Psychosocial Competence Research Articles

Job requirements compared to medical school education: differences between graduates from problem-based learning and conventional curricula

BackgroundProblem-based Learning (PBL) has been suggested as a key educational method of knowledge acquisition to improve medical education. We sought to evaluate the differences in medical school education between graduates from PBL-based and conventional curricula and to what extent these curricula fit job requirements.MethodsGraduates from all German medical schools who graduated between 1996 and 2002 were eligible for this study. Graduates self-assessed nine competencies as required at their day-to-day work and as taught in medical school on a 6-point Likert scale. Results were compared between graduates from a PBL-based curriculum (University Witten/Herdecke) and conventional curricula.ResultsThree schools were excluded because of low response rates. Baseline demographics between graduates of the PBL-based curriculum (n = 101, 49% female) and the conventional curricula (n = 4720, 49% female) were similar. No major differences were observed regarding job requirements with priorities for "Independent learning/working" and "Practical medical skills". All competencies were rated to be better taught in PBL-based curriculum compared to the conventional curricula (all p < 0.001), except for "Medical knowledge" and "Research competence". Comparing competencies required at work and taught in medical school, PBL was associated with benefits in "Interdisciplinary thinking" (Δ + 0.88), "Independent learning/working" (Δ + 0.57), "Psycho-social competence" (Δ + 0.56), "Teamwork" (Δ + 0.39) and "Problem-solving skills" (Δ + 0.36), whereas "Research competence" (Δ - 1.23) and "Business competence" (Δ - 1.44) in the PBL-based curriculum needed improvement.ConclusionAmong medical graduates in Germany, PBL demonstrated benefits with regard to competencies which were highly required in the job of physicians. Research and business competence deserve closer attention in future curricular development.

Processi di resilienza e mediatori psicosociali in situazioni di disoccupazione: le competenze delle donne

- The term job loss is used to describe a transition that takes place in individuals' life altering their personal balance. Decrease in self-efficacy and self-esteem, reduction of psychosocial competences and destructuring of time represent the main psychological outcomes of unemployment. The purpose of this work is to study resilience processes women are able to activate as a result of their job loss and to analyze its consequences at a personal and familiar level. Data collected by interview has showed that competencies develop according to the following phases: acknowledgment of the loss, reaction to the traumatic event, abandonment of the old attachments, finding of new meanings, investment on new energies.

Claiming Your Connections: A Psychosocial Group Intervention Study of Black College Women

The emergent psychosocial competence practice model in mental health represents an innovative strengths-based paradigm with potential relevance and applicability to black college women struggling with problems of psychological and social adjustment. Using an experimental design, with pre- and posttest measures, this study investigated the effectiveness of a culturally congruent group intervention program called Claiming Your Connections, involving 76 undergraduate black college women, aimed at enhancing psychosocial competence (that is, locus of control, active coping, and stress reduction). Counseling implications and directions for the development of future culturally relevant practice interventions with this population are discussed. KEY WORDS: black college women; group work; practice research; psychosocial competence ********** For many students, attending college involves a period of adjustment and adaptation that requires them to navigate developmental tasks, focusing on emotional adjustment, interpersonal relationships, and academic concerns (Adan & Felner, 1995; Solberg & Villarreal, 1997; Tomlinson-Clarke, 1998). Black college students at predominately white institutions typically encounter similar developmental tasks; they also may experience additional stressful events in their daily lives, such as racial discrimination and feelings of isolation caused by racial exclusion (Jay & D'Augelli, 1991; Jenkins, 2002). Black women in particular report feelings of alienation, questions of racial and gender identity, concern for interpersonal relationships, and stress (Brown, 2000). These distinct challenges add a layer of complexity to the psychological and social adjustment of black female college students. Unfortunately, traditional college mental health approaches have overlooked the psychosocial realities of black women in the United States (Rhodes & Johnson, 1997; Wingo, 2001). The field of college mental health is faced with the critical task of providing culturally congruent programs that meet the complex psychological needs of black women (Clairborn, LaFromboise, & Pomales, 1986; Shonfeld-Ringel, 2000). The current literature suggests that to enhance mental health treatment outcomes for black college women, programs must be culturally congruent and include ancillary services that are more helpful than standard college counseling programs. The Claiming Your Connections: Life Affirming Strategies for Women of Color (CYC) culturally congruent group intervention serves this need (Jones, 2004). The culturally congruent nature of the intervention protocol is based on treatment techniques that both directly and indirectly address specific aspects of black women's psychosocial experiences in the United States (Belgrave, Chase-Vaughn, Gray, Addison, & Cherry, 2000; McNair, 1996; Miranda et al., 2003; Randall, 1994). For instance, cultural congruence in this study refers to the integration of cultural attitudes, beliefs, and values of black women into the intervention and the continuous promotion of skills, practices, and interactions throughout the group process to ensure that sessions are culturally responsive and competent. The CYC group intervention includes the strengths perspective of psychosocial competence that calls attention to the positive resources (that is, skills, abilities, and knowledge) that help people cope with stressful events, as well as those that contribute to goal achievement and psychological well-being. This framework is offered as an alternative to traditional views of human functioning that identify psychological and social deficiencies as the cause for adjustment issues among black women in college. Although psychosocial competence is at the forefront, an Africentric paradigm provides a contextual framework for understanding and addressing the psychological and social adjustment difficulties of black college students. …

