scholarly journals Let the team fix it?—Performance and mood of depressed workers and coworkers in different work contexts

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0256553
Author(s):  
Martin Vollmann ◽  
Christiane Schwieren ◽  
Margarete Mattern ◽  
Knut Schnell
Keyword(s):  
Major Depression ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Entire Group ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Burden ◽  
Clinically Depressed ◽  
It Performance ◽  
The Individual

Depression in the workplace is a significant factor for reduced personal well-being and productivity. Consequently, this has negative effects on the economic success of the companies in which depressed people are employed. In addition, the economy has to deal with the significant burden of this illness on the health system. In this paper, we investigated how different working contexts—working in a group or individually—influenced depressed individuals towards higher or lower well-being and productivity. We examined this using a laboratory experiment. In this setting, we were also able to analyze how, in turn, a depressive individual impacted the productivity and affective situation of their workgroup, reflecting the company perspective. The experimental design mimicked the very basic processes of a workplace in a stylized way. We used two distinct samples: subclinically and clinically depressed, both working in a group with healthy controls. As expected, we found generally lower performance in the clinically depressed sample, but in the subclinically depressed sample, we only found this in the individual work context. In contrast to our expectations, the performance of subclinically depressed individuals working in groups with healthy controls was even higher than that of healthy controls in homogenously healthy groups. The performance of the entire group with a depressed member was lower for the sample with clinically manifested depression, while the performance of groups with a subclinically depressed participant was significantly higher than the performance of homogeneously non-depressed control groups. We discuss our results with a focus on the design of workplaces to both re-integrate clinically depressed employees and prevent subclinically depressed employees from developing major depression.

scholarly journals Nutraceutical Boom in Cancer: Inside the Labyrinth of Reactive Oxygen Species

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maura Calvani ◽  
Amada Pasha ◽  
Claudio Favre
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Cell Growth Arrest ◽  
Host Interactions ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
The Individual

In recent years, epidemiological studies have shown that food is a very powerful means for maintaining a state of well-being and for health prevention. Many degenerative, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases are related to nutrition and the nutrient–organism interaction could define the balance between health and disease. Nutrients and dietary components influence epigenetic phenomena and modify drugs response; therefore, these food–host interactions can influence the individual predisposition to disease and its potential therapeutic response. Do nutraceuticals have positive or negative effects during chemotherapy? The use of nutraceutical supplements in cancer patients is a controversial debate without a definitive conclusion to date. During cancer treatment, patients take nutraceuticals to alleviate drug toxicity and improve long-term results. Some nutraceuticals may potentiate the effect of cytotoxic chemotherapy by inducing cell growth arrest, cell differentiation, and alteration of the redox state of cells, but in some cases, high levels of them may interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy, making cancer cells less reactive to chemotherapy. In this review, we highlighted the emerging opinions and data on the pros and cons on the use of nutraceutical supplements during chemotherapy.

scholarly journals Alienation

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne O’Donohue ◽  
Lindsay Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Existential Psychology ◽  
Work Experiences ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Work ◽  
State Of Mind ◽  
Psychology Literature ◽  
The Individual

Purpose – This study aims to re-examine the concept of alienation, particularly from the perspective of existential psychology. While research interest continues to centre on links between human resource management (HRM) and organizational performance, such as in studies by Beer et al. (1984), Huselid (1995), Becker and Gerhart (1996) and Guest (2011), there is a growing interest in individual attributes such as employee well-being in addition to organizational performance, as mentioned in studies by Macky and Boxall (2007), Wood and de Menezes (2011) and Guest and Conway (2011). In this paper, we focus on issues related to the individual, and in doing so we suggest that HRM theory needs further development, as pointed out by Guest (2011). Design/methodology/approach – This is a paper in the tradition of critical theory that draws on both classical and modern research in the business and psychology literature. It outlines the development of the concept of alienation from its classic articulation by Marx through to the perspective offered by existential psychologists such as Blauner (1964). How alienation, thus, defined might manifest in the workplace is then discussed, as are its links to other concepts associated in the literature with positive and negative work experiences is presented. Findings – We argue that alienation needs to be addressed at two levels, namely, at the systemic level, in terms of factors external to the individual such as work and organizational systems and processes, and in terms of factors internal to the individual’s “state of mind”. We offer strategies for management to consider counterbalancing the negative effects of residual feelings of powerlessness, meaninglessness, isolation and self-estrangement that systemic change is unable to eliminate. Originality/value – The paper refocuses attention on the individual within the context of HRM, the effects of alienation and other outcomes of positive and negative work experiences such as work engagement and job burnout.

