Positive mental health framework of transdiagnostic protective factors in elucidating the association between adverse childhood experiences and severe mental disorders

Objectives: Transdiagnostic risk factors—disrupted processes common to psychopathology—link adverse childhood experiences to severe mental disorders (i.e. major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders); however, transdiagnostic protective factors are understudied. The present study investigated the association between a positive mental health framework of protective intra- and interpersonal resources and severe mental disorders in individuals with adverse childhood experiences. We hypothesized that (1) individuals with adverse childhood experiences will experience more severe mental disorders and poorer intra- and interpersonal resources than those without adverse childhood experiences; (2) intrapersonal (e.g. general coping) and interpersonal resources (e.g. emotional support) will interact to predict severe mental disorders. Methods: A total of 1929 adults participated in this population-based study. Participants were assessed for adverse childhood experiences, severe mental disorders, and intra- and interpersonal resources (general coping, general affect, emotional support, interpersonal skills, spirituality, and personal growth and autonomy) via structured interviews and self-reports. Results: As hypothesized, individuals with adverse childhood experiences (62.6%) experienced more severe mental disorders and poorer intra- and interpersonal resources than those without adverse childhood experiences. Among those with adverse childhood experiences, emotional support interacted with general coping and general affect to predict severe mental disorders; general coping and general affect were negatively associated with severe mental disorders at high (+1 SD) and low (−1 SD) emotional support, respectively. Conclusions: The present study identified interactions between specific intrapersonal (i.e. general coping and general affect) and interpersonal resources (i.e. emotional support); knowing among whom and when to intervene are essential for optimal treatment of adverse childhood experiences and severe mental disorders.

Dimensions of perfectionism and constructive thinking as a coping response

The present study examined perfectionism and general coping ability as assessed by a new measure of constructive thinking. A sample of 77 students completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS) and the Constructive Thinking Inventory (CTI). The MPS provides measures of selforiented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism, while the CTI provides various measures, including summary scores of global constructive thinking, emotional coping, behavioral coping, categorical thinking, personal superstitious thinking, naive optimism, and esoteric thinking. Subjects also completed a measure of depressive symptoms so that we could examine perfectionism and coping independent of current levels of adjustment. The main finding was that socially prescribed perfectionism was associated with less constructive thinking and more negative coping across most of the CTI subscales, and these associations remained significant after removing variance due to levels of depression symptoms. Self-oriented perfectionism was adaptive in that it was associated with active forms of behavioral coping, but it was maladaptive in that it was associated with a form of emotional coping involving reduced self-acceptance. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for the cognitive treatment of perfectionists.<div><br></div><div><div>This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in: Flett, G. L., Russo, F. A., & Hewitt, P. L. (1994). Dimensions of perfectionism and constructive thinking as a coping response. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 12(3), 163-179. The final authenticated version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02354594</div></div>

Dimensions of perfectionism and constructive thinking as a coping response

The present study examined perfectionism and general coping ability as assessed by a new measure of constructive thinking. A sample of 77 students completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS) and the Constructive Thinking Inventory (CTI). The MPS provides measures of selforiented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism, while the CTI provides various measures, including summary scores of global constructive thinking, emotional coping, behavioral coping, categorical thinking, personal superstitious thinking, naive optimism, and esoteric thinking. Subjects also completed a measure of depressive symptoms so that we could examine perfectionism and coping independent of current levels of adjustment. The main finding was that socially prescribed perfectionism was associated with less constructive thinking and more negative coping across most of the CTI subscales, and these associations remained significant after removing variance due to levels of depression symptoms. Self-oriented perfectionism was adaptive in that it was associated with active forms of behavioral coping, but it was maladaptive in that it was associated with a form of emotional coping involving reduced self-acceptance. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for the cognitive treatment of perfectionists.<div><br></div><div><div>This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in: Flett, G. L., Russo, F. A., & Hewitt, P. L. (1994). Dimensions of perfectionism and constructive thinking as a coping response. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 12(3), 163-179. The final authenticated version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02354594</div></div>

