Psychological Correlates Research Articles

Trauma Shaping the Psychopathological Correlates of Patients with Long-COVID: A 6-Months Longitudinal Study with Repeated Measures Mixed Models

This research aimed at investigating how the experience of trauma can influence the psychological correlates of long-COVID over time in a clinical sample of patients hospitalized because of COVID-19. Through a longitudinal research design, 70 post-acute patients with COVID-19 were followed-up after hospital discharge in 3-time points up to 6 months and completed the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Symptoms Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90 R). Repeated measures mixed models with random intercept were used to evaluate the effect of trauma (yes/no) over time (T1, T2, T3) on the SCL-90-R scales. Results showed that patients with trauma display significantly worse psychological outcomes in all the SCL-90-R dimensions [all padj < .05 for the principal effects of trauma(y)], especially in symptoms of depression [time 2 vs time 1*trauma(y): b = -3.86, 95%CI (-7.18, -0.53), padj = .035; time 3 vs time 1*trauma(y): b = -4.77, 95%CI (-8.10, -1.45), padj = .011], anxiety [time 3 vs time 1*trauma(y): b = -4.54, 95%CI (-7.72, -1.37), padj = .011], and obsessive-compulsive difficulties [time 3 vs time 1*trauma(y): b = -4.03, 95%CI (-7.20, -0.86), padj = .027]. These findings shed light on the long-term psychological consequences of COVID-19 among hospitalized patients and highlight the key role of trauma, suggesting its assessment to tailor psychological interventions.

Microaggressions Toward Sexual and Gender Minority Emerging Adults: An Updated Systematic Review of Psychological Correlates and Outcomes and the Role of Intersectionality.

Purpose: Quantitative data on the psychological effects of microaggressions toward sexual and gender minority individuals have grown substantially. Sexual orientation-based and transgender and gender-diverse (trans+) identity-based microaggressions have been thematically identified in prior research. In addition, combined lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender-diverse, queer/questioning, and other non-heterosexual (LGBTQ) microaggressions can be examined intersectionally with other marginalized identities. This systematic review synthesizes research on the relationships among these microaggressions and psychological correlates and outcomes. Methods: Forty-five quantitative studies examining sexual orientation-, trans+ identity-, or intersectional identity-based microaggressions and various psychological outcomes were identified from systematic searches of PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases. Data regarding microaggressions were extracted, synthesized, and grouped by mental health outcome or correlate. Results: Sexual orientation-based microaggressions were risk factors for depression, anxiety, and internalized stigma and were positively associated with psychological distress, traumatic stress symptoms, alcohol use and abuse, cannabis use and problems, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt. Trans+ identity-based microaggressions were positively associated with depression, suicide attempt, and cannabis use. LGBTQ intersectional identity-based microaggressions concerning race/ethnicity were associated with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Research on other intersectional identity-based microaggressions is scarce. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the psychological harm inflicted by various microaggressions on LGBTQ late adolescents and early adults. Future work should focus on microaggressions toward individuals with trans+ and intersectional identities and protective factors for these experiences. This review also highlights the distinct need for community-based research on implementing microintervention strategies in family, school, and work environments to mitigate the harmful effects of these microaggressions.

Homosexuality as a Phenomenon of Contemporary Society: Meanings and Psychosocial Dimensions

Of all the issues explored in anthropological, social and behavioral sciences, homosexuality perhaps is most controversial and has evoked more arguments and strong feelings in the general public. Homosexuality is often associated wit anger, love, intimacy, hostility, strong negative attitudes (e.g., severe discrimination and violence), and compassion. This subject involves many things: gender identity and orientation, a way of behaving intimately, a wide range of sexual preferences, a stigma, and a badge of pride and self-assertion. One objective of this paper is to clarify the meanings of homosexuality as well as its psychological, behavioral, and social correlates. Most research on homosexuality has taken the individual as the focus of analysis. A. C. Kinsey’s pioneering work investigated the sexual behaviors of the individual and used biographical information to locate the person on a continuum from exclusive homosexuality to exclusive heterosexuality. Other individualistic approaches include studies of the homosexual identity, personality characteristics, subjective well-being, and life histories of gay men and lesbians. Sociocultural analyses, typically undertaken by anthropologists, historians, and sociologists, focus on the societal patterns of homosexuality. Sociocultural researchers seek to describe and explain societal reactions to homosexuality, cultural and subcultural variations in homosexuality, social rules and institutions that regulate homosexuality, etc. In contrast, a relationship perspective takes as the central phenomenon of interest the sexual and romantic relationships that occur between same-sex partners. During the past decades, the prevalence of negative stereotypes against homosexuality has been reduced substantially in most Western societies. Nevertheless, concern remains about the occurence of negative stereotyping attitudes and homophobia in some segments of the general population. Therefore, homosexuality will be analyzed in relation to heterosexism, homophobia, and sexual prejudice.

