Psychological Well-being Of Participants Research Articles

Mindful Eating Behaviour, Psychological Well-being, and Gender Differences among Young Adults

The purpose of this paper is to make a theoretical link between mindful eating, psychological health, and gender of young adults concerning health and well-being. The assessment of life satisfaction is a significant aspect of people’s psychological well-being that involves such domains as autonomy, self-realization, interpersonal relationships, and self-approval, which are crucial for estimating the state of people’s mental health. Knowledge and endorsement of what is ingested and how it is processed have been reported to be very effective in supporting healthy nutrition practices and eradicating eating disorders. It is essential to have such behaviors pointed out in young adults because this category of the population is especially susceptible to health hazards during this stage. Personal analysis shows that there is a difference between male and female participants when it comes to psychological health as well as eating habits; therefore, it is essential to examine gender influence on mindful eating as well as the psychological well-being of participants. To assess these variables, the current study employs standard and reliable tools like Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scale and Mindful Eating Behavior Scale on 180 young adult respondents within the age range of 18-26 years. Moreover, demographic variables including gender concerning the relationships on top of depression, stress, and anxiety will also be examined either as the predictor or moderator. The first research question is to understand the direction of the relationship between mindful eating behavior, psychological health, and gender in young adults and the second is to understand whether these relations can be either buffered or exacerbated by specific factors. Thus, the purpose of the study will be to expand the current understanding of the particular strategy that can be used to promote the overall health of such population. In addition, the research will contribute to the database of health determinants concerning young adults and show that complicated approaches are required for individuals with healthy and unhealthy habits concerning their psyche and body.

Mediating Role of Physical Fitness between Income and Sport Preferences towards Psychological Well-Being on National Seminar of Physical Fitness and Psychological Well-Being Seminar Participants

Psychological well-being is a psychological concept that refers to a state of happiness or satisfaction with one's life. The idea of happiness undergoes a more specific elaboration, which includes the temporal and spiritual realms from this trend in physical education, known as physical fitness and psychological well-being. Physical activity or sports activities can improve physical fitness and benefit psychological well-being. Each person's sports activities are sometimes different, which is called sports preference. On the other side, sports activities and their implementation require costs. This study aimed to determine the significance of the relationship between income, sports preferences, physical fitness, and psychological well-being of participants in the National Seminar on Physical Fitness and Psychological Well-being. This research method uses path analysis with 173 respondents participating in the National Seminar on Physical Fitness and Psychological Well-being. The data collection method uses observation using a questionnaire. The results showed a change in the initial hypothesis into a refined hypothesis. 1) Based on the initial hypothesis testing, there is a negative relationship between income and exercise preference 2) Based on the enhanced hypothesis testing, there is a relationship between the income level variable on physical fitness among participants of the National Seminar on Physical Fitness and Psychological Well-being 3) There is a relationship between the level of income and physical fitness with psychological well-being among the Participants in the National Seminar on Physical Fitness, and Psychological Well-being directly or indirectly.

Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in Activity Participants’ Passion for Exercise and Psychological Well-Being by Jogging in Fu Jen Catholic University

This study investigated the relationship between passion for exercise, self-esteem, and well-being of participants of jogging activities. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between passion for exercise, self-esteem, and psychological well-being of participants with different backgrounds and determine whether self-esteem affects the relationship between participants’ passion for exercise and well-being. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 344 valid questionnaires were employed, which included 164 males and 180 females of the jogging activities held by Fu Jen Catholic University. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson product-difference correlation, regression, and other statistical methods were performed on the questionnaire to test the correlation between variables. Findings: (1) Different sexes had differences in obsessive passion, (2) different jogging groups had differences in obsessive passion, (3) different grades had differences in negative self-esteem, (4) different ages had harmonious passion, and there were differences in positive self-esteem, (5) the frequency of exercising with peers exhibited differences in psychological well-being and positive self-esteem, (6) there was a correlation between passion, psychological well-being, and self-esteem, and (7) positive self-esteem had a mediating effect on harmonious passion and psychological well-being. Conclusions: Participants of jogging activities are willing to spend time and effort in jogging activities, participate with an open and flexible attitude, and enjoy the process, thus improving positive self-evaluation and achieving a satisfied self-feel. Originality/value: There is less research on the relationship between passion and self-esteem in Taiwan. In addition, the authors not only found the relationship between passion, self-esteem, and psychological well-being from the data, but also found that self-esteem has a mediating effect on the relationship between passion and psychological well-being. Therefore, when organizing similar activities in the future, in addition to using attractive conditions that are more favorable to the participants, attention should be given to conditions that can enhance the self-worth of participants and increase the motivation and number of participants. In addition, participants performing activities with their peers will have more positive self-evaluations and feelings and happier and more satisfied.

