Search Results (669)

Background: Self-harm is a growing public health concern and the strongest predictor of suicide in young people (YP). The “Supporting Adolescents with Self-Harm” (SASH) intervention was developed with YP with lived experience and expert clinicians. It involves rapid follow-up after ED attendance and up to six intervention sessions. The intervention has three components: Therapeutic Assessment (TA) of self-harm; an enhanced safety plan (SP); and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Depending on the YP’s preference, carers can join sessions. Carers can also receive two individual sessions. The clinical and cost-effectiveness of SASH is being evaluated in a randomised controlled trial across nine emergency departments in three NHS Trusts in London, England. A total of 154 YP were recruited between May 2023 and March 2025 and randomised on a 1:1 ratio to SASH alongside Treatment As Usual (TAU) or TAU. A logic model describes the SASH inputs, activities, mechanisms, outcomes and longer-term impacts. The aim of this paper is to (1) illustrate how TA, SP, and SFBT were implemented in practice by presenting intervention materials and session recordings for four YP cases and one carer case and (2) explore how the case study materials/recordings reflect the intervention mechanisms in the SASH logic model. Methods: Each case focused on a different component of the intervention. Intervention materials (TA self-harm diagram and completed SP) and recorded SFBT sessions with four YP and one carer were analysed using a descriptive case study approach. The TA diagram and SP were extracted from medical records. Audio/video recordings of intervention sessions were identified. Recordings of intervention sessions and qualitative interviews were transcribed. Quotes from qualitative interviews with the same participants were included where relevant. Results: Across the four YP cases, some core themes emerged. The role of friendships for young people, particularly at school, was important in both negative and positive ways. Experiencing difficulties with friends at school led to feelings of sadness and stress, which could become overwhelming, leading to thoughts of self-harm (“I just need to hurt myself”), triggering self-harm behaviour. YP described mood changes and signs that they were becoming stressed, which improved their self-awareness and understanding of the link between their feelings and self-harm behaviour. They reflected on what kept them feeling calm and overcoming their fear of burdening others by sharing how they were feeling, as this helped them not to self-harm. They also described difficult feelings stemming from a need to please everyone or needing validation from others. Overcoming these feelings led to less social anxiety and more confidence. This made it easier to go to school and to be more social with friends/student peers, which in turn improved their mood. Conclusions: These case studies demonstrate how YP improved their self-awareness and understanding of the link between feelings and self-harm behaviour and identified personal strategies for managing difficult feelings and situations. The carer case study demonstrates how sessions with carers can facilitate carers better supporting their YP’s mental health. Supporting YP and carers in this way has the potential to reduce the risk of future self-harm. Full article

Mastectomy, while a life-saving intervention for breast cancer, often leads to profound psychological and emotional challenges for affected women. Feelings of loss altered body image, and anxiety about recurrence can significantly impact mental well-being. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of women after mastectomy at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa. In this study, a qualitative phenomenological design was used. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with women who had undergone mastectomy. Fifteen participants were purposively sampled, and thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns and meanings in their narratives. The findings revealed that the participants initially described feelings of being ‘disabled’, incomplete, and anxious about cancer recurrence or their ability to perform maternal functions such as breastfeeding. However, over time, many developed resilience and acceptance, seeing surgery as a life-saving measure and an opportunity for renewal. The adjustment of women after mastectomy is a complicated emotional transition from crisis and loss to adjustment and empowerment. The results identify the need for holistic psychosocial support that combines counseling, peer networks, and education for their family members addressing their emotional healing, body image, and social reintegration. Full article

Background/Objectives: Veterinarians often experience poor mental health, including higher than typical rates of depression and anxiety. Self-dehumanization, which refers to the feeling of being less than human, may reflect an important yet neglected factor in poor veterinarian mental health. Methods: 201 veterinarians completed an online survey consisting of demographic questions, questions regarding their practice settings, and measures of self-dehumanization, depression, anxiety, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. Results: About 10% of veterinarians reported self-dehumanization. Most veterinarians had clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as moderate levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Burnout and secondary traumatic stress positively predicted anxiety, while burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and self-dehumanization positively predicted depression. Cross-sectional mediation analyses indicated that burnout and secondary traumatic stress both significantly mediated the links between self-dehumanization and anxiety, and self-dehumanization and depression. Conclusions: This study provides new insight into the role of self-dehumanization in the poor mental health of veterinarians, which has implications for the development of preventative measures. Full article

