Avaliar a Qualidade de Vida (QV) de pacientes com Transtornos Alimentares (TA), verificar diferenças entre os subtipos de TA e identificar dimensões de QV mais prejudicadas. Métodos: O instrumento de QV da Organização Mundial de Saúde (WHOQOL-100) foi respondido por 69 mulheres com TA (Anorexia Nervosa AN=34; Bulimia Nervosa BN=26 e Transtorno Alimentar Não Especificado TANE=9) e por 69 mulheres saudáveis. Utilizou-se a Entrevista Clínica Estruturada para Transtornos do Eixo I do DSM-IV (SCID) para a realização dos diagnósticos psiquiátricos. Resultados: Pacientes com TA apresentaram piores escores na QV geral e em todos os domínios (físico, psicológico, relações sociais, meio ambiente, nível de independência e espiritualidade), tendo sido o psicológico aquele com maior prejuízo. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre os subtipos de TA quanto aos prejuízos de QV. As comorbidades psiquiátricas encontradas com maiores prevalências foram os Transtornos do Humor, os Relacionados ao Uso de Álcool e Outras Substâncias e os de Ansiedade. Pacientes com AN e comorbidade com o Transtorno de Pânico apresentaram QV mais prejudicada que pacientes com AN sem Pânico. A maioria dos pacientes apresentava múltiplas comorbidades e histórico de diversas tentativas de suicídio. Conclusões: Pacientes com TA apresentam significativo prejuízo de QV em todos os domínios, em especial no psicológico, provavelmente em função das peculiaridades da psicopatologia alimentar, sem diferenças entre os subtipos de TA. Pacientes com AN e comorbidade com Pânico devem ser avaliados com mais critério / Purpose: To assess quality of life in patients with eating disorders, verify differences among eating disorder subtypes, and identify the domains of quality of life most affected by eating disorders. Methods: The World Health Organization quality-of-life assessment instrument (WHOQOL-100) was completed by 69 women with eating disorders (34 with anorexia nervosa, 26 with bulimia nervosa, and 9 with eating disorder not otherwise specified) and 69 healthy women. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) was used for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. Results: Patients with eating disorders reported lower (worse) total quality- of-life scores and lower scores on all quality-of-life domains (physical, psychological, social relationships, environment, level of independence, and spirituality) compared with healthy patients, with the psychological domain being the most impaired. No significant differences in impairment of quality of life were found among eating disorders subtypes. The most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities were mood disorders, alcohol or substance abuse- related disorders, and anxiety disorders. Patients with anorexia nervosa and comorbid panic disorder had greater impairment in quality of life than patients with anorexia nervosa but no panic disorder. Most patients had multiple comorbidities and history of suicide attempts. Conclusions: Patients with eating disorders experience significantly greater impairment in quality of life on all domains, especially on the psychological domain, compared with healthy patients, probably because of peculiarities in eating disorders psychopathology. No difference in quality of life impairment was observed among eating disorders subtypes. Patients with anorexia nervosa and comorbid panic disorder should be carefully evaluated

Introdução: Constante na história da civilização, o abortamento tem sido tema relevante na saúde pública, trazendo repercussões físicas e emocionais à mulher. Este trabalho abordou aspectos históricos e culturais que delinearam o percurso feminino e a maternidade, contemplou a magnitude do abortamento e aspectos emocionais, em especial, a depressão. Teve como objetivos, analisar características sociodemográficas, a percepção das mulheres quanto às reações e condutas do parceiro e o diagnóstico de depressão, em duas capitais brasileiras, associando as variáveis entre os grupos de abortamento espontâneo e provocado de cada capital. Buscou, em cada grupo, relacionar a depressão com as variáveis estudadas. Método: Foram realizadas entrevistas semidirigidas, com questionário previamente elaborado com 285 mulheres que sofreram abortamento espontâneo (139 em Natal-RN e 146 em São Paulo-SP) e 31 mulheres que referiram tê-lo provocado (11 em Natal-RN e 20 em São Paulo-SP). Para o diagnóstico de depressão, utilizou-se o módulo de humor do Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (Prime-MD). Os dados foram analisados pela Técnica de Análise Temática, posteriormente foi utilizado o programa IBM SPSS Statistics Standard Edition. O nível de significância utilizado foi p<0,05. Resultados: Encontrou-se significância estatística relacionada ao