Quality of Life and Mental Health Benefits of Public Participation in Forest Conservation Activities in Urban Areas.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of forest conservation activities on the physical and psychological wellbeing of participants. The experiment was conducted in a forest near an urban area and involved 61 participants (average age: 22.5 ± 1.8). The participants selected one of three activities (pruning, stacking cut branches, and removing vines) in the forest conservation program. The effects of these activities on the musculoskeletal system were assessed using the Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS); the physical intensity of the activities was evaluated using heart rate data. The psychological evaluation measurement indexes used the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment instrument, and the Perceived Restorativeness Scale. As a result of the OWAS assessment, forest conservation activities were found to be action categories 1 and 2, which were less burdensome to the musculoskeletal system. All forestry activities were found to be light levels of physical intensity. Psychological evaluation of the participants revealed that positive emotions such as self-esteem, quality of life, and perceived restorativeness increased significantly, whereas negative emotions decreased significantly. This forest conservation program, that involved low-intensity activities which were less burdensome to the musculoskeletal system, had positive physical and psychological effects on the local residents who participated.

Impact of Contact With Nature on the Wellbeing and Nature Connectedness Indicators After a Desertic Outdoor Experience on Isla Del Tiburon.

Nature connectedness is determined by the representation individuals have about themselves within nature. This concept is often studied in relation to the direct contact individuals have with natural environment, which according to some studies have demonstrated to generate positive effects by fostering a feeling of connecting and bonding with nature, as well as improving their wellbeing. The main focus of this study was to calculate and assess the relation between Nature Connectedness and wellbeing of participants. The methodological approach of this research reaches quantitative data comparing results obtained from both samples, as well as correlations between the variables. The sample for this study was composed by two groups of university students (M = 25 years old). Both contrast group (n = 32) and experience group (n = 29) filled the questionnaire in two separate moments and in different environments. First data collection moment for both groups was held inside a university classroom. A second moment of data collection was carried out after a month from the first application, having the contrast group answer the questionnaire on a classroom again whilst the experience group responded it during an excursion to Isla Del Tiburon in Northwestern Mexico after performing some recreational activities being totally immersed in a local desertic environment. Questionnaire was composed by a 6 point Likert type scale measuring Nature Connectedness through concepts such as Nature relatedness and Love and care for the natural, as well as Subjective and Psychological Wellbeing of participants. Results show that both wellbeing and Nature Connectedness are positively influenced by performing activities out in the natural environment. This work was also conducted in response to the need to understand the full extent of Contact and Connectedness to nature, carrying out an exploratory study in desertic settings when much of the early work centers around the study of these variables in green nature environments.

Effects of Nature-Based Intervention in Occupational Health Care on Stress - A Finnish Pilot Study Comparing Stress Evaluation Methods.

PurposeTo assess methodology and its limitations for measuring effects of nature-based intervention (NBI).Patients and MethodsParticipants were 11 middle-aged female health care workers with lowered capacity to work. NBI included six group appointments in six months study period. Heart rate variability (HRV) and self-reported pain and work exhaustion were measured pre-post study period. Salivary α-amylase samples were collected immediately before and after three individual interventions. Salivary cortisol samples were collected on the same three interventions, on three consecutive days starting from the day of intervention, to assess (a) month effect (pre-post study period) and (b) day effect (intervention day vs non-intervention day).ResultsIndividual interventions resulted in increase in α-amylase activity. However, the average fold increase decreased from the 3.05 ± 1.20 of the first intervention to 1.91 ± 1.00 and 1.46 ± 0.77 in the second and third intervention, respectively (p < 0.001). Cortisol concentrations were lower on intervention days vs non-intervention days, the difference being indicative (p = 0.050). Pain and work exhaustion decreased during the study period, as well as HRV, although any of these changes was not statistically significant.ConclusionFor a large-scale study, it would be ideal to select assays for both major pathways: hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis can be measured by cortisol, whereas response via autonomic nervous system can be measured by HRV, when roles of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems can be pinpointed separately. Salivary α-amylase can be used when continuous monitoring is not possible. Psychological well-being of participants should be surveyed, as well as their activities and moods on sampling days recorded.

