Specific Psychological Problems Research Articles

The Relationship Between E-Health Literacy with Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms of Nurses During The Pandemic

Objective: During the pandemic, health employees carry an emotional burden and specific psychological problems about caring for infected patients. This research was conducted to determine nurses' e-Health literacy levels and post-traumatic stress symptoms status in the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine the relationship between them.Methods: The study was planned in descriptive, and correlational types, consisting of 172 nurses working in two state hospitals in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the study, the whole universe was tried to be reached. The sample selection method was not applied. The Nurse Identification Form, e-Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS), and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) were applied online using GOOGLE forms in the study. Due to a lack of answers, the study started online on June 8, 2020, and ended on September 16, 2020. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied in two-group comparisons, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to test differences among three groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to test the significance of pairwise differences using Bonferroni correction to adjust for multiple comparisons. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The median score of e-health literacy level was 32 for those with undergraduate and graduate education. The median eHEALS score of nurses who think that the internet is very useful in accessing health resources is 32,5. The scale score of the impact of events was found to be high in nurses working in the emergency services, experiencing changes in their social, occupational, or other areas during the epidemic, having different stress factors in the work environment excluding COVID-19. The nurses' e-Health literacy median score is 32, the impact of events scale median score is 30. There is no statistically significant relationship between nurses' e-Health literacy levels and post-traumatic stress symptoms.Conclusion: Although there is arelationship between e-Health literacy levels and nurses' post-traumatic stress symptoms status, the e-Health literacy status was higher than average, and the severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms was mild.

Development of mathematical giftedness in the conditions of distance learning

Background. The article examines the factors of the development of mathematical giftedness in the context of distance learning, depending on the choice of computer mathematical packages and digital platforms. Mathematical giftedness is considered as one of the types of special intellectual giftedness associated with mathematical thinking.The aim. To identify the links between the cognitive structures and types of the mathematical thinking that affect the development of mathematical giftedness, with the specifics of the use of digital resources in distance learning.Materials and methods. The analysis of the features of distance learning and its influence on the development of mathematical giftedness is performed; a comparative study of the relationship between the child’s productive informational activity and the implemented distance learning tools was carried out; methods of selection of digital resources, different in the presented forms and levels of activity of distance work, which contribute to the development of mathematical giftedness of students, have been investigated.Results. The following factors were assigned to the development of mathematical giftedness by means of digital resources: the formation of a child’s productive informational activity; implementation of innovative approaches to teaching; implementation of the methodology for the selection of digital resources. It was found that the implementation of mathematical abstractions by digital means of visualization improves the quality of assimilation of concepts, forms a stable interest in the subject, and contributes to the development of topological thinking. The work identifies specific psychological problems arising in the process of implementing distance learning mediated by computer technologies, the resolution of which affects the possibility of developing mathematical giftedness, in particular: the problems of emotional saturation and the construction of interpersonal relationships. As specific factors, contributing to the solution of these problems, the following are proposed, in particular: increasing motivation, designing group tasks, special systems of tasks, implemented according to the principle of engagement, the solution of which leads to competition and cooperation. The understanding of mathematical abstractions is facilitated by computer applications that implement technologies for rendering graphic components.Conclusions. Based on the analysis of cognitive structures and types of mathematical thinking, conclusions are drawn about the specifics of the use of digital resources in the process of distance learning, contributing to the effective development of student’s mathematical giftedness.

Cognitive–affective factors underlying disinhibitory disorders and legal implications

Disinhibited behaviours such as aggression, criminality and substance misuse are ubiquitous. In the USA, a violent crime occurs every 25 s, a non-violent crime every 4.1 s, an incidence of domestic violence every 3 s and substance misuse every 2.4 s. These behaviours are widespread, but more commonly exhibited by individuals with specific psychological problems, namely disorders characterized by disinhibition. Although individuals with disinhibitory disorders display similar behaviours, the underlying cognitive–affective factors are distinct and must be taken into account when developing scientifically informed interventions. In this Review, we provide a summary of key cognitive–affective factors associated with four disinhibitory disorders: substance use disorders, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy. We focus on these four disorders given their phenotypic overlap and because individuals with these disorders disproportionately find themselves ensnared in the legal system. We discuss the implications of integrating an understanding of cognitive–affective functioning for more successful interactions between individuals with these disorders and the police, courts and correctional facilities. To protect all members of society, we must consider how psychological science can have a greater role at various stages of legal intervention.

