scholarly journals Premenstrual Symptoms and Work: Exploring Female Staff Experiences and Recommendations for Workplaces

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3647
Author(s):  
Claire Hardy ◽  
Myra S. Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Research Policy ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Hormonal Contraception ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Resilience ◽  
Work Absence ◽  
Higher Alcohol ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Premenstrual Symptoms

Most women experience some premenstrual symptoms during their reproductive years. Yet, this is an under-researched health issue, particularly in the context of work. This study aimed to: (i) understand the prevalence and severity of premenstrual symptoms experienced by working females, and their association with key work outcomes; (ii) explore factors that may be influencing these symptoms and their severity; and (iii) examine how organizations might help staff with premenstrual symptoms that may be impacting their working lives. An online, anonymous survey collected quantitative and qualitative data from 125 working women in the UK. Over 90% of the sample reported some premenstrual symptoms; 40% experienced premenstrual symptoms moderately or severely. Higher symptom severity was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with poor presenteeism, intention to reduce working hours, and higher work absence (time off work, being late, leaving early). Moderate/severe symptoms were significantly associated with several individual-related variables: lower perceived general health, higher alcohol consumption, poorer sleep quality, anxiety, depression, hormonal contraception, and using fewer coping approaches towards premenstrual symptoms (avoiding harm, adjusting energy levels); and work-related variables: poorer work–life balance, lower levels of psychological resilience, higher perceived work demands, less control over work. Disclosure of premenstrual symptoms and sickness absence because of premenstrual symptoms was very low, typically because of perceptions of appropriateness as a reason for work absence, gender of line managers (male), and it being a personal or embarrassing topic. Staff with moderate to severe premenstrual symptoms were statistically more likely to disclose reason for absence than those with milder symptoms. Recommendations and suggestions for employers and line managers include the need to train staff to improve knowledge about women’s experience of premenstrual symptoms, to be able to communicate effectively with women and to provide tailored support and resources for those who need it. Implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed.

379 Do Depressive Symptoms Mediate the Association Between Insomnia and Physical Activity?

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A150-A151
Author(s):  
Jamie Walker ◽  
Rebecca Campbell ◽  
Ivan Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Insomnia and depression are highly comorbid and have been shown to be independently associated with lower levels of physical activity. It is not clear, however, if being less physically active is a risk factor for or consequence of depression and insomnia. The factors that explain the associations between insomnia, depression, and physical activity are likely complex and overlapping. For example, insomnia may predict inactivity by impacting one’s energy levels, leaving them too tired to exercise. Insomnia may also interfere with one’s motivation to exercise due to low mood, as insomnia is associated with the development of depressive symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether depression mediated the link between insomnia and low levels of physical activity. Methods A national online survey was conducted from April-June 2020. Participants completed surveys to assess demographics, mood, sleep, and physical activity. Depressive symptoms were estimated with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Insomnia symptoms were estimated with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Physical activity levels were estimated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression, with separate models for depression, insomnia, and the combination of the two, on levels of physical activity. Results 3,952 adults (Mage = 46.9 years) completed the survey. According to the unadjusted models, greater insomnia symptoms were associated with greater depressive symptoms (b = 0.4523, SE = 0.019593, p &lt; .001), and lower levels of physical activity (b = -38.741, SE = 18.236, p = 0.0337). The relationship between insomnia and physical activity was no longer significant, however, when controlling for depression (b = -6.140, SE = 19.274, p = 0.75). According to the mediation analyses, there was an indirect effect of insomnia on physical activity that was explained by differences in depressive symptoms (Sobel Test = -4.895, SE = 6.518, p &lt; .001). Conclusion Our findings support previous research indicating associations between symptoms of insomnia and depression and physical activity. Future research should examine if these same results hold using a longitudinal design. Support (if any) Vargas: K23HL141581

scholarly journals Impact of Shift Work and Long Working Hours on Worker Cognitive Functions: Current Evidence and Future Research Needs

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6540
Author(s):  
Veruscka Leso ◽  
Luca Fontana ◽  
Angela Caturano ◽  
Ilaria Vetrani ◽  
Mauro Fedele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Night Work ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Long Working Hours ◽  
Main Determinants

