Self-esteem Subscales Research Articles

Structural validity of the Rosenberg self-esteem scale in patients with schizophrenia in Indonesia.

The Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) is a commonly employed instrument for measuring self-esteem in the general population and those with mental illness. However, confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) to determine the structural validity of the RSES for schizophrenia patients in Indonesia are limited. We examined the structural validity of the RSES as a measurement for patients with schizophrenia in Indonesia through confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), as well as assessing internal consistency and reliability. The sample comprised 260 participants. Over two weeks, 30 subjects were added to investigate test-retest reliability. The structural validity analyzed was based on a CFA to determine the model fit. We used internal consistency (Ordinal alpha) to evaluate the reliability evidence. Four different models were analyzed in this study. Considering the single-factor model (Model 1a), the overall fit criteria were inadequate. However, after some modification indices, all fit criteria were significantly adequate (Model 1b). The adequacy of all fit standards remained satisfactory when the two-factor model (Model 2) and hierarchical model (Model 3) were applied. The RSES had an ordinal alpha coefficient of 0.75. While 0.89 and 0.88 for the positive and negative self-esteem subscale, respectively. Test-retest reliability yielded adequate results with an interclass correlation score ranging from 0.87 to 0.93. The current investigation provided evidence supporting the structural validity, internal consistency, and reliability of the RSES, indicating that the RSES can be considered a valid and reliable measurement. A two-factor model of RSES was an appropriate model to measure self-esteem in our study. This finding suggests that the use of the RSES is beneficial and applicable in assessing levels of self-esteem in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia in Indonesia.

Adolescents on Instagram

For today’s adolescents it is hard to imagine a life without social media although it remains questionable how they affect the users’ subjective well-being. In order to better understand this impact, we examined the relationship of active and passive Instagram use with general self-esteem and explored whether benign and malicious envy and need for relatedness function as mediators of these relationships. Six hundred eleven high school students (76.9% female; age: M = 16.20, SD = 1.12) from the City of Zagreb participated in the online survey. The participants filled an item regarding their frequency of active Instagram use, the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale, the Need for Relatedness subscale (a part of the Basic Psychological Needs Scale) and the General Self-esteem subscale (a part of the Marsh’s Self-Description Questionnaire II). The results indicate the absence of a significant relationship between active Instagram use and general self-esteem. Neither benign nor malicious envy function as mediators of this relationship. However, the need for relatedness mediates the relationship between active Instagram use and general self-esteem: adolescents who engage more frequently in active Instagram use tend to have higher levels of need for relatedness satisfaction, which in turn relates to their higher levels of general self-esteem. The obtained results indicate that, contrary to the public perception, social media can have a positive impact in the life of adolescents, but when making such claims, it is crucial to consider the type of activities behind their usage.

(O-29) QUALITY OF LIFE AND SELF-ESTEEM IN SPANISH MEN WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Abstract Introduction Sexuality is an important aspect for men, so suffering from pathologies such as erectile dysfunction (ED) can affect different areas of their lives beyond sexual health. Aim To evaluate the degree of affectation and the factors associated with the self-esteem and quality of life of men with ED. Methods and patients Men over 18 years old with ED treated in different cities in Spain participated. The general quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, WHOQOL-BREF), quality of sexual life (Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire-SLQQ), and the degree of self-esteem (Self-Esteem and Relationship-SEAR) were evaluated, and identified factors associated with these constructs. How ED affects areas and quality of life was qualitatively explored with semi-structured interviews. Results 356 men participated in the quantitative phase and 21 in the qualitative phase. The average age was 58.2 years old (SD 12.2), 13.2% lived in Madrid, 55.6% worked, 59% lived with their partner, 98% were heterosexual, and 72.2% presented comorbidities related to ED. The mean IIEF was 11.4 (SD 6.6) and the mean time with ED was 5.9 years. In 17.4% the general quality of life was very bad or regular and in 55.3% quite good or very good, with no association found between this value and the quality of the erection or the degree of ED. The average score for the SLQQ questionnaire was 48.7 (SD 1.4) and for the SEAR questionnaire was 36.4 (SD 17.76), with an average score of 37.9 (SD 18.5) on the self-esteem subscale. Time with ED and frequency of sexual relations was associated with low self-esteem and confidence, and the severity of ED was associated with a low score in the social relationships domain (p<0.05). In the qualitative evaluation, few patients considered that ED affects other areas of their lives in addition to their sexual health. Conclusions ED can negatively affect the quality of sexual life and self-esteem in Spanish men, but other areas of their lives are not affected. Financing Boston Medical Group.

