Relevant Psychosocial Variables Research Articles

The relationship between mobile phone addiction and non-suicidal self-injury: Findings from six universities in Shaanxi province, China

BackgroundAlthough the development and application of mobile phones have changed various aspects of people's lives, excessive use of mobile phones has also raised physical and mental health concerns. However, the relationship between mobile phone addiction (MPA) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is unclear. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted (2022) among students from six universities to assess the relationship between MPA and NSSI. A Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale (MPATS) was used to assess MPA, while NSSI was assessed via The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory. Binary logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between MPA and NSSI. ResultsA total of 18,723 college students (6531 males [34.9 %] and 12,192 females [65.1 %]) were included in the final analyses. The prevalence of NSSI during the past 12 months was 6.5 %. Furthermore, 5553 participants (29.7 %) met the MPA criteria (MPATS score ≥ 48), and the average MPATS score was 39.5 ± 13.0. MPA was associated with increased odds of NSSI after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, health-related characteristics, and relevant psychosocial variables (OR, 1.29; 95 % CI, 1.13–1.46). Moreover, gender did not affect the association of MPA and MPATS score with NSSI (P for interaction>0.05). The restricted cubic splines regression showed that a monotonically increasing risk of NSSI was associated with increasing MPATS score (P for non-linearity = 0.474). ConclusionsMPA is associated with increased odds of NSSI among college students, indicating that early examination, prevention, and intervention for MPA may prevent and control NSSI.

Influence of Artificial Intelligence in Education on Adolescents' Social Adaptability: A Machine Learning Study.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of artificial intelligence in education (AIEd) on adolescents’ social adaptability, as well as to identify the relevant psychosocial factors that can predict adolescents’ social adaptability. A total of 1328 participants (meanage = 13.89, SD = 2.22) completed the survey. A machine-learning algorithm was used to find out whether AIEd may influence adolescents’ social adaptability as well as the relevant psychosocial variables, such as teacher–student relations, peer relations, interparental relations, and loneliness that may be significantly related to social adaptability. Results showed that it has a positive influence of AIEd on adolescents’ social adaptability. In addition, the four most important factors in the prediction of social adaptability among AI group students are interpersonal relationships, peer relations, academic emotion, and loneliness. A high level of interpersonal relationships and peer relations can predict a high level of social adaptability among the AI group students, while a high level of academic emotion and loneliness can predict a low level of social adaptability. Overall, the findings highlight the need to focus interventions according to the relation between these psychosocial factors and social adaptability in order to increase the positive influence of AIEd and promote the development of social adaptability.

Post-COVID-19 psychiatric and cognitive morbidity: Preliminary findings from a Brazilian cohort study

ObjectiveThe present study aims to investigate the occurrence of psychiatric and cognitive impairments in a cohort of survivors of moderate or severe forms of COVID-19. Method425 adults were assessed 6 to 9 months after hospital discharge with a structured psychiatric interview, psychometric tests and a cognitive battery. A large, multidisciplinary, set of clinical data depicting the acute phase of the disease, along with relevant psychosocial variables, were used to predict psychiatric and cognitive outcomes using the ‘Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator’ (LASSO) method. ResultsDiagnoses of ‘depression’, ‘generalized anxiety disorder’ and ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’ were established respectively in 8%, 15.5% and 13.6% of the sample. After pandemic onset (i.e., within the previous year), the prevalence of ‘depression’ and ‘generalized anxiety disorder’ were 2.56% and 8.14%, respectively. Memory decline was subjectively reported by 51.1% of the patients. Psychiatric or cognitive outcomes were not associated with any clinical variables related to the severity of acute-phase disease, nor by disease-related psychosocial stressors. ConclusionsThis is the first study to access rates of psychiatric and cognitive morbidity in the long-term outcome after moderate or severe forms of COVID-19 using standardized measures. As a key finding, there was no significant association between clinical severity in the acute-phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the neuropsychiatric impairment 6 to 9 months thereafter.

