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Current research suggests that pubertal development is occurring earlier in African-American preteen girls in response to familial contextual factors, which may make them vulnerable to low self-image and self-esteem dissatisfaction. This lowering in self-image and self-esteem may contribute to the early initiation of sexual behaviors, putting these girls at risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. These potential risks place these girls in need of prepubertal health promotion, yet preadolescents are not frequently a focus of nursing care delivery except when summer camp and back-to-school physicals are performed. This article presents an in-depth overview of selected literature on self-esteem, discusses findings on self-image and self-esteem from a pilot study on pubertal influences on accelerated sexual behavior, and proposes health promotion strategies for pre-and peripubertal girls to promote positive mental health outcomes. More focused attention is needed on health promotion targeting the developmental transition health needs of prepubertal girls. Targeted health promotion activities may foster healthier pre-and peripubertal girls' perceptions of the meaning of their pubertal physical changes and stronger self-image and self-esteem. The goal of these health promotion activities should be to foster continuity of positive self-image and self-esteem among preteen girls, which is essential to prevent initiation of premature for-age risk of problem behavior, such as early coitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the sanctioned use of crib sheets as a nursing intervention to decrease test anxiety when the classroom is the practice setting for psychiatric/mental health nursing faculty. The products that the students created offered additional unsuspected benefits. The faculty were convinced that the use of crib sheets can be a sound intervention to reduce students' test-taking anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Midlife is a multifaceted stage of woman's development, characterized by important transitions. In an ethnographic study of women's midlife experience of their changing bodies, 11 participants voiced their uncertainty and confusion around bodily changes, responses exacerbated by the lack of consistent health-related information in this area. This confusion emerged as one of the major thematic elements of the study. Midlife women's experience of confusion may reflect a much broader problem, the locus of which is not so much in the women themselves, but rather in negative societal attitudes about aging women. This article describes various aspects of confusion that emerged from the data, and offers implications of the research and recommendations for practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary analysis of data from a sample of 242 husbands, wives, and daughters providing care for Alzheimer's disease family members was conducted to examine the relationships among loneliness and depression and the following variables: quality of the past relationship, relational deprivation, quality of the current relationship, and distance felt due to caregiving. Loneliness was significantly related to depression (r=.66, p<.001), relational deprivation (r=.36, p<.001), and quality of the current relationship (r=.34, p<.001), indicating that the more loneliness reported by the caregivers, the more the caregiver experienced depression, relational deprivation, and a poorer quality of the current relationship. Significant gender differences were found with the caregiving wives and daughters reporting higher mean scores than caregiving husbands on relational deprivation, loneliness, and depression. Loneliness was the only variable significant for predicting depression in caregiving husbands, wives, and daughters. In order for loneliness and depression to be addressed in Alzheimer's disease caregivers, they must first be recognised by nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racism influences the conceptualization of motherhood and the practice of mothering. Narrative analysis was completed on 246 stories collected through five focus groups. Twenty-five African American women participated in the study. The results indicate that living in a racist society profoundly impacts the maternal thinking and practice of African American women in relation to protecting their daughters. Protection of children was viewed as a communal responsibility. Issues related to the provision of safe and nurturing physical, aesthetic, and spiritual environments are addressed. The influence that maternal responsibilities have on women's own health is also discussed. Suggestions are provided for mental health providers who wish to work more effectively with African American women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this existential-phenomenological investigation seven women were interviewed about their experiences of recovering from rape trauma. The purpose of the study was to discover the meaning of recovery from the perception of the victim, how recovery is experienced, and what contributed to the growth and recovery of the woman who has been raped. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using a hermeneutic process. The thematic structure of a woman's recovery from rape comprises three main themes: reaching out, reframing the rape, and redefining the self. These findings are important to professionals working with women who have been raped because it is the raped woman, rather than the clinician, who is able to define what constitutes recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study elicits effects of experienced aggressive behavior and perceived self-efficacy in coping with aggressive behavior on the dimensions of burnout of staff caring for the elderly (N = 551). From the results of the hierarchical regression analysis it appears that physical and psychological aggression and the number of weekly working hours has an effect on emotional exhaustion of staff. Psychological aggression is found to have an effect on depersonalization. The number of weekly working hours and the perceived self-efficacy in turn appear to have an effect on personal accomplishment. Neither sex nor age has an effect on the burnout dimensions. Implications for research and suggestions for work and training of staff caring for the elderly are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of adolescent risk and protective behaviors have focused on identifying modifiable psychosocial variables that predict differential outcomes for subsequent