Search

The study examined psychosocial factors (quality of life, depression, anxiety, optimism, coping, and social support) in relation to symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in 108 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Canonical correlational analysis showed that both PTSD and PTG were related to poorer quality of life, lack of social supports, and avoidant coping styles. However, higher PTG was also associated with the use of meaning and social support to cope with their experience. The findings highlight both negative and positive posttraumatic outcomes but longitudinal studies are now needed to more fully evaluate these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the relationship among negative affect, body image disturbances (BID), and interpersonal problems, and the mediating effect of self-esteem in a group of treatment-seeking obese individuals. Methods: Four hundred twenty-two obese patients (85 males and 337 females) completed standardised measures that assessed negative affect, BID, self-esteem, and interpersonal problems. Results: Structural equation modelling showed that obese individuals with greater negative affect and BID reported higher interpersonal problems and that self-esteem mediated the relationships among negative affect, BID, and interpersonal problems. Conclusions: The mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between interpersonal functioning and psychological distress needs to be considered when selecting psychologically based interventions that aim to improve the well-being of treatment-seeking obese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective.This study aimed to identify cultural-level variables that may influence the extent to which adolescents from different cultural groups are dissatisfied with their bodies. Design.A sample of 1730 male and 2000 female adolescents from Australia, Fiji, Malaysia, Tonga, Tongans in New Zealand, China, Chile, and Greece completed measures of body satisfaction, and the sociocultural influences on body image and body change questionnaire, and self-reported height and weight. Country gross domestic product and national obesity were recorded using global databases. Results.Prevalence of obesity/overweight and cultural endorsement of appearance standards explained variance in individual-level body dissatisfaction (BD) scores, even after controlling for the influence of individual differences in body mass index and internalization of appearance standards. Conclusions.Cultural-level variables may account for the development of adolescent BD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article begins with a brief history of the emergence of health psychology, discussing the nature of heath psychology, and the crisis in health that drives the need for more health psychologists. It then proceeds to discuss training in health psychology in Australia at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. To provide a context for considering ways forward, the history of training in health psychology in Australia is reviewed, followed by an examination of equivalent training overseas. Reviewing these literatures revealed that in Australia only five universities offer a compulsory stand-alone course in health psychology in the first 3 years of the undergraduate degree. As many as 11 Australian universities have offered postgraduate training in health psychology, but this number has fallen to only three universities currently. Recommended goals and strategies for increasing postgraduate training in health psychology are offered related to (a) increasing demand from applicants for postgraduate programmes in health psychology; (b) increasing employment opportunities for health psychologists in the public and private sectors; (c) increasing government funding for postgraduate professional programmes; (d) development of alternative training options; and (e) increasing attractiveness of existing training options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Several studies have demonstrated that constructing simple daily goals in the form of positive activities alleviate depressed mood. However, currently there is a paucity of scales for assessing the setting of simple daily goals. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Daily Goals Scale ( DGS), a new scale designed to measure the propensity to set and achieve small daily goals. Methods This study examined the construct validity and reliability of this new scale in a community-based sample of ( N = 178) men and women (aged 18-70 years). All participants were asked to complete the DGS, along with the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire, Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire, Negative Disposition, Adaptive Bias Scale, and Hope Scale. Results The results provided evidence for the scale's factorial validity. Findings also showed that the DGS was internally consistent. Moreover, both convergent and discriminant validity were demonstrated. Notably, the DGS negatively correlated with anhedonic depression, but it was unrelated to the measure of anxiety. Conclusion The DGS demonstrated adequate psychometric properties and is an easy-to-use self-report measure of the propensity to set and achieve small daily goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this review was to identify and evaluate the strength of associations of the key parental factors measured in studies examining early childhood physical activity (PA). A systematic review of the literature, using databases PsychINFO, Medline, Academic Search Complete, PSYCHinfo, and CINHAL, published between January 1986 and March 2011 was conducted; 20 papers were relevant for the current review. While 12 parenting variables were identified, only 5 of these had been investigated sufficiently to provide conclusive findings. There were inconsistencies in the findings involving the social learning variable parental enjoyment and variables involving parental behaviours such as maternal depression and self-efficacy, and rules for sedentary behaviour, and parental perceptions, which included perceived importance of PA, fear of safety, and perception of child's motor competence. Given these inconsistencies, a meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether the method of measuring PA (objective or subjective) influenced