The Resilience Enhancement Programme for Students (REP-S)

2022 ◽  
pp. 37-55
Author(s):  
Oliver Robinson ◽  
Ilham Sebah ◽  
Ana A. Avram
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Higher Education ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Empirical Evaluation ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Online Delivery ◽  
Online Platform ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Quantitative Design ◽  
The University

The Resilience Enhancement Programme for Students (REP-S) is an intervention that has been designed to boost resilience in students. The current study involved the remote delivery of the REP-S via an online platform to students, and an empirical evaluation of the intervention via a pre-post one-group quantitative design over one month and a post-intervention qualitative element. Fifty-six students from the University of Greenwich qualified for inclusion in the study. Results indicated that perceived stress and trait neuroticism decreased over the month of the study, while resilience increased. Engagement with the intervention also predicted a reduction in neuroticism. Students reported experiencing a complex range of difficulties over the duration of the pandemic and that 80% of participants found the workshop to be effective in addressing these problems. Overall, participants found more positives than negatives in the online delivery of the workshop. If rolled out on a wider basis, the REP-S has the potential to improve wellbeing and mental health across the higher education sector.

Student mental health and the general practitioner

1975 ◽  
Vol 13 (25) ◽  
pp. 99-100
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Higher Education ◽  
General Practitioner ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Student Health ◽  
Student Health Services ◽  
The University

Although most universities run a health service, students with important mental health problems are often seen by their general practitioner. There are a number of reasons for this; first, health services in the colleges of higher education outside universities are still patchy and incomplete. Second, students are on vacation for up to 24 weeks a year. Third, a student may choose to consult anyone, and may prefer someone unconnected with the university. Last, many students live at home and continue to see their general practitioner. This underlines the need for close liason between the general practitioner and student health services.

Supporting mental health during COVID-19 using a digital behaviour change intervention: an open-label, single-arm, pre-post intervention research study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Summers ◽  
Philip Wu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Behaviour Change Intervention ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Health Technologies

BACKGROUND COVID-19 is taking its toll on people's mental health, particularly as people are advised to adhere to social distancing, self-isolation measures and government imposed national lockdowns. Digital health technologies have an important role to play in keeping people connected and supporting mental health and wellbeing. Particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as even before this unprecedented time, mental health and social services were already stretched. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate the 12-week outcomes of the digitally delivered Gro Health platform, a digital behaviour change intervention for self-management of mental wellbeing, sleep, activity, and nutrition. METHODS The study used a quasi-experimental research design consisting of an open-label, single-arm, pre-post intervention engagement using a convenience sample. From adults who had joined the intervention and had a complete baseline dataset (GAD-7 Anxiety Test Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, PHQ-9 Patient Health Questionnaire), we followed all users for 12 weeks (N=273), including 33 (12.1%) who reported a positive COVID-19 diagnosis during the study period. Users engagement with the Gro Health platform was tracked by active minutes. RESULTS Of the 347 study participants, 273 (78.67%) completed both baseline and follow up surveys. Change in scores for anxiety, perceived stress and depression was predicted by app engagement with the strongest effect being seen in change perceived stress scores F(1,271)=251.397, p<0.001, with an R2 of .479. CONCLUSIONS A digital behaviour change platform that provides remote mental wellbeing support can be effective in managing depression, anxiety, and perceived stress during times of crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. CLINICALTRIAL Approved by Royal Holloway, University of London Ethics Board.

scholarly journals The impact of confinement in the psychosocial behaviour due COVID-19 among members of a Brazilian university