Feasibility of Using a Mobile App for Stress in Middle-Aged Men and Women. (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Middle-aged adults (40 to 65 years) report higher stress than most age groups. There is a need to test the feasibility of using a meditation app to reduce stress and improve stress-related outcomes in both middle-aged men and women. OBJECTIVE Therefore, the purpose of this study was to: (1) determine the feasibility (i.e., acceptability and demand) of a consumer-based meditation app (i.e., Calm) to reduce stress in middle-aged adults reporting elevated stress; and (2) explore the preliminary effects of Calm on perceived stress, psychological outcomes (i.e., anxiety, depressive symptoms, mindfulness, general coping), health behaviors (i.e., physical activity, eating habits), and perceptions of COVID-19. METHODS The current study is a double-blind randomized controlled feasibility study testing a brief app-based meditation (i.e., Calm) intervention in middle-aged adults (N=83) with elevated stress levels (i.e., score greater than or equal to 15 on the Perceived Stress Scale) and limited or no previous experience with meditation. Participants were randomized to an app-based meditation intervention (Calm) or app-based education control group (POD). Participants completed self-report assessments at baseline and post-intervention (Week 4). Feasibility was measured as acceptability and demand using Bowen’s framework. Feasibility and COVID-19 perceptions data were examined via descriptive statistics. Preliminary effects were examined using repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS Participants were satisfied with the meditation intervention (96.4%; 27/28) and found it appropriate/useful (92.9%; 26/28). Most reported that they were likely to continue using Calm in the future (64.3%; 18/28). More participants in the Calm group reported satisfaction, appropriateness/usefulness, and intent to continue use compared to the control. Calm participants (n=33) averaged 20.0±31.1 minutes of meditation on the days they meditated and 103±109.1 minutes of meditation per week during the study. On average there was a 70.8% adherence rate to the prescribed meditation, compared to 62.2% in POD. Recruitment of men into the study was 34.9% (29/83). Of those randomized to Calm, 55.2% (15/29) were men. Retention among men was 93.3% (14/15) compared to 60% (12/20) for women. No significant within or between group differences in stress or psychological outcomes related to stress were observed nor were significant differences in health behaviors related to stress. CONCLUSIONS A four-week, app-based mindfulness meditation intervention (i.e., Calm) may be feasible in middle-aged adults. Calm participants expressed satisfaction with the intervention and felt it was appropriate and useful. However, significant improvements in perceived stress and psychological outcomes (i.e., anxiety, depressive symptoms, mindfulness and general coping) or health behaviors related to stress (i.e., physical activity, eating habits) were not observed. The majority of participants reported that COVID-19 negatively impacted their stress, mental health, and physical health. More research is needed for improving stress and stress related outcomes in middle-aged men and women using mindfulness meditation apps. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04272138; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04272138.

Modelling of Resilient Coping Strategies within the Framework of the Resilience Design Methodology for Load-Carrying Systems in Mechanical Engineering

During the development of load-carrying systems uncertainty caused by nescience can be handled applying resilience design. With this systematic approach, in addition to robust design, resilient system properties can be achieved. The resilience design methodology comprises new and extended models and methods. The central aspect of resilient properties is an adaptivity of the system. The procedure for resilience design starts with choosing a ‘general coping strategy’ appropriate for the design task. Based on this, a more detailed ‘system coping strategy’ is developed. This concrete strategy is based on the resilience functions responding, monitoring, anticipating and learning. The coping strategies always contain the function ‘responding’ because it represents the actual adaption of the system. The central, most abstract synthesis model for developing robust and resilient systems is the functional structure model. In this model the system functions and their interconnection by signals, material and energy flows are depicted. However, the realisation of resilience properties requires additional signals and flows. Hitherto, the functional structure for robust systems is static, whereas adaptivity requires flexible control of functions and flows. Therefore, an extension of the functional structure model is proposed to be able to depict the resilient system coping strategy and adaptivity. Within the resilient system the coping strategy is depicted by adaption functions based on the four resilience functions. Via an introduced interface and an enabler-structure the adaption functions are connected to the robust functional structure. The application of the proposed extension is illustrated by the example of a by-wire car brake system.

How to Cope with Perceived Tension towards Sustainable Consumption? Exploring Pro-Environmental Behavior Experts’ Coping Strategies

Pro-environmental behavior experts (PEBEXs) encounter tensions associated with sustainable consumption, just like other individuals. What distinguishes them is their high level of knowledge, motivation, and reflection on climate change topics, as intended by many downstream policy interventions targeting individual consumption behavior. Based on 31 problem-centered interviews with PEBEXs, we found two general coping strategies: contributing to maximizing sustainable consumption and accommodating to the minimization of perceived tension. These coping strategies offer a promising source of information for individuals in general on how to drive personal consumption behavior in more sustainable directions and how to deal with accompanying barriers and tensions. Because coping strategies can be trained, the introduced strategies can support the design of interventions targeting individual consumption decisions. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of accompanying upstream interventions, such as structural changes, to support individual behavior changes.

