scholarly journals Gratitude in infertility: a cross-sectional examination of dispositional gratitude in coping with infertility-related stress in women undergoing IVF

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bobo H P Lau ◽  
Sylvia H Yao ◽  
Michelle Y J Tam ◽  
Cecilia L W Chan ◽  
Ernest H Y Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Unexplained Infertility ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Coping Process ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Related Stress

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Do sense of meaning and acceptance mediate the relationships between gratitude and infertility-related stress among women undergoing IVF? SUMMARY ANSWER Among women undergoing IVF, the negative relationships between gratitude and infertility-related stress are explained by a general sense of meaningfulness and acceptance of life. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Infertility experts increasingly call for a re-balancing of the deficit-based view of psychosocial adjustment in IVF, which has been heavily dominated by studies of risk factors and psychological distress. Attention has been given to strength-based perspectives that emphasize character strengths and personal growth. Gratitude has been found to be a potent protective factor in coping with life stressors; however, its salutary effects and protective processes for infertile women undergoing IVF are yet to be explored. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study utilized baseline data of a randomized controlled trial for mind–body interventions with 357 Hong Kong Chinese women. Data collection was conducted between January 2015 and December 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Eligible women were approached by a research assistant immediately after their first medical consultation at an ART centre of a major university-affiliated hospital. Participants were asked to complete a battery of questionnaires, including the Gratitude Questionnaire-6, the Fertility Problem Inventory, and the Holistic Well-Being Scale. Mediation analyses were conducted with bootstrapped samples. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Of the 494 women who were approached, 357 (72.3%) provided informed consent and participated in the study. Results show that gratitude was negatively associated with all infertility-related stress domains (rs = −0.19 to −0.36), and these relationships are mediated by acceptance and loss of sense of meaning. Further, the link between gratitude and relationship concerns is mediated by loss of sense of meaning in women with a definable cause of infertility (95% CI = [−0.31, −0.08]), but by acceptance among those with unexplained infertility (95% CI = [−0.33, −0.01]). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The cross-sectional nature of the study precluded inferences of causality. Self-selection and self-report biases could be present. Our findings may not be readily generalizable to women who do not intend to undergo psychosocial intervention for their infertility or ART. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings support the salutary effects of gratitude in coping with IVF and highlight the role of unexplained infertility in the coping process. These findings offer preliminary support to the use of psychosocial interventions in promoting gratitude, acceptance, and meaning reconstruction for reducing infertility-related stress in women undergoing IVF. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the Hong Kong University Grant Council—General Research Fund (HKU27400414). All authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER HKUCTR-1984.

Moral Injury and Suicide Ideation Among Combat Veterans: The Role of Trauma-Related Shame and Collective Hatred

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110079
Author(s):  
Gal Schwartz ◽  
Eran Halperin ◽  
Yossi Levi-Belz
Keyword(s):  
Military Service ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Combat Veterans ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Moral Injury ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results

Exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) among combat veterans has been acknowledged as a significant stressful combat event that may lead to mental health problems, including suicide ideation (SI). Several studies have examined the risk and protective factors that can explain the conditions in which PMIEs may contribute to the development and maintenance of SI. However, the contribution of social-emotional factors has yet to be examined. In the current study, we examined the association between PMIE-Self and SI among combat veterans and explored the mediating role of trauma-related shame and the moderation role of collective hatred in this association. A volunteer sample of 336 Israeli combat veterans was recruited, completing self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional study. Results indicated that PMIE-Self was positively associated with SI, and trauma-related shame mediated this association. Moreover, collective hatred moderated both their direct (PMIE–SI) and indirect (PMIE–Shame–SI) association. Notably, collective hatred had an inverse role for each of the associations. Thus, collective hatred was found to comprise both a risk and a protective factor for SI following PMIE-Self. The current findings highlight the crucial contribution of trauma-related shame and collective hatred to the association between moral injury and suicidality. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that even years after their military service release, combat veterans exposed to PMIEs may still feel consumed by painful memories and maintain premonitions of a foreshortened future. Furthermore, the findings help to better understand the dynamics of collective hatred and the challenge of modifying it.

