Psychological Health Of People Research Articles

La musicoterapia como intervención no farmacológica efectiva

La Musicoterapia es la utilización de la música y todo tipo de experiencias musicales para restaurar, mantener y/o mejorar la salud física y psíquica de las personas. La musicoterapia es una terapia de apoyo a la terapia farmacológica y forma parte de una de las terapias complementarias recomendadas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud a los enfermeros como una de las estrategias para alcanzar el objetivo de “Salud para todos” en el año 2000.Los programas de intervención son específicamente diseñados para cubrir las necesidades individuales de las personas y ayudarlas en la consecución de diferentes objetivos terapéuticos, que pueden ir dirigidos a las siguientes dimensiones: física, cognitiva, socioemocional y/o espiritual.El objetivo de esta revisión es evaluar la evidencia disponible sobre los efectos beneficiosos que tiene la aplicación de la música como intervención enfermera.Se ha realizado una revisión sistemática, en las principales bases de datos, Medline, Cochrane Plus, Scielo, Cuiden, Scopus, google scholar, tripdatabase. Se encontraron 48 estudios utilizando diferentes combinaciones de los descriptores. Siguiendo los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, tras una primera selección de lectura del título y resumen, se seleccionaron 35 artículos. Se añaden 3 artículos de búsqueda referencial. Tras la lectura del artículo completo nos quedamos con 14 artículos que son motivo de nuestra revisión, los 14 artículos son 10 Revisiones Sistemáticas y 4 Ensayos Clínicos Aleatorizados, en ausencia de Meta análisis. Tras el análisis detallado de la bibliografía, podemos concluir que un buen uso de la música produce efectos positivos en los pacientes siendo esta una intervención económica y complementaria de la farmacologia. Se producen efectos positivos en los pacientes hospitalizados, con cáncer, con depresión y en pacientes sometidos a procesos invasivos

Using acoustic perception to water sounds in the planning of urban gardens

Ecoacoustics explains how animal and human behavior are affected by environmental sounds. Many studies show the marked role that sound has on people's psychological health. Our world is more and more scarce in natural sounds that produce our well-being. In this sense, we explore what acoustic parameters are related to human comfort in cities. For this purpose, 16 water sounds, with very different acoustic characteristics in the number of harmonics, fundamental frequencies, spectral information and fractal dimension (=complexity), were sampled. Therefore, any previous psychological conditioning can be expected in the choice of these sounds, since they are all based on the same source. We evaluated responses of 135 students, teachers and administrative people of the University of Extremadura (UEx) in a comfort scale defined by five levels between −2 (very unpleasant) to +2 (very pleasant) being 0 indifferent. Relationships between sound parameters and comfort responses show that information related to harmonics is behind the preferences. We have defined some useful recommendations to use these results in the design of more comfortable and relaxing urban parks and gardens. In this sense, we demonstrated that fountains with large waterfalls or jets, produce a marked acoustic aversion to humans. It is to be expected that the same effect will happen with birds and other small vertebrates present in cities. Instead, we recommend in the design of urban parks and gardens, the adoption of artificial water channels with small jumps whose acoustic characteristics are ideal causing deep and sustained relaxation.

Subjective perceptions and psychological distress associated with the deep underground: A cross-sectional study in a deep gold mine in China.

This study reports the subjective perceptions and mental state of employees working in the Erdaogou Mine, affiliated with Jiapigou Minerals Limited Corporation of China National Gold Group Corporation (CJEM); these employees are pioneers working at the deepest point below ground in China. The data represent a valuable baseline from which to assess the effects of the environmental factors in the deep-underground on human physiology, psychology, and pathology.The air pressure, relative humidity, temperature, total γ radiation dose-rate, and oxygen concentration in the CJEM in the aisles in goafs at 4 depths below ground were measured. Study subjects were administered a study-specific questionnaire that included items that targeted factors with potential to affect respondents’ health and wellbeing and included the symptom checklist-90-revised (SCL-90-R).Air pressure, relative humidity, and temperature rose, total γ radiation dose-rate decreased, and there was no change in oxygen concentration with increasing depth below ground. Most (97.2%) respondents had a negative impression of the ambient conditions in the deep-underground space. The most commonly perceived adverse factors included moisture (74.9%), heat (33.5%), and poor ventilation (32.4%). 93.29% of respondents associated ≥1 self-reported negative physical symptom with working in the deep-underground space; the most frequent symptoms were being easily tired (48.7%), tinnitus (47.5%), and hearing loss (44.1%). Higher SCL-90-R scores were associated with the perception of >1 adverse factor in the deep-underground, spending >8 hours continuously in the deep-underground space, or working at a depth > 1000 m below ground. >1 perceived adverse factor in the deep-underground and continuously spending >8 hours in the deep-underground space were significant predictors of high SCL-90-R scores.Adverse factors, including high temperature, humidity, and dim light, may have negative impacts on the physical and psychological health of people who spend long periods of time living and/or working in the deep-underground space.

