Health Psychology Commons^™

Adopting A Heroic Persona To Manage A Traumatic Life Event: "The Face In The Mirror", Peter Bray

Heroism Science

This article applies a critical autoethnographic approach and a positive transformational stance to an experience of a choiceless traumatic loss. It considers how in a crisis of grief individuals may consciously choose to adopt a more agentic ‘heroic’ persona that enables them to survive the psychological disintegration of their assumptive world. Selecting a persona that serves their immediate survival needs, liberates individuals from those sociocultural expectations that dictate the conduct and positioning of the bereaved. In this new persona, the bereaved accesses a higher level of self-consciousness and autonomy, and an internal locus of control more suited to a survivor. …

Sleep Quality, Sleep Quantity, And Sleep Timing: Contrasts In Austrian And U.S. College Students, June J. Pilcher, Elizabeth G. Rummel, Claus Lamm

Publications

Objective: The current study compared self-reported sleep in undergraduate students in Austria and the United States.

Methods: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index responses from 292 Austrian university students (237 females) and 313 U.S. university students (189 females) were analyzed. In addition to the standard scoring procedure for the scale and the individual components of the scale, the data were also evaluated as separate sleep quality and sleep quantity factors using ANOVAs. Sleep timing (bedtime, wake-time, and midpoint) was also examined using independent t-tests.

Results: Austrian students reported better sleep quality and quantity than the U.S. students. In addition, Austrian …

Mental Fatigue And Self-Care In Informal Oncology Caregivers: A Descriptive Mixed Methods Study, Megan Wayne

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Purpose:

This dissertation study aimed to enhance understanding of informal caregiver wellbeing by exploring the presence of mental fatigue, the relationships among mental fatigue, self-care, and informal oncology caregiver quality of life (QOL), and determining whether differences exist in self-care engagement and QOL between caregivers who report high and low levels mental fatigue.

Problem:

Healthcare is becoming increasingly reliant on informal caregivers for the management and care of individuals with serious illnesses such as cancer. Previous research has shown that informal caregivers routinely experience many negative effects as a result of providing care including decreased mental health and …

A Veteran Mental Health Approach Sustaining Identity Post-Military Life: A Comprehensive Overview, Darren Sosa, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Veterans and their mental health face readjustment challenges based on veteran identity, intersectionality, and experiences from their time serving in the military. This comprehensive overview and PRISMA analysis investigate the current evidence-based practices of veterans' identity and intersectionality. Specifically, psychoeducation and evidence-based practices for veterans readjusting back into their communities. A gap identified in this research’s findings calls for suggestions for future research on the veteran population and intersectionality. No specific psychoeducation or evidence-based practices tailored for identity readjustment or veteran intersectionality were found. This research constructs a tailored framework of suggestions for current and future evidence-based practices for the …

The Efficacy Of The G.R.A.C.E Matrix® In Ptsd Treatment”, Maria Grace G. Wolk, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy of the G.R.A.C.E Matrix®, a step-by-step technique of treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study uses case studies that serve as portrayals of adults who struggle with PTSD. The three cases, referred to as "Jamal," "Isabel," and "Joel," are based on disguised aspects of real psychotherapy patients from a psychotherapy clinic. By detailing the treatment courses of these patients, the study highlights critical clinical issues in engaging patients with evidence-based therapy. The cases illustrate how the G.R.A.C.E Matrix® treatment, beginning with written assessments and culminating in trauma-informed interventions, has …

Outcomes Of Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis In Hospitalized Patients With Prior Bariatric Surgery: A Nationwide Analysis, 2016-2020, Sarpong Boateng, Prince A. Ameyaw, Karthik Mathialagan, Basile Njei

Posters

Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AAH) is a severe liver condition often necessitating hospitalization and has a one-year mortality of 40%. The increasing prevalence of obesity has led to a rise in bariatric surgery (BS), which can alter the outcomes of various comorbid conditions. There are some concerns about possible increased risk and severity of alcohol related disorders in patients with a history of BS due to alteration in alcohol metabolism after surgery.

