Positive Psychological Effects Research Articles

Chapter 29: Unproved and controversial methods and theories in allergy‐immunology

Unproved methods and controversial theories in the diagnosis and management of allergy-immunology are those that lack scientific credibility. Some definitions are provided for perspective because in chronic medical conditions, frequently, nonscientifically based treatments are developed that can have a very positive psychological effect on the patients in the absence of objective physical benefit. Standard practice can be described as "the methods of diagnosis and treatment used by reputable physicians in a particular subspecialty or primary care practice" with the understanding that diagnosis and treatment options are consistent with established mechanisms of conditions or diseases.(3) Conventional medicine (Western or allopathic medicine) is that which is practiced by the majority of MDs, DOs, psychologists, RNs, and physical therapists. Complementary medicine uses the practice of conventional medicine with complementary and alternative medicine such as using acupuncture for pain relief in addition to opioids. Alternative medicine implies use of complementary and alternative practices in place of conventional medicine. Unproved and controversial methods and theories do not have supporting data, validation, and sufficient scientific scrutiny, and they should not be used in the practice of allergy-immunology. Some examples of unproven theories about allergic immunologic conditions include allergic toxemia, idiopathic environmental intolerance, association with childhood vaccinations, and adrenal fatigue. Unconventional (unproved) diagnostic methods for allergic-immunologic conditions include cytotoxic tests, provocation-neutralization, electrodermal diagnosis, applied kinesiology assessments, and serum IgG or IgG(4) testing. Unproven treatments and intervention methods for allergic-immunologic conditions include acupuncture, homeopathy ("likes cure likes"), halotherapy, and autologous urine injections.

The effects of positive psychology on the efficacy beliefs of school staff

Efficacy beliefs have been found to have significant influence on effort and persistence, and are associated with protective factors such as resilience, personal well-being and achievement (Bandura, 1997).The effects of positive psychology in schools have received little attention to date. However, since positive psychology offers a focus on the positive aspects of human experience (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000) we theorised that it could effect positive changes in teachers’ efficacy beliefs.A mixed-methods approach was used in a small-scale study of staff in two primary schools. Interview and focus group data informed the development of a questionnaire that was subsequently used to gather pre- and post-intervention data. Staff in one school were introduced to aspects of positive psychology and participated in an intervention designed to cause reflection on ‘good things’. Staff in a second school acted as a control group.Findings suggest that efficacy beliefs had been enhanced for staff who had participated in the intervention, but not in the comparable school where staff had acted as a control group. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed and suggestions made for future research.

Effects of Positive Psychology Interventions in Depressive Patients—A Randomized Control Study

Effects of Positive Psychology (PP) have been shown in several studies to alleviate depressive symptoms in patients suffering from major depression or dysthymia when administered within psychotherapy. The present study served to test for the effects of two interventions from PP (best possible self, three good things) when practised by depressive patients for three weeks without any other concomitant psychotherapy. Seventeen depressive patients were randomly assigned to either the PP group or the control group. Patients in the PP group wrote down the best possible self for one week and then three good things for another two weeks. Patients in the control group wrote down images of the future of mankind for one week and early memories for two weeks. Prior to the intervention and again after it had finished, depressive symptoms, satisfaction with life, positive and negative affect, optimism, and resilience were assessed. While in both groups of patients well-being and resilience increased and depressive symptoms declined, the decline of depressive symptoms and the increase of positive affect and resilience were more pronounced in the PP group. The results support the notion that even a short intervention using PP alone alleviates depressive symptoms and increases well-being. Although the effects were of marginal significance, this may be attributed to the relatively small sample size. Likewise, the use of an Intent-to-Treat analysis may have affected the PP group more than the control group, indicating an underestimation of the potency of PP in the present study.

Validation of a scale assessing psychological restoration associated with sustainable behaviours

Grounded in the idea that sustainable actions can be maintained through positive psychological repercussions, the main aim of this study was to demonstrate the hypothesis that people achieve psychological restoration through their sustainable behaviour and that this restoration can be measured through self-reporting measures. A scale was developed to assess the perception of the possible restorative effects of engaging in pro-environmental and pro-social actions. The instrument, administered to one hundred and forty inhabitants of a Mexican city, contained 16 items that measured, as sub-scales, the dimensions of being away, fascination, extent and compatibility which—according to the theory—identify psychological restorative states. Two additional scales were also administered, measuring the self-reporting of pro-environmental and altruistic behaviours. The restoration sub-scales displayed internal consistency, confirmed the expected four-dimensional structure, whilst also facilitating the emergence of a higher-order factor (psychological restoration associated with sustainable practices). The above was taken as evidence of construct convergent validity. Given that this second-order factor significantly correlated with the measures of altruism and pro-environmental behaviour, the results also indicate criterion validity for the instrument tested here. Its use is proposed in studies aimed at demonstrating the positive psychological effects of sustainability.