the strength of associations between the parental factors and young children's PA. There was no difference in the strength of associations in the studies that used objective or subjective measurement (via parent self-report). Further investigation is needed to clarify and understand the specific parental influences and behaviours that are associated with PA in young children. In particular, longitudinal research is needed to better understand how parental influences and PA levels of children during the formative preschool and early elementary school years are associated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study extends McPhie et al. (2011)'s [Maternal correlates of preschool child eating behaviours and body mass index: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, Early Online, 1–5.] McPhie et al. (2011)’s cross-sectional research, by prospectively evaluating maternal child-feeding practices, parenting style and mother–child interactions as predictors of child-eating behaviours, food habits and weight. A sample of 117 mothers of preschoolers (63 girls, 54 boys) participated at two time-points, Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2), 12 months apart. Results from the two path models revealed maternal pressure to eat at T1 positively predicted change in child enjoyment of food. Maternal warmth at T1 negatively predicted child unhealthy food habits at T2. At T1, family income and maternal control negatively predicted change in child body mass index z-scores (BMIz); maternal pressure to eat at T1 also positively predicted change in child BMIz. There were significant results specific to each model. Both final path models provided an adequate fit. Our findings suggest childhood obesity is predicted by a complex interplay of demographic, maternal and child variables. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Obesity among children has been on the rise globally for the past few decades. Previous research has centred mainly on self/parent-reported measures examining only uni-directional parental feeding styles and practices. Recent discussions in the literature have raised the importance of bi-directional parent–child interactions in influencing children's weight status. The aims of this paper are to highlight the importance of an observational approach when investigating positive bi-directional parent–child interactions during mealtimes and to outline how these interactions may be linked to positive child eating and weight outcomes. We examine the current literature on self-reported parental patterns and argue for the influential roles of responsiveness, affect and parental control dimensions within the parent–child dyad. Information about the ways in which the parent and the child can influence each other on these dimensions, as observed in parent–child interactions around food, is likely to provide greater insights into the aetiology of childhood obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We evaluated gender-based and cross-cultural equivalence of the Body Dissatisfaction Scale of the Body Change Inventory in a sample of 4,005 adolescents from 7 cultures that represent diverse body image ideals and response styles. Results of multigroup confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated equivalence of the scale across gender but not across cultures. Follow-up analyses identified small but significant cross-cultural differences in response styles (specifically, acquiescence and middle response option endorsement) as the source of this noninvariance. We recommend use of this scale for gender-based comparisons but caution that researchers should evaluate the presence of response biases before making substantive conclusions about cross-cultural differences in body dissatisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Child obesity research has generally not examined multiple layers of parent–child relationships during weight-related activities such as feeding, eating and play. A literature review was conducted to locate empirical studies that measured parent–child interactions and child eating and child weight variables; five papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings of the review revealed that parent–child relationships are an important element in explaining the unhealthy trend of childhood obesity. We argue that prevention/intervention strategies must extend on the current models of parenting by targeting the family from a bi-directional perspective, and focusing, specifically, on the mutually responsive orientation that exists in the parent–child relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective.This study aimed to identify cultural-level variables that may influence the extent to which adolescents from different cultural groups are dissatisfied with their bodies. Design.A sample of 1730 male and 2000 female adolescents from Australia, Fiji, Malaysia, Tonga, Tongans in New Zealand, China, Chile, and Greece completed measures of body satisfaction, and the sociocultural influences on body image and body change questionnaire, and self-reported height and weight. Country gross domestic product and national obesity were recorded using global databases. Results.Prevalence of obesity/overweight and cultural endorsement of appearance standards explained variance in individual-level body dissatisfaction (BD) scores, even after controlling for the influence of individual differences in body mass index and internalization of appearance standards. Conclusions.Cultural-level variables may account for the development of adolescent BD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with high prevalence mental health (HPMH) and concurrent alcohol and/or drug disorders are vulnerable to falling 'between the gaps' of existing service systems. The aim of the current qualitative study was to explore service experiences (barriers to treatment and suggestions for improvements) from the perspective of those with this type of dual diagnosis. Of the individuals, 44 with a HPMH dual diagnosis participated in qualitative interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted on the data and major themes from the analysis presented. Barriers to treatment related primarily to knowledge (not knowing that services existed; breakdowns in referrals) and structure (delays in response; system