Self-regulation Techniques Research Articles

Особливості прояву емоційного вигорання у логопедів.

The article considers the analysis of the concept "emotional burnout". It is substantiated the importance of studying the emotional burnout among speech therapists. It is clarified, that one of the manifestations of professional personality destruction is the phenomenon of emotional burnout. It is noted that the effectiveness of the professional activities of speech therapists largely depends on the state and features of their emotional sphere. Attention is drawn to the fact that the constant emotional stress, daily mental overload, high responsibility, imbalance between intellectual and energy costs and moral and material rewards lead to the risk of emotional burnout. It is found that most speech therapists do not respond emotionally selectively to emotional restriction. Half of the respondents are characterized as increased personal anxiety, difficult interpersonal interaction and experiences of psycho-traumatic circumstances of professional activity, reduction of professional duties and reduction of activities that require emotional expenses. It is noted that there is a need for psych prophylactic work with speech therapists aimed at realizing their emotional state and mastering the techniques of self-regulation in order to overcome the initial symptoms of stress at work.

SmartFeeding4Kids, an online self-guided parenting intervention to promote positive feeding practices and healthy diet in young children: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCaregivers’ influence on young children’s eating behaviors is widely recognized. Nutritional interventions that focus on the promotion of children’s healthy diet should actively involve parents, focusing on their feeding behaviors and practices.MethodsThis work aims to describe the development and study protocol of the SmartFeeding4Kids (SF4K) program, an online self-guided 7-session intervention for parents of young (2–6 years old) children. The program is informed by social cognitive, self-regulation, and habit formation theoretical models and uses self-regulatory techniques as self-monitoring, goal setting, and feedback to promote behavior change. We propose to examine the intervention efficacy on children’s intake of fruit, vegetables, and added sugars, and parental feeding practices with a two-arm randomized controlled with four times repeated measures design (baseline, immediately, 3 and 6 months after intervention). Parental perceived barriers about food and feeding, food parenting self-efficacy, and motivation to change will be analyzed as secondary outcomes. The study of the predictors of parents’ dropout rates and the trajectories of parents’ and children’s outcomes are also objectives of this work.DiscussionThe SmartFeeding4Kids program relies on technological resources to deliver parents’ self-regulation techniques that proved effective in promoting health behaviors. The study design can enhance the knowledge about the most effective methodologies to change parental feeding practices and children’s food intake. As a self-guided online program, SmartFeeding4Kids might overcome parents’ attrition more effectively, besides being easy to disseminate and cost-effective.Trial registrationThe study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04591496) on October 19, 2020.

Effect of self-regulatory behaviour change techniques and predictors of physical activity maintenance in cancer survivors: a 12-month follow-up of the Phys-Can RCT

BackgroundCurrent knowledge about the promotion of long-term physical activity (PA) maintenance in cancer survivors is limited. The aims of this study were to 1) determine the effect of self-regulatory BCTs on long-term PA maintenance, and 2) identify predictors of long-term PA maintenance in cancer survivors 12 months after participating in a six-month exercise intervention during cancer treatment.MethodsIn a multicentre study with a 2 × 2 factorial design, the Phys-Can RCT, 577 participants with curable breast, colorectal or prostate cancer and starting their cancer treatment, were randomized to high intensity exercise with or without self-regulatory behaviour change techniques (BCTs; e.g. goal-setting and self-monitoring) or low-to-moderate intensity exercise with or without self-regulatory BCTs. Participants’ level of PA was assessed at the end of the exercise intervention and 12 months later (i.e. 12-month follow-up), using a PA monitor and a PA diary. Participants were categorized as either maintainers (change in minutes/week of aerobic PA ≥ 0 and/or change in number of sessions/week of resistance training ≥0) or non-maintainers. Data on potential predictors were collected at baseline and at the end of the exercise intervention. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to answer both research questions.ResultsA total of 301 participants (52%) completed the data assessments. A main effect of BCTs on PA maintenance was found (OR = 1.80, 95%CI [1.05–3.08]) at 12-month follow-up. Participants reporting higher health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) (OR = 1.03, 95%CI [1.00–1.06] and higher exercise motivation (OR = 1.02, 95%CI [1.00–1.04]) at baseline were more likely to maintain PA levels at 12-month follow-up. Participants with higher exercise expectations (OR = 0.88, 95%CI [0.78–0.99]) and a history of tobacco use at baseline (OR = 0.43, 95%CI [0.21–0.86]) were less likely to maintain PA levels at 12-month follow-up. Finally, participants with greater BMI increases over the course of the exercise intervention (OR = 0.63, 95%CI [0.44–0.90]) were less likely to maintain their PA levels at 12-month follow-up.ConclusionsSelf-regulatory BCTs improved PA maintenance at 12-month follow-up and can be recommended to cancer survivors for long-term PA maintenance. Such support should be considered especially for patients with low HRQoL, low exercise motivation, high exercise expectations or with a history of tobacco use at the start of their cancer treatment, as well as for those gaining weight during their treatment. However, more experimental studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of individual or combinations of BCTs in broader clinical populations.Trial registrationNCT02473003 (10/10/2014).

