Quality Of Interpersonal Relationships Research Articles

Personality and interpersonal sibling relationships in early adulthood – causal analysis

Aim of the studyThe aim of the study was to identify personality predictors of the quality of interpersonal sibling relationships in early adulthood.Subject or material and methodsThe participants of the study were 160 young adults (M=25.5 years; SD=3.27), coming from the district of Łódź. The applied research tools included: Adult Sibling Relationship Questionnaire – short form, Personality Inventory NEO-FFI, Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire INTE.ResultsThe obtained results indicate the occurrence of personality determinants of the quality of interpersonal sibling relationships in early adulthood. It was found out that Extraversion and Openness (only in the group of men) were determined the sibling relationships based on Warmth. Conflictual relationships with adult siblings in both groups were determined by a low level of Agreeableness, and, only in the group of women, by a high level of Neuroticism and Extraversion. Rivalry in relationships with siblings in the group of women was determined by a low level of Agreeableness. In the conducted research, emotional intelligence did not determine the quality of relationships with adult siblings. It was found out that women had obtained higher mean scores than men in respect of Neuroticism, Agreeableness and Emotional Support.DiscussionThe results of this study are partly consistent with the results of previous studies in this area.ConclusionsThe fact of showing the role of personality dimensions and emotional intelligence in shaping the quality of interpersonal sibling relationships in early adulthood will contribute to updating the psychological knowledge in this field and may be important for the psychotherapeutic practice.

Hoarding symptoms and workplace impairment.

A prior study found that over 50% of treatment-seeking individuals who hoard incur at least one psychiatric work impairment day (i.e., they are unable to work or are less effective at work due to poor mental health) each month. The aim of the current study was to assess work-related variables associated with workplace impairment in a non-treatment-seeking sample. Cross-sectional. Self-report questionnaires were administered via Amazon's Mechanical Turk. One hundred and eighty-five employed individuals who reported elevated hoarding symptoms completed questionnaires regarding hoarding symptoms, work engagement, psychiatric work impairment, work control, attention and concentration difficulties at work, and quality of workplace relationships. Greater workplace control and higher quality workplace relationships were associated with greater work engagement. Greater hoarding symptoms and attention difficulties at work were associated with more psychiatric work impairment days. Work engagement statistically mediated the association between the quality of workplace relationships and work impairment, though mediation was also significant when reversing the mediating and outcome variables. Among a community sample of employed individuals, greater hoarding symptoms were associated with greater psychiatric work impairment. Work-related variables, such as co-worker relationships and attention difficulties, contributed additional variance above that accounted for by hoarding symptoms. There were significant associations between co-worker relationships, work engagement, and workplace impairment, though the direction of the mediation model is unclear. Future research should examine factors associated with unemployment in hoarding disorder. Clinicians should be aware that greater hoarding severity directly contributes to greater workplace impairment. Clinicians should consider prioritizing the reduction in clutter in living areas that impact one's daily activities and subsequent ability to attend work. Clinicians should assess and treat workplace impairment by helping individuals achieve greater control at work, developing higher quality interpersonal relationships, and improving their attentional abilities.

Development of Emotional Skills in Adolescents to Prevent Cyberbullying and Improve Subjective Well-Being.

Bullying behavior alters the way in which students coexist together in the classroom and negatively affects adolescents’ well-being. Research highlights the importance of emotional skills in promoting positive youth development and optimal social functioning. Therefore, education in these skills is a potential target for interventions aimed at reducing cyberbullying and promoting satisfaction with life during adolescence. This study analyzes the impact of an emotion education program in adolescents to promote classroom coexistence and well-being. The sample comprised 148 students from 7th and 8th grade of secondary school aged between 12 and 15 years (Mage = 12.63, SDage = 0.74; 57% girls). A quasi-experimental design with longitudinal data collection was used in this study with randomized classroom assignment to the experimental group and the control group. The intervention program was based on the emotional intelligence model of Mayer and Salovey (1997). Its objective was to develop adolescents’ emotional skills to improve the quality of interpersonal relationships and reduce conflicts between peers, positively influencing coexistence and well-being. The intervention took place in eleven sessions during school hours over a period of 3 months. Participants completed the emotional competence questionnaire, the cyberbullying scale and the life satisfaction scale before (T1), immediately after (T2), and 6 months after the intervention (T3). The results showed that the intervention program reduced victimization and assault via mobile phones and the Internet in T2 and T3. In the follow-up (T3), the intervention group had enhanced emotional perception and regulation skills and reported an increase in life satisfaction in comparison to the control group. Our findings suggest that implementing classroom intervention programs to develop students’ emotional competencies could be beneficial for their subjective well-being and peer coexistence.

