Measures Of Satisfaction Research Articles

Is it okay to feel this way? Exploring the joint effect of emotional experiences and expectations on life satisfaction.

This research investigates the joint effect of individual emotional experiences and societal expectations on life satisfaction. Inspired by the Affect Valuation Theory and Self-Discrepancy Theory, we explored how discrepancies between actual emotional experiences and what society believes we "ought" to feel are linked with life satisfaction. A total of 301 U.S. online participants rated their emotional experiences and societal expectations for emotions, along with measures of life satisfaction. Response surface analyses were used to assess the effect of emotional experience-norm congruence on life satisfaction. Findings revealed that the highest life satisfaction reported by individuals infrequently experiencing negative emotions but perceiving high societal expectations for these emotions, while congruence effects were not supported. These findings suggest the potential benefits of a societal shift toward greater acceptance of a wider range of negative emotions. The study may potentially stimulate interventions to enhance individuals' life satisfaction by reconsidering societal beliefs about emotions.

Concurrent factors associated with adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy among women with non-metastatic breast cancer.

Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) reduces breast cancer morbidity and mortality, yet women often report suboptimal adherence. Though correlates of AET adherence are well-documented, few studies examine the relative importance of multi-level factors associated with adherence. The aim of this study was to identify factors most strongly associated with AET adherence in women with breast cancer. Between 10/2019 and 6/2021, women (N = 100) with non-metastatic, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, taking AET who reported AET-related distress enrolled into a clinical trial. Participants completed baseline measures, including the Medication Adherence Rating Scale-5, sociodemographics, and validated measures of anxiety, depression, medication-taking self-efficacy, social support, and treatment satisfaction. We created a latent factor and tested associations between sociodemographic, medical, and psychosocial characteristics and adherence. Associated predictors (p < .10) were entered into a structural model, which was corroborated via multivariate regression modeling. A four-indicator latent adherence factor demonstrated good model fit. Participants (Mage = 56.1years, 91% White) who were unemployed (B = 0.27, SE = 0.13, p = .046) and reported greater treatment convenience (B = 0.01, SE = 0.01, p = .046) reported greater adherence. Scores of participants who reported greater medication-taking self-efficacy (p = .097) and social support (p = .062) approached better adherence. Greater medication-taking self-efficacy (B = 0.08, SE = 0.02, p < .001) and being unemployed (B = 0.28, SE = .14, p = .042) were most strongly associated with greater adherence, independent of other predictors. Multivariate modeling confirmed similar findings. Medication-taking self-efficacy and employment status were associated with AET adherence above other related factors. Enhancing patients' confidence in their ability to take AET for breast cancer may represent an important intervention target to boost adherence.

A futures study of life satisfaction among Iranian students

Both anecdotal and empirical evidence strongly suggest that the current circumstances are leaving the younger generation in Iran dissatisfied. In light of that, this article embarks on a comprehensive exploration of this predicament through a mixed methods design. The focal point of this investigation rests on a selected cohort of graduate students from the University of Tehran. The administered questionnaire survey, encompassing a sample of 237 students, revealed a significant deficit in both their present and future life satisfaction measures. To delve deeper into the origins of this issue, a series of 32 in-depth interviews were conducted, providing invaluable insights. This qualitative phase was accompanied by a Thematic Analysis and the application of the Causal Layered Analysis methodology. The research findings uncovered an intricate web of factors contributing to youth discontentment. While systemic factors like injustice, corruption, and lack of civil liberties play a significant role, there are deeper layers at play. These include ideological conflicts between the younger generation and the government, the pervasive escalation of social comparison bias, and the spread of loss of meaning in life among the youth. Moreover, this study sheds light on their deepest level of perception and illuminates how they are unable to nurture a positive perspective on their life and society.

Employee Satisfaction and Market Sentiment During COVID-19

This paper examines the possible channels through which employee satisfaction benefits stockholders during COVID-19. We use the Best Place to Work list from Glassdoor as our measure of employee satisfaction. This measure is comprehensive since it is positively correlated with firms’ adoption of corporate policies that support employees’ well-being. Our results show that having satisfied employees serves as a moderating factor in mitigating the detrimental impact of equity market fluctuations in extreme turmoil conditions. We find that the channel through which employee satisfaction helps firms resist external economic shocks is the positive market sentiment toward these firms during the crash.

