Pub Date : 2021-09-23DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/a000089
G. Prati, S. Stefani, I. Barbieri
Abstract. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic may have a different impact on men and women. Aim: This study aimed to investigate gender differences in risk perception, attitudes toward quarantine measures, and adoption of precautionary behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: We employed a cross-sectional web-based survey design. The sample included 1,569 people living in Italy. The survey was conducted during the national lockdown in April 2020 when the Italian government extended the quarantine measures to the whole country. Results: Results showed that women reported higher scores on perceived severity, worry, precautionary behaviors, and attitudes toward quarantine restrictions. Gender differences in the perceived likelihood of infection with SARS-CoV-2 were not significant. Using mediation analysis, we found that the relationship between gender and precautionary behaviors was explained by attitudes toward quarantine restrictions, perceived severity, and worry. Limitations: The use of a cross-sectional design precludes causal inference. Conclusion: Our results point to the need to develop and implement interventions that address (1) the higher levels of risk perception of the COVID-19 outbreak among women and (2) the lower scores on risk perception, attitudes toward quarantine restrictions, and adoption of precautionary behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic among men.
{"title":"Women Tend to Perceive Greater Risks Associated With the COVID-19 Outbreak and Are More Likely to Follow Precautionary Measures","authors":"G. Prati, S. Stefani, I. Barbieri","doi":"10.1027/2512-8442/a000089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000089","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic may have a different impact on men and women. Aim: This study aimed to investigate gender differences in risk perception, attitudes toward quarantine measures, and adoption of precautionary behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: We employed a cross-sectional web-based survey design. The sample included 1,569 people living in Italy. The survey was conducted during the national lockdown in April 2020 when the Italian government extended the quarantine measures to the whole country. Results: Results showed that women reported higher scores on perceived severity, worry, precautionary behaviors, and attitudes toward quarantine restrictions. Gender differences in the perceived likelihood of infection with SARS-CoV-2 were not significant. Using mediation analysis, we found that the relationship between gender and precautionary behaviors was explained by attitudes toward quarantine restrictions, perceived severity, and worry. Limitations: The use of a cross-sectional design precludes causal inference. Conclusion: Our results point to the need to develop and implement interventions that address (1) the higher levels of risk perception of the COVID-19 outbreak among women and (2) the lower scores on risk perception, attitudes toward quarantine restrictions, and adoption of precautionary behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic among men.","PeriodicalId":51983,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Health Psychology","volume":"84 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2021-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76190672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-08-02DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/a000087
Rieka von der Warth, A. Nau, M. Rudolph, Matthias Stapel, J. Bengel, M. Glattacker
Abstract. Background: The efficacy of inpatient psychosomatic rehabilitation in Germany can be considered proven. However, a significant number of patients with mental disorders remain unsatisfied with rehabilitation or being non-responders. Illness beliefs, as the core element of the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM), are widely known as predictors of various health outcomes. Yet, little is known about treatment beliefs as an extension of the CSM and their impact on health outcomes. Aim: As treatment beliefs differ in relation to the treatment, this study aimed to explore rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs in psychosomatic rehabilitation patients with mental disorders before inpatient admission. Thus, knowledge of the concept of rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs will be added. Methods: N = 10 semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted in September/October 2018. A purposive sampling approach was chosen based on the criteria gender, age, and diagnosis. Participants were asked about their rehabilitation expectations starting with an open narrative question. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Participants had a mean age of 48.3 years ( SD = 9.42); five participants were female and five male. 9 main themes with 32 subthemes as components of the rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs were identified: reasons for rehabilitation, conditions within the clinic, rehabilitation planning, organization of the rehabilitation, the content of the rehabilitation, results of the rehabilitation, concerns, expectations toward one’s behavior, and contact to other patients. Limitation: Our sample was too small to analyze the data for different subgroups. Conclusion: Results show that rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs are multidimensional, addressing different aspects of psychosomatic rehabilitation.
