Psychological Markers Research Articles

Impact of Back Massage on Physical and Psychological Measures in Chronically Ill Patients

Introduction: The significance of massage in providing nursing care is frequently overlooked. Massage therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects, both physically and psychologically, on the whole person. Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of giving chronically ill patients a back massage on their physiological and psychological markers while they were getting care at a tertiary care centre. Methods and Material: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence that back massage has on the physiological and psychological parameters of patients who suffer from chronic illnesses. 1. To determine the effect that back massage has on the physiological and psychological aspects of patients who are suffering from chronic illness. Methodology For the purpose of this study, a one-group, pre- and post-test quasi-experimental design was used to serve as the investigation’s research methodology. Result: This inquiry will focus on collecting samples from 50 chronically ill patients of both sexes between the ages of 16 and 60 who have been hospitalised to Krishna Hospital in Karad. The patients’ ages range from 16 to 60. The results showed that after three days of back massage, the mean score for anxiety decreased from 47 to 35, the score for stress decreased from 16 to 9, and the score for the Patient Health Questionnaire dropped from 58 to 39. After receiving a back massage for three days, the patient’s average pulse decreased from 82 to 75, the average respiration rate decreased from 26 to 19, the patient’s systolic blood pressure decreased from 141 to 129, and the patient’s diastolic blood pressure decreased from 95 to 83. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that massage therapy is a safe and effective treatment for patients in intensive care units to lower the severity of patients’ physical and mental health problems. As a consequence of this, regular application of back massage in the context of therapeutic therapy is strongly recommended.

Contributions of health technologies in risk assessment for suicide behavior: an integrative review.

to identify how health technologies contribute to risk assessment for suicidal behavior. an integrative review carried out on the MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, SCOPUS, LILACS and BDENF databases. The sample consisted of 12 primary studies, with no temporal or language delimitation. Analysis of results occurred descriptively. the technologies included assistance and teaching aspects favorable to data screening, monitoring and navigation, capable of predicting individual, biological, clinical, psychological, environmental and social markers for suicidal behavior. Thus, measurement scale, software and computational algorithms constituted valid and sensitive instruments for improving performance, expanding skills and knowledge, good care practices, effective communication and assistance planning. the identified technologies proved to be effective in identifying risk states for suicidal behavior, representing effective resources for directing care and necessary interventions.

Psychological markers of the risk of depression in the indigenous population and migrants in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

Проведено сопоставление психологических маркеров депрессивного расстройства у коренных жителей и мигрантов в приполярных районах Якутии. В исследовании приняли участие здоровые студенты медицинского колледжа в пос. Хандыга Якутии и студенты-медики, переехавшие в Якутию из южных регионов.

PSYCHO-VEGETATIVE "CHAOS" AS AN IMBALANCE OF HOMEOSTATIC SYSTEMS IN STUDENTS: METHODS OF ITS EARLY DIAGNOSIS

The aim of the work was to study the psycho-vegetative state of students using standardized questionnaires. Materials and methods of research. The study involved students of 18–20 y/o, I–II course of the medical university. According to the results of screening of 448 students, we used a standardized questionnaire by OM Vein. There were 82 people with signs of autonomic dysfunction, which comprised the main study group. To assess the state of autonomic balance, we used cardiointervalography; to verify the hyperventilation syndrome, we used the Nijmegen questionnaire; to assess the psycho-emotional state and anxiety, we used the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results of the research. Among 82 students with signs of autonomic dysfunction, the average score by the Vein scale was 36.12 ± 4.26 points (p ˂ 0.001) vs. 15 points denoting the norm. Subjective symptoms identified by the Vein scale closely correlated with the results of the Nijmegen questionnaire. A positive indicator of the latter – 36.24 ± 1.26 points – was observed in 71.95 % of people, which indicated the presence of hyperventilation syndrome in this group of students. The rest of the students in the main group had a negative result (less than 23 points), although according to the Vein scale, they had signs of autonomic dysfunction, which could indicate a certain premorbid condition. According to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, among the 82 people surveyed, students with signs of personal anxiety scored the most points, which were accompanied by emotional "explosions" (56.1 %), neurotic conflicts (35.37 %), feelings of insecurity (46.34 %) and anxiety (37.8 %), etc. We found an association between signs of anxiety and hyperventilation syndrome (r = 0.76). According to the results of the assessment, against the background of anxiety and neurotic symptoms and manifestations of hyperventilation syndrome, the results of the survey revealed signs of somatoform autonomic dysfunction in a significant proportion of students (71.95 %) of the main group, including complaints of respiratory, circulatory and gastrointestinal nature. The lack of isolated psychological markers specific to each psychosomatic disorder should also be noted. Thus, the identified signs of autonomic imbalance by the Vein questionnaire were significantly correlated with the manifestations of hyperventilation syndrome, increased anxiety, somatoform abnormalities, which is the evidence of statistical significance and informativeness of the results of the surveys. Conclusions. Screening surveys among students using standardized questionnaires, analysis of heart rate variability allows identifying a risk group with manifestations of psycho-vegetative dysfunction, maladaptation syndrome and recommending the use of certain health measures to improve quality of life, professional activity.

