAS (both groups, p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion. Our research showed that physical therapy had a greater influence in pain reduction than alpha-lipoic acid in the patients with DSP.

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Personal Leadership Program Designed to Promote Positive Outcomes for Adolescents

While meta-analytic reviews of universal school-based social and emotional interventions indicate overall effectiveness, outcome effect sizes are often small. We report an evaluation of a high school-based Personal Leadership Program, designed to promote positive social, emotional, and motivational outcomes. Program and comparison group participants (n = 102) from South Australian high schools completed pre- and post-program measures of positive functioning: positive emotion, behavioral engagement, positive relations, meaning, and accomplishment, as well as self-esteem and goal setting. Additionally, teacher-reported student engagement was assessed. Program participants demonstrated greater improvement than the comparison group on all variables. Mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs, showed statistically significant time-by-group interactions for six out of nine variables, the exceptions being relationship with parents, relationship with classmates, and accomplishment. There were medium effect sizes for student- and teacher-rated engagement, and large effect sizes for positive emotion, meaning, self-esteem and goal setting. With findings demonstrating improvements in positive functioning across a range of measures of wellbeing this approach to building wellbeing in adolescents, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and goal setting theory should be further investigated using randomized control trials.

Maximising life’s small pleasures and its effect on well-being.

Event Abstract Back to Event Maximising life’s small pleasures and its effect on well-being. Joseph Croguennec1* and Desirée Kozlowski1 1 Department of Psychological Science, School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Australia Aims: Greater subjective well-being is associated with improved physical and mental health. Positive psychology aims to shift from the traditional focus on poor psychological functioning and mental ill-health to promote healthy psychological functioning and flourishing. Recent research suggests that engagement with pleasurable activities may play a protective role in maintaining health. Attention deployment in the anticipation, savouring, and reminiscing of pleasurable states has been identified as potentially playing a role in effective emotion regulation. Methods: Intervention group participants (n = 42) attended a 2-hour workshop describing the potential benefits of pleasure and outlining strategies for anticipating, savouring, and reminiscing pleasurable moments. They also completed daily journaling tasks focused on those strategies. Pre and (2-week) post measures were obtained via a questionnaire including the Savouring Beliefs Inventory, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Perceived Stress Scale, and the WHO-5 Well-being Index. A non-equivalent control group (n = 28) completed the same questionnaire online on two occasions, also separated by two weeks. Results: Mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs confirmed that the intervention caused a significant increase in savouring beliefs (p <.001) and a significant reduction in perceived stress (p = .002) compared with the control group. The intervention was not associated with any significant change in negative affect (p >.05), however, positive affect was significantly higher post-intervention (p = .027). Well-being demonstrated a non-significant increase post intervention (p >.05) compared to the control. Conclusion: The primary outcomes from the intervention were reduced levels of perceived stress and increased positive affect after two weeks. The significant increase in savouring beliefs represents an increased tendency to attend to pleasurable emotions and events, which was the aim of the workshop. Follow up work should examine whether and to what extent these gains are maintained over time. Keywords: Affect, stress, Pleasure, Well-being, positive psychology intervention Conference: 15th Annual Psychology Honours Research Conference , Coffs Harbour, Australia, 4 Oct - 5 Oct, 2018. Presentation Type: Research Topic: Abstract for 15th Annual Psychology Honours Research Conference Citation: Croguennec J and Kozlowski D (2019). Maximising life’s small pleasures and its effect on well-being.. Front. Psychol. Conference Abstract: 15th Annual Psychology Honours Research Conference . doi: 10.3389/conf.fpsyg.2018.74.00005 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 18 Sep 2018; Published Online: 27 Sep 2019. * Correspondence: Mr. Joseph Croguennec, Department of Psychological Science, School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, Australia, j.croguennec.10@student.scu.edu.au Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Joseph Croguennec Desirée Kozlowski Google Joseph Croguennec Desirée Kozlowski Google Scholar Joseph Croguennec Desirée Kozlowski PubMed Joseph Croguennec Desirée Kozlowski Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Higher bone resorption excretion in South Asian women vs. White Caucasians and increased bone loss with higher seasonal cycling of vitamin D: Results from the D-FINES cohort study