Particular working conditions and/or organization of working time may cause important sleep disturbances that have been proposed to be predictive of cognitive decline. In this regard, circadian rhythm misalignment induced by exposure to night work or long working hours would be responsible for cognitive impairment. Nevertheless, evidence supporting this correlation is limited and several issues still need to be elucidated. In this regard, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the association between shift/night work and cognitive impairment and address its main determinants. Information provided by the reviewed studies suggested that night work might have serious immediate negative effects especially on cognitive domains related to attention, memory and response inhibition. Furthermore, cognitive performance would progressively worsen over consecutive night shifts or following exposure to very long work shifts. Otherwise, conflicting results emerged regarding the possible etiological role that night work chronic exposure would have on cognitive impairment. Therefore, circadian rhythm desynchronization, lack of sleep and fatigue resulting from night work may negatively impact worker’s cognitive efficiency. However, in light of the considerable methodological variability of the reviewed studies, we proposed to develop a standardized research and evaluation strategy in order to obtain a better and comprehensive understanding of this topic.

Psychometric Properties of a DSM-5-Based Screening Tool for Women's Perceptions of Premenstrual Symptoms

2021 ◽  
pp. 003329412097969
Author(s):  
Meghan A. Richards ◽  
Kirsten A. Oinonen
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Premenstrual Symptom ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Premenstrual Symptoms ◽  
Screening Measure ◽  
Dsm 5 ◽  
Symptom Screening ◽  
Women’S Perceptions

A premenstrual screening tool is needed when time constraints and attrition limit the feasibility of daily ratings. The present study examines the utility of a novel, 33-item, retrospective, dimensional, DSM-5-based, screening measure developed to explore women’s perceptions of premenstrual symptomatology. This is the first measure that examines perception of impairment for each DSM-5 symptom and assesses the frequency criterion. Participants (N = 331) reported symptoms ranging from none to a level consistent with a provisional DSM-5 diagnosis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Initial psychometric properties indicated a five-factor structure: (1) affective symptoms; (2) fatigue, sleep, and anhedonia; (3) symptom frequency; (4) impairment and severity of appetite change and physical symptoms; and (5) difficulty concentrating. The total symptom scale and the frequency, severity, and impairment subscales demonstrated high internal consistency. Strong correlations between this dimensional measure and other retrospective and prospective premenstrual symptom measures suggest strong convergent, concurrent, and predictive validity. Premenstrual symptom groups created using this screening measure (minimal, mild/moderate, severe) differed on other retrospective and prospective measures of premenstrual symptoms. There was evidence of divergent validity and lack of an acquiescence bias. We also report data describing women’s perceptions of the frequency, level of impairment, and level of severity for each DSM-5 PMDD symptom over a 12-month period and discuss implications for future research on premenstrual phenomenology. Initial evidence for the reliability and construct validity of this symptom screening measure suggests potential value for assessing premenstrual symptomatology in research and practice.

scholarly journals Updated systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the relationship between reported racism and health and well-being for children and youth: a protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e043722
Author(s):  
Naomi Priest ◽  
Kate Doery ◽  
Mandy Truong ◽  
Shuaijun Guo ◽  
Ryan Perry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Critical Determinant ◽  
Health And Well Being

IntroductionRacism is a critical determinant of health and health inequities for children and youth. This protocol aims to update the first systematic review conducted by Priest et al (2013), including a meta-analysis of findings. Based on previous empirical data, it is anticipated that child and youth health will be negatively impacted by racism. Findings from this review will provide updated evidence of effect sizes across outcomes and identify moderators and mediators of relationships between racism and health.Methods and analysisThis systematic review and meta-analysis will include studies that examine associations between experiences of racism and racial discrimination with health outcomes of children and youth aged 0–24 years. Exposure measures include self-reported or proxy reported systemic, interpersonal and intrapersonal racism. Outcome measures include general health and well-being, physical health, mental health, biological markers, healthcare utilisation and health behaviours. A comprehensive search of studies from the earliest time available to October 2020 will be conducted. A random effects meta-analysis will examine the average effect of racism on a range of health outcomes. Study-level moderation will test the difference in effect sizes with regard to various sample and exposure characteristics. This review has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews.Ethics and disseminationThis review will provide evidence for future research within the field and help to support policy and practice development. Results will be widely disseminated to both academic and non-academic audiences through peer-review publications, community summaries and presentations to research, policy, practice and community audiences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020184055.

scholarly journals Corruption in Construction Projects: Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4400
Author(s):  
Zhao Zhai ◽  
Ming Shan ◽  
Amos Darko ◽  
Albert P. C. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Global Research

