Significant Levels Of Psychological Distress Research Articles

Influencing factors of presenteeism among Portuguese workers in a private social solidarity institution in the aftermath of COVID-19

IntroductionIn ordinary circumstances, the employed individuals demonstrate significant levels of psychological distress and presenteeism, a situation that has been further intensified by the COVID-19 epidemic. Furthermore, a limited number of studies have examined the phenomenon of presenteeism in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore necessitating the undertaking of the present study.ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to investigate the levels of presenteeism and its related characteristics, as well as job satisfaction and psychological distress, among a sample of employees employed at a Private Social Solidarity Institution (IPSS) in Portugal.Methods A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in 2022 to observe personnel from an IPSS located in the central area of Portugal. The research had a sample size of 71 workers who were provided with a signed authorization. The survey was designed to gather both general and professional information from participants. Additionally, it included the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6), the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (S20/23), and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) as measurement tools.ResultsThe occurrence of presenteeism was seen in 32 employees, accounting for 45.1% of the sample, whereas illness absence was reported by 38 workers, representing 54.3% of the sample. The majority of the individual assessments for S20/23 demonstrated a higher degree of satisfaction (mean ≥ 4.5 points.), with the exception of the salary-related issue, which elicited a higher level of discontent (mean = 3.36 ± 1.9 pts.). Approximately 50.7% of the individuals had a high or very high susceptibility to experiencing or developing a mental condition. The correlation matrix revealed a statistically significant moderate positive association between presenteeism and work satisfaction, as well as a statistically significant moderate negative link between presenteeism and psychological distress (p<0.01). The associated factors of presenteeism were found to be marital status, quality of sleep, illness absenteeism, health perception, and psychological distress. The combined effect of these predictors was shown to account for 35.8% of the variance in presenteeism.ConclusionsIt is expected that the outcomes of our research will stimulate more investigations into the tangible implications of presenteeism in promoting improved health and well-being within the workplace.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Insights into the emotional grounds of diverse parenting experiences: risk and protective factors of psychological distress in mothers of children with autism, Down syndrome, and typical development

Objectives The present study aimed to investigate the role of parental self-efficacy, parental stress, perceived child performance, perceived medical support, and perceived social support in predicting psychological distress among mothers of typical children, children diagnosed with ASD, and children diagnosed with Down syndrome. Methods The sample consisted of 375 Romanian mothers (age range: 22 to 67, M = 40.35, SD = 7.64) of children with autism (N = 134), Down syndrome (N = 78), or no diagnosis, i.e. typical children (N = 163). Participants completed self-reporting scales measuring the variables of interest using a web-based approach. Results The findings indicated that, regardless of the mother’s status (child with autism/Down syndrome/no diagnosis), psychological distress was significantly predicted by parental stress. Also, the mothers of children with ASD reported significantly higher psychological distress than those of children diagnosed with Down syndrome. Conclusions Mothers of children diagnosed with ASD might be particularly vulnerable to experiencing significant levels of psychological distress. In this regard, the development of parental self-efficacy and reduction of parental stress through interventions might contribute to improving the mental well-being of parents of children with special needs.

Coping strategies as mediators of uncertainty and psychological distress in patients with advanced cancer.

Uncertainty in the context of advanced cancer diagnosis often incurs significant psychological distress. The aims were to evaluate the incidence of psychological distress upon diagnosis of advanced cancer and to analyze whether the relationship between illness uncertainty and psychological distress can be mediated by coping strategies. A multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 medical oncology departments across Spain. Individuals with unresectable advanced cancer completed questionnaires on uncertainty (Michel Uncertainty of Illness Scale, coping strategies (Mental Adjustment to Cancer, M-MAC), and psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory, BSI-18) after the diagnostic and treatment appointment and before beginning systemic cancer treatment. 841 patients eligible for systemic treatment with palliative intent were included between February 2020 and April 2022. A total of 71.7% had clinically significant levels of psychological distress. Univariate analyses identified that the groups with less psychological distress were male (ηp2 =0.016), married (ηp2 =0.006), and had a better performance status (ηp2 =0.007). The most widely used coping strategies were positive attitude and cognitive avoidance. A positive relationship was found between uncertainty, coping strategies, and psychological distress (p<0.05). Participants who responded with anxious preoccupation suffered more helplessness and psychological distress, while those who responded with cognitive avoidance displayed greater positive attitude and lesser psychological distress. Patients with newly diagnosed unresectable advanced cancer frequently experience psychological distress in the face of uncertainty, potentially influenced by coping strategies like cognitive avoidance.

