Relevance For Counseling Research Articles

The less I get, the more I punish: A moderated-mediation model of rejection sensitivity and guilt in depression

Depression is known to affect how individuals perceive social exchanges, either negative or positive ones. These difficulties are thought to partly arise from depression-related guilt and rejection sensitivity. Here, we examined whether individuals with elevated levels of depression reported more guilt after engaging in a series of controlled exchanges in the Ultimatum Game (UG) and if rejection sensitivity mediated this relationship in negative interactions. To this end, we utilized a multi-round, multi-shot UG in which participants (N = 72) were sequentially paired with (1) unfair and (2) altruistic allocators. State guilt and perceived fairness ratings were collected throughout the Ultimatum Game. Alternatively, we looked into perceived fairness of received offers and harm caused to the allocator as potential moderators of the mediation model. As expected, we found that rejection sensitivity partially mediated the relationship between depression and guilt. Interestingly, the effect of depression through rejection sensitivity on guilt was stronger when participants caused more harm to the allocator than when they perceived the allocator as extremely unfair. A path analysis was performed as well to check for goodness of fit of the moderated mediation model. Exploratory, we looked at how depression may interfere with the emotional and behavioral response in positive exchanges as well. Overall, our findings may contribute to the understanding of the dynamics in interpersonal transactions of depressed individuals with relevance for counseling and diagnosis. Theoretical implications and interpretive caveats are discussed.

An Occupational Therapy Approach to Sexuality in People with Acquired Brain Injury in a Subacute Setting

To analyze if people with acquired brain injury in sub-acute situation, as well as their relatives and/or partners, consider relevant the approach to sexuality during their Occupational Therapy intervention. This study presents a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. Twelve participants were interviewed: eight people with acquired brain injury, two relatives and two partners who agreed to participate. The information has been collected through interviews. According to the interviews, the following categories have emerged: changes and everyday life, the taboo of sex and its relation to gender and the relevance of counselling. Participants consider sexuality as another activity of daily living, which has been modified due to acquired brain injury. Not only does the taboo of sex condition the subject, but it is also influenced by the individual’s gender. In addition, the counselling by the professionals involved in the rehabilitation process is the main intervention claimed by the participants of this study. The participants consider sexuality as an activity of daily living. Therefore, the occupational therapist who follows the holistic conception of the people must consider sexuality in the intervention process.

Book Review of "Critical Inquiries for Social Justice in Mental Health: Relevance for Counseling and Psychotherapy in Canada "

The voices of nearly 40 scholars, activists, and practitioners are brought together in Critical Inquiries for Social Justice in Mental Health. Their diverse contributions are united around a fundamental goal of deconstructing mental health systems to reveal how they produce and sustain social injustices. This review is structured around the three central organizing principles that Morrow and Malcoe weave throughout the book: (a) challenging dominant epistemologies, (b) emphasizing individuals’ resistance to social injustices, and (c) reimagining mental health systems. We offer our reflections about the book’s utility from the perspectives of a professor and a graduate student.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilization

To determine whether the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) independently predicts increased rates of pregnancy complications relative to control subjects, after adjusting for important confounders. Retrospective cohort. Not applicable. A review of all pregnancies after fresh IVF with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection transfers from December 2006 to 2012 (n = 1,084) identified 394 eligible singleton births (71 women with PCOS; 323 controls without). Not applicable. Singleton births were assessed for selected adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Women with PCOS demonstrated a higher risk of developing the following pregnancy complications after adjusting for differences in age, parity, body mass index, and time to conception: gestational diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35-7.33), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (AOR 4.25, 95% CI 1.94-9.32), preterm birth <37 weeks (AOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.07-4.97), and large for gestational age >90th percentile (AOR 2.77, 95% CI 1.21-6.35). The increased risk of preterm birth <37 weeks was eliminated after adjusting for development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, whereas the increased risk of large for gestational age remained significant after adjusting for gestational diabetes mellitus status. Time to conception did not differ significantly between groups, nor did rates of antepartum hemorrhage, cesarean section, or perinatal mortality. Polycystic ovary syndrome independently predicts higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes after adjusting for differences in maternal age, parity, body mass index, and time to conception. This new information may be of relevance in counseling and monitoring women with PCOS, although larger prospective studies may be needed to validate our findings.

Understanding the experience of myotonic dystrophy. Mixed method study.