Development and validation of the social motivation scale in people with disabilities.

Social effectiveness is key to success in the labor market. For decades, social motivation has been empirically studied as both a presumed cause and consequence of social effectiveness. Yet, few direct measures of social motivation exist, and even fewer have been validated with a disability population. This study provides the measurement structure and psychometric properties of a newly created measure of social motivation tested with a general disability population. Participants included 1,013 US adults with disabilities. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were implemented to validate the measure. Results of the EFA suggest that a reduced 26-item inventory exhibits a 5-factor structure in a general population of people with disabilities. These results were confirmed with the CFA. Concurrent validity analysis revealed that most factors were significantly associated with relevant psychosocial variables in the expected directions. The Social Motivation Inventory provides a useful tool for enhancing understanding of social motivation in rehabilitation psychology and rehabilitation counseling research and practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychosocial Factors Predict the Level of Aggression of People with Drug Addiction: A Machine Learning Approach

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify the relevant psychosocial factors that can predict the aggression in people with drug addiction. A total of 896 male participants (Mean age = 38.30 years) completed the survey. Gradient boosting regression, a machine learning algorithm, was used to find the relevant psychosocial variables, such as psychological security, psychological capital, interpersonal trust and alexithymia, that may be significantly related to aggressive behavior. Results showed that the five most important factors in the prediction of aggression are interpersonal trust, psychological security, psychological capital, parental conflict and alexithymia. A high level of interpersonal trust, psychological security and psychological capital can predict a low level of aggression in people with drug addiction, while a high level of parental conflict and alexithymia can predict a high level of aggression. Overall, the findings highlight the need to focus interventions according to the relation between these psychosocial factors and aggression in order to decrease violence.

Psychiatric and Cognitive Morbidity Following Moderate and Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Cohort Study

Background: Recent studies indicate that psychiatric and neurocognitive symptoms are frequent after Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). The present study aims to investigate the occurrence of psychiatric and cognitive impairments in a cohort of survivors from moderate or severe forms of COVID-19.Methods: 425 adults (mean age 55.7 years) were assessed 6 to 9 months after hospital discharge with a structured psychiatric interview (Clinical Interview Schedule, CIS-R) and a combination of psychometric tests. Cognitive state was examined with a subjective memory complaint scale and screening tests. A large, multidisciplinary, set of clinical data depicting the acute phase of the disease, along with relevant psychosocial variables, were used to predict psychiatric and cognitive outcomes using the ‘Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator’ (LASSO) method.Outcomes: CIS-R diagnoses of ‘depression’, ‘generalized anxiety disorder’ and ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’ were established respectively in 8%, 15.5% and 13.6% of the sample. Memory decline was reported by 51.1% of the patients. Psychiatric or cognitive outcomes were not predicted by any clinical variables related to the severity of acute-phase disease, nor by disease-related psychosocial stressors. Rather, depression and anxiety were only predicted by current frailty and worse general health status.Interpretation: Using a structured psychiatric interview and an objective assessment of cognitive state, we found high rates of psychiatric and cognitive morbidity in the long-term outcome after moderate or severe COVID-19. The lack of associations of previous medical or psychosocial factors with these diagnoses suggests a direct, disease-related, mechanism in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 related psychiatric and cognitive impairments.Funding: This work was partially supported by donations from the general public under the HC-COMVIDA crowdfunding scheme (https://viralcure.org/c/hc) and the Fundação Faculdade de Medicina (ALA). ARB receives scholarships and support from FAPESP, the Brazilian National Council of Scientific Development (CNPq-1B), University of São Paulo Medical School (FMUSP), the UK Academy of Medical Sciences (Newton Advanced Fellowship), and the International Health Cohort Consortium (IHCC).Conflict of Interest: Authors Declare no Conflict of Interest.Ethical Approval: This research protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee at HCFMUSP (CAPPesq HC), and registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) under the registration number 4.270.242 (RBR-8z7v5wc) and will be reported according to The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement.