I’m sexy and I know it: Exploring the moderating role of sexual motivations in the relationship between sexual self-esteem and sexual functioning in Israeli adults

ABSTRACT This study investigated the relationship between sexual self-esteem and sexual functioning while exploring the moderating role of sexual motives, thereby contributing to a deeper comprehension of factors that affect sexual well-being. The study used a convenience sample of 781 Israeli adults with a mean age of 31.2. Participants completed the sexual self-esteem subscale of the Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (for women), International Index of Erectile Function (for men), and Sexual Motives Scale, which assesses motives of self-enhancement, intimacy, self-affirmation, coping, partner approval, and peer pressure. A moderation model examined the role of these sexual motives in the association between sexual self-esteem and sexual functioning. The analysis indicated that higher sexual self-esteem and motivation for intimacy and enhancement were associated with better sexual functioning. The study also revealed that participants’ motivation for partner approval and peer pressure moderated the association between sexual self-esteem and sexual functioning. Participants with low motivation for partner approval showed an association between higher sexual self-esteem and greater sexual function, while participants with high motivation for partner approval did not show this association. For peer pressure, the association between higher sexual self-esteem and greater sexual function was strongest for participants who experienced high peer pressure as a sexual motive. Higher sexual self-esteem was associated with better sexual functioning, regardless of peer pressure level, but the association was stronger for participants experiencing high peer pressure. The study results shed light on the connection between sexual self-esteem, sexual motivations, and sexual functioning. Clinically, interventions for addressing sexual functioning should consider both self-esteem and sexual motivations.

The Chinese Internalized Binegativity Scale: Measure development and cultural adaptation.

This article presents the development and psychometric evaluation of the Chinese Internalized Binegativity Scale (CIBS), the first Chinese-language measure available to examine internalized binegativity (IB) for bisexual people living in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. This measure is based on the translation and cultural adaptation (Sidani et al., 2010) of items from the (English language and U.S. developed) Bisexual Identity Inventory (Paul et al., 2014), as well as the development of novel items based on the prior literature and interviews with six bisexual experts and six bisexual laypersons who reside in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Preliminary items were administered to 685 bisexual participants living in these three Chinese cultural regions. Exploratory factor analysis with a random subsample (n = 343) yielded a psychometrically robust measurement model consisting of six factors: illegitimacy, monosexism, aversion, irresponsibility, family shame, and identity affirmation, with internal consistency reliability estimates ranging from .76 to .91. This multidimensional factor structure was substantiated by confirmatory factor analysis with the second subsample (n = 342). Furthermore, the CIBS demonstrated satisfactory convergent validity through statistically significant correlations in theoretically predicted directions with the Chinese Internalized Homophobia Scale and Private Collective Self-Esteem subscale. Bifactor modeling was conducted to examine the utility of the scale scores for subsequent use. Higher levels of IB measured by the CIBS were associated with more depressive symptoms, more anxiety, lower levels of coming out to others, lower self-esteem, and lower global life satisfaction. Research implications and limitations are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

FEAR OF FAILURE AND SELF-ESTEEM AS PREDICTORS OF ACADEMIC PROCRASTINATION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

In this study, the researcher investigated the role of fear of failure and different aspects of self-esteem (positivity, openness, competence, humility, self-worth, and learning orientation) in relation to academic procrastination. The primary data was collected from a sample of 200 students (96 males and 104 females) from St. Johns College, Agra. The students were selected using random cluster multistage sampling, and their age ranged from 17 to 25 years. The study utilized three scales for data collection: the Academic Procrastination Scale by Gupta and Bashir (2018), the Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory by Conroy (2003), and the Self-Esteem Scale by Dhar and Dhar (2015). The collected data was then analyzed using t-tests, Pearson correlations, and linear regression in SPSS-22. The results of the t-tests indicated significant differences between male and female students in terms of academic procrastination, self-worth, and fear of failure. Male students scored higher than female students in academic procrastination, while female students scored higher in fear of failure and self-worth compared to male students. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between fear of failure and academic procrastination, and a negative association between the different subscales of self-esteem and academic procrastination. Furthermore, the linear regression analyses indicated that fear of failure and self-worth were predictors of academic procrastination among college students. In summary, this study explored the relationship between fear of failure, self-esteem, and academic procrastination. The findings suggest that fear of failure and low self-worth are associated with higher levels of academic procrastination among college students. KEYWORDS: Fear of Failure, Self-Esteem, Academic Procrastination.