A systematic review of mother-daughter interventions targeting physical activity

Abstract Background Growing gender disparities in levels of physical inactivity put women and female youths at a greater risk of associated health problems. Mother-daughter interventions have been proposed as means to promote physical activity in this at-risk cohort. However, there is a lack of clarity as to if and why these types of interventions might be effective. Methods This systematic review examined the intervention characteristics, and behaviour change theory and techniques used in these interventions to promote physical activity for daughters and their mothers. PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library (Wiley) databases were searched for English language studies from inception to 13th May 2020. Interventions of any design that targeted daughters and mothers' physical activity were included in the review. Data was extracted using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist, and the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1. Results 4962 articles were screened and 11 unique studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was generally high. Narrative summary highlighted that many studies used social cognitive theory as a theoretical foundation, were based in the community and less than three months in duration with multiple sessions per week. Thirty-seven behaviour change techniques were identified across studies. Some techniques were deemed potentially effective including credible source, information on the health consequences of the behaviour and the self-regulatory related techniques of goal-setting, self-monitoring and problem-solving. Conclusions Future research should consider using checklists, frameworks and formative work with mothers and daughters to ensure interventions are rigorously designed, implemented, and evaluated, which can inform public policy to combat physical inactivity in this at-risk cohort. Key messages This is the first review to assess the intervention characteristics, and behaviour change theory and techniques of mother-daughter interventions targeting physical activity. This review advances the evidence base for future intervention development and more broadly can inform public policy to tackle physical inactivity in this at-risk cohort.

Peculiarities of introducing self-regulation techniques into the training of Ukrainian Antarctic expedition members

Introduction. Extreme work and life conditions and a long stay in a small group working in a confined space critically affect the Ukrainian Antarctic expedition members' physical and psychological state, as well as the effectiveness of the entire expedition. To respond to these challenges, Antarctic expedition members need to be trained using special group and individual psychological techniques. Aim: to analyze the peculiarities of using self-regulation techniques during the Ukrainian Antarctic expedition members' psychological training. Methods: physical and psychological self-regulation techniques for Ukrainian Antarctic expedition members' psychological training. Results. The author has analyzed the content and features of physical and psychological self-regulation techniques, which are part of the complex training program «Psychological support for Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition members»and are included in the first training session «Individual psychological characteristics and physical and psychological conditions of candidates for long-term work in extreme environmental conditions and social isolation». Conclusions. The use of certain physical and psychological self-regulation techniques makes it possible to effectively prepare Antarctic station staff for long-term activities in the Antarctic conditions and maintain their physical and psychological health.

Exploring the Embodiment of a Virtual Hand in a Spatially Augmented Respiratory Biofeedback Setting.

