<p> Clinical nursing practice requires intensive education, yet anxiety can interfere with student learning. A gap exists in the nursing literature on how nursing students can manage anxiety during clinical practice. Since the clinical portion of nursing education may be especially anxiety provoking for nursing students, a new teaching strategy has been developed to help reduce anxiety during clinical practice. In this quasi-experimental research study, a new teaching strategy known as mindfulness meditation intermixed with humor was used for four weeks with nursing students to examine whether there was a reduction in anxiety during clinical practice. A sample of 73 male and female junior and senior nursing students from a nursing program at a university in the southern region of the United States completed pretest and posttest questionnaires, which included the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale (MSHS). One-way ANOVA and correlation analysis were conducted to assess whether gender, race, and age were significantly related to the measures of STAI, MSHS, and MAAS scores. The findings indicated there was a significant reduction in STAI scores when participants were exposed to the new teaching strategy, which indicated a reduction in anxiety levels of junior and senior clinical nursing students. The results also signified a significant increase in the MAAS and MSHS scores, which revealed that participants became more mindful and humorous when exposed to the new teaching strategy. Implications include the use of mindfulness meditation intermixed with humor being implemented by nurse educators as a teaching strategy in clinical nursing courses to help reduce anxiety levels.</p>

<p> Suicide is a tragic, complex phenomenon experienced by individuals of all ages, genders and cultures. Given its widespread occurrence, it is important to identify predictive and risk factors in order to develop efficacious prevention and intervention strategies. One factor that has been consistently identified as increasing risk for suicide is being diagnosed with schizophrenia. Persecutory delusions have been most prominently researched in relation to outcome in schizophrenia; however, few studies have investigated the relationship between persecutory delusions and suicide risk for those with this diagnosis. Furthermore, studies that have been conducted are largely quantitative in nature, and therefore are limited by their ability to offer explanations for their results. Understanding quantitative relationships through a theoretical perspective focused on choice and meaning making, such as existential psychology, may increase the specificity and effectiveness of preventative programs and intervention approaches, ultimately leading to more saved lives. This dissertation therefore used archival data from participants in the Chicago Follow-Up Study diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder to explore the relationship between the course of suicidality and persecutory delusions in schizophrenia through an existential lens. Locus of control and self-esteem were included in the analysis as possible mediating variables. Those with high self-esteem endorsed higher suicidal activity, and those with persecutory delusions endorsed higher suicidal activity and a more external locus of control. Implications of these results suggest both self-esteem and locus of control should be addressed as possible mediating factors in the relationship between persecutory delusions and suicide for those diagnosed with schizophrenia.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study is to assess the attitudes towards individuals with mental illness among the healthcare providers of a long-term care facility. It takes a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive approach to view relationships. Minimal research exists in this subject matter, and literature reviews suggest that negative attitudes toward mental illness exist among healthcare providers (Ahmead et al., 2010; Aydin et al., 2003; Bjorkman et al., 2008; Rao et al., 2008; Reed &amp; Fitzgerald, 2005; Ucok, 2008; Ross &amp; Goldner, 2009; Smith et al., 2011; Zolnierek &amp; Clingerman, 2012). The Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill (CAMI) questionnaire was given to a sample of 51 long-term care employees. Data was analyzed by using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0, focusing on significant results concerning t-test, chi-square, and correlations in order to answer the research questions. Findings suggest a majority of the employee's attitudes in this long-term care facility were nonauthoritarian, nonsocial restrictive, and nonbenevolent. While there was no significant empirical support for differences in attitudes among RNs, LPNs, and CNAs, certain questions on the CAMI did provide significant results. Related to this there was also no empirical evidence for differences among the attitudes of departments, except when individual analysis of each question was complete. Correlational analysis showed relationships between various variables: education and seeking treatment for oneself, race and previous work experience, department and previous work experience, authoritarian views and gender, authoritarian views and education, nonsocial restrictive view and age, community mental health ideology and age, and community mental health ideology and department. Implications on future research and a discussion of recommendations to further decrease stigma in the long-term care environment are completed.</p>