Psychometric Validation of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0–Twelve-Item Version in a Heterogeneous Group of Employed People With Disabilities

ObjectiveTo psychometrically validate the WHODAS 2.0 12-item version in a heterogeneous sample of employed adults with disabilities.DesignA quantitative research design using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and concurrent validity analysis.Participants284 employed persons with disabilities participated in this study.ResultsTwo factors, Higher Order Functioning and Activities of Daily Living, were identified in the EFA. Relevant psychosocial variables were found to correlate with the two factors in the expected directions.ConclusionThe WHODAS 2.0 12-item version appears to have a two-factor structure when used to measure disability impact in employed individuals with disabilities.

Reactions to Problematic Internet Use Among Adolescents: Inappropriate Physical and Mental Health Perspectives.

Although numerous studies have examined the factors influencing problematic Internet use (PIU), few studies have investigated the interactions between inappropriate physical and mental health (e.g., cyberbullying, Internet pornography, and Internet fraud) as factors facilitating PIU and examined the moderating effect of community bond. Thus, this study analyzed the moderating role of community bond in the relationship between cyberbullying, Internet pornography, Internet fraud, and PIU. Using a cross-sectional survey, adolescents were surveyed through self-report questionnaires. A total of 5,211 responses were received from participant students at 60 senior high schools in Taiwan. Statistical analyses were performed using structural equation modeling. The results indicated that cyberbullying, Internet pornography, Internet fraud, and community bond have significant positive effects on PIU. Community bond has a significant moderating effect in the relationship between cyberbullying, Internet fraud, and the PIU of adolescents. Parental Internet attitude and behavior were found to significantly moderate the relationship between inappropriate physical and mental health, community bond, and PIU. The results suggest that public health and education policies should focus more on adolescents who require additional assistance. Furthermore, school policies could be more informed in regard to relevant psychosocial variables and patterns of Internet use. Finally, this study may serve as a reference for parents, schools, and government education authorities.

Prevalence and Family-Related Factors Associated With Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempts, and Self-injury in Children Aged 9 to 10 Years

Although suicide is a leading cause of death for children in the United States, and the rate of suicide in childhood has steadily increased, little is known about suicidal ideation and behaviors in children. To assess the overall prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and nonsuicidal self-injury, as well as family-related factors associated with suicidality and self-injury among preadolescent children. Cross-sectional study using retrospective analysis of the baseline sample from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. This multicenter investigation used an epidemiologically informed school-based recruitment strategy, with consideration of the demographic composition of the 21 ABCD sites and the United States as a whole. The sample included children aged 9 to 10 years and their caregivers. Lifetime suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and nonsuicidal self-injury as reported by children and their caregivers in a computerized version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia. A total of 11 814 children aged 9 to 10 years (47.8% girls; 52.0% white) and their caregivers were included. After poststratification sociodemographic weighting, the approximate prevalence rates were 6.4% (95% CI, 5.7%-7.3%) for lifetime history of passive suicidal ideation; 4.4% (95% CI, 3.9%-5.0%) for nonspecific active suicidal ideation; 2.4% (95% CI, 2.1%-2.7%) for active ideation with method, intent, or plan; 1.3% (95% CI, 1.0%-1.6%) for suicide attempts; and 9.1% (95% CI, 8.1-10.3) for nonsuicidal self-injury. After covarying by sex, family history, internalizing and externalizing problems, and relevant psychosocial variables, high family conflict was significantly associated with suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR], 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07-1.16) and nonsuicidal self-injury (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05-1.14), and low parental monitoring was significantly associated with ideation (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.98), attempts (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.97), and nonsuicidal self-injury (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93-0.98); these findings were consistent after internal replication. Most of children's reports of suicidality and self-injury were either unknown or not reported by their caregivers. This study demonstrates the association of family factors, including high family conflict and low parental monitoring, with suicidality and self-injury in children. Future research and ongoing prevention and intervention efforts may benefit from the examination of family factors.

