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Individuals with SEMH difficulties often perform negative health behaviours, yet little qualitative research aiming to understand why exists. The present study aimed to uncover reasons for poor health behaviours in individuals at an SEMH college. Eight students attending a specialist SEMH college were interviewed about their health behaviours and health beliefs. IPA was utilised to analyse the datasets. Participants seemed aware of the potential severity of ill-health following negative health behaviours, yet this only appeared to influence behaviour when they believed themselves as susceptible to the illness. Coping with adversity and social influence were key barriers in reducing unhealthy behaviours, with perceived barriers outweighing any potential health benefits. Participants expressed good mental wellbeing as key in being physically healthy, both directly and as mediated through health behaviours. Finally, participants engaging in unhealthy behaviours appeared to minimise the potential risks associated with each behaviour. Students with SEMH difficulties perform negative health behaviours for various reasons including social influence, enjoyment and coping with adversity. Addressing these factors may help to improve the health behaviours of this cohort.

Background: Evidence suggests that financial crises and poor mental health are reciprocally related, but no systematic review has been conducted to synthesise the existing literature on the impact of national and international financial crises on population-level mental health and well-being. Aims: The aim of this study was to systematically review the available literature on the global impact of financial crises on mental health and well-being outcomes. Methods: After registration on PROSPERO, a systematic search was conducted in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Wiley, and Web of Science for papers published until 21 November 2022. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement, 98 papers were identified as meeting eligibility criteria. Included studies were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and results were presented in a formal narrative synthesis. Results: Our findings show that financial crises are significantly associated with well-being and occurrence of psychological conditions. Several socio-demographic, cultural, and country-specific characteristics played a crucial role in the prevention of population mental health decline in periods of financial crises. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this review, evidence-based recommendations were developed to guide the design of policy actions that protect population mental health during and after financial crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to articulate the multi-regulatory and complex territory that programme developers of professional doctorates are required to navigate, and, using examples from Health Psychology and Sport and Exercise Psychology, discusses the impact of this territory on programme development. 'Practitioner Psychologist' is a legally protected title for use by those listed on the UK's Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register of practitioner psychologists. Achieving registration involves undergoing training to meet the HCPC prescribed standards, with the professional practitioner doctorate representing a viable training vehicle. The paper makes critical comparison between the HCPC standard-driven research "and" practice competences required of psychology professionals in a professional doctorate framework, versus traditional professional doctorates that provide a platform for qualified 'in situ' professionals to undertake research that problem solves and generates real-world application. For programme developers, the paper outlines a number of key considerations, including the importance of considering the territorial compatibility between the professional body requirements and the associated university framework to develop a viable product. The paper also provides some useful and informative suggestions for programme developers who may encounter similar territorial challenges, and is of relevance to an international audience interested in programme design for certified professional practitioners.

Readability is a systematic measure of ease, with which written information can be read and understood. It can affect the reader's ability to access, comprehend, and utilize health information. This study assessed the readability of online COVID-19 information readily available to the public to engage with. At a time when organisations and institutions were rapidly providing advice and reacting to a developing pandemic, it was hypothesised that some of that haste would be associated with a lack of clarity, as measured by readability indices. N = 65 website sources containing information relating to COVID-19 were accessed and assessed for inclusion in the study. Eight readability indices, including Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, were calculated to determine readability scores for each source of information. Readability scores varied greatly between individual sources of COVID-19 information. Despite the recommendation that information be presented to the general public at a sixth-grade reading level, most websites we assessed addressing COVID-19 information and advice presented content at greater than the recommended reading level. Based on these results, a significant amount of information available on the Internet about COVID-19 will not be easily readable for many individuals attempting to use the Internet to help inform their decisions about their health and behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with SEMH difficulties often perform negative health behaviours, yet little qualitative research aiming to understand why exists. The present study aimed to uncover reasons for poor health behaviours in individuals at an SEMH college. Eight students attending a specialist SEMH college were interviewed about their health behaviours and health beliefs. IPA was utilised to analyse the datasets. Participants seemed aware of the potential severity of ill-health following negative health behaviours, yet this only appeared to influence behaviour when they believed themselves as susceptible to the illness. Coping with adversity and social influence were key barriers in reducing unhealthy behaviours, with perceived barriers