Job Stress and Psychological Problems among Women Information Technology Professionals in India

Introduction: Computers have revolutionized the working scenario in most of the industrial and business sectors around the world and have given a new dimension to the spectrum of occupational health. The impact of computers on the physical, mental and social health of the workers is seldom realized. This study was done to evaluate the job stress and psychological factors among women IT professionals. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was done among 609 women IT professionals working in an IT company in Chennai. Beck Depression Inventory was used for screening depression. Zung’s self-rating anxiety scale was used for screening of anxiety. Job stress Questionnaire was used to evaluate the job stress among the study participants. Results: Psychological problems were present in 263(43.2%) of the study participants. Generalized anxiety was present in 41.5% of the participants, while depression was present in 10% of them. The psychological problems had a significant impact on the musculoskeletal problems and carpal tunnel syndrome (p<0.05). Conclusion: Psychological problems are serious causes of morbidity in individuals, as it not only involves the affected individuals, but also the family members, friends and their social circle. Occupational causes for psychological problems may be rectified by promoting positive work environment, establishing an employee friendly workplace and efforts to strengthen quality interpersonal relationships at workplace.

Psychometric properties of the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) among Chinese adolescents.

Loneliness is prevalent and severe among adolescents, indicating the need for a reliable, valid, and concise instrument for detecting adolescent loneliness. This study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) among Chinese adolescents.Computer-assisted self-interviewing was used to complete the questionnaire among 3480 junior or senior high school students aged 10 to 19 years. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). To test the concurrent validity and convergent validity of the scale, a single loneliness item and variables such as depression, suicidal ideation, and quality of interpersonal relationships were used. For reliability, Cronbach alpha and test–retest correlation were computed.Construct validity and internal consistency showed that the ULS-6, which excluded 2 reverse-scored items from the ULS-8, had stronger psychometric properties than the ULS-8. The convergent validity and concurrent validity were also supported by the study results. The overall Cronbach α of the ULS-6 was 0.878 and the test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.663.The ULS-6 showed satisfactory reliability and validity in this study, suggesting that this instrument can be used in the measurement of loneliness among Chinese adolescents.

Community-Dwelling People Living With Dementia and Their Family Caregivers Experience Enhanced Relationships and Feelings of Well-Being Following Therapeutic Group Singing: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis.

The progression of dementia can severely compromise interpersonal connection and relationship quality between people living with dementia (PwD) and their family caregivers (FCG), leading to social isolation and poor quality of life for both. Therapeutic group singing (TGS) is a socially engaging, stimulating, and supportive pursuit that community-dwelling PwD and their FCG can participate in together. This study aimed to build on the findings from previous research by undertaking a thematic analysis of interviews with nine PwD (five women, four men; mean age = 79.1 years) and nine FCG (five women, four men; mean age = 75.7 years). The interviews explored participants’ perspectives and experiences of a 20-week TGS intervention, underpinned by Kitwood’s model of person-centered care. Inductive thematic analysis resulted in the emergence of five themes which described how TGS for PwD and their FCG: (1) included supportive therapeutic facilitation and design features; (2) made group singing more accessible; (3) fostered new empathic friendships; (4) enhanced relationships between PwD and FCG; and (5) led to personal feelings of wellbeing for both PwD and FCG. Affinity with others who had similar life experiences and challenges created a sense of mutual understanding and camaraderie, which made group singing accessible without fear of judgment and social stigmas. For some PwD/FCG dyads, TGS meant they could continue a lifelong passion for singing together, while others enjoyed participating in singing together for the first time. Both PwD and FCG participants described personal feelings of acceptance, improved social confidence, mood, and purpose. Further, participants valued mental stimulation from TGS such as learning new skills and memory support. A model explaining relationships between themes suggests that TGS with person-centered facilitation features for PwD/FCG dyads led to affinity among group members with ripple effects, which enhanced accessibility to group singing, the formation of empathic friendships, PwD/FCG relationship quality, and personal wellbeing for both PwD and FCG. Psychoemotional, social and cognitive benefits from TGS described by participants in this study are known to promote self-identity, healthy relationships, and quality of life. This research highlights a need for improved availability of TGS for community-dwelling PwD/FCG dyads.

