Emotional intelligence intervention in older adults to improve adaptation and reduce negative mood

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Iraida Delhom ◽  
Encarnación Satorres ◽  
Juan C. Meléndez

Abstract Objectives: Emotional intelligence (EI) is a strong predictor of negative mood. Applying emotional skills correctly can help to increase positive emotional states and reduce negative ones. This study aims to implement EI intervention designed to improve clarity, repair EI dimensions and coping strategies, and reduce negative mood in older adults. Design: Participants were randomly assigned to the treatment or control group. Setting: Participants were evaluated individually before and after the intervention. Participants: Participants included 111 healthy older adults; 51 in the treatment group and 60 in the control group. Intervention: An EI program was implemented. The program was administered over 10 sessions lasting 90 min each. Measurements: EI dimension (attention, clarity, and repair), coping strategies, hopelessness, and mood were assessed. Results: Analysis of variance for repeated measures was applied. In the treatment group, scores on clarity and emotional repair increased and attention to emotions decreased; problem-focused coping (problem-solving, positive reappraisal, and seeking social support) showed significant increases, whereas emotion-focused coping (negative self-focused and overt emotional expression) obtained significant decreases; scores on negative mood measures declined significantly. Conclusions: An intervention based on EI is effective in older adults. After the EI intervention, the participants showed significant increases in their levels of clarity and emotional repair and intermediate levels of attention. In addition, the intervention was found to influence adaptation results, increasing the use of adaptive coping strategies and decreasing the use of maladaptive strategies, as well as reducing hopelessness and depressive symptoms.

10.2196/14680 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e14680
Author(s):  
Ernesto Zárate-Bravo ◽  
Juan-Pablo García-Vázquez ◽  
Engracia Torres-Cervantes ◽  
Gisela Ponce ◽  
Ángel G Andrade ◽  
...  

Background Problems with prospective memory, which refers to the ability to remember future intentions, cause deficits in basic and instrumental activities of daily living, such as taking medications. Older adults show minimal deficits when they rely on mostly preserved and relatively automatic associative retrieval processes. On the basis of this, we propose to provide external cues to support the automatic retrieval of an intended action, that is, to take medicines. To reach this end, we developed the Medication Ambient Display (MAD), a system that unobtrusively presents relevant information (unless it requires the users’ attention) and uses different abstract modalities to provide external cues that enable older adults to easily take their medications on time and be aware of their medication adherence. Objective This study aimed to assess the adoption and effect of external cues provided through ambient displays on medication adherence in older adults. Methods A total of 16 older adults, who took at least three medications and had mild cognitive impairment, participated in the study. We conducted a 12-week feasibility study in which we used a mixed methods approach to collect qualitative and quantitative evidence. The study included baseline, intervention, and postintervention phases. Half of the participants were randomly allocated to the treatment group (n=8), and the other half was assigned to the control group (n=8). During the study phases, research assistants measured medication adherence weekly through the pill counting technique. Results The treatment group improved their adherence behavior from 80.9% at baseline to 95.97% using the MAD in the intervention phase. This decreased to 76.71% in the postintervention phase when the MAD was no longer being used. Using a one-way repeated measures analysis of variance and a post hoc analysis using the Tukey honestly significant difference test, we identified a significant statistical difference between the preintervention and intervention phases (P=.02) and between the intervention and postintervention phases (P=.002). In addition, the medication adherence rate of the treatment group (95.97%) was greater than that of the control group (88.18%) during the intervention phase. Our qualitative results showed that the most useful cues were the auditory reminders, followed by the stylized representations of medication adherence. We also found that the MAD’s external cues not only improved older adults’ medication adherence but also mediated family caregivers’ involvement. Conclusions The findings of this study demonstrate that using ambient modalities for implementing external cues is useful for drawing the attention of older adults to remind them to take medications and to provide immediate awareness on adherence behavior. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04289246; https://tinyurl.com/ufjcz97


