scholarly journals Animals in flow – Towards the scientific study of intrinsic reward in animals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Hintze ◽  
Jason Richard Yee
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Intrinsic Reward ◽  
Complete Absorption ◽  
Experimental Approaches ◽  
Time Distortion ◽  
Human Flow ◽  
Positive Animal

The concept of flow, a state of complete absorption in an intrinsically rewarding activity, has played a pivotal role in advancing notions of human well-being beyond minimising suffering towards promoting flourishing and thriving. While flow has played a fundamental role in human positive psychology, it has not yet been explored in non-human animals, leaving an enormous void in our understanding of intrinsic motivation in animals. As ethology and related fields keep progressing in uncovering complex cognitive and affective capacities of non-human animals, we propose the time is ripe to translate the concept of flow to animals. We start by embedding flow in the topic of intrinsic motivation and describe its impact on positive human psychology and potentially positive animal welfare. We then disambiguate flow from related concepts discussed in the animal literature. Next, we derive experimental approaches in animals from the canonical characteristics of flow in humans and provide guidelines for both inducing and assessing flow by focusing on two characteristics that do not necessarily depend on self-report, namely resistance to distraction and time distortion. Not all aspects of the human flow experience are (yet) translatable, but those that are may improve quality of life in non-human animals.

Quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients in Spain

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 527-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
C-H Chang ◽  
D Cella ◽  
O Fernández ◽  
G Luque ◽  
P de Castro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Objective: The cross-sectional study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis (FAMS) Spanish version and its use in measuring quality of life (QOL) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Spain. Methods: The FAMS is a factorially derived self-report scale designed to assess six primary aspects of QOL of patients with MS: Mobility, Symptoms, Emotional Well-Being, General Contentment, Thinking and Fatigue, and Family/Social Well-Being. Its Spanish translated version was used to assess QOL of 625 MS patients recruited in an outpatient clinic setting from 58 hospitals in Spain. Internal consistency of the Spanish FAMS was evaluated. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors from demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics, and Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores in predicting FAMS scale scores. Results: Most of the patients are females (66%), and 74% were of the relapsing-remitting (RR) clinical subtype. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were high (range=0.78-0.96), indicating subscale homogeneity comparable to that of the original English version. Linear multivariate regression analyses revealed that the EDSS is a dominant variable in predicting all the FAMS subscales, especially mobility (R2=0.51) and the total scores. Conclusions: The Spanish FAMS is a psychometrically valid instrument that allows clinicians and clinical researchers the ability to measure the QOL concerns of MS patients in Spain.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with chronic diseases

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Merkes
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽  
The Impact

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a structured group program that uses mindfulness meditation to improve well-being and alleviate suffering. This article reviews the impact of MBSR for people with chronic diseases. The review includes original research that was published in English and peer-reviewed and reported outcomes for adults with chronic diseases who had participated in an MBSR program. Fifteen studies were identified. Outcomes related to mental and physical health, well-being, and quality of life. The studies included different research designs, and used self-report and physiological outcome measures. Participants’ clinical diagnoses included fibromyalgia, chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, and cardiovascular diagnoses. All 15 studies found that participation in an MBSR program resulted in improvements. No negative change was reported between baseline and follow up. Outcomes in regard to specific variables were difficult to compare and equivocal. Overall, positive change predominated. Chronic diseases are associated with a range of unwelcome psychological and physical consequences. Participation in an MBSR program is likely to result in coping better with symptoms, improved overall well-being and quality of life, and enhanced health outcomes. As an adjunct to standard care, MBSR has potential for much wider application in Australian primary care settings.

Quality of life outcomes in sarcoma patients receiving care at a tertiary center.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e23557-e23557
Author(s):  
Jonathan R. Day ◽  
Benjamin Miller ◽  
Sarah L. Mott ◽  
Bradley T. Loeffler ◽  
Munir Tanas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Soft Tissue Sarcomas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
University Of Iowa ◽  
Treatment Type ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
Multiple Domains