scholarly journals Kinesiophobia Levels in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Case-Control Investigation

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4791
Author(s):  
Ana María Jiménez-Cebrián ◽  
Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo ◽  
Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias ◽  
Carmen de Labra ◽  
César Calvo-Lobo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
And Control ◽  
Control Study

Background: Kinesiophobia can be an obstacle to physical and motor activity in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD affects patients’ independence in carrying out daily activities. It also impacts a patient’s biopsychosocial well-being. The objective of this study was to analyze the levels and scores of kinesiophobia in PD patients and compare them with healthy volunteers. Methods: We deployed a case-control study and recruited 124 subjects (mean age 69.18 ± 9.12). PD patients were recruited from a center of excellence for Parkinson’s disease (cases n = 62). Control subjects were recruited from the same hospital (control n = 62). Kinesiophobia total scores and categories were self-reported using the Spanish version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11). Results: Differences between cases and control groups were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were shown between groups when comparing kinesiophobia categories (or levels) and total scores, revealing higher kinesiophobia symptoms and levels in PD patients. All of the PD patients reported some degree of kinesiophobia (TSK-11 ≥ 18), while the majority of PD patients (77.3%) had kinesiophobia scores rated as moderate to severe (TSK-11 ≥ 25). On the other hand, ~45.1% of controls reported no or slight kinesiophobia and 53.2% reported moderate kinesiophobia. Conclusions: Total kinesiophobia scores were significantly higher in PD patients compared with healthy controls, with moderate to severe kinesiophobia levels prevailing in PD patients. Therefore, individuals living with PD should be evaluated and controlled in order to detect initial kinesiophobia symptoms.

scholarly journals Gene-by-Crisis Interaction for Optimism and Meaning in Life: The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lianne P. de Vries ◽  
Margot P. van de Weijer ◽  
Dirk H. M. Pelt ◽  
Lannie Ligthart ◽  
Gonneke Willemsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Covariance Structure ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Specific Response ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Genetic Covariance ◽  
The Individual

AbstractThe corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus has had a large impact on daily life. We investigated the individual differences in the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and first lockdown on optimism and meaning in life in a sample from the Netherlands Twin Register. Participants completed surveys before (N = 9964, Mean age: 48.2, SD = 14.4) and during the first months of the pandemic (i.e. April–May 2020, N = 17,464, Mean age: 44.6 SD = 14.8), with a subsample completing both surveys (N = 6461, Mean age T1: 48.8, SD = 14.5). We applied genetic covariance structure models to twin data to investigate changes in the genetic architecture of the outcome traits due to the pandemic and the interaction of genes with the environmental exposure. Although 56% and 35% of the sample was negatively affected by the pandemic in their optimism and meaning in life, many participants were stable (32% and 43%) or even showed increased optimism and meaning in life (11% and 22%). Subgroups, specifically women, higher educated people, and people with poorer health, experienced larger negative effects. During the first months of the pandemic, slightly lower heritability estimates for optimism and meaning in life (respectively 20% and 25%) were obtained compared to pre-pandemic (respectively 26% and 32%), although confidence intervals overlap. The lower than unity genetic correlations across time (.75 and .63) suggest gene-environment interactions, where the expression of genes that influence optimism and meaning in life differs before and during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is a strong exposure that leads to imbalanced effects on the well-being of individuals. Some people decrease in well-being, while others get more optimistic and consider their lives as more meaningful during the pandemic. These differences are partly explained by individual differences in genetic sensitivity to extreme environmental change. More knowledge on the person-specific response to specific environmental variables underlying these individual differences is urgently needed to prevent further inequality.