intervention efforts. Research has been scarce in studies of rural minority adolescent women. This study examined the protective and risk behaviors of these women and their relationship to physical or sexual abuse. Rural minority adolescent women endured high levels of psychological distress and many high risk behaviors, yet experienced many protective behaviors. Barriers to health care included access and confidentiality. Physically or sexually abused adolescents endured relatively greater risk and fewer protective behaviors than nonabused adolescents. The prevalence of risk behaviors and abuse among rural minority adolescent women presents a need for development of psychotherapeutic interventions as part of behavioral interventions for risk reduction. These women may benefit from confidential identification and assessment of abuse history and risk and protective behaviors so that appropriate psychological treatment can accompany accessible medical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the applicability of Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory to the context of computer-mediated communication. Although Peplau never intended her theory be applied to this mode of communication, research from the fields of communication and social psychology suggest that such application may be possible. After Peplau's theory is briefly summarized, research and theory dealing with computer-mediated communication are explored, and questions for future research endeavors are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deferred empathy occurs when an experience provokes a memory that after reflection allows people to say, “Now I understand.” Heretofore, the concept was explored only in quantitative research; therefore, the purpose of this phenomenological study was to elicit a more detailed description of the construct of deferred empathy. For most of the participants (n = 20) triggering events involved personal challenges such as loss, loss of control, or interpersonal conflict that reminded them of, and changed, their perception of earlier relationships. Development of empathy involved reflection on past and present events, making choices, changing expectations, and learning acceptance. The process resulted in appreciative understanding of others as well as personal benefits. Findings have implications for mental health promotion in older adults in which life review promotes gerotranscendence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nominal group technique was used with persons with type 2 diabetes to identify and rank the severity of problems associated with being sleepy. Participants were adults who were subjectively sleepy according to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Daytime sleepiness was associated with a general decrease in motivation to engage in activities that are important to the management of diabetes. Because decreased motivation may have a negative influence on psychological well-being, it is important that health care providers assess not only for how well their patients' diabetes is being controlled, but also for sleep disturbances and the patients' general state of psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nursing is a demanding and stressful occupation. Nursing staff is required and expected to develop an interpersonal style that conveys concern for mentally ill patients. This study is aimed at investigating whether staff attitudes and behaviours are related to assaults on nurses in psychiatric settings. One hundred, sixty-two nurses working in psychiatric hospitals participated in this descriptive and analytical study. The data were gathered with an Interview Form and The Interpersonal Style Inventory. The statistical analysis shows that nurses who are less social and less tolerant are more exposed to physical assaults from patients, however nurses who are more help-seeking are more exposed to verbal assaults and have a concern of being assaulted. The findings of this research suggest that nurses' interpersonal styles may contribute to aggressive behaviours of patients/relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported that 329,396 women have undergone breast augmentation in the United States, an increase of 55% between 2000 and 2006, making it the most frequent US surgical cosmetic procedure for 2006 (ASPS, 2007). Although many studies have explored psychological aspects of this type of surgery, the consistently dramatic increase in numbers of breast augmentations, some that result in adverse psychological outcomes, remains a serious concern for health care providers. Surprisingly, very little is known about either the psychological characteristics of cosmetic surgery patients or the psychological impact of the surgical procedures. This literature review focuses on psychological issues in relation to breast augmentation procedures, including recent suicide findings related to this procedure. Conclusion of this review supports the necessity by health care providers to consistently screen patients for psychological disorders, such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), prior to conducting cosmetic surgical procedures, specifically breast augmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored barriers to depression treatment in low-income, unmarried, adolescent mothers in a southern, urban area of the United States. The authors utilized a phenomenological approach and focus group methodology. Participants (n = 9) were enrolled in a teen parent program, an option of the public school system. The metaphor of a merry-go-round emerged from the data and represented the ups and downs that the adolescent mothers experience as they struggle to adjust to the role of mother. Their knowledge of postpartum depression and depression treatment occurred in the context of their demographics and their desire to create a family for their baby, their fears, and surprise at the reality of mothering. Childbirth education for adolescent mothers should include information on depression and the process of depression treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a high rate of mental depression which is seen among African American men who live in the United States. A discussion of research which has examined the rates of mental depression among African American men is presented. In the article the authors offer their opinions on social stereotypes that African American men face on a daily basis which may contribute to depression. Methods which could help lead to a reduction in the prevalence of mental depression among African American men in the U.S are discussed.

