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Introduction: For the selection of students for the winter semester 2020/21, the established selection procedure of the University of Witten/Herdecke (UW/H) was adapted to the virtual space in view of the current contact ban and recommended keeping of distance. The three stations in the second step of the procedure, the biographical one-on-one interview, presentation and discussion on a subject-specific topic as well as multiple mini interviews (MMI) on the social skills of the applicants were audiovisual and in real time in zoom meetings. Project description: The medical, psychological and student reviewers were prepared for the virtual selection procedure in training sessions. Three weeks before the selection days, the applicants received information on the technical requirements for the interviews and on data protection for the persons affected by the collection of personal data. The evaluation of the virtual selection procedure was carried out by the reviewers using an online questionnaire with 8 socio-demographic, 5 organizational, 8 content and 3 open questions. Results: The 108 reviewers conducted selection interviews in tandems (medical/psychological and student reviewers) with 178 applicants for human medicine and 105 applicants for psychology. The online evaluation by 58 reviewers (response rate 53.7%) showed a positive agreement with the virtual selection procedure, with a more favorable assessment of organization and content by the medical and psychological reviewers compared to the student reviewers. Discussion: The adequate adaptation of the selection procedure of the UW/H to the virtual zoom room as well as its acceptance are confirmed by the successful execution of the selection days for the students for the winter semester 2020/21 and the evaluation of the reviewers. Conclusion: The results and analysis of this exceptional situation will be used to also conduct the upcoming selection procedure for the summer semester 2021 in the virtual space. A valid assessment for the future use of a virtual selection procedure as a possible supplement to the personal selection interviews at the University of Witten/Herdecke remains to be made., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2020 Zupanic et al.)

Caregivers can experience significant challenges following their child's autism diagnosis and often seek informational, relational and emotional support. Post-diagnostic support for caregivers has received relatively little research attention and represents a significant gap in the international evidence base. We used an iterative codesign process to develop a manualised group-based post-diagnostic programme, Empower-Autism, with associated theory of change, to address the diverse needs of caregivers and improve caregiver mental health. Empower-Autism blended evidence-informed autism psychoeducation with psychotherapeutic components grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Three feasibility groups (two in-person and one online) were delivered with 29 clinically referred, socioeconomically diverse caregivers. We evaluated feasibility and acceptability through quantitative attendance and satisfaction data, and thematic analysis of detailed interviews with 17 participants and 5 facilitators. Attendance was satisfactory (76% participants meeting prespecified criteria) and programme satisfaction was good. Qualitative analysis suggested the programme was acceptable and accessible, and highlighted the areas for improvement. Caregivers described perceived benefits from the programme, including improved wellbeing, social connection, autism positivity and more attuned parenting. Empower-Autism is being evaluated within a large randomised controlled trial and, if shown to be clinically and cost-effective, this programme will fill an identified evidence gap in the United Kingdom and global provision. What is already known about the topic? Parents and carers face many challenges following their child's autism diagnosis. They often look for information, and social and emotional support. There has been relatively little research into how best to provide this support and this means that there is no evidence to guide the delivery of services. Studies have suggested that an approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help parents and carers with their adjustment and emotional wellbeing. What does this article add? This article describes the development of a new group-based programme to address the diverse needs of caregivers after their child's autism diagnosis. The new programme was developed with caregivers, autistic people and professionals. It was called Empower-Autism and contained lots of information about autism and strategies to support autistic children, alongside therapeutic aspects based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The programme was delivered to 29 parents/carers in three groups. Attendance at the groups was satisfactory. Both parents/carers and facilitators liked and valued the programme and found it accessible. They made suggestions for improvements. After the programme, parents and carers described improved wellbeing. They felt more positive and more connected to other people. They also described parenting their child in a more informed and sensitive way. Implications for practice, research or policy The new programme is being tested within a large clinical trial. If there are positive results, the programme could be recommended for delivery and this would address an important gap in evidence-based practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a case of implementing a MAC-based intervention, empowered by SDT principles, delivered by the coach. As the MAC-based approach becomes dominant in the sport psychology field and SDT is a leading motivational approach applied to sports coaching, a 10-session program was delivered by the head coach to a group of 28 gymnasts. The intervention included psychoeducation on core MAC principles (e.g., values, acceptance, defusion) and was guided by the coach's efforts to fulfill the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The intervention program protocol aligned with the coach's reflections are presented in each session. In conclusion, despite some constraints, this intervention framework holds potential for contributing to youth athletes' performance, well-being, and psychological development.

Abstract Background Systematic reviews and meta-analyses reveal the importance of an accepting attitude towards cancer for mental health and functional coping. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the German translation of the Peace, Equanimity, and Acceptance in the Cancer Experience (PEACE) questionnaire (Mack et al., 2008) and to investigate its associations with mental health, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and related constructs. Methods The German version of the PEACE (PEACE-G) was created and validated with cancer patients in a cross-sectional two center questionnaire study. Construct validity was tested with confirmational factor analyses (CFA); Cronbach’s alpha was used to determine internal consistency of items. We further examined associations with depression (PHQ-8), anxiety (GAD-7), distress (NCCN distress thermometer), HRQoL (SF-12), psychological flexibility (AAQ-II), resilience (RS-11) and acceptance scales, to evaluate concurrent and divergent validity. Results N = 213 cancer patients with different tumor entities participated in this study. Results of the CFA replicated the two-factor solution of the original PEACE (peaceful acceptance and struggle with illness) with satisfactory psychometric properties. Peaceful acceptance showed negative associations with depression, anxiety, distress, psychological inflexibility, and positive associations with HRQoL, acceptance, resilience, and mindfulness. Results of sensitivity analyses indicate a third factor (injustice/anger). Conclusions The results demonstrate the validity and reliability of PEACE-G in cancer patients and point to the essential role of acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions in psycho-oncology. Further studies are needed to investigate the different facets of struggle with the cancer illness.

Background. Sexual education in schools plays a huge role in preventing deviant behavior among adolescents. Firstly, sexual education helps adolescents understand their bodies, emotions and feelings; this contributes to the formation of a healthy self-image and relationships with others. Second, knowledge about sex and sexual relationships helps prevent undesirable consequences such as early pregnancy, infections and violence. Thus, sexual education in schools is an important tool in preventing deviant behavior among adolescents, helping them develop healthy relationships, make informed decisions and avoid dangerous situations. Purpose. Is to study the role of project-research work with adolescents within the framework of sexual education as prevention of deviant behavior among adolescents. Materials and methods. To solve the identified issue, the following research methods were used: analysis of foreign and domestic sources on organizing sexual education; questionnaires, observations, analysis of the organization of project-research work and consideration of possible inclusion of deviant behavior in adolescents in the scope of preventive measures. Result. Research shows that adolescents who have completed a sex education program based on project-research activities postpone the onset of their sexual activity more often and are more responsible in their use of contraception. Project-research activities are an effective tool for achieving the goals of sex education since they allow students to actively participate, develop critical thinking and discuss sensitive topics, help adolescents understand their needs and desires, and learn to build healthy relationships.