Psychological well being and perceived quality of life in subjects with obesity and in controls

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1113-1113
Author(s):  
F. Cosci ◽  
O. Bernini ◽  
C. Berrocal
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Assessment ◽  
World Health ◽  
Psychoactive Drugs ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
World Health Organization Quality ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
The Individual

IntroductionObesity has been associated with low resilience and poor quality of life (QoL).ObjectivesData on psychological well being (PWB), as a measure of resilience, in obesity are lacking.AimsStudy the level of PWB and QoL among subjects with obesity.Methods28 subjects with obesity were compared with 28 healthy controls. PWB was measured by means of the PWB questionnaire according to the Ryff's construct, the health-related quality of life was assessed via the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment. Both scales are self-administered. Statistical analyses focused on between-groups differences. Cases and controls were matched for age and gender.ResultsCases had a statistically lower level of education and rate of current employment than controls. The two groups did not differ for lifetime diagnosis of psychiatric disorder or lifetime treatment with psychoactive drugs. However, cases had a significantly higher rate of current use of psychoactive drugs than controls. As what concerns PWB, cases had a lower total score than controls. In particular, Positive Relationship with others, Self-Acceptance, Purposes in Life, and Personal Growth were the PWB constructs significantly more impaired in cases. Similarly, cases had a worse perception of their general QoL, their physical and psychological health, their quality of social relationships and of environment.ConclusionsSubjects with obesity have a lower level of PWB and QoL than healthy controls. Since, PWB therapy may increase the individual level of PWB, thus increasing the individual resilience, subjects with obesity should be considered as possible candidates for PWB interventions.

scholarly journals THE DARK SIDE OF METHODS – AN EXPLORATION OF THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF METHOD USE AND METHOD REFLECTION IN DESIGN

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 3001-3010
Author(s):  
Björgvin Hjartarson ◽  
Jaap Daalhuizen ◽  
Karoline Fogh Gustafsson
Keyword(s):  
Design Education ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Thought Processes ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Negative Experiences ◽  
Reflective Thought ◽  
Recent Graduates ◽  
The Individual

AbstractThe proper use of methods is increasingly important as design challenges are more complex and involve more stakeholders. Such work also demands high reflective ability from designers. Reflective thought processes do not necessary produce positive outcomes for the process and the individual involved. Positive reflection is goal oriented while negative reflection is typically self-oriented. In design education, reflection by students is often treated as rather trivial or only rudimentary support is offered. Research in cognitive science shows that poor reflection can hurt students' well-being, abilities and confidence over time. Thus, there is a need to better understand method use and reflection in design education more specifically when done poorly. We take a theory-building approach and interviewed 12 design students and recent graduates and investigated instances of method use where these led to negative experiences and effects. In doing so, we show different types of negative experiences that students have when using methods, the effects that these experiences have and how they relate to problematic use of methods and poor reflection practices. We end with implications for design education and design research.

GR-mediated FKBP5 RNA induction differentially influenced by weight in major depression and healthy controls

2013 ◽  
Vol 46 (06) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Menke ◽  
S Kloiber ◽  
J Best ◽  
M Rex-Haffner ◽  
M Uhr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Major Depression ◽  
Healthy Controls

Hippocampal and amygdala volume changes in patients with major depression and healthy controls during a three year follow-up

2005 ◽  
Vol 38 (05) ◽  
Author(s):  
TS Frodl ◽  
T Zetzsche ◽  
G Schmitt ◽  
T Schlossbauer ◽  
MW Jäger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Major Depression ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Volume Changes ◽  
Amygdala Volume

Engaged Study of the Qur'an: Gauging its Effect on the Life of the Individual and of Society

2003 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-207
Author(s):  
Ruqayya Ṭā Hā Jābir al-cUlwānī
Keyword(s):  
Social Conflict ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Functional Perspective ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Social Advancement ◽  
Freedom Of Thought ◽  
The Individual

An engaged and perceptive contemplation of the Qur'an forms one of the most important bases for the cultural and social advancement of Muslims in all walks of life, and the absence of such study is one of the reasons behind the general cultural attenuation in the modern world. Reflection is one of the means of the construction and formation of a civilised society. The applied faculty of intellect creates an environment which allows reflective and considered thought to be developed from a functional perspective for the general well-being of society. Meanwhile the effective neglect of such study leads to the proliferation of superstition, dissent and social conflict. Indeed it can even be argued that it diminishes the significance of the laws and conventions which serve as the backbone of society. This paper reveals a number of factors which can impede the achievement of such an engaged study of the text: thus, for instance, thoughtless obedience to societal conventions; shortcomings in educational systems and syllabi; and a failure to encompass the significance of the Arabic language. Furthermore this paper presents several effective suggestions for nurturing students' potential, encouraging an environment which allows freedom of thought, and its refinement.

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