Corruption has been identified as a major problem in construction projects. It can jeopardize the success of these projects. Consequently, corruption has garnered significant attention in the construction industry over the past two decades, and several studies on corruption in construction projects (CICP) have been conducted. Previous efforts to analyze and review this body of knowledge have been manual, qualitative and subjective, thus prone to bias and limited in the number of reviewed studies. There remains a lack of inclusive, quantitative, objective and computational analysis of global CICP research to inform future research, policy and practice. This study aims to address this lack by providing the first inclusive bibliometric study exploring the state-of-the-art of global CICP research. To this end, a quantitative and objective technique aided by CiteSpace was used to systematically and computationally analyze a large corpus of 542 studies retrieved from the Web of Science and published from 2000 to 2020. The findings revealed major and influential CICP research journals, persons, institutions, countries, references and areas of focus, as well as revealing how these interact with each other in research networks. This study contributes to the in-depth understanding of global research on CICP. By highlighting the principal research areas, gaps, emerging trends and directions, as well as patterns in CICP research, the findings could help researchers, practitioners and policy makers position their future CICP research and/or mitigation strategies.

Implementation of Pre–Employment Transition Services: A Content Analysis of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act State Plans

2021 ◽  
pp. 216514342199302
Author(s):  
Joshua P. Taylor ◽  
Holly N. Whittenburg ◽  
Magen Rooney-Kron ◽  
Tonya Gokita ◽  
Stephanie J. Lau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Transition Services ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Youth With Disabilities ◽  
Individuals With Disabilities ◽  
Integrated Employment ◽  
Employment Transition ◽  
Workforce Innovation

Many youth with disabilities experience persistently low rates of competitive integrated employment (CIE) and participation in higher education. In 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) established a policy focus on CIE as the goal of vocational services for youth and individuals with disabilities. In addition, WIOA created provision for Pre–Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to ensure that state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies focused sufficient resources toward transition-age youth. This study examined a sample of WIOA State Implementation Plans in depth using content analysis to identify how state VR agencies prioritized the provision of Pre-ETS services to youth with disabilities. Analysis of state plans resulted in three emergent themes: (a) instructional priorities, (b) instructional contexts, and (c) networks of stakeholders. We discuss the implications of these themes for future research, policy, and practice related to the employment of individuals with disabilities.

Using the Core Concepts Framework to Understand Three Generations of Inclusive Practices

Inclusion ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karrie A. Shogren ◽  
Michael L. Wehmeyer
Keyword(s):  
Research Policy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Third Generation ◽  
Inclusive Practices ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Inclusive Practice ◽  
The Core ◽  
Three Generations ◽  
Core Concepts ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This article analyzes the relationship between the core concepts of disability policy and the three generations of inclusive practices. Specifically, we review the three generations of inclusive practice, highlighting the core concepts that have been most strongly emphasized during each generation of inclusive practices. Because we are early in the third generation of inclusive practices, we conclude by examining how the core concepts can guide and direct third generation inclusive practices and how future research, policy, and practice can actualize the aspirational values of all of the core concepts to enable desired outcomes.

scholarly journals Effect of Preliminary Irradiation of 321 Steel Substrates with High-Intense Pulsed Ion Beams on Scratch Test Results of Subsequently Deposited AlN Coatings

Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1169
Author(s):  
Vladislav Tarbokov ◽  
Sergey Pavlov ◽  
Egor Smolyanskiy ◽  
Vladimir Uglov ◽  
Mikhail Slobodyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ion Beam ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Scratch Test ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Surface Layers ◽  
Emission Signal ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Modified Surface ◽  
Scratch Tests ◽  
Steel Substrates

The paper presents the effect of irradiation of 321 steel substrates with a high-intense pulsed ion beam (HIPIB) on changes in functional properties of the surface layers and tribological characteristics of AlN coatings subsequently deposited above by the reactive magnetron sputtering method. The morphology of the modified surface layers, their microhardness and free surface energy levels are presented for different HIPIB energy densities. HIPIB irradiation of the substrates caused variations in the results of scratch tests combined with the acoustic emission signal processing. Their analysis has enabled concluding that the crack initiation threshold could be at least doubled for the studied coating/substrate system due to preliminary HIPIB irradiation. Finally, the obtained data were discussed, and future research directions were proposed.