ObjectivePeople differ in how they regulate their emotions, and how they do so is guided by their beliefs about emotion. We propose that social power-one's perceived influence over others-relates to one's beliefs about emotion and to emotion regulation. More powerful people are characterized as authentic and uninhibited, which should translate to the belief that one should not have to control one's emotions and, in turn, less suppression and more acceptance. More powerful people are also characterized as self-efficacious and confident, which should translate to the belief that one can control one's emotions and, in turn, more reappraisal and acceptance.MethodTwo preregistered studies using four samples (Ntotal  = 1286) tested these hypotheses using cross-sectional and longitudinal surveys as well as diaries.ResultsIn Study 1, power related to beliefs about emotion and emotion regulation in hypothesized ways. Study 2 also largely supported the hypotheses: The belief that one should not have to control one's emotions accounted for the links between power and suppression and acceptance, whereas the belief that one can control one's emotions accounted for the link between power and reappraisal.ConclusionPower and emotion regulation are interconnected, in part because of their links with beliefs about emotions.

Sexual minority (SM) individuals present lower levels of mental health compared to their heterosexual peers. This study aimed to explore the preliminary evidence of a manualized 13-week, face-to-face affirmative group intervention for SM individuals based on mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion-focused techniques (Free2Be). In a single-armed trial design, nine participants received the intervention and were assessed in three moments (baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up). Sexual minority-related stress processes, psychopathological symptoms, and general adaptive and maladaptive psychological processes were assessed. Group comparisons and individual reliable change index analyses were performed. Overall, the results were significant/reliable in the expected direction: an increase in general adaptive psychological processes and a decrease in sexual-minority-related stress processes, psychopathological symptoms, and general maladaptive psychological processes. These changes remained stable over time. Stigma consciousness, shame related to sexual orientation, and fears of self-compassion did not present any relevant change. Self-compassion increased in the post-intervention and decreased in the follow-up, presenting an unstable trajectory. Results suggested that the Free2Be is an intervention with benefits for sexual minority people.

Mixed Reality (MR) technology is an innovative technology that has the capability to transform and boost productivity in the mining industry. At the same time, the scarcity of guidelines and research in examining the acceptance of MR technology innovation in the mining sector could make the adoption of MR technology innovation unpredictable. Therefore, in order to support the successful adoption of MR technology innovation in the mining sector, this manuscript is designed to better understand the factors influencing its acceptance among workers. Based on the literature review, five factors are hypothesized to influence the acceptance of mining industry workers regarding MR technology innovation. The factors underwent testing on a sample of 253 mining industry workers, which was obtained via an office-intercept survey and processed using SmartPLS software. The model has proven to be highly robust, as indicated by its outstanding scores in validity, reliability, multicollinearity, and goodness of fit. The results from the analysis indicate that attitude, perceived usefulness, and perceived compatibility are significant factors influencing the acceptance of MR technology innovation. While perceived novelty is an important factor affecting attitude, it does not significantly impact the acceptance of MR technology innovation. Moreover, perceived ease of use was not found to be a significant factor in influencing the attitude and intention to adopt MR technology innovation. This research offers both theoretical and managerial implications for its findings.

Decentralized wastewater treatment systems are a potential solution to the water crisis. However, in addition to advanced technology, successful implementation of these systems requires broad public willingness to use them. This paper presents the results of a three-phase psychosocial intervention with the users of a business building where a decentralized wastewater treatment plant was installed. The intervention, motivated by complaints from users due to their lack of knowledge about the existence of the plant, aimed at understanding and improving users’ perceptions of the building’s decentralized system. In the first phase, we conducted a focus group with a sample of workers (n = 6) to understand their knowledge and perception of the building’s decentralized wastewater treatment system. Once the main obstacles and facilitators were identified, we designed a second phase where a group of employees (n = 46) were exposed to environmental priming to improve attitudes toward the decentralized plant installed in the building. Finally, in the third phase, a bidirectional informative session was proposed, conducted by experts, to another group of workers (n = 25). Findings suggest that implementing specific psychosocial strategies, such as promoting environmental awareness and providing informative sessions, along with incorporating potential users throughout the process, contributes to better acceptance of the decentralized wastewater treatment plant. This work presents a real case in a pilot plant that can serve as a guide for addressing psychosocial resistance in similar projects.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is an era of enormous technical progress that has impacted professionals across industries, including Chartered Accountants (CAs). This study explored how CAs view the impact of the 4IR on their profession, focusing on the shifting roles, competencies, and challenges they face during this transitional period. The research adopted a qualitative approach to data collecting, including 14 semi-structured interviews with participants from various CA backgrounds. This research provides a thorough knowledge of the 4IR’s consequences for the profession and the perceptions of CA’s of the 4IR. Rapid task automation via technologies such as AI is posing a challenge to traditional CA roles, forcing a change towards more analytical thinking and strategic insight. CAs need to develop critical thinking abilities and data analysis ability. Older generations might need support to adapt to the technological changes. Despite fears about job loss due to technology, members were largely optimistic about the 4IR’s professional development potential. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are given.

Abstract Background In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has increased worldwide. The launch of the ChatGPT-3 posed great challenges for higher education, given its popularity among university students. The present study aimed to analyze the attitudes of university students toward the use of ChatGPTs in their academic activities. Method This study was oriented toward a quantitative approach and had a nonexperimental design. An online survey was administered to the 499 participants. Results The findings of this study revealed a significant association between various factors and attitudes toward the use of the ChatGPT. The higher beta coefficients for responsible use (β=0.806***), the intention to use frequently (β=0.509***), and acceptance (β=0.441***) suggested that these are the strongest predictors of a positive attitude toward ChatGPT. The presence of positive emotions (β=0.418***) also plays a significant role. Conversely, risk (β=-0.104**) and boredom (β=-0.145**) demonstrate a negative yet less decisive influence. These results provide an enhanced understanding of how students perceive and utilize ChatGPTs, supporting a unified theory of user behavior in educational technology contexts. Conclusion Ease of use, intention to use frequently, acceptance, and intention to verify information influenced the behavioral intention to use ChatGPT responsibly. On the one hand, this study provides suggestions for HEIs to improve their educational curricula to take advantage of the potential benefits of AI and contribute to AI literacy.

Abstract Background and Aim The relationship between psychological factors and treatment outcomes with assisted reproductive technology has sparked considerable debate. This study aims to investigate the emotional risk factors in couples seeking infertility treatment using assisted reproductive technology in Sari, Iran, from 2020 to 2022. Materials and methods This research is a cross-sectional study and emotional risk factors and other related factors were examined using the Persian version of the SCREENIVF demographic, social, and clinical status questionnaire, social, and clinical status questionnaire before using Assisted reproductive technology in 460 infertile couples selected from infertility treatment centers in Sari City, Iran. The samples were randomly selected using a table of random numbers. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 software. Results The mean age of the male and female participants were 31.70 ± 5.71 and 35.22 ± 5.48, respectively. The results regarding emotional risk factors and other related factors revealed that the variables of remarriage (P = 0.048) and exposure of spouse to emotional risk factors (P = 0.001), history of depression disorder (P = 0.007), and history of anxiety disorder (P = 0.009) were significantly correlated with the exposure of women to emotional risk factors. Furthermore, men’s exposure to emotional risk factors was significantly correlated with primary education (P = 0.026) and diploma (P = 0.043) levels, age (P = 0.006), and wife’s exposure to emotional risk factors (P = 0.001). Conclusion By identifying infertile couples who are at risk of emotional risk factors, healthcare professionals can provide appropriate support and interventions to mitigate the emotional challenges associated with infertility. This proactive approach can significantly enhance couples undergoing infertility treatment’s well-being and mental health.