Psychological distress experienced by nurses amid the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong: A qualitative study.

The fifth wave of COVID-19 has significantly overburdened the health care system in Hong Kong. Health care professionals, particularly nurses continue to experience significant levels of psychological distress when tackling this ongoing outbreak. Yet, no study has explored the psychological experiences of nurses during the most recent outbreak of the highly transmissible Omicron variant in Hong Kong. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the psychological distress experienced by nurses during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. Twenty-two nurses (14 female and 8 male nurses; average age, 36.7 ± 8.5 years) were recruited to attend the one-to-one semi-structured telephone interviews from June to July, 2022. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four main themes emerged from the interview: (1) Intense fear, worry, and anxiety; (2) Feeling worn out and psychologically distress; (3) Impact on psychosocial and physical health; and (4) Limited options to cope with psychological distress during the difficult times. Our study findings may provide concerned stakeholders with useful insights into reducing the psychological distress experienced by nurses in Hong Kong. Offering psychological support is of paramount importance to address the unmet psychological needs of nurses and reduce their psychological distress during the pandemic, particularly when they are working under high levels of workplace stress.

Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Cross-sectional Study.

To analyze the associations among and contributions of sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables to quality of life (QoL) related to diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs; DFUQoL). The sample comprised 70 patients with DFUs who answered the following questionnaires: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Illness Perception Questionnaire-Brief, Diabetic Foot Ulcer-Short Form, Medical Term Recognition test, and a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. Pearson and biserial correlation coefficients, hierarchical regressions, and moderation analyses were conducted to study the relationships among variables. The results showed that a large DFU, threatening representations about DFU, and more psychological distress were associated with lower DFUQoL. Also, more psychological distress, more threatening DFU representations, and taking antibiotics contributed to worse DFUQoL. Clinically significant levels of psychological distress moderated the relationship between the DFU extent and negative emotions. This study showed that QoL and its domains were associated with psychological distress and that QoL was more influenced by DFU representations than by a larger-sized wound, emphasizing the importance of psychological interventions in the treatment of patients with DFUs.

Screening for Psychological Distress and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Related Mortality: A SYSTEMATIZED REVIEW, META-ANALYSIS, AND CASE FOR PREVENTION.

Psychological distress-elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or psychosocial stress-has been associated with risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite increasing attention to the importance of these factors for CVD prevention, the state of this science requires updated synthesis to enable practice recommendations. Moreover, it is unknown whether psychological distress based on screeners, validated self-report instruments that efficiently identify those who may require mental health services or additional support, is associated with incident CVD. MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycInfo were searched for studies published 2017-2022, including adults without a past psychiatric diagnosis, who were screened at baseline for depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress, or general mental health symptoms, and followed for &gt;6 mo to determine their risk for incident CVD (ie, atrial fibrillation, acute coronary syndrome, coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, or a composite). A meta-analysis was used to aggregate results to determine whether clinically significant levels of psychological distress were associated with CVD onset. The search identified 28 investigations that represented 658 331 participants (58% women). Fifteen studies had adequate data for the primary meta-analysis, which indicated that those reporting high psychological distress showed a 28% greater risk of incident CVD compared with those with low or no distress. Rapid screening for psychological distress is a helpful and efficient approach to understanding the CVD risk profile of an individual. Additional investigations are needed to improve prospective evidence concerning psychosocial stress. Conducting analyses by sex may better elucidate the benefits of psychological distress screening for men and women, respectively, and encourage more widespread adoption in CVD prevention.

Factor structure of the 10-item CES-D Scale among patients with persistent COVID-19.

