scholarly journals Coping Strategies in the Situation of Adaptation of International Students to Study at a Medical University

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 498-512
Author(s):  
Nataliya S. Timchenko ◽  
Yulia Y. Kochetova

Introduction. The relevance of the research is determined by the search for scientific data, the practical use of which allows us to optimize the process of adaptation of international students receiving a medical education/ occupation in Russia. Success on this path is an additional factor in the competition in the global market of educational services. The purpose of the study: following the analysis of the adaptation resources of international students, to identify the main coping strategies in the situation of adaptation to learning at a medical university. Materials and Methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research rests on the works by R. Lazarus and J. Amirkhan. To determine the degree of socio-cultural adaptation, we conducted a survey of international students. The questions of the authorʼs questionnaire were compiled on the basis of the L. V. Yankovsky’s test on the adaptation of the individual to the new socio-cultural environment. The repertoire of coping strategies of international students was determined after the method of analysis of coping methods by R. Lazarus and S. Folkman. In the course of the work, methods of analysis, synthesis, and generalization were also used. Results. Based on the study, the main factors of socio-psychological adaptation that affect the choice of coping strategies are identified and described. It is noted that the personality structure and its components such as the level of intelligence, self-esteem and internal beliefs determine the degree and nature of the adaptation process of international students: internal resources of the individual (upbringing, moral guidelines, religion) and social factors (family, friends, etc.). It is established that favorable indicators of external environmental factors contribute to the choice of productive coping strategies, and, conversely, the lack of adaptive resources leads to ineffective coping with the unfavorable circumstances of new academic and living conditions. Discussion and Conclusion. The conclusions made on the basis of the conducted research contribute to the development of scientific ideas about the process of adaptation of international students studying at a Russian medical university.

Open Medicine ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Sapranaviciute ◽  
Aidas Perminas ◽  
Neringa Pauziene

AbstractInternational students all over the world meet a lot of stressful situations due to different academic demands, cultural context, language problems and other adaptation difficulties. There is little evidence to explain what stress coping strategies are used by international students to cope with stressful situations and how they are connected to psychological adaptation. So the purpose of this study was to assess associations between psychological adaptation and stress coping strategies in international and domestic students. The study recruited 356 students: 258 host and 98 international students. Stress coping strategies were measured by Coping Orientation of Problem Experience questionnaire. Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was used to measure depressive symptoms. Stress related health complaints were measured using a scale devised by the authors of this study. The study ascertained that in stressful situations international students used different stress coping strategies when compared to domestic students. Moreover, stress coping strategies used by international and domestic students were differently connected to health outcomes. The study pointed out that by researchers and counselors’ special attention should be given to international students.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 413-422
Author(s):  
O.S. Kovshova ◽  
◽  
T.I. Kireeva ◽  

The article establishes the influence of psychoemotional stress on the psychological state of mothers who gave birth to a premature baby, in contrast to women who gave birth to a child with normal birth weight. The hypothesis of the study was that psychoemotional stress, due to premature birth in mothers, may be accompanied by a decrease in their resilience and a decrease in psychological adaptation. The individual psychological characteristics of the personality of women-mothers, the type and direction of emotional response, coping strategies, parental attitudes – indicators of the vitality and sociopsychological adaptation of women-mothers were investigated. As a result of the study, women raising a premature baby showed high emotional sensitivity and self-control, the predominance of self-accusatory reactions in emotional response to frustration, the use of non-adaptive coping strategies, which reduces vitality and reduces socio-psychological adaptation. The revealed psychological patterns can be used as targets of psychological correction in order to restore the psychological health of mothers and prevent deviations in the development of the child.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 348-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Beatriz Burin ◽  
Ana Elisa Medeiros Barbar ◽  
Ivan Sérgio Nirenberg ◽  
Flávia de Lima Osório

Abstract Introduction Music performance anxiety (MPA) is characterized by long-lasting, high intensity apprehension associated with performing music in public. At extreme levels, MPA can impair the career and quality of life. Our goal is to describe the clinical profile, perceived causes and coping strategies associated with MPA. Methods In this cross-sectional study, several self-assessment instruments were administered to a sample of 214 Brazilian musicians (68% male, 53.3% classical/46.7% popular musicians). Data were analyzed using descriptive and parametric statistics, based on the variables of musical training and level of MPA. Results Percentages of indicators of pathology were high (40% high MPA levels, 37% social anxiety, 12.5% depression, 13.5% alcohol abuse), and musicians with high MPA levels were the most affected. A wide variety of situations were associated with MPA, especially those related to the individual (pressure from self/concern about audience). Emotion-focused coping and internal resources were prominent among the resources used for coping with MPA (breathing, increased practice, familiarization with performance venue), although they were not always effective. It was relatively uncommon for musicians to seek specialized resources and treatments. Conclusions The results demonstrate the vulnerability of the targeted professional groups and the need for preventive strategies and behavioral, environmental, educational, and pharmacological interventions to change this scenario.


