Search

Objectives. The moderator role of guilt on the effect of leisure activities on dementia caregivers’ depressive symptoms was analyzed, considering differences by kinship and guilt as a multidimensional construct. Method. Participants were 351 caregivers (58.97% daughters, 10.54% sons, 19.66% wives, and 10.83% husbands). Measures included frequency of leisure activities, depressive symptoms, and guilt (total scale and 5 factors). Results. A moderator role of guilt was found only for daughters. Specifically, significant interactions between guilt and frequency of leisure activities were found for the total scale and for the Factors 1 (guilt about doing wrong by the care recipient), 2 (guilt about failing to meet the challenges of caregiving), and 3 (guilt about self-care). For those daughters who reported lower levels of leisure activities, showing higher levels of guilt was associated with higher scores in depressive symptoms, whereas those with lower levels of guilt showed lower depressive symptoms scores. Discussion. Feelings of guilt may have different consequences on caregivers’ distress depending on caregivers’ gender and kinship. Daughters with higher levels of guilt who do not engage in leisure activities may be especially vulnerable to suffering psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Objective: The Mediterranean dietary pattern improves cardiovascular disease factors. More research is needed on the usefulness of a Mediterranean dietary pattern in terms of weight loss. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of behavioral therapy based on the Mediterranean diet for the treatment of obesity and to determine the main obstacles to weight loss. Methods: A total of 1406 obese subjects (body mass index, 31±5kg/m2), aged 20–65 y, from a Mediterranean area in southeast Spain were subjected to a weight-reduction program. To evaluate effectiveness, weight loss, body fat distribution, biochemical variables, blood pressure changes, mean duration of treatment, percentage of attrition, and the ability to fulfill a Mediterranean diet pattern were assessed. To determine the main barriers to losing weight, a “Barriers to Weight Loss” checklist was completed. Results: The behavioral therapy program was effective for the treatment of obesity. The average weight loss was 7.7kg. The duration of treatment was 34 wk. Eighty-nine percent of subjects fulfilled the Mediterranean principles during the program, and all the variables studied were significantly improved. Attrition was 4–9%, with the main reason being stress (37%). Main obstacles to weight loss were “losing motivation,” being “prone to stress-related eating,” and being liable to eat when bored. Recording food intake and assisting group therapy were also important tools for losing weight (P ≤0.05). Conclusions: Dietary/behavioral treatment based on Mediterranean dietary principles is effective in clinical practice. Nutrition professionals should encourage their patients to record food intake and to attend group therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The origin of behaviour therapy witnessed a comprehensive development both of academic and applied fields. Could we say that this is still the case of today's behaviour therapy? This paper addresses differences and similarities that exist between literature and clinical practice with obsessive-compulsive disorders in Spain. A comparison between cases in literature and those reported by private therapists shows significant differences in the kind of problems that are addressed, the duration of treatments and the outcome. Likewise, cases in literature are systematically associated with higher therapeutic effectiveness rates. They also reflect the most paradigmatic obsessive-compulsive behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]