Background: An increasing number of university students report feeling lonely, a negative experience arising from a mismatch between perceived and actual social relationships. Loneliness has been linked to poorer mental health. However, the relationship between qualitative (sources of loneliness) and quantitative (high or low) differences in loneliness and mental health is under researched. The aims of this research were to (a) identify profiles of loneliness among university students across three indicators of loneliness, namely, social, family, and romantic indicators, using latent profile analysis (LPA); (b) examine the differences among identified profiles based on dimensions of mental health indicators (depression, anxiety, and stress), social support, and life satisfaction; and (c) assess profile membership based on demographic variables (gender, social isolation, relationship status, and education characteristics) and the Big Five personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism). Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 912 university students from five cities in Uttar Pradesh, India. Participants completed questionnaires covering demographic details and validated measures assessing loneliness, depression, stress, anxiety, social support, life satisfaction, and the Big Five personality traits. Data were analyzed using the latent profile module in Jamovi and fit indices, namely, BIC, AIC, and BLRT, and entropy was used to select the best profile. Results: The latent profile analysis identified four profiles for university student loneliness, including Social and emotional lonely (31.4%), Moderate romantic lonely (23.8%), Moderate social lonely (8.2%), and Severe romantic lonely (36.6%). Moreover, the Social and emotional lonely profile scored the highest on depression, anxiety, and stress. The Moderate romantic lonely profile scored the highest on life satisfaction and social support. Being in a relationship decreased the likelihood of being categorized as Severe romantic lonely. In terms of personality, neuroticism was the strongest predictor of profile membership. This study is a step towards identifying at-risk lonely individuals with varying sources of loneliness. Identifying different profiles of lonely individuals will have direct implications for designing interventions that cater to a particular group rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Full article

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of an acute dose of cannabidiol (CBD) on physical and mental health, as well as running performance in a group of runners. Methods: This study used a randomized, cross-over design where individuals were given CBD (CBD-T) or placebo (PLA-T) capsules on two separate occasions. During their first visit, the subjects consumed 300 mg of either placebo or CBD capsules and were then instructed to sit quietly for 2 h. Then, participants filled out a State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and completed measures of resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL), and heart rate variability (HRV). Next, participants completed a 2-mile treadmill run as fast as possible. During each run, HR, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and BL were measured during and after the run. Participants completed a gastrointestinal (GI) symptom questionnaire immediately after the 2-mile time trial. Results: Participants (N = 12; 4 males, 8 females) averaged 25.5 years ± 3.34 years of age. Mean CBD-T reported increased feelings of calm (21% p = 0.04) and relaxed (22%, p = 0.02) when compared to PLA-T. There were no differences in the severity of GI symptoms, SBP, DBP, or HRV between the treatments. The CBD-T experienced an 8% reduction in average RPE at mile 1 of the run compared with PLA-T (p = 0.05). There was no significant difference in run performance time. Conclusions: An acute dose of CBD (300 mg) taken 2 h before a 2-mile run may potentially benefit runners in shorter distance competitions by increasing calm and relaxed feelings and reducing perceived effort at the halfway point without impairing performance or increasing gastrointestinal upset. Full article

