Positive Acceptance Research Articles

Perception of AI tool adoption and training: initial validation using GSEM method

PurposeThis study develops and validates the “Perception of the Adoption and Training in the Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in the Profession” instrument, designed to measure Latin American university students' attitudes and perceptions regarding AI training in their professional education across diverse fields.Design/methodology/approachThe instrument was administered to 238 students from various disciplines at a Mexican university. Structural validity and reliability were assessed using a generalized structural equation model (GSEM) with quasi-maximum likelihood (QML) to handle data non-normality and analyze latent construct relationships.FindingsResults show high internal consistency and validity, with strong correlations between items and constructs of “attitude” and “perception of AI training value.” The study found significant relationships between understanding AI tools and the perceived value of AI training, as well as between this perception and attitudes toward incorporating AI in professional training.Practical implicationsThe instrument helps institutions identify student attitudes and training needs related to AI, enabling tailored curricula and training programs that foster positive AI acceptance, thus preparing students for modern technological challenges.Originality/valueThis study offers a validated instrument tailored to the Latin American context, addressing a gap in measuring student perceptions of AI in professional training. It serves as a diagnostic tool for educators and policymakers in designing AI-integrated pedagogical strategies that align with student needs.

TEACHERS’ STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH LGBTQI LEARNERS AT SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE NONGOMA CIRCUIT

This study examined secondary school teachers' perceptions of LGBTQI learners within the Nongoma Circuit, focusing on the interactions between teachers and LGBTQI students and identifying effective engagement strategies. Adopting a phenomenological philosophy, the research aimed to understand the lived experiences and meanings of teachers' perspectives. A qualitative approach was employed to provide flexibility in exploring these experiences. The study utilised a phenomenological design to uncover nuanced insights into teachers' attitudes. The sample comprised five Life Orientation educators from secondary schools in the Nongoma Circuit, selected through purposive sampling to ensure rich, relevant data. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. To ensure the trustworthiness of the findings, the study addressed credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Social constructionism served as the theoretical framework, offering a sociological perspective on human behaviour and interactions. Findings indicated a range of attitudes towards LGBTQI learners, from positive acceptance to negative biases. The study highlighted the need for enhanced training and support for educators to create inclusive and secure educational environments for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Thematic analysis revealed diverse viewpoints, underscoring the importance of targeted teacher training and policy reviews to foster empathetic and inclusive learning spaces. The results suggest crucial steps towards improving secondary school environments by addressing LGBTQI issues comprehensively within teacher training programs and school policies.

Exploring the Psychometric Properties of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC)

Abstract The aim of this paper was to critically evaluate the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). The CD-RISC is a brief, self-report instrument consisting of 25 items on a 5-point Likert scale which ranges from zero to four with higher scores reflecting greater resilience. A five-factor scale is used to conceptualise resilience with eight items on personal competence, high standards, and tenacity; seven items on trust in one’s instinct, tolerance of negative effects, and strengthening effects of stress; five items on positive acceptance of change and secure relationships; three items on control; and two items on spiritual influences. The CD-RISC has been used across a range of contexts and populations and has been translated into many languages. The CD-RISC has been critically evaluated as a part of wider reviews and has been critiqued within individual studies which have utilised the measure; however, there has not yet been a specific, critical evaluation of the scale which provides a comprehensive picture of the measure by drawing such research together. Given how widely the measure is used across both clinical and non-clinical populations, it is felt necessary to provide clinicians and researchers with an evaluation of the measure in terms of its reliability and validity. Such information is essential when drawing conclusions from scores on the measure. As such, this article will present and discuss the strengths and limitations of the CD-RISC with reference to its psychometric properties. In addition, the implications of the findings of the review will be discussed with reference to its use in current practice and research.

Self-Acceprance of Parents Who Have Children With Special Needs at Benpasi State Special School

Children with special needs are children with mental, intellectual, physical, behavioral, emotional and communication limitations which can have an impact on the child's growth and development, making them different from other children their age. The importance of self-acceptance by parents of ABK in order to optimize the potential and development of ABK through the stages of acceptance according to Germer (2009), namely: Aversion, Curiosity, Tolerance, Allowing, Friendship. This research aims to describe the self-acceptance process of parents who have ABK at SLBN Benpasi. The research design uses a qualitative research approach with phenomenology with 5 subjects based on criteria determined using a purposive sampling technique. The data collected was analyzed using hermeneutic phenomenological analysis techniques and produced 3 main themes, namely, the challenge of acceptance, the process of facing reality, and coming to terms with reality. The process of self-acceptance by ABK parents experienced a positive acceptance process. Each participant was successful and able to go through each process well in different ways.

