Psychological Intervention Group Research Articles

The effect of psychological intervention on the quality of life and rehabilitation outcome of stroke patients with anxiety and depression: A systematic review.

To systematically evaluate the effects of psychological interventions on the quality of life and rehabilitation efficacy of patients with poststroke anxiety and poststroke depression. All randomized controlled trials of psychological interventions for the treatment of patients with poststroke anxiety combined with poststroke depression in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched. Literature was screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, systematic evaluation, and meta-analysis were performed using revman5.0 software. Seventeen randomized controlled trials were included, which showed that the psychological intervention group was more effective than the control group in reducing anxiety and depression and improving patients' ability to perform daily life and quality of life. Subgroup analyses were performed according to intervention time and assessment scale, and the results showed that the intervention group was more effective in reducing anxiety and depression. Psychological interventions can improve the ability of patients with stroke combined with anxiety and depression to perform their daily lives, improve their quality of life, reduce their levels of depression and anxiety, and improve functional impairment. The registration number in PROSPERO is CRD42023325594 (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/).

A Positive Psychological Group Intervention (PPI) in School for the Enhancement of Well-Being of Children whose Parents are Experiencing Psychological Economic Hardship

A Positive Psychological Group Intervention (PPI) in School for the Enhancement of Well-Being of Children whose Parents are Experiencing Psychological Economic Hardship

Psychological intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with orthopedic surgical anxiety.

To develop a set of cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) to alleviate anxiety in orthopedic surgery (OS) patients, to explore the intervention effects of CBTs on the indicators of anxiety, sleep quality, and pain sensation in OS patients, and to promote them. A total of 68 qualified subjects were selected from among the 103 patients with orthopedic diseases who were hospitalized in the orthopedic department of the hospital between June 2022 and November 2023. According to the different nursing methods, they were divided into a psychological intervention (PI) group and a control intervention group. Among them, 34 patients received hospital-developed CBT for OS in the PI group, and 34 patients received standard orders from the medical staff in the control intervention group. Tools such as self-assessment of anxiety, Athens insomnia scale, state anxiety scale, visual analog pain method, and self-management level scale were utilized to assess the change in anxiety levels, sleep quality, pain perception, and self-management level of the 2 groups of patients before and after the surgery. Following the CBT intervention, patients in the PI group had significantly lower Athens insomnia scale (5.32 ± 0.42), state anxiety scale (38.21 ± 1.12), and visual analog pain method (3.93 ± 1.24) scores than those in the control intervention group. This difference was statistically significant (P < .05). In the meantime, patients in the PI group had a substantially higher correct rate of illness cognition assessment (98.21%) than patients in the control intervention group (65.12%), and this difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The study collated the factors affecting anxiety in OS patients through questionnaire survey and statistical analysis experiment and then formulated a detailed CBT strategy for specific problems. Finally, CBT is a valuable tool for reducing anxiety in OS patients. As such, it deserves to be promoted and used in clinical settings.

Psychological intervention based on social cognitive theory: Treating pain, anxiety, and depression in perioperative patients

