An Eight-Year Followup Study after Heart Transplantation: The Relevance of Psychosocial and Psychiatric Background

A heart transplantation (HT) is performed when a patient’s heart health has been severely compromised. However, the health care needs of a patient throughout the transplantation process are also significant. In order to investigate these postoperative heart transplant challenges, this study has two objectives: to find which psychosocial and psychiatric variables relate to good prognosis at the end of the followup period and to assess cognitive status and quality of life at the end of the study. Therefore, we divided the sample according to the completion success and then studied and compared the differences in participants’ personality, coping mechanisms, locus of control, clinical, and epidemiological information. Cognitive function and quality of life assessments were also undertaken for participants who completed their followup period. Higher significant differences were found in openness to experience (personality), self-perceived support (locus of control), and positive reinterpretation (coping) among those who completed the followup period. On the other hand, a higher age and current or historical psychiatric diagnoses were more prevalent in the group who did not complete the followup period. Our assessment of the participants after the followup period showed normal levels of cognitive function and quality of life.

Dark Times and Second Chances: Perceived Growth From Adversity

Using a lifespan perspective, we investigated a neglected aspect of research on religion, namely, whether perceptions of growth from adversity might strengthen religious worldviews, thus accounting for feelings about one's own death in old age. A directed content analysis of in-depth interviews from 16 adults aged 65+ focused on life events, religious worldviews, and death. Findings suggested that participants’ religious worldview beliefs were associated with positive reinterpretation of lifespan adversities such that stressors functioned as opportunities for spiritual growth. Participants’ views of and beliefs about death were without fear, indicating the potential influence of highly individualized and deeply spiritual religious worldview beliefs on the abatement of death fear.

Distress and coping in third year, 2020–2201 Portuguese medicine students

Background Medical students are often exposed to stressors, studies showing that one third of them suffers from depression, a larger figure then the general population and more vulnerable to stress comparing to other courses’ students. The use of coping strategies when medical students are in distress must be studied and then discussed with students. Methods Prospective cohort analytical study with two points in time evaluation, in a quasi-random sample, representative of the 3rd year students in the 2020/2021 school year. An epidemiological survey, Patient Health Questionnaire–4 (PHQ-4) and BRIEF-COPE were applied. In between evaluations results were presented two discussions and motivational interventions being made. Results In samples of n = 101 3rd year students in September, and n = 112 students in November students’ distress by PHQ-4 (P < 0.001), was worst in November and ‘Expression of feelings’ (P = 0.004) was more used in November in Brief-Cope questionnaire use. Increased use of coping strategies ‘Expression of feelings’ (P = 0.004) and ‘Planning’ (P = 0.045) and a decrease of ‘Substances abuse’ (P = 0.020) were found from September to November. A significant distress increase was verified in such period of time (P < 0.001). In November significant weak positive correlation, between the level of distress and the items in BRIEF-COPE, for the strategies ‘Use emotional support’, ‘Positive reinterpretation’, ‘Acceptance’, ‘Self-distraction’ and ‘Substance use’ and a significant negative correlation in the items ‘Plan’, ‘Self-blame’, ‘Behavioural divestment’ and ‘Humour’ were found. Conclusions A noteworthy rise in distress was found. Students significantly altered some coping tactics even though distress increased. These findings are troublesome and deserve further studies and attention.

Coping Seksual pada Suami yang Ditinggal Istri Bekerja Sebagai Tenaga Kerja Wanita

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui permasalahan apa yang terjadi dalam rumah tangga dampak dari kepergian seorang istri dan untuk mengetahui coping seks yang dilakukan seorang suami dalam mengatasi tekanan seksnya akibat tidak tersalurnya kebutuhan tersebut. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Subjek yang diteliti adalah suami yang ditinggal istri bekerja sebagai TKW dengan waktu kepergian lebih dari 1 tahun. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa berbagai permasalahan rumah tangga muncul akibat kepergian istri menjadi TKW seperti hilangnya komitmen, anak yang kehilangan sosok ibu, bahkan perceraian. Bentuk coping yang di lakukan subjek: Problem Focused Coping yaitu Planfull Problem Solving dan Seeking Social Support dengan cara mencari bergagai kesibukan lain untuk meminimalisir timbulnya keinginan seksnya. Kemudian Emotion Focused Coping yaitu acceptance, positive reinterpretation dengan cara menerima secara sadar dan ikhals bahwa tidak ada pasangan secara lansung dalam memenuhi kebutuhan seksnya, berfikir positif dengan bersabar, menjaga komitmen.

