Psychosocial Constructs Research Articles

Examining the relationships between pain symptoms and psychosocial functioning among women living with and at risk for human immunodeficiency virus using a cross-sectional psychological network analysis.

Pain is prevalent among women living with HIV (WLWH); however, research on pain experience among WLWH in the United States is limited. This study used a network analysis to simultaneously examine the relationships between pain experience and psychosocial functioning among WLWH and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative women. A secondary analysis of public data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study, a U.S. longitudinal cohort study of the experiences of WLWH and women at increased risk for HIV (HIV negative), was completed. Data were from Visit 42 in 2015 and included 451 WLWH and 194 HIV-negative women who endorsed experiencing pain in the week prior to the interview. Similar to the sociodemographic characteristics of WLWH in the United States, the majority of women in the sample were racially and/or ethnically minoritized and of low socioeconomic position. Networks were modeled using measures of pain intensity, pain interference, depression symptoms, anxiety/worry symptoms, meaning in life, and emotional support. Network models for WLWH and HIV-negative women were comparable (ps > .05). Depression symptoms were a central construct (strength = 1.82 and 1.77, respectively) within the networks, and pain interference was associated with psychosocial constructs (ps < .05), while pain intensity was not (ps > .05). Meaning in life and emotional support were not directly associated with pain (ps > .05). Network findings suggest that reducing depression symptoms may result in improved pain experience and broader positive impact for WLWH and for women at increased risk of HIV. This finding is consistent with research with other pain-focused populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Evaluating the Let's Move It intervention programme theory for adolescents' physical activity: Theorized psychosocial mechanisms of behavioural changes.

Behaviour change theories have extensively been used in health behaviour change interventions and their programme theories. However, they are rarely evaluated in randomized field studies. The Let's Move It intervention targeted various psychosocial constructs to increase adolescents' physical activity. A theory-based process evaluation aiming to illuminate the trial findings as well as to test the programme theory used is conducted. Specifically, we investigate whether the intervention influenced the theorized determinants of change immediately post-intervention and after 1 year, and whether these determinants were associated with changes in physical activity. A cluster-randomized controlled trial (n = 1166). We measured theorized determinants with self-report, and physical activity (PA) with accelerometry and self-report. The effects are evaluated with repeated measures ANOVA and regression models. No changes were detected in most theorized determinants but intervention arm reported higher enactment of behaviour change techniques used during intervention immediately post-intervention and lower descriptive norms for PA throughout. Autonomous motivation was associated with PA immediately post-intervention. The lack of intervention effects may be due to many factors, for example insensitive measures, ceiling effects. However, reporting these null effects advances understanding of behaviour change processes. We introduce methodologic possibilities for future intervention programme theory evaluation efforts.

Feelings of Empowerment Scale for Family Caregivers: Development, Exploratory, and Confirmative Analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives This study aimed to validate a measure of feelings of empowerment among family caregivers of persons with life limiting illnesses. Methods Family caregivers (N = 295) completed a survey on their feelings of empowerment and psychosocial constructs. Results Utilizing exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, the study validated the Empowerment in the Context of Caregiving scale, revealing a two-factor structure related to influencing the care recipient and controlling personal outcomes, with high reliability and validity. Convergent validity was supported by a strong association with an established measure of power. Discriminant validity was demonstrated through weak associations with theoretically less relevant constructs, confirming the scale’s validity. Conclusions This scale provides a reliable tool to identify feelings of disempowerment among caregivers, with implications for theory and practice. Future research should explore predictive validity and consider cultural factors to enhance its applicability in diverse caregiving contexts. Clinical Implications This study provides a reliable tool to identify feelings of empowerment among family caregivers of persons with life limiting illnesses for clinicians. It also allows future studies to reliably investigate a theory-driven intervention target, feelings of power, and allows clinicians to tailor this into theory-driven intervention for family caregivers of persons with life limiting illnesses.

Associations Between the Superwoman Schema, Stress, and Cardiovascular Health Among African-American Women.