Well-being and distress of patients with Parkinson's disease: a comparative investigation

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Vescovelli ◽  
Daniele Sarti ◽  
Chiara Ruini
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Comparative Investigation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychological Resources ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
Cross Sectional

ABSTRACTBackground:Psychological resources, such as psychological well-being (PWB) and life satisfaction (LS) can aid individuals suffering from chronic illnesses to cope with their illness. The aim of this study was to investigate PWB, LS, quality of life (QoL), and distress in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to compare them with healthy controls.Methods:One hundred and thirteen individuals were recruited. Fifty of the participants suffered from PD, while 53 individuals reported other non-neurological diseases. PD patients were assessed through medical routine examinations. All participants had to be devoid of severe cognitive impairment. They were administered self-report questionnaires to measure PWB, LS, QoL, and distress. A cross-sectional comparative design was applied.Results:PD patients reported higher general PWB than controls with the exception of the autonomy subscale where the PD patients scored lower. However, they also reported higher distress (anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and hostility-irritability), lower LS, and poorer QoL compared to controls. In regressive models, general PWB and LS were significantly correlated to the presence of PD, to its functional impairments, and not to other socio-demographic variables.Conclusions:Findings confirmed previous literature on other neurological conditions, showing that PD may be associated with greater psychological distress, lower levels of LS and QoL. At the same time, PD patients may preserve their PWB, which is a protective factor for mental and physical health. The presence of these psychological resources is inversely related to functional impairments. Future studies should better investigate the pattern of PWB in PD.

scholarly journals The Protective Role of Character Strengths in COVID-19 Stress and Well-Being in Individuals With Chronic Conditions and Disabilities: An Exploratory Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-74
Author(s):  
Emre Umucu ◽  
Timothy N. Tansey ◽  
Jessica Brooks ◽  
Beatrice Lee
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Character Strengths ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internal Resources ◽  
Related Stress

Individuals with chronic conditions and disabilities, in response to stress associated with COVID-19, may experience a decrease in their overall well-being beyond that experienced by otherwise healthy individuals. Therefore, it is imperative to identify internal resources (e.g., character strengths) that can help them better manage COVID-19-related stress and enhance well-being in spite of COVID-19. This study explored the potential protective role of character strengths and virtues in moderating the negative effects of COVID-19 on stress and well-being. A cross-sectional study design was implemented. Participants included 269 individuals with self-reported chronic conditions and disabilities. After controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics, we examined whether character strengths and virtues acted as independent moderators between COVID-19-related stress and well-being. A higher degree of multiple character strengths significantly and independently moderated the relationship between COVID-19-related stress and well-being. Findings suggested the importance of promoting more character strengths overall in people with chronic conditions and disabilities to help them better manage COVID-19-related stress and enhance well-being.

Nurses Between the Hammer and the Anvil: Analyzing the Role of the Workplace Prevention Climate in Reducing Internal and External Violence

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 363-375
Author(s):  
Sara Viotti ◽  
Gloria Guidetti ◽  
Daniela Converso
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Violence ◽  
Intention To Leave ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Path Analyses ◽  
Violence Prevention Climate

The aim of this study was to test a model including relationships among internal and external violence, workplace violence-prevention climate, exhaustion, and intention to leave (ITL) in a sample of nurses. Data were collected by a self-report questionnaire involving nurses (n = 313) from two multispecialist hospitals in Italy. The survey was cross-sectional and nonrandomized. Path analyses showed the presence of the mediating role of internal violence between workplace prevention climate and exhaustion, as well as the mediating function of both types of violence between workplace prevention climate and ITL. Moreover, an indirect effect through exhaustion between internal violence and ITL was highlighted. These findings suggested that organizations that invest in preventive measures may reduce incidents of violence and, in turn, prevent negative consequences on worker well-being.

scholarly journals Go soft or go home? A review of empirical studies on the role of self-compassion in the competitive sport setting

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Röthlin
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Competitive Sport ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Study Results

