Motibot - The Virtual Coach for Healthy Coping Intervention among adults with diabetes: A Proof-of-Concept study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Bassi ◽  
Claudio Giuliano ◽  
Alessio Perinelli ◽  
Stefano Forti ◽  
Silvia Gabrielli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Concept Study ◽  
Stress Symptoms

BACKGROUND Adults with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) present difficulties in maintaining healthy behaviors, in which motivation represents a core component, since it allows them to adhere to clinical recommendations. Virtual Coaches (VCs) have recently become more relevant in supporting and treating common barriers associated with adherence among adults with DM, especially concerning medical and physical aspects. However, few VCs are aimed at supporting adults with DM from a psychosocial perspective. OBJECTIVE This proof-of-concept study aimed to evaluate—at pre-, post-intervention and follow-up—the preliminary efficacy of a VC intervention in motivating adults with DM to reduce depression, anxiety, perceived stress symptoms, diabetes-emotional distress, and improve their well-being, by encouraging them to adopt psychosocial healthy coping strategies. In addition, users’ experience and engagement with a VC were assessed. METHODS A total of 13 Italian adults with DM (18-51 years) were recruited using snowball sampling via social media and a standardized psychosocial tools battery was applied at pre-, post-intervention, and follow-up. Participation in the study implied having access to a VC called Motibot, which stands for Motivational bot, within the Telegram application, based on Natural Language Understanding (NLU). Its intent is to motivate the user to adopt and cultivate healthy coping strategies based on the American Association of Diabetes Educators’ (AADE) guidelines as well as on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. Motibot interacts with users in compliance with the Transtheoretical Model of Change, in order to deliver the most appropriate psychoeducational intervention tailored to the user's motivation to change. The interaction covered 12 sessions—each one lasting 10-20 minutes—during which the user could dialogue with the VC by inputting text or tapping an option on their smartphone screen. RESULTS Over the 12 sessions there were no significant changes at pre-, post-intervention, and follow-up concerning the psychosocial factors. However, most users showed a downward trend over the three time periods in depression and anxiety symptoms—except for perceived stress symptoms, which remained moderate for the whole intervention—thereby presenting good psychological well-being and no diabetes-emotional distress. Moreover, users felt motivated, involved, encouraged, emotionally understood, and stimulated by Motibot during the interaction. Indeed, the analyses of interviews through a text mining approach confirmed that Motibot is capable of supporting and motivating adults with DM to adopt healthy coping strategies and reduce anxiety, depression, and perceived stress symptoms. Users also reported having a positive and interesting experience with Motibot, particularly regarding the mindfulness audio tracks and the encouragement for self-reflection on their own emotions. CONCLUSIONS A VC developed using NLU was well-accepted by users, particularly due to the presence of a mindfulness pathway, which motivated them to adopt healthy coping skills. Cultivating healthy coping strategies allows adults to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms as well as diabetes-related emotional distress, and to improve their well-being.

scholarly journals A pragmatic trial of a group intervention in senior housing communities to increase resilience

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily B. H. Treichler ◽  
Danielle Glorioso ◽  
Ellen E. Lee ◽  
Tsung-Chin Wu ◽  
Xin M. Tu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stepped Wedge ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Senior Housing ◽  
Stepped Wedge Trial

