Changes In Self-perception Research Articles

Diversity of cancer-related identities in long-term prostate cancer survivors after radical prostatectomy

BackgroundIndividuals affected by cancer need to integrate this experience into their personal biography as their life continues after primary therapy, leading to substantial changes in self-perception. This study identified factors uniquely associated with 5 different cancer-related identities in order to improve the understanding of how self-perception in men affected by prostate cancer is associated with certain clinical and psychosocial characteristics.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, long-term prostate cancer survivors after radical prostatectomy were asked to choose one of 5 cancer-related identities that described them best. Associations with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables were investigated using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThree thousand three hundred forty-seven men (mean age 78.1 years) surveyed on average 15.6 years after prostatectomy were included. Most men favored the terms “someone who has had cancer” (43.9%) which was associated with a mild disease course, and “patient” (26.3%) which was associated with ongoing therapy and biochemical disease recurrence. The self-descriptions “cancer survivor” (16.8%), “cancer conqueror” (10.9%) and “victim” (2.1%) were less common. “Cancer survivor” was associated with high perceived disease severity (OR: 1.86 [1.44–2.40]). “Cancer survivor” and “cancer conqueror” were related to high benefit finding (OR: 1.89 [1.48–2.40], OR: 1.46 [1.12–1.89] respectively), and only “cancer conqueror” was associated with high well-being (OR: 1.84 [1.35–2.50]). Identification as “victim” was associated with a positive depression screening and low well-being (OR: 2.22 [1.15–4.31], OR: 0.38 [0.20–0.72] respectively) (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsAlthough long-term survival is common among men affected by PCa, they display a large diversity in cancer-related identities, which are associated with unique clinical and psychological characteristics. These cancer-related identities and their distinctive properties are associated with psychological well-being even after a long follow-up.

Breast cancer surgery as expressed in self figure drawings

This study examined expression of distress and changes in self-perception in breast cancer patients who underwent different surgeries (lumpectomy/mastectomy) via analysis of their self-figure drawings. It was assumed that the two types of surgery would affect their bodies differently and hence also their body- and self-image.The Machover Draw-A-Person test was administered twice to 72 survivors (47 underwent conserving surgery and 25 a mastectomy): first, they were asked to draw themselves in the present; then they were asked to draw themselves as they remembered themselves pre-illness. The expressions in self-figure drawings were compared using sixteen indicators.The results show that 11 of 16 indices clearly indicated differences in self-perception between the pre-illness past self and the self-perception of the present self, in women who underwent different breast surgeries. The indices were: breast, mouth, height, body outline, eyes, hair, feminine figure, and palms/hands.No differences were found for 5 indices: lower body, head outline, feminine clothes and accessories, feminine body, pointed fingers. ConclusionsIt is suggested that the projective DAP test be used as an aid for identifying changes in features of self-portrayal. It could also be applied when planning an intervention for the alleviation of distress via structured supportive care in breast cancer survivors.

Effects of a virtual gender swap on social and temporal decision-making

Mounting evidence has demonstrated that embodied virtual reality, during which physical bodies are replaced with virtual surrogates, can strongly alter cognition and behavior even when the virtual body radically differs from one’s own. One particular emergent area of interest is the investigation of how virtual gender swaps can influence choice behaviors. Economic decision-making paradigms have repeatedly shown that women tend to display more prosocial sharing choices than men. To examine whether a virtual gender swap can alter gender-specific differences in prosociality, 48 men and 51 women embodied either a same- or different-gender avatar in immersive virtual reality. In a between-subjects design, we differentiated between specifically social and non-social decision-making by means of a virtually administered interpersonal and intertemporal discounting task, respectively. We hypothesized that a virtual gender swap would elicit social behaviors that stereotypically align with the gender of the avatar. To relate potential effects to changes in self-perception, we also measured implicit and explicit identification with gendered (or gender-typical) traits prior to and following the virtual experience, and used questionnaires that assessed the strength of the illusion. Contrary to our hypothesis, our results show that participants made less prosocial decisions (i.e., became more selfish) in different-gender avatars, independent of their own biological sex. Moreover, women embodying a male avatar in particular were more sensitive to temptations of immediate rewards. Lastly, the manipulation had no effects on implicit and explicit identification with gendered traits. To conclude, while we showed that a virtual gender swap indeed alters decision-making, gender-based expectancies cannot account for all the task-specific interpersonal and intertemporal changes following the virtual gender swap.

