Significant Predictors Of Adjustment Research Articles

Institutional Environment of Old Age Homes and Its Relation to Adjustment of Older Adults: Evidence from Pakistan

The study investigated the role of institutional environment in adjustment of older adults living in old age homes of Punjab, Pakistan. The study was conducted on a sample of 270 residents, living in 18 old age facilities across Punjab. The data was collected through a structured interview questionnaire and was analyzed through SPSS (v. 22). The multiple regression analyses suggested that institutional environment along with number of children and number of visitors was a significant predictor of adjustment of older adults. Interventions such as higher support from staff and residents, autonomy, and engagement can help older adults to adjust better in old age homes.

The Psychosocial Adjustment of Children Born With a Cleft Lip and/or Palate: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses.

To determine the psychosocial adjustment of children born with a cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). Longitudinal analyses of psychosocial outcomes and cross-sectional comparison with published norms. Retrospective clinical audit at a UK cleft center. Data available for 1174 participants born with a CL/P at ages 5 (n = 658), 10 (n = 415), and 15 (n = 171), with longitudinal data for a subset of the sample at 5 and 10 (n = 168) and 10 and 15 (n = 49). Parental-report Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The majority of children scored in the average range for overall adjustment. Children born with CL/P had significantly higher mean overall SDQ scores relative to normative data at ages 5 and 10. Longitudinal analysis highlighted that adjustment at age 5 was a significant predictor of adjustment at age 10. Gender was another significant predictor of adjustment at age 5 and 10, with boys reporting more problems than girls. However, effect sizes for the impact of age and gender were small. Cleft type was not a significant predictor of SDQ score at any age. Children aged 5 and 10 years of age born with a cleft may experience greater overall psychosocial difficulties than the general population. The domains on the SDQ on which children experience difficulty may be influenced by age and gender. Future research should focus on the specific impact of cleft-related issues, including speech, language, and hearing difficulties, on psychosocial adjustment.

Coping With Remembrances of Parental Rejection in Childhood: Gender Differences and Associations With Intimate Partner Relationships

Grounded in interpersonal acceptance-rejection theory (IPARTheory), this exploratory study investigated a) major characteristics of affective copers and non-copers, b) the effects of acceptance by one parent insofar as it moderates rejection by the other parent, and c) the mediation effect of intimate partner relationships on the relation between remembered parental rejection and adults’ current psychological adjustment. The theory recognizes that the psychological adjustment of some adults who remember having been rejected by parents in childhood is not as seriously impaired as it is for the majority of individuals. These people are called affective copers in IPARTheory. The sample included 724 affective copers and 1121 non-copers, which are adults who remember having been rejected by their parents in childhood, and whose psychological adjustment is impaired in adulthood. Results of analyses revealed that for male affective copers, both maternal and paternal rejection were unique and significant predictors of adjustment, whereas for female copers, age and an interaction between remembrances of maternal and paternal rejection were significant predictors. For male non-copers, age, remembered parental rejection, and an interaction between maternal and paternal rejection were significant predictors of psychological adjustment. For female non-copers, in contrast, remembrances of both maternal and paternal rejection in childhood were significant predictors. Lastly, perceived partner acceptance-rejection mediated the relationship between remembered parental rejection in childhood and the psychological adjustment of non-copers, but not of affective copers. Results of this study inform the work of practitioners and prevention scientists working with adults who experienced serious rejection from their parents in childhood.

Hope and adjustment to college in the context of collective trauma

ABSTRACTObjectives: To understand predictors of first-year college adjustment in the context of collective trauma, including a school shooting. Participants: Two consecutive years of entering freshman (Year 1 (Y1) N = 169, Year 2 (Y2) N = 94) were surveyed over time: Y1 in October 2012 and March 2013, and Y2 in October 2013 and August 2014. During Y2, several collective traumas occurred, impacting the campus community and providing a stark comparison. Methods: Online surveys measuring predictors at the start of each year and adjustment at the end of each year. Results: Hope was the only significant predictor of adjustment when included in a regression model with depression symptoms in Y1, and with depression symptoms, baseline posttraumatic stress symptoms, and traumatic exposure in Y2. Conclusions: Fostering hope may promote college adjustment, regardless of collective traumas that might occur on campus.

The stress-buffering effects of hope on changes in adjustment to caregiving in multiple sclerosis

This study examined the direct and stress-buffering effects of global hope and its components (agency and pathways) on changes in adjustment to multiple sclerosis caregiving over 12 months. A total of 140 carers and their care-recipients completed questionnaires at Time 1 and 12 months later, Time 2. Focal predictors were stress, hope, agency and pathways, and the adjustment outcomes were anxiety, depression, positive affect, positive states of mind and life satisfaction. Results showed that as predicted, greater hope was associated with better adjustment after controlling for the effects of initial adjustment and caregiving and care-recipient illness variables. No stress-buffering effects of hope emerged. Regarding hope components, only the agency dimension emerged as a significant predictor of adjustment. Findings highlight hope as an important protective resource for coping with multiple sclerosis caregiving and underscore the role of agency thinking in this process.