Changes in harm reduction service providers professional quality of life during dual public health emergencies in Canada

BackgroundHarm reduction (HR) is a critical response to the pronounced toxicity deaths being experienced in Canada. HR providers report many benefits of their jobs, but also encounter chronic stress from structural inequities and exposure to trauma and death. This research study sought to quantify the emotional toll the toxicity emergency placed on HR providers (Cycle One; 2019). Study objectives were later expanded to determine the impact of the ongoing toxicity as well as the pandemic’s impact on well-being (Cycle Two; 2021).MethodsStandardized measures of job satisfaction, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and vulnerability to grief were used in an online national survey. Open-ended questions addressed resources and supports. HR partners across Canada validated the findings and contributed to alternative interpretations and implications.Results651 respondents in Cycle One and 1,360 in Cycle Two reported moderately high levels of job satisfaction; they reported finding great meaning in their work. Yet, mean levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress were moderate, with the latter significantly increasing in Cycle Two. Reported vulnerability to grief was moderate but increased significantly during COVID. When available, supports lacked the quality necessary to respond to the complexities of HR workers’ experiences, or an insufficient number of sessions were covered through benefits. Respondents shared that their professional quality of life was affected more by policy failures and gaps in the healthcare system than it was by the demands of their jobs.ConclusionBoth the benefits and the strain of providing harm reduction services cannot be underestimated. For HR providers, these impacts are compounded by the drug toxicity emergency, making the service gaps experienced by them all the more critical to address. Implications highlight the need for integration of HR into the healthcare system, sustainable and reliable funding, sufficient counselling supports, and equitable staffing models. Support for this essential workforce is critical to ensuring the well-being of themselves, the individuals they serve, and the health of the broader healthcare system.

Pediatricians' Career Satisfaction and Wellbeing by Sex Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

To compare pediatrician career satisfaction and wellbeing by sex during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic with prepandemic years using longitudinal survey data. Data from a cohort study, the American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatrician Life and Career Experience Study, were used to examine career satisfaction and wellbeing from 2012 to 2021 among 2002-2004 and 2009-2011 residency graduates (n = 1760). Mixed effects logistic regression, including key pediatrician characteristics, examined career satisfaction and wellbeing measures for sex (female vs male), pandemic year (2012-2019 vs 2020-2021), and their interaction effect. Adjusted predicted percentage values (PVs) were determined. In total, 73.4% of participants identified as female. Adjusting for key pediatrician characteristics, differences were found by sex for satisfaction and 4 of 5 wellbeing measures, by pandemic year for 2 wellbeing measures, and the interaction of sex and pandemic year for 3 wellbeing measures. Female pediatricians reported higher levels of anxiety, sadness, and work stress, with greater differences during the pandemic. For example, female pediatricians (PV = 22.6, confidence interval [CI] = 21.0-24.3) were more likely than male pediatricians (PV = 14.2, CI = 12.0-16.4) to report anxiety during pre-pandemic years, and the difference between female pediatricians (PV = 29.3, CI = 26.7-32.0) and male pediatricians (PV = 12.4, CI = 9.3-15.5) increased during pandemic years (sex by pandemic year interaction, P < .001). Compared with male pediatricians, female pediatricians reported worse anxiety, sadness, and stress at work, and the differences were more pronounced during the pandemic.

The development and evaluation of a scale to assess job satisfaction in public universities with item response theory: a Brazilian study

