Positive Psychosocial Factors Research Articles

Abstract P073: Cardiometabolic Conditions And Their Risk Factors Among Adults In Puerto Rico Before And After Hurricane María, 2015-2019

Adults living in Puerto Rico (PR) have high prevalence of multiple cardiometabolic conditions and their risk factors. It remains unknown if the destructive events of Hurricane María in 2017 influenced disease burden. We aimed to contrast estimated prevalence of chronic diseases and lifestyle and psychosocial risk factors among adults living in PR before and after the Hurricane. Data from adults aged 30-75y was obtained from PRADLAD, a pilot cross-sectional study of 380 adults conducted in 2015, and from PROSPECT, a longitudinal study that started in 2019 and had 534 participants recruited by March 2020. A subset of 87 PRADLAD participants returned to PROSPECT. Data collection protocols were similar between studies and included validated questions on sociodemographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, psychosocial factors, self-reported medically-diagnosed diseases, and measured anthropometrics. We estimated crude and age-standardized characteristics contrasting the two study populations at different time points (PRADLAD 2015 vs. PROSPECT 2019). Analysis was also conducted solely for the 87 returning participants. Sociodemographic characteristics were similar between studies. Contrasting all participants from both studies showed significantly (p<0.05) higher crude abdominal obesity (73.2 vs. 61.3%), sedentarism (44.4 vs. 35.8%), binge drinking (17.9 vs. 12.1%), and social support (26.9 vs. 24.7 mean score) in 2019 vs. 2015, but lower depressive symptoms (31.7 vs. 52.6%) and perceived stress (19.3 vs. 21.7 mean score). In 2019 (vs. 2015), there was significantly higher crude self-reported hypertension (47.3 vs. 39.2%), arthritis (32.3 vs. 25.6%), high cholesterol (36.4 vs. 23.8%), pre-diabetes (20.3 vs. 15.2%), high triglycerides (23.1 vs. 14.7%), eye disease (17.6 vs. 12.7%), fatty liver disease (12.8 vs. 7.5%), and osteoporosis (13.9 vs. 5.2%). Trends remained, albeit slightly attenuated, after age-standardization. Similar differences in depressive symptoms, perceived stress, social support, high cholesterol, and fatty liver disease were noted for the 87 returning participants, who also reported higher gastrointestinal disease (30.6 vs. 15.1%) and heart disease or stroke (9.5 vs. 2.3%) in 2019 vs. 2015. In conclusion, adults in PR have higher prevalence of unhealthy behaviors and chronic diseases, including multiple cardiometabolic conditions, after Hurricane María, suggesting that natural disasters may amplify cardiovascular-related disparities. Despite this, depressive symptoms and stress were lower and social support was higher post-Hurricane. Larger longitudinal studies and trend data should confirm these observations. Leveraging positive psychosocial factors may bolster population-wide behavioral and clinical preventive measures to improve cardiometabolic health and close inequities among adults in PR, who often face natural disasters.

Positive Psychosocial Factors and Oxytocin in the Ovarian Tumor Microenvironment.

Clinical ovarian cancer research shows relationships between psychosocial factors and disease-promoting aspects of the stress response (e.g., norepinephrine and cortisol). However, little is known about how psychosocial factors might relate to beneficial hormones in the ovarian tumor microenvironment. Here we examine relationships between psychosocial factors and tumor-associated oxytocin, a hormone linked to survival and antitumor processes in ovarian cancer. Patients with ovarian cancer (n = 96) completed assessments of positive psychosocial factors (social support, positive affect, and purpose in life) and distress (perceived stress and depression) at the time of surgery. Levels of oxytocin and interleukin (IL) 6 in ascites fluid were obtained during surgery and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multiple regression analyses adjusting a priori for patient age and disease stage examined associations between psychosocial factors and ascites oxytocin. IL-6 was used as a covariate in secondary analyses to examine the potentially confounding effects of inflammation in these relationships. Higher levels of positive affect (β = 0.22, p = .034), purpose in life (β = 0.31, p = .021), and social nurturance (β = 0.24, p = .024) were all related to higher levels of tumor-associated oxytocin at the time of surgery. In contrast, we found no effects for distress or social attachment. Relationships between oxytocin, purpose in life, and social nurturance were independent of IL-6, whereas positive affect was no longer significant with IL-6 in the model. Tumor-associated oxytocin may be a previously uninvestigated link in the relationship between psychosocial factors and health in ovarian cancer. Future studies should examine causal mechanisms of relationships observed in this study.

