Need For Psychological Interventions Research Articles

Worries About COVID-19 Infection and Psychological Distress at Work and While Commuting.

This study examined the relationship between worry about COVID-19 infection in the workplace and while commuting to work and psychological distress in Japan. An internet monitor study was conducted. Out of a total of 33,302 participants, 26,841 people were included. The subjects were asked single-item questions about whether they were worried about COVID-19 infection in general, at work and while commuting to work. K6 was used to assess psychological distress. The OR was significantly higher in association with worry about infection in the workplace at 1.71 (95%CI 1.53 to 1.92) and worry about infection while commuting at 1.49 (95%CI 1.32 to 1.67). This study suggests the need for psychological intervention to reduce worry about infection in response to public mental health challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Preoperative detection and evaluation of the need for psychological intervention in cancer and non-cancer patients referred to thoracic surgery

Objectives(a) to evaluate and compare the psychological treatment needs of patients with cancer and non-cancer, who are going to undergo scheduled thoracic surgery, and (b) evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of the screening tests of psychological treatment needs for cancer and non-cancer patients. MethodThe need for psychological treatment was evaluated in a total of 169 patients prior to thoracic surgery, through a clinical interview. The screening tests used were: the physician's judgment (yes/no), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and, the single-item interview to assess depression “Do you feel depressed?” (DEPQ). ResultsThe number of patients who needed psychological treatment in the total sample was 47 (27.81%), in non-cancer-patients: 22 (30.99%) and in cancer patients: 25 (25.51%). The participants with treatment needs were more often young women with primary education levels, with more fears and concerns regarding their disease. With respect to the screening tests, the HADS-T (cut-off point ≥13) obtained a sensitivity (SE) of 0.75 and Specificity (SP) of 0.81 in the total sample. In patients with cancer, the HADS total score (cut-off point ≥10) obtained an SE=0.84 and SP=0.80, and, in non-cancer patients, the HADS total score (cut-off point ≥13) showed an SE=0.59 and SP=0.84. The DEPQ and the physician's judgment did not achieve adequate levels of precision. ConclusionsA high percentage of patients have psychological treatment needs before performing thoracic surgery, which are similar for cancer and non-cancer patients. Preoperative detection of patients who need psychological intervention is feasible with a simple screening test: HADS, which achieves greater precision in cancer patients.

Expanding arts therapies provision: a pilot project in Older Adult Mental Health Services, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

ObjectivesThe aim of the report is to summarise the progress made during a six-month pilot project expanding arts therapies provision from an inpatient service to community services, in a National Health Service health board's Older Adult Mental Health Services, in response to the need for direct therapy with older adults who have severe cognitive impairment and communication difficulties arising from dementia and/or complex mental health difficulties. Study designThis is a case report on a pilot project. MethodsThe level of need for the service was explored, and indicators of effectiveness were gathered using evaluation forms—observer feedback forms and ARM-5 (Agnew Relationship Measure - 5) - to indicate the therapeutic alliance, team review and feedback from colleagues. ResultsTo gather indications about the level of need, we recorded the following: number of referrals (n = 125) and waiting list numbers at the end of the project (n = 34). ConclusionsThis pilot project indicates that there is need for psychological interventions in older adult community mental health services that arts therapies provision can help address. The number of referrals is one indicator of the level of need, and positive feedback from clients, families and colleagues, is an indicator that the team delivered effectively. The areas of client need addressed in sessions as documented in observer feedback forms indicate that for these clients, arts therapies was a valuable resource in addressing challenges arising from mental health difficulties and/or dementia.

