Occupational Stress in U.S. Audiologists

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Diana C. Emanuel

Purpose The goal of this study was to explore interview data related to occupational stress in U.S. audiologists. This study is part of a larger project: The Lived Experience of the Audiologist, which seeks to develop a richer understanding of audiologists' lived experience via interview and survey research. Method Demographic and interview data related to occupational stress were examined from 28 virtual interviews of clinical audiologists in the United States. Qualitative data relative to workplace stressors were subjected to thematic analysis. Stress ratings were examined via descriptive statistics, correlation, and comparison with demographics. Results Self-ratings of average-day and worst-day stress were not related to work setting, years of experience, or U.S. region. Participant descriptions of workplace stressors yielded seven main themes: time, patients, administration, financial, lack of support, colleagues, and work–life balance. Some participants attributed stress response to personality traits. Conclusions Audiologists' quotes illustrate the human impact of stressors in the workplace. The most commonly reported workplace stressors were lack of time, patient-related issues, administration, and financial issues. Time and administration as common causes of stress were consistent with prior studies conducted in other countries; however, patient-related and financial stressors were more prominent stressors for U.S. audiologists. Stress ratings were not related to work setting, location, or years of experience in the current study. Participants often linked their perception of stress to personality traits, a phenomenon that has been explored as a factor in the exploration of occupational stress in other fields, but not in audiology. Future research in stress and burnout should examine personality traits in addition to extensive demographics.

2021 ◽  
pp. 147332502110200
Author(s):  
Will W Dobud

Often synonymous with wilderness therapy, outdoor behavioral healthcare (OBH) is a residential treatment in the United States for young people, more than half of whom are sent via secure transport services. While empirical evidence suggests the secure transport of adolescents to OBH does not impact quantitative outcomes, limited research exists exploring client voice and the lived experience of OBH participants. This qualitative study, utilizing narrative inquiry, builds knowledge on experiences of secure transport services from nine past OBH adolescent participants. Findings are analyzed, interpreted, and discussed through a social work and trauma-informed lens. Recommendations for ethical practice, linking with human rights, and future research are provided.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 713-713
Author(s):  
Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya ◽  
Gizem Hueluer ◽  
Debra Dobbs

Abstract It is widely established that physical activity is associated with better cognitive outcomes, and accumulating evidence suggests that mind-body practice (MBP) may yield similar benefits. Personality is related to both daily activities and cognition, but its role in the association between MBP and cognition is not well understood. The current study examines bidirectional temporal associations between personality traits, MBP, and cognition in healthy adults. We used data from waves 2 and 3 (2004-2014) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study from a total of 2,050 individuals (age: M=64 years, SD=11, range=42 to 92; 56% women). We applied a cross-lagged regression analysis to examine bidirectional effects between MBP, Big Five personality traits, and two cognitive domains (episodic memory and executive function) and controlled for sociodemographic factors, health, and functional status covariates in wave 2. After controlling for covariates, MBP was independently associated with a more favorable change in episodic memory, but not in executive function. Regarding cross-lagged effects of cognitive function, episodic memory was related to subsequent MBP and agreeableness, and executive function was related to subsequent MBP, openness, and conscientiousness. Agreeableness had a negative effect on subsequent executive function. The findings point toward bidirectional associations between cognitive function MBP, while there was no evidence for cross-lagged associations between personality and MBP. Future research should guide us whether MBP can counteract cognitive decline as an alternative and complementary practice and the role that personality can play in such interventions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina Vandebroek ◽  
David Picking ◽  
Jessica Tretina ◽  
Jason West ◽  
Michael Grizzle ◽  
...  

Jamaican root tonics are fermented beverages made with the roots, bark, vines (and dried leaves) of several plant species, many of which are wild-harvested in forest areas of this Caribbean island. These tonics are popular across Jamaica, and also appreciated among the Jamaican diaspora in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Although plants are the focal point of the ethnobotany of root tonics, interviews with 99 knowledgeable Jamaicans across five parishes of the island, with the goal of documenting their knowledge, perceptions, beliefs, and oral histories, showed that studying these tonics solely from a natural sciences perspective would serve as an injustice to the important sociocultural dimensions and symbolism that surround their use. Jamaican explanations about root tonics are filled with metaphorical expressions about the reciprocity between the qualities of “nature” and the strength of the human body. Furthermore, testimonies about the perceived cultural origins, and reasons for using root tonics, provided valuable insights into the extent of human hardship endured historically during slavery, and the continued struggle experienced by many Jamaicans living a subsistence lifestyle today. On the other hand, the popularity of root tonics is also indicative of the resilience of hard-working Jamaicans, and their quest for bodily and mental strength and health in dealing with socioeconomic and other societal challenges. Half of all study participants considered Rastafari the present-day knowledge holders of Jamaican root tonics. Even though these tonics represent a powerful informal symbol of Jamaican biocultural heritage, they lack official recognition and development for the benefit of local producers and vendors. We therefore used a sustainable development conceptual framework consisting of social, cultural, economic, and ecological pillars, to design a road map for a cottage industry for these artisanal producers. The four steps of this road map (growing production, growing alliances, transitioning into the formal economy, and safeguarding ecological sustainability) provide a starting point for future research and applied projects to promote this biocultural heritage product prepared with Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) of plants.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Moore ◽  
Judy Donnelly ◽  
Steve Jones ◽  
Janet Cade

