Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Psychosocial Moderators Of Perceived Stress, Anxiety And Depression In University Students: An International Study, Peta Stapleton, Aileen Pidgeon, Stephanie Mcgrath, Heidi Magyar, Barbara Lo

Peta B. Stapleton

Extensive research shows university students experience high levels of stress, which can lead to the development of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Preliminary evidence supports the role of psychosocial factors such as perceived social support (PSS) and campus connectedness (CC) as protective factors in the development of mental health problems in university students. However, research conducted on the potential ameliorating effects of social support on stress applying Cohen and Wills’ (1985) stress-buffering hypothesis produced weak, inconsistent, and even contradictory results. In addition, little attention has been given to examining the protective role of CC in the relationships …

Long-Term Weight Loss, Peta Stapleton

Peta B. Stapleton

There is little doubt as to the adverse physical effects of being overweight or obese. Obesity increases cardiovascular disease risk factors, Type 2 Diabetes, and overall mortality. Current approaches to addressing this epidemic have included combined dietary and physical activity approaches and of late, behavioral strategies to influence the weight loss process such as motivation strategies. However, it appears the more time that elapses between the end of a diet and the follow-up period, the more weight is regained. While studies have examined factors that contribute to longer term weight maintenance, they still continue to highlight aspects relating to individual …

Clinical Benefits Of Emotional Freedom Techniques On Food Cravings At 12-Months Follow-Up: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Peta Stapleton, Teri Sheldon, Brett Porter

Peta B. Stapleton

This randomized, single-blind, crossover trial tested whether participants who used Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) maintained reduced food cravings after 12-months and updates previously reported 6 month findings. Ninety-six overweight/obese adults were allocated to a 4-week EFT treatment or wait list condition. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities, and psychological symptoms were assessed pre- and post-test and at 12-month follow-up for collapsed groups. Significant improvements occurred in weight, body mass index, food cravings, subjective power of food, craving restraint, and psychological coping for EFT participants from pre-test to 12 months (p < .05). It appears EFT can result in participants maintaining reduced cravings over time and affect weight and BMI in overweight and obese individuals.

The Effectiveness Of Educational Interventions In Reducing Negative Attitudes And Stigmatisation Toward Patients With Anorexia Nervosa, Amy Bannatyne, Peta Stapleton

Peta B. Stapleton

It is frequently reported that clinicians across a range of professional disciplines experience strong negative reactions toward patients with eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa (AN). As research consistently demonstrates fear of stigma is the most frequently cited reason explaining why individuals with mental illness do not seek treatment, the current study aimed to develop, evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two differing educational interventions, based on an etiological framing model, against a wait-list control. Participants were fourth-year medicine students randomly assigned to one of three conditions. A three-hour educational workshop was delivered to participants at the beginning of an eight-week …

Mood And Food Cravings In Overweight And Obese Australian Adults: Clues To Treatment In Food Diaries, Peta Stapleton, Wava Doyle

Peta B. Stapleton

The objective of this study was to examine food diaries from 89 female overweight and obese adults participating in a treatment trial for food cravings. For two weeks prior to beginning treatment and for the duration of the four-week treatment, all participants were required to complete a daily food monitoring sheet or diary in real-time, indicating all quantities of food/drink eaten throughout a day and whether the item was a craving item for them. The diaries were examined for narrative statements and categorized with regard to common content, resulting in seven themes (Physiological; Enjoyment/Celebration; Missing Out; Reward; Wastage; Emotive and …

Practical Application Of Emotional Freedom Techniques For Food Cravings, Peta Stapleton, Terri Sheldon, Brett Porter

Peta B. Stapleton

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) has been shown to have a lasting effect on food cravings, power over food and restraint ability, and ultimately results in weight loss. This paper discusses the approach utilised in a recent food craving clinical treatment trial (Stapleton, Sheldon, & Porter, 2012; Stapleton, Sheldon, Porter, & Whitty, 2011), and highlights the case of a single participant. Sessions are described in detail and specific recommendations are made for the application of EFT to food cravings in overweight and obese individuals.

Constructing Body Image In University Women: The Relationship Between Self-Esteem, Self-Compassion, And Intuitive Eating, Peta Stapleton, Ankita Nikalje

Peta B. Stapleton

Body image related concerns among women are well researched. However, this research has consistently focussed on identifying pathological and maladaptive correlates of body image. Body image research has been based on the assumption that a positive body image is merely an absence of or is defined by low levels of a negative body image. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between self-esteem, self-compassion and intuitive eating in conceptualising body image related avoidance behaviours. Female university students (N = 137) completed four measures online: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Self-Compassion Scale of Neff, Intuitive Eating Scale of …

Depression Symptoms Improve After Successful Weight Loss With Emotional Freedom Techniques, Peta Stapleton, Dawson Church, Terri Sheldon, Brett Porter, Cassandra Carlopio

