Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons^™

Characterizing The Performance And Behaviors Of Runners Using Twitter, Qian He, Emmanuel Agu, Diane Strong, Bengisu Tulu, Peder Pedersen

Emmanuel O. Agu

Running is a popular physical activity that improves physical and mental wellbeing. Unfortunately, up-to- date information about runners’ performance and psychological wellbeing is limited. Many questions remain unanswered, such as how far and how fast runners typically run, their preferred running times and frequencies, how long new runners persist before dropping out, and what factors cause runners to quit. Without hard data, establishing patterns of runner behavior and mitigating the challenges they face are difficult. Collecting data manually from large numbers of runners for research studies is costly and time consuming. Emerging Social Networking Services (SNS) and fitness tracking devices …

An Introduction To Drugs And The Neuroscience Of Behavior, Adam Prus

Adam J Prus

This up-to-date new text provides an introductory overview of the nervous system actions and behavioral effects of the major classes of psychoactive drugs. Appropriate for undergraduate students who have an introductory level background in psychology or other areas within the social sciences, AN INTRODUCTION TO DRUGS AND THE NEUROSCIENCE OF BEHAVIOR illustrates concepts and highlights research techniques. The book's most important feature is its pedagogical elements, which are not found in other psychopharmacology texts, but are particularly important for making this specialized topic approachable for undergraduates. Charts and diagrams illustrate basic concepts and processes important for understanding the actions and …

Weight-Based Discrimination And Medication Adherence Among Low-Income African Americans With Hypertension: How Much Of The Association Is Mediated By Self-Efficacy?, Michael Richardson, Molly Waring, Monica Wang, Lisa Nobel, Yendelela Cuffee, Sharina Person, Sandral Hullett, Catarina Kiefe, Jeroan Allison

Monica L. Wang

OBJECTIVES: Much of the excessive morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease among African Americans results from low adherence to anti-hypertensive medications. Therefore, we examined the association between weight-based discrimination and medication adherence. METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from low-income African Americans with hypertension. Ordinal logistic regression estimated the odds of medication non-adherence in relation to weight-based discrimination adjusted for age, sex, education, income, and weight. RESULTS: Of all participants (n = 780), the mean (SD) age was 53.7 (9.9) years and the mean (SD) weight was 210.1 (52.8) lbs. Reports of weight-based discrimination were frequent (28.2%). Weight-based discrimination (but not …

Posttraumatic Stress And Posttraumatic Growth And Their Relationship To Coping And Self-Efficacy In Northwest Australian Cyclone Communities, Julie Ann Pooley, Lynne Cohen, Moira O'Conner, Myra Taylor

Myra F Taylor

The main focus of disaster research conducted to date has been on providing insights into the negative consequences of experiencing a serious threat or adversity. The present study extends this research endeavor by investigating the positive posttrauma resiliency experiences of 512 survey respondents living in four cyclone-prone communities in Northwest Australia. The findings reveal that disaster stress is often accompanied by disaster growth and, thus, provides an alternative resilience-based way of viewing postdisaster interventions.

Physical Activity And Screen Time In Metabolically Healthy Obese Phenotypes In Adolescents And Adults, Sarah Camhi, Molly Waring, Susan Sisson, Laura Hayman, Aviva Must

Laura L. Hayman

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to examine levels of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) in metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) adolescents and adults. Methods. NHANES data from obese adolescents (12-18 years, BMI z-score >/= 95th percentile) and adults (19-85 years, BMI >/= 30 kg/m(2)) were pooled from 2003-2005 cycles. Metabolic phenotypes were categorized as MHO (0 or 1 cardiometabolic risk factor; triglycerides, HDL-C, blood pressure, or glucose) or MUO (>/=2 cardiometabolic risk factors). Logistic regression models estimated associations between phenotype and PA/ST adjusted for age, gender, BMI, race/ethnicity, menopausal status, and …

Changing Clinical Behavior: Implementing Guidelines To Improve Primary Care Practice, Elizabeth Dugan, Katherine Dodd, Shellie Ellis

Elizabeth Dugan

Citation: Dugan E, Dodd K, Ellis S. Changing clinical behavior: Implementing guidelines to improve primary care practice. In: Shumaker, Ockene & Riekert (Eds.) The Handbook for Health Behavior Change, 3rd edition, NY: Springer, 2008, p. 463-477. A partial preview of this chapter is available via Google Books.