PurposeThis study aimed to develop a psychometrically reliable job satisfaction (JS) measure for university employees, guiding administrative decisions and monitoring satisfaction over time in public universities.Design/methodology/approachA JS survey developed by a Brazilian federal university’s sustainability committee containing 58 items across physical, cognitive and organizational domains was longitudinally tested with 1,214 responses collected. The data were analyzed using Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis, employing the Graded Response Model, with tools such as frequency analysis, item characteristic curve, and full-information factor analysis in RStudio. The scale’s criterion validity was also established via expert qualitative interpretation.FindingsThe instrument’s internal consistency was confirmed as the results demonstrated its high reliability with a marginal reliability coefficient of 0.95. Significant findings revealed that recognition and supervisor relationships were key discriminators of JS and that workers began to perceive satisfaction when basic environmental conditions were met.Research limitations/implicationsIt is important to mention that the application of this scale is specifically limited to higher education institutions and may not be directly applicable to other educational settings or industry sectors without modifications.Originality/valueAlthough numerous measures and scales have been developed to assess JS, one elaborated by using IRT in a public university environment was lacking. Due to shifting dynamics in the workplace, traditional measurement of JS has proven inadequate, necessitating a more precise, accessible and updated tool. The developed scale allows precisely targeted interventions to improve JS and can be reapplied to evaluate their effectiveness. This research thus contributes a valuable tool for academic organizational psychology, enhancing the understanding of the measurement of JS.

The role of conflict and opportunism on the duality of satisfaction in B2B sales relationships

PurposeThis study aims to explore the direct and indirect effects of sales opportunism and sales conflict as well as of non-economic and economic satisfaction in business-to-business (B2B) sales relationships. This understanding offers B2B buyers enhanced knowledge of sales business expectations towards sustainable business relationships in the future.Design/methodology/approachThrough self-administered questionnaires, data were obtained from 237 sales or marketing managers/directors of small- and medium-sized companies across industries in Spain, who were randomly contacted via LinkedIn. The multivariate analysis of measurement and structural models was based on IBM SPSS Amos 27.FindingsThe study confirms that sales opportunism positively affects sales conflict. Moreover, sales opportunism is negatively associated with non-economic sales satisfaction, whereas non-economic sales satisfaction is positively associated with economic sales satisfaction. Consequently, if all associates are pleased with the relationship and the gains it can provide, a long-standing orientation can be achieved.Research limitations/implicationsThe study expands existing theory on seller–buyer relationships in a B2B context. It contextualises direct and indirect relationships between two antecedents (sales opportunism and sales conflict) and two postcedents (economic sales satisfaction and non-economic sales satisfaction) in sales business–buyer settings.Practical implicationsThe study guides buyers in B2B relationships towards an improved understanding of how sales businesses perceive opportunism and conflict (as negative precursors) to impact non-economic satisfaction and how it can influence economic satisfaction.Originality/valueMost studies explore B2B relationship building from the perspective of the buyer, thereby creating a shortfall in developing an understanding of all partner expectations in B2B relational intent. Moreover, the measurement of satisfaction as a multidimensional construct secured the integration of non-economic satisfaction and economic satisfaction within a single model allowing the constructs measured in this study to be holistically assessed.

Looking Across the Drape: A Novel Quality Improvement Approach to Understanding Surgeon and Anesthesiologist Burnout.

To identify well-being threats for surgeons and anesthesiologists and develop interventions using the quality of life improvement (QOLI) approach. Developing feasible perioperative well-being interventions requires identifying shared and specialty-specific well-being needs. The QOLI framework integrates human-centered design, implementation science, and quality improvement to address well-being needs. Anesthesia and surgery faculty in 8 perioperative departments at an academic medical center completed cross-sectional surveys containing validated measures of well-being and workplace satisfaction, and open-ended questions about professional motivations, pain points, strategies for improvement, and well-being priorities. Using template analysis, we analyzed open-ended survey data and presented resulting themes at a joint-specialty town hall for live voting to identify well-being priorities. One hundred four perioperative faculty completed the survey. Across specialties, higher Mental Health Continuum-Short Form scores (representative of individual global well-being) were associated with higher satisfaction with workplace control, values, decision latitude, and social support. Anesthesiologists reported lower satisfaction and control than surgeons across multiple domains. Template analysis yielded 5 areas for intervention: (1) work culture, (2) work environment/resources, (3) sources of fulfillment, (4) work/life harmony, and (5) financial compensation. Surgeons and anesthesiologists both prioritized high-quality patient care but differed in their other top priorities. The most frequently cited well-being threats for surgeons were operating room inefficiencies/delays and excessive workload, whereas anesthesiologists cited understaffing and unpredictable work hours. Surgeons and anesthesiologists share many needs and priorities, with pain points that are often negatively synergistic. Applying the QOLI approach across specialties allows for well-being interventions that honor complexity and promote the development of feasible solutions.

