Past Negative Experiences Research Articles

Public Perceptions and Informational Needs Regarding Surgical Residents

Identify what topics are of most interest to patients regarding surgical residents. Survey of general public describing a hypothetical surgery and then assessing comfort level with resident involvement in surgery, reactions to disclosure statements regarding resident involvement, and desires for additional information. This data was used to produce an amended statement about surgical residents and their involvement in a hypothetical surgery to determine the impact of increased information on participant comfort. Online survey via Mechanical Turk. Our sample was broadly representative of the United States based on race and age, but with higher education level than United States census data. Using a combination of hierarchical clustering, weighted averages, and VAS scoring, questions that were most highly valued by participants were related to what the resident will be doing in the operation and the impact of resident involvement. Participants who had a past negative experience with residents assigned higher importance to all questions, even those that may be seen as not clinically relevant. Increasing the amount of proactively provided information did not have a significant effect on comfort (p = 0.219) when compared to our baseline statement, except with those who reported past negative experience with residents (p = 0.039). These results demonstrate that the majority of potential patients want to know specific details about the residents' skills, what they will be doing in their surgery, and the impact of their participation. Surgeons should be attuned to patients with past negative experiences, who may desire more information. Additional information alone may not be sufficient to comfort some patients, and future research should consider information delivery styles and interpersonal effects on patient comfort level.

The Effect of Negative Past Experiences, Poor Relationship Quality and Rumor on Brand Hate: A Research on Fast Food Industry

The Effect of Negative Past Experiences, Poor Relationship Quality and Rumor on Brand Hate: A Research on Fast Food Industry

Needle phobia among adult Jordanians: General awareness, prevalence; and exploring microneedles as a promising solution.

Needle phobia remains a major drawback of conventional injectable medications, leading to avoidance and low adherence among a reasonable portion of patients. Despite this, there is a limited number of studies investigating needle phobia prevalence and symptoms. In this survey, we studied the knowledge and prevalence of needle phobia and its manifestations among 1182 adult Jordanians. Moreover, we assessed the feasibility of microneedles delivery systems as an alternative approach to conventional injectable methods. The results revealed that 28.5% of the participants identified themselves with needle phobia, with a notably higher prevalence among females compared to males (p-value < 0.001). The overall prevalence of needle phobia based on its measured manifestations was found to be 27.4%. The survey also found that 68% of the population were unfamiliar with the concept of microneedles despite the reasonable proportion of the population who were aware of the disadvantages of conventional injectable medications. Furthermore, the survey identified four significant predictors of needle phobia through hierarchical linear regression analysis. Gender, occupation, and negative past experiences with needle injections accounted for 3%, 1%, and 1% of the variance in needle phobia, respectively. In addition, the participants' preference for microneedles over conventional injectables medications appeared as another significant predictor, contributing 5% of the variance. Overall, the model explained 10% of the variance in needle phobia. Collectively, this study provides an insight into needle phobia prevalence and manifestations in Jordan, while also exploring microneedles as an alternative drug delivery system for patients with needle phobia.

Updated beliefs and shaken confidence: evidence from vaccine hesitancy caused by experiencing “COVID arm”

BackgroundPublic health depends largely on people’s knowledge, beliefs, or behaviors regarding their health and medical treatments. Although works based on the health belief model have shown that public beliefs about medical treatments affect willingness to take the treatments, little is known about the effects of changes in beliefs on attitudes toward treatment. How one’s past experiences relate to one’s beliefs about a given medical treatment is worth considering.MethodsWe implemented an online panel survey in February 2021 and March 2022 in Japan before and after COVID-19 vaccines were administered to the public within the country. We exploited delayed localized hypersensitivity reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, namely, “COVID arm”, as an exogenous shock to investigate the relationship between past negative experiences and current beliefs about medical treatments or science. “COVID arm” was an unexpected side effect and thus likely caused updated beliefs about the vaccine. Out of the nonprobability sample of 15,000 respondents in the first wave in February 2021, 9,668 respondents also responded to the second wave conducted in March 2022. Outcome variables were whether experiencing “COVID arm” affected the respondents’ 1) confidence in vaccine safety, 2) willingness to take the next dose of COVID-19 vaccines, 3) acknowledgment of the importance of vaccination, and 4) confidence in science. We measured the impact of experience with “COVID arm” on changes in the probability that survey respondents would respond affirmatively to questions posed about the issues listed above.ResultsExperiencing “COVID arm” significantly lowered confidence in the safety of vaccination by 4.3 percentage points, which was approximately 6% of the sample mean for the first wave, and lowered the probability of taking a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by 1.5 percentage points. These adverse impacts were observed after conditioning background characteristics and prior confidence in vaccination. Experiencing “COVID arm” affected neither the acknowledged importance of vaccination nor confidence in science in a statistically significant way.ConclusionsAn unexpected and uncomfortable shock regarding beliefs about a treatment decreases willingness to take the treatment. An appropriate public health policy should account for this effect.Trial registrationThe survey was preregistered with the American Economic Association’s RCT Registry (Fukai et al., 2022).

