Psychological Coping Research Articles

Infertile women of Ethiopia: Psychological challenges and coping strategies.

Worldwide, an estimated 48 million couples and 186 million individuals are infertile, according to estimates from the World Health Organization. Ethiopia has a higher rate of infertility than the World Health Organization estimated for the entire world. Though research on the issue of infertility is growing both globally and in Ethiopia, not much has been studied. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to explore the psychological and coping strategies of infertile women in Bichena town, Ethiopia. The study followed a qualitative research approach and a descriptive phenomenological design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 infertile women using a purpose-sampling technique. Thematic analysis was the method of data analysis. The findings of this study indicated that stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and sexual dissatisfaction were the main psychological challenges that infertile women experience. Infertile women also used a variety of coping strategies, such as religious strategies, traditional strategies, medical strategies, and other strategies (marital separation and acceptance). The study concluded that infertile women in the study area were challenged by psychological factors and used different coping strategies to manage their ongoing problems. This study also has theoretical implications for the current literature and practical implications for infertile women, non-governmental organizations, community and health professionals.

Postradiation trismus in head and neck cancer survivors: a qualitative study of effects on life, rehabilitation, used coping strategies and support from the healthcare system.

This study aimed to explore the experiences of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors with postradiation trismus, specifically how oncological treatment affected their lives, rehabilitation, use of coping strategies, and healthcare experiences. A qualitative descriptive approach was used and semi-structured interviews of 10 HNC survivors with postradiation trismus were conducted 6-30 months after completing oncological treatment. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by qualitative content analysis. The analysis of interviews yielded four main categories: Bodily symptoms, Effects on life, Support from the healthcare system, and Strategies to handle life and symptoms. Participants reported ongoing problems with xerostomia, dysgeusia, eating, and limited physical fitness. Pain related to trismus was not a major issue in this cohort. Participants expressed limitations in their social lives due to their eating difficulties, yet a sense of thankfulness for life and overall satisfaction with the healthcare they received. Psychological and practical coping strategies developed by the participants were also revealed. The results highlight areas of unmet need among HNC survivors that healthcare providers can target by establishing multi-professional teams dedicated to individualizing post-cancer rehabilitation care.

Coping with Age-Related Vision Loss to Maintain Occupational Engagement: A Narrative Account

Introduction This narrative inquiry study aimed to explore older adults’ stories about how they have coped to maintain occupational engagement, despite living with age-related vision loss (ARVL). Methods Six older adults, ≥ 60 years of age with ARVL participated in three interviews each, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Coping was grouped into three overarching themes namely psychological, social, and behavioral coping strategies. Conclusion Results from this study have identified how older adults with ARVL cope to maintain participation in occupations. Findings highlight the need for increased healthcare support, including occupational therapists, to help older adults aging with vision loss identify and integrate adaptive coping strategies to enhance their occupational lives.

Clinical and psychological associations and coping strategies for personality type D and depression in patients with coronary artery disease

The comorbidity of manifestations of psychological distress and cardiovascular diseases is complex. The degree of impact of psychological stress on the patient depends on the possibilities of the adaptive potential of the individual in the environment.Aim: To study the cognitive assessment of stress, coping strategies and clinical and psychological associations in personality type D and depression in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Material and Methods. The study included 112 CAD patients. The DS-14 questionnaire was used to determine personality type D.To determine the level of depression the hospital scale HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). To assess coping strategies, the questionnaires “Methods of Coping Behavior” and “Indicator of Stress Coping Strategies” were used. Difficult life situation (DLS) assessment was determined using the “Cognitive Assessment of DLS” methodology. The questionnaire “Types of Orientations in Difficult Situations” was used to study orientations in DLS.Results. Patients were divided into groups based on manifestations of psychological distress: with type D (n = 40), without type D (n = 72); with depression (n = 48) without depression (n = 82). In type D, there was a more frequent assessment of the situation as out of control (12.0 ± 4.6 points versus 11.0 ± 4.6 points, p = 0.049) and orientation towards losses in difficult situations (17.0 ± 4.1 points 15.5 ± 5.1, points, p = 0.016). In depression, less pronounced desire for difficulties (19.0 ± 5.0 points versus 23.0 ± 5.9 points, p = 0.006), orientation towards opportunities (15.5 ± 3.2 points versus 18.0 ± 3.5 points, p < 0.001). In type D, the strategies “Escape-avoidance” (p = 0.05) and “Self-control” (p = 0.04) were used more often. In depression, the strategies “Problem resolution” (p = 0.02), “Search for social support” (p < 0.001) and “Avoidance” (p = 0.02) were more often used, less often – “Confrontational coping” (p = 0.001).Conclusion. Differences in cognitive assessment and coping strategies were revealed in patients with coronary artery disease in personality type D and the development of depression symptoms. This study emphasizes the need for individualized behavioral interventions for patients with coronary artery disease with manifestations of psychological distress.

