Psychological General Well-Being Research Articles

Resilience improvement through a multicomponent physical and cognitive intervention for older people: the DanzArTe emotional well-being technology project

BackgroundResilience is a crucial component of successful aging. However, which interventions might increase resilience in older adults is yet unclear.AimsThis study aims to assess the feasibility and the physical and psychological effects of a technology-based multicomponent dance movement intervention that includes physical, cognitive, and sensory activation in older people living in community-dwelling and nursing home.MethodsDanzArTe program consists of four sessions on a weekly basis, using a technological platform that integrates visual and auditory contents in real time. 122 participants (mean age = 76.3 ± 8.8 years, 91 females = 74.6%) from seven nursing homes and community-dwelling subjects were assessed, before and after the intervention, with the Resilience Scale-14 items (RES-14), the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI), the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI-S), and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8). Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used for statistical analyses.ResultsAt baseline significant differences in MPI and RES-14 between community-dwelling and nursing home residents were observed (p < 0.001 for both analyses). After the intervention, resilience significantly increased in total sample (RES-14 mean T1 = 74.6 Vs. T2 = 75.7) and in the nursing home residents (RES-14 mean T1 = 68.1 Vs. T2 = 71.8). All participants showed high overall satisfaction for DanzArTe program (CSQ-8 mean = 23.9 ± 4.4). No differences in MPI and PGWBI-S were observed.DiscussionDanzArTe was a feasible intervention and high appreciated by all older adults. Nursing home residents revealed improvements in resilience after DanzArTe program.ConclusionThe DanzArTe technology-based multi-component intervention may improve resilience in older people living in nursing homes.

Can extended health communication improve newly settled refugees' health literacy? A quasi-experimental study from Sweden.

Structural and contextual factors such as limited work and housing opportunities negatively affect the health and well-being of newly settled refugee migrants in receiving high-income countries. Health promotion initiatives aiming at strengthening health and integration have been tried out within the Swedish Introduction program for refugee migrants. However, longitudinal evaluations of these interventions are rare. The aim of the current study was to compare the effectiveness of a regular and an extended civic orientation course with added health communication and examine whether the latter would improve self-rated health and psychological well-being, health literacy and social capital among newly settled refugee migrants in Sweden. Pre- and post-assessment questionnaires were collected from the intervention group receiving the extended course (n = 143) and a control group receiving the regular course (n = 173). Linear mixed models and chi-square analyses showed a significant increase with a small effect size (0.21) in health literacy in the intervention group. However, there were no significant changes in emotional and practical support, general self-rated health or psychological well-being. The findings indicate that added health communication provided embedded in the civic orientation course can increase health literacy. However, further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the sustainability of the observed effect and examine whether these short-term improvements in health literacy translate to long-term advances in health and integration.

Brain changes following mindfulness: Reduced caudate volume is associated with decreased positive urgency.

Mindfulness training has been shown to improve psychological health and general well-being. However, it is unclear which brain and personality systems may be affected by this practice for improving adaptive behavior and quality of life. The present study explores the effects of a 5-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) at the neuroanatomical level and its relationship with dispositional mindfulness and impulsivity. Sixty-six risky drivers were quasi-randomly assigned to a mindfulness training group (MT) or a control group (N). Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging and completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the UPPS-P impulsivity scale twice, at baseline and after receiving the MBI. We observed that MBI changes dispositional mindfulness in the non-reactivity and observing facets. Further, we observed that the magnitude of change in impulsivity was associated with the change in dispositional mindfulness. Whole-brain voxel-wise analysis revealed that the volume of the right caudate nucleus of the MT group (n=27) showed a reduction compared to that of the control group (n=33), which increased in terms of the pre-post measurement (MT=-1.76mm3; N=6.31mm3). We also observed that reduced caudate nucleus volume correlated with decreased positive urgency in the MT group. Taken together, our results show that MBI improves the skills of observing and non-reactivity to inner experience, while producing changes in the structure of the caudate nucleus. These structural changes are associated with a reduction in impulsivity levels, decreasing the tendency to act rashly in situations that generate positive emotions and thus facilitating more adaptive behavior.