The Relationship Between Coping Styles In Response To Unfair Treatment And Understanding Of Diabetes Self-Care, Michelle Dyke, Yendelela Cuffee, Jewell Halanych, Richard Mcmanus, Carol Curtin, Jeroan Allison

Richard H. McManus

Purpose This study examined the relationship between coping style and understanding of diabetes self-care among African American and white elders in a southern Medicare-managed care plan. Methods Participants were identified through a diabetes-related pharmacy claim or ICD-9 code and completed a computer-assisted telephone survey in 2006-2007. Understanding of diabetes self-care was assessed using the Diabetes Care Profile Understanding (DCP-U) scale. Coping styles were classified as active (talk about it/take action) or passive (keep it to yourself). Linear regression was used to estimate the associations between coping style with the DCP-U, adjusting for age, sex, education, and comorbidities. Based on the …

Patient Completion Of Laboratory Tests To Monitor Medication Therapy: A Mixed-Methods Study, Shira Fischer, Terry Field, Shawn Gagne, Kathleen Mazor, Peggy Preusse, George Reed, Daniel Peterson, Jerry Gurwitz, Jennifer Tjia

Jennifer Tjia

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the contribution of patient behavior to incomplete laboratory monitoring, and the reasons for patient non-completion of ordered laboratory tests remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To describe factors, including patient-reported reasons, associated with non-completion of ordered laboratory tests. DESIGN: Mixed-Methods study including a quantitative assessment of the frequency of patient completion of ordered monitoring tests combined with qualitative, semi-structured, patient interviews. PARTICIPANTS: Quantitative assessment included patients 18 years or older from a large multispecialty group practice, who were prescribed a medication requiring monitoring. Qualitative interviews included a subset of show and no-show patients prescribed a cardiovascular, anticonvulsant, or …

Effects Of A Multicomponent Wellness Intervention On Dyslipidemia Among Overweight Adolescents, Olga Hardy, Jean Wiecha, Albert Kim, Carlos Salas, Rayna Briceno, Kwesi Moody, Joan Becker, Greer Glazer, Carol Ciccarelli, Ling Shi, Laura Hayman

Laura L. Hayman

Behavioral changes are the first line of treatment for dyslipidemia in adolescents, but outcome data on the effectiveness of this approach are inconsistent. This study aims to assess the effect of a 13-week multicomponent wellness intervention program, which included weekly nutrition classes and structured cardiovascular, flexibility, and strength training on dyslipidemia in nine overweight/obese [body mass index (BMI) > or = 85th percentile] and nine lean (BMIpercentile) adolescents. Clinical measurements and lipid profile assessment were performed before and after the intervention. At the completion of the study, the overweight/obese adolescents demonstrated a 15% increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (mean, …

Contribution Of Behavioral Risk Factors And Obesity To Socioeconomic Differences In Colorectal Cancer Incidence, Chyke Doubeni, Jacqueline Major, Adeyinka Laiyemo, Mario Schootman, Ann Zauber, Albert Hollenbeck, Rashmi Sinha, Jeroan Allison

Chyke A. Doubeni

BACKGROUND:Health behaviors are known risk factors for colorectal cancer and are more common in low socioeconomic status (SES) populations. We evaluated the extent to which behavioral risk factors and body mass index (BMI) explain SES disparities in colorectal cancer incidence, overall and by tumor location.

METHODS: We analyzed prospective National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study data on 506 488 participants who were recruited in 1995-1996 from six US states and two metropolitan areas and followed through 2006. Detailed baseline data on risk factors for colorectal cancer, including health behaviors, were obtained using questionnaires. SES was measured by self-reported …

Promoting Adherence And Retention To Clinical Trials In Special Populations: A Women's Health Initiative Workshop, Sara Wilcox, Sally Shumaker, Deborah Bowen, Michelle Naughton, Milagros Rosal, Shari Ludlam, Elizabeth Dugan, Julie Hunt, Stephanie Stevens

Elizabeth Dugan

This paper describes a Women's Health Initiative workshop on promoting adherence and retention in randomized clinical trials among ethnic minority women, participants of lower socioeconomic status, and older women. Workshop objectives were: (1) to increase knowledge of demographic and cultural characteristics of diverse groups, (2) to increase awareness of how diversity can affect interactions in clinical research, (3) to explore how research staff behavior can influence adherence and retention, and (4) to increase knowledge of strategies to enhance adherence and retention in special populations. The workshop emphasized the importance of understanding beliefs, values, and experiences that are common in diverse …

Pressure Pain Threshold Testing Demonstrates Predictive Ability In People With Acute Whiplash., David Walton

David Walton

No abstract provided.