Bibliotherapy by medical librarians for the blind females

This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of group bibliotherapy on the self-esteem of blind females. Thirty blind females agreed to participate in the study. They were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Data were collected through the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. A medical librarian performed an eight-session bibliotherapy intervention in collaboration with a psychological counsellor for the experimental group. After the intervention, the experimental group’s self-esteem scores were higher than the control group’s ( p < 0.05). The mean self-esteem scores in the experimental group after the intervention increased significantly ( p < 0.05). The highest percentage increase is related to the family and educational/professional self-esteem subscales. Using bibliotherapy by a team of medical librarians and psychologists to improve the psychological problems of the blind and other people with disabilities is recommended.

Comparing Happiness Between Infertile Women and Wives of Infertile Men

Background: Infertility and its treatment, as one of the most difficult experiences in life, affects the mental health and happiness of couples, especially women. This study compared the happiness of infertile women and the wives of infertile men. Methods: This research was a comparative cross-sectional study. The study sample included 142 women (71 infertile women and 71 wives of infertile men) referring to the infertility clinic of Akbarabadi Hospital in Tehran, Iran, selected by consecutive sampling from February to August 2020. Demographic information and the Oxford happiness inventory (OHI) were used to collect the data. The data analysis was performed in SPSS software, version 16 using the Fisher exact-test, Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and independent t-test. A P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The study showed that infertile women are happier than the wives of infertile men (P=0.006). Also, the subscales of life satisfaction (P=0.016), efficacy (P=0.025), cheerfulness (P=0.001), and self-esteem (P=0.017) were higher in infertile women than in the other group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the subscales of sociability and wellbeing. Conclusion: According to the findings, spouses of infertile men may experience lower happiness levels than infertile women. In addition to paying more attention to the psychological condition of infertile men’s wives, more detailed studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm the results. Also, qualitative studies are recommended to clarify all dimensions of happiness of infertile couples.

Evaluation of depression, anxiety symptoms, emotion regulation difficulties, and self-esteem in children and adolescents with obesity

ObjectivePediatric obesity negatively affects many areas of mental health, especially anxiety and depression. This study aimed to investigate the effects of obesity on anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and emotion regulation in children and adolescents. MethodsOur study included 50 children and adolescents aged 11–17 years with a diagnosis of obesity and 48 control participants. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Piers–Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale 1 (PHCSCS) were administered to all participants. ResultsA significant difference was found between the groups (p < 0.05) in the analysis of the PHCSCS and RCADS total score; the GAD, PD, SOC, and MDD subscale scores; the DERS total score; the Clarity, Impulse, Strategies, Goals subscale scores; and the RSE Self-Esteem subscale. A significant correlation was found between the PHCSCS, RCADS, DERS, and RSE total scores and some subscale scores (p < 0.05). ConclusionOn the basis of the results, it was determined that children and adolescents with obesity had high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, they had lower self-esteem, and had more difficulties in emotion regulation. Furthermore, those with anxiety and depression symptoms had lower self-esteem, and the children who had problems in emotion regulation also had lower self-esteem. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and difficulties in emotion regulation can negatively affect obesity treatment. Therefore, screening and treatment of these conditions are of great importance.

Physical Self-concept in Mexican Adolescent men and women

The purpose of the present study was to compare the profiles of physical self-concept between men and women primary and secondary Mexican school students. A total sample of 1146 participants, 550 women and 596 men, aged 11-16 years participated in this study. A quantitative approach with a descriptive and transversal survey design was used. All the participants completed the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire. The results of the one-way multivariate analysis of variance, followed by the one-way univariate analyses of variance, showed that compared with the women, the men obtained higher scores on the subscales health, coordination, activity, sports competence, strength, flexibility, endurance and global physical self-concept. However, in the body fat, appearance and global self-esteem subscales statistically significant differences were not found. Because of the differences between men and women in their perception of physical self-concept found, these findings suggest that in order to design any intervention for improving the perceived physical self-concept of the students, the variable sex should be taken into account. Keywords: physical self-concept, student´s beliefs; sex differences; self-perception, adolescents.

