Psychological Well-being Of People Research Articles

Usage of Social Media and Cultural Identity in Chitral: An Exploration through Mix-Method Approach

Social media is a fast-expanding platform, and considered as a hallmark of 21st century communication and cultural patterns. Rapidly changing cultural trends are observable as the ways of communication and patterns of interaction through social media are playing a pivotal role and its profound impact on cultural identity is evident. Framed under mix-method design, the aim of this study was to investigate the usage of social media and its impact on cultural identity in Chitral, Pakistan. A multifaceted sampling approach was utilized by using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. A well-structured interview schedule for quantitative information and semi- structured interview guide for qualitative information were utilized. The data was analyzed statistically and thematically. Findings shows that social media has a significant impact on cultural patterns and cultural identity in Chitral as the social media has provided an environment with enhanced information and communication means. It facilitated sharing opinions, perceptions, digital images, photographs, and knowledge on various issues of human life including but not limited to academic, social- cultural, spiritual, and business and tourism. On the contrary, acculturation and loss of cultural identity has been found at significant level. Moreover, physical interaction in terms of social isolation has caused considerable impact on psychological wellbeing of people. Qualitative explorations are further required to know about micro level cultural impacts of social media on Chitrali culture.

Relationship between Exposure to the Natural Environment and Psychological Well-Being in People Living with CKD

Relationship between Exposure to the Natural Environment and Psychological Well-Being in People Living with CKD

Extrinsic goals benefit capitalism but not well-being. Rethinking the economy's goal for a healthier future.

The dramatic rise in non-communicable diseases around the world but notably in high-income countries like the UK is a manifestation of a global economic system-capitalism-that prioritizes wealth over health. A decade ago, the former WHO Director-General, Margaret Chan highlighted how 'efforts to prevent non-communicable diseases go against the business interests of powerful economic operators' [United Nations. (2013) Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/ (last accessed 16 February 2024)]. While there is a growing literature on how politics and economics influence population health-for better or worse-less attention has been given to exploring how economic systems like capitalism influence people's psychological well-being. To fill this gap, the following article examines how the continued pursuit of economic growth under capitalism (neoliberal free-market forms especially) impacts well-being through challenging basic psychological needs for security, autonomy, competence and relatedness. In doing so, I hope to shed important light on the sources and possible solutions to our growing health and social problems, and stimulate a conversation on how to achieve a healthier future for us all.

Exploring The Impact of Participation in Badminton Programs on Psychological Well-Being and Social Development Among Youth

This study examined how badminton activity affected young people's psychological well-being and social development. The study included 200 participants from varied demographic backgrounds who were evaluated on various psychological and social criteria. Participation in badminton was found to considerably increase self-esteem, reduce stress, develop a sense of success, improve anxiety management, and boost social ties. Additionally, the activity significantly impacts social development by enhancing communication skills, leadership qualities, sportsmanship, cultural awareness, and inclusion. Significant variations were found depending on years of playing experience, with those with more participation reporting more tremendous psychological and social advantages. However, no significant changes were discovered depending on gender. The study also found a substantial positive association between psychological well-being and social development, showing that advances in one area were strongly related to improvements in the other.

Mindfulness During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns: Intolerance Uncertainty and Psychological Well-Being Among Employees

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased uncertainty worldwide, which has various negative impacts on psychological well-being. In times like these, it is important to explore how individual resources such as trait mindfulness would help people deal with uncertainty. The aim of the current study was to examine the role of intolerance to uncertainty (IU) as a mediator between trait mindfulness and psychological well-being, including stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional burnout, among employees. Two hundred ninety-three employees completed an online self-report questionnaire during the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in Turkey. The nonparametric bootstrap procedure in AMOS 26.0 was used to test the proposed model. The findings indicated full mediation between trait mindfulness and psychological well-being measures among employees. In other words, employees who reported higher levels of mindfulness perceived their current situation as less threatening, and they were able to tolerate uncertainty, which decreased participants’ stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional burnout. The findings are important for understanding the impact of mindfulness on the psychological well-being of people and the role of intolerance uncertainty in this relationship. The results will be useful for the development of new interventions to promote resources that will increase individual awareness and control during difficult circumstances.

