No description available.

No description available.

Prison self-injury rate accelerates at four times the rise in population” (The Howard League for Penal Reform; 2008a) The rise in self-harm figures in forensic settings in 2003 may largely be due to the improvement in the reporting of self-harm levels in prisons in December 2002. However it does not account for the continued rise in self-harm figures during the years that followed. Despite the increase, there have been few interventions to support prisoners who self-harm, particularly in remand settings. For this purpose the Carousel programme was designed by a counselling psychologist specifically to meet the demands of the female remand population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Carousel. Forty women who had a history of deliberate self-harm entered and completed the programme through means of self-referral. The study employed both a quantitative and qualitative methodology to evaluate the programme. Participants were interviewed and assessed both at the start and completion of Carousel. This included monitoring levels of self-harm incidents, levels of anxiety and depression using the 14-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) (Zigmond & Snaith, 1983), and coping levels using the 60-item Coping Styles Questionnaire (CSQ) (Roger, Jarvis & Najarian, 1993). Results showed a significant decrease in depression and anxiety, a reduction in self-harm levels and a change of coping styles in the desired direction. Qualitative methodology using content analysis was employed to ascertain the components of the programme which were deemed most helpful or unhelpful to the participants. Findings suggest that the most useful components within the programme are coping strategies, management of self-harm behaviours, antecedent, behaviour and consequence (ABC) sessions and the understanding of the brain and associated emotions with self-harm behaviours. Implications for counselling psychology and clinical practice are highlighted and limitations of the current study and directions for future research suggested within the report.

Prostate cancer (PCa) has been the leading cause of cancer death in men since1930. While studies pertaining to PCa have primarily focused on the disease and the subsequent side effects of treatment, psychological distress in this group has yet to be adequately addressed. The purpose of this dissertation was to: 1) conceptualize health related quality of life (HRQL) and health seeking behavior of men by describing lifestyle, cultural and health risks associated with being male, 2) evaluate the psychometric properties of the SF-12 Health Survey (SF-12) combined with the urinary and sexual portions of the UCLA PCa Index (UCLA-PCI), 3) investigate the psychological impact, coping styles and informational needs of a group of men diagnosed with PCa who have not yet undergone treatment. Men have been observed to underutilize health care services despite the fact that they are in poorer health, have higher mortality rates and lower life expectancies than women. Restricting emotions, being oriented toward success, having limited social networks and taking health risks are often associated with being male. Because incontinence and sexual dysfunction, the two most common side effects of PCa treatments impact men's quality of life, portions of the UCLA-PCI and the SF12 were analyzed. The psychometric analysis of the SF-12/UCLA-PCI and its three subcomponents confirmed the validity of the instrument. The SF-12 component had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.87, while the urinary and sexual subscales had a Cronbach's alpha of .86 and .91 respectively. All three scales were found to have good internal consistency. KEYWORDS: prostate cancer, health related quality of life, coping styles, psychological distress.

The purposes of this 3-phase study were 1) to identify salient individual variabilities and music characteristics associated with music therapy interventions for pain management, 2) to explore current pain management practices of music therapists, 3) to delineate any differences in general musical taste (trait) and context-specific music preference (state), as well as preferred music characteristics in healthy adults and cancer patients, 4) to investigate the contributions of individual variabilities, personality, behavioral coping styles, and pain levels in predicting changes from trait to state preferences and preferred music characteristics under various pain conditions, and 5) to investigate any differences in music preference patterns between healthy adults and cancer patients. In Phase I, 97 music therapists completed an online questionnaire to provide quantitative and qualitative data regarding the saliency of individual variabilities and music characteristics in determining the choice of music for pain management interventions, as well as their current practices with adult populations in clinical settings. In Phase II, 50 healthy adults (33 females, 17 males) ranging in age from 40 to 70 years (M = 57.04 ± 7.99) completed a battery of tests and questionnaires, including a Participant Intake Form (demographic information, music background, listening habits), an adapted Short Test of Music Preference – Revised (STOMP-R-A), a Music Characteristics Test, the Miller Behavioral Style Scale – abbreviated (MBSS-abbreviated), and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory-3 (NEO-FFI-3). The STOMP-R-A measured the participants’ trait and state preferences for 23 music genres. The Music Characteristics Test involved a music listening portion for participants to rate their preferences for various music characteristics. The MBSS-abbreviated measured behavioral coping styles and the NEO-FFI-3 measured the five dimensions of personality. In Phase III, 35 cancer patients (24 females, 11 males) ranging in age from 42 to 70 years (M = 57.71 ± 7.07) completed the same measurement tools as the ones used in Phase II, as well as the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire–2 (SF-MPQ-2), which measured ratings for chronic, acute, and neuropathic pain. A one-way analysis of variance was used to test for response bias amongst the music therapists in Phase I. No response bias was found. Responses were reported as sums and converted to percentages of respondents for each selected response. Qualitative responses were analyzed using open coding and thematic development techniques. An intercoder was recruited to authenticate reliability for the qualitative findings. Music therapists identified age, ethnicity, culture, and religious preferences as important individual variabilities, and tempo, rhythmic complexity, and dynamics as salient music characteristics in their ratings. The results from Phase I informed the methodology for the next two phases of this study. Participants in Phases II and III were tested individually. The paired t-test was used to determine differences between trait and state music preferences across all 23 genres. The results indicated significant decreases from trait to state music preferences across music genres in both healthy adult and cancer patient groups. Calculations of the chi-square statistic and the McNemar’s test were used to detect differences between trait music preference and state music preference specific to each of the 23 genres. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the contributions of demographic factors, personality, behavioral coping style, and pain to changes from trait to state preferences and preferred music characteristics under four pain conditions. In Phase II, age, gender, and neuroticism predicted changes in trait-state preference for music genres; and gender and behavioral coping styles predicted changes in preferences for music characteristics under low-acute, high-acute, low-chronic, and high-chronic pain conditions. In Phase III, neuroticism predicted changes in trait-state preference for music genres; and age predicted changes in preferences for music characteristics under the four pain conditions. The independent t-test was used to determine differences between healthy adults’ and cancer patients’ ratings of the importance of music, music background, and music listening habits. No significant differences were found between the two groups. Healthy adults and cancer patients were most familiar with country music and rated oldies and rock as their most preferred music genres. Healthy adults reported familiarity with and preferences for greater number of genres compared to cancer patients. In general, both groups indicated decreased preferences for music under pain conditions. The findings from this study emphasized the importance of considerations for the interactions of trait-state music preferences, individual variabilities, and music characteristics as a paradigm for context-specific pain management in adult clinical settings.