Peculiarities of the Psychological Component in the Archery Long-Term Training System in Different Countries (Review)

The objective is analysis and evaluation of the psychological training component in the long-term archery training system in different countries at the present sport development stage. Materials and methods. Theoretical review of scientific and educational sources, their systematization, comparison, and results generalization were done. Through the Internet search engines Web of Science, Google Scholar and Google, scientific and educational publications were searched for "archery" and "psychological training" in different languages: Ukrainian, English, Korean, Italian, Russian, German, French. 90 sources were found, of which 65 were relevant to the subject. Results. Only in archery psychological training is not allocated to a separate type of long-term training for complex coordination sports in Ukraine. In all countries that were winners of the last Olympic Games, psychological training has been systematically introduced into the sport training of archers. Ukraine, where psychological training has not been implemented, was the last to win in 2008. Archery is a sport that differs significantly from others in monotony, subtle, slow, and low motor activity, as well as contradictions in physiological reserves management, including energy, which must be mobilized without a significant increase in heart rate and sweating. Archers face specific psychological problems, namely, "target panic". The key psychological qualities that are in demand in archery involve "4C" complex – Control, Challenge, Commitment and Confidence, and mastery of coping strategies to overcome aversive states in sports. Also important is the development of various attention types. Psychological assistance to an archer should include proven methods of cognitive and emotional control skills training. Conclusions. The development of psychological training component can help to improve results of Ukrainian national archery teams, and it is important to include it in the sport’s training plan at all stages of athlete’s long-term training.

PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES OF PARENTS IN THE UPBRINGING OF TWINS IN UZBEK FAMILIES

The article summarizes the specific psychological problems of twins raised in Uzbek families and the impact of parental attention on the upbringing of children.

Совладание с психологическими проблемами у студенческой молодежи России, Турции и Азербайджана

The paper presents the results of a cross-cultural pilot study which focused on the concerns of student youth in Russia, Turkey and Azerbaijan and on the strategies used by student youth to overcome problem situations. The study was conducted online in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. The theoretical basis of this research included Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory; the approach of the scientific school of L. Regush, which allows assessing the level of problematic concerns of young people in different areas of their lives; and S. Folkman and R. Lazarus stress and coping theory. The aim of the study was to identify both general and culturally specific psychological problems that are currently experienced by the youth of Russia, Turkey and Azerbaijan in various spheres of life. The study also aimed to determine priority strategies for coping with psychological problems. The methodological complex of the research included the Psychological Problems of Youth Questionnaire (L. Regush et al.); Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (A. Ware et al.), Index of Internet Immersion Questionnaire (L. Regush et al.); Ways of Coping Questionnaire (R. Lazarus). The study involved 90 students from Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, of which 50% are men and 50% are women. The study showed that Russian, Turkish and Azerbaijani students demonstrate no statistically significant difference in the level of their anxiety about psychological problems, but employ different coping strategies. The data obtained allow us to speak about the normative age specificity of experiencing problems in the studied sample of young people and about the culture- and gender-specific characteristics of using coping strategies. At the pilot level, we identified the profiles of the correlation between coping strategies of young people in different cultures with psychological problems. The development of these profiles is of interest for further research.

Psychological support of patients with chronic pain on multidisciplinary management

Background. Although pain has been studied extensively, its treatment remains an urgent problem. Pain can be caused by various factors, both at the physiological and psychological levels. Patients with chronic pain develop specific psychological problems. Viewing pain through the prism of a psychosocial approach involves the use and development of new psychotechnologies.
 Objective. This study aimed to explore the possibilities of improving the emotional state and reducing pain intensity in patients with chronic back pain using mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
 Materials and methods. The study sample consisted of 30 patients with chronic back pain (20 women, 10 men) who were on outpatient treatment at a pain management center.
 Results and discussion. Based on the results of the analysis and generalization of literature sources, we prepared a psychological support program, including cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques. The program consisted of three blocks: diagnostics, exercises, and repeat diagnostics. Experimental data have shown the possibility and confirmed the effectiveness of reducing levels of depression, anxiety, and pain.
 Conclusions. Patients with chronic pain often present with varying levels of depression and anxiety symptoms and a reduced quality of life.
 A medical and psychological support program using mindfulness techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy positively influenced the level of anxiety, depression, and pain intensity.
 A medical and psychological support program helped patients learned methods of self-regulation and self-relaxation.