Enhancing the embodiment of artificial limbs—the individuals' feeling that a virtual or robotic limb is integrated in their own body scheme—is an impactful strategy for improving prosthetic technology acceptance and human-machine interaction. Most studies so far focused on visuo-tactile strategies to empower the embodiment processes. However, novel approaches could emerge from self-regulation techniques able to change the psychophysiological conditions of an individual. Accordingly, this pilot study investigates the effects of a self-regulated breathing exercise on the processes of body ownership underlying the embodiment of a virtual right hand within a Spatially Augmented Respiratory Biofeedback (SARB) setting. This investigation also aims at evaluating the feasibility of the breathing exercise enabled by a low-cost SARB implementation designed for upcoming remote studies (a need emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic). Twenty-two subjects without impairments, and two transradial prosthesis users for a preparatory test, were asked (in each condition of a within-group design) to maintain a normal (about 14 breaths/min) or slow (about 6 breaths/min) respiratory rate to keep a static virtual right hand “visible” on a screen. Meanwhile, a computer-generated sphere moved from left to right toward the virtual hand during each trial (1 min) of 16. If the participant's breathing rate was within the target (slow or normal) range, a visuo-tactile event was triggered by the sphere passing under the virtual hand (the subjects observed it shaking while they perceived a vibratory feedback generated by a smartphone). Our results—mainly based on questionnaire scores and proprioceptive drift—highlight that the slow breathing condition induced higher embodiment than the normal one. This preliminary study reveals the feasibility and potential of a novel psychophysiological training strategy to enhance the embodiment of artificial limbs. Future studies are needed to further investigate mechanisms, efficacy and generalizability of the SARB techniques in training a bionic limb embodiment.

Regulasi Diri terhadap Gangguan Perilaku Internet Gaming

This study aims to determine the effect of self-regulation on internet gaming behavior. The method used is a systematic review of seven databases (Scopus, Sage, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, ProQuest, Cambridge, Pubmed) published from 2017 to 2020. The results show that there is a significant relationship between self-regulation and internet gaming behavior disorders. Low regulation was associated with more excellent reports of impaired internet gaming behavior, self-regulation directly impacting internet gaming behavior, or mediator between determinants and internet gaming behavior. Self-development strategies, self-monitoring interventions and self-instruction strategies are the dominant types of self-regulation techniques for some studies. In conclusion, the intervention of increasing self-regulation can prevent internet gaming behavior disorder.
 Keywords: Online Game, Internet Gaming Disorder, Internet Gaming Behavior, Self Regulation

Effectiveness of the mHealth intervention \u2018MyDayPlan\u2019 to increase physical activity: an aggregated single case approach

Backgrounde- and mHealth interventions using self-regulation techniques like action and coping planning have the potential to tackle the worldwide problem of physical inactivity. However, they often use one-week self-regulation cycles, providing support toward an active lifestyle on a weekly basis. This may be too long to anticipate on certain contextual factors that may fluctuate from day to day and may influence physical activity. Consequently, the formulated action and coping plans often lack specificity and instrumentality, which may decrease effectiveness of the intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of a self-regulation, app-based intervention called ‘MyDayPlan’. “MyDayPlan’ provides an innovative daily cycle in which users are guided towards more physical activity via self-regulation techniques such as goal setting, action planning, coping planning and self-monitoring of behaviour.MethodsAn ABAB single-case design was conducted in 35 inactive adults between 18 and 58 years (M = 40 years). The A phases (A1 and A2) were the control phases in which the ‘MyDayPlan’ intervention was not provided. The B phases (B1 and B2) were the intervention phases in which ‘MyDayPlan’ was used on a daily basis. The length of the four phases varied within and between the participants. Each phase lasted a minimum of 5 days and the total study lasted 32 days for each participant. Participants wore a Fitbit activity tracker during waking hours to assess number of daily steps as an outcome. Single cases were aggregated and data were analysed using multilevel models to test intervention effects and possible carry-over effects.ResultsResults showed an average intervention effect with a significant increase in number of daily steps from the control to intervention phases for each AB combination. From A1 to B1, an increase of 1424 steps (95% CI [775.42, 2072.32], t (1082) = 4.31,p < .001), and from A2 to B2, an increase of 1181 steps (95% CI [392.98, 1968.16], t (1082) = 2.94, p = .003) were found. Furthermore, the number of daily steps decreased significantly (1134 steps) when going from the first intervention phase (B1) to the second control phase (A2) (95% CI [− 1755.60, − 512.38], t (1082) = − 3.58, p < .001). We found no evidence for a difference in trend between the two control (95% CI [− 114.59, 197.99], t (1078) = .52, p = .60) and intervention phases (95% CI [− 128.79,284.22], t (1078) = .74, p = .46). This reveals, in contrast to what was hypothesized, no evidence for a carry-over effect after removing the ‘MyDayPlan’ app after the first intervention phase (B1).ConclusionThis study adds evidence that the self-regulation mHealth intervention, ‘MyDayPlan’ has the capacity to positively influence physical activity levels in an inactive adult population. Furthermore, this study provides evidence for the potential of interventions adopting a daily self-regulation cycle in general.