Few data exist on bone turnover in South Asian women and it is not well elucidated as to whether Western dwelling South Asian women have different bone resorption levels to that of women from European ethnic backgrounds. This study assessed bone resorption levels in UK dwelling South Asian and Caucasian women as well as evaluating whether seasonal variation in 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is associated with bone resorption in either ethnic group.Data for seasonal measures of urinary N-telopeptide of collagen (uNTX) and serum 25(OH)D were analysed from n=373 women (four groups; South Asian postmenopausal n=44, South Asian premenopausal n=50, Caucasian postmenopausal n=144, Caucasian premenopausal n=135) (mean (±SD) age 48 (14) years; age range 18–79years) who participated in the longitudinal D-FINES (Diet, Food Intake, Nutrition and Exposure to the Sun in Southern England) cohort study (2006–2007).A mixed between-within subjects ANOVA (n=192) showed a between subjects effect of the four groups (P<0.001) on uNTX concentration, but no significant main effect of season (P=0.163). Bonferroni adjusted Post hoc tests (P≤0.008) suggested that there was no significant difference between the postmenopausal Asian and premenopausal Asian groups. Season specific age-matched-pairs analyses showed that in winter (P=0.04) and spring (P=0.007), premenopausal Asian women had a 16 to 20nmolBCE/mmol Cr higher uNTX than premenopausal Caucasian women.The (amplitude/mesor) ratio (i.e. seasonal change) for 25(OH)D was predictive of uNTX, with estimate (SD)=0.213 (0.015) and 95% CI (0.182, 0.245; P<0.001) in a non-linear mixed model (n=154). This showed that individuals with a higher seasonal change in 25(OH)D, adjusted for overall 25(OH)D concentration, showed increased levels of uNTX. Although the effect size was smaller than for the amplitude/mesor ratio, the mesor for 25(OH)D concentration was also predictive of uNTX, with estimate (SD)=−0.035 (0.004), and 95% CI (−0.043, −0.028; P<0.001).This study demonstrates higher levels of uNTX in premenopausal South Asian women than would be expected for their age, being greater than same-age Caucasian women, and similar to postmenopausal Asian women. This highlights potentially higher than expected bone resorption levels in premenopausal South Asian women which, if not offset by concurrent increased bone formation, may have future clinical and public health implications which warrant further investigation. Individuals with a larger seasonal change in 25(OH)D concentration showed an increased bone resorption, an association which was larger than that of the 25(OH)D yearly average, suggesting it may be as important clinically to ensure a stable and steady 25(OH)D concentration, as well as one that is high enough to be optimal for bone health.

Effects of Psychoeducational Group on Muslim Spouses’ Communication

Statistics released by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) shows that the marital conflict and divorce rates among Muslim increases every year. There are a range of factors associated with marital conflict and divorce. In present study communication is highlighted as the factor that contribute to marital conflict and divorce among Muslim spouses. In an effort to help spouses manage and overcome marital conflicts, Muslim spouses need for an Islamic base according to the religious perspective. For that purposes this article is an attempt to examine the effects of psychoeducational group known as Marital Psycho-Spiritual Intervention (MP-SI) on communication among Muslim husbands and wives at Felda in Kedah. A psychoeducational group is a systematic effort to help improve the functioning of Muslim spouses’ communication through education and preventative means which widely used in guidance and counseling services. It is a group approach conducted by marriage counselors to educate and disseminating knowledge and skills related to marriage relationships. The randomized controlled trials (randomized control group design with pretest, posttest and follow up test) was used in this study. The experimental and control group of this study was totally composed of 76 participants, 38 in experimental group and 38 in control group. Participants in experimental group received a treatment of MP-SI for 6 weeks (2 hours per week). Marital Communication Inventory (MCI) was utilized to obtain the data for communication in three times (pretest, posttest, and follow up). A Mixed Between-Within Subjects ANOVA was used to see the differences between the mean scores of pretest, posttest, and follow up test within both experimental and control group. The results from mixed between-within subjects ANOVA showed that there were a statistically significant main effect of time and group for communication. Participants in the experimental group showed improvement in communication compared to the control group over the three time periods. These findings demonstrated the MP-SI conducted in this study had a higher impact on the experimental group and the effect was similar on the male and female participants. These results reveal valuable information that an Islamic psycho-spiritual approach that emphasizes the spiritual practices and element of nafs (soul), aql (intellect), qalb (heart), and ruh (spirit) help improve Muslim spouses’ communication.