A Picture of Trait Anxiety and Aggressiveness among Adolescents from Different Types of Educational Institutions.

This study is an attempt to identify psychological markers for pupils' maladaptive states. Agggression is seen as behavior while aggressiveness is seen as the state of being ready for such behavior. Anxiety is considered a stable personality trait. Two hundred and sixty pupils of the 8th grade from five different schools took part in the research. Schools that have a selection principle for admission are called prestige schools. The purpose of this study was to discover correlations between trait anxiety and aggressiveness among adolescents in different types of educational institutions. At the same time, we were interested in manifestations of maladaptive perfectionism and destructive personality tendencies as revealed by quantitative and qualitative research methods. The first stage of the study was a survey to define risk groups for hostility and anxiety among the adolescents. All tests except the one for sociometry were done on an individual basis. The second stage included methods for qualitative analysis of personality. The pupils from identified risk groups were paid special attention. We were interested in the recurrence of destructive personality tendencies as they appeared in each method. About one third of all the participants from four out of the five schools formed the hostility risk group. In the prestige and non-prestige schools alike, hostile adolescents were more likely to find themselves at least somewhat isolated in their social group (class). Hostile teenagers have more self-esteem problems and issues with forming a Self-concept in general, as well as pronounced destructive personality tendencies in some cases. However, the pictures of trait anxiety in prestige and non-prestige schools were different. Hostile teenagers from non-prestige schools were more likely to greatly underestimate their intelligence and communication skills. In this case, according to the teachers' expert opinion and the results of participant observation, that assessment reflected the reality.The hostile teenagers at the prestige educational institutions presented a different picture of trait anxiety. Objectively, the achievements of these pupils were great, but they constantly procrastinated, didn't believe in success, and had communication problems. This study has shown that the markers of a pupil's maladaptive state are trait anxiety (school, interpersonal, self-esteem), hostility, and maladaptive perfectionism.

ПОНЯТИЕ «ИНТЕЛЛИГЕНЦИЯ» ГЛАЗАМИ СОВРЕМЕННОЙ РОССИЙСКОЙ МОЛОДЁЖИ: СОЦИОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ

The article analyzes a unique empirical material obtained in the course of a sociological study, the purpose of which is to reveal the content of the concept «intelligentsia» as it is comprehended by modern Russian youth. The author studies the correlation of this content with the traditional under-standing of the intelligentsia, presented in the leading Russian sociological approaches: socio-economic, cultural, social-ethical, and others. The main method of collecting primary sociological information is a questionnaire survey, which allows respondents to rank psychological, cognitive, socio-role, moral and ethical markers of the intelligentsia, as well as the markers that characterize the overall level of culture and education of a person. It is revealed that as the main ones, respondents use blocks that cover cognitive characteristics and markers of the general level of culture and upbringing. Moral, ethical and psychological properties and qualities are taken into account to a much lesser extent, while traditional social markers (belonging to a certain social stratum/group/class, profession/occupation/type of occupation, social attitudes and motivation, etc.) remain the outsiders of the sample. Based on the obtained data, a collective image of the intelligentsia through the eyes of modern Russian youth is formed. An opinion about the relevance of the resulting image to almost any person who has received a decent upbringing and education (regardless of the country of residence of this person, their civil position, moral and psychological qualities and characteristics, etc.) is discussed. It is concluded that modern Russian youth, who are not familiar with the etymology and classical interpretations of the concept of «intelligentsia», «dissolves» it in a close, but not identical concept of «intelligence».