Investigating environmental factors and paralympic sports: an analytical study

Purpose Few studies have reported the influence of environmental factors that may act as barriers or facilitators to participation in parasports. The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the relationship between environmental factors present in parasports (attitudes, support, services, assistive technology and policies). In addition, we present the concurrent validation of the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA-Br). Materials and methods Sixty-three adult Paralympic athletes with physical and/or visual impairment who practiced goalball, wheelchair tennis, table tennis, sitting volleyball, rugby, swimming, equestrianism, weightlifting, track and field, archery, bocce ball and parabadminton were analysed. Sociodemographic questionnaires, ATDPA-Br and QUEST B were used for data collection and analysed by 5% significance level (p < 0.05). Results The findings showed a predominance of athletes with spinal cord injury playing rugby (11) and parabadminton (9), 25.4% exhibited low sociodemographic levels, 36.5% required a wheelchair and 9.6% used prostheses. Although 90.5% of participants reported that assistive technology helped them in their sport, they also expressed dissatisfaction with the services provided. There was a significant correlation between satisfaction with the device in the QUEST instrument and the positive psychosocial factors of the ATDPA-Br, meaning the larger the number of positive factors, the greater the satisfaction with the device. Conclusion This study showed the predominance of low-income parathletes and that environmental factor as access to the benefits of public policies, it may be a barrier to participation in parasports. Also, the technology and the services provided should act as facilitators to parasport performance. Implications for rehabilitation Understand the objectives of assistive technology in paralympic sports. Identify the environmental factors present in parasports (attitudes, support, services, assistive technology, and policies). Analyze the relationship between environmental factors present in parasports (attitudes, support, services, assistive technology, and policies). Have access to the concurrent validation of the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA-Br).

Occupational therapy intervention in paralympic sport: a look at low-cost assistive technology for wheelchair rugby

Introduction Paralympic sport is characterized by the pursuit of better performance in sports played by people with disabilities. In wheelchair rugby, assistive technology (AT) equipment is used to enhance athletic performance. Objectives Assess the AT requirements of wheelchair rugby players, identify the psychosocial factors that contribute to their performance and AT use and assess user satisfaction with the recommended and implemented AT. Method Descriptive explanatory case study with a quantitative approach that included four athletes from the Brazilian national wheelchair rugby squad, who answered the Athletes with Disabilities Questionnaire, the AT Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA-BR) and Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with AT (QUEST version 2.0). Statistical analysis consisted of frequencies and percentages, as well as the scores for each instrument. Results Items required: harnesses, gloves and cooling vests. The AT improved athletic performance and increased the overall satisfaction score from 1.6 to 4.8 after intervention. The factors considered to determine AT success were safety, comfort and effectiveness, and the positive psychosocial factors identified were support from family and friends and sufficient income to participate in the sport. Conclusions The study achieved its objectives and the use of a conceptual model, standardized assessments and working in conjunction with the athletes and their trainers were essential. It is hoped that the baseline presented in this study can be used in future research in the fields of AT or parasports. Implications for rehabilitation Present the intervention of the occupational therapist in Assistive Technology (AT) for paralympic athletes; Identify personal and contextual factors in the use of AT in parasports (attitudes, support and services); Present satisfaction with the AT device in parasport before and after intervention; Present satisfaction with the AT service provided by the occupational therapist based on the Matching Person and Technology (MPT) model. Understand the objectives of AT in wheelchair rugby. Understand the use of the MPT conceptual model and application of the AT Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA-BR) to recommend and monitor AT use in the para-athlete population. Know the AT devices used and customized by wheelchair rugby athletes.

Psychosocial Factors Associated with Sleep Quality and Duration Among Older Adults with Chronic Pain.