Using music storytelling communication intervention to promote acceptance of C-sections among families in rural areas

This study examined the effectiveness of music storytelling communication intervention in promoting the acceptance of caesarean section (CS) among families in rural areas. The families were randomly assigned to control groups, music storytelling and non-music storytelling. The result showed that although the families reported a negative perception of CS at baseline and rejected it as a delivery option, this changed significantly after the intervention. Comparatively, families in music storytelling scored higher regarding positive perceptions and acceptance of CS than those in non-music storytelling. The difference between the control and treatment groups was sustained during follow-up assessment after six months. However, a relapse of 5.0 was observed for the non-music storytelling regarding their perception and 5.5 regarding their acceptance of CS. For the music storytelling, the relapse was 2.1 for perception and 2.9 for acceptance. This means that music storytelling also led to a low relapse when compared with non-music storytelling communication intervention.

How do health workers build resilience after family loss, covid-19 infection, and social stigma during the pandemic?

This study investigates the resilience-building process of health workers who experienced critical incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic, including family loss, personal infection, and social stigma. Specifically, the research addresses how these factors influence the psychological, emotional, and behavioral resilience of healthcare workers. Using a qualitative method with a Critical Incident Technique design, the study involved in-depth interviews with 12 health workers, including nurses and medical professionals, who met the criteria of having lost a spouse or parent to COVID-19, endured moderate to severe infection, or faced negative community stigma. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and resilience factors. Findings reveal that social support, emotional regulation, self-efficacy, and spirituality played significant roles in resilience-building. Affective responses, such as a sense of security from social support and optimism, cognitive responses like positive thinking and acceptance, and behavioral capacities, including increased worship and professionalism, were prominent. The research also highlights that these resilience processes led to positive adaptation and post-traumatic growth, with 33% of participants reporting a more positive outlook on life and 66% exhibiting increased patience and gratitude. These findings suggest that resilience in healthcare workers is shaped by a complex interplay of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral factors, with implications for policy development and mental health support for healthcare professionals.

Using neural networks for the detection of textual patterns in academic texts: A case study at the university of Nariño

Dealing manually with large volumes of textual information leads to problems in qualitative research, such as the time spent reading and processing the data and the possibility of losing critical details. In education sciences, investigations are commonly based on the qualitative paradigm, requiring substantial amounts of data to be processed textually. In this situation, an alternative for processing text to detect patterns using neural networks in the computational linguistics scenario is proposed. In this regard, qualitative research using a quasi-experimental method is performed. The quasi-experiment is done within the Qualitative Information Analysis course of the master's degree in Higher Education Teaching in 2022 with Class XIV; in such a course, six students evaluated the computational solution using material related to their working master’s thesis. The results from the application test are satisfactory due to the positive user acceptance, providing a plausible alternative to commercial computational solutions on the market.

Teaching -Learning Process as a Strategy to Recover and Strengthen the Shuar Culture

This study examines the impact of the teaching-learning process on the preservation of the Shuar culture in Ecuador, specifically in the Morona Santiago Support Center. The main objective is to analyze how the Bilingual Intercultural Educational Model (MOSEIB) contributes to the rescue of the Shuar cultural identity among children and young people. The methodology is quantitative and descriptive, using surveys to obtain data on the perception and experiences of teachers and students. The population includes 51 people, including 33 teachers and 18 students, who answered questions about the use of cultural resources in the classroom and the relevance of Shuar customs as myths, legends, and mother tongue. The results indicate a positive acceptance of the MOSEIB model, as both students and teachers express that teaching based on the Shuar culture reinforces their identity. A high percentage of students enjoy cultural activities and value the use of traditional language and dress. In conclusion, the Intercultural Bilingual Educational Model has a positive impact, promoting the continuity of Shuar traditions and generating a space of respect and appreciation of their culture both in the educational field and in daily life.