BACKGROUND Surgery is an effective method for treating certain diseases. Factors such as disease, preoperative fear and tension, surgical stress, postoperative pain, and related complications directly affect the smooth progression and outcome of surgery. Patients may experience a series of psychological and physiological changes during the perioperative period, resulting in anxiety and depression, which may reduce the pain threshold and worsen their prognosis. AIM To investigate the effects of a psychological intervention among perioperative patients, based on social cognitive theory (SCT). METHODS We enrolled 200 patients who underwent surgical care at The First People’s Hospital of Lin’an District, Hangzhou between January and December 2023. They were categorized into a routine intervention group (n = 103) and a psychological intervention group (n = 97), based on the intervention strategies used. Various assessment tools, including the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), the self-rating depression scale (SDS), and the Connor–Davidson Resilience scale, were used to measure patients’ negative states and emotions. The pre- and post-intervention scores for these metrics in the two groups were then analyzed. RESULTS In the psychological intervention group, the SAS and SDS scores (31.56 ± 5.18 and 31.46 ± 4.57, respectively) were significantly reduced compared to the routine intervention group (P &lt; 0.05). The visual analog scale pain scores at 12 and 24 hours after intervention (6.85 ± 1.21, 4.24 ± 0.72) were notably higher than those in the routine intervention group (P &lt; 0.05). The psychological intervention group also demonstrated superior scores in perseverance (36.08 ± 3.29), self-reliance (22.63 ± 2.91), optimism (11.42 ± 1.98), and resilience (70.13 ± 5.37), compared to the routine intervention group (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the psychological intervention group’s confrontation score (23.16 ± 4.29) was higher (P &lt; 0.05). This group also reported lower scores in avoidance (9.28 ± 1.94) and yielding (6.19 ± 1.92) (P &lt; 0.05). Lastly, the Short Form 36 Health Survey scores were significantly higher in the psychological intervention group, indicating a better quality of life (P &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION Psychological intervention measures based on SCT can effectively alleviate pain, anxiety, and depression in perioperative patients.

Effectiveness of a group psychological intervention to reduce psychosocial distress in adolescents in Pakistan: a single-blind, cluster randomised controlled trial

Emotional problems in adolescents living in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain largely unaddressed; key reasons include a scarcity of trained mental health professionals and unavailability of evidence-based, scalable psychological interventions. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-specialist-delivered, group psychological intervention to reduce psychosocial distress in school-going adolescents in Pakistan. In a two-arm, single-blind, cluster randomised controlled trial, eligible public school clusters from a rural subdistrict of Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, were randomised (1:1, stratified by sex) using permuted block randomisation into intervention (n=20) and wait-list control (n=20) groups. Adolescents aged 13-15 years who provided informed assent and caregivers' consent were screened for psychosocial distress using the youth-reported Pediatric Symptoms Checklist (PSC; total psychosocial distress scores from 0 to 70), and those scoring 28 or more and their caregivers were enrolled into the trial. Adolescents in the intervention group received seven weekly group sessions and their caregivers received three biweekly group sessions in school settings from trained non-specialists. The primary outcome was change from baseline in the total PSC scores at 3 months post-intervention. The trial was registered prospectively with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number registry, ISRCTN17755448. From the 40 school clusters that were included, 282 adolescents in the intervention group and 284 adolescents in the wait-list control group were enrolled between Nov 2 and Nov 30, 2021. At 3 months, adolescents in the intervention group had significantly lower mean total score on the PSC compared with adolescents in the control group (mean difference in change from baseline 3·48 [95% CI 1·66-5·29], p=0·0002, effect size 0·38 [95% CI 0·18-0·57]; adjusted mean difference 3·26 (95% CI 1·46-5·06], p=0·0004, effect size 0·35 (0·16-0·55). No adverse events were reported in either group. The group psychological intervention most likely represents a feasible and effective option for adolescents with psychosocial distress in school settings. UK Medical Research Council, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Department of Health and Social Care. For the Urdu translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Group psychological counseling to contrast academic burnout: a research protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Academic burnout is a condition characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, a distant attitude toward studying, and diminished self-efficacy in academic activities. Preliminary scientific findings indicate that interventions designed to alleviate work burnout also hold promise for mitigating academic burnout, however clear evidence based on randomized controlled trials is still missing. This research protocol describes a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an online group psychological intervention to contrast academic burnout. Participants with high levels of burnout will be assigned to a psychological counseling group or a waiting list control group. The research comprises several phases: (T0) Screening, Recruitment, and Randomization; (T1) Baseline assessment (pre-intervention); (T2) Outcome Assessment (post-intervention); and (T3) Follow-up Assessment (3 months post-intervention). The primary outcomes include burnout symptoms, general wellbeing, and academic achievement. Additionally, secondary variables such as effort-reward imbalances, satisfaction/frustration of basic psychological needs, intrapersonal and interpersonal emotion regulation, coping strategies, and social support will be examined. The psychological intervention strategies will encompass psychoeducation, self-awareness enhancement, cognitive restructuring, and promotion of social support. This research protocol is an initial step toward evidence-based psychological interventions to treat academic burnout.