Peer support has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, while fostering empathy and mitigating burnout among healthcare professionals. Given the considerable demands of residency training, there is a strong rationale for resident-led peer support interventions. However, structured programs to train residents for such leadership roles remain limited. Our objective was to implement a peer support leader training program for residents, evaluate its perceived effectiveness, and identify common themes discussed in sessions. Between June 2021 and June 2023, we performed a longitudinal, prospective cohort survey study of Emergency Medicine (EM) and EM/Pediatrics (EM/P) residents participating in a novel peer support leader training curriculum. Resident peer support leaders then facilitated biweekly support sessions, with post-session surveys assessing leader preparedness and themes discussed utilizing a novel Resident Stress Checklist (RSC). In total, 16 unique leaders were trained over two years and 52 biweekly peer support group sessions were held. In Year 1 (Y1), 6 resident leaders conducted an average of three sessions each, with 7 residents on average attending each session. In Year 2 (Y2), 4 leaders graduated and 2 leaders from Y1 continued in this role. An additional 10 resident leaders were trained. The 12 leaders in Y2 facilitated an average of 2 sessions each, with 5 residents on average attending each session. Of the completed post-session leader surveys (n = 39), 100% reported feeling prepared to lead the sessions based on their training. The RSC identified the most frequent stressor as work–life balance, most common symptom as frustration, and most common consequence of stress as emotional/psychological suffering. Resident-led peer support training was feasible and well-received, with all surveyed resident leaders reporting adequate preparation. The RSC revealed common session themes that guided future training topics and wellness curriculum interventions. Full article

Background: Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the psychosocial impact of skin cancer remains relatively underexplored. The aim of this study was to explore the emotional experiences of people diagnosed with melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and their evolution over time. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was employed, taking into account gender, age, tumour type and tumour stage. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: Thirty-six patients were recruited (18 with melanoma and 18 with SCC). Overall, 61.1% were men and the mean age was 63.8 years (SD 10.8). The analysis revealed three main themes: feelings, relationships and life changes. Patients in both groups experienced a range of emotions following diagnosis, such as anxiety, relief and fear of recurrence. Family dynamics played a crucial role in patients’ experiences, acting as both a source of support and a cause of concern. The diagnosis prompted changes in everyday life, affecting work, daily activities and patients’ sense of identity. Conclusions: The diagnosis of melanoma or SCC has a profound emotional and existential impact on patients. Personalised care is crucial to address their evolving concerns and information needs. Further research is needed on the long-term impact of skin cancer and the benefits of psycho-oncological support. Incorporating patients’ perspectives into current skin cancer guidelines should be considered. Full article

This study examines the influence of pedagogical agents on enhancing emotional engagement in higher education settings through the provision of cognitive and affective feedback. The research focuses on students in a collaborative “Database Systems and Design”, comparing the effects of feedback from a human teacher (control group) to those of an Affective Pedagogical Tutor (APT) (experimental group). Emotional engagement was measured through key positive emotions such as motivation, curiosity, optimism, confidence, and satisfaction, as well as the reduction in negative emotions like boredom, anger, insecurity, and anxiety. Results suggest that APT feedback was associated with higher levels of emotional engagement compared to teacher feedback. Cognitive feedback from the APT was perceived as supporting learning outcomes by offering detailed, task-specific guidance, while affective feedback further supported emotional regulation and positive emotional states. Students interacting with the APT reported feeling more motivated, curious, and optimistic, which contributed to sustained participation and greater confidence in their work. At the same time, boredom and anger were notably reduced in the experimental group. These findings illustrate the potential of affective pedagogical agents to complement educational experiences by fostering positive emotional states and mitigating barriers to engagement. By integrating affective and cognitive feedback, pedagogical agents can create more emotionally supportive and engaging learning environments, particularly in collaborative and complex academic tasks. Full article

The study delves into the experiences of Arab–Israeli academic leaders during the Iron Swords War, revealing their emotional responses, coping mechanisms, and reflections on leadership amidst the conflict. The study highlights a range of intense negative emotions experienced by the leaders, including fear, anxiety, helplessness, and despair, reflecting a state of secondary traumatic stress. Despite facing significant challenges, some leaders demonstrated proactivity through their work duties and support from Jewish friends. However, a prevailing sense of pessimism about the future and feelings of isolation and silencing were also prominent themes in their narratives. The results underscore the complex interplay between personal experiences and the broader socio-political context, emphasizing the need for resilience-building initiatives in academia during times of crisis. The study provides valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by minority Arab academic leaders in higher education during prolonged conflict, shedding light on the importance of support systems and leadership development to navigate the complexities of wartime environments. Full article