A Dimensional Analysis Of Caregiver Burden Among Spouses And Adult-Children, Marie Savundranayagam, R. Montgomery, K. Kosloski

Marie Y Savundranayagam

Purpose of the study: Caregiver burden is a multidimensional construct, addressing tension and anxiety (stress burden), changes in dyadic relationships (relationship burden), and time infringements (objective burden) resulting from caregiving. The study aims were to assess (a) whether the dimensions of burden were the same for caregiving spouses and adult children, (b) the role of assisting with problem behaviors (PBs) and activities of daily living (ADLs) on each dimension of burden, and (c) the role of each dimension of burden on self-rated health and intention to institutionalize the care receiver. Design and Methods: This study included 280 spouse/partner and 243 …

Impact Of A Psychoeducational Program On Three Types Of Caregiver Burden Among Spouses, Marie Savundranayagam, R. Montgomery, K. Kosloski, T. Little

Marie Y Savundranayagam

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which a psychoeducational intervention called “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” (PTC) influences burden of spouse caregivers. Specifically, this study examined whether spouse caregivers who attended PTC exhibited reductions in stress burden, relationship burden, and objective burden compared to a comparison group.

Design and Methods The 6 week intervention used a self-efficacy framework to train caregivers to focus on self-care, communicate effectively, and manage emotions. This quasi-experimental study included 115 participants from the PTC group and 95 participants from a comparison group. Assessments were completed before and after the …

Storycorps Memory Loss Initiative: Enhancing Personhood For Storytellers With Memory Loss, Marie Savundranayagam, L. Dilley, A. Basting

Marie Y Savundranayagam

StoryCorps’ Memory Loss Initiative was designed to gather oral histories of people with memory loss. This study investigated the StoryCorps interview experience for storytellers who self identify with early stage memory loss and the persons who interviewed them. StoryCorps interviews took place in Milwaukee, Chicago, and New York. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 42 persons with memory loss, along with 27 family members who participated in the StoryCorps interviews. Results revealed that the StoryCorps experience was a meaningful activity that allowed participants to acknowledge the beauty of the present moment, to reflect and engage in meaningful conversations, to re-affirm both …

Relationships Between Appraisals Of Caregiver Communication Strategies And Burden Among Spouses And Adult-Children, Marie Savundranayagam, J. Orange

Marie Y Savundranayagam

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of caregivers’ appraisals of the effectiveness of their own communication strategies on caregiver burden when caring for family members with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods: Family caregivers (N = 84) of participants with AD completed questionnaires appraising communication strategies, problem behaviors, and levels of three types of burden.

Results: Hierarchical linear regression models revealed that effective strategies and kinship status were significantly linked with stress burden, whereas effective strategies and problem behaviors were significantly related to relationship burden. Cognitive status of participants with AD significantly predicted objective burden. Caregivers who …

Testing Self-Efficacy As A Pathway That Supports Self Care Among Family Caregivers In A Psychoeducational Intervention, Marie Savundranayagam, M. Brintnall-Peterson

Marie Y Savundranayagam

This study investigated the extent to which a psychoeducational intervention supports family-centered care by influencing health risk and self-care behaviors of caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (N = 325). Moreover, this study investigated the extent to which changes in self-efficacy explained changes in health risk and self-care behaviors. Data were analyzed using repeated measures and multivariate analysis of variance and multiple regression. Qualitative written accounts of the impact of the intervention augmented the quantitative findings. The study's findings revealed that family caregivers experienced reductions in health risk behaviors and improvements in exercise, stress management, and relaxation activities as a …

Impact Of Role Discrepancies On Caregiver Burden Among Spouses, Marie Savundranayagam, R. Montgomery

Marie Y Savundranayagam

Using caregiver identity theory, the authors investigated whether role discrepancies mediated the relationships between illness-related stressors (activities of daily living [ADLs] limitations and problem behaviors) and burden (stress, relationship, and objective burden) for spouse caregivers. Participants completed measures of identity standards for spouse and caregiver roles and behaviors, burden, assistance with ADLs, and problem behaviors. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed that role discrepancies completely mediated the relationships between ADLs and stress and relationship burden. Although role discrepancies mediated the relationships between problem behaviors and all forms of burden, there were direct relationships between problem behaviors and burden. Finally, participants who …

Risk Factors For Persistent Problems Following Whiplash Injury: Results Of A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, David Walton

David Walton

No abstract provided.

Social Psychological Aspects Of Communication And Aging, Marie Savundranayagam, E. Ryan

Marie Y Savundranayagam

Language plays an important role in defining identities in older adulthood. Both self-perception and others' perceptions of older adults are reflected through language used by older and younger adults (see recent texts: de Bot & Makoni, 2005; Harwood, 2007; Hummert & Nussbaum, 2001; Nussbaum & Coupland, 2004). In this review, we outline key theoretical perspectives on the study of communication with older adults and provide evidence supporting these perspectives within the context of age stereotypes, intergenerational communication, cross-cultural communication, and health care encounters. Given that communication is an interactive process, we discuss how older adults use language and communication to …