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Health, psychology, and well-being

Works Count: 33965

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Description

This cluster of papers explores the concept of salutogenesis and sense of coherence in relation to health, well-being, and quality of life. It covers topics such as stress management, public health development, psychological resilience, and the role of sense of coherence in promoting healthy lifestyle choices. The papers also delve into the application of salutogenic principles in health promotion and the impact of sense of coherence on various health outcomes.

Keywords

Salutogenesis; Sense of Coherence; Health Promotion; Quality of Life; Stress Management; Public Health; Well-being; Psychological Resilience; Adolescent Health; Holistic Medicine

Health, stress and coping

1990-01-01

Aaron Antonovsky

The Family Stress Process

1983-04-27

Hamilton I. McCubbin , Joän M. Patterson

No abstract available for this article. No abstract available for this article.

Validity and reliability of the family APGAR as a test of family function.

1982-08-01

G Smilkstein , Clark D. Ashworth , Daniel E. Montaño

This paper offers evidence to support the use of the Family APGAR as a reliable, validated, utilitarian instrument to measure a subject's satisfaction with five components of family function. Mean … This paper offers evidence to support the use of the Family APGAR as a reliable, validated, utilitarian instrument to measure a subject's satisfaction with five components of family function. Mean total Family APGAR scores for several population groups are reported along with associated validity and reliability studies. A study from Taiwan supports the use of the Family APGAR in student populations 10 years of age and older. Studies are now under way to examine the use of the Family APGAR to correlate family function satisfaction with utilization of medical facilities, somatization, compliance, and the outcome of health problems.

The human quest for meaning : a handbook of psychological research and clinical applications

1998-01-01

Paul T. P. Wong , P. S. Fry

Contents: R.C. Barnes, Foreword. Introduction. Part I:Theoretical Approaches to Personal Meaning. S.R. Maddi, Creating Meaning Through Making Decisions. E. Klinger, The Search for Meaning in Evolutionary Perspective and Its Clinical … Contents: R.C. Barnes, Foreword. Introduction. Part I:Theoretical Approaches to Personal Meaning. S.R. Maddi, Creating Meaning Through Making Decisions. E. Klinger, The Search for Meaning in Evolutionary Perspective and Its Clinical Implications. D. Korotkov, The Sense of Coherence: Making Sense Out of Chaos. D.R. Beike, P.M. Niedenthal, The Process of Temporal Self-Comparison in Self-Evaluation and Life Satisfaction. P.S. Fry, The Development of Personal Meaning and Wisdom in Adolescence: A Reexamination of Moderating and Consolidating Factors and Influences. P.T.P. Wong, Implicit Theories of Meaningful Life and the Development of the Personal Meaning Profile. Part II:Research in Personal Meaning. K.L. Sommer, R.F. Baumeister, The Construction of Meaning From Life Events: Empirical Studies of Personal Narratives. R.A. Emmons, P.M. Colby, H.A. Kaiser, When Losses Lead to Gains: Personal Goals and the Recovery of Meaning. P. Ebersole, Types and Depth of Written Life Meaning. B.R. Little, Personal Project Pursuit: Dimensions and Dynamic of Personal Meaning. C.D. Ryff, B. Singer, The Role of Purpose in Life and Personal Growth in Positive Human Health. D.L. Debats, Measurement of Personal Meaning: The Psychometric Properties of the Life Regard Index. P.T.P. Wong, Academic Values and Achievement Motivation. Part III:The Role of Personal Meaning in Counseling and Psychotherapy. J. Fabry, The Calls of Meaning. E. Lukas, The Meaning of Life and the Goals in Life for Chronically Ill People. H.J.M. Hermans, Meaning as an Organized Process of Valuation: A Self-Confrontational Approach. C.J. Farran, D.R. Kuhn, Finding Meaning Through Caring for Persons With Alzheimer's Disease: Assessment and Intervention. P.T.P. Wong, Spirituality, Meaning, and Successful Aging. P.T.P. Wong, Meaning-Centered Counseling.

Toward a new definition of mental health

2015-06-01

Silvana Galderisi , Andreas Heinz , Marianne Kastrup +2 more

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses … According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” 1. This definition, while representing a substantial progress with respect to moving away from the conceptualization of mental health as a state of absence of mental illness, raises several concerns and lends itself to potential misunderstandings when it identifies positive feelings and positive functioning as key factors for mental health. In fact, regarding well-being as a key aspect of mental health is difficult to reconcile with the many challenging life situations in which well-being may even be unhealthy: most people would consider as mentally unhealthy an individual experiencing a state of well-being while killing several persons during a war action, and would regard as healthy a person feeling desperate after being fired from his/her job in a situation in which occupational opportunities are scarce. People in good mental health are often sad, unwell, angry or unhappy, and this is part of a fully lived life for a human being. In spite of this, mental health has been often conceptualized as a purely positive affect, marked by feelings of happiness and sense of mastery over the environment 2-4. Concepts used in several papers on mental health include both key aspects of the WHO definition, i.e. positive emotions and positive functioning. Keyes 5, 6 identifies three components of mental health: emotional well-being, psychological well-being and social well-being. Emotional well-being includes happiness, interest in life, and satisfaction; psychological well-being includes liking most parts of one's own personality, being good at managing the responsibilities of daily life, having good relationships with others, and being satisfied with one's own life; social well-being refers to positive functioning and involves having something to contribute to society (social contribution), feeling part of a community (social integration), believing that society is becoming a better place for all people (social actualization), and that the way society works makes sense to them (social coherence). However, such a perspective of mental health, influenced by hedonic and eudaimonic traditions, which champion positive emotions and excellence in functioning, respectively 7, risks excluding most adolescents, many of whom are somewhat shy, those who fight against perceived injustice and inequalities or are discouraged from doing so after years of useless efforts, as well as migrants and minorities experiencing rejection and discrimination. The concept of positive functioning is also translated by several definitions and theories about mental health into the ability to work productively 1, 8, and may lead to the wrong conclusion that an individual at an age or in a physical condition preventing her/him from working productively is not by definition in good mental health. Working productively and fruitfully is often not possible for contextual reasons (e.g., for migrants or for discriminated people), which may prevent people from contributing to their community. Jahoda 9 subdivided mental health into three domains: self-realization, in that individuals are able to fully exploit their potential; sense of mastery over the environment; and sense of autonomy, i.e. ability to identify, confront, and solve problems. Murphy 10 argued that these ideas were laden with cultural values considered important by North Americans. However, even for a North American person, it is hard to imagine, for example, that a mentally healthy human being in the hands of terrorists, under the threat of beheading, can experience a sense of happiness and mastery over the environment. The definition of mental health is clearly influenced by the culture that defines it. However, as also advocated by Vaillant 11, common sense should prevail and certain elements that have a universal importance for mental health might be identified. For example, in spite of cultural differences in eating habits, the acknowledgement of the importance of vitamins and the four basic food groups is universal. Aware of the fact that differences across countries in values, cultures and social background may hinder the achievement of a general consensus on the concept of mental health, we aimed at elaborating an inclusive definition, avoiding as much as possible restrictive and culture-bound statements. The concept that mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness 1, 8 was unanimously endorsed, while the equivalence between mental health and well-being/functioning was not, and a definition leaving room for a variety of emotional states and for “imperfect functioning” was drafted. The proposed definition is reported herewith: Mental health is a dynamic state of internal equilibrium which enables individuals to use their abilities in harmony with universal values of society. Basic cognitive and social skills; ability to recognize, express and modulate one's own emotions, as well as empathize with others; flexibility and ability to cope with adverse life events and function in social roles; and harmonious relationship between body and mind represent important components of mental health which contribute, to varying degrees, to the state of internal equilibrium. The addition of a note explaining what is meant in the definition by the expression “universal values” is deemed necessary, in the light of the misleading use of this expression in certain political and social circumstances. The values we are referring to are: respect and care for oneself and other living beings; recognition of connectedness between people; respect for the environment; respect for one's own and others' freedom. The concept of “dynamic state of internal equilibrium” is meant to reflect the fact that different life epochs require changes in the achieved equilibrium: adolescent crises, marriage, becoming a parent or retirement are good examples of life epochs requiring an active search for a new mental equilibrium. This concept also incorporates and acknowledges the reality that mentally healthy people may experience appropriate human emotions – including for example fear, anger, sadness and grief – whilst at the same time possessing sufficient resilience to timeously restore the dynamic state of internal equilibrium. All components proposed in the definition represent important but not mandatory aspects of mental health; as a matter of fact, they may contribute to a varying degree to the state of equilibrium, so that fully developed functions may offset an impairment in another aspect of mental functioning. For instance, a very empathetic person, highly interested in mutual sharing, may compensate for a moderate degree of cognitive impairment, and still find a satisfactory equilibrium and pursue her/his life goals. The main reasons underlying the choice of the components included in the definition are provided hereafter. Basic cognitive and social skills are regarded as an important component of mental health in the light of their impact on all aspects of everyday life 12-15. Cognitive skills include the ability to pay attention, remember and organize information, solve problems, and make decisions; social skills involve the ability to use one's own repertoire of verbal/non-verbal abilities to communicate and interact with others. All these abilities are interdependent and allow people to function in their environment. Reference to the “basic” level of these abilities is meant to clarify that mild degrees of impairment are compatible with mental health, while moderate to severe degrees of impairment, especially if not balanced by other aspects, may require support by other members of the society and a number of social incentives, such as facilitated job opportunities, financial benefits or ad hoc training programs. Emotional regulation, i.e. the ability to recognize, express and modulate one's own emotions, is also regarded as an important component of mental health 16. It has been proposed as a mediator of stress adjustment 17, 18, and a link between inappropriate or ineffective emotional regulation and depression has been found in clinical and neuroimaging studies 19-22. A variety of modulated emotional response options, that can be flexibly employed, contribute to an individual's mental health, and alexithymia (i.e., an inability to identify and express one's own emotions) is a risk factor for mental and physical disorders 23, 24. Empathy, i.e., the ability to experience and understand what others feel without confusion between oneself and others, enables individuals to communicate and interact in effective ways and to predict actions, intentions, and feelings of others 25. The absence of empathy is not only a risk factor for violence and a feature of antisocial personality disorder, but also impairs social interactions at all levels. Flexibility and ability to cope with adverse events are also deemed important to mental health maintenance. Flexibility refers to the ability to revise a course of action in the face of unpredicted difficulties or obstacles, change one's own ideas in the light of new evidence, and adapt to changes that different life epochs or contingent situations may require. Lack of flexibility may result in great distress for a person undergoing sudden and/or important life changes, and is an important aspect of several psychiatric disorders, such as obsessive personality or delusional disorder 26. The basic ability to function in social roles and to participate in meaningful social interactions is an important aspect of mental health and particularly contributes to resilience against distress; however, social exclusion and stigmatization often impair social participation, so any definition of mental health alluding to this aspect has to avoid “blaming the victim” and to carefully analyze social patterns of stigmatization, discrimination and exclusion that impair participation 27. The inclusion of a harmonious relationship between body and mind is based on the concept that mind, brain, organism and environment are heavily interconnected, and the overall experience of being in the world cannot be separated from the way in which one's body feels in its environment 28. Disturbances of this interaction may result in psychotic experiences, eating disorders, self-harm, body dysmorphic disorder or poor physical health. The definition of mental health drafted in this paper is aimed to overcome perspectives based on ideal norms or hedonic and eudaimonic theoretical traditions, in favor of an inclusive approach, as free as possible of restrictive and culture-bound statements, and as close as possible to human life experience, which is sometimes joyful, and at other times sad or disgusting or frightening; sometimes satisfactory, and at other times challenging or unsatisfactory. The proposed definition is also compatible with the recovery movement perspective, in which recovery after an illness is seen as a process aimed to attain a fulfilled and valued life by building on the functions spared by the illness, in spite of the fact that other functions have been impaired 29. This paper was drafted as part of the activities of the Committee on Ethical Issues of the European Psychiatric Association.