African-American (AA) women are less likely to achieve ideal cardiovascular (CV) health compared with women of other racial/ethnic subgroups, primarily due to structural and psychosocial barriers. A potential psychosocial construct relevant to ideal CV health is the superwoman schema (SWS). We explored whether the SWS was associated with perceived stress, CV risk factors, and overall CV health among AA women. This cross-sectional analysis of the FAITH! Heart Health+ Study was conducted among AA women with high cardiometabolic risk. Pearson correlation evaluated associations between SWS and CV risk factors (e.g., stress, hypertension, diabetes, etc.). The 35-item SWS questionnaire includes five domains. Stress was measured by the 8-item Global Perceived Stress Scale (GPSS). CV health was assessed using the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 (LS7) rubric of health behaviors/biometrics. Data acquisition spanned from February to August 2022. The 38 women included in the analysis (mean age 54.3 [SD 11.5] years) had a high CV risk factor burden (71.1% hypertension, 76.3% overweight/obesity, 28.9% diabetes, 39.5% hyperlipidemia). Mean GPSS level was 7.7 (SD 5.2), CV health score 6.7 (SD 1.8), and SWS score 60.3 (SD 18.0). Feeling an "obligation to help others" and "obligation to present an image of strength" had strongest correlations with GPSS score among all SWS domains (r = 0.51; p = .002 and r = 0.39; p = .02, respectively). Correlation among the SWS domains and traditional CV risk factors was not statistically significant. Our findings suggest that an obligation to help others and to project an image of strength could be contributing to stress among AA women.

Hypothetical mechanisms driving physical activity levels in ethnic minority groups living in Europe: a systematically identified evidence-based conceptual systems model

BackgroundIn Europe, physical activity levels tend to be lower in ethnic minority groups than the general population. Interventions and policies based on research examining isolated determinants of physical activity have had limited success in increasing physical activity levels. This study used systems dynamics theory and the capability approach theoretical framework to develop a conceptual model of how individual characteristics, institutional and physical environments and the migration context may interact to promote or hinder physical activity in ethnic minority groups living in Europe.MethodsA systematic update of Langøien et al.’s 2017 review of the determinants of physical activity in ethnic minority groups living in Europe was conducted. Our target population included individuals of all ages who reported a familial migration background from any low- and middle-income countries or belonging to minority indigenous population in Europe. Outcomes pertaining to non-work related physical activity of light, moderate or vigorous intensity performed in any setting were included. Included studies provided an evidence base from which to derive the causal loop diagrams comprising our conceptual model. Sub-system causal loop diagrams were interpreted in co-author review sessions to explicate non-linear system mechanisms, such as reinforcing and balancing feedback loops.ResultsForty-one studies were identified, of which the majority was qualitative. The conceptual model consisted of 4 causal loop diagrams relating to psychosocial constructs; sociocultural constructs; health and health communication and social and material resources, in interaction with environmental/migration context. Four hypothetical mechanisms were identified, e.g. hypothesizing that participation in organised activities leads to increased self-efficacy, thereby enabling further participation.ConclusionsThis study contributes an evidence-based conceptual systems model which elucidates how low levels of physical activity in ethnic minority groups in Europe could be supported by reinforcing and balancing mechanisms involving factors relating to physical and institutional environments, migration context and individuals. A pluralistic approach to literature review, integrating complexity methods such as CLDs into more conventional systematic literature review, supports novel insights into how factors could interact to support persistently low levels of activity, moving beyond the identification of potential relationships between isolated factors to indicating the ways in which these relationships are sustained and could be modified by intervention or policy.

Optimizing Individual HIV Testing and Counseling for Emerging Adult Sexual Minority Men (Aged 18 to 24) in Relationships: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Adjunct Communication Components.

