scholarly journals An Invitation to Act on the Value of Self-Care: Being a whole person in all that you do

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia H. Fiebig ◽  
Evelyn R. Gould ◽  
Siri Ming ◽  
Rebecca A. Watson
Keyword(s):  
Self Care ◽  
Behavioral Flexibility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Future Behavior ◽  
Whole Person ◽  
Burn Out ◽  
Behavior Analysts ◽  
The Face ◽  
Care Practices

The emergence of COVID-19 resulted in a sudden, unprecedented change in context that impacted the way behavior analysts live and work worldwide. Any rapidly shifting context requires behavioral flexibility, in addition to the acquisition of new skills and access to resources that foster resilience in the face of practical challenges and uncertainty about the future. Behavior analysts (particularly novice practitioners) may already be vulnerable to burn-out (Plantiveau et al., 2018), and in need of greater support to adopt protective self-care practices. Such practices will enable them to continue providing effective services to distressed families, while navigating their own challenges. This paper seeks to offer behavior analysts some tools and practices drawn from the work of contextual behavior scientists that can promote well-being and resilience. This includes strategies for clarifying and committing to an overarching value of self-care, acting congruently with personal and professional values across many domains of living, and practicing self-compassion in the process.

Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the mindful self-care scale among Brazilian palliative care providers

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Ana Cláudia Mesquita Garcia ◽  
Laura Soares Rodrigues Silva ◽  
Ana Cristina Gonçalves Ferreira ◽  
Vander Monteiro da Conceição ◽  
Everson Meireles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cultural Adaptation ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reliability Indices ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Hospice And Palliative Care

Abstract Objective This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS, 33-item) in a Brazilian hospice and palliative care context. Method This was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 336 Brazilian hospice and palliative care providers. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer — Quality of Life Group Translation Procedure protocol was used for the translation and the cultural adaptation process. Psychometric properties supporting the use of the MSCS were examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and correlation analysis with other instruments to assess congruence to related constructs (resilience and self-compassion). The reliability of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the MSCS was assessed using Cronbach's α and composite reliability coefficients. Results The six-factor (33-item) model showed a good fit to the data, with satisfactory reliability indices and adequate representation of the scale's internal structure. Further validity is evidenced in the significant, positive correlations found between the MSCS, and similar well-being constructs, namely the Self-Compassion and Resilience scales. Significance of results The findings reveal that the MSCS (33-item) is a valid, reliable, and culturally appropriate instrument to examine the practice of mindful self-care by hospice and palliative care providers in Brazil. More broadly, it represents a promising instrument for future research into self-care practices and well-being among Brazilian healthcare providers.

scholarly journals Predicting Professional Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction in Spanish Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 4366
Author(s):  
Noemí Sansó ◽  
Laura Galiana ◽  
Amparo Oliver ◽  
Macià Tomás-Salvá ◽  
Gabriel Vidal-Blanco
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Practice Environment ◽  
Professional Quality Of Life ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Professional Quality

Background: Dealing with suffering, grief, and death on a daily basis, together with the particular working conditions, may produce high levels of burnout in nurses, and hinder their well-being. The purpose of this research is to study the effect of self-care and self-compassion on nurses’ professional quality of life and well-being. Methods: The research had a cross-sectional design, used correlational methodology and a structural equation model was hypothesized. Along the study, 210 nurses from the Healthcare Public System of the Balearic Islands, participated. The study took place from June to September 2018. Results: The hypothesized model showed an overall adequate fit. Practice environment predicted both self-care and self-compassion, whereas nursing stress did not. Self-care and self-compassion predicted nurses’ professional quality of life, whereas the practice environment and nursing stress were not predictors. Finally, professional quality of life showed a positive relationship with life satisfaction. Conclusions: The study presents a comprehensive structural equation model in which self-care and self-compassion are the best predictors of nurses’ professional quality of life. A direct relation of professional quality of life and nurses’ well-being has also been found, while controlling for the effects of nurses’ practice environment and stress.