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Anxiety and its disorders: The nature and treatment of anxiety and panic

2005-11-16

Andrew W. Meisler

The Duke???UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire

1988-07-01

W E Broadhead , Stephen H. Gehlbach , Frank V. De Gruy +1 more

A 14-item, self-administered, multidimensional, functional social support questionnaire was designed and evaluated on 401 patients attending a family medicine clinic. Patients were selected from randomized time-frame sampling blocks during regular … A 14-item, self-administered, multidimensional, functional social support questionnaire was designed and evaluated on 401 patients attending a family medicine clinic. Patients were selected from randomized time-frame sampling blocks during regular office hours. The population was predominantly white, female, married, and under age 45. Eleven items remained after test-retest reliability was assessed over a 1- to 4-week follow-up period. Factor analysis and item remainder analysis reduced the remaining 11 items to a brief and easy-to-complete two-scale, eight-item functional social support instrument. Construct validity, concurrent validity, and discriminant validity are demonstrated for the two scales (confidant support—five items and affective support —three items). Factor analysis and correlations with other measures of social support suggest that the three remaining items (visits, instrumental support, and praise) are distinct entities that may need further study.

A Meta-Analytic Review of the Common-Sense Model of Illness Representations

2003-01-01

Martin S. Hagger , Sheina Orbell

Abstract A meta-analysis of empirical studies ( N = 45) adopting Leventhal, Meyer and Nerenz's (1980) Common Sense Model (CSM) of illness representations is presented. The average corrected intercorrelation matrix … Abstract A meta-analysis of empirical studies ( N = 45) adopting Leventhal, Meyer and Nerenz's (1980) Common Sense Model (CSM) of illness representations is presented. The average corrected intercorrelation matrix for the sample of studies showed that the CSM illness cognition dimensions of consequences, control/cure, identity and timeline followed a logical pattern supporting their construct and discriminant validity across illness types. A content analysis classified coping strategies into seven distinctive categories and health outcomes into six categories. Examining the average corrected correlation coefficients across the studies revealed that perceptions of a strong illness identity were significantly and positively related to the use of coping strategies of avoidance and emotion expression. In addition, perceived controllability of the illness was significantly associated with cognitive reappraisal, expressing emotions and problem-focused coping strategies. Perceptions of the illness as highly symptomatic, having a chronic timeline and serious consequences was significantly correlated with avoidance and expressing emotions coping strategies. Further, perceptions that the illness was curable/controllable was significantly and positively related to the adaptive outcomes of psychological well-being, social functioning and vitality and negatively related to psychological distress and disease state. Conversely, illness consequences, timeline and identity exhibited significant, negative relationships with psychological well being, role and social functioning and vitality. The analyses provide evidence for theoretically predictable relations between illness cognitions, coping and outcomes across studies. Keywords: Illness CognitionsSelf-regulation ModelResearch SynthesisClassification Of Coping

Theory-Based Stress Measurement

1990-01-01

Richard S. Lazarus

Although arguments about how to measure psychological stress are typically based on implicit epistemological and theoretical assumptions, stress measurement has almost never been truly theory driven. The objective of this … Although arguments about how to measure psychological stress are typically based on implicit epistemological and theoretical assumptions, stress measurement has almost never been truly theory driven. The objective of this article is to address several measurement and research issues that derive from my particular metatheoretical concepts of systems thinking, transaction, and process and from my substantive theoretical concepts, which center on appraisal and coping. These issues are illustrated with research on the Hassles Scale. I address four controversial issues with reasoned arguments, and, as might be anticipated, I take the view (a) that stress is mainly a subjective rather than objective phenomenon, (b) that it is best measured as seemingly minor annoyances rather than major cataclysms, (c) that confounding-although a problem-does not accountfor the relationship between stress and adaptational outcomes, and (d) that any stress measure should assess the contents or sources of stress rather than merely its degree. In addition, I argue for increased emphasis on psychological content in stress scales andfor greater attention to the individual's larger adaptational context, to a systems theory perspective, and to the time periods during which stress is sampled. Finally, I argue that we should abandon the measurement of stress, which tends to be too unidimensional, in favor of measuring the degree and quality of the emotions of daily living. Information derived from such measures could greatly expand our understanding of how individuals handle both positive and negative experiences.

The disability paradox: high quality of life against all odds

1999-04-01

Gary L. Albrecht , Patrick Devlieger

Spousal caregivers of dementia victims: longitudinal changes in immunity and health.

1991-07-01

Janice K. Kiecolt‐Glaser , Jason R. Dura , Carl E. Speicher +2 more

Providing long-term care for a demented relative profoundly affects caregivers' lives. We assessed changes in depression, immune function, and health in 69 spousal caregivers who had already been caregiving for … Providing long-term care for a demented relative profoundly affects caregivers' lives. We assessed changes in depression, immune function, and health in 69 spousal caregivers who had already been caregiving for an average of five years and 69 sociodemographically matched control subjects. Between the initial sample ("intake") and the follow-up data collected an average of 13 months later, caregivers showed decrements relative to controls on three measures of cellular immunity. Caregivers also reported significantly more days of infectious illness, primarily upper respiratory tract infections. Caregivers had a much greater incidence of depressive disorders than controls, with 25% of caregivers meeting syndromal criteria at intake and 32% at follow-up, compared with no cases among controls at intake and 6% at follow-up. Caregivers who reported lower levels of social support at intake and who were most distressed by dementia-related behaviors showed the greatest and most uniformly negative changes in immune function at follow-up.

A Global Measure of Perceived Stress

1983-12-01

Sheldon Cohen , Thomas W. Kamarck , Robin Mermelstein

This paper presents evidence from three samples, two of college students and one of participants in a community smoking-cessation program, for the reliability and validity of a 14-item instrument, the … This paper presents evidence from three samples, two of college students and one of participants in a community smoking-cessation program, for the reliability and validity of a 14-item instrument, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), designed to measure the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised as stressful. The PSS showed adequate reliability and, as predicted, was correlated with life-event scores, depressive and physical symptomatology, utilization of health services, social anxiety, and smoking-reduction maintenance. In all comparisons, the PSS was a better predictor of the outcome in question than were life-event scores. When compared to a depressive symptomatology scale, the PSS was found to measure a different and independently predictive construct. Additional data indicate adequate reliability and validity of a four-item version of the PSS for telephone interviews. The PSS is suggested for examining the role of nonspecific appraised stress in the etiology of disease and behavioral disorders and as an outcome measure of experienced levels of stress.

Social and Psychological Resources and Adaptation

2002-12-01

Stevan E. Hobfoll

Psychology has increasingly turned to the study of psychosocial resources in the examination of well-being. How resources are being studied and resource models that have been proffered are considered, and … Psychology has increasingly turned to the study of psychosocial resources in the examination of well-being. How resources are being studied and resource models that have been proffered are considered, and an attempt is made to examine elements that bridge across models. As resource models span health, community, cognitive, and clinical psychology, the question is raised of whether there is overuse of the resource metaphor or whether there exists some underlying principles that can be gleaned and incorporated to advance research. The contribution of resources for understanding multicultural and pan-historical adaptation in the face of challenge is considered.

Does coping help? A reexamination of the relation between coping and mental health.

1987-01-01

Carolyn M. Aldwin , Tracey A. Revenson

In a longitudinal community survey of 291 adults, we explored the relation between coping strategies and psychological symptoms. Respondents completed the revised Ways of Coping Scale (Folkman & Lazarus, 1985) … In a longitudinal community survey of 291 adults, we explored the relation between coping strategies and psychological symptoms. Respondents completed the revised Ways of Coping Scale (Folkman & Lazarus, 1985) for a self-named stressful episode. Factor analysis produced eight coping factors: three problem focused, four emotion focused, and one (support mobilization) that contained elements of both. Multiple regression analyses indicated bidirectionality in the relation between coping and psychological symptoms. Those in poorer mental health and under greater stress used less adaptive coping strategies, such as escapism, but coping efforts still affected mental health independent of prior symptom levels and degree of stress. We compared main versus interactive effects models of stress buffering. Main effects were confined primarily to the emotion-focused coping scales and showed little or negative impacts of coping on mental health; interactive effects, though small, were found with the problem-focused scales. The direction of the relation between problem-focused scales and symptoms may depend in part on perceived efficacy, or how the respondent thought he or she handled the problem. Implications for the measurement of adaptive coping mechanisms and their contextual appropriateness are discussed.

The case for positive emotions in the stress process

2007-11-16

Susan Folkman

For many decades, the stress process was described primarily in terms of negative emotions. However, robust evidence that positive emotions co-occurred with negative emotions during intensely stressful situations suggested the … For many decades, the stress process was described primarily in terms of negative emotions. However, robust evidence that positive emotions co-occurred with negative emotions during intensely stressful situations suggested the need to consider the possible roles of positive emotions in the stress process. About 10 years ago, these possibilities were incorporated into a revision of stress and coping theory (Folkman, 1997). This article summarizes the research reported during the intervening 10 years that pertains to the revised model. Evidence has accumulated regarding the co-occurrence of positive and negative emotions during stressful periods; the restorative function of positive emotions with respect to physiological, psychological, and social coping resources; and the kinds of coping processes that generate positive emotions including benefit finding and reminding, adaptive goal processes, reordering priorities, and infusing ordinary events with positive meaning. Overall, the evidence supports the propositions set forth in the revised model. Contrary to earlier tendencies to dismiss positive emotions, the evidence indicates they have important functions in the stress process and are related to coping processes that are distinct from those that regulate distress. Including positive emotions in future studies will help address an imbalance between research and clinical practice due to decades of nearly exclusive concern with the negative emotions.