The presence of persistent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) might be associated with significant levels of psychological distress that would meet the threshold for clinical relevance. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) version 10 has been widely used in assessing psychological distress among general and clinical populations from different cultural backgrounds. To our knowledge, however, researchers have not yet validated these findings among patients with persistent COVID-19. A cross-sectional validation study was conducted with 100 patients from the EXER-COVID project (69.8% women; mean(±standard deviation) ages: 47.4 ± 9.5 years). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were performed on the 10-item CES-D to test four model fits: (a) unidimensional model, (b) two-factor correlated model, (c) three-factor correlated model, and (d) second-order factor model. The diagonal-weighted least-squaresestimator was used, as it is commonly applied to latent variable models with ordered categorical variables. The reliability indices of the 10-itemCES-Din patients with persistent COVID-19 were as follows: depressive affect factor ( ; ), somatic retardation factor ( ; ), and positive affect factor ( ; ). The second-order model fit showed good Omega reliability ( ). Regarding CFAs, the unidimensional-factor model shows poor goodness of fit, especially residuals analysis (root mean square error of approximation[RMSEA] = 0.081[95% confidence interval, CI = 0.040-0.119]; standardized root mean square residual[SRMR] = 0.101). The two-factor correlated model, three-factor correlated model, and second-order factor model showed adequate goodness of fit, and the χ2 difference test ( ) did not show significant differences between the goodness of fit for these models ( ; p = 0.127). Several indices showed a good fit with the three-factor correlated model: goodness-of-fit index = 0.974, comparative fit index = 0.990, relative noncentrality index = 0.990, and incremental fit index = 0.990, which were all above 0.95, the traditional cut-off establishing adequate fit. On the other hand, RMSEA = 0.049 (95%CI = 0.000-0.095), where an RMSEA < 0.06-0.08 indicates an adequate fit. Item loadings on the factors were statistically significant ( ; p's < 0.001), indicating that the items loaded correctly on the corresponding factors and the relationship between factors ( ; p's ≤ 0.001. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide validity and reliability to 10-itemCES-Din a persistent COVID-19 Spanish patient sample. The validation and reliability of this short screening tool allowus to increase the chance of obtaining complete data in a particular patient profile with increased fatigue and brain fog that limit patients' capacity to complete questionnaires.

End-of-life cancer patients'total pain: the necessity to supplement pharmacology with psycho-socio-spiritual treatments.

Aim: To analyze pain considering its different bio-psycho-social-spiritual manifestations and to assess the effectiveness of the analgesic treatments in end-of-life cancer patients. Materials & methods: The study was cross-sectional. A total of 376 end-of-life cancer inpatients participated in the research. Their socio-demographic and clinical data were collected and, during the first psychological consultancy, they filled in a set of validated rating scales assessing pain, anxiety, depressionand quality of life. Results: The results show that physical pain was well managed for almost all patients. Nevertheless, the majority showed clinically significant levels of psychological distress. Conclusion: Treating pain means caring for all its possible manifestations including psychological symptoms and reduced wellbeing. Thus, integrating pharmacological treatment with psycho-socio-spiritual interventions, in other words, psychological, social and spiritual support, could be effective and desirable.

Emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being during the wait for breast biopsy results

The experience of waiting for breast biopsy results can cause clinically significant levels of psychological distress. Objective This study is a replication and extension of previous work examining the well-being of patients at a breast biopsy appointment. Expanding on a previous study, we aim to identify predictors of well-being following the appointment (i.e. waiting for results). Design In this longitudinal study, female patients (N = 197) were surveyed at their breast biopsy appointments and then completed daily surveys assessing distress and coping during the week-long wait for results. Main Outcome Measures Surveys asked about patient characteristics, subjective health, cancer history, support availability, outcome expectations, and distress. Results/Conclusions Consistent with the previous study, health history and demographic factors were largely unassociated with distress, this time while waiting for biopsy results. Latina ethnicity emerged one of the few predictors of coping, pointing to opportunities for differential clinical interventions that take cultural factors into account. Finally, anxiety was highest at the beginning and end of the wait for biopsy results, suggesting that interventions may be most effective following a breast biopsy and the days prior to learning one’s result.

Mental wellbeing and psychological distress in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison across time

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to assess the trajectory of wellbeing and psychological distress in a UK sample by comparing data taken from the first and second UK lockdowns. Method Wellbeing (indexed via the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale) and psychological distress (indexed via the K10) were measured in two surveys in large online samples from Wales, UK. The first survey (n = 12,989) took place 11–16 weeks into the first UK lockdown and the second survey (n = 10,428) took place 4–11 weeks into the second UK lockdown. Results Levels of wellbeing were lower in the second survey compared to the first survey, which were already low compared to pre-pandemic data (2019). Clinically significant levels of psychological distress were found in 40.4% of participants in the second survey, representing a 9.8% increase in prevalence from the first survey. Poorer mental health was found in women, younger adults, and those from deprived areas. The greatest reduction in mental health was found in the youngest age group (16-24 years old). Discussion The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to curb its spread continue to negatively impact the wellbeing of the UK population.