The purpose of the article is: to show the content of facilitative interaction; to present the functions of facilitative interaction; to describe our experimental research at secondary schools and to describe functions of facilitative interaction as the predictor of developing pupils’ soft skills. Methods of the research. The following theoretical methods of the research were used to solve the tasks formulated in the article: a categorical method, structural and functional methods, the methods of the analysis, systematization, modeling, generalization. Also, in our research we used empirical methods, such as statement experiment. The results of the research. According to the results of our research we proposed such functions of facilitation: the function of stimulation; update function; the function of forming the sovereignty of the student’s personality; the function of managing the educational process; the function of organizing the process of interaction; the function of providing a creative educational environment. Conclusions. We proved empirically, that functions of facilitative interaction in the pedagogical process at secondary schools are real predictors of developing pupils’ soft skills, such as: academic achievements, self-concept, attitude to school, creativity, conformity, curiosity, anxiety, locus of control, cooperation, recognition of value, acceptance, trust, the possibility to create the environment, the ability to participate in creative types of the activities, expressiveness, naturalness, empathetic listening, the ability to make a climate of liberation, stimulating self-initiated personal growth. Also, we proposed three groups of soft skills of such kind of emotive teaching, which can be called facilitative soft skills: empathy, respect, sincerity.

How individuals regulate emotions in the face of loss has important consequences for well-being and health, but we know little about which emotion regulation strategies are most effective for older adults for whom loss is ubiquitous. The present laboratory-based study examined effects of three emotion regulation strategies (i.e., detachment, positive reappraisal, or acceptance in response to film clips depicting loss) on subjective emotional experiences, physiology, and perceptions of emotion regulation success and motivation in healthy older adults (N = 129, age range = 64-83). Results showed that, first, detachment decreased emotional experiences across the board; positive reappraisal decreased negative and increased positive emotional experiences; while acceptance did not alter emotional experiences. Second, detachment decreased physiological arousal (driven by increases in interbeat interval and decreases in respiration rate) whereas positive reappraisal and acceptance did not alter physiological arousal compared with "just watch" trials. Third, individuals felt most successful and willing to put forth their best effort when implementing acceptance, while they felt least successful and least willing to put forth their best effort for positive reappraisal. These findings illuminate longstanding discussions regarding how individuals can best regulate emotions in the face of loss. They show that older adults can regulate their emotional experiences and (to a lesser extent) their physiology with detachment numbing emotional experiences and decreasing physiological arousal; positive reappraisal brightening emotional experiences; and acceptance resulting in the highest perceptions of success and motivation. Thus, each emotion regulation strategy appears to be most effective in specific domains for older adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

The COVID-19 pandemic plunged economies into recessions and advancements in artificial intelligence create widespread automation of job tasks. A debate around how to address these challenges has moved the introduction of a universal basic income (UBI) center stage. However, existing UBI research mainly focuses on economic aspects and normative arguments but lacks an individual perspective that goes beyond examining the association between socio-demographic characteristics and UBI support. We add to this literature by investigating not only socio-demographic but also psychological predictors of UBI acceptance in a multivariate analysis using a representative sample of the German working population collected in 2020 (N = 1986). Our results indicate that being more supportive of a UBI went along with being comparably younger, of East-German origin, and more in favor of equal living standards, as well as perceiving one's economic situation to be worse and the threat of the corona-pandemic to be higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study explores the factors influencing the adoption and acceptance of Metaverse technologies in educational settings. Despite the growing interest in immersive educational environments provided by the Metaverse, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the elements that affect user engagement and acceptance. This paper aims to bridge this gap through a systematic review of empirical studies that apply Information Systems theories such as TAM, UTAUT, TPB, and their extensions. Methods: A total of 35 empirical studies were analyzed using a methodical review approach. The research methodologies employed in these studies include surveys, structural equation modeling, and interviews, providing a broad spectrum of data on how different factors influence educational outcomes in the Metaverse. Results: The findings reveal that user adoption of the Metaverse in educational contexts is influenced by multiple factors at individual, technological, and environmental levels. Key factors identified include effort expectancy, behavioral intention, self-efficacy, enjoyment, and immersion. These factors are subject to moderating effects, suggesting that the dynamics of Metaverse adoption are highly context-dependent. Conclusion: The insights gained from this review provide valuable guidelines for educators, policymakers, and technology developers aiming to effectively integrate Metaverse technologies into educational frameworks. The study also outlines limitations and suggests directions for future research, highlighting the need for further investigations into the longitudinal impacts and cultural adaptability of Metaverse applications in education.

Background. The study of the value-meaning aspect of notions of professional responsibility is due to their potential impact on the efficiency of work and on psychological well-being of a specialist. The analysis of literary sources showed insufficient development of the emotional component of the studied phenomenon. Objectives. The article focuses on carrying out a structural and informative analysis of the views of Internet users on professional responsibility as well as on selecting value-meaning factors from the general context of representations. Study Participants. Users of the social network VKontakte and specialized Internet forums participated in the study. The number of author’s texts analysed was 1010. Each participant submitted one communication, i.e. the number of participants corresponds to the number of texts and amounts to 1,010 people. The total number of messages included 800 texts from the social network and 210 texts from the Internet forums. Methods. The study of ordinary representations of Internet users about professional responsibility is conducted with the help of statistical analysis of word occurrence frequency (PyMorphy2). Classification of the analyzed units (nouns, verbs, adjectives) is made on the basis of statistical processing and expert evaluation, structural elements of the phenomenon of “professional responsibility” and its value-meaning characteristics are shown. The analysis of contingency on the basis of testing with corpus of Russian language dataset RuTweetCorp, based on Bernoulli distribution, neuronetwork model of analysis of emotional background of messages (FastText), neuronetwork model Dostoevsky and dataset RuSentiment. Results. The conducted analysis allowed to present the structure of “professional responsibility”, to reveal cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components. The study identified a fourth meta-structural component, never previously identified by other authors, which is related to the “God” construct. The value-meaning patterns of professional responsibility have been identified and described. The analysis of the emotional background of the messages made it possible to highlight the trend towards negative assessments of the phenomenon of “professional responsibility” at the current stage of society development. Conclusions. The approach proposed in the study allows to reveal the psychological essence of professional responsibility, to highlight the importance of the emotional component in the strategies of acceptance/avoidance of responsibility. The equation of professional responsibility with personal responsibility of a specialist has been revealed, while the notions of national, social, and corporate responsibility are manifested insignificantly. The study of professional responsibility through the value-meaning aspect can become the basis for analysis of social behavior in a person as a whole in the future.

