Resilience Support Research Articles

Quality of life in adults with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review

ObjectiveIn recent years, quality of life (QoL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been gaining considerable importance in clinical research and practice. Against this backdrop, this systematic review aimed to provide...

Measuring future resilience: a multilevel index

Purpose For the purpose of applied research, we are interested in deriving and measuring multi-level future resilience, from a human capital perspective. This paper aims to set the theoretical foundations for a future resilience index to be launched in 2020. Design/methodology/approach Based on a review of the literature on individual, organisational and socio-ecological resilience, the researcher has distilled 10 elements of future resilience. These were elaborated into a 20-question index, which has been piloted with an anonymous organisation. Findings The 10 elements of future resilience, which the index will seek to measure include: emergency preparedness; creative adaptability; technological empowerment; dynamic employability; diversity cultivation; participative governance; systemic responsiveness; resource efficiency; purposeful motivation; and well-being orientation. Illustrative findings from the pilot show that organisational support for resilience across all 10 categories is seen as weaker than individuals’ perception of their own level of resilience. Practical implications The areas of strong versus weak performance revealed by the index, either individually or in terms of organisational support, give organisations a clear set of priorities for follow-up. Social implications This paper has demonstrated that future resilience is a highly relevant and useful concept for society, organisations and individuals in these rapidly changing times. Originality/value Through the future resilience index, being developed by Antwerp Management School in collaboration with Randstad, this paper wants to encourage behaviours and capacities amongst employees that will increase resilience at the individual, organisational and socio-ecological levels. This is the first multi-level resilience measurement instrument aimed at human capital measurement.

Resilient and entrepreneurial military spouses: neoliberalization meets militarization

ABSTRACT Feminist scholarship on gender and militarization reveals how militaries rely on the commitments and contributions of military spouses on the basis of essential gender norms and exploitative gender relations. Strategies to secure these contributions and power dynamics shift in response to political, social and cultural pressures and require feminist interrogation if they are to be undone. Thus, this paper asks, how is the Canadian military securing and exploiting the labour and loyalty of military spouses in support of operational effectiveness? Based on original interview data with spouses and an analysis of military family support initiatives and programmes, I argue that neoliberal logics are combining with militarization to secure and deepen the gendered expectations of military spouses by the state. Through neoliberal logics of individual responsibility, flexibility and resourcefulness, military spouses are told that they can be successful and assure their wellbeing by enhancing their ability to adapt, survive, and thrive military life. This differs from other strategies of militarization, which appeal to patriotism and devotion to one’s husband. In particular, state initiatives of support in resilience and entrepreneurialism – qualities of neoliberal citizenship – combine to generate as ideal the proactive military spouse, who invests in her capacity to adhere to the gendered requirement of military life, and sees this as a means to ensure her wellbeing. The neoliberal logics upon which contemporary processes of militarization are taking place encourage and require that military spouses create the conditions that enable them to better perform feminized practices of labour in support of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Sex matters: stress perception and the relevance of resilience and perceived social support in emerging adults

The emerging adulthood represents a vulnerable and critical turning point for the beginning of mental illnesses and is therefore of particular interest for the study of risk and resilience. The present survey investigated the impact of sex on the associations between resilience and the perception of social support and stress in students. The Resilience Scale was used to assess resilience. Stress perception and social support perception were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale and the Social Support Questionnaire FSozU k-22, respectively. Between the ages of 18 and 30, 503 subjects (59.6% female) were included into the study. We detected a significant effect of sex with markedly lower resilience and a more pronounced perception of stress and social support among females. Significant correlations between resilience, stress perception, and social support perception were found in both sexes with women showing a stronger interrelationship between stress perception and both resilience and social support perception. Mediation analysis revealed that the relationship between the perception of social support and stress was fully mediated by resilience among men and partly mediated by resilience among women. Of note, the mediation of resilience on the interrelationship between the perception of social support and stress was much stronger in women than in men. These findings suggest that sex-specific, customized interventions focusing on the strengthening of resilience and the claiming of social support are needed to promote mental health in emerging adults.