Sexual function, mental health, and quality of life under strain of COVID-19 pandemic in Iranian pregnant and lactating women: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of pregnant and lactating women is unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on psychological health, sexual function, and quality of life (QoL) in Iranian pregnant and lactating women and compare the results with non-pregnant/non-lactating women.MethodThis comparative cross-sectional study was carried out on pregnant and lactating women, with non-pregnant/non-lactating women from May to Jun 2020. Patients were asked to complete three questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). One-way ANOVA was used to reveal the statistical differences between the three groups.ResultThe mean age of patients was 20.81 ± 5.92 years old. The mean (SD) score of HADS in pregnant, lactating and non-pregnant / non-lactating women were 12.11 (6.72), 11.98 (8.44) and 9.38 (6.2) respectively, and the results showed that the scores in pregnant, lactating women were higher than non-pregnant / non-lactating women (P < 0.001). Also the mean (SD) score of QOL and FSFI was 68.29 (9.47), 74.18 (12.65), 79.03 (10.48) and 22.71 (8.16), 22.72 (8.16), 26.19 (3.93) in three groups and the scores in pregnant, lactating women were lower than non-pregnant/non-lactating women (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe COVID-19 epidemic increases the risk of depression, anxiety, FSD, and lowers QoL in pregnant and lactating women, with the general population. This suggests the urgent need for psychological intervention in the maternal population during the epidemic.

Psychological Impact and Coping Strategies of Dental Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the delivery of the curriculum of dental schools. The psychological impact and coping strategies of dental students in Trinidad and Tobago are a matter of concern. In this study, dental students were asked to evaluate their mental health and coping strategies regarding COVID-19. Methods: A survey was conducted using an online platform. Demographic data was collected and the psychological impact was assessed. Participants were also questioned on their coping strategies. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and a logistic regression were performed. Results: A total of 108 out of 137 students participated. Their mean age was 22.96 years. High levels of stress (59.26%), anxiety(64.81%) and depression (76.85%) were observed among dental students. Nationality and gender played a significant role in the students’ mental health scores. Female students were more likely to experience stress, anxiety and depression than males (exp[β] = -0.38, -0.21, and -2.31). There were various coping mechanisms deployed by dental students. Conclusion: The elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depression in these dental students emphasize the need for psychological intervention.

Body mass index and neuropsychological and emotional variables: joint contribution for the screening of sleep apnoea syndrome in obese.

ObjectiveObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most common sleep disorder and its prevalence has increased with the obesity pandemic. We aimed to explore the presence of OSA in severe obesity and to evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) with sleep architecture, cognition, emotional distress and comorbidities in OSA versus non-OSA patients.MethodsA sample of 61 patients performed a neuropsychological battery that included tasks of attention, memory, perceptual/visuospatial ability, vocabulary, inhibition, cognitive flexibility and distress symptomatology, before overnight polysomnography.ResultsMore than half of the sample had OSA. Excessive daytime sleepiness was not a prominent complaint. Sleep architecture was worse in the OSA than in the non-OSA group, and hypertension was increased with OSA, especially in the severe OSA group. A higher BMI was associated with cognitive distress and sleep variables and with type 2 diabetes. The apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) was correlated with gender and cognitive measurements. Cognitive complaints were associated with enhanced distress in both OSA and non-OSA patients.DiscussionOSA is considerably present in severely obese patients. The BMI was strongly associated with other important anthropometric measurements along with worsening sleep architecture and lower executive functioning, both of which may contribute to weight gain. The AHI was significantly higher in men and affected memory and maintaining sets on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test which may represent a barrier to treatment adherence for this disorder. The substantial presence of cognitive complaints in OSA and non-OSA patients suggests the need for psychological intervention focused on adaptive coping strategies, mostly for depressive symptoms. Given the current obesity epidemic, these results support the need for routine sleep investigation in obese people, particularly in primary care settings. BMI, neuropsychological and emotional screening can provide crucial information about asymptomatic and high-risk patients who require prompt sleep intervention and obesity treatment.

Subjective Well-Being of Chinese Sina Weibo Users in Residential Lockdown During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Machine Learning Analysis.