Psychological Group Interventions for Reducing Distress Symptoms in Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review.

Healthcare workers exposed to emergencies and chronic stressors are at high risk of developing mental health problems. This review synthesized existing studies of group psychological therapy to reduce distress symptoms in healthcare workers (i.e., as complex and heterogeneous emotional states, characterized by the presence of symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, burnout, anxiety, depression and moral injury). Searches were conducted using PRISMA guidelines and databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline and Web of Science, along with manual searches of reference lists of relevant articles. The search returned a total of 1071 randomized trials, of which 23 met the inclusion criteria. Of the total studies, nine were mindfulness interventions, seven were cognitive behavioural programmes, one was a programme based on acceptance and commitment therapy, one was an EMDR protocol and two focused on systemic and art therapy. Most studies aimed to reduce burnout, anxiety and depression; only three focused on post-traumatic stress disorder, and no studies were found that addressed moral injury. The results suggested that group interventions could be an effective tool to improve the mental health of healthcare workers and reduce their symptoms of distress, although many of the studies have methodological deficiencies. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Caring the caregivers. An online psychological intervention for family caregivers of oncological palliative patients

Aim: analyze the effectiveness of an online delivered psychological intervention program for oncological palliative caregivers in order to reduce the distress and caregiver burden. Methods: The program was developed for primary caregivers of advanced cancer patients, with a life expectancy of less than 6 months. The intervention consisted of 4 weekly sessions. The assessment instruments were the Caregiver Emotional Distress Detection Scale and the Zarit’s Reduced Scale and were applied at the beginning and end of the program. In addition, the main worries of the caregivers were categorized by the Caregiver Emotional Distress Detection Scale. Descriptive statistics and Student’s t were used. Results: 38 caregivers enrolled in intervention, 81.6% of whom were women. Regarding the degree of kinship, 44.7% were descendants of the patient. The distress was significantly reduced after the intervention. Uncertainty remained the main worry at both moments of measurement. Before the program, the second most frequent worry was the suffering of the patient, while after the intervention it was worries about the suffering of other family members. Conclusions: Carrying out this online group psychological intervention program proved to be effective in reducing emotional distress in the main caregivers of cancer patients at the end of life. Uncertainty was a constant concern throughout the program in the relatives.

Liver Cancer: A Psychological CBT Group Intervention Possibility Based on Scientific Review

Liver Cancer: A Psychological CBT Group Intervention Possibility Based on Scientific Review

Developing a strategy to scale up place-based arts initiatives that support mental health and wellbeing: A realist evaluation of 'Arts for the Blues'.

Place-based arts initiatives are regarded as rooted in local need and as having capacity to engage local assets. However, many place-based arts initiatives remain poorly funded and short-lived, receiving little attention on how to scale up and sustain their activities. In this study we make a unique contribution to knowledge about scaling up place-based arts initiatives that support mental health and wellbeing through focusing on the example of 'Arts for the Blues', an arts-based psychological group intervention designed to reduce depression and improve wellbeing amongst primary care mental health service users in deprived communities. Methodologically, we used realist evaluation to refine the study's theoretical assumptions about scaling up, drawing on the lived and professional experiences of 225 diverse stakeholders' and frontline staff through a series of focus groups and evaluation questions at two stakeholders' events and four training days. Based on our findings, we recommend that to scale up place-based arts initiatives which support mental health and wellbeing: (i) the initiative needs to be adaptable, clear, collaborative, evidence-based, personalised and transformative; (ii) the organisation has to have a relevant need, have an understanding of the arts, has to have resources, inspiration and commitment from staff members, relevant skillsets and help from outside the organisation; (iii) at a policy level it is important to pay attention to attitude shifts towards the arts, meet rules, guidelines and standards expected from services, highlight gaps in provision, seek out early intervention and treatment options, and consider service delivery changes. The presence of champions at a local level and buy-in from managers, local leaders and policy makers are also needed alongside actively seeking to implement arts initiatives in different settings across geographical spread. Our theoretically-based and experientially-refined study provides the first ever scaling up framework developed for place-based arts initiatives that support the mental health and wellbeing, offering opportunities for spread and adoption of such projects in different organisational contexts, locally, nationally and internationally.