Effectiveness of IT-supported patient recruitment: study protocol for an interrupted time series study at ten German university hospitals

BackgroundAs part of the German Medical Informatics Initiative, the MIRACUM project establishes data integration centers across ten German university hospitals. The embedded MIRACUM Use Case “Alerting in Care - IT Support for Patient Recruitment”, aims to support the recruitment into clinical trials by automatically querying the repositories for patients satisfying eligibility criteria and presenting them as screening candidates. The objective of this study is to investigate whether the developed recruitment tool has a positive effect on study recruitment within a multi-center environment by increasing the number of participants. Its secondary objective is the measurement of organizational burden and user satisfaction of the provided IT solution.MethodsThe study uses an Interrupted Time Series Design with a duration of 15 months. All trials start in the control phase of randomized length with regular recruitment and change to the intervention phase with additional IT support. The intervention consists of the application of a recruitment-support system which uses patient data collected in general care for screening according to specific criteria. The inclusion and exclusion criteria of all selected trials are translated into a machine-readable format using the OHDSI ATLAS tool. All patient data from the data integration centers is regularly checked against these criteria. The primary outcome is the number of participants recruited per trial and week standardized by the targeted number of participants per week and the expected recruitment duration of the specific trial. Secondary outcomes are usability, usefulness, and efficacy of the recruitment support. Sample size calculation based on simple parallel group assumption can demonstrate an effect size of d=0.57 on a significance level of 5% and a power of 80% with a total number of 100 trials (10 per site). Data describing the included trials and the recruitment process is collected at each site. The primary analysis will be conducted using linear mixed models with the actual recruitment number per week and trial standardized by the expected recruitment number per week and trial as the dependent variable.DiscussionThe application of an IT-supported recruitment solution developed in the MIRACUM consortium leads to an increased number of recruited participants in studies at German university hospitals. It supports employees engaged in the recruitment of trial participants and is easy to integrate in their daily work.

Development and validation of a questionnaire to assess owner and canine quality-of-life and treatment satisfaction in canine allergic dermatitis.

Animal and owner quality-of-life (QoL) is pivotal in treatment decisions. Accurate measurement of owner-reported QoL and treatment satisfaction (TS) supports disease burden and treatment benefit evaluation. Develop and evaluate an owner-completed canine dermatitis QoL and TS questionnaire (CDQoL-TSQ) in allergic dogs. The CDQoL-TSQ was drafted following review of existing measures and expert input. Content validity was assessed through interviews with owners of allergic dogs. Psychometric properties of the QoL domains (Canine QoL, Owner QoL) were evaluated. Score interpretation was derived. Twenty dog owners were interviewed. Item wording was amended following the first 10 interviews. Data from 211 owners were used in the psychometric evaluation. The Canine QoL domain demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.89), test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.844), moderate convergent validity (r = 0.41) and moderate-high known-groups validity (effect size 0.37-0.64). The Owner QoL domain demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.73), high convergent validity (r = 0.63) and moderate-high known-groups validity (0.43-0.63). Test-retest reliability approached moderate strength (ICC2,1 = 0.490). Group-level interpretation analysis showed minimal important difference of 7.0-13.6 points for dogs and 13.0-13.6 for owners. For individual dogs a change of 6.3 or 12.5 points for dogs, and 12.5 or 18.8 for owners indicates a response. The CDQOL-TSQ is a two-part assessment to evaluate QoL and TS in canine allergic dermatitis. The QoL questionnaire demonstrated validity and reliability, and interpretation of scores was derived, making it suitable for use in research and practice. The TS module is suitable for clinical setting use to improve owner-veterinarian communication.

