Poor Relationship Research Articles

An interpretative phenomenological analysis of daily meditation and its impact on one’s sense of self

The present study investigated the impact of daily meditation on sense of self. There is extensive research regarding the physical and mental health benefits that meditation can bring about, yet literature is still limited on the influence this has on an individual’s sense of self. The aims of the current study were to contribute to the existing body of research on meditation and the self and to gain a better understanding of the link between meditation and the self. Furthermore, to look at the potential social health benefits that meditation induces. This was achieved using a qualitative methodological approach applying Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), with an epistemological stance of interpretivism and an ontological position of social constructionism. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted in collecting qualitative data. Three super-ordinate themes emerged which were: 1. Inside Out Positivity, 2. “Quieting the Mind to Hear the Heart”, 3. The Holistic Experience, with eight corresponding sub-ordinate themes. The key findings were that meditation increased feelings of kindness and compassion and improved the quality of relationships for the participants. Participants felt more positive and calmer in their daily living and reported higher levels of awareness. Another key finding was that participants had a better perception of themselves and felt like meditation gave them more perspective of mind. Additionally, participants noted physical changes with greater bodily connection to breathing and had more mental clarity. Finally, participants reported enhanced feelings of spirituality and spoke of power and consciousness beyond themselves. The implications of these findings are that meditation can be a useful intervention for social health issues such as poor relationship quality or feelings of social exclusion by increasing compassion and awareness. Meditation is a useful tool for reducing stress and feeling present. Meditation would also be a beneficial method for positive self-perception and identity.

Unmasking the dark triad: exploring its relationship with attitudes toward intimate partner violence

PurposeAlthough it is a relatively recent conceptualization of malevolent personality, the dark triad (DT) has been widely researched and shown to be responsible for increases in physical violence, controlling behavior, short-term mating preferences and poor relationship quality. This study aims to investigate whether DT traits predict acceptance toward intimate partner violence (IPV) in the general population, addressing a gap in the literature regarding predictors of harmful attitudes toward romantic relationships.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 150 adults aged 18–74 (76% women) completed two self-report questionnaires: the short DT and the IPV attitude scale-revised.FindingsA series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted, with gender as predictor in the first models and DT traits added as predictors in second models. The results showed that male participants were more accepting of IPV than female participants. Over and above the contribution of gender, psychopathy and Machiavellianism positively predicted overall IPV acceptance, but narcissism did not. Psychopathy and Machiavellianism positively predicted acceptance of psychological abuse, and psychopathy positively predicted acceptance of controlling behaviors. Narcissism did not predict any facet of IPV acceptance.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, as the first study to explore the roles of DT traits in acceptance of IPV behaviors, the results contribute to the understanding of how these traits may predispose individuals to harmful intimate partner behaviors. These findings can inform IPV prevention efforts to aid in the early identification of individuals who hold maladaptive beliefs surrounding romantic relationships.

Disparities Associated with Decision to Undergo Oncologic Surgery: A Prospective Mixed-Methods Analysis

BackgroundUnderrepresented minority patients with surgical malignancies experience disparities in outcomes. The impact of provider-based factors, including communication, trust, and cultural competency, on outcomes is not well understood. This study examines modifiable provider-based barriers to care experienced by patients with surgical malignancies.MethodsA parallel, prospective, mixed-methods study enrolled patients with lung or gastrointestinal malignancies undergoing surgical consultation. Surveys assessed patients’ social needs and patient-physician relationship. Semi-structured interviews ascertained patient experiences and were iteratively analyzed, identifying key themes.ResultsThe cohort included 24 patients (age 62 years; 63% White and 38% Black/African American). The most common cancers were lung (n = 18, 75%) and gastroesophageal (n = 3, 13%). Survey results indicated that food insecurity (n = 5, 21%), lack of reliable transportation (n = 4, 17%), and housing instability (n = 2, 8%) were common. Lack of trust in their physician (n = 3, 13%) and their physician’s treatment recommendation (n = 3, 13%) were identified. Patients reported a lack of empathy (n = 3, 13%), lack of cultural competence (n = 3, 13%), and inadequate communication (n = 2, 8%) from physicians. Qualitative analysis identified five major themes regarding the decision to undergo surgery: communication, trust, health literacy, patient fears, and decision-making strategies. Five patients (21%) declined the recommended surgery and were more likely Black (100% vs. 21%), lower income (100% vs. 16%), and reported poor patient-physician relationship (40% vs. 5%; all p < 0.05).ConclusionsFactors associated with declining recommended cancer surgery were underrepresented minority race and poor patient-physician relationships. Interventions are needed to improve these barriers to care and racial disparities.

