Psychological Management Research Articles

Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Nurses' Perceived Stress, Sleep Quality, and Presenteeism: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

The physical and psychological health management of nurses is very important not only for individual nurses but also for organizations and patients. However, nurses are exposed to high stress, sleep problems, and high presenteeism. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of auricular acupressure (AA) on nurses' stress, sleep problems, and presenteeism. This randomized controlled trial encompassed 60 nurses divided into an experimental group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). Auricular acupressure using AA stickers with small magnets attached was performed in the experimental group, and a placebo AA using simple AA stickers (without the small magnets) was performed in the control group. The treatment lasted 7weeks. To confirm the results, stress, sleep quality, and presenteeism were measured at pre- and posttest. There was a statistically significant difference in scores for sleep quality (t =-1.98, P =.047), health problems (z =-2.38, P =.017), and work impairment (t =-4.46, P <.001) between the experimental and control groups at posttest. Auricular acupressure increased sleep quality scores and decreased presenteeism. Auricular acupressure using AA stickers with small magnets attached was effective in improving sleep quality and reducing presenteeism in nurses.

Exploring the Psychological Health and Work Efficiency of Enterprise Employees under the EAP Perspective

Against the backdrop of rapid global economic advancement, intensifying corporate competition has made employee mental health a pivotal factor affecting both organizational performance and employee well-being. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), as structured mental health support services, have garnered increasing attention from corporate entities and academia alike. EAPs not only aim to address employees' psychological issues but also strive to enhance their work efficiency and overall satisfaction. By offering psychological counseling, stress management, and other comprehensive services, EAPs effectively alleviate workplace stress, promote mental well-being, and consequently elevate corporate productivity and competitiveness. Research underscores a significant positive correlation between mental health and work efficiency. Maintaining a healthy psychological state facilitates sustained high performance among employees, mitigating absenteeism and turnover stemming from psychological issues. As businesses increasingly prioritize employee mental health, the global adoption of EAPs is becoming more widespread. However, enterprises face various challenges in implementation, such as safeguarding employee privacy, low participation rates, and resource constraints. Thus, exploring the impact of EAPs on employee mental health and work efficiency, analyzing challenges encountered during implementation, and devising corresponding strategies are crucial for optimizing management practices and enhancing operational efficiency in enterprises.

The Influence of Psychological Empowerment and Knowledge Management Readiness on Organizational Business Performance Mediated by Micro-Innovation

The Influence of Psychological Empowerment and Knowledge Management Readiness on Organizational Business Performance Mediated by Micro-Innovation

The Impact of Social Cognition Deficits on Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis: A Scoping Review.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that affects the Central Nervous System by causing demyelination. Social cognition (SC) deficits are common among individuals with MS and can significantly impact their quality of life (QoL) due to difficulties in interpreting social cues and establishing meaningful relationships. This scoping review aimed to investigate SC in subjects with MS and its impact on QoL. Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. After reading the full text of the selected studies and applying predefined inclusion criteria, four studies were included based on pertinence and relevance to the topic. The findings highlight significant associations between SC deficits, social support, fatigue, and QoL outcomes. Cognitive decline was identified as a predictive factor for SC impairment in the MS population, which affects daily activities and relationships, thereby reducing QoL. Moreover, emotional impairments such as depression and anxiety exacerbate these challenges. Enhancing social support networks may improve psychological well-being and disease management in MS. Although evidence is limited, assessing SC is crucial in the care pathways for MS to develop tailored psychosocial interventions that address the cognitive, emotional, and social facets of the disease, thereby improving overall outcomes and QoL.

Association of Hypertension with Well-Being: Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Study.

It remains unclear how hypertension affects subjective well-being, especially in light of its potential gender-specific impacts. In this study, we aimed to study the association between hypertension and subjective well-being and the potential gender differences in this relationship as well as mediating factors. We use individual-level data from >1million Americans who participated in six waves of the nationally representative Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. We employ descriptive and regression analyses to determine the association between hypertension and subjective well-being while controlling for the usual well-being covariates identified from the related literature. Hypertension was negative associated with subjective well-being (p<0.001) and our results for covariates were in line with the findings in the related literature. The association between hypertension and subjective well-being was only found in males (p<0.001) but not in females. The relationship is mediated by age and exercising but only for females. Hypertension is negatively associated with well-being among males. The diagnosis of hypertension should not only lead to medical treatments but also involve a careful psychological management.

