O estudo teve como objetivo identificar as possíveis relações entre atitudes e percepções de estudantes de Enfermagem sobre o cuidado religioso e espiritual oferecido nos serviços de saúde aos usuários de álcool e/ou drogas, antes e após uma intervenção educativa. Foram objetivos específicos realizar a adaptação transcultural e a avaliação do desempenho psicométrico das versões brasileiras dos instrumentos Treatment Spirituality/Religiosity Scale (TSRS-br) e Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire (DDPPQ-br). Trata-se de um estudo analítico, longitudinal e prospectivo, com uma etapa de avaliação psicométrica. A amostra foi constituída por estudantes de Enfermagem de nível técnico e superior, vinculados a instituições públicas e privadas do município de Barra do Garças/MT. Na etapa de intervenção educativa, foram incluídos 62 estudantes de nível superior e, na de estudo psicométrico, participaram também estudantes de nível técnico. De acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, totalizou-se 246 indivíduos para avaliação do DDPPQ-br e 188 no estudo da TSRS-br. O questionário de pesquisa foi aplicado antes e após um mês de uma intervenção que consistiu de um curso sobre assistência para usuários de substâncias psicoativas, contendo questões sobre informações gerais; conhecimentos em assistência de enfermagem ao usuário de álcool e outras drogas; escala de percepção sobre ênfase no cuidado religoso e espiritual nos serviços (TSRS-br) e duas escalas de atitudes, sendo a DDPPQ-br e a SAAPPQ (Short Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perceptions Questionnaire). A idade média dos entrevistados foi de 23 anos (Dp?4,83). Os resultados evidenciaram aumento dos conhecimentos e melhora significativa das atitudes dos estudantes após a intervenção educativa, mas o mesmo não foi encontrado em relação às suas percepções a respeito da ênfase no cuidado religioso e espiritual nos atendimentos que envolvem a temática do uso de álcool e drogas prestados nos serviços. Também não se observaram relações entre essas variáveis. Em relação às propriedades psicométricas do DDPPQ-br, uma Análise de Componentes Principais confirmou a validação de construto do referido instrumento com 16 itens, divididos em cinco fatores. A consistência interna global encontrada foi de Alfa=0,85. O TSRS- br, tal como o instrumento original, manteve-se com 10 itens, divididos em dois fatores. A confiabilidade por teste-reteste apresentou kappa variando de ?=0,22 a 0,47 e consistência interna global de Alfa=0,85. Conclui-se que o meio acadêmico deve continuar investindo na ampliação da discussão sobre o uso e abuso de substâncias e suas interfaces com a implementação do cuidado religioso e espiritual, o qual pode ser desenvolvido por meio de uma relação de ajuda, além de aprimorar formas de se examinar a efetividade de intervenções educacionais para o trabalho nesta área. Os instrumentos utilizados no presente estudo com tal finalidade mostraram medidas satisfatórias de confiabilidade e de validade de construto. / The aim in this study was to identify the possible relations between attitudes and perceptions of Nursing students about religious and spiritual care offered at health services for users of alcohol and/or drugs, before and after an educative intervention. Specific aims were to develop the cross-cultural adaptation and assess the psychometric performance of the Brazilian values of the Treatment Spirituality/Religiosity Scale (TSRS-br) and Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire (DDPPQ-br). An analytic, longitudinal and prospective study was undertaken with a psychometric assessment phase. The sample consisted of technical and higher-education Nursing students, affiliated with public and private institutions in Barra do Garças/MT, Brazil. In the educative intervention phase, 62 higher-education students were included and, in the psychometric study, technical students participated as well. In compliance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 246 individuals took part in the evaluation of the DDPPQ-br and 188 in the TSRS-br study. The research questionnaire was applied before and one month after an intervention, which involved questions on general information; knowledge in Nursing care delivery to alcohol and other drugs users; scale of perception about the emphasis on religious and spiritual care in health services (TSRS-br) and two attitude scales, the DDPPQ-br and the SAAPPQ (Short Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perceptions Questionnaire). The interviewees\' mean age was 23 years (Sd?4.83). The results evidenced increased knowledge and a significant improvement in students\' attitudes after the educative intervention, but the same was not found with regard to their perception concerning the emphasis put on religious and spiritual care during care delivery involving alcohol and drugs use at the services. No relations among these variables were observed either. As regards the psychometric properties of the DDPPQ-br, a Main Components Analysis confirmed the construct validity of the 16-item instrument, divided in five factors. The global internal consistency found corresponded to Alpha=0.85. Like the original instrument, the TSRS-br continued with ten items, divided in two factors. The kappa coefficient to evaluate test-retest reliability varied between ?=0.22 and 0.47, while the global internal consistency coefficient equaled Alpha=0.85. In conclusion, the academic world should continue investing in a broader discussion about substance use and abuse and its interfaces with the implementation of religious and spiritual care, which can be developed through a help relation, besides improving forms of examining the effectiveness of educational interventions to work in this area. The instruments used in this study for that purposed showed satisfactory reliability and construct validity coefficients.