abortamento provocado, em Natal-RN e São Paulo-SP, nas variáveis: ser solteira (p<0,01; p<0,01) e ter menor número de gestações (p<0,01; p=0,04) e de abortamentos espontâneos anteriores (p<0,01; p<0,01). Em Natal-RN evidenciou-se ainda, mulheres com trabalho (p=0,03), renda financeira (p<0,01) e que residiam com familiar (p<0,01) e, em São Paulo-SP, ter provocado abortamento anterior (p=0,01) e residir com amigos (p<0,01). Quanto à percepção das mulheres em relação às reações e condutas do parceiro, em ambas as capitais, ele foi referido como a pessoa que não poderia saber do abortamento (p<0,01 em Natal-RN; p=0,02 em São Paulo-SP), ao mesmo tempo, como aquele que poderia tê-lo evitado (p<0,01 em Natal-RN; p=0,03 em São Paulo-SP). A ausência do parceiro no momento da confirmação da gestação (p=0,02) foi relevante em Natal-RN, e em São Paulo-SP, ele ter apresentado reações negativas frente à notícia da gravidez (p=0,04) e não ter participado no processo do abortamento (p<0,01). Constatou-se elevado índice de depressão em ambas capitais e grupos. Sua presença, no abortamento provocado, não esteve associada às variáveis estudadas, enquanto no espontâneo, relacionou-se, em Natal-RN, a reações negativas do parceiro ao saber da gravidez (p=0,05) e sua ausência no processo do abortamento (p<0,01) e, em São Paulo-SP, ao desconhecimento dele sobre a gestação (p=0,04). Conclusão: Apesar dos avanços sociais, seguem enraizados na identidade feminina princípios culturais e sociais que diante da situação de abortamento, ainda hoje, despertam na mulher conflitos e ambivalências. Mesmo com a independência feminina, a participação masculina mostra-se importante dentro do processo do abortamento, seja pelo suporte ou mesmo, pelo compartilhamento da responsabilidade / Introduction: Constant in the history of civilization, abortion has been a relevant issue in public health, having physical and emotional repercussions for women. This study addressed the historical and cultural aspects outlining the female pathway and maternity and dealt with the magnitude of abortion and emotional aspects, especially depression. Its purpose was to analyze sociodemographic characteristics, women\'s perception as regards the partner\'s reactions and behavior, and depression diagnosis in two Brazilian capitals, associating the variables from the spontaneous abortion group and the induced abortion group. Within each group, the objective was to relate the variables to depression. Method: In two Brazilian capitals, semistructured, questionnaire-based interviews were conducted with 285 women who underwent spontaneous abortion (139 in Natal-RN and 146 in São Paulo-SP) and 31 who reported having induced the abortion (11 in Natal-RN and 20 in São Paulo-SP). For diagnosing depression, the mood module from the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) was applied. The data were analyzed by the thematic analysis technique, and, subsequently, the IBM SPSS Statistics Standard Edition program was used. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: Induced abortion was statistically significant with respect to the following variables: in both Natal-RN and São Paulo-SP, being single ((p<0.01, p<0.01), a smaller number of previous pregnancies (p<0.01, p=0.04), and fewer previous spontaneous abortions (p<0.01, p<0.01); in Natal-RN alone, having a job (p=0.03), having a money income (p<0.01), and living with a family member (p<0.01); in São Paulo-SP only, induction of a previous abortion (p<0.01) and residence with friends (p<0.01). Concerning the perception the women had of their partners\' reactions and behavior, in both capitals, the partner was referred to as the one person who could not know about the abortion (p<0.01 in Natal-RN, p=0.02 in São Paulo-SP) and, simultaneously, as the one who could have avoided it (p<0.01 in Natal- RN, p=0.03 in São Paulo-SP). The partner\'s absence at the time of the pregnancy confirmation (p=0.02) was relevant in Natal- RN, and the partner\'s negative reaction when learning about the pregnancy (p=0.04) and his not participating in the abortion process (p<0.01) was relevant in São Paulo- SP. A high depression rate was found in both groups and in both capitals. Its presence in the induced abortion group was not associated with the study variables, while, in the spontaneous abortion group in Natal-RN, it was linked to the partner\'s negative reaction as he learned about the pregnancy (p=0.05) and to his absence during the abortion process (p<0.01), and in São Paulo-SP, to his not knowing about the pregnancy (p=0.04). Conclusion: Despite social advances, the cultural and social principles rooted in the female identity to this day still engender conflicts and ambivalent feelings in women when confronted with the situation of abortion. Notwithstanding women\'s independence, male participation has shown to be important in the abortion process, be it for support or for sharing the responsability