Effect of sleep disordered breathing severity in children with Down syndrome on parental wellbeing and social support

IntroductionSleep disorders, particularly sleep disordered breathing (SDB), are common in children with Down syndrome (DS). We investigated the relationship between SDB severity and parental psychological wellbeing and their perception of social support. Methods44 children with DS (3–19 years) underwent overnight polysomnography and were categorised into three groups: primary snoring, Mild and Moderate/Severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Parents completed questionnaires about their child's behaviour (Child Behavior Checklist), sleep symptoms (Pediatric Sleep Survey Instrument) and SDB-related quality of life (OSA-18), together with the DUKE-UNC Functional Social Support (DUKE) and Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) questionnaires for themselves. 34 children completed a follow-up study after 2 years. ResultsThere were no significant differences between SDB severity groups for parental perceived social support or psychological wellbeing. Total scores on the DUKE were below average and PGWBI scores were indicative of moderate psychological distress in all three groups. Reduced perceived levels of social support were significantly correlated with externalising child behaviour and sleep disturbance. Diminished parental psychological wellbeing was also significantly correlated with increased sleep disturbances and reduced quality of life in children. At follow-up there were no significant changes in any questionnaire outcome, however parents of children with improved SDB severity had improved PGWBI vitality scores. ConclusionThe degree of parent-reported sleep disturbance in children with DS was linked to suboptimal perceived parental social support and poor psychological wellbeing. Our results emphasise the need for enhanced awareness of the detrimental effects of sleep problems in children with DS on parental wellbeing.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health: a cross-sectional study on eating disorder patients and their unaffected siblings

BackgroundAdolescence has emerged as a particularly vulnerable phase during the COVID-19 pandemic, with eating disorders (EDs) representing a prominent psychopathological challenge linked to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Emerging evidence suggests that not only individuals with EDs but also their healthy siblings (HS) may experience unique psychological effects in this context. However, the existing literature on this topic remains limited. This study seeks to examine and compare the effects of the pandemic on adolescents and adults, with a specific focus on the impact of containment measures, disruptions in daily routines, and alterations in life trajectories, for both individuals with EDs and their HS.MethodsWe enrolled 273 individuals, including those diagnosed with EDs and their HS. Among the participants, 120 were under the age of 19. Multiple self-report questionnaires were administered to assess the psychological impact of 1 year of the COVID-19 pandemic. These assessments covered a range of psychological constructs, including posttraumatic symptoms, general psychopathology, and eating-related concerns.ResultsNotably, adolescent patients with EDs demonstrated the highest psychopathological scores within our sample. They were the sole subgroup to surpass clinical cutoffs, exhibiting more pronounced issues concerning eating-related concerns and general psychological well-being. Our findings also shed light on the unique experiences of HS during the pandemic.ConclusionOur findings highlight the specific psychological burden endured by adolescents with EDs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the vulnerability of this demographic. Moreover, the experiences of HS, often overlooked in the literature, warrant increased attention in future health programs and interventions.

Development and validation of an art-inspired multimodal interactive technology system for a multi-component intervention for older people: a pilot study

IntroductionThe World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges the presence of a significant body of research on the positive effects of the arts on health, considering a variety of factors including physical well-being, quality of life, and social and community impact. The model that underlies cultural welfare puts the performing arts, visual arts, and cultural heritage at the service of people personal and societal well-being. The potential connections between movements of the body and artistic content have been extensively studied over time, considering movement as a non-verbal language with a universal character.MethodsThis pilot study presents the results of the validation of an innovative multimodal system, the DanzArTe-Emotional Wellbeing Technology, designed to support active and participative experience of older people providing physical and cognitive activation through a full-body physical interaction with a traditional visual work of art of religious subject. DanzArTe supports a replicable treatment protocol for multidimensional frailty, administered through a low cost and scalable technological platform capable of generating real-time visual and auditory feedback (interactive sonification) from the automated analysis of individual as well as joint movement expressive qualities. The study involved 45 participants, 23 of whom participated in the DanzArTe program and 22 who were included in the control group.ResultsThe two groups were similar in terms of age (p = 0.465) and gender (p = 0.683). The results showed that the DanzArTe program had a positive impact on participants' self-perceived psychological health and well-being (Mean Psychological General Well-Being Index—Short T1 = 19.6 ± 4.3 Vs. T2 = 20.8 ± 4.9; p = 0.029). The same trend was not observed in the control group (p = 0.389).DiscussionThe findings suggest that such programs may have a significant impact particularly on the mental and social well-being of older adults and could be a valuable tool for promoting healthy aging and improving quality of life.