The Relationship Between Health Anxiety, Health Information Seeking Behaviors, And Healthcare Outcomes, Rima Malkan

Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between health anxiety and health information-seeking behaviors (HISB) suggests a possible bidirectional or reciprocal relationship, suggesting that health anxiety leads to HISB and HISB exacerbates health anxiety. The motivations for individuals seeking different types of health information vary and may be impacted by numerous factors that lead to particular health outcomes. However, the impact of these collective variables on healthcare outcomes has not been extensively investigated. The current study aimed to bridge this gap in the literature. The study sample consisted of 133 individuals ages 20-77 years who had varying levels of health anxiety. Results suggested that those …

Do Parents Know Best: The Impact Of Parental Sleep Knowledge And Related Factors On Sleep In Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Rachel Nicole Chavez

Theses and Dissertations

Sleep problems are a common concern reported by parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). The prevalence of sleep disorders in those with NDD have been reported as high as 86% compared to 25% of typically developing children (Horwood et al., 2019, Robin-Shelton, 2016). These sleep problems can have detrimental effects on cognition, development, behavior, emotion regulation, and physical health. Existing research demonstrates a significant relationship between a child’s sleep disturbances and their parents’ sleep quality and level of parenting stress. This study aimed to identify the gaps in parental sleep knowledge and examined how parent sleep quality and parental …

Training Counselors In Clinical Case Formulation: A Proof Of Concept Of The Thematic Mapping Method, Christina E. Jeffrey, Charles Ridley, Nina Quintana, Taylor Parks

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Case formulation, or the way in which clinicians synthesize client information and formulate appropriate treatment directions, is a crucial part of counseling and clinical training. Thematic mapping is a transtheoretical, transdiagnostic strategy of case conceptualization that provides a holistic, complex, multicultural formulation of clients. This proof of concept study evaluated the relationship of a training in the thematic mapping method and case conceptualization quality. Supervisors trained six second-year counselors in the method, along with application to clinical cases, during weekly group supervision. Case formulation complexity, evidence of a systematic approach, level of detail, and goodness-of-fit from client data to synthesized …

Emotional Overeating And Eating Motives During Covid-19 In Polish Women: Intergroup Comparison Among Participants In Various Body Mass Index Categories, Adriana Modrzejewska, Justyna Modrzejewska, Kamila Czepczor-Bernat, Julia Wyszomirska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Taking into account the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ac-companying lockdown resulting in increased negative emotions, it is interesting to learn about eating motives and behaviors and check their intensity. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between Polish women in various body mass index categories in terms of eating motives and emotional overeating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: This study sample comprised 1,447 women (M_age = 31.34 ± 11.05; M_BMI = 23.79 ± 4.59). The research used the following tools: the Eating Motivation Survey, the Emotional Overeating Questionnaire, and …

Enduring Heroism In The Face Of Inequality And Injustice: Who Steps Up And Why?, Carol D. Ryff

Heroism Science

Enduring heroism defined as persistent efforts to confront inequality and injustice is the focus of this article. Six exemplars are considered: Harriet Tubman, Crazy Horse, Jane Addams, Mohandas Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X. Similarities and differences in their pursuits are considered and linked to the larger literature on heroism. They are also contrasted with enduring anti-heroes to elevate roles of virtue and benevolence in long-term efforts to correct societal ills. What motivates enduring heroism is a central question. A hypothesis put forth is that distinct dimensions of eudaimonic well-being – especially, purpose in life, autonomy, environmental mastery, and personal growth …

An Examination Of The Mediating Role Of Eudaimonic Well-Being In The Relationship Between Psychological Flexibility And Subjective Well-Being, Tara M. Bello

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Engineering at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Science by Tara M. Bello on September 6, 2024.

Association Between Unmet Needs And Happiness In Women Living With Breast Cancer In A Multiethnic, Middle-Income Setting, Nithiya Sinarajoo

Student Works (2020-2029)

While improved breast cancer survival rates are commendable, healthcare professionals and stakeholders must acknowledge potential strains on the healthcare system and society if optimal support and survivorship programs are not established. A global shift towards personalized, holistic patient care is crucial. However, implementing such care in a low- and middle-income country like Malaysia faces significant barriers. Positive psychology, which focuses on fostering positive emotions, has shown promise in promoting better health and longevity in healthy populations. However, research on the concept of happiness, both as a predictor of health outcomes and as a patient-reported outcome in cancer settings, remains limited. …

Interoception In Pregnancy: Implications For Peripartum Depression, Paul W. Savoca, Laura M. Glynn, Molly M. Fox, Misty C. Richards, Bridget L. Callaghan