The majority of new HIV infections in the US occur among sexual minority men (SMM) with older adolescent and emerging adult SMM at the highest risk. Those in relationships face unique HIV prevention challenges. Existing sexual HIV transmission risk interventions for male couples often encounter implementation challenges and engaging younger SMM early in relationships may be particularly difficult. This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the acceptibility and feasibility of We Test HIV testing - a behavioral health intervention tailored for younger SMM in realtionships - and generated preliminary estimates of effect size. The intervention comprises two adjunct moduls - video-based communication skills training as well as communication goal setting and planning - delivered in conjunction with routine HIV testing and counseling in individual or dyadic formats. A sample of 69 SMM aged 17 to 24 were recruited online. Following baseline assessment, youth were randomized to receive either the experimental, We Test, intervention or routine HIV testing (the control condition). Follow-up assessments were completed 3 and 6 months post-baseline. Results suggested the study was feasible and the individually delivered format was acceptible. We Test HIV testing was associated with significant improvements in communication skills. In addition, youth who remained in a relationship experienced an increase in communal coping to reduce HIV infection risk and relationship power. While groups did not differ with respect to condomless anal sex with casual partners, these psycho-social constructs (communication, communal coping with HIV prevention, and relationship power) may serve as mediators of intervention effects on sexual risk reduction in a larger study.

The effects of hope and spirituality on the work‐group mentality in the Chilean miners catastrophe

This article analyses the role that hope and spirituality play in enhancing the capacity of work teams and organisations to face extreme contexts of crisis and disasters. The study utilises Bion’s concept of sophisticated work‐group mentality to examine how these phenomena can contribute to the generation of new capabilities within the group to address the dilemmas and challenges that emerge in times of crisis. It addresses an iconic case of catastrophe–the case of the Chilean miners rescued in 2010 after surviving entrapment for almost seventy days–in order to analyse the relationships that unfold within and around the hopeful endurance of disaster. This article empirically examines the constructive dimension of basic assumptions mentalities, contrary to the predominant view in the socio‐analytic field that emphasises the regressive and disabling nature these phenomena have on the achievement of the group’s task. For this purpose, the concept of work‐group pairing (French &amp; Simpson, 2010) is used to show the productive nature of hope on the group members’ psychic functioning. Thus, this article contributes original insights on the role of hope in the psychosocial construction of pathways for organisational recovery and resilience during and after a crisis.

Interconnected Eco-Consciousness: Gen Z Travelers’ Intentions toward Low-Carbon Transportation and Hotels

Generation Z (Gen Z) is widely acknowledged for their heightened eco-consciousness. Nevertheless, a notable research gap persists in the empirical examination of eco-friendly preferences within this demographic group, particularly concerning low-carbon transportation and hotel selections. Utilizing structural equation modeling and data collected from 357 Gen Z travelers, this study investigates the interconnected factors influencing Gen Z travelers’ intentions toward adopting low-carbon transportation and making low-carbon hotel choices based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The results indicate that perceived value and environmental concern exert significant influence on the formation of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control among Gen Z travelers. As a result, these psychosocial constructs make a substantial contribution to the intention of Gen Z travelers of adopting low-carbon tourism behaviors. Additionally, the study uncovers a positive correlation between the propensity to use low-carbon transportation and the inclination to choose low-carbon hotels for accommodation. These findings underscore the interconnected facets of Gen Z’s preferences for low-carbon tourism, thereby indicating the prospect for collaborative efforts to bolster sustainability within the tourism industry.

Decomposing the association of psychosocial wellbeing with all-cause mortality: the mediating role of physical health and lifestyle factors.

This study quantified the effect of 48 psychosocial constructs on all-cause mortality using data from 7,698 individuals in the U.S. Health and Retirement Study. Latent class analysis was used to divide participants into mutually exclusive psychosocial wellbeing groups (good, average, or poor) which was subsequently considered as the exposure. Mediation analysis was then conducted to determine the direct effect of the psychosocial wellbeing groups and the indirect (mediating) effects of physical health (functional status and comorbid conditions) and lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) on overall survival. We also created a composite health index measure representing the summative effect of the mediators. We observed a strong and statistically significant total effect (TE) between survival time and psychosocial wellbeing group (survival time ratio (SR) = 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.50,2.01 when comparing good to poor). Mediation analysis revealed that the direct effect via psychosocial wellbeing group accounted for more than half of the TE (SR = 1.46, 95% CI:1.27,1.67). The composite health index measure mediated 36.2% of the TE with the natural indirect effect SR of 1.18 (95% CI:1.13,1.22). Our findings demonstrate the interconnectedness between psychosocial wellbeing and physical health and lifestyle factors on survival.