Advancing shared decision making for symptom monitoring in people living beyond cancer.

Wellbeing after successful cancer treatment depends on more than merely reducing the risk of disease recurrence. Cancer survival can be characterised by uncertainty, fear, and the interpretation of bodily sensations as potentially symptomatic of cancer recurrence. This fear can lead to over-vigilance about bodily sensations and precautionary visits to the doctor, both of which can increase the chance of early detection but can also increase anxiety and decrease quality of life. In this Personal View, we consider the medical, psychological, and ethical issues related to the practice of self-directed symptom monitoring after completion of cancer treatment, focusing on the role of doctor-patient communication. We ask how clinicians can account for the plurality of values that patients might have when it comes to deciding on how to manage and respond to experiences of post-cancer symptoms. We advocate a shared decision-making approach that incorporates the assessment of an individual's cancer recurrence risks as well as psychosocial considerations regarding fear of cancer recurrence and mental health. We aim to raise awareness of the potential quality-of-life implications of symptom-monitoring practices, emphasising the need for a balance between physical and psychological health in people living beyond cancer.

시각장애인의 12주간 필라테스 참여에 따른 신체조성, 체력 및 심리적 건강의 변화

시각장애인의 12주간 필라테스 참여에 따른 신체조성, 체력 및 심리적 건강의 변화

Aerodynamic noise analysis of a portable pneumatic extinguisher

The portable pneumatic extinguisher is one of the most important pieces of equipment for forest fire fighting in China. However, the working noise of the equipment is detrimental to the physiological and psychological health of people in terms of noise exposure. Few research studies have addressed the noise of portable pneumatic extinguishers. Changes of the geometric parameters of the fan can induce variations in the airflow field, thus modulating the resulting aerodynamic noise. This article describes how certain parameters influence the aerodynamic noise of a portable pneumatic extinguisher; the research object of this study was the 6MF-30 portable pneumatic extinguisher. Based on the literature, three parameters that influence the airflow in the fan were chosen for investigation: the stagger angle, exit installation angle and curvature ratio. Models of the portable pneumatic extinguisher fan were developed using SolidWorks, and the values of the geometric parameters were calculated using formulas incorporating trigonometric functions. The noise simulation was conducted via FLUENT based on the FW-H equation, and ten two-dimensional models with different parameters were investigated. The results show that the exit installation angle has essentially no effect on aerodynamic noise. In contrast, the stagger angle and the curvature ratio can have a large influence on aerodynamic noise. The optimal model differs for different frequency bands; for example, at frequencies below 80 Hz, a fan with a stagger angle of 30 exhibits better noise performance, and at frequencies in the range of 80 Hz to 1000 Hz, a fan with a stagger angle of 40 produces lower working noise. The results are clearly different from those of an aerodynamic performance analysis.

