Psychological Variables Research Articles

Reducing serious injuries and fatalities in industrial construction-application of machine learning to analyze emotional intelligence and psychosocial factors

Human and organizational factors are recognized as central in incidents; however, there has been little interconnection between individual and organizational psychological variables, such as interpersonal skills. Therefore, this study aims to glean theoretical and empirical insights to reduce severe injuries and fatalities and enhance safety performance. This study classified incidents of an industrial construction organization in Canada based on two attributes of interpersonal skills – emotional intelligence (EI) and psychosocial (PS) factors. A qualitative analysis using NVivo software was employed to classify 1000 incidents from 2018 to 2020 into EI factors. Since PS factors were not observed in the dataset, the analysis was extended to identify PS factors using machine learning techniques as a quantitative approach to analyze 45,603 incidents from 2014 to 2023. The classification was performed using keyword analysis of the incident descriptions. Further, co-occurrence networks were used to investigate patterns and validate the study results. The findings indicate that lack of self-awareness (domain of EI) (56.8%) and improper communication (domain of PS factor) (32.4%) were the most influential causes of incidents substantiated by the co-occurrence networks results. The study’s findings provide insights for decision-makers about the strategies needed to enhance safety performance in the industrial construction industry.

Psychological barriers to adherence to pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular risk conditions in healthcare workers.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally. This burden of disease is particularly high among healthcare workers (HCW). However, adherence to treatment of well-known cardiovascular risk conditions (CRC) still represents a challenge, even among healthcare workers (HCW). Since the identification of modifiable related factors is a prerequisite for developing effective public health interventions, the purpose of this study was to develop a predictive model for adherence to pharmacological treatment (APT) for CRC in HCW, using psychological variables related to CVD mortality, such as the type A behavior pattern, perceived stress, depression, anxiety and attitudes toward treatment adherence. An anonymous online survey was completed by a non-probabilistic sample of 1,377 Mexican HCW from tertiary public hospitals, with a diagnosis of only one of the following CRC: ischemic heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or dyslipidemia. Sociodemographic questionnaires and self-reported measures were used to collect data: PSS-14 for perceived stress, Type A Behavior Pattern Withdrawal Scale, HADS for anxiety and depression symptoms, the Attitudes toward Medication Scale and the Therapeutics Adherence Scale for Patients with Chronic Diseases. Anxiety and depression symptoms were higher in the group with risk for non-adherence, while perceived stress and positive attitudes toward medication were higher in the group with likelihood of adherence (p ≤ 0.05). The Type A behavior pattern and sociodemographic variables did not differ between groups. In a regression model, positive attitudes toward medication and perceived stress doubled APT (OR = 2.04, CI95% = 1.39-2.97; OR = 2.02, CI95% = 1.71-2,39, respectively) whereas depression decreased its likelihood (OR = 0.61, CI95% = 0.58-0.73). In conclusion, psychoeducation for patients with CRC should include information on the advantages of medication for treating their condition, even if they are HCW. Promoting adaptative coping skills to handle daily stressful events, including their CRC, could reduce the level of stress that could increase their APT but also their cardiovascular risk. Moreover, our data provide evidence regarding the importance of identifying and treating depressive symptoms as part of the standard care of this population.

Positive Mental Health and Meat Consumption: A Systematic and Meta-Analytic Review

In this systematic and meta-analytic review, we examined the current evidence on positive psychological variables between individuals who consumed meat and individuals who abstained from meat consumption. After systematically searching five online databases for primary research on positive psychological outcomes in meat consumers and meat abstainers, 19 studies with 94,204 participants (nmeat consumers = 82,449, nmeat abstainers = 9,964) met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The primary outcomes were self-esteem, satisfaction with life, and positive mental health. The secondary outcomes were positive affect, psychological well-being, vigor, optimism, happiness, and meaning in life. Individuals who consumed meat had greater positive mental health (g = 0.21, 95% CI [0.08, 0.31], p = .001) than meat abstainers. No significant differences were found between the groups on self-esteem (g = 0.19, 95% CI [-0.01, 0.38], p = .06) and satisfaction with life (g = 0.02, 95% CI [-0.04, 0.07], p = .57). The majority of studies examining the secondary outcomes showed no group differences. The evidence was limited, requiring more studies to determine the role of study quality in diet-health relations. Study designs precluded inference of causal and temporal relations. With respect to clinical practice, our findings add to the current controversial diet-health debate.

