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Cultural identity formation is a complex developmental task that influences adolescents' adjustment. However, less is known about individual variations in trajectories of cultural identity processes and how they relate to youth psychosocial outcomes. Using a person-centered approach, this study investigated patterns of change over a year in cultural identity exploration and resolution, respectively, among ethnically diverse adolescents in Italy. The sample included 173 high school students (Mage = 15 yrs, SD = 0.62, range = 14–17; 58.4% female; 26% immigrant background) who had participated in the Identity Project, a school-based intervention targeting ethnic-racial identity development. Longitudinal latent profile analysis revealed only one profile of change for exploration, whereas four unique profiles for resolution emerged ("stable low," "stable average," "increase low-to-average," "increase high-to-higher"). Overall, youth in the resolution-increase profiles reported the best outcomes. The findings highlight the heterogeneity of adolescents' resolution trajectories and the benefits of an increased sense of clarity concerning one's cultural identity for positive psychosocial functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Playfulness describes individual differences in (re)framing situations in a way that they are experienced as interesting, intellectually stimulating, or entertaining. We extended the study of playfulness to groups of middle- and higher age and examined the relations of four facets of playfulness (Other-directed, Lighthearted, Intellectual, and Whimsical) to indicators of positive psychological functioning. Method: We collected self-report data from 210 participants aged between 50 and 98 years. Results: The playfulness expressions in this age group were comparable to younger adults. We found that playfulness relates to life satisfaction, the PERMA domains of well-being, and character strengths with small-to-medium correlation effect sizes. The OLIW facets showed differential associations, with regression analyses revealing that particularly Other-directed is positively associated with positive psychological functioning. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of playful relationships across the lifespan. We discuss the findings regarding the role of playfulness for healthy aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited research exists regarding the impact of the Ukrainian War on mental distress among refugees or the presentation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a co-morbidity. This study analyzes the mental distress experienced by displaced Ukrainian refugees, including exposure to war-related trauma, PTSD, psychological distress based on socio-demographic factors, prevalence of concurrent mental illnesses, and associated risk factors. Ukrainian refugees in Israel were included in the study shortly after their arrival. Participants completed questionnaires on socio-demographic information, exposure to war-related events, presence of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and current life satisfaction. The 128 participants reported an average of 6.4 traumatic events (SD = 2.97). Among them, 69.5% (n = 89) met the criteria for probable PTSD, 36.7% (N = 47) for depression, and 53.1% (N = 68) for anxiety. The "comorbidity" cohort, consisting of refugees with PTSD and depression/anxiety or both, included 65 participants (53.3%), the "only PTSD" group was 24 participants (19.7%), and 33 (27%) had "no probability". Women and those who had left family members behind were 2.9 and 3.2 times more likely to experience comorbidity, respectively. Refugees with comorbidity reported higher distress and functional impairments compared to the "only PTSD" group, and lower life satisfaction than those with "no probability". This study highlights the significant traumatology experienced by Ukrainian refugees, with attention to the unique impact of comorbidity on functional and subjective well-being among refugees. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is necessary to appropriately diagnose and support refugees, considering the interconnected impact of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This review explores the role of physiotherapy in early and traditional palliative care (PC) for cancer patients, focusing on its effects on patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) such as fatigue, pain, and quality of life (QoL). The findings suggest that certain physiotherapy interventions, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and massage, can improve these outcomes, while others show limited or no significant benefits. However, the overall quality of the studies reviewed was low, highlighting the need for more rigorous research in this area to better understand how physiotherapy can support patients in PC. Background: This review aims to explore the role of physiotherapy in early and traditional palliative care (PC) for oncology patients, focusing on its impact on six patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), namely fatigue, pain, cachexia, quality of life (QoL), physical functioning (PHF), and psychosocial functioning (PSF). The purpose is to assess the effectiveness of various physiotherapy interventions and identify gaps in the current research to understand their potential benefits in PC better. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, concluding on 21 December 2023. Two independent reviewers screened the articles for inclusion. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 was employed to assess the risk of bias, while the GRADE approach was used to evaluate the certainty of the evidence. Results: Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, with most showing a high risk of bias, particularly in outcome measurement and missing data. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was the only intervention that significantly reduced fatigue, enhanced PHF, and improved QoL and emotional functioning. Graded exercise therapy (GET) did not yield significant results. Combined interventions, such as education with problem-solving or nutritional counseling with physical activity, showed no significant effects. Massage significantly improved QoL and reduced pain, while physical application therapies were effective in pain reduction. Mindful breathing exercises (MBE) improved QoL but had a non-significant impact on appetite. The overall certainty of the evidence was low. Conclusions: Physiotherapy can positively influence PROMs in oncology PC; however, the low quality and high risk of bias in existing studies highlight the need for more rigorous research to confirm these findings and guide clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this scoping review is to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness training in improving functioning in adolescents (aged 12–19 years) diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Previous research has demonstrated that psychological interventions improve functioning in a myriad of domains for individuals diagnosed with ADHD, such as attention training, interpersonal relationships, and social skills. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) are indicated as an intervention in attention training. It maybe argued that group based MBI programmes should begin early, for children and adolescents at a time that is critical in their development. Methods and reporting are in line with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, the protocol is preregistered in the (Open Science Framework register). The study outcomes included attention, impulsivity, and relationships of adolescents with ADHD. Findings demonstrated preliminary evidence for the use of group-based mindfulness interventions with adolescents continues to be nascent. Although studies reported positive results, the evidence of its effectiveness for adolescents with ADHD is inconclusive, due to limited studies available and the limitations of the study design. This scoping review provides a panorama of MBI for ADHD adolescents. Plain language summary: This review explores group mindfulness-based programmes for adolescents with attention deficit hyperactive disorders. It provides a useful summary for clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sickle cell disease (SCD), the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, is associated with severe psychoneurological symptoms. While epigenetic age acceleration has been linked to psychoneurological symptom burden in other diseases, this connection is unexplored in SCD. This study aimed to assess the association between epigenetic age acceleration and psychoneurological symptom burden in SCD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, emotional impact, pain impact, sleep impact, social functioning, and cognitive function were assessed in 87 adults living with SCD. DNA methylation data were generated from blood specimens and used to calculate epigenetic age using five clocks (Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge, & DunedinPACE). Associations between epigenetic age acceleration and symptoms were assessed. Results: The sample (N = 87) had a mean (SD) chronologic age was 30.6 (8.1) years. Epigenetic age acceleration was associated with several symptom outcomes. GrimAge age acceleration (β = −0.49, p =.03) and increased DunedinPACE (β = −2.23, p =.004) were associated with worse emotional impact scores. PhenoAge (β = −0.32, p =.04) and the GrimAge (β = −0.48, p =.05) age acceleration were associated with worse pain impact scores. Increased DunedinPACE (β = −2.07 p =.04) were associated with worse sleep impact scores. Increased DunedinPACE (β = −2.87, p =.005) was associated with worse social functioning scores. We did not find associations between epigenetic age acceleration and cognitive function in this sample. Conclusion: Epigenetic age acceleration was associated with worse symptom experiences, suggesting the potential for epigenetic age acceleration as a biomarker to aid in risk stratification or targets for intervention to mitigate symptom burden in SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although parental psychological control has been well-documented as a significant predictor of social anxiety among adolescents, few studies examine how changes in parental psychological control and adolescent social anxiety are reciprocally related at the within-person level, especially in Chinese culture. This longitudinal study examined reciprocal relations between parental psychological control and social anxiety, and the potential mediating role of self-concept clarity, by disentangling between- and within-person effects. A total of 4731 students (44.9% girls; Mage = 10.91 years, SD = 