Stigma associated with parental depression or cancer: Impact on spouse and offspring's cortisol levels and socioemotional functioning.

Stress associated with caring for a mentally ill spouse can adversely affect the health status of caregivers and their children. Adding to the stress of caregiving is the stigma often placed against spouses and children of people with mental illness. Contrary to mental illness, many physical disorders such as cancer may be less stigmatized (expect pulmonary cancer). In this study, we measured externalized and internalized stigma, as well as psychological (depressive symptoms and stressful life events) and physiological (basal salivary cortisol levels) markers of stress in 115 spouses and 154 children of parents suffering from major depressive disorder, cancer, or no illness (control group). The results show that spouses and children from families with parental depression present significantly more externalized stigma than spouses and children from families with parental cancer or no illness, although we find no group differences on internalized stigma. The analysis did not show a significant group difference either for spouses or their children on depressive symptomatology, although spouses from the parental depression group reported greater work/family stress. Finally, we found that although for both spouses children the awakening cortisol response was greater on weekdays than on weekend days, salivary cortisol levels did not differ between groups. Bayes factor calculated on the null result for cortisol levels was greater than 100, providing strong evidence for the null hypothesis H0. Altogether, these results suggest an impact of stigma toward mental health disorder on psychological markers of stress but no impact of stigma on physiological markers of stress. We suggest that these results may be due to the characteristics of the families who participated in the present study.

Poetological dominants of historical memory in works of asian immigrant writers in Canada

Poetological dominants of historical memory in works of asian immigrant writers in Canada
 The paper highlights the development of literature related to the historical memory concept of Canadian immigrants from Asian countries. It covers the period of the late 20th ― first decades of the 21st century. The complex of problems, analyzed and structured within the semantic field of the modern historical memory concept, is often applicable both to Canada and Ukraine. The research broadens the knowledge of Canadian literature introducing the names of researchers and writers new to Ukrainian literary studies. The paper overviews the interpretations of Canadian Asian immigrants’ dispositions within the paradigm of modern arts and humanities. The focus is on the issues of double identity, the coherence of ethnic and North American mentality. The researcher generalizes the poetical aspects of the works by Ying Chen, Kim Thui, Joy Kogawa, Michael Ondaatje. Attention has been paid to the definition of discursive parameters, which allow shaping the concept of historical memory in ‘mosaic’ Canadian society; the issues of identities; the main markers of Canadian historical strategies; and versatile patterns of literary texts.
 The participation of Canada in the global dialog, which involves its culture and literature, plays probably the most important role in the debate on Canadian polyethnic literature. Regional, national, and international features demand some combined definition. The research explicates modern historical memory strategies in the context of conventional territory with its specific spatial and temporal characteristics. The author demonstrates the main local views on peculiarities of the Canadian literary process of the 2nd half of the 20th ― early 21st century and analyzes literary texts. All the novels show profound connection between representatives of Canadian literature, who may seem essentially different but manifest temporal and subjective similarity.
 The paper lists the names of authors working within the ‘double vision’ formula suggested by N. Frye. This approach focuses on the elements of North American culture pertaining to Canadian multicultural world structure as well as traditional cultures of the writers’ ancestral homelands. The paper also considers the generation paradigm, structured on the basis of social and historical algorithms and psychological markers. The types of generational modes (Kim Thuy, Michael Ondaatje) in literature were combined through a common denominator ― canadianness ― based on a double identity.