An exploration of psychological safety and conflict in first‐year engineering student teams

AbstractBackgroundDeveloping teamwork skills is a central objective of engineering education. Psychological safety and conflict management are pivotal components of teamwork, yet despite their significance, research in engineering project‐based learning (PBL) contexts is scant. Understanding students' experiences with psychological safety and its interaction with conflict is crucial to inform PBL pedagogy.PurposeThis study delves into first‐year engineering students' experiences of psychological safety and conflict, including their evolution in a PBL course.MethodsThroughout the semester, we collected data from 82 students via written reflections and focus groups. Employing a thematic analysis underpinned by the team conflict dynamics model, we characterized students' experiences with psychological safety and conflict.FindingsAt the semester's outset, psychological safety was notably lacking. Students often hesitated to share ideas due to apprehensions about peer reactions and fears of negative judgments. As the semester advanced, consistent positive affirmations nurtured psychological safety, increasing students' confidence and readiness to discuss ideas openly and engage in healthy task conflict. Notably, process conflicts arising from absenteeism, poor communication, and procrastination were prevalent across teams. When unresolved, these conflicts eroded psychological safety, intensifying stress, exacerbating frustrations, and provoking relationship conflict.ConclusionsOur study underscores the intertwined nature of psychological safety and conflict in shaping the first‐year design experience in student teams. We urge faculty to recognize their pivotal role in fostering an inclusive culture and highlight pedagogical strategies that can bolster psychological safety at the onset, encourage healthy task conflict, and monitor unhealthy process and relationship conflicts.

Motives for parenthood, psychosocial factors and health in women undergoing IVF: A systematic review

IntroductionInfertility affects 8-12% of reproductive-age couples globally, leading to significant psychosocial challenges. This review explores the psychological aspects of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and its impact on mental well-being.MethodsA systematic review of 13 studies was conducted using Google Scholar, Tandfonline, Medrxiv, and PubMed. Inclusion criteria included studies on women aged 18-50 undergoing IVF, focusing on psychosocial and health factors, published in English or Greek.ResultsWomen undergoing IVF reported increased anxiety during the second and third trimesters. Psychological interventions, such as hope-oriented group counseling, improved mental health and quality of life. Patient satisfaction with IVF was generally high, influenced by demographic variables and psychological factors. Higher stress levels were linked to lower IVF success rates. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated psychological distress and treatment delays.ConclusionsAddressing psychological well-being in IVF is crucial. Integrating psychological support, counseling, and stress management interventions can enhance patient experience, improve treatment outcomes, and promote overall mental health. Further research is needed to develop tailored interventions that address the unique needs of individuals undergoing IVF.

Patient-centered care for mental health in patients with heart failure in the intensive care unit: A systematic review

AimTo assess basic data for developing appropriate interventions by examining the effects of patient-centered care (PCC) on the mental health of patients with heart failure in the intensive care unit (ICU). BackgroundPatients with heart failure are frequently admitted to ICUs, and ICU stays are associated with prolonged mental health problems. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review using the CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and gray literature databases. Inclusion criteria were studies with participants aged ≥18 years with heart failure in the ICU who received a PCC intervention, and studies that described the outcomes for mental health problems. Data were extracted from five selected studies published after 2020 and analyzed. ResultsPCC is classified into three areas: comprehensive nursing, multidisciplinary disease management, and targeted motivational interviewing with conventional nursing. The two specific areas of focus for PCC regarding mental health were integrated mental healthcare and specific psychological nursing. Specific psychological nursing comprised relationship building, therapeutic communication, relaxation and motivational techniques, active therapeutic cooperation, psychological status evaluation, music therapy, and environmental management. ConclusionsThis review provides a distinctive understanding of multidisciplinary and multicomponent PCC interventions for patients with heart failure in the ICU as an effective approach for improving their mental health. Future PCC intervention strategies aimed at patients with heart failure in the ICU should consider their preferences and family participation.

