In a series of studies, lifestyle activities, mental health and aerobic fitness were investigated in relation to mean RT and response time variability (trial-to-trial variability in RT performance) obtained from a battery of cognitive measures in 257 healthy adults aged 50 to 90 years (M = 63.60). Cognition was assessed across four domains; psychomotor performance, executive function, visual search and word recognition. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to explore associations between age and outcome measures in a mediated-moderator analysis. The dedifferentiation of cognition and the dissociation between the outcome measures of mean RT and response time variability was also explored. Additionally, the neural correlates of response time variability were investigated using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The findings indicated that poor mental health was associated with greater within-person (WP) variability and slower mean RTs and that this effect was greater in older adults. Higher lifestyle activity scores and higher aerobic fitness (VO2max) attenuated negative age gradients in WP variability and mean RT. Analyses suggested that the above effects were mediated by executive function. There was no evidence of dedifferentiation across cognitive domains and there was selective dissociation between the measures of mean RT and WP variability. The fMRI results suggested that WP variability was associated with fluctuations in executive control and, relatedly, attentional lapses. Overall, the findings suggest that executive function mediates a substantial portion of age-related variance in cognition and that this association is influenced by moderators such as an active lifestyle, aerobic fitness and mental health. The findings underline the potential benefits and importance of interventions to help maintain and promote mental health, and active lifestyles, in old age.

In this thesis I report an investigation into the psychological, emotional and social impact of British military foreign postings on accompanying spouses. I adopted an ethnographic methodology utilising a four phase mixed method approach consisting of one quantitative and three qualitative components. The thesis was based on research data collected in Phase 1 from a systematic review of British and US military research focusing on the experiences of accompanying spouses on overseas postings. Data from Phase 2 focused on the experiences from 34 British military spouses based in one location in southern Europe and were collected via individual interviews or focus groups. In Phase 3 data were collated via an online forum from 13 other British military spouses, who had experienced postings to alternative worldwide locations, rather than the single one identified in Phase 2. The final phase represented the study’s quantitative component, which further examined the findings from the previous qualitative phases through 136 responses to an online survey. The systematic review highlighted that the impact of a foreign posting could be detrimental to the military spouse’s well-being particularly if support resources were inadequate. Thematic analysis of data from Phases 2 and 3 corroborated the importance of support networks on international postings, but also identified the fundamental influence of individual differences and personal meaning-making of the military spouse. Ultimately, in Phase 4 multiple linear regression analysis determined that a person’s level of tough-mindedness, their self-efficacy and available instrumental support were all significant predictors of the perceived level of support provided by the British military. Overseas relocations are not beneficial for all military spouses. To have a greater understanding of this impact, it is necessary to examine and combine principles in the domains of sociology and psychology. The outcome of this then feeds into adjustment theories and contributes to the field of healthcare practice. Nonetheless, the military are in a constructive position to maximise the effectiveness of support resources alongside health professionals to provide the holistic support that military spouses may need. Specifically, regular informal checks from a healthcare professional or a support worker to assess the well-being of the military spouse could help early identification of any coping problems. This together with cross-cultural awareness training and a greater involvement of the military spouse throughout the relocation process could enhance their foreign posting experience.

Recreational drug use, whether publicly acknowledged or privately hidden, has long been a common activity within human societies. Though this comes with serious hazards, it also produces benefits, which often go unrecognized. Given the current prohibitory policies, it is important to consider whether such use ought to be restricted. I will do just that, focusing on whether recreational drug use can be part of a reasonable conception of the good life, as well as whether restrictions constitute an infringement on freedom. I will argue that, in moderation, recreational drug use constitutes a positive good for a large group of people, and that criminalization places an unfair burden upon these people, which breaches the liberal principle of neutrality.

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The aim of the study was to examine the effects of incarceration terms on the well-being of African American families. This cross-sectional, quantitative study surveyed 72 participants, over the age of eighteen who has experienced a loved one incarcerated. The questionnaire of 25 items measured the participants' well-being and family structure. A Pearson's correlation test revealed a p of 0.49, indicating there is a statistically significant relationship between well-being of families and incarceration terms. The results of one-way ANOVA also revealed (F (4, 65) = 2.664, p< .05 indicating there is a statistically significant difference in levels of well-being, based on the relationship type. This research shows that cousins reported the lowest level of well-being. This holds implications for the social work profession. It suggests the need to understand the significance of collectivism in African American families. Collectivism is important because one's well-being is associated with that of their loved ones.