An assessment of psychological distress and professional burnout in mental health professionals in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective:To examine psychological distress and professional burnout in a cohort of Australian mental healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemicMethods:This study examined a multi-disciplinary cohort of mental healthcare workers in a large metropolitan service in Australia. Demographic information as well as information on employment and individual’s personal experience of the COVID-19 pandemic was collected and correlated with cross-sectional assessments of anxiety, depression and professional burnout using validated clinical questionnairesResults:Mental healthcare workers reported high levels of anxiety, depression, and professional burnout. Participants reported some reduction in anxiety since the early phases of the pandemic, but the reduction was more modest in mental healthcare workers identifying as being “vulnerable” employees.Conclusion:Despite the low numbers of COVID-19 cases, mental healthcare workers in Australia report significant levels of psychological distress and professional burnout during the pandemic.

O20 Initial impact of COVID-19 on health-related quality of life in patients with rheumatic diseases from an evaluation of 1,727 patients: BAME and female patients are at higher risk

Background/Aims The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with significant levels of psychological distress, affecting both those with and without the COVID infection. In the general population, COVID-19 has most notably affected those who are female, in younger age groups, black Asian and ethnic minority groups (BAME). A significant proportion of rheumatology patients are ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’, classed as high-risk of COVID under current national guidance. While it is recognised that extra precautionary measures in this group, such as stringent social distancing (shielding), adversely impacts these patients mental health, other risk factors, for patients with rheumatic disease whose health related quality of life (HRQoL) scores are most impacted, have not being explored. In our large cohort of rheumatology patients under secondary care follow up at the Royal Wolverhampton Trust we assessed HRQoL scores at the 4-week point following the introduction of lockdown measures. Methods We distributed a web-based survey via a linked mobile-phone SMS message, to all rheumatology patients, with a validated mobile number, under follow-up at the Royal Wolverhampton Trust. We assessed patient’s HRQoL by Short Form-12 version 2 (SF12); data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Results There were 7,911 active follow up patients with linked mobile numbers. Survey responses were received from 1,828/7,911 (23%) and of these 1,727 completed all aspects of the SF12. Responders were mostly white British 1,711/1828 (94%) and female 1,276 (70%); inflammatory arthritis was the predominant diagnosis (1,275, 70%). 858 (47%) were at high-risk of COVID (advised to follow shielding guidance) and 72 (4%) reported having suffered COVID-19 infection. Mental SF-12 (MCS) component scores were significantly lower in: COVID vs non-COVID patients (mean differences: -3.8, P < 0.001); BAME vs Caucasian patients (-1.5, P = 0.04); Females vs Males (-1.3, P = 0.001). Importantly, there were no differences in physical component scores (PCS) in these groups. Patients considered at high risk of COVID had lower MCS (-2.1) and PCS (-3.1) (both P < 0.001). Older patients had lower PCS (-2.7, P < 0.001) but not MCS. Conclusion We found significantly worse mental health scores in female patients, BAME patients and those patients that had suffered the COVID infection. Clinically extremely vulnerable patients had worse mental and physical health scores. There was no significant difference in mental health scores between patients in different ages groups, while, as might be expected, physical health scores were significantly worse in the older age groups. These data indicate a focus on adverse psychological consequences in specific patient groups may be required for future increases in COVID infection rates. Further work on the evolving pattern of psychological responses to the pandemic in rheumatic disease is required. Disclosure N. Cleaton: None. J. Bateman: None.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on human-nature interactions: Pathways, evidence and implications.

The coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic and the global response have dramatically changed people's lifestyles in much of the world. These major changes, as well as the associated changes in impacts on the environment, can alter the dynamics of the direct interactions between humans and nature (hereafter human–nature interactions) far beyond those concerned with animals as sources of novel human coronavirus infections. There may be a variety of consequences for both people and nature.Here, we suggest a conceptual framework for understanding how the COVID‐19 pandemic might affect the dynamics of human–nature interactions. This highlights three different, but not mutually exclusive, pathways: changes in (a) opportunity, (b) capability and (c) motivation.Through this framework, we also suggest that there are several feedback loops by which changes in human–nature interactions induced by the COVID‐19 pandemic can lead to further changes in these interactions such that the impacts of the pandemic could persist over the long term, including after it has ended.The COVID‐19 pandemic, which has had the most tragic consequences, can also be viewed as a ‘global natural experiment’ in human–nature interactions that can provide unprecedented mechanistic insights into the complex processes and dynamics of these interactions and into possible strategies to manage them to best effect. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Mental Health Challenges and Needs among Sexual and Gender Minority People in Western Kenya.