Quality of Life of Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Literary Review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major contributor to global cancer cases and deaths, making it a significant public health concern. As the number of CRC survivors continues to rise, understanding the impact of CRC and its treatment on their quality of life (QoL) has become increasingly important. The determinants of QoL in CRC patients are multifaceted and include physical health, physical fitness, physical activity, healthy eating, psychological health, social support, the availability of high-quality medical care, and QoL at the end of life. These factors interact to shape the overall well-being of CRC survivors. To enhance the QoL of CRC patients, a comprehensive approach is needed. This includes tailoring treatments to individual patient characteristics, providing psychological support and symptom management, promoting post-treatment rehabilitation, organizing support groups, emphasizing early detection, and effectively managing CRC-related symptoms. Addressing these aspects can significantly improve the QOL and well-being of CRC survivors, helping them adapt to life after treatment and thrive in the face of the challenges they may encounter

Construction and Application of Psychological Entropy Dissipation Model in Teenagers Resilience

This paper utilizes the psychological entropy dissipative structure theory to study adolescent psychological development from a new perspective, to dissect the dissipative structure of the psychological quality education system, and to study the prevention and treatment mechanism of psychological crisis. Based on the research data of secondary school students in China's second-tier urban areas, this study adopts the psychological entropy and dissipative structure model to compare the differences in the effects of the two quality education modes with and without team practice activities on the cultivation of adolescents' psychological resilience qualities by using the team social practice program as an example, and to form the entropy-reducing program for exploring the improvement of adolescents' psychological resilience in the quality education and cultivation reform program. The results show that the overall level of psychological resilience of the subjects is relatively satisfactory, the traditional education model of students in the training with the knowledge of the problem of the brush, a moderate amount of brush the amount of the problem of the problem can enable students to train a relatively good positive state of mind, the team practice activities of the students through the interpersonal connection, through the interaction of members of the team to obtain mutual support, more flexible response to emergencies and introspection and enhancement. It is suggested that in the process of comprehensive quality education for adolescents, the psychological stress management of adolescents can be realized by increasing the number of students from different schools to form irregular teams to carry out multiple team social practices. This study provides new theoretical perspectives and analytical methods for secondary school students' psychological quality education, and is of positive significance for the promotion of youth's healthy growth and the effective prevention of psychological crisis.

The association between physical intervention use and treatment outcomes in patients participating in an online and psychologically informed pain management program.

The availability of multidisciplinary care for the management of chronic pain is uncommon outside specialist clinics. The present study aims to determine the physical intervention use of patients participating in an online psychological pain management program and whether exposure to physical interventions in these patients alters treatment outcomes compared with patients who do not access physical interventions. Data were obtained from 2 previously published randomized controlled trials of an online psychological pain management program. Physical intervention exposure (categories: none, 1-3 sessions, 4+ sessions) was assessed at baseline, after treatment, and at 3-month follow-up. Primary outcomes included depression, anxiety, pain intensity, and pain-related disability. Generalized estimating equation models were used to compare treatment outcomes among those with different physical intervention frequencies and periods of exposure. We assessed whether changes in primary outcomes differed (moderated) by the period and category of physical intervention exposure. Of the patients (n = 1074) who completed the baseline questionnaire across both randomized controlled trials, 470 (44%) reported physical intervention use at baseline, 383 (38%) reported physical intervention use after treatment, and 363 (42%) reported physical intervention use at 3-month follow-up. On average, there were moderate-large reductions from baseline to after treatment with respect to all outcomes (Cohen's d = 0.36-0.82). For all outcomes, the interaction of time by physical intervention exposure was statistically nonsignificant. A substantial proportion of patients who participated in a psychologically informed pain management program were establishing, continuing, or stopping additional physical interventions. The frequency of and period of exposure to physical interventions did not appear to moderate treatment outcomes. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12613000252718 and ACTRN12615001003561). The website for registration information is https://www.anzctr.org.au.