A Tool for Self‐Assessment

While there are many factors that contribute to an environment that is fertile for union organizing, one of the most potent is a disliked supervisor. Day in and day out, the supervisor is the face of the company. Some workers will spend more time with their supervisor on a workday basis than they will with their own spouse or children. Supervisors can have a tremendous impact on workers, both good and bad. Poor relationships with a supervisor, therefore, can lead workers to seek relief elsewhere—through the perceived protection of a union representative, for example. To avoid this undesirable outcome, supervisors should take the time to assess their own practices and identify areas needing improvement.

Implementasi Pembelajaran Akhlak Tasawuf dalam Meningkatkan Karakter Demokratis Mahasiswa PAI FITK UNSIQ 2023

This research discusses the importance of the Akhlak and Tasawuf courses in Islamic Religious Education (PAI), aiming to teach moral values to students and enhance their character. Issues such as declining character, lack of participation, and poor relationships with lecturers remain concerns. Students need guidance to apply good morals according to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. Tasawuf emphasizes inner purity and closeness to Allah through praiseworthy traits like patience and reliance. The study explores the implementation of Akhlak and Tasawuf education in fostering the democratic character of PAI students at FITK UNSIQ in Wonosobo, Central Java in 2023. The research methodology employs a qualitative approach with descriptive field methods, collecting data through participant observation, interviews, and documentation. Findings indicate that discussion methods effectively link theory to practice, while implementation involves tailored planning and structured execution. Supporting factors include student equality, campus traditions, and a high number of students from Islamic boarding schools, while hindrances encompass student disinterest, lack of awareness, and a shortage of competent lecturers.

The impact of social isolation and loneliness on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and bibliometric investigation

Data on the association between social isolation, loneliness, and risk of incident coronary heart disease (CVD) are conflicting. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between social isolation and loneliness, and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle age and elderly using meta-analysis. The purpose of the bibliometric analysis is to systematically evaluate the existing literature on the relationship between social isolation, loneliness, and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle-aged and elderly individuals. A comprehensive search through four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science) was conducted for published articles that determined the association between social isolation and/or loneliness and the risk of developing coronary heart disease from June 2015 to May 2023. Two independent reviewers reviewed the titles and abstracts of the records. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline to conduct the systematic review and meta-analysis. Data for the bibliometric analysis was obtained from the Scopus database and analyzed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix applications. Six studies involving 104,511 patients were included in the final qualitative review and meta-analysis after screening the records. The prevalence of loneliness ranged from 5 to 65.3%, and social isolation ranged from 2 to 56.5%. A total of 5073 cardiovascular events were recorded after follow-up, ranging between 4 and 13 years. Poor social relationships were associated with a 16% increase in the risk of incident CVD (Hazard Ratio of new CVD when comparing high versus low loneliness or social isolation was 1.16 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.10–1.22). The bibliometric analysis shows a rapidly growing field (9.77% annual growth) with common collaboration (6.37 co-authors/document, 26.53% international). The US leads research output, followed by the UK and Australia. Top institutions include University College London, Inserm, and the University of Glasgow. Research focuses on "elderly," "cardiovascular disease," and "psychosocial stress," with recent trends in "mental health," "social determinants," and "COVID-19". Social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of and worsen outcomes in incident cardiovascular diseases. However, the observed effect estimate is small, and this may be attributable to residual confounding from incomplete measurement of potentially confounding or mediating factors. The results of the bibliometric analysis highlight the multidimensional nature of CVD research, covering factors such as social, psychological, and environmental determinants, as well as their interplay with various demographic and health-related variables.