Self-compassion describes a supportive attitude towards oneself. Research outside the sport context suggests that self-compassion might be beneficial in terms of psychological processes that are helpful for athletic performance. At the same time, there are reasons to assume that athletes may fear a negative influence of SC on their self-improvement motivation. Therefore, it seemed worthwhile to clarify the role of self-compassion in the competitive sport setting by reviewing the current research. A literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, PSYNDEX, and SPORTDiscus. Eligibility criteria were peer-reviewed publication, publication in English, original research and research investigating self-compassion in competitive athletes. From 17 publications that met the inclusion criteria, we identified 19 studies, most of which were quantitative, employing a cross-sectional design. Additionally, we found only one intervention study, one experimental study and four qualitative studies using interviews. We provided an integrative narrative description of the study aims, hypotheses, methodological characteristics and study results. Based on the reviewed findings we concluded that future research should relate their research question more often to existing theoretical models and that more intervention and longitudinal studies are needed. Thus far, qualitative studies highlight the potential ambivalence of athletes towards SC. Quantitative research indicates that SC is beneficial for athletes’ well-being and their ability to deal with adversities in sports, whereas the role of self-compassion for self-improvement motivation remains unclear.

Seeking and experiencing meaning: Exploring the role of meaning in promoting mental adjustment and eudaimonic well-being in cancer patients

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 673-681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Scrignaro ◽  
Elisabetta Bianchi ◽  
Cinzia Brunelli ◽  
Guido Miccinesi ◽  
Carla Ida Ripamonti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Search For Meaning ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
Presence Of Meaning ◽  
Mental Adjustment

AbstractObjective:The present study is the result of theory-driven research investigating the role of the search for and presence of meaning in enhancing both mental adjustment and eudaimonic well-being in cancer patients.Method:A cross-sectional study involved 266 cancer patients currently in the treatment and management phase of their illness. Data were collected by a written questionnaire. The search for meaning was assessed with the Seeking of Noetic Goals Test, and the presence of meaning was assessed using the Purpose in Life Test. Mental adjustment to a cancer diagnosis was assessed by two subscales of the Italian version of the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, and eudaimonic well-being was assessed with the Psychological Well-Being Scale. Correlation and mediation analyses based on five thousand bootstrapping samples were performed.Results:The mediation analyses showed that the presence of meaning totally or partially mediated the effect of the search for meaning on both mental adjustment and eudaimonic well-being. Further correlation analyses showed a high negative correlation between eudaimonic well-being and hopelessness.Significance of results:Our results appear relevant from both the theoretical and clinical points of view. They support a deeper understanding of the combined contribution of the search for and presence of meaning in promoting well-being in cancer patients. Simultaneously, they are consistent with suggestions from recent studies on the clinical psychology of posttraumatic growth and emphasize the relevance of eudaimonic well-being as a protective factor for hopelessness.

scholarly journals The role of positive goal engagement in increased mental well-being among individuals with chronic non-cancer pain

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 230-238
Author(s):  
Joanne E Iddon ◽  
Peter J Taylor ◽  
Jen Unwin ◽  
Joanne M Dickson
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Pain Interference ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Goal ◽  
Mental Well Being

Individuals with chronic pain commonly report significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Despite this, little is known about psychological processes and mechanisms underpinning enhancements in well-being within this population. The study aimed to investigate whether (1) increased levels of pain intensity and interference were associated with lower levels of mental well-being, (2) increased positive goal engagement was associated with higher levels of mental well-being and (3) whether the relationships between pain characteristics and mental well-being were mediated by increased positive goal engagement. A total of 586 individuals with chronic pain participated in the cross-sectional, online study. Participants completed self-report measures to assess pain intensity and interference, mental well-being and goal motivation variables. Results showed that pain interference and positive goal engagement were associated with mental well-being. Moreover, the relationship between pain interference and mental well-being was partially mediated by positive goal engagement. The results provide tentative evidence for the protective role of positive goal engagement in enabling individuals with chronic pain to maintain a sense of mental well-being. The study develops the biopsychosocial model of chronic pain by examining the roles and relationships of relevant yet previously unexplored psychological constructs. The promotion of mental well-being through the enhancement of positive goal engagement is discussed, offering a platform for further research and clinical interventions.