scholarly journals The Impostor Phenomenon Among Black Doctoral and Postdoctoral Scholars in STEM

10.28945/4613 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 433-460
Author(s):  
Devasmita Chakraverty
Keyword(s):  
Culturally Relevant ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Critical Mass ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Interview Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Impostor Phenomenon ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Underrepresented Groups

Aim/Purpose: This study examined experiences related to the impostor phenomenon among Black doctoral and postdoctoral scholars in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Background: Research on the impostor phenomenon is usually focused on undergraduates, especially for Blacks, with sparse research on Black doctoral and postdoctoral scholars. This phenomenon was originally investigated among Whites. Due to fewer studies on Blacks, culturally-relevant understanding of the impostor phenomenon is limited. Methodology: This study used surveys and interviews (convergent mixed-methods) to examine the impostor phenomenon among U.S.-based doctoral and postdoctoral scholars (together referred to as “trainees”) in STEM. Participants took a survey (that used the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale or CIPS to individually compute impostor phenomenon scores) and a one-on-one, semi-structured interview. Survey (with CIPS scores) and interview data were converged from the same participants, who were recruited from a national conference focused on minorities in STEM (convenience sampling). Using constant comparative method and analytic induction, interview-data were categorized into themes. Contribution: Findings documented race-based impostor-experiences, possibly culturally relevant to other groups of underrepresented minorities (URMs). Findings have implications for research, policy, and practice. These include future initiatives to broaden participation in STEM careers among the underrepresented groups, support those who might experience this phenomenon and transition challenges in academia, and create greater awareness of the challenges trainees face based on their background and life experiences. Findings: Surveys indicated moderate to intense impostor phenomenon among 15 participants at the time data were collected. Interviews with the same participants found six themes linked to the impostor phenomenon: 1) Being the only-one, 2) Lack of belonging, 3) Stereotyping, micro-aggression and judgment, 4) External appearances, 5) Feeling like the “diversity enhancers,” and 6) Complications of intersecting identities. Recommendations for Practitioners: Practitioners should consider the tensions and complications of Black identity and how it ties to training experiences in STEM as well as how race-based impostor phenomenon could shape an individual’s interaction with faculty, mentors, and peers. This knowledge could be helpful in designing professional development programs for Blacks. Recommendation for Researchers: Study findings could have research implications on the way doctoral and postdoctoral training is reimagined to be more inclusive and welcoming of diversity across multiple axes of gender, race/ethnicity, class, first-generation status, ability, sexual orientation, and country of origin, among others. Impact on Society: Black trainees could be vulnerable to leaving STEM fields due to their underrepresentation, lack of critical mass, racial discrimination, and other unpleasant experiences. Conversations around training, development, and means to address psychological distress could focus on culturally-relevant experiences of the impostor phenomenon. Future Research: Future research could look at the experiences of other underrepresented groups in STEM such as Native Americans and Hispanics as well as among faculty of color and individuals from other fields beyond STEM.

Working effectively and living contentedly in a foreign country: what human capital do expatriates require and develop?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reimara Valk
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Foreign Country ◽  
The Body ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Global Business ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Capital Model ◽  
Hr Managers ◽  
The Right

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the human capital (HC) expatriates require and develop during an international assignment (IA) to work effectively and live contentedly in a host country.Design/methodology/approachQualitative research entailing interviews with 78 expatriates and repatriates across the globe, investigating the competencies they developed and the HC they gained during their IAs.FindingsFive interrelated competence clusters were derived: cultural competence (CC); interpersonal competence; intrapersonal competence; global business competence; global leadership competence, each containing competencies crucial for expatriate success.Research limitations/implicationsThis study relied on self-reports by expatriates and repatriates. Future research should also include senior/line managers and chief human resource officers from a range of organizations across the world to gather their assessments on the competencies and HC of expatriates and repatriates.Practical implicationsLine/HR managers can use the designed “Expatriate/Repatriate Human Capital model” to assess an individual's overall readiness and capacity to perform effectively in a foreign country and culture and consecutively identify and select the right candidates to undertake IAs.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by presenting a HC model called the “Expatriate and Repatriate Human Capital Model; the body of competence”. The model identifies and defines the competencies/knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics (KSAOs) required for intercultural effectiveness and expatriate success and serves as a tool for the selection, training, development and performance evaluation of expatriates and repatriates, in order to aid the accomplishment of individual and organizational objectives.

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