Let's get real: Identity concealment, burnout, and therapeutic relationship quality among psychology trainees with concealable stigmatized identities.

Identity concealment thwarts psychological needs of authenticity and belonging, both of which are important for mental health and relationship building. Through the lens of minority stress theory and relational-cultural theory, the present study examined whether identity concealment in the workplace by psychology trainees is indirectly associated with greater burnout and poorer therapeutic relationship quality. To test this hypothesis, a parallel mediation analysis was conducted on data from 335 clinical and counseling psychology doctoral trainees with concealable stigmatized identities using Hayes's (2018) PROCESS macro. As expected, identity concealment at a practicum or internship site was negatively associated with authenticity and belonging, both of which were negatively associated with burnout and positively associated with therapeutic relationship quality. Furthermore, identity concealment was associated with lower therapeutic relationship quality and greater burnout indirectly through lower authenticity and lower belonging. Findings suggest trainees who engage in more identity concealment at their clinical training sites may be at increased risk for burnout and poorer relationships with clients due to limited opportunities for authenticity and belonging. Future research is encouraged to longitudinally examine the impact of identity concealment on professional burnout and relationships, as well as potential protective factors. Such knowledge can support the development of interventions and policies that foster safer, more welcoming work environments for trainees with concealable stigmatized identities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

From Nurture to Deviance: A Study on Parenting Style and Juvenile Delinquency

ABSTRACT Drawing on data and quantitative analysis from the 2019 Recidivism Survey conducted by the Ministry of Justice in China, this study unveils a significant correlation between parenting styles, parent-child relationships, and juvenile delinquency. Negative parenting practices can lead to increased anxiety or a lack of self-control, especially in scenarios characterized by inadequate parental supervision. This shortfall in self-regulation is directly associated with a surge in criminal behavior among adolescents, thereby elevating the risk of engaging in delinquent activities. Furthermore, poor parent-child relationships exacerbate the adverse effects of insufficient parental oversight on juvenile misconduct. Youths with diminished social and emotional bonds to their parents are more susceptible to diverging from societal norms and participating in delinquent behaviors. Therefore, effective intervention strategies aimed at curbing juvenile delinquency should focus on improving parental supervision and guidance while simultaneously nurturing positive parent-child relationships.

Inclusion of Syrian students in need of special support in Norwegian schools - a qualitative study with students and parents

ABSTRACT Despite the over-representation of immigrant children assessed as requiring special needs education, research into their social and educational experiences in the Nordics is limited. This qualitative study explored the experiences of five Syrian students in need of special support, and their parents in Norway. A thematic analysis was conducted using intersectionality theory and the social constructionist perspective. Analyses found that Syrian students had positive experiences at schools, with less academic pressure compared to their experiences in Syria, but poor peer relationships. Parents expressed varied emotions, including gratitude for not having to hide the special needs of their children, but uncertainty about how to seek help. Those conflicting feelings seemed to originate from the language barriers, different cultural traditions, and a limited understanding of the Norwegian educational system. Our findings contribute to the literature concerning the inclusion of immigrant students in need of special support and their families, emphasising the significance of culture, and advocating for their participation in both schools and research.

Upaya Mencapai Kebahagiaan oleh Remaja Broken Home ‎Kelurahan Pasar Baru Kota Padang ‎Panjang