Assessment of psychological alarms and coping strategies of medical students with irritable bowel syndrome at Zagazig University: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorders. Medical students tend to report a higher prevalence of IBS since they are under constant stress. Many psychological difficulties are associated with IBS. To cope with IBS, individuals use various strategies which can impact the intensification or alleviation of IBS symptoms. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of IBS in medical students as well as psychological alarms and coping strategie employed by IBS sufferers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study from December 2022 to February 2023. Study participants were first to fifth year medical school students at Zagazig University, Egypt. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising four sections: sociodemographic and clinical data; Rome IV criteria for the diagnosis of IBS; the alarm questionnaire for functional gastrointestinal disorders; and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ24). Chi-square test or Fischer’s exact test, as appropriate, were used to test for association. Binary logistic regression with a backward stepwise method was used to determine significant risk factors of negative coping with IBS. RESULTS: Of the studied 221 medical students, 38% had IBS. A statistically significant association was observed between IBS and the feeling of tension, anxiety, nervousness, depression, and frustration in the previous week, severe pain in the past 4 weeks, and the feeling that the bad situation would not get any better. Most of the students in the IBS group coped positively with stress, while 19.0% were negative in coping. Pain affecting the daily activities and the feelings of depression and frustration to the point of self-harm or suicide were the most significant correlates of IBS group’s inability to cope. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IBS in medical students at Zagazig University was 38%. We recommend psychological intervention and stress management programs to help medical students cope with IBS.

'Only to reconcile with it'. The coping experience amongst middle-aged and older cancer survivors: A qualitative study.

Cancer threat is relevant to age, and the threat of a foreshortened life coupled with a lengthy treatment process negatively affects middle-aged and older adults. Understanding the coping throughout the cancer experience in middle-aged and older cancer survivors will help develop supportive care to promote their physiological and psychological coping effects. To explore the cancer coping experiences of middle-aged adults aged 40-59 and older adults over 60. A descriptive phenomenological study was employed. Face-to-face, in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 oncology patients in a tertiary university hospital aged 40 or above from August to October 2023. The interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis procedures. Five themes and 13 subthemes were formed through analysis: acceptance of cancer (considering cancer as chronic, believing in fate andattributing cancer to karma); having different information needs (desired to be truthfully informed, information-seeking behaviour, information avoidance behaviour); getting families involved (developing dependent behaviours, feeling emotional support, family members suffering worse); striving to maintain positive psychological state (positive thinking, seeking peer support) and negative experience (undesirable, low self-esteem). Our study reveals that cancer survivors' attitudes towards having cancer have changed from a death sentence to a more positive perception of a chronic disease. Supportive programmes for developing coping strategies should consider the cultural traditions and religious beliefs, different information needs, involvement of familyand promoting a positive psychological state while avoiding negative factors. Participants with experience of coping with cancer were involved in the semistructured interview.

Predictors of stress among nursing home staff during COVID-19 pandemic

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has placed immense strain on nursing home staff, necessitating a closer examination of factors contributing to their stress levels. This study investigates predictors of stress among nursing home workers during the pandemic, focusing on psychological constructs such as burnout, sense of coherence (SOC), psychological flexibility, and cognitive fusion. A total of 170 nursing home professionals participated, completing questionnaires assessing various dimensions of burnout, SOC, experiential avoidance, anxious feelings and thoughts, and perceived stress. Results reveal significant correlations between perceived stress and emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment, SOC comprehensibility, manageability, meaningfulness, experiential avoidance, and anxious feelings and thoughts. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrates that experiential avoidance, anxious feelings and thoughts, emotional exhaustion, SOC comprehensibility, and personal accomplishment significantly predict perceived stress levels. These findings underscore the importance of addressing maladaptive coping mechanisms and promoting factors such as SOC and personal accomplishment to mitigate stress and burnout among nursing home professionals. Targeted interventions aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility and coping strategies are crucial for supporting the well-being of nursing home staff and ensuring high-quality care for residents amidst the ongoing pandemic challenges.

