Trajectory Of Adjustment Research Articles

A 6-Item Family Resilience Scale (FRS6) for Measuring Longitudinal Trajectory of Family Adjustment.

Two studies were conducted in Hong Kong to validate a brief measure of family resilience based on the three-factor CPR model. The CPR model stipulates that family resilience comprises three major factors: Communication and Connectedness (C), Positive Framing (P), and External Resources (R). Study 1 abbreviated the 16-item Family Resilience Scale (FRS16) into six items (FRS6) with a parent sample in the community (N = 1270). Study 2 tested the validity of the FRS6 with a single parent sample (N = 336). The result of Study 1 suggests a dominant general family resilience factor structure with three distinct subfactors. The highest factor loading items from each of the three subfactors were retained in the six-item FRS6. The resultant FRS6 was internally consistent and related to various correlates in similar or better strengths as compared to the FRS16. The results of a separate sample in Study 2 indicated that the FRS6 demonstrated satisfactory internal reliability and correlated significantly with individual resilience, quality of life, anxiety, and depression in the expected directions. Both studies supported that the FRS6 is a psychometrically sound measure of family resilience and can be used in longitudinal studies that aim to chart the trajectory of family adjustment following life adversities.

Co-development of internalizing symptoms and regulatory emotional self-efficacy in adolescence: Time-varying effects of COVID-19-related stress and social support

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted opportunities for adolescents to progress through a typical developmental trajectory of adjustment and self-regulation. Adolescents across many contexts have shown an increase in adjustment difficulties during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. Utilizing data collected from 830 Italian adolescents from one time-point just prior to when pandemic restrictions were enacted, and then at two additional time-points 12 and 24 months later, we examined trajectories of internalizing symptoms, regulatory self-efficacy for managing negative emotions, and the time-varying impact of COVID-related stress and social support. Latent Growth Curve Analyses (LGCAs) revealed that COVID stress predicted increased internalizing symptoms and decreased regulatory self-efficacy beyond what was estimated by the developmental trajectory. Further, at Time 3, the impact of perceived COVID stress on internalizing symptoms and regulatory self-efficacy was stronger than at Time 2. Co-development results were similar for males and females. There was no time-varying impact of social support on the co-development of internalizing symptoms and regulatory self-efficacy. The findings are important for informing interventions to strengthen coping strategies for adolescents during stressful community-wide events.

Spousal Caregivers of Patients with Cancer and Its Associated Factors and Resilience

Introduction: Cancer is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and marks a critical life event for the entire family that can cause distress and significant challenges for all involved. Proverbially, cancer impacts not only those diagnosed but also families, especially those spouses who are often the primary caregivers of these patients. Resilience is the ability of individuals to adapt well in the face of adversity. Resilience and its associated factors among spousal caregivers were reviewed and synthesized to obtain better understanding and guidance for further research regarding this phenomenon. Purpose: To explore resilience, and identify the measurement used to assess resilience and associated factors in spousal caregivers of patients with cancer (PWC). Methods: A literature review was performed using electronic database across Cochrane, CINALH, ProQuest, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, Google scholar. The articles were published in English with full text from January 2010 to January 2020. Inclusion criteria: (1) resilience in spousal caregivers for cancer patients who were alive; (2) resilience by using resilience scales or measure resilience by using related variables that reflects resilience which were clearly mentioned in the articles; (3) spousal caregivers’ age more than 18-year-old; (4) quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research; (5) articles which met the above eligible criteria were included in this review if it was possible to extract the findings. Results According to data retrieval, 26 articles were finally selected including 17 quantitative researches, 6 qualitative researches, and 3 mixed-method researches . Resilience in spousal caregivers of PWC showed an ability to adapt and deal with the challenges of caring for their lovers, which would be those with female gender, younger age, better education, and no child-rearing burden. But other demographic characteristics such as ethnicity, occupation, work status were not associated with resilience. Two types of measurement in resilience were explored across 26 studies. resilience was measured by using exact resilience scales (i.e. Connor-Davidson or Wagnild Resilience Scales) or using other variables to indicate either more positive psychological outcome such as coping and adaptation or less negative psychological outcome such as lower depression and stress etc. For factors associated with resilience, these can be classified as individual internal and external factors. Internal factors include caregiver burden, psychological distress, coping strategies etc., whereas social support, couple interaction, patients’ health status etc. are external factors. Conclusions: The current findings add to our understanding of resilience as a distinct trajectory of adjustment and provide further knowledge on the resilience associated factors. Caring for patients with cancer can be a form of stress and affected spousal caregivers’ health and well-being. Resilience plays an important role in promoting positive adaptation in spite of adversity among the spousal caregivers of cancer patients. With the uniqueness of resilience among these caregivers, ways to assess resilience and identify its associated factors deserve more attention and careful consideration.