Motivation Profiles, Perceived Motivational Climate, Coping Perceptions and Anxiety Among Elite Young Ice Hockey Players

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sports motivation and several sports psychological variables (Perceived Motivational Climate, Coping Perceptions and Anxiety). The data were collected from Hungarian ice hockey players (n = 293) playing in the Hungarian hockey academy system, using the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2 (PMCSQ-2) and the Athletic Coping Skill Inventory-28 (ACSI-28) of Smith et al. (1995) and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) of Martens et al. (1990). The analysis revealed four significantly different individual sports motivation profiles, and these differed significantly in terms of athletes’ anxiety, coping, and perceived motivational climate. In addition, the research highlighted the importance of diagnosing and addressing amotivation to improve overall sports performance, self-confidence, and coping skills when facing adversity. Limitations and further research directions are also considered.

Baseline Health of University Workers Pre-Intervention in Lifestyle: HaSEN

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyse and compare the initial health situation before starting the lifestyle programme in 4 editions of the programme. Theoretical framework: HaSEN is an annual intervention programme for the generation of healthy habits on eating behaviour (psychonutrition) and active lifestyle (physical exercise) in university workers in the contemplative phase of motivation to change. Methods: A total of 74 workers participated between the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions from a Spanish university (24-59 years; M = 42.3; SD = 8.5) 19 men (26%) and 55 women (74%). Anthropometric, biological, lifestyle and psychological variables were analysed. Results and Discussion: Anthropometric, biological, lifestyle and psychological variables were analysed. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in the 2021 edition workers at the start of the intervention was found to be higher than in 2019 and achievement motivation higher than in 2020, results that could be related to the special situation derived from the Covid-19 pandemic. Implications of the research: This shows the importance of knowing the baseline health status of workers in behaviours such as those observed in the last edition (2022) in terms of worsening adherence to the Mediterranean diet. This aspect highlights the need to apply interventions such as the HaSEN programme for the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle in terms of nutrition and physical exercise behaviour in the population under study. Originality/value: This study contributes to the scientific literature on public health in the population of university workers. It provides retrospective and prospective information on baseline health status and motivation to change habits to maintain a lifestyle in a working population subjected to high levels of work demands and the implications that this may have on the overall health status of this population.

The effectiveness of a 6-month intervention with sit-stand workstation in office workers: Results from the SUFHA cluster randomized controlled trial.

Prolonged periods of sitting have been linked to negative health outcomes. Implementation of sit-stand desks in the workplace has been one strategy to reduce prolonged sitting. To assess the effectiveness of sit-stand workstations on reducing sitting time and improving other health outcomes of office-based workers. 39 Portuguese office workers were randomized into a 6-month parallel-group cluster RCT consisting by the implementation of sit-stand desks in the workplace. The primary outcome of sitting time was assessed using ActivPAL. Secondary outcomes included biometric, psychological, and diet-related variables. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 months for the whole sample and at 3 months for a sub-sample of the intervention group (n = 11). No significant time*group interaction was found for the primary or secondary outcomes, apart from waist circumference favoring the control group (Δ-1.81 cm, pinteraction = 0.04). There were significant changes within the intervention group for sitting time (-44.0 min/day), prolonged sitting (>30 min) (-45.3 min/day) and standing time (51.7 min/day) at 3 months in the sub-sample and in prolonged sitting (>30 min) (-26 min/day) in the full intervention group (p < 0.05). Changes were also observed within the intervention group for percent body fat (Δ-3.7%) and ratings of quality of life (Δ2.2), musculoskeletal discomfort (Δ-4.9), overall fatigue (Δ-2.2), and the need for recovery after work (Δ-1.7) at 6-month follow-up (p < 0.05). Although not being effective for reducing sitting time, the implementation of sit-stand desks in the Portuguese workspace was shown to be feasible over the long term, received well by users, and may offer other health benefits. OSF Registration, OSF.IO/JHGPW. Registered 15 November 2022. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JHGPW.