AbstractBackground:Aging is associated with numerous stressors that negatively impact older adults’ well-being. Resilience improves ability to cope with stressors and can be enhanced in older adults. Senior housing communities are promising settings to deliver positive psychiatry interventions due to rising resident populations and potential impact of delivering interventions directly in the community. However, few intervention studies have been conducted in these communities. We present a pragmatic stepped-wedge trial of a novel psychological group intervention intended to improve resilience among older adults in senior housing communities.Design:A pragmatic modified stepped-wedge trial design.Setting:Five senior housing communities in three states in the US.Participants:Eighty-nine adults over age 60 years residing in independent living sector of senior housing communities.Intervention:Raise Your Resilience, a manualized 1-month group intervention that incorporated savoring, gratitude, and engagement in value-based activities, administered by unlicensed residential staff trained by researchers. There was a 1-month control period and a 3-month post-intervention follow-up.Measurements:Validated self-report measures of resilience, perceived stress, well-being, and wisdom collected at months 0 (baseline), 1 (pre-intervention), 2 (post-intervention), and 5 (follow-up).Results:Treatment adherence and satisfaction were high. Compared to the control period, perceived stress and wisdom improved from pre-intervention to post-intervention, while resilience improved from pre-intervention to follow-up. Effect sizes were small in this sample, which had relatively high baseline resilience. Physical and mental well-being did not improve significantly, and no significant moderators of change in resilience were identified.Conclusion:This study demonstrates feasibility of conducting pragmatic intervention trials in senior housing communities. The intervention resulted in significant improvement in several measures despite ceiling effects. The study included several features that suggest high potential for its implementation and dissemination across similar communities nationally. Future studies are warranted, particularly in samples with lower baseline resilience or in assisted living facilities.

scholarly journals Examining the Relationship between Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Kidney Cancer Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-26
Author(s):  
Türev Demirtaş ◽  
Zekeriya Temircan
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Kidney Cancer ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Common Cancer ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Cancer of the kidney is one of the 10 most common cancers found globally. Overall, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and the eighth most common cancer in women. Many kidney cancer patients experience psychologic problems and reactions. The present study examined relationship between anxiety, depression, and perceived stress symptoms in kidney cancer patients. Cross-sectional data were obtained from the patients diagnosed with kidney cancer. All participants completed sociodemographic form, Hospital Anxiety and Depression form, and Per-ceived Stress Scale. Statistical analysis was exercised using the Student’s t-test, Chi-squared test (χ2), Fischer’s exact test, ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis one-way variance analysis. A total of 250 patients participated in the study. The mean age was 57.4 years (SD 6.4, range = 25–76 years). The majority of patients were males (73%) and married (218). Anxiety symptoms were determined in 91.2% patients, depression symptoms in 87.2% patients, and perceived stress symptoms in 93.6% patients. The mean scores of Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale (HADS)-Anxiety, HADS-Depression, and HADS-Perceived Stress were significantly different between age (P < 0.05), gender (P < 0.05), and income groups (P < 0.001). Kidney cancer patients showed poorer psychologic health. The overall levels of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress symptoms were higher among the studied kidney cancer patients. Findings of the current study could improve both psychologic well-being of patients and health-related quality of life.

scholarly journals An adaptation of meaning-centered psychotherapy integrating “essential care”: A pilot study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
E. Quílez-Bielsa ◽  
V. Barrado-Moreno ◽  
R. Lastra del Prado ◽  
José M. Arbonés-Mainar ◽  
M. Sebastian-Sanchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Post Intervention

Abstract Introduction There is a growing interest in the emotional state of cancer patients. The main objective of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy and Essential Care (MCP-EC) in patients with advanced cancer compared with usual psychological support. We define “Essential Care” as the promotion of patient care and self-care through the recall of good care experiences and discussion of the concepts: responsibility, self-compassion, kindness, and attitude. Method Pilot, single-center, and prospective study of 30 patients with advanced cancer and emotional distress. Our adaptation consisted in three session Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy-Palliative Care, plus a fourth session named “Essential Care”. The study was carried out in two phases. First, 20 patients were randomized to one of the two arms: individual MCP-EC (experimental, n = 10) or usual psychological supportive (control, n = 10). In a second phase, 10 patients were assigned consecutively to Group MCP-EC (n = 10). All patients were evaluated at baseline (pre-) and post-intervention with questionnaires for sociodemographic data and clinical scales. Results Nineteen patients completed the 4 sessions of MCP-EC, 9 individual format and 10 group format. Usual supportive intervention was delivered to 10 control patients. Total 28 patients completed pre- and post-treatment evaluations. There were no pre- vs. post-differences in the evaluations of the control group. In the experimental group, significant pre- vs. post-differences were found in EQ-5D-3L, HADS, FACIT, DM, HAI, SCS-SF, and TD questionnaires. These results indicated that MCP-EC reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, hopelessness, demoralization, as well as increased spiritual well-being and sense of meaning. Participants were satisfied and found the MCP-EC intervention positively. Conclusions This pilot study suggests that the MCP-EC has feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy reducing the emotional distress in advanced cancer patients. Larger studies are warranted to clarify the strengths and limitations of this psychotherapy.