Silkworm (Bombyx mori) frass as a novel culinary ‘tea’ application in gastronomy: Aroma profile, volatile compounds, and consumer acceptance

Tea is a popular beverage consumed all around the world. Its origins can be traced back to China, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. A subcategory of tea is referred to as ‘insect tea’; it is produced using the excrement (frass) of insects that consume plants. This study explored the utilisation of silkworm frass, a by-product of silk production, as a novel beverage in the culinary field. It explored optimal preparation methods, and measured physicochemical properties, volatile aroma compounds, the sensory aroma profile, and consumer acceptance. Silkworm frass was collected and roasted at 160 °C for 0, 30, 40, and 50 min. The analysis revealed notable differences in the samples' water activity, moisture content, colour, and pH: Moisture content and water activity decreased, preventing spoilage of the samples, while pH increased, and the colour intensified. The volatile aroma analysis revealed 65 compounds, including alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ethers, ketones, phenols, pyrazines, and hydrocarbons. These compounds exhibited significant variations in concentration depending on the duration of roasting. Sensory evaluation presented distinct attributes associated with each sample, such as earthy and roasted aromas in all samples, and specific aromas of brown herbal aftertaste and tobacco leaves in the 50-min sample, roasted grain aromas in the 40-min sample, and stronger notes of cut hay for both the 30-min and 50-min sample. The hedonic sensory test revealed that the duration of roasting did not influence consumer preferences in terms of the attributes of taste, aroma, colour, texture, and overall acceptance. The novel ‘tea’ demonstrates potential in the gastronomy industry due to its aroma profile and positive consumer acceptance. It is a promising example of an upcycled culinary product that utilizes by-products from silk farms.

ChatGPT Integration in Business Schools among Selected Higher Education Institutions: A Proposed Strategic Programs

This study investigated faculty perspectives on integrating ChatGPT into business school curricula at five universities in Manila, addressing a gap in understanding faculty acceptance, influencing factors, and challenges. Specifically, the research examined acceptance levels, key influences (perceived usefulness, social influence, innovation characteristics, and psychological needs), and barriers to implementation. A descriptive quantitative research design was employed, utilizing structured surveys with statistical analyses including correlation, regression, independent t-tests, and One-Way ANOVA. Findings revealed a generally positive faculty acceptance of ChatGPT integration, with significant correlations between perceived usefulness and social influence (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) and between innovation characteristics and psychological needs (r = 0.73, p < 0.01). Faculty acceptance also differed significantly based on experience levels (p < 0.05). Although integration is well-received, addressing critical challenges is essential for effective implementation. Recommendations include comprehensive training, robust data protection policies, ethical guidelines to prevent misuse, and a supportive environment to foster personalized learning and psychological support.

Analisa Layanan Sistem Informasi Online Shop Produk Kecantikan pada PT. Cantika Alami Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the service quality of the online shop information system for beauty products at PT. Cantika Alami Indonesia. The research focuses on identifying the company’s needs, challenges in system development, and the benefits of better system implementation. Data collection methods include observation, interviews, questionnaires, and literature review. The findings reveal that the user aspect achieved a satisfaction score of 79.07%, indicating positive acceptance and experience. The functional aspect scored 75.54%, suggesting that the system functions well, though further improvements are needed. Meanwhile, the non-functional aspect received a score of 65.18%, highlighting the need for enhancements in performance and accessibility. Overall, the online shop system is rated well by users, but there is room for improvement, particularly in non-functional aspects. This study is expected to serve as a reference for companies and business practitioners in improving their e-commerce information systems to better meet consumer needs.