Integrative medicine for hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS): a feasibility study

Purpose Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are multisystem conditions marked by dysfunctional connective tissue. This feasibility study evaluated a 9-week integrative medicine program in this population. Methods Using a single-arm study design, adults with HSD or EDS were given recommendations for an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet and self-management with additional behavioral and psychosocial support. Preliminary data on feasibility based on recruitment and retention, adherence to the diet, mobile app tracking, changes to perceived well-being via health outcomes, and satisfaction with care were obtained. Results Thirteen participants were enrolled within a 4-month timeframe. Eight participants completed the study. Three participants met dietary tracking requirement in at least 4 of 8 intervention weeks and met the macronutrient requirements in at least half of the weeks tracked. No decreases in VAS pain scores after 5 and 9 weeks were noted; however, 62.5% (n = 5) of participants had decreased pain at 9 weeks, compared to baseline. There were significant improvements (p<.05) in six of twelve measurements of satisfaction with care at the end of the intervention. Conclusion This study provides a foundation for future research on patient experience and introduces a novel treatment paradigm focused on nutrition and self-management. Trial Registration: National Institutes of Health clinicaltrials.gov; identifier: NCT04734041. Implications for rehabilitation Lifestyle and dietary interventions are relatively safe and well tolerated in the hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos disorder (EDS) population. Participants in our 9-week integrative medicine program actively engaged in self-management of their condition and showed promising adherence to dietary and tracking requirements. Effective treatment of the intricacies and dynamics of these highly variable and clinically heterogeneous disorders may require a network of healthcare providers, integrative healthcare, as well as behavioral and psychosocial support. Dietary tracking through mobile apps might help promote self-efficacy and adherence to dietary changes. Symptom tracking might be an effective way for patients to track changes to their health and could provide valuable information for health professionals engaged in managing the disorders.

A278 ACCEPTABILITY, FEASIBILITY, AND IMPACT OF THE MYGUT DIGITAL HEALTH PLATFORM IN THE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that has been associated with depression, anxiety, and decreased quality of life. With new technological advancements, digital health monitoring platforms offer a promising avenue to integrate self-management strategies into the care of patients with IBD. Aims This study aimed to investigate patients’ acceptability to implementing the MyGut IBD health monitoring platform into their care, evaluate whether its use leads to better quality of life/improved health outcomes, and determine the feasibility of its long-term use. Methods We conducted a multi-centre, single-arm trial at McMaster University and McGill University, among their affiliated hospitals, from September 2020 to September 2023. Patients with IBD were recruited in gastroenterology clinics and asked to install the MyGut application onto their mobile devices. Various metrics such as willingness to use the application, patient satisfaction, symptom control/quality of life scores (measured through the short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (SIBDQ)), resource utilization, and feasibility statements were collected throughout the study. Patients exhibiting abnormal SIBDQ scores were identified for follow-up. After one year, patient outcome metrics were compared to baseline values. Results Out of the 84 patients initially enrolled, 58 patients (69%) continued until study completion at one-year. At recruitment, all 84 patients (100%) were willing to use the MyGut application after a brief tutorial and 72.6% (61/84) had already been using technology for health-related purposes. There was a significant improvement in SIBDQ scores after one year of MyGut use (median = 57.5, IQR 50.25–62) when compared to baseline (median = 54.5, IQR 47.25–58.75) (p = 0.01). However, only 42.9% of patients (21/49) were willing to continue using the application after one year, a significant decrease compared to the 71.9% (41/57) who were willing to continue after two months (p = 0.002). No differences were observed in patient satisfaction measures (p = 0.42 to 1) or number of ER visits/hospitalizations (p = 0.78) before and after one year of MyGut use. Conclusions Overall, IBD is a condition that often necessitates frequent medical follow-up and may benefit from proactive symptom management strategies. This study demonstrates that patients with IBD are very willing to integrate digital health monitoring platforms into their care and these may subsequently lead to improved symptom control and enhanced quality of life. Future studies should aim to investigate the subset of patients that would benefit most from these health interventions, and as illustrated, continued efforts must be made to optimize the acceptability/feasibility of its long-term use. Funding Agencies CCC

Validity and Reliability Study of the Indonesian Student Satisfaction with Cultural Simulation Experiences Scale (SCSES) among Nursing Students