Sense of Stress and Posttraumatic Growth in Mothers of Children with Cystic Fibrosis-The Moderating Role of Resilience.

The aim of this study was to examine the moderating role of resilience in the relationship between sense of stress and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in mothers of children with cystic fibrosis (CF). This cross-sectional study was conducted in a group of 139 mothers of children with CF. A diagnostic survey with Polish versions of the inventories was used. Over half of the mothers (52.89%) reported average and 26.11% high levels of general sense of stress. Mothers also experienced high (37.68%) and average (34.06%) PTG. Generally, mothers of children with CF manifested low general resilience. Sense of stress and PTG were significantly and positively correlated in this group of mothers. Positive correlations were revealed between resilience (total and individual dimensions), total PTG, and 1 dimension of PTG: changes in self-perception. Moreover, resilience was found to correlate with sense of stress. The obtained results indicate that resilience manifested as an optimistic life attitude and the ability to mobilize in difficult situations, and tolerance of failures and treating life as a challenge is a moderator in the relationship between sense of stress and PTG. The relationship between sense of stress and PTG in mothers of children with CF depends on the level of resilience.

Visiting nearby natural settings supported wellbeing during Sweden’s “soft-touch” pandemic restrictions

The coronavirus pandemic entailed varying restrictions on access, movement and social behavior in populations around the world. Knowledge about how people coped with “soft-touch” restrictions can inform urban spatial planning strategies that enhance resilience against future pandemics. We analyzed data from an online place-based survey on 2845 places across Sweden that respondents abstained from visiting, visited with similar frequency, or visited more frequently in spring 2020 as compared to before the pandemic. In spatial logistic regression models, we relate geographical and sociodemographic properties of places (fields, forests, water, residential population density and daytime population density) to self-perceived changes in wellbeing from visiting the given place less or more often, respectively. Abstaining from visiting places with natural features located in areas of high residential density was associated with a self-perceived negative influence on wellbeing. Yet, fields, forests and water were strongly associated with places people claimed wellbeing benefits from during pandemic restrictions. The further a visited place was from the respondent’s home, the more likely it was to have a positive wellbeing influence. As an illustrative case, we map our models onto the landscape of Stockholm, showing that some neighborhoods are likely more resilient than others when coping with pandemic restrictions. Both the most and least resilient neighborhoods span the socio-economic spectrum. Urban planning will do well to enable equitable, easy access to natural settings by foot or bike, to increase pandemic preparedness as well as support climate change mitigation and biodiversity protection.

Cardiac rehabilitation patients experiences and understanding of group metacognitive therapy: a qualitative study

ObjectiveDepression and anxiety are up to three times more prevalent in cardiac patients than the general population and are linked to increased risks of future cardiac events and mortality. Psychological...

The Effects of the Use of Protective Face Mask on the Voice and Its Relation to Self-Perceived Voice Changes

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects that the use of protective face mask has over the voice and to search for associations between the self-reported voice changes and the levels of discomfort experienced by the participants. Also, to detect any change it the phonatory patterns while speaking with face mask. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, observational study, conducted by distributing an online questionnaire. From a total of 155 people who participated in the study, 143 of them wore protective face mask during their working hours and qualified. Five groups of questions were used to measure the Speech Difficulties, the Mask Related Behaviors caused by the use of face mask, alterations in the Voice Perceptual Features, the Vocal Tract Discomfort levels and the Greek version of the Voice Handicap Index. The participants self-evaluated their voice and stated the frequency and severity of the symptoms they experienced during the mask usage period. ResultsThe results showed that the use of protective face mask increases the self-perception of changes in the voice, especially in the voice-breathing coordination and has great effect on the intelligibility and overall communication. The majority of people stated that they have to speak louder and that they have noticed alterations in the perceptual features of their voice, with hoarseness, and volume being the most frequently affected. Almost every symptom on the Vocal Tract Discomfort Group was present with Dry, Lump in Throat, Tight, and Short Breath being the most severe, and Dry and Short breath being the most common among them. Physical, Functional, and Emotional affectations were also observed through the Voice Handicap Index. ConclusionThe use of protective face mask increases the vocal effort of the speaker, affects the voice-breathing coordination, limits the overall communication, alters the perceptual features of the voice, increases vocal track discomfort levels and results in psychosocial and socioemotional difficulties. All these affectations may result to the establishment of a voice disorder, especially in high-risk population.