Star(tup) wars: decoupling task from relationship conflict

Purpose A strong relation between task and relationship conflict has toxic impact on teams and poses a high-risk factor in startup organizations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the moderating role of conflict behavior and related coping strategies on the relationship between task and relationship conflict in startup teams. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted surveys among 100 Dutch and German startup members (Study 1) and 75 Belgium startup members (Study 2). In Study 3, 75 startup members completed weekly surveys in 11 consecutive weeks. Findings Both Study 1 and 2 show that the positive association between task and relationship conflict is buffered by problem-solving conflict behavior while this relationship is amplified by the use of avoiding strategies in startup teams. Similarly, the results of Study 3 show that individual and team-level problem-focused coping over a period of 11 weeks buffers the association between task and relationship conflict during this period, while individual disengagement coping potentiates it. Originality/value This study adds to the literature on conflict management and entrepreneurship by studying conflict behavior as a moderator in the association between task and relationship conflict in startup teams. Moreover, it takes a comprehensive perspective by including coping strategies conceptually related to conflict behaviors at both individual and teamlevel, as moderators in this relationship. The results of this study provide practical recommendations for entrepreneurs on how to prevent conflict escalation via conflict-oriented behaviors and more general coping strategies.

EXPLORING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN RELIGIOUS COPING AND GENERAL COPING STRATEGIES IN OLDER LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS

Aging long-term care residents utilize a variety of coping strategies to manage stressors. While many older adults report religious faith is important in the coping process, it is unclear how religious coping appraisals and religious coping styles fit within a broader coping framework. This poster explores relationships between religious coping and general coping strategies in a convenience sample of older nursing home and assisted living residents (median age = 71.5). In this cross-sectional study, we interviewed residents (N = 102) from long-term care facilities (N = 11) in the Louisville metropolitan area and southern Indiana. Participants responded to questions about religious practices, religious coping, general coping, stress, life satisfaction, psychological distress, and health. The present analyses examined correlations between religious coping appraisals/styles and general coping strategies. We found: 1) small to moderate associations between theoretically adaptive religious coping appraisals/styles (e.g., positive appraisals, collaborative/deferring styles) and theoretically adaptive general coping strategies (e.g., positive reframing, instrumental support), and 2) small to moderate associations between theoretically maladaptive religious coping appraisals/styles (e.g., negative appraisals, self-directing styles) and theoretically maladaptive general coping strategies (e.g., denial, behavioral disengagement). Our results identify interesting conceptual relationships suggesting residents who report positive religious coping appraisals and less independent religious coping styles use adaptive coping strategies more frequently. These constructs may be explored in future research through examining their theoretical uniqueness and whether they independently account for variance in clinically-relevant outcomes. Further study of religious coping in these settings may help promote resilience and optimal aging for long-term care residents.

Manual-Based Personalized Intervention for Mothers of Children With SLD/ADHD: Effects on Maternal and Family Resources and Children’s Internalizing/Externalizing Behaviors

Objective: This study explored manual-based personalized intervention for mothers of children with SLD and/or ADHD, as possibly contributing to (a) mothers’ parenting-related emotional/coping resources, (b) family functioning, and (c) child adjustment, compared with a control group of mothers. Method: Participants were 73 mothers of a child formally diagnosed with SLD and/or ADHD ages 7-17. Mothers were assigned to an experimental (n=40) or control (n=33) group. Short-term intervention utilized a three-stage emotion–cognition–behavior model. Pre-post assessments included maternal affective resources (positive/negative affect, parenting stress), maternal coping resources (general coping strategies, coping specifically with diagnosed child’s negative emotions), family cohesion/adaptability, and diagnosed child’s externalizing/internalizing syndromes. Results: Significant interactions emerged between group (experimental/control) and time (pre/post) for most study variables. Conclusion: Findings clearly revealed the intervention’s significant impact. Only the trained mothers demonstrated significant gains over time for most of the maternal, family, and child indices, whereas the untrained mothers did not.

Coping strategies for exam stress

During the examination period, students experience a state of stress generated both by the exams themselves and by the fear of getting bad grades and implicitly a failure. This problem needs to be taken into consideration, not only because of the high percentage of students who suffer from it, but also because it has a negative effect on academic performance and self-esteem. Through this article, we tried to identify coping strategies used by students to cope with the exam stress (before, during and after the exam). We used the focus group technique on 32 students (divided into 4 groups). The students are from The Bucharest University of Economic Studies and they are enrolled in the pedagogical training module. Following the centralization of the opinions expressed during the discussions, we grouped the coping strategies into four categories: general coping (used during the semester), coping methods used before the exam (in the exam period), coping methods used during the exam itself, and coping methods used after the exam. As a result of this study, we believe that students and teachers have raised awareness of the importance of using positive coping strategies to lessen the stress associated with exams. The initiative to organize student stress management workshops was also launched