TREATMENT, DISEASE CONTROL, QUALITY OF LIFE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STATUS IN PATIENTS WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Introduction. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has the potential to impact disease activity and psychological well-being in people with rheumatic diseases. This study aimed to compare ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with and without COVID-19 history in terms of treatment, disease control, quality of life and psychological status by providing a cross-sectional look at treatment, disease control, quality of life and psychological status in patients with AS during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Methods. The study included 74 AS patients, in two groups based on COVID-19 history. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were recorded. Treatment, disease control, functional status, and quality of life were evaluated using Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and impact of COVID-19 on quality-of-life scales. Psychological status was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and COVID-19 anxiety scale.
 Results. Of the 74 patients diagnosed with AS, 44 were female and 34 were male. The mean age was 47.3 years. In total, 35 patients (47.3%) had COVID-19. We found that the group without COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of hypothyroidism than the other group (p = 0.008). The BASFI value was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group (p = 0.031). The group with COVID-19 had a substantially higher rate of continuing non-anti-rheumatic drug use than the other group (p = 0.02).
 Conclusion. During COVID-19 pandemic period, the majority of patients continued their medication, so treatment and disease control were not negatively affected. Having COVID-19 did not cause a significant difference psychologically.

Well-Being Technologies and Positive Psychology Strategies for Training Metacognition, Emotional Intelligence and Motivation Meta-Skills in Clinical Populations: A Systematic Review

The holistic growth and psychological well-being of people with special needs and disabilities remain high on the priority agenda for sustainable and inclusive education. Digital well-being technologies and especially “smart technologies”, are ready to revolutionize mental health interventions by meeting trainees’ needs and providing them with more positive and transformative mental, emotional, and social experiences. Μeta-skills refer to a set of consciousness-raising competences that incorporate meta-cognitive, social–emotional, and motivational attributes, allowing individuals to intentionally achieve a state of optimal functioning. Although positive psychology and well-being technologies are considered promising intervention approaches, there is less knowledge regarding the effectiveness of such interventions among people with special needs and disabilities, especially in the crucial domain of meta-skills development. Thus, the current systematic review aims to examine positive psychology strategies as well as the synergy with well-being technologies in the development of metacognition, emotional intelligence, and motivation meta-skills in populations with special training needs and disabilities. The PRISMA methodology was utilized to answer the research questions. A total of forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that positive psychology strategies improved a wide range of meta-skills, including self-regulation, emotional control, behavioral control, inhibition control, self-awareness, intrapersonal skills, interpersonal skills, adaptation, goal setting, and self-compassion. Artificial intelligence tools, wearables, smart applications, immersive technologies (virtual and augmented reality), neurofeedback and biofeedback technologies, as well as digital games were found to effectively assist such training programs. The results of the current review may provide positive feedback in the discussion about digitally-aided mental health interventions for training the meta-skills of mental and emotional health.

Supporting the support person: Oncologists' roles in reducing support people's uncertainty and facilitating psychological adjustment.

Support people of cancer patients are at significant risk for psychological distress. Additionally, cancer patients' well-being is reciprocally associated with support peoples' psychological well-being. Informed by Uncertainty in Illness Theory, this study tests whether support person psychological well-being is influenced by provider communication and uncertainty reduction. We tested a multiple mediation model to investigate how empathic communication facilitates psychological adjustment in support people of cancer patients and how this process is mediated by support peoples' illness uncertainty and caregiver burden. Support people of cancer patients (N=121; including spouses, adult children, etc.) completed an online questionnaire about their perceptions of oncologists' empathy, uncertainty about the cancer patients' illness, perceived caregiving burden, and their psychological adjustment to diagnoses. Path analysis revealed that (1) more perceived oncologist empathy was associated with less illness uncertainty, (2) more illness uncertainty was associated with worse psychological adjustment and more perceived caregiver burden, and (3) more burden was associated with worse adjustment (χ2 (2)=1.19, p=0.55; RMSEA < 0.01; CFI=1.00; SRMR=0.02). Given the reciprocal nature of well-being between cancer patients and their support people, it is critical to understand and bolster support people's psychological well-being. Results demonstrated how empathic provider communication can support psychological well-being for support people of cancer patients. Additionally, this study offers theoretical contributions to understandings of illness uncertainty in caregiver populations.