Psychologic Factors in Temporomandibular Disorders and Somatization: A Multidimensional Analysis of Personality, Coping, and Distress Among Young Adults.

To analyze the association of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and somatic symptoms with the psychologic variables of personality, coping, and distress in young adults. Physical and psychologic correlates were also explored, along with the risk factors for TMDs/somatization. Participants were enlisted from a local university, and the presence of TMDs and somatic symptoms was determined with the Short-form Fonseca Anamnestic Index and Patient Health Questionnaire-15. The psychologic variables of personality, coping, and distress were assessed with the Big-Five Personality Inventory-10; brief-COPE Inventory; and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21, respectively. Statistical evaluations were performed with Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman correlation, and logistic regression analyses (α = .05). Among the 455 participants (mean age: 22.7 ± 1.2 years), 18.2% and 5.7% had TMDs and medium-to-high somatization, respectively. Participants with TMDs exhibited substantially higher somatization and psychologic distress scores than those with no TMDs. Significant differences in TMDs, conscientiousness, extraversion, and psychologic distress scores were observed between participants with no-to-mild and medium-to-high somatization. The association between TMD and somatization scores was weak but significant. Neuroticism and dysfunctional coping style were moderately correlated to general distress, depression, anxiety, and stress (rs = 0.44 to 0.62). Findings suggest that anxiety is the main risk factor for the presence of TMDs and medium-tohigh somatization in nonclinical young adults, while conscientiousness is a protective factor for somatization.

Understanding the Correlates of Fear among Public Employees Working in Extreme Conditions: Evidence from Chinese Frontline Customs Officers

Discrete emotions such as fear are understudied in public administration, especially in extreme working conditions such as emergency response or crisis management where job demands often surpass employees’ resources to cope. In order to understand the psychological correlates of this fear, this study builds on the job demands-resources model to examine the possible antecedents and outcomes of fear among a sample of Chinese customs officers working on the frontline of COVID-19 prevention. Analysis of survey data collected from this extreme condition indicates that self-efficacy, resilience, and perceived organizational support attenuated fear while public service motivation did not. There was an antagonistic interaction between self-efficacy and resilience in affecting customs officers’ fear. In addition, fear increased turnover intention but did not relate to work engagement nor job satisfaction. These findings provide theoretical insights over understanding the fear of public employees working in extreme conditions and offer public managers practical implications over building a strong and resilient workforce during crisis.

What factors predict anti‐Black bias in pain perception? An internal meta‐analysis across 40 experimental studies

AbstractRacial disparities in pain care affecting Black Americans are mirrored by a similar perceptual bias: perceivers see pain less readily on Black (vs. White) faces. Here, we examine the findings of the initial wave of research on this phenomenon, described herein as anti‐Black bias in pain perception. Specifically, we conducted an internal meta‐analysis across 40 studies conducted in the U.S. with primarily White samples (N = 6252) assessing the generalizability, robustness, and psychological correlates of anti‐Black bias in pain perception. We also assessed the evidence for accounts of this bias focused on intergroup processes, racialized stereotypes and prejudice, dehumanization, and contact. This meta‐analysis strongly confirms our prior findings. Moreover, anti‐Black bias in pain perception is consistently associated with bias in treatment recommendations. These effects are robust to differences in stimuli, samples, and perceiver gender and race. Notably, both Black and White perceivers demonstrate more conservative perceptual thresholds for seeing pain on Black faces, suggesting this bias is not merely a consequence of group membership. Further, increased dehumanization of and decreased intergroup contact with Black individuals predicts biased pain perception and treatment recommendations, though these effects were small. These results demonstrate the robustness of anti‐Black bias in pain perception and establish a strong foundation for future inquiry.

