Journal of Health Psychology最新文献

Existing models of social control explaining how interpersonal influence is associated with behavioral and psychological outcomes show mixed empirical support. This research investigated psychological mechanisms linking weight-related social control (WRSC) to behavioral and psychological outcomes through two cross-sectional preregistered studies with U.S. adults recruited via CloudResearch Connect (combined N = 965). We used path analysis to develop and test a model examining how positive and negative WRSC relate to validated measures of exercise, dietary quality, drive for thinness, and bulimic tendencies, with psychological distress and body dissatisfaction as mediators. Negative WRSC consistently predicted outcomes through psychological distress, while its relationship with body dissatisfaction showed some sensitivity to outliers. Positive WRSC predicted both increased exercise and drive for thinness through direct pathways. These findings extend existing social control models by demonstrating distinct mechanisms linking positive and negative WRSC to behavioral and psychological outcomes.

Diet quality plays an important role in managing diabetes, and spouses often influence each other's dietary behaviors. Although much research has focused on health-promoting types of spousal involvement, less is known about health-detracting forms of involvement, such as diet-related undermining. In this cross-sectional study of 148 middle-aged and older adult couples (296 individuals; M_age = 65.95, SD = 7.28) in which at least one partner had type 2 diabetes, we examined the frequency, reciprocity, and dietary correlates of two types of diet-related undermining (tempting and disregarding) by both members. Findings revealed that the receipt and provision of undermining were relatively infrequent and moderately reciprocal between spouses. In addition, one's own diet quality-but not their partner's-predicted engagement in undermining, with no gender differences found. These results highlight the need for interventions to consider the interpersonal nature of dietary behavior change and maintenance of healthy dietary habits.

High self-esteem is linked to favorable outcomes including better mental health and relationships, however, its impact on cardiovascular health is less understood. This study examined the relationship between self-esteem and blood pressure levels using data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (M_age = 54.53; 57% women; 20% non-White). We hypothesized that higher self-esteem would be associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure concurrently and 10 years later. Self-esteem was measured with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and blood pressure was clinically assessed. Cross-sectional analyses included 1194 participants; longitudinal analyses included 566 participants. Contrary to expectations, higher self-esteem was associated with increased SBP over time (p = 0.04). However, no significant cross-sectional relationships were found. These findings suggest self-esteem may not consistently predict blood pressure, although it could be related to SBP in the long term, warranting further research into the impact of self-esteem on cardiovascular health.

This mixed-methods study examined the impact of childhood cancer on family functioning from a parental perspective. Parents of children on-treatment were included in the study. Quantitative data were collected from 246 parents, and multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify key predictors. Additionally, qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 28 parents and analyzed using thematic analysis. Quantitative results indicated that higher perceived social support, parental resilience, and effective coping strategies were positively associated with family functioning, whereas a longer cancer trajectory and heavier caregiving burden had negative effects (p < 0.05). Qualitative findings revealed that parents experienced significant emotional strain, evolving family roles, and challenges in balancing attention across family members. Supportive networks, empathic healthcare providers, and adaptive coping strategies may serve as important protective factors against the negative impact of a cancer diagnosis, which affects not only the diagnosed child but also the entire web of family relationships.

The present study examined the relationship between food insecurity (FI) and loss of control eating (LOC) in adolescents treated for cardiometabolic conditions, and inter-connections among week-to-week variations in receipt of SNAP benefits, FI, and LOC. Forty-one adolescents presenting to cardiometabolic clinics completed validated surveys of FI and LOC. A subset of 20 adolescents experiencing FI completed 4 weekly e-surveys, over 1 month. Overall, 56% reported public assistance, 39% reported FI, and 37% reported LOC. FI related to greater LOC (β = 0.17, p < 0.01). Among those with FI, receipt of SNAP related to greater within-person FI within the same week (β = 0.60, p < 0.05) but not the following week (β = -0.48, p = 0.20). FI related to greater LOC in the same week (β = 0.17, p < 0.001) and in the following week (β = 0.20, p < 0.001). In adolescents treated for cardiometabolic conditions, FI is prevalent and related to greater LOC. SNAP benefits might dampen FI week-to-week, but the effect of FI on LOC and cardiometabolic health should be explored causally.

