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.

Control beliefs are widely acknowledged to play a critical role in self-regulation and well-being, but their impact on decisions to approach or avoid emotionally valenced stimuli is not clear. Two contradictory predictions for this impact can be derived from extant theorizing on the functions of control beliefs. On the one hand, control beliefs may provide individuals with the incentive to proactively regulate their emotions and avoid negative situations. On the other hand, control beliefs might help individuals to confidently approach negative situations. The current study examined whether goal orientations help to determine the conditions under which control beliefs promote negativity engagement versus negativity avoidance. Specifically, I experimentally manipulated emotional control beliefs (high versus low) and motivation (emotional goal versus no goal), asked participants to interact with a website containing a variety of stimuli varying in emotional valence, and recorded participants’ choice behavior. I predicted that stronger control beliefs would promote negativity engagement under typical motivational conditions, but would promote negativity avoidance when emotional goals were activated. Results supported these predictions, suggesting that the effect of control beliefs on the decision to approach or avoid negative stimuli depends on the goal activated at the time. Implications for research on control beliefs, emotion regulation, and motivational theories are discussed.

The purpose of this study was to examine cognitive biases in clinically anxious children compared to normal children and to determine if cognitive biases could discriminate anxious youth from non-anxious youth. Two specific cognitive biases were the focus of the present study—interpretive biases (i.e., the tendency to interpret neutral stimuli in a negative way) and judgment biases (i.e., a lowered estimate of one's ability to cope with a threatening situation). Twenty-four youth comprised the anxiety disordered sample and were each matched to two normal youth on four demographic variables (gender, age, ethnicity, and family income level), thus the matched comparison sample consisted of 48 youth (ages 7 to 17). Interpretive biases were assessed with the Children's Negative Cognitive Error Questionnaire (CNCEQ) and judgment biases were assessed with the Anxiety Control Questionnaire—child form (ACQ-C). In addition, self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression and parent-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms were measured. Results indicated that (1) children in the clinic sample exhibited significantly more interpretive biases and judgment biases relative to the control sample, and scored significantly higher on measures of anxiety, depression, and parent-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms relative to the control sample, (2) the ACQ-C demonstrated incremental validity over the CNCEQ in predicting diagnostic status, (3) the ACQ-C predicted diagnostic status while controlling for Generalized Anxiety Disorder symptoms and parent-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms, but not while controlling for RCMAS (anxiety) and CDI (depression) scores, and (4) the relationship between the CNCEQ and diagnostic status was moderated by age and gender. This study adds to the research literature by demonstrating elevated CNCEQ scores among youth with anxiety disorders compared to non-anxious youth and extends findings with the ACQ-C by showing its incremental validity beyond the CNCEQ. The results also add to the understanding of the assessment of negative cognitive vi errors by highlighting developmental and sex differences in their association with anxiety disorder status in youth. Implications of the positive findings for theory and practice are noted and theoretical and methodological reasons for the negative results are discussed to highlight suggestions for future work in this area.