The smartphone as a “significant other”: interpersonal dependency and attachment in maladaptive smartphone and social networks use

Smartphones are increasingly widespread throughout the world and, although smartphones provide various benefits, excessive and maladaptive use is often reported. Given the penetration of smartphones in the individual’s daily life, it is relevant to identify the mechanisms sustaining their use, including the affective bond that the owner may develop with the device. The aim of the current study is to test a novel model to explain smartphone and Social Network Sites (SNS) use from an interpersonal perspective. We hypothesized that adult attachment style and interpersonal patterns (i.e., features of interpersonal dependency) generalize to the emotional bond with the mobile device, interacting with psychological correlates and background factors to predict smartphone and SNS consumption. 341 nonclinical adults (57.2% females; age M = 35.5, SD = 14.6) completed a battery consisting of the Attachment Style Questionnaire, the Relationship Profile Test, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Young Adult Attachment to Phone Scale, and the Social Network Intensity and Social Network Access via Mobile phone Applications. A multi-mediation model supported the hypothesis regarding the influence of interpersonal style in the relationship of the individual with their smartphone and use of SNS. A parallel between attachment style and the emotional bond with the smartphone emerged, with anxious attachment style and destructive overdependence being potential risk factors for maladaptive smartphone use especially in individuals involved in a romantic relationship. Findings are discussed in terms of theoretical implications and intervention strategies towards smartphone dependency.

Application of a Clinical Approach to Diagnosing Primary Pain: Prevalence and Correlates of Primary Back and Neck Pain in a Community Physiatry Clinic

Chronic back or neck pain (CBNP) can be primary (nociplastic or neuroplastic; without clear peripheral etiology) or secondary (to nociceptive or neuropathic causes). Expanding on available models of nociplastic pain, we developed a clinic-ready approach to diagnose primary/nociplastic pain: first, a standard physical exam and review of imaging to rule out secondary pain; and second, a detailed history of symptom presentation to rule in primary pain. We trained a physician who evaluated 222 patients (73.9% female, age M = 59.6) with CBNP; patients separately completed pain and psychosocial questionnaires. We estimated the prevalence of primary CBNP and explored biomedical, imaging, and psychological correlates of primary CBNP. Although almost all patients (97.7%) had at least 1 spinal anomaly on imaging, the diagnostic approach estimated that 88.3% of patients had primary pain, 5.0% had secondary pain, and 6.8% had mixed pain. Patients with primary pain were more likely than the other 2 groups of patients (combined as “non-primary pain”) to report certain functional conditions, central sensitization, and features such as sensitivity to light touch, spreading pain, and pain worsening with stress; however, no difference was detected in depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing between those with primary and nonprimary pain. These findings are consistent with prior estimates that 85 to 90% of CBNP is “nonspecific.” Further research is needed to validate and perhaps refine this diagnostic approach, which holds the potential for better outcomes if patients are offered treatments targeted to primary pain, such as pain neuroscience education and several emerging psychological therapies. PerspectiveWe developed an approach to diagnose chronic primary pain, which was applied in a physiatry clinic to 222 patients with CBNP. Most patients (88.3%) had primary pain, despite almost universal anomalies on spinal imaging. This diagnostic approach can guide educational and psychological treatments tailored for primary pain.

Self-efficacy, motivation, and habits: psychological correlates of exercise among women with breast cancer

PurposeThe purpose of this analysis was to explore associations between exercise behaviour among breast cancer survivors and three behavioural constructs from distinct theories: self-efficacy from social cognitive theory, motivation from self-determination theory, and habits from habit theory.MethodsBreast cancer survivors (n = 204) completed a cross-sectional survey that collected demographic and disease characteristics, exercise levels, and self-efficacy, motivation, and habits. Multivariable linear regression models were used to identify constructs associated with total activity and resistance training.ResultsParticipants were a mean (SD) age of 57.3 (10.8) years and most were diagnosed with early-stage disease (72%) and engaged in sufficient levels of total activity (94%), though only 45% completed ≥ 2 resistance training sessions/week. Identified motivation (ꞵ[95% CI] = 7.6 [3.9–11.3]) and habits (ꞵ[95% CI] = 4.4 [1.4–7.4]) were significantly associated with total activity (as were body mass index and disease stage), whilst identified motivation (ꞵ[95% CI] = 0.6 [0.3–0.9]) and coping self-efficacy (ꞵ[95% CI] = 0.02 [< 0.01–0.03]) were significantly associated with resistance training. The models explained 27% and 16% of variance in total activity and resistance training behaviour, respectively.ConclusionResults suggest that incorporating strategies that support identified motivation, habits, and coping self-efficacy in future interventions could promote increased exercise behaviour among breast cancer populations. Future longitudinal research should examine associations with exercise in a more representative, population-based sample.