Author(s):  
Hedi U. Arzamieva ◽  
Marina V. Vereshchagina

The article deals with the issue of socio-psychological features of adaptation of convicts, knowledge of which will allow to influence those who are isolated from society in order to re-socialize them. The study of 140 prisoners was conducted on the basis of the method of diagnostics of socio-psychological adaptation by K. Rogers and P. Diamond; the questionnaire «Psychological well-being of the individual» by K. Riff in the adaptation and modification of T. D. Shevelenkova and P. P. Fesenko’s; the method of determining individual coping strategies by E. Khaimah; the test-questionnaire «Index lifestyle» by R. Plutchik, G. Kellerman and H. R. Conte in the adaptation of E. S. Romanova and L. R. Grebennikova’s. According to the study results the paper presents the typology of socio-psychological adaptation of prisoners, based on the criteria of social/introverted orientation, passivity/activity and negativity/positivity. The following types of prisoners are defined: successfully adapted with the positive social orientation, adapted with the introverted orientation, adapted with the passive orientation, adapted with the negative social orientation, maladapted with the passive orientation, maladapted with the social orientation, maladapted with the negative social orientation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Szabolcs Garbóczy ◽  
Anita Szemán-Nagy ◽  
Mohamed S. Ahmad ◽  
Szilvia Harsányi ◽  
Dorottya Ocsenás ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In the case of people who carry an increased number of anxiety traits due to their maladaptive coping strategies, psychosocial stressors may further increase the level of perceived stress they experience. In our research study, we aimed to examine perceived stress and health anxiety levels as well as coping styles among students at one of the higher education institutions in Hungary, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online-based survey at the University of Debrecen, during the official lockdown in Hungary when dormitories were closed, and teaching was conducted using online platforms. Our questionnaire solicited information using three international scales, namely, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), and the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI).Results A total of 1320 students have participated in our study, of whom 6 responses were excluded due to incompleteness. Among the remaining 1314 participants, 948 (72.1%) and 366 (27.9%) were Hungarian and international students, respectively. Female students predominated the overall sample with 939 participants (71.5%). In general, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between perceived stress and health anxiety. Health anxiety and perceived stress levels were significantly higher among international students compared to the Hungarian ones. Also, the elevation in perceived stress was significantly greater among students who mostly used emotion-focused coping strategies, both in the Hungarian and in the international student samples. Besides, a higher proportion of international students used emotion-focused coping methods compared to Hungarian students. Concerning health anxiety, female students (Hungarian and international) had significantly higher levels of health anxiety compared to males. Moreover, female students had significantly higher levels of perceived stress compared to males in the international group, however, there was no significant difference in perceived stress between males and females in the Hungarian group. Conclusion People’s elevated perceived stress levels during major life events can be further deepened by disengagement from home by using inadequate coping methods. By following and adhering to international recommendations that primarily convey problem-focused strategies, people’s emotional-focus strategies and the associated higher levels of perceived stress may be mitigated.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 251
Author(s):  
Behdad Jahromi ◽  
Iulia Pirvulescu ◽  
Kenneth D. Candido ◽  
Nebojsa Nick Knezevic

Complementary and alternative medicines such as herbal medicines are not currently part of the conventional medical system. As the popularity of and global market for herbal medicine grows among all age groups, with supporting scientific data and clinical trials, specific alternative treatments such as herbal medicine can be reclassified as a practice of conventional medicine. One of the most common conditions for which adults use herbal medicine is pain. However, herbal medicines carry safety concerns and may impact the efficacy of conventional therapies. Unfortunately, mechanisms of action are poorly understood, and their use is unregulated and often underreported to medical professionals. This review aims to compile common and available herbal medicines which can be used as an alternative to or in combination with conventional pain management approaches. Efficacy and safety are assessed through clinical studies on pain relief. Ensuing herb–drug interactions such as cytochrome modulation, additive and synergistic effects, and contraindications are discussed. While self-management has been recognized as part of the overall treatment strategy for patients suffering from chronic pain, it is important for practitioners to be able to also optimize and integrate herbal medicine and, if warranted, other complementary and alternative medicines into their care.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 978.1-978
Author(s):  
D. Krijbolder ◽  
M. Verstappen ◽  
F. Wouters ◽  
L. R. Lard ◽  
P. D. De Buck ◽  
...  