Perceived discrimination, social connectedness, and other predictors of adjustment difficulties among Turkish international students

This study examined the role of perceived discrimination, social connectedness, age, gender, years of study in the US, English language competency, and social contact patterns on adjustment difficulties among a sample of 229 Turkish international students studying in the United States. Findings indicated that students who reported higher levels of social connectedness, lower levels of perceived discrimination, more years of study in the US, and higher levels of English language competency reported lower levels of adjustment difficulties. Other results showed that (lack of) social connectedness and perceived discrimination were predictors of adjustment difficulties. In addition, results indicated that students who socialized with individuals from the US had lower levels of adjustment difficulties than did those who socialized with coculture members. Implications are discussed and suggestions for interventions are provided.

Muslim Identity, Dress Code Adherence and College Adjustment among American Muslim Women

Prior research indicates that one's sense of group belonging may be a crucial factor in adjustment as he or she adjusts to new social environments. Given the recent increase in negative sentiment towards Muslims in the United States since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, American youth who strongly identify with the ostracized group may experience difficulty as they make the transition to college and try to become part of the larger society. This transition may be particularly challenging for American Muslim women, many of whom are highly visible because of their adherence to the Islamic dress requirements that are specific to women. The current study investigates the relationship between Muslim identity, adherence to Islamic standards of dress, and college adjustment using survey data from a sample of 53 Muslim American women. A multiple regression analysis revealed that Muslim identity and level of adherence to Islamic standards of dress were significant predictors of adjustment in college. Participants who reported a higher Muslim identity reported lower college adjustment. Participants who reported dressing with a higher level of adherence to Islamic standards of dress reported better college adjustment.

Predictors of Psychosocial Adjustment During the Postradiation Treatment Transition

The aim of this study was to examine the role of cognitive appraisal in predicting psychosocial adjustment during the postradiation treatment transition. A predictive correlational design was used in a convenience sample of 80 patients with breast, lung, and prostate cancer who were receiving radiation therapy. Two weeks prior to completion of treatment, participants completed instruments to measure symptom distress, uncertainty, cognitive appraisal, social support, and self-efficacy for coping. The Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale was administered 1 month after therapy. Adjustment was significantly correlated with all independent variables, age, and comorbidity. Young age and high amounts of threat appraisal, harm/loss appraisal, uncertainty, and symptom distress were significantly associated with poor adjustment. The model predicted 52% of the variability in adjustment. Cognitive appraisal was not a significant explanatory variable for adjustment when controlling for uncertainty, cancer stage, age, and symptom distress. Symptom distress was the only significant predictor of adjustment.

Predictors of Adjustment and Growth in Women With Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

To analyze predictors of adjustment and growth in women who had experienced recurrent ovarian cancer using components of the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation as a conceptual framework. Cross-sectional. Participants were recruited from national cancer advocacy groups. 60 married or partnered women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Participants completed an online or paper survey. Independent variables included demographic and illness variables and meaning of illness. Outcome variables were psychological adjustment and post-traumatic growth. A model of five predictor variables (younger age, fewer years in the relationship, poorer performance status, greater symptom distress, and more negative meaning) accounted for 64% of the variance in adjustment but did not predict post-traumatic growth. This study supports the use of a model of adjustment that includes demographic, illness, and appraisal variables for women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Symptom distress and poorer performance status were the most significant predictors of adjustment. Younger age and fewer years in the relationship also predicted poorer adjustment. Nurses have the knowledge and skills to influence the predictors of adjustment to recurrent ovarian cancer, particularly symptom distress and poor performance status. Nurses who recognize the predictors of poorer adjustment can anticipate problems and intervene to improve adjustment for women.

Child, parent, and family predictors of latter adjustment in siblings of children with autism

Research findings examining the adjustment of siblings of children with autism has been inconsistent, with some studies concluding that siblings are negatively impacted, while others have found no adverse effects. We argue that one reason for these inconsistent findings may be the failure by some investigators to take into account the increased genetic vulnerability faced by siblings of children with autism. In this study, we assessed the adjustment of siblings, with and without a diagnosed non-medical disability or disorder, using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [Goodman, R. (2001). Psychometric properties of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 40, 1337–1341]. When compared to non-diagnosed siblings and a large normative sample, diagnosed siblings scored significantly higher in terms of adjustment difficulties and lower in terms of prosocial behavior. In addition, in hierarchical regressions, several child, parent, and family factors were found to be significant predictors of adjustment among non-diagnosed siblings when assessed 2 years latter, while no explanatory variables were significantly linked to latter adjustment outcomes among siblings with a diagnosed disability or disorder. Study limitations and implications are discussed.