Study of Coping-competence among Unmarried Pregnant Young Women in Three Big Cites in China

Objective To identify the coping-competence among unmarried pregnant young women. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the setting of clinics-based. A total of 1 391 unmarried young women were recruited as the sample in Youth Clinics of 3 maternal care hospitals in Beijing, Jinan, and Guangzhou respectively in China. “Behavioral Attributes of Psychosocial Competence Scale-Condensed Form” was administered to identify the coping-competence of these women. All these women were aged 10– 24 years old and were divided into three groups based on whether or not they had sex and pregnancy. The three groups were named as follows: pregnancy group with young women having had both sex and pregnancy, sex group with young women having had only sex but not pregnancy, and non-sex group with young women having no sex experience. Results Among the adolescents aged 10–19 years old, the coping-competence was different among the three groups (P=0.050). Compared with the pregnancy group, the non-sex group were more inclined to active coping (P=0.026). Among all the pregnant women aged 10–24 years old, the coping-competence was various by region (P Conclusion This is the first study of coping among unmarried pregnant young women in China. The results supported the point of view that the pregnant adolescents were more inclined to passive coping, and the coping had regional differences.

Providing Developmentally Based Care for School-Aged and Adolescent Patients

AUGUST 2009, VOL 90, NO 2 • AORN JOURNAL • 261 chool-aged and adolescent patients are at the age when one may think that because of their increased cognitive ability and vocabulary, developmental care is not as important. Regardless of the patient’s age, however, a developmentally based approach to care is essential to ease the stress and fears of the perioperative experience. Pediatric patients at any age are not small adults; rather, each child is a unique individual who is actively engaged in gaining control over and learning about his or her world. Similarities in children do exist based on developmental levels, however. The theories of Sigmund Freud, Jean Piaget, and Erik Erikson provide a theoretical foundation for understanding children at each psychosocial and cognitive level (Table 1) and offer guide lines in the best approach for providing holistic, familycentered care. All humans have the potential to developmentally regress when under stress. If a school-aged child or adolescent regresses, the developmental interventions that are appropriate for the previous stage should be considered. Hallmarks of the school-age period are • the transition from the home to the school environment as a major social influence, • the resolution of separation anxiety with a shift to peers as important relationships, and • shedding of deciduous teeth along with eruption of permanent teeth. The school-aged stage from a chronological perspective is from the sixth birthday until about age 12. Adolescence begins at the onset of puberty (ie, between 11 and 12 years of age) and ends when the child assumes the responsibilities and sexual and physical characteristics of an adult (ie, usually between 18 and 20 years of age). Adolescence has three subgroups: • early (ie, ages 11 to 14 years); • middle (ie, ages 15 to 17 years); and • late (ie, ages 18 to 20 years). The hallmark of adolescence is puberty, which includes profound changes in body mass, sexual characteristics, and psychosocial status that accompany the transition from child to adult. The major fear of the school-aged child revolves around loss of control, whereas the adolescent fears disfigurement. If at any point during the perioperative process there is a possibility that the school-aged child might lose control of body functions (eg, cry, soil the bed, pass gas), the nurse needs to ensure that the child’s peers are not present to witness the event. The same applies to the adolescent’s peer group being allowed to see the patient when the patient may not think he or she is looking good enough for visitors. The information presented in this column is designed to provide a developmental theory foundation to augment the psychosocial competency as outlined in the Age-Specific Care Competency Assessment Module from the Competency & Credentialing Institute. School-aged and adolescent patients have specific physiological needs based on their size and the maturity of their body systems that are also addressed in the module. The major fear of