Sleep complaints are common among older adults with chronic pain. Because of the risk of significant side effects, sleep medications are not recommended as first-line treatments. Little is known about the association between positive psychosocial factors and sleep, but further awareness could support non-drug strategies to minimize poor sleep. The purpose of this study was to (1) determine the prevalence of self-reported poor sleep quality and short/long sleep duration in a population of older adults with chronic pain, and (2) examine the associations of negative risk factors, sleep-inducing medications, and positive psychosocial characteristics on sleep outcomes in this population. This study analyzed survey responses from 4201 adults ages ≥65 years with diagnosed back pain, osteoarthritis, and/or rheumatoid arthritis, and at least 1 year of continuous medical and drug plan enrollment. The most commonly reported sleep outcome was short sleep duration (39%), followed by poor sleep quality (22%), and long sleep duration (9%). Based on pharmaceutical claims, prescriptions for opioids (59%) or benzodiazepines (22%) were common. Perceived stress, depression, and pain or sleep prescription medications were independently associated with poor sleep quality and short or long sleep durations. The positive psychosocial factors of higher resilience and more diverse social networks were independently associated with good sleep quality and optimal sleep duration. These results underscore the importance of social and coping factors to sleep, which may provide new opportunities to improve sleep and well-being in older adults with chronic pain.

Reducing the Effect of Functional Disability on Life Satisfaction Among Persons With a Lived Experience of an Infectious Viral Disease in Taiwan: A Tri-Mediation Model

The purpose of the study was to examine whether disability acceptance, hope, and resilience mediate the relationship between functional disability and life satisfaction in people with a lived experience of an infectious viral disease (i.e., polio and postpolio syndrome [PPS]). Participants consisted of 157 individuals diagnosed with polio or PPS who were recruited from two community support organizations in Taiwan. Participants completed self-report questionnaires. Data were analyzed with a simultaneous regression analysis. The tri-mediation model indicated that disability acceptance, hope, and resilience were associated with life satisfaction, accounting for a large effect size of 46% of the variance in the life satisfaction scores. The direct effect of functional disability on life satisfaction became insignificant when the mediators were controlled for in the model. Hope, disability acceptance, and resilience were found to fully explain the association between functional disability and life satisfaction. This study demonstrated that positive psychosocial factors might help to buffer the indirect and direct negative effects of functional disability on life satisfaction. Implications of these findings for future research and clinical practice when supporting individuals with a lived experience of an infectious viral disease, including COVID-19, are discussed.

Psychosocial Mechanisms of Successful Aging Among Older Women Living With HIV: A Structural Equation Model

Although older women living with HIV (OWLH) face challenges related to the intersection of HIV and aging, our published research found significant prevalence of self-rated successful aging (SRSA) in a sample of OWLH enrolled in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). Studies in other populations link SRSA to positive psychosocial factors but little is known about SRSA mechanisms among OWLH. The purpose of this study is to test a conceptual psychosocial model of SRSA. Our sample (N=356) included OWLH enrolled in WIHS who participated in the “From Surviving to Thriving” (FROST) substudy and completed psychosocial and cognitive assessments: average age 56.5 years, 73% Black, 55% with annual income ≤ $12,000, 74% having 3 or more comorbidities, median CD4=673 cells/ml (Q1=486; Q3=880). SRSA was assessed using a research-based 10-point scale (higher scores=better outcomes). We conducted adjusted structural equation modeling. The global model included two latent variables -- protective attributes (composite of positive psychosocial factors: resilience, personal mastery, optimism, spirituality) and negative affect (composite of negative psychosocial factors: anxiety, depression, loneliness, internalized HIV-related stigma). The model showed good fit (χ2(65)=72.3, p=0.25; RMSE=0.02; CFI=0.99) and explained 21% of variance in SRSA. Increased protective attributes were associated with improved SRSA both directly (p<0.01) and indirectly, via improved coping with stress (p<0.001). While negative affect did not have a direct effect on SRSA, it was indirectly associated with worsened SRSA via diminished protective attributes (p<0.001). Findings suggest the need for interventions enhancing positive and mitigating negative psychosocial factors to promote SRSA among OWLH.

When the At-Risk Do Not Develop Heart Failure: Understanding Positive Deviance Among Postmenopausal African American and Hispanic Women