The Importance of Spirituality Among Gay and Lesbian Individuals

ABSTRACT Religion is a conduit for expressing spirituality. Since most mainstream religions condemn any form of homosexuality one would expect that gay men and lesbians would have little to do with spirituality. Experts, however, believe that gay and lesbian individuals would especially benefit from spiritual nourishment because of the oppression they face. Using an instrument that measures spiritual well-being, this study investigated the spirituality of 93 gay and lesbian individuals. The findings revealed that respondents espoused high levels of spiritual well-being: how one relates to God (religious well-being) and how one feels about life (existential well-being). Those who identified with a formal religion and who attended religious services frequently espoused higher religious well-being. Respondents with a diagnosis of depression, on the other hand, espoused lower existential well-being. Multiple regression analyses revealed that existential well-being was a significant predictor of adjustment: having high self-esteem, accepting one's homosexual orientation, and feeling less alienated. In contrast, religious well-being was not a significant predictor of any measure of adjustment. These findings point to the importance of the existential aspect of spirituality among gay and lesbian individuals in determining adjustment. They also suggest that being well-adjusted does not entail being reconciled with a traditional religion or with a theistic belief.

Difficulties in screening for adjustment disorder, Part I: Use of existing screening instruments in cancer patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation

Although success rates for bone marrow transplantation (BMT) continue to improve, there is still a high level of morbidity and physical and emotional distress associated with BMT. To date, limited research has focused on the assessment of and screening for specific psychiatric disorders of patients facing BMT. This is especially true with regard to identifying adjustment disorder (AD), despite the fact that AD is the most prevalent psychiatric diagnosis in cancer patients. A sample of 95 BMT patients were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (SCID) and completed several commonly used self-report instruments to determine if these tools could be used to identify patients with adjustment disorder in need of further assessment and intervention. Of these patients, 34.7% were diagnosed with adjustment disorder, 11.6% with major depression, and 5.3% with generalized anxiety disorder. The instruments were not found to be predictive of AD. However, the results of a regression analysis showed that the Social Subscale of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (R2 delta = 0.04, F = 4.30, p < 0.05) was a significant predictor of adjustment disorder. We conclude that there is little efficacy in using existing scales for detecting adjustment disorders in cancer patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation, and that other tools for identifying patients with adjustment disorder who might benefit from counseling are needed.

Daily hassles and social support as predictors of adjustment in children with pediatric rheumatic disease.

To test hypotheses that social support moderates the effects of microstressors on the psychosocial adjustment of children with pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRDs) and that among multiple sources of support, classmate and parent support are significant predictors of adjustment, after controlling for demographic and disease severity variables. Children with PRDs (N = 160 children; 8-17 years) were recruited from three pediatric rheumatology centers and completed measures of daily hassles, social support, depressive symptoms, and state and trait anxiety; their parents completed measures of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Fewer daily hassles and higher social support predicted fewer adjustment problems. Among the sources of support, classmate and parent support were significant predictors. Tests for moderation were significant only for a Hassles x Classmate Support interaction in the prediction of depression. A plot of the interaction between hassles and classmate support showed that children with high classmate support had lower levels of depression than children with low classmate support under high or low levels of daily hassles. Furthermore, children with high classmate support had lower levels of depression under conditions of low versus high daily hassles. Results are consistent with a main effect rather than buffering model for social support. Interventions should focus on management of daily hassles and increasing social support for children with PRDs.

Adjustment to chronic illness among HIV-infected women.

To identify factors that influence adjustment to chronic illness among HIV-infected women, using the cognitive appraisal model of stress and coping. Cross-sectional descriptive survey of 101 HIV-infected women living in the Northeastern United States, from December 1996 to December 1997. During face-to-face interviews, the Meaning of Illness Questionnaire, Duke UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, HIV Symptom Experience Inventory and Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Short Form Survey were used to measure appraisal of illness, social support, HIV symptom severity and adjustment to chronic illness. Hierarchical linear regression, path analysis, and procedures to test for mediation were performed. The model variables explained 70% of the variance in adjustment to chronic illness. Symptom experience accounted for the greatest percentage of variance in adjustment (28%). Two of the three predicted relationships were supported as hypothesized: adjustment to chronic illness was directly influenced by appraisal of illness and by HIV-symptom experience. Social support was not found to have a direct effect on adjustment. Instead, appraisal of illness mediated the effect of social support on adjustment and symptom experience. HIV illness stage was not a significant predictor of adjustment. The cognitive appraisal model of stress and coping was useful for building knowledge on adjustment to chronic illness among HIV infected women. Interventions aimed at reframing negative appraisals have the potential to affect adjustment.

Psychological adjustment to systemic sclerosis.

