The Impact of Adding A Self-Compassion Module To The Treatment of Opioid-Dependent Young Adults: A Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathyleen M. Tomlin ◽  
Cass Dykeman
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Client Satisfaction ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Change Talk ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
The Impact

Young adult opioid addiction is on the rise in many parts of the country. Young adults’ use of opioids, in the form of illicit prescription drugs or heroin, is especially challenging for treatment engagement and retention due to high rates of relapse and debilitating shame and guilt. Normal developmental milestones of life are halted. Mental health research has found self-compassion training to be helpful; however, it is underrepresented in addiction research. Enhancing substance abuse best treatment practices such as motivational interviewing (MI) may result in fewer incidences of relapse, as well as a decrease in shame, depression, and anxiety when paired with a focus on self-compassion. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility and potential utility of large scale study examining whether adding a self-compassion module to treatment-as-usual (TAU) increases the frequency of client change talk compared with TAU alone. A secondary focus included a review of client satisfaction scores between the two study groups to determine how they would evaluate the treatment they received and their experiences participating in the study. There were 17 opioid-dependent young adults (ages 18–25) randomly assigned to one of two conditions in an outpatient substance abuse treatment clinic. Measurements of the frequency of change talk were collected at five distinct points during the intervention. At the completion of the final session, the participants evaluated their satisfaction scores using the CSQ-8 and responded to a series of open-ended questions. Results of an ANCOVA and independent t-tests were utilized to determine any differences between the two groups in the frequency of change talk and client satisfaction. An analysis of common themes shared by participants showed a preference for individual counseling and a structured place to go, as well as a desire for the intervention to be longer than three sessions. The study indicated that a focus on self-compassion combined with treatment-as-usual did not differ in outcome when compared with treatment-as-usual alone. Additionally, both treatment conditions were equal in terms of client satisfaction. However, it should be noted that pilot trials are highly susceptible to Type II error. Issues encountered in this pilot study that have implications for large scale efficacy studies on this topic and/or with young adult opioid users were discussed.

scholarly journals The effect of living a ‘yogic lifestyle’ on stress response and self-image in healthcare professionals: a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. FSO473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kavita Beri ◽  
Vidya Menon ◽  
Edgardo Guzman ◽  
Claudia Chapa ◽  
Raxa Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Personal Life ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Work Pressure ◽  
Tantra Yoga ◽  
The Impact

Background: Healthcare staff in modern metropolitan settings face higher rates of burnout characterized by emotional stress and difficulty coping with not only building work pressure but also balancing personal life stress. The aim of this pilot study was to see the impact of a yogic lifestyle, incorporating diet, exercise and mindfulness activities based on tantra yoga. Materials & methods: Fifteen participants were recruited and completed three or more of the interventions. Results: The 4-week pilot study showed increased self-compassion and decreased stress among the participants.

scholarly journals How are Young Adults in Pakistan dealing with COVID-19: An Online Survey Assessing the Impact of Demographic Characteristics and Sources of Information on Awareness and Behaviors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ria Angeline Martins ◽  
Russell Seth Martins ◽  
Syeda Maryam Zehra Zaidi ◽  
Scheryar Saqib ◽  
Aiman Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Young Adult Population ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background:The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted a large majority of Pakistan’s population, with one particular demographic of stakeholders being the country’s young adult population. Our study looks to understand levels COVID-19-related awareness, perceptions, and behaviors, and sources of COVID-19-related knowledge, amongst Pakistan’s young adult population.Methods:This survey was conducted by the Aga Khan University over July-October 2020, via a Google Form disseminated on multiple social media platforms. All respondents aged between 18-35 years and currently residing in Pakistan were included.Results:The questionnaire received a total of 406 responses with the respondents having a mean age of 25.15 ± 5.80 years. 52.5% of the respondents were currently students. The vast majority relied on social media (83.7%), internet blogs/websites (83.3%) and newspapers/television (70.7%) as major sources of information regarding COVID-19. The highest percentage of individuals believed spread was possible through contaminated surfaces (95.3%), while 86.4% believed spread was possible via inhalation of droplets, and 52.0% via close contact with asymptomatic individuals. Alarmingly, 21.9% believed that transmission was possible through contact with packages shipped from China, and 16% believed COVID-19 could be contracted by eating food in Chinese restaurants. Moreover, 24.1% believed COVID-19 to be a biological weapon designed in a laboratory, while 23.9% were unsure.Conclusions: Our survey revealed some deficiencies in the understanding of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, along with racial biases and the prevalence of misinformation. Since young adults play an important role in the global response to the pandemic, our study suggests interventions that target the young adults in Pakistan in an attempt to increase their awareness about the pandemic and help them cope with its effects.