야외 신체활동 참가자의 신체적 자기개념, 회복탄력성 및 심리적 행복감의 관계

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical self-concept, resilience, and psychological well-being of participants in outdoor physical activity. For this purpose, a survey was conducted on people using walking courses around rivers in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. For the survey, the researcher visited in person, explained the purpose of the study and the contents of the questionnaire in detail, and after obtaining consent, a total of 370 copies of data were collected. Through this procedure, the following results were obtained.<BR> First, in order to understand the relationship between the physical self-concept and resilience of participants in outdoor physical activity, a step-by-step regression analysis was conducted by setting the sub-factor of the physical self-concept as the independent variable and the sub-factor of resilience as the dependent variable. Positivity was positive in body fat, physical activity, competence, and health factors, sociality was positive in body fat, feeling of competence, physical activity, overall body, and control was positive in resilience in body fat, physical activity, competence, health, and overall body factors. Second, satisfaction, which is a sub-factor of physical self-concept and psychological well-being, was significantly explained as positive in health, overall body, and self-esteem factors, and happiness in health, overall body, and physical activity factors of competence. Third, satisfaction and happiness, which are sub-factors of resilience and psychological well-being, were found to be significantly explained as positive in sociality and positivity factors.

Social groupwork for promoting psychological well-being of adolescents enrolled in sponsorship programs

Background: The dearth of data on adolescents highlighted in the UN’s data disaggregation against the agenda ‘no one left behind’ calls for research on ‘the second decade’. Moreover, India is a country with the world’s largest adolescent population, and as such, studies and policies for developing competencies of adolescents are crucial to the country’s development; interventions instilling confidence to aspire to a better future in underprivileged adolescents are vital to mitigate inequity. Methods: This intervention study adopted a quasi-experimental design to measure the effectiveness of social groupwork in raising the psychological well-being of adolescents in child sponsorship programs in Kerala. Forty adolescents from a Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) center in Kochi were recruited for the study. Those suggested by the CSP center considering their poor academic performance and behavior problems were allocated to the intervention group and the rest to the comparison group. The intervention was designed in response to the information garnered through a preliminary study and administered to the intervention group (n=20). We conducted pre-test and post-test for both the intervention group and comparison group (n=20). Results: Comparison between pre- and post-measurements carried out using paired sample t-test for the intervention group and comparison group separately gave a p-value of <0.05 for the intervention group and >0.05 for the comparison group. Thus, it was proved that psychological well-being of participants in the intervention group was raised significantly due to the social group work intervention. Conclusions: Applying refined granularity, this research adds data specifically on adolescents enrolled in child sponsorship programs and sets a blueprint for social groupwork to improve their psychological well-being. Proposing a conceptual framework for child sponsorship programs, this study recommends further research in all aspects of its functioning, and interventions at group, family, and community levels, for the well-being and empowerment of marginalized adolescents.