This article presents a discourse analysis of a woman's written account of mental illness and homelessness. In her preparation as a co-presenter at a conference for decision- and policy-makers, Anna wrote eight distinct drafts of her speaking notes; each time emphasizing different aspects of her experiences with mental illness and homelessness. By sharing her preparatory writings, Anna offers a rare insight into the 'evolution' of the thinking that went into representing her story to an audience of professionals. In addition, this analysis represents an interpretation and alternative forum to learn from Anna's story. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertainty is an inherent part of most illness experiences and Alzheimer's disease in particular is fraught with uncertainties, especially for the family. In an investigation of sources of uncertainty, 33 adult children with a parent diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease were interviewed. Participants described medical, personal, and social sources of uncertainty related to their parent's diagnosis. This research contributes to literature on uncertainty management and addresses the specific illness experiences of families coping with uncertainty related to Alzheimer's disease. Recommendations are made for further research that focuses on the ways family members are affected by illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine Jordanian mental health nurses' attitudes toward mental illness and patients with mental illness. A descriptive correlational design was utilized to collect data from 92 mental health nurses in Jordan. Data was collected on nurses' attitudes toward mental illness and patients with mental disorder and their satisfaction with nursing care delivery. The Jordanian mental health nurses who participated in this study had negative attitudes toward mental illness and toward patients with mental disorders. About 60% of the mental health nurses had perceived patients with mental illness to be dangerous, immature, dirty, cold hearted, harmful, and pessimistic. In only two descriptions—being polite and adult—did nurses have positive perception about patients with mental illness. Mental health nurse were not satisfied with nursing care delivery. More than 70% of nurses were proud to be a mental health nurse. Age and gender were significant influential factors in forming the nurses' attitudes or satisfaction. Immediate intervention is needed to improve the quality of patient care provided by mental health nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the importance of mental health practitioners and researchers understanding the condition of neuroticism. The author references research published in the "American Psychologist" about the prevalence of neuroticism among mentally ill individuals. According to the author, people with neuroticism are more likely to have substance abuse issues, eating disorders, less occupational success and more serious mental disorders.

Despite global initiatives to improve the primary care of 2.5 million US women meeting criteria for alcohol use disorders (AUD), many women with serious problems are unseen, misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or ignored. This interpretive phenomenological study explored the meaning of the primary care experience for a small group of women with self-identified AUD. Interviews uncovered suffering. Subsuming themes of Presenting My Damaged Self and Being Silenced/Being Heard revealed potential interventions for primary care practitioners. Analyzed alongside extant literature on suffering, these findings complement and enhance recent important research in the area of diagnosis of and intervention for AUD in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research was undertaken to validate the efficacy of a new, nurse-led treatment, the Violence Prevention Community Meeting (VPCM), for reducing patient violence on an acute-care inpatient psychiatry unit. Nursing staff members carried event counters and recorded verbal and physical violence as it occurred over the 20-week study. Significant decreases in patient violence were found across day, evening, and night shifts for pre-treatment vs. treatment and pre-treatment vs. post-treatment comparisons. For the day shift, when twice-weekly VPCM treatment took place, violent incidents decreased 89% from pre-treatment to treatment and 57% from pre-treatment to post-treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical restraints are used as a psychiatric intervention to protect psychiatric inpatients from self-harm or harm to others, by securing a safe environment for the patients and staff. We examined nurses' attitudes, environmental concerns, and emotional responses to physical restraint of psychiatric inpatients, using a questionnaire we constructed expressly for this study. Nurses reported that the main criteria for restraint were endangerment of the patient's self or surroundings. Bothersome actions and environmental conditions also significantly impacted nurses' decisions to physically restrain patients. Emotional reactions to restraining procedures as experienced by staff and as perceived for patients were generally negative. Nurses should be trained to deal with violent patients, establish limits, and recognize the therapeutic aspect of restraints in order to respond assertively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stalking is a serious public health and societal concern affecting the college population. Although numerous studies illustrate the physical and mental effects of stalking, literature addressing how individuals cope with this phenomenon is lacking. The purpose of this study was to describe stalking experiences of college students and the coping strategies used to manage stalking. In this descriptive study, 262 college students completed an online survey that included a stalking questionnaire and coping survey. Slightly more than one-fourth of the sample ( n = 69) reported experiencing stalking victimization. Results indicated that the most common coping strategies employed were: ignoring the problem, minimizing the problem, distancing, detaching or depersonalizing, using verbal escape tactics, attempting to end the relationship, controlling the interaction, and restricting accessibility. Implications for refining current practice and research on coping strategies and stalking are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using existential-phenomenological interview procedures, two women who killed their husbands during an altercation were asked to share their experiences. Analysis of individual transcripts was done within the context of a hermeneutical approach. Their stories are divided into three distant phases of their life: (1) choosing to fight back in