e23557 Background: Sarcomas are a diverse group of neoplasms that vary greatly in clinical presentation and responsiveness to treatment. Given the differences in the sites of involvement, rarity, and treatment modality, a multidisciplinary approach is required. Previous literature suggests patients with sarcoma suffer from poorer quality of life (QoL) especially physical and functional well-being. This study aims to understand if there is an association between treatment at a tertiary sarcoma center and a difference in QoL. Methods: De-identified data was obtained from the Sarcoma Tissue Repository at University of Iowa. Mixed effects regression models were utilized to evaluate the association between disease and treatment characteristics and QoL. QoL was assessed using the self-report FACT-G questionnaire at 12-, 24-, and 36-months post-diagnosis; overall scores and the 4 well-being subscales (Physical, Emotional, Social, Functional) were calculated. Results: 443 patients were identified. Soft tissue sarcomas were more prevalent (87.6%) than bone (12.4%). 53% of patients received chemotherapy and 38.6% got radiation therapy. Sarcomas were most frequently located in the lower extremities(ext.) (33.1%), followed by abdomen (20.9%), pelvic (13.6%), upper ext. (13.1%), thorax (11.3%), head & neck (7.8%). For ext. sarcoma; lower ext: 144 (71.3%), Upper ext: 58 (28.7%). Patients with extremity sarcoma; 133 had limb sparing and 48 had amputations. FACT-G Scores did not appreciably vary between 12, 24-, and 36-month for any QoL responses. Overall well-being had a mean score reported of 87.7 (sd = 15.7). Social well-being sores averaged 23.5 (5.0). Emotional well-being (EWB) 19.2 (4.1) and functional well-being (FWB) 21.3 (6.1), and physical well-being (PWB) 23.7 (4.6). There was no association between overall, PWB, EWB, or FWB with the histological subtype, radiation treatment, type of limb surgery, or any location in the same patients over time. Chemotherapy treatments were associated with lower well-being in multiple domains; PWB scores being 2.01 points lower, (p < 0.01), EWB scores being 1.27 points lower (p = 0.01) and FWB scores being 1.72 (p = 0.03), and 4.44 points lower overall (p = 0.03), on average, after adjusting for overall changes across time. Patients with ext. sarcoma only overall FACT-G scores differed 6.72 points higher for upper ext. than lower ext (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Overall QoL areas were similar to normative FACT-G scores both overall and specific areas. Having received chemotherapy was associated with lower well-being scores physically, emotionally, functionally, and overall. There were no clinically relevant differences reported in QoL scores between 12-,24-, and 36-months in the same patients. Further work is needed to describe QoL differences among patients with sarcoma at tertiary centers and examine what protective factors may influence patient well-being.

scholarly journals Symptom Experience and Quality of Life of Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy in Bangladesh

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-206
Author(s):  
Mosammat Shamsun Naher Begum ◽  
Wongchan Petpichetchian ◽  
Luppana Kitrungrote
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Moderate Level ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Symptom Experience ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients

Background: The present study was aimed to the relationships between symptom severity and distress and quality of life (QoL) of patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.Objectives and methodology: A total number of 132 patients, attending both In-patient and Out-patient department and fulfilling the recruitment criteria were included in the study. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data from the eligible participants by the primary investigator. The data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Results: On average, the participants of the study experienced seventeen symptoms with moderate level. The level of QoL of the participants was at moderate level (M=2.02, SD=0.39). Among all the subscales, the physical well-being had the lowest score and social well-being had highest score. Symptom experience and quality of life showed significant negative correlation. Conclusion: The patients with breast cancer would experience high symptoms during a 7-day period after receiving chemotherapy of the previous cycle. Nurses need to perform full measurement of multiple symptoms when care for breast cancer patients after the administration of chemotherapy.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(2) 2016 p.201-206

scholarly journals Fear of COVID-19 and work-quality of life among nurses: The mediating role of psychological well-being

2021 ◽  
pp. 1985-1990
Author(s):  
Ahmet Maslakçı ◽  
Lütfi Sürücü ◽  
Harun Sesen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Quality Of Work Life ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Work Quality ◽  
Quality Of Work ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale

This study was conducted in order to analyze the effect of the nurses’ quality of work life based on fear about COVID-19 and examine the psychological well-being as a moderating variable in this relationship. The survey questionnaire was administered among nurses between 1 November 2020 and 14 November 2020. The self-report survey comprised the nurse information survey, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, work quality of life scale, and psychological well-being scale as data collection tools. Data were obtained from 339 nurses. The findings show that fear of COVID-19 negatively affects nurses’ quality of work life. It has been determined that PWB plays a moderating role in this relationship. While the fear of COVID-19 negatively affects the quality of work life in nurses with low psychological well-being, there is not any kind of significant effect on the quality of work life in nurses with high psychological well-being. This result shows that as the psychological well-being of nurses’ increases, fear of COVID-19 effect on quality of work life decreases. The results of the study show that responses designed to enhance psychological well-being can enhance nurses' working conditions that could reduce the negative effects of the fear of COVID-19. There is an urgent need for clinical and policy strategies to help increase nurses’ PWB in order to increase the quality of work life by reducing fear and also anxiety among nurses fighting on the front line during COVID-19.