Peta B. Stapleton

Ninety-six overweight or obese adults were randomly allocated to a four-week EFT treatment or waitlist condition. Waitlist participants crossed over to the EFT group upon completion of wait period. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities, and psychological symptoms were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment and at 12-month follow-up for combined EFT groups. Significant improvements in weight, body mass index, food cravings, subjective power of food, craving restraint and psychological coping for EFT participants from pretreatment to 12-month follow-up (p<0.05) were reported. The current paper isolates the depression symptom levels of participants, as well as levels of eight other psychological conditions. Significant decreases from pre- to posttreatment were found for depression, interpersonal sensitivity, obsessive-compulsivity, paranoid ideation, and somatization (p<0.05). Significant decreases from pretreatment to 12-month follow-up were found for depression, interpersonal sensitivity, psychoticism, and hostility. The results point to the role depression, and other mental health conditions may play in the successful maintenance of weight loss.

Quitting Smoking: How To Use Emotional Freedom Techniques, Peta Stapleton, Brett Porter, Terri Sheldon

Peta B. Stapleton

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) have been gaining strength in the published literature as strategies to reduce arousal symptoms such as anxiety. EFT falls under the umbrella of energy psychology techniques which combine physical or somatic processes with cognitive focus in order to reduce psychological distress. This article discusses the practical application of EFT to smoking cessation, and the associated physical and psychological concerns that can be addressed.

The Interplay Between Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal Problems And Self-Weighing On The Overall Eating Styles Of University Students, Peta Stapleton, Sheree Empson

Peta B. Stapleton

The world is facing an epidemic of obesity. As a result, it is vital that the contributing factors of this issue are identified and addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate the interplay between overall eating style scores in University students with depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems and self-weighing. The present study consisted of 170 participants (73% female). The results indicated that when social desirability, gender and race were controlled for, depression, interpersonal problems, and self-weighing significantly negatively contributed to overall eating style scores. When self-weighing and interpersonal problems were accounted for, anxiety was found to not significantly predict …

Health Locus Of Control, Self-Awareness, And Integrative Eating Styles In University Students, Peta Stapleton, Hayley Smith

Peta B. Stapleton

The psychological and physical well-being of students is a cause for concern. For the majority of the student population this means substantial changes in healthy behaviours including eating habits. The current research was aimed at investigating integrative eating in 170 Australian university students. Self-awareness and health locus of control were measured in order to assess their relative impact on positive integrative eating practices. The self-report measures included Your Personal Eating Style Profile, Forms A and B of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Situational Self-Awareness Scale. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses provided tentative support for the hypothesis that …

The Effects Of Somatisation, Depression, And Anxiety On Eating Habits Among University Students, Peta Stapleton, Morreen Brunetti

Peta B. Stapleton

While it is known that depression and anxiety are associated with poor eating habits, little is known about the relationship between these common psychological disorders, somatisation and poor eating habits. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of depression, anxiety and somatisation on eating habits across gender. University students (N = 167) participated in the study by completing an internet based survey. No specific gender differences were found for depression, anxiety or eating habits scores. However, females had significantly higher somatisation scores. Higher somatisation scores were significantly positively associated with reported depression, reported anxiety and poorer …

How Helping Others Helps Yourself: Positive Personal And Mental Effects Of Volunteering, Peta B. Stapleton Dr

Peta B. Stapleton

THE benefits of volunteer organisations are widely known. Most recently in Queensland, the flood crises ignited a far-reaching community response and strangers shovelled mud and debris from houses of people they had never met. They shared sandwiches and tears and volunteers took leave from their jobs to help out.

From the Australian Royal Flying Doctors to Marine Rescue services, it seems people are happy to offer their services

voluntarily without payment or recognition. Often called the helpers' high, random acts of kindness as well as taking

part in organised events can increase your sense of well-being and optimism. We saw …

Explainer: Anorexia And Bulimia, Peta Stapleton

Peta B. Stapleton

Eating disorders are an increasing problem in children and adolescents. Recent Australian studies have indicated eating disorder behaviour has increased twofold in Australia in the last five years and 9% (men and women) will suffer from one at some point in their lives.

An analysis by the American Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality shows that hospitalisations for eating disorders increased most sharply (119%) for children aged 12 and younger between 1999 to 2006.

Get What You Give, Peta B. Stapleton Dr

Peta B. Stapleton

There’s more to good health than eating right and exercising, you also need to do good, to feel good. Here’s what you need to know about taking your health to the next level.

