Denna studie handlade om arbetsmiljöfaktorer utifrån variablerna socialt stöd, krav, kontroll och rollförväntningar för lärare. Huvudsyftet var att undersöka om det fanns några skillnader mellan variablerna beroende på vart skolan är lokaliserad (förort, närförort, centrala Stockholm) eller typ av skola (friskolor och kommunala). Datainsamlingen skedde via webbenkäter. Urvalet bestod av 116 lärare (32 män och 84 kvinnor, åldersspann 25-65). Det fanns signifikanta skillnader gällande socialt stöd; lärare som arbetade i friskolor hade mer socialt stöd än lärare vid kommunala skolor. Lärare som arbetade i friskolor hade mer stöd från chef och familj. Lärare som arbetade i grundskola hade mer stöd från arbetskamrater samt mer beslutskontroll än de lärare som arbetade i gymnasieskolor. Kommunala skolor hade mer rollkonflikter, positiva utmaningar samt mer inlärningskrav än lärare vid friskolor. Det fanns inga signifikanta skillnader på arbetsmiljöfaktorer beroende på skolans lokalisering.

Bakgrund: Endast en knapp tredjedel av män över 65 år har visat sig uppnå Världshälsoorganisationens (WHO) rekommendation om 150 minuter fysisk aktivitet per vecka. Äldre kvinnors upplevelser kring motiverande faktorer för utövande av fysisk aktivitet har studerats, men motsvarande studie för män har inte kunnat identifieras.   Syfte: Syftet med studien var att undersöka vilka faktorer som män i åldrarna 65 – 80 år upplever har betydelse för utövandet av fysisk aktivitet.   Metod: En kvalitativ studie med semistrukturerade intervjuer genomfördes. Fem män mellan 71–78 år intervjuades. Deltagarna rekryterades enligt ett bekvämlighetsurval. Intervjumaterialet bearbetades med kvalitativ innehållsanalys.   Resultat: Fyra kategorier med underkategorier av betydelse för utövande av fysisk aktivitet framkom; ”främjande av fysisk aktivet”, ”positiv social påverkan och positiv inställning”, ”försvårande av fysisk aktivitet”, ”tidskrävande arbete och sjukdomar”, ”fysisk aktivitet i livets olika perioder”, ”fysisk aktivitet som ung och fysisk aktivitet idag och ”oro för framtiden”.   Slutsats: Det finns många faktorer som män mellan 65 - 80 år upplever har betydelse för utförandet av fysisk aktivitet. Faktorer som upplevdes främja fysisk aktivitet, faktorer som upplevdes försvåra och oro inför framtiden framkom. Faktorer av betydelse för utövandet av fysisk aktivitet bör identifieras för att stärka möjligheterna till utförandet för varje individ. / Background:  Less than a third of men older than 65 years old were physically active more than 150 minutes per week, which is the recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO). In elderly women, the impact on performance of physical activity has been investigated, but a corresponding study for elderly men has not been found.   Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to investigate key factors that men in the age of 65-80 experienced had impact on performing physical activity.   Method: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews were used. Five men between 71-78 years old were interviewed. Qualitative content analysis was performed when analysing the data. Results: Four categories with subcategories that impact on the performance of physical activity emerged; “promotion of physical activity”, positive social affection and positive determination, “obstruction of physical activity”, time consuming work and diseases “physical activity during different periods in life”, physical activity in adolescent and physical activity today, and “worries about the future”. Conclusions: There are several key factors that men, in the age of 65 – 80 years, experience have an impact on physical activity performance. Factors that promote and hinder physical activity and worries for the future emerged. Factors with significant importance on performing physical activity should be identified for increasing the possibilities for each individual to become physically active.

Informal caregivers of individuals with cancer may experience substantial burdens. To develop interventions to support these caregivers, it is crucial to quantify and understand the domains of burdens potentially experienced by caregivers and factors contributing to each domain. Using data from two national surveys, the National Survey of Caregiving (NSOC) linked to the National Health and Aging Trends Survey (NHATS), we identified all participants in the NHATS diagnosed with cancer who had a caregiver participating in the NSOC. Guided by a theoretical model, twenty-two items in the NSOC related to caregiver health, mood and outlook were included in factor analysis to develop scales capturing domains of burden. Multivariable regression analyses examined whether activities performed by caregivers and supports for caregivers were associated with these burden scales. Analysis of responses from 373 caregivers of cancer patients identified three scales: emotional burden; psychological burden; and relationship with the patient. Providing assistance managing medical care was associated with increased emotional and psychological burden, while assistance with non-medical issues increased psychological burden and worsened relationships with patients. Caregiver provision of direct patient care activities was also associated with increased burden but improved relationships with patients. Use of caregiver supports showed mixed associations with burden. Using a nationally-representative sample of cancer patients and their caregivers and brief publicly-available survey questions, we present three scales addressing different aspects of caregiver burden that are responsive to caregiver activities and social supports. This may assist in developing and evaluating intervention to decrease caregiver burden.