Conscious dance: Perceived benefits and psychological well-being of participants

BackgroundMeta-analyses suggest that dance has potential to decrease psychological distress, increase trait mindfulness, and enhance quality of life. Conscious dance can be defined as unchoreographed, intentionally nonevaluative mindful movement commonly practiced in a group setting for purposes of authentic self-expression, self-discovery, interpersonal connectedness, and personal healing or growth. ObjectiveTo assess perceived effects of conscious dance practice (e.g., Ecstatic Dance, 5Rhythms) and examine associations between frequency/duration of practice and psychological well-being among participants. MethodsSelf-identifying adult conscious dancers completed a survey (N = 1003; mean age = 47 years; 52% from the U.S; 78% White; 73% female). ResultsConscious dancers with ≥5 years of practice had significantly higher trait mindfulness and life satisfaction compared to newer practitioners. More frequent practice (≥once per week) was associated with higher trait mindfulness. A strong majority of participants endorsed experiences consistent with mindfulness (i.e., feeling “more present in my body”; 99% of the sample) and psychological flow (“I felt like I was ‘in the zone’ or ‘in the flow’ of things”; 93% of the sample) during conscious dance. Among participants endorsing any of five stress-related health conditions, the majority reported therapeutic effects (i.e., that conscious dance “helped them cope” with the condition). Therapeutic effects were most consistently reported by individuals with depression or anxiety (96% endorsement), followed by those with a trauma history (95%), chronic pain (89%), and history of substance abuse or addiction (88%). For all conditions except addiction, therapeutic effects were associated with greater experiences of psychological flow during dance, and the magnitude of these effects was large (Cohen's d range: 1.0–2.3). ConclusionIndividuals who engage in conscious dance report that these practices help them to cope with stress-related health conditions. Participants reporting longer duration or greater frequency of practice scored higher on measures of psychological well-being. The feasibility and efficacy of conscious dance for improving well-being among individuals naïve to these approaches will be important to determine in future research.

Social groupwork for promoting psychological well-being of adolescents enrolled in sponsorship programs.

Background: The dearth of data on adolescents highlighted in the UN's data disaggregation against the agenda 'no one left behind' calls for research on 'the second decade'. Moreover, India is a country with the world's largest adolescent population, and as such, studies and policies for developing competencies of adolescents are crucial to the country's development; interventions instilling confidence to aspire to a better future in underprivileged adolescents are vital to mitigate inequity. Methods: This intervention study adopted a quasi-experimental design to measure the effectiveness of social groupwork in raising the psychological well-being of adolescents in child sponsorship programs in Kerala. Forty adolescents from a Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) center in Kochi were recruited for the study. Those suggested by the CSP center considering their poor academic performance and behavior problems were allocated to the intervention group and the rest to the comparison group. The intervention was designed in response to the information garnered through a preliminary study and administered to the intervention group (n=20). We conducted pre-test and post-test for both the intervention group and comparison group (n=20). Results: Comparison between pre- and post-measurements carried out using paired sample t-test for the intervention group and comparison group separately gave a p-value of <0.05 for the intervention group and >0.05 for the comparison group. Thus, it was proved that psychological well-being of participants in the intervention group was raised significantly due to the social group work intervention. Conclusions: Applying refined granularity, this research adds data specifically on adolescents enrolled in child sponsorship programs and sets a blueprint for social groupwork to improve their psychological well-being. Proposing a conceptual framework for child sponsorship programs, this study recommends further research in all aspects of its functioning, and interventions at group, family, and community levels, for the well-being and empowerment of marginalized adolescents.

Academic Acceleration in Gifted Youth and Fruitless Concerns Regarding Psychological Well-Being: A 35-Year Longitudinal Study.

Academic acceleration of intellectually precocious youth is believed to harm overall psychological well-being even though short-term studies do not support this belief. Here we examine the long-term effects. Study 1 involves three cohorts identified before age 13, then longitudinally tracked for over 35 years: Cohort 1 gifted (top 1% in ability, identified 1972-1974, N = 1,020), Cohort 2 highly gifted (top 0.5% in ability, identified 1976-1979, N = 396), and Cohort 3 profoundly gifted (top 0.01% in ability, identified 1980-1983, N = 220). Two forms of educational acceleration were examined: 1. Age at high school graduation, and 2. Quantity of advanced learning opportunities pursued prior to high school graduation. Participants were evaluated at age 50 on several well-known indicators of psychological well-being. Amount of acceleration did not covary with psychological well-being. Study 2, a constructive replication of Study 1, utilized a different high-potential sample-elite science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduate students (N = 478) identified in 1992. Their educational histories were assessed at age 25 and they were followed up at age 50 using the same psychological assessments. Again, the amount of educational acceleration did not covary with psychological well-being. Further, the psychological well-being of participants in both studies was above the average of national probability samples. Concerns about long-term social/emotional effects of acceleration for high-potential students appear to be unwarranted, as has been demonstrated for short-term effects.