MO946THE LEVEL OF POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS WITH LONG TERM DURATION OF GRAFT

Abstract Background and Aims Kidney transplant (KT)can cause a psychological trauma due to changes in self-perception, in interpersonal relationships, and in the philosophy of life. However, the exposure to this traumatic event might lead to not only stress disorders but also positive growth. Primary aim of study was to evaluate the prevalence of post-traumatic growth (PTG)in KTRs. Secondary aim was to explore any association between PTG and psychiatric, psychosocial and medical variables, specifically psychiatric diagnoses, demoralization, as well as physical and general problems or symptoms. Method KTRs followed up in a single nephrology Unit, were evaluated. Each patient was individually administered MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview 6.0. and DCPR interview to evaluate ICD-10 psychiatric diagnoses and DCPR diagnoses. PTG Inventory (PTGI), ESAS-revised, CPC, and DS-IT were given as self-report instruments to be filled in. PTGI was used to investigate positive psychological experience of patients after KT on a 0 to 5-point Likert scale(0=I did not experience this change as a result of my KT;5=I experienced this change to a very great degree as a result of my KT).It consists of 21 items divided in five factors: New Possibilities(NP),Relating to Others(RO),Personal Strength(PS),Spiritual Change(SC),and Appreciation of Life(AL).ESAS-revised, DS-IT and CPC were used to examine the severity of physical and psychological symptoms on a 0 to 10 scale; to measure the severity of demoralization on a 0 to 4 scale and to evaluate the physical and general problems in a yes/no(0–1)format, respectively. Results Data pertaining to 134 out of 143 consecutive outpatients were collected. Clinical characteristics of sample and ranking order of ICD and DCPR diagnoses are shown in Tab.1.Mean score of PTGI total of sample was 52.02 (±20.69).SC(4.26±2.94)experience was markedly lower than RO(16.26±8.18),NP(11.25±5.56),PS(10.91±5.33)and AL(9.77±3.72).PS changes were higher in KTRs with adaption ICD diagnosis(p&amp;lt;0.001);while no SC change was found in KTRs with an ICD diagnosis of mood disorders(p&amp;lt;0.01).DCPR diagnosis of alexithymia and Irritability were associated with low RO score(13.74±6.51 and 13.97±6.95,respectively)(p &amp;lt;0.05).AL subscale was positively correlated with ESAS anxiety symptom and ESAS psychological distress sub-score(p&amp;lt;0.05); and negatively with DS-lT loss of meaning and purpose subscale(p&amp;lt;0.05).Women(57.2±23.07)had higher scores of PTGI than men (49.5±19.04)(p &amp;lt;0.05).No significant correlation was found between CPC problems, blood chemistry and socio-demographic characteristics, including months after transplant. Conclusion This study shows that KTRs had moderate-to-high levels of PTG which did not change after KT overtime. Also, lower RO score was associated with DCPR diagnosis of alexithymia, highlighting the potential ability of PTGI to identify KTRs who need psychological support. Further multicentre studies should be conducted to investigate the positive psychological changes after KT.

Age-related change in self-perceptions of aging: Longitudinal trajectories and predictors of change.

Using data from the German Ageing Survey (Deutscher Alterssurvey, DEAS; N = 4,712), this study examined age-related change in three dimensions of self-perceptions of aging (SPA): perceptions of physical losses, social losses, and ongoing development. Participants ranged in age from 40 to 85 years at study entry (1996, 2002, or 2008) and were followed for up to 21 years. Time-invariant, context-specific and time-varying, person-specific predictors of the observed age-related changes were examined. Findings from longitudinal multilevel regression analyses showed significant nonlinear age-related change for all three dimensions. Specifically, starting at about age 65, participants showed age-related increases in perceptions of physical and social losses, with increases getting steeper in old age. Starting at about age 55, participants reported increasingly fewer perceptions related to ongoing development. The decline in perceptions of ongoing development also became increasingly steeper after age 70. Region of residence was a significant context-specific predictor of the intercepts of the three SPA dimensions. Health-related variables (i.e., number of chronic diseases, self-rated health), affective well-being (i.e., positive and negative affect), and measures of social integration (i.e., loneliness) were significant person-specific predictors. Health-related variables had their strongest association with perceptions of physical losses, whereas negative affect and loneliness had their strongest association with perceptions of social losses. Positive affect had its strongest association with perceptions of ongoing development. This study is the first one to describe age-related change trajectories in multiple dimensions of SPA and significant predictors of these change trajectories. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