Innovative Training of Future Teachers of Higher Education Institutions in the Conditions of Distance Learning

The study examined the change in the attitude of students and teachers to the system of distance learning of future teachers of higher education institutions after passing the blitz course "Modern distance education". The experiment was conducted in Ukraine -a post-Soviet state, where part-time and part-time education still prevails, and distance learning still remains innovative and is gradually being implemented within the transitional credit transfer system. The article used sociological methods to study the acceptability of innovative forms of learning. In particular, after the participants of the blitz course "Modern Distance Learning" sociologically measured the attitude to innovative areas of distance learning, namely: work with electronic resources,counseling, modeling personal educational trajectory, organization and self-organization of independent forms of work and psychological training (motivation, training in self-regulation techniques, trainings and self-trainings on the practice of independent decision-making and responsibility). Particular attention was paid to diagnosis and self-diagnosis, as well as control and self-control. After a theoretical (sociological) discussion of innovative forms of distance learning, it was found that teachers are interested in innovative methods of work, but prefer a stationary form of educational services; during distance learning, emphasis is placed on consulting forms of work and multifaceted monitoring of competencies. Students, on the other hand, showed a high sensitivity to e-learning, providing maximum academic freedom and self-control. However, the dynamics of a positive attitude to distance innovation had a slight increase in students and moderate -in teachers. At an international level, the scientific novelty of the article involves subjective views of students and university teachers on distance learning in the post-Soviet countries, where until now such learning was implemented only by the top-down approach. Thus, the article can become a theoretical basis for the development of contact educational programs in the humanities for the implementation of innovative methods of distance learning in the studied region.

A 42nA IQ , 1.5–6V VIN , Self-Regulated CMOS Voltage Reference With −93dB PSR at 10 Hz for Energy Harvesting Systems

This brief proposes a low-power voltage reference with low line sensitivity and high power supply rejection (PSR) under relatively wide supply voltage range. Excluding the small capacitors in start-up circuits, the proposed voltage reference is composed of only MOSFETs, most of which have been biased into the subthreshold region to achieve low power consumption. The self-regulating technique was also adopted to suppress the supply ripples and stabilize the supply voltage for the core reference circuits. The proposed reference circuit has been fabricated in 0.18- μm CMOS technology with a total chip area of 0.015 mm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> . When supply voltage is 1.5 V, the measured reference voltage is 985 mV and the total quiescent current is 42 nA. The measured temperature coefficient (TC) from -40°C to 85°C is 60.86 ppm/°C, while the line sensitivity is as low as 0.003 %/V over 1.5 ~ 6V supply range. Besides, the measured PSR is -93 dB and -57 dB, at 10 Hz and 1 MHz, respectively.