This research is motivated by the existence of children from broken home families where their parents are divorced and the children do not live with both parents. The obligation to support their children is not carried out, these children feel unhappy like other friends who have intact parents. The aim of the research is to determine the efforts to achieve happiness by broken home teenagers in Pasar Baru district, Padang Panjang city. Descriptive qualitative research. Informants or people who act as information providers in this research are broken home teenagers in Pasar Baaru Village, Padang Paanjang City. Data were collected by interviews and then the data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive data analysis techniques and data triangulation, namely by comparing data obtained from observations and interviews. Based on the results of the research, it can be concluded that several efforts were made to achieve happiness by broken home teenagers, namely 1) having good relationships with other people, in this case, broken home teenagers have poor relationships with their parents, which can be seen from the fact that they rarely communicate as they should because their parents have separated. and live far away. 2) involve themselves in all aspects of life (full involvement), knowing that they are not fully involved either in making decisions about themselves, or in situations outside themselves. Teenagers are required to accept everything that has been chosen and arranged by their parents. Teenagers are also not involved in activities in. 3) finding the meaning of life, it is known that no one wants to be born into a disharmonious family. They only hope and aspire to help the mother who raised them.

Daily Family Interactions are Associated with Body Mass Index in Couples with Children Experiencing Pandemic Stress

A host of factors, including family distress, may contribute to obesity. While weight gain happens over time, day-to-day interactions may explain how family interactions between one's romantic partner and one's children relate to weight (i.e., individuals may use food to compensate for poor relationships). The study aimed to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and daily family distress (e.g., romantic partners and children) with couples experiencing pandemic-related stress. This diary method designed study sampled heterosexual couples with children ( n = 59, N = 118) reporting pandemic stress. We conducted Actor-Partner Interdependence Models to test actor-partner effects between romantic partners. Results suggested, for men, more upsetting partner interactions were related to their own higher BMI. Women's BMI increased when their romantic partner reported upsetting interactions with them and when the women reported parenting distress.

Reducing the risk of suicidal behaviors in medical graduate students: exploration of student-supervisor relationship and subjective family socioeconomic status.

This study aimed to investigate the association between the risk of suicidal behaviors and student-supervisor relationships and subjective family socioeconomic status (SFSS) in medical graduate students, and to propose preventive strategies to reduce the suicidal risk among medical graduate students. A total of 1,310 validated questionnaires were collected from medical graduate students, which included demographic information, study programs, the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) questionnaire, the Leader-Member Exchange 7 (LMX-7) questionnaire, and SFSS by MacArthur Scale. Multiple regression analysis was employed to examine the associations between variables and adjust for confounders. A moderation analysis, containing simple slope analysis and Johnson-Neyman interval plots were used to analyze the moderating effect of the SFSS in the association of SBQ-R and LMX-7 scores. A total of 88 participants (6.7%) were at risk of suicidal behaviors. In the high-quality student-supervisor relationship group (LMX-7 score ≥ 25), SFSS was significantly higher than in the low- and moderate-quality relationship group (p=0.002). The median SBQ-R score and proportion of suicide risk was significantly lower (p<0.001) in the high-quality student-supervisor relationship group. Multiple regression analysis indicated LMX-7 scores (β=-0.098, 95% CI [-0.118, -0.077], p<0.001) and SFSS (β=-0.073, 95% CI [-0.127, -0.019], p=0.008) were significantly negatively associated with SBQ-R, whereas the interaction term of SFSS with LMX-7 (β=0.018, 95% CI [0.007, 0.029], p=0.001) showed a significant positive association with SBQ-R. The Johnson-Neyman interval showed a significant association between LMX-7 and SBQ-R scores only when SFSS was less than 7.82 (p<0.05). The risk of suicidal behaviors was associated with student-supervisor relationships and SFSS among medical graduate students. Poor relationships with supervisor were associated with an elevated risk of suicidality, and SFSS moderated this association. Educators should pay increased attention to the suicidal risk of medical graduate students with poor supervisor relationships, especially those from families with low SFSS, and provide timely preventive strategies.

Role of Maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences on Infant Neglect: A Multi-Perspective Approach.