Effect van tekort en suppletie van groeihormoon en insuline-achtige groeifactor-I op hersenfuncties

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IgF-1) are important for brain functioning. There are GH and IgF-1 receptors in numerous brain areas and cognitive impairments in patients with GH deficiency (GHD), Prader Willi syndrome (PWS), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and dementia seem related to low levels of these hormones. Also agerelated cognitive decline appears to be associated with reduced GH/IgF-1 levels. As GH substitution can alter hormone levels in the cerebral spinal fluid it may affect brain functioning. Indeed, a minimum duration of one year of GH substitution improved cognitive functioning of GHD patients. In Alzheimer patients the administration of a GH secretagogue substantially enhanced IgF-1 levels, but did not induce positive psychological effects. In contrast, one study on GH substitution in PWS patients indicated positive cognitive effects. As transient or permanent GHD frequently occurs in TBI patients, GH substitution may reduce brain impairment. The only study that investigated GH substitution in TBI patients indeed reported a beneficial effect of GH substitution on cognition, including memory. We conclude that GH substitution may reduce cognitive impairment or even improve brain functions in specific patient groups. Although GH substitution has been shown to improve cognitive functioning in various groups, effects are sometimes small and study groups are frequently heterogeneous with a small sample size. As the available evidence of the cognitive effects of GH substitution is limited, more studies are needed to demonstrate that GH substitution may induce cognitive improvement in distinctive patient groups with GHD.

Skin-to-Skin Care in Nordic Nicu's - A Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices

Background and Aims: Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) has positive physiological and psychological effects and is implemented in neonatal care to various degree all over the world. Little is known though, to what extent and for which populations. The primary aim or this study was to investigate the level of implementation of SSC in the Nordic countries, and secondary to explore some of the barriers against and facilitators of SSC. Methods: Two questionnaires were constructed, one to the head nurse of every NICU and one to all staff members beginning their shift during a selected 24-hour period. The staff questionnaire was partly inspired by the Kangaroo Care Questionnaire (Engler, 2002). The questionnaires were sent to every NICU in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden (n=109) where a total of 1 446 staff questionnaires were distributed. Results: The response rate for the staff survey was 72 %. All responding NICUs provided SSC for infants and their parents, on average 3-6 hours a day, but the proportion of units having guidelines for this varied from 28 to 62 % between the countries. The most common benefit of SSC, mentioned by the staff members was that it improved the infants'general development. Lack of stability in an infant was the main reason for not providing SSC. Conclusions: Skin-to-skin care was provided in all Nordic NICUs but to varying extent and often without guidelines. Policies and practices varied between the countries which implies a need for common Nordic guidelines for skin-to-skin care in neonatology.

Clinical exercise interventions in prostate cancer patients—a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, fatigue as well as fears and depression rank among the most common complaints in patients with prostate cancer, resulting in a reduced participation in daily life and social isolation. Consequently, the quality of life of prostate cancer patients is strongly affected in a negative way. Numerous studies focusing on physical exercise interventions in prostate cancers patients demonstrate positive physiological and psychological effects. Our objective was to evaluate the evidence of randomized controlled studies which examined exercise during medical treatment and in the aftercare of a prostate cancer disease. Twenty-five randomized controlled trials regarding physical activities in patients with prostate cancer were obtained by systematic literature research (Medpilot). Twenty-one studies examined clinical exercise interventions during the phase of medical treatment (irradiation, pre- and/or post-op, androgen deprivation therapy) and four studies during the aftercare. In order to evaluate the evidence of the included studies, the evaluation system of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine was used. Within this systematic review, we differentiated between "supervised clinical exercise" and "non-supervised clinical exercise." Current data suggest that incontinence, fitness, fatigue, body constitution, and also quality of life can be improved by clinical exercise in patients during and after prostate cancer. Studies were mostly ranked evidence level "2b." Only four studies, all conducted during medical treatment, reached the level "1b." It seems to be that "supervised exercise" is more effective than "non-supervised exercise." For future research, further randomized controlled trials with high methodological quality need to be conducted in order to establish evidence-based recommendations particularly for prostate cancer patients.