Культурно-історичні аспекти осмислення особистості вченого в романі Олександра Крона «Безсоння»

У даній статті показані різні аспекти формування, розвитку і деформації особистості «радянської людини», вченого, інтелектуала на прикладі роману Олександра Крона «Безсоння». У дослідженні порушені широкі шари радянської дійсності, а саме: висвітлено особливості проблеми передачі людських емоцій в умовах соціалістичного реалізму, проаналізовано низку прикладів, які демонструють риси особистості радянського вченого (головного героя роману) за допомогою розкриття його характеру і ставлення до дійсності в різних сюжетних ситуаціях. Особлива увага приділяється історико-культурному контексту, висвітленню теми міжособистісних відносин у СРСР і впливу побуту на самовідчуття «радянської людини».
 Одним з основних факторів впливу на становлення особистості в ХХ столітті стала Друга світова війна. У статті наведені приклади використання різних подій і обставин війни в якості психологічних маркерів. Акцентується автобіографічність сприйняття військової дійсності автором роману «Безсоння», О. Кроном, наводяться деякі факти його творчого шляху. Для глибшого висвітлення загальної картини у статті представлені фрагменти повісті Юрія Трифонова «Студенти», в яких розкривається природа складних і суперечливих ситуацій в умовах військових дій.
 Особливе значення приділено проблемам ставлення до «ворога», жорстокості військового трибуналу Червоної армії, питань окупації, військової проституції і трофеїв, порушеним у романі «Безсоння». Вказується на мужність О. Крона торкатися «незручних» чи навіть заборонених у радянський період тем.
 Роман «Безсоння» написаний від імені його головного героя, Олега Юдіна, – про всі події читач дізнається через призму його сприйняття. Висвітлюється ідея своєрідного «суду» головного героя над самим собою, продемонстрована з використанням прикладів творчості Франца Кафки (роман «Процес»). Основну складність для О. Юдіна представляє сумнів у правильності морального вибору в умовах тієї чи іншої ситуації. З особливою гостротою в романі піднято питання невлаштованості побуту «радянської людини». Для більш масштабного відображення цього фактора наведені фрагменти роману Володимира Орлова «Альтист Данилов». Показана колосальна залежність «радянської людини» від питань облаштування життя і неможливість у переважній більшості випадків вирішити «дрібні» побутові проблеми без емоційних та моральних втрат.

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lpc-37® improves psychological and physiological markers of stress and anxiety in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and parallel clinical trial (the Sisu study)

Chronic stress is a risk-factor for the development of mood and stress-related disorders. Clinical evidence indicates that probiotics can influence the stress response and mood. The Sisu study investigated whether Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lpc-37® (Lpc-37®) could modulate stress, mood and well-being. Prior to a two-week run-in period, 120 healthy adults (18-45 y) were stratified for sex and chronic stress and randomized to either 1.75 × 1010 colony forming units (CFU) of Lpc-37 or placebo (1:1) per day for 5 weeks. The primary objective was the effect of Lpc-37 on heart rate (HR) in response to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Secondary objectives were assessed by biomarkers and self-report scales over the study. The primary hypothesis was not met in either the Intention-to-Treat (ITT) or Per Protocol (PP) population, but Lpc-37 reduced the increase in HR in participants with low chronic stress (LCS) and increased HR in participants with high chronic stress (HCS) during the TSST. Supporting significant efficacy in the PP population (n = 113), Lpc-37 reduced perceived stress following intervention. More significant effects were identified within the subgroups where Lpc-37 reduced exhaustion during the TSST and normalized cortisol levels at 8pm in participants with LCS, reduced perceived stress also in females, and increased perceived health and sleep-related recovery in participants with HCS. Adverse events (AEs) were similar between groups, there were no severe AEs, and vital signs remained unchanged. Overall, Lpc-37 reduced perceived stress compared to placebo. Other beneficial effects within biomarkers related to stress indicate that the effects of Lpc-37 may be differentially dependent on sex and chronic stress. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03494725).