The life skills program IPSY: Positive influences on school bonding and prevention of substance misuse

The present study investigated whether a life skills program (LSP) for the prevention of adolescent substance misuse can have positive influences on a school context and on school bonding. The study also explored whether effects on alcohol use are mediated by positive effects on school bonding resulting from program participation. The LSP IPSY (Information + Psychosocial Competence = Protection) was implemented over a 3-year period via specially trained teachers. Analyses were based on a German evaluation study utilizing a quasi-experimental design (intervention/control) with school-wise assignment to the respective groups. Analyses were based on four measurement points ( N = 952, 10 years at pre-test). Results indicated that IPSY was well implemented, highly accepted by teachers and students, and that teachers profited regarding their teaching methods. ANCOVAS revealed positive program effects on alcohol use and school bonding. Multiple regressions indicated that positive influences on school bonding following program participation partially mediated effects on alcohol use.

Black South African Psychiatric Recipients: Have They Been Overlooked Under the Recent Democratization?

This article examines the literature on service accessibility, utilization, and treatment needs for Black South African adults with psychiatric disabilities and highlights the paucity of empirical studies in these areas. Current research draws attention to the finding that Black South Africans essentially have been neglected or ignored in the mental health system, suggesting that the government should formulate and implement programs and policies to ensure the effective delivery of psychiatric services. A framework for practice is warranted in which traditional health practices are parallel to mainstream westernized psychiatric care that emphasizes culturally relevant care and naturally occurring community supports rather than large psychiatric institutions. It is suggested here that “psychosocial competence” may provide a resonant and particularly useful framework for practice in this population.

Emergency Workers’ Quality of Life: The Protective Role of Sense of Community, Efficacy Beliefs and Coping Strategies

This study, involving a sample of 764 emergency workers, investigates dimensions of quality of life at work (Compassion fatigue, Burnout and Compassion satisfaction), and their relationships with Coping strategies and some psychosocial variables (Sense of Community, Collective Efficacy and Self-efficacy). Results indicate the usefulness of distinguishing between positive and negative indicators of emergency workers’ quality of life. Compassion satisfaction is positively correlated with efficacy beliefs, Sense of Community and the use of Active coping strategies. Burnout and Compassion fatigue are especially correlated with the use of dysfunctional coping strategies like distraction and self-criticism. Volunteer emergency workers enjoy a higher well being than full-time professional workers. Results and their implications for interventions aimed at increasing rescue workers’ quality of life by enhancing psychosocial competences are discussed.

Poverty and the Psychosocial Competencies of Children: Evidence from the Young Lives Sample in Four Developing Countries

Poverty and the Psychosocial Competencies of Children: Evidence from the Young Lives Sample in Four Developing Countries

Analyse psychosozialer Parameter nach Ohrrekonstruktionen mit Rippenknorpel – Entwicklung eines Kurztests