order to live, (2) dealing with the legal system, and (3) the emotional aftermath. Hopefully, these women's stories will help healthcare providers become more diligent in assessing for intimate partner violence, more cognizant of the emotional needs of women who have killed their intimate partners, and more understanding when women continue to proclaim their love for their abusive partner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve mothers who had experienced domestic violence and whose children had received psychiatric diagnoses before school age were interviewed. An attachment based tool, the Reaction to Diagnosis Interview, was employed as it accesses maternal representational content. Using psychodynamic and attachment based models as a theoretical framework, content analysis was performed and four thematic categories emerged from the data: intense negative emotionality and suffering; diminished cognitive coping and dysregulation; preoccupation with trauma related material; and constricted causal attributions. Thematic categories as well as inter-relationships among themes are described and discussed in terms of current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article the author reflects on New Zealand's government policy concerning psychiatric treatment funding for sexually abused patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He comments that a DSM diagnosis can only be issued by a psychiatrist, which moves the power of diagnosis away from counsellors and psychotherapists who might understand the needs of the patient better.

The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of 12 low income, second generation, Latinas seeking to enter therapy for depression. Qualitative data collected at the time of a diagnostic interview (SCID) using Motivational Interviewing techniques, included an assessment of the woman's motivation to enter therapy and confidence that she could follow through with treatment. Data were analyzed using Constructivist Grounded Theory and revealed six positive and six painful motivators that catalyzed the women towards treatment amidst complications related to “self” and “time.” Despite demanding schedules for taking care of their families, finances, current or estranged partners, and work responsibilities, women were determined to get help for their depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who receive hemodialysis have high rates of psychosocial distress and nonadherence to diet prescription. The purpose of this study was to examine the quantitative research evidence about the effect of depressive symptoms on dietary adherence. A systematic search of the literature using MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases was performed for quantitative research studies. Forty-four studies met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Nearly all studies supported an association between depressive symptoms and dietary adherence in patients with ESRD. Depressive symptoms were associated with dietary nonadherence in patients with ESRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stigmatising attitudes are not uncommon among mental health professionals who may be less than optimistic about outcomes for people with long-term mental health problems. These perceptions are probably related to the professionals’ experiences, such as those working in the public sector dealing with clients in the most disturbed phases of mental illness. We provide an overview of stigma and some contemporary stigma conceptualisations and then explore some stigma-reducing strategies for mental health professionals. The way that mental health professionals work with patients can have an important effect on their recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the psychosocial impact of being diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The paper clarifies some of the key misconceptions about the virus, especially the impact HCV has on people who have been recently diagnosed. An individual's reaction to the HCV diagnosis and the subsequent lifestyle challenges to maintain health, well-being, family, and social networks are discussed, particularly the issues surrounding mental health in respect to a recent chronic illness diagnosis and how to manage the trajectory of the illness in the community and individually. HCV disclosure and its effect on intimacy are also detailed. For people living with both a diagnosed mental illness and HCV, managing the illness can be complicated. Not only are these individuals concerned about their mental illness, its treatment, and the social stigma and discrimination associated with it, they also may be alarmed over their future physical health. The paper is preliminary to research using the psychotherapeutic approach of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in groups of persons with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and HCV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trucking has been classified as one of the highest-risk occupations in the United States. Occupational stress is even greater for long-haul truckers who are away from home, family, friends, and other support networks for several days or weeks at a time. Occupational stressors and the mental health of truckers was studied using data collected as part of a large multisite ethno-epidemiological study of trucker networks. Findings from the current study show that truckers face many occupational stressors including constant time pressures, social isolation, disrespectful treatment from others, driving hazards such as weather changes, traffic, and road conditions, and violence or fear of violence. Facing such stressors may be a factor in the prevalence of risky behaviors including drug use and paying for sex. Therefore, mental health promotion and treatment for truckers is an important area of concern and must be examined within the broader context of the transportation environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This purpose of this paper is to present a typology of common aggressive events that occur in the context of adolescent dating violence. The typology is based on 42 transcripts of interviews with young adults, ages 18 to 21, who described dating violence they had experienced when adolescents (ages 13–18). One-hundred and eighty-four text units that contained a description of an event involving aggression or violence between the participant and a dating partner were extracted from the transcripts. Cross-case analysis was used to create categories of events that shared similar characteristics. The analysis yielded eight types of aggressive events: (a) tumultuous, (b) explosive, (c) scuffling, (d) violating, (e) threatening, (f) controlling, (g) disparaging, and (h) rejecting, ignoring, or disrespecting. The typology