Indie Games for Ethical and Socioemotional Development in Secondary Education

Video games, particularly those developed in the independent scene, are a form of media with great educational possibilities. This work in progress will be completed in three years and it aims to improve teachers video game literacy and help them implementing activities for ethical and socioemotional development (European key competencies 5 and 6) through indie games. Therefore, through design-based research and mixed-method designs, it aims to achieve three goals: (O1) identify the perception and meaning-making processes that teachers and students have about videogames and learning through video games; (O2) design a measurable training program for teachers around the educational possibilities of indie games and help them implement activities for ethical and socioemotional development; and (O3) evaluate the programs impact based on the indicators of key competencies 5 and 6. The project is in its first phases and it will be developed in the next three years. First, representative samples of each agent will be accessed to analyze their beliefs, types of knowledge, and practical experience in the field. Subsequently, four independent video games that promote key competencies 5 and 6 will be selected, and classroom activities will be designed for each of them. Next, teachers from four high schools in Spain (Cantabria, Baleares, Andalucía and Catalonia) will be trained in the use of the educational resources, and they will be accompanied in its implementation with students. Finally, the programs impact on students will be evaluated based on various psychological variables associated with key competences 5 and 6 (e.g., empathy, emotional identification, civic skills, etc.) as well as the participants perceptions of the experience, enabling the generation of design principles for future iterations and for the programs scalability.

Beyond private-sphere pro-environmental action: Explaining shared mobility using the Theory of Planned Behavior and solidarity-oriented variables

Shared mobility behaviors can decrease the negative environmental effects of the transport sector, yet they have received limited attention. Models such as the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) have been widely used to explain primarily individual private-sphere pro-environmental behaviors (PEB). However, as shared mobility behaviors are not completely limited to the private sphere but require social cooperation, solidarity-focused variables that emphasize social interactions may meaningfully complement the TPB variables. In three university samples (Study 1: N=261, Study 2: N=1411; Study 3: N=544), we tested relationships between the TPB variables and shared mobility, and whether solidarity-oriented variables are relevant predictors of shared mobility beyond the TPB variables. The analyses confirmed attitude (β = 0.38 − 0.59, p < 0.001) and social norm (β = 0.17 − 0.43, p < 0.001) as predictors of shared mobility intention. Furthermore, the solidarity-oriented variables universalism (β = 0.09 − 0.18, p < 0.05) as well as specific collective efficacy (β = 0.08 − 0.10, p < 0.05) and opinion-based social identification (β = 0.18, p < 0.001) positively predicted shared mobility intention. Psychological variables showed no consistent connection to self-reported shared mobility behaviors in logistic regressions. We discuss the scope of solidarity-oriented variables that need social cooperation to complementarily explain PEB beyond the private sphere.

The Spiritual Well-Being Scale in the Polish Catholic Setting: Construct, Structure, and Relationships with Psychological Well-Being.

The population of Poland could be of particular interest to researchers studying religion and spirituality. Catholicism has played a significant role in shaping the country's culture, history, and tradition and is considered a national religion. More recently, however, the processes of moving away from regular participation in religious services and loosening ties with the institution of the Catholic Church are marked (Polish Public Opinion Research Center, CBOS). The Polish Catholic setting may modify the associations between psychological variables that have been studied in their relationships with spirituality, which have been investigated in religious contexts differing from a PolishCatholic one. Given this context, we examined the internal structure of spiritual well-being in the sample of present-dayPolishCatholics (Study 1) and how spiritual well-being is related to mental health (Study 2). The internal structure of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale was replicated in the Polish sample, but only positively worded items loaded on the Religious and Existential Well-Being subscales. Spiritual well-being was positively related to positive mood, satisfaction with life, and psychological well-being; it wasnegatively associated with negative mood, depression, and anxiety, thus remaining significantly related to psychological well-being among Polish Catholics.