A Dual-Model of Posttraumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth in a Community Sample of Female Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Survivors from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are known psychological outcomes that can co-occur in the aftermath of a traumatic event. However, it is less clear how these outcomes interact – particularly for female survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) – and to what extent intermediary factors play a role in this relationship.<br/> Methods: In a sample of 192 war survivors from Bosnia & Herzegovina (n = 104 experienced CRSV, n = 88 did not), a structural equation model (LISREL 8.8) tested CRSV as a traumatic event, 'positive reinterpretation' (as a strategy of approach coping) and 'behavioural disengagement' (as a strategy of avoidance coping), and PTSD and PTG as psychosocial outcomes. A difference in the mechanisms by which PTG and PTSD interact in the two subgroups was hypothesised, given the differences in the nature of the trauma they experienced.<br/> Results: Through multiple indirect relationships, results showed that CRSV survivors respond to their trauma with both PTSD and PTG, suggesting a dual PTSDPTG mechanism. As for coping strategies, positive reinterpretation predicted greater PTG, and behavioural disengagement predicted greater PTSD. In the sample of nonsexual violence survivors, positive reinterpretation also remained a significant predictor of PTG.<br/> Conclusions: Positive reinterpretation as a coping strategy appears to be a stable characteristic that independently predicts PTG, irrespective of trauma type. Mental health professionals should take into account this mechanism when addressing the needs of CRSV survivors, but also war survivors more generally. Reframing traumatic events and post-trauma sequalae during treatment could lead to PTG and enhance recovery.

Basic Psychological Needs, Stress and Coping Strategies - A Comparative Analysis of Pre-Epidemic and Epidemic Experiences

Background: The global epidemic of SARS-CoV-2 caused various deprivations and threats and forced the implementation of drastic restrictions in the whole world, including Poland. Objectives: Recognizing the consequences of the epidemic in the context of basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration, the level of experienced stress, and the use of coping strategies.Design: The results of the pre-epidemic group (N = 626; aged 18 - 40) were compared with the results of the epidemic group (N = 282; aged 17 - 44). The following tests were used; BPNS&amp;FS (Chen et al., 2015), PSS (Cohen et al., 1983), and COPE (Carver et al., 1989).Results: Women from the epidemic group reported higher levels of stress, lower satisfaction and higher frustration of autonomy and competence than the control group. Men from the epidemic group differed from the control group only by a higher frustration of autonomy. We found significant differences in coping strategy preference. The epidemic group was characterized by the following strategies: acceptance, mental disengagement, restraint, positive reinterpretation and growth, use of emotional social support, and use of humor.Conclusions: The results are consistent with previously documented reactions to uncontrolled and critical stressors and indicate the adaptability of undertaken coping efforts.

LGBT, Muslim, and Heterosexism: The Experiences of Muslim Gay in Indonesia

Muslim gay and bisexual men have been facing various challenges when living in a homophobic and heterosexist society in Indonesia. However, the study of strategies they utilised to manage those homophobic attitudes, such as discrimination, prejudice, and stigma, of their sexual minority status is limited. Therefore, drawing on minority stress theory, this study explores the life experiences of Muslim gay or bisexual men in Indonesia, by focusing on the problems they faced and the strategies they used to address those issues. All participants aged between 20 and 27 years old, have self-identified as gay or bisexual men, Muslims or ex-Muslims, and have been living in Indonesia. The primary data collection was a semi-structured qualitative interview. The data were recorded and transcribed verbatim according to the research questions from a snowball sample of seven participants. The data were then analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that all the participants experienced sexual and religious related problems because of living in a homophobic society. These obstacles came in many forms, such as rejection, feelings of isolation and loneliness, and concerns. However, they employed strategies to solve problems, such as self-acceptance, self-control, positive reinterpretation, seeking social support, concealing, conversion, and migration. This study recommends those who support sexual minorities to help and support them in various ways, such as providing psychological services and counsellings.