can provide a foundation for further research on adolescent dating violence from a situational perspective and can be used as a tool to promote discussion of dating violence with victimized or at-risk youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group-based clinical supervision is commonly offered as a stress-reducing intervention in psychiatric settings, but nurses often feel ambivalent about participating. This study aimed at exploring psychiatric nurses’ experiences of participating in group-based supervision and identifying psychosocial reasons for their ambivalence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 psychiatric nurses at a Danish university hospital. The results indicated that participation in clinical supervision was difficult for the nurses because of an uncomfortable exposure to the professional community. The sense of exposure was caused by the particular interactional organisation during the sessions, which brought to light pre-existing but covert conflicts among the nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The childbirth experience can be a wonderful event, or one of horror. One in 3 adult mothers appraises her childbirth experience as traumatic, with up to 10% of women reporting a severe traumatic stress response post-delivery. The impact of the birth experience on adolescents is unknown. Methods: Eighty-five Latinas ages 13 to 19 appraised their childbirth experience and reported symptoms of trauma impact as measured via the Impact of Event Scale (IES) within 72 hours of delivery. Descriptive statistics included demographic, obstetrical, and personal factors, and trauma scores. ANOVAs were used to examine differences in birth appraisal and trauma impact by demographic, obstetrical, and personal factors. Spearman rho and Pearson's r was used to compute correlations between birth appraisal, depression, and trauma impact. Results: One-third of adolescents appraised their childbirth as traumatic; one-half displayed symptoms of trauma impact. Items influencing appraisal of the birth experience included marital status, fear of dying, fear of loss of control, and partner violence. Birth appraisal and symptoms of depression were found to influence trauma impact. Conclusions: One-third of teens appraised childbirth as traumatic with 50% displaying symptoms suggestive of acute trauma at immediate postpartum. Nursing recommendations focus on providing a non-traumatic birth experience and follow-up by mental health professionals for assessment of potential chronic trauma, posttraumatic stress and depression. Teens can enter labor and delivery with stressors, depression, and past traumas; collaboration of care between maternal-child and mental health professionals is encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostitution involves the exchange of sexual services for economic compensation. Due to the sexual promiscuity surrounding prostitution, women involved in prostitution constitute a high-risk group for contracting and transmitting STDs, including HIV. Prostitution is not only a public health concern, but also an economic one. Cities throughout the United States spent an average of $7.5 to $16 million per year enforcing prostitution laws and addressing negative outcomes associated with prostitution. Thus, women involved in prostitution are a cause for concern from both public health and economic perspectives. However, little is known about why women remain in this type of behavior given the risks prostitution presents, and even less is known about how to intervene and interrupt the complex cycle of prostitution. Thus, the purpose of this study was to understand what factors contribute to a woman's decision to remain in prostitution. A series of interviews were conducted with 12 women engaged in street-level prostitution. Results of the study revealed that drug use not only spurs entry into prostitution, but also contributes to the tenure of prostitution. Further, social support and economic stability are plausible reasons for women remaining in prostitution. These findings lead us to recommendations for policy and program development. Women involved in prostitution are a highly marginalized population, rarely recognized as individuals with life histories. Understanding why women remain in prostitution is important, because until these determinants are known, intervention programs designed to interrupt the cycle, and ultimately prevent prostitution, cannot be formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the relationships between Korean American parental depressive symptoms and parenting in 64 mothers and 35 fathers of adolescents 11 to 17 years of age. Using multiple regression after controlling for family income, both parents' depressive symptoms were found to significantly influence their acceptance and rejection behaviors, explaining 14% of variance in the mother model and 47% of variance in the father model. Specifically, maternal depressive symptoms were found to significantly positively influence their hostility. Paternal depressive symptoms were found to significantly negatively influence their affection and positively influence their hostility, neglect, and undifferentiated rejection. Educating Korean American parents, especially fathers, regarding the possible influence of their depressive symptoms on their acceptance and rejection of their adolescents could be helpful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its high prevalence, depression is often unrecognized and untreated in minority immigrants. Culture and environment influence perceptions of depression. The purpose of this study was to understand perceptions of depression (knowledge and coping mechanisms) in Korean American immigrants using focus group discussions. A convenience sample ( n == 28) was recruited from Korean communities in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. Participants lacked an understanding of depression. Difficulties from immigration-related environmental changes were the main sources of stress. Immigration-related environmental changes resulted in changes in coping resources. Culture-friendly education and coping resources might benefit this minority group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a discussion about posttraumatic stress disorder (PSTD). It analyzes the origin of the disorder which is known to have originated from multiple genetic and environmental interactions, and to exist when an individual has experienced traumatic life events or stressors. It is noted that the re-emergence PSTD symptoms may happen as a person ages and intensify due to decreased functional capacity, social marginalization or death of a loved one. The author concludes that there is a need to understand mental illness belief patterns in the culture of Arab Americans.