Self-reported traumatic brain injury in a sample of impulsive violent offenders: neuropsychiatric correlates and possible "dose effects".

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health problem that may be associated with numerous behavioral problems, including impulsivity, aggression and violence. Rates of self-reported TBI are high within offender populations, but the extent to which TBI is causally implicated in causing illegal behavior is unclear. This study examined the psychological and functional correlates of histories of traumatic brain injury in a sample of impulsive violent offenders. Study participants, all men, had been recruited to participate in a randomized controlled trial of sertraline to reduce recidivism. Study entry criteria were an age of at least 18 years, a documented history of two or more violent offenses and a score of 70 or above on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. An extensive list of standardized questionnaires was administered to obtain information on previous TBI and other neuropsychiatric conditions or symptoms. In the sample of 693 men, 66% were aged between 18 and 35 years old, and 55% gave a history of TBI ("TBI+"). Overall, 55% of study participants reported at least one TBI. High levels of neuropsychiatric symptomatology were reported. In 75% of TBI+ individuals, their most severe TBI (by self-report) was associated with loss of consciousness (LOC) < 30 min. Compared to TBI- (those without history of TBI) participants, TBI+ individuals were more impulsive (Eysenck Impulsivity), irritable, angry, and reported higher levels of assaultive behavior, depressive symptomology, alcohol use disorder, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and lower quality of life. Potential "dose effects" of TBI severity and frequency in terms of neuropsychiatric symptomatology were identified. Like other studies of offender populations, single and multiple TBIs were very common. The associations of TBI, TBI severity, and TBI frequency (i.e., TBI "burden") with adverse neuropsychiatric phenomena suggest TBI contributes importantly to offender morbidity but the select nature of the sample and cross-sectional study design constrain the interpretation of these findings.

The Medical, Sociological, Psychological, Religious, and Spiritual Aspects of Masturbation and a Potential Approach to Therapy Based on Catholic Teaching and Virtues Psychology.

Masturbation is common and generally accepted in Western society as a normal, healthy activity. In contrast, the Catholic Church holds that masturbation is immoral. Noting that the human person is a profound unity of body and spirit, if the Church is correct, masturbation should have negative effects on the human person. If the secular view is correct, masturbation should have conversely positive effects. This paper is divided into three parts. An in-depth literature survey was performed to evaluate the physical, medical, psychological, sociological and spiritual correlates of masturbation. The second part is a theological summary of the Catholic understanding of masturbation. The third part is an approach to therapy. Physically, masturbation was found to be less sexually satisfying than intercourse. Medical complications include penile injury and self-asphyxial behavior. Psychologically, masturbation was found to be associated with depression, anxiety, immature defenses, hypersexuality, guilt, poor body self-image and stress in the workplace. Sociologically most studies indicate a negative correlation between masturbation and relationship satisfaction, quality, intimacy, relational happiness, emotional satisfaction with the partner, trust, passion, and love. Spiritually, masturbation is highly positively correlated with pornography consumption and negatively with religion and religiosity. There is a higher rate of masturbation in homosexuals and bisexuals than in heterosexuals. Theologically, masturbation and pornography directly violate the religious virtue of chastity, undermining one's prayer life and the motivation to develop a spiritual life. Therapeutically, positive psychology, which emphasizes cultivating what it identifies as virtues, including justice, courage, temperance, wisdom (similar to prudence), transcendence (similar to hope) and humanity (similar to charity), can be used to counsel individuals struggling with masturbation. Once the harms are understood, a person can be counseled that this temptation represents a challenge, an opportunity to build self-control, and with self-control the capacity to develop character strengths and major virtues.