We explored the intergenerational transmission effects of maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and infant neglect from multiple perspectives. The study included a sample of postpartum mothers and infants (N = 550) from the outpatient child health care department of a tertiary hospital in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. Our investigation followed three main lines of inquiry. First, the association of overall maternal ACEs with infant neglect was estimated. Secondly, the cumulative and independent effects of maternal ACEs on infant neglect were explored using the Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire-Revised (ACEQ-R) with 14 types of ACEs. Finally, the different patterns of 14 maternal ACEs were identified, and the association between the different patterns and infant neglect was explored. There were three main findings. First, infants born to mothers with ACEs experienced higher levels of neglect compared to those born to mothers without ACEs. Second, infants born to mothers with three or more subtypes of ACEs experienced the greatest levels of neglect, with maternal childhood physical neglect emerging as a particularly influential factor. Third, infants in the "median maternal ACEs" and "high maternal neglect and poor peer relationship" groups experienced more severe neglect than those in the "low maternal ACEs" group. These results suggest that early life experiences substantially shape future parenting behaviors, such as infant neglect.

Beyond academics: Links from teaching practices in Swedish schools to students’ achievements and mental health complaints

BackgroundDespite extensive research on the relationship between teaching practices and learning outcomes, limited attention has been given to their potential links with students’ mental health. AimsThis study investigates the relationships between three teaching practice types – teacher-centered, student-centered, and student-dominated – and both student mental health complaints and academic achievement. It furthers explores variations in these associations based on students’ socioeconomic status (SES). SampleThe analysis includes 4573 grade 9 students (aged 15–16 years) in the Swedish comprehensive school system. MethodsEmploying structural equation modelling techniques, we analyze a dataset comprising students’ cognitive test scores, their perceptions of classroom processes, self-reported mental health complaints, as well as register data on teacher-assigned grades and parental education. ResultsTeacher-centered practices are positively associated with academic achievements but lack robust links with mental health complaints. Conversely, student-centered practices are positively associated with academic achievements and correlate with lower mental health complaint frequencies. However, student-dominated practices demonstrate poor relationships with both mental health and academic achievements. Limited variations based on students’ social background reveal only two differing associations between low and high SES students: teacher-centered teaching shows stronger academic achievement associations for low SES students, while student-dominated teaching is more adversely linked to low SES students' mental health. ConclusionsThe results affirm the benefits of both teacher- and student-centered teaching practices for academic achievement while cautioning against excessive self-directed teaching. Importantly, the study highlights the role of instructional approaches in shaping not only academic outcomes but also students’ mental health.

Factors that impact mental health help-seeking in Australian adolescents: a life-course and socioecological perspective.

Help-seeking provides opportunities for early prevention and intervention of mental health problems. However, little is known about factors that impact help-seeking from a life-course and socioecological perspective. This study aimed to examine factors that impact adolescents' formal and informal help-seeking in three population groups: the whole population, adolescents with depressive symptoms and adolescents with anxiety symptoms. We drew on data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children birth cohort. Participants were followed from birth to 14-15 years. Based on previous literature and life-course and socioecological models, we measured a range of factors at individual and family, interpersonal and community levels at three time points (0-1 year, 4-5 years and 12-13 years). Outcomes at 14-15 years were help-seeking behaviours divided into three categories (formal help from health professionals, close informal help from friends and family members and broad informal help from other sources). Generalised linear models with logit-binomial links were used. There were varying and common patterns of influencing factors across the three population groups and sources of help-seeking. In the whole population, five common factors (female, previous depressive or anxiety symptoms, discrimination and bully victimisation) were associated with all three sources of help-seeking. Among adolescents with depressive or anxiety symptoms, four common barriers to help-seeking were male adolescents, speaking a language other than English, having poor relationships with peers and less social support. Both intrinsic and extrinsic barriers exist for adolescents' mental health help-seeking. There are priority groups of adolescents with mental health problems who are unlikely to seek support and warrant attention. There is a need for multisector collaborations to address barriers to mental health care and promote help-seeking among adolescents.