Examining the Effects of Reading Modality and Passage Genre on Reading Comprehension in Middle School Students

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of reading modality (oral versus silent) and passage genre (narrative versus expository) on the reading comprehension of middle school students. A normative sample of sixth- and seventh-grade students (n = 175) read narrative and expository texts from the Qualitative Reading Inventory, Fifth Edition (QRI-5; Leslie & Caldwell, 2011) aloud or silently and then answered questions about what they read. General reading skill was assessed by the Test of Silent Contextual Reading Fluency, Second Edition (TOSCRF-2; Hammill, Wiederholt, & Allen, 2014). A 2 (passage genre) X 2 (reading modality) mixed between-within subjects ANOVA was conducted separately by grade. Findings suggest that text genre influenced reading comprehension across both sixth- and seventh-grade students. Expository text was more challenging than narrative text in terms of students' understanding. Importantly, reading modality was not found to influence the reading comprehension of seventh-grade students and only approached significance for the sixth-grade students. These results suggest that although students may have effectively transitioned to being independent silent readers, additional pedagogical support may be required to develop effective strategies for understanding expository text.

The Acquisition of French (L3) Coda Consonant Clusters by English (L2) Learners Speakers of Persian (L1): An Optimality Account

&lt;p&gt;The present study presents an Optimality Theoretic account of syllable codas in French by the learners whose first and second languages are Persian and English respectively. Additionally, it investigates transfer at the L3 initial state, testing between the three hypotheses of Full Transfer/ Full Access (Schwartz &amp;amp; Sprouse, as cited in Özçelik, 2009) i.e., the main L1 transfer effect, L2 Status Factor (Bardel &amp;amp; Falk, 2007, 2011) i.e., the main L2 transfer effect, and Cumulative Enhancement Model (Flynn et al., 2004) i.e., all previously known languages’ positive or neutral transfer effect. As a matter of fact, OT is also used to see whether it supports what is obtained through transfer effects or not. To do so, two groups of Persian native speakers, but with differing English proficiencies (lower-intermediate and upper-intermediate) that were at the initial state of acquiring L3 French were asked to complete two tests, namely oral judgment test and production test. The analysis of the data was done through the mixed between-within subjects ANOVA. Results of the transfer effect provided a major role for the “L2 status factor”, while casting doubt on the tenability of several aspects of the CEM and provided no support for the FT/FA hypothesis. Regarding OT, the following constraint hierarchies were obtained for OJT and PT respectively: MAX-IO&amp;gt;&amp;gt; DEP-IO&amp;gt;&amp;gt;COMPLEX&amp;gt;&amp;gt; INDENT-IO and DEP-IO&amp;gt;&amp;gt; MAX-IO&amp;gt;&amp;gt; INDENT-IO&amp;gt;&amp;gt; COMPLEX. In fact, these rankings, especially the latter one, advocated the L2 constraint hierarchy and this was in accordance with the results of cross-linguistic effect, providing a major role for the L2 status factor.&lt;/p&gt;