Measuring Motivation for Cognitive Effort as State

People's motivation to engage in cognitive effort is a variable which is relevant in different psychological domains (e.g., social cognition research). Despite its potential benefits, a psychometrically sound state measure of cognitive motivation is still lacking. We therefore developed the 10-item motivation for cognition (MFC) state scale based on the established conceptualization and measure of trait need for cognition (NFC). In two studies, we examined the psychometric properties of the new measure. Study 1 revealed that the MFC scale reliably measures a one-dimensional construct. Moreover, the MFC scale was related to NFC and choice of task effort in an expected manner. In Study 2, relationships with NFC, achievement motives, self-control capacity, subjective vitality, momentary affect, and choice of task effort provide further preliminary support for the MFC scale as being a valid measure of momentary cognitive motivation. We discuss the utility of the new scale in psychological research and practice.

Establishing a Contingency Plan to Improve Patient Comfort During Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Insertions: A Quality Improvement Effort

Highlights Abstract Background: Negative outcomes can occur when painful experiences related to needle procedures are not addressed. Patients at the institution in this study were not demonstrating sufficient levels of comfort during peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) placements, so formal assessment of discomfort or distress began via the Pediatric Sedation State Scale (PSSS), and an enhanced approach to comfort planning, built around the Comfort Promise, was implemented. Over 1 year, we aimed to increase the percent of patients meeting sufficient comfort during PICC insertions by our Vascular Access Team (VAT) from 54% to 65%. Methods: Initially, VAT staff were educated on use of the PSSS and began routinely charting the highest score obtained during each PICC placement. Interventions were delivered concurrently and included (1) changing the VAT culture, (2) process development, (3) consensus building and scale up, and (4) information system modifications. Results: During the project period, 421 PICC insertions were completed. From baseline to the last 8 months, the percent of patients rated as experiencing sufficient comfort (PSSS = 2–3) during PICC placement increased from 54% to 74%, with the percent of patients experiencing significant discomfort or distress (PSSS = 4–5) decreasing from 45% to under 7%. Conclusions: Success in this project required a culture change. Building consensus by engaging others and integrating with the processes, preferences, and priorities of each area was key. Future work will focus on increasing use of all Comfort Promise bundle elements, identifying patients at risk for escalation, and taking a long-term view to comfort planning, as well as applying lessons learned to other needle procedures.

Development of Toddlers’ Smartphone Flow State Scale: Parent Report Form

Toddlers come into contact with smartphones by the time they are 10 months old, and smartphones eventually become a part of the daily lives of toddlers because they are used as parenting tools and are also attractive toys. Routine exposure to these electronic devices may lead to excessive immersion, which can cause smartphone dependence when toddlers grow up. Based on Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of flow, we aimed to develop a new scale to measure the flow phenomenon in toddlers who are exposed to smartphones. We attempted to identify the constituent factors of a toddler’s flow in smartphones through a literature review, observations, and interviews. Initially, 32 questions were screened from the field verification stage and interviews; the final 20 questions were selected by combining technical statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and expert feasibility. We also found five eligible constituent factors, namely, a playfulness-oriented experience, reaction limited by concentration, and intentional pursuit to achieve the goal, assimilate into the virtual world, and acquire desire-fulfilling skills. We then performed a confirmatory factor analysis on our parent-reported toddlers’ smartphone flow state scale. To secure the criterion-related validity, the correlation between our scale and the preexisting smartphone dependence measurement tool for toddlers was evaluated. Cronbach’s α value of the toddlers’ smartphone flow state scale was 0.95 (each factor was verified as 0.79–0.92 and the explanatory power was 72.21%). The test–retest reliability was found to be stable with the intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficient value of 0.78 (p < 0.001). Our research findings suggest that this novel smartphone flow state scale for toddlers could be a valid and reliable tool for measuring how toddlers feel the flow phenomenon while using smartphones. Furthermore, our results could contribute to the development and evaluation of the interventions that prevent side effects from smartphone overflow in toddlers.

Translation and Validation of a State-Measure of Body Image Satisfaction: The Body Image State Scale

The aim of the present study is to test the validity and reliability of the French Body Image State Scale (F-BISS). The scale was translated using a back-translation technique, with discrepancies being settled through consensus. Three hundred and twelve female participants were recruited. Convergent validity was assessed using eating disorder evaluation and social comparison. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were also conducted. The translated Body Image State Scale (BISS) demonstrated good psychometric properties, with good internal consistency (α = 0.83), and adequate goodness-of-fit. The translated BISS presented a unifactorial structure, with one factor explaining 56% of the variance. The exploratory factor analysis led to the removal of a single item due to insufficient factor loading (&lt;0.45). Its convergent validity seems consistent with previous literature. Discriminant analyses showed a significant difference in F-BISS score between participants relative to eating disorder symptomatology (t = 11.65; p &lt; 0.001). This translation could prove useful in both research and clinical settings to assess state body satisfaction in French populations.