Heterogenous social mechanisms drive the intention to purchase organic food

PurposeThis article explores the heterogenous social mechanisms that drive responsible environmental behaviours by investigating differences in the mean effect of the psychosocial determinants of the intention to buy organic foods.Design/methodology/approachUsing data for a representative sample of the Spanish population, we estimated the mean effect of the constructs represented in the responsible environmental behaviour (REB) theory that affect sustainable food consumption, and examined the social mechanisms that may explain heterogeneity in the mean effect of those constructs. Confirmatory factor analysis, linear regression, and latent class regression were used in the analysis.FindingsWe found that the effect of REB’s psychosocial constructs varied significantly, demonstrating social heterogeneity in the estimated average effect. We identified different social mechanisms that explain variations in organic food purchase intentions: environmental attitudes and social norms shape these intentions among socioeconomically privileged consumers, whereas personal norms shape these intentions among less socially advantaged consumers.Originality/valueOur research contributes to the literature by highlighting the existence of differing social mechanisms explaining organic food purchase intentions. The uncovering of three social mechanisms explaining differences in the mean effect of factors driving those intentions provides valuable insights with regard to both further developing a holistic framework for responsible environmental behaviours and developing new public policies and marketing strategies aimed at improving sustainable food consumption.

Gender differences in risk and resilience for suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A national longitudinal survey study of United States veterans with a recent suicide attempt

BackgroundThis study reports on gender differences in psychosocial symptoms and suicidal thoughts and behaviors from the first longitudinal, national survey of veterans with a recent nonfatal suicide attempt to inform women-tailored suicide prevention. MethodsWe recruited all female veterans with a documented nonfatal suicide attempt between October 2018 and September 2019 and a stratified matched sample of males. Surveys were administered at baseline, month 6, and month 12; 968 veterans completed the baseline survey with valid gender data. Surveys assessed psychosocial constructs, suicidal ideation severity, and suicidal behavior. Administrative datasets provided healthcare and suicide attempt data during the one year follow up. ResultsWomen retained higher social rejection and institutional betrayal, and lower self-compassion and autonomy than men over follow up. Higher overall self-compassion was associated with lower baseline suicide ideation for both women and men; however, this association was stronger for women (Δ = −0.19; 95 % CI = -0.31, −0.07; d = −0.15). Individuals with higher overall psychological distress had greater odds of a subsequent suicide attempt (AOR = 2.20, 95 % CI = 1.56, 3.11). Social rejection had the strongest association with worsening psychological distress, both within individuals (b = 0.18; 95 % CI = 0.14, 0.23; d = 0.23) and between individuals (b = 0.07; 95 % CI = 0.04, 0.10; d = 0.09). LimitationsResults may not generalize beyond a VHA-utilizing veteran population. ConclusionsFindings from this study inform potential therapeutic targets and topics for future research on tailoring suicide prevention for women veterans. While all veterans may need support reducing distress, women may need additional support in multiple other areas.

HPV Vaccine Awareness, Past Behaviors, and Future Intentions Among a Diverse Sample of Fathers Aged 27 to 45 Years: A National Survey.

