Negative Self-perception Research Articles

Psychological Experience of the First Pulmonary Function Test in Elderly Patients with Poor Cooperation: A Qualitative Study

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to understand the real psychological experience of the first pulmonary function test (PFT) of elderly patients with poor cooperation, provide a reference for reporting their psychological characteristics and needs, and offer suggestions for developing appropriate guidance strategies to improve cooperation and compliance of patients. Methods: We used a phenomenological approach. We selected 21 elderly patients with poor cooperation who underwent PFT in a Tertiary Grade A comprehensive hospital in Nanning from December 2021 to June 2022 for a semi-structured interview using an objective sampling method. We used the Colaizzi analysis method to collate and analyze the data. Results: We extracted 6 distinct psychological experiences of elderly patients with poor cooperation in the first PFT, including distrust, tension and worry, the desire to understand PFT-related information, high psychological sensitivity, frustration and positive self-adjustment, and negative self-perception of aging. According to participants′ own explanation, most of the psychological experience was mainly related to the lack of understanding of PFT related knowledge, which was greatly affected by the way of information acquisition and the allocation of PFT resources. In addition, elderly patients also revealed that unfamiliarity with their own disease history and physical status affected their psychological enthusiasm during the examination. Conclusions: Elderly patients who failed to cooperate during the first PFT have complex psychological states and a wide range of psychological needs. In clinical practice, medical staff should focus on patients, thoroughly investigate the psychological experiences of elderly patients undergoing PFT and implement corresponding measures to encourage elderly patients′ cooperation and improve examination compliance.

Beyond One's Attitude Toward the Self: The Role of Social Anxiety in Self-Stigma Among Individuals With Schizophrenia.

Self-stigma is associated with a variety of negative self-perceptions among people coping with schizophrenia, as well as with different aspects of social behaviors. We explored the associations between self-compassion, self-esteem, social anxiety, and self-stigma among people coping with schizophrenia. The baseline data of 56 adults with schizophrenia who were enrolled in a Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy trial were used. Participants filled out self-report questionnaires measuring self-compassion, self-esteem, social anxiety, and self-stigma. Self-esteem and self-compassion were negatively correlated with self-stigma and social anxiety. Self-compassion was not found to contribute beyond self-esteem to the prediction of self-stigma. Importantly, self-esteem and social anxiety were found to mediate the effects of self-compassion on self-stigma. Thus, it seems that social variables, in addition to self-variables, may lead to the formation of self-stigma among people with schizophrenia. Therefore, alongside addressing self-esteem and self-compassion, integrating therapeutic elements related to coping with social anxiety into interventions would seem to be an important factor in reducing self-stigma among people with serious mental illness.

Optimizing a Technology-Based Body and Mind Intervention to Prevent Falls and Reduce Health Disparities in Low-Income Populations: Protocol for a Clustered Randomized Controlled Trial.

The lack of health care coverage, low education, low motivation, and inconvenience remain barriers to participating in fall prevention programs, especially among low-income older adults. Low-income status also contributes to negative aging self-perceptions and is associated with a high perceived barrier to care. Existing fall prevention intervention technologies do not enable participants and practitioners to interact and collaborate, even with technologies that bring viable strategies to maintain independence, prevent disability, and increase access to quality care. Research is also limited on the use of technology to enhance motivation and help individuals align their perception with physiological fall risk. We developed a novel, 8-week Physio-Feedback Exercise Program (PEER), which includes (1) technology-based physio-feedback using a real-time portable innovative technology-the BTrackS Balance Tracking System, which is reliable and affordable, allows for home testing, and provides feedback and tracks balance progression; (2) cognitive reframing using the fall risk appraisal matrix; and (3) peer-led exercises focusing on balance, strength training, and incorporating exercises into daily activities. This study consists of 3 aims. Aim 1 is to examine the effects of the technology-based PEER intervention on fall risk, dynamic balance, and accelerometer-based physical activity (PA). Aim 2 is to examine the effects of the PEER intervention on fall risk appraisal shifting and negative self-perceptions of aging. Aim 3 is to explore participants' experiences with the PEER intervention and potential barriers to accessing and adopting the technology-based PEER intervention to inform future research. This is an intention-to-treat, single-blinded, parallel, 2-arm clustered randomized controlled trial study. We will collect data from 340 low-income older adults at baseline (T1) and measure outcomes after program completion (T2) and follow-up at 3 months (T3) and 6 months (T4). Participants will be enrolled if they meet all the following inclusion criteria: aged ≥60 years, cognitively intact, and able to stand without assistance. Exclusion criteria were as follows: a medical condition precluding exercise or PA, currently receiving treatment from a rehabilitation facility, plan to move within 1 year, hospitalized >3 times in the past 12 months, and does not speak English or Spanish. As of August 2023, the enrollment of participants is ongoing. This study addresses the public health problem by optimizing a customized, technology-driven approach that can operate in low-resource environments with unlimited users to prevent falls and reduce health disparities in low-income older adults. The PEER is a novel intervention that combines concepts of physio-feedback, cognitive reframing, and peer-led exercise by motivating a shift in self-estimation of fall risk to align with physiological fall risk to improve balance, PA, and negative aging self-perception. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05778604; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT05778604. DERR1-10.2196/51899.

Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults in Chile: Evidence from the National Health Survey (ENS 2016-2017)

Analysis of cognitive impairment in the elderly by age, sex and self-perception of memory using the National Health Survey (ENS 2016-2017). Analytical cross-sectional study. The data comes from the National Health Survey (ENS 2016-2017). A n = 2,030 adults over 60 years of age are included. Variables such as age, sex, self-perception of memory and cognitive ability measured with the "Mini-Mental" Test were considered. A Pearson correlation was made between the results of the Mini-Mental and age by sex and by level of self-perception of memory and Spearman's correlation between age and level of self-perception. A Logistic Regression analysis considered a binary variable due to suspicion of cognitive impairment (CD) and predictors, age, level of self-perception of memory, and sex. The evaluation was completed by 63.69% (n = 1,293) women and 36.31% (n = 737) men. The mean age was 71.02 ± 7.9 years. Age was significantly higher in the group with suspected DC (p=0.00). While Age and negative self-perception independently increase the risk of DC (OR= 1.1027 CI95%; 1.0392-1.1719 and OR = 1.4974 CI95%; 0.4091-5.5725) respectively. A significant percentage of older adults reported a fair to poor (self-perceived) memory. Age was the most significant variable in relation to the suspicion of CD. In other words, the older the age, the greater the cognitive deterioration without significant differences by sex. However, women presented less cognitive impairment.

Meningkatkan Kemampuan Regulasi Emosi melalui Pendekatan Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) secara Daring

Adverse childhood experiences, insecure attachment relationships with parents, the formation of negative self-perceptions, and maladaptive emotional regulation can form strong risk factors for difficulties in emotional regulation and the diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Several interventions can be used, including the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) approach. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of online DBT intervention in adolescents who experience difficulties in emotion regulation and already have a tendency to depressive symptoms. The participant is a teenage girl aged 17 years and 7 months. The research design is a single-case experimental design. The intervention consisted of 1 pre-intervention session, 8 DBT intervention sessions, 1 post-intervention session, and 1 follow-up session. Quantitative analysis was carried out by comparing scores from the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Subjective Units of Distress (SUD) given before and after the intervention. The results showed that quantitatively there was a decrease in scores of difficulties in emotion regulation, depressive symptoms, and distress faced by the participant compared to before intervention. Qualitatively, emotion regulation skills change in a more positive and adaptive direction.