Although women increasingly contribute their labour to an ever-burgeoning workplace, little is understood about their roles and sense of identity at work. Adopting a phenomenological approach to this study will allow the researcher to discover what women’s experience of their sense of identity at work encompasses. Furthermore, a review of the contemporary literature, and a phenomenological approach to the study employing semi-structured interviews and an explication of the protocols using the ‘modified’ Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method (Creswell, 1998), may be used to explore women’s experience of their sense of identity in the workplace. Recommendations may be made for future research and organisational practice. The main findings indicated, inter alia, that the participants expressed their sense of identity at work from a ‘collective’ or social identity orientation. This finding also supports various feminist researchers’ viewpoints that women may develop a unique sense of identity relative to the environment in which they find themselves (Ely, 1994; Hakim, 1996). Themes that arose from the interviews with the participants included the concerns women express universally to a greater extent, yet included their interests, abilities, traits and material characteristics to a lesser extent (Ashforth & Mael, 1989; Hogg & Turner, 1987). The study findings also questioned psychology-based “person-centred” ideas about women’s relationships with other women at work, and added credence to the supposition that the demographic composition of an organisation may influence an individual’s experiences at work (Ely, 1994, p. 203). Furthermore, as social v identities are more significant in organisations, due to the incidence of social groups (Fisher, 1986; Mortimer & Simmons, 1978; Van Maanen, 1976), it would appear that as fewer women are employed in management and the upper echelons of organisations, they would therefore not benefit from being involved in the social environment of work, and would therefore not be in a position to adopt the identity of their counterparts (Becker & Carper, 1956). The contribution of this research to understanding women’s experience of their sense of identity, and the provision of a basic framework in this regard, may assist female employees, and their employers and managers, in their relationships at work, and in this way improve the employment prospects and retention of women. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.A. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

by Poon Wun San, Jecqueline. / Includes questionnaire in Chinese. / Thesis (M.S.W.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 128-141). / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.ii / ABSTRACT --- p.iv / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.vi / LIST OF TABLES --- p.ix / CHAPTER / Chapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 2. --- Literature Review --- p.6 / Chapter 2.1 --- Concept of Marital Dissolution --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2 --- Concept of Sex-role Attitudes --- p.14 / Chapter 2.3 --- Concept of Psychological Well-being --- p.24 / Chapter 2.4 --- Psychological Well-being of People Experiencing Marital Dissolution --- p.28 / Chapter 2.5 --- Relationship between Sex-role Attitudes and Psychological Well-being of Women Experiencing Marital Dissolution --- p.31 / Chapter 2.6 --- Other Factors that Affect the Psychological Well-being of Women Experiencing Marital Dissolution --- p.34 / Chapter 2.7 --- Summary --- p.35 / Chapter 3. --- Conceptual Framework --- p.37 / Chapter 3.1 --- The Conceptual Definition of Major Variables --- p.37 / Chapter 3.2 --- Specification of Related Terms --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3 --- Interrelationships between Various Variables of the Research --- p.40 / Chapter 3.4 --- Hypotheses --- p.43 / Chapter 4. --- Research Methodology --- p.45 / Chapter 4.1 --- Research Design --- p.45 / Chapter 4.2 --- Sample --- p.45 / Chapter 4.3 --- Procedure of Data Collection --- p.46 / Chapter 4.4 --- Measuring Instruments --- p.47 / Chapter 4.5 --- Plan for Data Analysis --- p.50 / Chapter 4.6 --- Validity and Reliability of the Measuring Instruments --- p.51 / Chapter 4.7 --- Limitation of the Study --- p.54 / Chapter 5. --- Reports of Findings : Part I --- p.56 / Chapter 5.1 --- Personal Characteristics of Respondents --- p.56 / Chapter 5.2 --- Marriage and Family Background of Respondents --- p.68 / Chapter 5.3 --- Summary --- p.85 / Chapter 6. --- Reports of Findings : Part II --- p.88 / Chapter 6.1 --- Description of Respondents in Regard to Major Study Variables --- p.88 / Chapter 6.2 --- Test of Hypotheses --- p.99 / Chapter 6.3 --- Summary --- p.108 / Chapter 7. --- Summary and Conclusion --- p.111 / Chapter 7.1 --- Summary of Findings --- p.112 / Chapter 7.2 --- Implications of Findings --- p.116 / Chapter 7.3 --- Implications for Future Research --- p.126 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.128 / APPENDIX / Chapter A. --- Questionnaire (English Version) --- p.142 / Chapter B. --- Questionnaire (Chinese Version) --- p.154 / Chapter C. --- Item-total Statistics of Sex-role Attitudes --- p.165 / Chapter D. --- Item-total Statistics of Psychological Well-being --- p.167