Psychotic Experiences Questionnaire. Part 2

BACKGROUND: On the basis of the concept of psychotic and psychotic-like experiences, delusions and auditory hallucinations presented in Part 1 of this article, the structure of the links between psychotic experiences and social anxiety and its components and psychological parameters is analyzed. A mediator model of the relationship between social anxiety and the phase of psychotic alienation — "experiencing external control" — is discussed. AIM: To investigate the parameters and stages of development of psychotic and psychotic-like experiences registered with the Psychotic Experiences Questionnaire in the context of analyzing the structure of relationships with psychological variables (social anxiety, metacognitive and cognitive phenomena). Тo construct a mediator model of the indirect effect of social anxiety components on the “experience of being controlled externally” mediated by thought suppression (“polar bear effect”). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample — 122 respondents, includes non-clinical and two clinical groups — with symptoms of the affective spectrum and with symptoms of the psychotic spectrum. The author's ‘Psychotic Experiences Questionnaire’ was used to assess the severity of psychotic experiences, the scales of which represent the phases of the unfolding of the experiences. Social anxiety and its components (author's “Social Anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire”), cognitive (“Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire”, “Behavioural Self-Regulation Style — SSPM 2020” questionnaire) and metacognitive (Thought Suppression Scale, author's “Self-Focused Attention Questionnaire”) strategies were determined. RESULTS: Pearson correlation analysis showed significant ‘direct’ associations of early and moderate psychotic and psychotic-like experiences with social anxiety and its components, metacognitive (self-focused attention and thought suppression) parameters, and ‘inverse’ links with cognitive parameters (cognitive component of conscious self-regulation and cognitive flexibility). Correlations with psychological parameters become insignificant in intense psychotic experiences. Using mediator analysis, the full indirect effects of the social anxiety components influence on the enhancement of “experiencing being controlled externally” as a phase of psychotic experiences maximum intensity were measured (mediator — thought suppression). CONCLUSION: Metacognitive strategies, social anxiety, disturbed self-regulation and flexibility play an important role in the genesis and maintenance of psychotic experiences. Significant correlations of the parameters with psychotic experience are shown, but at the height of alienation the significant correlations weaken. At the height of psychotic experience in the absence of direct effects it is possible to explicate the indirect influence of the predictor — social anxiety on the experience of controllability from the outside, mediated by thought suppression. This article is a continuation of the article by Sagalakova OA, Truevtsev DV, Zhirnova OV. Psychotic Experiences Questionnaire. Part 1. Neurology Bulletin. 2024;56(1):23–36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17816/nb623959

The "effects of wind turbine sound on working memory" (a pre-registration plan)

Although research on the effects of wind turbine sound (WTS) over mental health factors is increasing, very little attention has been given to the potential effects of WTS over subtle cognitive processes, such as concentration or memory. The "brainwave entrainment hypothesis" is rooted in neuropsychological research demonstrating that brain oscillations are modulated by external rhythms. In addition, perceived annoyance to wind turbines seems to be a phenomenon in which both visual and psychological variables interact with acoustic stimulation. However, annoyance is a concept rarely operationalised in the literature. Our study aims to experimentally assess the effects of WTS on working memory. Working memory is recognised as a basic process, playing a crucial role in unconscious everyday processes (e.g., perceiving an object's trajectory despite input interruptions when blinking), as well as deliberate processes (e.g., carrying out arithmetic operations). By exploring variations in performance during a memory task, while being exposed to WTS samples, we could highlight acoustic characteristics of the WTS stimuli that interfere-or not-with cognitive processes. These data, combined with within-block ratings of annoyance, can provide us with index of annoyance directly related to the acoustic properties present in WTS recordings.