Validation of the Spanish version of the Perceived Control Scale: Perceived Constraints on Personal Control and Perceived Mastery

Objectives Perceived control is a relevant variable for understanding middle and older adults’ mental health. The Perceived Control Scale has two dimensions, Perceived Constraints on Personal Control and Perceived Mastery, and is a widely used instrument for assessing perceived control in adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Perceived Control Scale with data from two different studies. Method In Study 1, 348 older adults between 60 and 92 years old were assessed through face-to-face assessments. In Study 2, 334 adults between 40 and 90 years completed an online survey. Perceived control, self-perceptions of aging, and anxiety and depressive symptomatology were assessed. An exploratory (Study 1) and confirmatory (Study 2) factor analysis of the Perceived Control Scale were performed, and reliability and its relationship with the other assessed variables were evaluated. Results Results from parallel, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analyses suggested that the Spanish version of the Perceived Control Scale has a bidimensional structure: Perceived Constraints on Personal Control and Perceived Mastery. Good internal consistency was found for the scale in both samples. The results revealed negative and significant associations with negative self-perceptions of aging, and anxiety and depressive symptomatology. Conclusion The Spanish version of the Perceived Control Scale shows good psychometric properties which endorse its use with middle-aged and older adults assessed either face-to-face or through online surveys.

The Correlation Between Obesity and the Self-Image of Teenage Girls in Denpasar

In adolescence, the teenage girl begins to pay attention to physical appearance and wants to be close to their ideal concept of beauty, such as a slim body. The inability to appear according to the ideal concept of beauty in teenage girls with obesity causes self-image disorders. This study aims to determine the correlation between obesity and adolescent girls' self-image in Denpasar city. This study employed a correlation analysis with a cross-sectional approach. The sample in this study was 369 respondents. The sampling technique used was cluster sampling and simple random sampling. The data collection tool used was a self-image and percentile IMT questionnaire. Data analysis using chi-square test. Findings indicated that most teenage girls were not obese (72.1%), and most teenage girls had a positive self-image (96.2%). The statistical test shows p<0,001, which means a significant correlation exists between obesity and teenage girls' self-image. A study revealed a significant link between obesity and self-image among adolescent girls, with obese girls experiencing negative self-perception. The study suggests that encouraging these young women to engage in activities they excel in, like exercise and singing, could help them discover their strengths and mitigate the psychosocial effects associated with body image. Additional intervention measures are necessary to explore and reduce the broader psychosocial impact beyond body perception.

Mental health states of the refugee women in the 10-year visiting process: an assessment in context of the sociocultural adaptation

BackgroundIn this study, it is aimed to determine the relationship between the sociocultural adaptation levels and the mental states of women who fled their countries due to the war and settled in Turkey. In this context, the study was carried out with descriptive, cross-sectional, and relational design. In the study, 948 refugee women living in Turkey were interviewed. Personal information form, Brief Symptom Inventory, and Sociocultural Adaptation Scale were used in the interviews. In the analysis of the data, SPSS package program was used, and descriptive statistics were made with linear regression.ResultsAs a result of the study, it was determined that 47% of refugee women were illiterate, 70% had poor Turkish speaking level, and 51% could not establish good relations with Turkish people. The mean age of the women was 28.78 ± 7.01, the mean anxiety score was 24.33 ± 7.86, the mean depression score was 23.95 ± 8.1, the mean negative self-concept score was 23.85 ± 8.05, the mean somatization score was 14.99 ± 5.77, the mean hostility score was 13.63 ± 4.29, and the mean sociocultural adaptation score was 53.15 ± 16.94.ConclusionIt was determined that the sociocultural adaptation level of refugee women is low. In addition, it has been determined that women experience psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, somatization, negative self-perception, and hostility intensely, and these symptoms are more common in refugee women with low sociocultural adaptation level.

Satisfaction with life in a sample of prelingually deaf cochlear implant users with a good command of spoken Polish as the primary language