Association between Psychological Aspects and Coping Strategies among Mothers of Children with Cancer

Background: Providing care for a child diagnosed with cancer presents significant emotional and psychological difficulties for parents, especially mothers. Objective: The study investigates association between psychological aspects and coping strategies among mothers of children with cancer. Materials and Methods: A Correlational study was undertaken at the Middle Euphrates Cancer Center in Al-Najaf Al Ashraf Governorate from July 31th, 2022, to September 28th, 2023. The questionnaire's validity was ensured through expert consultation, and its reliability was established through a preliminary pilot study. Data were collected by structured interviews using the questionnaire and subjected to thorough analysis employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The findings of this study show that a significant percentage (54.9%) of mothers with children diagnosed with cancer are experiencing significant psychological distress. Moreover, a substantial number (58.8%) of these mothers are using coping strategies that are not very effective. The study also reveals a strong, negative correlation between the psychological well-being of these mothers and their coping strategies, particularly in areas such as family integration (r = -.445; p < 0.01), social support (r = -.353; p < 0.01), communication with healthcare professionals (r = -.522; p < 0.01), and overall coping (r = -.624; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The study highlights the alarming prevalence of psychological distress among mothers with children diagnosed with cancer and underscores the ineffectiveness of many coping strategies employed by these mothers. It is recommended that healthcare professionals and support organizations prioritize the provision of tailored psychological support and social support networks to alleviate the psychological burden faced by these mothers.

Supportive Communication Between Emerging Adults With Cancer and Nurses During Diagnosis and Cancer Treatment: An Exploratory Qualitative Study Using Interviews.

Having a cancer diagnosis during early adulthood can be a significant challenge for an individual. Nurses' supportive communication plays a vital role during the diagnosis and treatment period to lessen psychological distress and promote coping. This exploratory study aimed to examine (1) the experiences of emerging adults with cancer (EAs) aged between 18 and 25 years in communicating with nurses during diagnosis and treatment and (2) nurses' experiences of providing supportive communication with this patient group. Semistructured interviews were conducted with EAs and nurses with experience caring for this patient group. Thematic analysis was conducted, guided by interpretive hermeneutic perspectives. Eight EA participants and 7 nurse participants participated in interviews. Five themes emerged: (1) having casual conversations with nurses helped EAs cope during cancer treatment and (2) helped EAs fulfill the need for social connectedness, (3) nurses as a different form of peer-like support, (4) nurses used themselves as a therapeutic tool to foster trust and emotional safety of EAs, and (5) nurses needed to maintain professional boundaries while being compassionate. This study highlighted a rather underdocumented aspect of supportive communication: meeting psychosocial needs through casual, day-to-day conversations. Having casual conversations with nurses appeared to help EAs' psychological coping during cancer treatment. These casual conversations, which on the surface seemed clinically insignificant, fulfilled their psychosocial needs. Considering the valuable interpersonal engagement that led to emotional benefits for EAs, communication training for cancer nurses needs to build their capacity to maintain both relational and emotional boundaries.

Individual stigma in people with severe mental illness: Associations with public stigma, psychological capital, cognitive appraisal and coping orientations

IntroductionThe reason why some people with severe mental illness (SMI) maintain positive self-identity, while some are affected by the stigmatized environment is unclear. AimsTo describe the status of individual stigma and explore the relationship between self-stigma, stigma resistance and related variables in people with SMI. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2021 to March 2022. The Chinese version of Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale and Stigma Resistance Scale were used to assess individual stigma. Perceived public stigma, psychological capital, stigma stress appraisal and coping orientations were also measured by scales. Data was provided by 422 patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, from one psychiatric hospital and four community healthcare centers in China. A structural equation model was applied for analysis. ResultsThe total mean scores of self-stigma and stigma resistance were (2.06 ± 0.65), and (3.95 ± 0.84). Perceived public stigma was the primary condition for constructing individual stigma, which indirectly affected self-stigma (β = 0.268) and stigma resistance (β = −0.145). Stigma stress appraisal mediated the transformation of public stigma into individual, which had direct and indirect effects on self-stigma (β = 0.417, 0.166), and an indirect effect on stigma resistance (β = −0.374). Secrecy positively affected self-stigma (β = 0.117), while positive coping positively affected stigma resistance (β = 0.380). Psychological capital significantly directly impacted individual stigma. ConclusionsFindings highlighted how public stigma determines the degree to which patients with SMI deal with stigma stress appraisal, and how this influences individuals. Anti-stigma programs and interventions to improve individuals' psychological capital and coping capabilities should be emphasized.