Development and Initial Validation of the Self-Care Practices Scale

Social Work ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28
Author(s):  
Jacquelyn J Lee ◽  
Shari E Miller ◽  
Brian E Bride
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
The Self ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Care Practices

Abstract Self-care is regarded as essential for effective social work practice, offsetting occupational stress and promoting well-being and resiliency among practitioners. However, the literature reveals a notable absence of psychometrically sound instruments to measure self-care. The purpose of the present study was to describe the development, refinement, and construct validity of the Self-Care Practices Scale (SCPS). The piloted version of the SCPS is a 38-item instrument designed to measure frequency of engagement in personal and professional self-care practices. Data were collected through mailed surveys from a random sample of master’s-level clinical social workers and members of the National Association of Social Workers (N = 492). Analysis supports the construct validity of an 18-item SCPS with two subscales that demonstrate strong internal validity. The SCPS is useful for social work educators, practitioners, and administrators to ascertain frequency of self-care practice and build a stronger culture of self-care. The role of SCPS in future research is discussed.

scholarly journals Well-Being Workshops in Eating Disorder Wards and Their Perceived Benefits to Patients and the Multi-Disciplinary Team: A Pilot Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 247
Author(s):  
Katherine Smith ◽  
Yasemin Dandil ◽  
Claire Baillie ◽  
Kate Tchanturia
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Structure ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Staff Burnout ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Multi Disciplinary Team

A more holistic definition of patients’ recovery from eating disorders (EDs) highlights that well-being interventions linked to self-compassion are under-researched and under-utilised. Staff burnout is also common in ED units (EDUs), linked to difficult relationships with patients and poor self-care, and is not well addressed. Therefore we piloted a series of joint well-being workshops to target these issues. Joint workshops were offered to patients (n = 55) and the multi-disciplinary team MDT (n = 34) in adult ED wards over two years. Experiences were evaluated quantitively and qualitatively. Mood post-workshops increased significantly for both groups (patients: p < 0.001, r = 0.49; MDT: z = 3.043, p = 0.002, r = 0.41), with the feeling that they deserved to take time for self-care (patients: z = 2.419, p = 0.016, r = 0.31); MDT: z = 2.814, p = 0.005, r = 0.38). Workshops were found to be enjoyable and highly relevant to well-being, but less useful by patients. Thematic analysis identified six themes: Enjoyment, recovery and well-being, relationships, content, structure and future ideas. Both groups experienced improved mood and increased enjoyment and awareness of well-being. Patient isolation was addressed, and the staff experienced stress reduction and increased productivity. Both groups experienced improved relationships.

scholarly journals The Words We Use, the Actions We Take, and the Perceptions We Hold: First-step assessments to inform wellness curricula and burnout prevention programming

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Horneffer-Ginter ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Self Care ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Prevention Programming ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Curricular Development ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
School Faculty

Introduction: In response to concerns about burnout, many medical schools have been initiating wellness curricula and programming. A key to the success of these efforts is having engagement from targeted audiences. Gathering input from these groups regarding preferred lexicon, wellness actions, and perceptions of judgement or guilt around such actions can help in developing and promoting such curricular and programmatic offerings. Engagement is especially important when it comes to the predictors of burnout (e.g., self-care, self-compassion, and emotional self-disclosure). Methods: Utilizing a focus-group methodology as a preliminary step, medical school faculty and students discussed terms regarding burnout predictors. Thematic analysis using grounded theory was used to analyze transcriptions with the generated preferred terms being incorporated into a follow-up survey. Surveys were completed by 23 faculty, 65 students, 23 residents, and 124 staff (n = 235). The survey asked for ranked preferences of lexicon terms, ratings of engagement and importance around wellness actions, perceptions of judgement and guilt around engaging in self-care, and disengagement and exhaustion via the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. Results: Overall, results revealed a preference for alternative language (i.e., “personal well-being” (p < 0.001), “being kind to yourself” (p < 0.001), “sharing your feelings” (p < 0.001)) compared to phrases commonly used in the wellness literature (i.e., self-care, self-compassion, and emotional self-disclosure). Engagement in self-care (p < 0.001), and self-compassion actions (p = 0.001) were inversely correlated with burnout, while perceptions of being judged (p < 0.001) and feeling guilty for self-care (p < 0.001) were positively correlated with burnout. Conclusion: Incorporating preferred lexicon terms and mitigation factors (correlating with the reduction of burnout) into wellness curricular development is encouraged as a valuable initial step for medical schools and organizations as they reach out to their intended audiences.