A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Trigger Warnings, Content Warnings, and Content Notes

Trigger warnings, content warnings, or content notes are alerts about upcoming content that may contain themes related to past negative experiences. Advocates claim that warnings help people to emotionally prepare for or completely avoid distressing material. Critics argue that warnings both contribute to a culture of avoidance at odds with evidence-based treatment practices and instill fear about upcoming content. A body of psychological research has recently begun to empirically investigate these claims. We present the results of a meta-analysis of all empirical studies on the effects of these warnings. Overall, we found that warnings had no effect on affective responses to negative material or on educational outcomes. However, warnings reliably increased anticipatory affect. Findings on avoidance were mixed, suggesting either that warnings have no effect on engagement with material or that they increased engagement with negative material under specific circumstances. Limitations and implications for policy and therapeutic practice are discussed.

Применение ситуации критической самооценки в процессе профессиональной подготовки сотрудников органов внутренних дел, впервые принятых на службу, в качестве участковых уполномоченных

The presented article actualizes the problems of improving the process of professional training of employees of the internal affairs bodies who were first hired as district commissioners. The subject of this study is the analysis of the possibilities of implementing the situation of critical self-assessment in the process of professional training of employees of the internal affairs bodies who were first recruited as district commissioners. The purpose of the study is aimed at identifying problematic factors that hinder the process of further improving the professional training of employees of internal affairs bodies who were first hired as district commissioners, and searching for ways to overcome them using the method of critical self-assessment on the example of the Barnaul Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. The leading methodological basis of this work was the theory and technology of the motivational program-target approach. The methods used to achieve this goal were methods of analyzing theoretical sources on the studied issues, survey and analysis, and quantitative interpretation of the results of practical activities.&#x0D; The respondents in this study were 89 district commissioners who underwent initial professional training at the base (BYU) for six months of 2022. The results of the work. The conducted research made it possible to determine the prevailing intrapersonal, motivational nature of the hindering factors and determined the choice of an adequate tool for overcoming them. Such a tool in this work is the method of creating a situation of critical self-assessment, taking into account the specifics of the category of students and the scope of their activities, which allows for a corrective psychological impact on the individual by referring to the intrapersonal mechanisms of self-management of their behavior. The vast majority of listeners noted that as a result of introspection and subsequent work, they were able to realize the difficulties and determine the further line of their behavior, lower or increase the level of claims, concentrating on the tasks set, and not on past negative experiences. These results allow us to conclude about the effectiveness of the activities carried out. The novelty of the study may lie in the fact that for the first time the situation of critical self-assessment was used as a tool to overcome the motivational problems of professional training of employees of internal affairs bodies who were first recruited as a district commissioner. Conclusions. The preliminary results obtained suggest the conclusion that it is necessary to continue the research that has begun, which implies its further development from the technological and substantive side, as well as the expansion of the composition of groups of employees of internal affairs bodies, taking into account the peculiarities and specifics of service for each of the categories.