scholarly journals Grandparent Resilience: Improving Self-Efficacy in Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 510-510
Author(s):  
Aimee Fox ◽  
Nathaniel Riggs ◽  
Loriena Yancura ◽  
Christine Fruhauf
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Post Test

Abstract Grandparents often protect against childhood trauma and promote resilience through their nurturance, love, and support when raising grandchildren. Despite the beneficial role grandparents have on their grandchildren, grandparents may experience challenges of their own, including physical, mental, and emotional health issues, lack of resources, and social isolation. Few interventions exist to help grandparents successfully adapt to the challenges they face as primary parenting figures. The purpose of this study was to test preliminary efficacy of a strengths-based intervention for grandparents raising grandchildren aimed at increasing self-care behaviors, managing emotions, and connecting to community resources. Grandparents (N = 137) providing primary care to grandchildren were recruited to participate in a single-group, pre- and post-test design, 6-week intervention. Self-efficacy was assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up. To evaluate who the intervention might be most beneficial for, grandparents’ service knowledge, perceived support from others, and length of care provided, measured at baseline, were analyzed for moderating effects. Results of paired-samples t-tests reveal significant increases in self-efficacy (p = .013) from baseline to post-test, which were maintained at the 6-month follow-up (p = .010). Hierarchical multiple regression showed interaction effects of the hypothesized moderators were not significant, indicating improvements in self-efficacy regardless of individual variability at baseline. As demonstrated, interventions can be effective at increasing self-efficacy in grandparents raising grandchildren and strengths-based approaches have the potential to provide universal benefits to grandparents, thus improving functioning in grandfamilies and promoting the health and well-being of grandparents and their grandchildren.

scholarly journals Proof of concept study to develop a novel connectivity-based electric-field modelling approach for individualized targeting of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas L. Balderston ◽  
Joanne C. Beer ◽  
Darsol Seok ◽  
Walid Makhoul ◽  
Zhi-De Deng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Electric Field ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Concept Study ◽  
Field Modelling ◽  
Left Dlpfc ◽  
Modelling Approach

AbstractResting state functional connectivity (rsFC) offers promise for individualizing stimulation targets for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatments. However, current targeting approaches do not account for non-focal TMS effects or large-scale connectivity patterns. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel targeting optimization approach that combines whole-brain rsFC and electric-field (e-field) modelling to identify single-subject, symptom-specific TMS targets. In this proof of concept study, we recruited 91 anxious misery (AM) patients and 25 controls. We measured depression symptoms (MADRS/HAMD) and recorded rsFC. We used a PCA regression to predict symptoms from rsFC and estimate the parameter vector, for input into our e-field augmented model. We modeled 17 left dlPFC and 7 M1 sites using 24 equally spaced coil orientations. We computed single-subject predicted ΔMADRS/HAMD scores for each site/orientation using the e-field augmented model, which comprises a linear combination of the following elementwise products (1) the estimated connectivity/symptom coefficients, (2) a vectorized e-field model for site/orientation, (3) rsFC matrix, scaled by a proportionality constant. In AM patients, our connectivity-based model predicted a significant decrease depression for sites near BA9, but not M1 for coil orientations perpendicular to the cortical gyrus. In control subjects, no site/orientation combination showed a significant predicted change. These results corroborate previous work suggesting the efficacy of left dlPFC stimulation for depression treatment, and predict better outcomes with individualized targeting. They also suggest that our novel connectivity-based e-field modelling approach may effectively identify potential TMS treatment responders and individualize TMS targeting to maximize the therapeutic impact.