Background:Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of small joints sensitively detects inflammation. MRI-detected subclinical inflammation, and tenosynovitis in particular, has been shown predictive for RA development in patients with arthralgia. These scientific data are mostly acquired on 1.0T-1.5T MRI scanners. However, 3.0T MRI is nowadays increasingly used in practice. Evidence on the comparability of these field strengths is scarce and it has never been studied in arthralgia where subclinical inflammation is subtle. Moreover, comparisons never included tenosynovitis, which is, of all imaging features, the strongest predictor for progression to RA.Objectives:To determine if there is a difference between 1.5T and 3.0T MRI in detecting subclinical inflammation in arthralgia patients.Methods:2968 locations (joints, bones or tendon sheaths) in hands and forefeet of 28 arthralgia patients were imaged on both 1.5T and 3.0T MRI. Two independent readers scored for erosions, osteitis, synovitis (according to RAMRIS) and tenosynovitis (as described by Haavaardsholm et al.). Scores were also summed as total inflammation (osteitis, synovitis and tenosynovitis) and total RAMRIS (erosions, osteitis, synovitis and tenosynovitis) scores. Interreader reliability (comparing both readers) and field strength agreement (comparing 1.5T and 3.0T) was assessed with interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Next, field strength agreement was assessed after dichotomization into presence or absence of inflammation. Analyses were performed on patient- and location-level.Results:ICCs between readers were excellent (>0.90). Comparing 1.5 and 3.0T revealed excellent ICCs of 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.78-0.95) for the total inflammation score and 0.90 (0.78-0.95) for the total RAMRIS score. ICCs for individual inflammation features were: tenosynovitis: 0.87 (0.74-0.94), synovitis 0.65 (0.24-0.84) and osteitis 0.96 (0.91-0.98). The field strength agreement on dichotomized scores was 83% for the total inflammation score and 89% for the total RAMRIS score. Of the individual features, agreement for tenosynovitis was the highest (89%). Analyses on location- level showed similar results.Conclusion:Agreement of subclinical inflammation scores on 1.5T and 3.0T were good to excellent, in particular for tenosynovitis. This suggests that scientific evidence on predictive power of MRI in arthralgia patients, obtained on 1.5T, can be generalized to 3.0T when this field strength would be used for diagnostic purposes in daily practice.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-268
Author(s):  
C. P. Darby

We must be aware that freedom from organic disease alone can not be our goal. The optimal functioning of the individual must be our aim, and that it occur in an environment conducive to a fuller life. We must be aware that man does not live by bread alone, nor by his antihypertensive pill alone. We must be citizens of the community, helping to make it a better place for the raising of our children, for a fuller educational opportunity, for the development of the arts and other cultural aspects which help raise man above the level of animal life. Thus, the making of a doctor almost begins at his mother's knee. Nurtured further by society and its educational and Cultural institutions, he is finally given a privilege by society, to act in a responsible way in furthering the health, both physical and mental, of those he calls his patients. (Delivered to medical students and faculty, School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, May 1976 by Mitchell I. Rubin, MD, Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics, State University of New York at Buffalo, and Consultant in Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina).


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetiana Nechytailo ◽  
Halyna Fesun ◽  
Tetiana Kanivets ◽  
Alla Simak

The article is devoted to the psychological peculiarities of the manifestation of coping-resources of educators. The teaching profession belongs to the category of professions especially vulnerable to stress, since the teacher has to solve various professional tasks in the absence of time and information, constant open contact with people, which entails considerable emotional energy. The professional activity of a modern teacher requires constant and maximum mobilization of their personal resources. Maintaining or enhancing a person's stress resistance is associated with finding and using resources well enough to help the educator overcome the negative effects of stressful situations. The article reveals such characteristics of personality and social environment that facilitate or make possible adaptation to life stresses, promotes the development of a means of overcoming it, and increases stress resistance. These personal structures help a person cope with threatening circumstances and facilitate adaptation. The author analyzes the scientific and psychological approaches to understand personal resources, determinants of the choice of coping-strategies, and the influence of the characteristics of professional activity on the behavior of the individual. Questions about structure, functions, and types of coping behavior are raised. According to the majority of modern researchers, the generalized classification of the methods of mastering stressful circumstances is analyzed: coping aimed at evaluation; problem-oriented coping; coping aimed at emotions. Also presented were the most up-to-date and most modern models of coping resources, which can be viewed from different angles to look at the choice of coping-resources by the personality of the teacher, taking into account the conditions of his professional activity. The organization and methods of conducted research of the features of manifestation of coping-resources in teachers are described. The presented quantitative and qualitative results are disclosed according to the stages of the study. In particular, the analysis of teacher’s coping-strategies depending on the level of emotional burnout, ways of overcoming difficult life situations, as well as the methods of coping-behavior of the respondents. Relationships between teachers' coping-resources and emotional and mental stress as well as the monotony of professional activities are also identified. Adaptive and non-adaptive coping behaviors are differentiated in terms of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral coping strategies are analyzed separately. Based on the theoretical analysis of the scientific literature and empirical research, the author substantiates the relevant conclusions and recommendations for school educators on the effective use of their own coping resources.


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