EMPOWERING WOMEN AT THE HIGHER INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL: ANALYSIS OF BUSINESS EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM

Purpose – The research study aims to assess the women’s Business education and leadership training program at a higher institutional level in order to examine how the program impacts and contributes to women’s empowerment. Further, this research sought to explore women’s leadership training aspect that has not explicitly elucidated. Besides, this study looks upon women’s self-perception by empowering them with skills and leadership capabilities to change hard-core gender stereotypes in society. Research methodology – The sample size comprised of 82 enrolled female students in the training program. The qualitative statistics (i.e., three focus groups) evaluated with the Kirkpatrick model. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to compare pre-and post-training quantitative data (i.e., questionnaire). Effect size is measured to check the effectiveness of the training program. Findings – The post-training evaluation revealed higher scores in knowledge, tools, and leadership skills. The training program encouraged women to bring change in self-perception and gain confidence for transformative changes in society. Findings support the effectiveness of leadership education and training programs. Research limitations – This research conducted in a Pakistani patriarchal cultural context and one region of Pakistan (Punjab). Hence the results are carefully generalised. The long term outcomes of this leadership training program and women’s performance in the job market are not studied. Practical implications – Findings suggest that a training program positively affects women’s learning, knowledge, and behaviour. Training programs empower women with practical tools for self and business development. The program encouraged women to gain better insight into work-life challenges and enhance personal competencies to gain equal rights. Originality/Value – This research will significantly contribute to the relatively scarce literature on the effectiveness of women’s business education and leadership training programs at a higher institutional level in the Pakistani context for women empowerment.

Use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other substances during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Europe: a survey on 36,000 European substance users

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 reached Europe in early 2020 and disrupted the private and public life of its citizens, with potential implications for substance use. The objective of this study was to describe possible changes in substance use in the first months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Europe.MethodsData were obtained from a cross-sectional online survey of 36,538 adult substance users from 21 European countries conducted between April 24 and July 22 of 2020. Self-perceived changes in substance use were measured by asking respondents whether their use had decreased (slightly or substantially), increased (slightly or substantially), or not changed during the past month. The survey covered alcohol (frequency, quantity, and heavy episodic drinking occasions), tobacco, cannabis, and other illicit drug use. Sample weighted data were descriptively analysed and compared across substances.ResultsAcross all countries, use of all substances remained unchanged for around half of the respondents, while the remainder reported either a decrease or increase in their substance use. For alcohol use, overall, a larger proportion of respondents indicated a decrease than those reporting an increase. In contrast, more respondents reported increases in their tobacco and cannabis use during the previous month compared to those reporting decreased use. No distinct direction of change was reported for other substance use.ConclusionsOur findings suggest changes in use of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis during the initial months of the pandemic in several European countries. This study offers initial insights into changes in substance use. Other data sources, such as sales statistics, should be used to corroborate these preliminary findings.

Educating caregivers of persons with cerebral palsy in night-time postural care: A randomized trial comparing two online training programs

Objective: Compare effectiveness of two differently formatted training programs in educating night-time postural care implementers. Design: Mixed-methods parallel-group double-blind design with random assignment. Setting: United States academic institution. Participants: Thirty-eight adult caregivers/providers of children with cerebral palsy. Interventions: Both 2-hour online programs included content on night-time postural care evidence, risk-factor monitoring, sleep-system types, positioning methods, and assessments. Group A used interactive videos, Group B summary information with web-links. Main Measures: We measured self-perceived competence via questionnaires (baseline, post-training, post-simulation) containing 4-point rating-scales of knowledge, ability, and confidence and measured positioning ability via a simulation observation instrument comprising 16 positioning-task ratings with space for describing performance. We recorded participant actions/statements using fieldnotes. Results: Thirty-eight completed training (19 per group). Group A (vs B) showed significantly greater self-perceived competence changes post-training (0.46 points (SE 0.17), P = 0.008). Thirty-seven positioned a standardized “client,” with groups not differing significantly on total tasks completed correctly (F(1, 92.32) = 1.91, P = 0.17) averaging 11.85 (SE 0.83) and 12.60 (SE 0.84) of 16 tasks correct. Group A’s post-positioning/simulation self-ratings were significantly associated with actual ability (r = 0.53, P = 0.019). In both groups ⩾47% of caregivers incorrectly completed the tasks of placing head and neck in neutral and snugging up all [positioning] parts. Conclusion: The sleep care positioning training program (interactive video-based format) is effective in building caregivers’ self-perceived competence for night-time postural care. While the lesson was well-received by caregivers and considered a “match [to their] learning style,” the lesson did not lead to greater improvement in actual ability to position the “client” compared to control training.