Segmenting young adults based on financial management behavior in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 548-560
Author(s):  
Dhananjay Madhukar Bapat
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Management Behavior ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The profiling of young adult financial behavior can help financial service providers and financial advisors to target suitable marketing resources to specific customer segments. The purpose of this paper is to validate the scale for financial management behavior of young adults in an emerging market, segment these individuals and investigate the impact of demographic variables on key dimensions. Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire is used to validate a financial management behavior scale using data collected from 270 young adults in India. Based on dimensions obtained through factor analysis, cluster analysis is performed to identify young adult segments. Statistical techniques, such as the t-test and one-way analysis of variance, are used to examine the impact of demographic variables on financial management behavioral dimensions. Findings The factor analysis confirms three key financial management dimensions: cash management, credit management and savings management. Using cluster analysis, the young adults are segmented into three subgroups: responsible customers, credit-oriented customers and vulnerable customers. Young adults in these groups follow hierarchical patterns in terms of financial management behavior. Originality/value Since few studies are available from the standpoint of young adults in emerging markets, this study adds value to the literature by investigating the financial management behavior of young adults in India. Notably, it can serve as a reference for comparing similarities and differences on the basis of financial management behavior with other countries and customer segments.

Recruiting breast cancer patients for mHealth research: Obstacles to clinic-based recruitment for a mobile phone app intervention study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 675-683
Author(s):  
Alisha Gupta ◽  
Gabrielle Ocker ◽  
Philip I Chow
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The Impact

Background Nearly half of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients will report clinically significant symptoms of depression and/or anxiety within the first year of diagnosis. Research on the trajectory of distress in cancer patients suggests that targeting patients early in the diagnostic pathway could be particularly impactful. Given the recent rise of smartphone adoption, apps are a convenient and accessible platform from which to deliver mental health support; however, little research has examined their potential impact among newly diagnosed cancer patients. One reason is likely due to the obstacles associated with in-clinic recruitment of newly diagnosed cancer patients for mHealth pilot studies. Methods This article draws from our experiences of a recently completed pilot study to test a suite of mental health apps in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Recruitment strategies included in-clinic pamphlets, flyers, and direct communication with clinicians. Surgical oncologists and research staff members approached eligible patients after a medical appointment. Research team members met with patients to provide informed consent and review the study schedule. Results Four domains of in-clinic recruitment challenges emerged: (a) coordination with clinic staff, (b) perceived burden among breast cancer patients, (c) limitations regarding the adoption and use of technology, and (d) availability of resources. Potential solutions are provided for each challenge. Conclusion Recruitment of newly diagnosed cancer patients is a major challenge to conducting mobile intervention studies for researchers on a pilot-study budget. To realize the impact of mobile interventions for the most vulnerable cancer patient populations, health researchers must address barriers to in-clinic recruitment to provide vital preliminary data in proposals of large-scale research projects.

The impact of walker height positions and their influence on triceps activity and energy conservation: a pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (11) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Terry Rzepkowski ◽  
Saige C Abrams ◽  
Farrah P Bell ◽  
Alexander Orkwis ◽  
Hunter Radin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Energy Conservation ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Elbow Angle ◽  
The Impact