Resiliência, capacidade funcional e apoio social de pessoas com sequelas de acidente vascular encefálico

Objetivo: Investigar a relação entre a resiliência, a capacidade funcional e o apoio social de pessoas com sequelas de acidente vascular encefálico. Método: Estudo transversal, realizado com 108 indivíduos com sequelas de acidente vascular encefálico, cadastrados em Unidades de Saúde da Família, do município de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Escala de Resiliência, Índice de Barthel e Escala de Apoio Social. Para análise, utilizou-se estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: Houve maior frequência do sexo feminino (57,4%), 60 anos ou mais (59,2%), com companheiro (47,2%) e cuidador (76,6%). Os participantes apresentaram mais frequentemente o nível de resiliência moderada (64,8%), dependência funcional (93,6%) para realização das atividades diárias e médio apoio social (48,2%). Foi verificado que quanto maior a capacidade funcional e o apoio social, maior a resiliência. Conclusão: A capacidade funcional e o apoio social são preditores da resiliência de pessoas com sequelas de acidente vascular encefálico.

How do people living with subjective cognitive impairments want to get support in resilience?

How do people living with subjective cognitive impairments want to get support in resilience?

Exploratory study of personal wellbeing of Burmese refugees in the United States

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to examine the personal wellbeing of ethnic Chin Burmese refugees in the United States. Based on a cross-sectional study using a convenience and snowball sample, data on resilience, perceived social support, psychological distress, personal wellbeing, and demographic information were collected via self-administered questionnaires from 204 ethnic Chin Burmese refugees. Bivariate correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationships among the study variables. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to assess which of the study variables influence personal wellbeing. We also tested the moderating effects of resilience and perceived social support in the relationship between psychological distress and personal wellbeing. Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 73 (mean age 35.76), of whom 52% were female, 75.5% were married, and 67.2% were employed, and have lived in the U.S. for a mean of 6.27 years. Across the whole sample, 24.5% reported experiencing symptoms of psychological distress. After adjusting for demographic variables, results of regression analyses revealed that resilience (β =.14, p <.05), and perceived social support (β =.14, p <.05) was significantly related to personal wellbeing; whereas psychological distress (β = −.28, p <.001) was inversely linked to wellbeing. Contrary to theories of resilience and social support, we did not find any moderating effect stemming from the relationship between psychological distress and personal wellbeing. The findings of this study extended existing literature on Burmese refugees in the U.S. by providing information about the factors associated with their personal wellbeing.

Cancer resilience in parents of children with cancer; the role of general health and self-efficacy on resiliency.

Cancer in children affect their parents to some stress and worries during treatment process. This study aimed to assess the parental adjustment on the resiliency of parents of children with cancer and its relationship with social support, self-efficacy, and general health. In a cross-sectional study, 107 parents of children with cancer were selected by convenience sampling method from the Oncology Departments of Qom Hospitals, Iran. Standard questionnaires including Phillips Social Support, Corner Davidson Resilience, Sheerer Self-Efficacy Inventory, and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used for data collection. Pearson's correlation coefficient, Chi-square test, t-test, and multivariate linear regression were used for data analysis in SPSS software. A significant correlation was observed between cancer resilience and social support score (r = 0.285). Multivariate regression model Showed that social support was the most important predictor of cancer resilience (β =0.723, P = 0.045). In addition, self efficacy (β =0.356, P = 0.005) showed a direct relationship with cancer resilience. Nevertheless, an inverse association (β = -0.351, P = 0.025) was observed between GHQ score and cancer resilience in parents of children with cancer. Cancer resilience in families of children with cancer is significantly associated with higher social support, more self-efficacy, and better general health. Interventional programs aimed at increasing family resilience and reducing stress by increasing the social support and self-efficacy in patients' families are helpful and necessary.

Recipes for Mindfulness in Your Library: Supporting Resilience and Community Engagement

Recipes for Mindfulness in Your Library: Supporting Resilience and Community Engagement offers insightful information not only for librarians, but also for anyone who is looking to provide mindfulness programming to groups or organizations and for those who want to find ways to improve themselves through mindfulness techniques.

Improving Access to Cancer Care in the HIV Population: Qualitative Research to Identify Barriers to Care.