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, residential lockdowns were implemented in numerous cities in China to contain the rapid spread of the disease. Although these stringent regulations effectively slowed the spread of COVID-19, they may have posed challenges to the well-being of residents.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the effects of residential lockdown on the subjective well-being (SWB) of individuals in China during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe sample consisted of 1790 Sina Weibo users who were residents of cities that imposed residential lockdowns, of which 1310 users (73.18%) were female, and 3580 users who were residents of cities that were not locked down (gender-matched with the 1790 lockdown residents). In both the lockdown and nonlockdown groups, we calculated SWB indicators during the 2 weeks before and after the enforcement date of the residential lockdown using individuals’ original posts on Sina Weibo. SWB was calculated via online ecological recognition, which is based on established machine learning predictive models.ResultsThe interactions of time (before the residential lockdown or after the residential lockdown) × area (lockdown or nonlockdown) in the integral analysis (N=5370) showed that after the residential lockdown, compared with the nonlockdown group, the lockdown group scored lower in some negative SWB indicators, including somatization (F1,5368=13.593, P<.001) and paranoid ideation (F1,5368=14.333, P<.001). The interactions of time (before the residential lockdown or after the residential lockdown) × area (developed or underdeveloped) in the comparison of residential lockdown areas with different levels of economic development (N=1790) indicated that the SWB of residents in underdeveloped areas showed no significant change after the residential lockdown (P>.05), while that of residents in developed areas changed.ConclusionsThese findings increase our understanding of the psychological impact and cost of residential lockdown during an epidemic. The more negative changes in the SWB of residents in developed areas imply a greater need for psychological intervention under residential lockdown in such areas.

Suicidal and self-harm ideation among Chinese hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: Prevalence and correlates

The COVID-19 pandemic put global medical systems under massive pressure for its uncertainty, severity, and persistence. For detecting the prevalence of suicidal and self-harm ideation (SSI) and its related risk factors among hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, this cross-sectional study collected the sociodemographic data, epidemic-related information, the psychological status and need, and perceived stress and support from 11507 staff in 46 hospitals by an online survey from February 14 to March 2, 2020. The prevalence of SSI was 6.47%. Hospital staff with SSI had high family members or relatives infected number and the self-rated probability of infection. Additionally, they had more perceived stress, psychological need, and psychological impact. On the contrary, hospital staff without SSI reported high self-rated health, willingness to work in a COVID-19 ward, confidence in defeating COVID-19, and perceived support. Furthermore, they reported better marital or family relationship, longer sleep hours, and shorter work hours. The infection of family members or relatives, poor marital status, poor self-rated health, the current need for psychological intervention, perceived high stress, perceived low support, depression, and anxiety were independent factors to SSI. A systematic psychological intervention strategy during a public health crisis was needed for the hospital staff's mental well-being.

MENTAL HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN INDIAN POPULATION

Objective: As there is a dearth of researches targeting the Indian population on this issue, we decided to conduct a survey to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 on mental health and quality of life of Indians.&#x0D; Methods: In this Cross-Sectional study, a total of 2245 participants above 16 y of age were included. Mental health variables were assessed via depression, anxiety and stress subscale (DASS-21), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI-7), Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-15), Quality of life (QoL-5) and social media exposure.&#x0D; Results: The multivariate logistic regression demonstrated female (OR-1.17, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.38) had significantly higher depression scores whereas, housewife had higher depression (OR-1.68, 95% CI: 1.33 to 2.13), anxiety (OR-1.64, 95% CI: 1.15 to 2.35), insomnia (OR-1.32, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.53), somatic symptoms (OR-1.76, 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.57). Front line workers had a higher psychological impact with increased scores of anxieties (OR-1.23, 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.53), stress (OR-1.82, 95% CI: 0.76 to 2.55), insomnia (OR-1.65, 95% CI: 1.31 to 2.09). Lower education level had significantly higher score in depression (OR-1.14, 95% CI: 0.73 to 1.32), insomnia (OR-2.42, 95% CI: 2.07 to 2.84), somatic symptoms (OR-2.59, 95% CI: 1.80 to 3.37). Poor physical health, social media exposure was significantly associated with heightened anxiety score.&#x0D; Conclusion: There is a need for psychological intervention as the dynamics and severity of COVID-19 is rapidly changing. These findings could guide the public health authorities to target and implement health measures to combat the pandemic.

"Why Isn't It Going Away?": A Qualitative Exploration of Worry and Pain Experiences in Adolescents with Chronic Pain.