Effects of different physical exercise programs on susceptibility to pilocarpine-induced seizures in female rats

In epilepsy, the most common serious neurological disorder worldwide, several investigations in both humans and animals have shown the effectiveness of physical exercise programs as a complementary therapy. Among the benefits demonstrated, regular exercise can decrease the number of seizures as well as improve cardiovascular and psychological health in people with epilepsy. While many studies in animals have been performed to show the beneficial effects of exercise, they exclusively used male animals. However, females are also worthy of investigation because of their cyclical hormonal fluctuations and possible pregnancy. Considering the few animal studies concerning seizure susceptibility and exercise programs in females, this study aimed to verify whether exercise programs can interfere with seizure susceptibility induced by pilocarpine in adult female Wistar rats. Animals were randomly divided into three groups: control, forced, and voluntary (animals kept in a cage with a wheel). After the final exercise session, animals received a pilocarpine hydrochloride (350 mg/kg i.p.; Sigma) injection to induce seizures. To measure the intensity of pilocarpine-induced motor signs, we used a scale similar to that developed by Racine (1972) in the kindling model. During a 4-h period of observation, we recorded latency for first motor signs, latency for reaching SE, number of animals that developed SE, and intensity of pilocarpine-induced motor signs. No difference was observed among groups in latency for first motor signs and in the number of animals that developed SE. Although the voluntary group presented more intense motor signs, an increased latency for developing SE was observed compared with that in forced and control groups. Our behavioral results are not enough to explain physiological and molecular pathways, but there are mechanisms described in literature which may allow us to propose possible explanations. Voluntary exercise increased latency to SE development. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate the pathways involved in these results, while more studies should be performed regarding gender specific differences.

Household composition and psychological health: Results of the Second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) study

Aims1) To explore the effect of household composition on the psychological health of adults with diabetes by comparing those living with other adult(s) including a partner with those living with neither partner nor other adult(s); 2) to examine potential mediation of social support in the association between household composition and psychological health. MethodsThe study is part of the DAWN2 study conducted in 17 countries. The population comprised 8596 people with diabetes (PWD). Multiple regression models (linear and binary) were applied. ResultsPeople living with ‘other adult(s) but no partner’ experienced significantly lower well-being, higher diabetes distress and worried more frequently about hypoglycaemic events than those with a partner or those not co-habiting with another adult. However, participants living with ‘other adult(s) but no partner’ were more empowered compared to the other household composition groups. The association between household composition and psychological health was not mediated by diabetes-specific social support. ConclusionsThe study indicates the psychological vulnerability of respondents living without a partner but with other adult(s). Appropriate support interventions must be developed and tested in order to enhance psychological health in people with diabetes living with other adults such as adult children, but with no partner.

The longitudinal relation between patterns of goal management and psychological health in people with arthritis: The need for adaptive flexibility.

Due to their disease, patients with polyarthritis face the task of reconciling their threatened personal goals with their capabilities. Previous cross-sectional research on patients with chronic disease related higher levels of goal management strategies to lower levels of distress and higher levels of well-being. This study was the first to focus longitudinally on goal management patterns that combined strategies originating from different goal management theories. Our first study objective was to identify patterns that consisted of various strategies of goal management among patients with polyarthritis. Subsequently, the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between these patterns and the psychological health of the patients were studied. A longitudinal questionnaire study with three measurements of goal management and psychological health was conducted among 331 patients with polyarthritis. Stability of goal management over time was analysed with ANOVAs. Patterns were identified using cluster analysis at baseline, based on the following strategies: Goal maintenance, goal adjustment, goal disengagement, and goal reengagement. Longitudinal relationships between the patterns and psychological health (specifically: Depression, anxiety, purpose in life, positive affect, and social participation) were analysed using a generalized estimating equations analysis. Three goal management patterns were found: 'Moderate engagement', 'Broad goal management repertoire', and 'Holding on'. Patients with the 'Broad goal management repertoire' pattern had the highest level of psychological health. The 'Holding on' pattern was identified as the most unfavourable in terms of psychological health. Over time, stable differences in levels of psychological health between the patterns were found. This study was the first to reveal patterns of several goal management strategies and their longitudinal relationship to psychological health. Psychosocial support for arthritis patients with lower psychological health should focus on helping patients to become familiar with a broad range of goal management strategies when dealing with threatened goals. What is already known on this subject? Polyarthritis is a collective term for a variety of disorders associated with autoimmune pathologies that may affect all aspects of a person's physical, psychological, and social functioning. Patients often experience difficulties in maintaining and achieving goals in several domains of life due to disease symptoms. The process of emotional adaptation to polyarthritis is characterized by searching equilibrium between desires and constraints and reacting constructive to stressors. Goal management strategies are ways to minimize the perceived disparity between the actual and the preferred situation with regard to personal goals and are applied both consciously and unconsciously. Cross-sectional, higher levels of goal management strategies have been related to lower levels of distress and higher levels of well-being both in patients with polyarthritis and in other patient groups. What does this study add? Contributes to our understanding of how combinations of goal management strategies relate to psychological health. Identifies patterns of goal management that are longitudinally related to psychological health. Provides clear guidance for improving psychological health of people with polyarthritis.