Prevalence and psychological correlates of anxiety symptoms in subthreshold depressive adolescents with a high level of rumination response style

This study examined between anxiety symptoms in subthreshold depressive (SD) adolescents with rumination and their personal predispositions. A total of 371 SD adolescents were enrolled in the study (females 55.26%, mean age = 16.34, SD = 0.96). The adolescents completed the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC), Center for Epidemiological Survey-Depression Scale (CES-D), Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), Individualism-Collectivism Scale (ICS), and Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC). Results following univariate analysis, logistic regression (backward: Wald), and the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) revealed a pattern among individuals with subthreshold depression and high levels of rumination. The SD adolescents with a high level of rumination scored higher on vertical individualism, which values independence, autonomy, competitiveness, and a desire for high status. Additionally, they also exhibited higher athletic competence, a self-esteem dimension related to one’s perceived skill, ability, and confidence in physical activities and sports. The combination of vertical individualism and athletic competence differentiated SD adolescents from those without anxiety symptoms. Our results suggest high vertical individualism and high athletic competence likely contribute to anxiety symptoms in SD adolescents with a high level of rumination.

Technology Readiness and Psychological Correlate with Academic Achievement of Elite Student-Athletes at the College Level?

After the COVID-19 period, academic achievement among elite student-athletes has not shown any improvement and it is not yet known exactly the main factors that contributed to academic achievement. In addition, limited evidence in previous research that analyzed the relationship between technological and psychological readiness with academic achievement among elite student athletes at the college level became a gap in this study. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between technological and psychological readiness variables and academic achievement. Correlational research was adopted in this study which involved eighty-five elite first-year student-athletes from the Universitas Negeri Surabaya (Indonesia). Technological and psychological readiness was measured using a questionnaire while academic achievement was measured by filling out questions about soccer, basketball and volleyball. Spearman's rank was used to investigate the relationship of each variable. We observed several findings in this study. First, there was a relationship between the variable technological readiness and academic achievement. Second, there was a psychological relationship between academic achievement. Third, there was relationship between technological and psychological readiness and academic achievement. Thus, we highlight that the level of academic achievement among elite student athletes in the first year was closely related to technological and psychological readiness. Keywords: Technological, Psychological, Academic Achievement, Elite Student-Athletes

Stress Biomarkers in Black Youth: Exploring Psychological, Behavioral, and Socio-Ecological Correlates.

Exposure to chronic stress is a major public health concern. Black youth are vulnerable to chronic stress exposure given their overrepresentation in urban neighborhoods characterized by socio-ecological stressors. We contribute to this emerging body of knowledge by (1) investigating stress-induced variability in cortisol response patterns among Black youth, and (2) examining risk and protective factors associated with physiological stress responses. Salivary cortisol was collected from a community sample of 123 low-income Black youth ages 13 to 21. Latent class analysis (LCA) and logistic regression were utilized to identify discrete groups based on cortisol reactivity, and psychological, behavioral, and socio-ecological correlates of class membership. LCA supported a 2-class model of cortisol reactivity. Youth in class one were indicative of a normative stress response with mean cortisol awakening response of 0.38 μg/dL (SD = 0.19), 0.48 μg/dL (SD = 0.20) at time 2, and 0.44 μg/dL (SD = 0.20) at time 3. Youth in class two exhibited a blunted stress response with mean cortisol awakening response of 0.20 μg/dL (SD = 0.11), 0.21 μg/dL (SD = 0.09) at time 2, and 0.18 μg/dL (SD = 0.08) at time 3. Delinquent peer exposure and post-traumatic stress symptoms were negatively associated with blunted stress responses, while greater depressive symptoms were positively associated with blunted stress responses. Black youth displayed distinct physiological stress reactivity patterns. Interventions are needed to assist youth in coping with stress while transforming the upstream factors that give rise to adverse community conditions.

An assessment of the psychometric properties and psychological correlates of the Greek COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C-19ASS).