Observational non-randomised controlled evaluation of the effectiveness of cancer counselling centres: a study protocol

IntroductionIn recent years, medical treatment for cancer has improved, thereby increasing the life expectancy of patients with cancer. Hence, the focus in healthcare shifted towards analysing treatments that offer to...

Measures of morally injurious experiences: A quantitative comparison

A recent body of literature has examined the psychological effects of perpetrating or failing to prevent acts that violate one's sense of right and wrong. The objective of this study was to examine and compare correlations between the two most widely used instruments measuring this construct in a sample of military veterans and relevant psychosocial variables. Individuals (N = 182) who reported military combat experience completed the Moral Injury Events Scale and the Moral Injury Questionnaire-Military Version, along with measures of combat exposure, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol concerns, anger, guilt, and shame. Results indicate similar correlations between the morally injurious experiences instruments and negative psychosocial variables, but different correlations with combat exposure. Implications for further research in the conceptualization and treatment of morally injurious experiences are discussed.

Genital herpes stigma: Toward the Measurement and Validation of a highly prevalent yet hidden public health problem.

Despite its highly prevalent and stigmatizing nature, genital herpes has received little attention from stigma researchers relative to other sexually transmitted infections. This limitation is of great relevance to researchers and practitioners in both clinical and healthcare settings, given that stigma can cause psychological distress and hinder disclosure to sexual partners, hence contributing to the spread of genital herpes. The present research developed and examined the psychometric properties of a quantitative measure of genital herpes stigma. Two hundred individuals diagnosed with genital herpes recruited through online genital herpes support groups completed a survey containing 37 items adapted from the HIV Stigma Scale, questions about demographic and herpes-related characteristics, and measures of relevant psychosocial variables. A confirmatory factor analysis yielded an 18-item scale with four factors: personalized stigma, disclosure concerns, negative self-image, and concern with public attitudes. All subscales demonstrated good internal consistency, with Cronbach alphas ranging from 0.74 to 0.87. Construct validity was supported by correlations with relevant psychosocial variables, including negative affect, rumination, and perceived social support. As a psychometrically sound assessment tool, the Genital Herpes Stigma Scale can be used in both clinical and research settings to facilitate future efforts to alleviate the negative psychological consequences of this incurable viral infection.

Use of the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) as a treatment outcome measure for patients with chronic spinal pain disorder in a functional restoration program

Background ContextThe Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) is a valid and reliable patient-reported instrument designed to identify patients whose presenting symptoms may be related to central sensitization (CS). Part A of the CSI measures a full array of 25 somatic and emotional symptoms associated with CS, and Part B asks if patients have previously been diagnosed with one or more specific central sensitivity syndromes (CSSs) and related disorders. The CSI has previously been validated in a group of patients with chronic pain who were screened by a trained psychiatrist for specific CSS diagnoses. It is currently unknown if the CSI can be a useful treatment-outcome assessment tool for patients with chronic spinal pain disorder (CSPD) who are not screened for comorbid CSSs. It is known, however, that previous studies have identified CS-related symptoms, and comorbid CSSs, in subsets of patients with CSPDs. Studies have also shown that CS-related symptoms can be influenced by cognitive and psychosocial factors, including abuse history in both childhood and adulthood, sleep disturbance, catastrophic and fear-avoidant cognitions, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate CSI scores, and their associations with other clinically relevant psychosocial variables, in a cohort of patients with CSPD who entered and completed a functional restoration program. Study Design/SettingA retrospective study of prospectively collected data from a cohort study of patients with CSPD, who completed the CSI at admission to, and discharge from, an interdisciplinary function restoration program (FRP) was carried out. Patient SampleA cohort of 763 patients with CSPD comprised the study sample. Outcome MeasuresClinical interviews evaluated mood disorders and abuse history. A series of self-reported measures evaluated comorbid psychosocial symptoms, including pain intensity, pain-related anxiety, depressive symptoms, somatization symptoms, perceived disability, and sleep disturbance, at FRP admission and discharge. MethodsPatients were grouped into five severity level groups, from mild to extreme, based on total CSI scores, at FRP admission, and then again at discharge. The FRP included a quantitatively directed and medically supervised exercise process, as well as a multimodal psychosocial disability management component. ResultsThe CSI severity groups were strongly associated with Major Depressive Disorder and previous abuse history (p<.01), which are known risk factors for CS-related symptoms and diagnoses. The CSI scores were also strongly associated with patient-reported CSS diagnoses on CSI Part B. The percentage of patients who reported a comorbid CSS diagnosis increased in each higher CSI-severity group, from 11% in the Subclinical group, to 56% in the Extreme group. The CSI severity groups were significantly related to other CS-related patient-reported symptoms, including pain intensity, pain-related anxiety, depressive symptoms, somatization symptoms, perceived disability, and sleep disturbance (p's<.001). The CSI scores, along with all other psychosocial measures, decreased at treatment discharge. ConclusionsIn the present study, admission CSI scores were highly associated with previous CSS diagnoses, CS-related symptoms, and clinically relevant patient-reported psychosocial variables. All psychosocial variables, as well as scores on the CSI, were significantly improved at FRP discharge. The CSI may have important clinical utility, as a screener and as a treatment outcome measure, for patients with CSPD participating in an interdisciplinary FRP.