Submitted by Filipe dos Santos (fsantos@pucsp.br) on 2017-09-29T12:34:12Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Rinalda de Oliveira Duarte.pdf: 1951377 bytes, checksum: 0f51e04dc32e60dedd7af0ac0ec41004 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-29T12:34:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rinalda de Oliveira Duarte.pdf: 1951377 bytes, checksum: 0f51e04dc32e60dedd7af0ac0ec41004 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-09-19 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / The present research proposes a psychoanalytic study of hysteria in Freud and in Lacan. In this regard, this works intent is to follow the path of Freud's first contacts with hysteria. The aim is to study the first clinical cases in the history of psychoanalysis: Anna O., Mrs. Emmy Von N., Miss Lucy R., Katharina, Elisabeth Von R., examining the theoretical construction of Freud to the Dora case, which is the Case of reference in this work. The current work aims at understanding the theoretical resources Freud had to work on hysteria during the time of the treatment of the young Dora, and to analyze the contributions that this case promoted to the advancement of the Oedipus complex theory and the relevance to current studies (although it was excluded from the Statistical Manual of Mental Illness in 1994, it is present in our clinics). This work analyzes the path taken by Freud in order to formulate the three possible exits of the girl in the oedipal complex, especially the departure that Freud pointed out as the normal that of femininity. Lacan's psychoanalysis brought important contributions to understanding hysteria. It places hysteria as a clinical structure, as the position of the subject in the relation to the desire of the Other. In this regard the Dora case is emblematic, since Lacan theorized in this case that the question of the hysteric: What is a woman? Based on both theoretical perspectives – from Freud and Lacan – this study proposes an analysis of hysteria and the feminine / O tema desta pesquisa de mestrado é um estudo psicanalítico da histeria em Freud e em Lacan. Nesse sentido ela trilha o caminho dos primeiros contatos de Freud com a histeria. A proposta é estudar os primeiros casos clínicos da história da psicanálise: Anna O., Sra. Emmy Von N., Miss Lucy R., Katharina, Elisabeth Von R., acompanhando a construção teórica de Freud até o caso Dora, que é o caso de referência neste trabalho. O objetivo é entender quais eram os recursos teóricos de que Freud dispunha para trabalhar a histeria na época do atendimento da jovem Dora e analisar as contribuições que esse caso promoveu para o avanço da teoria do complexo de Édipo e sua relevância para os estudos atuais (mesmo tendo sendo excluída do Manual Estatístico de Doenças Mentais em 1994, ela se faz presente em nossos consultórios). Este trabalho analisa o caminho percorrido por Freud para formulação das três saídas possíveis da menina no complexo edípico, em especial a saída que Freud indicou como a normal – a da feminilidade. A psicanálise de Lacan trouxe contribuições importantes para entender a histeria. Ela situa a histeria como uma estrutura clínica, como posição de sujeito em relação ao desejo do Outro. Nesse sentido, o caso Dora é emblemático, pois Lacan teorizou nesse caso a pergunta da histérica: O que é uma mulher? Com base em ambas as perspectivas teóricas – de Freud e de Lacan – este trabalho propõe uma análise da histeria e do feminino