To examine the role of demographic, disability, appraisal, and coping variables in predicting psychological adjustment in individuals with systemic sclerosis. Two hundred forty-two individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc; diffuse and limited) were surveyed by mail. Demographics, functional disability, pain, control appraisals, 8 types of coping, and individual psychosocial adjustment were assessed by self-report questionnaires with established reliability and validity. In regression analysis, 3 coping strategies emerged as significant predictors of adjustment: Wishful Thinking, Blaming Self, and Problem-Focused Coping. Self-reports of disability and control appraisals were also significant predictors. Collectively, 46% of the variance in adjustment was explained by these 5 predictor variables. The strongest predictor of overall adjustment was wishful thinking, explaining 22% of the variance in adjustment. Potentially modifiable appraisal and coping variables, along with disease-related disability, appear to play an important role in predicting adjustment to SSc, while demographic variables explained little of the variability in patient adjustment.

Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses of Coping Responses and Health Status in Persons with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The authors investigated the relations of coping with psychological adjustment and functional status in 46 adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The participants completed questionnaires that measured coping with SLE, depression, and functional impairment. A subgroup (n = 22) completed the same questionnaires an average of 7.7 months later. Correlational and regression analyses revealed that, at Time 1, passive coping strategies (eg, avoidance, wishful thinking, blaming self) were significantly related to poorer psychological adjustment and functional status. Problem-focused coping was significantly associated with less depression. Longitudinal analyses showed that using wishful thinking and seeking social support at Time 1 were significant predictors of adjustment at Time 2. These findings are compared with findings from studies of other population groups with chronic illnesses.

Influence of physician communication on newly diagnosed breast patients' psychologic adjustment and decision-making.

Physician-patient communication is of critical importance when a breast cancer diagnosis is made, because the emotionally overwhelmed patient must be educated about her disease and available treatments so she can participate in decisions about her care. A research study addressed the hypothesis that patients whose surgeons used psychotherapeutic techniques during the cancer diagnostic interview would have better psychologic adjustment to their cancer. One hundred women surveyed 6 months after surgery completed the Cancer Diagnostic Interview Scale (CDIS) and the SCL-90-R, a measure of psychologic well being. Factor analysis of the CDIS revealed that the physician's caring attitude was perceived by the women as most important, with information-giving as a much weaker component. Multiple regression analysis supported the hypothesis that psychologic adjustment was predicted by physician behavior during the cancer diagnostic interview. Other significant predictors of adjustment were a history of psychiatric problems and premorbid life stressors. Provision of information needed for decision-making appears to be valued largely within the context of a caring physician-patient relationship. Specific surgeons' behaviors believed to facilitate patient adjustment include expressing empathy, allowing sufficient time for patients to absorb the cancer diagnosis, providing information, and engaging the patient in treatment decision-making.

The relationship between sex-role orientation and resolution of eriksonian developmental crises

A total of 139 female and 133 male undergraduates completed the Bem Sex-role Inventory and the Inventory of Psychosocial Development, a measure of resolution of Erikson's developmental crises, in a study designed to assess the relationship between sex roles and psychological adjustment. The results indicated that the androgynous subjects had higher adjustment scores than subjects in the other three sex-role classifications. Further analyses revealed that both the masculinity and femininity components of androgyny were significant predictors of adjustment, reinforcing the suggestion that androgyny is a more optimal sex role. It was also demonstrated that the masculine component of androgyny was associated more strongly with adjustment. The results are discussed in terms of theories of the virtue of an androgynous as opposed to sex-typed sex role.

Why me? Attributions and adjustment by cancer patients and their mates at two stages in the disease process

This research investigated how cancer patients at early and advanced stage disease ( N = 73) and their mates ( N = 39) attributed causality for the disease, their levels of adjustment and the relationship between attributions and adjustment. Data were collected through semi-structured home interviews. Results indicated that the largest numbers of individuals cited chance as the cause of the cancer, although many reported that they had not asked themselves the question, ‘Why me?’. Adjustment measures indicated, in general, more similarities than differences between groups. Attributions were not significant predictors of adjustment. It is suggested that not making strong causal attributions may be adaptive for cancer patients and their families.

Differences Between Adjustment to and Enjoyment of Retirement

ABSTRACTMost research on psychological reactions to retirement considers adjustment as the main dependent variable. This paper suggests that enjoyment of retirement may be another psychological reaction to this phase of life. Differences between adjustment to and enjoyment of retirement for a sample of retired professional men are explored with respect to different phases of retirement. It was found that these two dependent variables are related but somewhat different reactions to retirement. Two independent variables, attitudes toward retirement and family interaction, contribute to both adjustment to and enjoyment of retirement. However, income was a significant predictor of adjustment whereas personality was a significant independent variable for the prediction of enjoyment of retirement. These results suggest that further research should consider other dependent variables in attempting to understand the psychological complexities related to the retirement role.