IntroductionThis study investigated the level of satisfaction with life (SWL) in a group of cochlear implant (CI) users who had been prelingually deaf but were orally educated. They had received one or two CIs (as a child, adolescent, or adult) and were highly competent Polish speakers. This study looked at three factors that may affect SWL – psychosocial, deafness/hearing and communication related, and sociodemographic. MethodsThe participants were prelingually deaf CI users who had learned highly competent spoken Polish as their primary language. They had been educated in mainstream or integrated schools (not schools for the deaf), and had no other disability or severe illness. Measurements were done with 5 questionnaires: the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the I–Others Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Deaf Identity Development Scale (DIDS), and the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ). ResultsThe SWL level of the group was similar to that of the standard Polish population. SWL was positively related to positive self-perception, acceptance of oneself as a deaf person, and to perceiving the benefits of having a CI (as measured by three NCIQ domains: self-esteem, activity limitations, and social interactions). On the other hand, negative self-perception, marginal deaf identity, and depressive symptoms were negatively related to SWL. There was no relationship between SWL and knowledge of sign language. Lower depressive symptoms and greater hearing loss were both significant predictors of SWL, although those who used two CIs generally had a lower SWL. ConclusionsPrelingually deaf CI users with low SWL require psychological support in many spheres, including working through problems of deaf identity, self-acceptance, and depression. Additional research should involve diverse DHH CI users, including those with limited spoken Polish competency or sign language skills, as well as members of the Polish Deaf community.

Sintomas Depressivos e Uso de Álcool e Maconha em Adolescentes

Abstract Risk behaviors are common in adolescence and demonstrates an association with depressive symptoms. Considering the psychological health implications of this phase in adult life, the aim of this study was to verify associations between depressive symptoms and consumption of alcohol and marijuana, self-injurious behavior, health self-perception, life satisfaction, anxiety symptoms and suicidal ideation in adolescents. A total of 298 adolescents, aged 12 to 14 years (61.1% girls), participated in the study. The measures were the translated Health Behavior in School-aged Children questionnaire (HBSC - BR) and the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI). The chi-square test, student’s t test and binomial logistic regression (p<0.05) were used. Depressive symptoms were associated with anxiety symptoms and self-injury. Higher risk for alcohol use and consumption, self-injury, negative health self-perception, anxiety and depression related to females. The findings of this population suggest worrying health outcomes, especially for girl.

Factors associated with status and self-perceived mental health changes in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

The SARS-CoV-2-triggered Public Health Emergency of International Importance has significantly contributed to emotional and mental health issues. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with self-perceived mental health changes while facing the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study that collected data via a web survey using a validated instrument. The study included individuals over 18 years old residing in the 26 federal units and the Federal District from August 2020 to November 2022. The sample was recruited using the snowball technique. Two logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with the outcomes of interest. The first analysis considered individuals who rated their mental health condition as poor as the dependent variable, while the second analysis considered individuals who reported changes in their mental health during the pandemic as the dependent variable. The study found that individuals with complete college education and those using tranquilizers or antidepressants were more likely to perceive their mental health as poor (1.97 and 2.04 times higher likelihood, respectively). Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods during the pandemic was associated with a 2.49 higher likelihood of reporting mental health changes. Participants also reported more difficulty sleeping. The negative self-perception of mental health varied across Brazil's regions and changed over time, with different patterns observed before and after the vaccination period. In 2022, most regions of Brazil classified their mental health as "poor." The study highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, with increased prevalence of mental disorders and emotional problems among the population. The results highlight the presence of mental disorders and increased reporting of emotional problems among the population due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Influence of posttraumatic stress reaction and posttraumatic cognition on dissociative experiences according to the nature of traumatic experiences: A survey on Japanese young adults.

Although the relationship between dissociation and traumatic experiences has been debated, many studies focus on the context of traumatic experiences. Alternatively, basic research that examines the relationship of symptoms of posttraumatic experiences and cognitive characteristics of dissociation as an individual difference among experiencers has been lacking. To address this research gap, this study examines the influence of posttraumatic symptoms and cognition on dissociative experiences given the nature of traumatic experiences. This study administered the Events Checklist, the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Japanese version of the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory to 1,036 Japanese adolescents. It investigated differences in dissociative experiences according to the presence of and cumulative traumatic experiences. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the influence of sex and the nature of traumatic experiences, posttraumatic symptoms (IES-R), and cognition on dissociative experiences. The results demonstrated no differences in DES based on the number of traumatic experiences. Moreover, this study observed the impact of cognition in posttraumatic experience on dissociation. This study provides essential data on the distribution of dissociative experiences among Japanese adolescents with traumatic experiences and exposure to adversity. Finally, it highlights the importance of focusing on posttraumatic cognitive characteristics, particularly negative self-perception, and discusses the implications to enhance understanding of dissociative experiences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Mathematics Identity of Prospective Mathematics Teachers: Content Analysis of Open-Ended Survey Questions