Problem-Focused Coping as a Predictor of Psychological Well-Being in Individuals with Substance Use Disorder

The explanation of the term coping is how a person address challenging situations through different behavioral and cognitive strategies. Problem-focused coping include strategies through which a person focuses on finding the solutions to problem that leads to maintaining psychological well-being. Objective: To investigate the predictive association of problem-focused coping with individual’s psychological well-being in people grappling with substance use disorder. Method: The theoretical model of the study was based on Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and Six Factor Model of Psychological Well-Being The sample size comprised of 128 participants with substance used disorder between the ages 20 to 40 years old (M=30.14; SD=6.64). The entire sample was drawn from diverse Rehabilitation Centers located in Karachi. Participants were selected by using purposive sampling technique. In this study three measures were used; semi structure interview form, Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being-Urdu Version and the locally constructed Coping Styles Scale. Descriptive statistics and Linear Regression Analyses were utilized for sample characterization and to ascertain the predictive relationship between variables. Results: Results revealed that in those with substance use disorder, the use of problem-focused strategies significantly predicted the psychological well-being. Moreover, the analysis highlighted that problem-focused coping significantly predicted six dimensions of psychological well-being in this population. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of coping strategies in treating individuals with substance use disorder, facilitating effective stress management, and maintaining psychological well-being. Awareness campaigns supported by research helps in maintaining insight and positive mental health

Meaning making and fostering radical hope: applying positive psychology to eco-anxiety research in youth

The consequences of human activity on climate change are increasingly apparent. For example, they are causing ecological degradation and affecting human and animal health. Rightly so, it is considered as the most important challenge of this century. Researchers in psychology and mental health developed an interest in the direct and indirect effects of climate and ecological change on people's psychological wellbeing, which is referred to as a concept described as eco-anxiety or eco-distress. It is worth emphasizing that climate issues are taking a larger place in the school curriculum for youth in elementary, middle and high schools. Youth are thus increasingly aware of the major threat and understandably report legitimate concerns and worries. For some youth, eco-anxiety leads to greater involvement and activism, as can be seen by the international movement set out and led by youth activist Greta Thunberg. However, eco-anxiety can also lead to feelings of hopelessness and disengagement. Despite contributing the least to the climate and ecological crises, youth will be most affected by the impacts, and will carry the burden of the climate crisis throughout their lives. Researchers, educators and mental health professionals must therefore find ways to foster youth psychosocial wellbeing and resilience alongside ensuring that their voices are heard. To this end, it is vital that young people feel able to openly discuss climate change and associated issues alongside the distressing thoughts and feelings they engender. This can be supported by using various psychological approaches to develop effective interventions. Researchers and clinicians in child mental health could gain from drawing from research in positive psychology to develop such interventions. In this review and commentary, we will outline how eco-anxiety and child psychological wellbeing can be framed within a positive psychology framework, including the relevance of self-determined motivation. Insights from interventions based on positive psychology including exercises to foster hope, forgiveness and meaning making will also be discussed. We will highlight how such interventions can be adapted as powerful tools to foster child wellbeing and cope with their eco-anxiety.

Community gardens and psychological well-being among older people in elderly housing with care services: The role of the social environment

With population aging, increasing numbers of elderly people in Japan are expected to enter aged care facilities (ACFs). Although research has shown that access to community gardens (CGs) is generally beneficial to older people's psychological well-being, the mechanisms by which the usage and quality of CGs influence the well-being of older adults in ACFs remain insufficiently studied. Therefore, this study aims to explore the associations between garden factors (i.e., garden visit frequency and perceived garden quality) and older adults' psychological well-being outcomes (i.e., positive well-being and self-rated health) and to investigate the mediating role of neighborhood social environment factors (i.e., outing frequency, social participation, perceived neighborhood social cohesion, and perceived neighborhood attachment) in these associations. We conducted a questionnaire survey with 322 older adults from twelve elderly housing with care services (EHCSs) in the Tokyo metropolitan area (TMA) of Japan. The multiple regression models showed that both garden factors were positively associated with positive well-being and self-rated health. The parallel mediation models showed that higher garden visit frequency and perceived garden quality were associated with higher outing frequency and perceived neighborhood social cohesion and, in turn, with higher positive well-being. Moreover, higher garden visit frequency and perceived garden quality were associated with greater social participation and thereby with better self-rated health; higher perceived garden quality was also associated with higher perceived neighborhood attachment and thus with better self-rated health. Our findings elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying the beneficial associations between CGs and the psychological well-being of older adults in ACFs, emphasizing the important role of cultivating friendly social environments in CGs in enhancing healthy aging.