Quality of Life in Patients Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction: Since the beginning of the new millennium, type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Mexico is the first cause of death in women and the second cause of mortality among men.1 The T2D is a chronic degenerative disease in which blood glucose is elevated2 and that over time; this excess causes a state known as glucotoxicity, which is the pathophysiological basis of diabetes and its complications.3,4 The T2D is complex and leads to physical, economic, and emotional stress that has a direct or indirect impact on the quality of life of patients.5 Objective: To determine the quality of life in patients with T2D, using the “Escala de Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la Salud” (ESCAVIRS). Methodology: A convenience sample of 60 participants was selected with the following inclusion criteria: diagnosis of diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association criteria, both genders, more than 6 months of evolution, and over 45 years of age. The sample was collected from a clinic and private medical offce (“Casa de Salud” [Cuautlancingo, Puebla] and private medical offce located in the “Independencia” neighborhood [Puebla, Puebla]); where the ESCAVIRS was applied during the period May to June 2023. Results: 60 patients were examined, 45 (75%) were female and 15 (25%) were male. 45 patients (75%) have some degree of overweigh/obesity, only 25% of the population is of normal weight, 50% of the patients were overweight and 25% obese. In the ESCAVIRS physical area, the most notable points were: diffculty at work 66% of the cases (28% often, 38% sometimes), diffculty walking 70% (22% often, 48% sometimes), diffculty sleeping 77% (72% often, 5% sometimes). In the psychosocial area, low self-esteem is observed when diagnosed with the disease and is reflected in emotional aspects such as depression, sadness, anger, and worry. In this study, about the area of medical interaction, the deterioration of the doctor-patient and nurse-patient relationship, most of the patients rated this area well. Finally, in the sexual area and the relationship, it was evident in the study that there is a loss of sexual interest, which contributes to poor sexual and relationship dysfunction. Conclusion: The evaluated areas of ESCAVIRS show that patients with T2D treated in these two clinics have a mild degree of deterioration in their quality of life, especially focused on the psychological and physical area.

Orthodontic Status and Association with Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life-A Study of 16-Year-Old Norwegians with a Cleft Lip and Palate.

To assess the association between clinical orthodontic indicators and oral-health-related quality of life, adjusted for socio-demographic factors, focusing on 16-year-old patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). One hundred and twenty-two patients with CL/P, representing cleft-lip (CL), cleft-palate (CP), unilateral/bilateral cleft-lip-palate (UCLP/BCLP), enrolled in the national CLP-Team, Bergen, Norway. A cross-sectional study by two orthodontists assessing the number of teeth, intermaxillary sagittal relation (ANB-angle), dental arch and occlusion of 16-year-old patients with CL/P. All completed a digital questionnaire including self-reported socio-demographic variables, OHIP-14 questionnaire and dental aesthetics. Cross-tabulations with Pearson's Chi-square test were used to identify associations between self-reported OHRQoL and socio-demographic and clinical indicators. Multiple variable analyses were conducted with binary logistic regression analysis using the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess associations between OHRQoL and clinical indicators adjusted for socio-demographic variables. Ethical approval was granted by the regional ethics committee. Patients with UCLP and BCLP had poorer clinical indicators compared to patients with CL and CP (p < 0.05). A total of 80% of the patients had OHIP-14 > 0. The highest oral impact was reported for psychological domains and articulation and the least for functional domains. Respondents with BCLP and those with poor intermaxillary relationships (ANB < 0°) reported a high impact on OHRQoL (p < 0.05). No statistically significant associations between other clinical indicators and socio-demographic variables such as gender, educational aspiration, and place of residence were reported. The study revealed an association between severe cleft diagnosis, missing teeth, misaligned teeth, negative overjet, and poor OHRQoL, but a statistically significant association was found only between OHRQoL and poor intermaxillary sagittal relations (unfavorable profile). To improve OHRQoL among patients with clefts, there is a need for an individual follow-up and prioritization of oral healthcare.

School absence of adolescents from single-parent families in Andalusia (Spain): exploring the mediating and moderating role of economic and social resources

This study examines the relationship between growing up in single-parent families and school absence in Andalusia (Spain), considering differences according to adolescents’ social background. Empirical analyses of data from the Social Survey 2010: Education and Housing show that adolescents growing up in single-parent families have, on average, a higher number of school absences than their peers in two-parent families. These disadvantages are greater for adolescents with low social backgrounds, regardless of whether this is measured by parental education or housing tenure. Both economic resources (lower household income) and social resources (poor relationship with absent parent) partially explain the differences in school absence rates amongst adolescents growing up in single-parent families. School environment (teacher–student relationship, atmosphere amongst students, experiences of school violence or ownership of educational institution) are not influential in explaining educational disadvantage amongst adolescents from different family structures, although they are strong predictors of school absence.