Internet-Delivered Psychological Pain Management: A Prospective Cohort Study Examining Routine Care Delivery by a Specialist Regional Multidisciplinary Pain Service

Several clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of internet-delivered psychological-based pain management programs (PMPs). However, to date, no large studies have reported the outcomes of PMPs when delivered by specialist multidisciplinary pain services in routine care. The present study reports (n = 653) the outcomes of an internet-delivered PMP provided as routine care by a specialist Australian regional pain service over a 6-year period. High levels of treatment commencement (85%) and completion (72%) were observed, with more than 80% of patients reporting they were satisfied with the intervention. Clinical improvements were observed from pretreatment to post-treatment (% change, 95% confidence intervals (CI)) in pain-related disability (8.8%; 4.5, 12.8), depression (28.4%; 23.0, 33.4), anxiety (21.9%; 14.6, 28.5), and pain intensity (7%; 3.5, 10.5), which were maintained to 3-month follow-up. At 3-month follow-up, 27% (23, 31), 46% (41, 51), 44% (39, 49), and 22% (19, 26) reported clinically meaningful (defined as ≥ 30%) improvements in pain-related disability, depression, anxiety, and pain intensity, respectively. These results were obtained with relatively little therapist time per patient (M = 30.0, (standard deviation) SD = 18.8) to deliver the intervention. The current findings highlight the potential of internet-delivered PMPs as part of the services provided by specialist pain services, particularly those servicing large geographical regions and for patients unable to travel to clinics for face-to-face care. PerspectiveThis study reports the outcomes of the routine delivery of an internet-delivered psychological PMP by a specialist pain service. The findings highlight the potential of this model of care when provided by specialist pain services, particularly for patients not unable to attend and not requiring intensive face-to-face care.

Practice effects of a breathing technique on pilots’ cognitive and stress associated heart rate variability during flight operations

Commercial pilots endure multiple stressors in their daily and occupational lives which are detrimental to psychological well-being and cognitive functioning. The Quick coherence technique (QCT) is an effective intervention tool to improve stress resilience and psychophysiological balance based on a five-minute paced breathing exercise with heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback. The current research reports on the application of QCT training within an international airline to improve commercial pilots’ psychological health and support cognitive functions. Forty-four commercial pilots volunteered in a one-month training programme to practise self-regulated QCT in day-to-day life and flight operations. Pilots’ stress index, HRV time-domain and frequency-domain parameters were collected to examine the influence of QCT practice on the stress resilience process. The results demonstrated that the QCT improved psychophysiological indicators associated with stress resilience and cognitive functions, in both day-to-day life and flight operation settings. HRV fluctuations, as measured through changes in RMSSD and LF/HF, revealed that the resilience processes were primarily controlled by the sympathetic nervous system activities that are important in promoting pilots’ energy mobilization and cognitive functions, thus QCT has huge potential in facilitating flight performance and aviation safety. These findings provide scientific evidence for implementing QCT as an effective mental support programme and controlled rest strategy to improve pilots’ psychological health, stress management, and operational performance.

An Exploratory Study on the Conceptualization of Burnout among the Professional Esports Athletes: Focused on League of Legends Champions Korea League.

Research on the stress and burnout experienced by athletes in the esports field remains limited, necessitating an approach that considers the unique environment and circumstances of esports athletes. This study aims to explore the conceptualization of burnout experiences among professional esports athletes. The participants included 88 athletes from the League of Legends Championship Korea (LCK). Among these, in-depth interviews were conducted with 7 athletes who had experience in international tournaments (the World Championship), while an open-ended survey was completed by 81 athletes. Data collected through in-depth interviews and an open-ended survey were digitized and utilized for analysis. Through critical review by another author and inductive categorization, the conceptual components of esports athletes' burnout were derived. Through the analysis of 251 raw datum, it was conceptualized into five conceptual factors: performance, overtraining, interpersonal relationships, physical and psychological exhaustion, and career and motivation. The results of this study confirm that esports athletes, like athletes in other conventional sports, experience burnout during their careers, highlighting issues in their unique environment, particularly in aspects of interpersonal relationships and training and rest conditions. This research can serve as a foundational resource for effective athletes' psychological health management in the esports field and underscores the need for further research on burnout among esports athletes.

The Impact of Multidisciplinary Educational Team-Based Clinical Nursing Pathway on the Psychological Resilience, Treatment Adherence, Pain Management and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients.