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Zárate-Bravo ◽  
Juan-Pablo García-Vázquez ◽  
Engracia Torres-Cervantes ◽  
Gisela Ponce ◽  
Ángel G Andrade ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Problems with prospective memory, which refers to the ability to remember future intentions, cause deficits in basic and instrumental activities of daily living, such as taking medications. Older adults show minimal deficits when they rely on mostly preserved and relatively automatic associative retrieval processes. On the basis of this, we propose to provide external cues to support the automatic retrieval of an intended action, that is, to take medicines. To reach this end, we developed the Medication Ambient Display (MAD), a system that unobtrusively presents relevant information (unless it requires the users’ attention) and uses different abstract modalities to provide external cues that enable older adults to easily take their medications on time and be aware of their medication adherence. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the adoption and effect of external cues provided through ambient displays on medication adherence in older adults. METHODS A total of 16 older adults, who took at least three medications and had mild cognitive impairment, participated in the study. We conducted a 12-week feasibility study in which we used a mixed methods approach to collect qualitative and quantitative evidence. The study included baseline, intervention, and postintervention phases. Half of the participants were randomly allocated to the treatment group (n=8), and the other half was assigned to the control group (n=8). During the study phases, research assistants measured medication adherence weekly through the pill counting technique. RESULTS The treatment group improved their adherence behavior from 80.9% at baseline to 95.97% using the MAD in the intervention phase. This decreased to 76.71% in the postintervention phase when the MAD was no longer being used. Using a one-way repeated measures analysis of variance and a post hoc analysis using the Tukey honestly significant difference test, we identified a significant statistical difference between the preintervention and intervention phases (<i>P</i>=.02) and between the intervention and postintervention phases (<i>P</i>=.002). In addition, the medication adherence rate of the treatment group (95.97%) was greater than that of the control group (88.18%) during the intervention phase. Our qualitative results showed that the most useful cues were the auditory reminders, followed by the stylized representations of medication adherence. We also found that the MAD’s external cues not only improved older adults’ medication adherence but also mediated family caregivers’ involvement. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study demonstrate that using ambient modalities for implementing external cues is useful for drawing the attention of older adults to remind them to take medications and to provide immediate awareness on adherence behavior. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04289246; https://tinyurl.com/ufjcz97


2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Maire ◽  
Renaud Brochard ◽  
Jean-Luc Kop ◽  
Vivien Dioux ◽  
Daniel Zagar

Abstract. This study measured the effect of emotional states on lexical decision task performance and investigated which underlying components (physiological, attentional orienting, executive, lexical, and/or strategic) are affected. We did this by assessing participants’ performance on a lexical decision task, which they completed before and after an emotional state induction task. The sequence effect, usually produced when participants repeat a task, was significantly smaller in participants who had received one of the three emotion inductions (happiness, sadness, embarrassment) than in control group participants (neutral induction). Using the diffusion model ( Ratcliff, 1978 ) to resolve the data into meaningful parameters that correspond to specific psychological components, we found that emotion induction only modulated the parameter reflecting the physiological and/or attentional orienting components, whereas the executive, lexical, and strategic components were not altered. These results suggest that emotional states have an impact on the low-level mechanisms underlying mental chronometric tasks.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 116-116
Author(s):  
M Pires ◽  
A Antunes ◽  
C Gameiro ◽  
C Pombo

Community-focused programs that promote active and healthy aging can help preserve cognitive capacities, prevent or reverse cognitive deficits. Computer-based cognitive training (CCT) is a promising non-pharmacological, cost -effective and accessible intervention to face the effects of age-related cognitive decline. Previous studies proved CCT to have equal or better efficacy compared to traditional interventions. This comparative multifactorial study aims to test the efficacy of a CCT in a non-randomized community sample of 74 older adults: G1-CCT Experimental group (n=43) (Mean age M=72.21, SD=12.65) and G2- Paper-Pencil Control group (n=31; M=77.94, SD=10.51). Pensioners (97.3%), mostly women (83.8 %) with basic education (51.4%) and without dementia diagnosis, completed a cognitive training program of 17 or 34 group sessions (twice a week). G2 undertook a classic cognitive paper-pencil stimuli tasks. G1, performed, additionally, individual CCT with COGWEB® in a multimodal format (intensive training of attention, calculation, memory, gnosis, praxis, executive functions). Both groups completed Portuguese versions of Mini -Mental State Examination (MMSE),Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA); Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS); Mini Dependence Assessment (MDA); WHOOQL 5 and Social Support Satisfaction Scale (ESSS) before and after participating in the program. Both groups reported better post-test scores on basic cognitive functions (MMSE, MOCA), Depression symptoms (GDS-30), subjective well-being and quality of life (WHOOQL-5). G1 presented higher MOCA and lower GDS scores before and after CCT, although, group differences become less expressive when interaction effects are considered. Results are in line with findings from past studies, CCT supported by the new technologies, is as a relevant cost-effective therapeutic tool for health professionals working with older adults. Particularly for preventive purposes of neuro-cognitive disorders.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215145932110291
Author(s):  
Atsuko Satoh ◽  
Yukoh Kudoh ◽  
Sangun Lee ◽  
Masumi Saitoh ◽  
Miwa Miura ◽  
...  