Culinary culture shock (CCS)—the discomfort and ambivalence travelers feel when encountering unfamiliar foods—remains underexplored from a short-horizon, trip-bounded perspective. While prior work notes both attractions and impediments of food in tourism, a process-oriented account of how ordinary travelers experience and navigate CCS during brief trips is still limited. This study examines CCS in Guangzhou, China and delineates how it shapes travelers’ evaluations of place. We adopt a qualitative design, combining 30 semi-structured interviews with in situ ethnographic observations across markets, street-food settings, restaurants, and guided food tours, supplemented by document analysis (e.g., visitor materials and menus). Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identify three recurrent coping trajectories—avoidance, gradual adaptation, and immersion—that unfold nonlinearly as travelers recalibrate expectations, manage sensory dissonance, and renegotiate comfort boundaries. We integrate expectancy–disconfirmation theory (EDT) with an embodied view of tasting to develop the Palate Adaptation Spiral Model (PASM), which explains CCS as recursive cycles of appraisal, strategy enactment, and re-appraisal within the span of a trip. Social influence (peers, guides, and service staff) operates as a cross-cutting mechanism that can accelerate adaptation or entrench avoidance depending on cue valence and credibility. The study clarifies the scope of CCS as general travel encounters (not restricted to culinary-motivated tourists) and specifies contextual conditions under which negative reactions are reversible. Theoretically, we connect EDT to short-term culinary adaptation through PASM; practically, we outline design levers—pre-trip expectation management, pictorial/transparent menus, and guide-mediated tasting sequences—to reduce anxiety and support constructive exploration. Full article

Background/Objectives: Loneliness can be differentiated from social isolation. The first is the subjective perception of being isolated from others, while the other is the entire emotional and social experience. The feeling of loneliness defines the discrepancy between desired and actual social relations. Loneliness is an unpleasant phenomenon that involves quantitative and qualitative impoverishment of interpersonal relationships. The aim of this study was to analyze feelings of loneliness—including intimacy, social connections, and belonging—among adolescents and how these feelings relate to different aspects of family relationships, such as communication, cohesion, autonomy-control, and identity. Methods: The study was conducted among 136 adolescents (aged 15–17, 70% of girls and 30% of boys). The following self-report measures were used: the R-UCLA Loneliness Scale, the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)—X2, and the Family Relations Questionnaire, version: My Family. Correlation analyses were performed, followed by stepwise regression for three loneliness sub-scales. Results: The results have shown that anxiety and adverse family relationship factors were identified as significant predictors of adolescent loneliness. Communication, cohesion, autonomy-control, and identity within the family context each contributed uniquely to the experience of loneliness. Conclusions: The conclusion is that trait anxiety and the evaluation of family functioning are very strong predictors of loneliness among young people. Moreover, distinct aspects of family relationships shape different forms of loneliness, highlighting the multifaceted nature of adolescent social experiences. Full article

(1) Background: There have been previous reports of autonomic modulation by aromatherapy. In this study, we recorded heart rate variability (HRV) to assess its relationship with the effects on feeling. (2) Methods: Twenty-three healthy subjects, who were blind to the aroma type, were exposed to citrus aurantium oil (CAO) or rose water (RW) aroma for 5 min using a diffuser situated in a room. Electrocardiographic data were measured continuously using a wireless device attached to the chest. R-R intervals were used to calculate HRV scores, including high-frequency (HF) variation, low-frequency (LF) variation, LF/HF ratios, the coefficient of variation in R-R (CVRR), and heart rate. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate disfavor, fatigue, anxiety, tension, and somnolence at the end of the treatment. (3) Results: CAO significantly reduced disfavor, anxiety, and tension, while RW did not affect VAS scores. HF scores were high during the treatment with both CAO and RW, indicating parasympathetic activation. Treatment with CAO was also accompanied by an increase in LF and the CVRR, whereas treatment with RW was not. HF scores during CAO treatment were negatively correlated with somnolence. No relationships between VAS scores and HRV scores were observed in the RW treatment. (4) Conclusions: In CAO treatment, parasympathetic activation is related to feeling. RW, on the other hand, exerts its autonomic effects without changes in feeling. These results suggest that autonomic modulation by rose water may not depend on the generated feelings, suggesting the usefulness of HRV monitoring in aromatherapy. Full article