Does the murder of a sibling affect the health and well-being of siblings over the longer term? Between 2009 and 2013 there was an annual average of 562 homicides in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2013) and 14,767 in the United States (FBI, 2013). Anecdotal report and a small body of literature suggest siblings’ lives are impacted by the murder of a sister or brother and that there are lasting effects. For the most part, however, siblings of murder victims are largely ignored by research. Studies that do exist rely mainly on qualitative data from small, non-representative, and mixed samples. This study used a quasi-experimental design to compare data previously obtained from 67 Canadian and American homicide-bereaved siblings with data from 80 comparison participants, matched as a group on age and sex. Groups were compared on measures of SES, overall general health, subjective distress, perceived social support, life-satisfaction, recollections of growing up, and self-worth. Homicide-bereaved siblings reported significantly higher levels of current subjective distress, less perceived social support, and less positive recollections of growing up in the years following a sibling’s muder. Despite ongoing subjective distress, homicide-bereaved siblings reported self-worth and life satisfaction equivalent to comparison participants. Preliminary data support the continued theoretical and applied research exploring the overlap of trauma and grief in homicide bereavement and of intervention protocols. Findings from this study will inform criminal justice professionals, victim service workers, counsellors, family members, friends, and community members supporting those who have lost a brother or sister to murder. / Graduate / kwright3@uvic.ca

Demands on physicians in the workplace are growing, as are the occupational and psychosocial stressors they encounter. However, there is scant research regarding physicians, their patient care, and strategies that enhance their well-being. Mindfulness, the ability to be present in the moment, is increasingly being encouraged among healthcare workers for personal benefits and possible positive effects for patients. Thus, the present study examined (a) the health, well-being, and patient care practices of oncologists, (b) the relationship between oncologists’ mindfulness and health indicators (general health and sleep problems) with three outcomes (satisfaction with life [SWL], job satisfaction, and suboptimal patient care), and (c) whether mindfulness moderated the relationship between health and outcome variables. Survey data were collected from oncologists who were members of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (N = 114, response rate of 29%). Participants were predominantly male (76%), Caucasian (78%), and married (84%), and featured a mean age of 52 years and an average work week of 58 hours. Half (51%) reported sleeping 6 or fewer hours per night and the mean sleep duration was 6.3 hours. Thirty-five percent reported not getting adequate sleep and 57% believed that lack of sleep interfered with daily functioning. They reported very good general health, high levels of trait mindfulness, and satisfaction with their lives and jobs. They reported engaging in occasional suboptimal patient care practices and attitudes. About 20% endorsed some degree of burnout, but only 12% were considering changing jobs in the next 5 years. Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that general health predicted greater SWL, greater job satisfaction, and less suboptimal patient care, whereas mindfulness predicted greater SWL and less suboptimal patient care beyond the variance accounted for by general health. Sleep problems predicted less SWL, whereas mindfulness predicted less suboptimal patient care, beyond the variance accounted for by sleep problems. Finally, mindfulness moderated the relationship between oncologists’ sleep problems and suboptimal patient care; as sleep problems increased for oncologists with low mindfulness, they reported that their patient care actually improved. Possible explanations for findings are presented and implications for oncologists’ health, well-being and patient care are discussed.

During an era when the United States has been engaged in the longest waging wars in U.S. history, military families have been exposed to extraordinary amounts of stress and have had to learn to adapt in a culture where repeated deployments, recurrent family separations, and frequent relocations have become the norm. A surge in research in recent years on the families of Service members has brought increased attention to the unique challenges and demands of spouses, raising concerns about how to best meet their needs. Despite the increased attention, few studies have focused on spousal well-being. Acknowledging this lack of research, the present dissertation study utilized a mixed-methods approach to explore various dimensions of well-being, as directly experienced by spouses of active-duty military personnel. Data was collected from a web-based survey completed by 300 spouses of active-duty Service members. Quantitative data included a wide range of demographic, family, military lifestyle, and service utilization questions along with a battery of standardized instruments measuring various risk and protective factors, which represent components of well-being. Qualitative data were collected from four open-ended questions and analyzed thematically. Qualitative and quantitative components were corroborated in the final analysis. Results of the study found significant differences in well-being scores among subsamples of participants divided by employment status, race, and Service member rank. However, subsamples divided on the basis of having children, education level, and Service member combat deployment history did not result in significantly different well-being scores. Separate hierarchical regression analyses were performed on the outcome scores for each component of well-being (social, mental, and physical). The findings revealed that selected risk & protective factor variables were significant predictors within each model. On the other hand, socio-demographic characteristics only added to the predictive power of outcomes scores in the mental component of well-being. Qualitative findings included data on participants’ perspectives of the rewards and challenges of military life, the impact of the military lifestyle on parenting experiences, and advice to spouses new to the military lifestyle. Implications and limitations of this study, as well as suggestions for future research to enhance the well-being of military spouses, are discussed.