Outpatient Healthcare Utilisation among Elderly in Ambalappuzha North Panchayath, Kerala, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The rising elderly population in Kerala presents challenges in healthcare utilization due to factors such as accessibility, affordability, and availability. Many elderly individuals avoid seeking healthcare, and their satisfaction levels vary. This study aims to assess healthcare utilization among elderly residents of Ambalappuzha North Panchayath. Objectives: Primarily, to examine healthcare utilization patterns among elderly individuals in Ambalappuzha North Panchayath. Secondarily, to find the factors associated with the non-utilization of healthcare. Additionally, we sought to explore the correlation between satisfaction with the outcome of care and the type of healthcare facility, as well as the association between the type of facility and the perceived level of explanation and respect received by patients. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2018 in Ambalappuzha North Panchayath. 500 elderly individuals aged 50 and above participated. Data were collected using a modified semi-structured SAGE questionnaire after obtaining informed verbal consent. The information encompassed demographics, healthcare utilization, quality, satisfaction, and reasons for not seeking healthcare. Results: The majority of participants (41.4%) were aged 50-60, with 53.6% males and 46.4% females. 55.4% were above the poverty line. Public hospitals (66.2%) and clinics (10.8%) were commonly utilized. Hypertension (16.5%), acute conditions (15.4%), diabetes (12.5%), and chronic joint pain (12.4%) were prevalent. 91% of the participants regularly utilized healthcare. Reasons for not seeking healthcare included perceived lack of severity, affordability, and past negative experiences. The cost of visits was covered by their children by 45.72%. Satisfaction was expressed by 91.5% of users, with 86.7% reporting improved outcomes. Female respondents utilized more healthcare compared to males. A positive association was found between satisfaction, treatment outcomes, and type of facility. Provider explanation and perceived respect were more in the private sector. Conclusion: The majority of elderly individuals in Ambalappuzha North Panchayath utilized healthcare, favoring the public sector. Hypertension, acute conditions, diabetes, and joint problems were common healthcare needs. Satisfaction correlated with treatment outcomes and the type of facility visited. Private sector providers demonstrated superior explanations and respect compared to the public sector. Future studies should focus on comparative studies across different regions and must delve deeper into socioeconomic factors of healthcare utilization.

Factors influencing the decision to use state-funded healthy lifestyle centres in a low-income setting: a qualitative study from Sri Lanka

ObjectiveHealthy lifestyle centres (HLCs) in Sri Lanka provide screening and lifestyle modification services targeting major non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Even though the service is highly accessible and affordable, HLCs are underused...

Network analysis of time perspective and its interaction with internet gaming disorder in college students

Time perspective (TP) is a significant factor in the development of gaming disorder (GD), alongside self-esteem, social support, depression, and anxiety. However, the interactions between TP and these risk factors in influencing GD remain unclear. This study utilized network analysis to investigate the intercorrelations between TP and other risk factors and compared these intercorrelations between high-risk and low-risk gaming subgroups consisting of 605 college students who completed self-reported questionnaires. The findings highlighted the central roles of past negative TP and perceived social support from others in the network, as they exhibited the highest strength and expected influence centrality. Additionally, individuals at high risk for GD displayed weaker network strength and a distinct network structure compared to their low-risk counterparts, indicating compromised network stability and connection tightness. Notably, they exhibited reduced connections with present hedonistic and present fatalistic TP, as well as perceived social support from family and friends. These findings underscore the significance of addressing past negative experiences and an excessive focus on the present while expanding social support beyond online sources, in the clinical management of GD. Targeted interventions that target specific nodes in the network have the potential to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with GD.

Barriers and enablers to participation in the National Cervical Screening Program experienced by young women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 35.

Cervical screening rates for young women aged between 25 and 35 are lower than older Australian women, however, little research has been conducted to understand why. This study aimed to identify and explore the barriers and enablers faced by young Victorians with a cervix to regular cervical screening. This study used a mixed method exploratory design consisting of qualitative focus groups and a quantitative online survey. Four focus groups were conducted with 24 Victorians with a cervix aged between 25 and 35. Barriers, enablers and knowledge of cervical screening were explored. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis of common themes. A supporting online survey was completed by 98 respondents. Summary statistics were analysed for differences in age. Focus groups and the online survey revealed four main factors that influence young people's cervical screening behaviour. These include past negative screening experiences, practitioner factors, priority placed on cervical screening, and cervical screening knowledge. These factors differ to the opinions of people older than 35, with young people focusing more on the psychological elements of cervical screening compared with practical factors. This research provides a unique insight into cervical screening barriers faced by women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 35 as well as what factors motivate them to screen. SO WHAT?: These findings should be utilised to inform the design of public health campaign messaging targeting this age demographic. Findings can also assist practitioners to improve how they communicate with young people in a clinical setting.

Facilitators and challenges to transitioning to self-catheterization: Patient and caregiver perspectives.

Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is a well-established method of managing lower urinary tract dysfunction. Depending on the age at introduction, caregivers might perform CIC initially but then transition responsibility to their children. Little is known about how to support families during this transition. Our aim is to learn the facilitators and challenges experienced when supporting the transition from caregiver-led CIC to patient self-CIC. A phenomenological approach was used to gather information from caregivers and children >12 years through semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis was utilized to generate themes around experience with the transition from caregiver-led CIC to patient self-CIC. Of the 40 families interviewed, 25 families underwent successful transition to patient self-CIC. Analysis of excerpts identified a three-step process, including (1) desiring to learn self-CIC,(2) practical learning of CIC techniques, and (3) mastering of techniques leading to emotional and physical independence. Many families experienced challenges in transitioning to self-CIC, including patient or caregiver reluctance, improper equipment, past negative experiences, lack of knowledge about urinary tract anatomy and function, abnormal anatomy, and/or moderate to severe intellectual disability. Authors reviewed interventions to address challenges and provide clinical care recommendations to enhance success during the transition to patient self-CIC. No prior studies have identified this stepwise process that occurs in the transition from caregiver-led CIC to patient self-CIC. Healthcare providers and school officials (where indicated) can support families during this transition, with attention to facilitators and challenges identified in this study.

Adapting a Dental Anxiety Measure to Encourage Empathy.

The aim of this study was to improve upon the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) by developing the empathy-based International-Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (I-MDAS). This new measure was then utilized to compare the dental anxiety of patients cross-culturally. Methodology. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study adapting the MDAS into the I-MDAS by adding the International scale. The study surveyed 465 participants from a dental clinic, SurveySwap, and distributed flyers. Data was collected through Qualtrics through the self-administered I-MDAS and analyzed through the SPSS computer software version 28. Participants were categorized into two subgroups where 41.3% received dental care only within the United States and are termed the domestic population, and 58.7% received dental care outside of the United States and are labeled the nondomestic population. Information about demographics, past negative dental experiences, and current dental anxiety was collected. The conducted analyses utilized an independent sample t-test to compare the subgroups' anxiety levels, a bivariate correlation to find the Pearson correlation, a Cronbach's coefficient α, and a one way ANOVA test to compare the genders' I-MDAS scores. There was no significant difference in dental anxiety levels between the domestic population (M = 12.73, SD = 5.13) and the nondomestic population (M = 12.76, SD = 5.06); t (463) = -0.58, p = 0.95). The I-MDAS shows evidence of validity and reliability. There was a significant and positive relationship between the International scale items and the MDAS scale items (r (463) = 0.60, p < 0.001), indicating the criterion validity of the I-MDAS. Content validity was strengthened by expanding the inquired topics in the new measure. The Cronbach's α value of 0.85 shows that the I-MDAS is reliable for clinical applications. The I-MDAS improves upon the MDAS by providing dentists with a tool for encouraging empathy. Dental clinicians across nations can use the I-MDAS to combat the vicious cycle of dental anxiety.

Research Hesitancy in the Academe: A Multi-University Study in the Philippines

&#x0D; ABSTRACT&#x0D; &#x0D; Cultivating a culture of research in the academe is one of the goals of every institution of higher education in the Philippines. Despite of this, there exists a hesitation among faculty and non-teaching staff in engaging in research and publication. This study explored the reasons behind the decrease of research productivity in the academe in different higher education institutions in the Philippines. Sixteen faculty members from different disciplines were included in the study and were interviewed from November to December 2022. Employing a descriptive phenomenological research design, results showed that the causes of research hesitancy were summarized into four domains, namely: individual, institutional, scientific and professional domains. Under the individual domain, the themes of lack of confidence, lack of motivation, lack of time and lack of interest were identified. The institutional domain enumerated lack of research training, equipment, lack of research programs and funding deficiency. The scientific domain contained themes like lack of knowledge, skill and expertise in conduct of research and writing publishable papers. The professional domain identified themes that revolve around lack of access, lack mentors and lack of collaboration between faculty members. Based on the results of the study, all of the participants expressed the lack of funding support, which included tedious methods of acquiring such funding from the institution and other stakeholders as the primary cause of their hesitancy. Furthermore, participants expressed that individual factors that cause research hesitancy are most difficult to overcome as it pertains to past negative experiences, which led to the reluctance to be trained or to engage in research. The lack of a research culture within the institution was also linked to the absence of a clear research agenda and program, and capacity-building programs geared towards faculty researcher development.

Predicting Alcohol-Related Memory Problems in Older Adults: A Machine Learning Study with Multi-Domain Features.