{"title":"Treatment Beliefs in Patients with Mental Disorders in Psychosomatic Rehabilitation","authors":"Rieka von der Warth, A. Nau, M. Rudolph, Matthias Stapel, J. Bengel, M. Glattacker","doi":"10.1027/2512-8442/a000087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000087","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. Background: The efficacy of inpatient psychosomatic rehabilitation in Germany can be considered proven. However, a significant number of patients with mental disorders remain unsatisfied with rehabilitation or being non-responders. Illness beliefs, as the core element of the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM), are widely known as predictors of various health outcomes. Yet, little is known about treatment beliefs as an extension of the CSM and their impact on health outcomes. Aim: As treatment beliefs differ in relation to the treatment, this study aimed to explore rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs in psychosomatic rehabilitation patients with mental disorders before inpatient admission. Thus, knowledge of the concept of rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs will be added. Methods: N = 10 semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted in September/October 2018. A purposive sampling approach was chosen based on the criteria gender, age, and diagnosis. Participants were asked about their rehabilitation expectations starting with an open narrative question. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Participants had a mean age of 48.3 years ( SD = 9.42); five participants were female and five male. 9 main themes with 32 subthemes as components of the rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs were identified: reasons for rehabilitation, conditions within the clinic, rehabilitation planning, organization of the rehabilitation, the content of the rehabilitation, results of the rehabilitation, concerns, expectations toward one’s behavior, and contact to other patients. Limitation: Our sample was too small to analyze the data for different subgroups. Conclusion: Results show that rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs are multidimensional, addressing different aspects of psychosomatic rehabilitation.","PeriodicalId":51983,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Health Psychology","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2021-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75499501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-08-02DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/a000086
Garrett E. Huck, Emre Umucu, Shaina Shelton, Dana Brickham, S. Smedema
Abstract. Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is among the most common immunological conditions. Although AA is considered to be a medically benign condition, those living with AA often report comorbid psychiatric conditions, high levels of functional impairment, and diminished quality of life. These consequences are largely due to the unique psychological turmoil associated with the condition. Unfortunately, little research has considered how to improve quality of life outcomes for this group. Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the PERMA framework of well-being is associated with the individual subjective experience of AA. A greater understanding of how PERMA applies to this group holds promise for assisting clinicians with devising psychosocial coping strategies for this population. Method: 274 individuals were recruited for participation. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between the PERMA variables and AA-related (a) subjective symptoms (e.g., self-consciousness, sadness) and (b) relationship impact (e.g., perceived attractiveness). Each analysis controlled for demographic and condition-specific variables. Results: Demographic and PERMA variables were found to be significantly associated with positive experiences of each quality of life outcome. Limitations: The male to female ratio of participants was biased toward females. Furthermore, the nature of cross-sectional survey research has inherent limitations. Conclusion: The findings provide support for a relationship between PERMA variables and quality of life outcomes among people with AA. Clinical implications and future research directions are discussed.
{"title":"An Evaluation of the PERMA Model as a Framework for Reducing Psychiatric Comorbidity in Individuals With Alopecia Areata","authors":"Garrett E. Huck, Emre Umucu, Shaina Shelton, Dana Brickham, S. Smedema","doi":"10.1027/2512-8442/a000086","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000086","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is among the most common immunological conditions. Although AA is considered to be a medically benign condition, those living with AA often report comorbid psychiatric conditions, high levels of functional impairment, and diminished quality of life. These consequences are largely due to the unique psychological turmoil associated with the condition. Unfortunately, little research has considered how to improve quality of life outcomes for this group. Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the PERMA framework of well-being is associated with the individual subjective experience of AA. A greater understanding of how PERMA applies to this group holds promise for assisting clinicians with devising psychosocial coping strategies for this population. Method: 274 individuals were recruited for participation. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between the PERMA variables and AA-related (a) subjective symptoms (e.g., self-consciousness, sadness) and (b) relationship impact (e.g., perceived attractiveness). Each analysis controlled for demographic and condition-specific variables. Results: Demographic and PERMA variables were found to be significantly associated with positive experiences of each quality of life outcome. Limitations: The male to female ratio of participants was biased toward females. Furthermore, the nature of cross-sectional survey research has inherent limitations. Conclusion: The findings provide support for a relationship between PERMA variables and quality of life outcomes among people with AA. Clinical implications and future research directions are discussed.","PeriodicalId":51983,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Health Psychology","volume":"328 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2021-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74976052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-08-02DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/a000088