The impact of COVID-19 social distancing and isolation recommendations for Muslim communities in North West England

IntroductionPeople from Minority Ethnic backgrounds living in the UK are at greater risk of not only contracting COVID-19, but also experiencing serious consequences of the virus. These emerging health inequalities mirror those already evident in UK society.AimThe aim of this study was to understand how COVID-19 and the associated imposed restrictions affected the lives of people from the Muslim community living in the North West of England.MethodTwenty-five in-depth qualitative interviews and four focus groups (n = 22) explored individual experiences of COVID-19 and imposed restrictions. Data were analysed thematically.FindingsThe virus and associated imposed restrictions had negative impacts on the psychological wellbeing of participants, their families and the wider community. Worry and low mood were particular features of participant’s pandemic stories. Main concerns were those of contracting and transmitting the virus to others and employment-related difficulties. Low mood was particularly linked to the impact of restrictions on fundamental interactions embedded within cultural and religious practices. These practices are central to feelings of belonging and connectedness within the Muslim community. Religious beliefs were important in helping to mitigate psychological distress for some participants.ConclusionPsychological distress was associated with COVID-19 virus and impact of COVID-19 restrictions on livelihoods and fundamental human interactions. Better provision of culturally appropriate information, improving local channels of communication and practical support are important during times of pandemic when usual support systems may be disrupted.

Understanding the impact of an intergenerational arts and health project: a study into the psychological well-being of participants, carers and artists

ObjectivesThere is growing interest in arts practices in relation to public health, including their potential to support psychological well-being. This study sought to understand the impact of Hear and Now, an intergenerational arts and health project, upon indicators of psychological well-being among all groups involved: young people, older people with a diagnosis of dementia and their carers and partners and the project's artistic team. Study designThis was a descriptive exploratory qualitative study, using focus groups and observation as data collection methods. MethodsStudy participants were 65 people representing the four groups participating in the 2019 Hear and Now project: older adults living with a diagnosis of dementia, their carers and partners, young people and a team of professional artists and facilitators. Of these, 27 participated in one or more of seven focus groups. Participants were asked about their previous engagement with music and dance, thoughts about the intergenerational element of the project and other aspects of their experiences that related to indicators of well-being. In order to investigate the project's impact on participants' well-being, Seligman's PERMA model was adopted, which sets out five indicators of well-being: positive emotions, engagement, positive relationships, meaning and achievement/accomplishment. ResultsExperiences relating to all five areas of the PERMA model were evidenced by all groups in relation to their involvement in the project. Additional health benefits were also cited by some, as well as enhanced perceptions of other members of the project cohort. ConclusionsThe findings support existing literature that intergenerational and arts activities can be beneficial for individuals' psychological health. Experiences relating to all five dimensions of the PERMA model of well-being (positive emotion, engagement, positive relationships, meaning, achievement/accomplishment) were cited by the four participant groups, which suggests examining the impact of such projects on all project collaborators is worthy of further study. Understanding the impact these projects can have on the various groups involved will enable artistic and healthcare communities to better collaborate and value each other's practices.

Sense of Ethnic Belonging: Relation With Well-Being and Psychological Distress in Inhabitants of the Mapuche Conflict Area, Chile.