African American and Hispanic postmenopausal women have the highest risk for heart failure compared with other races, but heart failure prevalence is lower than expected in some national cohorts. It is unknown whether psychosocial factors are associated with lower risk of incident heart failure hospitalization among high-risk postmenopausal minority women. Using the Women's Health Initiative Study, African American and US Hispanic women were classified as high-risk for incident heart failure hospitalization with 1 or more traditional heart failure risk factors and the highest tertile heart failure genetic risk scores. Positive psychosocial factors (optimism, social support, religion) and negative psychosocial factors (living alone, social strain, depressive symptoms) were measured using validated survey instruments at baseline. Adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios of developing heart failure hospitalization were determined with death as a competing risk. Positive deviance indicated not developing incident heart failure hospitalization with 1 or more risk factors and the highest tertile for genetic risk. Among 7986 African American women (mean follow-up of 16 years), 27.0% demonstrated positive deviance. Among high-risk African American women, optimism was associated with modestly reduced risk of heart failure hospitalization (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.91-0.99), and social strain was associated with modestly increased risk of heart failure hospitalization (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.12) in the initial models; however, no psychosocial factors were associated with heart failure hospitalization in fully adjusted analyses. Among 3341 Hispanic women, 25.1% demonstrated positive deviance. Among high-risk Hispanic women, living alone was associated with increased risk of heart failure hospitalization (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.06-3.63) in unadjusted analyses; however, no psychosocial factors were associated with heart failure hospitalization in fully adjusted analyses. Among postmenopausal African American and Hispanic women, a significant proportion remained free from heart failure hospitalization despite having the highest genetic risk profile and 1 or more traditional risk factors. No observed psychosocial factors were associated with incident heart failure hospitalization in high-risk African Americans and Hispanics. Additional investigation is needed to understand protective factors among high-risk African American and Hispanic women.

Health-related quality of life is strongly associated with self-efficacy, self-esteem, loneliness, and stress in 14\u201315-year-old adolescents: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundTo enhance and better understand health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents, it is important to study factors associated with HRQOL. The present study aimed to assess possible associations between sociodemographic variables, self-efficacy, self-esteem, pain, sleep, loneliness, stress and HRQOL in 14 to 15-year-old adolescents.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed among 696 adolescents (14–15 years) in a school-based setting. Sociodemographic variables, self-efficacy, self-esteem, pain, sleep, loneliness and stress were analyzed. The variables were all assessed with well-validated instruments. HRQOL was analyzed using KIDSCREEN 27. Analyses included Chi-square, independent t-tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, linear regression analyses and hierarchical regression analyses. The results from linear regression models were expressed as standardized beta.ResultsThe adolescents generally reported high levels of HRQOL. However, girls scored significantly worse on HRQOL, self-efficacy, self-esteem, pain, sleep, loneliness and stress compared to boys. Using hierarchical regression analyses we found that Self-efficacy (beta = 0.11–0.24), Self-esteem: (beta = 0.12–0.21), Loneliness: (beta = − 0.24 to − 0.45) and Stress: (beta = − 0.26 to − 0.34) revealed the strongest associations with the HRQOL dimensions. Sociodemographic-, pain- and sleep related covariates were all significantly associated with some of the KIDSCREEN subscales, however their effect on the outcome was smaller than for the psychosocial variables listed above. Being a girl, not living with both parents, not having both parents working, being absent from school more than 4 days, having pain and having lack of enough sleep were all independently negatively associated with HRQOL.ConclusionsHRQOL is strongly associated with self-efficacy, self-esteem, loneliness and stress in 14 to 15-year-old adolescents. Our findings indicate that positive psychosocial factors such as self-efficacy and self-esteem might play a buffer role for negative psychosocial factors (e.g. stress) in adolescents. Further, our results show that girls score significantly worse on factors that are associated to HRQOL compared to boys. To improve HRQOL in school-based populations of adolescents, we suggest that future interventions should aim to strengthen self-efficacy and self-esteem. We recommend gender specific interventions.

Positive Psychosocial Factors and Cognitive Decline in Ethnically Diverse Older Adults.

Previous cross-sectional studies have documented associations between positive psychosocial factors, such as self-efficacy and emotional support, and late-life cognition. Further, the magnitudes of concurrent associations may differ across racial and ethnic groups that differ in Alzheimer's disease risk. The goals of this longitudinal study were to characterize prospective associations between positive psychosocial factors and cognitive decline and explicitly test for differential impact across race and ethnicity. 578 older adults (42% non-Hispanic Black, 31% non-Hispanic White, and 28% Hispanic) in the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project completed cognitive and psychosocial measures from the NIH Toolbox and standard neuropsychological tests over 2.4 years. Latent difference scores were used to model associations between positive psychosocial factors and cognitive decline controlling for baseline cognition, sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, physical health, and other positive psychosocial factors. Multiple-group modeling was used to test interactions between the positive psychosocial factors and race/ethnicity. Higher NIH Toolbox Friendship scores predicted less episodic memory decline. One standard deviation increase in friendship corresponded to 6 fewer years of memory aging. This association did not significantly differ across racial/ethnic groups. This longitudinal study provides support for the potential importance of friendships for subsequent episodic memory trajectories among older adults from three ethnic groups. Further study into culturally informed interventions is needed to investigate whether and how friend networks may be targeted to promote cognitive health in late life.