Introdução: Constante na história da civilização, o abortamento tem sido tema relevante na saúde pública, trazendo repercussões físicas e emocionais à mulher. Este trabalho abordou aspectos históricos e culturais que delinearam o percurso feminino e a maternidade, contemplou a magnitude do abortamento e aspectos emocionais, em especial, a depressão. Teve como objetivos, analisar características sociodemográficas, a percepção das mulheres quanto às reações e condutas do parceiro e o diagnóstico de depressão, em duas capitais brasileiras, associando as variáveis entre os grupos de abortamento espontâneo e provocado de cada capital. Buscou, em cada grupo, relacionar a depressão com as variáveis estudadas. Método: Foram realizadas entrevistas semidirigidas, com questionário previamente elaborado com 285 mulheres que sofreram abortamento espontâneo (139 em Natal-RN e 146 em São Paulo-SP) e 31 mulheres que referiram tê-lo provocado (11 em Natal-RN e 20 em São Paulo-SP). Para o diagnóstico de depressão, utilizou-se o módulo de humor do Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (Prime-MD). Os dados foram analisados pela Técnica de Análise Temática, posteriormente foi utilizado o programa IBM SPSS Statistics Standard Edition. O nível de significância utilizado foi p<0,05. Resultados: Encontrou-se significância estatística relacionada ao abortamento provocado, em Natal-RN e São Paulo-SP, nas variáveis: ser solteira (p<0,01; p<0,01) e ter menor número de gestações (p<0,01; p=0,04) e de abortamentos espontâneos anteriores (p<0,01; p<0,01). Em Natal-RN evidenciou-se ainda, mulheres com trabalho (p=0,03), renda financeira (p<0,01) e que residiam com familiar (p<0,01) e, em São Paulo-SP, ter provocado abortamento anterior (p=0,01) e residir com amigos (p<0,01). Quanto à percepção das mulheres em relação às reações e condutas do parceiro, em ambas as capitais, ele foi referido como a pessoa que não poderia saber do abortamento (p<0,01 em Natal-RN; p=0,02 em São Paulo-SP), ao mesmo tempo, como aquele que poderia tê-lo evitado (p<0,01 em Natal-RN; p=0,03 em São Paulo-SP). A ausência do parceiro no momento da confirmação da gestação (p=0,02) foi relevante em Natal-RN, e em São Paulo-SP, ele ter apresentado reações negativas frente à notícia da gravidez (p=0,04) e não ter participado no processo do abortamento (p<0,01). Constatou-se elevado índice de depressão em ambas capitais e grupos. Sua presença, no abortamento provocado, não esteve associada às variáveis estudadas, enquanto no espontâneo, relacionou-se, em Natal-RN, a reações negativas do parceiro ao saber da gravidez (p=0,05) e sua ausência no processo do abortamento (p<0,01) e, em São Paulo-SP, ao desconhecimento dele sobre a gestação (p=0,04). Conclusão: Apesar dos avanços sociais, seguem enraizados na identidade feminina princípios culturais e sociais que diante da situação de abortamento, ainda hoje, despertam na mulher conflitos e ambivalências. Mesmo com a independência feminina, a participação masculina mostra-se importante dentro do processo do abortamento, seja pelo suporte ou mesmo, pelo compartilhamento da responsabilidade / Introduction: Constant in the history of civilization, abortion has been a relevant issue in public health, having physical and emotional repercussions for women. This study addressed the historical and cultural aspects outlining the female pathway and maternity and dealt with the magnitude of abortion and emotional aspects, especially depression. Its purpose was to analyze sociodemographic characteristics, women\'s perception as regards the partner\'s reactions and behavior, and depression diagnosis in two Brazilian capitals, associating the variables from the spontaneous abortion group and the induced abortion group. Within each group, the objective was to relate the variables to depression. Method: In two Brazilian capitals, semistructured, questionnaire-based interviews were conducted with 285 women who underwent spontaneous abortion (139 in Natal-RN and 146 in São Paulo-SP) and 31 who reported having induced the abortion (11 in Natal-RN and 20 in São Paulo-SP). For diagnosing depression, the mood module from the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) was applied. The data were analyzed by the thematic analysis technique, and, subsequently, the IBM SPSS Statistics Standard Edition program was used. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: Induced abortion was statistically significant with respect to the following variables: in both Natal-RN and São Paulo-SP, being single ((p<0.01, p<0.01), a smaller number of previous pregnancies (p<0.01, p=0.04), and fewer previous spontaneous abortions (p<0.01, p<0.01); in Natal-RN alone, having a job (p=0.03), having a money income (p<0.01), and living with a family member (p<0.01); in São Paulo-SP only, induction of a previous abortion (p<0.01) and residence with friends (p<0.01). Concerning the perception the women had of their partners\' reactions and behavior, in both capitals, the partner was referred to as the one person who could not know about the abortion (p<0.01 in Natal-RN, p=0.02 in São Paulo-SP) and, simultaneously, as the one who could have avoided it (p<0.01 in Natal- RN, p=0.03 in São Paulo-SP). The partner\'s absence at the time of the pregnancy confirmation (p=0.02) was relevant in Natal- RN, and the partner\'s negative reaction when learning about the pregnancy (p=0.04) and his not participating in the abortion