<p> It is often observed that the slimy matrixes of various bacterial-formed biofilms can limit their disinfection. This investigation demonstrated that disinfection effectiveness by either photodynamic therapy (PDT) or chlorhexidine irrigation is significantly improved by collapse of that matrix using the non-bactericidal reagent delmopinol as part of the treatment sequence. Cyclic shear-producing conditions were used to grow 4-day, whole salivary and growth media biofilms on glow-discharge-treated polystyrene (N=46) and mini-germanium internal reflection prisms to serve in a periodontal crypt model of disinfection by either methylene-blue-mediated PDT or by chlorhexidine irrigation. Assays for bacterial viability, with and without treatments, were performed by alamarBlue^&reg; fluorescent methods, statistically applied (ANOVA, Tukey's HSD). Multiple Attenuated Internal Reflection Infrared (MAIR-IR) assays confirmed selective removal of the predominantly polysaccharide matrix materials by the delmopinol treatment, but not by equivalent water or chlorhexidine methods. Confocal-IR microscopy showed that the delmopinol reagent, alone, caused about one-third of each wet biofilm to be removed, while bacterial re-growth was confirmed by alamarBlue^&reg; assay. Chlorhexidine and PDT suppression of bacterial activity without regrowth was significantly improved with the added delmopinol treatment, and is likely to provide similarly beneficial results in the effective disinfection of diverse biofilms in many settings.</p>

<p> Psychiatric illnesses can sometimes lead to behavioral outbursts that need to be addressed quickly to deescalate potentially explosive situations. Nurses are in a unique position to respond to such outbursts by calling for a rapid response team. Nurses who are part of the rapid response team should be well-informed of their roles and responsibilities in managing aggressive and violent behavior. The purpose of this project was to explore RN's and LPN's knowledge and perceptions of a rapid response team in a psychiatric facility. The Iowa model of evidence-based practice provided the framework to integrate theory into practice to improve care. A quantitative descriptive design was implemented with a convenience sample of nurses using a 4-part questionnaire. Of the 64 surveys distributed on 5 wards, 59 were completed for a response rate of 92%. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze nurse responses to demographic data and background data. A Chi-square statistic was calculated to investigate the relationship between RN and LPN responses to the Likert Agreement Scale; no significant difference in responses was found. Open-ended questions allowed nurses to comment on their role and position during a code. The comments were sorted into categories of reoccurring themes. Results suggested that nurses need to understand signs of behavioral escalation and strategies to deescalate a potentially volatile patient. Nurses commented that knowledge during a code, reasons for calling a code, and good communication skills are essential in code situations. Findings from this project can benefit nurses who work psychiatric emergencies by underscoring the need to development of psychiatric rapid response teams and to update current standards of inpatient care.</p>

<p> Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the use of low dose vaginal estriol and low dose vaginal estradiol creams for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy. Methods: We designed a 12-week randomized double blinded pilot study. Participants applied the study cream daily (estriol 10mcg, estradiol 10mcg, or placebo) for 2 weeks and then twice weekly for a further 10 weeks. Results: Sixty three women were accrued, of whom 56 completed the study. There was no statistical difference between the three groups in improvement in the symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy. There was a within group improvement for vaginal dryness and itch in all 3 arms. The within group improvement for vaginal dryness was greatest in the estriol group. Estriol levels remained &lt;25ng/ml at baseline, week 2 and week 12 for all participants except 1 (in the placebo group at week 2 when it rose to 29.8ng/ml). Estradiol levels at week 2 in the estradiol group were significantly higher than week 2 levels in the estriol or placebo group. Conclusions: Low dose vaginal estriol cream is a feasible alternative to low dose vaginal estradiol cream for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy. Further research should include a larger volume of base cream and an adequately powered clinical trial.</p>