Virtual Reality is a technology that can simulate a virtual environment like a real one and make it seem like if users can interact in it. The development of learning to use Virtual Reality has begun to be used as a medium for learning skills to increase students' clinical knowledge and reasoning in nursing practice, so that students can show reasonable learning satisfaction in the learning process. Student satisfaction is needed to determine the effectiveness of using VR in nursing practice. Satisfaction with using virtual reality for student learning experiences can be evaluated using the SCSES (Student Satisfaction with Cultural Simulation Experience Scale), but there is no Indonesian language version for this instrument. This study aimed to translate and adapt the SCSES (Student Satisfaction with Cultural Simulation Experience Scale) instrument in the Indonesia context for nursing students. Methods: The SCSES translation uses the cross-sectional method and in the translation process refers to the five stages of international standard guidelines for translation. Results: The reliability and validity test of the SCSES instrument was tested on 92 Padjadjaran University nursing students. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was carried out to measure construct validity. It was found that all items of the Indonesian version of the SCSES instrument were declared valid with the value of all factor loading items &gt; 0.50 and the Cronbach's α test was performed to measure the consistency of measurements (α = 0.964). Conclusions: The Indonesian version of SCSES has good item validity and reliability as a measure of satisfaction in cultural simulation experiences. .

Daily Dynamics of Awareness of Aging and Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration in Middle and Older Adulthood.

This daily diary study examined associations between awareness of age-related change (AARC) and satisfaction/frustration of basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in a sample of midlife and older adults. We expected that greater satisfaction and lower frustration of needs would be associated with higher AARC-gains and lower AARC-losses. We also examined whether within-person associations of need satisfaction/frustration with AARC were moderated by age. Participants (N = 152; aged 53+) completed measures of AARC and basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration on their smartphones for 10 consecutive days. Data were analyzed using multilevel models, with time-varying basic need satisfaction/frustration variables disaggregated into between-person and within-person components. On days participants reported higher than usual overall satisfaction of needs, and lower than usual frustration of needs, AARC-gains was higher, and AARC-losses was lower. Analysis of individual needs showed that autonomy and competence were more consistently related to higher AARC-gains and lower AARC-losses than relatedness. Within-person autonomy satisfaction was more strongly (negatively) associated with AARC-losses at older ages. Findings suggest that daily experiences related to satisfaction and frustration of goals related to autonomy and competence in particular may be proximal antecedents of short-term variation in AARC.

Job satisfaction in terms of leadership practices for workers in the directorates of sports and school activities in Baghdad

The researcher dealt with job satisfaction among leaders working in the directorates of sports and school activity in Baghdad schools by using the job satisfaction measure compared to the practices they perform during career work. 1. The most important physical and skill determinants as an indicator for selecting junior football players in Baghdad. 2. Establishing standards and setting standards for basic football skills for young players in Baghdad. Conclusions and recommendations: - This chapter includes a set of conclusions reached by the researcher, the most prominent of which are: Extracting four skill factors and the second factor was neglected for not meeting the conditions for accepting the worker The skill factors extracted are: The first factor: the roll factor and the accuracy of scoring. The third factor: the rolling factor. The fourth factor: handling factor. 2- The skill determinants learned can be used in selecting the emerging football players. As for the most important recommendations, they were: The necessity to use the standard skill scores that were obtained for selection, follow-up and evaluation to stand on the real level of players for this category.

Associations among posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, life satisfaction, and well-being comparisons: A longitudinal investigation.

Many individuals who encounter potentially traumatic events go on to develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research suggests that survivors of traumatic events frequently compare their current well-being to different standards; yet, knowledge regarding the role of comparative thinking in well-being is limited to a few cross-sectional studies. We therefore examined the temporal associations among aversive well-being comparisons (i.e., comparisons threatening self-motives), PTSD symptoms, and life satisfaction in individuals exposed to traumatic events. Participants (N = 518) with a trauma history completed measures of PTSD symptoms and life satisfaction, as well as the Comparison Standards Scale for Well-being (CSS-W), at assessment points 3 months apart. The CSS-W assesses the frequency, perceived discrepancy, and affective impact of aversive social, temporal, counterfactual, and criteria-based comparisons related to well-being. All participants reported having engaged in aversive well-being comparisons during the last 3 weeks. Comparison frequency emerged as a significant predictor of PTSD symptoms, β = .24, beyond baseline PTSD symptom severity. Life satisfaction contributed unique variance to the comparison process by predicting comparison frequency, β = -.18; discrepancy, β = -.24; and affective impact, β = .20. The findings suggest that frequent aversive comparisons may lead to a persistent focus on negative aspects of well-being, thereby exacerbating PTSD symptoms, and further indicate that comparison frequency, discrepancy, and affective impact are significantly influenced by life satisfaction. Taken together, the findings support the need for a thorough examination of the role of comparative thinking in clinical populations, which may ultimately help improve clinical care.