Psychological predictors of heart disease: A quantitative review.

1987-01-01

Stephanie Booth‐Kewley , Howard S. Frıedman

Dynamics of a stressful encounter: Cognitive appraisal, coping, and encounter outcomes.

1986-01-01

Susan Folkman , et al

Despite the importance that is attributed to coping as a factor in psychological and somatic health outcomes, little is known about actual coping processes, the variables that influence them, and … Despite the importance that is attributed to coping as a factor in psychological and somatic health outcomes, little is known about actual coping processes, the variables that influence them, and their relation to the outcomes of the stressful encounters people experience in their day-to-day lives. This study uses an intraindividual analysis of the interrelations among primary appraisal (what was at stake in the encounter), secondary appraisal (coping options), eight forms of problem- and emotion-focused coping, and encounter outcomes in a sample of community-residing adults. Coping was strongly related to cognitive appraisal; the forms of coping that were used varied depending on what was at stake and the options for coping. Coping was also differentially related to satisfactory and unsatisfactory encounter outcomes. The findings clarify the functional relations among appraisal and coping variables and the outcomes of stressful encounters.

Validity of Antonovsky's sense of coherence scale: a systematic review

2005-05-23

Monica Eriksson , Bengt Lindström

Study objective: The aim of this paper is to systematically review and analyse the validity and reliability of Antonovsky’s life orientation questionnaire/sense of coherence scale (SOC). Design: The study is … Study objective: The aim of this paper is to systematically review and analyse the validity and reliability of Antonovsky’s life orientation questionnaire/sense of coherence scale (SOC). Design: The study is descriptive and analytical with a systematic integration of the contemporary knowledge base on the salutogenic research published 1992–2003. The review includes 458 scientific publications and 13 doctoral theses. Setting: Worldwide, based on postgraduate scientific publications in eight authorised databases, doctoral theses, and available books. Main results: The SOC questionnaire has been used in at least 33 languages in 32 countries with at least 15 different versions of the questionnaire. In 124 studies using SOC-29 the Cronbach’s α ranges from 0.70 to 0.95. The α values in 127 studies using SOC-13 range from 0.70 to 0.92, and in 60 studies using a modified SOC scale range from 0.35 to 0.91. Test-retest correlation show stability and range from 0.69 to 0.78 (1 year), 0.64 (3 years), 0.42 to 0.45 (4 years), 0.59 to 0.67 (5 years) to 0.54 (10 years). The means of SOC-29 range 100.50 (SD 28.50) to 164.50 (SD 17.10) points and SOC-13 from 35.39 (SD 0.10) to 77.60 (SD 13.80) points. After 10 years SOC seems to be comparatively stable, but not as stable as Antonovsky initially assumed. SOC tends to increase with age. The factorial structure of SOC seems rather to be multidimensional than unidimensional. SOC predicts a positive outcome in a long term perspective, although there are divergent findings reported. The SOC scale seems to be a reliable, valid, and cross culturally applicable instrument measuring how people manage stressful situations and stay well.

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Sex Differences in Coping Behavior: A Meta-Analytic Review and an Examination of Relative Coping

2002-02-01

Lisa K. Tamres , Denise L. Janicki , Vicki S. Helgeson

We used meta-analysis to examine recent studies of sex differences in coping. Women were more likely than men to engage in most coping strategies. The strongest effects showed that women … We used meta-analysis to examine recent studies of sex differences in coping. Women were more likely than men to engage in most coping strategies. The strongest effects showed that women were more likely to use strategies that involved verbal expressions to others or the self—to seek emotional support, ruminate about problems, and use positive self-talk. These sex differences were consistent across studies, supporting a dispositional level hypothesis. Other sex differences were dependent on the nature of the stressor, supporting role constraint theory. We also examined whether stressor appraisal (i.e., women's tendencies to appraise stressors as more severe) accountedfor sex differences in coping. We found some support for this idea. To circumvent this issue, we provide some data on relative coping. These data demonstrate that sex differences in relative coping are more in line with our intuitions about the differences in the ways men and women cope with distress.

Psychological Weil-Being: Meaning, Measurement, and Implications for Psychotherapy Research

1996-01-01

Carol D. Ryff , Burton H. Singer

A model of positive psychological functioning that emerges from diverse domains of theory and philosophy is presented. Six key dimensions of wellness are defined, and empirical research summarizing their empirical … A model of positive psychological functioning that emerges from diverse domains of theory and philosophy is presented. Six key dimensions of wellness are defined, and empirical research summarizing their empirical translation and sociodemographic correlates is presented. Variations in well-being are explored via studies of discrete life events and enduring human experiences. Life histories of the psychologically vulnerable and resilient, defined via the cross-classification of depression and well-being, are summarized. Implications of the focus on positive functioning for research on psychotherapy, quality of life, and mind/body linkages are reviewed.

Promoting and protecting mental health as flourishing: A complementary strategy for improving national mental health.

2007-01-01

Corey L. M. Keyes

This article summarizes the conception and diagnosis of the mental health continuum, the findings supporting the two continua model of mental health and illness, and the benefits of flourishing to … This article summarizes the conception and diagnosis of the mental health continuum, the findings supporting the two continua model of mental health and illness, and the benefits of flourishing to individuals and society. Completely mentally healthy adults--individuals free of a 12-month mental disorder and flourishing--reported the fewest missed days of work, the fewest half-day or greater work cutbacks, the healthiest psychosocial functioning (i.e., low helplessness, clear goals in life, high resilience, and high intimacy), the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease, the lowest number of chronic physical diseases with age, the fewest health limitations of activities of daily living, and lower health care utilization. However, the prevalence of flourishing is barely 20% in the adult population, indicating the need for a national program on mental health promotion to complement ongoing efforts to prevent and treat mental illness. Findings reveal a Black advantage in mental health as flourishing and no gender disparity in flourishing among Whites.

The Influence of Culture, Community, and the Nested‐Self in the Stress Process: Advancing Conservation of Resources Theory

2001-07-01

Stevan E. Hobfoll

Conservation of Resources (COR) theory predicts that resource loss is the principal ingredient in the stress process. Resource gain, in turn, is depicted as of increasing importance in the context … Conservation of Resources (COR) theory predicts that resource loss is the principal ingredient in the stress process. Resource gain, in turn, is depicted as of increasing importance in the context of loss. Because resources are also used to prevent resource loss, at each stage of the stress process people are increasingly vulnerable to negative stress sequelae, that if ongoing result in rapid and impactful loss spirals. COR theory is seen as an alternative to appraisal‐based stress theories because it relies more centrally on the objective and culturally construed nature of the environment in determining the stress process, rather than the individual’s personal construel. COR theory has been successfully employed in predicting a range of stress outcomes in organisational settings, health contexts, following traumatic stress, and in the face of everyday stressors. Recent advances in understanding the biological, cognitive, and social bases of stress responding are seen as consistent with the original formulation of COR theory, but call for envisioning of COR theory and the stress process within a more collectivist backdrop than was first posited. The role of both resource losses and gains in predicting positive stress outcomes is also considered. Finally, the limitations and applications of COR theory are discussed.

Marriage and health: His and hers.

2001-01-01

Janice K. Kiecolt‐Glaser , Tamara L. Newton

This review focuses on the pathway leading from the marital relationship to physical health. Evidence from 64 articles published in the past decade, particularly marital interaction studies, suggests that marital … This review focuses on the pathway leading from the marital relationship to physical health. Evidence from 64 articles published in the past decade, particularly marital interaction studies, suggests that marital functioning is consequential for health; negative dimensions of marital functioning have indirect influences on health outcomes through depression and health habits, and direct influences on cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, neurosensory, and other physiological mechanisms. Moreover, individual difference variables such as trait hostility augment the impact of marital processes on biological systems. Emerging themes in the past decade include the importance of differentiating positive and negative dimensions of marital functioning, the explanatory power of behavioral data, and gender differences in the pathways from the marital relationship to physiological functioning. Contemporary models of gender that emphasize self-processes, traits, and roles furnish alternative perspectives on the differential costs and benefits of marriage for men's and women's health.

Meaning in the Context of Stress and Coping

1997-06-01

Crystal L. Park , Susan Folkman

Although theoretical and empirical work on topics related to meaning and meaning making proliferate, careful evaluation and integration of this area have not been carried out. Toward this end, this … Although theoretical and empirical work on topics related to meaning and meaning making proliferate, careful evaluation and integration of this area have not been carried out. Toward this end, this article has 3 goals: (a) to elaborate the critical dimensions of meaning as it relates to stressful life events and conditions, (b) to extend the transactional model of stress and coping to include these dimensions, and (c) to provide a framework for understanding current research and directions for future research within this extended model. First, the authors present a framework for understanding diverse conceptual and operational definitions of meaning by distinguishing 2 levels of meaning, termed global meaning and situationalmeaning. Second, the authors use this framework to review and synthesize the literature on the functions of meaning in the coping process and propose a definition of meaningmaking that highlights the critical role of reappraisal. The authors specify the roles of attributions throughout the coping process and discuss implications for future research.

The Contours of Positive Human Health

1998-01-01

Carol D. Ryff , Burton H. Singer

Abstract The primary objectives of this article are (a) to put forth an explicit operational formulation of positive human health that goes beyond prevailing "absence of illness" criteria; (b) to … Abstract The primary objectives of this article are (a) to put forth an explicit operational formulation of positive human health that goes beyond prevailing "absence of illness" criteria; (b) to clarify that positive human health does not derive from extant medical considerations, which are not about wellness, but necessarily require a base in philosophical accounts of the "goods" in life; (c) to provoke a change of emphasis from strong tendencies to construe human health as exclusively about the mind or the body toward an integrated and positive spiral of mind-body influences; (d) to delineate possible physiological substrates of human flourishing and offer future directions for understanding the biology of positive health; and (e) to discuss implications of positive health for diverse scientific agendas (e.g., stress, class and health, work and family life) and for practice in health fields (e.g., training, health examinations, psychotherapy, and wellness intervention programs).

Social support as coping assistance.

1986-01-01

Peggy A. Thoits

Tour d'horizon de la litterature sur le comportement d'aide a l'affrontement a la situation de stress. Eloge de l'empathie Tour d'horizon de la litterature sur le comportement d'aide a l'affrontement a la situation de stress. Eloge de l'empathie

Development of the perceived stress questionnaire: A new tool for psychosomatic research

1993-01-01

S Levenstein , Cosimo Prantera , Vilma Varvo +4 more

Effects of daily stress on negative mood.