The history of HIV/AIDS dates back to 1985, when it was thought to be a disease affecting animals. Later, HIV/AIDS was regarded as an illness which affected gay individuals. However, research world-wide has shown that HIV/AIDS is a disease that affects everyone irrespective of race, gender, social status and sexual orientation. Research regarding the psychological well-being (coping, sense of coherence, locus of control and general health) of HIV infected persons in the workplace seems appropriate and relevant. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between sense of coherence, locus of control, coping, and general health. A cross-sectional survey design was used to achieve research objectives. For the purpose of this study, an availability sample of (n = 91) HIV infected individuals in the workplace was used. Four questionnaires were employed in the empirical study, namely the General Health Questionnaire, the Coping Orientations to the Problems Experienced Questionnaire, the Work Locus of Control Scale, and the Orientation to Life Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, skewness and kurtosis) were used to analyse the data. Pearson correlations and canonical analysis were used to assess the relationships between sense of coherence, locus of control, coping strategies and general health. Approach coping strategies such as active coping, planning, seeking support for instrumental reasons, seeking support for emotional reasons, positive reinterpretation and growth, and acceptance were positively related to a strong sense of coherence and a low external locus of control. Avoidance coping strategies, such as focus on and ventilation of emotions, denial, behavioural disengagement, and mental disengagement were negatively related to sense of coherence and positively related to an external locus of control. HIV infected employees who measured high on planning, low on focus on and venting of emotions, and low on mental disengagement, experienced less anxiety and fewer somatic problems. Recommendations for future research were made. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Due to constant changes and demands from external forces markets, today's employees are subjected to continuous change in the workplace in order for organisations to stay competitive. Changes include restructuring, downsizing, technological changes and so forth, which result in employees feeling less secure in their jobs compared to employees a few decades ago. This insecurity is a reality in the lives of employees and leads to a whole range of emotions and reactions toward these changes. The primary objectives of this research is to determine the nature of the relationship between job insecurity and affective organisational commitment, and also the nature of the relationship between job insecurity and the general health of employees in a specific petro-chemical organisation (N = 229). The final objective is to determine if work locus of control plays a mediating role in the above mentioned relationships. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Constructs were measured using the following: the Job Insecurity Questionnaire (JIQ), the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) [where only the affective subscale was interpreted], the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the Work Locus of Control Scale (WLCS) as well as a biographical questionnaire. Results indicated that a practically significant relationship of medium effect exists between job insecurity (both dimensions) and work locus of control, and also a practically significant negative relationship between job insecurity (cognitive subscale) and affective organizational commitment and between affective organisational commitment with work locus of control. No other practically significant relationships were found, although the relationship between the variables did prove to be statistically significant. Regression analysis confirmed that work locus of control fully mediate the relationship between affective job insecurity and affective organisational commitment and also between affective job insecurity with general health, whilst partial mediation by work locus of control was found between cognitive job insecurity and affective organisational commitment and cognitive job insecurity and general health. Conclusions and recommendations were made. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2007.