In Greece, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with social isolation, economic crisis, considerable unemployment, and an escalation of psychological distress. Given the potential of COVID-19 to engender a long-lasting impact on mental health, validating the COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C-19ASS) may be beneficial in determining if fear-based behaviors may persist post-pandemic. This is a psychometric study examining the C-19ASS features across a general sample of Greeks (n = 912; female = 78%; mean age = 32.35, ±9.25). The Greek C-19ASS demonstrated a two-factor structure consistent with the original scale's perseveration and avoidance subscales. This structure was supported by confirmatory factor analysis, which demonstrated a strong fit and robust reliability along with good divergent and convergent validity evidenced by correlational analyses. The incremental validity test revealed that the Greek C-19ASS predicted functional impairment and COVID-19 anxiety independently of health anxiety, generalized anxiety, and depressive symptoms, the Big Five personality traits, pandemic-related factors, and demographic variables. The findings were discussed using a self-regulatory executive function model as a theoretical background to discuss this pandemic-related phenomenon.

Psychosocial Predictors of Normative Transgression during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Peruvian citizens

This research investigated psychological correlates with norm non-compliance during the National State of Emergency declared in Peru at the time of the covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, it looks at the relationship between Social Dominance Orientation (sdo), perceptions of legitimacy, strength and efficacy of the normative system, and trust in the institutions. It also looks at individual justifications for norm non-compliance and the frequency of transgression. A correlational research design using questionnaires was developed with a sample of 126 participants. Results show that transgression of government-issued norms during the Peruvian National State of Emergency is linked to the ideological component of sdo and perceptions of a weak and illegitimate normative system. These results are consistent with previous studies on normative transgression in Latin American countries. Additionally, results suggest that the need for subsistence (i.e., generating resources to sustain the household) is fundamental to comprehensively understanding transgressive behavior in contexts of vulnerability such as a global pandemic. The discussion highlights how a precarious socio-political structure —one incapable of meeting the basic needs of large sectors of the population— emerges as a central cause of normative transgression in times of crisis.

Understanding symptom perception from the psycho-cognitive schemata of patients with heart failure: an exploratory cohort study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Health and Medical Research Fund, Food and Health Bureau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Introduction Symptom perception emerges as an important determinant of effective self-management and health outcomes of heart failure patients. Even various care models were developed to improve symptom perception, the latest systematic review [1] still conclude its uncertain effectiveness. Seeking further understanding on what determine symptom perception is needed to inform intervention development. Purpose As an integrative theoretical paradigm [2] suggests that symptom perception is a psychological and cognitive representation of bodily sensation, this exploratory cohort study explored how symptom perception was related to the emotional status, self-care self-efficacy, and disease Knowledge of heart failure patients after adjusting for the priori clinical-demographic profile. Methods From Feb 2017 to Aug 2019, 366 heart failure out-patients, who had been diagnosed for at least six months and at NYHA Class II or above, were recruited from the Department of Cardiology of three regional hospitals in Hong Kong. Symptom perception was measured by the corresponding subscale of the Self-Care Heart Failure Index (SCHFI). The psychological and cognitive correlates were measured by the Self-care Self Efficacy Scale, a single-item depression scale and the Dutch Heart Failure knowledge test. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify how symptom perception was associated with factors in the psycho-cognitive schemata of heart failure patients after controlling the demographic characteristics, comorbidity and functional status. Results The mean age of the sample was 67.0 (SD = 10.7). About 40.0% of them had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and 75% were in NYHA Class II. The symptom perception was poor, with about 79% of patients had the SCHFI Symptom Perception Scale score lower than the criterion level of 70. About 42-68% of the patients did not adequately attend to the classical symptoms and medication side effects of heart failure. More patients (64%) only paid attention to the non-specific feeling of wellness. Multiple regression analysis indicated that, after controlling the priori confounders, lower depression (β= 0.112, 95%Ci = 0.260 – 2.540, p = 0.016), better self-care self-efficacy (β= 0.463, 95%Ci = 0.345 – 0.513, p&amp;lt;0.001) and higher HF knowledge (β= 0.114, 95%Ci = 0.173 – 1.602, p = 0.015), independently associated with better symptom perception. Conclusion This study identifies fair disease-specific symptom perception among patients with heart failure. The results urge for effective care intervention to strengthen this important self-care determinant. In addition to prepare for their cognitive knowledge, strategies to strengthen their self-care self-efficacy and emotional wellness may also play a crucial role for the treatment effectiveness.