scholarly journals Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies of Healthcare Workers in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 64-83
Author(s):  
T.V. Doronina ◽  
A.E. Okulova ◽  
E.V. Arcishevskaya
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Coping Behavior ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Behavior Strategies

In 2020, the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical workers who are fighting for the lives and health of patients in the "red zones" were on the front line in this struggle. The huge level of responsibility, the increasing duration of shifts, difficult working conditions, fears for their health and the health of their loved ones, and many other factors determined the fact that doctors themselves began to need support for their physical and psychological well-being. The purpose of our work was to study the level of perceived stress in the context of the features of coping strategies in medical professionals with different practical experience (students, practicing doctors) in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of study participants was 59 people, including 35 experienced medical workers aged 33 to 72 years (M=47,88; SD=9,44) and 24 medical students aged 20 to 29 years (M=24,16; SD=3,21) without professional experience, but who voluntarily went to work in the "red zones" during the pandemic. As a result of the study, data were obtained on high levels of perceived stress and overstrain by medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is especially pronounced in students. The differences between experienced doctors and medical students were revealed according to the criterion of their preference for certain coping strategies, namely, the predominance of "Escape–avoidance" coping among students. The connection of dominant coping behavior strategies with the level of perceived stress is also established: students who resort to confrontational coping experience a higher level of perceived stress, and a decrease in their level of overexertion is associated with a greater degree of self-control strategy. Experienced doctors do not have both of these connections.

scholarly journals A Virtual Reality-Based Self-Help Intervention for Dealing with the Psychological Distress Associated with the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Effectiveness Study with a Two-Week Follow-Up

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8188
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Riva ◽  
Luca Bernardelli ◽  
Gianluca Castelnuovo ◽  
Daniele Di Lernia ◽  
Cosimo Tuena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a novel self-administered at-home daily virtual reality (VR)-based intervention (COVID Feel Good) for reducing the psychological burden experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. A total of 40 individuals who had experienced at least two months of strict social distancing measures followed COVID Feel Good between June and July 2020 for one week. Primary outcome measures were depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, perceived stress levels, and hopelessness. Secondary outcomes were the experienced social connectedness and the level of fear experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Linear mixed-effects models were fitted to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Additionally, we also performed a clinical change analysis on primary outcome measures. As concerning primary outcome measures, participants exhibited improvements from baseline to post-intervention for depression levels, stress levels, general distress, and perceived stress (all p < 0.05) but not for the perceived hopelessness (p = 0.110). Results for the secondary outcomes indicated an increase in social connectedness from T0 to T1 (p = 0.033) but not a significant reduction in the perceived fear of coronavirus (p = 0.412). Among these study variables, these significant improvements were maintained from post-intervention to the 2-week follow-up (p > 0.05). Results indicated that the intervention was associated with good clinical outcomes, low-to-no risks for the treatment, and no adverse effects or risks. Globally, evidence suggests a beneficial effect of the proposed protocol and its current availability in 12 different languages makes COVID Feel Good a free choice for helping individuals worldwide to cope with the psychological distress associated with the COVID-19 crisis, although large scale trials are needed to evaluate its efficacy.

Psycho-educational Nursing Intervention for Improving Coping Strategies and Psychological Well-Being among Family Caregivers of Children with Down Syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 49-60
Author(s):  
Amgad Said Mohammed ◽  
Sahar Mahmoud Mohamed ◽  
Rania Abdel-Hamid Zaki
Keyword(s):  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Nursing Intervention ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Children With Down Syndrome ◽  
Brief Cope