The Role of Self-Efficacy in Coping With the Psychological Challenges of Job Loss: Application of the Social Cognitive Career Self-Management Model

There is substantial evidence that involuntary job loss can have major implications for workers’ well-being. Yet research on coping with unemployment has most often focused on the job search process and progress toward re-employment, with less emphasis on the process of coping with the myriad psychological challenges of job loss. This study adapted the social cognitive model of career self-management as a framework for understanding well-being and psychological distress during unemployment. Participants were 602 unemployed workers who completed social cognitive measures representing two coping sub-domains, job searching and psychological coping. Within each sub-domain, measures included coping behaviors, self-efficacy, and support. Measures of proactive personality, financial strain, and two psychological functioning criteria (emotional well-being and distress) were also completed. The findings provided initial psychometric support for a novel measure of psychological coping self-efficacy and suggested the utility of the psychological coping variables as predictors of well-being and distress above and beyond job search coping in the context of unemployment. The study’s implications for practice and future research on coping with unemployment are discussed.

Impact of social support on the resilience of youth: mediating effects of coping styles.

Chinese youth are at high risk for depression with a significantly higher detection rate of depression risk than other age groups, which brings about a huge challenge to the mental health work of universities. Developing supportive resources that promote resilience against adverse environmental influences in high-risk groups is quite more urgent than medical treatment for firm diagnoses of mental issues that have developed into depression in the current background. A total of 665 university students in China completed self-reported questionnaires measuring psychological resilience, social support, and coping styles. The structural equation model testing on the goodness of fit of the theoretical framework was first performed. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation analysis among social support, resilience, and coping styles were then conducted. At last, we tested the mediating role of coping styles. Social support has a significant positive effect on the psychological resilience of the youth. Mixed coping and immature coping styles have significant negative impacts on both social support and resilience, while mature coping styles have a significant positive effect on social support and resilience. Mature and immature coping styles mediate the association between social support and resilience in youth. Based on stress theory, this study explores mechanisms that facilitate the development of resilience in young people with regard to social support and coping styles. The current research depicts an interventional perspective of building a social support network that guides the youth to adopt mature coping styles to enhance their resilience and facilitate their mental health.

Psychological well-being of healthcare workers during COVID-19 in a mental health institution.

This study examined the psychological wellbeing of Healthcare Workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 in a mental health setting, associations of psychosocial wellbeing with coping style, and ways that organisations can mitigate the psychosocial burden on HCWs. Thirty-seven Mental HCWs (MHCWs) from infected and non-infected wards (control group), were recruited and assessed at three timepoints. Psychological wellbeing, perceived cohesion, and coping style (Brief-COPE) were assessed. Reports on individual coping and feedback on the organisation were collected through in-depth interview. Comparison between infected and non-infected wards, as well as comparison of psychosocial measures and perceived cohesion, across the three timepoints were made. As there were no significant changes in coping styles across the timepoints, Timepoint 1 (T1) coping style was used to correlate with the psychosocial measures across all timepoints. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. MHCWs from infected wards reported significantly higher levels of stress, χ2(1) = 6.74, p = 0.009, effect size: medium (ε2 = 0.198), and more severe sleep disturbance (PSQI), χ2(1) = 6.20, p = 0.013, effect size: medium (ε2 = 0.182), as compared to the control group at T2. They also engaged in more problem-focused coping (T2 and T3) and emotion-focused coping (T2). As expected, negative coping style was correlated with negative outcomes except problem-focused coping that was correlated with both negative (sleep disturbance and anxiety symptoms) and positive outcomes (wellbeing). Emotion-focused coping was moderately correlated (Tb = 0.348, p<0.017) with higher levels of wellbeing at T2. Thematic analyses revealed MHCWs felt supported by the responsiveness of the institution, emotional and informational support, and the availability from direct leaders, presence of team and hospital leaders on the ground, helped build trust and confidence in the leadership. MHCWs experienced significantly higher levels of stress and sleep disturbance during COVID-19. The ways that organizations can offset the psychological burden of pandemics on MHCWs are discussed.