Relationship between coping styles (problem-oriented, emotion-oriented, and avoidance-oriented) with psychological well-being in people with coronavirus-2019 experience in Kermanshah city

BACKGROUND: Considering the epidemic status of the COVID-19 virus, the discussion of the psychological effects of this disease on the mental health of people at different levels of society is of great importance. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between coping (problem-oriented, emotion-oriented, and avoidance-oriented) with psychological well-being in people with coronavirus disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this correlational study, the statistical population consisted of all individuals with experience of coronavirus in 2021 in Kermanshah city. In total, 220 people were selected as the sample using an available sampling method. The instruments used in this study were Reef Psycho-Welfare Questionnaire (PWBQ) and Andler and Parker Coping Styles (CISS-SF). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and simultaneous regression. RESULTS: Multiple correlations of coping variables (problem-oriented, emotion-oriented, and avoidance-oriented) with psychological well-being (R = 0.671; P = 0.01) are significant. Problem-oriented coping style (beta = 0.329; P = 0.05), emotional coping style (beta = 0.329; P = 0.05); avoidant coping style (beta = 0.144; P = 0.05) had a significant relationship with psychological well-being. CONCLUSION: According to the obtained results, the importance of paying attention to coping styles in psychological well-being is felt more than before. Psychological well-being seems to be influenced by other factors and their interactive effects as well.

An Exploratory Evaluation of Implementing a Rapid-response Online Mental Health Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Study from India.

Strict social distancing and lockdown measures imposed to curb transmission during the early phase of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to people's psychological wellbeing, limited access to social support, and disrupted routine mental health service delivery. In response, a consortium of mental health stakeholders from Goa, India launched the COVIDAV program, which provided pro-bono virtual psychiatric and counselling consultations across India through an online platform. This study describes the acceptability and feasibility of the program from the perspective of various stakeholders. Data were collected via a survey with clinicians who had volunteered on COVIDAV (n = 40), in depth interviews of the clinicians (n = 14), and focus group discussion with key collaborators (n = 1). Process data were mapped at various stages during the online platform's development and use. The qualitative and quantitative data was analysed using thematic analysis and a descriptive analysis respectively. Over 17 months, 63 clinicians conducted 2245 online sessions through the COVID platform, primarily accessed by youth across the country. The clinicians acknowledged the online platform's ability to enhance access and reduce stigma. Challenges included session time constraints, connectivity issues, and user interface inconsistencies that interfered with clients' accessibility to the services. High satisfaction rates amongst the service providers were reported, with 79.3% content with the service provision and 82.8% with pro bono contributions through the platform. This study illustrates the feasibility, flexibility, and applicability of a rapidly designed pro-bono online platform for delivering mental health care services through the collaboration of stakeholder groups in the mental health care, private, social, and governmental sector. Our findings highlight the potential of rapidly deployed digital platforms, developed via cross-sector partnerships, to meet mental health care needs during unprecedented global emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Роль многокомпонентного комплекса нутриентов для мужчин в рамках преконцепционной подготовки супружеской пары к зачатию.

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has also greatly impacted people's psychological well-being, increasing stress levels, as well as their lifestyle and well-being. Therefore, to maintain health, men should take multicomponent complexes that have a beneficial effect on various organs and systems (including reproductive), have an antioxidant effect and help normalize basic physiological processes in the body. In particular, such supplements can be used as a preconception preparation of a man for conception in a couple. Objective. To evaluate the action of the antioxidant complex «AndroDoz Light» in a group of men in the framework of preconceptional preparation (for conception of a child by a sexual partner). Materials and methods. The data of 30 men aged 23 to 48 years (the average age was 26.3 ± 5.4 years) preparing for conception with a sexual partner were analyzed in this paper. AndroDoz Light was used by men for 1 month: effervescent tablet dissolved in a glass of water (200 ml) once a day during or after meals. To everyone in addition to the spermogram, microbiological examination of the ejaculate, finger rectal examination of the prostate gland (pancreas), ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the scrotum organs, microscopic examination of the pancreatic secretion (SPH), microscopic examination of the urethral smear and PCR diagnostics of sexually transmitted diseases (androflor) were performed. The concentration of testosterone in the blood, the level of zinc in the sperm plasma were determined. The assessment of the quality of life and sexual function of men was carried out on the IIEF-15 scale (International Index of Erectile Function) and on the NIH-CPSI scale. Results. The multicomponent complex AndroDoz Light helps not only to increase male fertility, improving the functional state of the male reproductive system (qualitative and quantitative spermogram indicators) and morphological indicators: reduces the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation, but also improves copulatory function, and is an additional source of necessary nutrients for the male body. Conclusion. The use of the multicomponent complex AndroDoz Light in men as part of the preconceptional preparation of a married couple for conception is accompanied by an improvement in both general well-being and the quality of men's sexual life in general, positively affects the qualitative and quantitative indicators of the spermogram and sperm DNA fragmentation. The results obtained allow us to recommend the use of the multicomponent complex AndroDoz Light in men in the absence of pronounced reproductive problems as part of the preconceptional preparation of a married couple for conception.