The display of the male body has recently become a common phenomenon in Western culture. The objectification of men is a new theoretical concept that originates from the more familiar concept of the perceived objectification, observation and evaluation of the female body (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). McKinley (as cited in Soban, 2006) terms this concept Objectified Body Consciousness (OBC). Past studies confirm that the concept of OBC may also be successfully applied to males (Grieve & Helmick, 2008; Tiggemann & Kuring, 2004), especially in relation to current cultural expectations for the male body (Grieve & Helmick, 2008; Soban, 2006). At an extreme level internalisation of the mesomorphic body shape as body ideal may lead to a Drive for Muscularity (DM; Grieve, 2007). Grieve and Helmick (2008) indicate that males who score high on objectification measures show higher incidences of DM. According to the socio–environmental theories of Grieve (2007) and McCabe and Ricciardelli (2004) males experience significant social pressures to achieve the muscular ideal. There is a scarcity of literature concerning body–image concerns and the muscular ideal within the South African male undergraduate population. This research was therefore exploratory in nature and aimed to determine whether undergraduate men with high levels of OBC differ significantly in DM from undergraduate men with low levels of OBC. In addition, the study investigated the existence of a correlation between OBC and DM and whether undergraduate men differ in DM in accordance with exposure to certain socio–environmental factors. The quantitative study employed a survey design (Mouton, 2001) and used the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS; McKinley & Hyde, 1996) and the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS; McCreary & Sasse, 2000). A convenience sample of 278 undergraduate males (mean age = 19 years) was selected based on availability and readiness to partake in the study (Field, 2005). Participants were all males aged between 18 and 20 and residing on the North–West University Potchefstroom Campus. Results indicate that undergraduate men with either elevated or low levels of OBC do not differ in terms of their DM. No correlation exists between OBC and DM. A group of undergraduate men who read fitness and health–related magazines, participate in sport, exercise regularly and have used steroids and supplements in the past year was identified. This group presented with high incidences of Muscle Development Behaviour suggesting that they may be at risk of internalising an attitude of increasing muscularity that may result in DM. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The display of the male body has recently become a common phenomenon in Western culture. The objectification of men is a new theoretical concept that originates from the more familiar concept of the perceived objectification, observation and evaluation of the female body (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). McKinley (as cited in Soban, 2006) terms this concept Objectified Body Consciousness (OBC). Past studies confirm that the concept of OBC may also be successfully applied to males (Grieve & Helmick, 2008; Tiggemann & Kuring, 2004), especially in relation to current cultural expectations for the male body (Grieve & Helmick, 2008; Soban, 2006). At an extreme level internalisation of the mesomorphic body shape as body ideal may lead to a Drive for Muscularity (DM; Grieve, 2007). Grieve and Helmick (2008) indicate that males who score high on objectification measures show higher incidences of DM. According to the socio–environmental theories of Grieve (2007) and McCabe and Ricciardelli (2004) males experience significant social pressures to achieve the muscular ideal. There is a scarcity of literature concerning body–image concerns and the muscular ideal within the South African male undergraduate population. This research was therefore exploratory in nature and aimed to determine whether undergraduate men with high levels of OBC differ significantly in DM from undergraduate men with low levels of OBC. In addition, the study investigated the existence of a correlation between OBC and DM and whether undergraduate men differ in DM in accordance with exposure to certain socio–environmental factors. The quantitative study employed a survey design (Mouton, 2001) and used the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS; McKinley & Hyde, 1996) and the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS; McCreary & Sasse, 2000). A convenience sample of 278 undergraduate males (mean age = 19 years) was selected based on availability and readiness to partake in the study (Field, 2005). Participants were all males aged between 18 and 20 and residing on the North–West University Potchefstroom Campus. Results indicate that undergraduate men with either elevated or low levels of OBC do not differ in terms of their DM. No correlation exists between OBC and DM. A group of undergraduate men who read fitness and health–related magazines, participate in sport, exercise regularly and have used steroids and supplements in the past year was identified. This group presented with high incidences of Muscle Development Behaviour suggesting that they may be at risk of internalising an attitude of increasing muscularity that may result in DM. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Among the 14 million persons living in the United States with current or remitted cancer, poor physical health-related quality of life (HRQL) is a significant concern. However, self-compassion (i.e., common humanity, mindfulness, self-kindness) may be a protective factor, either directly or indirectly, by allowing for a sense of empowerment and control over illness, and in turn, facilitating engagement in treatment and positive perceptions of health. Serial mediation analyses among persons living with current (n = 67) or remitted (n = 168) cancer lend support for a positive, direct association between self-compassion and physical HRQL, as well as indirect effects via internal perceived control and, to a lesser degree, treatment adherence. Mixed findings, especially among cancer patients, highlight limitations of resiliency traits while also supporting the notion that self-compassion interventions (e.g., Mindful Self-Compassion Training) may have positive implications for health-related control beliefs, behaviors, and quality of life in the cancer population.

Among persons living with, or recovering from, chronic illness, poor physical health-related quality of life is a concern, as current and residual illness symptoms and treatment side effects may deleteriously impact physical functioning and fulfillment of daily roles. Numerous cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors may impact perceptions of health status. Optimism, for example, is conceptualized as belief in the occurrence of positive future outcomes, and is beneficially associated with physical health-related quality of life. Further, optimism may contribute to enhanced perceptions of control and efficacy over disease symptoms and general health, manifesting as proactive health behaviors (e.g., wellness behaviors; treatment adherence) and, in turn, improved health-related quality of life. Across independent samples of persons living with remitted cancer (N = 164) or fibromyalgia (N = 508), we examined the serial mediating effects of health-related self-efficacy and proactive health behaviors in the relation between dispositional optimism and physical health-related quality of life. Participants completed online self-report measures, including the Life Orientation Test – Revised, Control Beliefs Inventory, Multidimensional Health Profile – Health Functioning Index, Wellness Behaviors Inventory, Medical Outcomes Study General Treatment Adherence Scale, and the Short-Form Health Survey. Significant serial mediation was observed across samples; higher dispositional optimism was associated with greater health-related self-efficacy and, in turn, greater engagement in proactive health behaviors and better physical health-related quality of life. For persons with remitted cancer, absence of other specific indirect effects indicates a need to consider the potential impact of unique aspects of disease, such as late effects of treatment or fear of recurrence, that may limit the beneficial effects of optimism exclusively through health-related self-efficacy or wellness behaviors. For persons with fibromyalgia, we found specific indirect effects through each mediating variable, lending support for the decoupling of cognitive and behavioral factors, consistent with pathophysiological and psychosomatic explanations of illness symptoms and approaches to treatment. Interventions designed to enhance optimism (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy; best possible self exercise) or self-efficacy (e.g., exercise skills training) may have positive downstream effects on health behavior engagement and perceptions of physical health-related quality of life among individuals living with remitted cancer or fibromyalgia.

