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Psychological distress represents a complex and pervasive concern impacting individuals globally, characterized by a wide spectrum of emotional, cognitive, and physiological experiences. This multifaceted phenomenon is frequently intertwined with the presence of maladaptive cognitive schemas and heightened levels of anxiety, both recognized as contributing factors. Accurate prediction of psychological distress is of paramount significance for clinicians, researchers, and healthcare practitioners as it can drive early interventions, and personalized treatment plans, and optimize resource allocation. This research delves into the predictive capabilities of maladaptive cognitive schemas and anxiety in the context of psychological distress, employing the Random Forest Regression (RFR) algorithm. The RFR algorithm, a powerful ensemble learning method, offers the potential to comprehensively explore the intricate interplay of variables and predictors, enhancing the precision of psychological distress prediction. By harnessing the capabilities of this advanced algorithm, we seek to provide a more robust framework for understanding, assessing, and addressing psychological distress. This research aspires to illuminate the predictive potential of maladaptive cognitive schemas and anxiety, thereby contributing to the development of more effective early interventions and personalized treatment strategies. Ultimately, this study holds the promise of significantly improving our capacity to predict and intervene in cases of psychological distress, ultimately enhancing the well-being of individuals and the efficiency of healthcare delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to individuals worldwide, demanding the rapid development and utilization of coping mechanisms to navigate the recurring waves of uncertainty and disruption. Coping mechanisms are mediated by personality traits, cognitive schemes and developed perceptions. They are activated in states of stress, danger or events such as the COVID-19 period. Our study employing a network analysis approach sheds light on the coping mechanisms utilized during the recurring periods of the COVID era among a convenience sampling of 403 respondents in Romania. The findings highlight that substance use emerges as the most destabilizing factor within the pandemic resilience network, while the use of instrumental support exhibits the highest expected influence, offering valuable insights into the adaptive and maladaptive strategies that shape the Romanian population's resilience during these challenging times. They highlight the complex interplay of coping strategies and the need for tailored interventions that consider the influential positions and susceptibilities of specific coping mechanisms within the context of recurring COVID-19 waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper aims to address the pressing concern of drug consumption among youth by utilizing a comprehensive statistical analysis of an intervention program. The study employs the "Intention to Change Behavior Toward Drug Consumption" scale, which is rooted in the Theory of Planned Behavior, to assess participants' intention to alter their drug consumption behavior. The scale encompasses five subscales--attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, perceptions of risks, and knowledge of consequences--each probing different components of the theory. The intervention program, named the "Cognitive-Social-Medico-Legal Educational Approach," draws from Albert Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory to affect the behavior and attitude change in youth regarding drug consumption. Grounded in cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors, the program encompasses observation and modeling, enhancing self-efficacy, employing rewards and punishments, developing self-regulation skills, improving the social environment, and fostering awareness of medico-legal implications. Through a thorough selection methodology, 40 youth actively engaged in drug use and seeking psychotherapy services were chosen for participation--20 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group. After a three-month intervention, statistical analysis revealed significant shifts in attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and knowledge of consequences in the experimental group. Conversely, the control group exhibited limited changes, except for marginal shifts in perceptions of risks. These findings offer critical insights for addressing youth drug consumption through evidence-based interventions, thereby contributing to the larger discourse on substance abuse prevention and empowerment among the youth demographic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]