Self-regulation of students’ psychological states

IntroductionA system model of self-regulation of students’ psychological states has been developed. As the main elements, the model includes the relationship between states and characteristics of consciousness, external factors and regulatory actions in a certain time range.ObjectivesTo study conscious and unconscious methods of regulation of states in the relevant sections of the educational activities of students.Methods98 students took part in this research, used different techniques of self-regulation and psychological states diagnosis.ResultsThe regulation of psychological states occurs unconsciously. The success of the applied methods is relative and depends on both educational and personal factors. The regulators of states are various personal qualities. These are reflection, metacognitive abilities, intelligence, as well as the general ability to self-regulate. We discovered the influence of the meaningfulness of life on the psychological states. In the structure of students’ states with a high level of meaningfulness of life an indicator of the general ability to self-regulation plays a central role.Indicators of emotional intelligence and locus of control characterize states of students with a low level of meaningfulness of life.ConclusionsIt has been found that the level of reflection of students plays a mediating role in the interaction of psychological states and adaptation processes. Emotional comfort, internal control, and self-acceptance have the greatest impact on states. The research confirmed the hypothesis of reflexive regulation of psychological states depending on various types of reflection during the performance of creative tasks. The research was carried out with the financial support of the RFBR; project No.19-013-00325.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Daily self-regulation with biofeedback to improve stress and job satisfaction in a primary care clinic.

Background:Burnout in healthcare professions is higher than other careers. An undesirable work-life balance has resulted in declining job satisfaction among primary care physicians. Biofeedback devices teach self-regulation techniques, which reduce stress and increase resilience.Objectives:We assessed whether self-regulation with biofeedback is effective at decreasing stress and improving job satisfaction among primary care clinicians and nurses.Methods:Two naturally occurring cohorts of clinicians and nurses were followed over 12 weeks. The treatment group (N = 9) completed 12 weeks of self-regulation with optional clinic-based biofeedback and received peer support for the first half. The control group (N = 9) started a delayed intervention after 6 weeks without peer support. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted.Results:The treatment group averaged one biofeedback session weekly for 6 min and the control group two sessions for 11 min. Adherence differed by age. Subjects also reported using self-regulation techniques without biofeedback. Perceived stress initially increased in both groups with intervention implementation, more so in the treatment group (P = 0.03) whose stress then decreased but was not significant. Overall and extrinsic job satisfaction similarly increased but were not significance.Conclusion:The initial increase in perceived stress was related to daily biofeedback adherence and clinic responsibilities. Treatment group stress then decreased with self-regulation but was difficult to quantify in a small cohort. Larger studies could increase daily self-regulation adherence by improving biofeedback accessibility for leisurely use. Using self-regulation with biofeedback may be an innovative approach to reduce stress and improve job satisfaction in primary care.

Sporty Boys and Fashion Girls: Manoeuvring Between Dominant Norms of Gender Identity

The trigger for this article was the “Lévi-Straussian mythical formula” girls : boys = fashion : football, which came to the fore in the conversation with girls and boys aged 13 and 14 years. Amid the cacophony of ambivalent representations and meanings of modern masculinities and femininities which young people are facing, it schematically expresses traditional symbolic relations and gender differences. International studies at the crossroads of cultural, educational and gender studies, including critical studies of men and masculinities (Frosh et al., 2002; Zaslow, 2009; Haywood &amp; Mac an Ghaill, 2007) show that teenagers use clothing practices to assert an imaginary boundary in relational and binary self-construction of masculine and feminine identity. The article analyses how teenagers deploy clothing practices, the strong attention they pay to their outfit and some other techniques of body self-regulation in order to negotiate social control and peer pressure related to the processes of the self-construction of masculine and feminine identity. The analysis looks at the peculiarities of these processes in doing hegemonic or marginalised masculinities and traditional or alternative femininities. Comparison of boys’ and girls’ (in intersections with classed and ethicised social locations) attitudes to clothing and outfit demonstrates that both experience the pressure of performing normative gender identity through their body, however the techniques of body self-regulation are different for boys and girls and for specific social locations. In the conclusion, the author reflects on the implications of teenagers’ doing gender through body and their outfit for the pedagogical situation.