Curcumin administration and the effects on psychological status and markers of inflammation and oxidative damage in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease

This study assessed the effects of curcumin intake on psychological status, markers of inflammation and oxidative damage in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary heart disease (CHD). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed in 60 patients with T2DM and CHD, aged 45-85 years with 2- and 3-vessel CHD. Patients were randomized into two groups to receive either 1000mg/day curcumin (n=30) or placebo (n=30) for 12 weeks. Using RT-PCR method, gene expression related to insulin metabolism and inflammatory markers on mononuclear cells from peripheral blood was evaluated. Curcumin intake significantly decreased Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (β-1.27; 95% CI,-2.27,-0.31; P=0.01) compared to the placebo group. Curcumin intake caused a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) (β-0.20μmol/L; 95% CI,-0.36,-0.04; P=0.01), significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (β 75.82mmol/L; 95% CI, 3.400, 148.25; P=0.04) and glutathione (GSH) levels (β 63.48μmol/L; 95% CI, 26.58, 100.37; P=0.001) when compared with the placebo. Additionally, curcumin intake upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (P=0.01). Curcumin intake for 12 weeks in patients with T2DM and CHD had beneficial effects on PSQI, TAC, GSH, MDA values, and gene expression of PPAR-γ. This study was retrospectively registered in the Iranian website (www.irct.ir) for registration of clinical trials (http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20170513033941N63).

Living In-Between or Within? Cultural Identity Profiles of Second-Generation Young Adults with Immigrant Background

ABSTRACT Migration flows have generally led to an increase in questions about the multiple influences on people’s cultural identity. This study aims to examine more closely the ways in which second-generation individuals of Portuguese descent juggle a two-fold cultural environment. We opted for a person-centered approach with a sample of N = 70 adults, all from Portuguese immigrant families living in the Grand-duchy of Luxembourg. Results yielded three different bicultural profiles: blended, alternating bicultural, and a new ambivalent cultural identity profile. Our results distinguish between psychological markers of identity and the behavioral aspects necessary for the transition from one cultural framework to the other. In addition, we observed different patterns of psychosocial health among the four cultural identity profiles. Our research enriches the literature by highlighting different endorsement of regulatory control strategies of second-generation adults according to their cultural identity profile, with different psychological outcomes.

Acute and chronic stress among workers in residential treatment centers for youth: Effects on restraint and seclusion

Abstract Workers in residential treatment centers for youth are often victims of violence, including verbally and physically aggressive behavior. Restraint and seclusion (R&S) are the last-resort methods used by residential workers to deal with the aggressive behavior of youths. However, their use has been found to contribute to building negative interactions between residential workers and youths, which can escalate to violence. To better understand the factors contributing to the use of R&S, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of acute and chronic stress of workers as measured by psychological and physiological markers on the use of R&S in residential treatment for youth from an exploratory perspective. The data used for this study were collected from 70 workers in residential treatment centers for youths in Montreal, Canada, using questionnaires for chronic stress and salivary cortisol as measure of acute stress. Results revealed non-significant correlations and a lack of pattern in the longitudinal analyses between R&S and acute or chronic stress measures. Bayesian analyses were computed to assess the evidential value of the non-significant results. These results suggest that workers’ stress may not be a significant factor associated with the use of R&S in residential treatment centers for youth.

Developing and validating the Community-Oriented Frailty Index (COM-FI)

IntroductionMethods for measuring frailty over-emphasise physical health, and consensus for a more holistic approach is increasing. However, holistic tools have had mixed success in meeting the validation criteria required of a frailty index. We report on the further development and validation of a Frailty Tool designed for use in the community with a greater emphasis on psychological markers, Holland et al’s Community-Oriented Frailty Index (COM-FI). MethodA total of 351 participants aged 58–96 were recruited from Retirement Villages and local communities across the West Midlands of the UK. Participants completed a series of measures designed to assess frailty and outcomes associated with frailty over a 2-year period. ResultsAll three candidate items (‘polypharmacy’, ‘exercise frequency’, and the Coronary Heart Disease and Diabetes ‘joint effect’) were incorporated into the tool, and one variable, ‘falls’ was removed from the index. The revised COM-FI was shown to be valid and met Rockwood's validation criteria (Rockwood et al., 2006), with the exception that in this specific sample there was no significant gender difference and the index did not predict mortality. DiscussionOverall, the COM-FI is a valid and reliable tool, although the capacity for the COM-FI to predict mortality over a 2-year period remains inconclusive given the small numbers of people at the higher ends of the frailty range. Prediction of need for social care was good, showing the utility of this community based tool.