Purpose: People living with HIV are less likely to receive cancer treatment and have worse cancer-specific survival, yet underlying drivers of this disparity have minimally been explored. We investigated cancer care barriers from the perspective of patients living with HIV and cancer (PLWHC) to inform future interventions, reduce disparities, and improve outcomes.Methods: We conducted in-depth semistructured interviews with 27 PLWHC. The interview guide explored perceptions of the cancer care experience, treatment decision making, and barriers to cancer treatment. Interview data were analyzed using the constant comparative method of qualitative analysis.Results: Study participants were predominantly men (n=22, 81%) with a median age of 56 years and median annual income of $24,000. Among those who experienced challenges with cancer treatment adherence, barriers included debilitating side effects of cancer treatment, stigma surrounding HIV, issues with coping and mental health, the financial burden of cancer care, and challenges with care accessibility. Despite these challenges, participants indicated that their past experiences of coping with HIV had prepared them to accept and address their cancer diagnosis. Resiliency and social support were key facilitators for cancer treatment adherence.Conclusion: This qualitative study of PLWHC in the United States found that a cancer diagnosis created a substantial added stress to an already challenging situation. Health- and stigma-related stressors impacted patients' ability to fully complete cancer treatment as prescribed. There is a need for improved provider communication and mental health support for PLWHC to ensure equitable access to and completion of cancer treatment.

Family Comes First: A Pilot Study of the Incorporation of Social Support Into Resident Well-being.

Recent work has shown that understanding of work-related stress by family and friends is associated with increased resident well-being. However, it is often difficult for residents to communicate with their support persons (SPs), especially those who have minimal understanding of the medical field, regarding even the most basic functions of their role in the health care system. This study aimed to pilot test an innovative wellness event focusing on the social relatedness component of resident well-being. The target population included 30 new residents at 2 anesthesiology residency programs and their SPs in 2017. The Family Anesthesia Experience (FAX) began with didactic presentations and a panel discussion about wellness topics. It concluded with a multifaceted simulation experience. Participants were surveyed before and after the event. Measures included SPs' understanding of residents' work and residents' stress, burnout, resilience, and social support levels. Student t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to examine the impact of the event. Twenty-two (84.6%) of the 26 intervention clinical anesthesia year 1 residents who attended FAX completed the postevent surveys, and all intervention SPs (100%, n = 33) completed both pre-event and postevent surveys. The event was well received by the residents (100%) and their SPs (100%). Improvement in perceived understanding in the intervention SPs group (Pre: 1.44 ± 0.63, Post: 2.69 ± 0.33, P < .0001) was observed. Not all metrics of well-being for the residents achieved significance in change; however, decreased stress was observed compared with historical controls (Control: 1.91 ± 0.61, Intervention: 1.54 ± 0.42, P = .019). The event led to improved SPs' understanding of the role of an anesthesiology resident.

"Are Filipinos Aging Well?": Determinants of Subjective Well-Being among Senior Citizens of the Community-Based ENGAGE Study.

As people age, they are expected to experience adverse life conditions and major life events. These circumstances might have a significant impact on their subjective well-being. This study investigated the factors associated with subjective well-being among community-dwelling Filipino senior citizens. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1021 senior citizens (68.5% women) aged 60 and above and identified the factors independently associated with their subjective well-being using multiple linear regression analysis. We also used hierarchical regression analysis for model prediction. In the hierarchical regression analysis, psychological resilience was found as the most powerful predictor of subjective well-being. Loneliness, however, was the only psychosocial factor not associated with it. Both men and women with positive self-rated health and had higher psychological resilience and perceived social support showed a higher level of subjective well-being. Women who were separated and received pension and men who were uneducated showed a lower level of subjective well-being. Psychological resilience, positive self-rated health, and perceived social support might be protective factors for low subjective well-being. To improve the subjective well-being of Filipino senior citizens, we should build psychological resilience and social support networks in the community.