0.72) participated in a four-wave longitudinal study with 6-month intervals. Results from random intercept cross-lagged panel modeling indicated that parental psychological control directly predicted social anxiety, and vice versa. Parental psychological control indirectly predicted social anxiety via self-concept clarity, and social anxiety also indirectly predicted parental psychological control via self-concept clarity. These findings reveal a vicious cycle of mutual influence between parental psychological control and adolescent social anxiety in Chinese youth, and highlight the crucial role of self-concept clarity in the interplay between parenting and adolescent social functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accuracy and assumed similarity are the most central topics in the research area of interpersonal perception. These two interpersonal perceptual tendencies have been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on adults' psychological functioning independently. However, how and why they influence adolescent psychological adjustment is less well-understood. The present research aimed to examine the mediating role of peer relationships in the association between these two interpersonal perceptual tendencies and psychological adjustment in adolescents. In the first study, a sample of adolescents in their first year of college (N = 93, 63% girls, Mage = 17.45 years, SD = 0.52) were recruited from a university located in Eastern China. They completed the likableness ratings of Anderson's 200 adjectives. The top 10 personality traits with the lowest and highest likableness values were selected to measure adolescents' personality profiles. In the second study, a round-robin design in a real-life setting, a sample of Chinese adolescents in grades six to nine were recruited from two middle schools (N = 337, Ndyads = 918, 47% girls, Mage = 13.76, SD = 1.15). They were requested to rate themselves and their peers within the same group on various factors. Results revealed that adolescents could form an accurate perception of their peers' personalities and concurrently assume that their peers' personalities are similar to their own. More importantly, accurate interpersonal perception and a biased tendency towards assumed similarity could, directly and indirectly, benefit adolescent psychological adjustment through peer relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social competence is crucial to functioning in youth with chronic medical conditions. Developmentally sensitive measures of social functioning in this population can aid clinicians in identifying skill deficits and informing treatment interventions that improve social competence. The study explored the psychometric properties of a proposed social functioning measure utilizing data obtained from a clinical sample of chronically ill adolescents enrolled in an evidence-based manualized psychosocial treatment program. Initial exploratory findings support the potential for the SDI to be a valid, reliable, and clinically sensitive measure of adolescent social functioning in teens experiencing functional disability associated with their chronic health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the feasibility and acceptability of progressive whole-body resistance training with social support reinforcement for older adults living alone. Method: This mixed methods single-group pilot study examined an intervention provided over 3 nonconsecutive days per week for 12 weeks. We evaluated quantitative data on recruitment, uptake, retention, and adherence, and measured pretest and posttest outcome scores on body composition, physical function, and psychosocial health. We conducted a focus group interview to collect qualitative data on participants' perspectives. Results: Seven participants (five women and two men) completed the program (attendance rate = 88.9%). Physical function and psychosocial health improved, but soft lean and skeletal muscle mass decreased. Five themes emerged from the qualitative data. Conclusion: Results support the feasibility and benefits of this intervention program for older adults living alone despite challenges with recruitment and uptake. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(10), 34–41.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales (GSC) have been translated into over 60 languages, but use in the sub-Saharan African region is limited. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and validate the PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS child self-report and teen self-report versions into the Chichewa language for Malawi. Methods: The English (USA) versions were adapted (translation, back translation and cognitive interviews to evaluate conceptual equivalence) into Chichewa. We recruited 289 children (8–17 years) in Blantyre, Malawi. Classical psychometrics at the item level (missing data, endorsement frequencies, item redundancy) and scale level (internal consistency, convergent, discriminant and known groups validity) was used to evaluate the new Chichewa versions. Results: Six items were found to need cultural adaptation for Malawi. There were problems with missing data (< 5%) and adjacent endorsement frequency (< 10%) among younger children. Internal consistency reliability was acceptable (Cronbach α > 0.7). Convergent validity was generally strong (correlations > 0.4). Discriminant validity (p > 0.05) was evident with respect to gender and age, but not for school grade (p < 0.05). Effect sizes indicating known groups validity were in the expected direction but of variable magnitude. Conclusion: We have successfully adapted the PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS child self-report and teen self-report into Chichewa for use in Malawi. Many aspects of the psychometric evaluation were promising, though some elements were more mixed and we have not yet been able to evaluate test-retest reliability or responsiveness. We suggest that the PedsQL™4.0 GCS child and teen self-reports should be used with caution among children and adolescents in Malawi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and functioning across several school readiness domains among preschoolers with disruptive behavior problems. The sample included 115 children (Mage= 5.18, 67.8% male; 32.2% female) from a large, urban, high-poverty community, with predominantly Black families, who were about to enroll in a summer treatment program prior to kindergarten. As part of pre-treatment assessments, caregivers completed interviews and questionnaires about adverse experiences and stressors in their children's lives. Children's behavioral, academic, and social functioning were also assessed at this time. We identified exposure to ACEs using multimodal parent reports. A path analysis was conducted between preschoolers' exposures to ACEs and their school readiness, covarying outcomes with one another to isolate the effect of ACEs. Our findings indicate a dose-effect, such that exposure to a higher number of ACEs is significantly associated with more severe disruptive behaviors, internalizing problems, and global impairment in the child's functioning. However, there were no significant associations between total number of ACEs and academic or social functioning. Notably, the prevalence of ACEs among this sample of preschoolers living in highly under-resourced communities was strikingly higher than national samples, with 93.9% of parents reporting exposure to at least one ACE by age 5, compared to 19–26% in a nationally samples; moreover, 62.6% experienced 3 or more ACEs, compared to 5.35% in same-aged samples (Briggs-Gowan et al., 2010; Jackson et al., 2021). Our study contributes to the growing literature on the importance of recognizing the heightened risk of early and compounding adversity in school readiness outcomes for young children with special needs. Implications for early intervention timing and the need to consider readiness for preschool are discussed. Study Highlights: We investigate associations between adversity and school readiness in preschoolers with disruptive behaviors living in a low income community. We identify exposure to ACEs using multimodal parent report from clinical interviews and surveys. We find that 94% of participants had experienced at least 1 ACE and 49% had experienced 4 or more. We find a dose effect between number of ACEs and severity of disruptive and internalizing problems, and global impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parent-child interactions, which substantially impact children's psychosocial functioning, can be affected by caregiver adversity exposure. Considering that caregivers and their children often have divergent perspectives on their interactions, the current study included maternal- and child-reports of parenting practices and parent-child communication as indicators in a latent profile analysis. This study included 263 dyads comprised of children aged 8–17 (MAge = 12.13, SD = 2.77; 88.2% Black) and their female caregivers (MAge = 36.43, SD = 7.89; 82.9% Black) who were recruited based on caregivers' differing experiences with the SAVA syndemic (i.e., potentially harmful substance use, intimate partner violence (IPV), HIV, or none of these adversities). After identifying empirically-derived profiles of maternal-child interactions, we examined associations between these established profiles and children's external resilience resources. A three-class model emerged as the best fit: Concordant: Child/Mother Positive (C-PP; 73.4%), Discordant: Child Very Negative/Mother Slightly Negative (D-CN; 13.1%), and Discordant: Child Positive/Mother Negative (D-CP; 11.8%). Caregiver endorsement of SAVA syndemics did not predict class membership. Dyads with older children were more likely to be in the D-CN class, and dyads reporting lower SES were more likely to be in the D-CP class. Compared to children in the D-CN class, children in the C-PP class reported significantly higher resilience in school (Est. = −0.42, p = 0.006), community (Est. = −0.51, p = 0.001), and peer (Est. = −0.37, p = 0.004) contexts. No other class differences emerged. Findings highlight the importance of positive and consistent maternal-child interactions, which may help youth access a network of resilience resources that can promote healthy development and bolster well-being. Highlights: Most mother-child dyads agreed that their interactions, which included parenting practices and communication, were positive. When mothers and children agreed that their interactions were positive, children reported higher external resilience resources. Maternal SAVA (substance abuse, violence, AIDS/HIV) did not affect whether mother-child reports of parenting were concordant/positive. Older children were more likely to be in dyads with very negative child perspectives on