Relationship between Communication Skills, Mental Health and Self-esteem among Nursing Students at a Medical Sciences University in Hamadan, Iran

Communication is considered to be one of the central concepts in nursing and a prominent part of practising this profession. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between communication skills, mental health and self-esteem among nursing students at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in Hamadan, Iran. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2018 on 320 undergraduate nursing students who were selected using a stratified random sampling method. The data was gathered using three self-administered questionnaires, namely, the Queendom Communication Skills Test, the Goldberg Mental Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. The data was analysed using R.V4.0.2. Using the elastic net method, mental health, self-esteem and age were shown to be associated with communication skills over 1 000 repetitions of the model. Communication skills were significantly associated with the three subscales of mental health (p &lt; 0.001), self-esteem (p &lt; 0.01), and age (p &lt; 0.05). Regarding the significant relationship between communication skills, mental health and self-esteem of nursing students, it is recommended to organise self-esteem building and focus on mental health promotion to promote communication skills among nursing students.

Music preference, social identity, and collective self-esteem

Previous research suggests there may be links between people’s self-esteem and their musical preferences, although this evidence is inconsistent and inconclusive. The present study aimed to reexamine these links using measures of collective self-esteem, while also taking into account factors that are likely to moderate these links (i.e., age, gender, and personality). One hundred thirty-nine young adults completed an online questionnaire assessing their musical preferences, collective self-esteem, and personality. Participants’ musical preferences were found to be linked to their self-reported collective self-esteem. When controlling for the effects of age, gender, and personality, scores on the private collective self-esteem subscale were found to positively predict preference for “intense and rebellious” music (i.e., hard rock, heavy metal, punk). Scores on the importance to identity subscale, however, were found to negatively predict participants’ preference for “reflective and complex” music (e.g., blues, classical music, folk). These findings suggest that collective self-esteem might play a role in how our musical preferences develop and offer further evidence for the idea that our music preferences are somehow linked to our sense of identity.

Caregiver-oncologist prognostic concordance, caregiving esteem, and caregiver outcomes

IntroductionCaregiver-oncologist concordance regarding the patient's prognosis is associated with worse caregiver outcomes (e.g., depressive symptoms), but mechanisms underpinning these associations are unclear. We explored whether caregiving esteem mediates these associations. MethodsAt enrollment, caregivers and oncologists used a 5-point ordinal scale to estimate patient survival; identical responses were considered concordant. At 4–6 weeks, caregivers completed an assessment of the extent to which caregiving imparts self-esteem (Caregiver Reaction Assessment self-esteem subscale; range 0–5; higher score indicates greater esteem). They also completed Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) for depressive symptoms, Distress Thermometer, and 12-Item Short Form Survey for quality of life (QoL). Mediation analysis with bootstrapping (PROCESS macro by Hayes) was used to estimate the extent to which caregiving mediated the effects of prognostic concordance on caregiver outcomes through caregiving esteem. ResultsPrognostic concordance occurred in 28% the caregiver-oncologist dyads; 85% of the discordance were due to caregivers estimating a longer patient's survival. At 4–6 weeks, mean caregiving esteem score was 4.4 (range 1.5–5.0). Lower caregiving esteem mediated the associations of concordance with higher PHQ-2 [indirect effect = 0.12; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.03, 0.27], greater distress (indirect effect =0.25; 95% CI 0.08, 0.48), and poorer QoL (indirect effect = −1.50; 95% CI −3.06, −0.41). Caregiving esteem partially mediated 39%, 64%, and 48% of the associations between caregiver-oncologist concordance and PHQ-2, distress, and SF-12, respectively. ConclusionsCaregiver-oncologist concordance was associated with lower caregiving esteem. Lower caregiving esteem mediated the negative relationship between caregiver-oncologist concordance and caregiver outcomes.

Acceptability and Preliminary Results of Technology-Assisted Balance Training in Parkinson's Disease.