Causes of Child Marriage and its Effects on Maternal Health of Teenage Mothers in Chereponi District, Ghana

The purpose of the study was to investigate child marriage and its effects on maternal health of teenage mothers in the Chereponi District in the North East Region of Ghana. The study used a quantitative approach underpinned by descriptive survey design. A sample size of 150 was selected using purposive sampling technique. Child marriage questionnaire, psychological general well-being and a demographic questionnaire were used to collect data. Data was analysed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation using SPSS version 25.0. Findings revealed that child marriage is caused by poverty and economic demands, the protection of girls’ sexuality as a means of strengthening family relations, socio-cultural and religious factors, and preventing premarital sex. The study also found that child marriage has profound impact on the maternal health of teenage mothers. Again, girls should be oriented to take their studies seriously and report any early signs of child marriage to Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit and Social welfare for prompt action. The study recommended that there should stringed measures where perpetrators of child marriage will be sanctioned by law. The study further recommended that girls should be given enough psychoeducation on the effects of child marriage. Finally, it was again recommended that counsellors and psychologists should provide counselling to girls to be self-assertive and provide economic empowerment strategies to make girls less dependent and vulnerable.

The Relationship of Financial Worries and Psychological Distress among Psychology Students

This study focuses on the relationship between psychological suffering and psychological distress among National University – Baliwag psychology students. In this study, 78 college students who are enrolled in psychology programs were used as a sample, and the potential relationship between financial concerns and psychological distress was investigated. The Kessler Psychological suffering Scale (K10) is used to measure psychological distress, whereas the APR Financial Distress Scale is used to quantify financial worries. Regression analysis and correlation were employed to interpret the collected data. The findings indicated a strong correlation between psychological distress and financial concerns, particularly for female and third-year psychology students. This study also discovered that students’ psychological suffering is influenced by financial concerns, particularly those who experience depression. The results imply that in order to lessen financial worries and its detrimental effects on general psychological well-being, publicly-supported financial counseling services and public health intervention initiatives are required, with special emphasis paid to students in universities.

Assess the Psychological General Well-Being among Adolescent with Obesity in Selected Schools at Pokhara: A Descriptive Study

INTRODUCTION Childhood Obesity, is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents whose BMI at or above the 95th percen- tile for children and teens of the same age and sex. It is particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems. Childhood obesity associated with psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Low self-esteem and lower self-reported quality of life. Social problems such as bullying and stigma. The aim of the study was to assess the level of psychological general well-being of adolescent with obesity and to find out the association between the level of psychological general well-being and selected socio-demographic variables of adolescent with obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Shishu Niketan and Triveni public schools of Pokhara, Nepal from 28/02/2023 to 27/03/2023 adolescents with BMI of 95th or more than 95th percentile was enrolled in the study from 10-19 age in years group after obtaining assent and consent from parents, child, and school authority. RESULTS Out of 65 sample, 20% had moderate, 75% had good and only 4.6% had high level of psychological general well-being. Place of residence is significant P=0.001. CONCLUSION Childhood obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or well-being which affects psycholog- ical well-being of children, leads to anxiety, low self-esteem. Schools play a large role in preventing childhood obesity by providing a safe and supporting environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors as well as parents.