The Effect of a 6-Month Coach Educational Program on Strengthening Coach-Athlete Interpersonal Relationships in Individual Youth Sport.

The purpose of this intervention study was to develop an educational program for coaches to strengthen the coach–athlete interpersonal relationship in individual youth sport. To obtain data in the qualitative interpretative phenomenology phase, 10 youth sports coaches took part in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The educational program was developed by integrating psychological, educational and social skills into the educational coaching sessions. The program involved a detailed video analysis, theoretical classes, and individual consultations. The qualitative interpretative phenomenology research design was used and enabled to evaluate the program. The study results revealed that the program had a positive impact on the transformation of the coach–athlete interpersonal relationship in sport. Behavioural, emotional, cognitive, and social strategies changes occured. The quality of the coach–athlete relationship changed: trust, communication, cooperation, encouragement, and a connection between athletes and the coaches appeared. The study’s results showed that the educational program for coaches had a positive effect on the quality of interpersonal relationships between athletes and the coaches and increased positive coaching strategies in youth sport.

Convergent Validity of the A-ToM (Adult Theory of Mind) Test for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Brewer, Young, and Barnett reported a comprehensive psychometric evaluation of a new adult theory of mind measure (A-ToM) with a sample of high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) adults. Although correlations with existing theory of mind (ToM) instruments (i.e., the Strange Stories; the Frith- Happé animations) were reported, relationships with independent putative indicators of ToM development such as social–behavioral and interpersonal proficiencies were not examined. Here, we provide convergent validity data by examining the relations between A-ToM performance, and the social–behavioral skills and interpersonal relationships of ASD adults with IQs exceeding 85. ToM predicted interpersonal relationship quality via the mediating variable, social–behavioral skills, providing evidence of convergent validity for the A-ToM. Alternative models of the relationship between the three variables are described, as are the challenges associated with the interpretation of self-report social and interpersonal functioning measures.

Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction among Reproductive-age Women in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background & aim: Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common problems in women which negatively affect their quality of life, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. The prevalence of this problem varies in different studies. Regarding this, this review was conducted to provide a clear picture of the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among reproductive-age women in Iran using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The relevant articles published up to April 9, 2017 were searched both in the international including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and national electronic databases such as SID, IranMedex, Magiran, and Irandoc. The searching process was accomplished using a set of standard keywords. The data were analyzed using RevMan software, version 5.3. Results: Thedatabase search resulted in the retrieval of 1,024 articles, 9 cases of which were selected for systematic review. Out of the selected studies, seven articles were eligible to be included in the meta-analysis. According to the results of the reviewed studies, the pooled prevalence rate of sexual dysfunction among the reproductive-age women was estimated as 52% (95% CI: 39-66%). Furthermore, the pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the domains of sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, sexual pain, and orgasm was estimated as 39% (95% CI: 35-42%), 34% (95% CI: 21-46%), 32% (95% CI: 21-43%), 38% (95% CI: 24-51%), and 30% (95% CI: 22-38%), respectively. Conclusion: The results of the retrieved studies demonstrated that sexual dysfunction is a common health problem among the Iranian women of reproductive age. However, more high-quality research is needed in this area.