Mindfulness as a moderator in expressive writing

Randomized, controlled studies have documented positive physical and psychological effects of writing about traumatic stress. Some of these studies have shown that individual differences play an important role, with participants responding differently to the intervention based on their personal characteristics. In the present expressive writing experiment, the trait of mindfulness was examined as a potential moderator. Seventy-six undergraduates were randomly assigned to either expressive writing (n = 37) or a control group (n = 39). Main effects favoring expressive writing were found, and these were qualified by significant interactions with mindfulness. Specifically, individuals with higher mindfulness scores responded better to expressive writing, experiencing greater physical and psychological benefits than individuals with lower mindfulness scores.

Lived Experiences of Patients Undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation

This qualitative study focused on the patients’ lived experiences in cardiac rehabilitation. A phenomenological research design was the foundation of the study. The lived experiences of the patients directly discovered the uniqueness of the true meaning of cardiac rehabilitation experience in its physical and psychological aspects. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Key informant interview served as a method for data collection. Themes that emerged from the participants’ unique encounter comprised of three (3) major themes: recovery, behavior modification and interpersonal relationship and fifteen (15) subthemes: physical recuperation, sexual activity, positive outlook in life, motivation, psychological recovery, gaining new knowledge, fear, openness, self-discipline, empathy, change in mood, willingness to participate, spiritually, safety, camaraderie, and family support. In conclusion, listening and learning the experiences from the patient who is in the process of CCReP lead us to identify the physiologic and psychological aspect of recovery. This study on CCReP provided an insight not only about clinical improvement but also about the body of the nursing profession. Greater encouragement to post-operative cardiac surgery will allow patients to immerse themselves in the uniqueness of the experience and the positive physiological and psychological effect of cardiac rehabilitation.

The Effects of Hormonal Gender Affirmation Treatment on Mental Health in Female-to-Male Transsexuals

Hormonal interventions are an often-sought option for transgender individuals seeking to medically transition to an authentic gender. Current literature stresses that the effects and associated risks of hormone regimens should be monitored and well understood by health care providers (Feldman & Bockting, 2003). However, the positive psychological effects following hormone replacement therapy as a gender affirming treatment have not been adequately researched. This study examined the relationship of hormone replacement therapy, specifically testosterone, with various mental health outcomes in an Internet sample of more than 400 self-identified female-to-male transsexuals. Results of the study indicate that female-to-male transsexuals who receive testosterone have lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, and higher levels of social support and health related quality of life. Testosterone use was not related to problems with drugs, alcohol, or suicidality. Overall findings provide clear evidence that HRT is associated with improved mental health outcomes in female-to-male transsexuals.

Effect of Acupressure in Treating Urodynamic Stress Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The efficacy of acupressure therapy in managing urodynamic stress incontinence has not been fully investigated. This study evaluates the effects of a validated acupressure protocol for treating women with urodynamic stress incontinence. A randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with a before-and-after study design was conducted. Eighty-one women aged between 18 and 60 were recruited at a urogynecology clinic in an acute hospital in Hong Kong. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention (acupressure) group, a sham group, or a usual care (control) group. A validated acupressure protocol was employed in the intervention group. The intervention comprised three weekly sessions of 30 minutes each for a total of thirty sessions. Outcome measures included pelvic floor muscle strength, number of episodes of urine leakage over four days, self-reported severity of urine leakage, and responses on the Chinese version of the King's Health Questionnaire. No adverse effects were reported. Five percent of the participants dropped out of the study. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted, the results indicated significant differences in pelvic floor muscle strength across the three groups (H =7.05, p =0.03) and in self-reported severity of urine leakage between the intervention and control groups (Z = -2.48, p = 0.01). Significant improvement in all domains of the Chinese version of the King's Health Questionnaire was evident in the intervention group. Acupressure is a simple and non-invasive intervention that appears to have positive physiological and psychological effects on women with urodynamic stress incontinence. The findings support acupressure as an intervention option for managing urodynamic stress incontinence in women.