Self-reported stigma and symptoms of anxiety and depression in people with intellectual disabilities: Findings from a cross sectional study in England

BackgroundNo studies have investigated the relationship between self-reported stigma and multiple health outcomes in people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The association between self-reported stigma and symptoms of anxiety and depression (psychological distress), quality of life, service utilisation and adherence to treatment were examined. MethodCross sectional study of 229 participants with ID (without mental illness) recruited from 12 centres in England. ResultsSelf-reported stigma was positively associated with psychological distress, and number of contacts with services, particularly contact with community intellectual disability services and the police, and negatively associated with quality of life. It was not associated with adherence to treatment. Self-reported stigma was also associated with refusal of at least one service in the last six months. The relationship between stigma and quality of life and stigma and service use were mediated by psychological distress. LimitationsThe Cross-sectional design of this study prevents inferences being made about the direction of causality. IQ was not formally assessed but was based on clinical data. ConclusionThis study provides evidence that stigma may contribute to poor psychological health in people with ID, may be a burden on services due to higher service utilisation but may also prevent people from accessing appropriate services. Services should consider screening people at risk of psychological distress due to stigmatising treatment and provide appropriate support. There is an urgent need to develop evidence-based interventions to reduce societal stigma against people with ID and to reduce the impact of stigma when it is experienced by individuals with ID.

Psychological Health and Aims of Aesthetic Surgery Seekers

The psychological health of people who elect to surgically alter the embodied self is often questioned. This study examines characteristics and goals of 546 people who elect aesthetic surgery compared with 264 people who are interested in it and 1,135 population comparisons. Assessments included demographics, attractiveness, body image importance, depression, social phobia, joy, general health, life satisfaction, and open-ended and standard goals. Surgery and interested groups were more likely than the population to be female and younger, have lower income and lower body mass index, and have higher body image importance. The surgery group reported lower general attractiveness, life satisfaction, and joy, but also lower depression and higher overall health than the general population. There were no differences in social phobia. Overall, people obtaining and interested in cosmetic surgery appeared generally psychologically healthy. The most frequent goal was to “feel better about/in one’s own body.” Overtly social or unrealistic goals were uncommon.

From Sociocultural Disintegration to Community Connectedness Dimensions of Local Community Concepts and Their Effects on Psychological Health of Its Residents

In a series of community mental health promotion studies in Lofoten, Norway, the concept of sociocultural integration is used to describe properties of a local community that are related to people's psychological health. Starting with Durkheim's description of a cohesive society, we compare different concepts that are related to sociocultural integration, for example, sense of community, social capital, and social cohesion. We then examine the relationship of various individual oriented social psychological concepts to sociocultural integration. These concepts often share theoretical and operational definitions. The concept of sociocultural integration in the Lofoten studies was proved to be very valuable in understanding how the properties of a community can affect people's mental health and their social psychological properties. It has also shown its value in the planning of mental health services and demonstrating its success in concrete community-based mental health promotion projects. Thus they could make important contributions to further studies and actions in local communities where the intersection between the individual, their social network, and their local community occurs.