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

"In this perspective piece, we propose a novel mechanistic framework for peripartum depression in which improved interoceptive functioning in pregnancy and postpartum typically protects against depressive symptoms, but when there is a failure to improve interoception, the result is an inability to maintain metabolic efficiency, which ultimately poses risk for depression. First, we will review an emerging theory that links the modeling and predictive regulation of metabolic resources as central to the expression of many depressive symptoms. Then, focusing on the period of pregnancy to articulate the framework, we will discuss the physiological changes induced by pregnancy that place an …

Burnout: Half A Century Of Controversy, Renzo Bianchi, Irvin Sam Schonfeld

Publications and Research

Burnout has become a focal point of concern in the contemporary workplace. The syndrome has elicited undiminished interest among occupational health specialists. The World Health Organization defines burnout as a syndrome "resulting from chronic workplace stress." Burnout is said to comprise three components: (i) feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; (ii) increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism toward one’s job; and (iii) a sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment. This definition mirrors the conceptualization of burnout embodied in the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the ‘gold standard’ for the assessment of burnout. However, controversies …

A Multifactorial Study Of Factors Influencing Self-Health Behaviors In Dementia, Elizabeth Malkin

Dissertations

The global increase in dementia cases presents a significant public health challenge, particularly given the absence of a cure and the rising healthcare burden on individuals and society. This study aims to examine the influence of knowledge, beliefs, and motivation on self-health behaviors to mitigate the risk of dementia among individuals residing in the United States. With the use of an online survey, the study utilized the U.S. normed MCLHB-DRR scale and supplemental questions about knowledge of risk factors and degree of closeness to family members with dementia to determine whether (1) more closely related relatives (first-degree relatives) and those …

Defining Resilience In Young People With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Theory Informed Approach, Barbara Storch

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal illness for which there is no existing cure. There is significant literature documenting the increased likelihood of adverse biopsychosocial outcomes in young people with IBD (e.g., Greenley et al., 2010); however, many individuals with IBD respond by either maintaining or increasing outcomes categorized as positive. These trajectories can be thought of as characterized by a resilient response. The study of resilience in young people with IBD is nascent. Given the unique disease-specific and developmental contexts young people with IBD experience, the first step in understanding the process of resilience in young people …

The Effects Of Mood And Anxiety Sensitivity On Attentional Engagement And Disengagement In Sleep Disturbance, Kara L. Buda

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Insomnia is a highly prevalent, chronic disorder that is associated with adverse psychological, physical, and psychosocial outcomes. Harvey’s (2002) cognitive model of insomnia and Espie’s (2006) attention-intention-effort pathway model highlight two critical processes believed to play a role in the onset and persistence of insomnia: (a) emotional distress and physiological arousal and (b) selective attention and monitoring. However, investigations examining attentional bias in sleep disturbance have produced mixed results and have exclusively used paradigms that are limited in their ability to differentially examine the two unique components of attentional bias (i.e., facilitated engagement, impaired disengagement). Discrepant findings in the attentional …

Measuring Intersectional Strength And Stigma Among Racially Minoritized Gender Diverse Young Adults, Joseph Carter

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: Racially minoritized transgender and gender expansive young adults (RMTGEYA; aged 18-26) experience mental health inequities due to intersectional, multilevel stigma. RMTGEYA communities embody intersectional strength and resilience that can mitigate the impact of stigma. Understanding and capturing strength and stigma factors to address these inequities has significant implications for clinical science research and practice. There is, however, a complete absence of instruments that are validated to do so. Objective: The goal of this study is to conduct a three-phase, mixed methods study that centers intersectional and community engaged methods of psychometric development for a measure that captures daily experiences …

Health Behaviors And Physical Health Among Young Adults With Varying Psychometric Schizotypy, Christopher Liong

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Schizophrenia has consistently been associated with increased rates of physical illness and early mortality. One explanation for this association might be poor health behaviors, as people with schizophrenia are more sedentary, less physically active, and more likely to engage in substance use compared to the general population. Schizotypy may be conceptualized as the phenotypic expression of increased risk for schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and dimensional models of schizotypy suggest that it varies on a continuum ranging from non-clinical (i.e. low schizotypy) to clinical (i.e. high schizotypy and dysfunction, as in schizophrenia). Though schizotypy and schizophrenia appear to share similar deficits and …