Health Psychology Research最新文献

Substance use disorder (SUD), based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), is defined by symptoms caused by utilizing a substance that a person continues taking despite its negative effects. Impulsive decision making is commonly defined as a reduced ability to choose a delayed large reward instead of a small immediate reward. Dopamine has been implicated as a prominent neurotransmitter implicated in the development and pattern of addiction and impulsivity, especially in regard to substance use disorder. Discovery as a key player in the development of addiction dates to the 1950s, with a study performed by Olds and Milner on rats placed in a Skinner box. Their original discovery is part of the beginning of what would become the search into the main mechanistic source of addiction, and how exactly it works at a cellular, physiological, and psychological level. The dopaminergic pathways of our brains are well-studied. It is well established that most of the dopaminergic neurons of the brain are located in the ventral mid-brain and consists of four main pathways: mesocortical, mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, and tuberoinfundibular pathways. Dopamine acts various receptors, with dopamine (D) receptors 1, 2, and 3 playing a major role in motor function and receptors D1 and D2 playing a major role in reward. There are additional studies warranted, especially finding ways to manipulate the dopaminergic system to treat addiction disorders of all varieties. The focus of the present investigation is to delve into the current literature regarding dopamine and its clinical implications in substance use disorder and impulsive behavior.

Background: This study aimed to assess the relationship between mental health and academic achievements among 576 students from Astana and Aktobe, Kazakhstan. To achieve this goal, the following objectives were pursued: to evaluate the level of mental health and motivation within the studied sample, and to determine the level of correlation between the indicators. Additionally, deeper insights were attained by assessing the correlation between the indicators within the context of the field of study, age, nationality, gender, pre-university education level, and academic performance.

Methods: The study involved 576 students from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, and K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University, Aktobe. They were randomly selected for measuring the correlation between the two variables. Achievement motivation was measured using the Herman Achievement Motivation Test. Mental health was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Potential predictors within the domains of the field of study, age, nationality, gender, pre-university education level, and academic performance were identified for the correlational analysis of the two indicators.

Results: The study revealed a significant negative correlation between students' achievement motivation and their mental health (r = 0.0038, p < 0.05). This implies that as the level of achievement motivation increases, the value of students' mental health decreases. Analysis of the correlational relationship with sample characteristics identified substantial differences in motivation and mental health depending on specialization, age, gender, pre-university education level, and academic performance. The variables most strongly correlated were motivation and mental health with age (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001), as well as gender with mental health (p = 0.003) and academic performance with motivation (p = 0.009).

Conclusions: The results deepen the community's understanding regarding the influencing factors and potential interactions with students' mental health and motivation.

Background: The objective of residency recruitment is to select the most appropriate candidate. While cognitive skills are identified before an interview and can be measured objectively, non-cognitive skills can be harder to discern. These non-cognitive skills though are a good predictors of future residency performance. A structured behavioral interview is better at identifying noncognitive skills compared to a traditional interview.

Objective: Compare the noncognitive traits identified in the interviews with those identified in resident evaluations.

Methods: Using the semi-annual evaluations 6 residents were split between satisfactory group and excellent group. Behavioral-based interviews and traditional unstructured interviews conducted on the same individual were compared and the results of the interview were compared to the semi-annual and annual evaluations submitted by the teaching faculty and the program directors. The interviews were analyzed for non-cognitive skills.

Results: Qualitative analysis of behavioral interview narratives and the narrative part of the semiannual evaluations independently identified the non-cognitive characteristics of adaptability, decisiveness, time management, judgment, and the ability to work in a team. It also identified other essential non-cognitive skills necessary for an anesthesiologist, such as ability to prioritize, study techniques, ability to destress.

Conclusion: The noncognitive traits found in the excellent group response to the structured interview match those found in the semi-annual evaluations. In this case individuals who are suited to the field of anesthesiology are adaptable, decisive, team-players with excellent judgment.

Background: This review aims to examine scientific evidence, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes achieved through the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in the context of Eating Disorders.

Method: We conducted a systematic search (PRISMA) and selected articles published in databases such as PubMed, Health and Medical Collection, and Science Direct Elsevier Journal.

Results: Numerous pieces of evidence demonstrate that VR is a valuable tool in treating anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Additionally, it proves effective in addressing components of Eating Disorders (EDs), such as attentional bias related to body image and Body Image Disturbance. Specifically, the following treatments have emerged: VR Cue Exposure, Body Swapping, AB Modification Training via VR, and repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation combined with VR. Virtual environments and embodiment in virtual bodies also allow for the assessment of variables related to EDs.

Conclusion: This review highlights how VR, with its specific characteristics, serves as an excellent ally to enhance both assessment and treatment for EDs. Future research should focus on filling existing gaps and delving into aspects not yet explored. One potential development could involve creating guidelines for VR use in EDs.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death globally and a prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in which plaque buildup in artery walls results in inadequate blood flow. Risk factors for CAD include hypertension, inflammation, diabetes, and poor diet. In the past few decades, research has emerged on the employment of probiotics in cardiovascular health, particularly focused on methods for using probiotics as preventative measures for the risk factors of CAD. Probiotics can reduce hypertension and inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and possibly reduce salt levels in individuals with high-sodium diets. Still, more research needs to be done on the safety and considerations of administering probiotics and their underlying mechanisms since the evidence is predominantly experimental. Probiotics have proven to be a valuable research point given the urgency and incidence rates of coronary artery disease.