SYSTEMIC CLINICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RISK FACTORS OF THREATENED MISCARRIAGE IN WOMEN WITH EXTRAGENITAL PATHOLOGY

Background: The present study focuses on the problem of pregnancy maintaining in women with specific somatic conditions (an extragenital pathology). Aim: The paper aims to establish systemic clinical and psychological risk factors for the development of pregnancy termination in women with extragenital pathology, as well as determine the psychological markers of pregnancy termination and the psychological resources for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Materials and methods: The data were obtained from the medical records of pregnant women, sociodemographic questionnaires and psychodiagnostic tests. The descriptive, comparative, correlational and discriminant methods were used for statistical analysis. 100 women participated in the study, 50 of them had the risk of pregnancy termination. Results: The risk factors of threatened miscarriage in women with extragenital pathology were identified: unconditional faith in God and transfer of the responsibility for pregnancy and childbirth; an unwanted pregnancy; negative attitude to all pregnancy-related restrictions; the dominant motive for pregnancy maintenance characterized by the wish to achieve a new social status; high self-worth; heightened self-esteem and lack of self-value and child significance; rigidity, tendency to behave and think stereotypically. The markers of pregnancy termination development were revealed: women’s desire to satisfy their needs for finding the meaning of life and for new social status achievement. The resources for healthy pregnancy were identified: the acceptance of pregnancy with all its physiological and social changes; value of the child and interest in his/her intrauterine manifestations; responsibility taking and vital activity. Higher activity indicators were associated with more favorable psychoemotional status (lower frustration and anxiety and higher positive emotions) and higher probability of pregnancy maintenance. Conclusion: The study contributes to the development of comprehensive programs of medical and psychological support for pregnant women with somatic pathologies as well as to the practice of pre-pregnancy counseling.

Behavioural, psychological, and physiological stress markers and academic performance in immigrant and non-immigrant preschool and school students

The aim of this study was to analyse the differences in behavioural, psychological, and physiological stress markers and academic performance of immigrant parents’ students and non-immigrant parents’ students. 75 students (7.8±2.3 years, from 3 to 12 years), 37 from Morocco immigrant families and 38 from Spanish families, all of them studying in a Spanish public school were recruited. We analysed the autonomical nervous system stress status by the heart rate variability, physical activity patterns, nutritional habits, state and trait anxiety, and academic performance of students. No significant differences were found in autonomical nervous system stress markers, physical activity levels, academic performance, and just a lower protein animal consumption from students with Moroccan families. Students with North African descendent family presented a behavioural, psychological and physiological stress markers and academic performance similar than students with national origins, showing their adaptation in the school context.

Active Shooter Training Drill Increases Blood and Salivary Markers of Stress.

Police officers are frequently engaged in a variety of high-stress scenarios, such as high-speed chases and other suspect conflicts, that cause significant increases in a variety of physiological and psychological stress markers. The purpose of this study was to investigate salivary and blood markers of stress in response to an active shooter training drill (ASD). Thirty-one participants (n = 31; males = 15, females = 16; Age: 21 ± 3.5 years) participated in an ASD involving professional actors playing the role of one active gunman, as well as four victims. The ASD lasted approximately 50 s. Blood samples were collected 15 min prior as well as after the ASD and analyzed for epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE) levels. Saliva samples were collected 30 and 5 min prior to the ASD and 5 and 30 min after the ASD, were analyzed for cortisol, α-amylase, and secretory immunoglobulin-A (SigA). The ASD resulted in significant (p < 0.05) increases in EPI, α-amylase, and SigA levels. The increase in NE from pre to post ASD approached significance (p = 0.06). These results demonstrate that a short duration (~50 s) ASD results in significant increases in both blood and salivary markers of stress. These data may provide meaningful implications for those engaged in high-stress tactical occupations, especially law enforcement and military personnel, as chronic exposure to such occupational stressors can contribute to cardiometabolic disease.

Developmental multi-trajectory of irritability, anxiety, and hyperactivity as psychological markers of heterogeneity in childhood aggression.