The role of cognition is central to the fear avoidance (FA) model of chronic pain (CP), which emphasizes the importance of catastrophic pain interpretations and has been shown to be applicable to pediatric CP populations. However, while we know that pain catastrophizing plays a distinct role in influencing outcomes for children with CP, we know little about the specifics of how young people with CP experience catastrophizing and worry, as well as their general pain beliefs. To qualitatively explore beliefs about and experiences of worry and pain among a purposeful sample of adolescents with CP. Individual semistructured interviews with 12 adolescents (aged 12-17) with varying forms of CP attending an outpatient pain clinic in a general children's hospital. Relevant psychometric measures were administered orally to further inform the data. Data were analyzed using critical realist thematic analysis. Three themes and one subtheme were identified. Themes were 1) the worry ripple: mind, body, and behavior (subtheme: worry content: personal competence and health); 2) the pain mystery: living in a "scribble of black"; and 3) the resist or avoid conundrum. The findings highlight the need for psychological interventions targeting acceptance of uncertainty and also informing education on mind/body connections in adolescents with CP.

A randomized clinical trial of metacognitive therapy and nortriptyline for anxiety, depression, and difficulties in emotion regulation of patients with functional dyspepsia.

Functional Dyspepsia (FD) as a psychosomatic disorder is an upper gastrointestinal tract disease without organic pathogenesis causes. The psychopathological nature of this disease and its high correlation with anxiety and depression implies the need for psychological interventions. The purpose of the present study is to compare the efficacy of Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) and medication for the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and difficulties in emotion regulation in patients with FD. In a randomized clinical trial, 65 patients with FD were recruited during their visit to gastroenterology clinics. These patients were randomly assigned to three groups to receive MCT, nortriptyline treatment, and controls. They were treated for 10 weeks and followed up three months later. The instruments used in this study were Hamilton anxiety and Depression Rating Scale (HAM-A and HDRS) and difficulties in emotion regulation scale. The results were analyzed using repeated measure analysis by SPSS (19- IBM). Data analysis showed statistically significant differences in the variables of depression, anxiety among MCT, nortriptyline treatment, and controls at pre-test, post-test and follow-up phases. Moreover, MCT had a better and more persistent effect on anxiety compared to nortriptyline treatment, as well as a better efficacy in treating anxiety and depression symptoms compared to the controls. MCT demonstrated better efficacy in treating anxiety symptoms compared to nortriptyline treatment and controls.

Psychological changes among working-age adults with acquired vision impairment: The need for psychological intervention?

This study investigates the psychological impacts of acquiring a vision impairment during working-age phase of adulthood and the potential negative effect on participation in community activities were highlighted. Adopting a qualitative and interpretive phenomenological approach, eight semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with eight adult users of vision rehabilitation services. Three broad themes were identified: (1) reduced participation in education, employment, and community activities, (2) feelings of hopelessness and depression from vision loss, and (3) psychological adjustment to vision loss over time. Findings are discussed in the context of the international literature, and recommendations that may enhance the vision rehabilitation services are made.

Sleep quality among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Citation:Badahdah AM, Khamis F, Al Mahyijari N. Sleep quality among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Clin Sleep Med. 2020;16(9):1635.

Status of Radiotherapy Staff During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Epidemic in China

Background: From December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) broke out in Wuhan, China, and spread rapidly around the world. The pandemic also becomes a great challenge to radiation oncology departments since interruptions of radiation therapy increase the risks of cancer recurrence or the whole therapy failure. The present study aims to elucidate the influences of COVID-19 on the radiotherapy (RT) staff in China. Methods: The working staff members from different radiation oncology departments in China were retrospectively enrolled between December 1st, 2020 and March 9th, 2020 as many as possible. All the enrolled ones were invited to fill out a specific questionnaire to collect essential data. The basic information, anxiety levels, and workload of the staff were analyzed. Results: 1. A total of 1,755 questionnaires were sent back; 2. From December 1st , 2019 to March 9th, 2020, 7 out of 1,755 radiation oncology staff members contracted COVID-19 (P 0.05);3. The anxiety level of the RT staff about the COVID-19 outbreak (average score: 6.57) was higher than that of Wuhan medical staff (5.18) and higher than the national level (4.79); 71.43% of infected RT staff members expressed the need for psychological interventions; 4. During the epidemic, the departments of the 428 RT staff members shut down (24.39%). The 76.71% of the RT staff members felt workload relief during COVID-19 as compared to before. Conclusion: Among the 1,755 RT staff, the gender, age, and comorbidities were not related to COVID-19 infection. The geographic position and whether the person worked in a designated COVID-19 hospital were relevant factors with COVID-19 infection. The staff contracting COVID-19 experienced greater psychological pressure than that of the uninfected ones and therefore needed more psychological interventions. Funding Statement: This research was supported by grant No.2014CFB394, 2019CFB721 from the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province (CN) and No.WJ2017M027, No.WJ2019M200 from Health and Family Planning Commission of Hubei Province (CN). Declaration of Interests: None. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University.