Giulia Rosa Policardo, A. Nerini, Cristian Di Gesto, Camilla Matera
Abstract. Background: In recent years, body image research has focused on the aspects of positive body image ( Smolak & Cash, 2011 ). This represents an important change in this area from a primary focus on negative body image to a comprehensive exploration of the body image concept. Aims: Validation of measures to help understand the positive and healthy characteristics of body image is therefore particularly important. The Body Compassion Scale (BCS; Altman, Linfield, et al., 2017 ) is a self-report scale aimed at measuring how compassionate one feels toward one’s own body. This study is a validation of BCS to confirm its factor structure and to assess its reliability and validity. Method: The 23-item scale was translated into Italian and presented to a sample of 695 Italian women. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed to examine the factor structure of the Italian version of the BCS. Results: Results were largely comparable to those obtained for the original English version of the BCS. The three-factor structure was largely replicated and expected associations with body dissatisfaction, psychological inflexibility, and psychological well-being were found. Limitations: BCS reliability was assessed only in terms of internal consistency; a longitudinal research design could be useful to assess the test-retest reliability. It would also be important for future research to study body compassion in different populations. Conclusion: This scale could be a useful measure for structured psychological interventions aimed at promoting a positive body image, but also in empirical research to obtain information on how individuals relate to their bodies.
{"title":"Body Compassion Scale","authors":"Giulia Rosa Policardo, A. Nerini, Cristian Di Gesto, Camilla Matera","doi":"10.1027/2512-8442/a000088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000088","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. Background: In recent years, body image research has focused on the aspects of positive body image ( Smolak & Cash, 2011 ). This represents an important change in this area from a primary focus on negative body image to a comprehensive exploration of the body image concept. Aims: Validation of measures to help understand the positive and healthy characteristics of body image is therefore particularly important. The Body Compassion Scale (BCS; Altman, Linfield, et al., 2017 ) is a self-report scale aimed at measuring how compassionate one feels toward one’s own body. This study is a validation of BCS to confirm its factor structure and to assess its reliability and validity. Method: The 23-item scale was translated into Italian and presented to a sample of 695 Italian women. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed to examine the factor structure of the Italian version of the BCS. Results: Results were largely comparable to those obtained for the original English version of the BCS. The three-factor structure was largely replicated and expected associations with body dissatisfaction, psychological inflexibility, and psychological well-being were found. Limitations: BCS reliability was assessed only in terms of internal consistency; a longitudinal research design could be useful to assess the test-retest reliability. It would also be important for future research to study body compassion in different populations. Conclusion: This scale could be a useful measure for structured psychological interventions aimed at promoting a positive body image, but also in empirical research to obtain information on how individuals relate to their bodies.","PeriodicalId":51983,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Health Psychology","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2021-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78428002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-05-03DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/A000078
D. Kealy, S. Rice, G. Chartier, Daniel W. Cox
Abstract. Background: Somatosensory amplification involves perceptual sensitivity to and cognitive-affective interpretation of bodily sensations and external stimuli, contributing to heightened experiences of somatic symptoms. However, little is known about somatosensory amplification in relation to vulnerabilities such as attachment insecurity. Aims: The present study investigated the link between attachment insecurity and somatosensory amplification, including the mediating role of dysfunctional interpersonal behaviors. Method: A sample of 245 adult community members completed the Somatosensory Amplification Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and abbreviated versions of the Experiences in Close Relationships scale and Inventory of Interpersonal Problems. Correlational and regression analyses were used to examine relations among study variables, including a hypothesized parallel mediation model. Results: Somatosensory amplification was significantly associated with attachment anxiety, but not attachment avoidance. Regression analyses, controlling for general anxiety symptoms and gender, found that interpersonal sensitivity (but not aggression or ambivalence) mediated the link between attachment anxiety and somatosensory amplification. Limitations: Study limitations include the use of cross-sectional data and a non-clinical sample. Conclusion: The findings indicate that somatosensory amplification may be related to individuals’ attachment anxiety, through the mediating effect of interpersonal sensitivity problems.