This study aims to examine the prevalence of traumatic events among university students and to evaluate the predictive values of socio-demographic variables, trauma characteristics, attachment styles and coping styles in posttraumatic growth. 321 students from the Middle East Technical University and Hacettepe University participated in the study. A trauma checklist, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Relationship Scales Questionnaire, Attachment Style Questionnaire and Ways of Coping Inventory were administered. The results showed that living a disaster, death of a family member, living a serious accident or a serious health problem, a suicidal attempt or the suicide of a significant other or a friend and losing a significant other in an accident or in an act of violence are the traumas which were reported by the participants. In the regression analysis, gender, felt horror and helplessness during the traumatic event, optimistic coping style and fatalistic coping style are found to be significant predictors of posttraumatic growth. The results are discussed within the existing literature findings. The clinical implications are offered.

This study aimed at revealing the role of the family functioning, coping styles, and basic personality characteristics on depression and anxiety symptoms of mothers. The participants were 155 mothers, having at least one child and living in Ankara. Beck Depression Inventory, Mc Master Family Assessment Device, Trait Anxiety Inventory, Basic Personality Traits Inventory, and The Ways of Coping Inventory were administered in addition to the demographic form. Firstly, it was expected that, there would be significant differences in depression and anxiety levels of the participants&rsquo / who have different income and education levels, different number of children, and different ages. Secondly, it was expected that, there would be significant differences in family functions, coping strategies, and personality traits of participants&rsquo / who have different income and education levels, different number of children, and different ages. Lastly, Associates of depression and anxiety were examined via regression analyses. According to the result of regression analyses, regarding the depression, low income level, high level of neuroticism, and low level of negative valence traits, problems of general functioning of family and using less problem focused coping strategy were found to be associated with the depression level of mothers. With regard to the anxiety symptoms, low income level, low level of extraversion, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience, problems of general functioning of family, and using less problem focused and emotion focused coping strategies were found to be associated with anxiety levels of mothers. These findings were discussed with reference to the relevant literature. Future research topics were suggested and clinical implications of the study were stated.

The present study firstly aimed to examine specific metacognitions as unique predictors of various psychological symptoms including anxiety, depression, worry and social anxiety. The second aim of the study was to investigate the moderator role of coping styles in the relationship between metacognitions and these psychological symptoms. Based on these aims, the study was conducted with 435 participants between the ages 18-35 and the following scales were administered in addition to demographic forms / Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, Libowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 and The Ways of Coping Inventory. According to the results, Negative Beliefs Concerning Uncontrollability of Thoughts and Danger (MCQ-2) was found to be as significant predictor of all examined psychological symptoms. Positive Beliefs about Worry (MCQ-1) was also revealed as significant predictor of anxiety, worry and social anxiety and avoidance. Furthermore, the results revealed negative associations between Cognitive Self-Consciousness (MCQ-5) and anxiety, worry and social anxiety. Finally, Beliefs about Need to Control Thoughts (MCQ-4) was found to be related with increase in depression and decrease in worry. In addition, regression analyses revealed negative relationship between Problem-Focused Coping and anxiety, depression and worry / and positive relationship between Emotion-Focused Coping and anxiety, social anxiety and avoidance. The moderation models of coping styles was also supported in which coping ways moderate the relationship between metacognitions and psychological symptoms including depression, absence of worry, social anxiety and avoidance. Findings were discussed based on relevant literature / and clinical implications of the study and future directions were also provided.