This research examines men’s talk around abortion using critical discourse analysis. Current literature indicates a dearth of studies addressing the topic of men and abortion in various domains. An understanding of men’s relationship to abortion, however, is crucial to understanding abortion as a social phenomenon. This study utilises the work of Foucault around discourse and power, as well as Butler’s work on gender to create a theoretical framework to approach data. Data were collected in the form of interview groups made up of men, as well as newspaper articles and on-line forum discussions that featured men as the author. What emerged from theses texts was a ‘Familial Discourse’ which posits the nuclear, heterosexual family as a long term relationship between a mother and father, which forms the ideal site to raise children. Discourses that support the family are a discourse of ‘Equal Partnership’ which establishes the man and the woman as being in a heterosexual relationship where each partner is seen to have equal power, and a discourse of ‘Foetal Personhood’ which constructs the foetus as a child in need of a family. Related to the heterosexual matrix, the formation of a family unit comes to be constructed as ‘natural’. Abortion acts as a disruptor to these discourses. By disrupting the formation of the family unit, abortion negatively affects the individuals involved. A relationship where a formation of a family unit was disrupted cannot survive. If the female partner has an abortion without her partner, it is seen as disrupting the equal partnership between the man and the woman. Men in this case see themselves as ‘powerless’ compared to women. From this point a ‘New Man’ discourse emerges, where men position themselves as loving and responsible in the context of a nuclear, heterosexual family unit. Abortion disrupts ‘Foetal Personhood’ and is constructed as murder. In the case of rape the ‘Familial Discourse’ can be invoked either to justify abortion or resist abortion, based on whether or not a family unit can be formed. These discourses reproduce patriarchy.

When provided an opportunity for thought, individuals experience a strengthening of their already moderate attitude toward some attitude object. This process was studied in the context of variables – attitudes toward behavior, norms about behavior, and perceived behavioral control – known to predict intentions to engage in health-related behavior. A potential moderator of this process – locus of control beliefs – was also investigated. In this study, 195 participants indicated their attitudes toward eight health-related behaviors. Participants were randomly assigned to either a high or low opportunity for thought during which time they were asked to focus their thoughts on the health behavior getting 8 hours of sleep a night. Participants then responded to 18 items measuring Theory of Planned Behavior constructs and the 18-item Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale. Although self-generated attitude polarization was not observed in this study, evidence was found which supports previous Theory of Planned Behavior and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control research findings. Study limitations and implications are discussed. Keywords: attitudes, attitude change, health locus of control, theory of planned behavior

<p>This research is based on Construal Level Theory (CLT) and explores the impact of inducing high-level vs low-level construals through various message content on health behavior intentions in the context of medication taking in depression and anxiety. In addition to the direct effects on intentions, the research also explored the mediating roles of perceived psychological distance and risk perception on these intentions and the moderating effects of age and mental health stigma.</p><p>Previous work in CLT suggests that concrete low-level construals, or mental representations, are likely to dominate thinking near decision times, but those who remain focused on more abstract high-level construals are more likely to follow through with good intentions and that a person can be induced to focus on these abstract benefits and goals through messaging. However, evidence that a person’s construal level mindset can be maintained over time to support ongoing intended behavior in the face of daily cognitive demands is lacking.</p><p>Messages were sent via secure text service to a mobile device twice weekly for 4-weeks. Results of within and between-subjects analysis showed that low-level construal messages have the greatest direct effect on behavioral intentions (BI) (<i>Wilks’ λ F</i>=11.591, <i>p</i><.001, <i>η</i>^<em>2</em>=.056) and actual medication taking behavior (<i>Wilks’ λ</i> <i>F</i>=2.979, <i>p</i>=.051, <i>η</i>^<em>2</em>=.271) as compared to controls. Significant changes were also seen in perceived social distance to a future risk (SD) (<i>Wilks’ λ F</i>=61.654, <i>p</i><.001, <i>η</i>^<em>2</em>=.240) and overall risk perception (RP) (<i>Wilks’ λ</i> <i>F</i>=3.393, <i>p</i>=.019, <i>η</i>^<em>2</em>=.058) over the 4-week study vs controls, but no mediation effect was detected between messaging, SD, or RP and BI. Finally, mental health stigma (MHS) was seen to moderate the direct effect of the messaging on BI (<i>F</i>=2.701, <i>p</i>=.048, <i>R</i>^<em>2</em><i>chng</i>=.043).</p><p>Results suggest text messages delivered over time can positively impact treatment adherence intention, behavior, and health attitudes in patients with depression and anxiety. In addition, the construal level focus of the messages is likely to impact those outcomes differentially in various patient groups.</p>