The peculiarities&#x0D; of emotional and mental resources&#x0D; of the Republic of Kazakhstan&#x0D; cancer service medical workers

Relevance: Medical workers render assistance in conditions of constant increased emotional stress. They experience various psychological problems, a decrease in emotional and mental resources. A marked decrease in medical workers’ emotional&#x0D; resources makes it difficult to establish psychological contact with the patient, complicates patient interaction and providing&#x0D; the necessary emotional support, and adversely affects the preservation of medical workers’ emotional stability, psychological&#x0D; reliability, and professional image.&#x0D; The study aimed to reveal the peculiarities of emotional and mental resources of cancer clinic medical workers.&#x0D; Results: The study showed that a successful professional activity of a medical worker requires such psychic features as a&#x0D; high level of communicative competence in dealing with patients and their relatives; a medical worker’s independence and&#x0D; autonomy, self-confidence, and stability in various situations, combined with flexible behavior in changing non-standard professional situations; a high degree of resistance to stress, emotional and informational overload; the presence of developed&#x0D; adaptation and compensation mechanisms.&#x0D; Conclusion: The formedness of a medical worker’s mental self-regulation methods and techniques, mastering psychological and emotional adaptation and compensation mechanisms contribute to the development and formation of high emotional stability, the ability to withstand stress, and increase job satisfaction.

Влияние субъективных факторов на точность стрельбы из огнестрельного оружия в процессе обучения сотрудников органов внутренних дел

The article is devoted to the study of subjective factors affecting shooting accuracy of law enforcement officers. The empirical study identified some subjective factors reducing gun shooting accuracy and effectiveness among law enforcers. These characteristics include sensorimotor coordination and subjective experience of stress during the shooting process. Scientific analysis made it possible to determine statistical significance of the influence of these factors on the accuracy of shooting. To increase the effectiveness of shooting among officers with a low index of sensorimotor coordination, the authors suggest using exercises aimed at cultivating sensorimotor coordination in fire training classes. While working with employees being under a high level of subjectively experienced stress, more attention should be paid to training techniques to overcome stress and form intelligent behavior in extreme situations. The authors also draw readers’ attention to factors increasing the effectiveness of shooting: officers’ ability to determine the subjective level of stress, their knowledge of emotional self-regulation techniques, knowledge of the sequence of their actions in the firing line.

Impact of Biofeedback in the Treatment of Nonspecific Persistent Wrist and Forearm Pain in Adolescents

Biofeedback is a self-regulation technique in which patients learn to control what were once thought to be involuntary bodily processes. The goal of this study was to examine a sample of adolescents with persistent, nonspecific wrist and forearm pain to assess whether biofeedback can improve symptoms. A secondary goal was to identify any shared characteristics. This is a retrospective case series of patients seen by an upper-extremity surgeon and a biofeedback expert at a pediatric hospital from 2011 through 2017. Data collected included Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC) and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) scores, pain intensity, frequency, and duration; as well as self-report of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and/or suicidal ideation. Additional data included biological sex, brace or orthosis wear, history of injury, prior medical or surgical treatments, and the presence of paresthesias. Biofeedback sessions were held every 1 to 2 weeks, for typically 5 sessions. Sixteen patients met inclusion criteria; 9 completed biofeedback. Eight patients were female (88%) and 1 was male (11%). The dominant extremity was affected in 8 patients (89%). Seven of the 9 patients who completed biofeedback had improvement or resolution of symptoms (78%). Both patients who completed biofeedback but did not have improvement in pain underwent surgery before biofeedback referral. Three patients reported paresthesias; each had an elevated CDI and MASC score (33%). Six patients did not report paresthesias, and one patient had similar elevated CDI and MASC scores CONCLUSIONS: More females than males were seen and referred to biofeedback in this study group. There appears to be an association between underlying anxiety or depression and the report of paresthesias. Biofeedback is an available nonsurgical treatment modality for persistent wrist and forearm pain that should be considered in appropriate patients. Therapeutic V.

“It’s a Life Thing, Not a Few Months Thing”: Profiling Patterns of the Physical Activity Change Process and Associated Strategies of Women With Prediabetes Over 1 Year