Memory problems are common among older adults with a history of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Employing a machine learning framework, the current study investigates the use of multi-domain features to classify individuals with and without alcohol-induced memory problems. A group of 94 individuals (ages 50-81 years) with alcohol-induced memory problems (the memory group) were compared with a matched control group who did not have memory problems. The random forests model identified specific features from each domain that contributed to the classification of the memory group vs. the control group (AUC = 88.29%). Specifically, individuals from the memory group manifested a predominant pattern of hyperconnectivity across the default mode network regions except for some connections involving the anterior cingulate cortex, which were predominantly hypoconnected. Other significant contributing features were: (i) polygenic risk scores for AUD, (ii) alcohol consumption and related health consequences during the past five years, such as health problems, past negative experiences, withdrawal symptoms, and the largest number of drinks in a day during the past twelve months, and (iii) elevated neuroticism and increased harm avoidance, and fewer positive "uplift" life events. At the neural systems level, hyperconnectivity across the default mode network regions, including the connections across the hippocampal hub regions, in individuals with memory problems may indicate dysregulation in neural information processing. Overall, the study outlines the importance of utilizing multidomain features, consisting of resting-state brain connectivity data collected ~18 years ago, together with personality, life experiences, polygenic risk, and alcohol consumption and related consequences, to predict the alcohol-related memory problems that arise in later life.

Explore Moderated Mediation of Trust in Social Commerce on Links Between a User’s Perceived Past Negative Experiences and Social Commerce Engagement

Due to the impact of the pandemic (COVID-19) crisis and the inflation threat, not only do companies change their production models, but also their operating modes. The purchase mode of consumers, moreover, are changed. These changes make social commerce (SC) more popular. However, there exist problems in SC. Therefore, not only is the purpose of this study to examine the role of a user’s perceived past negative experience (PPNE) in social commerce (SC) and the impact of trust in SC on a community user’s social commerce engagement (SCE), but is also to explore the moderating effects of perceived information credibility (PIC) on the relationship between a user’s PPNE and trust in SC. 349 valid samples were collected from the target population in Taiwan and analyzed data by AMOS 22 and SPSS PROCESS to examine a conceptual model and three hypotheses. Of the three hypotheses, all hypotheses were supported. The findings not only confirmed the psychological perception and effects of a user’s PPNE on trust in SC and the impact of trust in SC on user’s SCE, but also identified PIC as the moderating role in a virtual user’s PPNE – trust in SC chain. Besides the need for empirical confirmation of the hypotheses given, finally, there are several practical implications for social marketers and future research directions for scholars.

How much of my true self can i show? social adaptation in autistic women: a qualitative study

BackgroundSocial adaptation is often aimed at supporting autistic people, yet its specific goals may not include their actual perspectives. That is, the state of adaptation is judged based on the standards and values of non-autistic people. This qualitative study focused on autistic women’s perceptions of social adaptation and examined their lived experiences in daily life, as adaptive behaviors have often been reported as a “female autism phenotype.”MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with ten autistic women aged 28–50 years (M = 36.7; standard SD = 7.66). The analysis was conducted based on the grounded theory approach.ResultsTwo core perceptions were identified: maintaining stable relationships and fulfilling social roles based on past experiences of “maladaptation.” The participants sought adaptations within a reasonable range and adjusted their balance with society to maintain stability in their daily lives.ConclusionThe findings indicated that autistic women’s perceptions of adaptation were based on the accumulation of past negative experiences. Further harmful efforts should be prevented. Support for autistic people to make their own choices in life is also important. Moreover, autistic women need a place where they can be themselves and be accepted as they are. This study showed the importance of changing the environment rather than modifying autistic people to adapt to a society.

Motives behind low-acuity geriatric emergency medicine attenders: a picture from free healthcare system.

Current evidence about the low-acuity ED visits of old patients has been generated in various healthcare systems; however, this is not a well-researched area in middle-income countries by patients' perspectives. A study of 231 patients attending the ED of a tertiary public hospital was conducted using a structured questionnaire from June to August 2021. Eligible patients were community-dwelling, aged > 65years, who presented with lower clinical urgency. The questionnaire tool was developed using questions from available studies on health service utilization. Additional commentary was obtained from the patients regarding on the reasons for attending the ED and was administered on weekdays between 8:00am and 5:30pm. The study included 221 patients over 65years of age, with a mean age of 72.21 ± 4.2. A total of 58.4% of the patients thought that they should be examined urgently, 15.4% had symptoms that had lasted more than one month, and 59% requested emergency imaging. Patients preferred the ED via treatment, imaging, transportation opportunities of emergency department, past negative experiences, and access problems with family medicines or appointment problems with specialist outpatient clinics with expectations of continuity of care. Old individuals have unique healthcare needs, and the motives behind this group of patients with low-acuity problems to apply to the ED is complex. As one of the key objectives of healthcare policies is to make sure that patients are assessed at proper time and place, studies that consider patient perspectives might lead to accurate conclusions for this aim.