Examining a Positive Psychological Role for Performance Measures

Emerging evidence suggests that management control systems may generate positive psychological effects, leading to higher levels of managerial performance. We extend this literature by examining the extent to which (1) financial vis-a-vis non-financial measures and (2) diagnostic vis-a-vis interactive utilisation of performance measures may be associated with decreasing role ambiguity and increasing psychological empowerment with performance as the ultimate outcome variable. We find that the interactive utilisation of non-financial performance measures can be particularly important for generating a positive psychological experience and (indirectly) increasing performance. Our study contributes further evidence of the psychologically beneficial role played by management control systems.

How does the age gap between partners affect their survival?

I use hazard regression methods to examine how the age difference between spouses affects their survival. In many countries, the age difference between spouses at marriage has remained relatively stable for several decades. In Denmark, men are, on average, about three years older than the women they marry. Previous studies of the age gap between spouses with respect to mortality found that having a younger spouse is beneficial, while having an older spouse is detrimental for one's own survival. Most of the observed effects could not be explained satisfactorily until now, mainly because of methodological drawbacks and insufficiency of the data. The most common explanations refer to selection effects, caregiving in later life, and some positive psychological and sociological effects of having a younger spouse. The present study extends earlier work by using longitudinal Danish register data that include the entire history of key demographic events of the whole population from 1990 onward. Controlling for confounding factors such as education and wealth, results suggest that having a younger spouse is beneficial for men but detrimental for women, while having an older spouse is detrimental for both sexes.

Application of Positive Psychology at Workplace

Everybody presume to live a happy life and wants to work in a healthy environment. When we think about workplace a number of negative thoughts comes in mind. Workplace is generally considered to be a place of stress, burden, conflict, challenges, struggle, and politics and so on. Can we imagine of a work place free from tensions and mental pressures? Now, the scenario has been changing rapidly and possibilities of such an environment are high with the magical effect of Positive Psychology. Present paper has attempted to answer these questions. It has also tried to find out the positive strengths, which can be utilized in increasing positivity at workplace. A positive perspective and approach is largely recognized as making valuable contributions for today's organizations. This study has further emphasized on positive psychological capacities of employees, which they have on their performance.

Posttraumatic growth in cancer patients and partners—effects of role, gender and the dyad on couples' posttraumatic growth experience

Little is known about factors influencing positive effects in couples facing a cancer diagnosis. A heterogeneous sample of 224 couples from a multi-site study (four oncology units) completed questionnaire surveys including the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) as a measure of positive psychological effects. The data demonstrated that all three investigated factors--gender, role (patient vs partner) and the dyad (belonging to any of the 224 couples)--significantly contributed to variation in PTGI total scores and subscales. Variability between couples (factor dyad) appeared stronger than variability between patient and partner participants (factor role) and between male and female participants (factor gender). Role and gender analysis showed that patients demonstrated higher levels of posttraumatic growth than partners; and female participants scored higher on PTGI than males. Male patient-female partner pairs show greater association in their experience of posttraumatic growth than female patient-male partner pairs. Correlations also suggested that, regardless of the gender and role composition, patients and partners may experience parallel growth. Our findings indicate that positive psychological experiences may be shared by partners affected by cancer in similar ways as have been shown for negative psychological effects. Intra-couple similarities or processes may have a more important function in experiencing benefits than factors like gender or being the patient or the partner. These results underline the importance of a family approach to understanding negative and positive psychological effects of cancer.

Forest experience and psychological health benefits: the state of the art and future prospect in Korea

The aims of this study were twofold: to examine the empirical evidence supporting the positive contribution that a forest environment can make on human psychological health and well-being and to describe the theoretical framework within which the forest environment has this effect. Our review of the literature provides empirical evidence that a forest experience can contribute to improved emotional and cognitive health.This experience can be through a forest activity program and by experiencing the social and physical conditions of the forest environment and the therapeutic elements of the forest. Visiting or viewing a forest scene has been documented to have a positive effect on psychological healing and well-being in terms of recovering from stress, improving concentration and productivity, improving the psychological state, particularly for people from urban environments. Wilderness and related studies clearly demonstrate that being in a forest environment has a positive effect on people, while results from other studies indicate that contacts with forest environments provide multiple positive physiological and psychological effects on human health that included decreasing the blood pressure and heart rate and reducing anxiety and stress. There are several theories explaining the healing effects of the forest on human beings. Most hypothesize that restorative environments are settings in which recovery is associated with the reduction of stress and that the benefits of contact with natures include a wide range of positive physiological and psychological responses. These theories are based on an evolutionary perspective and share a number of similarities and differences. This article summarizes a number of these theories of restorative environments as well as addresses the current status of forest therapy and the challenges and opportunities for therapeutic effects of the forest in Korea.