Religiosity, Well-Being and 'Slowing Down' Ageing Damage: A Literature Review.

Telomere length (TL) represents an important marker of cellular aging. Its shortening affects human health and longevity by inducing senescence, apoptosis, and oncogenesis. Advanced ageing and negative behavioral and lifestyle factors decrease TL. The relationship between positive psycho-social factors and longer telomeres has given rise to a growing number of research efforts. Among these, religiosity poses a particular interest since it is associated with a wide range of favorable health outcomes. In this direction, recent literature reports, suggest a positive link between religiosity and TL. Underlying mechanisms for this association are not yet clarified.In this review, we would like to summarize the current knowledge on the link between religiosity and TL. Taking this opportunity, we recall findings from a cohort study in rural Crete, Greece that adds evidence on the discussion of potential psycho-social mediators which some may prevent shortening of TL.

Bouncing back after lumbar spine surgery: early postoperative resilience is associated with 12-month physical function, pain interference, social participation, and disability

BACKGROUND CONTEXTPositive psychosocial factors early after surgery, such as resilience and self-efficacy, may be important characteristics for informing individualized postoperative care. PURPOSETo examine the association of early postoperative resilience and self-efficacy on 12-month physical function, pain interference, social participation, disability, pain intensity, and physical activity after lumbar spine surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGPooled secondary analysis of prospectively collected trial data from two academic medical centers. PATIENT SAMPLETwo hundred and forty-eight patients who underwent laminectomy with or without fusion for a degenerative lumbar condition. OUTCOME MEASURESPhysical function, pain inference, and social participation (ability to participate in social roles and activities) were measured using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System. The Oswestry Disability Index, Numeric Rating Scale, and accelerometer activity counts were used to measure disability, pain intensity, and physical activity, respectively. METHODSParticipants completed validated outcome questionnaires at 6 weeks (baseline) and 12 months after surgery. Baseline positive psychosocial factors included resilience (Brief Resilience Scale) and self-efficacy (Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire). Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to assess the associations between early postoperative psychosocial factors and 12-month outcomes adjusting for age, sex, study site, randomized group, fusion status, fear of movement (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), and outcome score at baseline. This study was funded by Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. There are no conflicts of interest. RESULTSResilience at 6 weeks after surgery was associated with 12-month physical function (unstandardized beta=1.85 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29; 3.40]), pain interference (unstandardized beta=−1.80 [95% CI: −3.48; −0.12]), social participation (unstandardized beta=2.69 [95% CI: 0.97; 4.41]), and disability (unstandardized beta=−3.03 [95% CI: −6.04; −0.02]). Self-efficacy was associated with 12-month disability (unstandardized beta=−0.21 [95% CI: −0.37; −0.04]. CONCLUSIONSPostoperative resilience and pain self-efficacy were associated with improved 12-month patient-reported outcomes after spine surgery. Future work should consider how early postoperative screening for positive psychosocial characteristics can enhance risk stratification and targeted rehabilitation management in patients undergoing spine surgery.

Optimism and Social Support Predict Healthier Adult Behaviors Despite Socially Disadvantaged Childhoods

Studies have shown adverse effects of a disadvantaged childhood on adult health-promoting behaviors and related outcomes. Optimism and social support have been linked to greater likelihood of engaging in healthy behavior, but it is unclear whether these positive psychosocial factors may buffer harmful effects of early adversity. This study aims to determine if optimism and social support in adulthood can modify effects of childhood disadvantage on health behavior-related outcomes. Longitudinal data were analyzed from a subset of participants in a US birth cohort established in 1959-1966 (ns of 681-840, per outcome). An index of childhood social disadvantage was derived from adverse socioeconomic and family stability factors reported by mothers at child's birth and age 7years. Health behavior-related outcomes were self-reported when participants were of mean age 47years. Multivariable adjusted robust Poisson regressions were performed. Regardless of level of childhood social disadvantage, we found higher levels of optimism and social support were both associated with higher probabilities of being a non-smoker (relative risk [RR]optimism = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-1.26; RRsocial support = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.11-1.39), having a healthy diet (RRoptimism = 1.25, 95%CI = 1.10-1.43; RRsocial support = 1.27, 95%CI = 1.04-1.56), and a healthy body mass index (RRoptimism = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.00-1.40; RRsocial support = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.00-1.66). Interactions link higher optimism or social support with lower risk of smoking among those with moderate childhood disadvantage. Overall, these findings are consistent with the possibility that positive psychosocial resources contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle in mid-adulthood and may buffer effects of childhood social disadvantage.