Anne Schienle, Arved Seibel Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, AustriaCorrespondence: Anne Schienle, Email anne.schienle@uni-graz.atBackground: Open-label placebos (OLPs), honestly prescribed regarding their inert nature, have been associated with positive health-related effects in both children and adults. However, OLPs are not always perceived by laypeople as a viable treatment option.Methods: A brief online survey with 806 adult participants (age range: 18– 75 years; 29% parents) was conducted to identify predictor variables that are associated with the willingness to take an OLP pill (criterion 1) or to give an OLP to one’s child (criterion 2). The survey covered aspects including the perceived plausibility of the treatment concept for both OLPs and deceptive placebos (DPs), self-reported knowledge about placebos, the expected effectiveness of OLPs in treating emotional/ somatic problems, and attitudes concerning taking pills in general. Multiple hierarchical regressions were carried out.Results: The expected effectiveness of OLPs in alleviating both emotional and physical ailments and the plausibility of the treatment concepts for both OLPs and DPs significantly predicted the willingness to use OLPs (R2 = 0.485). A similar finding was observed when predicting the willingness to administer an OLP to one’s child (R2 = 0.443).Conclusion: Favorable expectations regarding the reduction of emotional and somatic symptoms with OLPs, along with a strong belief in the credibility of placebo mechanisms, play a vital role in influencing the willingness to accept this kind of treatment. These factors can be incorporated into psychoeducational programs.Plain Language Summary: Placebos that are administered to a person honestly, without any deception regarding their inert nature, are referred to as open-label placebos (OLPs). Recent research has documented that the concept of OLPs can be subject to skepticism by placebo recipients. Therefore, the current brief survey was directed at identifying factors that are associated with one’s reported willingness to, firstly, take an OLP, and secondly, to treat one’s child with an OLP. The results indicated polarized attitudes towards OLP treatment: a third of the participants held exceedingly unfavorable attitudes regarding OLPs, whereas another third was highly receptive to this form of treatment. Attitudes were influenced by expected treatment effects and the perceived plausibility of placebo concepts.Keywords: open-label placebos, acceptance, outcome expectation, plausibility, children

The ability to adapt interpersonal interactions to temperamental characteristics is essential for high-quality care. We analyzed how temperamental and self-regulation differences among children in residential care were related to the affective relationships and discipline styles of their caregivers. A total of 144 children aged 9–16 years (42.6% boys) and their caregivers from 22 residential care homes (Spain) participated. The Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire-Revised (EATQ-R) was used to assess temperament, the Affect Scale and Rules and Demands Scale was used to assess children’s perceptions of affective relationships and discipline styles among their caregivers, and BRIEF-2 was used to assess children’s self-regulation. Perceived warmth/communication was significantly higher than criticism/rejection and children perceived more inductive than rigid or permissive styles. Temperamental-scale fear was positively related to warmth/communication and an inductive style, and negatively related to criticism/rejection and a rigid style, whereas high-intensity pleasure showed the opposite pattern. In addition, some self-regulation and temperament scales explained 26% of the perception of warmth/communication, while others explained 15% of the variability of the rigid discipline style used by care workers. These results can help care workers to adjust their educational strategies according to the temperamental characteristics of this specific population.

Chronic health conditions (CHCs) are common and associated with functional limitations. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) shows promise in improving functioning, quality of life, and distress across several CHCs. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of technology-supported ACT for CHCs and perform a meta-analysis on functioning and ACT process outcomes. Multiple databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials. A total of 20 unique studies with 2,430 randomized participants were included. CHCs addressed in these studies were chronic pain (k = 9), obesity/overweight (k = 4), cancer (k = 3), hearing loss (k = 1), HIV (k = 1), multiple sclerosis (k = 1), and tinnitus (k = 1). Internet and telephone were the most used technology platforms. All studies included therapist contact with considerable heterogeneity between studies. Random effects meta-analyses found medium effect sizes showing technology-supported ACT outperformed comparator groups on measures of function at post-treatment (Hedges' g = -0.49; p = 0.002) and follow-up (Hedges' g = -0.52; p = 0.02), as well as ACT process outcomes at post-treatment (Hedges' g = 0.48; p

Many contemplatives, scientists, and clinicians have pointed to the value of responding to life’s difficulties by accepting experiences as they are. A growing body of research also suggests that acceptance contributes to effective coping with adversity, reduced stress, and improved emotional well-being. Yet within the scientific literature, there is little consensus on what acceptance means or how it should be measured. This makes it nearly impossible to synthesize empirical work on acceptance into a cohesive scientific understanding. Our goal in this paper is to clarify four facets of acceptance that are commonly referenced in research: acknowledging, allowing, non-judging, and non-attachment. We do not propose a specific definition of acceptance or even a set of privileged facets that must be included in future frameworks. We instead offer a vocabulary to facilitate productive communication among researchers that will, in turn, enable a more definitive scientific understanding of this important construct to emerge. After defining and explaining these aspects of acceptance, we further clarify these constructs in two ways. First, we illustrate how the four aspects are dissociable from one another. Second, we analyze their correspondence to related constructs from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Finally, we provide a concept worksheet that scholars can utilize to precisely operationalize acceptance in their own work.

This study examines people's understanding of who is a ‘true’ local and its intergroup implications. We expected to find two general understandings – one based on ascribed (i.e., ethnic) and the other on acquired (i.e. civic) characteristics – which would be differently associated with attitudes towards newcomers. In four studies conducted in Poland, we found that people consistently make an empirical distinction between these two understandings of local city belonging (Study 1, N = 148, Study 2, N = 1016, Study 3, N = 400, Study 4, N = 686). Further, stronger endorsement of an ascribed local belonging was related to a tendency to essentialize the ingroup and support for autochthony belief (Study 1), lower acceptance of both international and internal migrants, as well as established and recent migrants (Studies 2–4), higher perceived local threat from migrants, and higher intention for collective action against migrants (Study 4). In contrast, an acquired local understanding was associated with positive attitudes and behavioral intentions towards newcomers. In sum, our results suggest that the ascribed vs. acquired distinction of local belonging is relevant for the way people relate to newcomers in their local environments.

A new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was identified at the end of 2019. It swiftly spread all over the world, affecting more than 600 million people and causing over 6 million deaths worldwide. Different COVID-19 vaccines became available by the end of 2020. Healthcare workers and more vulnerable people (such as the elderly and those with comorbidities) were initially prioritized, followed by the entire population, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. Despite the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, a certain level of skepticism was expressed, including among pregnant and breastfeeding women. There were several reasons for this reluctancy, among them, fear of side-effects for both women and fetuses. Nevertheless, acceptance, as well as hesitancy, were time, country and vaccine specific. This review will collect available evidence assessing knowledge, attitudes, behaviour, practice and acceptance/hesitancy of pregnant/breastfeeding women in relation to the COVID-19 vaccination. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and EMBASE databases will be consulted. A predefined search strategy that combines both free text and MESH terms will be used. The systematic review will adhere to the PRISMA guidelines and the results will be reported in both narrative and summary tables. A meta-analysis will be conducted if data are available.