Research has shown that experiences of discrimination cause harm to the health and well-being of people. In terms of the identity of members of a group, a positive evaluation of that group might involve devaluing the out-group as a way of raising the endo-group, causing discrimination toward the out-group. In the Chilean context, the Mapuche people have historically suffered discrimination and violations of their rights. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between Collective Identity, perceived experiences of discrimination, psychological well-being and distress in the inhabitants of the Mapuche conflict zone according to their sense of belonging to their ethnic group (Mapuche, Mestizo, Caucasian). This descriptive, correlative, and cross-sectional study involved 200 participants, including 94 men (47%), and 106 women (53%), between the ages of 18 and 83 years old (M = 39.02; SD = 13.45), who had lived for at least 1 year in communities in the Araucanía Region. The sample was stratified according their sense of ethnic identity, including 30% Mapuche, 33.5% Caucasian, and 36.5% Mestizo. The results show that participants with a sense of Mapuche ethnicity experienced more instances of discrimination, had a greater sense of collective identity, and that they also supported the Mapuche social movement and its methods. Based on evidence that well-being is directly related to collective identity, the study undertook a regression analysis of emotional distress and the psychological well-being of participants. The interaction between experiences of discrimination and collective identity has a significant influence. Collective identity and experiences of discrimination in themselves as well as the interaction between them, predict psychological well-being. The results suggest that the importance of the Mapuche group’s identity phenomena are related to a broad socio-historical context that leads them to identify themselves as a collective in conditions of inequality. This relationship between well-being and collective identity could be explained by their sense of cultural belonging, which can be a factor in protecting mental health.

A Preliminary Investigation of the Views of People With Parkinson's (With and Without Psychosis) and Caregivers on Participating in Clinical Trials During the Covid-19 Pandemic: An Online Survey.

Background: The coronavirus pandemic is having a profound impact on non-COVID-19 related research, including the delivery of clinical trials for patients with Parkinson's disease.Objectives: A preliminary investigation to explore the views of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, with and without experience of psychosis symptoms, and carers on the resumption of clinical research and adaptations to trials in light of COVID-19.Methods: An anonymous self-administered online survey was completed by 30 PD patients and six family members/carers via the Parkinson's UK Research Support Network to explore current perceptions on taking part in PD research and how a planned clinical trial for psychosis in PD may be adapted so participants feel safe.Results: Ninety-one percent of respondents were enthusiastic about the continuation of non-COVID-19 related research as long as certain safety measures were in place. Ninety-four percent stated that they would be happy to complete assessments virtually. However, they noted that care should be taken to ensure that this does not exclude participants, particularly those with more advanced PD who may require assistance using portable electronic devices. Regular and supportive communication from the research team was also seen as important for maintaining the psychological well-being of participants while taking part in the trial.Conclusions: In the era of COVID-19 pandemic, standard approaches will have to be modified and rapid adoption of virtual assessments will be critical for the continuation of clinical research. It is important that alongside the traditional methods, new tools are developed, and older ones validated for virtual assessments, to allow safe and comprehensive assessments vital for ongoing research in people with Parkinson's.

A Study on the Relationship between Self-Realization and Psychological Well-Being of Participants in Golf Course

A Study on the Relationship between Self-Realization and Psychological Well-Being of Participants in Golf Course

Inpatient rehabilitation for adult patients with Marfan syndrome: an observational pilot study

BackgroundAdvances in medical, interventional and surgical treatment have increased average life expectancy of patients with congenital heart defects. As a result a new group of adult patients with congenital cardiac defects requires medical rehabilitation. Patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) are a relevant group among these patients. So far, no reports on the effectiveness of specialized rehabilitation programmes for MFS patients exist. We implemented an inpatient 3-week rehabilitation program for MFS patients at the Muehlenberg-Clinic for rehabilitation and assessed the medical safety as well as the impact of the program on physical fitness and psychological wellbeing of participants by means of an observational pilot study. The comprehensive multidisciplinary program included medical, physiotherapeutic, psychological and social issues. Two groups including 8 and 10 individuals with verified MFS attended the programme. Medically adverse events that occurred during the rehabilitation were registered. Adverse events were defined as: any new cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, cardiac syncope or any complications located at the aorta. Psychological assessment was performed using Short Form-36 (SF-36), hospital anxiety and depression scale and other psychometric questionnaires. Medical examinations included assessment of maximum power in bicycle ergometry. All assessments were performed at the beginning and at the end of the rehabilitation. Psychometric assessments were repeated 1 year after the end of the programme for both groups, respectively.ResultsPatients were highly satisfied with the programme and improved in almost all psychological and physical fitness assessments. The pre-post-comparison resulted in significant positive changes for mental health (p < .001 for SF-36 Mental Health), fatigue (p < .05 for Fatigue Severity Scale), nociception (p < .05 for SF-36 Pain) and vitality (p < .05 for SF-36 Vitality). Physical fitness improved from admission to discharge (p < .001 for maximum power in bicycle ergometry, p < .05 for maximum nordic walking distance). Considerable improvements persisted through 1 year follow-up. Medical assessments excluded medical problems or adverse events caused by participation in the programme.ConclusionsIn our study, inpatient rehabilitation was both safe and helpful for MFS patients. They benefited in terms of physical fitness, health related quality of life and in terms of psychological wellbeing. An evaluation of the efficacy of the programme in a controlled design as well as further conceptual improvements of our current program is desirable.