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402097131
Author(s):  
Heloísa Monteiro Amaral-Prado ◽  
Filipy Borghi ◽  
Tânia Maron Vichi Freire Mello ◽  
Dora Maria Grassi-Kassisse
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
University Environment ◽  
Final Exams ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Background: The current situation due COVID-19 may cause an eminent impact on mental health because the confinement restrictions. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare perceived stress, resilience, depression symptoms and coping strategies on the members of University of Campinas, in Brazil, before and during the outbreak of the COVID-19. Methods: Volunteers over 18 years of both sexes, members of the University of Campinas (Unicamp) in Brazil answered instruments related to perceived stress, depression, resilience and coping strategies during final exams at the end of semester during 2018 to 2020. Results: We obtained 1,135 responses (893 before COVID-19 and 242 during COVID-19). The volunteers did not show significant differences for perceived stress, depressive signs and resilience before and during the pandemic. In both periods, men exhibited lower scores for perceived stress and depression and higher scores for resilience when compared to women. Undergraduate and graduate students exhibited higher perceived stress scores, more pronounced depressive signs and lower resilience, and employees and professors presented lower scores for perceived stress, depressive signs and greater resilience. Conclusions: These first months of confinement did not directly affect the scores of perceived stress, depression and resilience, however, each subgroup adapted to the new routine by changing the coping strategy used. This study suggests the importance of monitoring the mental health of member in the university, especially in times of epidemic, in the search for policies that aim to improve the resilience of the population and seek positive and effective coping strategies within the university environment.

Mindful fellows: Study results from a pilot wellness curriculum in hematology oncology.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 10508-10508
Author(s):  
Monica Sheila Chatwal ◽  
Christine Vinci ◽  
Richard R. Reich ◽  
Marc McDowell ◽  
Angela Reagan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Physician Burnout ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Wellness Curriculum ◽  
Recruitment Target

10508 Background: Rates of physician burnout, depression, and career dissatisfaction are rising. It is imperative to develop solutions. Studies find mindfulness is an effective therapeutic means for physician burnout, but few programs address this in clinical trainees, specifically hematology oncology fellows. The aims of this pilot study were to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based wellness curriculum. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing this type of intervention in this population. Methods: In this single center, nonrandomized study, six monthly 30-45 minute sessions were integrated within the framework of existing didactic conferences. Each session had two parts – didactics on mindfulness and guided meditation exercises. Sessions were led by a social worker trained in mindfulness techniques. Participants completed pre and post intervention questionnaires, including Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) (Carlson, 2005), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (Cohen, 1983), and reflection questions, with an opportunity for free responses. The primary endpoint was feasibility as determined through recruitment (target 70%) and treatment adherence defined as participation and questionnaire completion (target 80%). A secondary aim was acceptability determined through self-reflection questions (target 80%). Results: A total of 27 participants (59% female) enrolled with 37% in post-graduate year 6 (PGY-6). Of the eligible fellows, 96% enrolled and 96% of participants completed questionnaires. On self-reflection questions, 65% reported that the program was useful and 81% reported they would participate again in the future. Participants suggested modifications including location, timing, and a broader scope to include skills in addition to mindfulness (e.g. resiliency-focused). Data on self-reported levels of stress and self-awareness, an exploratory aim, will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: Findings indicate that a mindfulness-based wellness curriculum was both feasible and acceptable for hematology oncology fellows. Modifications are being made to expand on this program, and incorporate it as a recurring component of the existing curriculum.

scholarly journals The Reality of Applying Knowledge Management Practices and Its Impact on Achieving the Quality of Higher Education in Jordan

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Mohammad Niqresh
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Main Tool ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Quality Of Higher Education ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
The University

This research aims to identify the reality of applying knowledge management practices and reveal their impact on achieving the quality of higher education in Jordan, and to identify the concept of knowledge management and the quality of higher education, and uncover knowledge management practices, and determine the components of applying knowledge management in higher education institutions. To achieve the research objectives, the researcher used the descriptive and analytical approach, relying on the questionnaire as the main tool for collecting research data. The research was applied to a sample consisting of (142) workers and those in charge of the educational process at Al-Balqa Applied University, who were chosen randomly. Among the most prominent results of this research is that there is an effect of knowledge management on higher education quality at Al-Balqa Applied University at the significance level (α= 0.05). As the results showed, one of the essential practices of knowledge innovation and creativity is that knowledge management encourages brainstorming to create new ideas and reveal tacit knowledge. One of the most important practices of applying the knowledge is that the university conducts tests on knowledge before applying it, while the essential practice of storing and distributing knowledge is that the university has many methods and means used to preserve knowledge. In light of the study results, the research recommends the need to pay attention to those in charge of the educational process and those working in it, support them and develop their capabilities, and work to implement the knowledge that it possesses through a specialized work team, and the necessity for the knowledge management to work on developing the creative vision of the employees at the university.   Received: 3 November 2020 / Accepted: 3 January 2021 / Published: 17 January 2021