Low-threshold and remotely delivered preventive interventions, like telephone coaching, are warranted for farmers who experience multiple risk factors for depression, live in underserved areas, and show low help-seeking behavior. Factors facilitating uptake and actual use of effective remote interventions are important to reduce depression disease burden. This study aimed at identifying factors that potentially can influence acceptance of and satisfaction with a telephone coaching in this occupational group.Semi-structured interviews were based on the ‘Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology’, the ‘Evaluation’, and ‘Discrepancy’ models for satisfaction. Interviews were conducted with 20 of 66 invited participants of a 6-months telephone coaching during an effectiveness or implementation study. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed (deductive-inductive qualitative content analysis). Independent coding by two persons resulted in good agreement (Κ = 0.80). Participants validated results via questionnaire.Overall, 32 supporting (SF) and 14 hindering factors (HF) for acceptance and satisfaction were identified and organized into five dimensions: Coaching result (SF = 9, HF = 3), coach (SF = 9, HF = 1), organization (SF = 5, HF = 2), the telephone as communication medium (SF = 4, HF = 5) and participant characteristics (SF = 5, HF = 3). Most named SFs were ‘Flexible appointment arrangement’ (n = 19/95 %) and ‘low effort’ (n = 17/85 %), while most reported HFs were ‘lack of visual cues’ (n = 12/60 %) and ‘social/professional involvement restricts change process’ (n = 10/50 %).The perceived changes initiated by coaching, a low effort through telephone conduct, and the indicated personalization were identified as important influencing factors on acceptance and satisfaction based on interviewees' statements. Both may be further enhanced by offering choice and advice for delivery formats (e.g., video-calls) and training of coaches in farm-related issues. Study registration: German Clinical Trial Registrations: DRKS00017078 and DRKS00015655.

ABSTRACTContext: The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has caused a major health crisis, requiring the implementation of various public health measures in order to slow the spread of the virus and reduce the associated mortality. However, the success of these measures depends on people’s acceptance of them. This research aimed at understanding people’s representations of COVID-19 and its crisis management, and ultimately at understanding their attitudes toward health measures for counteracting the spread of COVID-19 in Reunion Island together with the behaviours expected of them. Method: Using Random Digit Dialling, a qualitative study was conducted with 53 inhabitants between February and May 2021. The COREQ checklist was followed. A dual textometric and manual thematic analysis was adopted in order to identify representations of COVID and the management of the crisis. Results: Some respondents perceived COVID-19 as a serious disease, while others saw it as a banal virus or even doubted its existence. A perceived ineffectiveness of public health measures and the incompetency of public actors predominated in the participants’ discourse. Conclusions: Thus, there was a considerable lack of trust and negative attitudes toward health measures, possibly influencing people’s acceptance and explaining numerous controversies. This research examines the importance of considering people’s representations of the health situation in order to improve people’s acceptance of protective measures.

IntroductionThe objective of the present study was to test two Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) designed to help older drivers to intercept a moving inter-vehicular space.MethodOlder and younger drivers were asked to intercept a moving inter-vehicular space within a train of vehicles in a driving simulator. Three ADAS conditions (No-ADAS, Head Down, Head Up) as well as five distinct speed regulation conditions were tested. Vehicle trajectory, gaze behavior and acceptance were analyzed.ResultsOur results reveal that the ADAS tested make it possible to perform the interception task but also to reduce the variability of the behavior produced. They also indicate that the location of the augmented information provided by the ADAS directly impacts the information-gathering strategy implemented. Finally, whereas younger divers reported mixed levels of ADAS acceptance, older drivers reported a good level of acceptance.DiscussionAll these results could be particularly useful with a view of designing ADAS for older drivers.

This investigation examined how people's beliefs about the functionality of emotion shape their emotional response and regulatory strategies when encountering distressing events. In Study 1, we present data supporting the reliability and validity of an 8-item instrument, the Help and Hinder Theories about Emotion Measure (HHTEM), designed to assess an individual's beliefs about the functionality of emotion. Participants who more strongly endorsed a Help Theory reported greater wellbeing, emotional acceptance, and use of reappraisal to regulate emotion. Participants who more strongly endorsed a Hinder Theory reported less wellbeing and more expressive suppression and substance use. In Study 2, we demonstrate that encouraging participants to view emotion as helpful affected their physiological and regulatory response to a distressing event. Participants in the Help Theory condition showed greater physiological reactivity (SCL) during a distressing film than control participants but were more accepting of their emotional response. Shortly after the film, SCL decreased for participants in the Help Theory condition. Compared to control participants, they engaged in less suppression and reported less lingering effect of the film on their mood. Together, these studies suggest that people's theories about the functionality of emotion influence their reactivity, the strategies they adopt to regulate emotion, and their ability to rebound after distressing events.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of group-based acceptance and commitment therapy on cognitive flexibility and self-esteem among women who had experienced the trauma of infidelity. The research method was experimental, and the design was quasi-experimental, utilizing pre- and post-test with a control group. In 2017, the statistical population included women in Tehran, Iran who had experienced the trauma of infidelity and sought help from counseling centers and family courts. On the basis of the study’s criteria, thirty couples were selected using a method of purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental (n=15) and control groups (n=15). The experimental group participated in eight 90-minute sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy, while the control group received no training. The Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI; Dennis & Vander Wal, 2010) and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES; Rosenberg, 1965) were administered to all participants. SPSS 22 software was used to conduct a multivariate analysis of covariance on the data. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) results indicated that group-based acceptance and commitment therapy significantly increased the average post-test scores of self-esteem and cognitive flexibility in the experimental group (p

Social exclusion can induce negative emotions and aggression. While previous studies have investigated the effect of trait acceptance on emotional experience and aggression during social exclusion, it is still unclear how different forms of acceptance strategy can downregulate negative emotions and whether this potential reduction of negative emotions should mediate the effect of acceptance on aggression. To address these questions, 100 participants were recruited and randomly divided into three groups: control group (CG, N = 33), conscious acceptance group (CAG, N = 33) and unconscious acceptance group (UAG, N = 34). Negative emotions were induced by the cyberball game and measured by the modified PANAS. Aggressive behavior was assessed by the hot sauce allocation task. Results showed that anger, rather than other negative emotions, mediated the effect of acceptance on aggressive behavior. Conscious and unconscious acceptance both effectively regulated anger, hurt feelings and aggressive behavior during social exclusion. Compared to conscious acceptance, unconscious acceptance was associated with less reduction of positive emotion and had a better effect on reducing sadness. These findings highlight the advantage of applying unconscious acceptance strategy to regulating social exclusion-induced emotions for the purpose of reducing aggressive behavior.