The Most Psychological Impacts of Coronavirus Epidemics: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a considerable psychological stressor that has a significant impact on every facet of people’s life. Since 2002 that the first Coronavirus epidemic has emerged, many pieces of researches have indicated several psychological problems during this period. In circumstances such as COVID-19, researchers could deploy previous resources to identify the most prevalent psychological effects of Coronavirus diseases. We aim to systematically review and quantitatively assess the psychological problems during Coronavirus epidemics to identify the most prevalent psychological problems. Method: A systematic review of the literature will be conducted on psychological problems during previous and the new Coronavirus epidemics. Electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO/ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar will be systematically searched using predefined search terms to identify relevant articles published from January 1, 2002 to June 20, 2020. Two authors independently identify papers that reported the prevalence rates of the psychological problems during Coronavirus outbreaks. The outcomes will include the most prevalent psychological problems during Coronavirus outbreaks. To ensure we have gathered all the evidence, we will conduct another search on the specific psychological problems revealed in the previous search. Study selection will follow the Cochrane library guideline. Afterward, data synthesis will be performed via the meta-analysis of the prevalence rates using the random effect model. Conclusion: The findings can allow identifying the most prevalent psychological problems since the first Coronavirus epidemic in 2002. This can help health policymakers and clinicians to be informed of the priorities of the psychological problems related to COVID-19.

Self-disgust in mental disorders — symptom-related or disorder-specific?

BackgroundDysfunctional disgust experiences occur in a variety of mental disorders. Previous research focused on disgust proneness directed towards stimuli in the external environment. However, self-disgust, the devaluation of one’ own physical appearance and personality (personal disgust) as well as one’ own behavior (behavioral disgust) has hardly been investigated thus far, although it may play a crucial role in specific psychopathologies. MethodsWe investigated 112 patients diagnosed with different mental disorders (major depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder (BPD), eating disorders, and spider phobia) and 112 matched mentally healthy individuals. Participants answered the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Self-Disgust (QASD) with two subscales ‘personal disgust’ and ‘behavioral disgust’, and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) that provides an overview of patients’ psychological problems and their intensity. ResultsCompared to healthy controls self-disgust was elevated in mental disorders. Personal disgust was more pronounced than behavioral disgust in patients, whereas there was no difference in controls. Patients with BPD and eating disorders reported the highest scores on both subscales. Findings also suggest that self-disgust is related to specific psychological problems. In mental disorders psychoticism and hostility were the best predictors for personal disgust, while anxiety and interpersonal sensitivity predicted behavioral disgust. Additionally, we found disorder-specific predictors for personal disgust (e.g., hostility in schizophrenia). Finally, traumatic events during childhood constitute a risk factor for self-disgust. ConclusionsThe current study provides first evidence for the differential meaning of self-disgust for specific mental disorders and symptoms.

Guiding principles on how to manage relevant psychological aspects within a CF team: Interdisciplinary approaches

Managing CF can be emotionally and physically challenging for patients and their relatives. The disease and its treatment influence the ability to tackle normal tasks of daily living and unexpected life events. The context within which psychologists work varies according to different cultural backgrounds and their professional and theoretical memberships. The benchmarks presented here focus on four crucial issues: (i) identifying a common base of tools and theoretical reflections through suggested readings, (ii) interdisciplinary work within a CF team and its importance for both persons with CF and other healthcare professionals, (iii) the benefits of an eclectic approach utilising cognitive-behavioural theories for specific psychological problems and, (iv) effective and evaluated transition programmes from paediatric to adult healthcare services.

Future directions in clinical child and adolescent psychology: a delphi survey

This study sought to identify the future directions in three domains: clinical practice, research, and training of clinical child and adolescent psychologists in the upcoming decade. Doctoral-level active members in the field were surveyed via a two-round Delphi survey (45 in round 1; 35 in round 2). Evidence-based practice received the greatest consensus by the participants and highest rank in each of the three domains. Other highly ranked clinical practice directions included prevention and early diagnosis and treatment, and clinical services for specific psychological problems. Research directions focused on biological and social factors interactions in the etiology and treatment and specific child and adolescent disorders. In the training domain, major directions included the pursuit of specialty training in child and adolescent psychology and training emphasizing the biological basis of behavior. Implications of these future directions are discussed.