Introduction: To evaluate fall-prevention rehabilitative slippers for use by self-caring, independent older adults. Materials and Methods: This assessor-blinded, randomized, and controlled 1-year study included 59 self-caring, independent participants (49 women) who attended day services. The mean age of participants was 84.0 ± 5.3 years. Participants were randomly selected from 8 nursing homes. We tested slippers top-weighted with a lead bead (200, 300, or 400 g). Intervention group participants walked while wearing the slippers for 10-20 min, 1-3 days/week at the day service center. Fall risk was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) before and at 3-month intervals after the intervention/control phase. Results: After 12 months, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvement. Berg Balance and POMA compared to the control group ( p < .05 p < .01, respectively). Mobility scores improved significantly for both measurements in the intervention group before and after ( p < .01), but the control group had significantly lower scores. Discussion: Overall, falls decreased in the intervention group from 10 to 7, and control group falls increased from 9 to 16 ( p = .02). No adverse events related to the intervention were reported. Conclusions: Rehabilitation training slippers may reduce falls in older adults.


2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia L. Russell ◽  
Kristi Brown

Context No empirical studies exist to direct nursing interventions for individuals during the long period of waiting for a transplant. Objective To measure the effect of information and support on hope and uncertainty for individuals awaiting cadaveric kidney transplantation. Design Randomized, controlled study. Setting A university-affiliated hospital in the Midwest from 1997 to 1999. Patients Fifty participants awaiting cadaveric kidney transplantation. Interventions The control group received no intervention phone calls or mailings, which was the current standard of care. The treatment group received phone calls and mailings once every month for 6 months. Main Outcome Measures Hope, measured by the Herth Hope Index, and uncertainty, measured by the Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Scale for Adults, were evaluated at the beginning of the study and 6 months later. Results No statistically significant effect of the nursing intervention was found on hope and uncertainty in this sample (F = 0.5322, P = .81). Hope was found to be negatively related to uncertainty both before ( r = $0.53, P = .0001) and after ( r = $0.59, P = .0001) intervention. No significant change was found between hope before and after intervention, and uncertainty before and after intervention in the treatment group (F = 1.10, P = .40) or the control group. Conclusion The individuals indicated that definite needs were met by the information and support intervention even though the results did not statistically support the effect of the nursing intervention. Conclusions Several conclusions can be drawn from the findings of this study. First, even though the nursing intervention of providing information and support did not have a statistically significant effect on levels of hope and uncertainty in individuals awaiting kidney transplantation, anecdotal reports from the respondents indicated that the phone calls and mailed information were helpful and appreciated. Valuable information, potentially impacting the outcomes of kidney transplantation, was gathered by the researchers and shared with the transplant team. Secondly, levels of hope were relatively high, whereas levels of uncertainty were moderate in this sample of individuals waiting for cadaveric kidney transplantation. Furthermore, in this sample, the average time since diagnosis of ESRD was more than 4 years and the average waiting time was more than 1 year. There may have been a change over time from viewing the waiting experience as a negative experience to a positive opportunity. Thirdly, the finding of a negative relationship between hope and uncertainty provided support to the growing body of knowledge of this association. Finally, time on the waiting list, gender, and marital status were not associated with levels of hope or uncertainty. Generally, the findings of this study are consistent with existing literature and add to the growing body of knowledge related to the midrange theories of hope and uncertainty.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Xin Hu ◽  
Gui-ping Jiang ◽  
Zhong-qiu Ji ◽  
Bo Pang ◽  
John Liu

Based on traditional rhythmic physical activities (TRPA), we created novel rhythmic physical activities (NRPA). The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of NRPA in improving children’s fundamental movement skills (FMS). 289 children (135 boys, 154 girls) from 3 to 5 years old were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. Tools of Test of Gross Motor Development-2, Tekscan instrument, and balance beam were to assess children’s FMS. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze and compare the changes in the related parameters of locomotor, manipulative, and balance movement skills before and after intervention ( groups × time ). NRPA performed significantly better than TRPA from pre- to posttest for FMS. Furthermore, NRPA had significantly higher posttest scores than TRPA. Therefore, NRPA could effectively promote the development of children’s FMS due to the concept of the sensitive period of motor development, the variability of movement parameters, and the incomplete repeatability of practice methods.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyu Zhong ◽  
Xiang Li ◽  
Wanqi Zhang ◽  
Xiaoxiao Shen ◽  
Yuangang Lu ◽  
...  