process (p<0.01) was relevant in São Paulo- SP. A high depression rate was found in both groups and in both capitals. Its presence in the induced abortion group was not associated with the study variables, while, in the spontaneous abortion group in Natal-RN, it was linked to the partner\'s negative reaction as he learned about the pregnancy (p=0.05) and to his absence during the abortion process (p<0.01), and in São Paulo-SP, to his not knowing about the pregnancy (p=0.04). Conclusion: Despite social advances, the cultural and social principles rooted in the female identity to this day still engender conflicts and ambivalent feelings in women when confronted with the situation of abortion. Notwithstanding women\'s independence, male participation has shown to be important in the abortion process, be it for support or for sharing the responsability

Avaliar a Qualidade de Vida (QV) de pacientes com Transtornos Alimentares (TA), verificar diferenças entre os subtipos de TA e identificar dimensões de QV mais prejudicadas. Métodos: O instrumento de QV da Organização Mundial de Saúde (WHOQOL-100) foi respondido por 69 mulheres com TA (Anorexia Nervosa AN=34; Bulimia Nervosa BN=26 e Transtorno Alimentar Não Especificado TANE=9) e por 69 mulheres saudáveis. Utilizou-se a Entrevista Clínica Estruturada para Transtornos do Eixo I do DSM-IV (SCID) para a realização dos diagnósticos psiquiátricos. Resultados: Pacientes com TA apresentaram piores escores na QV geral e em todos os domínios (físico, psicológico, relações sociais, meio ambiente, nível de independência e espiritualidade), tendo sido o psicológico aquele com maior prejuízo. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre os subtipos de TA quanto aos prejuízos de QV. As comorbidades psiquiátricas encontradas com maiores prevalências foram os Transtornos do Humor, os Relacionados ao Uso de Álcool e Outras Substâncias e os de Ansiedade. Pacientes com AN e comorbidade com o Transtorno de Pânico apresentaram QV mais prejudicada que pacientes com AN sem Pânico. A maioria dos pacientes apresentava múltiplas comorbidades e histórico de diversas tentativas de suicídio. Conclusões: Pacientes com TA apresentam significativo prejuízo de QV em todos os domínios, em especial no psicológico, provavelmente em função das peculiaridades da psicopatologia alimentar, sem diferenças entre os subtipos de TA. Pacientes com AN e comorbidade com Pânico devem ser avaliados com mais critério / Purpose: To assess quality of life in patients with eating disorders, verify differences among eating disorder subtypes, and identify the domains of quality of life most affected by eating disorders. Methods: The World Health Organization quality-of-life assessment instrument (WHOQOL-100) was completed by 69 women with eating disorders (34 with anorexia nervosa, 26 with bulimia nervosa, and 9 with eating disorder not otherwise specified) and 69 healthy women. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) was used for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. Results: Patients with eating disorders reported lower (worse) total quality- of-life scores and lower scores on all quality-of-life domains (physical, psychological, social relationships, environment, level of independence, and spirituality) compared with healthy patients, with the psychological domain being the most impaired. No significant differences in impairment of quality of life were found among eating disorders subtypes. The most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities were mood disorders, alcohol or substance abuse- related disorders, and anxiety disorders. Patients with anorexia nervosa and comorbid panic disorder had greater impairment in quality of life than patients with anorexia nervosa but no panic disorder. Most patients had multiple comorbidities and history of suicide attempts. Conclusions: Patients with eating disorders experience significantly greater impairment in quality of life on all domains, especially on the psychological domain, compared with healthy patients, probably because of peculiarities in eating disorders psychopathology. No difference in quality of life impairment was observed among eating disorders subtypes. Patients with anorexia nervosa and comorbid panic disorder should be carefully evaluated