(1) Background: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is one of the most common causes of disability among older individuals. The advanced stages of PD are usually characterized by postural instability and, as a consequence, falls. Those are among the main factors that determine the quality of life, as well as the morbidity and mortality of a person with PD. In the field of PD rehabilitation, robotics is also rapidly gaining ground. As a primary aim, we evaluate the acceptability of the technology integrated intervention, using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS), in order to analyze the attitude of the participants towards the Tymo® system. As a secondary outcome, we assess the result of the rehabilitation treatment integrated with the Tymo® system on several patient’s features. (2) Methods: We studied a population of 16 patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Each recruited subject completed 10 treatment sessions, organized as two training sessions per week, for 5 weeks. The intervention included 30 min of traditional therapy and 20 min of technological treatment with a robotic system. PIADS is composed of three subscales (Competence subscale, Adaptability subscale, Self-esteem subscale) ranging from −3 to +3, reflecting, respectively, a negative or positive feeling towards the device. (3) Results: The Competence subscale, measuring feelings of competence and usefulness, obtained a score of 1.24 (SD = 0.78). The score of Adaptability subscale, indicating a willingness to try out new things and to take risks, was 1.83 (SD = 0.65). Finally, the Self-esteem subscale, indicating feelings of emotional health and happiness, reached a score of 1.31 (SD = 0.72). Moreover, statistical analysis reveals a significant effect on balance performance after intervention. (4) Conclusions: This feasibility study represents a starting point in the use of technology in the rehabilitation pathway of patients affected by Parkinson’s Disease. In fact, our results suggest that a standard therapy combined with an innovative treatment using Tymo® may be accepted by PD patients, which may benefit especially from preserving balance.

Prenatal Psychosocial Profile: Validity and Reliability Study to Its Use in Turkey

Objective: This study was planned to test the statistical properties of the prenatal psychosocial profile assessment tool in Turkish sample and to examine its validity and reliability on healthy pregnant women.&#x0D; Methods: This reliability and validity study was conducted in the gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic of a training and research hospital with 440 healthy pregnant women between March and June 2017.&#x0D; Results: In the analysis performed for internal consistency in the Prenatal Psychosocial Profile (PPP) reliability study, Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was found to be μ=.75 for the stress subscale, μ = .94 for the social support-partner subscale, μ = .96 for the social support-other people subscale, and μ= .80 for the self-esteem subscale. In the construct validity of the PPP-stress subscale, loads of all items except one item were found to be sufficient, and in the social support-partner, social support-other people, and self-esteem subscales, loads of all items were found to be sufficient.&#x0D; Conclusion: The Prenatal Psychosocial Profile-Turkish Version is a valid and reliable assessment tool that can be used to determine the psychosocial profile of women during pregnancy.

Impact of the COVID-19 Confinement on Couple Satisfaction and Sexuality

This study examined dyadic adjustment, which is an essential aspect for a couple’s functioning, and its relationship with sexual self-esteem during COVID-19 confinement. This article presents data from before and during the confinement due to COVID-19 in Spain. 120 men and 89 women who were part of a couple at the time of confinement and completed an online survey participated in the study. The sample was obtained during the de-escalation months, from May 9th until July 1st, 2020. Three questionnaires were administered. The results that were obtained from the T-student, Pearson correlations and regression analyses show a decline in couples’ adjustment during the months of confinement. Regarding the Sexuality Scale, the results showed that the sexual-depression subscale and the sexual self-esteem subscale had a statistically significant role in predicting the dyadic adjustment during confinement. Overall, our findings suggest that confinement had a negative effect on sexuality because the sexual-depression of the sample increased and couple adjustment decreased during the confinement due to COVID-19.

The impact of communication education provided with creative drama method on midwifery undergraduates.

INTRODUCTIONThis study was carried out to evaluate the impact of communication education provided by using creative drama method on the communication skills, selfesteem, and organizational conflict resolution skills of midwifery undergraduates.METHODSThe research was conducted as a semi-experimental ‘controlled pretest–posttest’ method. The study was carried out with freshmen studying midwifery at a public university in Western Turkey (n=52) between 30 September and 30 December 2017. Data were collected by means of the Communication Skills Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II. Throughout the research process, a 12-week lesson plan covering the stages of the creative drama method was applied. During the collection of the data, the scales were applied to the group as pretest, posttest while dependent t-test was applied for analyzing purposes.RESULTSCommunication Skills Inventory behavioral communication skills created a significant difference between Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale self-esteem subscale scores (p>0.05). No significant difference was detected among the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory sub-dimension mean scores (p>0.05).CONCLUSIONSFindings obtained from the research reveal that the creative drama method effectively develops communication skills, self-esteem, and conflict resolution skills for midwifery undergraduates.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Cushing Disease: Discrepancy Between Parent and Child Reports