Background: Training family caregivers of children with Down Syndrome on how to promote their own psychological well-being and to cope effectively is essential as they are frequently unstable and forego their psychological well-being. Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of psycho-educational nursing intervention on coping strategies and psychological well-being among family caregivers of children with Down Syndrome. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized in this study. Setting: This study was carried out in the Genes Clinics of Down Syndrome in the specialized clinics of the university pediatric hospital affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals. Subjects: A sample of 60 family caregivers of children with Down Syndrome. The study tools were: 1) Interviewing Questionnaire, 2) Brief-COPE inventory (Carver, 1997), 3) Ryff’s Psychological well-being scale (1989) and 4) Psycho-educational program. The results: There were highly statistically significant differences between pre & post intervention regarding to emotion-focused coping strategies except for humor, acceptance, religion, venting and substance use and there were highly statistically significant differences between pre & post intervention regarding to problem-focused coping strategies except for use of instrumental support. Conclusions: There were highly statistically significant differences between pre & post intervention regarding the level of psychological well-being. There was a negative statistically significant correlation between psychological well-being pre & post intervention and all types of emotion-focused coping strategies except for humor, acceptance and religion. Meanwhile, there was a highly positive statistically significant correlation between psychological well-being pre & post intervention and problem-focused coping strategies regarding active coping and positive reframing and a positive statistically significant correlation regarding use of instrumental support and planning. Recommendations: Future research to assess challenges encountered by siblings of Down Syndrome children and to apply supportive intervention that promotes positive relationships and attitudes.

scholarly journals The impact of confinement in the psychosocial behaviour due COVID-19 among members of a Brazilian university

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402097131
Author(s):  
Heloísa Monteiro Amaral-Prado ◽  
Filipy Borghi ◽  
Tânia Maron Vichi Freire Mello ◽  
Dora Maria Grassi-Kassisse
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
University Environment ◽  
Final Exams ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Background: The current situation due COVID-19 may cause an eminent impact on mental health because the confinement restrictions. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare perceived stress, resilience, depression symptoms and coping strategies on the members of University of Campinas, in Brazil, before and during the outbreak of the COVID-19. Methods: Volunteers over 18 years of both sexes, members of the University of Campinas (Unicamp) in Brazil answered instruments related to perceived stress, depression, resilience and coping strategies during final exams at the end of semester during 2018 to 2020. Results: We obtained 1,135 responses (893 before COVID-19 and 242 during COVID-19). The volunteers did not show significant differences for perceived stress, depressive signs and resilience before and during the pandemic. In both periods, men exhibited lower scores for perceived stress and depression and higher scores for resilience when compared to women. Undergraduate and graduate students exhibited higher perceived stress scores, more pronounced depressive signs and lower resilience, and employees and professors presented lower scores for perceived stress, depressive signs and greater resilience. Conclusions: These first months of confinement did not directly affect the scores of perceived stress, depression and resilience, however, each subgroup adapted to the new routine by changing the coping strategy used. This study suggests the importance of monitoring the mental health of member in the university, especially in times of epidemic, in the search for policies that aim to improve the resilience of the population and seek positive and effective coping strategies within the university environment.

Stress-Recovery Management: A Pilot Study Using a Single-Subject Experimental Design

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niclas Almén ◽  
Jan Lisspers ◽  
Lars-Göran Öst
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Stress Recovery ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Recovery Management

Work-related stress is considered one of the biggest health and safety challenges among the member states of the European Union. A critical factor is recovery between periods of stress. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate whether a brief behaviorally oriented stress-recovery management intervention delivered in an individual setting could reduce stress symptoms among individuals with high levels of perceived stress. A single-subject experimental design with multiple baselines across three individuals was used. The results indicate, with at least moderate experimental control, a temporal relation between the start of the intervention and beneficial changes from baseline in continuous self-recordings of stress symptoms. The changes were maintained at 1-year and 5-year follow-up assessments. Also, self-reporting inventories measuring perceived stress, worry, anxiety, depression, burnout, type A behavior, unwinding and recuperation from work stress, and insomnia showed overall changes in beneficial directions at post-assessment, as well as the two follow-up assessments. The results indicate that a behaviorally oriented stress-recovery management intervention delivered in an individual setting can reduce stress symptoms in individuals with high levels of perceived stress. However, for firm conclusions to be drawn, further research is needed.

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