inflexibility). Suggestions for improvements to services targeted barriers but took a holistic view including the need for worker and community education, addressing issues beyond the illness and the importance of relationships. The complex interaction between the disorders means that navigating either of the specialist systems has pitfalls not faced by people with a single disorder. Service user input is vital to minimise gaps and ensure service provision meets the needs of this group. These findings can now be used to inform service system redesign so that services are better able to meet the needs of this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 'Dual diagnosis' is the term of choice in many countries to describe clients with co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues. However, it is not known if its meaning is consistently represented within and across health care services. This uncertainty has significant implications for referral, consultation and research. Aim: To obtain information about the way that different health care professionals understand the term 'dual diagnosis'. Method: Twenty-nine health care workers across five service types (medical, mental health, AOD, dual diagnosis and community health) in Victoria, Australia were interviewed about their understanding of the term 'dual diagnosis'. Results: The findings indicated that service providers working in AOD and Mental Health had a shared general understanding of what was meant by 'dual diagnosis', despite uncertainties about more specific inclusion criteria. In contrast, medical and community health staff lacked a similar shared understanding, and were more likely to recommend change, but offered no consensus on alternatives. Conclusion: The results indicate that while the term 'dual diagnosis' has value in efficiently directing attention to the complexity of treatment issues, health practitioners cannot assume it will convey the intended meaning outside mental health or AOD services. Clear articulation of the intended definition may be a necessary requirement in wider health care communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study, conducted in 2003, Melbourne, Australia, examined and compared how different personal and social resources related to participants' use of both heroin and methadone, as well as their experiences of stigma and program regulation, and their evaluation of methadone treatment. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 participants (five men, five women) aged between 25 and 42. Participants who had diverse personal and social circumstances were purposefully sought. Findings showed that users with “non-addict” or “functional” self-concepts had more resources and supportive social relationships that assisted them to develop realistic treatment expectations, avoid the stigma associated with methadone, and focus on the benefits of the treatment. Conversely, “conflicted” users with limited resources, few social connections, and negative self-concept saw methadone as an addiction, and as a highly stigmatizing and disempowering intervention. Social policies that differentiate users and address ways of improving users' personal and social resources are now needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT. In 2 studies, the authors evaluated the role of parents, peers, and the media in body image and body-change strategies among adolescent boys and girls. The respondents for Study 1 (423 boys and 377 girls) completed the Body Image and Body Change Inventory (L. A. Ricciardelli & M. P. McCabe, 2002) and the Perceived Sociocultural Influences on Body Image and Body Change Questionnaire (M. P. McCabe & L. A. Ricciardelli, 2001b). Body mass index and age were also included in the analyses. Regression analyses demonstrated that sociocultural influences and feedback from the participant's best male friend were important predictors for all body-change strategies among boys. For girls, sociocultural influences and feedback from the participant's best female friend and mother were important predictors for body-change strategies. The most consistent predictor of weight loss, weight gain, and strategies to increase muscles was body-image importance. In Study 2, the authors examined the influence of the same sociocultural variables, as well as negative affect and puberty on body image and body-change strategies among a second group of 199 boys and 267 girls. The results demonstrated that a broad range of sociocultural influences predicted body-change strategies for boys and girls, with negative affect also having a unique influence or boys but not for girls. Puberty played a minor role, once other sociocultural variables were entered into the regression equation. The implications of these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study that tested two alternative processes that may explain the relationship between child maltreatment, childhood family characteristics and adult adjustment using retrospective data from a community sample. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study.

Examines the effects of participation and presentation media on eyewitness memory in children aged five to six and 11 to 12 years. Level of participation; Age differences; Recall and recognition responses; Memory performance for each level of event presentation.

Deals with a study which examined the relationship between gender-stereotypical and drinking behaviors in students via positive and negative measures of masculinity and femininity. Results of the canonical correlation; Correlations of gender scales and the drinking indices with two canonical variates for men and women; Indications of the result.

The relationship between desirable and undesirable aspects of masculinity and femininity and drinking and eating was investigated. A sample of 144 university women in Australia completed questionnaires that assessed masculinity and femininity, reported drinking, alcohol dependence, eating restraint, frequency of dieting, and overeating. Evidence of a common underlying dimension linking aspects of problem drinking and overeating to undesirable masculine characteristics was found. The results are consistent with the view that women engage in excessive consummatory behaviors such as bingeing to deal with their gender-role conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]