Men aged 27 to 45 are eligible for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination as of 2019, yet relatively little is known about whether they have received or intend to receive it. We conducted a cross-sectional, online survey among fathers aged 27 to 45 between March and April 2022, to assess associations between HPV vaccination awareness, behaviors, intentions, and psychosocial constructs from the Health Belief Model. We examined the characteristics of those who had (a) heard of the HPV vaccine, (b) already received ≥ 1 dose, and (c) intentions for future vaccination among those who had never been vaccinated. Among 400 men who completed the survey, 32% were not aware of the HPV vaccine. Among those who were aware, 41% had received ≥ 1 dose. Sixty-three percent of unvaccinated men reported that they intended to get vaccinated in the future. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that age and race/ethnicity were associated with having been vaccinated previously. Among the unvaccinated, multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that those with a higher perceived risk of HPV-associated cancer had 3.73 greater odds of reporting they would seek vaccination compared to those with lower perceived risk (95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.28, 12.3]). We did not find perceived benefits, barriers, or decision self-efficacy to be related to future vaccine intentions. Since recommendations for this group include shared clinical decision-making, public health efforts should focus on raising awareness of vaccine eligibility, emphasizing risk factors for HPV-associated cancers so that individuals have an accurate perception of risk, and encouraging conversation between men and their providers.

Diet and physical activity behaviors: how are they related to illness perceptions, coping, and health-related quality of life in young people with hereditary cancer syndromes?

Individuals with inherited cancer syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), may be motivated to adopt health-protective behaviors, such as eating more fruits and vegetables and increasing physical activity. Examining these health behaviors among young people with high lifetime genetic cancer risk may provide important insights to guide future behavioral interventions that aim to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We used a self-regulatory framework to investigate relationships among diet and physical activity behaviors and psychosocial constructs (e.g., illness perceptions, coping, HRQOL) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs; aged 15–39 years) with LFS. This longitudinal mixed-methods study included 57 AYAs aged 16–39 years at enrollment), 32 (56%) of whom had a history of one or more cancers. Participants completed one or two telephone interviews and/or an online survey. We thematically analyzed interview data and conducted regression analyses to evaluate relationships among variables. AYAs described adopting healthy diet and physical activity behaviors to assert some control over health and to protect HRQOL. More frequent use of active coping strategies was associated with greater reported daily fruit and vegetable intake. Greater reported physical activity was associated with better quality of psychological health. Healthy diet and physical activity behaviors may function as LFS coping strategies that confer mental health benefits. Clinicians might emphasize these potential benefits and support AYAs in adopting health behaviors that protect multiple domains of health. Future research could use these findings to develop behavioral interventions tailored to AYAs with high genetic cancer risk.

Who is most vulnerable? Factors associated with presenting to antenatal care without a male partner in Northern Tanzania

ObjectiveMale engagement in pregnancy care can be beneficial for maternal and child health outcomes. In Tanzania, pregnant women are strongly encouraged to present to their first antenatal care (ANC) appointment with a male partner, where they jointly test for HIV. For some, this presents a barrier to ANC attendance. The objectives of this study were to identify factors associated with presenting to ANC with a male partner using a cross-sectional design and to assess whether women presenting without partners had significantly delayed presentation. MethodsPregnant women (n = 1007) attending a first ANC appointment in Moshi, Tanzania were surveyed. Questions captured sociodemographic characteristics and measures of psychosocial constructs. ResultsJust over half (54%) of women presented to care with a male partner. Women were more likely to present with a male partner if they were younger than 25 years old, married, Muslim, attending ANC for their first pregnancy, and testing for HIV for the first time. Women presenting to ANC with a male partner were significantly more likely to attend ANC earlier in their pregnancy than those presenting without male partners. ConclusionPolicy change allowing women to present to care with other supportive family members could promote earlier presentation to first ANC. Unmarried women may be at a disadvantage in presenting to ANC when policies mandate attendance with a male partner. Male partners of multiparous women should be encouraged to provide pregnancy support even after first pregnancies, and a wholistic emphasis (beyond HIV testing) on first ANC could encourage male engagement beyond the initial appointment.

A short version of the reflective functioning questionnaire: Validation in a greek sample.