Linguistic Empathy: Behavioral measures, neurophysiological correlates, and correlation with Psychological Empathy

Relations among behavioral, psychological, and electrophysiological correlates of Linguistic Empathy were examined in two experiments using lateralized stimuli. Linguistic Empathy is defined as a linguistic manifestation of the point of view the speaker assumes toward the content of the utterance, and of the speaker's attitude toward/identification with the referents therein. Linguistic choices made by the speaker among multiple logically and referentially synonymous lexical and grammatical options reveal the speaker's perspectives. In experiment 1, acceptability ratings were measured for Context-Target sentence pairs that did or did not violate two Empathy Hierarchies (Person Empathy Hierarchy and Topic Empathy Hierarchy); the Empathy Quotient (EQ) test of Psychological Empathy was also administered. Ratings were lower for sentence pairs that violated both hierarchies than for those violating neither and were intermediate for sentences violating only one hierarchy. Linguistic Empathy (LE) was operationalized as the difference in ratings between sentences violating both vs. neither empathy hierarchy; this measure correlated positively with EQ. Experiment 2 replicated those results with new participants and measured reaction time and EEG during ratings. While there were no effects of hemisphere or visual field on the linguistic variables, the amplitude of a positive event-related potential deflection at 380 ms provided a partial electrophysiological correlate for LE. Its difference measure correlated with behavioral LE but not with EQ. Though preliminary, these experiments show that Linguistic Empathy may share information processing computations with Psychological Empathy and have an electrophysiological correlate.

Registered nurses' psychological capital: A scoping review.

The aim was to examine the extent and scope of empirical research concerning registered nurses' psychological capital. In a time of global nursing shortage, identifying variables that could positively contribute to the retention of the nursing workforce is essential. Prior research has shown that psychological capital correlates positively with employees' better performance and well-being. A scoping review. A systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus covering the period from 1 January 2005 to 7 May 2023. The JBI methodological guidance for scoping reviews was followed. The results were summarized narratively. A total of 111 studies reported in 114 peer-reviewed articles were included. Studies were carried out across 20 countries, with the majority from China (45), Australia (nine), Pakistan (nine), Canada (eight), South Korea (eight) and the United States (eight). A positive correlation was found between registered nurses' psychological capital and desirable work-related outcomes, such as work engagement, commitment and retention intention. A comprehensive overview of research evidence suggests that psychological capital is associated with many positive work-related outcomes and might therefore be a valuable resource for reducing nurse turnover.

(007) Physical activity and female sexual dysfunction: too much of a good thing?

Abstract Introduction Research on the relationship between physical activity (PA) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is lacking. Objectives To investigate the clinical, psychological, and sexual correlates of PA in women with FSD. Methods A non-selected series of n=322 pre- and post-menopausal patients consulting for FSD was retrospectively studied. Regular involvement in PA and its frequency (&amp;lt;1 hour/week: sedentary, 1-3 hours/week: active, 4-6 hours/week: very active, &amp;gt;6 hours/week: extremely active) were investigated with a specific question. FSDs, including HSDD (Hypoactive sexual desire disorder) and FGAD (Female genital arousal disorder), were diagnosed according to a structured and clinical interview. Participants underwent a physical examination and a clitoral Doppler ultrasound, and were asked to complete the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ). Results At multivariate analysis, women engaging in PA (67.4%, n=217) scored significantly higher in several FSFI domains - including desire, arousal and lubrication - and showed lower sexual distress and lower resistance of clitoral arteries, as compared to sedentary women. A significant, inverse association between PA and HSDD was observed. Mediation analysis demonstrated that the negative association between PA and HSDD was partly mediated by body image concerns (BUT Global severity index), psychopathological symptoms (MHQ total score) and sexual distress (FSDS-R score). These latter two factors also partly mediated the association between PA and a reduced risk of FGAD, whilst a lower BMI was a full mediator in the relationship between PA and FGAD. Finally, extreme PA was associated with significantly worse scores in several psychosexual parameters (i.e. sexual satisfaction and histrionic/hysterical symptoms), even compared to a sedentary lifestyle. Conclusions In women with FSD, PA was associated with better sexual function and clitoral vascularization, lower sexual distress and reduced odds of HSDD and FGAD; the benefits of PA on sexuality were mediated by both psychological and organic determinants; excessive PA was related with a poor overall sexual function and with a low sexual satisfaction. Disclosure No.