{"title":"Investigating Attachment Insecurity and Somatosensory Amplification, and the Mediating Role of Interpersonal Problems","authors":"D. Kealy, S. Rice, G. Chartier, Daniel W. Cox","doi":"10.1027/2512-8442/A000078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/A000078","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. Background: Somatosensory amplification involves perceptual sensitivity to and cognitive-affective interpretation of bodily sensations and external stimuli, contributing to heightened experiences of somatic symptoms. However, little is known about somatosensory amplification in relation to vulnerabilities such as attachment insecurity. Aims: The present study investigated the link between attachment insecurity and somatosensory amplification, including the mediating role of dysfunctional interpersonal behaviors. Method: A sample of 245 adult community members completed the Somatosensory Amplification Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and abbreviated versions of the Experiences in Close Relationships scale and Inventory of Interpersonal Problems. Correlational and regression analyses were used to examine relations among study variables, including a hypothesized parallel mediation model. Results: Somatosensory amplification was significantly associated with attachment anxiety, but not attachment avoidance. Regression analyses, controlling for general anxiety symptoms and gender, found that interpersonal sensitivity (but not aggression or ambivalence) mediated the link between attachment anxiety and somatosensory amplification. Limitations: Study limitations include the use of cross-sectional data and a non-clinical sample. Conclusion: The findings indicate that somatosensory amplification may be related to individuals’ attachment anxiety, through the mediating effect of interpersonal sensitivity problems.","PeriodicalId":51983,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Health Psychology","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2021-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75683919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-05-03DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/A000079
Thomas Fankhänel, Benjamin Jovan Panic, Marcus A. Schwarz, Katrin Schulz, T. Frese
Abstract. Background: General Practitioners’ (GP) readiness to implement screening and brief intervention to reduce alcohol consumption of excessive consumers is low. Although several barriers were identified by past research, improving these conditions has not led to improved implementation. Based on Expectancy Value Theory of Achievement Motivation we assume that low seriousness of the health problem in association with the treatment of excessive alcohol consumers may be considered as a crucial barrier too. Aims: By our study, we tested for the influence of the seriousness of the health problem on the GP’s readiness to implement brief intervention (BI) in comparison to crucial barriers such as insufficient financial reimbursement and low patient adherence. Method: In order to manipulate the seriousness of the health problem GPs were confronted with three different situations each introducing a fictitious patient with either excessive alcohol consumption, or binge drinking, or harmful alcohol consumption. Results: Questionnaires of 185 GPs were analyzed. As hypothesized GPs were less ready to treat patients with excessive consumption in comparison to patients with harmful consumption, t(184) = 5.51, p < .001, d = .40, and binge drinking, t(184) = 6.14, p < .001, d = .43. Their readiness was higher in case of high adherence, F(1, 181) = 17.35, p < .001, η2 = .09. Limitations: Recruitment of GPs was based on voluntary participation. GPs had to assess their readiness in the artificial context of case vignettes. Conclusion: GPs’ readiness to implement a BI was influenced by the seriousness of the health problem and expected patient adherence. No such effect was found for financial reimbursement.
摘要背景:全科医生(GP)实施筛查和简短干预以减少过量饮酒的意愿较低。虽然过去的研究发现了一些障碍,但改善这些条件并没有改善实施情况。基于成就动机的期望价值理论,我们假设与治疗过量饮酒者相关的健康问题的低严重性也可能被认为是一个关键障碍。目的:通过我们的研究,我们测试了健康问题的严重性对全科医生实施简短干预(BI)的准备程度的影响,并与诸如财务报销不足和患者依从性低等关键障碍进行了比较。方法:为了操纵健康问题的严重性,全科医生面对三种不同的情况,每一种情况都介绍了一个虚构的病人,要么过量饮酒,要么酗酒,要么有害饮酒。结果:对185名全科医生的问卷进行分析。假设全科医生治疗过度饮酒患者比有害饮酒患者更不愿意治疗,t(184) = 5.51, p < 0.001, d = 0.40,酗酒患者t(184) = 6.14, p < 0.001, d = 0.43。依从性越高,其准备程度越高,F(1,181) = 17.35, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.09。局限性:全科医生的招募是基于自愿参与。全科医生必须评估他们的准备情况,在人为的背景下的案例插图。结论:全科医生实施BI的准备程度受健康问题的严重性和预期患者依从性的影响。在财务偿还方面没有发现这种影响。