1989-01-01

Niall Bolger , Anita DeLongis , Ronald C. Kessler +1 more

This article examines the influence of daily stressors on mental health in a community sample. Ss were 166 married couples who completed diaries each day for 6 weeks. In pooled … This article examines the influence of daily stressors on mental health in a community sample. Ss were 166 married couples who completed diaries each day for 6 weeks. In pooled within-person analyses, daily stressors explained up to 20% of the variance in mood. Interpersonal conflicts were by far the most distressing events. Furthermore, when stressors occurred on a series of days, emotional habituation occurred by the second day for almost all events except interpersonal conflicts. Contrary to certain theoretical accounts, multiple stressors on the same day did not exacerbate one another's effects: rather an emotional plateau occurred. Finally on days following a stressful event, mood was better than it would have been if the stressor had not happened. These results reveal the complex emotional effects of daily stressors, and in particular they suggest that future investigations should focus primarily on interpersonal conflicts.

Gender differences in stress and coping styles

2004-03-14

María Pilar Matud Aznar

Antonovsky's sense of coherence scale and the relation with health: a systematic review

2006-04-13

Maria Eriksson

The aim of this paper is to synthesise empirical findings on the salutogenic concept sense of coherence (SOC) and examine its capacity to explain health and its dimensions.The study is … The aim of this paper is to synthesise empirical findings on the salutogenic concept sense of coherence (SOC) and examine its capacity to explain health and its dimensions.The study is descriptive and analytical with a systematic integration of the contemporary knowledge base on the salutogenic research published 1992-2003. The review includes 458 scientific publications and 13 doctoral theses.Worldwide, based on postgraduate scientific publications in eight authorised databases, doctoral theses, and available books.SOC is strongly related to perceived health, especially mental health. The stronger the SOC the better the perceived health in general, at least for those with an initial high SOC. This relation is manifested in study populations regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, nationality, and study design. SOC seems to have a main, moderating or mediating role in the explanation of health. Furthermore, the SOC seems to be able to predict health. SOC is an important contributor for the development and maintenance of people's health but does not alone explain the overall health.SOC seems to be a health promoting resource, which strengthens resilience and develops a positive subjective state of health. Salutogenesis is a valuable approach for health promotion and would be worth to implement in practice much more than to date.

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A new rating scale for adult resilience: what are the central protective resources behind healthy adjustment?

2003-06-01

Oddgeir Friborg , Odin Hjemdal , Jan H. Rosenvinge +1 more

Abstract Resources that protect against the development of psychiatric disturbances are reported to be a significant force behind healthy adjustment to life stresses, rather than the absence of risk factors. … Abstract Resources that protect against the development of psychiatric disturbances are reported to be a significant force behind healthy adjustment to life stresses, rather than the absence of risk factors. In this paper a new scale for measuring the presence of protective resources that promote adult resilience is validated. The preliminary version of the scale consisted of 45 items covering five dimensions: personal competence, social competence, family coherence, social support and personal structure. The Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), the Sense of Coherence scale (SOC) and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL) were given to 59 patients once, and to 276 normal controls twice, separated by four months. The factor structure was replicated. The respective dimensions had Cronbach's alphas of 0.90, 0.83, 0.87, 0.83 and 0.67, and four‐month test‐retest correlations of 0.79, 0.84, 0.77, 0.69 and 0.74. Construct validity was supported by positive correlations with SOC and negative correlations with HSCL. The RSA differentiated between patients and healthy control subjects. Discriminant validity was indicated by differential positive correlations between RSA subscales and SOC. The RSA‐scale might be used as a valid and reliable measurement in health and clinical psychology to assess the presence of protective factors important to regain and maintain mental health. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.

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Evaluation of the mental health continuum–short form (MHC–SF) in setswana‐speaking South Africans

2008-05-01

Corey L. M. Keyes , Marié P. Wissing , Johan P. Potgieter +3 more

A continuous assessment and a categorical diagnosis of the presence of mental health, described as flourishing, and the absence of mental health, characterized as languishing, is applied to a random … A continuous assessment and a categorical diagnosis of the presence of mental health, described as flourishing, and the absence of mental health, characterized as languishing, is applied to a random sample of 1050 Setswana-speaking adults in the Northwest province of South Africa. Factor analysis revealed that the mental health continuum-short form (MHC-SF) replicated the three-factor structure of emotional, psychological and social well-being found in US samples. The internal reliability of the overall MHC-SF Scale was 0.74. The total score on the MHC-SF correlated 0.52 with a measure of positive affect, between 0.35 and 0.40 with measures of generalized self-efficacy and satisfaction with life, and between 0.30 and 0.35 with measures of coping strategies, sense of coherence, and community collective self-efficacy. The total score on the MHC-SF correlated -0.22 with the total score on the General Health Questionnaire. Criteria for the categorical diagnosis were applied, and findings revealed that 20% were flourishing, 67.8% were moderately mentally healthy, and 12.2% were languishing. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the hypothesized two-continua model of mental health and mental illness found in the USA.

The salutogenic model as a theory to guide health promotion

1996-01-01

Aaron Antonovsky

This paper provides a critical look at the challenges facing the field of health promotion. Pointing to the persistence of the disease orientation and the limits of risk factor approaches … This paper provides a critical look at the challenges facing the field of health promotion. Pointing to the persistence of the disease orientation and the limits of risk factor approaches for conceptualizing and conducting research on health, the salutogenic orientation is presented as a more viable paradigm for health promotion research and practice. The Sense of Coherence framework is offered as a useful theory for taking a salutogenic approach to health research.

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Solastalgia: The Distress Caused by Environmental Change

2007-02-01

Glenn Albrecht , Gina-Maree Sartore , Linda Connor +6 more

Objective: Solastalgia is a new concept developed to give greater meaning and clarity to environmentally induced distress. As opposed to nostalgia – the melancholia or homesickness experienced by individuals when … Objective: Solastalgia is a new concept developed to give greater meaning and clarity to environmentally induced distress. As opposed to nostalgia – the melancholia or homesickness experienced by individuals when separated from a loved home – solastalgia is the distress that is produced by environmental change impacting on people while they are directly connected to their home environment. The paper will focus on two contexts where collaborative research teams have found solastalgia to be evident: the experiences of persistent drought in rural NSW and the impact of large-scale open-cut coal mining on individuals in the Upper Hunter Valley of NSW. In both cases, people exposed to environmental change experienced negative affect that is exacerbated by a sense of powerlessness or lack of control over the unfolding change process. Methods: Qualitative (interviews and focus groups) and quantitative (community-based surveys) research has been conducted on the lived experience of drought and mining, and the findings relevant to solastalgia are presented. Results: The authors are exploring the potential uses and applications of the concept of solastalgia for understanding the psychological impact of the increasing incidence of environmental change worldwide. Conclusions: Worldwide, there is an increase in ecosystem distress syndromes matched by a corresponding increase in human distress syndromes. The specific role played by global-scale environmental challenges to ‘sense of place’ and identity will be explored in the future development of the concept of solastalgia.

THE ASSESSMENT OF ANXIETY STATES BY RATING

1959-03-01

Max Hamilton

Psychological Stress and Disease

2007-10-09

Sheldon Cohen , Denise Janicki‐Deverts , Gregory E. Miller

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to use our site, or clicking "Continue," you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy | Continue JAMA HomeNew OnlineCurrent IssueFor … Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to use our site, or clicking "Continue," you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy | Continue JAMA HomeNew OnlineCurrent IssueFor Authors Podcasts Clinical Reviews Editors' Summary Medical News Author Interviews More Publications JAMA JAMA Network Open JAMA Cardiology JAMA Dermatology JAMA Health Forum JAMA Internal Medicine JAMA Neurology JAMA Oncology JAMA Ophthalmology JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery JAMA Pediatrics JAMA Psychiatry JAMA Surgery Archives of Neurology & Psychiatry (1919-1959) JN Learning / CMESubscribeJobsInstitutions / LibrariansReprints & Permissions Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement 2023 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved Search All JAMA JAMA Network Open JAMA Cardiology JAMA Dermatology JAMA Forum Archive JAMA Health Forum JAMA Internal Medicine JAMA Neurology JAMA Oncology JAMA Ophthalmology JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery JAMA Pediatrics JAMA Psychiatry JAMA Surgery Archives of Neurology & Psychiatry Input Search Term Sign In Individual Sign In Sign inCreate an Account Access through your institution Sign In Purchase Options: Buy this article Rent this article Subscribe to the JAMA journal

Emotions, Morbidity, and Mortality: New Perspectives from Psychoneuroimmunology

2002-02-01

Janice K. Kiecolt‐Glaser , Lynanne McGuire , Theodore F. Robles +1 more

▪ Abstract Negative emotions can intensify a variety of health threats. We provide a broad framework relating negative emotions to a range of diseases whose onset and course may be … ▪ Abstract Negative emotions can intensify a variety of health threats. We provide a broad framework relating negative emotions to a range of diseases whose onset and course may be influenced by the immune system; inflammation has been linked to a spectrum of conditions associated with aging, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, Alzheimer's disease, frailty and functional decline, and periodontal disease. Production of proinflammatory cytokines that influence these and other conditions can be directly stimulated by negative emotions and stressful experiences. Additionally, negative emotions also contribute to prolonged infection and delayed wound healing, processes that fuel sustained proinflammatory cytokine production. Accordingly, we argue that distress-related immune dysregulation may be one core mechanism behind a large and diverse set of health risks associated with negative emotions. Resources such as close personal relationships that diminish negative emotions enhance health in part through their positive impact on immune and endocrine regulation.

A quantitative approach to perceived health status: a validation study.

1980-12-01

Sonja M. Hunt , S. P. McKenna , J McEwen +3 more

The current recognition of the importance of perceived health status as a predictor of need for, and utilisation of, health services has led to attempts to produce indicators which assess … The current recognition of the importance of perceived health status as a predictor of need for, and utilisation of, health services has led to attempts to produce indicators which assess subjective rather than objective health problems. The development of the Nottingham Health Profile is described, together with a study which tested the validity of the instrument on four groups of elderly people differing in health status. The results showed that the profile was capable of discriminating between groups differing in terms of diagnosed chronic illness, number of consultations at primary care level, and physiological fitness. Age, sex, and marital status were not significant overall in affecting scores. In these elderly subjects, perceived health status accorded well with objective health status. Further tests of the profile are now taking place on younger groups of subjects.

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How should we define health?

2011-07-26

Machteld Huber , J. André Knottnerus , L. Green +7 more

The WHO definition of health as complete wellbeing is no longer fit for purpose given the rise of chronic disease. Machteld Huber and colleagues propose changing the emphasis towards the … The WHO definition of health as complete wellbeing is no longer fit for purpose given the rise of chronic disease. Machteld Huber and colleagues propose changing the emphasis towards the ability to adapt and self manage in the face of social, physical, and emotional challenges

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The structure and properties of the sense of coherence scale

1993-03-01

Aaron Antonovsky

Measuring quality of life: Is quality of life determined by expectations or experience?