Transformasi Layanan SIM Nasional Presisi (SINAR) melalui Inovasi Aplikasi Digital Korlantas Polri di SATPAS Colombo Surabaya

The implementation of public services in Indonesia is regulated by Law Number 25 of 2009, namely a series of activities to meet service needs in accordance with regulations for every citizen and resident. This service includes goods, services or administrative services provided by public service providers. In addition, through Presidential Instruction Number 3 of 2003 concerning national policies and strategies for developing E-government, communication and information technology is utilized in government processes to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of government administration. One form of e-government-based public service innovation introduced by the National Police Chief is the National Police Traffic Corps Digital application in the form of the SINAR Service with the aim of providing more effective and efficient public services in the driving license (SIM) renewal process which can be accessed online. The aim of this research is to describe the Digital Application Innovation of the National Police Traffic Corps in the SINAR (Precision National Driving License) Service at SATPAS Colombo Surabaya. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach. The research results show that: 1) Relative Advantage, This innovation was accepted quickly, even though there were internal challenges related to the applicant's signals and devices. 2) Compatibility, acceptance of innovation is fast, but some people still don't know about SINAR services because socialization is not yet comprehensive. 3) Complexity, innovation is accepted quickly, but there are technical problems such as lag or bugs when uploading photos. 4) Triability, positive and rapid acceptance of the innovation due to internal testing by the development team, Satpas staff, as well as a two-week trial with SIM applicants that successfully identified and fixed problems, ensuring the application meets user needs. 5) Observability, innovation is accepted quickly in society, but there are still deficiencies in data collection on applicant queues by security officers that need to be considered.

Abolishing age criterion to determine organ transplant recipients in Israel: A qualitative study of medical staff perceptions

IntroductionSince April 2014 the age limitation on candidates listed for organ transplantation in Israel was abolished following the recommendations of a Public Committee. In this research the new policy was examined in light of scarce medical resources and the increased rate of aging in Israel. MethodsThe opinions of twelve medical staff regarding the policy change were analyzed by a qualitative methodology, using semi-structured interviews. ResultsInterviews with medical staff members revealed three main themes: 1. positive acceptance of the new policy; 2. concerns and problems regarding the change; and 3. the influence of the policy change on the organ transplant allocation system and patient-doctor relationships. Discussion and ConclusionsThe medical staff expressed positive views towards the new policy, based on age-free, individually determined admission to transplant waiting lists. However, some concerns were raised regarding the medical implications of this policy, thus potentially hindering its full application.

Family support and self-care management of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis

Background: Self-care management refers to the proactive steps taken by patients to engage in their own healthcare in order to reach optimal health. Family support is demonstrated through positive responses and acceptance of the family member. Purpose: To investigate the impact of family support on self-care management among chronic kidney disease patients receiving hemodialysis. Method: The study employed a quantitative analytical method with a cross-sectional design. The population included patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at Ir. Soekarno General Hospital in Sukoharjo. A total of 44 respondents were chosen through purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using the Pearson correlation test. Results: Show a correlation coefficient of r=0.671 with p=0.000 < 0.05, indicating a strong relationship between family support and self-care management in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This suggests that various aspects of family support contribute to improving the patients' ability to manage their self-care. Conclusion: Strong family support plays a crucial role in enhancing the self-care management of hemodialysis patients, helping them achieve improved health outcomes.

Ethnographic Study: The Choice of Place and Birth Attendants from the Socio-Cultural Perspective in the Tunjung Benuaq Dayak Tribe

WHO recommends Skill Birth Attendants (SBA) for all births. Around 50 million mothers in developing countries give birth at home without the help of medical personnel. The trust in traditional birth attendants (TBA), meaning that social and cultural influences still strongest. Objective: to analyze the choice of place and birth attendants in the Tunjung Benuaq Dayak Tribe through a socio-cultural perspective in the working area of the Barong Tongkok Community Health Center. Methodology: Qualitative Design with Ethnographic study using the Rapid Ethnographic Assessment Procedure (REAP) method. Snowball sampling is a variation of Purposive Sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 informants. Data analysis uses Thematic analysis. Results: The Tunjung Benuaq Dayak tribe upholds the values of balance and harmonization regarding human relationships with God, human and the environment. They developed local cultures based on complementary belief systems. There is a positive acceptance of science. The local wisdom of Santaap, eating a small portion of the food served, illustrates that they can accept little of knowledge. Customs are still maintained in the birthing process which is carried out by village shamans who are highly trusted by the community. They make the rituals, belief in myths (tempuunt), the existence of spirits who guard and interfere with the birthing process. Conclusion: Socio-cultural values such as trust, knowledge, and customs are very strong guidelines for the Tunjung Benuaq Dayak tribe in choosing a place and birth attendant. Suggestion: preservation of culture and customs that are still considered good in childbirth practices is highly desirable.