A rehabilitative approach to the patient with brain cancer

The aim of this essay is to describe our experience with patients affected by cerebral neoplasia within a diagnostic-clinical path based on a rehabilitative viewpoint. Our rehabilitative model is first of all an organisational process based on the patient's global management and on teamwork. It is also defined and qualified to be multidisciplinary. This model is in line with several studies published between 1998 and 2001 that led to recognition and management of the specific psychological problems associated with each stage of rehabilitation treatment. It was possible to individuate and prevent those environmental conditions that are dysfunctional to the psychological and cognitive processes not yet completely restored after a surgical trauma.

Clinical Social Work: Beyond Generalist Practice With Individuals, Groups, and Families

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Book ReviewsFull AccessClinical Social Work: Beyond Generalist Practice With Individuals, Groups, and FamiliesKimberly Lyons, L.I.C.S.W.Kimberly LyonsSearch for more papers by this author, L.I.C.S.W.Published Online:1 Jan 2004https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.55.1.95AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail As society changes, so, of course, does social work. And so it must. Lambert Maguire, the author of Clinical Social Work: Beyond Generalist Practice With Individuals, Groups, and Families, enthusiastically calls for clinicians to move beyond their generalist backgrounds and develop more sophisticated and specialized practice techniques. Lambert sets out ambitiously to summarize the major clinical theories and techniques in the field and the current trends effecting changes in practice.Maguire's book provides an excellent history of the field and of shifts in contemporary practice. The author makes a strong case for practitioners to use empirically validated techniques in their clinical work. He writes with inspiration about the uniqueness of the field and pays special attention to its biopsychosocial foundation, its regard for ethics and diversity, and its emphasis on social justice and equality.In his energetic first chapters, Maguire discusses generalist, systemic, and advanced practices. He is masterful at describing a myriad of treatment modalities. He dedicates a chapter to each of the following: systems interventions with individuals, systems interventions with families, case management, group interventions, psychodynamic interventions, behavioral interventions, cognitive interventions, and brief interventions, as well as a final chapter on documentation, assessments, and treatment plans. For each perspective, Maguire provides a history of the relevant theory and describes pertinent theoretical frameworks and practice techniques. All this information is summarized and illustrated with realistic and clear case examples.Unfortunately, Maguire's attempt at comprehensive discussion of both theory and practice does full justice to neither. For example, there is distressing variability in the quality of the chapters. Some theories are much better synthesized and more thoroughly reviewed than others. The negative treatment of psychodynamic intervention, for example, is so thinly argued as to seem mere bias. It is disappointing that the emerging field of trauma treatment is not recognized. In addition, Maguire misses the concept of integrative theory and practice altogether. Certainly a truly comprehensive study would have discussed the efficacy of specific modes of treatment for specific psychological problems, but Maguire does not take on that important task for every theory described. Nor does he include immigrants and refugees in his discussion of diverse populations.Overall, Clinical Social Work is a systematic and up-to-date review of prevalent theories and practice techniques in the social work field. It would be appropriate for master's-level social work students and social workers across settings who are interested in learning about different treatment modalities as well as current issues affecting practice. This is a useful book for the breadth of the orientations it summarizes. However, for depth of inquiry into psychodynamic theory and trauma treatment, one might look for examples in Inside Out and Outside In: Psychodynamic Clinical Theory and Practice in Contemporary Multicultural Contexts, by Flanagan, Hertz, and Berzoff; Psychoanalytic Case Formulation, by Nancy McWilliam; and Trauma and Recovery, by Judith Herman.Ms. Lyons is a clinical social worker at the International Institute of Boston and is in private practice.by Lambert Maguire; Pacific Grove, California, Brooks/Cole, 2002, 334 pages, $51.95 softcover FiguresReferencesCited byDetailsCited ByNone Volume 55Issue 1 January 2004Pages 95-96 Metrics PDF download History Published online 1 January 2004 Published in print 1 January 2004

60,000 Disaster Victims Speak: Part I. An Empirical Review of the Empirical Literature, 1981—2001