An Exploratory Study of a Brief Measure of Job Satisfaction in Pennsylvania School Psychologists

AbstractIn this exploratory study, we adapted items from a previously developed measure of job satisfaction, the Measure of Job Satisfaction (MJS), an instrument first developed for use with community nurses in the UK, to create a brief, 15-item instrument (Job Satisfaction—Brief) applicable to practitioners of school psychology from Pennsylvania (N = 94). In order to examine the underlying factor structures of the items adapted from the Measure of Job Satisfaction (MJS) instrument, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied in the JAMOVI Version 2.3.19.0 with maximum likelihood estimation to be implemented for the ordered categorical scale. Two factors were extracted from the data: Factor One: Satisfaction with Intrapersonal Development and Clinical Accomplishment and Factor Two: Satisfaction with Advancement, Financial Compensation, and Rank. The uses for the measure and recommended future directions are discussed.

Socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent mental health in the Nordic countries in the 2000s - A study using cross-sectional data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study

BackgroundAdolescents in Sweden experience more mental health problems and lower mental well-being than adolescents in other Nordic countries. According to the literature, one possible explanation may be differences in income inequality. The at-risk-of-poverty rate varies significantly across the Nordic countries, and the highest rate is found in Sweden. The aims of the study were to examine socioeconomic inequalities in subjective health complaints and life satisfaction among adolescents in the Nordic countries during 2002 − 2018 and to explore whether subjective health complaints and life satisfaction were related to income inequality in terms of the at-risk-of-poverty rate at the country level.MethodsData regarding 15-year-olds from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study from five survey rounds (2002 − 2018) were used (n = 41,148). The HBSC Symptoms Checklist and Cantril’s ladder were used as measures of subjective health complaints and life satisfaction, respectively. The Family Affluence Scale, the Perceived Family Wealth item and the at-risk-of-poverty rate in each country were used as measures of individual-level socioeconomic conditions and country-level income inequality. Statistical methods involved ANOVA, multiple linear regressions and multilevel regression analyses.ResultsAbsolute and relative socioeconomic inequalities in both subjective health complaints and life satisfaction were found in all countries. Sweden showed average socioeconomic inequalities, Iceland the largest and Denmark the smallest. Country-level income inequality in terms of the at-risk-of-poverty rate was associated with a higher prevalence of subjective health complaints and lower levels of life satisfaction in all countries.ConclusionSocioeconomic inequalities in adolescent mental health and well-being persisted in Nordic countries in the 2000s. Increasing income inequality may have contributed to higher levels of SHC and lower LS in Sweden compared to the other Nordic countries. Policies improving families’ socioeconomic conditions and reducing income inequality at the country level are needed to improve and reduce inequalities in mental health and well-being among adolescents.

Associations Between Negative Body Image and Sexual Health Practices in Emerging Adults from Malaysia

Past findings on the association between negative body image and sexual health behaviors have been mixed and mostly derived from Western samples. The aim of the current study was to examine associations between indices of negative body image and sexual health practices that reduce the risk of disease transmission in emerging adults, and whether these associations are moderated by gender. Using an online survey, a convenience sample of 584 Malaysian adults aged 18–30 years (230 men, 354 women) completed measures of satisfaction with overall appearance, body size dissatisfaction, weight satisfaction, height satisfaction, and genital image evaluation. They also reported if they ever had partnered sex, condomless sex, and been screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as their lifetime number of penetrative sex partners. Hierarchical logistic and ordinal regression analyses indicated that more positive genital image evaluation, but not the other body image indices, was significantly associated with having had partnered sex and fewer lifetime penetrative sex partners. None of the body image indices were significantly associated with condomless sex. All associations were consistent across men and women. For HIV testing, a significant interaction between genital image evaluation and gender emerged. However, this was reduced to non-significance after controlling for the number of penetrative sex partners. Overall, our findings underline the importance of promoting improved genital image in interventions aimed at increasing positive sexual health behaviors.