Tyrimo tikslas – nustatyti ir išnagrinėti skirtingo mokymosi pažangumo 11-12 klasių mokinių pasiekimų motyvacijos, vidinių resursų ir mokyklinio streso įveikos stilių ypatumus. Tiriamieji: 2006 – 2007 mokslo metais anoniminio anketavimo būdu buvo apklausta 416 jaunuolių t.y. 11-12 klasių mokinių (atitinkančių vidurinės mokyklos pakopą). Atsitiktinės atrankos metu buvo pasirinkta po dvi vidurines mokyklas iš trijų didžiausių Lietuvos miestų. 186 (45%) mokiniai buvo iš Vilniaus, 135 (32%) – iš Kauno ir 95 (23%) – iš Klaipėdos. Visi respondentai buvo 16-19 metų, 162 vaikinai (39%) ir 254 merginos (61%), vienuoliktoje klasėje mokėsi 213 (51%) , dvyliktoje klasėje – 203 (49%) mokiniai. 283 (68%) tyrime dalyvavę mokiniai gyveno pilnose šeimose ir 133 (32%) su vienu iš tėvų. Surinkti duomenys apie mokinių dienos rėžimo ypatybes – miegui ir pamokų ruošai skiriamo laiko trukmę, praleistų pamokų skaičių, papildomą darbą su korepetitoriais – 128 (32%) mokiniai naudojasi ir 284 (68%) nesinaudoja korepetitorių paslaugomis. Tyrimo metu buvo taikyti šie metodai: mokslinė pedagoginės ir psichologinės literatūros analizė, Mokyklinio streso įveikos klausimynas (N. S. Endler, J. D. Parker, 1990; P. Szczepaniak, J. Streliau, K. Wrzesniewski, 1996) ir Pasiekimų motyvacijos klausimynas (AMP), (J. Friedland, Ph.D., S. Marcus, Ph.D., H. Mandel, Ph.D.). IŠVADOS: 1.Pažangumas; pasiekimų motyvacija ir laikas, skiriamas pamokų ruošai, vaikinų mažesni negu merginų. Vaikinai ir merginos laiko... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The aim of the research: to determine and to examine peculiarities of achievement motivation, inner resources and school stress coping styles among 11th – 12th form pupils with different levels of academic achievement. The tasks of the research: 1. To explore peculiarities of school stress coping styles, achievement motivation and inner resources among pupils with different levels of academic achievement. 2. To compare , inner resources, planning and organization between boys and girls. 3. To compare academic achievement, school stress coping styles, achievement motivation, inner resources, planning and organization between 11th and 12th form pupils. 4. To compare academic achievement, school stress coping styles, achievement motivation, inner resources, planning and organization between pupils studying with crammer and studying by themselves. 5. To determine distinctions in academic achievement, school stress coping styles, achievement motivation, inner resources, planning and organization among pupils living in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda. 6. To estimate correlations between academic achievement and school stress coping styles, achievement motivation, inner resources, planning and organization, studying with crammer. Research methods: Achievement Motivation Profile Scores (J.Friedland, S.Marcus, H.Mandel), Questionnaire of School Stress Coping (N.S.Endler, J.D.Parker, 1990; P.Szczepaniak, J.Streliau, K.Wrzesniewski, 1996) Respondents: 416 11th and 12th form pupils (1... [to full text]

The purpose of the present study is twofold: First, to assess to what extent gender, age, body mass index, weight satisfaction, body satisfaction and coping styles predict disordered eating attitudes of Turkish university students. Second, to examine whether there is a significant difference between female and male university students&rsquo / expert preference in case of a weight problem and importance of significant other&rsquo / s opinion regarding their weight. Three instruments- Eating Attitudes Test, Coping Styles Inventory, and a Demographic Data Form were administered to 525 students from four (3 state, 1 private) universities of Ankara. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted to evaluate how well emotion focused coping, problem focused coping, gender, age, body mass index, weight satisfaction and body satisfaction predicted the disordered eating attitudes of Turkish university students. A two way contingency table analysis was conducted to evaluate whether there was a significant difference between female and male university students regarding their expert preference in case of a weight problem, and whether there was a significant difference between female and male university students with respect to the importance of significant other&rsquo / s opinion regarding their weight. The variables found to be most predictive of disordered eating attitudes and entered the regression equation were weight satisfaction, gender, emotion focused coping, age, and body mass index. Of the five variables, weight satisfaction was strongly negatively related to disordered eating attitudes. Results indicated that proportions of female students preferring dietitian and fitness expert in case of a weight problem were nearly same, whereas male students prefered fitness expert, medical doctor and dietitian, respectively. Regarding the importance of significant other&rsquo / s opinion in relation to weight, there were no significant differences between two groups. Opposite sex friend&rsquo / s opinion in relation to weight was found to be the most important source for both female and male students.