A systematic review of the impact of psychosocial factors on immunity: Implications for enhancing BCG response against tuberculosis.

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains an urgent global public health priority, causing 1.5 million deaths worldwide in 2018. There is evidence that psychosocial factors modulate immune function; however, how this may influence TB risk or BCG vaccine response, and whether this pathway can be modified through social protection, has not been investigated. This paper aims to: a) systematically review evidence of how psychosocial factors influence the expression of biomarkers of immunity, and b) apply this general evidence to propose plausible TB-specific pathways for future study.MethodsPapers reporting on the impact of psychosocial stressors on immune biomarkers in relation to infectious disease risk were identified through a search of the databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Global Health and PsycEXTRA alongside reference list and citation searching of key papers. Data extraction and critical appraisal were carried out using a standardised form. The findings were tabulated and synthesised narratively by infectious disease category, and used to propose plausible mechanisms for how psychosocial exposures might influence immune outcomes relevant to TB and BCG response.Results27,026 citations were identified, of which 51 met the inclusion criteria. The literature provides evidence of a relationship between psychosocial factors and immune biomarkers. While the direction and strength of associations is heterogenous, some overarching patterns emerged: adverse psychosocial factors (e.g. stress) were generally associated with compromised vaccine response and higher antibody titres to herpesviruses, and vice versa for positive psychosocial factors (e.g. social support).ConclusionsThe evidence identifies pathways linking psychosocial factors and immune response: co-viral infection and immune suppression, both of which are potentially relevant to TB and BCG response. However, the heterogeneity in the strength and nature of the impact of psychosocial factors on immune function, and lack of research on the implications of this relationship for TB, underscore the need for TB-specific research.

EXAMINING PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS, HEALTH BEHAVIORS, AND WHITE MATTER LESIONS IN OLDER ADULTS

Prior to the onset of dementia, subclinical indices of brain pathology may reliably predict cognitive decline, even among older adults with high cognitive reserve. Evidence suggests that positive psychosocial experiences and healthy behaviors buffer cognitive decline. However, their relationship with brain outcomes in cognitively intact older adults is not well understood. Therefore, the current study examined the cross-sectional association between perceived social support, generalized anxiety, psychosocial stress, physical activity, sleep quality, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-assessed white matter lesions (WML), among a diverse sample of older adults. We also examined sex and race as effect modifiers. Data were analyzed from 129 participants (mean age=67.40y, 69% female, 43% African American) enrolled in the Healthy Heart & Mind Study. Participants completed psychosocial and health behavior measures and MRI-assessed periventricular and deep WML were ascertained. Multiple regression analyses assessed relations of psychosocial responses and physical activity to WML, adjusting for known covariates. Significant general anxiety x sex interactions on deep WML (p<.05), significant physical activity x race interactions on total WML, frontal lobe WML and deep WML, respectively, and total sleep quality x race interactions on deep WML, were observed (p<.05). Conditional effects showed greater physical activity and sleep quality were associated with lower WML in African-American women; greater social belonging was associated with lower WML in American-American men; and lower anxiety was associated with lower WML in African-American women and White men. Results suggest positive psychosocial factors and health behaviors may influence subclinical brain pathology via unique pathways.

POSITIVE PSYCHIATRY AND POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY: TRANSLATION TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Child and adolescent mental health clinicians generally practice in a framework that emphasizes identification and treatment of mental illness toward a goal of symptom reduction. However, this method of treatment neglects the substantial and growing literature that demonstrates the benefits of positive psychosocial factors not only in alleviating suffering but also in building resilience and beyond, cultivating flourishing. Additionally, engagement in mental health care often is hampered by stigma associated with diagnoses; this stigma may be reduced through focusing on building character strengths and seeking to thrive rather than simply ameliorating problematic symptoms.