Psychosocial Impairment and Lower Quality of Life among Childhood Cancer Survivors in Egypt, Single Institution Experince.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 5528-5528
Author(s):  
Mona Elsamahy ◽  
Ashraf Abdelmonem ◽  
Shahinda Abdelrahman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Child Behavior Checklist ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Childhood Cancer Survivors ◽  
Self Report ◽  
School Functioning

Abstract Survival itself has, until recently, been the marker of successful cancer therapy, but now more attention is being focused on the long-term effects of cancer therapy and the quality of life (QOL)of the survivors. OBJECTIVE: To assess health related quality of life and behavior and emotional problems among childhood cancer survivors at Ain Shams Pediatric Oncology Clinic, Cairo, Egypt. DESIGN: This study was conducted on 30 childhood cancer survivors attending the cancer survivors’ clinic at Ain Sham Children’s University Hospital in the period of October 2004–April 2005. The PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales (physical, emotional, social and, school functioning) translated into Arabic language has been utilized. Parallel child self-report and parent proxy-report questionnaire formats have been used. Items were reverse-scored and linearly transformed to a 0–100 scale, so that higher scores indicate better QOL. Assessment of behavioral and emotional disturbance was performed using The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Results: Age range 6–16 years with a mean age of 10.7±2.9 years, 18 (60%) were males and 12(40%) were females. Seventeen patients (56.6%) were acute leukemia survivors and 10(43.4%) lymphomas and solid tumors. There was statistically significant (p<0.001) decrease in the overall generic PedsQL in cancer survivors (mean 67±11.6) compared to normal children (mean 83.9±12.5) with school functioning area being the most affected (score 47.5±13). ALL survivors had significantly lower mean QOL (62.5±11.8) compared to other cancer survivors (72.8±8.8) (p<0.05). Gender (females) and CNS-directed therapy were risk factors for poorer QOL. Strong agreement between parents and their children QOL rating was seen in most of the QOL domains {overall QOL (p=0.001) physical well being (p=0.04), emotional feelings (p=0.0004), and social interaction (p=0.003) with the strongest correlation in the school domain (p=0.000004)}. Fifty three percent of the survivors showed clinical range of social incompetence with survivors who were diagnosed before the age of 3 were less socially competent than those who were diagnosed after this age (p<0.05), 63% expressed Internalizing behavioral problems and while 23% had Externalizing problems. CONCLUSION: This results demonstrate Chidhood cancer survivors are at significant risk of poor psychosocial functioning and QOL.

Comparison of Quality of Life with Standard of Living in Schizophrenic Out-patients

1992 ◽  
Vol 161 (6) ◽  
pp. 797-801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerstin Skantze ◽  
Ulf Malm ◽  
Sven J. Dencker ◽  
Philip R. A. May ◽  
Patrick Corrigan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Service System ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Living Standards ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Standard Of Living ◽  
Inner Experiences ◽  
Subjective View ◽  
Social Service System

Standard of living reflects the objective dimension of how well the basic needs of life are met, while quality of life is the patient's own subjective view of well-being and satisfaction with her/his life. Sixty-one schizophrenic out-patients completed self-report inventories and participated in interviews about quality of life and standard of living. When living standards were met by a well functioning social service system, patients' perceptions of their quality of life and their standard of living appeared to be independent. Subsequent analyses revealed that ‘inner experiences' was one quality-of-life domain frequently reported as unsatisfactory. Moreover, differences in quality of life were found across patients' age, education, and work status.