Hope and Uncertainty Among Turkish Adults: Pathways to Subjective Well-Being

This cross-sectional research aimed to explore how intolerance of uncertainty and hope predict subjective well-being in adults, while accounting for demographic and other relevant psychological variables. The sample consisted of 822 adults, with 58.60% female and 41.40% male participants, aged 18 to 65 years (M = 36.21, SD = 12.76). Regression analysis indicated that both hope and intolerance of uncertainty significantly contributed to unique variance in subjective well-being, even after controlling for all other variables in the model. It was found that hope had a greater impact on subjective well-being, explaining an additional 15% of the variance, compared to intolerance of uncertainty, which accounted for an additional 2% of the variance. Furthermore, hope remained a significant predictor of subjective well-being even when controlling for intolerance of uncertainty and other relevant factors. These results underscore the importance of fostering hope as a distinct and independent factor that enhances subjective well-being, beyond the effects of intolerance of uncertainty and other variables.

Psychological factors and diabetic foot ulceration: a scoping review of the bi-directional relationship between diabetic foot ulcer healing and mental health factors

Introduction Diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is a major complication of diabetes and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Psychological factors are believed to play a role in wound healing, but it remains uncertain if psychological interventions can help individuals with an active DFU, or a history of DFUs, to achieve complete or improved wound healing or prevent recurrence. Objective The objective of the proposed scoping review is to investigate the emotional consequences/burden of living with DFU and to examine how psychosocial factors may impact progression and management of ulcerations. Methods This review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) will guide the reporting of results. Discussion While factors such as stress, depression, social support, and adherence to treatment have been identified as variables that may negatively affect DFU healing, there is a need for a greater understanding of how psychological and behavioural variables such as these may influence ulcer incidence, healing and recurrence in people with diabetes. This review will comprise of a broad and systematically mapped synthesis of the identified data. Findings will be used to provide a better understanding of the bi-directional relationship between DFU and psychological variables and will provide direction for the development or adaptation of a tailored psychological intervention that will aim to optimise wellbeing and improve outcomes for individuals with DFU.

A two-institution pilot study on the psychological burden and distress of parents caring for children with shunted hydrocephalus.

Little is known about the emotional health of parents caring for children with shunted hydrocephalus. The aim of this pilot study was to find out whether parents caring for shunt-treated hydrocephalic children experience serious psychological problems and psychosocial distress and whether these problems are related to the sociodemographic background of the caregivers, the clinical characteristics of their children, and parents' illness-related concerns and perceived burden of their children's illness. This pilot study was performed in an outpatient setting at two German hospitals. The following questionnaires were handed out to parents of children with shunted hydrocephalus (< 21 years of age): the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) for anxiety, the Distress Thermometer (DT) for psychosocial distress, the Hydrocephalus Concerns Questionnaire (HCQ) for assessment of parents' illness-related concerns, and the Hydrocephalus Outcome Questionnaire (HOQ) for assessment of perceived children's disease burden. Clinical data of the respective children were collected from electronic charts. Parents' demographic data were evaluated via questionnaires. Parents' psychological variables were correlated with demographic and clinical data and HCQ and HOQ scores. Regression analyses of HCQ and HOQ scores with psychological items were performed. Sixty-three parents were included in this study. Of these, 60% reported clinically relevant levels of either depression (11%), anxiety (10%), and/or psychosocial distress (57%). There were no associations between parental sociodemographic or children's clinical characteristics with parents' psychosocial well-being or psychosocial distress. Depression, anxiety, and DT scores were highly intercorrelated and significantly correlated with HCQ scores (r = 0.508, r = 0.516, r = 0.442; p < 0.01). Thereby, worries about shunt-related complications were the most reported concern in the HCQ. Depression and anxiety correlated with the scores of some HOQ subcategories. In preliminary regression analyses, higher illness-related concerns predicted occurrence of parents' anxiety. The authors' results support the notion that there is a need for psychosocial support for a proportion of parents who care for shunted hydrocephalic children. Perceived child symptom burden and parental illness concerns were identified as relevant correlates of parental psychological well-being. Thus, concerns specific to shunt-related problems could be a first starting point for the development of individual support measures.