Mental health conditions in people searching for aesthetic treatments: The importance of early detection

IntroductionIt’s established that aesthetic dysfunctions can be associated with psychiatric conditions. In present times, considering the exponential growth of minimally invasive and accessible techniques, alongside with ideals of beauty present in everyday life through exposure in social media, the importance of early detection of mental illness and its impact on the respective outcome should be emphasized.ObjectivesTo review evidence regarding psychiatric disorders in people searching for aesthetic treatments and their impact on the outcome.MethodsLiterature review using Medline database.ResultsAround 50% of individuals seeking aesthetic procedures fulfill the diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorders. The prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) can vary from 5-15%, with some studies showing a prevalence of more than 50%. Patients with heightened BDD symptoms are less satisfied with the outcomes of aesthetic procedures which could result in exacerbation of said symptoms. With regards to eating disorders, evidence suggests the initial satisfaction following aesthetic procedures, when observed, is usually transitory, not leading to long-term changes in self-perception relating to body image, nor improving prognosis or quality of life. There’s also some evidence suggesting that personality disorders may be a predictor of poor satisfaction with the results of aesthetic treatments.ConclusionsAwareness should be raised in this matter, since psychiatric conditions are more common in patients seeking aesthetic treatments and early identification can lead to a better prognosis by providing patients with the mental health treatment they need; this could also reduce the probability of dissatisfaction and subsequent aggravation of psychiatric symptoms following aesthetic interventions.

A descriptive study of older medical cannabis users in medical cannabis clinics

<h3>Introduction</h3> There is a dearth of information on older users (65+ years) of medical cannabis, who may face unique challenges due to altered metabolism with aging, concurrent medication use, and risk of adverse effects. This observational study aimed to describe a large cohort of older medical cannabis users in Canada. <h3>Methods</h3> From Oct 2014 to Oct 2020, a commercial medical cannabis provider based in Canada collected anonymized data for research purposes from patient volunteers. Data included demographic, social, and health details (at intake) and cannabis products, self-perceived changes in symptoms and change in medications (at follow-up, variable duration). Cannabis products were categorized as cannabidiol (CBD) only, tetrahydocannabinol (THC) only or mixed CBD/THC. Of the mixed, formulations could be in 1:1 ratios (CBD+/THC+), predominantly CBD (CBD+/THC-) or predominantly THC (CBD-/THC+). <h3>Results</h3> In total, 9766 subjects in the older cohort (65+ years old) completed the entire questionnaire (mean age (SD) = 73.6 (6.8) y, 60% female). They represented 23.1% of the total dataset (N = 42,267, mean (SD) =51.5 (16.8) y). The proportion of adults in the older cohort tended to increase over time (pre-2018: 17.6%; 2018: 26.7%; 2019: 31.2%; 2020: 22.7%, when the overall intake decreased from 8869 to 5644). Among the older cohort, 15.5% were previous cannabis users and 67.7% were referred for chronic pain (mainly arthritis, chronic pain, lower back pain). Concomitant analgesic use was common (over-the-counter analgesics: 44.5%; opioids: 28.3%; NSAIDs: 24.5%). 7.9% of the sample (compared to 19.9% in the whole sample) were referred for psychiatric disorders, though 21.4% indicated antidepressant use and 12.3% indicated benzodiazepine use. Another 7% were referred for neurological disorders. Follow-up data were captured in visits (11,992) from 4698 older patients, averaging 2.5 visits per patient. The type of medical cannabis used changed over time, with increasing use of cannabis oil compared to herbal cannabis. In 2020, of 2478 visits, 78.9% use was cannabis oil and 6.7% was herbal forms (pre-2018: 57.6% vs 36.2%). The composition of cannabis oil demonstrated a preference for cannabinoid oil (CBD+) over tetrahydrocannabinol (THC+) in 6043 visits: 45.2% were using CBD+ preparations, only 3.2% were using THC+ preparations, and for CBD/THC combinations, CBD predominated (CBD+/THC-: 30.5%; CBD+/THC+: 16.8%; CBD-/THC+: 4.3%). Adverse-effects (7062 visits) included dry mouth (15.8%), drowsiness (8.6%), dizziness (4%) and hallucinations (0.6%). Patients reported improved pain, sleep and mood over time, though 15-20% reported no improvement or worsening. Medication use was mostly unchanged, though 40% of opioid users reported requiring reduced dosages. <h3>Conclusions</h3> These data were drawn from a large convenience sample. The data suggest an increasing proportion of older users of medical cannabis, though COVID-19 may have affected recent use. Female users comprised a higher proportion, and cannabis oil containing CBD was preferred. Systematic studies of effectiveness and safety in older users of cannabinoids are needed given its increasing use. <h3>Funding</h3> No funding was received for this work.