Many problems faced by mathematics learners both at the school and college levels have occurred so far. Mathematics education students involved in mathematics daily also face various problems, be it problems related to cognitive and affective abilities. Problems such as the emergence of mathematical anxiety, negative self-perception of mathematics, lack of mathematical competence, and many other problems have become the recent focus in mathematics education research. So, how do mathematics education students, especially prospective mathematics teachers, view themselves as related to mathematics? What is their mathematical identity? This study aims to determine the mathematics identity possessed by prospective mathematics teachers. To find out the mathematics identity of prospective mathematics teachers, a descriptive design utilizing a survey with five open-ended questions was asked. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive frequencies, while the five open-ended questions were analyzed using summative content analysis to analyze free-text responses from 225 prospective mathematics teachers. Free-text responses contain answers to five questions in each component of the mathematical identity obtained from disseminating questions through google forms. We obtained the results that prospective mathematics teachers generally have a positive mathematical identity, but some components need improvement. However, it was also found that the results were quite surprising concerning the mathematical identity of the prospective mathematics teacher. A complete explanation will be discussed in this article.

부적응적 자기초점주의와 사회불안의 관계: 부정적 자기지각과 사후반추의 이중매개효과

Objectives The purpose of this study is to verify the double mediating effect of Negative Self-Perception and Post-Event Rumination between Maladaptive Self-Focused Attention and Social Anxiety in college students.
 Methods The data from 408 undergraduate students were used for analysis. And Social Avoidance and Distress Scale(SADS), Scale for Dispositional Self-focused Attention in Social situation(SDSAS), Short version of the Dysfunctional Belief Test(SDBT), Post-event Rumination Questionnaire (PRQ) are used for measurements. Using the SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 18.0, descriptive statistics analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, bootstrapping method based on Structural Equation Modeling were used to analyze the data.
 Results The results showed the following: First, Maladaptive Self-Focused Attention showed significant positive correlation with Negative Self-Perception, Post-Event Rumination and Social Anxiety. Also, Negative SelfPerception showed significant positive correlation with Post-Event Rumination and Social Anxiety. And Post-Event Rumination showed significant positive correlation with Social Anxiety. Second, Negative Self-Perception had partly mediating effect between Maladaptive Self-Focused Attention and Social Anxiety. Third, Post-Event Rumination had complete mediating effect between Maladaptive Self-Focused Attention and Social Anxiety. Forth, Negative Self-Perception and Post-Event Rumination had complete double mediating effect between Maladaptive Self-Focused Attention and Social Anxiety.
 Conclusions Based on Hofmann's (2007) integrated social anxiety model, this study examines the dual mediating effect of negative self-perception and post-mortem rumination in the relationship between maladaptive self-focused attention and social anxiety. It is significant that the relationship between (self)-related cognitive factors was demonstrated.

Психологическое благополучие и особенности восприятия образа своего тела у девушек-студенток

The article focuses on the study of the dependence of the level of mental well-being on the body image per-ception of female students aged 19–22. The results of the correlation analysis of the parameters of mental well-being and the image of the bodily “Self” are presented. Characteristics of the relationship between the level of mental well-being of the individual and its parameters with the negative portrayal of the girl’s bodily “Self” are outlined. The questionnaire “Scale of Psychological Well-Being” by K. Riff (adapted by T.D. Shevelenkova and P.P. Fesenko), the questionnaire “The Image of the Bodily Self” by I. V. Lybko were used as a research tool. The empirical conclusions are confirmed by the results of statistical analysis (Spearman’s rank correlation criterion). The link between positive perception of body image in young women and the level of psy-chological well-being of the individual, reflecting the perception and assessment of their functioning in terms of maximum potential is revealed. The results of the study can be beneficial to counseling psychologists and psy-chotherapists in determining the targets of psychological correction in girls with low levels of mental well-being and negative self-perception of their appearance.

