scholarly journals Building Resilience in At-Risk Adolescents: Comparing the mechanisms and outcomes of two school-based prevention programmes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Olivia Susanne Notter
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Based ◽  
Prevention Programmes ◽  
Personal Resilience ◽  
One Year ◽  
At Risk Adolescents

<p>This study sought to confirm and expand literature on psychological health by comparing and contrasting the effects of two prevention programmes, one focused on reducing negative affect and the other focused on enhancing positive affect, and by revealing possible pathways that might lead to increased wellbeing and resilience and reduced negative affect and depressive symptoms.  Two school-based intervention approaches were examined: Kiwi ACE (Adolescents Coping with Emotions) and PAL (Positive Approaches to Life), to investigate which techniques would prevent the occurrence of depression, increase wellbeing, and help build resilience in Year 9 students (13-yr-olds). Kiwi ACE is a programme based on a CBT (Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy) model and was trialled previously with success. PAL kept within the same structure as Kiwi ACE but used strategies aimed at building a capacity within students to develop positive emotions in order to build resources for present and future challenges. Both programmes aimed to build resilience and prevent the development of depression in at-risk adolescents.  Nine schools from the wider Wellington region in New Zealand participated in the current study. Sixty-five students identified as at-risk, participated in one of the two programmes, and 69 students constituted the control group. All students in the current study were at risk of developing depression, pre-intervention, as suggested by a mild-moderate score on the CDI (Children's Depression Inventory). Both programmes consisted of weekly one hour sessions enacted over 12 weeks during which a group of approximately 10 students met with a clinical psychologist and school counsellor. A survey consisting of a range of scales, measured students' scores pre- and post- programme, at six months and one year after the programme was completed.  Kiwi ACE and PAL both decreased depressive symptoms and increased well-being for up to one year after the programme. However, PAL had stronger effects in promoting gratitude, satisfaction with life, happiness, and resilience. Mediation analysis revealed that Kiwi ACE helped to decrease depressive symptoms by increasing students' sense of environmental mastery and increased students' well-being scores by decreasing the intensity and frequency of participants’ negative emotions. In contrast, PAL helped to decrease depressive symptoms, and increase well-being and resilience through many routes, namely through increasing gratitude, meaning, happiness and satisfaction with life.  The findings of this study reveal that building a capacity for positive emotions can help develop many resources that protect students from depressive symptoms and increase their psychological well-being and personal resilience. In addition, using positive emotions as a resource is equally effective as using CBT strategies in preventing depression and is more effective in increasing positive outcomes, including personal resilience. Finally the results from PAL indicate that cultivating positive emotions such as gratitude and happiness is an effective way to build personal resilience in adolescence.</p>

scholarly journals Building Resilience in At-Risk Adolescents: Comparing the mechanisms and outcomes of two school-based prevention programmes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Olivia Susanne Notter
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Based ◽  
Prevention Programmes ◽  
Personal Resilience ◽  
One Year ◽  
At Risk Adolescents

<p>This study sought to confirm and expand literature on psychological health by comparing and contrasting the effects of two prevention programmes, one focused on reducing negative affect and the other focused on enhancing positive affect, and by revealing possible pathways that might lead to increased wellbeing and resilience and reduced negative affect and depressive symptoms.  Two school-based intervention approaches were examined: Kiwi ACE (Adolescents Coping with Emotions) and PAL (Positive Approaches to Life), to investigate which techniques would prevent the occurrence of depression, increase wellbeing, and help build resilience in Year 9 students (13-yr-olds). Kiwi ACE is a programme based on a CBT (Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy) model and was trialled previously with success. PAL kept within the same structure as Kiwi ACE but used strategies aimed at building a capacity within students to develop positive emotions in order to build resources for present and future challenges. Both programmes aimed to build resilience and prevent the development of depression in at-risk adolescents.  Nine schools from the wider Wellington region in New Zealand participated in the current study. Sixty-five students identified as at-risk, participated in one of the two programmes, and 69 students constituted the control group. All students in the current study were at risk of developing depression, pre-intervention, as suggested by a mild-moderate score on the CDI (Children's Depression Inventory). Both programmes consisted of weekly one hour sessions enacted over 12 weeks during which a group of approximately 10 students met with a clinical psychologist and school counsellor. A survey consisting of a range of scales, measured students' scores pre- and post- programme, at six months and one year after the programme was completed.  Kiwi ACE and PAL both decreased depressive symptoms and increased well-being for up to one year after the programme. However, PAL had stronger effects in promoting gratitude, satisfaction with life, happiness, and resilience. Mediation analysis revealed that Kiwi ACE helped to decrease depressive symptoms by increasing students' sense of environmental mastery and increased students' well-being scores by decreasing the intensity and frequency of participants’ negative emotions. In contrast, PAL helped to decrease depressive symptoms, and increase well-being and resilience through many routes, namely through increasing gratitude, meaning, happiness and satisfaction with life.  The findings of this study reveal that building a capacity for positive emotions can help develop many resources that protect students from depressive symptoms and increase their psychological well-being and personal resilience. In addition, using positive emotions as a resource is equally effective as using CBT strategies in preventing depression and is more effective in increasing positive outcomes, including personal resilience. Finally the results from PAL indicate that cultivating positive emotions such as gratitude and happiness is an effective way to build personal resilience in adolescence.</p>

scholarly journals Daily emotional inertia and long-term subjective well-being among people living with HIV