Generalized and pregnancy-related anxiety prevalence and predictors among pregnant women attending primary health care in Qatar, 2018–2019

BackgroundCumulative evidence suggests that early identification of anxiety in pregnancy is important, given that antenatal anxiety has been linked to morbid outcomes in expecting mothers and their offspring. However, the burden of antenatal anxiety is not yet known in Qatar. This research aims to measure the prevalence and determinants of generalized and pregnancy-related anxiety among pregnant women. MethodsEight hundred pregnant women completed a structured interview and self-administrated questionnaires after being selected through probability sampling from nine primary healthcare centers distributed across Qatar. We subjected the data to Binary and Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis. Furthermore, we conducted a Confirmatory Factor Analysis for the utilized scales. ResultsOut of eight hundred participants, 26.5% reported high pregnancy-related anxiety, while 16.4% had a generalized anxiety disorder. A high level of perceived social support and resilience was shown to mitigate generalized and pregnancy-related anxiety. However, we revealed that different determinants influence the two types of anxiety. LimitationsThere is no recognized optimal cut-off point to distinguish ‘high risk’ in pregnancy-related anxiety scales. ConclusionsPregnancy-related anxiety is more prevalent than generalized anxiety among pregnant women in Qatar, indicating that stakeholders must include screening for pregnancy-related anxiety in Qatar's clinical guidelines. Tailored interventional studies could focus on increasing resilience and social support to decrease the burden of antenatal anxiety.

Burdens, Resilience, and Mutual Support: A Comparative Study of Families in China and South Korea Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic disrupts established daily routines, it underlines the role that families play in redefining social order and reorganizing people’s economic and social lives. In this paper, we investigate methods that Chinese and South Korean families have adopted to cope with the rapid changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We emphasize families’ responses to sudden changes in three domains: education and home schooling, economic downturn and unemployment, and mental health challenges. By integrating online education and remote working into a new form of family life and sharing economic and emotional risks among members, families shape social order during a period of unprecedented uncertainty. We highlight the fact that family members experience intensified work-family or school-family conflicts. Disadvantaged families are the most severely affected, as they are at high risk of job loss and lack proper protections. The absence of institutional protections and interventions has created further economic and emotional hardships for these vulnerable families. Informal and nonregular workers require more stable labor market conditions for the well-being of their families. Future research may include a systematic data collection and analysis of disadvantaged families, as this would offer a better understanding of the challenges and untenable choices that families face during times of crisis.

Supporting Resilience in Rural Emergency Preparedness and Response Through Improved Information Access

Recent disasters have highlighted the gap between existing urbancentric resilience models and the needs of rural communities, which are frequently marginalized. Large rural constituencies, encompassing vast and sparsely populated areas, lack broadband connectivity and rely predominantly on volunteer-based emergency workforce. The above are some of the key factors hampering rural first responders? ability to access, act upon and disseminate emergency-related information. This has an adverse effect on both residents and the agencies that serve them, as it limits residents? ability to prepare for emergencies and compromises the safety of first responders. Furthermore, the unique socio-economic structure of rural areas makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of incipient or unfolding disasters. Hence, rural communities often develop self-reliance capabilities by creating tightknit social structures and taking charge of their own technological progress through community-driven efforts.

Challenges to peer support in low- and middle-income countries during COVID-19

BackgroundA recent editorial urged those working in global mental health to “change the conversation” on coronavirus disease (Covid-19) by putting more focus on the needs of people with severe mental health conditions. UPSIDES (Using Peer Support In Developing Empowering mental health Services) is a six-country consortium carrying out implementation research on peer support for people with severe mental health conditions in high- (Germany, Israel), lower middle- (India) and low-income (Tanzania, Uganda) settings. This commentary briefly outlines some of the key challenges faced by UPSIDES sites in low- and middle-income countries as a result of Covid-19, sharing early lessons that may also apply to other services seeking to address the needs of people with severe mental health conditions in similar contexts.Challenges and lessons learnedThe key take-away from experiences in India, Tanzania and Uganda is that inequalities in terms of access to mobile technologies, as well as to secure employment and benefits, put peer support workers in particularly vulnerable situations precisely when they and their peers are also at their most isolated. Establishing more resilient peer support services requires attention to the already precarious situation of people with severe mental health conditions in low-resource settings, even before a crisis like Covid-19 occurs. While it is essential to maintain contact with peer support workers and peers to whatever extent is possible remotely, alternatives to face-to-face delivery of psychosocial interventions are not always straightforward to implement and can make it more difficult to observe individuals’ reactions, talk about emotional issues and offer appropriate support.ConclusionsIn environments where mental health care was already heavily medicalized and mostly limited to medications issued by psychiatric institutions, Covid-19 threatens burgeoning efforts to pursue a more holistic and person-centered model of care for people with severe mental health conditions. As countries emerge from lockdown, those working in global mental health will need to redouble their efforts not only to make up for lost time and help individuals cope with the added stressors of Covid-19 in their communities, but also to regain lost ground in mental health care reform and in broader conversations about mental health in low-resource settings.