The importance of self-regulation and mental health for effective recovery after traffic injuries: A comprehensive network analysis approach

ObjectiveTraffic injuries significantly impact people's psychological, physical and social wellbeing, and involve complex self-regulation responses. Psychological impacts are seldom recognized and addressed holistically. This study employs network analysis to investigate the interconnectedness between different dimensions that influence mental health vulnerability and recovery after traffic injuries. Methods120 adults with mild-to-moderate traffic injuries and 112 non-injured controls were recruited. The network investigation employed two main approaches. Four cross-sectional networks examined the interrelationships between self-regulation responses (cognitive and autonomic) and various health dimensions (psychological, physical, social) over time (1, 3, 6, 12 months). Three predictive networks explored influences of acute self-regulation responses (1 month) on long-term outcomes. Network analyses focused on between-group differences in overall connectivity and centrality measures (nodal strength). ResultsAn overall measure of psychological wellbeing consistently emerged as the most central (strongest) node in both groups' networks. Injured individuals showed higher overall connectivity and differences in the centrality of self-regulation nodes compared to controls, at 1-month and 12-months post-injury. These patterns were similarly observed in the predictive networks, including differences in cognitive and autonomic self-regulation influences. ConclusionsNetwork analyses highlighted the crucial role of psychological health and self-regulation, in promoting optimal wellbeing and effective recovery. Post-traffic injury, increased connectivity indicated prolonged vulnerability for at least a year, underscoring the need of ongoing support beyond the initial improvements. A comprehensive approach that prioritizes psychological health and self-regulation through psychologically informed services, early psychological screening, and interventions promoting cognitive and autonomic self-regulation is crucial for mitigating morbidity and facilitating recovery.Trial registration: IMPRINT study, ACTRN 12616001445460.

Health literacy, worry about unmet needs for medical care, and psychological well-being among older Chinese adults.

This study aims to examine the relationship between older adults' health literacy and their psychological well-being and the role of worry about future unmet needs for medical care in mediating this relationship. We adopted a sample of 965 older Chinese people aged 60+ (49.74% female) from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey. A series of structural equation models (SEMs) were performed. Health literacy was measured by three items regarding older people's ability to understand medical professionals, ask them questions, and read medical instructions. A single-item question was adopted to measure participants' worry about unmet needs for future medical care. Psychological well-being was measured by three items regarding emotional problems and depressed or anxious mood in the past 4 weeks. Worry about future unmet needs for medical care mediates the relationship between lack of health literacy and Chinese older people's psychological well-being. The indirect effect accounts for 22.3% of the total effect. The SEM model has a satisfactory model fit (goodness of fit index = 1.000, comparative fit index = 0.999, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.997, root mean square error of approximation = 0.009, standardized root mean square residual = 0.023, chi-square test = 50.96, P = 0.321). The findings of this study underscore the importance of improving communication quality between healthcare providers and older adults. Clinical interventions that promote health literacy and address worries about unmet needs for medical services may benefit older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 202-207.

Effectiveness, acceptability, and completeness and quality of intervention reporting of psychological interventions for people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment: protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review

IntroductionMental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression have negative impacts on psychological well-being and are common in people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. However, access to psychological treatments...

Urban Feng-Shui and its Impact on the Spatial Structures of Places and Psychological Well-being of People

Urban Feng-Shui and its Impact on the Spatial Structures of Places and Psychological Well-being of People

Psychological Well-Being In People With Chronic Diseases

Psychological Well-Being In People With Chronic Diseases

People’s Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: The Prospect for Social Work Practice in the Post-Pandemic and Future Pandemics

The changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have resuscitated different mindsets in people. While much attention has been focused on the effect on health and the economic system, the study diverted attention to the disrupted social life and psychological trauma caused by the pandemic. This qualitative study explored people’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they will be leveraged to promote social service delivery through social work intervention in the post-pandemic era. The data were collected through phone interviews involving 12 participants, comprising both social workers and nonsocial workers within the Southeast geopolitical zone. The generated data were analyzed thematically and arranged in quotes. The study found that the pandemic has both positive and negative implications for the social and psychological well-being of people. However, there was no effective engagement of social workers’ intervention amidst the need for social service during the pandemic. As a result, the level of preparedness of social workers for effective social service delivery in the post-pandemic era is not adequate. However, the finding reveals prospects for social work in Nigeria. The study suggests a swift government response, which will involve revitalizing the social work profession in Nigeria to enhance social service delivery. Also, social work, especially in the health care setting, should leverage this to make its voice heard in society through enhanced education and practice. However, future research should consider exploring new perspectives in social work education and practice based on the experience of COVID-19 to ensure better social service delivery.