Background: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people in Kenya face pervasive socio-cultural and structural discrimination. Persistent stress stemming from anti-SGM stigma and prejudice may place SGM individuals at increased risk for negative mental health outcomes. This study explored experiences with violence (intimate partner violence and SGM-based violence), mental health outcomes (psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and depressive symptoms), alcohol and other substance use, and prioritization of community needs among SGM adults in Western Kenya. Methods: This study was conducted by members of a collaborative research partnership between a U.S. academic institution and a Kenyan LGBTQ civil society organization (CSO). A convenience sample of 527 SGM adults (92.7% ages 18–34) was recruited from community venues to complete a cross-sectional survey either on paper or through an online secure platform. Results: For comparative analytic purposes, three sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) groups were created: (1) cisgender sexual minority women (SMW; 24.9%), (2) cisgender sexual minority men (SMM; 63.8%), and (3) gender minority individuals (GMI; 11.4%). Overall, 11.7% of participants reported clinically significant levels of psychological distress, 53.2% reported clinically significant levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and 26.1% reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms. No statistically significant differences in clinical levels of these mental health concerns were detected across SOGI groups. Overall, 76.2% of participants reported ever using alcohol, 45.6% home brew, 43.5% tobacco, 39.1% marijuana, and 27.7% miraa or khat. Statistically significant SOGI group differences on potentially problematic substance use revealed that GMI participants were less likely to use alcohol and tobacco daily; and SMM participants were more likely to use marijuana daily. Lifetime intimate partner violence (IPV) was reported by 42.5% of participants, and lifetime SGM-based violence (SGMV) was reported by 43.4%. GMI participants were more likely than other SOGI groups to have experienced both IPV and SGMV. Participants who experienced SGMV had significantly higher rates of clinically significant depressive and PTSD symptoms. Conclusions: Despite current resilience demonstrated by SGM adults in Kenya, there is an urgent need to develop and deliver culturally appropriate mental health services for this population. Given the pervasiveness of anti-SGM violence, services should be provided using trauma-informed principles, and be sensitive to the lived experiences of SGM adults in Kenya. Community and policy levels interventions are needed to decrease SGM-based stigma and violence, increase SGM visibility and acceptance, and create safe and affirming venues for mental health care. Political prioritization of SGM mental health is needed for sustainable change.

What Will Be the Impact of the Covid-19 Quarantine on Psychological Distress? Considerations Based on a Systematic Review of Pandemic Outbreaks.

Background: The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and related syndrome (COVID-19) has led to worldwide measures with severe consequences for millions of people. In the light of the psychopathological consequences of restrictive measures detected during previous outbreaks, a systematic review was carried out to provide an evidence-based assessment of possible effects of the current COVID-19 quarantine on mental health. Methods: This review included studies that assessed mental health indexes (e.g., overall psychological distress, depressive and PTSD symptoms) during and after quarantine periods adopted to management different outbreaks (e.g., COVID-19, SARS, MERS). Results: Twenty-one independent studies were included for a total of 82,312 subjects. At least 20% of people exposed to restrictive measures for the management of pandemic infections reported clinically significant levels of psychological distress, especially PTSD (21%) and depressive (22.69%) symptoms. Overall, original studies highlighted relevant methodological limitations. Conclusions: Nowadays, almost one out of every five people is at risk of development of clinically significant psychological distress. Further research on mental health after the current COVID-19 quarantine measures is warranted.

CRITIQUE ON THE CONCEPT OF PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY (PNI) IN AYURVEDA AND YOGA w.s.r. TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 outbreak has prompted significant levels of psychological distress and critical effect on emotional wellness as well as challenged health care systems across the globe. Such distress is accompanied with alterations in immune function including expanded danger of viral respiratory tract infections. It has shaken the entire world with this worldwide crisis. The panic situation created by the disease along with the unfamiliar way of conduct imposed several psychological impacts on human life. Many can’t cope up with the situation on their own and are in need of an intervention such as Psychological First Aid. Fear, anxiety, future concerns, interpersonal relationships issues, behavioral issues, domestic abuses, separation anxiety are a few among the psychological issues reported. It is basic to comprehend that these depend on a more profound comprehension of how choice less mindfulness coordinates the neurological, immune and metabolic frameworks with psychological processes to work overall. In this review article, an attempt has been made to critically enlighten the ancient and recent development of the Psychoneuroimmuology (PNI) in Ayurveda and Yoga in concern with Covid-19 Pandemic.