IntroductionNon-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV) is an established treatment for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), but it is often improperly used or rejected. The patterns of acceptance and adherence to NPPV, conceiving constraints, and strengths related to its adaptation have not been explored from a qualitative perspective yet.ObjectivesThis study aims to qualitatively explore patterns of adaptation to NPPV in people affected by COPD and to identify the core characteristics and the specific adaptive challenges during the adaptation process.MethodsForty-two people with moderate or severe COPD were recruited and 336 unstructured interviews were conducted. A Constructivist Grounded Theory was used to gather and analyze data: the transcriptions were mutually gathered in open, selective, and theoretical phases, with open, selective, and theoretical coding, respectively.ResultsThe analysis resulted in a non-linear and dynamic process, characterized by three phases: deciding, trying NPPV, and using NPPV. The patterns revealed that positive and negative NPPV experiences, together with beliefs, emotions, stressful mental states, and behaviors result in different acceptance and adherence rates.DiscussionsThese findings may be helpful to implement new care strategies to promote acceptance and adherence to NPPV.

ObjectiveEmotion regulation is an adaptive ability affecting people’s physical and mental health, quality of life and functioning. In the present study we focused on the influence of the intensity of experienced emotions on emotion regulation strategies (ERS) that are applied in everyday life.MethodsFor 7 days the participants kept an online diary where every day they described the situation which had aroused their strongest negative emotions. Next, they identified the emotions, their intensity and the type of applied strategies (acceptance vs. reappraisal vs. rumination vs. distraction vs. suppression). The study involved 88 people N = 88, which gives 538 observations.ResultsThe obtained results indicate that the intensity of emotions affects the choice of regulation strategies. When the intensity increases, people are more likely to choose the rumination strategy and less likely to choose the reappraisal strategy. However, the expected relationship between the intensity and the number of regulation strategies was not confirmed. In turn, it was gender (male) that turned out to be associated with a greater number of strategies used.ConclusionThe concern of this research was to look at making regulatory decisions in personally relevant and complex everyday situations. Although the emotions experienced in response to a difficult situation were varied, the intensity of the emotional experience was an important factor determining the choice of a regulation strategy. It indicates that this emotional dimension is a basic and determining aspect in people’s regulatory capabilities. These results also indicate that perhaps men in a situation perceived as stressful and worthy of emotional involvement use more regulatory strategies than women. These findings may find an application in all kinds of psychological interventions (e.g., psychotherapy, anger management therapies).

IntroductionIn the emotion regulation literature, the amount of neuroimaging studies on cognitive reappraisal led the impression that the same top-down, control-related neural mechanisms characterize all emotion regulation strategies. However, top-down processes may coexist with more bottom-up and emotion-focused processes that partially bypass the recruitment of executive functions. A case in point is acceptance-based strategies.MethodTo better understand neural commonalities and differences behind different emotion regulation processes, in the present study, we applied the Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) method to perform a meta-analysis on fMRI studies investigating task-related activity of reappraisal and acceptance. Both increased and decreased brain activity was taken into account in the contrast and conjunction analysis between the two strategies.ResultsResults showed increased activity in left-inferior frontal gyrus and insula for both strategies, and decreased activity in the basal ganglia for reappraisal, and decreased activity in limbic regions for acceptance.DiscussionThese findings are discussed in the context of a model of common and specific neural mechanisms of emotion regulation that support and expand the previous dual-routes models. We suggest that emotion regulation may rely on a core inhibitory circuit, and on strategy-specific top-down and bottom-up processes distinct for different strategies.

Mechanisms of change represent the cornerstone of the therapeutic process. This study aimed to investigate how network models could be used to test mechanisms of change at a group level. A secondary aim was to investigate which of the several hypothesized mechanisms (emotion regulation, interoceptive awareness, and acceptance) are related to changes in psychological well-being. The sample comprised adult patients suffering from psychological disorders (N=444; 70% women) from 7 clinical sites in the Czech Republic who were undergoing groupbased multicomponent treatment composed mainly of psychodynamic psychotherapy (lasting from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the clinical site). Data were collected weekly using the multidimensional assessment of interoceptive awareness, emotion regulation skills questionnaire, chronic pain acceptance questionnaire-symptoms and outcome rating scale. A lag-1 longitudinal network model was employed for exploratory analysis of the panel data. The pruned final model demonstrated a satisfactory fit. Three networks were computed, i.e., temporal, contemporaneous, and between-person networks. The most central node was the modification of negative emotions. Mechanisms that were positively associated with well-being included modification, readiness to confront negative emotions, activity engagement, and trust in bodily signals. Acceptance of negative emotions showed a negative association with well-being. Moreover, noticing bodily sensations, not worrying, and self-regulation contributed indirectly to changes in well-being. In conclusion, the use of network methodology to model panel data helped generate novel hypotheses for future research and practice; for instance, well-being could be actively contributing to other mechanisms, not just a passive outcome.

IntroductionResearch has identified simulation-based training with chatbots and virtual avatars as an effective educational strategy in some domains, such as medicine and mental health disciplines. Several studies on interactive systems have also suggested that user experience is decisive for adoption. As interest increases, it becomes important to examine the factors influencing user acceptance and trust in simulation-based training systems, and to validate applicability to specific learning tasks. The aim of this research is twofold: (1) to examine the perceived acceptance and trust in a risk assessment training chatbot developed to help students assess risk and needs of juvenile offenders, and (2) to examine the factors influencing students’ perceptions of acceptance and trust.MethodsParticipants were 112 criminology students in an undergraduate course in a Canadian university. Participants were directed to use a custom-designed chatbot with a virtual 3D avatar for juvenile offenders’ risk assessment training, to complete online questionnaires and a risk assessment exercise.ResultsResults show satisfactory levels of acceptance and trust in the chatbot. Concerning acceptance, more than half appeared to be satisfied or very satisfied with the chatbot, while most participants appeared to be neutral or satisfied with the benevolence and credibility of the chatbot.DiscussionResults suggest that acceptance and trust do not only depend on the design of the chatbot software, but also on the characteristics of the user, and most prominently on self-efficacy, state anxiety, learning styles and neuroticism personality traits. As trust and acceptance play a vital role in determining technology success, these results are encouraging.

Individuals differ in the degree to which they tend to habitually accept their emotions and thoughts without judging them-a process here referred to as habitual acceptance. Acceptance has been linked with greater psychological health, which we propose may be due to the role acceptance plays in negative emotional responses to stressors: acceptance helps keep individuals from reacting to-and thus exacerbating-their negative mental experiences. Over time, experiencing lower negative emotion should promote psychological health. To test these hypotheses, Study 1 (N = 1,003) verified that habitually accepting mental experiences broadly predicted psychological health (psychological well-being, life satisfaction, and depressive and anxiety symptoms), even when controlling for potentially related constructs (reappraisal, rumination, and other mindfulness facets including observing, describing, acting with awareness, and nonreactivity). Next, in a laboratory study (Study 2, N = 156), habitual acceptance predicted lower negative (but not positive) emotional responses to a standardized stressor. Finally, in a longitudinal design (Study 3, N = 222), acceptance predicted lower negative (but not positive) emotion experienced during daily stressors that, in turn, accounted for the link between acceptance and psychological health 6 months later. This link between acceptance and psychological health was unique to accepting mental experiences and was not observed for accepting situations. Additionally, we ruled out potential confounding effects of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and life stress severity. Overall, these results suggest that individuals who accept rather than judge their mental experiences may attain better psychological health, in part because acceptance helps them experience less negative emotion in response to stressors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