The influence of work environment relationships on mental health of Brazilian seamstresses

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-175
Author(s):  
Neliane Aparecida Silva ◽  
Letícia Yamawaka de Almeida ◽  
Jaqueline Lemos de Oliveira ◽  
Lilian Carla de Almeida ◽  
Regina Célia Fiorati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Support Providers ◽  
Study Results

BACKGROUND: The work environment is a place in which different kinds of interpersonal relationships are developed and can contribute positively or negatively to productivity and to workers’ well-being. Discussion on this topic may contribute to building more coping strategies to fight against gender inequality and the emotional repercussions of these conditions. OBJECTIVE: This is a cross-sectional study that investigated the possible influence of work environment relationships on the mental health of Brazilian seamstresses. METHODS: The participants were seamstresses from four clothing factories in a city in the southwest of Brazil. For data collection, we used the Social Support Perception at Work Scale; Self-Report Questionnaire; Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test; and a focus group. The quantitative data were statistically analyzed, and data from the focus groups were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Interpersonal relationships at work were mentioned as sources of conflict and stress but also as emotional and material social support providers. In the sample studied, these relationships did not influence directly the development of mental health disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Study results suggest that a low level of education is an important factor that increases the vulnerability of these women to the precariousness of work, and, consequently to developing mental health symptoms or aggravating previous mental health distress. However, emotional and material support from peers likely protects these workers’ mental health.

scholarly journals The Role of Emotional Intelligence, the Teacher-Student Relationship, and Flourishing on Academic Performance in Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Teresa Chamizo-Nieto ◽  
Christiane Arrivillaga ◽  
Lourdes Rey ◽  
Natalio Extremera
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Teacher Student ◽  
Teacher Student Relationship ◽  
Student Relationship

Educational context has an important influence on adolescents’ development and well-being, which also affects their academic performance. Previous empirical studies highlight the importance of levels of emotional intelligence for students’ academic performance. Despite several studies having analyzed the association and underlying mechanisms linking emotional intelligence and academic performance, further research, including both personal and contextual dimensions, is necessary to better understand this relation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to deepen the understanding of the effect of emotional intelligence has on academic performance, examining the possible mediating role of flourishing and the moderating role of the teacher-student relationship. A convenience sample of 283 adolescents (49.8% female), aged 12–18 years (M = 14.42, SD = 1.12), participated in a cross-sectional study by completing self-report questionnaires measuring emotional intelligence (Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale), flourishing (Flourishing Scale), and teacher-student relationship (Inventory of Teacher-Student Relationships) and reported their grades of the previous term on four mandatory subjects in the Spanish education curriculum. Results indicated that flourishing completely mediated the path from emotional intelligence to academic performance and that teacher-student relationship was a significant moderator in this model. Thus, in adolescents with worse teacher-student relationship, the association of emotional intelligence and flourishing was stronger than in adolescents with better teacher-student relationship. In turn, flourishing was positively associated with academic performance. These results suggest that it is crucial to foster better teacher-student relationship, especially in adolescents with low emotional intelligence, and to positively impact their well-being and their academic performance.

scholarly journals The Moderating Role of Depression on Momentary Pain-Affect Associations in Osteoarthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 896-897
Author(s):  
Emily Behrens ◽  
Kyrsten Hill ◽  
Dylan Smith ◽  
Jason DeCaro ◽  
Brian Cox ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pain Affect ◽  
Moderating Role

Abstract Previous research has found a reciprocal relationship between pain and depression, in which each influences the severity of the other (Chou, 2007; Hawker et al., 2011, Kroenke et al., 2011; Schieir et al., 2009). Studies have found that depressed individuals exhibit stronger pain-mood associations than never-depressed individuals (Conner et al., 2006; Tennen et al., 2006). The current study investigated main and interactive effects of depressive symptoms on the momentary associations between pain and mood. Experience sampling (ESM) data was used from a multi-site study examining individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Participants completed self-report measures of global depression and momentary pain, negative affect (NA), and positive affect (PA). Cross-sectional associations among momentary pain and affect were examined in a series of hierarchical multilevel models that nested the 28 ESM calls (Level 1) within participants (Level 2). A parallel set of multilevel models tested lagged associations among momentary variables. Depression significantly moderated the contemporaneous (p < .001) and lagged (p < .003) associations between pain and NA, suggesting that depression intensifies the momentary pain-NA linkage. There were no significant interaction effects for PA. These findings extend existing knowledge by illustrating how depressive symptoms influence the everyday experience of OA pain and its impact on affective well-being. (Supported by AG041655, P. Parmelee and D. Smith, Co-PIs)

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