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between health attribution and the availability of organized internal resources and response style as measured by the Four Square of the Rorschach Inkblot Test. Forty-two subjects participated in this study. Six major hypotheses were explored in the study. None of the hypotheses was statistically significant. Several factors may have contributed to these results. The small sample size and the homogeneity of the sample limited the investigator's ability to interpret the results of the study. Statistically, health attribution may not be conceptually related to organized internal resources and response style since physical and emotional distress may require different coping mechanisms.

Tang, Shing Tung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 114-126). / Abstracts in English and Chinese; some appendixes in Chinese. / Chapter Chapter 1: --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- Background --- p.5 / HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer --- p.5 / Overview of HPV Vaccination in the West and Asia --- p.6 / Chapter Chapter 3: --- Literature Review --- p.9 / Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior in Vaccination Context --- p.9 / Effects of Mass and Interpersonal Communication --- p.22 / Relationship between Mass and Interpersonal Communication --- p.33 / Differential Effects of Mass and Interpersonal Communication --- p.39 / Chapter Chapter 4: --- Methodology --- p.45 / Participants and Procedure --- p.45 / Measures --- p.49 / Chapter Chapter 5: --- Results --- p.54 / Model Fit and Adjustments --- p.54 / Testing the Alternative Model --- p.56 / Evaluating Individual and Contextual Predictors --- p.59 / Examining the Context-to-intention Pathways --- p.60 / Summary of Findings --- p.61 / Chapter Chapter 6: --- Discussion --- p.63 / Comparing the Proposed and Alternative Model --- p.63 / Evaluating the TPB in Vaccination Context --- p.65 / Evaluating Mass and Interpersonal Communication as Contextual Predictors --- p.73 / Further Exploration on the Differential Effects --- p.76 / Theoretical Contributions and Practical Implications --- p.80 / Chapter Chapter 7: --- Limitations and Directions for Future Research --- p.85 / Limitations --- p.85 / Directions for Future Research --- p.90 / Chapter Chapter 8: --- Conclusion --- p.93 / Appendix --- p.96 / References --- p.114