scholarly journals Fear of COVID-19, Risk Perception and Stress Level in Polish Nurses During COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-9
Author(s):  
Joanna Dymecka ◽  
◽  
Anna Machnik-Czerwik ◽  
Jakub Filipkowski ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Severe Stress ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Results

Introduction. The outbreak of COVID-19 disease causes severe stress in health care workers, especially nurses. Nurses are at high risk of contracting the disease, as well as an increased risk of developing mental health symptoms such as fear, anxiety and work-related stress. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between fear of COVID-19, risk perception, perceived threat and stress in Polish nurses during COVID-19 outbreak. Material and Methods. 106 nurses participated in the study. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FOC-6), Risk of Contracting COVID-19 Scale and Perceived Threat of COVID-19 Scale were used in the study. Results. It has been shown that perceived stress, fear of COVID-19, perceived risk and threat are at high level. All the variables related to the perception of COVID-19 threat were significantly correlated with the perceived stress. The strongest relationship was between the risk of infection and perceived stress. Risk perception was statistically significant predictor of perceived stress. Conclusions. Polish nurses experience severe stress and perceive COVID-19 as a significant threat for their health and safety. In addition to protecting medical personnel from infection, nurses experiencing the highest levels of stress should be given psychological care and support, which could prevent the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health. (JNNN 2021;10(1):3–9)

The Adaptation and Evaluation of a Pilot Mindfulness Intervention Promoting Mental Health in Student Athletes

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Audrey G. Evers ◽  
Jessica A Somogie ◽  
Ian L. Wong ◽  
Jennifer D. Allen ◽  
Adolfo G. Cuevas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Short Form ◽  
University Of Southern California ◽  
Short Form Health Survey ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The University ◽  
Short Form Health

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a pilot mindfulness program for student athletes by assessing mental health, mindfulness ability, and perceived stress before and after the intervention. The mindfulness program was adapted from a program developed at the University of Southern California. The four-session intervention taught the basics of mindfulness, self-care skills, and guided meditations. Participants completed surveys before and after the intervention. Mindfulness ability was assessed with the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale, mental health was assessed with a modified Short Form Health Survey, and stress was assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale. After the intervention, participants reported improvement in mindfulness ability, t(28) = −2.61, p =  .014, mental health, t(28)  =  −2.87, p =  .008, and a trending improvement in perceived stress, t(28)  =  1.86, p =  .073. A short mindfulness program may be effective for improving mental health and mindfulness ability in collegiate student athletes.

Brief Report on the Outcomes of an Integrated Approach on Stress, Anxiety, and Persistent Pain for Veterans; Mindful Yoga and Auricular Acupuncture

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brosmer J ◽  
◽  
Gibson J ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Integrated Treatment ◽  
Persistent Pain ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Mental Health Provider ◽  
Auricular Acupuncture ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Sample Mean

Objective: The aim of this study was to pilot test an integrated treatment approach, including mindful yoga and auricular acupuncture, for Veterans with overlapping mental health disorders and persistent pain. Design: A single-arm, quasi-experimental study with a 12-week intervention period. Methods: Veterans were referred to the program through their established mental health provider, which was marketed as a trauma sensitive mindful yoga program with optional auricular acupuncture for Veterans currently undergoing mental health treatment. The program consisted of 12 weekly 90-minute group yoga sessions that included mindful breathing, mindful movement, and guided relaxation. Auricular acupuncture was also offered but not required prior to each yoga session, where five acupuncture points were targeted for relaxation and stress relief. Stress, pain, and anxiety were assessed pre and post intervention using the Perceived Stress Scale, the PEG scale, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale. Results: Out of fifty-five Veterans entering the program with a mental health diagnosis, twenty-seven Veterans completed the 12-week Mindful Yoga program. For those that completed the program, the average attendance was 9.5 out of 12 sessions. Means scores show improvement in perceived stress, pain, and anxiety compared with baseline scores. Statistically significant improvements were noted in both perceived stress (P = 0.0007) and anxiety (P = 0.0093). Conclusions: This study suggests that combining mindful yoga with auricular acupuncture can reduce symptoms of stress, pain, and anxiety in Veterans that commit to the program. Although this was a small sample, mean scores showed statistically significant improvements in perceived stress and anxiety and modest improvements in pain, warranting further study.