Disaster Responder Self-Care, Self-Compassion, and Protective Factors

2020 ◽  
pp. 169-189
Author(s):  
Gargi Roysircar ◽  
Allyssa M. Lanza ◽  
Marie F. Macedonia
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
T Test ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Post Hoc

The study examined the relationships among resilience, self-care, self-compassion of first responders. In addition, the study assessed the contributions of protective and risk factors to responders' resilience and disaster response competencies. Five research hypotheses and three research questions were examined with Pearson r correlations, multiple regressions, one t-test, one MANOVA, and post hoc tests, showing significant and meaningful results. In addition, the internal consistency reliabilities of the DRCQ scales were investigated which were strong to very strong. It was hypothesized and shown that there were significant positive relationships among self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. A second hypothesis was retained that the two dimensions of self-care (i.e., self-care practices and physical safety) were predictors of self-compassion. Responders who consciously observed self-care practices fostered and strengthened self-compassion and vice versa.

The self-care practices of school principals

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 435-451
Author(s):  
Joshua Ray ◽  
John Pijanowski ◽  
Kara Lasater
Keyword(s):  
School Principals ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Administrators ◽  
Effective Leaders ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
Care Practices

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore the well-being of school principals and the job-embedded demands responsible for challenging their adoption of healthy self-care practices.Design/methodology/approachDrawing upon a multidisciplinary theoretical framework that included contributions from the fields of neurobiology and psychology, three tiers of self-care needs were established to inform the study: basic physiological needs such as sleep, hydration, and nutrition; active self-care practices such as exercise, relaxation, and stress relief; and higher order needs such as belongingness and love addressed through work-life balance, volunteerism, and relational belonging. A 45-question survey containing Likert scale items and open-ended questions was returned from 473 practicing building administrators (a 24.4% response rate).FindingsFindings from this study, compared to estimates from the literature, indicate that school leaders work longer hours, are more sleep deprived, more dehydrated, have poorer diet practices, exercise less regularly, and spend less time with their friends and family than the general population. Administrators struggled to find ways within their control to improve their self-care behavior and offered suggestions regarding how the structure of the job itself might be changed to facilitate improving the health of school leaders.Originality/valueThis work offers insight into the current well-being of school principals, and by better understanding administrators’ self-care practices, this study can inform the field in developing supports, practices, and expectations, which promote the health and well-being of building-level leaders. Unhealthy self-care practices may influence their effectiveness, happiness, and possibly their longevity within the profession. Data collected through this study informed ideas about policies and procedures that could promote greater opportunities for healthier, more effective leaders within schools.

scholarly journals Just Moments: A Letter to Dr Peter Erickson

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1104-1106
Author(s):  
Paul E. Terry
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Health System ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Improve Population Health ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Individual Self

Practicing mindfulness is usually characterized as being “in the moment” and is most often associated with an effort to manage individual illness, stress, or well-being. This editorial memorializes my dear friend Pete Erickson who was an exemplar to making every moment count. But more importantly, moments he made with others were “just moments” in service to his community, moments that made others experience their community and their health system as more just places. In defining “just moments,” I cite the paper “Collective Well-being to Improve Population Health Outcomes” where the authors argued that well-being is a function of a group and that domains such as “connectedness” and “contribution” may have as much to do with well-being as does our usual focus on individual self-care practices.

scholarly journals Self-care behaviors and practices of nursing students: Review of literature

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-145
Author(s):  
Ahtisham Younas
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
The Difference

Self-care is a vital component of nursing practice and is essential for the well-being of human beings, that is, both patients and nurses. However, nurses and nursing students tend to focus more on self-care of their patients and often pay little or no attention to personal self-care. This literature review explored self-care behaviors and practices of nursing students in general as well as across academic years of the study. In total, 11 studies were reviewed and critically appraised to identify current trends regarding nursing students’ self-care practices and behaviors in nursing literature. Nursing students realized the importance of maintaining their diet, sleep, and activity level to improve physical and physiological health. However, they tend to neglect self-care practices which could improve their emotional and psychological health because of academic stress, workload, and inadequate knowledge about the strategies to improve self-care in this domain. There is limited evidence for drawing any conclusions regarding students’ use of complementary therapies for self-care, the difference between self-care practices of nursing and non-nursing students, the usefulness of different interventions for improving students’ self-care practices, and the differences between self-care practices and behaviors of students across academic years.

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