Cabin posture adjustment method based on redundant constrained parallel mechanism

PurposePosture adjustment plays an important role in spacecraft manufacturing. The traditional posture adjustment method, which has a large workload and is difficult to guarantee the quality of posture adjustment, cannot meet the requirements of modern spacecraft manufacturing. This paper aims to optimize the trajectory of posture adjustment, reduce the internal force of the posture adjustment mechanism and improve the accuracy of the system.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the measuring point is measured by a laser tracker and the position and posture of the cabin is solved. Then, Newton–Euler method is used to construct the dynamic model of the posture adjustment system (PAS) without internal force. Finally, the adjustment time is optimized based on Fibonacci search method and the trajectory of the cabin is fitted by the fifth order polynomial.FindingsThe simulation results show that, compared with the other trajectory planning methods, this method can effectively avoid the internal force of posture adjustment caused by redundant driving, and the trajectory of velocity and acceleration obtained are continuous, meeting the engineering constraints.Originality/valueIn this paper, a dynamic model of PAS without internal force is constructed. The trajectory planning of posture adjustment based on this model can improve the quality of cabin assembly.

Longitudinal psychosocial adjustment of women to human papillomavirus infection

The aim of this study was to examine the psychosocial adjustment trajectory, focusing on psychological distress, sexual relationships and healthcare information, and factors which have an impact on adjustment on receiving a positive diagnosis of human papillomavirus infection. Human papillomavirus is a common sexually transmitted infection in females. To date, knowledge of the longitudinal psychosocial response to the diagnosis of human papillomavirus is limited. A prospective longitudinal design was conducted with a convenience sample. Women aged 20-65years old were followed at one, 6 and 12months after a diagnosis of HPV. Participants completed measures of initial emotional distress and followed up psychosocial adjustment. A mixed-effects model was applied to analyse the longitudinal changes in psychosocial adjustment. Seventy human papillomavirus positive women participated in the study with nearly 20% of the women reporting emotional distress during their first visit. Mixed-effects model analyses showed that a trajectory of psychosocial adjustment in healthcare orientation, sexual relationship and psychosocial distress occur from one to 6months after HPV diagnosis. However, a declining trend from 6 to 12months was significant in healthcare orientation. Initial emotional distress was associated with changes in psychological adjustment. Psychosocial adjustment to human papillomavirus was worse at 1month compared with 6 and 12months after diagnosis. Healthcare providers should offer health information and psychosocial support to women according to their disease progression.

Stress and marital adjustment in families of children with cancer.

Pediatric cancer is highly stressful for parents. The current prospective study examines the impact of several stressors (financial strain, life threat, treatment intensity, treatment-related events, and negative life events) on the trajectory of marital adjustment across the first year following diagnosis. We examined whether average level of stressors across the year was related to (1) levels of marital adjustment at the end of the first year of treatment and () the rate of change in marital adjustment. One hundred and thirty families of children newly diagnosed with cancer (M age=6.33years, SD=3.61) participated. Primary caregivers provided 12 monthly reports on marital adjustment and stressors. Multilevel models indicated that although marital adjustment was stable across the first year on average, random effect estimates suggested that this was the result of differing trajectories between families (eg, some increasing and others decreasing). Five individual stress constructs and a cumulative stress composite were then used to predict this variability. Higher average economic strain was related to consistently poorer marital adjustment across time. Higher average frequency of treatment-related events and negative life events were associated with decreasing adjustment over time and lower adjustment at the end of the first year of treatment. Perception of life threat and treatment intensity were not associated with final levels or trajectory of adjustment. Finally, higher cumulative stress was associated with consistently poorer marital adjustment across time. Implications for identification of at-risk families are discussed, and importance of delivering tailored interventions for this population.

Coping with the Stress in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: Can Mindfulness Be the Answer?