Examining Psychological Group Interventions for Adult Epilepsy Patients: A Systematic Review

Examining Psychological Group Interventions for Adult Epilepsy Patients: A Systematic Review

Online Group Intervention with High-Performance Youth Athletes for Mental Skills and Safeguarding

Athlete safeguarding is fostered by empowering young athletes and providing them tools to reinforce their mental health, as a protective measure against potential maltreatment and to deal with competitive pressure. This study explores the impact on young athletes’ mental health of an online, group psychological intervention constructed on well-being factors theorized by Seligman. Seven athletes, aged from 15 to 19 years of age, followed a five-stage psycho-educational intervention, that focused on Motivation, Stress management, Relationships with adults, Sport and school reconciliation, and Body image. They were asked to fill in a questionnaire on mood states (POMS) and on competitive state anxiety (CSAI-2) before and after the intervention. Additionally, qualitative data were gathered shortly after the end of the sessions, with self-reported assessment about the different skills athletes had been developing through the intervention. Quantitative results show a significant decrease in cognitive and somatic anxiety, and an increase of self-confidence. Qualitative results illustrate how athletes applied the tools in practical settings and evaluated their utility. In conclusion, this study invites further research into psychological interventions that are adapted to youth sports settings, aiming to simultaneously improve mental health conditions and protective factors against maltreatment in sport.

Meta-analysis of the Effect of Psychological Interventions on Investment Anxiety and Decision Quality in an Entrepreneurial Group of College Students

Abstract Depression and anxiety are relatively common psychological problems among college entrepreneurial groups, and the detection rate is increasing year by year, which seriously affects the life of college entrepreneurial groups. In this paper, we searched the International Journal Literature Database to obtain relevant research literature on the effects of psychological interventions on investment anxiety and decision-making quality in college entrepreneurial groups. The Cochrane Handbook of Risk Assessment was used to test the suitability of the literature for Meta-analysis, and the data from the studies in the literature were processed by heterogeneity test and combining the effect sizes, etc. Meta-analysis showed that psychological interventions only had a significant positive effect on the improvement of the investment anxiety scale of college entrepreneurial groups (SMD=-1.06), and the impact of Morita Therapy on investment anxiety was the most significant. At the same time, studies in the literature show that psychological intervention has a strong influence on the improvement of decision-making quality of college entrepreneurial groups, and the combined SMD value of the psychological intervention group and the control group is -1.39. This paper provides an effective theoretical basis for the improvement of investment anxiety and decision-making quality of college entrepreneurial groups. It lays a foundation for the effective development of programs for psychological intervention in colleges and universities.

ASSESSING THE PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE GERIATRIC SUICIDE IDEATION SCALE IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER MEN