Personality and coping strategies in age dynamics

Any attempt to describe the human personality always implies looking a the roles and stages of life. In the various stages of life, the coping mechanisms that must be developed are the ones that prove to be the most efficient and valuable in the shaping of a personal destiny. In their great diversity, coping mechanisms express the level of individual maturity. Regardless of age, they are conditioned by the personality dimensions and the quality of interpersonal relationships. They sustain the subjective wellbeing, and thus the self-esteem of the human person. From the dimensional perspective of the Big-Five model, agreeability and openness, along with self-determination underlie the most important coping mechanisms and give value to the human person.

Zrozumieć aleksytymię

The main goal of this article is to present a specific personality disorder that manifests in disorders of cognitive processing and emotion regulation that is known as alexithymia. Alexithymia reduces the chances of high quality of life in the psychosomatic and social aspects. Empirical research has indicated correlates with certain personality traits that affect the quality of interpersonal relations, such as low extraversion, avoidance coping, low self-esteem, poor adaptive skills, predisposition for social isolation. In this review, relationship between alexithymia and somatic health problems is discussed, along with selected research on this subject. Alexithymia is considered a biological predisposition for personality disorders and functional mental disorders. The final part of the article contains recommendations on psychotherapeutic interactions, which should be directed at deepening the awareness of experienced emotional states and modifications of pattern of interpersonal behavior.

Interpersonal Relations in Ethics of Science and Technologies

Science and technologies are defined in their foundations as tools for understanding the world. They are tools for simplifying and facilitating the life of man and society. Science and technologies are oriented towards production. The absence of humanistic aspect is leading to science not reflecting human as a person but as an object. The result of this is depersonalization. Thanks to this, manipulation is present in interpersonal relationships. Another thing that adds to this fact are new technologies which make manipulation and control easier. Concrete ethical solution to the problem of depersonalization are personalist ethics which represent the return to the human being and the respect of its dignity. Ethics of science and technologies must come from respect towards the dignity of a person. This has to reflect in the education of users of modern communication technologies. Then the ethics of science and technologies will have an actual impact on the quality of interpersonal relationships.

O matrimônio sagrado yin-yang:

Pretende-se por meio deste artigo demonstrar a importância da integração dos opostos proposta pela filosofia chinesa e o processo de individuação presente na psicologia analítica, tendo em vista que esta ideia tem influência direta na concepção dos arquétipos de anima e animusdescrita por Carl G. Jung. Utilizando um estudo bibliográfico com ênfase na metodologia qualitativa, buscou-se analisar as consequências, para as mulheres, da dissociação do princípio feminino (yin) e o princípio masculino (yang), partindo do pressuposto que o processo de individuação representa o tornar si mesmo. A essência humana contém em si ambas polaridades, de modo a existir uma complementação dos princípios que deve ser trabalhada internamente para que ocorra o matrimônio sagrado. Quando não há integração dos opostos, a individuação não ocorre, podendo resultar em uma anima negativa (que tenderá a reprimir as suas ações, sentimentos e a sexualidade); assim como ao rejeitar a sabedoria da sua intuição, bem como um animus negativo tornará a mulher uma moralizadora, cheia de dogmas e inflexível às opiniões alheias, com tendências agressivas e prisioneira das suas próprias crenças e julgamentos. Portanto, revela-se fundamental para a saúde mental e qualidade das relações interpessoais das mulheres a necessidade de resgate do sagrado arquétipo feminino e o acolhimento e integração das virtudes masculinas.