Objectives: To identify patient-reported key disease-related challenges of macular and cone–rod dystrophies (MDs/CRDs) in a large consecutive cohort of individuals with molecularly confirmed diagnoses. Methods: Out of the 281 patients contacted, 194 (69.0%; 55.2% female) responded to an anonymized survey exploring the effects of MD/CRD on vocational training, professional careers, social participation, family life, personal well-being, and experience with ophthalmologic care. Results: While vocational training was generally less affected, professional careers were frequently disrupted, with 20.6% of patients aged ≥ 50 retiring early. A majority (54.7%) reported feeling restricted in public life. Financial constraints were noted by 20%. A negative impact on familial life (12.3%) was less frequently reported compared to anxiety (74.2%) and depression (15.8%). Diagnostic delays (≥2 years) were common (34.2%), along with a notable rate of initial misdiagnoses (22.1%). The lack of adequate psychological support was a major complaint in professional care. Conclusions: Compared to a previous study in retinitis pigmentosa, MD/CRD patients reported differing patterns of burden, especially in early retirement and family impact. Our findings underscore the need for ophthalmic and social care providers to accelerate the diagnostic process and enhance access to financial assistance and psychological support as key areas to improve patient care. Full article

Previous research has shown that Two-Spirit Indigenous people may experience more trauma, interracial violence, and violent crimes than youth from other cultural backgrounds. This study aims to examine how identifying as Two-Spirit, an identity that integrates both non-cisgender and non-heterosexual identities, as well as Indigenous identities simultaneously and congruently, may allow one to feel more resilient and empowered. The sample consisted of Indigenous, sexual gender minority emerging adults (N = 91) with ages ranging from 18 to 29 with an average age of 24.78 (SD = 2.35). This sample reported perceived discrimination for being Indigenous, for their gender identity, and for their sexual orientation. The amount of discrimination for each of these categories was not significantly different, but the source was, and the predominant source for all three types was White individuals. The combined effects were related to lower self-esteem; more psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, and somatization; and greater identity distress and higher scores on disturbed identity and lack of identity. In this study, Two-Spirit identification did not reduce the negative effects of discrimination by connecting with historical memory through this identity, but that does not necessarily mean that it cannot, only that its potential has yet to be fulfilled. Many participants did not have a full understanding of the label and its history. Further research into this idea is another area of study that might be fruitful. Full article

Although athletes who have disabilities face unique challenges, little is known about the interaction between mindfulness and emotional intelligence in the context of their psychological self-feeling. This study is among the first to systematically examine how mindfulness and emotional intelligence are related to stress, anxiety and depression in this population and to reveal the pathways through which the mediating effect of emotional intelligence manifests itself. A total of 95 athletes who have various types of disabilities were surveyed. The research instrument consisted of several scales: Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Mindfulness Inventory for Sport (MIS), and the Emotional Intelligence Scale for Use in Sport (EIS). The data were analysed by employing descriptive statistical methods, performing correlation analysis, creating regression models, and through mediation analysis. Several significant trends were identified: professional athletes demonstrated higher mindfulness than amateurs, and higher education was associated with lower mindfulness and emotional intelligence. Mindfulness predicted better emotional competencies (B = 0.511, p < 0.001), which were related to lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (B = −0.310, p = 0.001), confirming a partial mediating effect (B = −0.158, 95% PI [−0.273; −0.065]). These findings add to the existing knowledge, demonstrating that in the context of sport for people with disabilities, mindfulness can improve mental health not only directly but also indirectly—through emotional intelligence. This study lays the foundation for individually tailored psychological interventions that would correspond to the specific needs of athletes who have disabilities. Full article