The improvement of psychosocial well being in patients with microtia after ear reconstruction with rib cartilage is mainly assessed clinically. There are first prospective studies with established psychological questionnaires showing promising results but these tests are too extensive for everyday-use in clinical routine. Therefore, we examined a self-designed short version for the specific use in the head-neck-region. The clinically established psychological questionnaire "Frankfurter Selbstkonzeptskalen/FSKN" consists of 78 items for self-assessment of performance abilities, self-esteem, and psychosocial attitude. We downsized the FSKN to 13 items that might be relevant for plastic reconstructive surgery in the head-neck-region. The pre- and postoperative development after ear reconstruction with rib cartilage was analyzed retrospectively in 68 patients and prospectively in 21 patients. The preoperative data of the prospective study group were compared with the results of 23 patients with microtia who declined any type of reconstruction after consultation. Especially the results of the psychosocial competence improved after ear reconstruction as well in the retrospective (median values 138,5 to points; p<0,01) as well as in the prospective study group (median values 126 to 141 points; p=0,01). We were able to demonstrate changes in the short version of the FSKN (median values 51,5 to 58,5 points; p<0,01 respectively, 50 to 56 points; p=0,02). Patients who declined ear surgery showed higher values in psychosocial competence (median values 126 to 154 points; p<0,01). Again, the short form displayed this difference clearly (median values 50 to 65 points; p<0,01). The short version of the FSKN has promising potential for the preoperative assessment and the documentation of psychological changes following reconstructive surgery. Further studies are necessary to validate the new instrument to obtain a valuable test for use in clinical routine in plastic surgery in the head-neck-region.

The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE): Optimising its value in the undergraduate nursing curriculum

This article explores the use of the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in undergraduate nursing education. The advantages and limitations of this assessment approach are discussed and various applications of the OSCE are described. Attention is given to the complexities of evaluating some psychosocial competency components. The issues are considered in an endeavour to delineate the competency components, or skill sets, that best lend themselves to assessment by the OSCE. We conclude that OSCEs can be used most effectively in nurse undergraduate curricula to assess safe practice in terms of performance of psychomotor skills, as well as the declarative and schematic knowledge associated with their application. OSCEs should be integrated within a curriculum in conjunction with other relevant student evaluation methods.

Preventing Depression: Culturally Relevant Group Work With Black Women

Recent estimates indicate that 10% to 25% of women in the United States report clinically significant depressive symptoms and that Black women are less likely to obtain care for depression and to receive appropriate treatment when they do seek care. Current mental and social health services necessitate a search for strength-based treatment models that affirm the psychosocial and cultural reality of Black women at risk of depression. The emergent psychosocial competence practice model in mental health represents an innovative paradigm with potential relevance and applicability to preventing depression among Black women. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a culturally relevant group intervention with low-income Black women aimed at reducing depression symptoms and enhancing psychosocial competence, including stress reduction, locus of control, and active coping. Directions for the development of future culturally relevant practice interventions with this population are discussed.

New master's program for physicians “master for naturopathy and complementary medicine”

Background Surveys have shown that more than 80% of the German population would prefer a treatment with naturopathy, whenever this is possible. Moreover, 30% of the physicians are interested in naturopathy. This contrasts with the amount of training of medical students in complementary medicine, the vocational training of the physicians and the present evidence in complementary medicine. Therefore the revaluation of complementary medicine in academic centers seems necessary. Methods By establishing a new professorship through a donation, it was possible to implement a chair in naturopathy at the Fachhochschule Fresenius in Idstein, University of Applied Sciences. The professorship will cooperate with other academic centers focusing on naturopathy and complementary medicine. The aim of the professorship is to develop and establish a master's program in naturopathy and complementary medicine, which goes beyond the standards of the medical associations and which fosters the vocational training on a scientific level and integrating a professional holistic approach. As such degree courses do not exist in Germany up to now; the concept of the new master's program was established on the basis of the existing qualification of naturopathy of the medical associations. Topics such as salutogenesis, biology of regulation, communication, management, scientific methods, publishing results and self-awareness and reflexion were integrated. Modules are designed with modern techniques of teaching and learning and conducted by specialized lecturers. Results The new master's program has become a module based, alongside work course over four terms with 60 ECTS leading to the academic degree of a Master of Science, M.Sc. Conclusion Developing and supporting the scientific, practical and psychosocial competence of physicians focusing on a holistic naturopathic approach and complementary medicine has become an important venture. In order to improve the physicians’ skills in daily practice, in scientific activities, teaching and public relation activities it is worthwhile to establish a new master's program. Download : Download high-res image (158KB) Download : Download full-size image

Vulnerability to HIV Infection and Related Health Risk Behaviors of the Out of School Adolescents Migrated with Their Parents to Beijing