Mental Wellbeing and Psychological Distress in the UK During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison Across Time

Background: Studies conducted shortly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated decreased mental health and wellbeing within the UK. However, it is still unclear whether the continued crisis has produced a further reduction in population wellbeing.Methods: This study assessed the trajectory of wellbeing and psychological distress in a UK population by comparing data from the first (March 2020-July 2020) and second (December 2020-March 2021) UK lockdowns. Wellbeing (indexed via the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale) and psychological distress (indexed via the K10) were measured in two surveys in large online convenience samples from Wales, UK. The first survey (n = 12,989) took place 11-16 weeks into the first UK lockdown (9th June to 13th July 2020) and the second survey (n = 10,428) took place 4-11 weeks into the second UK lockdown (18th January to 7th March 2021).Outcomes: Levels of wellbeing were lower in the second survey (2021) compared to the first survey (2020), which were already low compared to pre-pandemic data (2019). Clinically significant levels of psychological distress were found in 40.4% of participants in the second survey, representing a 9.8% increase in prevalence from the first survey. Poorer mental health was found in women, younger adults, and those from deprived areas. The greatest reduction in mental health was found in the youngest age group (16-24 years old), where significant levels of psychological distress were found in 66.3% of individuals, compared to 16.4% in the oldest age group (75+ years old).Interpretation: The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to curb its spread continue to negatively impact the wellbeing of the UK population.Funding: None.Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at the College of Health and Human Sciences, Swansea University.

Australian lawyers’ experience of exposure to traumatic material: a qualitative study

Lawyers experience significant levels of psychological distress. We argue that one reason, which has received insufficient attention from researchers, is their exposure to traumatic material. Our study examined the lived experience of lawyers who are exposed to traumatic material, including the role their organisation and profession play in shaping their experiences. Thirty-five lawyers or barristers, from both the public and the private sector, participated in in-depth interviews about how their exposure to traumatic material affected them, and how their organisation shaped their experiences. Our analysis identified six themes: when material becomes traumatic, fear of stigma, everyday recovery, boundaries through denial and distancing, using social support normatively and making meaning. Our findings identify that lawyers can experience strong emotional reactions to traumatic material, and their experience is influenced by the professional norms and training in law. Moreover, their organisation has an important role in either ameliorating or exacerbating their responses.

Looking good but feeling bad: "Camouflaging" behaviors and mental health in women with autistic traits.

Women who try to hide or "camouflage" their autistic traits are likely to report that they feel distressed, think of suicide, and/or struggle to function in everyday life. We asked 58 women with autistic traits to complete questionnaires about camouflaging and mental health. Most of these women did not have a formal diagnosis of autism, yet a majority reported that they camouflaged autistic traits, and a large majority reported significant mental health challenges. Some researchers have suggested that women with autistic traits are more likely than autistic men to experience mental health challenges because women may try more to "fit in" socially by camouflaging their autistic traits. Analyses showed that camouflaging was associated with feeling distressed (depressed, anxious, and/or stressed). For women who reported above-average levels of camouflaging, camouflaging was also associated with having thoughts about suicide and struggling to function in everyday life. Trying to camouflage autistic traits was associated with mental health challenges, regardless of whether those traits were very mild or more severe. The findings of this study may influence how mental health professionals evaluate and treat women with autistic traits.

Opposing Associations of Stress and Resilience With Functional Outcomes in Stroke Survivors in the Chronic Phase of Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Stroke survivors report significant levels of psychological distress post stroke. To date, most studies conducted have focused on the relationship between psychological stress and functional outcomes in the acute phase of stroke. However, no studies had considered the role of stress over the chronic phase, where stress may continue to exert negative effects on cognitive and psychological processes. Further, the role of potentially modulatory variables, such as psychological resilience, on stroke outcomes has been understudied. The purpose of this study was to consider the relationships between stress and resilience with functional outcomes in long-term survivors of stroke. People (N = 70) who had experienced a stroke between 5 months and 28 years ago were included in the cross-sectional study, along with age-matched controls (N = 70). We measured stress using both the Perceived Stress Scale and biological markers, and resilience using both the Brief Resilience Scale and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Stroke outcomes were assessed using the Stroke Impact Scale. We found that, compared with age-matched controls, stroke survivors reported greater levels of perceived stress, and lower levels of resilience. In stroke survivors, both perceived stress and resilience were independently associated with stroke outcomes in linear regression models. In particular, these relationships were observed for cognitive outcomes including mood, memory, and communication. The association between stress and stroke outcome did not differ across time post stroke. Given that resilience is a modifiable psychological construct, future research may consider whether strategies directed at enhancing resilience may improve recovery from stroke.Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12617000736347.