Dark side of consumer-brand relationships: A brand hate perspective in anti-brand social media communities

The extant literature on dark side of consumer-brand relationship is still growing. Recently, researchers have given it notable concentration, yet some gaps exist specifically in context of social media brand communities. The present work adds to the understanding of the negative sides of consumer-brand relationship via empirically investigating brand hate in social media based anti-brand communities specifically in an emerging market context of India. This study makes use of survey method to approach 387 users of social media platforms to empirically test an integrated model of precursors and consequents of brand hate in anti-brand social media communities. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling and its findings confirm positively stronger association of symbolic incongruity and negative past experience with brand hate. Brand hate; in turn, strongly affect non-purchase intention, negative word-of mouth and retaliation. Results have managerial and useful implications for the brand managers.

Mental health challenges, treatment experiences, and care needs of post-secondary students: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study

BackgroundPost-secondary students frequently experience high rates of mental health challenges. However, they present meagre rates of treatment-seeking behaviours. This elevated prevalence of mental health problems, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, can lead to distress, poor academic performance, and lower job prospects following the completion of education. To address the needs of this population, it is important to understand students' perceptions of mental health and the barriers preventing or limiting their access to care.MethodsA broad-scoping online survey was publicly distributed to post-secondary students, collecting demographic, sociocultural, economic, and educational information while assessing various components of mental health.ResultsIn total, 448 students across post-secondary institutions in Ontario, Canada, responded to the survey. Over a third (n = 170; 38.6%) of respondents reported a formal mental health diagnosis. Depression and generalized anxiety disorder were the most commonly reported diagnoses. Most respondents felt that post-secondary students did not have good mental health (n = 253; 60.5%) and had inadequate coping strategies (n = 261; 62.4%). The most frequently reported barriers to care were financial (n = 214; 50.5%), long wait times (n = 202; 47.6%), insufficient resources (n = 165; 38.9%), time constraints (n = 148; 34.9%), stigma (n = 133; 31.4%), cultural barriers (n = 108; 25.5%), and past negative experiences with mental health care (n = 86; 20.3%). The majority of students felt their post-secondary institution needed to increase awareness (n = 231; 56.5%) and mental health resources (n = 306; 73.2%). Most viewed in-person therapy and online care with a therapist as more helpful than self-guided online care. However, there was uncertainty about the helpfulness and accessibility of different forms of treatment, including online interventions. The qualitative findings highlighted the need for personal strategies, mental health education and awareness, and institutional support and services.ConclusionsVarious barriers to care, perceived lack of resources, and low knowledge of available interventions may contribute to compromised mental health in post-secondary students. The survey findings indicate that upstream approaches such as integrating mental health education for students may address the varying needs of this critical population. Therapist-involved online mental health interventions may be a promising solution to address accessibility issues.

From if-then to here and now: Using personalized counterfactuals from past negative experiences to reduce future alcohol consequences.

College students are at an increased risk for problematic alcohol use. To address this health concern, several interventions have used protective behavioral strategies (PBS). However, interventions promoting PBS remain underdeveloped and underutilized. Counterfactual thinking is a type of postmortem cognitive strategy that highlights causal links between a behavior and a negative outcome. Recent research demonstrates the effectiveness of applying counterfactuals for increasing PBS use intentions. The present study examines the effect of a brief counterfactual-based intervention for increasing PBS use and decreasing adverse alcohol outcomes. Undergraduate students (n = 73) completed an online multiweek (baseline and five weekly follow-ups) intervention. At baseline, participants completed demographics, PBS use, and alcohol use and consequences. They were then randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a control (negative event only), sham (negative event with detailed description), or counterfactual (If only … then …) condition. At weekly follow-up sessions, participants completed PBS use and alcohol use and consequences from the previous week. The counterfactual condition was presented with their counterfactuals generated at baseline. Relative to the active control, the counterfactual condition reported greater use of PBS across the five-week follow-ups. This in turn resulted in decreases in alcohol consumed and alcohol-related consequences. This study highlights the effectiveness of counterfactual thinking as a relevant harm-reduction strategy for alcohol-related outcomes in college students. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).