ObjectivesEngagement in regular physical activity (PA) is a cornerstone prevention strategy for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Interventions targeting PA often fail to result in long-term behaviour changes. “Small Steps for Big Changes” is a 3-week diabetes prevention program that promotes PA behaviour changes in individuals with prediabetes through motivational interviewing-informed counselling. MethodsIn this study, we aimed to: a) profile patterns of women’s perceived PA journey over 1 year and b) understand strategies used to engage in and maintain PA. Fourteen women (mean age, 60 years) engaged in 4 semistructured interviews (preprogram, postprogram and 3 and 12 months postprogram) over 1 year (56 total interviews). A trajectory approach was used, coupled with a deductive‒inductive thematic analysis. Findings are presented descriptively and chronologically over 1 year. ResultsTo address the first study aim, 4 patterns emerged: a) consistently inactive: minimal change; b) increase and maintenance of PA levels; c) peak in and maintenance of PA levels and d) consistently active: minimal increase, yet maintenance. Generally, women reported higher PA levels after completing the Small Steps for Big Changes program compared with preprogram levels. Related to the second aim, a range of facilitators and barriers were identified, as well as strategies used to facilitate engagement in and maintenance of PA over 1 year. Participants reporting more strategies to engage in PA were more likely to engage in PA. Commonly used strategies include being self-compassionate and practicing self-regulatory techniques (e.g. goal-setting, planning, self-monitoring). ConclusionsDiabetes prevention programs that assist participants in utilizing relevant PA strategies during an intervention may witness long-term maintenance of PA behaviour.

Sport Biofeedback: Exploring Implications and Limitations of Its Use

Biofeedback is among the various self-regulation techniques that mental performance consultants can utilize in their practice with athletes. Biofeedback produces psychophysiological assessments in real time to enhance awareness of thoughts and emotions. Quantitatively, research shows that biofeedback can facilitate self-regulation, allowing an athlete to gain control over psychophysiological responses that could be detrimental to performance. With technology becoming a widespread tool in monitoring psychophysiological states, an exploration of consultants’ use of biofeedback, their perceptions of effectiveness, and limitations of their use was warranted to qualitatively evaluate efficiency of the tool. A qualitative descriptive approach was taken through semistructured interviews with 10 mental performance consultants. Inductive reasoning uncovered three themes: positive implications, practical limitations, and equipment options. With biofeedback, athletes have the ability to develop a deeper level of self-awareness and thereby facilitate the use of self-regulation strategies intended for optimal performance states and outcomes.

An application of activity theory to the “problem of e-books”

The “problem of e-books” is defined as the difficulty improving the adoption rates of e-books by students. The adoption rates of e-books for academic use remain low, and research into the reasons for this have resulted in inconclusive findings. Factors such as student perception, and variations in experimental methodology and technology, contribute to difficulties in generalising findings and establishing conclusive causes for this problem. To better understand the causal factors for low adoption rates and the student's experience with ereaders and digital text, an investigation was conducted by the lead researcher as a student enrolled in a postgraduate course. The experiment was designed using e-book and digital text documents on an ereader for academic study and the results analysed with the framework of Activity Theory. This methodology allowed exploration of the problem within the authentic experience of a student to examine the effects of this social environment on ereader and e-book use.Analysis of the work domain was conducted and a comparative assessment of the observed effect of using the digital documents on an ereader compared with the paper book. Findings show that attempts to apply self-regulation and metacognitive learning techniques within the activity using the ereader were abandoned due to breakdowns in operations, and that this resulted in a perceived lower quality of achievement. The effect on the processes used by the student were extreme and were observed to be highly dependent on the student's use of specific learning strategies. The experimental methodology employed in this investigation enabled identification of the role of the social environment in the use of course documents on an ereader for academic study. The functionality of the ereader was such an extremely poor fit with the observed academic processes that a redesign approach for ereader and e-book technology is proposed as a solution to the low adoption rates of e-books.

Stress Prevention and Management during the Quarantine

The paper analyzes factors of quarantine measures influencing an individual during the COVID-19 epidemic. It mentions that during the quarantine, it should be considered that some individuals are especially vulnerable in crisis situations and they may need additional psychological assistance. The work presents a set of tools, recommended for specialists providing remote psychological assistance to prevent and overcome stress. Preventive and rehabilitation measures (counseling methods; the change in strategies and patterns of behavior; the involvement of rational psychodiagnostic and self-regulation techniques, etc.) are aimed at reducing the risks of stress and its impact on the individual during quarantine under threat of the COVID-19 epidemic. They should result in an increase in communicative openness, emotional stability, social courage, self-confidence, etc.