The impact of the war in Ukraine on the psychological well-being of students

Background and Aim of Study: The war in Ukraine affects the psychological state and life activities of university students. Aim of the study: to identify the state of psychological well-being of students and the peculiarities of students’ use of coping strategies in overcoming life crises on their own. Material and Methods: The study was conducted among 323 Ukrainian university students aged 20-35 in October 2023. According to the impact of the hostilities on them, the respondents were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 – 111 persons living in the area of active hostilities; Group 2 – 104 persons living in the areas where missiles and drones were fired; Group 3 – 108 persons living on the territory of Ukraine, where there were no hostilities and shelling, and in the EU countries. The Psychological General Well-Being Index, PGWBI, and the Coping Strategies Inventory, CSI, were included in an online survey. Both techniques were found to have adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha was 0.928 and 0.759, respectively). Results: Respondents in all groups are moderately distressed. The highest level of distress (the lowest level of PGWBI) was found among students in Group 1 (55.1 points). Students in Groups 2 and 3 had lower scores (60.1 and 63.5 points, respectively), which corresponds to moderate distress. Students use a variety of coping strategies in stressful situations. However, the coping strategy of cognitive restructuring was used more often (9.8 points in Group 3, 9.5 points in Group 1). This was due to a general rethinking of the meaning of life, of attitudes toward oneself and others because of the war. Coping strategies of social support (8.9 points) and self-criticism (8.7 points) were also important for Group 1. This was due to the importance of social support, reassessment of one’s own behavior and thinking in the war. Conclusions: The obtained data indicate that the war in Ukraine has a negative impact on the psychological state of students. The level of impact was higher the closer the students were to the active combat zone. This influence determined the students' choice of coping strategies in dealing with life crises on their own.

OGBN O03 Quality of life of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: findings from a systematic literature review

Abstract Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), affecting over a billion people worldwide, is associated with significant impairment and productivity loss. Understanding the quality of life among GERD patients may provide important clinical relevance to treatment management and highlight the patient perspective. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of GERD and quality of life, including any potential effects on treatment management. Methods MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials, case-control, and cohort studies published in English from 2013 to 2023. Eligible studies included adult GERD patients with quality of life data from a disease-specific or generic instrument. Data analysis contained a narrative synthesis of pre- and post-procedural total scores. Results Eight trials and 34 observational studies were included. The disease-specific instruments GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) (n = 35) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) (n = 4) had baseline mean scores ranging from 13.3 to 37.1 and 72.0 to 96.3, which changed to 1.3 to 31.6 and 94.8 to 119.8 post-treatment, respectively. Besides the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) (n = 3), EQ-5D, Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB), SF-36, and GastroEsophageal Reflux Symptom Score (GERSS) were only used by single studies to evaluate the quality of life among GERD patients. In general, these results indicated an improvement post-treatment. Conclusions As a general finding, patients with GERD have poor quality of life and active treatment seems to influence and improve GERD patients’ quality of life, considering the pre-post results of GERD-HRQL and GIQLI scores. As expected, generic quality of life instruments are seldom used.

Effect of Ayurvedic Formulations on Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (Asrigdara): A Prospective Uncontrolled Multicenter Clinical Study

IntroductionAsrigdara in Ayurveda simulates the dysfunctional type of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and is a common gynaecological complaint. It negatively affects the quality of life and is associated with the poor health of women. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ayurvedic formulations, Pushyanuga churna (PC) and Usheerasava (UA) in managing AUB. MethodsA multicenter, single-arm clinical study was conducted on 80 diagnosed patients of AUB. PC 3 g and UA 20 ml were given twice daily for 90 days. Clinical assessment was done at baseline, every 15th day for the initial 3 months, and on 120th day. Pictorial blood loss assessment chart score, visual analogue scale, and Psychological General Well-being Index were utilised to measure the outcome parameters. The safety of formulations was evaluated by reporting adverse drug reactions and changes in liver function tests and renal function tests at baseline and on 90th day. ResultsSixty-eight participants completed the trial. Data were analysed using SPSS version 28.0. The mean age of the participants was 31.7 ± 6.3 years and majority (73.5%) were multiparous. The most typical presentation was heavy menstrual bleeding in 92.6%, followed by frequent bleeding (52.9%). At baseline, 94.2% participants had a pictorial blood loss assessment chart score >100, which decreased to 30.7% at the end of the study. Highly significant changes (P < 0.001) were observed in frequent, prolonged bleeding and psychological general well-being index score. No adverse drug reactions and significant changes in safety parameters were found. ConclusionsPC and UA are effective, well-tolerable, and safe in managing AUB.