parenting and slightly negative maternal perspectives. Mothers with lower SES were more likely to report negative views of their parenting, despite their children holding positive perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterans navigating the military-to-civilian transition appear at elevated risk for suicide. However, research on the transition-suicide association often fails to consider co-occurring risk factors. The independent association of time since military discharge and suicide among veterans therefore remains unclear. Data from 1,495 post-Vietnam community veterans provided estimates of suicide risk, military-based stressful experiences, connection to military identity, and recency of military discharge. Hierarchical regression analyses examined independent, incremental utility of factors associated with suicide risk after controlling for quality of life, age, and duration of military service among the total veteran sample and a subsample discharged from military service within five years prior. The resulting model explained 41% of variance in suicide risk in the total veteran sample and 51% of variance in suicide risk in the recently discharged subsample. Recency of discharge, combat exposure, moral injury, poor quality of life, and poor psychological wellness showed statistically significant, independent associations with suicide risk, whereas connection to military identity did not show significant, independent associations. Results highlight the salience of the military-to-civilian transition as an independent risk factor for veteran suicide even after controlling for military-based stressful experiences, military identity, quality of life, age, and service duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects the quality of life of elderly women. This study aimed to investigate the satisfaction, recovery, and recurrence of symptoms in patients with POP who underwent colpocleisis. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included elderly women (106 cases with an average age of 74.49±6.07) suffering from stage III or higher POP who underwent partial or total colpocleisis. Pre- and post-operative POP-Q, urinary symptoms, and the level of patient satisfaction were the outcome measures. Results: POP and urinary incontinence significantly decreased after surgery (p<0.001). There was a significant relationship between quality of life (social functioning) and the stage of prolapse after operation (p<0.01). In addition, the patient’s quality of life in the four investigated dimensions, including physical functioning, role limitations, social functioning, and emotional role limitations, was significantly higher than the mean and average (p<0.01). Conclusion: Colpocleisis is a procedure characterized by high subjective and objective success, low regret, and low risk of complications. Therefore, colpocleisis is a minimally invasive and effective treatment method for elderly women. However, further clinical research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of this procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurodevelopmental conditions frequently co‐occur. The aim of this paper was to determine whether there is a cumulative association between (1) the number of neurodevelopmental conditions, specifically hyperkinetic disorder (hereafter referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), autism spectrum disorder (hereafter referred to as autism) and intellectual disability, and (2) behavioural and socio‐emotional problems and the level of clinician‐rated functioning for young males and females. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, diagnostic information, caregiver‐rated behavioural and socio‐emotional data (as conceptualised by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) and clinician‐rated functioning scores (as conceptualised by the Children's Global Assessment Scale) were extracted from electronic patient records for 2768 young people aged 3–17 years (mean = 11.55, SD = 3.46). All data were extracted at baseline, that is, at the time the young person was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and/or an intellectual disability. Ordinal regression analyses tested associations between the number of neurodevelopmental conditions met (i.e. 1, 2 or 3) and behavioural and socio‐emotional outcomes and functioning. Results: After controlling for age and biological sex, the number of neurodevelopmental conditions was associated with higher levels of inattention/hyperactivity and peer problems, lower levels of prosocial behaviour and poorer clinician‐rated functioning. Although these findings were consistent for males, a cumulative association was not identified for females, except for clinician‐rated functioning. Conclusions: For young people, the presence of multiple neurodevelopmental conditions may have a cumulative impact across domains, but this may differ between males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Recently, efforts have been made to use and report person‐reported outcomes (PROs) in randomised clinical trials (RCTs). Here, we aim to (1) assess the status of inclusion of PROs in registered RCTs over 5 years in people with type 1 or 2 diabetes, and (2) map the PRO measures (PROMs) onto predefined domains. Methods: The largest trial registries (Clinicatrials.gov, International Clinical Trial Platform and ISRCTN) were systematically searched for RCTs in people with type 1 and/or type 2 diabetes of all ages between 2018 and 2023. Coding of PROs comprised: (1) PRO measure(s) included yes or no; if yes: (2) PRO(s) as primary outcome yes or no; and (3) mapping PROMs onto predefined PRO domains and per type of intervention. Results: N = 1543 trials met our inclusion criteria, of which n = 673 (44%) included PROs, assessed by 545 different measures. Twenty per cent of drug trials (n = 112) and 71% of behavioural interventions (n = 405) included PROs. In 149 trials (9.6%), a PRO was the primary outcome. The psychological functioning domain was most often assessed across all trials (21.6%), specifically in behavioural (44.8%) and medical device interventions (29.7%). In drug trials, the physical functioning and functional health domain was most included (9%). Across all trials, the social and family functioning domain was least assessed (3%). Conclusions: We noticed an increase in the inclusion of PROs in diabetes RCTs. However, PROs are rarely included as primary outcomes in the majority of studies, particularly in drug trials. The heterogeneity of PROMs used in RCTs underscores the need for standardisation of PROs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among surgeons are markedly increasing. Several proposed interventions to reduce WMSDs among surgeons have been studied, but few follow an occupational therapy–oriented approach addressing biomechanical, psychophysical, and psychosocial risk factors. Objective: To design, implement, and assess the potential of the Comprehensive Operating Room Ergonomics (CORE) program for surgeons, a holistic evidence-based ergonomics and wellness intervention grounded in occupational therapy principles. Design: Mixed-methods pilot study with the quantitative strand embedded in the qualitative strand. Setting: University-affiliated hospital. Participants: Six laparoscopic surgeons. Outcomes and Measures: CORE program outcomes were assessed using qualitative and quantitative data to indicate changes in posture, physical discomfort, sense of wellness, and operating room (OR) ergonomic performance. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to quantify surgeons’ WMSD risk level before and after intervention. Results: There were 12 baseline observations (two for each participant), and two or three post-CORE implementation observations. A statistically significant difference, F(1, 6) 5 8.57, p 5 .03, was found between pre– and post–occupational therapy intervention RULA scores. Thematic analysis of surgeon feedback, which was overwhelmingly positive, identified five themes: postural alignment, areas of commonly reported physical pain or discomfort, setup of the OR environment, surgical ergonomics training, and ergonomics in everyday life. Conclusions and Relevance: The CORE program effectively decreased ergonomic risk factors to optimize surgeons’ occupational performance in the OR. This study demonstrates a potential solution to how occupational therapists can holistically support surgeons and health care providers who are at risk for WMSDs. Plain-Language Summary: By 2025, a surgeon shortage is expected, partly because of the increase in surgeons’ work-related musculoskeletal disorders, which affect their health and job continuity. This pilot study shows that the Comprehensive Operating Room Ergonomics program effectively addresses these problems. The study also serves as a framework for occupational therapy professionals to work with health care providers on ergonomics, benefiting population health. Results suggest that this approach could enhance surgeons’ work conditions, supporting the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Vision 2025 to improve health and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of menopausal symptoms on general health status in postmenopausal women. Material and Methods: Our study is a descriptive type of study. It was conducted on 223 women aged 45-65 who applied to a family health center between October and November 2019 and at least 12 months had passed since their last menstrual period. A personal information form developed by the researcher, Menopause Symptom Scale (MSDS) and General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) were distributed to women who agreed to participate in the study. Descriptive statistics are used for individual information during statistical analysis of data. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the data obtained by counting. Results: The mean MSDS score for women was 22.72. In the General Health Survey, it was determined that the subsections most affected by menopausal symptoms experienced by women were somatic symptoms, anxiety, sleep disorders and depression, social functioning and depression. Highly significant positive relationships were found between the Menopause Symptoms Assessment Scale and its subscales experienced by women and GHQ-28. Conclusion: Menopause symptoms seen in postmenopausal women affect the general health of women. Women registered at the family health center need to plan menopause education and train regularly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Only few studies addressed the topic of Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) effects on geriatric population quality of life and drug usage. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the significant impact of FMS in terms of quality of life (QOL) in geriatric aged patients. Methods 80 patients were studied, 40 with FMS according to FMS 2016 classification criteria, and 40 non-FMS controls. The patients were all above the age of 65 years. The FMS and control group completed Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Symptom Severity Score (SSS). Three questionnaires, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Short Form (SF-36) Questionnaire, and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) were completed. These with additional medical records were used to classify symptoms and severity in both groups. Results Fibromyalgia patients demonstrated significant higher disability scores, (FIQ of 79.5 vs. 33.9, p<.01, and HAQ-DI of 2.00 vs. 1.00, p<.01 for FMS vs. non-FMS, respectively), and lower social functioning in comparison to non-FMS controls (SF-36 of social functioning 0.31 vs. 0.92, p<.01 for FMS vs. non-FMS, respectively). The FMS group had a higher use of pain management medications (opioid use of 12 patients vs. 0, p<.01, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by 11 FMS patients vs. 4 non-FMS controls, p<.01). Conclusions Patients with FMS older than 65 years of age demonstrate poorer outcomes and worse symptoms in comparison to matched-aged non-FMS control group. An association was found between FMS and the effect on the quality of life in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number of people fleeing persecution and regional conflicts is rising. Western countries have applied increasingly stringent measures to discourage those seeking asylum from entering their country, amongst them, to confine asylum seekers in detention facilities. Clinicians have expressed concerns over the mental health impact of detention on asylum seekers, a population already burdened with trauma, advocating against such practices. Objectives: The main objective of this review is to assess evidence about the effects of detention on the mental and physical health and social functioning of asylum seekers. Search methods: Relevant literature was identified through electronic searches of bibliographic databases, internet search engines, hand searching of core journals and citation tracking of included studies and relevant reviews. Searches were performed up to November 2023. Selection criteria: Studies comparing detained asylum‐seekers with non‐detained asylum seekers were included. Qualitative approaches were excluded. Data collection and analysis: Of 22,226 potential studies, 14 met the inclusion criteria. These studies, from 4 countries, involving a total of 13 asylum‐seeker populations. Six studies were used in the data synthesis, all of which reported only mental health outcomes. Eight studies had a critical risk of bias. Meta‐analyses, inverse variance weighted using random effects statistical models, were conducted on post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Main results: A total of 27,797 asylum seekers were analysed. Four studies provided data while the detained asylum seekers were still detained, and two studies after release. All outcomes are reported such that a positive effect size favours better outcomes for the non‐detained asylum seekers. The weighted average SMD while detained is 0.45 [95% CI 0.19, 0.71] for PTSD and after release 0.91 [95% CI 0.24, 1.57]; for anxiety 0.42 [95% CI 0.18, 0.66] and for depression 0.68 [95% CI 0.10, 1.26] both while detained. Based on single‐study data, the SMD was 0.60 [95% CI 0.02, 1.17] for depression and 0.76 [95% CI 0.17, 1.34] for anxiety, both after release. Three studies (one study each) reported outcomes related to psychological distress, self‐harm and social well being. Psychological distress favoured the detained but was not significant; whereas both effect sizes on self‐harm and social wellbeing indicated highly negative impacts of detention; in particular, the impact on self‐harm was extremely high. The OR of self‐harm was reported separately for asylum seekers detained in three types of detention: Manus Island, Nauru and onshore detention. The ORs were in the range 12.18 to 74.44; all were significant. Authors' conclusions: Despite similar post‐migration adversities amongst comparison groups, findings suggest an independent adverse impact of detention on asylum seekers' mental health, with the magnitude of the effect sizes lying in an important clinical range. These effects persisted beyond release into the community. While based on limited evidence, this review supports concerns regarding the detrimental impact of detention on the mental health of already traumatised asylum seekers. Further research is warranted to comprehensively explore these effects. Detention of asylum seekers, already grappling with significant trauma, appears to exacerbate mental health challenges. Policymakers and practitioners should consider these findings in shaping immigration and asylum policies, with a focus on minimising harm to vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palliative care provides holistic support, addressing physical, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of suffering, known as "total pain", to improve patients' quality of life. Patients often rely on healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, for support. This study aimed to develop and validate questionnaires assessing nurses' perceptions of psychological, social, and spiritual issues in palliative care and their effectiveness in managing them. Methods: Two self-rated questionnaires were created: the Psychological, Social, and Spiritual Problems of Palliative Patients' Questionnaire and the Effectiveness in Coping with the Psychological, Social, and Spiritual Challenges of Palliative Care Patients. The study surveyed 237 nurses caring for palliative patients in Split Dalmatian County, Croatia. Results: The questionnaires demonstrated high reliability with Cronbach's α values of 0.98 and 0.99. Factor analysis revealed four factors for the first questionnaire and three for the second. Nurses primarily perceived patients as experiencing fear and emotional/spiritual suffering, with the greatest difficulty coping with the fear of the disease outcomes. Nurses acknowledged the need for improvement in addressing patient challenges, highlighting gaps in the Croatian system. Conclusions: Ongoing efforts are crucial to prioritize palliative care globally, with nursing professionals playing a vital role in symptom management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The TROPiCS-02 study (NCT03901339) demonstrated that sacituzumab govitecan (SG) has superior clinical outcomes over treatment of physician's choice (TPC) chemotherapy in patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor-negative (HR+/HER2−) metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Here, we present health-related quality of life (HRQoL) patient-reported outcome (PRO) findings from this study. Patients and Methods Eligible adults with HR+/HER2− mBC who previously received a taxane, endocrine-based therapy, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, and 2-4 lines of chemotherapy were randomized 1:1 to receive SG or TPC until progression or unacceptable toxicity. PROs were assessed at baseline and on day 1 of each cycle, using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), EQ-5D-5L, and PRO Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE). Results Compared to TPC, overall least square mean change from baseline was significantly better for SG for physical functioning and dyspnea, but worse for diarrhea. Time to first clinically meaningful worsening or death was significantly longer for SG in global health status/quality of life, physical functioning, fatigue, emotional functioning, dyspnea, insomnia, and financial difficulties of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the EQ-VAS, but longer for TPC in diarrhea. Few patients in both arms reported experiencing any worsening to level 3 or 4 treatment-related symptomatic events during treatment, as assessed by 16 PRO-CTCAE items, except for diarrhea frequency and amount of hair loss, which favored TPC. Conclusions SG was associated with an HRQoL benefit in most symptoms and functioning, compared with TPC. This supports the favorable profile of SG as a treatment option for patients with pretreated HR+/HER2− mBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To perform a scoping review to investigate the psychosocial impact of having an altered facial expression in five neurological diseases. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed. Studies were on Bell's palsy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), Moebius syndrome, myotonic dystrophy type 1, or Parkinson's disease patients; had a focus on altered facial expression; and had any form of psychosocial outcome measure. Data extraction focused on psychosocial outcomes. Results: Bell's palsy, myotonic dystrophy type 1, and Parkinson's disease patients more often experienced some degree of psychosocial distress than healthy controls. In FSHD, facial weakness negatively influenced communication and was experienced as a burden. The psychosocial distress applied especially to women (Bell's palsy and Parkinson's disease), and patients with more severely altered facial expression (Bell's palsy), but not for Moebius syndrome patients. Furthermore, Parkinson's disease patients with more pronounced hypomimia were perceived more negatively by observers. Various strategies were reported to compensate for altered facial expression. Conclusions: This review showed that patients with altered facial expression in four of five included neurological diseases had reduced psychosocial functioning. Future research recommendations include studies on observers' judgements of patients during social interactions and on the effectiveness of compensation strategies in enhancing psychosocial functioning. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Negative effects of altered facial expression on psychosocial functioning are common and more abundant in women and in more severely affected patients with various neurological disorders. Health care professionals should be alert to psychosocial distress in patients with altered facial expression. Learning of compensatory strategies could be a beneficial therapy for patients with psychosocial distress due to an altered facial expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on the premises of Positive Psychology, this undertaking conducted a pilot study of the designed 14-session Positive Psychology Intervention (PPI) program established based on the character strengths and virtues (CSV) of persons who use drugs (PWUDs) to assess its usefulness, delivery details, and impacts. Conducted in one of the biggest Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in the Philippines, 24 PWUDs were randomly selected by the program staff to participate in its pilot run while securing all necessary ethical guidelines and requirements. Via within-subjects pretest-posttest experimental design, the especially adapted and developed tools were used to assess the PWUDs' progress as they were facilitated by the said program. Results yielded significant improvements in the PWUDs' mental wellbeing (M = 1.29, SD = 0.35; t (21) = 9.30, P <.00001), life satisfaction (M = 1.82, SD = 0.24; t (21) = 9.89, P <.00001), and psychological functioning (M = 1.65, SD = 0.19; t (21) = 8.58, P <.00001). Moreover, the PWUDs regarded the designed PPI program very highly and experienced it with positive outcomes, especially for their CSVs. Further improvement of the said program centers around proper time allotment, number of participants in the program sessions, appropriate activities per session, including specific ice breaker games, activity materials needed, and the proper sequencing of each session. These data are used to improve the PPI program structures and components. Pertinent conclusions about the gathered data were drawn, and relevant recommendations were also thereby provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multimorbidity is increasingly prevalent among ageing patients, leading to reduced daily functioning. To address the challenges posed by multimorbidity in older adults, a person- and context-centred approach is needed. This study aimed to develop a questionnaire as a self-assessment tool for older adults focusing on functioning in general practice based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed in the development and validation of the German EFA23 (Erfassung Funktionaler Gesundheit im Alter – 23 Fragen; Assessing Functional Health in Old Age – 23 questions) questionnaire. Based on an ICF subset developed in a preparatory phase and consensus study, questionnaire items were formulated and tested in a qualitative pretest, followed by a validation study. A workshop with general practitioners (GPs) was held to develop a supplementary manual for GPs on how to interpret the questionnaire results and discuss them with the patients. Results: A total of 69 items were developed and tested in the qualitative pretest with 15 respondents, resulting in 37 items for the validation study. The validation study, involving 237 older adults, showed the presence of one significant principal component. It demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.967) and construct validity, showing positive correlations with established assessment tools. Descriptive statistics showed differences between the means of self-assessment by patients and an external GP assessment. The final EFA23 questionnaire consists of 23 items assessing limitations in functioning. Conclusions: The EFA23 questionnaire can be used as a valid self-assessment instrument to measure functioning in older adults, supporting a person- and context-centred approach in general practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with an ultra-high risk of psychosis (UHR) are more likely to transition to psychosis. Attachment style has also been associated with psychosis and other symptoms. Aims: To review attachment styles in UHR patients and to analyze related psychosocial factors. Ours is the first systematic review of attachment in this population. Method: We performed a systematic review of attachment and related psychosocial factors in UHR patients following the PRISMA methodology. Results: We identified five studies. The results revealed high rates of insecure attachment in this population (more than 80%). The UHR sample presented high levels of depression, anxiety, social anxiety, emotional reactivity, trauma, and poor mentalization. Premorbid social adjustment was a predictor of improvement in disorganization and negative symptoms. The rate of transition to psychosis was 10%. Attachment patterns accounted for 16.8% of the variance. This vulnerability for psychosis was also associated with poor mentalization. Conclusion: Early detection of patients with UHR and insecure attachment is crucial, since early intervention to address symptoms, mentalization, and attachment is feasible and may lead to an improvement in the remaining associated psychosocial related factors (secure style: better global functioning and less affective and anxious symptoms). PROSPERO ID440957 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine relationship between functioning and life satisfaction with illness management and recovery, and determinants of illness management and recovery in patients with bipolar disorder. This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 152 participants between August 2022 and February 2023. "Personal Information Form", "Illness Management and Recovery Scale", "Functioning Assessment Short Test" and "Adult Life Satisfaction Scale" were used to collecting data. In study, a positive relationship was found between illness management and recovery and total functionality, autonomy, cognitive functionality, interpersonal relationships, and life satisfaction. Gender, marital status, educational status, employment status, total functioning, autonomy, cognitive functioning, interpersonal relationships, and life satisfaction were found to be effective in illness management and recovery. Being female, single, primary school graduate, unemployed, having low functioning (autonomy, cognitive functioning, interpersonal relationships) and having low life satisfaction were found to be determinants of illness management and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Growing evidence suggests that informal helping (unpaid volunteering not coordinated by an organization or institution) is associated with improved health and well-being outcomes. However, studies have not investigated whether changes in informal helping are associated with subsequent health and well-being. Methods: This study evaluated if changes in informal helping (between t0;2006/2008 and t1;2010/2012) were associated with 35 indicators of physical, behavioral, and psychosocial health and well-being (at t2;2014/2016) using data from 12,998 participants in the Health and Retirement study — a national cohort of US adults aged > 50. Results: Over the four-year follow-up period, informal helping ≥ 100 (versus 0) hours/year was associated with a 32% lower mortality risk (95% CI [0.54, 0.86]), and improved physical health (e.g., 20% reduced risk of stroke (95% CI [0.65, 0.98])), health behaviors (e.g., 11% increased likelihood of frequent physical activity (95% CI [1.04, 1.20])), and psychosocial outcomes (e.g., higher purpose in life (β = 0.15, 95% CI [0.07, 0.22])). However, there was little evidence of associations with various other outcomes. In secondary analyses, this study adjusted for formal volunteering and a variety of social factors (e.g., social network factors, receiving social support, and social participation) and results were largely unchanged. Conclusions: Encouraging informal helping may improve various aspects of individuals' health and well-being and also promote societal well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine how life satisfaction changes across the first 10 years following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants included 1,941 individuals from the TBI Model Systems database with life satisfaction data at 1-, 5-, and 10-years post-TBI. Based on Satisfaction With Life Scale scores, individuals were characterized as having one of the five 10-year life satisfaction trajectories: 'Stable High,' 'Stable Low,' 'Increased to High,' 'Decreased to Low,' and 'Unstable.' These were analyzed for group differences in demographics and psychosocial and functional outcomes. Sixty percent participants had 'Stable High' or 'Increasing to High' trajectories. Approximately 25% had "Stable Low' or 'Decreasing to Low' trajectories, and approximately 15% had unstable trajectories. Higher life satisfaction trajectories were associated with the best psychosocial and functional outcomes whereas lower trajectories were associated with the worst psychosocial and functional outcomes. Trajectories were indistinguishable based on demographics. Life satisfaction over the first 10 years following TBI is dynamic, with most individuals reporting high life satisfaction by 10 years post-TBI. Examination of psychosocial and functional factors related to life satisfaction trajectories may inform community-based intervention recommendations, resources, and supports to maximize long-term satisfaction with life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before adopting a scale for a new culture, researchers should conduct systematic translation procedures and evaluations to ensure its psychometric quality. The Pediatric Symptom Checklist–17 (PSC-17) is a brief and valid scale developed by U.S. researchers to evaluate children's emotional, attentional, and behavioral problems. This study aimed to adapt the PSC-17 to a Chinese version for use in elementary school settings. In this process, 74 teachers rated 666 students using the PSC-17. These students were also assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and additional questions (e.g., teachers' referral status and demographic information). The scale was successfully translated into simplified Chinese using a standard procedure. Factor analysis supported a general factor model for the PSC-17. Furthermore, decent criterion validity and internal consistency were verified. Finally, a cut-off score of 17 was established, slightly higher than the original cut-off score of 15. We concluded that the PSC-17 is a high-quality screening tool in Chinese elementary schools. The findings are particularly relevant to researchers investigating children's emotional, attentional, and behavioral development within the Chinese cultural context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the shift to the dimensional model of personality pathology, the need for measures assessing personality functioning in adolescence has emerged. The Levels of Personality Functioning Questionnaire 12-18 (LoPF-Q 12-18) was developed specifically for adolescents, tailoring the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders in the DSM-5. Using the Lithuanian LoPF-Q 1218, we further investigate its validity by reexamining its factorial structure and extending convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity analyses. A total of 1,048 community-based and clinically referred 12-18-year-old adolescents completed the LoPF-Q 12-18 along with other self-report measures of personality pathology, psychopathological symptoms, and psychosocial functioning. In line with previous findings, the results supported the bifactor model consisting of a strong general factor and little multidimensionality caused by the group factors, overall suggesting an essentially unidimensional structure. Further analyses provided additional information on the construct validity of the LoPF-Q 12-18. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tooth loss has been associated with cognitive decline, but the underlying mechanisms involving speech and psychosocial impairment remain unclear. Objectives: To investigate the impact of tooth loss‐related speech and psychosocial impairment on cognitive function in Hong Kong's older population. Methods: Seventy‐six Cantonese‐speaking participants between the ages of 51–92 were classified into three groups: patients with complete dentures (CD), partially edentulous patients with less than 10 occluding tooth pairs (OU <10), and at least 10 occluding tooth pairs (OU ≥10). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hong Kong Version, One‐minute Verbal Fluency Task and Hayling Sentence Completion Test. Objective and subjective speech assessments were carried out using artificial intelligence speech recognition algorithm and a self‐designed speech questionnaire. The impact of tooth loss on psychosocial condition was evaluated by the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test and a self‐designed questionnaire. Statistical analyses (one‐way ANOVA, ANCOVA, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman correlation test) were performed. Results: Tooth loss was significantly associated with lower cognitive function (p =.008), speech accuracy (p =.018) and verbal fluency (p =.001). Correlations were found between cognitive function and speech accuracy (p <.0001). No significant difference in tooth loss‐related psychosocial impact was found between the three groups. Conclusion: While warranting larger sample sizes, this pilot study highlights the need for further research on the role of speech in the association between tooth loss and cognitive function. The potential cognitive impact of tooth retention, together with its known biological and proprioceptive benefits, supports the preservation of the natural dentition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the role of psychosocial well-being on perioperative pain and opioid use among patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) undergoing alveolar bone grafting (ABG). Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Tertiary level craniofacial clinic. Participants: 34 patients with CLP (median age: 11.7 years), including 25 (73.5%) unilateral CLP and 9 (26.5%) bilateral CLP, who underwent ABG from 2015 to 2022. Interventions: ABG using iliac crest bone graft. Patients were prospectively administered four patient-reported psychosocial instruments from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System. Main Outcome Measures: Perioperative opioid use in morphine equivalent dosage/kilogram, patient-reported pain scores, and length of hospital stay after ABG. Results: Patient-reported anxiety (r = 0.41, p = 0.02) and depressive symptoms (r = 0.35, p = 0.04) correlated to higher perioperative opioid usage. Multivariable regression models including psychosocial scores, total acetaminophen usage, length of surgery, and other simultaneous surgeries were developed for total opioid usage, patient-reported pain, and length of hospital stay. Patient-reported anxiety was independently predictive of higher perioperative opioid use (β=0.36, p = 0.01) and higher pain scores (β=0.39, p = 0.02), but not length of hospital stay. Conclusions: We identified an association for patient-reported anxiety and perioperative opioid use and pain in a CLP cohort undergoing ABG. Future considerations in preoperative patient and family consultation may be indicated in patients self-reporting higher anxiety in an effort to minimize perioperative opioid usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is an important determinant of physical and mental health. QoL in head and neck cancer tends to deteriorate due to changes in the physical, functional, psychological aspects. EORTC-QLQ-H&N35 is an instrument that measure the QoL specifically in head and neck cancer patients. EORTC-QLQ-H&N35 give a numeric value to QoL of patients with high value correspond to better QoL. Objective: The aim of present study was to find out the cut-off points of numeric values of EORTC-QLQ-H&N35 to categorize QoL impairment into different categories (normal, mild, moderate, and severe). Present study also aims analyze the QoL among head and neck cancer patients under these new categories. Methodology: Total 205 patients of head and neck cancer visiting to the outpatient unit were enrolled in this study. Hindi version of EORTC-QLQ-H&N35 was used to evaluate the QoL. Total 9 classification schemes were created with different cut-off points to classify the global QoL score into normal, mild, moderate and severe categories. QoL data was then analyze using the scheme having highest F value in ANOVA test. Results: Classification scheme having cut-off values 76–100 for normal QoL, 51–75 for mild QoL impairment, 26–50 for moderate and 0–25 for severe QoL impairment found to have highest F value (729.915) in ANOVA test. The mean QoL score among total 205 patients were 60.08 ± 19.06. Based on the new classification scheme, QoL was normal in 46 (22.4%) patients whereas QoL was impaired to mild level in 76 (37.1%) patients, to moderate level in 76 (37.1%) and to severe level in 7 (3.4%) patients. Role functioning, emotional functioning and social functioning was impaired to severe level in 4 (2.0%), 13 (6.3%) and 3 (1.5%) patients respectively. Conclusion: EORTC-QLQ-H&N35 offer a comprehensive review of QoL in head and neck cancer patients. By designating the QoL score into different categories, it will become easier for clinician to have a better idea of QoL of head and neck cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The BigMove intervention aims to improve the functioning and quality of life of people with physical and mental health conditions via an integrated care approach. This pilot study evaluates the impact of the intervention on self-perceived health (SPH), quality of life (QoL), active coping behaviour, and mental and social functioning. Methods: Data were analysed from N = 457 participants who had been referred to the intervention by their general practitioner (mean age 48.98 years; 76% female). Three patient-reported and one clinician-rated measures were used: SPH, QoL (MANSA), active coping behaviour (UPCC-ACT), mental and social functioning (HoNOS). Pre- and post-intervention measurements (from 2011 to 2018) were compared using paired-samples t-tests. Due to missing data, analyses were conducted with 205–257 participants per completed outcome. Associations with age and sex were assessed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Clinically relevant change was evaluated with the Edwards-Nunnally index and standard error of measurement (SEM) scores. Results: Post-intervention, there were statistically significant improvements for all outcomes (p < 0.0001) with moderate to large effect sizes (d = 0.41 to 1.02). The observed changes in outcomes can be considered as clinically relevant improvements. Conclusion: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that the intervention has positive effects on SPH, QoL, active coping behaviour, and mental and social functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods to effectively improve socio-emotional functioning by adolescents with developmental language disorders (DLD) are scarce. Current methods to improve socio-emotional functioning in adolescents with other neurobiological disorders seem less suitable, as these methods are highly language based. This study therefore examined the feasibility of the virtual reality (VR) training for socio-emotional skills: 'InterAction'. The aims of the present study were to (1) examine whether interactive VR is a feasible training method for adolescents with DLD; (2) investigate adolescents' appreciation of the VR training; (3) examine whether the virtual reality training facilitates the participants' sense of presence during social practice situations in an interactive digital world; and (4) explore whether adolescents socio-emotional skills improved during the six-session training. A sample of nine adolescents (13–16 years) with DLD reported on their presence in VR contexts and their appreciation toward the VR training. They also completed weekly self-reports on their socio-emotional functioning. Results indicated that 'InterAction' was a feasible method to practice socio-emotional functioning with adolescents with DLD. Adolescents highly appreciated the VR training. In addition, adolescents rated the sense of presence as high in the VR training. The individual trajectories showed that improvements in the trained skills varied both between and within participants. The results were also not uniform between the specific skills trained. The findings suggest that interactive virtual reality training may be a promising tool for improving socio-emotional functioning in adolescents with DLD. Future studies should examine the positive indications of this study in a larger sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To synthesize the psychological, social, and quality of life outcomes of people with a cardiac implantable electronic device. Methods and results An umbrella review of systematic reviews that reported the psychological, social, or quality of life outcomes of adults with a cardiac implantable electronic device was conducted. This umbrella review was pre-registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023437078) and adhered to JBI and PRISMA guidelines. Seven databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, EmCare, PsycINFO, PubMed, and the Web of Science) were searched alongside citation and bibliographic searches. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Checklist of Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses. Due to the heterogeneity of the included reviews, the findings were reported narratively. A total of 14 systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria; 11 considered quality of life outcomes, and 3 considered psychological outcomes. Little difference in quality of life was found between people with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and controls; however, a high prevalence of psychological disorders was present. Cardiac resynchronization therapy devices demonstrated improvements in quality of life compared with control groups, alongside possible cognitive benefits. Quality of life did not differ between subcutaneous and transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Pacemakers were associated with improved post-implantation quality of life. Conclusion Research on the psychosocial and quality of life outcomes of people with a cardiac implantable electronic device is limited and inconsistent. Given the heterogeneity of the current research, conclusions are uncertain. Nevertheless, some recipients may experience adverse psychosocial complications. Further research employing rigorous methodologies is needed, and healthcare practitioners should provide care that acknowledges the potential for adverse psychosocial experiences. Registration PROSPERO: CRD42023437078 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machiavellianism is an antisocial interpersonal style involving the use of manipulative, deceptive, and coercive behaviors in the pursuit of self-interest. Although widely studied as a "dark" personality trait in adults, relatively little is known about the developmental correlates of Machiavellian tendencies earlier in life. The present study addressed this knowledge gap by examining associations between Machiavellian behavior and three theoretically relevant social–emotional domains—prosocial emotions, emotion recognition skills, and self-control—in a community sample of 7- and 11-year-old Canadian children (N = 300, 50% female). Of particular interest was the extent to which individual differences in social–emotional capacities were uniquely associated with Machiavellian behavior after controlling for aggression, a relatively well-studied antisocial behavior in childhood. Parents reported on children's Machiavellian behavior and aggression. Social–emotional correlates were assessed via parent and child reports, behavioral tasks, and physiological assessments. Machiavellian behavior and aggression were similarly associated with lower parent-reported prosocial emotions and self-control. Machiavellian (but not aggressive) behavior was associated with lower child-reported guilt (a prosocial emotion), higher resting skin conductance levels (reflecting a general tendency for higher arousal), and better anger recognition. Semipartial correlational analyses indicated that these patterns of association with Machiavellian behaviors held independent of aggression. These findings indicate that, by middle childhood, Machiavellian behavior constitutes a distinct form of antisocial conduct that is associated with a unique social–emotional risk profile. Public Significance Statement: By middle childhood, Machiavellian behaviors such as manipulation, deception, and coercion are distinct from aggression in terms of their occurrence and associations with other domains of social–emotional functioning (e.g., prosocial emotions, emotion recognition ability, self-control). This suggests that traditional prevention and intervention programs targeting aggressive and violent tendencies may be less effective at curbing more subtle and self-serving forms of antisocial conduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine changes in self-determination associated with youth participation in residential immersive life skills (RILS) programs. In this prospective mixed methods study, the Arc's Self-Determination Scale was administered pre- and post-program, and at 3- and 12-month follow-ups, to 27 RILS youth and a comparison group of 11 youth enrolled in a non-residential life skills program. Ten RILS youth were interviewed 3 and 12 months post-program, with content analysis used to explore changes in autonomy, self-realization, and psychological empowerment. RILS youth showed statistically significant increases in autonomy immediately after the program, which were maintained one year later, whereas the comparison group displayed increased autonomy only at 3 months post-program. Qualitatively, RILS youth emphasized changes in behavioral autonomy and psychological empowerment 3 months post-program, whereas at one year there was greater emphasis on changes in self-realization. Using a triangulation protocol, the mixed methods data were interpreted as showing agreement regarding changes in autonomy due to intervention, partial agreement regarding self-realization, and dissonance regarding psychological empowerment. RILS programs can enhance the autonomy of youth with physical disabilities and contribute to their sense of confidence and understanding of themselves as they move forward in life. The findings suggest the importance of the immersive, away-from-home component of residential immersive life skills programs in enhancing the autonomy of youth with disabilities Youth reported changes in their level of autonomy after attending residential immersive life skills programs, as well as feeling more confident in living on their own Residential immersive life skills programs can contribute to youth's understanding of themselves as they transition to adulthood [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was undertaken to substantiate the connection between sensory experiences and social functioning among 142 children ages 4–10 years with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: Using an online cross-sectional survey, mothers' perceptions of sensory and social characteristics of their children on parent-reported measures of sensory experiences and social functioning were collected. Findings: Using SPSS software to follow the related descriptive statistics and correlational analysis, the results indicated that children had different levels of challenging sensory experiences and social interaction difficulties. It was revealed that higher intensities of sensory issues were associated with lower levels of functioning and greater social interaction difficulties. Further analysis revealed that less awkward, unpleasant experiences in the auditory and tactile sensory functioning correlated with less social difficulties. Conclusions: Given that no causal relationship could be drawn in this study, the findings complemented those of earlier studies, which suggest engagement in social interactions may be correlated with sensory response patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children whose families experience socioeconomic disadvantage are at risk for poor sustained attention, a foundational skill related to goal‐oriented behaviour, self‐regulation and kindergarten readiness. Maternal parenting behaviours and parenting stress are theorised developmental pathways linking socioeconomic status (SES) to children's sustained attention. However, research has yet to empirically test for these indirect pathways, thus limiting the relevance of extant findings to inform targets of parent‐mediated programmes addressing attentional disparities at school entry for low‐income children. Using a sample of mostly low‐income children from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 2214) and the process of parenting model, this study tested whether maternal parenting stress, harsh parenting and cognitive stimulation uniquely explained associations between SES and child sustained attention at age 5 years. Results from structural equation modelling revealed that SES was positively and directly associated with child sustained attention. Some of these effects were indirectly transmitted through the pathway of maternal cognitive stimulation; however, neither harsh parenting nor parenting stress helped to explain the relationship between SES and child sustained attention. Implications of the findings are explored in the context of early childhood prevention and promotion programmes serving low‐income families. Highlights: This study explores the direct and indirect paths of family SES on child sustained attention through the pathways of maternal cognitive stimulation, harsh parenting and parenting stress amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged children.Results from SEM revealed that SES was positively and directly associated with child‐sustained attention and some of these effects were indirectly transmitted through the pathway of maternal cognitive stimulation.Cognitive stimulation is a crucial pathway through which SES may promote or impede the development of children's sustained attention skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cortical thickness (CT) alterations, mismatch negativity (MMN) reductions, and cognitive deficits are robust findings in first-episode psychosis (FEP). However, most studies focused on medicated patients, leaving gaps in our understanding of the interrelationships between CT, MMN, neurocognition, and psychosocial functioning in unmedicated FEP. This study aimed to employ multiple mediation analysis to investigate potential pathways among these variables in unmedicated drug-naïve FEP. Methods We enrolled 28 drug-naïve FEP and 34 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Clinical symptoms, neurocognition, psychosocial functioning, auditory duration MMN, and T1 structural magnetic resonance imaging data were collected. We measured CT in the superior temporal gyrus (STG), a primary MMN-generating region. Results We found a significant negative correlation between MMN amplitude and bilateral CT of STG (CT_STG) in FEP (left: r  = −.709, P  < .001; right: r  = −.612, P  = .008). Multiple mediation models revealed that a thinner left STG cortex affected functioning through both direct (24.66%) and indirect effects (75.34%). In contrast, the effects of the right CT_STG on functioning were mainly mediated through MMN and neurocognitive pathways. Conclusions Bilateral CT_STG showed significant association with MMN, and MMN plays a mediating role between CT and cognition. Both MMN alone and its interaction with cognition mediated the effects of structural alterations on psychosocial function. The decline in overall function in FEP may stem from decreased CT_STG, leading to subsequent MMN deficits and neurocognitive dysfunction. These findings underline the crucial role of MMN in elucidating how subtle structural alterations can impact neurocognition and psychosocial function in FEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare psychosocial outcomes of older adults according to pain experience. Method: Using cross-sectional 2021 data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, we examined psychosocial characteristics in older adults (N = 3,376) divided into three groups: no pain, pain without activity limitations, and activity-limiting pain. Results: In multiple regression models, older adults with activity-limiting pain compared to those without pain had significantly higher depression, anxiety, and fear of falling, as well as reduced positive affect, self-realization, self-efficacy, resilience, and social participation. Older adults with non–activity-limiting pain had significantly higher social participation than those without pain, but no differences in self-realization, self-efficacy, or resilience. Conclusion: Pain is strongly associated with all psychosocial outcomes, especially in older adults with activity-limiting pain. Future research should examine the impact of self-realization, self-efficacy, resilience, and social participation on activity limitations. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(7), 27–34.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Understanding the pathways linking caregiver- and family-level psychosocial factors and child oral health behaviors is critical for addressing oral health disparities. The current study examined the associations between caregiver psychosocial functioning and family chaos and child toothbrushing behaviors in children at high risk for poor oral health outcomes. Methods: Data were drawn from the baseline wave of the CO-OP Chicago Cohort Study (U01DE030067), a longitudinal study on child/caregiver dyads exploring oral health behaviors and caries development in young children (N = 296 dyads; child mean age = 5.36, SD = 1.03; caregiver mean age = 33.8 years, SD = 6.70; caregiver race = 43% Black; caregiver ethnicity = 55% Latinx). The oral health behavioral outcomes included child toothbrushing frequency, child plaque levels, and caregiver assistance with child toothbrushing. The data included demographics; caregiver depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, social functioning, social support, and resilience; and family-level household chaos. Results: Multiple regression models indicated that greater household chaos was significantly related to lower caregiver assistance with child toothbrushing (p = 0.0075). Additionally, caregiver anxiety and PTSD symptoms as well as number of children in the home significantly predicted higher levels of household chaos (p < 0.01). Notably, 18% of caregivers reported clinically significant PTSD. The relationships between caregiver-level psychosocial factors and child oral health behaviors were not significant. Conclusions: The results suggest household chaos may play an important role in child oral health behaviors and highlight the importance of investigating family-level factors for understanding and addressing child oral health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Working in a healthcare setting is associated with high levels of stress and burnout syndrome. Work-related quality of life (WRQoL) remains insufficiently evaluated among physicians. The aim of this study is to assess the WRQoL among physicians of interventional, non-interventional, and diagnostic specialties in Poland. Materials and Methods: Standardized and anonymous WRQoL questionnaires have been filled in by 257 physicians working in Silesia, Poland. After the removal of missing data, 246 individuals were stratified in terms of specialties into the appropriate categories, including interventional, non-interventional, and diagnostics. These categories were compared using the following subscales: general well-being (GWB), home–work interface (HWI), job and career satisfaction (JCS), control at work (CAW), working conditions (WCS), and stress at work (SAW). Results: Out of 246 individuals, 132 were women (53.7%) and 112 (45.5%) were men. There were no differences in terms of WRQoL scores (p = 0.220) and subscales GWB (p = 0.148), HWI (p = 0.368), JCS (p = 0.117), CAW (p = 0.224), WCS (p = 0.609), SAW (p = 0.472) between interventional, non-interventional, and diagnostic specialties. The group of young doctors (age ≤ 30 years) had higher JCS scores than the older ones (mean score [SD], 22.7 [3.98] vs. 21 [4.6]; p = 0.013). Physicians who were not working in hospital had higher WRQoL score than respondents working in hospital (p = 0.061), with significant differences in terms of GWB (mean score [SD], 20.3 [4.93] vs. 22.8 [3.2], p = 0.014), HWI (mean score [SD], 9.1 [=2.65] vs. 10.6 [2.73], p = 0.011), and WCS (mean score [SD], 9.5 [2.61] vs. 10.8 [2.54], p = 0.035). Conclusion: There were no differences considering overall WRQoL between analyzed groups stratified according to specialty. However, we disclosed a significant association between the respondent's WRQoL and age as well as place of work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Web‐based guided self‐help cognitive behavioral therapy‐enhanced (CBT‐E) is a 12‐weeks, 12‐sessions, digitalized version of part II of the self‐help book Overcoming Binge Eating. This intervention is effective when offered under controlled circumstances in a randomized‐controlled‐trial. It is unknown how patients with binge‐eating disorder (BED) respond to this intervention when offered in real‐world clinical‐settings. The aim of this study is to examine post‐intervention effectiveness of guided self‐help CBT‐E for BED in real‐world settings. Method: The present study used a cohort‐design examining the effectiveness of web‐based guided self‐help CBT‐E according to an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis. BED patients (n = 278) were assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention. The primary outcome was reduction in binge‐eating episodes. Other outcomes were full‐recovery (EDE‐Q score <2.77 and abstinence from binge‐eating episodes), impaired psychosocial functioning, defined as secondary impairment, and general psychopathology post‐intervention. Results: The number of binge‐eating episodes reduced by an average of 16 binge‐eating episodes per 4 weeks pre‐intervention to five binge‐eating episodes during the last 4 weeks of treatment. Abstinence from binge eating was reported by 30%, and 28% reported full recovery. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) were large (d ≥ 1.0) for all outcome measures. There were no differences in outcomes between the ITT and the completers sample. Discussion: Guided self‐help CBT‐E is associated with significant improvements. The effects of guided self‐help CBT‐E offered in a real‐world‐setting are comparable to self‐help CBT‐E offered in a randomized‐controlled‐trial. However, it should be noted that comparisons with randomized‐controlled‐trials requires caution. Longer‐term follow‐up data are necessary to measure persistence of treatment benefits. Public Significance: Offering CBT‐E as a web‐based guided self‐help intervention has several benefits for patients with BED. Guided self‐help CBT‐E is associated with significant improvements on the short term when offered in real‐world clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent reviews and meta-analyses of metacognitive therapy for schizophrenia-spectrum disorder (SSD) have included uncontrolled studies, single-session interventions, and/or analyses limited to a single form of metacognitive therapy. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of metacognitive therapies more broadly based on controlled trials (CT) of sustained treatments. We conducted a pre-registered meta-analysis of controlled trials that investigated the effects of meta-cognitive therapies on primary positive symptom outcomes, and secondary symptom, function and/or insight measures. Electronic databases were searched up to March 2022 using variants of the keywords, 'metacognitive therapy', 'schizophrenia', and 'controlled trial'. Studies were identified and screened according to PRISMA guidelines. Outcomes were assessed with random effects models and sample, intervention, and study quality indices were investigated as potential moderators. Our search identified 44 unique CTs with usable data from 2423 participants. Data were extracted by four investigators with reliability >98%. Results revealed that metacognitive therapies produced significant small-to-moderate effects on delusions (g = 0.32), positive symptoms (g = 0.30) and psychosocial function (g = 0.31), and significant, small effects on cognitive bias (g = 0.25), negative symptoms (g = 0.24), clinical insight (g = 0.29), and social cognition (g = 0.27). Findings were robust in the face of sample differences in age, education, gender, antipsychotic dosage, and duration of illness. Except for social cognition and negative symptoms, effects were evident even in the most rigorous study designs. Thus, results suggest that metacognitive therapies for SSD benefit people, and these benefits transfer to function and illness insight. Future research should modify existing treatments to increase the magnitude of treatment benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We compared dissociative seizure specific cognitive behavior therapy (DS-CBT) plus standardized medical care (SMC) to SMC alone in a randomized controlled trial. DS-CBT resulted in better outcomes on several secondary trial outcome measures at the 12-month follow-up point. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate putative treatment mechanisms. Methods: We carried out a secondary mediation analysis of the CODES trial. 368 participants were recruited from the National Health Service in secondary / tertiary care in England, Scotland, and Wales. Sixteen mediation hypotheses corresponding to combinations of important trial outcomes and putative mediators were assessed. Twelve-month trial outcomes considered were final-month seizure frequency, Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), and the SF-12v2, a quality-of-life measure providing physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. Mediators chosen for analysis at six months (broadly corresponding to completion of DS-CBT) included: (a) beliefs about emotions, (b) a measure of avoidance behavior, (c) anxiety and (d) depression. Results: All putative mediator variables except beliefs about emotions were found to be improved by DS-CBT. We found evidence for DS-CBT effect mediation for the outcome variables dissociative seizures (DS), WSAS and SF-12v2 MCS scores by improvements in target variables avoidance behavior, anxiety, and depression. The only variable to mediate the DS-CBT effect on the SF-12v2 PCS score was avoidance behavior. Conclusions: Our findings largely confirmed the logic model underlying the development of CBT for patients with DS. Interventions could be additionally developed to specifically address beliefs about emotions to assess whether it improves outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore how resilience is manifested in the experiences of emerging adults who were subjected to bullying victimization in school and have high levels of psychological functioning in emerging adulthood. Methods: Fifteen Swedish emerging adults (Mage = 29.13, SD = 0.52) who, despite experiences of bullying victimization at age 10, had high levels of psychological functioning as emerging adults were interviewed. The interviews focused on experiences of bullying victimization and the long‐term outcomes of these experiences. Qualitative methods were used in the analysis, with a specific focus on resilience. Results/Conclusion: The findings illustrate how long‐term outcomes of bullying victimization in school, in relation to resilience, comprise a dynamic process between personal agency and social resources in the environmental context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]