Behaviour Change Towards Cycling in 7 Case Study Cities

Background In order to increase the levels of physical activity in urban population, it is essential to know how a behavioural change towards cycling as active mobility can be produced and what factors influence people in their choice to cycle. But few studies have done longitudinal analysis of behavioural changes in cycling in relation to their policy context. Methods As part of the PASTA European project (Physical Activity through Sustainable Travel Approaches), a longitudinal survey in 7 European cities will provide the core data for the analysis. This survey was closed the 13th January 2017, after 2 years of data collection. The PASTA survey features specific questions designed to determine the attitudinal and behavioural profile of the participants. The conceptual framework used for the behavioural change assessment features an adaptation of the Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change and further developments, which describes five stages of change: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action and Maintenance. The sub-set of questions to determine the stage of change diagnosis are included in the initial (baseline) and final questionnaires, so that a “before” and “after” analysis can be undertaken. Other relevant psycho-social variables featured in the questionnaires will also be explored. The survey data is being complemented with background information including cycling policy and GIS data. Results Our sample is 10,557 participants across the seven cities (subject to further data cleaning). For this sample, a cross-city analysis of behavioural questions will be explored and compared for the initial (baseline) and final questionnaires. The baseline questionnaire has been already analysed and is showing a share of 23% of the sub-sampled participants (n=7,580) in the Precontemplation stage, 7% in Contemplation, 18% in Preparation, 41% in Action and 11% in Maintenance. In this presentation, results will be shown from the complete dataset (that is including all questionnaires) detailed for each of the seven cities, which is being analysed at the moment. The results of the stage diagnosis will be crossed with several socio-demographic variables, such as income, age, education level and sex. As an example, mean age is 40.08 (13.04) years and 54% of the participants are female. Conclusions Understanding the relative importance of the factors influencing mobility behaviour will help to determine the most promising policy avenues for the change towards cycling. This study puts together a unique mix of theories and methods in order to explore the bridges between behavioural change science and policy making.

Socioeconomic influence on adolescent problematic Internet use through school-related psychosocial factors and pattern of Internet use

The current literature on adolescent problematic Internet use (PIU) does not provide an adequately comprehensive picture of the possible dynamics between different aspects of life in the shaping of PIU. Particularly, it is currently unknown how socioeconomic background could exert indirect influences. Adolescents from particular social strata who require assistance remain unidentified. Based on Problem Behavior Theory, a conceptual model with three layers, namely socioeconomic indicators, school-related psychosocial variables and pattern of Internet use, was formulated and tested with the survey data of 744 students from two Hong Kong secondary schools. Path analysis was conducted to yield an explanatory model of PIU. Findings suggested two different roles socioeconomic background plays. First, it potentially exerts influence as an antecedent through intermediary determinants, such as educational stress. Second, it potentially moderates the mechanism. In particular, it was found that parental education and family income significantly moderate the association between the amount of Internet use and severity of PIU. According to these findings, public health policies could be more focused on adolescents belonging to certain social strata who require additional assistance. Also, school policies and parenting strategies could be better informed with reference to the relevant psychosocial variables and pattern of Internet use.