Filtering Out Ageism: Unveiling Instagram's Reinforcement of Negative Stereotypes of Ageing

This study examines the depiction of ageism on Instagram, one of the most popular social media platforms. With over one billion active users, Instagram is a powerful medium for shaping societal attitudes toward ageing and older adults. Through a review of existing litera-ture, this study explores the prevalence and nature of ageist content on Instagram, its impact on users, particularly older adults, and the role of Instagram's algorithms in promoting ageist content. The study also investigates the potential for Instagram to promote positive represen-tations of ageing and countering ageist stereotypes. This study adopted a qualitative approach to find the data through hashtags and keywords. The findings suggest that ageist content, par-ticularly prevalent on Instagram and often around age-related physical changes, can contrib-ute to negative self-perceptions of ageing among older adults. Instagram's algorithms have also been found to promote ageist content, reinforcing negative stereotypes about ageing and older adults. However, Instagram also has the potential to challenge ageist stereotypes through sharing of positive ageing experiences and counter-narratives. Overall, this study provides insights into the depiction of ageism on Instagram and highlights the need for strategies to ad-dress and combat ageism on social media platforms.

Antidepressant emergent mood switch in major depressive disorder: onset, clinical correlates and impact on suicidality.

Antidepressant (AD)- emergent mood switch (AEMS) is a common complication of bipolar depression. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical correlates of subthreshold AEMS (i.e. not fulfilling DSM criteria for hypomanic episodes) in major depressive disorder (MDD) and, prognostically, its impact on AD treatment outcome and suicidality. The study involved 425 outpatients with MDD followed during the acute phase (12 weeks) and continuation (weeks 13-28) AD treatment. AEMS was assessed through the Altman Self-Rating Mania scale (ASRM ≥ 6). Several clinical features differentiated individuals with or without subthreshold AEMS (n = 204 vs. 221): negative self-perception [odds ratio (OR) 1.017-1.565]; panic disorder (OR 1.000-1.091); subthreshold hypomanic episodes (OR 1.466-13.352); childhood emotional abuse (OR 1.053-2.447); lifetime suicidal behaviour (OR 1.027-1.236); AD-related remission (χ 2 = 22.903 P < 0.0001) and suicide ideation (χ 2 = 16.701 P < 0.0001). In AEMS earlier onset showed a strong correlation with bipolar spectrum disorder (overall score: P = 0.0053; mixed depression: P = 0.0154; subthreshold hypomania: P = 0.0150) whereas late-onset was associated with more severe suicidal behaviour ( P < 0.001). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that subthreshold mood switches occur frequently in unipolar depression during acute AD treatment as well as in continuation phase. Time of switch onset seems to have the greatest diagnostic and prognostic value.

The Invisible Impact of a Visible Disease: Psychosocial Impact of Alopecia Areata.

The physical impact of alopecia areata (AA) is visible, but the psychological and social consequences and emotional burden are often underrecognized. In this cross-sectional study, 547 participants recruited via the National Alopecia Areata Foundation completed a survey encompassing demographics; AA illness characteristics; and five patient-reported outcome measures on anxiety and depression, perceived stress, psychological illness impact, stigma, and quality of life (QoL). Differences in disease severity subgroups were assessed via analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t tests. Mean age was 44.6years, and 76.6% were female. Participants with more severe hair loss tended to report longer duration of experiencing AA symptoms (P < 0.001). Overall, participants reported negative psychological impact, emotional burden, and poor QoL due to AA. Participants with 21-49% or 50-94% scalp hair loss reported greater psychological impact and poorer QoL than those with 95-100% scalp hair loss (most parameters P < 0.05). Similar results were observed for eyebrow/eyelash involvement subgroups. These results suggest that participants with AA experience emotional burden, negative self-perception, and stigma, but the impact of AA is not dependent solely on the amount of hair loss. Lower impact among participants with 95-100% scalp hair loss may indicate that they have adapted to living with AA.