Psychosocial Aspects of Living with Gestational Diabetes in Uganda: Challenges, Coping Strategies, and Implications for Healthcare

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is increasingly recognized as a significant public health issue in Uganda, with profound implications for maternal and fetal health. Beyond the physical challenges, GDM presents substantial psychosocial burdens that are often underexplored. This review delves into the psychosocial aspects of living with GDM in Uganda, highlighting the emotional distress, social support systems, cultural influences, healthcare access, and coping strategies employed by affected women. Women with GDM face psychological challenges, including fear, anxiety, depression, and body image issues, exacerbated by societal stigma and limited healthcare support. The role of social support, both formal and informal, is crucial yet inconsistent due to cultural norms and resource limitations. Cultural beliefs and practices further complicate GDM management, influencing women’s perceptions and adherence to treatment. Healthcare access and quality in Uganda significantly impact the psychosocial well-being of women with GDM, with barriers such as distance, financial constraints, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure contributing to stress and poor health outcomes. Coping strategies vary, with women employing denial, acceptance, and problem-solving, influenced by personal resilience and social support. This review underscores the need for a holistic approach to GDM care in Uganda, integrating psychosocial support, mental health screenings, and culturally competent healthcare provision. Addressing these psychosocial aspects is essential for improving the quality of life and pregnancy outcomes for women with GDM, calling for enhanced healthcare infrastructure, policy interventions, and increased community awareness. Keywords: Psychosocial Aspects, Gestational Diabetes, Uganda, Challenges, Healthcare.

STUDENT RESILIENCE IN FACING COVID-19 PANDEMIC VIEWED FROM SOCIAL SUPPORT

Purpose: This study aims to determine the correlation between resilience and social support for students of the Faculty of Psychology and Health at the State Islamic University of Sunan Ampel in Surabaya in participating in academic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This research uses quantitative methods. The data collection has been done using a questionnaire. Main Finding: The results show that social support can increase student resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications of this study: The participant of the research is a student of UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya. Novelty/Originality of this study: COVID-19 pandemic is a very new situation. As well as the government regulations in implementing. Learning causes many mental problems. The results of this study indicate that students need social support to survive through this pandemic.

Rates of Behavioral Health Conditions and Health Risk Behaviors in Operators and Support Personnel in U.S. Special Operations Forces

Objective: Rates of behavioral health disorders and potential protective factors in U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) have not been well studied, including differences between Operators and Support personnel, despite very high levels of combat exposure in these military personnel. The present study examined the prevalence of endorsed behavioral health problems and protective factors within a large sample of SOF personnel. Method: Anonymized data from 16,284 active duty SOF Service members from the 2016 Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) needs survey were analyzed. Results: Overall, the prevalence of PTSD (7.6%), depression (8.4%), alcohol misuse (12.8%), and nicotine use (28%) were comparable or lower than reported in conventional military populations. There were significant differences between Operators and Support personnel in a number of demographic and service-related variables. Operators also endorsed more direct combat exposure and scored higher on resilience and social support, and reported better quality and quantity of sleep. There were no significant group differences in rates of PTSD and depression, except lower odds (adjusted OR = 0.81) for alcohol problems in Support personnel (11.6%) compared to Operators (14.0%), p <.001, 95% CI [0.72, 0.91]. Conclusions: SOF personnel experience considerably higher exposure to combat deployments than conventional forces, yet the data from this study showed comparable or lower levels of behavioral health conditions. Although Operators were somewhat more likely than Support personnel to experience alcohol problems, they showed enhanced resilience, social support, and sleep health. Alcohol misuse is one potential target for preventive health efforts.

Role of Self-efficacy and Perceived Social Support in Building Resilience among Adolescents

Role of Self-efficacy and Perceived Social Support in Building Resilience among Adolescents