ObjectivesWith the world population rapidly aging, it is increasingly important to identify sociodemographic, cognitive, and clinical features that predict poor outcome in geriatric depression. Self-report measures of resilience-ie, the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity-may identify those depressed older adults with more favorable prognoses.MethodsWe investigated the utility of baseline variables including 4 factors of resilience (grit, active coping self-efficacy, accommodative coping self-efficacy, and spirituality) for predicting treatment response and remission in a 16-week randomized controlled trial of methylphenidate, citalopram, or their combination in 143 adults over the age of 60 with MDD.ResultsFinal logistic regression models revealed that greater total baseline resilience (Wald χ2  = 3.8, P = 0.05) significantly predicted both treatment response and remission. Specifically, a 20% increase in total resilience predicted nearly 2 times greater likelihood of remission (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = [1.01, 3.91]). Examining the individual factors of resilience, only accommodative coping self-efficacy (Wald χ2  = 3.7, P = 0.05; OR = 1.41 [1.00-2.01]) was significantly associated with remission. We found no relation between baseline sociodemographic factors (age, sex, race, education level) or measures of cognitive performance and posttreatment depressive symptoms.ConclusionsSelf-reported resilience may predict greater responsivity to antidepressant medication in older adults with MDD. Future research should investigate the potential for resilience training-and in particular, interventions designed to increase accommodative coping-to promote sustained remission of geriatric depression.

No one can tell us—as individuals—how we should feel about environmental harm, be it upset at individual species loss, distress at systemic level change, or deeper existential angst. That universal truism applies as much to us, as scholars, as it does to us as world-citizens. Recognising that environmental harm is increasingly impacting lived experiences, this commentary both argues that we should not only reflect consciously on how this might affect our scholarship, but that we should proactively take steps to improve our mental health and self-care. Written collaboratively by an environmental lawyer and research clinical psychologists, the commentary concludes that acceptance of the challenges confronting us, and that it is all right to be anxious about them in our own lives, will not necessarily make our scholarship any better but it might allow us to avoid unhelpful, artificial, and potentially painful deep-seated, divisions within ourselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Love is defined and examined as an emotion, using the psychoevolutionary theory of emotions developed by Robert Plutchik and extended to social psychiatry by Henry Kellerman. This theory posits a fourfold ethogram, representing the valanced adaptive reactions to problems of life which define the eight primary emotions. The problem of identity is addressed by acceptance and disgust; temporality, by joy–happiness and sadness. Using a hierarchical classification system, love is defined as a secondary-level emotion, a mixture of joy and acceptance. Examination of the brain infrastructure of these emotions supports their interpretation as basic emotions. In romantic and other forms of love, there is a global acceptance–incorporation, of the other, together with the joy of sexual pair-bonding. This can rise to the level of a clinical disposition that is both histrionic and manic, akin to a Durkheimian collective effervescence. The emotions of acceptance and joy are in everyday life constrained by ego-defense mechanisms: acceptance is constrained by a more critical, less idealised, view of a potential love object; uninhibited joy of sexuality is defended against by sublimation, in which libidinal energy is deflected into an emphasis on correct and proper behaviour, and purposive and productive activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background The variety of dysfunctions in bipolar disorder (BD) affects patients’ perceptions of the diagnosis, acceptance, and illness. Treatment of people with BD includes pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Maintaining long-term therapy is difficult, related to the patients’ overall approach to health. The aim was to assess health attitudes in people with BD treated with different mood stabilizers. Participants and procedure The study group included 40 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Participants were divided into two groups depend-ing on the medication taken: a group taking lithium (n = 20) and a group not taking lithium, treated with other drugs (n = 20). The respondents were measured with psychological tests – Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination, Illness Ac-ceptance Scale, Health Behavior Inventory, and Coping Inventory in Crisis Situations. Results 85% of the respondents stopped taking medication at least once without the doctor’s knowledge. People taking lithium had a significantly lower acceptance of the disease (t = –2.27, p = .015). The study groups did not differ in terms of coping with stress and health behaviors. The correlation analysis indicated that the acceptance of disease and health behaviors are significantly associated with selected coping strategies. Conclusions Attitudes towards health, understood as acceptance of the disease, coping with stress, and health behaviors are average. It is advisable to develop an optimal approach to activities connected with the daily health maintenance of the patients in order to better cope with the disease and its symptoms.

The present study focuses on the analysis of prosocial behavior. The forms or subspecies of prosocial behavior, the compositional variables constituted in determining factors and its explanatory models are highlighted. The research part presents the answers of the students to the questions of a test regarding the acceptance of others, understood as a necessary condition in the development of prosocial behavior. The theoretical basis is a starting point in our constative research and it includes the results of certain investigations that are considered benchmarks in the study of this topic.

This play contributes to a better understanding of the psychological mechanism of behavior with respect to recurrent auditory hallucinations and the traumatic origin that can cause it, such as experiencing a violent event. This causes an emotional blockage of fear in the actor, due to the defense mechanism of denial, with repercussions on memory and negative feelings of guilt and shame. The author proposes an adequate emotional management for the protagonist, Lázaro. The solution is aimed at making him dare to know the truth and accept it following current clinical psychological praxis, without taking refuge in the protection of others. In this way, he will improve and may even reduce the emotional state and the hallucination. In the analysis of the work, various contents are decoded. First, the planes of reality: the physical world, the fantasy world and the inner world of the characters. Second, the trauma lodged in the subconscious and auditory hallucination. Third, relationship of defense mechanisms, emotional intelligence and memory. Fourth, plot about love relationships. Fifth, the psychological mechanisms in favor of justice and truth. It is proposed how this drama could have contributed to the social imaginary to raise awareness about the emotional management of individuals. The results indicate that this symbolic and complex work of form and content also contributes to solving other human dilemmas such as the limitation to know reality, in addition to the feelings and emotions in the subconscious, as well as to accept them. It is discovered how to cope with an ethical sense of justice in a society in democratic transition, with still open wounds that derive from a war. Also, there is the aspiration to a humane society on the part of the author.

People who are more accepting of their thoughts and feelings experience fewer negative emotions. Although several studies document the connection between acceptance and negative emotions, little, if any research, sheds light on how being receptive to one's internal experience results in less negativity in everyday life. In a daily diary study (N = 183), we found that people who were more accepting of their thoughts and feelings experienced fewer daily negative emotions, and this association was partly explained by less daily stressor-related rumination. The strength of this mediational pathway differed depending upon the average perceived severity of daily stressors. When daily stressors were perceived to be more demanding, trait acceptance predicted a stronger inverse association with rumination, and rumination predicted a stronger positive association with negative emotions. These results shed light on one way acceptance of internal experience predicts less negativity, as well as the moderating role of perceived daily stress. (PsycINFO Database Record

Fundamental aspects of contemporary Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are linked to ancient philosophies like Stoicism and Buddhism and have evolved through three generational “waves” that can be traced to the early development of behaviorism. These “waves” are often referred to as Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MCBT). As the second wave transitioned into the third wave, prominent theorists rebranded principles and practices that were central to traditional CBT. This has generated confusion and miscommunication among researchers, therapists, and the public, which has hampered progress toward the widespread practice of effective, evidence-based treatment. Because no single branded theory is flexible enough to apply to the broad range of clients a typical practitioner serves, many psychotherapists resort to an “eclectic” approach. While combining elements from different protocols can be effective, this approach sacrifices the structure provided by the CBT theoretical paradigm and therefore lacks the integrity of evidence-based practice. To address these challenges, this paper proposes an organizing framework called the Trans-Theoretical Model for Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TM-MCBT). This model provides three crucial benefits: 1) a flexible and scientifically-grounded structure within which psychotherapists can choose the most relevant evidence-based interventions for their clients; 2) clarity to researchers as they attempt to establish what is happening, when it is happening, and how often; and 3) a common lexicon that enables providers, their clients, researchers, and the general public to continue to integrate the collective wisdom of the ages within contemporary evidence-based practices.