Specialized care for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) exists, but there remains a need for easily accessible interventions for moderate FCR. Recently, a short primary care intervention was shown to be effective in reducing FCR. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention by interviewing patients (n = 9) and mental health workers (MHWs; n = 13). The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The intervention was appreciated for being recognizable, adaptable and stimulating self-management. The combination of an online program and sessions with a mental health worker was also appreciated. The program appeared less suitable for patients lacking certain digital or language skills. The primary care setting was considered very suitable for the intervention, as it addresses both physical and psychosocial complaints. In conclusion, we recommend implementing the program in practice as it is considered feasible and acceptable and has previously been shown effective in reducing FCR.

This review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the extent of the psychosocial burden among persons with diabetes (PWD) in Africa. A total of 83 relevant articles published between 2000 and 2024 which reported on the psychosocial burden of diabetes (depression, anxiety, diabetes distress, or mental quality of life) were identified through electronic searches in Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, and African Journals Online. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, moderate-to-high diabetes distress, and low mental quality of life were 43.3% (95% CI: 37.7-49.1, n = 34 studies), 38.8% (95% CI: 27.4-51.5, n = 12 studies), 48.8% (95% CI: 34.2-63.6, n = 8 studies), and 43.9% (95% CI: 35.6-52.6, n = 8 studies) respectively. These findings emphasize the substantial psychosocial burden faced by PWD in Africa and the need for integrating mental health into diabetes care in the region.

Although evidence exists on the harmful impacts of stigma on the mental well-being of cancer patients, studies examining the mechanisms through which this association occurs are lacking. We investigated how stigma impacts mental well-being among cancer patients through stress and how religiosity moderates this mediation. The study incorporated a cross-sectional design and the sample consisted of 210 cancer patients in Nigeria aged 18-80 years (males: n = 76, 36.2%; females: n = 134, 63.8%; mean age = 43.19 years, SD = 17.64 years), who completed relevant measures of stress, religiosity, stigma, and mental well-being. Results revealed that stress mediated the relationship between stigma and mental well-being, and religiosity moderated this mediation. Interventions should target stress reduction and leverage religiosity to mitigate the impact of stigma on mental well-being in cancer patients.

Body weight dissatisfaction has been associated with unfavorable eating behaviors such as eating disinhibition, more dieting, and poorer mental health. However, eating behavior and dietary correlates of weight satisfaction in adults is relatively understudied. This cross-sectional study investigated the associations of weight satisfaction with eating behavior dimensions (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-65), psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-12), self-reported weight loss history, recent weight changes, and dietary intake. Regression analysis was used to identify predictors of weight dissatisfaction. Participants were 83 adults in Finland with experience in weight management. About two-thirds (55/83, 66%) were dissatisfied with their weight. The weight-dissatisfied group reported more disinhibition and rigid restraint of eating, higher body mass index, greater number of prior weight loss attempts, and more recent weight fluctuations. Eating disinhibition predicted weight dissatisfaction. The findings highlight the interrelations between weight dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and body weight as potential targets for weight management and health promotion.

This study applied the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify barriers and facilitators to blood donation among young adults in the UK. A total of 195 individuals (aged 18-29) completed an online survey covering 14 TDF domains, with non-donors offered the chance to register as donors. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that Knowledge, Beliefs about capabilities and Emotion were the most significant predictors of current donation status. Although nearly half of the non-donors expressed interest in registering as donors, only about a quarter completed the registration when provided with a link. The TDF proved to be an effective framework for understanding the psychological and behavioral factors influencing donation decisions. Based on these findings, targeted intervention strategies were suggested using the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW). These approaches emphasize digital engagement, aligning with the online behaviors and social influences that shape young adults' decision-making. Further research is needed to implement and evaluate these interventions, comparing their effectiveness against current NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) campaigns.