Immersive collaborative virtual reality for case-based graduate student teaching in thoracic surgery: A piloting study

BackgroundIn medical education various non-digital teaching methods are established. However, studies have proven that the immersive character of virtual reality (VR) applications positively impact the understanding of spatial relationships.This study outlines the development and pilot testing of a novel system for collaborative, case-based VR teaching, utilizing real-time volume rendered computed tomography (CT) data of thoracic cases among graduate students. MethodsA system was configured and deployed to provide real-time volume rendered CT data in a collaborative, multiuser VR environment. A thoracic surgery VR course was implemented into the surgical graduate curriculum, which has subsequently been evaluated with questionnaires. ResultsSeventy students assessed the curriculum through a questionnaire. Usability was rated intuitive (77.14 %) while few students (5.71 %) reported cyber sickness.A vast majority (98.57 %) agreed VR improved their understanding of anatomy compared to traditional methods and most students found learning more effective. (88.57 %) and joy during participation was rated high (97,14 %). A majority of the students (61.43 %) believed VR could partly replace traditional methods. They supported integrating VR into preclinical (81.43 %) and clinical teaching (94.29 %) as well as taking VR courses from home (78.57 %). Most participants (90,72 %) encouraged the expansion of VR infrastructure. ConclusionThe concept of a collaborative real-time VR-based educational program in medical graduate teaching has proven its technical feasibility and positive acceptance with a desire for more VR integration in surgical curricula. A two-armed study will be conducted to evaluate the objective impact as the expansion of VR environments for teaching continues.

A mindfulness-based intervention for Substance Use Disorder in a Brazilian vulnerable population: a feasibility mixed method study.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic condition that impacts various facets of an individual's life, and society as a whole. The Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) protocol is an innovative intervention that can help to prevent relapse, particularly when used as a post-treatment approach. However, although there is significant evidence of its effectiveness in studies from high-income countries (HICs), there is a dearth of studies examining its feasibility and efficacy in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Thus, this study investigates the feasibility of MBRP as an adjunct to outpatient treatment for SUD in a socially vulnerable Brazilian population. The study employed a mixed-methods design in eight Psychosocial Care Centers for Alcohol and Drugs (CAPS-ad) in the city of São Paulo, and involved 140 participants, 24 healthcare professionals and 7 CAPS-ad managers. In total, 17 MBRP intervention groups were conducted. The study assessed qualitative indicators of acceptability, demand, implementation, adaptation, integration, and limited efficacy testing through group interviews, in-depth interviews and field diary records. It also included limited efficacy testing of the protocol using a quantitative pre-post pilot study to investigate consumption behavior, using the Timeline Followback (TLFB) assessment method; depression, using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale; anxiety, using the state trait anxiety index (STAXI-2); craving, using the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS); readiness to change, using the Readiness-to-Change Ruler (RCR); and severity of dependence, using the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS). The qualitative data were triangulated with the quantitative data to comprehensively evaluate the feasibility of the intervention. The sample comprised socially vulnerable participants with a high dropout rate, primarily due to social factors. Despite facing challenges in respect of regular engagement and initial cultural misperceptions of meditation, the intervention showed positive acceptance and mental health benefits, including impacts on consumption behavior. The study emphasizes the importance of adapting the format of the protocol to better suit vulnerable populations, and to ensure its effective integration into the public healthcare system. Future research should explore protocol modifications, assess its effectiveness in different contexts, and conduct cost-benefit analyses for broader implementation.

Wind Power Plant Location Selection with Fuzzy Logic and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods, especially Fuzzy Weight by Envelope and Slope (F-WENSLO) and Fuzzy Ranking Alternatives with Weights of Criterion (F-RAWEC) for evaluating the potential locations for wind power plants. The study's objective is to provide a solid framework for deciding which locations are most suitable for wind energy projects, taking into account various criteria and expert opinion. The study includes the evaluation of five potential places including Gürün, Kangal, Divriği, Ulaş and Zara in Sivas province of Turkey. The evaluation criteria include wind speed and direction, altitude, land use, environmental impacts, infrastructure proximity, social acceptance, economic costs, security and risk factors, climatic conditions and legal and permit requirements. Scores from experts from various fields and weights of criteria were determined. The analysis revealed that Ulaş and Kangal got the highest point for the wind power plant installation. As Ulaş gets the highest point due to favorable wind conditions, favorable altitude and advantageous land use; Kangal stood out as a strong candidate because of its acceptable wind speed, positive social acceptance and low economic costs. The study highlights the importance of integrating multiple criteria and expert assessments in the decision-making process. The findings suggest that fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods can be effectively supportive of wind power plant site selection. The study provides valuable information for project managers and policy makers, emphasizing the importance of criteria such as security in the choice of location, legal requirements and social acceptance. Future research may expand these findings to examine the integration of additional criteria, alternative locations, and other multi-criteria decision-making techniques.