Background: Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) report lower quality of life and lower levels of well-being than the general population. Despite the growing availability of psychotherapeutic and self-management interventions, important unmet needs remain. These unmet needs are closely linked to positive psychology domains. Although a growing number of studies have evaluated the impact of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) on patients with severe mental illness in general, only few have addressed the application of positive psychology for BD. Objective: This study aimed to gain insight into the opinions of patients with BD and health care professionals about (web-based) PPIs for BD and to develop and pilot-test an app containing PPIs specifically designed for patients with BD. Methods: The study was conducted in accordance with the Center for eHealth and Disease Management road map principles and incorporated cocreation and designing for implementation. Data were collected using focus group discussions, questionnaires, rapid prototyping, and web-based feedback on a prototype from the participants. In total, 3 focus groups were conducted with 62% (8/13) of patients with BD and 38% (5/13) of professionals. The collected data were used to develop a smartphone app containing short PPIs. The content was based on PPIs for which a solid base of evidence is available. Finally, a pilot test was conducted to test the app. Results: Focus groups revealed that PPIs as part of the current BD treatment can potentially meet the following needs: offering hope, increasing self-esteem, expressing feelings, acceptance, and preventing social isolation. Some patients expressed concern that PPIs may provoke a manic or hypomanic episode by increasing positive affect. The pilot of the app showed that the PPIs are moderately to highly valued by the participants. There were no adverse effects such as increase in manic or hypomanic symptoms. Conclusions: With the systematic use of user involvement (patients and professionals) in all steps of the development process, we were able to create an app that can potentially fulfill some of the current unmet needs in the treatment of BD. We reached consensus among consumers and professionals about the potential benefits of PPIs to address the unmet needs of patients with BD. The use of PPI for BD is intriguing and can be usefully explored in further studies. We emphasize that more evaluation studies (quantitative and qualitative) that are focused on the effect of PPIs in the treatment of BD should be conducted. In addition, to establish the working mechanisms in BD, explorative, qualitative, designed studies are required to reveal whether PPIs can address unmet needs in BD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Referral of single girls and boys to counseling centers on the eve of marriage, during the dating and courtship process, to expertly assess the appropriateness and correctness of their choice, is one of the needs of counseling day. The purpose of this study was to develop a local model of "premarital counseling" for single people on the verge of marriage (suitor couple) and to evaluate the effectiveness of this counseling model on awareness and acceptance, responsibility and marital adjustment, After marriage. For this purpose, the research was conducted in two descriptive and experimental stages. In the descriptive stage of the research, after studying theories related to marriage, studying religious teachings related to marriage and also studying the counseling methods used by counselors and internal experts in this field, this model was developed. In the experimental stage, the effectiveness of this consulting method was evaluated. The research plan of this stage is "applied" in terms of purpose and "quasi-experimental" based on the method of implementation and "pre-test, post-test, follow-up with evidence". For this purpose, 22 individuals (11 couples) who applied for premarital counseling who had referred to a counseling center in Tehran were examined.To evaluate the effectiveness of this counseling method, in the qualitative dimension, the structured interview method was used, and in the quantitative dimension, the statistical method of analysis of variance and independent t-test were used.

Introduction: Neuropathic pain is a common complication of diabetic patients. In these people, the pain reduces the work and social adjustment. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on chronic pain acceptance and the work and social adjustment in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. Method: This study was a quasi-experimental study in which patients were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Participants were all patients with a diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy referred to the neurology department of Farabi Hospital in Kermanshah in 2019. Instruments included Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ) and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). The results of three phases of pre-test, post-test and follow-up were evaluated. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, the repeated measures ANOVA, and chi-square tests using SPSS version 22. Results: The results demonstrate that in the post-test and follow-up phases, acceptance and commitment therapy could improve pain acceptance and the work and social adjustment in the intervention group as compared to controls. In the acceptance variable, the test results within the group showed that the effect of time (P=0.003, F=6.48) and the interactive effect of time and group (P=0.001, F=12.49) were significant. Also in the variables of work and social adjustment, the effect of time (P=0.046, F=3.21) and the interactive effect of time and group (P=0.028, F=3.74) were reported (p>0.001). Conclusion: Acceptance and commitment therapy can be used as a psychological intervention along with drug therapy to improve the work and social adjustment and acceptance symptoms in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).

Background: Although E-mental health (EMH) interventions have been shown to be effective in the treatment of mental health problems and empirical knowledge regarding EMH acceptance for different occupations in health care is established, little is known regarding EMH and psychotherapists-in-training. This seems particularly relevant as psychotherapists-in-training will shape the future health care system since they are as being the next generation of psychotherapists. With social distancing measures in place, COVID-19 has led to an increased demand for EMH, which is broadening the way psychological treatments are delivered. Objective: The present study aims to assess the acceptance of EMH and its determinants among psychotherapists-in-training of different EMH modalities and to retrospectively compare current acceptance with pre-COVID-19 times. Methods: Altogether, 29 training institutions in Switzerland and 232 training institutions in Germany were contacted, resulting in a sample of N = 216 psychotherapists-in-training (88.4 % female) who filled out the self-administered web-based questionnaire in summer 2020. The acceptance of EMH was assessed considering several different modalities (e.g., videoconference, guided self-help programs) as well as further possible predictors of EMH acceptance based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Acceptance scores were categorized as low, moderate or high based on prior research and predicted using multiple regression. Results: Acceptance of EMH was moderate (M = 3.40, SD = 1.11) and increased significantly (t(215) = 12.03, p

Life events in the context of the different life courses of individuals can influence behavior in the acceptance of technology. In this context, driver assistance systems have the potential to create the basis for future mobility solutions. However, the systems should be accepted by the older generation, which can provide them with mobility into old age. Therefore, a literature review was conducted and life events were identified that may moderate the effect relationships in the acceptance of driver assistance systems. Based on the technology acceptance model, a research model was developed and validated by a study (n = 181). The results show that there are differences in the acceptance of driver assistance systems depending on different life events. The results show that the four life events “major illness,” “retirement,” birth of a grandchild, and “major accident” have a moderating influence on the acceptance of driver assistance systems. The study finds that regardless of the life event experienced, trust in technology is a major factor in acceptance, along with perceived usefulness. For example, retired individuals and those with major illnesses focus on the ease of use of the systems, while individuals with grandchildren value the opinion of their close environment.