This study aims to validate the Greek version of the 54-item Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ), a measure designed to assess an individual's capacity for understanding themselves and others based on internal mental states. This capacity, also known as Reflective Functioning (RF) or mentalizing, is believed to play a significant role in both typical and atypical development. The validation process examined the factor structure of the RFQ and its relationship with a variety of psychosocial and clinical constructs that have theoretical and empirical links to RF. Additionally, this research investigated the factor structure's invariance across gender and age groups to determine the robustness of the instrument. A unique contribution of this work lies in examining the application of the RFQ to attachment classifications through the use of cluster analysis. The sample consisted of 875 Greek adults from the general community with a mean age of 28.5 and a median age of 22. Participants completed the Greek RFQ along with a series of self-report questionnaires assessing psychosocial constructs, including attachment, epistemic trust, emotion regulation, and psychological mindedness, as well as clinical variables such as anxiety, depression, and borderline personality traits. Our findings suggest that a shorter, 31-item version of the questionnaire provides a robust three-factor structure across a non-clinical Greek adult population. The three identified subscales are (a) excessive certainty, (b) interest/curiosity, and (c) uncertainty/confusion, all demonstrating satisfactory reliability and construct validity. The uncertainty subscale was found to be associated with insecure attachment styles, epistemic mistrust and credulity, emotional suppression, and low psychological mindedness. In contrast, the certainty and curiosity subscales were linked to secure attachment, epistemic trust, emotion reappraisal, and psychological mindedness. Uncertainty was further shown to differ significantly across probable clinical and non-clinical groups, as distinguished by cut-off scores for anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, the certainty and interest/curiosity subscales only varied between the two BPD groups. Our results provide the first evidence supporting the use of a 31-item version of the RFQ with three validated subscales to reliably assess reflective functioning in the Greek population, demonstrating stronger psychometric properties compared to other RFQ versions reported in previous studies. Findings suggest that impaired mentalizing capacity, as measured by the RFQ, is linked to insecure attachment, epistemic mistrust and credulity, poor emotion regulation, and low psychological mindedness, and potentially plays a role in adult mental health symptoms.

Psychological safety among K‐12 educators: Patterns over time, and associations with staff well‐being and organizational context

AbstractPsychological safety is a psychosocial construct that reflects an individual's perception of social risk in the work environment, and is related to employee performance and well‐being, including job satisfaction and burnout. Psychological safety remains relatively understudied among educators, including its patterns over time and relationships with other aspects of the school environment. This study explored patterns of psychological safety over 4 years among 769 staff at 20 rural K‐12 schools, before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the associations of these patterns with work‐associated well‐being and organizational context outcomes. Repeated measures latent profile analyses identified a 3‐class solution of stable‐high (51.0%), stable‐medium (44.8%), and dynamic‐low (4.2%) psychological safety classes. Those in the stable‐high class had consistently better outcomes, including less burnout and greater self‐efficacy, and better perceived organizational context and climate, compared to other classes. Among educators, psychological safety is generally stable, and reliably differentiates other important outcomes. Interventions fostering greater psychological safety may improve perceptions of the school environment and reduce burnout.

Thwarted Belonging and Perceived Burdensomeness During Middle and Older Adulthood: The Role of Generativity.

Using a sample of middle-aged and older adults, this research explores associations between generativity and two key risk factors for suicide: thwarted belonging (T.B.) and perceived burdensomeness (P.B.). These variables are typically studied as predictors of suicide; the current study is unique in examining their psychosocial correlates. Erikson described, generativity as a psychosocial construct that characterizes adult well-being in mid-life, conceptualized as the sense one has successfully guided and contributed to the younger generation through mentoring. Using the Midlife in the United States Survey (MIDUS), the current analyses indicate that generativity is associated with lower levels of P.B. and T.B., even after accounting for measures of hopelessness, depressive symptoms, financial stability, perceived neighborhood quality, chronic health conditions, and respondent's demographic characteristics including gender and age. Results are discussed in terms of applications for suicide-risk prevention, and with regard to the promotion of positive psychosocial development across the lifespan.