NEED FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION IN THE PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM ACNE: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Background: Chronic diseases are known to have impact on quality of life of patients as of the acne. The DLQI (dermatology life quality index) is a scale to assess quality of life of the patients with skin disease.&#x0D; Objectives: The present study analyses the quality of life patients with acne attending OPD of skin department, SMS hospital.&#x0D; Methods: A questionnaire-based prospective study was conducted among 150 patients with acne referred from department of dermatology, SMS hospital.&#x0D; Results: The mean DLQL score was 7.28, the question about how embarrassed or self-conscious have you been because of skin had highest whereas the question about how much has your skin caused any sexual difficulties? had lowest scores.&#x0D; Conclusion: Acne has moderate effect of quality of life of the patients. There is need for psychological intervention to improve the quality of life of the patients.&#x0D; Keywords: Acne, dermatology life quality index, quality of life.

Anxiety and Depression in Bereaved Parents After Losing a Child due to Life-Limiting Diagnoses: A Danish Nationwide Questionnaire Survey

ContextLosing a child is the most burdensome event parents can experience involving risks of developing anxiety and depression. ObjectivesTo investigate anxiety and depression in bereaved parents during their child's life-limiting illness and imminent death and three to five years after the loss to target future interventions. MethodsA Danish nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire survey. From 2012 to 2014, a register-based study identified causes of deaths of 951 children aged zero to 18 years. Potential palliative diagnoses were classified according to previously used classification. A total of 402 families were included. A modified version of the self-administered questionnaire “To lose a child” was used. Non-response surveys identified reasons for lack of response. ResultsIn all, 136 mothers and 57 fathers completed a questionnaire, representing parents of 152 children (38%). Sixty-five percent of mothers and 63% of fathers reported moderate-to-severe anxiety during the child's illness. However, three to five years after their loss anxiety had decreased markedly. Thirty-five percent of mothers and 39% of fathers reported moderate-to-severe depression during the child's illness; three to five years after the loss they were suffering equivalently from depression. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale indicated that severe depression was significantly associated with lower education and being unmarried. ConclusionThe reporting of anxiety during the child's illness and prolonged depression in bereaved parents three to five years after the loss indicates a potential need for psychological interventions. In the process of implementing specialized pediatric palliative care in Denmark, our findings should be considered for future treatment programs.

Stigmatization among parents of autism spectrum disorder children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundChildren diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have social and cognitive disabilities. For parents, these behaviors can lead to humiliation, social exclusion, and isolation. Stigma is a problem that not only may affect the individual with high functioning autism, but has the potential to extend to their family as well. Indeed, research indicates that the parents of children with disabilities (including ASD) commonly experience stigmatizing reactions from others.Aim of workTo determine the prevalence of self and enacted stigma among parents of ASD children from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and recognize possible risk factors and causes of stigmatization.Material and methodsAn observational cross-sectional study involving the parents of ASD children from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. About 163 participants were included from the Centre for Autism Research (CFAR) at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH & RC) in Riyadh. The primary material used for data collection was a five-point scale questionnaire developed by the investigator. The questionnaire consisted closed ended questions related to the participants’ demographic data, autistic child, family life, resources, and social experiences as a parent. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical analysis, using Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), version 22. The level of significance was P value < .05.ResultsThe findings of this work indicated that 55 (33.7%) of the parents scored more than 3 in answering questions related to felt stigma; 82 (50.3%) were fathers. On the other hand, 108 (66.3%) did not feel stigmatized being a parent of autistic child. Forty-two (25.8%) of the parents scored more than 3 in answering questions related to enacted stigma, whereas 121 (74.2%) did not face enacted stigmatization being a parent of autistic child. There was a strong tendency for mothers (41, 75%) to feel more self- and enacted stigmatized than fathers (P < .05). Moreover, the gender of the autistic child, consanguinity, severity of the ASD, and the monthly income of the family showed no significant difference in the parents who scored more than 3 for felt- or enacted stigmatization (P > .05).ConclusionAmong participated parents of children with ASD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 33.7% of them experienced stigmatization, and mothers felt more self- and enacted stigmatized when compared to fathers. Public awareness among people in Saudi Arabia have been increased and, thus, negative stigmatization has decreased among parents in the country. A high level of felt stigma suggests the need for psychological intervention for the family to help cope with this new situation. A higher level of enacted stigma suggests the need for their rights (individuals with ASD) and increased awareness in the society. It is recommended that further research is needed in different centers in Riyadh and other regions of Saudi Arabia to investigate the prevalence of stigma in parents of autistic children.