To explore the vulnerability to HIV infection and related risk behaviors of the out-of-school adolescents who migrated with their parents from rural areas to cities. From September to October 2005, 260 out-of-school adolescents aged 14-20 years were interviewed through a questionnaire. Out-of-school adolescents lacked HIV/AIDS knowledge and related life skills, and their psychosocial competency was relatively low. The interviewed adolescents were open in their sexuality, showing a low rate of condom use. Their attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS prevention competency were positively correlated with family well-being, harmonious relations between their parents, a stable job, knowledge, life skill, and psychosocial competency for emotion control and empathy. Out-of-school adolescents are highly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infection and transmission. Practical and feasible health and life skill education and psychosocial competency are the keys to effective HIV/AIDS prevention among out-of-school adolescent migrants.

Factors Affecting Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents With Anorectal Malformations or Hirschsprung Disease

First, to compare the quality of life (QL) and perceived self-competence of children and adolescents with anorectal malformations or Hirschsprung disease with that of reference groups. Second, to identify predictors of QL. A total of 491 patients with anorectal malformations or Hirschsprung disease were sent a questionnaire, which assessed QL (mental, physical), disease-specific functioning (defecation-related), perceived self-competence (self-esteem, athletic competencies, school attitude), and demographic characteristics (sex, age). The clinical characteristics (disease severity, presence of congenital anomalies) were extracted from medical records. More than 50% (316, 64%) of patients with anorectal malformations or Hirschsprung disease completed the questionnaire. On average, children and adolescents in both patient groups reported no differences in QL domains compared with the reference groups. However, standard deviations revealed considerable individual variation, indicating the presence of patients with high levels of QL as well as patients with low levels of QL. Children and adolescents in both patient groups reported psychosocial problems in all domains, compared with the reference groups. Females, older patients, and those with a severe form of the disease reported lower levels of perceived self-competence and global disease-specific functioning, which in turn predicted QL. Our results should alert clinicians to patients who are at risk for QL problems and may therefore be in need of extra care. Our findings illustrate the importance of both global disease-specific functioning and perceived psychosocial competencies for enhancing the QL of these patients.

Psychosocial Competence May Affect Diabetes Control

Psychosocial Competence May Affect Diabetes Control

Depression in African American Women

Social work interventions that emphasize culturally relevant services from a strengths-based perspective may be more appropriate than traditional mental health services for African American women who suffer from depression. An examination of the literature on epidemiology, etiology, and use of services for this population highlights the paucity of empirical studies, and an exploration of the treatment literature reveals insufficient application of culturally relevant approaches to African American women. Psychosocial competence, a strengths-based approach, and the Black feminist perspective offer the opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the intersection and influence of oppression among depressed African American women and provide a useful framework for mental health practice with this population. A case vignette is provided, and future directions for research, practice, and policy are discussed.

Zeitgemäße medizinische Patientenversorgung mit Balint - Wege zu einer personenzentrierten ärztlichen Berufspraxis in dem Kontext einer postmodernen Gesellschaftskultur

Medicine is challenged by new tasks: In a postmodern social context, patients need an individualistic and holistic treatment with an appropriate communication and adequate ethical and value oriented attitude of the doctor. The epidemiologically proven increase of psychic and psychosomatic disorders requires extensive professional psychosocial competence of the doctors. This constellation makes changes of the medical system necessary with the ideas of Michael Balint and with Balint groups as essential elements. They contribute to the application of the patient-centered method in medicine and they support the doctor to gain clinical expertise in order to decide on the practical implementation of evidence-based knowledge for the individual patient.

Competency modeling for the final frontier: Supporting psychosocial health and performance in low earth orbit

Space agencies recognize the need to support psychosocial health and performance during long-duration missions. This article discusses some issues inherent in developing training in this unique work context and outlines efforts to apply a psychosocial competency model. The model focuses on eight specific performance areas: self-care/self-management, communication, cross-cultural, teamwork and group living, leadership, conflict management, situation awareness, and problem solving and decision making.

Commentary: Multiple Risk Models in Pediatric Research--Considering the Context that Shapes Children's Health

Commentary: Multiple Risk Models in Pediatric Research--Considering the Context that Shapes Children's Health