Prevalence of Maternal Postnatal Anxiety and Its Association With Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors: A Multicentre Study in Italy

Anxiety is a common perinatal disorder that can cause severe adverse consequences. This study (a) assesses the prevalence of maternal postnatal anxious symptomatology, and (b) analyses its association with demographic and socioeconomic variables as well as obstetric and other psychosocial variables. The assessment included 307 mothers aged ≥18 years with a biological baby aged ≤ 52 weeks and from seven Italian healthcare centres, evaluated using a Psychosocial and Clinical Assessment Form (also covering demographic and socioeconomic factors), and the state scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. We found an overall prevalence of self-reported postnatal anxious symptoms of 34.2%. More specifically, the prevalence was 34.5% at 1–24 weeks postpartum, and 30.8% at &gt;24 weeks postpartum. No associations between postnatal anxious symptoms and demographic or socioeconomic variables were observed. As regards the other variables, the findings indicated antenatal depression or anxiety, parity, and current psychological support from the partner as having the strongest relationships.

Psychometric Properties of Grief Traits and State Scale for Nurses to Measure Levels of Grief

Frequent exposure to patient deaths prompts nurses to experience grief. Unresolved grief leads to harmful consequences of nurses’ mental health and quality of nursing care. A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted to determine the psychometric properties of the Grief traits and State Scale for Nurses. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors measuring the level of nurses’ grief traits (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.84) and two factors in grief state (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.86). Nurses’ feelings of unable to provide good care were associated with a higher risk of grief (odds ratio (OR): 4.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45–12.75), uncomfortable feeling toward deaths (OR: 11.29, 95%CI: 1.48–85.91), and emotional exhaustion (OR: 7.12, 95%CI: 1.63–30.99). Results indicated that the scale was reliable in determining the levels of their grief. Nurse managers can use the scale to identify their nurses’ levels of grief, creating opportunities to influence the resolution of the grief experiences.

Research on the Flow Experience of Tai Chi Chuan

(1) ObjectivesTai Chi Chuan has substantial benefits of strengthening the body, helping people to maintain a high level of energy, etc. In this paper, we investigated the experience and psychology state of Tai Chi Chuan exercise.(2) Equipment and methodsBased on flow theory, we used semi-structured interviews and Chinese flow state scale 2 (CFSS2) to study the experience and psychology state of college students exercising Tai Chi Chuan. (3) ResultsIn the process of Tai Chi Chuan, there did exist flow experience or a similar mental state. The score of "autotelic experience " dimension increased with exercise years increased, and the increasing time spent on Tai Chi Chuan after class was positively related to the score of "action-awareness merging " and "concentration on the task at hand "dimension. Also, an interaction effect was found.

Mood responses to COVID-19: Implications for family practice in South Africa

The effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the mood responses of individuals is an important indicator of how society is coping with the pandemic. Characterising mood responses in a South African sample could prepare clinicians for possible presentations of mental health concerns in general practice. This study described mood responses during COVID-19 Alert Level 1. The sample of 641 participants who completed the Brunel Mood State Scale during November 2020 was drawn from primary healthcare and family medicine clinics and practices in Cape Town. Their mood response profile was described and compared with pre-COVID-19 norms. The mood profile represented an inverse iceberg profile, with mean scores deviating significantly from pre-COVID-19 norms across all six mood dimensions measured. The inverse iceberg profile had been associated with a range of psychopathologies, suggesting an increased risk of psychological disorders. The current profile of mood responses could alert clinicians to the possibility of increased mental health needs of patients. Patient reports of prolonged anxiety and fatigue, particularly when combined with low mood and low vigour, could signal the need for intervention or referral for further mental health support.

Mikrospołeczne podstawy (nie)skuteczności prawa. Reakcje na pandemiczne zakazy, nakazy i zalecenia w związku z rozprzestrzenianiem się COVID-19

The article discusses the reactions to the regulations of the Polish legal acts on limiting the spread of the COVID-19 which has been adopted in the first months of the pandemic. The author focuses on the perception and implementation of recommendations, bans, orders and restrictions introduced by the Polish authorities, mainly in the public sphere. The article discusses the assessments and behaviors resulting from the new regulations, as well as the motives of adaptation to rules such as keeping social distance, use of cloth face coverings, ban of non-essential movement. The analysis presents ways in which regulations that had never been introduced on a state scale were perceived and observed by representatives of Polish society, and how they determined social practices in the period under study. The analysis based on 150 qualitative interviews conducted between April and June 2020 as a part of the research project dealing with changes in social attitudes and lifestyles during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. The analysis also refers to the documents themselves and related information available in the public sphere.

Factors Influencing the Levels of Grief Among Indonesian Nurses

This study aimed to develop the Grief State Scale for Nurses to measure the level of nurses' grief and to identify items influencing grief levels among Indonesian nurses. A total of 267 questionnaires were analyzed and interpreted. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. Items influential in increasing nurses' grief were relating death with personal loss; patient's age/illness similar to nurse's family members; and having rapport with patients. Time and place to express grief, allocation of grieving time, and sharing collegial emotional expressions were items found to decrease levels of nurses' grief.