Historically the trend in health care has been the domain of health care professionals such as doctors, nurses and other professionals from the medical fraternity. This created the separation between the mind and body, due to the diagnostic and treatment origins being segregated. This thesis addresses the idea that psychological processes have significant impacts on our physical health {and visa versa). It establishes the notion that health care needs to be understood holistically, from a broader systemic perspective, expanding the working model of health. The second chapter of this thesis addresses the power of the mind and the connection between the mind and body. It establishes the importance of beliefs and perceptions and the huge effect this has on people and their lives. How we choose to perceive a situation will give that situation meaning. The meanings that we give to events usually depict how we will see and respond to that event, sometimes more than the actual event itself. It explains the importance of the mind (psychological issues) as well as the body (physiological issues) when understanding and dealing with health and wellbeing. The following chapter discusses the historical developments of physical and mental health; from Hippocrates and Descartes to a modern holistic approach and attitude. Behaviour Medicine6, explicitly recognises that mind and body are intimately interconnected and that an appreciation of these interconnections and their scientific study is an interdisciplinary field, uniting the behavioural sciences with the biomedical sciences; in the hope that the cross fertilization will yield a more comprehensive picture of health and illness. The 'biopsychosocial model'7 provides a theoretical framework, explaining how an awareness of biological, psychological and social process are all important in understanding disease and recovery, supported by systemic principles. The scientific research and practical implications of psychoneuroimmunology8 (PNI) takes this biopsychosocial model one-step further. It describes how thoughts, perceptions and emotions have interchangeable influences with brain chemistry, which in turn influences the body and neurological systems1 particularly immune system functioning. The concept that we all have an inner ability /intelligence to heal ourselves is also detailed. Miller (1997: 350) discusses this notion, stating that we all have "a healer within." He states that this inner healer can be awakened in order to participate in "our deep healing.11 He claims, "This vital essence has been with us since birth ... Its function is to maintain homeostasis (internal balance). As humans, we can1 through our ability to change our images and beliefs, enhance, or inhibit the power of this inner healer." The concepts discussed thus far in the thesis are then demonstrated practically. The relationship between stress and health is examined and practical ways to maintain a healthier lifestyle is detailed. The researcher then introduces a South African company that is currently working in the field with the concepts of mindbody medicine and psychoneuroimmunology. This led the researcher to find a philosophical container in which to hold the holistic mind body theories and concepts. Anderson & Carter (2003: 222) states, "Social work distinguishes itself by exploring the 'person-environment fit'. This is an area in social work where constructivism may prove supportive. Such an emphasis increases the likelihood that diverse voices and points of view are integrated in social work theory and practice." Therefore/ a constructive epistemology/ philosophy in which meaning is intimately connected with experience, is expanded upon. The mind/body theory and concepts are then linked to Constructivism and Personal Construct Theory (by George Kelly). Constructivism postulates that we all create and interpret our own meaning systems, which become our subjective realities. The link to mind body medicine is pertinent in that both constructivism and mind body medicine share similar ideologies about how realities are construed, and how this in turn effects treatment of disease and maintenance of wellbeing. Cybernetic complementarities then expand our understanding of the mind and body connection in a monolistic framework, where mind and body are recursive partial arcs of a holistic health care system. Constructivism therefore integrates eastern and western concepts, cementing all the concepts used in this thesis, in a holistic manner. It also helps us to understand how some of the mind body techniques may be working within the mind body realm. Given the unique needs of a changing and developing society, as found in South Africa, there is a need to be creative and find alternative ways to cope with our societal stresses and daily occurrences. This is where the researcher feels that the social work profession needs to be involved in working and contributing to our health care services. The development of medical social work is detailed and the latest social work definition discussed. It is reveals how contents of the definition of social work are relevant and are a pertinent fit with mind-body approaches to health and wellbeing. The researcher debates the role of social workers in this field of health care. It is then proposed, in the detailed discussion, that social workers practising in this field should be known as Health Care Social Workers. This field of holistic health care has many proposed strengths and implication, for both Health Care Social Workers and other health care professionals. It will naturally also present challenges that need to be considered and contemplated. The final chapter of this thesis examine these strengths and challenges and their therapeutic implications. The researcher concludes by demonstrating that the literature study on holistic mind and body approaches matches her objectives from the first chapter. / Social work / M.A. (Social Science with specialisation in Mental Health)

With the current military mental health crisis, it is important to understand the role of the leader in military mental health. First, the impact of military leader behaviors on the well-being of military personnel is reviewed. Next, the role of leader attitudes as a precursor to leader behaviors is discussed. The relation of leader behaviors to leader personality using the NEO Five Factor Model (FFM) is reviewed, as well as the relation of prejudicial attitudes to the NEO FFM personality factors. A research project is described that attempted to draw these concepts together, assessing the NEO FFM personality dimensions and mental health attitudes of US Army ROTC cadets, the future leaders of the US Army. No significant relations were observed between NEO FFM personality traits and mental health attitudes, even after controlling for Impression Management. Also, the predicted positive correlation between positive mental health attitudes and Impression Management was not found. These results suggest that more research and more refined measures are needed in the area of leader attitudes toward soldier mental health problems, and how those attitudes might impact the soldiers.

This dissertation is an examination of salient factors that influence the health seeking behaviour of mothers/caregivers of pre-school children in Kwangwanase, KwaZuluNatal province, South Africa. Health seeking behaviour for pre-school children is poorly understood, and is influenced by an array of complex factors that inhibit full utilisation of available health services. Amongst other things, health-seeking behaviour is influenced by cultural beliefs about children's illnesses as well as the local availability of treatment options, and the perceived quality of care provided. This dissertation represents the findings of a combined qualitative and quantitative research approach using free listing, pile sorts, interview schedules, logbooks and observation to explore health-seeking behaviour. Research focussed on the local knowledge held in relation to childhood illnesses that affect children under age six, along with the explanatory models used to discern causation and shape decisions regarding treatment and care. Mothers and caregivers of Kwangwanase draw upon their existing knowledge of children's illnesses, including notions of disease causation, when making diagnoses and deciding between home treatments and professional consultation. Mothers and caregivers pay close attention to the well being of small children. They are constantly involved in the routine management of health and illness. Various treatment options are utilised in a pragmatic way, as mothers and caregivers pick and choose from all available health resources as and when they see fit. Cultural beliefs, accessibility, religious views and other factors influence their choice of health service. Depending on the quality of the care provided and the outcome of the therapeutic intervention, mothers and caregivers are likely to consult several different health care providers in a sequential manner. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

Philos.-Theol. Hochsch., Diss--Vallendar, 2007.