2001-05-19

Alison Carr

This is the first in a series of five articles The way we think about health and health care is changing. The two factors driving this change are the recognition … This is the first in a series of five articles The way we think about health and health care is changing. The two factors driving this change are the recognition of the importance of the social consequences of disease and the acknowledgement that medical interventions aim to increase the length and quality of survival. For these reasons, the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of health care are often evaluated by their impact on a patient's “quality of life.” There is no consensus on the definition of quality of life as it is affected by health (health related quality of life). Definitions range from those with a holistic emphasis on the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of patients after treatment1 to those that describe the impact of a person's health on his or her ability to lead a fulfilling life.2 This article assumes it to be those aspects of an individual's subjective experience that relate both directly and indirectly to health, disease, disability, and impairment. The central concern of this paper is the tendency to regard the quality of life as a constant. We contend that perceptions of health and its meaning vary between individuals and within an individual over time. People assess their health related quality of life by comparing their expectations with their experience. We propose a model of the relation between expectations and experience and use it to illustrate problems in measuring quality of life. The implications of these concepts for the use of quality of life as an indicator of the need for treatment and as an outcome of care are discussed. #### Summary points Health related quality of life is the gap between our expectations of health and our experience of it Perception of quality of life varies between individuals and is dynamic within them People with different …

The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General, 2014Us Department of Health and Human ServicesAtlanta, GA: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 20141081 pp. Online (grey literature): http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/reports/50‐years‐of‐progress/

2015-10-23

Ryan J. Courtney

On Merging Identity Theory and Stress Research

1991-06-01

Peggy A. Thoits

In this paper I develop and discuss the concept of «identity-relevant stressors.» Identities refer to individuals' conceptions of themselves in terms of the social roles that they enact (e.g., spouse, … In this paper I develop and discuss the concept of «identity-relevant stressors.» Identities refer to individuals' conceptions of themselves in terms of the social roles that they enact (e.g., spouse, parent, worker, churchgoer, friend). An identity-relevant experience is one that threatens or, alternatively, enhances an identity that the individual values highly; identity-irrelevant experiences occur in roles that the individual does not value highly. This concept can help solve a problem in the stress literature, namely the inability of stress theory to account parsimoniously for social status differences in psychological distress

The European Health Psychologist

2005-09-01

Irina Todorova , Vera Araújo‐Soares , Falko F. Sniehotta

Stress in Health and Disease

1976-01-01

Hans Selye

Social Relationships and Health

2000-10-01

Sheldon Cohen , Benjamin H. Gottlieb , Lynn G. Underwood

Abstract This chapter begins with a history of the theoretical perspectives on the importanceof social relationships for health and well-being. It then presents a seriesof models that explain how social … Abstract This chapter begins with a history of the theoretical perspectives on the importanceof social relationships for health and well-being. It then presents a seriesof models that explain how social factors can influence health and discusses thechallenges facing the field in regard to the development of measurements andinterventions. The chapter concludes with an overview of the remainder of thevolume.

Current concepts of positive mental health.

1958-01-01

Marie Jahoda

SENSE OF COHERENCE AMONG POLICE OFFICERS AND THEIR SELF-ESTEEM

2025-06-25

Ryszard Bera | Probacja

<ns3:p>In addition to professional competencies and high moral standards, police service requires officers to maintain good health and strong resilience to stress, which – when chronic – can be detrimental … <ns3:p>In addition to professional competencies and high moral standards, police service requires officers to maintain good health and strong resilience to stress, which – when chronic – can be detrimental to the health and reduce professional performance (Klonowska, 2018; Bera, 2021). A sense of coherence is a key factor in health, as it reflects resilience resources that include, among other things, self-esteem. This, in turn, enables the effective reduction of the impact of stressors – demanding situations that create tension and for which police officers may lack ready or automatic adaptation responses (see Antonovsky, 1987; Pasikowski, 2001; Heszen, Sęk, 2007). Based on these premises, the goal of this study was to empirically examine the relationship between police officers’ sense of coherence and their self-esteem, the latter constituting one of the central components of resilience resources. The findings confirmed statistically significant relationships between the variables under study. Specifically, as officers’ self-esteem increases – that is, their belief in their own competencies and ability to act effectively – their sense of coherence also rises.</ns3:p>

The effect of health anxiety on attitudes toward disease prevention in individuals with and without a family history of hypertension

2025-06-24

Yasemin Karacan , Ayşe Gül Parlak | Journal of Human Hypertension

Anxiety and Depression: Triggers for Cognitive Loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and Neurodegeneration

2025-06-24

Kenneth Maiese | Current Neurovascular Research

Unseen scars: Understanding the mental health burdens of climate change on indigenous and rural Peruvian women

2025-06-24

Elaine C. Flores , Claudia Mascareñas , Julian Eaton +3 more | PLOS Climate

Climate change is disproportionately affecting the mental health of marginalised populations, particularly women in the Global South. Peru, highly vulnerable to environmental hazards, presents a complex landscape where rural and … Climate change is disproportionately affecting the mental health of marginalised populations, particularly women in the Global South. Peru, highly vulnerable to environmental hazards, presents a complex landscape where rural and indigenous women face intersecting ecological and social stressors. This study investigates the nexus between climate change impacts and mental health among underserved Peruvian women. It explores their coping mechanisms, community support systems, barriers to formal mental health services, and potential community-driven solutions. Between April and June 2022, we conducted 48 in-depth walking interviews with adult women from the Peruvian north coast, Amazon rainforest, and central and southern Andes regions. We recruited our participants using purposive and iterative snowball sampling, targeting key community informants. Data were analysed thematically. We identified six main themes: (1) Direct mental health impacts of climate change, manifesting as psychological distress and trauma responses; (2) Complex local issues, including gender-based vulnerabilities and male outmigration; (3) Indirect impacts through livelihood loss and food insecurity; (4) Community coping mechanisms, centred on women’s leadership and spiritual traditions; (5) Barriers to mental health support, including institutional mistrust and stigma; and (6) Community-based solutions emphasising culturally responsive interventions. Participants reported acute psychological responses to environmental disasters while demonstrating resilience through adherence to spiritual traditions and social networks, with women emerging as environmental leaders despite facing disproportionate climate-related burdens. This study emphasises the urgent need to integrate mental health considerations for rural and indigenous women into climate adaptation strategies in Peru. Climate change exacerbates social inequities, significantly impacting mental wellbeing through the erosion of traditional practices, particularly in Indigenous communities. Culturally responsive, community-based interventions that amplify women’s leadership and address structural barriers to mental health care are essential for inclusive, equitable climate solutions.

Exploring the Filipino geriatric patients’ caring encounters during their hospitalization: Basis for improving geriatric care

2025-06-23

Sheila Marie D Bartolome | International Journal of Research Studies in Management

Perspectives of School Principals on Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Among School-Aged Children—A 2025 Cross-Sectional Survey in Lodz Administrative Region in Poland

2025-06-23

Aleksandra Lewandowska , Mateusz Jankowski , Mariusz Gujski +3 more | Healthcare

Background: Mental health issues among youth are a growing public health concern. Schools play a vital role in the early detection and prevention of mental health issues, with principals being … Background: Mental health issues among youth are a growing public health concern. Schools play a vital role in the early detection and prevention of mental health issues, with principals being central to the implementation of mental health initiatives. This study assessed the attitudes, preparedness, and practices of school principals regarding mental health promotion and prevention among school-aged children. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) was conducted between March and April 2025. A 19-item questionnaire was sent to all 1564 primary and secondary school principals in the Lodz region. Data from 605 respondents (response rate: 38.7%) were analyzed. Results: A total of 94.9% of the principals reported an increase in student mental health problems over the past five years. Over one-quarter of school principals (26.3%) declared a very good or rather good level of preparation for teachers to work with students diagnosed with a mental disorder. Moreover, 42.3% declared a very good or rather good level of preparation of teachers for conversations with parents about mental health problems observed in their children. Mental health education was conducted in 94.7% of schools, and teacher training in 73.2% of schools. Secondary schools more often offered such training (81.9% vs. 70.7%; p = 0.01) and reported stronger support from specialist teachers (79.7% vs. 67.7%; p = 0.01) than primary schools did. Rural schools rated teacher-parent communication more positively (47.0% vs. 37.7%; p = 0.02) despite fewer training initiatives (68.7% vs. 77.7%; p = 0.01). Suicide response procedures were implemented in 78.5% of schools. Conclusions: The findings confirm a marked rise in student mental health needs and reveal structural disparities in providing school-based support. Enhancing school leadership, expanding teacher training, and ensuring systemic support may facilitate mental health promotion interventions in schools.

Impact of architectural design on mental health outcomes in psychiatric hospitals

2025-06-23

Ketki Bharat Tendolkar , Raman Kalia , Gopal Singh Charan +2 more | Journal of Gandaki Medical College-Nepal

The impact of hospital architecture on mental health outcomes in psychiatric care has gained increasing attention. This review examines vital architectural elements—natural light, biophilic design, and noise control—and their effects … The impact of hospital architecture on mental health outcomes in psychiatric care has gained increasing attention. This review examines vital architectural elements—natural light, biophilic design, and noise control—and their effects on patient well-being and recovery. Salutogenic designs, which focus on enhancing health and well-being, have reduced stress, improved mood, and supported cognitive function. Incorporating green spaces and natural materials can mitigate symptoms of depression and anxiety while enhancing the quality of care. Additionally, noise management and ergonomic workspace design improve the mental health of healthcare staff, reducing burnout and increasing efficiency. However, further research is required to understand the influence of less-studied design elements like geometric shapes and pareidolia. This review highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between architects and healthcare professionals to optimize hospital designs that support recovery and well-being in psychiatric settings.