Psychometric validation of the Spanish version of the life engagement test: Assessing validity and reliability

The Life Engagement Test (LET) consists of a fast instrument to measure the extent to which individuals identify and participate in valued activities and, therefore, engage in life. It is also a fundamental component of psychological well-being. This study aims to validate the Spanish version of the Life Engagement Test (LET-ES). First, the LET was translated using back-translation methodology, after which a pilot study was tested on 41 individuals. Then, the final version of the LET-ES was administered to a convenience sample of 436 Spanish participants (67,7 % female; 59,6 % aged 18 to 35 years old) to assess its reliability and validity. A subset of 138 participants (70,5 % female, 59,7 % aged 18 to 35 years old) completed a retest. Confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis (Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), measurement invariance across gender and age, as well as convergent validity analyses were conducted. Results confirmed the one-factor structure of the LET-ES. Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega, and test-retest analysis yielded satisfactory reliability of the scale. Measurement invariance was established for gender, but not for age. Finally, convergent validity was supported by significant and positive correlations between the LET-ES scores and psychological well-being variables (i.e., purpose in life, satisfaction with life), and significant negative correlations between the LET-ES and psychological discomfort variables (i.e. stress, anxiety, depression). In conclusion, the Spanish version of the LET is a valid and reliable measure to assess life engagement among the Spanish population.

Psychometric evaluation of the wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire for pregnant women in Taiwan

BackgroundFear of childbirth profoundly affects women's ability to cope during pregnancy and influences birth outcomes. In Taiwan, there's a lack of validated tools for assessing childbirth fear. ObjectiveTo evaluate the psychometric properties of the Taiwanese version of the Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire version A (WDEQ-A) in pregnant women. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study with pregnant women, using the WDEQ-A and a Visual Analogue Scale to assess childbirth fear. We employed the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale to measure depressive symptoms, anxiety, and mindfulness, respectively. We evaluated internal consistency reliability and construct validity using exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis. Pearson correlations measured the association between childbirth fear and psychological variables. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used for determining the sensitivity and specificity indices. ResultsThe WDEQ-A demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93) and revealed a three-factor structure, including fear, lack of positive anticipation, and isolation. Rasch analysis supported the dimensionality of each of the three revised factors. The total score significantly correlated with depression (r = 0.56), anxiety (r = 0.19), and mindfulness (r = -0.40) (Ps < 0.001). The optimal cut-off for WDEQ-A was established at 55.5, with a sensitivity of 83 % and a specificity of 65 %. ConclusionsThe Taiwanese version of WDEQ-A proved to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing fear of childbirth in pregnant women, demonstrating excellent psychometric properties. Implication for practiceThese findings can assist midwives in Taiwan in identifying and promptly providing effective strategies for women experiencing a high fear of childbirth.

Cultivating Team Learning: Interplay of Ambidextrous Leadership and Psychological Safety

This study aimed to explore the mediating role of psychological safety between ambidextrous leadership and team learning. The data were collected from 339 employees working in the service sector using a self-administered questionnaire. The scales in the questionnaire were adopted from well-known and valid sources. The data were analyzed to test the proposed hypothesis using the PROCESS Macro by Andrew Hayes in SPSS 26 and AMOS 24 for confirmatory factor analysis. The study found that there was a significant effect of ambidextrous leadership on team learning and psychological safety significantly mediated the said relationship. The study added to the literature on the theory of planned behavior by adding the novel variables of team learning and ambidextrous leadership in the context of the service sector organizations. Other studies can be initiated to explore the effects of other psychological variables like emotional intelligence and positive psychological capital to further the relevant literature. The study can be further extended to other workplaces including manufacturing and primary sector organizations.