This exploratory study was designed to determine if three people with the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) viewed religion in characteristic and unique ways. The data was analyzed using Object Relations Theory, Attachment Theory, and an integrated cognitive, affect, and object relations theory. I concluded that the participants shared a faith style that resulted from an early developmental failure and that their image and response to God and the moral universe were a re-enactment of the dysfunctional mother/infant dyad. Specifically, God's character was seen as (1) self-evident and inescapable and (2) stationary and large. God was envisioned (3) as a person who is (4) magical; (5) inexplicable, and therefore, unreliable. Participants believed that (6) God's task was to provide and that (7) God created a moral universe. Their responses had an intense and desperate quality, were typified by ambivalence, and emphasized a power differential. Finally, the women's relationship with God took the form of a deal: if she was dependent, then God would provide. The interface between BPD and psychological and spiritual well-being is discussed and a tentative application of the findings is made to the field of mental health nursing. I suggest that an understanding of BPD religious constructs and the sensitive application of a few principles can contribute to the spiritual and psychological well-being of the BPD inpatient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors comment on the article "Not 'part of the job'. Nurses seek an end to workplace violence," by Susan Trossman, which appeared in the journal "The American Nurse" in its November/December 2010 issue. The article describes nursing staff who had been victims of assault, and criticizes the lack of management action. The authors argue that nursing literature publications do not see workplace violence as a problem in the health care industry.

The aim of this review article is to present current knowledge of self-mutilation among adolescents as a phenomenon and to define what kind of knowledge is lacking based on existing literature. The literature searches were executed in the CINAHL and Medline databases in 2010. The analysed data consisted of 126 articles and inductive content analysis was carried out. Existing knowledge of self-mutilation was categorized into the following two classes: (1) self-mutilation as a phenomenon and (2) caring for persons who self-mutilate or self-harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the concept of recovery in the context of serious mental illness. The analysis uses literature from multiple health care disciplines and different uses of 'recovery' in every- day language, technical applications, and popular culture. This iterative process concludes with a definition of recovery from serious mental illness: a nonlinear process of self-organization and adaptation that offsets the personal disintegration of mental illness and enables the individual to reconceive his or her sense of self and well-being on all biopsychosocial levels. The relevance of the concept is reevaluated with this definition for potential usage in the mental health care setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the links between intergenerational acculturation conflict and depression symptoms in 176 Korean American parents of children between the ages of 5 and 10. Approximately, 29%% of fathers and 28%% of mothers reported increased depression symptoms, which were related to parent-child acculturation conflict. Specific situations related to parental depression symptoms included conflicts over the child's social life, comparing the child with others, expressions of love, the importance of saving face, and proper Korean child's behavior. These findings can be used to develop a family intervention program to decrease parental depression symptoms by reducing parent-child acculturation conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the relation between having a child aged 18 years and under in the home and employee depressive symptoms, we analyzed cross-sectional data from four extended care facilities in Boston, MA ( n == 376 employees). Results show that having a child is associated with slightly higher depressive symptoms. The strength of this relationship in our models is attenuated with the inclusion of social support at home (β == 1.08 and β == 0.85, with and without support, respectively) and may differ by gender. We recommend that future research examine the role of parenting and social support in predicting employee mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that siblings of individuals with severe mental illness are affected by the situation and that health care services seem to be inadequate in meeting their needs for support. The aim of this study is to explore how siblings of individuals with a psychotic illness, and who have participated in a support group, experience their situation. Thirteen individuals participated in focus group interviews, which were analyzed by inductive content analysis. The findings were interpreted into an overall single theme: A lonely life journey bordered with struggle. This theme consists of three categories: facing existential thoughts, facing ambiguity in approach and engagement, and facing disparate attitudes and expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the views of Finnish nurses in regards to providing help for adolescents who self-mutilate. Nine nurses participated, and when the interviews and written descriptions were qualitatively analysed, four main categories of information emerged. The first category comprises the nurses' views on self-mutilation. The second category describes the people who are able to be helpers. The third category describes the content of help, which is made up of a variety of acts provided by non-health professionals that promote the healthy development of adolescents. The fourth category describes care provided by nurses to adolescents who self-mutilate. Guidelines for caring for self-mutilating adolescents are needed, including information on the phenomenon of self-mutilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been no published studies that measure health-related stigma in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). This study provides preliminary validity and reliability of the Sickle Cell Disease Health-Related Stigma Scale (SCD-HRSS). Using a sample of 77 young adults with SCD, ages 18-35 years, the results support the reliability of the SCD-HRSS with an overall Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.84 and construct validity with a positive correlation between SCD-HRSS and a measure of depressive symptoms. Participants reported the highest levels of perceived stigma from the general public, then doctors, and lastly family. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of American elders is increasing rapidly and relocation to retirement communities has been found to adversely affect their adjustment. This pilot study of 38 relocated elders evaluated, from elders' perspectives, six critical parameters of a resourcefulness training (RT) intervention designed to help elders adjust to relocation. Within the context of Zauszniewski's theory of resourcefulness, a pre-/post-test design with random assignment to RT or to diversionary activities (DA) was used. Objective questionnaires measured demographic and relocation factors. An intervention evaluation questionnaire was designed and given to the relocated elders in order to assess the six critical parameters-necessity, acceptability, feasibility, safety, fidelity, and effectiveness. Data concerning the critical parameters were collected during structured interviews within a week after the intervention. Seventy-six of the elders who scored less than 120 in the resourcefulness scale indicated a strong need for RT. While all non-white elders reported needing RT, 43% of white elders reported the same need. Elders indicated that learning about the experiences of others and taking part in discussions were the most interesting part of the RT. Approximately 95% of participants mentioned that they learned all parts of the intervention; few suggested having a stronger leader to keep the group on track. The qualitative findings from this pilot intervention study will inform future, larger clinical trials to help recently relocated elders adjust to relocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are over 3 million truck drivers employed in the commercial transportation and material moving occupations, one of the largest occupational groups in the United States. Workers in this large and growing occupational segment are at risk for a range of occupational health-induced conditions, including mental health and psychiatric disorders due to high occupational stress, low access and use of health care, and limited social support. The purpose of this study was to explore male truck drivers' mental health risks and associated comorbidities, using a cross-sectional and quantitative design. Data were collected from a random sample of 316 male truckers between the ages of 23 and 76 at a large truck stop located within a 100-mile radius of Greensboro, North Carolina, USA, using a self-administered 82-item questionnaire. Surveyed truckers were found to have significant issues affecting their mental health, such as loneliness (27.9%), depression (26.9%), chronic sleep disturbances (20.6%), anxiety (14.5%), and other emotional problems (13%). Findings have potential to help researchers develop interventions to improve the emotional and occupational health of truck drivers, a highly underserved population. Mental health promotion, assessment, and treatment must become a priority to improve the overall trucking environment for truckers, the transportation industry, and safety on US highways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This multi-method pilot study implemented a relationally-based intervention with mothers of school-aged children receiving treatment for exposure to domestic violence. Grounded in psychodynamic and attachment theories, the short-term intervention consisted of targeted individual and group sessions. Quantitative as well as qualitative data were examined for trends and exemplars of important process outcomes. Improvements were evidenced in a number of key areas including psychiatric symptoms, isolation, defensive avoidance, coping skills, attributional style, and reflective functioning. Results converged to portray improved functioning in critical areas of dysfunction often displayed by these mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]