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Rzeszutek ◽  
Ewa Gruszczyńska ◽  
Ewa Firląg-Burkacka
Keyword(s):  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to verify if subjective well-being (SWB) modifies the autoregressive effect of daily emotions and if this emotional inertia predicts long-term changes in SWB among people living with HIV (PLWH). Methods The 131 participants had medically confirmed diagnoses of HIV and were undergoing antiretroviral therapy. They assessed their SWB (satisfaction with life, negative affect, positive affect) twice with an interval of one year. They also took part in a five-day online diary study six months from their baseline SWB assessment and reported their daily negative and positive emotions. Results Results showed that baseline SWB did not modify the emotional carryover effect from one to another. Additionally, after control for baseline SWB, emotional inertia did not predict SWB one year later. However, such an effect was noted for the mean values of daily reported emotions, indicating their unique predictive power over SWB itself. Conclusions This may suggest that emotional inertia does not necessarily provide better information than more straightforward measures of affective functioning.

Differences in the Way to Conceive Happiness Relate to Different Reactions to Negative Events

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Fuochi ◽  
Chiara A. Veneziani ◽  
Alberto Voci
Keyword(s):  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Negative Events ◽  
Orientations To Happiness ◽  
Specific Reactions ◽  
The Way

Abstract. This paper aimed to assess whether differences in the way to conceive happiness, measured by the Orientations to Happiness measure, were associated with specific reactions to negative events. We hypothesized that among orientations to pleasure (portraying hedonism), to meaning (representing a eudaimonic approach to life), and to engagement (derived from the experience of flow), orientation to meaning would have displayed a stronger protective role against recent negative and potentially stressful events. After providing a validation of the Italian version of the Orientations to Happiness measure (Study 1), we performed regression analyses of the three orientations on positive and negative emotions linked to a self-relevant negative event (Study 2), and moderation analyses assessing the interactive effects of orientations to happiness and stressful events on well-being indicators (Study 3). Our findings supported the hypotheses. In Study 2, meaning was associated with positive emotions characterized by a lower activation (contentment and interest) compared to the positive emotions associated with pleasure (amusement, eagerness, and happiness). In Study 3, only meaning buffered the effect of recent potentially stressful events on satisfaction with life and positive affect. Results suggest that orientation to meaning might help individuals to better react to negative events.

Mentoring to Promote Professional Well-being

Relay Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 306-318
Author(s):  
Hatice Karaaslan
Keyword(s):  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Reflective Dialogue ◽  
Frequent Contact ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Junior Colleague ◽  
One Year ◽  
Personal Reflections

This article elaborates on a follow-up mentoring session conducted with a junior colleague who had frequent contact with me over a period of one year during her coursework as she considered me a senior instructor with substantial research experience. The purpose was to exploit the strategies of advising in a mentoring context utilizing intentional reflective dialogue (IRD) to encourage reflection on professional well-being. To facilitate the process and achieve an in-depth analysis of her level of professional well-being, I employed Seligman’s (2011) PERMA model, explaining professional well-being with reference to its components of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. In the article, I briefly give information on the context and background, the purpose, and the professional well-being model used. I then outline the flow of the session, and point out and discuss how the strategies of advising have been exploited through a series of IRD exchanges in an effort to stimulate an in-depth discussion. Finally, I present my personal reflections as well as the potential implications to be considered while conducting mentor-mentee sessions and improving professional well-being in educational settings.

scholarly journals Satisfaction with Life: Mediating Role in the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Coping Mechanisms

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 787
Author(s):  
Daniela Almeida ◽  
Diogo Monteiro ◽  
Filipe Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this study was to analyze the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between fourteen coping strategies and depressive symptoms in the Portuguese population. To undertake this work, 313 Portuguese adults aged 18 to 70 years (M = 30.73; SD = 10.79) were invited to participate in this study. Their participation was completely voluntary, and participants granted and signed informed consent previously to the filling of the validated Portuguese questionnaires. These questionnaires measured depressive symptoms, coping, and life satisfaction. The results revealed that life satisfaction displayed a mediating role in the relationship between adaptive coping mechanisms, specifically between active coping, planning, reinterpretation, and acceptance and depressive symptoms, showing a negative and significant indirect effect. Maladaptive coping mechanisms of self-blame, denial, self-distraction, disengagement, and substance use had a significant positive association with depressive symptoms, considering the mediating role of satisfaction with life. Current investigation provides initial evidence of how each coping mechanism is associated with satisfaction with life and depressive symptoms. This study clearly demonstrates that not all coping strategies are capable of influencing well-being indicators and that health professionals should focus on endorsing those that are significantly associated with lowering depressive symptoms and increasing overall satisfaction with life.