The experience of occupational engagement of chronically homeless persons in a mid-sized urban context

ABSTRACTBackground: Chronic homelessness is a growing problem in many Western nations. Few studies have explored the occupations of chronically homeless persons, and most of this research has sampled from large metropolitan areas.Purpose: This research sought to explicate the meaning and experience of occupational engagement for homeless persons in a mid-sized urban context.Method: Interpretive phenomenology informed qualitative interviews with 12 chronically homeless participants. Analysis used a modified version of Colaizzi’s (1978) methodology.Findings: Themes highlight the experience and meaning of the unique occupations of chronically homeless persons. Altruistic and productivity occupations held particular meaning. Occupational alienation, and the boredom that resulted, severely influenced the psychological well-being of participants. The need to engage in meaningful occupations is powerful, to the extent that it can supersede the perceived importance of housing.Implications: An occupational perspective is a valuable contribution to a broader dialogue on homelessness, and may contribute to a more comprehensive strategy for addressing this problem. Future research should explore boredom and its association with substance use, and ways of enhancing opportunities to include chronically homeless persons in employment and other meaningful occupations.

Self-reported effects of infertility on marital relationships among fertility clients at a public health facility in Accra, Ghana.

BackgroundThere is little empirical literature on the effects of infertility on marital relationships in Ghana. This study sought to examine the effects of infertility on marital relationship among fertility clients at a Public Hospital in Accra, Ghana.ResultsThe study revealed that infertility negatively affected the sexual life of participants as they generally reported that even though they still had regular sexual intercourse with their partners after realising they were infertile (61.6 %), sex was only for the purpose of reproduction and not for mutual sexual satisfaction (68.8 %). Sexual intercourse was reported to be unfulfilling as well as unenjoyable (64.3 %). The psychological well-being of participants (87.5 %) and stability within marital unions were also negatively affected by infertility, resulting in quarrels (72.3 %).ConclusionsInfertility has numerous negative implications for marital relationship. Thus, infertile persons should not be only physically examined and treated for infertility, but should also be given counselling to lessen the psychological trauma attached to infertility.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40738-015-0002-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Reducing the psychological distress of family caregivers of home‐based palliative care patients: short‐term effects from a randomised controlled trial

Palliative care is expected to incorporate comprehensive support for family caregivers given that many caregivers suffer psychological morbidity. However, systematically implemented evidence-based psychological support initiatives are lacking. The objective of this study was to prepare caregivers for the role of supporting a patient with advanced cancer receiving home-based palliative care by offering a one-to-one psycho-educational intervention. We hypothesised that primary family caregivers who participated in the intervention would report decreased psychological distress (primary outcome), fewer unmet needs and increased levels of perceived preparedness, competence and positive emotions. A three-arm randomised controlled trial was conducted comparing two versions of the intervention (one face-to-face visit versus two visits) plus standard care to a control group (standard care) across four sites in Australia. A total of 298 participants were recruited; 148 were in the Control condition, 57 in Intervention 1 (one visit) and 93 in Intervention 2 (two visits). Relative to participants in the control group; the psychological well-being of participants in the intervention condition was improved by a small amount but non-significantly. No significant reduction in unmet needs or improvements in positive aspects of caregiving amongst the intervention group were identified. However, the intervention demonstrated significant improvements in participants' levels of preparedness and competence for Intervention 2. This research adds to accumulating body of evidence demonstrating that relatively short psycho-educational interventions can enable family caregivers to feel more prepared and competent in the role of supporting a dying relative. Further investigation is required to determine the longer term outcomes of such interventions.