Results for 160 samples of disaster victims were coded as to sample type, disaster type, disaster location, outcomes and risk factors observed, and overall severity of impairment. In order of frequency, outcomes included specific psychological problems, nonspecific distress, health problems, chronic problems in living, resource loss, and problems specific to youth. Regression analyses showed that samples were more likely to be impaired if they were composed of youth rather than adults, were from developing rather than developed countries, or experienced mass violence (e.g., terrorism, shooting sprees) rather than natural or technological disasters. Most samples of rescue and recovery workers showed remarkable resilience. Within adult samples, more severe exposure, female gender, middle age, ethnic minority status, secondary stressors, prior psychiatric problems, and weak or deteriorating psychosocial resources most consistently increased the likelihood of adverse outcomes. Among youth, family factors were primary. Implications of the research for clinical practice and community intervention are discussed in a companion article (Norris, Friedman, and Watson, this volume).

Psychological long-term adjustment in children with head burns.

To determine psychological adjustment of children after head burns. One hundred four children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 17 years were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist 1 to 13 years after burn. Mean total body surface area burned was 18%. According to burn localization, patients were classified into two groups: patients with head burns versus patients with burns of other areas. Psychological adjustment as measured by the broad- and narrow-band scales of the Child Behavior Checklist was normal in both samples of burned patients. This study failed to find any specific psychological problems in survivors of pediatric head burns.

Handbook of Counseling and Psychotherapy With Older Adults

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Book ReviewFull AccessHandbook of Counseling and Psychotherapy With Older AdultsRichard Zweig, Ph.D., and Eileen Rosendahl, Ph.D.Richard ZweigSearch for more papers by this author, Ph.D., and Eileen RosendahlSearch for more papers by this author, Ph.D.Published Online:1 Nov 2000https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.51.11.1462AboutSectionsView EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail Despite the growing numbers of older adults, evidence of their neglected mental health needs, and empirical support for their responsiveness to psychotherapy, older adults continue to encounter barriers to obtaining psychotherapeutic treatments. Whether because of ageist or misinformed attitudes of practitioners, limited training opportunities in geriatric psychiatry and psychology, or the youth-oriented culture in which we live, mental health clinicians have been slow to recognize that—quoting Longfellow— "age is opportunity no less than youth" in relation to psychotherapeutic potential.The Handbook of Counseling and Psychotherapy With Older Adults challenges such barriers by presenting one of the most comprehensive volumes to date of psychosocial interventions applicable to older people. Written "for practitioners . . . by practitioners," with a decided emphasis on treatment rather than on diagnostic issues, the book assembles some of the most distinguished voices in clinical gerontology. Edited by Michael Duffy, a leading authority on counseling and psychotherapy with the elderly, and consisting of 39 chapters by more than 50 authors, it addresses a broad range of treatment issues and interventions. Perhaps owing to the editor's integrative and humanistic orientation, it presents an unbiased sampling of state-of-the-art psychosocial interventions, favors descriptions of therapeutic process rather than outcome studies, and emphasizes specific and practical psychotherapeutic techniques illustrated with rich case examples.More than half the volume is devoted to various modalities of psychosocial intervention, ranging from individual psychotherapy to group and expressive therapies, couples and family therapies, and community and preventive interventions. The rest focuses on psychotherapeutic strategies for specific psychological problems of older adults and includes mood, anxiety, and personality disorders and dementia among its many topics.The contributors provide excellent reviews of psychodynamic, interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, and reminiscence techniques; all are well written and well referenced. The broadening scope of psychosocial interventions for the elderly is compellingly illustrated by superb chapters on couples therapy, interdisciplinary approaches to treating sexual dysfunction, and the dynamics and treatment of narcissism in later life. Particularly unusual is inclusion of topics rarely covered in standard texts, such as family system reorganization when an elderly member is impaired, existential issues in psychotherapy with the aged, and nonverbal strategies to "reach the person behind the dementia." Throughout, the authors present strong support, grounded in phenomenological case description, for the broad utility of psychosocial techniques for addressing psychological problems in older adults.Of course, any such edited textbook has chapters of variable quality and omits topics of interest to some readers. Most authors, for example, draw on their experience in outpatient settings or nursing homes, although increasing numbers of practitioners treat elderly persons in acute care, rehabilitation, day hospital, or hospice settings and may need to tailor psychotherapeutic techniques to the setting as well as to the client. Nonetheless, because of its comprehensive scope and unique focus on practice techniques, the Handbook of Counseling and Psychotherapy With Older Adults will be of great interest and value to all mental health practitioners seeking to expand their knowledge and to unlock the potential of their elderly clients.Dr. Zweig and Dr. Rosendahl are senior staff psychologists in the geriatric psychiatry division of Hillside Hospital of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in Glen Oaks, New York, and are assistant professors of psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.edited by Michael Duffy, Ph.D.; New York City, John Wiley & Sons, 1999, 721 pages, $85 FiguresReferencesCited byDetailsCited ByNone Volume 51Issue 11 November 2000Pages 1462-1462 Metrics History Published online 1 November 2000 Published in print 1 November 2000