The impact of gratitude letters and visits on relationships, happiness, well-being, and meaning of graduate students

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-126
Author(s):  
David Stefan ◽  
Erin Lefdahl-Davis ◽  
Alexandra Alayan ◽  
Matthew Decker ◽  
Josie Wittwer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Graduate Program ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
The Impact

In this mixed-methods research, we examined the practice of writing and delivering letters of gratitude (gratitude visits) and its impact on well-being, happiness, meaning and relationships for students in an online graduate program in psychology. Participants completed assessments and inventories relating to happiness, well-being and meaning in life, including the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, Approaches to Happiness Questionnaire and open-ended qualitative questions before and after they wrote and delivered gratitude letters. Quantitative analyses found significant increases in meaning in life, satisfaction with life, and approaches to happiness after the gratitude visit intervention. Using a grounded theory qualitative analysis of the data, eight primary themes emerged related to the impact and meaning of gratitude letters on graduate students:  (1) the impact on the relationship; (2) positive emotions experienced; (3) experiencing a reciprocal expression of gratitude from the receiver; (4) overcoming uncomfortable emotions; (5) relief, release or liberation after sharing; (6) impact on spiritual growth; (7) unexpected responses; and (8) greater reflection on the meaning of life and a changed perspective. Overall, providing graduate students with the opportunity to engage in gratitude visit interventions was related to greater meaning and well-being. This study suggests implications and recommendations related to the use of positive psychology interventions in educational settings.

scholarly journals Effect of Human Attachment Style on Horse Behaviour and Physiology during Equine-Assisted Activities–A Pilot Study

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1156
Author(s):  
Aitor Arrazola ◽  
Katrina Merkies
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Attachment Style ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Insecure Attachment ◽  
Structure Questionnaire ◽  
Behavioural Difficulties ◽  
Relationship Structure ◽  
Equine Facilitated ◽  
Equine Assisted ◽  
At Risk Adolescents

Equine-assisted activities (EAA) for human well-being and health rely on human–horse interactions for therapeutic effect. At-risk participants with mental and emotional difficulties can show poor social skills and functioning relationships, potentially leading to unsuccessful human–horse interaction in EAA. This study addresses the effect of the attachment style (AS) of at-risk adolescents on horse physiology and behaviour during an equine-facilitated learning (EFL) program. Thirty-three adolescents participated in a 10-week EFL program with nine therapy horses (the same therapy horse per adolescent throughout the program). Adolescent AS was categorized into secure (n = 7), preoccupied (n = 11), dismissing (n = 1), or fearful (n = 12) using an Experiences in Close Relationships – Relationship Structure questionnaire. Horse heart rate (HR) and behaviour (affiliative and avoidance behaviours) in response to adolescents were recorded during grooming and riding. Over time, horses with fearful AS adolescents showed consistently more affiliative behaviours compared to those with preoccupied AS adolescents during grooming, and more constant HR and avoidance behaviours compared to those with secure AS adolescents during riding. These results suggest that a more predictable and less stressful physiological and behavioural response of therapy horses toward participants in EAA with emotional and behavioural difficulties can be mediated by a human insecure attachment style.

Profiles of Antisocial Behavior in School-Based and At-Risk Adolescents in Singapore: A Latent Class Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 585-596
Author(s):  
Rebecca P. Ang ◽  
Xiang Li ◽  
Vivien S. Huan ◽  
Gregory Arief D. Liem ◽  
Trivina Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Latent Class Analysis ◽  
Antisocial Behavior ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Class Analysis ◽  
School Based ◽  
At Risk Adolescents

The Effects of a Health Partner Program on Alleviating Depressive Symptoms Among Healthy Overweight/Obese Individuals

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 400-412
Author(s):  
Tingting Liu
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
One Year

Background and Purpose: Although lifestyle interventions have been shown to be effective in losing weight and increasing physical activity in community settings, little is known whether these programs may also ameliorate negative mood states in healthy overweight/obese adults when such programs are delivered in workplace settings. The aim of the study was to determine whether a health partner program may alleviate depressive symptoms among healthy overweight/obese individuals at 1 year. Methods: A secondary data analysis was performed using the Center for Health Discovery and Well Being database at Emory University in the United States. A total of 297 healthy overweight/obese university employees were recruited from the health partner program. Participants worked with health partners to establish an individualized health action plan, which might include changes in diet or exercise, modification of risk-related behaviors (e.g., tobacco use, alcohol use), and stress reduction strategies such as yoga. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II at baseline and one-year follow-up. Results: At baseline, 9.7% of participants had depressive symptoms. At one-year follow-up, these participants had a small-to-moderate improvement in depressive symptoms (Cohen’s d = 0.423), and the changes in depressive symptoms were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Implications for Practice: Since overweight/obese individuals are more likely to experience depressive symptoms than normal-weight individuals, early interventions to steer these individuals to better mental health are therefore essential. This study has demonstrated the potential benefits of a health partner program on alleviating depressive symptoms among overweight/obese individuals and this should be integrated into clinical practice.

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