Myotonic Dystrophy (DM) is a progressive multi-systemic disorder characterized by myotonia and muscle weakness where currently no effective treatment or cure to prevent or delay the disorder exists. This study used mixed methods to examine the experience of living with DM, in patients and their close relatives. Thirteen patients and eight next of kin responded completing Quality of Life and Psychological distress questionnaires in this cross-sectional study, and participating in a semi-structured interview. The findings indicate a higher level of anxiety and hopelessness in next of kin compared to patients, while patients were more depressed. Next of kin reported higher physical, but lower emotional quality of life than patients. Qualitative interviews confirmed the questionnaire findings. The findings from this study may be helpful in genetic counseling. Genetic counselors and geneticists should not only be aware of the burden of being a next of kin, but include discussions about opportunities to minimize the burden in families affected with DM. The findings may be of relevance in counseling for other types of neuromuscular disorders.

Theoretical Paper Salutogenesis and the sense of coherence: Promoting health and resilience in counselling and psychotherapy

Content and FocusThe aim of this paper is to introduce the sense of coherence (SOC), a core construct of Antonovsky’s salutogenic model of health and resilience, and to explore its relevance for counselling and psychotherapy. Antonovsky defined the SOC as global orientation expressing the extent to which the individual perceives the stimuli deriving from one’s internal and external environments as predictable, manageable and meaningful. A strong SOC is assumed to help people to manage stress and stay healthy. Research findings show a close relationship between SOC and psychogenic aspects of health. The paper focuses on the possibilities of fostering the SOC as global orientation in a therapeutic setting. It explores the conceptual overlap between SOC and different therapeutic approaches by analysing and comparing the relevant literature. The review of the relevant literature suggests that a salutogenic framework can help to shift the therapeutic focus towards resources and actualisation of potential. This is supported by findings of research studies on counselling and psychotherapy interventions utilising the SOC as an outcome measure.ConclusionsUsed as a general framework in working with clients, the SOC has the potential to put salutogenic resources, actualisation of potential and empowerment processes at the centre of therapeutic attention.

Counselling and Nigeria National Policy on Education: The question of relevance and competence

The provision for guidance and counseling in the Nigeria National Policy on Education has been an issue of concern to professional counselors for some time now. A critical appraisal of this provision reveals an obvious non-recognition, ignorance and neglect of the crucial contributions of counseling to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the National Policy on Education. Every fiscal year, much financial allocation is given to the education sector but without corresponding results to show for this huge investment. Counseling has been with man since time immemorial, and it has been found to be effective in producing long term results and positive effects. Even in the vicarious non formal indigenous education system, counseling still took the pride of place. It is therefore an issue of great concern to observe the terse provision made for counseling in organized formal education settings in Nigeria. The paper interrogates these concerns, investigating especially the relevance of counseling and the competence of school guidance counselors in the school system. Specifically, the paper focuses on the secondary school system to be able to make specific recommendations in defining the way forward as regards effective utilization of guidance and counseling for this sector of the educational system. The paper makes a brief review and analysis of the Nigeria National Policy on Education (NPE) (2004), thereby presenting a position on the recognition of guidance and counseling, and making recommendations on effective implementation of guidance and counseling in secondary schools in Nigeria.

Increasing awareness and perception of heart failure in Europe and improving care--rationale and design of the SHAPE Study.

In the last decennia heart failure has become one of the most important diseases worldwide in terms of prevalence, morbidity, life expectancy, and in health care management and costs. Despite significant improvements in prevention and treatment, heart failure remains a frequently occurring disorder with increasing incidence and a high hospitalisation and death rate. As major health care problem it deserves full attention of health care authorities. Unfortunately, the seriousness of heart failure and the therapeutic possibilities are often not recognised by those directly involved, i.e. the doctor, the patient or his relatives, let alone that they are known to the general public and health care authorities. The SHAPE study aims at improving heart failure care by increasing awareness and perception of the disease in Europe. Firstly, awareness and perception of heart failure will be documented in the general public, primary care physicians and specialists (cardiologists, internists and geriatricians) in 9 European countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Subsequently, the results will be used to design and carry out suitable awareness and educational programmes in these groups, aimed at improving heart failure care and research. Finally, the results of these programmes will be tested in a second documentation phase and adaptations made where needed. This manuscript describes the rationale and design of the first phase, the Documentation Phase.During the first documentation phase, 800 participants per country selected based on sex, two age groups and urban vs. rural location (100/cell) will be surveyed using a 32-question interview. Questions for the general public focus on recognition, incidence and prevalence, severity and prognosis of the disease in comparison to other disease areas, like cancer, on quality of life, therapeutic possibilities and availability of care. The primary care physician (PCP) survey aims at receiving a minimum of 300 responses. A questionnaire with 33 closed questions will be used covering the PCP's knowledge of heart failure, including prevalence, aetiology, new diagnostic and therapeutic developments and health care costs. Questions concerning diagnostic procedures and various treatments carried out by the PCP in his own practice, as well as referral patterns for diagnostic procedures and for specialist care. Questions relating to the type of practice and number of patients in each PCP's clinical practice. A minimum of 150 cardiologists and 150 internists + geriatricians will be surveyed per country. The specialist's questionnaire contains 31 questions focusing on identification of heart failure patients, patients at risk, use and availability of diagnostic tools, importance of therapies and order of treatment, perceived risks of treatment, relevance of counselling and advice, use of paramedical personnel, and questions concerning practice size, type of practice and number of patients with heart failure. This first part of the SHAPE study will provide important information about the level of knowledge and understanding of heart failure of the general public, as well as the perception of the relevance of heart failure and appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches by both the primary care physician and the medical specialist. This knowledge will be extremely valuable when it comes to defining optimal educational programmes in the different target groups studied in SHAPE necessary to implement appropriate heart failure care in Europe and to obtain the means to do so.