BackgroundMothers of infants with complex congenital heart disease are exposed to increased stress which has been associated with numerous adverse health outcomes. The coping mechanisms these mothers use critically effect the familial illness adaptation and most likely infant outcomes. Currently no data-based strategies have been developed for mothers to facilitate their coping, and proactively promote their adaptation in the critical care settings. A potential strategy is mindfulness which is currently used in other clinical settings with stress-reduction effects. Purpose(1) To investigate coping mechanisms of mothers whose infant with complex CHD is admitted in the CICU, and (2) to explore the acceptability and feasibility of mindfulness as a potential stress-reduction intervention for these mothers. Design and MethodsA descriptive qualitative study obtained perspectives from 14 mothers during three focus groups. A qualitative conventional content analysis was performed using ATLAS.ti. ResultsIn congruence with the Stress and Coping framework, themes identified mostly emotion-regulatory coping mechanisms including both active and passive strategies such as positive thinking, denial, distraction, relying on support systems, and focusing on baby. Mindfulness was an acceptable and feasible approach for most participants, however, practice unfamiliarity, time and space concerns, and personal preferences were identified as potential barriers for future dissemination. ConclusionsMindfulness can potentially promote illness adaptation by utilization of active coping mechanisms. Early interventions can provide immediate, and potentially long-term stress relief. Intervention settings, format, and time-frame should be flexibly tailored to the trajectory of parental distress and familial adjustment.

Chronic and episodic stress predict physical symptom bother following breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast cancer patients often experience adverse physical side effects of medical treatments. According to the biobehavioral model of cancer stress and disease, life stress during diagnosis and treatment may negatively influence the trajectory of women's physical health-related adjustment to breast cancer. This longitudinal study examined chronic and episodic stress as predictors of bothersome physical symptoms during the year after breast cancer diagnosis. Women diagnosed with breast cancer in the previous 4months (N=460) completed a life stress interview for contextual assessment of chronic and episodic stress severity at study entry and 9months later. Physical symptom bother (e.g., pain, fatigue) was measured at study entry, every 6weeks through 6months, and at nine and 12months. In multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) analyses, both chronic stress and episodic stress occurring shortly after diagnosis predicted greater physical symptom bother over the study period. Episodic stress reported to have occurred prior to diagnosis did not predict symptom bother in MSEM analyses, and the interaction between chronic and episodic stress on symptom bother was not significant. Results suggest that ongoing chronic stress and episodic stress occurring shortly after breast cancer diagnosis are important predictors of bothersome symptoms during and after cancer treatment. Screening for chronic stress and recent stressful life events in the months following diagnosis may help to identify breast cancer patients at risk for persistent and bothersome physical symptoms. Interventions to prevent or ameliorate treatment-related physical symptoms may confer added benefit by addressing ongoing non-cancer-related stress in women's lives.

Ups and downs of the expatriate experience? Understanding work adjustment trajectories and career outcomes.

We examine changes in work adjustment among 179 expatriates from 3 multinational organizations from predeparture through the first 9 months of a new international assignment. Our 10-wave results challenge classic U-shaped theories of expatriate adjustment (e.g., Torbiorn, 1982). Consistent with uncertainty reduction theory, our results instead suggest that expatriates typically experience a gradual increase in work adjustment over time. Two resources that expatriates bring to their assignments (previous culture-specific work experience and core self-evaluations) moderate the trajectory of work adjustment. Trajectory of adjustment predicts Month 9 career instrumentality and turnover intention, as well as career advancement (job promotion) 1.5 years further. Implications for theory, as well as for changes in expatriate management practices, are discussed.

Variations in flood magnitude–effect relations and the implications for flood risk assessment and river management

In spite of major physical impacts from large floods, present river management rarely takes into account the possible dynamics and variation in magnitude–impact relations over time in flood risk mapping and assessment nor incorporates feedback effects of changes into modelling. Using examples from the literature and from field measurements over several decades in two contrasting environments, a semi-arid region and a humid–temperate region, temporal variations in channel response to flood events are evaluated. The evidence demonstrates how flood physical impacts can vary at a location over time. The factors influencing that variation on differing timescales are examined. The analysis indicates the importance of morphological changes and trajectory of adjustment in relation to thresholds, and that trends in force or resistance can take place over various timescales, altering those thresholds. Sediment supply can also change with altered connectivity upstream and changes in state of hillslope–channel coupling. It demonstrates that seasonal timing and sequence of events can affect response, particularly deposition through sediment supply. Duration can also have a significant effect and modify the magnitude relation. Lack of response or deposits in some events can mean that flood frequency using such evidence is underestimated. A framework for assessment of both past and possible future changes is provided which emphasises the uncertainty and the inconstancy of the magnitude–impact relation and highlights the dynamic factors and nature of variability that should be considered in sustainable management of river channels.