Is your fruit bowl always over-flowing with this season’s ripest produce? Is your veggie crisper chock-a-block with greens? Are your sneakers well worn? Are you vigilant about seeing your GP for an annual check-up? If you answered yes to all these questions you’re on your way to ensuring your health and wellbeing is in top shape. But we have one more question. When was the last time …

Clinical Benefits Of Emotional Freedom Techniques On Food Cravings At 12-Months Follow-Up: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Peta Stapleton, Terri Sheldon, Brett Porter

Peta B. Stapleton

This randomised, single-blind, crossover trial tested whether Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) maintained reduced food cravings in participants after 12-months, and updates previously reported 6-month findings. Ninety-six overweight/obese adults were allocated to a four-week EFT treatment or waitlist condition. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities and psychological symptoms were assessed at pre-, post- and 12-month follow-up for collapsed groups. Significant improvements occurred in weight, body mass index, food cravings, subjective power of food, craving restraint and psychological coping for EFT participants from pre- to 12-months (p<0.05). It appears EFT can result in maintaining reduced cravings over time and impact upon weight and BMI in overweight and obese individuals.

A Randomised Clinical Trial Of A Meridian-Based Intervention For Food Cravings With Six-Month Follow-Up, Peta Stapleton, Terri Sheldon, Brett Porter, Jennifer Whitty

Peta B. Stapleton

This randomised, clinical trial tested whether The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) reduced food cravings. This study involved 96 overweight or obese adults who were allocated to the EFT treatment or 4-week waitlist condition. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities and psychological symptoms were assessed pre- and post- a 4-week treatment program (mixed method ANOVA comparative analysis), and at 6-month follow-up (repeated measure ANOVA with group data collapsed). EFT was associated with a significantly greater improvement in food cravings, the subjective power of food and craving restraint than waitlist from pre- to immediately post-test (p < .05). Across collapsed groups, an improvement in food cravings and the subjective power of food after active EFT treatment was maintained at 6 months, and a delayed effect was seen for craving restraint. Although there was a significant reduction in measures of psychological distress immediately after treatment (p < .05), there was no between-group difference. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that EFT can have an immediate effect on reducing food cravings and can result in maintaining reduced cravings over time.

Helping Kids Cope With Change, Peta Stapleton, Terri Sheldon

Peta B. Stapleton

No abstract provided.

Promoting And Providing Expert Guidance In Work-Intensive Clinical Settings, Amanda Henderson, Heather Alexander, Alison Haywood, Peta Stapleton, Marie Cooke, Elizabeth Patterson, Megan Dalton, Debra Creedy

Peta B. Stapleton

This paper discusses how expert guidance can be best provided in work intensive clinical settings. The adequacy for supporting learning in the clinical practicum for health care disciplines is often complicated by the intensive work practices in healthcare settings. Often, clinicians' work is so intense that the scope for providing close guidance for students is quite restricted. The case advanced here draws on a range of empirical work to propose how clinician-student interactions might be optimized through the provision of a clinical supervisor to assist clinicians develop collegial relationships and acquire skills in guided learning such as demonstrating and role-modeling. …

Creating Supportive Clinical Learning Environments: An Intervention Study, Amanda Henderson, Michelle Twentyman, Emma Eaton, Debra Creedy, Peta Stapleton, Belinda Lloyd

Peta B. Stapleton

Aim. To assess the impact of an intervention aimed to build capacity of registered nurses to enhance the clinical learning environment for undergraduate nursing students. Workplace learning is vital for the development of skills, attributes and knowledge of student nurses. Registered nurses need to be appropriately prepared to maximise student learning during clinical placement.

Background. The quality of student learning during clinical practicum is largely dependent on interactions with ward staff.

Design. A quasi-experimental design.

Method. Measurement of students’ perceptions of the psycho social learning environment during and outside of the intervention period was used to evaluate the capacity building …

Taming Toddlers, Peta Stapleton, Terri Sheldon

Peta B. Stapleton

No abstract provided.

Taming Toddlers, Peta Stapleton, Terri Sheldon

Peta B. Stapleton

No abstract provided.

Languages Of Love, Peta Stapleton, Terri Sheldon

Peta B. Stapleton

No abstract provided.

Boosting Morale And Improving Performance In The Nursing Setting, Peta Stapleton, Amanda Henderson, Debra Creedy, Marie Cooke, Elizabeth Patterson, Heather Alexander, Alison Haywood, Megan Dalton

Peta B. Stapleton

Aim and background: While the importance of morale is well researched in the nursing literature, strategies and interventions are not so prolific. The complexities of interpersonal relationships within the clinical domain, and the critical issues faced by nurses on a daily basis, indicate that morale, job satisfaction and motivation are essential components in improving workplace efficiency, output and communication amongst staff. Drawing on educational, organizational and psychological literature, this paper argues that the ability to inspire morale in staff is a fundamental indicator of sound leadership and managerial characteristics.

Evaluation and key issues: Four practical concepts that could be implemented …

Mummy Do I Look Fat In This?, Peta Stapleton, Terri Sheldon

Peta B. Stapleton

No abstract provided.

What Women Want, Peta Stapleton, Terri Sheldon

Peta B. Stapleton

No abstract provided.

What Is Body Image, Peta Stapleton, Terri Sheldon

Peta B. Stapleton

No abstract provided.