Social-ecological influences on interpersonal support in people with physical disability

BackgroundPeople with physical disability report lower amounts of emotional and informational social support compared with other populations but it is unclear how influences at the broader societal level impact support in this population. ObjectiveTo address this question, Berkman and Glass's social-ecological model was used to examine the influence of upstream factors on interpersonal support in people with physical disability. It was predicted that these factors would influence support even after controlling for the traditional measures linked to social support. Methods331 adult participants with physical disability (43% female; mean age = 42.7; 88% White) completed an online cross-sectional survey measuring types and sources of social support, social integration, disability impact in social domains, environmental barriers, and relevant psychosocial variables such as depression. ResultsA hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that level of disability, perceived tangible support, social integration, depressive symptoms, environmental barriers, occupational independence, and having family or friends as primary support sources were significantly associated with perceived support at the final step (R2 = .60, F(22, 255) = 17.68, p < .001). The social-ecological measures, environmental barriers and social integration, had the largest associations with interpersonal support. ConclusionsResults demonstrate the importance of measuring distinct support constructs and how the broader social environment may matter more in interpersonal support perceptions for people with disability than typical measures studied in the literature. Improving environmental factors will help improve social support.

Preempting performance challenges: the effects of inoculation messaging on attacks to task self-efficacy.

Although inoculation messages have been shown to be effective for inducing resistance to counter-attitudinal attacks, researchers have devoted relatively little attention toward studying the way in which inoculation theory principles might support challenges to psychological phenomena other than attitudes (e.g., self-efficacy). Prior to completing a physical (i.e., balance) task, undergraduates (N = 127, Mage = 19.20, SD = 2.16) were randomly assigned to receive either a control or inoculation message, and reported their confidence in their ability regarding the upcoming task. During the task, a confederate provided standardized negative feedback to all participants regarding their performance, and following the completion of the task, participants again reported their self-efficacy along with measures assessing in-task processes. Findings supported the viability of efficacy inoculation; controlling for pre-task self-efficacy, task performance, and relevant psycho-social variables (e.g., resilience, self-confidence robustness), participants in the inoculation condition reported greater confidence in their ability (i.e., task self-efficacy) than those in the control condition at post-task. Relative to those in the inoculation condition, participants in the control condition also experienced greater concentration disruption and self-presentation concerns during the task.

Antecedents of hospital nurses' intention to leave the organization: A cross sectional survey.

Leadership and perceived organizational support inspire trust in the leader and in the organization. Consequently, these aspects may contribute to a reduction in job burnout among nurses and, in the end, of the intention on their part to leave the hospital. It is crucial to develop models in order to simultaneously test the correlations between these relevant psychosocial variables, so that complexity of the nursing work environment may be better understood. We expected to give support to and to further corroborate results in the literature linking perceived leadership style – and particularly servant leadership – perceived organizational support, trust in the leader and in the organization, job burnout among nurses and their subsequent intention to leave the hospital. Cross-sectional study. Two Italian large size public hospitals. Two samples including both graduates and non-graduates members of the nursing staff. Overall mean age was equal to 42.06 years while the general mean for tenure was 12.99 years. Data were collected in 2012. A regression model with latent variables was tested via structural equation modeling using LISREL. The multi-sample procedure was also applied in order to test invariance of results between the two samples. Servant leadership was positively associated with trust in the leader and perceived organizational support was positively associated with trust in the organization. Trust in the leader and trust in the organization displayed a negative correlation with the emotional exhaustion and cynicism factors of job burnout, and a positive correlation with the professional efficacy factor. Furthermore, trust scores mediated the effects of servant leadership and perceived organizational support on job burnout factors. The cynicism factor was negatively associated with intention to leave the organization and it also mediated the effects of both trust in the leader and servant leadership on intention to leave. On the other hand, trust in the organization turned out to be directly and negatively related to intention to leave. Servant leadership and perceived organizational support showed their relevance in the nursing setting. The role of trust in the leader, trust in the organization and job burnout factors as mediating variables received support. Interestingly enough, the higher the cynicism score the higher the intention to leave the hospital. The results achieved may have practical implications not only for recruitment and training of nurse managers but also for hospital management.