The general purpose of this research was to investigate physical activity levels as a correlate of selected aspects of psychological health among pregnant women. Specifically, the aims of the study were (1) to provide a cross-sectional description of changes in physical self-concept, mood, and perceived stress during pregnancy; (2) to evaluate physical activity patterns of pregnant women over time during pregnancy; and (3) to determine if there is a difference between physical activity and physical self-concept, mood, perceived stress and/or burnout symptoms during pregnancy. Participants were pregnant women from various antenatal clinics at King Edward Memorial Hospital. The women completed a questionnaire package containing questions on physical activity levels and measures of physical self-concept, social physique anxiety, perceived stress, mood and burnout symptoms. A series of ANOVAs was used to provide a descriptive profile of how these psychological variables change during the course of pregnancy. Significant time-related differences were found for the perceived health subscale of the PSDQ and the tension subscale for the BRUMS. Findings also suggested a significant association between physical activity, and physical self-perceptions, most importantly self-esteem. Higher levels of physical activity were also found to be closely related to positive mood states, lower levels of perceived stress and fewer burnout symptoms. No significant association was found between physical activity and social physique anxiety.

There is a paucity of South African data concerning the cross-cultural incidence of attitudes and behaviours associated with eating disorders. Research in this area has recognised that acculturation to a Western value system appears to have a pathogenic impact on the prevalence of disordered eating among non-Western ethnic groups. This study aimed to explore the relationship between acculturation and disordered eating, and to compare the level of disordered eating (as measured by the Eating Disorders Inventory [EDI]) among black and white female university students in KwaZulu-Natal. The roles of Body Mass Index (BMI) and socioeconomic status were also examined. The sample consisted of one hundred and twenty-two white female undergraduate students from the University of Natal (Pietermaritzburg), fifteen black female undergraduate students from the University of Natal (Pietermaritzburg), and one hundred and fifty-four black female undergraduate students from the University of Zululand. It was found that although black subjects obtained significantly higher scores on the Drive for Thinness subscale of the EDI, white subjects obtained significantly higher scores on a combination of the three subscales designated to assess disordered eating attitudes and behaviours. Black subjects obtained significantly higher BMI scores than white subjects, and BMI was positively correlated with Body Dissatisfaction in both groups, and with Drive for Thinness in the white group only. No relationship was found between socioeconomic status and disordered eating. Similarly, no relationship was found between acculturation and disordered eating. This latter result is partly a function of problems experienced with the measures of acculturation. A comparison of black subjects from the two universities suggests that greater contact with white students is influential in terms of the development of disordered eating. The above results are discussed in terms of the available literature, and recommendations for future research are made on the basis of the limitations of this study. The data from this study is included in a nation wide cross-cultural study of eating disorders initiated by the Eating Disorders Co-ordinating Committee. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1996.

Various researchers (e.g., Copeland, 1977; Foster,1973; and Dickson, 1993) have theorized that due to negative self-imagery and the lack of eligible Black men, Black women's self-concept suffers as a result of "losing" potential Black partners to White women. The purpose of the present study was to empirically evaluate the relationship between Black women's self-concept and their attitudes toward Black men dating White women. In addition, level of racial identity development, dating practices, and selfratings of attractiveness were examined as moderating variables. Thirty-six single Black pre-professional (PP) and 36 single Black professional (P) women completed the Demographic Questionnaire, the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS), and the Racial Identity Scale-Version B (RIAS-B). The video vignette depicting a Black male-White female couple was then introduced, and the TSCS was administered for a second time. The results indicated that self-concept of the sample was not influenced by viewing a video of a Black male-White female couple. Moreover, level of satisfaction with physical appearance was not correlated with self-concept. In addition, PP women tended to be unsure of their Black identity while P women were less confused and more comfortable with their Black identity. The effects of Black male-White female relationships on Black women is in its exploratory stage and more research is needed in this area. / Department of Psychological Science