scholarly journals Enhancing Health Through Access to Nature: How Effective are Interventions in Woodlands in Deprived Urban Communities? A Quasi-experimental Study in Scotland, UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catharine Ward Thompson ◽  
Aldo Elizalde ◽  
Steven Cummins ◽  
Alastair H. Leyland ◽  
Willings Botha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Landscape Planning ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Post Intervention

High prevalence of poor mental health is a major public health problem. Natural environments may contribute to mitigating stress and enhancing health. However, there is little evidence on whether community-level interventions intended to increase exposure to natural environments can improve mental health and related behaviours. In the first study of its kind, we evaluated whether the implementation of a programme designed to improve the quality of, and access to, local woodlands in deprived communities in Scotland, UK, was associated with lower perceived stress or other health-related outcomes, using a controlled, repeat cross-sectional design with a nested prospective cohort. Interventions included physical changes to the woodlands and community engagement activities within the woodlands, with data collected at baseline (2013) and post-intervention (2014 and 2015). The interventions were, unexpectedly, associated with increased perceived stress compared to control sites. However, we observed significantly greater increases in stress for those living >500 m from intervention sites. Visits to nearby nature (woods and other green space) increased overall, and moderate physical activity levels also increased. In the intervention communities, those who visited natural environments showed smaller increases in stress than those who did not; there was also some evidence of increased nature connectedness and social cohesion. The intervention costs were modest but there were no significant changes in quality of life on which to base cost-effectiveness. Findings suggest factors not captured in the study may have contributed to the perceived stress patterns found. Wider community engagement and longer post-intervention follow-up may be needed to achieve significant health benefits from woodland interventions such as those described here. The study points to the challenges in evidencing the effectiveness of green space and forestry interventions to enhance health in urban environments, but also to potential benefits from more integrated approaches across health and landscape planning and management practice.

scholarly journals The Effects of Sleep Quality and Resilience on Perceived Stress, Dietary Behaviors, and Alcohol Misuse: A Mediation-Moderation Analysis of Higher Education Students from Asia, Europe, and North America during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 442
Author(s):  
Chen Du ◽  
Megan Chong Hueh Zan ◽  
Min Jung Cho ◽  
Jenifer I. Fenton ◽  
Pao Ying Hsiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Alcohol Misuse ◽  
The United States ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Dietary Behaviors ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Relationship

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the already high levels of stress that higher education students experience. Stress influences health behaviors, including those related to dietary behaviors, alcohol, and sleep; yet the effects of stress can be mitigated by resilience. To date, past research studying the connections between dietary behaviors, alcohol misuse, sleep, and resilience commonly investigated singular relationships between two of the constructs. The aim of the current study was to explore the relationships between these constructs in a more holistic manner using mediation and moderation analyses. Methods: Higher education students from China, Ireland, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, the Netherlands, and the United States were enrolled in a cross-sectional study from April to May 2020, which was during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic for most participants. An online survey, using validated tools, was distributed to assess perceived stress, dietary behaviors, alcohol misuse, sleep quality and duration, and resilience. Results: 2254 students completed the study. Results indicated that sleep quality mediated the relationship between perceived stress and dietary behaviors as well as the relationship between perceived stress and alcohol misuse. Further, increased resilience reduced the strength of the relationship between perceived stress and dietary behaviors but not alcohol misuse. Conclusion: Based on these results, higher education students are likely to benefit from sleep education and resilience training, especially during stressful events.

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