Non-Primary Care Physicians and Smoking Cessation Counseling: Women Physicians' Health Study

ABSTRACT Objectives: The Women Physicians' Health Study (WPHS) offers a unique opportunity to examine the counseling and screening practices of women physicians in various specialties. In this study we describe the prevalence of self-reported counseling on smoking cessation among non-primary care women physicians and examine the association between their demographic, professional, and personal characteristics and such counseling on smoking cessation. Methods: Conducted in 1993–1994, WPHS is a nationally representative cross-sectional mailed survey of U.S. women physicians with 4,501 respondents representing all major specialties. Physicians in 9 specialty areas were grouped in 6 categories: (1) anesthesiology; (2) general surgery and surgical subspecialties; (3) emergency medicine; (4) medical subspecialties; (5) psychiatry; and (6) other. Frequent counseling was defined as having counseled patients who were known smokers at every visit or at least once a year. Results: Overall, 45% of the physicians frequently counseled smokers to quit. Medical subspecialists (80%) were most likely and psychiatrists (29%) least likely to counsel frequently. Specialty, perceived relevance of counseling to the physician's practice, and self-confidence in counseling about smoking cessation were associated with frequent counseling. Conclusion: Cessation counseling by non-primary care physicians can reduce tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. Increasing perceived relevance and self-confidence among this group of physicians, combined with implementation of system changes and the creation of physician accountability can facilitate the provision of such counseling.

Smoking Cessation Counseling by Primary Care Women Physicians: Women Physicians' Health Study

ABSTRACT Objectives: The Women Physicians' Health Study (WPHS) offers a unique opportunity to examine the counseling and screening practices of women physicians. The objectives of this study were to: describe the prevalence of self-reported smoking cessation counseling among primary care women physicians and determine the association between physician demographic, professional, and personal characteristics and smoking cessation counseling. Methods: Conducted in 1993–1994, WPHS is a nationally representative cross-sectional mailed survey of U.S. women physicians and included 4,501 respondents representing all major specialties. Primary care physicians included 5 specialty areas and were grouped into 3 categories: (1) general primary care; (2) obstetrics/gynecology (ob/gyn); and (3) pediatrics. Frequent counseling was defined as having counseled patients who were known smokers at every visit or at least once a year. Results: Women physicians in general primary care (84%) and ob/gyn (83%) were more likely to frequently counsel their patients about cessation than were pediatricians (41%). Perceived relevance of counseling to a physician's practice was significantly associated with frequent counseling. Personal characteristics (current smoking status, personal or family history of a smoking-related disease, or living with a smoker as an adult or child) were not significantly correlated with counseling. Conclusion: The majority (71%) of physicians reported frequently counseling their patients. However, there was significant variation by physician specialty. In addition, perceived relevance of counseling was strongly associated with counseling behavior. Physician counseling on cessation can reduce tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. Increasing perceived relevance, implementing system changes, and creating accountability can facilitate cessation counseling by physicians.

The place of counselling in ‘new opportunities for women’ courses

Abstract The structure and content of ‘New Opportunities for Women’ (NOW) courses run by a university department of adult education are described, and the kind of counselling appropriate to such courses is discussed. During five years' work with such courses in Newcastle, what has been in question has not been the relevance of counselling, but the ways in which it can be most usefully integrated within a 60-session course.

Marital system differences and summer-long vacations: Togetherness-apartness and tension

Abstract In a questionnaire study of 56 couples in which one or both spouses was a teacher with a long summer vacation, couples high on school year measures of potential for problems (values differences, physical violence when angry, disrespect) had higher levels of general tension during the summer the more they were in contact. Couples low in potential for problems had lower levels of general tension during the summer the more they were in contact. Apparently one can predict with some accuracy how a relationship system will operate when there is opportunity for great togetherness. The findings are of relevance in counseling couples claiming to desire greater togetherness and in counseling couples experiencing greater togetherness due to vocation, retirement, reduction in employment, or illness.