{"title":"Treating Excessive Consumers With Brief Intervention to Reduce Their Alcohol Consumption","authors":"Thomas Fankhänel, Benjamin Jovan Panic, Marcus A. Schwarz, Katrin Schulz, T. Frese","doi":"10.1027/2512-8442/A000079","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/A000079","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. Background: General Practitioners’ (GP) readiness to implement screening and brief intervention to reduce alcohol consumption of excessive consumers is low. Although several barriers were identified by past research, improving these conditions has not led to improved implementation. Based on Expectancy Value Theory of Achievement Motivation we assume that low seriousness of the health problem in association with the treatment of excessive alcohol consumers may be considered as a crucial barrier too. Aims: By our study, we tested for the influence of the seriousness of the health problem on the GP’s readiness to implement brief intervention (BI) in comparison to crucial barriers such as insufficient financial reimbursement and low patient adherence. Method: In order to manipulate the seriousness of the health problem GPs were confronted with three different situations each introducing a fictitious patient with either excessive alcohol consumption, or binge drinking, or harmful alcohol consumption. Results: Questionnaires of 185 GPs were analyzed. As hypothesized GPs were less ready to treat patients with excessive consumption in comparison to patients with harmful consumption, t(184) = 5.51, p < .001, d = .40, and binge drinking, t(184) = 6.14, p < .001, d = .43. Their readiness was higher in case of high adherence, F(1, 181) = 17.35, p < .001, η2 = .09. Limitations: Recruitment of GPs was based on voluntary participation. GPs had to assess their readiness in the artificial context of case vignettes. Conclusion: GPs’ readiness to implement a BI was influenced by the seriousness of the health problem and expected patient adherence. No such effect was found for financial reimbursement.","PeriodicalId":51983,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Health Psychology","volume":"118 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2021-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73557637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-05-03DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/A000077
J. Wittkowski, R. Scheuchenpflug
Abstract. Background: The distinctness of grief from depression has been the subject of a long scholarly debate, even influencing definitions of diagnostic criteria. Aims: This study aims at clarifying the issue by a multifaceted analysis of data from a large German sample. Method: A community sample of 406 bereaved persons answered the Wuerzburg Grief Inventory (WGI), a multidimensional grief questionnaire designed to measure normal grief in the German language, and the General Depression Scale – Short Version (GDS-S), a self-report depression scale. Data were analyzed by factor analysis to identify structural (dis-)similarities of the constructs, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify the influence of the factors relationship to the deceased, type of death, and time since loss on grief measures and depression scores. Results: Factor analysis clustered items referring to grief-related impairments and depression into one factor, items referring to other dimensions of grief on separate factors, however. Relationship to the deceased influenced the grief measures impairments and nearness to the deceased, but not depression scores if controlled for impairments. Type of death showed specific effects on grief scores, but not on depression scores. Time since loss influenced grief scores, but not depression scores. Limitations: The analysis is based on a self-selected community sample of grieving persons, self-report measures, and in part, on cross-sectional data. Conclusion: Factor analysis and objective data show a clear distinction of dimensions of grief and depression. The human experience of grief contains a sense of nearness to the lost person, feelings of guilt, and positive aspects of the loss experience in addition to components resembling depression.