Abstract Middle-aged and older men have high rates of suicide, necessitating risk detection. We developed the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (GSIS; Heisel &amp; Flett, 2006) as an age-specific, multidimensional suicide risk assessment tool. The GSIS has shown strong psychometric properties in clinical, community, and residential samples (see Heisel &amp; Flett, 2016), yet research has lagged investigating its utility with middle-aged and older men. The purpose of the present study was thus to assess the psychometric properties of the GSIS administered to 82 men, 55 years and older (M=63.3, SD=4.6 years), who participated in a meaning-centered psychological intervention group for those concerned about or struggling with the transition to retirement (Heisel et al., 2020). Psychometric analyses included investigation of participant response characteristics, internal consistency, and construct validity. Findings demonstrated acceptable internal consistency for GSIS totals (α =.88) and for its Suicide Ideation, Death Ideation, Loss of Personal and Social Worth, and Perceived Meaning in Life subscales (α =.62-.81). Positive associations between the GSIS and negative psychological factors (depression, anxiety, hopelessness, loneliness, perceived lack of mattering to others, and history of suicidal behavior; r =.30 to .51) and negative associations with positive factors (life satisfaction, psychological well-being, perceived support, and meaning in life; r = -.21 to -.51) supported its construct validity. These and other findings will be discussed in the broader context of upstream population level approaches to suicide risk detection and prevention. (Note: this abstract was accepted for the 2022 GSA meeting, but we had to withdraw due to family loss)

Improving the understanding and management of back pain in older adults: the BOOST research programme including RCT and OPAL cohort

Improving the understanding and management of back pain in older adults: the BOOST research programme including RCT and OPAL cohort

Consulting patients and providers of assisted reproductive technologies to inform the development of a group psychological intervention for women with infertility

ObjectiveTo consult providers and women patients of Assisted Reproductive Technologies regarding their preferences for the format, duration and content in the development of a group psychological intervention. MethodsProviders and current and past women patients of Assisted Reproductive Technologies completed an online cross-sectional survey comprising items about session content, number, frequency, timing, format, delivery mode and inclusion of experiential practice of psychological strategies to promote well-being. ResultsEight providers, 51 current women patients and 51 women who previously underwent Assisted Reproductive Technologies participated. Sixty-two percent of participants indicated a group psychological program would be helpful; and 34% thought it may be helpful. Face-to-face was the preferred delivery mode (42%). Seventy-one percent preferred 60-min sessions held fortnightly (64%), with six sessions most acceptable (24%). Most respondents (74%) felt group participants would likely complete at-home practice. Detailed thematic content from participants highlighted a complex range of consumer challenges. Relevant behaviour change techniques were verified, with those to be included identified as: feedback and monitoring, regulation, self belief, reward and threat, natural consequences, identity, support, shaping knowledge, and comparison of outcomes. ConclusionProviders and patients were supportive of the development of a group psychological intervention to provide support for women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies. InnovationThe results of this study provide insight informing the co-design of a group psychological program for women with infertility.

'I became more aware of my actions'-A qualitative longitudinal study of a health psychological group intervention for patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

To explore myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients' experiences of a health psychological group intervention and its usefulness, non-usefulness or harmfulness for illness management and adjustment. A qualitative longitudinal study using inductive content analysis. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 adults. Interviews were conducted before the 16-week intervention, immediately after its completion, and at 3 months after completion. Participants reported that the intervention was useful and not harmful. The model improved their ability to cope with ME/CFS by providing them with useful information about the illness along with peer support and professional guidance. Participants reported improved illness management and adjustment, which they perceived as an outcome of achieving new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. Participants viewed the health psychological approach to group intervention as meeting their needs. To achieve better illness management and adjustment, more consideration should be given to supportive interactional processes with peers and healthcare professionals. The intervention was developed to meet patients' needs of finding ways to manage their illness. The research team consulted eight patients with ME/CFS and three clinical centres working with ME/CFS treatment and rehabilitation at the intervention planning stage. Their comments influenced the planning and content of the intervention as well as ethical issues that should be considered, such as potential harm to participants. All participants were informed about the theoretical foundations of the study and the principles guiding the intervention. Participants were not involved in the data analysis. NCT04151693.