Exploring coping resiliency and depression among university students in a post-pandemic context

ABSTRACT Objectives Emerging research investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has indicated mental health issues are particularly prominent among university student populations. Method The current research explored how a small sample of students in the UK had been impacted by the pandemic, focusing on coping resiliency and depression. In this study, 80 university students completed two self-reported measures of depression and coping resilience. Results Showed students’ levels of depression were relatively high, which negatively correlated with their coping resiliency. Students’ perspectives were further explored via open-ended questions. Anxiety was a big issue, and many students’ health had been impacted by the pandemic, which resulted in a change in their coping behaviours. Discussion The findings reflected areas of improvement concerning students’ university transition experiences to facilitate students’ psychological well-being and coping strategies, especially during such a crucial time of development into adulthood.

Can the Reboot coaching programme support critical care nurses in coping with stressful clinical events? A mixed-methods evaluation assessing resilience, burnout, depression and turnover intentions

BackgroundCritical care nurses (CCNs) are routinely exposed to highly stressful situations, and at high-risk of suffering from work-related stress and developing burnout. Thus, supporting CCN wellbeing is crucial. One approach for delivering this support is by preparing CCNs for situations they may encounter, drawing on evidence-based techniques to strengthen psychological coping strategies. The current study tailored a Resilience-boosting psychological coaching programme [Reboot] to CCNs. Other healthcare staff receiving Reboot have reported improvements in confidence in coping with stressful clinical events and increased psychological resilience. The current study tailored Reboot for online, remote delivery to CCNs (as it had not previously been delivered to nurses, or in remote format), to (1) assess the feasibility of delivering Reboot remotely, and to (2) provide a preliminary assessment of whether Reboot could increase resilience, confidence in coping with adverse events and burnout.MethodsA single-arm mixed-methods (questionnaires, interviews) before-after feasibility study design was used. Feasibility was measured via demand, recruitment, and retention (recruitment goal: 80 CCNs, retention goal: 70% of recruited CCNs). Potential efficacy was measured via questionnaires at five timepoints; measures included confidence in coping with adverse events (Confidence scale), Resilience (Brief Resilience Scale), depression (PHQ-9) and burnout (Oldenburg-Burnout-Inventory). Intention to leave (current role, nursing more generally) was measured post-intervention. Interviews were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.ResultsResults suggest that delivering Reboot remotely is feasible and acceptable. Seventy-seven nurses were recruited, 81% of whom completed the 8-week intervention. Thus, the retention rate was over 10% higher than the target. Regarding preliminary efficacy, follow-up measures showed significant increases in resilience, confidence in coping with adverse events and reductions in depression, burnout, and intention to leave. Qualitative analysis suggested that CCNs found the psychological techniques helpful and particularly valued practical exercises that could be translated into everyday practice.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility of remote delivery of Reboot and potential efficacy for CCNs. Results are limited due to the single-arm feasibility design; thus, a larger trial with a control group is needed.

(089) Psychological Distress and Coping Mechanisms among Women with Sexual Dysfunction Using Hormonal Contraceptives at Kawempe Hospital - A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction Sexual dysfunction is very distressing to women of reproductive age. Hormonal contraceptives (HC) are often reported to be highly associated with sexual dysfunction. The occurrence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) varies across African regions however, the literature is scanty. This study, therefore aimed to assess the psychological distress (PD) and coping mechanisms of women with sexual dysfunction using hormonal contraceptives at Kawempe Hospital (KH). Objective To determine the prevalence of psychological distress among women with sexual dysfunction using hormonal contraceptives at Kawempe Hospital To examine the factors associated with psychological distress among women with sexual dysfunction using hormonal contraceptives at Kawempe Hospital To evaluate the coping mechanisms of women with sexual dysfunction using hormonal contraceptives at Kawempe Hospital Methods The study was cross-sectional and conducted by a female team at the family planning clinic of KH. Participants were sexually active females aged 18 to 50 years, who had used HCs for at least six months, and had a positive FSD score below 26.55 on the female sexual function index. PD was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale K-6, with a score over 13 indicating PD. Coping mechanisms were determined using the SexFlex scale. The data was analyzed using proportions, means, chi-squares and logistic regression to determine characteristics associated with PD at a significance level of 0.05. Results Of the 401 individuals screened, 288 who had positive FSD scores were enrolled. The average age of the participants was 28.8 years, and 46.18% used implants for contraception. The prevalence of PD was 55.56%, with 28.47% using reflexive-only coping mechanisms, 24.35% using approach-only mechanisms, 13.19% using both, and 63.19% using neither. Being married (AOR=0.45) and breastfeeding (AOR=0.41) were negatively associated with PD, while using injectables (AOR=7.43), implants (AOR=5.17), levonorgestrel IUD (AOR=4.17), having relationship dissatisfaction (AOR=4.65), and sexual pain (AOR=2.60) were positively associated with PD. Conclusions PD was prevalent among women with FSD using HCs at Kawempe Hospital and associated with modifiable characteristics. It is recommended that health workers regularly screen for PD among women with FSD using HCs and provide education on malleable characteristics, such as breastfeeding and relationship satisfaction. Disclosure No.