Repeated neonaticide: differences and similarities to single neonaticide events

This study aims to identify differences between single and repeat perpetrators of filicide by using register-based data. The study used register-based, comprehensive, nationwide data from both Austria and Finland. The current study covers 23 perpetrators, 20 single and 3 repeat perpetrators, with a total of 28 victims. All victims had a maximum age of 24 h and all perpetrators were women. Every third victim of neonaticide was a victim of a repeat case. The repeat perpetrators were older; had a higher number of children over their lifespan, some of whom lived with them; were more likely to live within established family structures; had higher levels of education and employment; had a higher proportion of personality disorders; and were more likely to identify stress factors during pregnancy. One unexpected finding was low levels of awareness about pregnancy within the perpetrator’s circle remain a risk factor, especially for repeat perpetrators. Arguably, the quality of interpersonal relationships these women have may be affected by their own mental health issues and life experience and vice versa.

PCP32 - Measuring Treatment Satisfaction with Medication from Patients’ Perspective: Conceptual Models and a Review of Measures

Review the nature of patient satisfaction with care and treatment satisfaction, summarize a conceptual model for treatment satisfaction with medication (TSM), assess and refine TSM conceptual model based on qualitative analysis; and compare current measures of treatment satisfaction with medication. Patient satisfaction with care is considered to be: a health outcome, a quality of care indicator, a predictor of patient behavior, and a social contract between consumers and providers of health care. There is consensus that patient satisfaction is multidimensional and includes components such as access to care, quality of provider-patient interpersonal relationship, and affordability of care. There is also consensus that this satisfaction is measurable. When evaluating the quality of programs, services, and products, patient satisfaction is a useful patient reported outcome. It serves four (4) interrelated but distinct purposes, permitting: a) evaluation of the acceptability of care or treatments from the patients’ perspective; b) comparison of health-care programs or treatment options; c) identification of service or treatment approaches that require change; d) screening of patients who are likely to become non-adherent to care plans or medication regimens. For these reasons, satisfaction measures are often used to plan health-care delivery systems and develop pharmaceutical products or medical devices. Treatment satisfaction provides a means to evaluate medical treatments in clinical trials, contributes to quality assurance, is associated with better treatment compliance, is a potential predictor of important clinical outcomes, and facilitates product differentiation.

Adolescents’ perceptions of the quality of interpersonal relationships and eating disorder symptom severity: The mediating role of low self-esteem and negative mood

ABSTRACTFew studies have examined how the perceived quality of multiple interpersonal relationships is related to eating disorder (ED) symptom severity in adolescents and how psychological variables might influence these associations. The aim of this study is to determine whether the perceived level of trust, communication, and alienation in the relationship with one’s mother, father, and peers are predictive of ED severity in adolescent females and to test the mediating effects of low self-esteem and negative mood on these associations. Adolescent females aged 12 to 18 (N = 186) with a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa (Restrictive; AN-R or Binge/Purge; AN-B/P) completed self-report measures evaluating the perceived quality of interpersonal relationships, ED symptom severity, low self-esteem, and negative mood. Multiple regressions revealed that the level of perceived alienation in the relationship with one’s mother and peers was positively associated with ED symptom severity. Low self-esteem and negative mood acted as mediators of these associations. Considering that a high level of perceived alienation in the relationship with one’s mother and peers appears to be associated with more severe ED symptoms through its impact on self-esteem and mood, improvements in the quality of these interactions are likely to be an effective target of intervention among adolescents.

Herbal Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that significantly affects quality of life and interpersonal relationships. Our objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of herbal dietary supplements in the treatment of ED. We searched five databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the clinical efficacy of herbal medicines in ED. Quality was assessed and risk of bias was estimated using the Jadad score and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. In total, 24 RCTs, including 2080 patients with ED, were identified. Among these, 12 evaluated monopreparations (five ginseng [n = 399], three saffron [n = 397], two Tribulus terrestris [n = 202], and one each Pinus pinaster [n = 21] and Lepidium meyenii [n = 50]), seven evaluated formulations (n = 544), and five investigated dietary supplements in combination with pure compounds (n = 410). Ginseng significantly improved erectile function (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]-5 score: 140 ginseng, 96 placebo; standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15-0.70; P < 0.01; I2 = 0), P. pinaster and L. meyenii showed very preliminary positive results, and saffron and T. terrestris treatment produced mixed results. Several herbal formulations were associated with a decrease of IIEF-5 or IIEF-15, although the results were preliminary. The quality of the included studies varied, with only seven having a prevalent low risk of bias. The median methodological quality Jadad score was three out of a maximum of five. Adverse events were recorded in 19 of 24 trials, with no significant differences between placebo and verum in placebo-controlled studies. Encouraging evidence suggests that ginseng may be an effective herbal treatment for ED. However, further, larger, and high-quality studies are required before firm conclusions can be drawn. Promising (although very preliminary) results have also been generated for some herbal formulations. Overall, more research in the field, adhering to the CONSORT statement extension for reporting trials, is justified before the use of herbal products in ED can be recommended.