Changes in hair cortisol concentration in intrauterine device initiators: A prospective cohort study

ObjectivesPrior studies found increased hair cortisol concentration (a surrogate marker for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation) in users of the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG 52 mg IUD). We evaluated change in hair cortisol and psychometric tests in women initiating a copper (CuT380 IUD) or LNG 52 mg IUD. Study designWe prospectively enrolled healthy women initiating an LNG 52 mg IUD or CuT380 IUD. Participants provided hair and blood samples and completed psychometric inventories (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Psychological General Well-Being Index) after IUD insertion and at 6 and 12 months. We used liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to measure hair cortisol concentrations. We compared hair cortisol concentrations and psychometric test changes from baseline to 6 and 12 months using independent two-sample t tests. ResultsWe enrolled 39 of our targeted 86 participants (LNG 52 mg IUD 26, CuT380 IUD 13). Thirty-eight subjects (LNG 52 mg IUD 25, CuT380 IUD 13) completed 6 months of follow-up. We found no difference between cohorts in the mean change in hair cortisol concentrations at 6 months (LNG 52 mg IUD n = 21 [−0.01 pg/mg (95% CI −1.26, 1.23); CuT380 IUD n = 13 [−1.31 pg/mg (−3.36, 0.73)]). While psychometric inventory results remained within normal ranges, LNG 52 mg IUD users reported a trend toward more favorable changes over time. ConclusionsWe did not find clinically important differences in hair cortisol concentrations following initiation of a CuT380 IUD or LNG 52 mg IUD; psychometric inventories demonstrated no adverse effect of hormonal IUDs on mood. ImplicationsOur findings of similar hair cortisol concentrations following the initiation of either the LNG 52 mg IUD or CuT380 IUD suggest that hormonal IUDs do not increase cortisol concentrations or alter stress reactivity, and favorable effects on psychometric inventories provide further reassurance that the LNG 52 mg IUD has no adverse impact on mood. Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov NCT03499379

Psychological consequences of a diagnosis of infertility in men: a systematic analysis.

Almost half of infertility cases involve male infertility. Understanding the consequence of a diagnosis of male infertility, as a sole or partial contributor to the couples' infertility, to the mental health of men is required to ensure clinical care meets their psychological needs. The aim of this systematic analysis was to synthesize the evidence regarding whether men diagnosed with male factor infertility experience greater psychological distress than (1) men described as fertile and (2) men in couples with other infertility diagnoses. Online databases were searched using a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) headings and keywords relating to male infertility and psychological distress. The search yielded 1016 unique publications, of which 23 were included: 8 case-control, 14 prospective cohort, and 1 data linkage studies. Seven aspects of psychological distress were identified depression, anxiety, self-esteem, quality of life, fertility-related stress, general psychological stress or well-being, and psychiatric conditions. Case-control studies reported that men with male factor infertility have more symptoms of depression, anxiety and general psychological distress, worse quality of some aspects of life, and lower self-esteem than controls. When men with male factor infertility were compared to men in couples with other causes of infertility, there were few differences in the assessed aspects of psychological distress. Despite methodological limitations within the studies, this systematic analysis suggests that the experience of infertility, irrespective of its cause, negatively affects men's mental health and demonstrates the need for assisted reproduction technology (ART) providers to consider men undergoing assisted reproduction as individuals with their own unique support needs.

Benefits of Telerehabilitation for Patients With Severe Acquired Brain Injury: Promising Results From a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Using Nonimmersive Virtual Reality.