Role of life satisfaction, emotional support, and feeling of social isolation on adherence to breast cancer screening recommendations among US women

BackgroundPsychosocial factors can play important roles in promoting preventive health behaviors. This study aimed to assess how life satisfaction, receipt of emotional support, and feeling of social isolation were associated with adherence to the USPSTF recommendation of breast cancer screening in a nationally representative US population. MethodsUsing data on 71,583 women aged 50 to 74 years, from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, we estimated multivariable logistic regressions to assess the odds of adherence across different categories of the respective psychosocial constructs. We accounted for various demographic and socioeconomic correlates and checked the robustness of the relationship within income and educational sub-groups. ResultsWe found that women who were dissatisfied with their life were 52.0% less likely to adhere compared to women who reported to be very satisfied. Similarly, women who rarely/never got emotional support and who always/usually felt socially isolated were 51.6% and 39.9% less likely to adhere, compared to women who always got support and never felt isolated, respectively. These results were robust across different levels of income and educational attainment. ConclusionOur findings demonstrated a strong association between social environment, psychological wellbeing, and adherence to breast cancer screening, and thus suggested scope of potential psychosocial interventions to improve adherence. Policy summaryEfforts to improve women’s psychosocial wellbeing could facilitate compliance with breast cancer screening recommendations.

The Impact of Weight Bias and Stigma on the 24 h Dietary Recall Process in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Pilot Study.

People with overweight and obesity tend to both underreport dietary energy intake and experience weight stigma. This exploratory pilot study aimed to determine the relationship between weight bias and weight stigma and energy intake reporting accuracy. Thirty-nine weight-stable adults with BMI ≥ 25 completed three 24 h dietary recalls; indirect calorimetry to measure resting metabolic rate; a survey measuring weight stigma, psychosocial constructs, and physical activity; and a semi-structured qualitative interview. Multiple linear regression was used to determine if weight bias internalization, weight bias toward others, and experiences of weight stigma were predictive of the accuracy of energy reporting. A thematic analysis was conducted for the qualitative interviews. Weight stigma was reported by 64.1% of the sample. Weight stigma constructs did not predict the accuracy of energy intake reporting. People with obesity underreported by a mean of 477 kcals (p = 0.02). People classified as overweight overreported by a mean of 144 kcals, but this was not significant (p = 0.18). Participants reported a desire to report accurate data despite concerns about reporting socially undesirable foods. Future research should quantify the impact of weight stigma on energy reporting in 24 h recalls using a larger, more diverse sample size and objective measures like doubly labeled water for validation.

Communication, socialization, and ITC. The psychosocial construction of sustainability.

Over the past two decades, the facets related to environmental crises (in the plural) have grown increasingly intricate. What began as environmentalists' apprehension over nature degradation and the encouragement of citizen-driven initiatives has evolved. The current shift in emphasis and prevailing message strives to foster a culture where citizens refrain from independent initiatives. Instead, the directive is to heed the guidance of the knowledgeable (scientists, politicians, corporations, interest groups, etc.), as substantiated by our investigative findings, which align, in part, with existing literature. Conversely, our exploration into environmental communication, notably the insights gleaned from longitudinal research concerning pro-environmental knowledge, attitudes, and actions, reveals a decline in citizens' effective inclinations toward embracing pro-environmental behaviors. Meanwhile, the escalation of the climate crisis is fueling heightened levels of echo-anxiety and solastalgia. This trajectory is closely intertwined with a growing global disillusionment within society - not just regarding the future - instilling a sense of disillusionment concerning pro-environmental messages and slogans disseminated by governing bodies and corporations. This has led to a state resembling learned helplessness, as articulated by Seligman, or what we prefer to term "induced" helplessness, rather than fostering conditions conducive to empowerment. This article comprehensively examines various reports and our inquiries, revealing how communication management and its constituents lie at the heart of forging novel narratives, fresh cognitive dissonances, and emerging social representations. Notably emphasized is the pivotal role played by information and communication technologies (ICT), particularly through dissemination on widely-used social networks. Since the 2010s, these platforms have assumed a paramount role in shaping socialization processes, surpassing educational institutions and conventional mass media.