Subjektive Gesundheit von Notfallpflegefachpersonen – eine Querschnittstudie

2025-06-23

Raphaela Ulmann , Adelheid Zeller , Julian Hirt | Notfall + Rettungsmedizin

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Internationale Studien zeigen, dass Notfallpflegefachpersonen (NPF) Stressoren ausgesetzt sind, die sich negativ auf ihre Gesundheit auswirken. Zielsetzung Das Ziel der Studie war, den selbst eingeschätzten Gesundheitszustand von NPF … Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Internationale Studien zeigen, dass Notfallpflegefachpersonen (NPF) Stressoren ausgesetzt sind, die sich negativ auf ihre Gesundheit auswirken. Zielsetzung Das Ziel der Studie war, den selbst eingeschätzten Gesundheitszustand von NPF aus Akutspitälern der Deutschschweiz zu erfassen und den Zusammenhang zwischen Gesundheitszustand, Alter, Berufserfahrungsjahren und der Zusatzqualifikation „Nachdiplomstudiengang (NDS) Notfallpflege“ zu untersuchen. Methode Im Rahmen einer Onlineumfrage befragten wir NPF aus deutsch- und zweisprachigen Spitälern. Der Fragebogen umfasste fünf Bereiche: (1) selbst bewerteter Gesundheitszustand (Self-Rated Health; SRH), (2) körperliche, (3) psychische und (4) soziale Gesundheit sowie (5) demografische Daten. Ergebnisse 539 NPF füllten die Umfrage vollständig aus. 87 % waren weiblich, und das Durchschnittsalter betrug 40 Jahre. 81 % schätzten ihren Gesundheitszustand als „gut“ bis „sehr gut“ ein. Körperliche Beschwerden gaben am häufigsten die jüngsten und ältesten Befragten an. Psychische Beschwerden nahmen mit zunehmendem Alter und Berufserfahrung ab. Bei Personen mit abgeschlossenem NDS traten Hinweise einer Major Depression am seltensten auf. Schlussfolgerung Obwohl über 80 % der NPF ihre Gesundheit als „gut“ bis „sehr gut“ einschätzten, gaben sie häufige und stark ausgeprägte körperliche und psychische Beschwerden an. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen die Notwendigkeit, die subjektive Gesundheit von NPF zu erforschen und wirksame Maßnahmen für deren Verbesserung zu entwickeln. Möglicherweise profitieren jüngere und berufseinsteigende NPF von präventiven Maßnahmen sowie von attraktiven Arbeitsbedingungen, die eine gute Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Privatleben ermöglichen.

Psychometric Properties of the Russian-Language Version of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

2025-06-22

Dmitry V. Kislitsyn , Dmitry Schapov , Ekaterina Aleksandrova | Psikhiatriya

Background : the effectiveness of a primary screening system for psychiatric disorders in the population can be enhanced by using short scales with high psychometric properties. Aim : to evaluate … Background : the effectiveness of a primary screening system for psychiatric disorders in the population can be enhanced by using short scales with high psychometric properties. Aim : to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Russian version of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Participants and Methods: the data from three online surveys conducted as part of the study “The novel coronavirus crisis and its impact on public health” are used. The first survey was conducted in May-June 2020, the second in January-February 2021, and the third in November-December 2021. The sample included 1,667 people. Results : both the full and short versions of the scale are characterized by high internal consistency and reliability. Convergent validity of the scales is confirmed by correlations with similar constructs and known factors of psychological distress. Conclusion : the scale can be used by practitioners and researchers to screen and evaluate the severity of nonspecific psychological distress in the Russian-speaking population.

Impact of Psychosocial Risk Factors on Acute Clinical Outcomes Following Colectomy: A National Perspective

2025-06-21

Sara Sakowitz , Syed Shahyan Bakhtiyar , Konmal Ali +4 more | The American Surgeon

Background A growing body of work has considered the significance of patients’ psychosocial support and surrounding socioeconomic milieu on surgical outcomes. The presence of such psychosocial risk factors (PSRFs) may … Background A growing body of work has considered the significance of patients’ psychosocial support and surrounding socioeconomic milieu on surgical outcomes. The presence of such psychosocial risk factors (PSRFs) may define both access to and engagement with care, particularly for access-sensitive conditions, such as colon resection. Yet, the impact of PSRF on outcomes following colectomy remains to be delineated. Methods We queried the Nationwide Readmissions Database for all adults undergoing elective/emergent colectomy for benign neoplasms, colon cancer, diverticular disease, or inflammatory bowel disease from 2016 to 2022. The presence of PSRF across 5 domains (low-income or uninsured status, substance use, psychiatric disease, and cognitive limitations) was identified using validated administrative codes. Patients with ≥1 PSRF comprised the At-Risk cohort (others: Not-At-Risk ). Results Among ∼1,130,803 records, 497,336 (44.0%) had ≥1 documented PSRF. The At-Risk cohort was younger and of greater comorbidity burden, and more frequently underwent open resection at non-metropolitan centers. Following comprehensive risk adjustment, the presence of PSRF remained associated with greater likelihood of in-hospital mortality (AOR 1.17, CI 1.11-1.22) and any major complication (AOR 1.09, CI 1.07-1.11), as well as non-home discharge (AOR 1.41, CI 1.37-1.44) and non-elective readmission within 30 days (AOR 1.10, CI 1.08-1.12). These associations persisted when evaluating only patients treated at high colectomy volume hospitals. Discussion In this national study, the presence of PSRF was associated with significantly inferior outcomes following colectomy. Notably, this association was not mitigated by care at high volume hospitals. Psychosocial risk factors should be considered as part of risk stratification and care optimization efforts across institutions.

Thriving when living with chronic pain: A qualitative evidence synthesis of individuals' experiences

2025-06-20

Helena Widdrington , Charlotte Krahé , Katie Herron +2 more | British Journal of Health Psychology

Abstract Introduction Research has begun to focus on positive adjustment to, and aspects of, living with chronic pain, which aligns with a positive psychology approach. This systematic review aimed to … Abstract Introduction Research has begun to focus on positive adjustment to, and aspects of, living with chronic pain, which aligns with a positive psychology approach. This systematic review aimed to synthesize available qualitative data to understand the characteristics and approaches that enable people to thrive whilst living with chronic pain. Methods Five electronic databases ( MEDLINE , PsycINFO , CINAHL Plus, Scopus and ProQuest ) were searched from their inception until January 2024 using a combination of terms for ‘chronic pain’, ‘thriving’ and ‘qualitative methods’. Inclusion criteria stipulated qualitative data pertaining to facilitators, barriers and inequalities in experiences of thriving in adults living with chronic pain (without a clear underlying cause). The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Tool. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis, with GRADE ‐ CERQual used to determine confidence in the evidence. Results In total, 4162 studies were screened; 17 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Thematic synthesis yielded four overarching themes: (i) attitudes towards pain and its impact on life; (ii) behavioural strategies and openness to trying new things; (iii) perceiving love, support and connection with others; and (iv) ascribing meaning to life alongside pain. GRADE‐CERQual indicated moderate confidence in findings. Discussion Findings align with Seligman's five pillars of well‐being (PERMA) model and indicate clinical implications for supporting patients to thrive alongside pain.

Occupational health of employees with mental health issues: the role of the psychosocial working conditions and sense of coherence

2025-06-19

A Lehmann , Georg F. Bauer | International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

Abstract Background The high prevalence of mental health issues (MHI) among employees poses significant societal challenges. However, little is known about factors that influence their ability to remain employed, maintain … Abstract Background The high prevalence of mental health issues (MHI) among employees poses significant societal challenges. However, little is known about factors that influence their ability to remain employed, maintain productivity, and thrive at work. Objective This study examines differences in occupational health outcomes (burnout, work engagement, and work ability) between employees with and without MHI and the applicability of the Job Demands-Resources model (including job demands, job resources as psychosocial working conditions and sense of coherence (SOC) as a personal resource) among employees with MHI, while particularly controlling for disease-specific factors. Methods Pooled data from two measurement waves were analyzed, including employees with current MHI ( N = 92) and those without MHI ( N = 877) from German-speaking countries. Mixed-effects models examined relationships between sociodemographic, disease-specific factors, psychosocial working conditions, SOC, and occupational health outcomes. Results Employees with MHI showed lower occupational health levels (higher burnout, reduced work ability) than those without. Among employees with MHI, SOC and job resources were significantly associated with all occupational health outcomes, while job demands primarily predicted burnout. Sickness absence correlated negatively with both burnout and work ability. The association between SOC and work ability was stronger for employees with MHI than for those without. Conclusions Job resources and SOC play a role for occupational health in employees with MHI. Targeted interventions to strengthen these resources should be prioritized.

The Relationship Between Mental and Physical Health

2025-06-18

Melissa Bain , C. A. Tony Buffington | CABI eBooks

Book Review: Being a therapist in a time of climate breakdown AndersonJudithStauntonTreeO’GormanJennyHickmanCaroline (eds) Being a therapist in a time of climate breakdown. UK, Routledge, 2024

2025-06-18

Joan Fogel | Group Analysis

Breathing in Wellness

2025-06-18

Elizabeth M. Blunt | Holistic Nursing Practice

Lerner Holistic Integrative Health Nursing Fellowship: A Whole Health Approach to Education and Practice

2025-06-17

Katrina Vigo , Annie Kaplon , Kathleen DeMarco | Journal of Holistic Nursing

Purpose: The Lerner Holistic Integrative Health Nursing Fellowship aims to incorporate components of Whole Health into nursing practice and promote innovative quality improvement programming that prioritizes well-being for patients, caregivers, … Purpose: The Lerner Holistic Integrative Health Nursing Fellowship aims to incorporate components of Whole Health into nursing practice and promote innovative quality improvement programming that prioritizes well-being for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Methods: A lack of supported time has been reported as a barrier for education and self-care among nurses. This fellowship provided 10 participants with protected time to engage in a 9-month, 172-h curriculum including American Nurses Credentialing Corporation approved courses. Fellows completed baseline and post-fellowship surveys, post-module surveys, and exit interviews. Results: Fellows implemented 10 holistic based quality improvement initiatives, impacting over 453 patients and caregivers and 240 healthcare professionals. The fellowship resulted in an 80% increase in holistic nursing and integrative health utilization in professional practices and an 89% increase in knowledge, skill, and confidence related to holistic nursing, integrative health, the mind-body connection, and quality improvement or research initiatives. Conclusion: Transforming our system towards a Whole Health approach requires a dedicated and strategic plan. The fellowships’ outcomes highlight the successful implementation of quality improvement initiatives and gains in knowledge, skills, and confidence in holistic nursing, IH, the mind-body connection, and quality improvement or research efforts.

Stories of life during the COVID-19 pandemic: Personal growth among individuals living in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland

2025-06-16

Zlatina Kostova , Chloé Michoud , María del Río Carral +2 more | Journal of Health Psychology

Multiple influences such as climate change, environmental, and social factors, have been increasing the incidence of infectious disease outbreaks. Therefore, it is imperative to understand how people make sense of … Multiple influences such as climate change, environmental, and social factors, have been increasing the incidence of infectious disease outbreaks. Therefore, it is imperative to understand how people make sense of such events. Our study focuses on 100 Swiss-Italian participants during the initial COVID-19 pandemic wave, investigating how they navigated this period. We collected “Stories of Life,” personal narratives about their experience and analyzed them with Thematic Analysis. Results show that over a third of the participants made sense of the pandemic by framing it as a time for personal growth. Our themes illustrated the importance of relationships, resilience, and appreciation of time. These findings align with existing literature on personal growth domains and underscore the significance of relational health in adversity. We discuss personal growth during a pandemic, emphasizing the need to consider socio-demographic characteristics and supportive social contexts, which can create inequalities in circumstances promoting growth.