The potential for nutrition labels to impact on population health is dependent on consumer ability to understand and use this information. Consumer understanding of this information varies across sociodemographic groups and with different label design formats. Labeling legislation requires consumer education on how to use nutrition labels, and recent mandatory changes to the Nutrition Facts Panel (NFP) are underway to improve comprehensibility. This review aimed to evaluate if educational programs can improve understanding and use of nutrition labels. Database searches were performed to identify interventions which delivered education on nutrition labels with outcomes measuring aspects of comprehension or use. A total of 17 studies were selected for review, including nine randomized and eight cohort studies. The majority of studies were conducted in the United States Study participants included school aged children, older adults, and those with diabetes within a range of intervention types involving taught sessions or web-based education. Whilst outcome measures were heterogenous, all studies reported a statistically significant improvement in one or more outcomes of participant understanding or use of nutrition labels. Aspects such as general nutrition knowledge, health literacy, and program delivery format warrant attention in future research. Education which optimizes comprehension and use of nutrition labels may have the potential to improve the impact of this information on dietary health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (11) ◽  
pp. 880-892
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Milad ◽  
Tim Bogg

Abstract Background Personality traits, coping styles, and health-related behaviors show associations with various aspects of health. However, integrative life-course investigations of pathways by which these factors might affect later cumulative physiological health risk remain sparse. Purpose To investigate prospective associations of personality traits via coping styles and health-related behaviors on allostatic load in a national sample. Methods Using data from the Midlife in the United States study (MIDUS; N = 1,054), path analyses were used to test direct and indirect associations (via coping styles, smoking, frequency of alcohol consumption, leisure-time physical activity, and perceptions of activity) of personality traits on a latent measurement model of allostatic load informed by 10 biomarkers associated with cardiovascular, inflammation, glucose, and lipid subsystems. Results Direct 10 year associations of greater conscientiousness on healthier allostatic load and greater extraversion on less healthy allostatic load were observed. Consistent with hypothesized behavioral pathways, relationships between conscientiousness and extraversion on allostatic load were prospectively mediated by greater perceptions of activity. Physical activity and more frequent alcohol use were associated with healthier allostatic load but did not act as prospective mediators. Conclusions The results provide further evidence of conscientiousness’ standing as a marker of health via cumulative physiological health. Moreover, a greater perception of activity was identified as a pathway through which conscientious individuals experienced healthier physiological profiles over time. Examining a more detailed picture of the psychosocial mechanisms leading to development of health risk, as was found with perceptions of activity, remains an important area for future research.


Author(s):  
Frances P. Abderhalden ◽  
Thomas Baker ◽  
Jill A. Gordon

Using self-reported surveys of a sample of 2,927 incarcerated men and women from correctional facilities of varying security levels in the United States, this study explores the interrelationship of futurelessness, perceived certainty and celerity of punishment, and commitment to institutional rules. Incarcerated individuals’ commitment to rules with an adult sample has not been explored with consideration to emotionality. Findings suggest that futurelessness and risk perceptions are directly and significantly associated with commitment to institutional rules after controlling for several importation and deprivation factors associated with institutional misconduct. Contrary to the suggestions of prior research, risk perceptions did not mediate the futurelessness–commitment to institutional rules relationship. Direct quotes from study participants are included to contextualize and frame the policy implications of the findings. Theoretical implications and directions for future research are also discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Zhang ◽  
Lei Huang ◽  
Yongwei Wang ◽  
Yajia Lan ◽  
Yonggang Zhang

This study aimed to analyze the bibliometric characteristics of the publications on occupational stress and highlight key research topics and future trends. The Web of Science Core Collection database was searched to collect publications on occupational stress, from inception to December 9, 2020. Two authors independently screened eligible literature and extracted the data. Bibliometric analyses were performed using VOSviewer 1.6.6 and R 3.6.3 software. Overall, 6,564 publications on occupational stress were included. “Stress,” with a total link strength of 1,252, appeared as the most co-occurrence keyword, followed by “occupational stress,” “job stress,” and “job satisfaction.” All studies were published between 1956 and 2020. Among them, 6,176 (94.35%) papers were written in English, and 4,706 (70.25%) were original articles. The top three Web of Science categories were “public environmental occupational health” (n = 1,711), “psychology, applied” (n = 846), and “psychology, multidisciplinary” (n = 650). The 100 top-cited articles were mentioned a total of 36,145 times, with a median of 361, ranging from 174 to 5,574. The United States was the most productive country, with 1,780 publications. The main partners of the United States were England and China. Three themes of occupational stress research were identified: job satisfaction, burnout, and occupational stress-related health problems. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the trends and most influential contributions to the field of occupational stress, thus promoting ideas for future research.