outweighing any potential health benefits. Participants expressed good mental wellbeing as key in being physically healthy, both directly and as mediated through health behaviours. Finally, participants engaging in unhealthy behaviours appeared to minimise the potential risks associated with each behaviour. Students with SEMH difficulties perform negative health behaviours for various reasons including social influence, enjoyment and coping with adversity. Addressing these factors may help to improve the health behaviours of this cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term physical health conditions (LTPHCs) are associated with poorer psychological well-being, quality of life, and longevity. Additionally, individuals with LTPHCs report uncertainty in terms of condition aetiology, course, treatment, and ability to engage in life. An individual's dispositional ability to tolerate uncertainty—or difficulty to endure the unknown—is termed intolerance of uncertainty (IU), and may play a pivotal role in their adjustment to a LTPHC. Consequently, the current review sought to investigate the relationship between IU and health-related outcomes, including physical symptoms, psychological ramifications, self-management, and treatment adherence in individuals with LTPHCs. A systematic search was conducted for papers published from inception until 27 May 2022 using the databases PsycINFO, PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL Plus, PsycARTICLES, and Web of Science. Thirty-one studies (N = 6,201) met the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that higher levels of IU were associated with worse psychological well-being outcomes and poorer quality of life, though impacts on self-management were less clear. With the exception of one study (which looked at IU in children), no differences in IU were observed between patients and healthy controls. Although findings highlight the importance of investigating IU related to LTPHCs, the heterogeneity and limitations of the existing literature preclude definite conclusions. Future longitudinal and experimental research is required to investigate how IU interacts with additional psychological constructs and disease variables to predict individuals' adjustment to living with a LTPHC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic have not been equal, with a disproportionate impact among ethnic minority communities. Structural inequalities in social determinants of health such as housing and employment have contributed to COVID‐19's impact on deprived communities, including many ethnic minority communities. To compare (1) how the UK government's "social distancing" restrictions and guidance were perceived and implemented by ethnic minority populations compared to white populations, (2) the impact of restrictions and guidance upon these groups. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed methods study incorporated a quantitative survey and qualitative semi‐structured interviews to explore individual perceptions and experiences of COVID‐19 and the national restrictions. Survey participants (n = 1587) were recruited from North West England; 60 (4%) participants were from ethnic minority communities. Forty‐nine interviews were conducted; 19 (39%) participants were from ethnic minority communities. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach. Data collection was between April and August 2020. Results: Significant differences in demographics and household overcrowding were observed between white vs ethnic minority survey respondents, who were also significantly less confident in their knowledge of COVID‐19, less likely to be high‐risk drinkers, and marginally more likely to have experienced job loss and/or reduced household income. There were no group differences in wellbeing, perceptions, or nonfinancial impacts. Two inter‐related themes included: (1) government guidance, incorporating people's knowledge and understanding of the guidance and their confusion/frustration over messaging; (2) the impacts of restrictions on keyworkers, home‐schooling, working from home and changes in lifestyle/wellbeing. Conclusions: Further research is needed on the long‐term impacts of COVID‐19 on ethnic minority communities. If policy responses to COVID‐19 are to benefit ethnic minority communities, there is a need for future studies to consider fundamental societal issues, such as the role of housing and economic disadvantage. Highlights: What is known about this topic? The COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted the entire world, however it has had disproportionate impacts on ethnic minority communities.'Social distancing' is a public health intervention that has been utilised in previous pandemics where measures are put in place to encourage individuals to undertake a number of changes to their social behaviours to increase physical distance from others and to reduce number of contacts with other people.Living conditions such as overcrowding are a risk factor for ill health, including from COVID‐19. What this paper add? Ethnic minority respondents were significantly more concerned about the educational impacts on their children.Living in overcrowded homes significantly affected the ethnic minority respondents with regard to increased risk within their home environment, less space for privacy for working from home and education/welfare needs of children.More practical and relevant government guidance is needed for ethnic minority communities and future policy should consider the economic and societal impacts for ethnic minority workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An estimated 46% of the worldwide adult population live with an active headache disorder, and it is thought that there is a proportion of headache and migraine sufferers who do not attend for medical care, instead choosing to manage their symptoms at home. The internet continues to act as a source of online health information for self-management, however, it is important that this information can be understood by the user. Research indicates that most health information online is written at a level too difficult for much of the UK population to understand. The aim of this study was to investigate the readability of online health information pertaining to headache and migraine for a UK-based internet user accessing the top four search engines. Searches for 'headache' and 'migraine' were performed on each search engine and results from the first