Changes in Sexual Functioning and Sex Hormone Levels in Women Following Bariatric Surgery

More than 50% of women who present for bariatric surgery report impairments in sexual function, decreased sexual satisfaction, and significant psychosocial distress. Several studies have found a relationship between excess body weight and abnormal levels of female reproductive hormones. Relatively few studies have investigated changes in sexual functioning and sex hormone levels in women following weight loss resulting from lifestyle modification or bariatric surgery. The limited data available suggest that weight loss in these women is associated with significant improvements in sexual functioning. This prospective cohort study was designed to investigate changes in sexual functioning, reproductive sex hormone levels, and relevant psychosocial variables in women following bariatric surgery. Data were obtained for women enrolled in phase 2 of the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS) who had undergone bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2012. The median body mass index of the participants was 44.5 kg/m2 (interquartile range, 41.4–49.7 kg/m2). A LABS-certified surgeon performed the surgery. Among the 106 women with baseline data who met study criteria, 85 underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 21 underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. The Female Sexual Function Index was used to assess sexual functioning as well as several specific domains of sexual functioning. Fasting blood samples were collected for analysis of hormone levels. Participants completed validated questionnaires that evaluated their quality of life, body image, marital relationship satisfaction, and depressive symptoms. At postoperative year 1, mean weight loss was 32.7% (95% confidence interval, 30.7%–34.7%) of initial body weight; at postoperative year 2, mean weight loss was 33.5% (95% confidence interval, 31.5%–35.6%). At 2 years, women reported significant improvements in overall sexual functioning and several specific domains: arousal, lubrication, desires, and satisfaction. There was also significant improvement at 2 years in all hormones of interest. With respect to psychosocial functioning, within the first year after surgery, women reported significant improvements in most domains of quality of life and in body image and depressive symptoms; improvements were maintained through the second postoperative year. These findings show that women in this population who underwent bariatric surgery experienced significant improvements in overall sexual functioning, as well as in most sex hormones of interest and in psychosocial functioning. The data suggest that improvements in sexual health can be added to the list of benefits associated with weight loss following bariatric surgery.

The Abortion Referendum in Portugal

February 11th 2007 set the date for what would be an intense and passionate discussion on a gendered health related issue in Portugal: abortion. In the referendum, approximately 44% of the eligible population voted, and from these 59% voted for the legalization of abortion in Portugal. Hence, this referendum brought about changes in the Portuguese law, which now allows legal abortion to occur at the desire of the woman until the 10th week of pregnancy. The present research consists of a study in which 205 university students fully responded to 4 data collection sessions between November 2006 and March 2007. The goal of the study was to understand the most relevant psychosocial variables when trying to explain the voting intentions and voting behavior of Portuguese youth. The variables in the present study included participants’ gender, political orientation, religious affiliation and practice, sexual attitudes and attitudes towards abortion. Our results show that all of the above variables, except for gender, are relevant for the opinion formation about this topic. Approximately 94% of our participants reported they had the intention to vote, although only 64% of these actually voted on the day of the referendum. Finally, we found that participants rely mostly on the strength of their attitudes towards abortion in relation to their voting intention, while relying mostly on the strength of their normative religious beliefs in relation to their voting behavior. Implications of our results for understanding the politics of abortion legislation are discussed.