Background: Fentanyl is a powerful opioid. The abuse and overdoses related to Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl (IMF) have become more prevalent. The majority of clinical studies on fentanyl have focused on its medical and biological aspects, particularly its addictive properties. Few studies have delved into the psychological aspects of illicit fentanyl use, and there is currently no comprehensive review providing a structured psycho-social profile of the population groups most vulnerable to its effects. The goal of this Scoping Review was to construct a psychological and social profile of individuals at risk of using illicit fentanyl. This profile will serve as a guiding force for shaping behavioral policies and public health prevention efforts necessary to face the recent pandemic.

Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines we conducted a Scoping Review focused on the following research question: What are the practical psycho-social implications of illicit fentanyl use in the global population?

Results: The bibliographic research was carried out in the databases of Medline, Scopus, and PsycNet. The articles resulting from the research phase in the databases listed above produced a total of 17737 reports. After the screening process, 10 studies were included in the scoping review.

Discussion and conclusion: This scoping review was the first to consistently and systematically outline the psychosocial implications of fentanyl dependence. Users of IMF are consistently younger than other drug users. People using fentanyl have a relatively low perception of risk. On the psycho-social levels, there is a significant correlation between fentanyl use and mental disorders such as suicidal thoughts, anxiety disorders, and depression. The development of psychotherapy, along with digital tools such as apps and online platforms, can be an initial step in addressing this challenge.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects social communication, behavior, and interests. This review analyzes recent brain imaging studies to understand the biological basis of ASD. Studies using structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) show that people with ASD often have less gray matter in key brain areas like the amygdala and superior temporal sulcus. There are also concerns with white matter connections in the brain. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)studies show reduced connectivity within critical brain networks and irregular activation patterns when processing social information. Intervention studies suggest that targeted training can improve brain function related to social skills. Postmortem research reveals cellular and synaptic changes, such as fewer Purkinje cells and altered neuron organization. These findings highlight the importance of studying the social brain network in ASD and suggest the need for more long-term, comprehensive studies. This review is intended to contribute to the development of advanced diagnostic tools and therapies that will ultimately enhance the quality of life for individuals with ASD.

Background: The pandemic of 2019 has created large scale disruption around the globe. It has posed extraordinary hurdles for Chinese health workers, affecting their mental health with respect to situations in the present as well as the future. Recognising the dynamic features of these mental health issues among health professionals is critical for developing effective support systems.

Objectives: This study aims to explore the dual impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of health professionals in China, both during and after the pandemic; to explore the probable underlying factors causing these mental health issues; to identify both adaptive and maladaptive coping behaviours employed by the health personnel; and to assess the organisational and social support to mitigate the effect of the pandemic on the mental health of the Chinese health professionals.

Method: To address these objectives an explorative qualitative research design has been adopted involving analysis of previous researches in the relevant field.

Results: The study confirms anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, PTSD, and burnout among medical personnel as immediate shock and residual stress, along with its demographic variations. Few maladaptive coping behaviours have been identified that can lead to delayed psychological effects even after a pandemic.

Conclusion: The key findings underscore the complicated interaction of immediate and delayed mental health challenges among health professionals, advocating for the deployment of tailored treatments and policy modifications to address the ever changing needs of this vital workforce.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the mediation role of reflective functioning (i.e., certainty and uncertainty about mental states) in the relationship between insecure attachment (i.e., attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety ) and the severity of prolonged grief symptoms.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 329 bereaved participants (51.7% females, mean age= 46.94 ± 14.62 years). Participants completed the Prolonged Grief Scale (PG-13), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ). Demographic and bereavement-related information were also collected.

Results: Certainty about mental states fully mediated the relationship between both the attachment avoidance and attachement anxiety and severity of prolonged grief symptoms.

Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that reflective functioning impairment, specifically certainty about mental states of self and others, mediate the paths from insecure attachment to prolonged grief symptoms. This suggests that improving reflective functioning may contribute to the treatment bereaved individuals at risk of PGD.

Background: Learning involves numerous self-regulatory processes, and self-regulated learning includes a few metacognitive strategies. Metacognitive skills start to develop at a very young age, though preschool children face some challenges while using metacognitive strategies.

Objectives: The study primarily aims to explore how young students are using metacognitive strategies in their daily activities and how effective they are.

Method: The sample of the study is 15 students from a public kindergarten in China, with ages ranging from 3 years to 6 years. The investigation is qualitative in nature and has employed a case study research design. It involves an observational study along with an interview with the teachers.

Results: From observational data and content analysis of the interviews, it is revealed that young children do use metacognitive strategies in their regular class activities, which vary according to their age. Teachers' support is found to be essential, especially for this age group of children, for effective use of these strategies. Moreover, it is also seen that metacognitive strategies are also important in developing social skills among young children.

Conclusion: Consequently, the findings of this research have significant implications, especially for the teachers and parents who support the children and use metacognitive interventions for their holistic development.