Organisations are faced with challenges and opportunities due to the constantly changing world of work. These changes lead to organisational members to compete or survive in the dynamic world of work. Job Insecurity, Psychological Empowerment, Work Engagement as well as the employee's well-being are affected by these changes. The South African education environment has been changing since the beginning of the new political dispensation in 1994. The changes include the social, economic, technological and organisational environment. The unsuccessful implementation of the outcome based education and subsequent review has placed Educators under considerable pressure. The changes are being exacerbated by the unprecedented world economic down turn which has created further uncertainty in employment and has resulted in increased levels of Job Insecurity and employee disengagement. Employee engagement and job satisfaction become the key aspects that may contribute to high performance levels and the retention of motivated employees during this period of uncertainty. The schools that would engage their staff members are likely to retain their Educators whilst unengaged Educators will feel more insecure and are likely to look for other jobs elsewhere. The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between Job Insecurity, Psychological Empowerment, Work Engagement and General Health of Educators in the Sedibeng West District. A cross sectional survey design was used to collect data from an available sample of Educators in the specified district. A Job Insecurity Questionnaire (JIQ), Psychological Empowerment Questionnaire (PEQ), Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and General Health questionnaire (GHQ) as well as a Biographical Questionnaire were administered in this regard. Results indicated a statistically significant and negative relationship between Job Insecurity and Psychological Empowerment as measured by Influence and Attitude. Higher levels of Job Insecurity are therefore associated with lower levels of perceived Psychological Empowerment (as measured by Influence and Attitude). A statistically significant negative correlation was obtained between Job Insecurity and Work Engagement. Job Insecurity was found to be statistically significant associated with three dimensions of General Health (Somatic Symptoms, Social Dysfunction and Severe Depression). A practically significant correlation of medium effect was obtained between Influence and Work Engagement as measured by the UWES. Influence also showed statistically significant negative correlations with Somatic Symptoms, Social Dysfunction and Severe Depression. The Attitude factor obtained a practically significant correlation of large effect with Work Engagement and furthermore statistically negatively correlates with the three GHQ factors, being Somatic Symptoms, Social Dysfunction and Severe Depression. A practically significant negative correlation of medium effect was obtained between Work Engagement and Social Dysfunction. Somatic Symptoms and Severe Depression showed a statistically significant correlation with Work Engagement. Regression analysis indicated that Job Insecurity and Psychological Empowerment as measured by Attitude have a significant predictive value towards Work Engagement and General Health as measured by Somatic Symptoms, Social Dysfunction and Severe Depression. Based on the findings, limitations of the research followed by recommendations for the Department of Education and for future research were made. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009

The current economic situation has reconfirmed the importance of researching job insecurity and the impact it has on the individual as well as the organisation. An individual outcome which is normally negatively affected is general health. Engagement, although an experience on individual level, is an organisational outcome affected by job insecurity. With the introduction of positive psychology, emotions in the workplace created new research grounds. It seems that hope and happiness have a positive influence on negative consequences, which can assist managers in finding a competitive advantage in their human capital. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between job insecurity, general health, work engagement, hope and happiness of employees (N = 286) of a co-operation in the North-West Province by using a cross-sectional survey design. The measuring instruments used were Job Insecurity Scale (JIS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), Hope Scale (HS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWL), and a biographical questionnaire. The measuring instruments were translated into Afrikaans which is the language mostly used by the target population. Four articles explained the study through a brief literature review and empirical study in each. Factor analyses were done to determine construct validity, and Cronbach's alphas and inter-item correlation coefficients assessed the internal consistency of the instruments. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient as well as regressions, MANOVA and ANOVA was done to determine relationships between variables. Hierarchical regression was performed to test for moderation and mediation. JIS, GHQ, HS and SWLS confirmed their structural models and proved good internal consistencies. Gender, cultural group and qualification were found to have statistically significant influence on job insecurity. Females regarded the importance of job features and importance of changes to total job higher than their male colleagues. The cultural group 'other' indicated higher levels of job insecurity with regard to likelihood to loose a job feature. This fear was also experienced by participants with a qualification Grade 7 and lower as well as likelihood to changes in total job. No correlation was found between job insecurity and general health, but job insecurity did show correlations with engagement and hope. Hope and happiness were also positively correlated and hope was found to predict happiness. Hope did not moderate the job insecurity general health relationship, but did moderate the relationship between job insecurity and engagement. Hope explained 7% of the variance in general health and 14% of the variance in engagement. Happiness moderated the effect of job insecurity on general health but not of job insecurity on engagement. Happiness also showed a main effect of 13% on general health and predicted 10% of the variance in engagement. When tested, a partial mediation of happiness on the relationship between job insecurity and engagement was found. Recommendations for the organisation and future research were made. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010.