Physical exercise: Potential candidate as complementary therapy for epilepsy

Sir, We read with great interest the review article entitled “Nonpharmacological Treatment of Epilepsy” by Saxena and Nadkarni that has appeared in Ann Indian Acad Neurol.-[1] The authors reported several evidences from benefits of non-pharmacological treatment of epilepsy. They notably highlighted that therapies cited in their manuscript should not be considered as alternatives to antiepileptic medication, but as complementary therapy for epilepsy. We applaud the authors for pursuing this topic, but we are also interested in addressing some goals for this review. A large number of people with epilepsy use alternative therapies along with their conventional medicine. Although the practice of Yoga may also be referred to as exercise, programs of physical exercise (such as endurance, strength, balance and flexibility) have an important role in this picture. It is interesting to note that individuals with epilepsy and health care professionals do not usually include physical exercise programs as complementary therapy (for review see Arida et al.[2]). In accordance with this reasoning, positive effects of exercise to people with epilepsy have been increasingly reported in the literature. Studies have generally shown that physical activity can decrease seizure frequency as well as lead to improved cardiovascular and psychological health in people with epilepsy.[3–6] From an experimental point of view, beneficial actions of exercise in animals with epilepsy have been reported by our research group in the last decades. For instance, physical exercise reduced the amygdala kindling development[7] and the frequency of seizures in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy.[8] Metabolic, electrophysiological and immunohistochemical studies also demonstrated encouraging effects of exercise in rats with epilepsy.[9–11] Considering the influence of physical exercise on brain function and positive impact in seizure control, it seems reasonable to include programs of exercise as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in epilepsy. Epileptologists should bear in mind the therapeutic use of regular physical exercise when advising the patient to CAM. They should stimulate patients to the practice of regular physical activities not only for seizure control but also for amelioration of general health. Overall, we would like to express our congratulations to Saxena and Nadkarni[1] on their interesting paper and emphasize the possible role of exercise interference as complementary non-pharmacological treatment of epilepsy.

Emotional Intelligence, Social Problem-Solving Skills, and Psychological Distress: A Study of Chinese Undergraduate Students1

This study examines how emotional intelligence (EI), personality, and social problem-solving skills were linked to depression and life dissatisfaction in 144 Chinese undergraduate students in Hong Kong. Factor analyses of questionnaire responses yielded 3 separate dimensions of depression (affective, somative, and cognitive). Structural equation modeling showed that EI (self-emotions appraisal and use of emotion) was linked to somatic and cognitive symptoms of depression, after controlling for personality. Also, social problem solving was linked to psychological distress, and moderated its links with personality and EI. These results underscore the differences among the links between the components of EI and of psychological health, and support the possibility of promoting people's psychological health through EI and social problem-solving interventions.

Social aspects of alcohol consumption in Poland

PurposeUnderpinning this research is an acknowledgement of the increasing attention paid to the social issues raised by young peoples' alcohol consumption. Although earlier research has identified a number of factors contributing to alcohol‐related problems in Poland, only a handful of studies attempted to better understand drinking patterns and their influence on alcohol consumption amongst Polish people. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the roles alcohol plays in the life of young people in Poland.Design/methodology/approachAll the data are collected on a university campus in Poland in late autumn 2007 from a group of ten university students. The research is conducted in three phases, using two research methods: focus groups and diaries. Purposive sample is used to establish two focus groups (Phases 1 and 3) each of which meet on two occasions, three weeks apart. In the first two week period between each focus group, respondents are asked to keep private diary (Phase 2) recording every occurrence that is, in their opinion, related to alcohol consumption.FindingsThe findings are themed around three major factors: quantity of consumed alcohol, frequency of consumption and location of consumption. However, the strongest issue is the pressure experienced by students around the social consumption of alcohol.Research limitations/implicationsAt a time when young peoples' alcohol consumption is attracting increasing attention from legislators and regulators, a better understanding of young consumers' behaviour may help government and other non‐profit organisations create well‐informed regulations, policies or educational programmes.Originality/valueAlthough there is significant amount of research into detrimental effects of excessive alcohol consumption on physical and psychological health of people in Poland, little research goes into wider social issues or beyond the most visible biological consequences of drinking as anti‐social behaviour.

Physical Activity and Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common disease found in 2% of the population, affecting people from all ages. Unfortunately, persons with epilepsy have previously been discouraged from participation in physical activity and sports for fear of inducing seizures or increasing seizure frequency. Despite a shift in medical recommendations toward encouraging rather than restricting participation, the stigma remains and persons with epilepsy continue to be less active than the general population. For this purpose, clinical and experimental studies have analysed the effect of physical exercise on epilepsy. Although there are rare cases of exercise-induced seizures, studies have shown that physical activity can decrease seizure frequency, as well as lead to improved cardiovascular and psychological health in people with epilepsy. The majority of physical activities or sports are safe for people with epilepsy to participate in with special attention to adequate seizure control, close monitoring of medications, and preparation of family or trainers. The evidence shows that patients with good seizure control can participate in both contact and non-contact sports without harmfully affecting seizure frequency. This article reviews the risks and benefits of physical activity in people with epilepsy, discusses sports in which persons with epilepsy may participate, and describes the positive effect of physical exercise in experimental models of epilepsy.