Gambaran Coping Strategies pada Mahasiswa Universitas Padjadjaran

Stres berkaitan dengan kehidupan mahasiswa. Ketika tidak diatasi dengan tepat, resiko berbagai permasalahan dapat terjadi, mulai dari performa akademik hingga kesehatan. Oleh karena itu, coping strategies menjadi penting. Riset ini bertujuan untuk mencari tahu jenis coping strategies yang digunakan oleh mahasiswa. Pengumpulan data dilakukan secara online dan menggunakan convenient sampling diperoleh 339 responden mahasiswa Universitas Padjadjaran. Coping strategies diukur menggunakan COPE Inventory yang telah diadaptasi ke dalam bahasa Indonesia. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa coping strategy yang paling sering digunakan oleh mahasiswa Universitas Padjadjaran adalah turning to religion yang kemudian diikuti oleh positive reinterpretation and growth. Maladaptive coping strategies seperti focusing on and venting of emotion serta mental disengagement masih kerap digunakan sehingga diperlukan solusi untuk mengurangi strategi-strategi tersebut. Penelitian selanjutnya dapat mengeksplorasi lebih lanjut mengenai keefektivan coping strategies dengan mempertimbangkan tingkat stres yang dialami individu, dan melihat hubungannya dengan disposisional dan situasional coping strategies.Abstract. Stress is a part of college students’ lives. If students do not cope well with stress, there would be higher risks of problems, ranging from academic performance to a health problem. How individuals cope with stress is called coping strategies. This research aimed to find out what kind of coping strategies used by students of Universitas Padjadjaran. Data consist of 339 students selected through convenient sampling was collected through online forms. Coping strategies were measured using the COPE Inventory. The most used coping strategy among students is turning to religion, which was followed by positive reinterpretation and growth. Maladaptive coping strategies, such as focusing on and venting of emotion and mental disengagement, were still commonly used. This called for a solution to reduce the use of such strategies. Next, studies can further investigate the effectiveness of coping strategies by looking at the stress level experienced and its link to both dispositional and situational coping strategies.

A Dual-Model of Posttraumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth in a Community Sample of Female Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Survivors from Bosnia & Herzegovina

Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are increasingly acknowledged as psychological outcomes that can co-occur in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Less clear however, is how these outcomes interact – particularly for female survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) – and to what extent intermediary factors such as coping play a role in this relationship.Methods In a sample of 192 survivors of the 1990s conflict in Bosnia & Herzegovina; of whom 104 experienced CRSV, and 88 who did not, a structural equation model was tested using LISREL 8.8 that included CRSV as a traumatic event, ‘positive reinterpretation’ (as a strategy of approach coping) and ‘behavioural disengagement’ (as a strategy of avoidance coping), and PTSD and PTG as psychosocial outcomes. It was hypothesised that there would be differences in the mechanisms by which PTG and PTSD interact in the two subgroups, given the differences in the nature of the trauma they experienced.Results Through multiple indirect relationships, results showed that CRSV survivors respond to their trauma with both PTSD and PTG, substantiating a dual PTSD-PTG mechanism, as opposed to a single spectrum with these outcomes at the poles. With regard to coping strategies, positive reinterpretation predicted greater PTG, and behavioural disengagement predicted greater PTSD. In the sample of non-sexual violence survivors, positive reinterpretation also remained a significant predictor of PTG.Conclusions Findings suggest that positive reinterpretation as a coping strategy appears to be a stable characteristic that independently predicts PTG, irrespective of trauma type. Mental health care professionals should take into account this specific mechanism when addressing the needs of CRSV survivors, but also war survivors more generally. Reframing traumatic events and post-trauma sequalae during treatment could lead to greater PTG and enhance recovery.

A Dual-Model of Posttraumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth in a Community Sample of Female Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Survivors from Bosnia & Herzegovina

Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are increasingly acknowledged as psychological outcomes that can co-occur in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Less clear however, is how these outcomes interact – particularly for female survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) – and to what extent intermediary factors such as coping play a role in this relationship.Methods In a sample of 192 survivors of the 1990s conflict in Bosnia & Herzegovina; of whom 104 experienced CRSV, and 88 who did not, a structural equation model was tested using LISREL 8.8 that included CRSV as a traumatic event, ‘positive reinterpretation’ (as a strategy of approach coping) and ‘behavioural disengagement’ (as a strategy of avoidance coping), and PTSD and PTG as psychosocial outcomes. It was hypothesised that there would be differences in the mechanisms by which PTG and PTSD interact in the two subgroups, given the differences in the nature of the trauma they experienced.Results Through multiple indirect relationships, results showed that CRSV survivors respond to their trauma with both PTSD and PTG, substantiating a dual PTSD-PTG mechanism, as opposed to a single spectrum with these outcomes at the poles. With regard to coping strategies, positive reinterpretation predicted greater PTG, and behavioural disengagement predicted greater PTSD. In the sample of non-sexual violence survivors, positive reinterpretation also remained a significant predictor of PTG.Conclusions Findings suggest that positive reinterpretation as a coping strategy appears to be a stable characteristic that independently predicts PTG, irrespective of trauma type. Mental health care professionals should take into account this specific mechanism when addressing the needs of CRSV survivors, but also war survivors more generally. Reframing traumatic events and post-trauma sequalae during treatment could lead to greater PTG and enhance recovery.