Optimism and cardiovascular health among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study

Little research has examined associations of positive psychosocial factors with the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7™ (LS7) among African Americans. This study examined the associations between positive optimistic orientation and LS7 among African Americans. Using exam 1 data (2000–2004) from the Jackson Heart Study, we examined cross-sectional associations of optimism (in tertiles) with LS7 components [smoking, physical activity, diet, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose] and a composite LS7 score (classified as poor, intermediate, ideal) among 4734 African Americans free of cardiovascular disease. Multivariable prevalence regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR, 95% confidence interval-CI) of intermediate and ideal (vs. poor) individual LS7 components and composite LS7 score by optimism levels, adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, and depressive symptoms. For LS7 components with low prevalence, we estimated odds ratios. A greater percentage of participants with high vs. low optimism were younger, female, high SES, and not depressed. After full covariate adjustment, the prevalence ratio of ideal (vs. poor) composite LS7 score was 1.24 for participants who reported high (vs. low) optimism (95% CI 1.09–1.42) at exam 1. Higher levels of optimism were also associated with greater prevalence of ideal (vs. poor) physical activity and smoking. Promoting positive optimistic orientation may be an important step toward increasing the likelihood of achieving optimal cardiovascular health among African Americans.

Coming Out Of Closet: A Rite Of Passage towards Emerging Queer Identity

The Perks and cons of coming out of the closet (revealing sexual orientation to others) have been addressed in the light of westernize ideas of gender role and sexual orientation research over the years. When India, being one of the developing power with the largest South-East Asian market, decriminalized homosexual acts, it becomes a smoldering issue in the subcontinent. In spite of such colossal legal victory, social circumstances remained similar to former conservative hetero-normative society. In this context, reasons and after effects along with the process of coming out drew academic attention rigorously. Consequently, the present study instigates to explore the positive psychosocial factors related to coming out and the very process of it. The process of coming out, which is evidently mentioned as a developmental task in previous literature began to show strong resemblance with the phases of rites of passage. Hence, self-identified individuals with LGBTQ identity were interviewed sincerely, and the transcripts along with their narratives were analyzed to explore the formation of queer identity through revealing their sexual orientation and gender identity as an artifact of rites of passage.

The relationship between psychosocial factors and biomarkers in cancer patients: A systematic review of the literature.

This review measured the relationships between psychosocial factors and biomarkers in cancer research setting in order to summarize their relationship. It may help to clarify the roles of psychosocial factors and biomarkers in cancer treatment, provide information for developing interventions, and contribute to personalized medicine. A total of 4 databases were searched and 2151 articles were screened. Thirty eligible articles were captured including 2093 cancer patients with 11 different kinds of tumor. Totally 10 groups of biomarkers, 7 positive and 7 negative psychosocial factors were identified. Higher scores of positive psychosocial factors and lower scores of negative psychosocial factors were associated with biomarkers indicating good clinical results. Tumor types can affect the significance of results. Interactions among psychosocial factors may influence the main effect of the targeted psychosocial factors. Biomarkers in reviewed studies were immune response-related biomarkers. The identified psychosocial factors may provide information for intervention development to increase the quality of life of cancer patients during their cancer treatment and promote better clinical outcomes. When investigating the relationship between psychosocial factors and biomarkers, the tumor type and interaction among psychosocial factors should be noted.

Cultivating well-being beyond symptomatology in a clinical sample with paranoid tendencies; the feasibility, acceptability and possible benefit of a group intervention

ABSTRACT The promotion of well-being is essential in the recovery process of mental health problems and has been shown to predict remission in psychosis. Even for severe mental illness where there has been and pessimistic view of prognosis, there is an increased awareness in the need for a positive movement, focusing on well-being and positive psychosocial factors in its treatment. The aim of this study is to provide data on the feasibility and acceptability of a manualised group intervention to improve well-being in a sample of patients with paranoid tendencies. Results showed that the protocol was feasible and highly acceptable for participants, showing high attendance and adherence as well as high satisfaction. On completion of group therapy, participants reported a significant improvement in different domains of well-being, with larger effects in self-acceptance and positive relationships with others. There was also significant improvement in self-esteem and significant decrease in paranoid ideation and anxiety. The results indicate that positive psychology group therapy may be a powerful complementary strategy in mental health promotion among people with paranoid tendencies. Though the validity of the study is limited by the lack of a comparison group, the present study will allow optimisation of a future RCTs.