2020 ◽  
pp. 154134462094464
Author(s):  
Simone C. O. Conceição ◽  
Liliana Mina ◽  
Todd Southern

A key challenge for international students in the United States is a readiness to study and live in a culture that is vastly different from their own. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of the lived experiences of Brazilian students studying in the United States 6 months after returning home. Thirty-three Brazilian students responded to an open-ended, self-reflective online questionnaire focusing on their lived experience in the U.S. Three major themes emerged from the data based on the interactions between the multiple systems Brazilian students lived in the U.S.: personal growth and development, perspective transformation, and change in worldview. Participants claimed that they perceived their experiences influenced their perceptions about their own country and culture and gave them a new perspective expanding their horizons about themselves and their role in the world. The article concludes with practical implications, study limitations, and suggestions for future research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Bornemann ◽  
James B. Close ◽  
Meg J. Spriggs ◽  
Robin Carhart-Harris ◽  
Leor Roseman

Background: Chronic Pain is among the leading causes of disability worldwide with up to 60% of patients suffering from comorbid depression. Psychedelic-assisted therapy has recently been found effective in treating a host of mental health issues including depression and has historically been found to be useful in treating pain. Reports of self-medication for chronic pain using psychedelic drugs have been widely documented, with anecdotal evidence indicating widespread success in a range of pathologies.Aims: In preparation for an upcoming trial, to better understand how those with lived experience of chronic pain self-medicate with psychedelic drugs, and to establish, in detail, their therapeutic protocols and practices for success.Methods: As part of patient-involvement (PI) for an upcoming trial in this population, 11 individuals who reported self-medicating with psychedelic drugs took part in a 1-h semi-structured discussion, which was then transcribed and thematically analyzed.Results: Across a range of psychedelic substances and doses, reported pain scores improved substantially during and after psychedelic experiences. Two processes, Positive Reframing and Somatic Presence, were reliably identified as playing a role in improvements in mental wellbeing, relationship with pain, and physical (dis)comfort. Inclusion of other strategies such as mindfulness, breathwork, and movement were also widely reported. Due to the data's subjective nature, this paper is vulnerable to bias and makes no claims on causality or generalisability. Together, these results have been used to inform study design for a forthcoming trial.Conclusion: This pre-trial PI work gives us confidence to test psychedelic therapy for chronic pain in a forthcoming controlled trial. The results presented here will be instrumental in improving our ability to meet the needs of future study participants.


Author(s):  
Patrick Miller

Despite the prominence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans and debates over LGBT rights in modern American politics, a substantial academic literature that examines their political attitudes has yet to develop. Prominent academic surveys have only relatively recently begun to ask respondent sexual orientation, though even the highest quality surveys that rely on random national samples still contain few LGBT respondents given their small share of the population. Further, questions about respondent gender identity are still largely absent in both academic and commercial surveys. As a result, systematic and deep knowledge about the contours of LGBT political attitudes and how they differ from those of non-LGBT Americans is understandably shallow. However, existing surveys can provide a descriptive overview of the American LGBT community and its politics. Demographically, those who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual in surveys as of the mid- to late 2010s tend to be younger, disproportionately female, less religiously committed, less likely to be white, and somewhat lower income and more highly educated than those who identify as heterosexual. Given how these demographic tilts map onto modern political divides, it should not be a surprise that LGBT Americans skew more liberal and Democratic than others in their political orientations. When differences emerge between LGBT and non-LGBT Americans in their issue attitudes, LGBT respondents in surveys consistently tend toward more liberal-leaning opinions. However, this leftward tilt does not always place LGBT persons on the liberal side of issues on average, nor does it mean that LGBT and non-LGBT survey respondents are necessarily in opposition in the aggregate as oftentimes the difference between them is their degree of collective liberalism. Thus, the nature of these intergroup differences depends on the issue or set of issues under examination. Existing data and research do have certain limitations that future research may improve upon. Given that most data on LGBT political attitudes comes from general population surveys of which LGBT respondents are only a small part, most current data do not strongly lend themselves to deeper analysis of subgroups within the LGBT community. Surveys specifically of LGBT people suggest important differences between gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals in how they view their identities as LGBT people and how they perceive how LGBT people fit into modern society, so future research may gather the data necessary to explore the consequences of these differences in political attitudes in greater depth. Also, there is substantial room for future research to explore the sources of LGBT political distinctiveness, and to what extent that distinctiveness stems from demographics, socialization, lived experience, psychology, or other factors.


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