Background/Aims Millions of adults use walkers for functional mobility. Inappropriate walker use is associated with incorrect height, forward-leaning posture, and increased energy expenditure. Few studies have investigated the impact of walker positions and their influence on triceps activity. The present study assessed walker height and baseline positioning for individuals with a 50% weight bearing restriction of the lower extremity, and implications for energy conservation. Methods A total of 38 young adults (mean age = 24.95 years; 84.2% female; 15.8% male) participated in this study with a two-wheeled walker. Participants executed five walker positions while maintaining 50% weight bearing of the lower extremity to determine the effect on triceps electromyography activity. Results Triceps electromyography activity did significantly change across the five walker positions assessed (X2 [df=37, P<0.001]). This study showed that the median electromyography activity for positions B (median=0.268) and A (median=0.280) was significantly less than the median electromyography activity for position E (median=0.452; P<0.001). The effect sizes for comparisons of positions B and E (r=0.49) as well as A and E were the largest (r=0.53). Conclusions These findings suggest an elbow angle of 26–35° (position B), followed by an elbow angle of 15–25° (position A), with the walker in line with the heels of the participant, to be superior in minimising exertion of the triceps.

scholarly journals Did the Affordable Care Act Young Adult Provision Affect Labor Market Outcomes? Analysis Using Tax Data

ILR Review ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 1154-1178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley Heim ◽  
Ithai Lurie ◽  
Kosali Simon
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Labor Market ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Affordable Care Act ◽  
Labor Market Outcomes ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Market Outcomes ◽  
Data Set ◽  
The Affordable Care Act ◽  
The Impact

Using a data set of US tax records spanning 2008 to 2013, the authors study the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) young adult dependent coverage requirement on labor market–related outcomes, including measures of employment status, job characteristics, and postsecondary education. They find that the ACA provision did not result in substantial changes in labor market outcomes. Results show that employment and self-employment are not statistically significantly affected. Although some evidence supports the increased likelihood of young adults earning lower wages, not receiving fringe benefits, enrolling as full-time or graduate students, and young men being self-employed, the magnitudes imply extremely small impacts on these outcomes in absolute terms and when compared to other estimates in the literature. The authors find these results to be consistent with health insurance being less salient to young adults, compared to other populations, when making labor market decisions.

Promotion of Advance Care Planning Among Young Adults: A Pilot Study of Health Engagement Workshop Feasibility, Implementation, and Efficacy

2020 ◽  
pp. 104990912095116
Author(s):  
Philip Barrison ◽  
Lindy Grief Davidson
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Advance Care Planning ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Care Planning ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Advance Care ◽  
The Impact

Objective: This pilot study set out to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an interactive, peer-led, health engagement workshop to improve confidence and comprehension related to advance care planning (ACP) among young adults. Secondarily, this study evaluated if such workshops could promote ACP related behavior changes within this population. Methods: This observational cohort study utilized a repeated measures, mixed-method design. Six hour-long, in-person workshops were conducted with undergraduate students during meetings of university student organizations. Participants were evaluated across 3 mixed-method surveys, evaluating confidence, knowledge, and behaviors related to ACP prior to participation, directly after, and during a 2-week follow-up. Results: Workshop participation improved the average participant confidence and knowledge related to ACP as well as encouraged some participants to engage in discussions related to end-of-life care with friends and family. Alongside the impact of the workshops on knowledge and confidence, participants positively evaluated the design of the workshops through collected qualitative feedback. Conclusion: These results are encouraging in assessing this population’s willingness to learn about end-of-life care planning. The tools developed and the corresponding results should be used for further exploration of engaging the young adult population in ACP to promote improved healthcare outcomes.

Effects of Motivational Interviewing Training in Career Counseling: A Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 280-294
Author(s):  
Shékina Rochat
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Motivational Interviewing ◽  
Career Counseling ◽  
Change Talk ◽  
School Based ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Interviewing Skills ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Training And Research ◽  
The Impact

Motivational interviewing (MI) is receiving increasing attention in the field of career counseling. Using a quasi-experimental design, this pilot study examines the impact of MI training on career counselors’ behaviors and clients’ talk within audio-recorded interviews. Eight school-based career counselors participated in the study. They audio-recorded their interviews with 30 students prior to MI training and with 32 students after it. Counselors’ behaviors and students’ talk were coded using the Motivational Interviewing Skills Code 2.1. The results demonstrate mixed outcomes in terms of career counselors’ MI proficiency after the training. Career counselors’ proficiency improved in some of the indicators (percentages of MI-consistent behaviors and reflections-to-questions ratio) and worsened in others (percentages of complex reflections [% REC] and open questions). Reaching proficiency in the % REC influenced students’ change talk, but reaching proficiency in the % MICO did not. Implications for MI training and research in career counseling are discussed.

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