In neurorehabilitation, the use of innovative technologies offers many opportunities to monitor and improve the health status of patients with severe acquired brain injury (SABI). Telerehabilitation allows for continuity of service through the entire rehabilitation cycle, including assessment, intervention, consultation, and education, affording early reintegration and positively enhancing the quality of life (QoL). The main purpose of this multicenter randomized controlled trial was to test the effectiveness of advanced training provided using a nonimmersive virtual reality rehabilitation system (ie, the VRRS HomeKit device) in improving functional outcomes in patients with SABI. In total, 40 patients with SABI and their 40 caregivers visiting 2 Italian rehabilitation centers were enrolled in the study protocol and randomized into 2 groups. Of the 40 patients, 20 (50%) underwent the experimental training using the VRRS HomeKit (teleneuro-VRRS group), whereas the other 20 (50%) were administered usual territorial rehabilitative treatments (UTRTs; control group). To investigate motor and neuropsychological functioning, patients with SABI were evaluated before (T0) and at the end of (T1) each training session by a multispecialist team through a complete clinical and psychometric battery: the Barthel Index (BI), the Tinetti Scale (TS), the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36), and the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI). In addition, the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) was administered to each caregiver to investigate the emotional burden status. The teleneuro-VRRS group achieved a statistically significant improvement in both general and motor outcomes, as well as psychological well-being and QoL, compared to the control group. In particular, the BI (P<.001), FAB (P<.001), and BDI-II (P<.001) were the outcome scales with the best improvement. The burden of caregivers also significantly improved in the teleneuro-VRRS group (CBI; P<.004). Between-group analysis showed statistical differences in the anxiety (effect size [ES]=0.85, P<.02) and self-control (ES=0.40, P<.03) subtests of the PGWBI and in the social role functioning (ES=0.85, P<.02) subtest of the SF-36, confirmed by quite medium and large ESs. Our results suggest that the VRRS is a suitable alternative tool or complementary tool or both to improve motor (level of functional independence) and cognitive (frontal/executive abilities) outcomes, reducing behavioral alterations (anxiety and depression symptoms) in patients with SABI, with a beneficial impact also on the caregivers' burden distress management, mitigating distress and promoting positive aspects of caring. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03709875; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03709875.

Italian validation of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly - Screening version (HHIE-S-It).

Validate the Italian version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly - Screening version (HHIE-S-It). After translation, psychometric properties and attributes were analysed by administering the HHIE-S-It to 167 elderly outpatients together with the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI). The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.908 for the total score, and 0.832 and 0.816 for its two subscales. Significant test-retest reliability was observed (p < 0.001). Moderate to high correlations were found between HHIE-S-It and pure tone average in the better ear (p < 0.001). The ANOVA test confirmed the significant difference in HHIE-S-It scores across groups according to the degree of hearing loss (p < 0.001). Only very low and low significant correlations were observed between HHIE-S-It and PGWBI. The criterion HHIE-S-It > 11 was observed as the best cut-off with highest sensitivity (86.4%), specificity (72.4%), positive predictive value (52.8%), negative predictive value (93.7%) and likelihood ratios (3.12 and 0.19). Since the HHIE-S-It presented acceptable psychometric properties, its adoption is justified for both clinical and research purposes. Acceptable diagnostic attributes allow its use as a screening tool for age-related hearing loss.

Young para-athletes display more hedonic well-being than people with disabilities not taking part in competitive sports: insights from a multi-country survey.

Hedonic well-being relates to how individuals experience and rate their lives. People with disabilities due to their pathology may more frequently suffer from anxiety and depressive disorders than their able-bodied counterparts. Sports participation is an essential way to cope with disability. On the other hand, compared with their able-bodied peers, para-athletes undergo a unique series of stressors. Little is known in terms of hedonic well-being in this specific population. We present the results of a multi-country survey of self-perceived hedonic well-being by para-athletes of different sports disciplines and a control group (disabled individuals not playing competitive sports), using the "Psychological General Well-Being Index" (PGWBI). We included 1,208 participants, aged 17.39 years, 58.4% male, 41.6% female, and 70.3% para-athletes. Para-athletes exhibited higher well-being than disabled people, for all domains of the PGWBI scale. The nature of disability/impairment was significant, with those with acquired disability reporting lower well-being. Those taking part in wheelchair basketball, para-athletics, and para-swimming competitions had a higher likelihood of reporting well-being, whereas those engaged in wheelchair rugby exhibited lower well-being compared with controls. This large-scale investigation can enable a better understanding of the self-perceived hedonic well-being of disabled people.