An Integrative Intervention Group Counseling Program for Adolescents’ Shyness: Combining Positive and Pathological Interventions (Dual-Factor Model)

This study analyzes the effectiveness of the Integrative Intervention Group Counseling Program on shyness. The study was conducted with adolescents of ages 14 to 16 in high school. It was conducted by using the embedded mixed method in which both qualitative and quantitative techniques are employed together, and the intervention program is composed of 11 sessions each of which lasted 90 minutes. The Shyness Scale was used to measure the effectiveness of the program, and the program was also evaluated qualitatively. The analysis of the data was carried out by performing the Repeated Measure of Variance Analysis and the Mann Whitney U Test. According to the findings, adolescents not only overcame shyness, but also achieved positive changes in self-perception and actively engaging in life. According to the results, the program developed for intervening with shyness in adolescents was found to be effective.

Post-traumatic Growth: Longitudinal Study on Battered Women in Close Relationships after Both They and Their Partners Undergo Therapy.

Violence in intimate relationships is a major problem worldwide. Many women, despite having experienced violence from a partner, decide to remain in a relationship with the perpetrator. A special premise for such a decision is that the abusive partner undertakes therapy that serves to build security in the family. An important indicator of dealing with violence is post-traumatic growth (PTG), a concept introduced by Calhoun and Tedeschi (1998) to describe positive changes as a result of traumatic experiences. The purpose of the research was to assess PTG changes in the course of relationships in which the woman had experienced violence from her partner, but both her partner and she had undertaken therapy and changed their behavior (N = 48). The conducted research used a demographic survey and two questionnaires: The Polish version of the Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R, Weiss, Marmara prepared by Juczyński and Ogińska-Bulik [2009]) examining three dimensions of trauma (intrusion, hyperarousal, and avoidance) and the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (Tedeschi & Calhoun [2004]; Polish version prepared by Ogińska-Bulik & Juczyński [2010]). The studies showed that over a period of one and half years, significant changes in PTG had taken place. Reportedly, changes in self-perception and changes in relating to others have decreased, while appreciation of life increased but spiritual life remained the same. The research also allowed us to distinguish several groups of corelates in changes in individual PTG categories. The studies also indicate that building a close relationship with the person who caused the harm can limit the victim's PTG.

Quality of Life: Changes in Self-Perception in People with down Syndrome as a Result of Being Part of a Football/Soccer Team. Self-Reports and External Reports.

The hypothesis posed was whether being part of a football/soccer team influenced the quality of life (QL) of the people who participated in it since their perception of themselves is enhanced by factors, such as self-determination, social inclusion, emotional well-being, physical well-being, material well-being, rights, personal development, and internal relationships. The objective was to evaluate the QL of people with Down Syndrome (DS) using their self-perception (n = 39) and the perception of the informants (family members, teachers) (n = 39). The KidsLife-Down Scale, with a few modifications, was used. In general, differences of opinion between the subgroups of participants with DS and informants showed that results were higher in terms of perception for participants in the DS subgroup. Scores for all variables were higher for those participants with DS who said they did engage in practicing competitive football/soccer. Although the perception of informants provides a great deal of information regarding the QL of participants with DS, participants with DS should also be involved in the evaluation process and their self-perceptions taken into account. It is not participating in a football team that causes the conclusions of the study, but training (which includes the friendly matches that are played), the cause correlated with the improvements detected in the athlete’s DS.