Latina breast cancer survivors, especially those who have undergone chemotherapy, may face major disruptions to their diet and eating habits; and a major concern is their ability to function in daily life roles throughout survivorship. Food and nutrition are suggested to be significant factors that can influence the process of cancer development, yet little research has been done to understand the nutritional needs, roles, and expectations among Latina breast cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to understand Latina breast cancer survivors’ perceptions of the role of diet and nutrition in helping them cope with the effect of chemotherapy treatment. This study was guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and employed a qualitative research design. A purposive sample of Latina breast cancer survivors (n=32), caregivers identified by the survivors (n=8), and key informants (n=6) were interviewed in their language of preference (Spanish or English) using a semi-structured, open-ended interview guide that explored how coping with a cancer diagnosis influences cancer survivors and caregivers’ nutritional needs and practices. The data were analyzed using an inductive approach to develop an a priori codebook. Thematic analysis was performed using MAXQDA, and emergent codes were added as appropriate. The results yielded that Latina breast cancer survivors emphasized the value and meaning of nutrition; this was accomplished by increasing their nutritional awareness to restore health, improve the body’s immunity, and regain/maintain agency and control of their food consumption. Food provided by friends and family, assistance from nutritional organizations, doctors’ recommendations, and negative chemotherapy side effects influenced Latina breast cancer survivors and caregivers’ decisions about diet and nutrition during and after treatment. Negative chemotherapy side effects and positive support from husbands, family members, and friends affected the role of Latina women as the ‘nutritional gatekeepers’ in the family, since breast cancer diagnosis and treatment disrupt or limit the role of Latinas within the household unit. Findings from the interviews with Latina breast cancer survivors, caregivers, and key informants indicated that cultural expectations among this population shape the kinds of support and assistance that are provided by family members. Lastly, this research study revealed unmet information needs: Latina breast cancer survivors relied on organizational and online nutrition-related resources but identified a gap in culturally and linguistically tailored information related to diet and nutrition following diagnosis. The study concluded that Latina breast cancer survivors and caregivers mentioned no routine dietary assessment for cancer survivors after beginning chemotherapy and during treatment. Additionally, caregivers specified needing instrumental support to better meet the nutritional needs of Latina breast cancer survivors. This study added to our understanding of Latina breast cancer survivors’ unmet needs that could contribute to the creation of future nutrition education programs and interventions most appropriate during cancer survivorship for diagnosed individuals and their caregivers.

Abstract The goals in diabetes care are good metabolic control, minimisation of complications due to diabetes and a good quality of life. In order to achieve these goals, it is important that persons with diabetes adhere to self-care. Internationally, there are numerous studies available about adherence to self-care among adults with diabetes, but in Finland there are hardly any, especially in nursing science. The purpose of this study was to examine adherence to self-care and also how metabolic control, social support and health locus of control beliefs are related to patient adherence. The data were gathered by questionnaires from 213 working-aged adults with insulin-treated diabetes from the Oulu Health Center or the Central Hospital of Lapland. The response rate was 76%. In order to verify the reliability and the validity of the instruments, we used correlation coefficients, factor analysis and item-total analysis. Internal consistency was checked by Cronbach's alfa. Cross-tabulations with the chi-square test of independence, correlations, One- and Two-Way ANOVA and covariate analysis were used for data analysis. Our multivariate statistical methods consisted of logistic and multiple linear regression analysis and cluster analysis. The subjects who were adherent to self-care had better metabolic control than those who neglected self-care. A fifth of the respondents were neglecting their self-care. The others undertook flexible, regimen-adherent or self-planned self-care. Poor metabolic control, smoking and living alone explained neglect of self-care. If the diabetic got support from her/his family and friends, living alone was not a predictor of neglect of self-care. Those who were adherent to self-care perceived themselves as getting more support from their family and friends than the group who neglected self-care. Those who had poor metabolic control perceived themselves as getting peer support from other persons with diabetes. Those who were adherent to self-care were responsible internals who believed both in their own action and in health care team action. Those who mainly believed in health care team action (powerful other externals) were more adherent to self-care than those with an internal or chance external health locus of control. We got evidence about the importance of adherence to self-care, and its relationship with metabolic control, social support anf HLOC beliefs. The results can be used when developing the individual patient education of persons with diabetes.