A growing body of evidence suggests that child aggression is likely to be driven by multiple developmental pathways. However, little is known about the complex interactions between developmental trajectories of child psychological factors (such as anxiety, irritability, and hyperactivity/impulsivity dimensions) and their associations with aggression from childhood to adolescence. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify clusters of individuals with different developmental multi-trajectory, investigate their early risk factors, and describe their longitudinal associations with physical aggression. The sample comprised 4898 children derived from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. A parallel process growth mixture model was used to identify developmental multi-trajectory groups at 5, 9 and 15 years old. Associations between multi-trajectory group membership and physical aggression were examined with Generalized Estimating Equations models. Finally, multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess perinatal and early risk factors for multi-trajectory groups. Multi-trajectory groups differed in the magnitude of risk for exhibiting physical aggression, compared to typically developing children. The risk for physical aggression was the most prominent in children who were hyperactive/impulsive and irritable [odds ratio (OR) 6.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.44-7.70] and hyperactive/impulsive, irritable, and anxious (OR 7.68; CI 6.62-8.91). Furthermore, maternal cigarette and alcohol use during pregnancy and maternal depression consistently predicted multi-trajectory groups characterized by problematic levels of at least two co-occurrent psychological symptoms. Identified combinations of developmental trajectories of psychological characteristics were associated with different magnitude in risk for exhibiting physical aggression. These results may highlight the heterogeneity of developmental trajectories associated with childhood aggression.

How do you define recovery? A qualitative study of patients with eating disorders, their parents, and clinicians.

Recovery from an eating disorder (ED) may be defined differently by different stakeholders. We set out to understand the definition of ED recovery from the perspective of patients, their parents, and clinicians. We recruited patients with EDs (n = 24, ages 12-23 years) representing different diagnoses (anorexia nervosa n = 17, bulimia nervosa n = 4, binge-ED n = 2, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder n = 1), along with their parents (n = 20), dietitians (n = 11), therapists (n = 14), and primary care providers (n = 9) from three sites: Boston Children's Hospital, University of Michigan C. S. Mott Children's Hospital, and Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. In-depth, semi-structured, qualitative interviews explored participants' definitions of recovery. Interviews were analyzed using inductive data-driven thematic analysis. Statistical analyses followed to examine the distribution within each theme by respondent type. Qualitative analysis resulted in the emergence of four overarching themes of ED recovery: (a) psychological well-being, (b) eating-related behaviors/attitudes, (c) physical markers, and (d) self-acceptance of body image. Endorsement of themes two and four did not significantly differ between patients, parents, and clinicians. Clinicians were significantly more likely to endorse theme one (χ2 = 9.90, df = 2, p = .007, φc = 0.356) and theme three (χ2 = 6.42, df = 2, p = .04, φc = 0.287) than patients and parents. Our study demonstrates overwhelming support for psychological markers as indicators of ED recovery by all three groups. Clinicians should remain open to additional markers of recovery such as body acceptance and eating-related behaviors/emotions that may be of critical importance to patients and their caregivers.

Predictors of posttraumatic stress symptoms and perceived health after an acute coronary syndrome: the role of experiential avoidance, anxiety sensitivity, and depressive symptoms

Objectives: The identification of psychological markers of the posttraumatic stress reaction after a cardiac event is relevant in the management of cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of the study to test the contribution of experiential avoidance, anxiety sensitivity, and depressive symptoms to acute coronary syndrome posttraumatic stress symptoms and perceived health (both measured 6 months later), and to determine whether the associations between experiential avoidance, anxiety sensitivity, and depressive symptoms with perceived health were mediated by the posttraumatic stress symptoms.Design: 180 patients with acute coronary syndrome completed a survey over a 6-month period.Results: Anxiety sensitivity and depressive symptoms but not experiential avoidance contributed significantly to posttraumatic stress symptoms. Depressive symptoms and posttraumatic symptoms but neither anxiety sensitivity nor experiential avoidance had a significant association on perceived health. Acute coronary syndrome posttraumatic symptoms significantly mediated the association of depressive symptoms with perceived health. That is, increased depressive symptoms was significantly associated with higher levels of posttraumatic symptoms, which in turn predicted lower levels of perceived health.Conclusions: Understanding the psychological factors that are associated with post-acute coronary syndrome posttraumatic stress symptoms may help to identify patients at risk in order to refer them to the appropriate psychological care service.