Children with Cancer and Blood Diseases Experience Positive Physical and Psychological Effects from Massage Therapy

Previous research has shown positive effects from massage therapy (MT) for premature infants and for children with asthma, arthritis, and other illnesses. Although these effects have been demonstrated, MT research on children with cancer and blood disease is needed. The present study, conducted at the Cancer Center, Shands Hospital, at the University of Florida, Gainesville, measured the physical and psychological effects of MT on pediatric oncology and hematology patients. The participants were 30 children with cancer or blood disease, ages 6 months to 17 years. This randomized, non-blinded prospective study used measures of physical health and mental wellbeing that were completed before, during, and after four MT sessions were implemented. Descriptive statistics, one-way between-subjects analysis of variance, and an independent-samples t-test were used to analyze the data. The treatment group received 20-minute sessions of Swedish MT once daily for approximately 4 days (inpatients), or once weekly for approximately 4 weeks (outpatients); the control group received no MT. Between-groups analyses indicated significant psychological improvements for the MT group on state anxiety (F(1,58) = 16.79, p < 0.000), trait anxiety (F(1,58) = 3.95, p < 0.000), and emotional state (F(1,238) = 42.39, p < 0.001)]. Between-groups analyses indicated significant physical improvements for the MT group on muscle soreness (F(1,238) = 38.96, p < 0.001), discomfort (F(1,238) = 50.16, p < 0.001), respiratory rate (F(1,237) = 22.47, p < 0.000)], and overall progress (t(28) = 25.55, p < 0.000). No significant differences were found between groups on parent-completed ratings of their child's physical or psychological health, pulse rate, or blood pressure. In children with cancer and blood diseases, MT can reduce psychological and physical distress and can have a positive effect on quality of life.

Does community ownership affect public attitudes to wind energy? A case study from south-west Scotland

This paper presents the results of a study of public attitudes to onshore windfarm development in south-west Scotland. Specifically, it explores the influences of different development models on attitudes to windfarms by comparing public attitudes towards a community-owned windfarm on the Isle of Gigha with attitudes towards several developer-owned windfarms on the adjacent Kintyre peninsula. The study, conducted in 2006, used a questionnaire-based survey ( n = 106) to test the hypothesis that community ownership would lead to greater public acceptance of windfarms. It also examined the attitudes of both residents and tourists towards the impacts of onshore windfarms on landscapes and seascapes, including cumulative impacts. The data show that the Gigha respondents were consistently more positive about wind power than were the Kintyre residents. However, the differences were differences of degree rather than diametrically opposing viewpoints. The most significant concerns about windfarms were intermittent production and visual impact, but majorities in both areas nevertheless regarded their visual impact as positive. The data also indicate that local attitudes could become even more positive if future windfarms were owned by local communities. The fact that the residents of Gigha have affectionately dubbed their turbines ‘the Three Dancing Ladies’ is indicative of the positive psychological effects of community ownership. These results support the contention that a change of development model towards community ownership could have a positive effect on public attitudes towards windfarm developments in Scotland.

Pregabalin og misbrukspotensial

The aim of this paper is to assess the substance pregabaline's potential for abuse. Little information is available on the subject and that retrieved is in part conflicting. Pregabaline is likely to be abused for its positive psychological effects, e.g. euphoria. However, these effects are weak and not sustained during long-term use. Pregabaline is therefore likely to have a lower potential for abuse than benzodiazepines. In clinical studies, symptoms suggestive of physical dependence (e.g. insomnia, nausea, headache, diarrhoea) have been observed in some patients after abrupt discontinuation of pregabaline. However, available documentation indicates that pregabaline is associated with less physical and psychological dependence than benzodiazepines.

DOES BRAND IMAGE RESULT IN PLACEBO EFFECT AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON SOFT DRINKS

In medical researches placebos are used in o rder to distinguish between patients’ responses to pharmacologic ally inert and active substances in treatment. Placebos have impact on treatment by promote positive psychological effects. The phenomenon can also be applied into the consumption context, whe re consumers’ salient beliefs and expectations can activate subjective/ behavioral outcomes. In order to find out if brand image give rise to a placebo effect, we conducted an experiment with famous soft drink brands. The findings demonstrate a weak placebo effect, which occurs at the conscious level of consumers.