Mobbing as an example of unethical behaviours at work

Currently, in the workplaces, the issues of behaviours classified as unethical or a violation of an employee’s dignity and personal rights are on the rise. Mobbing is one of the manifestations of such behaviours, described in the provisions of the Labour Code. The phenomenon of mobbing refers to the quality of interpersonal relationships at work and affects the operation of the entire organizational structure. This is a severe example of the violation of personal rights because such harassment is no less than a psychological terror affected by one or more persons against (typically) a single individual. The aim of this study is an analysis of mobbing, especially as regards the employer’s obligation to oppose mobbing practices. Ethical behaviour towards staff is not only a condition for observing the principles of community life in the work environment but it is the building block for creating a positive image of the employer in the business community. Mobbing behaviour impacts an organization’ image and poses several financial costs.

The Relationship between Impulsivity and Internet Gaming Disorder in Young Adults: Mediating Effects of Interpersonal Relationships and Depression.

Background: This study aimed to explore relationships between impulsivity, interpersonal relationships, depression, and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) symptoms. Methods: A total of 118 young adults participated in this study: 67 IGD patients who met five or more of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for IGD and 56 healthy controls. We administered questionnaires to assess IGD symptoms (Young’s Internet Addiction Test; Y-IAT), impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale; BIS-11), interpersonal relationship (Relationship Change Scale; RCS), and depression (Beck Depression Inventory; BDI). We used PROCESS macro in SPSS to perform mediation analysis. Results: IGD symptom was positively related to depression and impulsivity, and negatively related to the quality of interpersonal relationships. Mediation analysis revealed full mediation effects of interpersonal relationships and depression on the association between impulsivity and IGD symptoms in the IGD group. Specifically, even after adjusting for gender as a covariate, high impulsivity was associated with greater difficulty with interpersonal relationships; which further affected depression and increased the risk of IGD. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the importance of early intervention in IGD patients, particularly in young adults with high impulsivity. When intervening in adults’ IGD, we should consider not only individual factors (e.g., depression) but also socioenvironmental factors (e.g., interpersonal relationships).

Inhibitory Control Mediates the Association between Perceived Stress and Secure Relationship Quality.

Past research has demonstrated negative associations between exposure to stressors and quality of interpersonal relationships among children and adolescents. Nevertheless, underlying mechanisms of this association remain unclear. Chronic stress has been shown to disrupt prefrontal functioning in the brain, including inhibitory control abilities, and evidence is accumulating that inhibitory control may play an important role in secure interpersonal relationship quality, including peer problems and social competence. In this prospective longitudinal study, we examine whether changes in inhibitory control, measured at both behavioral and neural levels, mediate the association between stress and changes in secure relationship quality with parents and peers. The sample included 167 adolescents (53% males) who were first recruited at age 13 or 14 years and assessed annually three times. Adolescents’ inhibitory control was measured by their behavioral performance and brain activities, and adolescents self-reported perceived stress levels and relationship quality with mothers, fathers, and peers. Results suggest that behavioral inhibitory control mediates the association between perceived stress and adolescent’s secure relationship quality with their mothers and fathers, but not their peers. In contrast, given that stress was not significantly correlated with neural inhibitory control, we did not further test the mediation path. Our results highlight the role of inhibitory control as a process through which stressful life experiences are related to impaired secure relationship quality between adolescents and their mothers and fathers.