Background: Acne is a chronic disorder that affects almost 80% of adolescents and young adults, causing psychological and emotional distress. However, the current treatments for acne are either ineffective or have many side effects. This study was designed to confirm and objectively quantify the effect of a new non-drug combined therapy on acne.Methods: This study innovatively utilized ultrasound, which enhanced the absorption of aloe vera gel, and soft mask to make a purely physical method without any drugs. In both the treatment group and control group, the number of papules/pustules and the area of hyperpigmented lesions were counted, and a smart mirror intelligent face system was used before and after the combined therapy. Alterations in the skin functional index were recorded and analyzed statistically.Results: In the treatment group, the combined therapy significantly reduced the number of papules and the area of hyperpigmented lesions and improved skin roughness and local blood circulation. In the control group, there was no obvious improvement over 2 months.Conclusion: This study suggests that the new non-drug combined therapy significantly improved acne, which provided experimental evidence and treatment guidance for patients with mild to severe acne, especially patients with moderate acne. This new therapy may possibly be an appropriate method for patients who seek topical treatments with mild side effects and low antibiotic resistance rates.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asep Arifin Senjaya ◽  
Ni Made Sirat ◽  
I Nyoman Wirata ◽  
Ni Ketut Ratmini

Dental healthcare is very important since dental and oral hygiene should be maintained. Statistics showed that more than 80% of children in developed and developing countries suffer from dental disease. This study aimed to see the safety of OHIS (Oral Hygiene Index Simplified) in primary school students who got and did not get little dentist cadre training in Bangli Regency in 2019. The study was done in an experimental design: pre and post-test with control design, which was conducted in August-September 2019. The sample in this study is 366 students. The difference in OHIS scores before and after treatment in the control group and treatment group was carried out by the bivariate Mann Whitney U Test. The results of the study showed that before dental health training was conducted, there were 54.3% of primary school students in the treatment group with good OHIS score criteria, and after the training was carried out as many as 98.4% of the students in the treatment group had a good OHIS. Additionally, prior to the training, 57.5% of the control group had fair OHIS criteria score. Then, after the training was carried out, 73.7% of the control group had good OHIS score. Hence, the study concluded that there was a significant difference in the OHIS of primary school students who got little doctor training prior to and after the training. Also, there was a significant difference in the OHIS of the students who did not get such treatment before and after the training.


2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-112
Author(s):  
Anna O. Kaminska ◽  
Nataliia G. Pshuk ◽  
Yuliana Y. Martynova

The aim of our study was to determine features of social and emotional intelligence in family caregivers of patients with endogenous mental disorders as a basis for communicative resource formation in family where a patient lives. Materials and methods: A total of 273 family caregivers of patients with paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar disorder were involved into this survey under informed consent conditions. Control group included 55 mentally healthy respondents, in whose families there is no mentally sick family member. Emotional intelligence of family caregivers was measured using the psychodiagnostic test “EQ” by N. Hall. To assess level of social intelligence the J. Gilford and M. Sullivan test (in adaptation done by Mikhailova E.S.) was used. Values of p <0.05 were considered significant. Results: The study revealed that family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders demonstrate a decrease in emotional and social intelligence indicators, which creates significant obstacles for effective interpersonal family communication and for the harmonious functioning of a family, in which a mentally sick patient lives, in general. Difficulties of emotional regulation, emotional management, recognition of emotional states of other participants of communication related to the level of emotional and social intelligence of FC are factors, that complicate interpersonal relations in families of patients and reduce possibilities for psychosocial adaptation of all family members. Conclusions: Revealed features should be taken into consideration when creating appropriate psycho-educational and psycho-corrective programs for family caregivers of patients with endogenous mental disorders.


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