A Study and Meta-Analysis of Lay Attributions of Cures for Overcoming Specific Psychological Problems

Lay beliefs about the importance of 24 different contributors to overcoming 4 disorders that constitute primarily cognitive deficits were studied. A meta-analysis of previous programmatic studies in the area was performed so that 22 different psychological problems could be compared. In the present study, 107 participants completed a questionnaire indicating how effective 24 factors were in overcoming 4 specific problems: dyslexia, fear of flying, amnesia, and learning difficulties. Factor analysis revealed almost identical clusters (inner control, social consequences, understanding, receiving help, and fate) for each problem. The perceived relevance of those factors differed significantly between problems. Some individual difference factors (sex and religion) were found to predict certain factor attributions for specific disorders. A meta-analysis of the 5 studies in this series yielded a 6-factor structure comparable to those of the individual studies and provided results indicating the benefits and limitations of this kind of investigation. The clinical relevance of studying attributions for cure is considered.

IS LANGUAGE A BARRIER TO THE CANCER CARE OF HISPANIC CHILDREN OF NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING (NES) PARENTS?

To determine if Hispanic children of NES parents differ in their adaptation to the cancer experience and in their perceived care, 23 Anglo, 15 English speaking (ES) and 22 NES Hispanic parents were evaluated within one month following their child's diagnosis. Areas of assessment included: knowledge of treatment and disease, impact of illness on the family, psychological adjustment, satisfaction with clinic services, and available social support. Compared to both Anglo and ES Hispanic parents, NES parents had significantly less knowledge of their child's disease, more personal strain, less satisfaction with the technical competence of their child's physician, less satisfaction with the personal style of clinic nurses, and less overall satisfaction with clinic services (all p<.01). Both Hispanic groups had significantly less knowledge and social support than did Anglo parents (p<.01). Despite the ethnic differences identified above, overall psychological adjustment among the three groups was similar, with the exception that Anglo parents reported more hostility (p<.01). The findings suggest that language is a significant barrier to acquisition of knowledge and satisfaction with care for parents of children with cancer. While no specific psychological problems were identified, the need for educational and social support services are suggested.

The problem of classifying obesity.

AbstractThe numerous attempts to classify obesity demonstrate the difficulty of grouping the obesity syndrome into a single schema. The criteria can be subdivided into 3 groups: the first based on etiology and pathogenesis; the second based on clinical observation, anthropomorphic measurements and adipose tissue histology; and the third based on psychological and nutritional behavior, and environmental elements. The etiological classification subdividing obesity into genetic, hypothalamic, nutritional, physical inactivity, and endocrine groups is important because it best approximates the clinical reality of obesity.Recently acquired knowledge about adipose tissue cellularity and its metabolism has become important for clinical classification of the different types of obesity. Now we can divide obesity into hypertrophic (the weight of the adipocite increases), hyperplastic (only the number of adipose cells increases), and combined (number and weight of adipocite increase). Pure hyperplastic obesity is rarely found, while combined obesity is more frequent; the hypertrophic form is associated with obesity arising in adult life.Considerable information is gained from the study of anomalous nutritional behavior. The excess of food intake has psychologically disparate motivations that are caused by emotional reaction to anxiety‐provoking events or to a developing modification of personality. The first is reactive obesity, the second developmental obesity. However, among the obese there are individuals who have no specific psychological problems and are prompted to hyperfeed by environmental factors. In this case, the term “environmental obesity” is used. As regards a proper therapeutic approach, these distinctions are very important.

Aspects of student health. Specific psychological problems.

Aspects of student health. Specific psychological problems.