We aimed to investigate the impact of multidisciplinary educational team-based clinical nursing pathway on the psychological resilience, treatment adherence, pain management and quality of life in cancer patients. From 2019 to 2020, eighty two cancer patients were selected and randomly divided into the control group and the observational group. Both groups were treated with routine oncology nursing and the multidisciplinary educational team-based clinical nursing pathway, respectively. Psychological resilience, pain management and qualify of life were assessed by the Chinese version of the Connor-Davidson resilience scale, revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire and the Nottingham health profile, respectively. Treatment adherence was semi-quantitatively classified as "good", "fair" and "bad". Patient's psychological resilience, compliance, pain outcome and quality of life were similar between the control group and the observational group on admission. Patient's psychological resilience, compliance and pain outcome in the observational group were significantly superior to those in the control group one day prior to discharge and 2 months post-discharge (all P<0.05). The scores of energy, emotions, sleep and mobility were significantly different between the observational group and the control group one day prior to discharge and 2 months post-discharge (all P<0.05). Significant improvements were observed with regard to the scores of energy, sleep and mobility in the control group 2 months post-discharge, whereas the scores of energy, emotions, sleep and mobility improved dramatically in the observational group (all P<0.05). Compared with routine oncology nursing, multidisciplinary educational team-based clinical nursing pathway could improve patient's psychological resilience, treatment adherence, pain management and quality of life.

Effect of a nonpharmacological psychological stress management intervention on major cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Effect of a nonpharmacological psychological stress management intervention on major cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Medical and psychological management of patients with a history of surgical treatment for pancreatic diseases

Medical and psychological management of patients with a history of surgical treatment for pancreatic diseases

Diabetes Distress, Depression and Coping Strategies in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

People with diabetes often experience two mental health conditions which are diabetes distress and depression. Both the conditions affect them negatively and increase their risk of diabetes complications and poor disease management. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of diabetes distress and depression in our sample and examine the relationship among diabetes distress, depression and coping strategies among adults with Type 2 diabetes. Methods: Cross-sectional research design was used in this study. The sample consisted of 125 patients of Type 2 diabetes with age range between 40 to 55 years (M=49.94, SD=4.21). Non probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. Diabetes distress scale, depression scale and coping scale were used to assess the study variables. Results: 34% patients had moderate distress worthy of attention. Being woman, younger age, having poor coping skills and depression were significantly associated with diabetes distress. Conclusions: High rates of diabetes distress in the study highlights the significance of identifying distress and other mental health issues in individuals having diabetes to provide psychological management and collaborative care to them.

Self-Control, Openness, Personal Need for Structure and Compensatory Control Change: A Serial Mediation Investigation.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous studies have indicated that individuals are confronting a diminished sense of control. Compensatory control theory suggests that individuals strive to mitigate this loss by modifying their behavior. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between self-control and compensatory control change during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the mediating effects of openness and the personal need for structure. Participants completed an online questionnaire consisting of Personal Need for Structure Scale, Self-Control Scale, Openness Scale and Compensatory Control Change Scale. The results showed that the compensatory control change increased after the outbreak. Moreover, a serial mediation was found: openness and the personal need for structure partially mediated the relationship between self-control and compensatory control change. The results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in compensatory control behaviors, especially among those with pronounced self-control. High self-control individuals are found to exhibit greater openness, reducing their personal need for structure, in effect enhancing their compensatory control change. These findings highlight the critical role of self-control in sustaining a sense of control, which is vital for understanding psychological health management in the context of public health events.

A Review of Behavioral and Pharmacological Treatments for Adult Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a psychiatric disorder involving chronic, recurrent urges to pull out one’s own hair, arising frequently in childhood and early adolescence. This disorder predominantly affects women and has a high co-morbidity with many other psychiatric conditions. Currently, the etiology is unknown, which makes treating TTM extremely difficult. While the epidemiology and proposed causes will be discussed briefly, the primary purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive, updated summary of the psychological and pharmacological management options for patients diagnosed with TTM, as new clinical trial data for previously studied and novel treatments have become available within the last decade. Of the behavioral interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and habit reversal training (HRT) have demonstrated the greatest improvements in hair-pulling severity, with HRT showing the most efficacy for long-term maintenance of progress. Pharmacological therapies with the most success include Olanzapine, Clomipramine, and N-Acetylcysteine, though larger replication studies are needed. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have yielded inconsistent results in clinical trials, yet they are frequently prescribed for TTM. Naltrexone, Dronabinol, and Inositol are emerging as potential treatments, but the results suggest that additional studies are needed. Future research directions include larger placebo-controlled pharmacological trials, exploring the efficacy of combined behavioral and pharmacological approaches compared to monotherapy, and delving into the potential genetic and neurochemical contributions that may underlie TTM.