Cross-cultural adjustment of female self-initiated expatriates: a longitudinal diary study

This study examines the motives for deciding to work abroad and the trajectory of adjustment of young female self-initiated expatriates. Based on a longitudinal analysis of blogs (online diaries), we identify five themes associated with the expatriate adjustment process: motive, observation, downsides, recovery, and meaning. The study reveals that the trajectory of adjustment of this population seems to follow a U-curve, with culture shocks at around one month and three months in the host country, and a recovery period of up to six months. The analysis also reveals a second type of emotional shock during the first week of arrival, distinct from culture shock. Reflecting the profile of

Parent perspectives on family-based psychosocial interventions in pediatric cancer: a mixed-methods approach

Family-based interventions in pediatric cancer face challenges associated with integrating psychosocial care into a period of intensive treatment and escalating stress. Little research has sought input from parents on the role of interventions delivered shortly after diagnosis. This mixed-methods study obtained parents' perspectives on the potential role of family-based interventions. Twenty-five parents provided feedback on the structure and timing of psychosocial interventions via focus groups and a questionnaire. Qualitative analyses resulted in three themes that were illustrative of a traumatic stress framework: (1) tension between focusing on child with cancer and addressing other family needs, (2) factors influencing parents' perception of a shared experience with other parents, and (3) the importance of matching interventions to the trajectory of parent adjustment. Quantitative data indicated that parents preferred intervention within 6 months of diagnosis, with almost half favoring within 2 months of diagnosis, and the majority wanted interventions targeted to parents only. Qualitative themes highlight the importance of using a traumatic stress framework to inform the development of family-based interventions for those affected by pediatric cancer.

Longitudinal patterns of relationship adjustment among German parents.

Although there have been many studies that have examined the trajectory of relationship adjustment among newlywed couples in the United States, less is known about the trajectory of relationship adjustment in other countries and over other developmental periods of relationships, such as among families with young children. In this study, we used latent growth curve mixture modeling to examine the trajectories of relationship adjustment among German parents across a 4-year period (N = 242). Approximately 90% of men and women could be classified as showing high relationship adjustment and a stable or increasing trajectory. The remaining 10%, were initially more distressed and showed a decline in relationship adjustment over time. In addition, latent relationship adjustment trajectory class significantly predicted change in men's depressive symptoms over the 4 years; for women, relationship-adjustment trajectory class was related to depressive symptom levels, but did not predict change over time.

Multidimensionality and Subjectivity of Culture Shock: A Contingent Approach

This study examines the trajectory of cross-cultural adjustment based on the multidimensional and subjective aspects of culture shock. We focus on six intrapersonal diversity factors that affect international adjustment in order to build a taxonomy of expatriates. On the basis of a sample of 584 observations, we show that these different groups of expatriates follow different patterns of adjustment. In some specific cases a U-curve is observed.

The Paradox of Liberalization — Understanding Dualism and the Recovery of the German Political Economy

AbstractWhat do the recent trends in German economic development convey about the trajectory of change? Has liberalization prepared the German economy to deal with new challenges? What effects will liberalization have on the co‐ordinating capacities of economic institutions? This article argues that co‐ordination and liberalization are two sides of the same coin in the process of corporate restructuring in the face of economic shocks. Firms seek labour co‐operation in the face of tighter competitive pressures and exploit institutional advantages of co‐ordination. However, tighter co‐operation with core workers sharpened insider–outsider divisions and were built upon service sector cost cutting through liberalization. The combination of plant‐level restructuring and social policy change forms a trajectory of institutional adjustment of forming complementary economic segments which work under different rules. The process is driven by producer coalitions of export‐oriented firms and core workers’ representatives, rather than by firms per se.

Academic adjustment across middle school: The role of public regard and parenting.