{"title":"Evidence on the Conceptual Distinctness of Normal Grief From Depression","authors":"J. Wittkowski, R. Scheuchenpflug","doi":"10.1027/2512-8442/A000077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/A000077","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. Background: The distinctness of grief from depression has been the subject of a long scholarly debate, even influencing definitions of diagnostic criteria. Aims: This study aims at clarifying the issue by a multifaceted analysis of data from a large German sample. Method: A community sample of 406 bereaved persons answered the Wuerzburg Grief Inventory (WGI), a multidimensional grief questionnaire designed to measure normal grief in the German language, and the General Depression Scale – Short Version (GDS-S), a self-report depression scale. Data were analyzed by factor analysis to identify structural (dis-)similarities of the constructs, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify the influence of the factors relationship to the deceased, type of death, and time since loss on grief measures and depression scores. Results: Factor analysis clustered items referring to grief-related impairments and depression into one factor, items referring to other dimensions of grief on separate factors, however. Relationship to the deceased influenced the grief measures impairments and nearness to the deceased, but not depression scores if controlled for impairments. Type of death showed specific effects on grief scores, but not on depression scores. Time since loss influenced grief scores, but not depression scores. Limitations: The analysis is based on a self-selected community sample of grieving persons, self-report measures, and in part, on cross-sectional data. Conclusion: Factor analysis and objective data show a clear distinction of dimensions of grief and depression. The human experience of grief contains a sense of nearness to the lost person, feelings of guilt, and positive aspects of the loss experience in addition to components resembling depression.","PeriodicalId":51983,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Health Psychology","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2021-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85011511","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-03-17DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/A000076
Menghua She, Yaling Li, Dongbo Tu, Yan Cai
Abstract. Background: As more and more people suffer from sleep disorders, the need to develop an efficient, inexpensive, and accurate assessment tool for screening sleep disorders has become more urgent. Aim: The aim of the current study was to develop a system allowing computerized adaptive testing for sleep disorders (CAT-SD). Methods: A large sample ( N = 1,304) was recruited to construct an item bank for CAT-SD and to investigate the psychometric characteristics of CAT-SD. First, analyses of unidimensionality, model fit, item fit, item discrimination parameters, and differential item functioning (DIF) were conducted to construct a final item pool to meet the requirements of item response theory measurement. Then, a simulated CAT study with real data was performed to investigate the psychometric characteristics of CAT-SD, including the reliability, validity, and predictive utility (sensitivity and specificity). Results: The final unidimensional item bank of the CAT-SD had good item fit, high discrimination, and no DIF. Moreover, it had acceptable reliability, validity, and predictive utility. Limitations: Non-statistical assembly constraints, execution environment, construction of item bank, criterion-related validity, and predictive utility (sensitivity and specificity) of CAT-SD, and sample representativeness are discussed. Conclusions: The CAT-SD could be used as an effective and accurate assessment tool for measuring the sleep disorders in individuals and offers a novel approach to the screening of sleep disorders utilizing psychological scales.
{"title":"Computerized Adaptive Testing for Sleep Disorders","authors":"Menghua She, Yaling Li, Dongbo Tu, Yan Cai","doi":"10.1027/2512-8442/A000076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/A000076","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. Background: As more and more people suffer from sleep disorders, the need to develop an efficient, inexpensive, and accurate assessment tool for screening sleep disorders has become more urgent. Aim: The aim of the current study was to develop a system allowing computerized adaptive testing for sleep disorders (CAT-SD). Methods: A large sample ( N = 1,304) was recruited to construct an item bank for CAT-SD and to investigate the psychometric characteristics of CAT-SD. First, analyses of unidimensionality, model fit, item fit, item discrimination parameters, and differential item functioning (DIF) were conducted to construct a final item pool to meet the requirements of item response theory measurement. Then, a simulated CAT study with real data was performed to investigate the psychometric characteristics of CAT-SD, including the reliability, validity, and predictive utility (sensitivity and specificity). Results: The final unidimensional item bank of the CAT-SD had good item fit, high discrimination, and no DIF. Moreover, it had acceptable reliability, validity, and predictive utility. Limitations: Non-statistical assembly constraints, execution environment, construction of item bank, criterion-related validity, and predictive utility (sensitivity and specificity) of CAT-SD, and sample representativeness are discussed. Conclusions: The CAT-SD could be used as an effective and accurate assessment tool for measuring the sleep disorders in individuals and offers a novel approach to the screening of sleep disorders utilizing psychological scales.","PeriodicalId":51983,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Health Psychology","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2021-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91097751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-03-17DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/A000075
L. Pitel, Eva Ballová Mikušková
Abstract. To date, there has been inconclusive evidence on the predictive ability of health-related cognitive distortion, as measured by the Irrational Health Belief Scale (IHBS), regarding health behaviors (HBs). The aims of our study were to provide a validation of the Slovak translation of the IHBS and to assess the relationship of the IHBS with a wide range of HBs, as well as the predictive ability of the IHBS regarding HBs over and above other health-related psychological constructs. A total of 448 students attending mostly Slovak universities completed the IHBS, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the Big Five Inventory – 2, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and the Bratislava Health Behaviors Questionnaire. The internal consistency and temporal stability of the Slovak version of the IHBS were confirmed. The IHBS correlated moderately with medical adherence but was unrelated to substance use and an unhealthy diet. The association of cognitive distortion with the sum score of HBs was only weak, albeit statistically significant. The IHBS had weak but significant incremental power. However, two health locus of control dimensions as well as negative emotionality were more strongly related to HBs than cognitive distortion in that multivariate model.