Publishing success of marketing academics: antecedents and outcomes

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 123-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Richard ◽  
Geoff Plimmer ◽  
Kim-Shyan Fam ◽  
Charles Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Academic Publishing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Publish Or Perish ◽  
Organisational Support ◽  
Longitudinal Data Collection ◽  
Perceived Organisational Support

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between positive incentives (perceived organisational support) and negative incentives (publish or perish), on both academic publication productivity and marketing academics’ quality of life. While publish-or-perish pressure is a common technique to improve academics’ performance, its punishment orientation may be poorly suited to the uncertain, creative work that research entails and be harmful to academics’ life satisfaction and other well-being variables. In particular, it may interfere with family commitments, and harm the careers of academic women. While perceived organisational support may be effective in encouraging research outputs and be positive for well-being, it may be insufficient as a motivator in the increasingly competitive and pressured world of academia. These issues are important for individual academics, for schools wishing to attract good staff, and the wider marketing discipline wanting to ensure high productivity and quality of life amongst its members. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual model was developed and empirically tested using self-report survey data from 1,005 academics across five continents. AMOS structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data. Findings – The findings indicate that the most important determinants of publishing success and improved well-being of academics is organisational support rather than a “publish-or-perish” culture. Research limitations/implications – The use of a self-report survey may have an impact (and potential bias) on the perceived importance and career effect of a “publish-or-perish” culture. However, current levels of the publish-or-perish culture appear to have become harmful, even for top academic publishers. Additional longitudinal data collection is proposed. Practical implications – The challenge to develop tertiary systems that support and facilitate world-leading research environments may reside more in organisational support, both perceived and real, rather than a continuation (or adoption) of a publish-or-perish environment. There are personal costs, in the form of health concerns and work–family conflict, associated with academic success, more so for women than men. Originality/value – This study is the first to empirically demonstrate the influence and importance of “publish-or-perish” and“perceived organisational support” management approaches on marketing academic publishing performance and academic well-being.

Health-Related Quality of Life after Coronary Revascularisation Surgery

1998 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-91
Author(s):  
Natius Oelofsen ◽  
Josua P.P. Fullard ◽  
Cheryl D. Foxcroft
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Artery Bypass ◽  
Bypass Graft ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

This study aimed to describe the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of South African coronary artery bypass graft recipients. The sample consisted of 31 participants (22 males and 9 females) with an average age of 58 years six months (SD = 5 years 9 months). Participants were assessed in their homes an average of 14.25 weeks after surgery (SD = 3.99 weeks). The assessment consisted of a structured interview, a self-report questionnaire, and a psychometric test battery that measured cognitive functioning. Data were analysed by computing descriptive statistics (percentages, means) and multivariate statistics to identify subgroups of the sample. Participants' HRQOL was described along the dimensions of symptoms, functional status and perceptions. Key findings included the following: All participants experienced relief from cardiac chest pain symptoms; subgroups were identified that experienced cognitive impairment and low levels of psychological well-being; the majority of participants (84%) believed that their health was good and 80% felt that the coronary bypass surgery had fulfilled their expectations; and overall, the findings emphasised the individualised nature of reactions to cardiac surgery and the importance of psychological variables in cardiac care.

scholarly journals Association of attachment anxiety and satisfaction with nasal surgery

2011 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-120
Author(s):  
C. Saragusty ◽  
E. Berant ◽  
E. Yaniv
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Attachment Style ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Attachment Anxiety ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Personality Factor ◽  
Surgery Outcome ◽  
Before And After

AIM: To investigate the possible contribution of attachment anxiety (AA) to satisfaction with the outcome of surgery. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with chronic sinusitis who were scheduled for FESS with septoplasty were asked to complete a panel of self-report measures assessing attachment style, quality of life, mental health, and degree of facial pain and nasal obstruction. The questionnaires were filled out two weeks before surgery and one month after surgery. One surgeon performed all procedures. RESULTS: Participants were divided into two groups according to AA scores: high anxiety in attachment and low anxiety in attachment. Postoperatively, the group as a whole showed significant improvement in quality of life, positive thoughts and improvement in pain and sinus congestion. The high AA group reported a significantly lower quality of life than the low AA group. There was an inverse correlation between AA and well-being before and after surgery, and between AA and pain amelioration after surgery. A positive correlation was noted between AA and mental distress. CONCLUSIONS: Even a basic personality factor such as AA can significantly impact patient satisfaction with surgery outcome. Surgeons performing surgery should bear in mind that success is partly related to the patient`s mental state and personality.

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