In the current longitudinal study, we examined associations between Black and Latino youths' perceptions of the public's opinion of their racial/ethnic group (i.e., public regard) and changes in academic adjustment outcomes across middle school. We also tested combinations of racial/ethnic socialization and parent involvement in academic activities as moderators of this association. We used a 2nd-order latent trajectory model to test changes in academic adjustment outcomes in a sample of 345 Black and Latino urban youth across 6th, 7th, and 8th grades (51% female). Results revealed a significant average linear decline in academic adjustment from 6th to 8th grade, as well as significant variation around this decline. We found that parenting moderated the association between public regard and the latent trajectory of academic adjustment. Specifically, for youth who reported high racial/ethnic socialization and low parent academic involvement, lower public regard predicted lower academic adjustment in 6th grade. For youth who reported both low racial/ethnic socialization and low parent academic involvement, lower public regard predicted a steeper decline in academic adjustment over time. Finally, among youth who reported high racial/ethnic socialization and high parent academic involvement, public regard was not associated with either the intercept or the slope of academic adjustment. Thus, the combination of high racial/ethnic socialization and parent academic involvement may protect youths' academic motivation and performance from the negative effects of believing the public has low opinions of one's racial/ethnic group. Implications for protecting Black and Latino youths' academic outcomes from decline during middle school are discussed.

The experiences of Chinese students entering top-up courses: Comparing students from UK-style HND courses and students from Chinese diploma courses

Students from transnational educational (TNE) programmes who then move across borders to progression courses in other countries may follow a different trajectory of adjustment than other international students who have not had a previous TNE experience. A comparison study of students who had followed a UK-style Higher National Diploma course delivered in China, and a similar cohort of students who had studied to the same level within the Chinese culture of education, showed differences in initial expectations and in subsequent experiences during their first term on top-up degrees. The research employed mixed methods: a repeated quantitative survey, focus groups and interviews. The findings prompt recommendations both for the organisers of TNE courses and for universities who recruit TNE students onto top-up or Master’s courses. The issues identified concerned methods to assist students to respond to changes in cultures of learning, rather than filling any lacks of knowledge. It is hence recommended that responses should not focus on perceived deficits, such as supplying language training or information such as referencing guides techniques, but instead should seek to assist adaptation to a new and unfamiliar situation

The Paradox of Liberalization – Understanding Dualism and the Recovery of the German Political Economy

What do the recent trends in German economic development convey about the trajectory of change? Has liberalization prepared the German economy to deal with new challenges? What effects will liberalization have on the coordinating capacities of economic institutions? This paper argues that coordination and liberalization are two sides of the same coin in the process of corporate restructuring in the face of economic shocks. Firms seek labour cooperation in the face of tighter competitive pressures and exploit institutional advantages of coordination. However, tighter cooperation with core workers sharpened insider-outsider divisions and were built upon service sector cost cutting through liberalization. The combination of plant-level restructuring and social policy change forms a trajectory of institutional adjustment of forming complementary economic segments which work under different rules. The process is driven by producer coalitions of export-oriented firms and core workers’ representatives rather than by firms per se.

Marital adjustment, satisfaction and dissolution among hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients and spouses: a prospective, five‐year longitudinal investigation

To examine the trajectory of marital adjustment, satisfaction and dissolution among 121 hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) couples-as a function of role (patient or spouse) and gender. Prospective, longitudinal design. Participants completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale at six time points: pre-transplant (4-7 days after beginning medical workup prior to starting transplant), 6 months post-transplant, and 1, 2, 3 and 5 years post-transplant. They also reported on marital status over time. Participants ranged in age from 23-68 (52% female patients and 48% female spouses). Ninety-eight patients received an allogeneic transplant; 23 received an autologous transplant. Marital dissolution was uncommon (four divorces since the transplant among 55 participating 5-year survivors, 7%). Dyadic satisfaction was stable over time for both male and female patients and male spouses, but not for female spouses who reported reductions in satisfaction at all time points relative to baseline. Couples were by and large resilient. However, caregiver-specific gender differences indicate an increased risk for relationship maladjustment and dissatisfaction among female spouses and ultimately, female spouse/male patient couples.

Adaptive adjustment of vocational aspirations among German youths during the transition from school to work

The transition from school to work is a central developmental task with long-term implications for the financial and social status of individuals. We argue that dynamic adjustments of aspirations play a decisive role for a successful outcome of the school to work transition, particularly in the context of the German vocational training system. Latent growth curve analyses conducted on the self-reported occupational aspirations of German adolescents ( N = 414) surveyed in a 5-wave longitudinal study during their senior school year support this assumption. Based on expectancy-value-models of achievement, we delineated an adaptive trajectory of aspirations as starting off with relatively high aspirations and subsequently gradually downgrading them until s is attained. Such a trajectory of adjustment should maximize both expectancy (i.e., probability of obtaining an apprenticeship position at all) and value (i.e., training position with promotion potential). Finally, we showed empirically that the trajectory conceptually proposed as most adaptive was characteristic for youth who reported phase-adequate goal engagement strategies as suggested by the life-span theory of control.