Fear of COVID-19 and future anxiety among Polish university students during a pandemic.

The pandemic poses a threat to human health and life, and anxiety is the most common psychological problem occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to establish the differences in the fear of COVID-19 infection and the future anxiety experienced by students during the pandemic by gender, field of study, place of study and paid employment, and their relationships to psychological well-being. The study involved 1294 university students aged 18-30. The Future Anxiety Scale and short version of the Psychological General Well-Being Index were used. In addition, students stated whether they were concerned about the possibility of contracting the coronavirus and falling ill with COVID-19. One-third of respondents stated that they felt fear of contracting the coronavirus. Women experienced a significantly stronger fear of COVID-19 and future anxiety than men. The observed interaction effects show that female students of medical faculties experienced a higher fear of COVID-19 than women studying fields of study related to physical activity and working students experienced a slightly higher future anxiety. A positive, but weak correlation between fear of COVID-19 and future anxiety was found. Psychological well-being correlated poorly with fear of COVID-19 and moderately with future anxiety. Because future anxiety was stronger in women, medical students, some master's students and working people, preventive measures should be taken to prevent excessive anxiety and to promote mental health in these groups.

From economic difficulties to psychological maladjustment in Italian women during the Covid-19 pandemic: does marital dissatisfaction moderate or mediate this association?

The empirical study about the negative impact of economic difficulties due to Covid- 19 on the psychological well-being of Italian women by considering perceived stress and marital satisfaction is an area worthy of investigation. The study explored these variables by hypothesizing that marital satisfaction (DAS) could moderate or mediate the links between economic difficulties, perceived stress (PSS), and psychological maladjustment (PGWBI). A total of 320 Italian women completed an online survey about the study's variables during the lockdown period. Women's perceptions of economic difficulties due to COVID- 19 restrictions were detected through an ad-hoc specific question. Perceived stress, marital satisfaction and psychological maladjustment were assessed by standardized questionnaires (Perceived Stress Scale 10, Dyadic Satisfaction Scale and Psychological General Well-being Inventory). 39.7% of women who answered the online survey said that the Covid-19 significantly impacted their family income. Results indicated that marital satisfaction did not moderate the associations investigated. Conversely, data showed how economic difficulties (X) predicted lower psychological maladjustment through the mediation of perceived Stress (M1), which, in turn, was associated with higher levels of marital dissatisfaction (M2). The results of the present study confirm the significant role of marital dissatisfaction in explaining the indirect effects of economic difficulties on psychological maladjustment in women. In particular, they indicated a significant spillover effect which transmitted strains experienced in one domain (economic difficulties) to another (the dissatisfaction of the couple), which in turn affected the psychological maladjustment.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychological Well-Being of Firefighters

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic represented a unique stressful event that affected the physical health and psychological well-being (PWB) of individuals and communities. Monitoring PWB is essential not only to clarify the burden on mental health effects but also to define targeted psychological-supporting measures. This cross-sectional study evaluated the PWB of Italian firefighters during the pandemic. MethodsFirefighters recruited during the pandemic period filled out a self-administered questionnaire, the Psychological General Well-Being Index, during the health surveillance medical examination. This tool is usually used to assess the global PWB and explores six subdomains: anxiety, depressed mood, positive well-being, self-control, general health, and vitality. The influencing roles of age, gender, working activities, COVID-19, and pandemic restrictive measures were also explored. ResultsA total of 742 firefighters completed the survey. The aggregate median PWB global score was in the “no distress” range (94.3 ± 10.3), which was higher than that observed in studies conducted using the same tool in the Italian general population during the same pandemic period. Similar findings were observed in the specific subdomains, thus suggesting that the investigated population was in good PWB condition. Interestingly, significantly better outcomes were detected in the younger firefighters. ConclusionOur data showed a satisfactory PWB situation in firefighters that could be related to different professional factors such as work organization and mental and physical training. In particular, our results would suggest the hypothesis that in firefighters, maintaining a minimum/moderate level of physical activity (consisting of even just going to work) might have a profoundly positive impact on psychological health and well-being.