{"title":"The Irrational Health Beliefs Scale and Health Behaviors in a Non-Clinical Population","authors":"L. Pitel, Eva Ballová Mikušková","doi":"10.1027/2512-8442/A000075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/A000075","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. To date, there has been inconclusive evidence on the predictive ability of health-related cognitive distortion, as measured by the Irrational Health Belief Scale (IHBS), regarding health behaviors (HBs). The aims of our study were to provide a validation of the Slovak translation of the IHBS and to assess the relationship of the IHBS with a wide range of HBs, as well as the predictive ability of the IHBS regarding HBs over and above other health-related psychological constructs. A total of 448 students attending mostly Slovak universities completed the IHBS, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the Big Five Inventory – 2, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and the Bratislava Health Behaviors Questionnaire. The internal consistency and temporal stability of the Slovak version of the IHBS were confirmed. The IHBS correlated moderately with medical adherence but was unrelated to substance use and an unhealthy diet. The association of cognitive distortion with the sum score of HBs was only weak, albeit statistically significant. The IHBS had weak but significant incremental power. However, two health locus of control dimensions as well as negative emotionality were more strongly related to HBs than cognitive distortion in that multivariate model.","PeriodicalId":51983,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Health Psychology","volume":"68 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2021-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85752001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jane E. Miller, Paul D. Windschitl, Teresa A. Treat, A. Scherer
The current study tested relative strengths of different comparison beliefs for predicting people’s self-assessments of whether they should increase their health-relevant behaviors (exercise, sleep, and fruit and vegetable consumption). Comparison beliefs relevant to three standards (perceived global, local, expert standards) were evaluated. Data were combined from three similar studies (total N = 744) that had a cross-sectional, within-subject design. Participants completed importance-of-change scales regarding the three health behaviors and reported comparison beliefs and absolute behavior frequencies/amounts. Results were consistent across the three behaviors. Comparison beliefs predicted ratings of importance of changing one’s behavior, even beyond what is predicted by reports of absolute behavior frequency. Expert comparisons were consistently most predictive above and beyond the absolute estimates and the other comparison standards. There was no evidence of a local dominance effect when examining local versus global comparisons. Comparison beliefs have unique utility for predicting people’s perceived importance of changing their heath behavior. The fact that expert comparisons were consistently most predictive (and local comparisons the least) may have implications for interventions designed for encouraging behavior change.
{"title":"Comparisons as Predictors of People’s Beliefs about the Importance of Changing Their Health Behaviors","authors":"Jane E. Miller, Paul D. Windschitl, Teresa A. Treat, A. Scherer","doi":"10.31234/osf.io/xqge3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/xqge3","url":null,"abstract":"The current study tested relative strengths of different comparison beliefs for predicting people’s self-assessments of whether they should increase their health-relevant behaviors (exercise, sleep, and fruit and vegetable consumption). Comparison beliefs relevant to three standards (perceived global, local, expert standards) were evaluated. Data were combined from three similar studies (total N = 744) that had a cross-sectional, within-subject design. Participants completed importance-of-change scales regarding the three health behaviors and reported comparison beliefs and absolute behavior frequencies/amounts. Results were consistent across the three behaviors. Comparison beliefs predicted ratings of importance of changing one’s behavior, even beyond what is predicted by reports of absolute behavior frequency. Expert comparisons were consistently most predictive above and beyond the absolute estimates and the other comparison standards. There was no evidence of a local dominance effect when examining local versus global comparisons. Comparison beliefs have unique utility for predicting people’s perceived importance of changing their heath behavior. The fact that expert comparisons were consistently most predictive (and local comparisons the least) may have implications for interventions designed for encouraging behavior change.","PeriodicalId":51983,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Health Psychology","volume":"8 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72580692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}