Assessment of education program based on the salutogenic theory on fear of childbirth and choice of birth method among nulliparous women: A randomized controlled trial

2025-06-16

Safieh Kananikandeh , Farkhondeh Amin Shokravi , Mojgan Mirghafourvand‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ +1 more | Heliyon

EMOCINĖS PARAMOS LINIJŲ SAVANORIŲ SAVIVEIKSMINGUMAS IR STRESO ĮVEIKOS STRATEGIJŲ RINKIMASIS / SELF-EFFICACY AND CHOICE OF STRESS COUNSELLING STRATEGIES OF EMOTIONAL SUPPORT LINE VOLUNTEERS

2025-06-16

Renata Arlauskienė , Jurgita Kijauskienė | Tiltai

Volunteering is an important resource for non-governmental organisations, but a trend in declining volunteer engagement is observed, with volunteers not staying in organisations for long. This encourages researchers to analyse … Volunteering is an important resource for non-governmental organisations, but a trend in declining volunteer engagement is observed, with volunteers not staying in organisations for long. This encourages researchers to analyse and understand the impact of volunteers’ personal factors on their activities. The purpose of the study was to analyse the interaction between emotional support line volunteers’ self-efficacy and their choice of stress coping strategies. A quantitative study was conducted. The study involved 90 women, aged 26 to 66, volunteering for emotional support lines. To assess the self-efficacy of emotional support line volunteers, the Volunteer Self-Efficacy Scale developed by the Youth Line Volunteer Preparatory Course Programme (Bagdonienė et al., 2008) and by Youth Line Supervisor A. Semokaitė (2009) was used. The Stress Coping Questionnaire, developed by Grakauskas and Valickas (2016), was used to evaluate volunteers’ stress coping characteristics. Participants were also asked socio-demographic questions about their gender, age, education, marital status, work activity/employment, monthly income, and volunteering duration. The results of the study revealed that emotional support line volunteers with higher self-efficacy more often chose social support and problem-solving strategies to cope with stress, and less often emotional expression and release strategies.

A Framework Analysis of Life Experiences of Swedish Adolescents: A Salutogenic Approach

2025-06-15

Axel van der Have , Elinor Schad | European Journal of Psychology and Educational Research

Contemporary research on mental health and well-being highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of adolescent life. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage, marked by various challenges and opportunities that … Contemporary research on mental health and well-being highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of adolescent life. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage, marked by various challenges and opportunities that shape mental health outcomes. Our study aims to explore both positive and negative experiences related to school, family, friends, and leisure among Swedish adolescents aged 13–19 (N=270). Using framework analysis and salutogenic theory, we organized and interpreted the data to identify key themes. The findings reveal that participants face significant stressors, including school-related pressure, social uncertainties with peers, and family conflicts. However, leisure activities, strong social support, and positive interactions with friends and family serve as vital resources for well-being. We discuss how students’ sense of meaningfulness in school can be undermined by excessive academic demands. We suggest that school leaders foster skill development beyond academics and facilitate open discussions about mental health to promote overall well-being.

My home is where my health is: narratives on health promotion from older people living at home

2025-06-15

Therese Hugøy , Helle K. Falkenberg , Grethe Eilertsen +2 more | International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being

Many older people want to live at home for as long as possible, and the aging population is highlighting the importance of understanding what they require for their lives to … Many older people want to live at home for as long as possible, and the aging population is highlighting the importance of understanding what they require for their lives to be good. This study explored how older recipients of home care experience the meaning of home from a health-promoting perspective. Narrative interviews were conducted with 10 people aged 78-103 years living at home and receiving home care nursing. We conducted a thematic narrative analysis, and based on the results chose a salutogenic perspective to shed light on the health-promoting perspective. The primary theme identified was "My home is where my health is." It reflects a compellation of the four subthemes emerging from the data: (1) my home promotes independence and autonomy, (2) my home promotes identity and self, (3) my home promotes being active, and (4) the support I receive is pivotal to promoting health and life at home. These themes are pivotal to health promotion and well-being in old age. Living at home contributes to meaningfulness, manageability, comprehensibility, and a sense of coherence. This promotes health and well-being for older people living at home if they receive both formal and informal support.

Cumulative Violence and Post-Traumatic Stress: An Integrative Model of Coping and Resilience Among Women Exposed to Sexual and Conflict-Related Violence

2025-06-13

Naama Bar , Stav Shapira , Orna Braun‐Lewensohn | European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education

This study explored how exposure to sexual and conflict-related violence relates to the severity of post-traumatic symptoms and how personal and community resilience factors and coping strategies mediate that relationship. … This study explored how exposure to sexual and conflict-related violence relates to the severity of post-traumatic symptoms and how personal and community resilience factors and coping strategies mediate that relationship. Self-report questionnaires were completed by 568 Israeli women, who were classified into four exposure groups: (a) high sexual violence, (b) high conflict-related violence, (c) dual high exposure, and (d) low exposure. Significant differences were found between the group exposed solely to conflict-related violence and the groups exposed to sexual or both kinds of violence. Those who had been exposed to both types of violence reported lower levels of a personal sense of coherence, greater use of non-adaptive coping strategies, and more severe post-traumatic symptoms, as compared to the high conflict-related violence group and the low-exposure group. The dual-high-exposure group also reported lower levels of community resilience than the high-conflict-related-violence group and less use of adaptive coping strategies than the high-sexual-violence group. The severity of post-traumatic symptoms was explained by combined exposure to both sexual and conflict-related violence, personal resilience, and the use of non-adaptive coping strategies. These findings emphasize the unique psychological burden associated with intersecting exposures.

Preliminary Validation of the Thai Version of the Brief Assessment of Social Skills in Dementia (BASS-D TH)

2025-06-13

Pornsinee Laisathit , Chavit Tunvirachaisakul | Journal of Health Research

Emotion regulation as a protective factor in the association between stress and inflammation in older adults.

2025-06-12

Rebecca G. Reed | Health Psychology

ER diversity and global ER ability significantly moderated the prospective association between stress and interleukin-6Objective: Identifying psychosocial factors that promote health in the context of stress and aging is needed. … ER diversity and global ER ability significantly moderated the prospective association between stress and interleukin-6Objective: Identifying psychosocial factors that promote health in the context of stress and aging is needed. Emotion regulation (ER) may be one such protective factor. The current study tested three forms of ER-use of individual ER strategies, diversity of ER strategies, and global ER ability-as moderators of the prospective association between perceived stress and inflammation in older adults. Adults (N = 162) aged 60+ completed baseline measures of perceived stress, ER strategies (situation selection, situation modification, reappraisal, and emotional acceptance) tested individually, and combined into an ER diversity metric, and a measure of global ER ability. Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were assessed at baseline and follow-up (average 6.8 months later). Residualized change models tested ER measures as moderators of the association between stress and inflammation, adjusting for baseline inflammation and demographic and health covariates. Analyses were corrected for testing multiple inflammatory outcomes per form of ER. No one ER strategy moderated the prospective association between stress and inflammation (ps > .48). ER diversity and global ER ability significantly moderated the prospective association between stress and interleukin-6 (B = -.13, padjusted = .047) and C-reactive protein (B = .14, padjusted = .019), respectively. Higher ER diversity and lower deficit in global ER ability were protective and attenuated stress-inflammation associations. Older adults experiencing higher stress who employ a diversity of ER strategies and have higher global ER ability had lower levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, respectively, but not of other markers. Initial results suggest ER approaches other than individual strategies may promote healthy immune aging in the context of stress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

The Parallel Chain‐Mediating Role of Sense of Coherence and Coping Styles in Caregivers of Patients With Stroke: A Cross‐Sectional Study

2025-06-12

Shihen Li , Zheng Wang , Shuowei Su +7 more | Journal of Clinical Nursing

ABSTRACT Objectives This study explored the multiple mediating roles of sense of coherence (SOC) and coping styles in the relationship between caregiver burden and family adaptation among family caregivers of … ABSTRACT Objectives This study explored the multiple mediating roles of sense of coherence (SOC) and coping styles in the relationship between caregiver burden and family adaptation among family caregivers of patients with stroke. Method A cross‐sectional study of 347 family caregivers of patients with stroke was conducted in China. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview and other questionnaires, and were analysed using descriptive, Pearson's correlation and path analyses. Results SOC–positive and SOC–negative coping styles played a fully parallel chain‐mediating role in the relationship between caregiver burden and family adaptation among family caregivers of patients with stroke. Conclusions Improving caregivers' SOC and encouraging them to adopt positive coping styles are crucial for reducing the negative impact of caregiver burden on family adaptation. Implications for Patient Care This study provides a new perspective for medical staff to improve the family adaptation of family caregivers of patients with stroke. Targeted interventions aimed at improving the SOC level and enhancing positive coping styles of the family caregivers of patients with stroke are necessary to improve their family adaptation. Impact Our study provides insights into the potential influencing mechanism of caregiver burden on family adaptation in family caregivers of patients with stroke, providing a new perspective for developing effective and precise intervention strategies to maintain better family adaptation. Reporting Method This study adhered to the STROBE checklist. What Does This Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community? Promoting SOC and focusing on the transformation of negative coping styles into positive ones may be crucial in developing nursing programmes for family adaptation. Patient or Public Contribution No patient or public contribution.

What people with stress-related disorders experience as being supportive for recovery – a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

2025-06-12

Hanna Tuvesson , A. Birgitta Gunnarsson , Markus Sjösten +5 more | International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being

Prolonged stress leading to sick leave is a serious health problem, and it is crucial to find ways to support recovery. The aim of this review was to synthesize the … Prolonged stress leading to sick leave is a serious health problem, and it is crucial to find ways to support recovery. The aim of this review was to synthesize the results from qualitative research about what people with stress-related disorders experience as supportive for recovery. The systematic review was designed as a qualitative meta-synthesis following the recommendations by Walsh and Downe. Our search across PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycInfo identified 20 articles that met the inclusion criteria. These articles were subsequently assessed for quality and analysed. Three themes were identified that describe what people with stress-related disorders experience as supportive for recovery: ´Engaging and authentic atmospheres-an essentiality for recovery`, ´Pursuing an empowered and hopeful self`, and ´Embracing the continuous demanding quest for personal growth`. Recovery from stress-related disorders can be supported by giving each person the opportunity to grow and pursue an empowered and hopeful self. This requires time and support in an engaging and authentic atmosphere. Having the possibility for existential reflection, learning and exploring through various activities is important. Our findings show the importance of formal support that patiently stimulates existential reflection and learning in a non-demanding environment. Implementing activities in clinical practice that stimulate such a process, and which can be adapted to each person's needs and preferences could be beneficial.