Background: Previously we reported impairment in quality of life (QoL) measures in children with Cushing disease (CD) by parent proxy; however, little is known about QoL measures from the affected child’s perspective. Method: Prospective study of 48 (26 females, Age:11.5±3.0 yr.) children diagnosed with CD. Prior to treatment, the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) was used to assess QoL by parent (proxy) and child report. Results: In children with active CD, there was a discrepancy between parent and child responses for mental health and self-esteem subscales. Child responses were significantly lower than parent responses (lower scores indicate poorer function) for mental health (56 ± 2 vs. 67 ± 2, p<0.001) and self-esteem (32.8 ±3 vs. 60.5 ±3, p<0.001). No significant differences were found between parent vs.child report for other subscale scores of the CHQ. Conclusion: This is the first study to compare child vs. parent report of health-related quality of life children with active CD. Parent reports underestimated the impact of CD on quality of life measures for mental health and self-esteem. It is important for clinicians to obtain information about health-related quality of life from the child’s perspective in order to guide management and take precautionary measures to alleviate negative outcomes.

Trekking Poles to Aid Multiple Sclerosis Walking Impairment: An Exploratory Comparison of the Effects of Assistive Devices on Psychosocial Impact and Walking.

Walking dysfunction is reported by two-thirds of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Assistive devices are frequently recommended to improve walking; however, it is uncommon to consider their psychosocial impact, although many users abandon their assistive devices. The psychosocial impact, walking, balance, and fatigue associated with three assistive devices were compared to guide clinical decision making. Twenty-five persons with MS (median Expanded Disability Status Scale score, 4.0; range, 2.5-6.0) who reported walking difficulty were trained in the use of three assistive devices-a single-point cane (SPC), a four-point cane (FPC), and a trekking pole (TP)-at 1- to 2-week intervals, then used the assistive device for their usual activities. Outcome measures included the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), walking speed, cadence, stride length, stride time, the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12), the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, the 5-item Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS-5), and a visual analogue scale of fatigue (VAS-F). The SPC and TP were more positive in the PIADS adaptability, competence, and self-esteem subscales. The SPC and TP resulted in higher 6MWT, walking speed, cadence, stride length, stride time, and MSWS-12 scores compared with the FPC. No differences were found in ABC scale, MFIS-5, or VAS-F scores. Participants reported more positive psychosocial impact, and walked faster and with higher quality, with the SPC and TP than with the FPC. Clinicians should consider suggesting an SPC or TP to patients who may benefit from assistive device use and for whom psychosocial impact is an important consideration.

Internalized Shame and Social Stress-Induced Blood Pressure Patterns among Young Black Women.

The increasing prevalence of hypertension among young Black women warrants further exploration of hypertension risk factors in this population. Social cognitive pathways that increase hypertension risk have been understudied among Black women. Shame, an emotional response to social evaluative threats, may be important to understanding the contribution of social emotions to hypertension risk. The current study examined the association of internalized shame on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DPB) patterns of reactivity and recovery in a sample of Black women. Black women (N=32) aged 18-22 were recruited from a public university in August 2019 and January 2020. Participants completed the Internalized Shame Scale, Self-Esteem subscale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. All participants completed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and subsequent blood pressure readings were recorded at baseline and 1 min, 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, and 60 min post-TSST. Two separate repeated measures ANOVAs examined time and group effects of low shame (ISS score ≤ 39.9) vs high shame (ISS score ≥ 40) on blood pressure reactivity patterns. A significant effect of shame on DBP responses to the TSST was observed (P=.020). DBP for women in the low shame group peaked immediately following the TSST relative to baseline (M =81.2 mm Hg vs M =72.2 mm Hg) and remained stable during 60-minute recovery. DBP for women in the high shame group did not peak until 45 min post-TSST relative to baseline (M =84.2 mm Hg vs M =68.0 mm Hg) only slightly decreasing at 60 min post-TSST. These results highlight the need to further examine the role of shame on hypertension risk among young Black women.