0413 Neuroticism interacts with stressful experiences during deployment to predict post-deployment insomnia

Abstract Introduction Negative affect traits, such as neuroticism, have been shown to be associated with greater risk for insomnia. These trait-based factors are theorized to increase stress reactivity, which can be a predisposing factor to insomnia. Military personnel represent a unique population that are subject to stressors as a nature of their occupations and may therefore be particularly vulnerable to the onset and persistence of insomnia. The present study examined prospective associations among trait-based emotional reactivity and neuroticism, exposure to stressful experiences during a combat deployment, and insomnia symptoms at 9-months post-deployment. Methods Data were obtained from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers Pre-Post Deployment Survey (PPDS). Soldiers included in these analyses (n = 1448) completed surveys prior to deployment to Afghanistan, immediately after deployment, and 9-month post-deployment. The survey included measures of insomnia symptoms, deployment-related stressors and trait-based personality measures. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationships among emotional reactivity, neuroticism and deployment stress with post-deployment insomnia. Results Higher trait-based neuroticism and greater exposure to deployment-related stressors were independently associated with greater risk of probable insomnia at 9-months post-deployment, but not trait-based emotional reactivity . However, there were significant interaction effects, such that among those with greater range of stressful events, neuroticism was associated with higher risk of post-deployment insomnia, while emotional reactivity was associated with lower risk. Conclusion A trait disposition for negative affect (i.e., neuroticism) may predispose individuals to chronic insomnia in the face of acute stressors . While neuroticism includes negative emotional reactivity, it also encompasses other characteristics (e.g., negative self-perception) that may be a stronger predictor of persistent insomnia symptoms. Service members with higher baseline neuroticism may benefit from pre-deployment skills trainings to better cope in the face of stressors and prevent/mitigate long-term problems. Support (if any) This study is based on public use data from Army STARRS (Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research, University of Michigan-http://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR35197-v1), funded by U.S. NIMH-U01MH087981.

Promoting Social Participation and Recovery Using Virtual Reality-Based Interventions Among People With Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: Qualitative Study.

People with mental health disorders (MHDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) are a highly vulnerable group, particularly affected by social exclusion, marginalization, and disconnectedness. Virtual reality technology holds a potential for simulating social environments and interactions to mitigate the social barriers and marginalization faced by people recovering from MHDs and SUDs. However, it is still unclear how we can harness the greater ecological validity of virtual reality-based interventions targeting social and functional impairments in individuals with MHDs and SUDs. The aim of this paper was to explore how service providers in community-based MHD and SUD health care services perceive the barriers to social participation among adults recovering from MHDs and SUDs to provide a broader understanding of how learning experiences can be modeled to promote social participation in virtual reality environments. Two semistructured, open-ended, and dual-moderator focus group interviews were conducted with participants representing different community-based MHD and SUD health care services. Service providers were recruited from their MHD and SUD services in our collaborating municipality in Eastern Norway. We recruited the first participant group at a municipal MHD and SUD assisted living facility for service users with ongoing excessive substance use and severe social dysfunctionality. We recruited the second participant group at a community-based follow-up care service aimed at clients with a broad range of MHDs and SUDs and various levels of social functioning. The qualitative data extracted in the interviews were analyzed, using reflexive thematic analysis. The analysis of the service providers' perceptions of the barriers to social participation among clients with MHDs and SUDs revealed the following five main themes: challenging or lacking social connections, impaired cognitive functions, negative self-perception, impaired personal functioning, and insufficient social security. The barriers identified are interrelated in a cluster of cognitive, socioemotional, and functional impairments, leading to a severe and diverse complex of barriers to social participation. Social participation relies on people's capability to use their present social opportunities. Promoting basic human functioning is key to promoting social participation among people with MHDs and SUDs. The findings in this study indicate a need to address cognitive functioning, socioemotional learning, instrumental skills, and complex social functions to meet the complexity and diversity of the identified barriers to social functioning in our target group. Virtual reality-based interventions for promoting social participation should be sequenced into distinct scenarios dedicated to specific learning goals to build complex learning in a step-by-step process based on successively more complex levels of human and social functioning.