page were selected for analysis. Five validated readability tests were used to analyse readability; Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning Fog Index, Coleman-Liau Index and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index. We found that the majority of online health information about migraine and headache is too difficult for the UK adult population to read. Findings highlight work is required to ensure that information from a wider variety of sources is easier to comprehend for much of the population in order for individuals to make informed decisions about health seeking and self-management of headache and migraine. Health information providers should weave readability analysis into their content design process, incorporating shorter sentences and simpler words in their description of conditions and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Eating Disorders is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: An estimated 27% of ambulance personnel experience general psychological distress. The relationship between work and mental health is complex. Aims: This study aimed to explore whether and to what extent individual factors affect the mental health of ambulance personnel. Methods: Four UK NHS ambulance trusts facilitated recruitment of ambulance personnel (n=160). Well-validated measures were used to collect data on the predictor variables: the Perceived Stress Scale; the Satisfaction with Life Scale; and the Brief Resilience Scale. Mental health, assessed according to response to trauma measured by the Impact of Events Scale Revised (IES-r), and anxiety and depression, measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were the outcome measures. Findings: Regression models demonstrated that all predictor variables accounted for nearly half of the variance in each outcome (P<0.01). Conclusions: A significant proportion of variance was accounted for by individual factors. This assists in understanding the impact and role of individual factors in the mental health of this occupational group. Future research could inform intervention development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviewed mediators of psychological well-being among healthcare workers responding to pandemics. After registration on PROSPERO, a systematic review was performed in four databases and 39 studies were included. Worse mental health outcomes, such as stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety and burnout were related to demographic characteristics, contact with infected patients and poor perceived support. Self-efficacy, coping ability, altruism and organisational support were protective factors. Despite limitations in the quality of available evidence, this review highlights the prevalence of poor mental health in healthcare workers and proposes target mediators for future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal disorders (GID) affect psychological and physical health and can be impacted by stress and ability to self-regulate emotions. The aim of this study was to gain an indepth understanding of individuals with GID experiences of a Heart Rate Variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) coherence intervention. Six patients, who had already been diagnosed with GID, were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule to investigate how engaging in an HRVBF coherence intervention affected their levels of stress and their GID condition. All transcripts were explored using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Analysis of the accounts indicated four superordinate themes: (1) Autonomy, (2) Self-regulation, (3) Acceptance, (4) Mind-Body-Spirit. The field of HRV-BF interventions in the area of gastroenterology is promising. However, it is recommended that further studies involving psycho-physiological interventions, with mixed-method designs and larger samples, are undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: A systematic review was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of HeartMath, heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) intervention studies within a variety of psychiatric conditions. Design and methods: Seven databases, including Web of Knowledge, Medline, Psych Info, Cinahl, Psych articles, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and grey literature, were searched for suitable articles. Of the 1,701 citations identified, eight studies that utilised HeartMath HRVB interventions with psychiatric patients were included in the final analysis. A total of 64 patients aged 12-96 across a range of psychiatric conditions were examined in the systematic review. Results The review cautiously indicates that some groups of patients with psychiatric conditions report psychological improvement following HRVB HeartMath training. Conclusions These studies provide some evidence that HeartMath, HRVB interventions are promising in supporting beneficial outcomes for individuals with psychiatric conditions. The review points to future directions for HRVB interventions using the HeartMath technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of lifestyle on mental health in the ambulance worker population is unclear. The aim of this paper is to explore the role and impact of lifestyle on the mental health of ambulance workers within the United Kingdom (UK). Participants (N = 160) were recruited from 4 NHS ambulance trusts in England. Data were collected on lifestyle factors (sleep, physical activity and alcohol use) and mental health outcomes (trauma, anxiety, depression and stress); these were assessed by use of various questionnaires including validated measures. Sleep was shown to be the single biggest unique and significant predictor to all mental health outcomes. Suggestions for future research and intervention are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Awareness is increasing that health behaviours, which are a part of a person's lifestyle, have significant effects on emotional and physical wellbeing. Ambulance workers are at a higher risk of poorer psychological health outcomes than the general population. This begs the question whether lifestyle could play a role in emotional and physical health outcomes, which is an understudied area in this population. This paper reviews health behaviours in paramedics and assesses the impact they may have on their emotional and physical wellbeing. Methodology: PRISMA guidelines were adhered to and seven online bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychArticles, PsychINFO, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar) and reference lists of eligible articles were searched. Papers were systematically extracted and selected by title, then by abstract using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Findings: The papers included in this review (n=6) cover a range lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking, alcohol use and sleep) that potentially affect wellbeing outcomes (weight/body mass index and post-traumatic stress symptoms) of ambulance workers across the Western world. They have various limitations. Conclusion: Ambulance workers engage in negative health behaviours that have some bearing on their emotional and physical wellbeing. Further research could explore the role of health behaviours and lifestyle in ambulance workers using validated measures. The findings could support the development of an evidence-based, occupation-specific intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients who have sickle cell disease, a hereditary chronic anemia characterized by abnormal sickle-shaped red blood cells, develop occlusion of the blood vessels which can cause peripheral retinal ischemia (death of retinal tissue due to lack of adequate blood supply), and this leads to a risk of proliferative sickle retinopathy. This retinopathy can result in loss of vision from hemorrhage in the internal eye or detachment of the retina, or it may resolve without treatment. Better understanding of the development and progression of sickle retinopathy lesions is important, for treatment and patient selection for treatment. The natural progression of untreated sickle retinopathy was observed: 35 patients had sickle cell disease, a homozygous condition; and 112 patients had sickle cell-hemoglobin C disease, a heterozygous condition (with a less severe clinical course than sickle cell anemia). The retina was evaluated using fluorescein angiography (study of the blood flow in the eye following intravenous injection of dye). In both the homozygous and the heterozygous genotypes, proliferative sickle retinopathy progressed most often between the ages of 20 and 39. In sickle cell disease, the retinal disease was more likely to regress spontaneously; and regression was more likely to continue to non-perfusion of the lesion, a condition in which patients are less prone to sight-threatening complications. Proliferative sickle retinopathy in sickle-cell hemoglobin C disease tended to remain stable in patients 40 years old and over. Non-perfused proliferative sickle retinopathy lesions were more likely to reperfuse in hemoglobin C disease than in sickle cell disease. These findings suggest that treatment may not be necessary in patients with sickle cell disease who are 40 or over. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

This paper aims to articulate the multi-regulatory and complex territory that programme developers of professional doctorates are required to navigate, and, using examples from Health Psychology and Sport and Exercise Psychology, discusses the impact of this territory on programme development. 'Practitioner Psychologist' is a legally protected title for use by those listed on the UK's Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register of practitioner psychologists. Achieving registration involves undergoing training to meet the HCPC prescribed standards, with the professional practitioner doctorate representing a viable training vehicle. The paper makes critical comparison between the HCPC standard-driven research and practice competences required of psychology professionals in a professional doctorate framework, versus traditional professional doctorates that provide a platform for qualified 'in situ' professionals to undertake research that problem solves and generates real–world application. For programme developers, the paper outlines a number of key considerations, including the importance of considering the territorial compatibility between the professional body requirements and the associated university framework to develop a viable product. The paper also provides some useful and informative suggestions for programme developers who may encounter similar territorial challenges, and is of relevance to an international audience interested in programme design for certified professional practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research aimed to determine if partners’ involvement in the rehabilitative care of people who have undergone an amputation predicted their wellbeing using a quantitative, cross-sectional design. Partners of people with an amputation were contacted through amputation-related advocacy groups and asked to complete an online questionnaire. Full data were collected from 66 participants who completed demographic information and measures of perceived social support, involvement in partner’s rehabilitative care, depression and posttraumatic growth. Predictors into the two regression models were chosen based on their zero-order correlations with the outcome variables. Only time since amputation and degree of prosthesis use were correlated with posttraumatic growth. Time since amputation, time in relationship and partner’s involvement in rehabilitative care were negatively correlated with depression. Both models (posttraumatic growth and depression) were significant. Involvement in partner’s care was an independent significant predictor for depression. More involvement in partners’ rehabilitative care was a significant predictor of less depression for partners of people with an amputation. The present research provides tentative evidence in support of the planned inclusion of partners by amputation rehabilitation services. Future research is needed to determine how robust this finding is. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To identify and synthesize qualitative literature on the experience of amputation and prosthesis use for adults, and to make recommendations based on these findings for rehabilitation services. Methods: A systematic search of three databases for qualitative research exploring the experience of amputation and prosthesis use for adults was undertaken. Included papers were evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) quality guidelines. Data were extracted and themes synthesized in accordance with accepted procedures for qualitative metasyntheses. Results: From the 15 papers (13 studies) included in there view, five concepts were identified: (i) Becoming an amputee and facing prosthesis use; (ii) Adjustment to and coping with amputation and prosthesis use; (iii) The role of valued relationships in recovery; (iv) Amputation and prosthesis use in social interaction; and (v) Prosthetically enabled identities. Conclusions: The findings provide a base from which to make suggestions regarding the provision of health rehabilitation services for this population. It is recommended that such services make greater use of psychological interventions and education, include patients' social support networks, use psychotherapy to support and develop positive coping strategies, and facilitate peer support from those who have already made positive adjustments to amputation and prosthesis use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimTo examine the effects of self-care training workshops for primary healthcare workers on frequently attending patients.BackgroundInterventions to promote self-care in frequent users of primary care services have had mixed results. This paper reports an evaluation of a self-care initiative that aimed to develop a practice-based strategy to support self-care.MethodsA 12-month longitudinal-matched comparison study was carried out in seven intervention and four comparison practices. The intervention was a multidisciplinary training package delivered to Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and practice staff in three workshops, over a three- to six-month period. Twenty-one managers, health professionals and other staff from participating practices and PCTs and 1454 patients were involved in the study. ‘Frequently attending’ patients were defined as having visited the practice more than eight times in the previous year, and were identified from practice registers and recruited by letter.Three sets of data were obtained: psychometric scores and other data from structured questionnaires; routinely collected data on use of healthcare services; and self-care beliefs and behaviour from qualitative interviews.FindingsStudy recruitment rate was 20% and retention rate 75%. Of those recruited 66% were female and the majority (94.8%) were White. There was poor uptake of the training programme within the participating practices, with few changes agreed or implemented. Few healthcare professionals consented to take part in the evaluation. No significant changes were seen in patients’ use of health services, psychometric scores or self-care beliefs or behaviour.ConclusionThe initiative did not show any effects during its pilot phase. Uptake and implementation were adversely affected by competing pressures for time and resources in primary care, coupled with a lack of engagement from primary health care professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research on psychological aspects of physical activity and exercise by young adults. A questionnaire is used to determine the predictive ability of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) of the intention and behavior of young adults related to physical activity. It is found that TPB had significant predictability although its strength was dependent on gender.

AimTo determine the effects of a community-based training programme in self-care on the lay population.BackgroundSelf Care is recognised as being a cornerstone of the populations health, but to date there have been few large-scale studies of its effectiveness on the general public. This paper reports on an evaluation of a self-care skills training course delivered in small group sessions within workplace and parent and toddler group settings to a lay population.MethodsA quasi-experimental longitudinal study of 12-month duration was conducted in three intervention primary care trusts (PCTs) and two similar comparison PCTs in England. The sample comprised 1568 self-selecting participants: 868 received the intervention and 700 did not.FindingsNo changes were seen in usage of General Practitioner services, the primary outcome, however, statistical analysis suggested that being in the intervention group may be associated with increased use of out-of-hours and secondary care services. At six months’ follow-up small but statistically significant positive effects of being in the intervention group were seen on self-esteem, well-being and anxiety scores. At 12 months’ follow-up small but statistically significant positive effects of being in the intervention group were also seen on recovery locus of control, health literacy and self-esteem scores, and on knowledge of adult cough. The clinical significance of these very small changes is unclear.The training programme had a small but positive effect, which was still evident at 12 months, on individuals’ knowledge and confidence levels with regard to managing their own health, but did not lead to reductions in health service use. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

With a substantial number of individuals diagnosed with Hand--Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and the preponderance of research focused on the medical and paramedical issues, the psychological and mental health sequelae of HAVS are largely neglected within the published literature. A series of focus groups and interviews were conducted involving nine people who had been diagnosed with HAVS. Transcripts of these interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four key themes were identified within the discourse of individuals affected by HAVS: machismo; coping; psychological impacts; and the development of support services for HAVS. Clinical implications are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goodley & Lawthom discussed the role of a community psychology approach in conducting emancipatory disability research. While their aims are entirely laudable, they portrayed mainstream psychology as 'pathologising, voyeuristic, individualising, [and] impairment-obsessed'. This paper presents a reply to Goodley and Lawthom's somewhat outdated arguments for the dismissal of mainstream psychology and argues that the focus on a single 'best' method of researching disability does not serve the best interests of disabled people within society. It is argued that to create a 'new' psychology distinct from the 'mainstream' is unnecessary, undesirable and counter-productive. Mainstream psychology has much to offer disabled people and to dismiss it is to throw the baby out with the bathwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]