Peer victimization is a serious national concern affecting as many as 54% of typically developing children and adolescents. Although an extensive body of literature on peer victimization in typically developing youth exists, few studies have focused on how this problem affects youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who may be at a higher risk to experience peer victimization due to ASD symptomology and other common comorbid characteristics (e.g., anxiety and depressive symptoms) that may invite peer aggression. In this study, 81 school-aged youth between the ages of 9 and 17 years (M= 11.91, SD= 2.32) who were diagnosed with ASD and had a full scale intelligence quotient (IQ) equal to or greater than 70 (M= 104.10, SD= 14.24) and their parents completed questionnaires examining the frequency of peer victimization and clinical characteristics of the youth. Parents (n= 81) and their children (n= 78) reported that peer victimization occurred on average a few times in the past year, and frequency did not significantly differ across gender. Parent and child reports of victimization had a significant positive relationship with child’s report of loneliness (r(78)= .46, p< .001; r(78)= .61, p< .001, respectively), anxiety and depressive symptoms (r(78)= .22, p< 0.05; r(78)= .61, p< .001, respectively), and a significant negative relationship with social skills (r(78)= -.38, p= .001; r(78)= -.30, p< .01, respectively). The relationship between child’s and parent’s report of peer victimization and child’s anxiety/depressive symptoms (b= -.01, SE= .01, p= .55; b= .01, SE= .01, p= .34, respectively) and loneliness (b= .001, SE= .01, p= .88; b= .01, SE= .01, p= .48, respectively) did not significantly vary as a function of the overall amount of social support received. Parent and child report of peer victimization did not significantly predict parent reported parental stress above and beyond ASD symptom severity (p= .37, R2 change= .01 and p= .09, R2 change= .03, respectively). Lastly, the relationship between the child’s and parent’s report of peer victimization and parent reported social avoidance was not mediated by a fear of negative evaluation. The results indicate significant predictors of peer victimizations that may assist school staff, parents and healthcare providers identify youth with ASD who may be at risk for peer victimization and may help to shape treatment protocols by targeting the associated factors of peer victimization (e.g., anxiety and depressive symptoms, social skill deficits).

Fundamental Cause Theory suggests that socioeconomic and demographic factors are causal to various illnesses, including depression. However, no known previously existing research has used Fundamental Cause Theory to create a model of depression among college students. To do this, the present study conducted a stepwise binomial logistic regression to examine how socioeconomic status and the sociodemographic variables of Gender, Race, and Sexual Orientation, and others predict depressive symptoms in a large sample of undergraduates when controlling for stressful life events and social support (N = 2,915). Results support the hypothesis that socioeconomic disparities in depressive symptoms are the result of stress. In the final model, low Social Support was the most predictive variable of high depressive symptoms (OR = 2.882), followed by being bisexual (OR = 2.061). Being black was significantly protective against high depressive symptoms (OR = 0.613). Implications for future research and university services are discussed.

Master of Science / Department of Psychology / Donald A. Saucier / This study explored how people perceive and receive social support, react to stress, and value different communication skills across cultures. Three hundred and four American students and 134 Taiwanese students participated. It was predicted that Taiwanese students would utilize social support less and rely on internally targeted control strategies more than would American students. Conversely, it was predicted that both groups would equally favor comforting and ego support from friendship. The results, however, indicated that the groups did not differ on utilizing social support, and Americans favored ego support more than did Taiwanese. Since cross-cultural contacts are encouraged in many fields such as business and academia, the results have pragmatic implications for cross-cultural mutual understanding, international trading, and sojourners' adjustment training.

Magister Artium (Psychology) - MA(Psych) / Supportive relationships have been found to be very beneficial for health and well-being. However, amongst alcohol dependent individuals, family support is often low, as alcohol abuse can pose a barrier between the individual and his or her family. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of how adult children experienced providing social support to a parent with alcohol abuse problems or recovering from alcohol addiction. To conceptualize the study, Bowen's Family Systems Theory was used, which highlights the impact that alcohol abuse has on a family as a whole, and that it does not solely affect the individual who is addicted to alcohol. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Adopting a qualitative approach, the researcher conducted individual semi-structured interviews in which participants were students between the ages of 25 and 38 years. The qualitative interviews were transcribed verbatim and transcriptions were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of the Western Cape Higher Degrees Committee. Informed consent for conducting this research study was obtained from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and Kensington Treatment Centre (KTC) as well as from participants. The consent forms indicate that only the researcher and the researcher's supervisor have access to the data obtained. The researcher pledged confidentiality and adherence to ethical rules and regulations. The researcher ensured that participant anonymity was not compromised upon analysis of the data. The study found that parental alcohol abuse has negative effects on the support provider's well-being and their involvement in the parent-child relationship. Effects included feelings of anger and shame; giving in to peer pressure; engaging in substance use and risky sexual behaviours; distancing themselves emotionally; and keeping secrets. Furthermore, participants also experienced social alienation; emotional and sexual abuse; and a fragmentation of the parent-child relationship.

Strong social ties correspond with better health and well being, but the neural mechanisms linking social contact to health remain speculative. This study extends work on the social regulation of brain activity by supportive handholding in 110 participants (51 female) of diverse racial and socioeconomic origins. In addition to main effects of social regulation by handholding, we assessed the moderating effects of both perceived social support and relationship status (married, cohabiting, dating or platonic friends). Results suggest that, under threat of shock, handholding by familiar relational partners attenuates both subjective distress and activity in a network associated with salience, vigilance and regulatory self-control. Moreover, greater perceived social support corresponded with less brain activity in an extended network associated with similar processes, but only during partner handholding. In contrast, we did not observe any regulatory effects of handholding by strangers, and relationship status did not moderate the regulatory effects of partner handholding. These findings suggest that contact with a familiar relational partner is likely to attenuate subjective distress and a variety of neural responses associated with the presence of threat. This effect is likely enhanced by an individual's expectation of the availability of support from their wider social network.