Group psychological intervention for emotional distress in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A feasibility randomised clinical trial.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an intensive procedure associated with elevated psychological distress, particularly during the initial stages. Based on self-regulatory theory, a prophylactic group intervention was developed to mitigate this distress by targeting perceptions of HSCT and coping. This study evaluated the feasibility of delivering the intervention and of conducting a randomised clinical trial to assess efficacy. Adults from consecutive referrals at two transplant centres were randomised to the intervention or to treatment as usual at each site. Psychological distress (primary outcome), HSCT perceptions, and coping were assessed at baseline, on transplant day, and two and four weeks after transplantation. Of 99 eligible patients, 45 consented. Main barriers to consent were insufficient time prior to transplantation, competing priorities, being unwell, and travel distance. Of 21 participants randomised to the intervention, five attended. Main barriers to attendance included insufficient time prior to transplantation and having competing priorities. Groups could not be held sufficiently frequently to enable attendance prior to transplantation, as randomising participants to the control group limited accrual. Anxiety peaked two weeks following transplantation. Depression increased throughout the acute phase. Clinical levels of distress were observed in 42% of patients during HSCT. Intervention effects were small but sample sizes for a full trial appeared feasible. Multimodal prehabilitation is required but there are specific barriers to delivering a group-based intervention and conducting a trial. Group prehabilitation requires customisation and better integration with routine care, such as patient screening, personalisation, and options for remote delivery.

Exploratory RCT of a group psychological intervention for postnatal depression in British mothers of South Asian origin – ROSHNI-D

BackgroundPostnatal depression (PND) is a global public health problem. There is a high prevalence of PND amongst ethnic minority women and major ethnic inequalities in mental health care in the U.K. Language and cultural barriers pose a significant challenge for access to timely treatment and interventions for British South Asian (BSA) women with PND. MethodsThe study, carried out in Manchester and Lancashire, England, was a two-arm single-blind exploratory randomised controlled trial. BSA women (N = 83) having a baby <12 months were randomised either to the group receiving the culturally adapted Positive Health Programme (PHP) (n = 42) or to the group receiving treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 41). Follow-up assessments were at 3 months (end of intervention) and 6 months after randomisation. ResultsUsing an intention to treat analysis, there was no significant difference between PHP intervention and TAU groups in depression measured using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale both at 3 and 6 months follow up. Using modified intention to treat analysis, women who attended four or more sessions showed significant reduction in depression in the PHP group compared to the TAU group and the greater number of sessions attended was associated with greater reductions in depression scores. LimitationsThe sample was relatively small and the study was conducted in one geographical area in Northwest England; hence, these results may not be generalizable to other regions and populations. ConclusionThe recruitment and trial retention figures highlighted the ability of the research team to engage with BSA women, having implications in planning services for this group. Trial registrationClinicaltrials.govNCT01838889.

MyKOA-Cope: the development of a culturally relevant integrative group psychological intervention for people with chronic knee osteoarthritis pain

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition that causes chronic pain and psychological distress. The biological aspects of arthritis pain can be effectively managed with medication, physiotherapy and surgical procedures. However, no known psychological interventions to manage the psychological aspects of chronic pain have been developed in Sri Lanka.Objective: The study aimed to develop a culturally relevant integrative group psychological intervention for patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis pain.Methods: The first phase involved a literature review of existing psychological interventions on chronic pain management, which was used to develop a culturally relevant group psychological intervention named as “MyKOA-Cope: Psychological intervention for chronic knee osteoarthritis”. In the second phase, a Delphi study and a focus group discussion were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the newly developed intervention.Results: The MyKOA-Cope is a six-session, in-person group intervention that lasts 45-50 minutes per session. These sessions include: 1) orientation to the intervention; 2) relaxation training; 3) exercise and pacing; pleasant activity scheduling; 4) identify negative automatic thoughts; 5) cognitive restructuring and calming selfstatements and 6) termination and maintenance strategies.Conclusion: The present study developed a culturally appropriate psychological intervention to enhance paincoping skills among patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis. This intervention has the potential to address the psychological aspects of chronic pain and contribute to the biomedical model. Future research can validate and tailor the MyKOA-Cope to suit the needs of patients with different illness conditions, literacy levels, and those who speak in Tamil in Sri Lanka.