Freizeitgestaltung und Einsamkeitsempfinden in der 2. Lebenshälfte: Horizontale Fragebogenerhebung in Brandenburg

2025-06-12

Nadine Bessel , Franziska Weißenstein , Lukas Kühn +4 more | Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung

Distinctive factors contributing to psychological distress in second‐generation offspring of Holocaust survivors: Posttraumatic stress and sense of coherence

2025-06-12

Laura Nohr , Yuriy Nesterko , Freya Specht +3 more | Journal of Traumatic Stress

Abstract The psychological impact of historical trauma can be passed on to future generations. The simultaneous presence of historical and individual trauma may increase psychological distress, especially in older adults. … Abstract The psychological impact of historical trauma can be passed on to future generations. The simultaneous presence of historical and individual trauma may increase psychological distress, especially in older adults. Older age potentially represents a phase of life with increased challenges, distress, life review, and reminiscence. Though both historical and individual trauma appear to contribute to psychological distress, a strong sense of coherence (SOC) may reduce psychological distress and posttraumatic stress in older age and in the context of historical trauma. We conducted a cross‐sectional online survey among offspring of Holocaust survivors (OHS) from Germany, Israel, and the United States, focusing on the second generation and individuals aged 60–80 years who reported having survived individual trauma. Descriptive statistics, zero‐order correlation analyses, and multiple regression were used to investigate factors influencing psychological distress, including gender, age, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, past victimization, family Holocaust knowledge, and SOC (balance, manageability, and reflection). The sample comprised 116 participants (70.1% female‐ identified, M age = 67.85 years, SD = 4.45, range: 60–79 years). Multiple regression indicated that PTSD symptoms, B = 2.78, β = .58 ( SE = .37), p < .001, and manageability, B = −0.54, β = −.20 ( SE = .25), p = .034, were significantly associated with psychological distress. The final model accounted for 50.5% of the total variance in current psychological distress among older second‐generation OHS. These findings highlight the importance of individual risk and protective factors in understanding distress among older people in the context of historical trauma.

Attachment styles and sense of coherence as indicators of treatment adherence and completion among individuals with substance use disorder

2025-06-12

Nóra Kerekes , Kourosh Bador , Carro Smedeby +3 more | Addiction Science & Clinical Practice

The Effectiveness of Positive Psychotherapy on Rumination and Sense of Coherence in Women Experiencing Domestic Violence

2025-06-11

Sanaz Soltani , Farah Naderi | Journal of Health Reports and Technology

Background: Domestic violence negatively affects women’s mental health, frequently causing repetitive negative thinking (rumination) and weakening their ability to cope and find meaning [sense of coherence (SOC)]. Objectives: The present … Background: Domestic violence negatively affects women’s mental health, frequently causing repetitive negative thinking (rumination) and weakening their ability to cope and find meaning [sense of coherence (SOC)]. Objectives: The present study explored if positive psychotherapy could help reduce rumination and improve the SOC among women facing domestic violence. Methods: This study utilized a quasi-experimental design involving pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments (pretest-posttest) with both an experimental group and a control group. Thirty women seeking help at family counseling centers in Ahvaz, Iran, due to domestic violence were selected through convenience sampling. They were then randomly assigned to either the experimental group (receiving positive psychotherapy) or the control group (receiving no therapy intervention). The experimental group participated in eight sessions of positive psychotherapy. Both groups completed questionnaires to measure rumination [Rumination Response Scale (RRS)] and SOC (SOC Questionnaire) before the therapy began and after it concluded. The effectiveness of the therapy was analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: Following the intervention, women in the experimental group who received positive psychotherapy showed a significant decrease in rumination compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Furthermore, positive psychotherapy led to a significant increase in the SOC for the women in the experimental group (P = 0.001). Conclusions: This study suggests that positive psychotherapy is a beneficial approach for reducing rumination and strengthening the SOC in women who have experienced domestic violence. These results support the integration of positive psychotherapy into trauma-informed care strategies aimed at fostering resilience. However, the findings should be considered in light of study limitations, such as the specific sample characteristics (women from Ahvaz seeking counseling) and the reliance on self-reported data, which may affect generalizability.

Analyse des Essverhaltens und der Angststörungen in Abhängigkeit von Geschlecht und Alter mit Fokus auf Studierende in Ungarn und in Deutschland

2025-06-06

Milán Takaró | Gyermeknevelés Tudományos Folyóirat

Ein gesunder Lebensstil wird häufig als individuelles Ergebnis von Disziplin und Willenskraft verstanden. Dieses weitverbreitete Narrativ greift jedoch zu kurz, da es komplexe soziale, wirtschaftliche und psychologische Einflussfaktoren ausblendet. Die … Ein gesunder Lebensstil wird häufig als individuelles Ergebnis von Disziplin und Willenskraft verstanden. Dieses weitverbreitete Narrativ greift jedoch zu kurz, da es komplexe soziale, wirtschaftliche und psychologische Einflussfaktoren ausblendet. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht, wie sich Essverhalten und Angststörungen unter Studierenden in Ungarn und Deutschland voneinander beeinflusst werden – unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von Geschlecht und Alter. Der Fokus liegt auf jungen Erwachsenen in einer Lebensphase, die durch Übergänge, hohe Anforderungen und neue Herausforderungen geprägt ist. Frühere Forschungen zeigen, dass Angstzustände maßgeblich das Essverhalten beeinflussen können – etwa durch intuitives Essen oder unkontrolliertes Essverhalten – und somit das körperliche und seelische Wohlbefinden langfristig beeinträchtigen. Gleichzeitig wird das Essverhalten auch durch Stressfaktoren wie Prüfungsdruck, finanzielle Belastungen oder soziale Erwartungen beeinflusst. In der Studie zeigte sich, dass sowohl kulturelle als auch geschlechtsspezifische Faktoren entscheidenden Einfluss darauf haben, wie junge Erwachsene mit Stress umgehen und welche Rolle dabei das Essverhalten spielt. Männer und Frauen reagieren unterschiedlich auf Angststörungen, was sich auch in der Wahl von Bewältigungsstrategien – wie Essverhalten – widerspiegelt. Die Studie leistet somit einen Beitrag zur soziologischen und psychologischen Erforschung des Lebensstils im Bildungs- und Jugendkontext.

Implementation and Evaluation of a Multi-professional Participatory Health Promotion Project in Residential Care Facilities in Austria

2025-06-04

Manuela Perchtaler , Gabriele Hagendorfer-Jauk , Johanna Breuer +1 more | Asian Conference on Aging & Gerontology official conference proceedings

Specific types of depressive symptoms trajectories and risk of chronic lung diseases events in middle-aged and older adults: Result from two prospective cohort studies

2025-06-04

Xianjun Wang , Yuan-Kan Wu , Dongqin Zheng +2 more | Journal of Affective Disorders

DYNAMICS OF AFFECTIVE AND ADDICTIVE SYMPTOMS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH STRESS-ASSOCIATED DISORDERS DURING STANDARD INPATIENT TREATMENT

2025-06-03

Igor Linskiy , Valeriy PIDKORYTOV , V. Kuzminov +7 more | Ukrains kyi Visnyk Psykhonevrolohii

The aim of the work was to study the dynamics of affective and addictive symptoms, as well as the quality of life in patients with stress-related disorders during standard inpatient … The aim of the work was to study the dynamics of affective and addictive symptoms, as well as the quality of life in patients with stress-related disorders during standard inpatient treatment. Twice (at the beginning and end of inpatient treatment) using the Spielberger-Khanin test, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), as well as methods for assessing the quality of life (for Mezzich), 115 people with complaints of various consequences of traumatic events related to participation in combat or being in a combat zone (including military personnel — 58 people (all men)), with the following diagnoses at the time of hospitalization: adjustment disorders (F 43.2) — 44 people; post-traumatic stress disorder (F 43.1) — 36 people; anxietyphobic disorders (F40.0) — 20 people and anxiety disorders (F41) — 15 people. The obtained data were processed by mathematical statistical methods (variance and correlation analyses) on a computer using Excel 2016 spreadsheets (with the Data Analysis package). It was found that on average during standard inpatient therapy, the severity of situational anxiety and personal anxiety according to the Spielberger-Khanin test decreased by 11.99 ± 2.09 % and 7.91 ± 1.54 %, respectively, and anxiety and depression according to the HADS scale decreased by 28.20 ± 3.17 % and 21.67 ± 3.30 %, respectively. At the same time, the quality of life (according to the Mezzich method) increased by 15.43 ± 3.25 %, and addictive symptoms (the severity of disorders due to alcohol use, assessed using the AUDIT test) did not undergo statistically significant changes. It was shown that the specialized medical care provided by the current unified clinical Protocol of primary and specialized medical care “Acute stress reaction. Post-traumatic stress disorder. Adaptation disorders” can provide a positive response to therapy in only slightly more than half of patients (51.82—66.04 % depending on the treatment effectiveness criteria used). The conclusion is made about the need to develop and implement innovative treatment methods capable of increasing the effectiveness of the treatment of stress-associated disorders.

Public psychology and holistic approaches to prevention and treatment of depression

2025-06-03

Elissa H. Patterson , Chazlyn Miller , Madison Hannapel | Frontiers in Psychiatry

It has been known since ancient times that the mind, body, and social connection are intertwined to promote thriving. More specifically, the basic pillars of health and wellbeing have been … It has been known since ancient times that the mind, body, and social connection are intertwined to promote thriving. More specifically, the basic pillars of health and wellbeing have been described across cultures, and they are codified in modern healthcare as the principles of lifestyle medicine. However, across the globe, emotional despair, loneliness, and chronic diseases have been rising despite a wealth of knowledge about the elements that promote happy, healthy individuals and communities. Depression has been identified as a significant element of the global mental health crisis. We know that depression is a multifaceted condition influenced by biological, psychological, social, environmental, and spiritual factors, but prevailing medical models prioritize medication and overshadow the importance of the other facets. In healthcare, pharmaceutical companies comprise a major portion of innovation that has led to the development of invaluable life-saving medications. However, some psychiatric drug makers use marketing methods rather than the scientific method to test and promote the sale of drugs to treat depression. For example, a confidential data ownership and transfer agreement that came to light during litigation over an antidepressant drug, stated that the purpose of the data collected by the drug company sponsored research was to market their product. The public and the medical community have been led to believe that drugs are more scientifically valid than other approaches to depression. We suggest a more holistic approach to prevention and treatment of emotional despair and depression, an approach that uses a public psychology lens to promote societal wellbeing.