Process Management Framework for Health and Safety at Work (SST) Companies

Objective: This study aims to develop and implement a process management framework for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) companies, seeking to optimize the organization and execution of services, identifying improvement opportunities throughout the customer journey, from contract closure to renewal. The proposal is to offer an adaptable model that meets industry demands and enhances the operational efficiency of companies. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework addresses the evolution of Regulatory Standards (NRs) since the 1970s and the importance of complying with labor laws for the safety and health of workers in Brazil. The role of eSocial, created in 2014 to unify and ensure the collection of employer information, is highlighted, as well as its function in alerting them to legal risks. Method: The methodology used was action research, as defined by Oquist (1978). The research involved mapping the operational processes of OSH companies to identify areas for improvement. The first version of the framework was developed, tested, and based on the results, improved into a second version. The improvements were based on tests and validations conducted throughout the process. Results and Discussion: The first version of the framework showed positive results but also highlighted the need for improvements, which were incorporated into the second version. Changes included the restructuring of steps and the addition of a new phase focused on the commercial process. Satisfaction surveys with internal and external clients, as well as accounting firms, indicated positive acceptance but also a lack of systemic vision among professionals, affecting the quality of the work. Research Implications: The research implications are significant for the OSH sector. The developed framework improves the organization and efficiency of service-providing companies. The study also highlights the importance of performance indicators to monitor performance and mitigate risks, such as customer loss. It is recommended that future research explore the adaptation of the framework to new technologies and automation. Originality/Value: The originality of this study lies in the creation of a process management framework specifically for OSH companies, where organization and efficiency are essential for complying with labor regulations and ensuring worker safety. The value of the work resides in its practical contribution to the sector, offering an adaptable model that can be improved based on feedback and technological advancements.

HED-Start: A Brief Positive Psychology Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Psychological Adjustment in Patients New on Hemodialysis.

Initiation onto hemodialysis marks a critical transition with intense psychosocial demands. Interventions using cognitive-behavioral therapy to improve distress have been variably effective but require trained staff and are typically delivered only to those who screen positive for clinically significant distress. Interventions guided by positive psychology are lacking. To investigate the effectiveness of a brief positive-skills RCT in improving psychological adjustment in new hemodialysis patients. Using a parallel (2:1) design, blinded cluster-randomized controlled trial (cRCT) design, incident patients (<6 months at NKF dialysis centers) undergoing hemodialysis were randomized to intervention or usual care (UC). HED-Start intervention comprised four group sessions delivered by healthcare staff on positive emotions, acceptance, and life-orientated goal setting. Measures were taken at baseline (pre-randomization) and at 12 weeks: distress/mood (HADS; SPANE); quality of life (KDQOL-SF, WHOQOL-BREF); benefit-finding (BFS, BIPQ); life-oriented skills (HEIQ, CD-RISC-2); self-efficacy (CD-SES). A total of 147 participants enrolled in the trial (response rate, 51.0%; retention [assessment], 90.5%). Study arms were comparable on all baseline and outcome variables except for age, diabetic nephropathy, and hypertensive nephrosclerosis which were subsequently controlled for. Repeated measures ANCOVAs (intention to treat) were used. HED-Start yielded significant reductions over time in depression, and increased quality of life, self-efficacy, benefit finding, and skills relative to UC (moderate effect sizes). Rates of clinically significant depression significantly decreased in HED-Start (p < .001) and increased in UC (p = .002). The significant positive effects of HED-Start, a low-intensity and cost intervention, on several adjustment indices, suggest that programs focusing on positive life skills can value add to existing renal care services.