Stigmatization and Mental Health Impact of Chronic Pediatric Skin Disorders

Chronic skin disorders in children frequently are visible and can cause stigmatization. However, the extent of stigmatization from chronic skin disease and association with mental health needs further study. To examine the extent of stigma, dependence on disease visibility and severity, and association with mental health and quality of life (QOL) in chronic pediatric skin disease. A cross-sectional, single-visit study was conducted at 32 pediatric dermatology centers in the US and Canada from November 14, 2018, to November 17, 2021. Participants included patients aged 8 to 17 years with chronic skin disease and 1 parent. Using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Instrumentation System (PROMIS) Stigma-Skin, the extent of stigma with child-, caregiver-, and physician-assessed disease visibility (primary outcome) and severity was compared, as well as reduced QOL (assessed by Skindex-Teen), depression, anxiety, and poor peer relationships (PROMIS child and proxy tools) (secondary outcomes). The study included 1671 children (57.9% female; mean [SD] age, 13.7 [2.7] years). A total of 56.4% participants had self-reported high disease visibility and 50.5% had moderate disease severity. Stigma scores significantly differed by level of physician-assessed and child/proxy-assessed disease visibility and severity. Among children with chronic skin disorders, predominantly acne, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and vitiligo, only 27.0% had T scores less than 40 (minimal or no stigma) and 43.8% had at least moderate stigma (T score ≥45) compared with children with a range of chronic diseases. Stigma scores correlated strongly with reduced QOL (Spearman ρ = 0.73), depression (ρ = 0.61), anxiety (ρ = 0.54), and poor peer relationships (ρ = -0.49). Overall, 29.4% of parents were aware of bullying of their child, which was strongly associated with stigma (Cohen d = -0.79, with children who were not bullied experiencing lower levels of stigma). Girls reported more stigma than boys (Cohen d = 0.26). Children with hyperhidrosis and hidradenitis suppurativa were most likely to have increased depression and anxiety. The findings of this study suggest that physician assessment of disease severity and visibility is insufficient to evaluate the disease impact in the patient/caregiver. Identifying stigmatization, including bullying, and tracking improvement through medical and psychosocial interventions may be a key role for practitioners.

Wellbeing in the age of virtual teams and workplace automation – a systematic review and future research agenda

Purpose In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic organisations are adapting to a new environment of global talent shortages, economic uncertainty and geo-political turmoil. As an outcome, the organisational strategies of digital transformation and remote working have been accelerated in the race to boost innovation, competitivity and attract staff. This has led to the rise of two new organisational dynamics: the increase of virtual teams (VTs) and focus on widespread work automation. However, despite the rise of these two related phenomena, literature does not connect them as one research area, and there is a gap in the understanding of the new employee wellbeing needs they form and how to respond to them. This paper aims to bridge this gap through a systematic literature across these areas. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts a systematic literature review across the areas of leadership, VTs and automation over the past three years. Findings In this review, a number of newly arising employee wellbeing needs are identified such as fear of job displacement, a lack of self-efficacy and social cohesion, poor relationships with leaders and more. In addition, this paper recommends three fundamental research gaps to be addressed by future studies: 1. How to build and cultivate the new leadership skills needed to support VTs and workplace automation? 2. How to design work in a way that caters for employee wellbeing needs when operating in VTs or hybrid teams and working on or with workplace automation? 3. How to design work in a way that builds and emphasises the new employee skillsets to support augmentation and solves for the new employee wellbeing needs experienced by workplace automation? Originality/value This paper provides a novel contribution to literature by centralising current schools of thought across the cross-disciplinary themes and synthesising literature to recommend new wellbeing and leadership skills for organisations to focus on, alongside producing a new research agenda for scholars to focus.