Tolerance, interdose withdrawal symptoms, and craving predict Prescription Opioid-Use Disorder severity in chronic pain patients: a three-wave prospective study

The DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for Prescription Opioid-Use Disorder (POUD) have undergone significant changes when using opioids medically supervised. However, there is a lack of research supporting these changes. This prospective study aimed to analyze the influence of tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and craving on the severity of POUD in chronic pain population on long-term opioid therapy. Initial individual interviews and follow-ups at 6 and 12 months were conducted on 62 patients to assess tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, craving, and POUD severity. Information on sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables was also collected. Unadjusted and covariate-adjusted multinomial repeated measures mixed models were run. Results showed that, compared to not having POUD, tolerance was the sole variable that significantly predicted mild disorder, while interdose withdrawal symptoms, craving, depressive symptoms, and younger age predicted moderate-severe POUD. The effect of time was also significant in predicting moderate-severe POUD, increasing rates at 6- and 12-month follow-ups compared to initial assessment. These findings highlight that maintaining opioid therapy over time is associated with an increased likelihood of having a more severe disorder. Furthermore, although tolerance and withdrawal symptoms have been removed from POUD diagnosis, their assessment and early management remain critical even during supervised opioid treatment for chronic pain.

The effect of spiritual self-care model on the self-efficacy of spouses of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: A quasi-experimental study

The present study aims to determine the effect of the spiritual self-care model on the self-efficacy of spouses of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This quasi-experimental study, conducted in 2023, focused on the wives of veterans with PTSD. Data collection was carried out using a non-random sampling method. Data for this research were gathered using demographic and self-efficacy questionnaires. The demographic questionnaire collected information on the age of the veteran's spouse, duration of marriage, percentage of military service, education, and occupation. A total of 30 participants were divided into intervention and control groups. The independent t-test revealed a significant difference between the control and spiritual self-care groups after the intervention (P&lt;0.01), whereas no significant difference was observed before the intervention (P=0.36). Additionally, the paired t-test indicated no significant difference in the control group before and after the intervention (P=0.89). Still, a significant difference was found in the spiritual self-care group (P&lt;0.01). After adjusting for the pre-test effects, it was demonstrated that the spiritual self-care model significantly impacts the self-efficacy of veterans. It is estimated that approximately 85% of the changes in self-efficacy can be attributed to the spiritual care intervention (Eta=0.85, P&lt;0.001). This research demonstrated that spiritual self-care enhances self-efficacy in veterans' wives. As a psychological variable, self-efficacy is crucial in managing life crises and stresses. Spiritual beliefs serve as an effective strategy for coping with challenges and significantly improve the self-efficacy of veterans' wives.

Assessing the Impact of the Way of Saint James on Psychological Distress and Subjective Well-being: The Ultreya Study

This study aimed to examine the impact of a pilgrimage on the Way of St. James on psychological distress and subjective well-being, and to compare these outcomes with a control group on non-pilgrimage vacations. Additionally, the study explored psychological process variables that may mediate the pilgrimage's beneficial effects. A nonrandomized pretest-posttest design was used, involving 444 pilgrims and 124 controls. Participants completed baseline and post-experience self-reported measures of psychological distress, subjective well-being, and psychological processes (i.e., mindfulness, nonattachment, engaged living). A 3-month follow-up was conducted only in the pilgrim group. Mediation analyses examined psychological processes as potential mediators of pre-post change in the pilgrim group (vs. control). Within-group analyses revealed that the pilgrim group experienced improvements in psychological distress, subjective well-being, and psychological processes immediately post-experience, with most measures sustaining improvement at the 3-month follow-up. Compared to the control group, pilgrims showed significantly greater increases in positive affect, life satisfaction, and valued living, alongside greater reductions in anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. Valued living partially mediated the relationship between pilgrimage and positive affect, and fully mediated the effects on perceived stress, negative affect, life satisfaction, and subjective happiness. Pilgrimage on the Way of St. James effectively reduced psychological distress and enhanced subjective well-being, with greater benefits observed compared to a non-pilgrimage vacation control group. Consistent with the concept of pilgrimage as a transformative experience, significant improvements in valued living were noted, which mediated some of the positive outcomes post-pilgrimage. The Way of St. James may serve as a valuable complementary approach for alleviating distress and promoting well-being. Further studies exploring the effects of this pilgrimage on specific populations and using more robust study designs are warranted.Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04141813.