Demoralization and associated features in an Italian sample of end-of-life cancer patients.

e23004 Background: Demoralization is an expression of cancer-related existential distress that emerges from feelings of loss and changes linked to a life-threatening clinical condition. It is characterized by subjective incompetence, sense of failure, hopelessness, loss of purpose/meaning and low self-esteem. The study aimed to explore prevalence, latent dimensions and associated features of demoralization in a sample of end-of-life cancer patients. Methods: Participants were recruited for a cross-sectional assessment. For each patient, demoralization, anxiety, depression, physical symptoms, pain, spiritual well-being, and dignity were evaluated through validated rating scales and personal and medical data were gathered by a clinician. Final sample consisted of 235 end-of-life cancer patients with a Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) lower than 50 and a life expectancy of few weeks. Results: High levels of demoralization occurred in 22.6% (n = 53) of patients. Sixty-four participants (27.2%) had low demoralization and 50.2% (n = 118) had moderate demoralization. Emotional Distress and Inability to Cope, Loss of Purpose and Meaning, Worthlessness, Sense of Failure and Dysphoria were the five latent dimensions of demoralization emerged from the factor analysis. Demoralization was significantly associated with depression, anxiety, dignity, spiritual well-being and the physical symptoms except for nausea and breathing problems. Conclusions: Demoralization levels seem to be higher in this distinctive population than in advanced cancer patients. This could be due to the fact that end-of-life cancer patients are in a severe clinical condition and nearing death. The emerged demoralization dimensions could be five forms of expression of the existential distress typical of this illness phase. The considerable number of patients suffering from demoralization strengthen the need for psychological interventions in order to reduce the existential distress at the end of life, focusing on finding meaning and detecting spiritual concerns.

Stress and productivity in workers of textile companies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between two psychological factors which are occupation stress and productivity, that influence workers immerse into textile production labor context. Design/methodology/approach This study has a quantitative methodology, is cross-sectional, nonexperimental and with an explicative scope. Findings The results of this research allow to identify that occupational stress levels cause a negative impact on worker’s productivity in the textile production area. Research limitations/implications There are two limitations in this study, first is the participant’s subjectivity when filling the questionnaires because it was self-reported and the second limitation is that the sample is specifically from a city of a South American country. Practical implications The results of this investigation show as an evidence the need for psychological intervention within companies for occupational stress, because it will impact in a negative way the textile production of a company, which will guide future research making possible to develop and apply psychological treatment programs pro employee’s mental health. Social implications A textile company with low productivity will bring strong economic losses and even bankruptcy, although, thanks to this study it was possible to identify that occupational stress will have a negative impact in productivity, drawing an important based line to future research, looking to improve worker’s performance and hence, companies’ profits contributing to social economic processes. Originality/value In general, companies of textile industry (as many others from capitalist economic system), make substantial investments in technology instruments, specialized workers, machines’ maintenance and reparation, marketing, etc. to improve their production standards, however, there is a low investment on worker’s mental health, as it has been found in this study it generates a strong negative impact on its productivity.

Psychological Health and Optimism amongst Unemployed Graduates in Zimbabwe

The study sought to examine the relationship between optimism and general health amongst unemployed graduates in Zimbabwe. Most of the studies on unemployment have focused on job loss but this study is based on failure to get employment after graduating with a university degree in a resource-constrained environment. One hundred and twelve (112) graduates were selected using non-probability sampling methods. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was utilised to analyse data. Age and period after graduation were found to be negatively related to both general health and optimism amongst the unemployed graduates. Overall optimism and general health were found to be inversely related. The study calls for the need for psychological interventions for unemployed graduates in Zimbabwe.