Die Paarbeziehung ist ein sozialer Kontext, der individuelle Entwicklung und erfolgreiches Altern beeinflusst. Größere Ähnlichkeit zwischen Partnern wird häufig als adaptiv für das Wohlbefinden des Individuums und die Qualität der Beziehung angesehen; neuere Übersichtsarbeiten weisen allerdings auf die Notwendigkeit diverserer Forschungsdesigns, Analysen und Stichproben hin, die auch das höhere Lebensalter umfassen. Diese Dissertation baut auf sozio-kontextuellen Theorien der Lebensspannenpsychologie auf, und nutzt Längsschnittdaten des Sozio-Ökonomischen Panels (SOEP) mit bis zu 31 jährlichen Erhebungen, sowie Experience Sampling Daten einer einwöchigen Tagebuchstudie zum Alltag älterer Ehepaare. Konkret werden a) die Wohlbefindensähnlichkeit zwischen Lebenspartnern über die Lebensspanne, ihre Korrelate und ihre Entwicklung über die Zeit beschrieben, b) die adaptive Funktionalität größerer Ähnlichkeit im affektiven und evaluativen Wohlbefinden für die Beziehung analysiert sowie c) die Rolle der Kontrollüberzeugung des Partners für das Wohlbefinden des Individuums untersucht. Partner wurden sich nicht ähnlicher in ihrer Lebenszufriedenheit über Jahre und Jahrzehnte, wie Mehrebenenwachstumsmodelle zeigten, allerdings war größere, und steigende, Ähnlichkeit prädiktiv für größere Zufriedenheit mit dem Familienleben. Größere durchschnittliche, und Momente von überdurchschnittlicher Ähnlichkeit im negativen Affekt war assoziiert mit dem Gefühl, den Alltag mit dem Partner gemeinsam besser zu meistern. Größere Kontrollüberzeugung als üblich im einen Partner gingen einher mit höherem Wohlbefinden im anderen Partner, wie Actor-Partner-Interdependence-Modelle zeigen konnten. Die Ergebnisse werden im Rahmen des kollektiven Modells selektiver Optimierung mit Kompensation diskutiert und betonen ein weiteres Mal die Wichtigkeit von Partner- und Beziehungsdynamiken sowie individueller und dyadischer Kontrollüberzeugung für Wohlbefinden und erfolgreiches Altern. / The romantic relationship is a social context that influences individual development and successful aging. Greater similarity between partners, e.g. in emotional well-being, has often been argued to be beneficial for the faring of individual and relationship; however, recent reviews suggest the need for more diverse designs, analyses and samples, which cover not only earlier but also later points in the lifespan. The aim of this dissertation is to make a solid contribution to our understanding of well-being similarity and dynamics between romantic partners across the lifespan and in old age. To do so, it draws on notions of socio-contextual theories of lifespan development and utilizes data from a macrolongitudinal study spanning more than 31 annual waves (SOEP) and an extensive experience sampling study on older couples’ everyday life. Specifically, this dissertation a) describes the nature and development of well-being similarity over time and its correlates b) investigates the adaptive potential of well-being similarity for relationship functioning, and c) explores how the individual’s well-being is influenced by the partner’s control perceptions. Multilevel growth models showed that partners did not grow more similar over time in their life satisfaction, and that greater, and increasing, similarity in life satisfaction similarity predicted greater satisfaction with family life. Actor–partner interdependence models revealed that average, and momentary, similarity in negative affect was positively related to everyday perceptions of dyadic mastery, and that the partner's higher momentary control beliefs were associated with lower negative affect in the individual.