Background: Participating in meaningful activities, and maintaining identity, are each embedded within best practice guidelines to improve mental well-being among older adults in the United Kingdom. Food plays a part in many meaningful activities that are important to health and wellbeing. Although there is moderate evidence that participating in food activities contributes to identity maintenance and change, only six studies include British older adults. Aim: To explore the relationship between food activities and identity maintenance among community-living older adults in West London. Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods design from a pragmatist perspective was used. Data collection included semi-structured interviews with 39 older adults (60 to 89 years). Qualitative data were analysed using grounded theory methods. Quantitative methods were used to investigate the relationship between demographic data, transformed qualitative data, and the Occupational Performance Measure of Food Activities. Q methodology data were analysed using centroid factor estimation and interpretation, and triangulated with the qualitative and quantitative components using qualitative matrix analysis and quantitative methods. Findings: This study found three predominant past and present identities as ‘food-lover’, ‘non-foodie’ and ‘not bothered’. These food identities are defined as a composite sense of who one is, derived from one’s experience of participating in food activities. Maintenance of food identities was explained in the processes of ‘Participation and maintenance’, ‘Threat and compensation’, and ‘Changes in meaning and identity’. These processes varied according to the importance and meaning of food activities for each participant. There was no consistent relationship between maintenance or change in food identities, and participants’ hoped-for, feared and expected possible selves. Conclusions: Participation in food activities maintains older adults’ important identities and mental wellbeing when food activities are an important and pleasurable part of daily life. Nevertheless, older adults whose food activities and identities change continue to experience mental well-being in later life.

<p>Consumers have relationships with other people, and they have relationships with brands similar to the ones they have with other people. Yet, very little is known about how brand and interpersonal relationships relate to one another. Even less is known about how they jointly affect consumer well-being. The goal of this research, therefore, is to examine how brand and interpersonal relationships influence and are influenced by consumer well-being. Essay 1 uses both empirical methods and surveys from individuals and couples to investigate how consumer preferences in romantic couples, namely brand compatibility, influences life satisfaction. Using traditional statistical techniques and multilevel modeling, I find that the effect of brand compatibility, or the extent to which individuals have similar brand preferences, on life satisfaction depends upon power in the relationship. For high power partners, brand compatibility has no effect on life satisfaction. On the other hand, for low power partners, low brand compatibility is associated with decreased life satisfaction. I find that conflict mediates the link between brand compatibility and power on life satisfaction. In Essay 2 I again use empirical methods and surveys to investigate how resources, which can be considered a form of consumer well-being, influence brand and interpersonal relations. Although social connections have long been considered a fundamental human motivation and deemed necessary for well-being (Baumeister and Leary 1995), recent research has demonstrated that having greater resources is associated with weaker social connections. In the current research I posit that individuals with greater resources still have a need to connect and are using other sources for connection, namely brands. Across several studies I test and find support for my theory that resource level shifts the preference of social connection from people to brands. Specifically, I find that individuals with greater resources have stronger brand relationships, as measured by self-brand connection, brand satisfaction, purchase intentions and willingness to pay with both existing brand relationships and with new brands. This suggests that individuals with greater resources place more emphasis on these relationships. Furthermore, I find that resource level influences the stated importance of brand and interpersonal relationships, and that having or perceiving greater resources is associated with an increased preference to engage with brands over people. This research demonstrates that there are times when people prefer and seek out connections with brands over other people, and highlights the ways in which our brand and interpersonal relationships influence one another.</p> / Dissertation