COVID-19 Lockdown and Self-Perceived Changes of Food Choice, Waste, Impulse Buying and Their Determinants in Italy: QuarantEat, a Cross-Sectional Study.

Data about self-perceived food choice (FC) changes and their determinants during COVID-19 lockdowns are limited. This study investigated how the Italian lockdown affected self-perceived food purchases (FP), occurrence of impulse buying (IB), household food waste production (HFWP) and their determinants. A web-based cross-sectional survey was distributed in May 2020, collecting an opportunistic sample of the Italian population. A total of 1865 (70% females) people were enrolled, the median age was 29 (IQR 16.0). Most of the sample increased overall FP (53.4%), food consumption (43.4%), reduced HFWP (53.7%) and halved the prevalence of IB (20.9%) compared to the period before the lockdown (42.5%). Baking ingredients, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit and chocolate had the largest sales increase by individuals, while bakery products, fresh fish and salted snacks purchases highly decreased. Increased FP was associated with the occurrence of IB (adjOR 2.48, p < 0.001) and inversely associated with not having worked during lockdown (adjOR 0.71, p = 0.003). Multivariable logistic regressions revealed occurrence of IB was associated with low perceived dietary quality (adjOR 2.22, p < 0.001), resulting at risk, according to the Emotional Overeating Questionnaire (EOQ, adjOR 1.68, p < 0.001), and inversely associated with decreased HFWP (adjOR 0.73, p < 0.012). Reduced HFWP was associated with higher perceived dietary quality (adjOR 2.27, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with low score at WHO-5 Well-Being Index (adjOR 0.72, p = 0.002). The Italian lockdown highly affected FC behaviours, leading to positive and sustainable habits towards food purchase and consumption. Public health interventions are needed to keep these new positive effects and avoid negative consequences in case of future lockdowns.

Post-Traumatic Growth among Patients after Living and Cadaveric Donor Kidney Transplantation: The Role of Resilience and Alexithymia.

The aim of this study was to determine the role of resilience and alexithymia in the post-traumatic growth as a response to extreme stress in patients after kidney transplantation and to determine whether there are differences in the level of posttraumatic growth in patients after living and cadaveric donor kidney transplantation. The relationships between these variables were also evaluated. The questionnaire survey of 91 kidney recipients took place in 2018 and 2019. The following tools were used: authorial post-transplant questionnaire for recipients and validated questionnaires, Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-R), Resilience Coping Scale Questionnaire, and Toronto Alexithymia Scale Questionnaire (TAS20). The results obtained showed significant differences between the group of kidney recipients from living donors and recipients from cadaveric donors, in terms of overall post-traumatic growth, as well as changes in self-perception and a greater appreciation for life. Post-traumatic growth in both groups was related to the level of resilience and the level of alexithymia. Resilience is an accurate predictor of posttraumatic growth in general and for each of the groups of recipients separately.

Self-Perceived Changes in Physical Activity and the Relation to Life Satisfaction and Rated Physical Capacity in Swedish Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Cross Sectional Study.

COVID-19 restrictions may prevent people from reaching recommended levels of physical activity (PA). This study examines self-perceived changes in the extent and intensity of PA during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the relation between perceived changes in PA and general life satisfaction and perceived physical capacity. A total of 1318 participants (mean age 47.8 SD12.6; 82.1% women) were recruited through social media in Sweden during autumn 2020. The survey included questions regarding perceived changes in PA compared to the previous year, the “Rating of Perceived Capacity” scale and “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A change in PA was reported by 65% of participants. More participants reported an increase (36%) than a decrease (29%), however a decrease in PA was significantly more often considered to be due to the pandemic. The highest odds of decreased PA was found in the oldest age group (70+ years) (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.4–5.7). Those who reported decreased levels of PA reported lower life satisfaction and aerobic capacity than the other groups (p > 0.001). Decreased physical activity was reported by many, but an equal share reported increased activity during the pandemic. The highest odds for decreased activity was found in the oldest group—the group that has been subjected to the strictest recommended COVID-19 restrictions in Sweden.