The Effects of Two Earthquakes in the Marmara Region of Turkey on the Nutritional Status of Adults

Earthquakes have affected public health and nutrition. Therefore; this study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional status of adults living in the areas affected by Turkey's two largest earthquakes 18 months after they occurred. This study included 285 healthy adults (111 men and 174 women) who were studied in order to highlight the effects that two earthquakes had on their nutritional status. All the participants were living in the earthquake zones and surrounding areas. The study began approximately 18 months after the Marmara Earthquake of August 17th, 1999 and the Duzce Earthquake of November 12th, 1999. The average Body Mass Index (BMI) of the study group after the earthquakes was 24.6±3.6 kg mG for the men 2 and 23.4±4.7 kg mG for the women. Daily energy intake of the men and women was 1385.4±495.7 and 2 1202.9±452.1 kcal, respectively. In present study population, energy (p<0.005), protein (p<0.005), carbohydrate (p<0.001), thiamin, niacin (p<0.005), vitamin A, calcium and iron intake of the men was higher than that of the women. However, energy and nutrient intake, both in the men and women we sampled, were below daily-recommended levels. In order to provide adequate and balanced nutrition to survivors in the regions affected by earthquakes, emergency nutrition plans should be prepared and implemented. One should bear in mind the importance of nutrition to the physical and psychological health of people following natural disasters.

Psychological impact of long-term political violence: An exploration of community service users.

Politically motivated violence has been a hallmark of life in Northern Ireland for the past 37 years. Despite the ceasefires in 1994 to 1995, violent incidents remain a relatively common occurrence. A range of community-based services developed to help people cope. In this article, the psychological health of people who use these services is assessed by means of the General Health Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Index, and the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale. Pearson correlations indicate that 10 years after the ceasefires in Northern Ireland, the psychological health of community service users remains compromised in terms of death, individual, social, and cultural contexts. These issues are discussed in relation to questions regarding the effects of ongoing violence, resilience, and effectiveness of services. Language: en

Depression, social support and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV/AIDS

The present study investigated the prevalence of depression in HIV-positive individuals and its association with adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HIV-positive (n = 80) and HIV-negative (n = 20) participants were assessed for depression and adherence via clinical interview and self-reporting. Fourteen percent of the HIV-seropositive group met the criteria for current mood disorder compared with 5% of controls. Similarly, 39% of the HIV-seropositive participants met the criteria for a past major depressive episode compared with 15% of controls. Non-adherence to HAART was reported by 30.5% of those prescribed HAART and was significantly associated with living alone and relationship status. The present study found compromised psychological health in people living with HIV infection. It is recommended that health professionals continue to screen for depression, relationship status and living situation to ensure adherence to HAART.

Nature, culture, and civil society

Civil societies are related in complex ways with the nature that surrounds them. Drawing upon ecological principles, social, economic, and political theories, and empirical evidence from environmental psychology, we explore the ongoing dialectic between nature and culture—how humans alter nature and nature alters humans, their cultures and associations—with particular reference to civil society. In our view, civil society scholars overlook much by not paying close attention to nature. Nature provides opportunities for citizens to work together to improve their neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. Joint action can improve the physical and psychological health of people while also restoring and protecting natural systems. Indeed, a vibrant civil society is essential to achieve the many nature-related goals that require co-ordinated action at landscape scales. At the same time, nature provides appealing opportunities to strengthen the types of social values and institutions that are vital to all versions of civil society. We consider the various forms of civil society that are needed to promote healthy, appealing environments, using specific examples of community-based civic engagement. We particularly endorse citizen-run associations (i) that embrace nature-respecting normative values; (ii) that work with land and undertake political action; and (iii) that encourage participants to become more alert, engaged members of their natural homes.