Psychological Problems and Coping Patterns among Parents of Children with Neuromuscular Diseases

Psychological Problems and Coping Patterns among Parents of Children with Neuromuscular Diseases

Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of 20-Item Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (C-ZTPI-20) in Chinese Adolescent Population.

This study assesses the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (C-ZTPI-20) in an adolescent population. The investigation encompasses a sample of 2634 middle school students from China and aims to evaluate the instrument's reliability, structural validity, measurement invariance, criterion validity, and network structure attributes. First, descriptive analysis revealed satisfactory reliabilities for four out of five C-ZTPI-20 dimensions, with Present Fatalistic (PF) exhibiting relatively low reliability. Moreover, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) supported the 5-dimensional structure across all samples and sexes, albeit with a modest Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) for girls. Furthermore, measurement invariance analysis underscores unbiased assessment across sexes. Sex differences emerge in the Present Hedonistic (PH) dimension, where boys showed higher scores. Furthermore, criteria validity analysis revealed that Past Positive (PP) and Future (F) were positively associated with extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, grit, and mental health, while they were negatively associated with neuroticism. Past Negative (PN) and PF showed inverse trends, while PH perspective demonstrated complex, varied correlations with these psychological traits, underscoring the multifaceted nature of time perspectives. Finally, network analysis revealed positive inter-correlations within dimensions and significant edge differences between sexes, particularly in inter-dimension connections. Despite differing rankings, the most central and marginal items remained consistent between boys and girls in network models. These findings contribute to understanding the C-ZTPI-20's effectiveness in assessing adolescent time perspectives and inform interventions promoting psychological well-being and coping strategies.

Psychological adjustment to death anxiety: a qualitative study of Chinese patients with advanced cancer

ObjectivesDeath anxiety (DA) refers to the negative emotions experienced when a person reflects on the inevitability of their own death, which is common among patients with cancer. It is crucial...

'It sort of broke me': A thematic analysis of the psychological experiences and coping strategies employed by Australian fire-affected farmers.

People exposed to bushfires are known to be at heightened risk of experiencing mental health challenges. When farms are impacted, farmers often risk losing not only their homes but also their businesses, containing their livestock, infrastructure and identities. To understand the psychological experiences of farmers who have been exposed to fires on their farms and identify the coping strategies they already employ to recover and prepare psychologically for future bushfires. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face or via Zoom. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, using a descriptive, essentialist approach. Sixteen farmers and/or their spouses (50% female; median age of 50.8 years), who owned and/or played an active role in the operation of a farming or pastoral enterprise and had been affected by a farm fire within the last 20 years, participated. Participants resided in inner regional, outer regional and remote South Australia and New South Wales. Seven overarching themes and 22 subthemes resulted: (1) intense emotions in the aftermath, (2) long-term psychological challenges, (3) deliberate focus on organising, prioritising and completing recovery-focused tasks, (4) importance of seeking and/or accessing support to rebuild, (5) adopting a positive attitude and outlook, (6) (dis)engaging from/with community and social connection and (7) various strategies employed to self-regulate emotions. This study demonstrates the unique set of psychological challenges Australian farmers experience in the wake of a farm fire and the coping strategies they report using to help them manage. Findings will inform the development of contextually and culturally appropriate bushfire recovery and preparedness initiatives that are tailored to meet the unique needs of farmers and build upon their existing strengths.