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Abstract: Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study aimed to examine factors influencing therapist uptake of digital mental health interventions in Israel. Two hundred twenty-nine mental health professionals recruited through a convenience sample completed a background and demographic questionnaire, as well as the TPB-based electronic-therapy attitudes and process questionnaire. Regressions were used to examine the contribution of attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and behavioral intentions. Intention to use and use of digital interventions were significantly predicted by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, as suggested by the TPB. The use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and higher perceived behavioral control increased the likelihood of using digital interventions. Having a positive attitude, having expectations/social pressure from one's professional environment, and having a sense of control over the process were found to predict the intent to use, as well as the actual use of, digital interventions., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Research has shown higher rates of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among persons with severe mental illness (SMI). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of traumatic events and full and partial PTSD among people with SMI and their associations with trauma-related cognitions and depressive symptoms. A total of 122 persons with SMI were assessed for trauma exposure and PTSD. A subsample of 40 participants, 20 with PTSD and 20 without PTSD, were randomly selected, and their posttraumatic cognitions and depressive symptoms were assessed. The prevalence of traumatic events was 90%, and 19% met full diagnostic criteria for PTSD, and 20% had partial PTSD. The people with PTSD had more depressive symptoms and negative cognitions. PTSD in SMI is highly prevalent and underdiagnosed.

People with schizophrenia are more likely to smoke, and to smoke more frequently, than those without schizophrenia. Furthermore, inpatients smoke even more frequently compared with those living in the community. In light of this, we implemented and assessed a smoking reduction intervention using a wide array of behavioral group techniques and methods in chronic hospitalized schizophrenic clients. Using a controlled design, we randomly assigned chronic schizophrenic clients to either a five-session smoking reduction intervention (n = 35) or a waiting list (WL; n = 18). We assessed self-reported smoking behavior, clinical status (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression; Clinical Global Impression Scale for Psychosis), subjective quality of life (Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-abbreviated version), and weight before and 3 months after the intervention. The intervention successfully reduced the number of cigarettes smoked compared with nonintervention. No clinical worsening or weight gain was observed. Behavioral group-oriented smoking reduction interventions can significantly reduce smoking behavior in hospitalized chronic clients with schizophrenia.

This study investigated the relationship between the sense of meaning in life, quality of life, medical adherence, and duration of hospitalization among 60 inpatients at the Lev Hasharon Medical Center in Israel. Participants included men and women diagnosed with schizophrenia, whose psychiatric histories dated back at least 5 years. Participants were administered the following self-report questionnaires: Purpose In Life (Crumbaugh and Maholick, 1968), Condensed Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction (Ritsner et al., 2005), Drug Attitude Inventory (Hogan et al., 1983), and Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (Beck et al., 1997a). Results indicated that purpose in life correlated positively with quality of life and medical adherence, whereas negatively with depression. Furthermore, purpose in life correlated positively with the duration of the current hospitalization. The results are discussed in terms of a process of attachment to the hospital as the sense of life purpose emerges.

In 1996, mobile polls were introduced in Israel, enabling physically and emotionally ill inpatients to vote. We surveyed the rate of participation of inpatients at Lev-Hasharon Mental Health Center in parliamentary elections, their feelings regarding voting, and the nature of their vote, compared with the general population. One hundred eighteen of 306 (38.6%) patients voted compared with 63.8% of the general population. Forty-nine more patients (16%) wanted to vote but were unable to for technical reasons. More patients voted in the open than the closed wards (chi=14.5; df=1; p=.001). Most patients reported positive subjective feelings, a sense of responsibility (39%), belonging to the general community (28%), and pride (22%) after voting. Psychiatric inpatients voted similarly to the general population, though their percentage of voters was significantly lower. This discrepancy can be accounted for by lack of concern and ineligibility due to lack of identification documents that may reflect fundamental illness-related problems.

We assessed the impact of humorous movies on psychopathology, anxiety, depression, anger, social functioning, insight, and therapeutic alliance in schizophrenia inpatients. Twenty-nine psychiatric inpatients in open wards participated in the study. The study group viewed humorous and the control group viewed neutral movies daily for 3 months. Participants were assessed before and after viewing movies with the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale, Calgary Depression Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2, the Multinomah Community Ability Scale, the Insight and Treatment Attitude Questionnaire, and the Working Alliance Inventory. Reduced levels of psychopathology, anger, anxiety, and depression symptoms and an improvement in social competence were revealed in the study group. No changes were observed in treatment insight or working alliance. Video films are a practical and cost-efficient means of entertainment that seem to have a positive effect on patient morale, mood, and mental status.

The study was designed to explore the potential therapeutic effects of humor on hospitalized schizophrenics. For this purpose, in the first stage, we conducted a review of findings in regard to physical health, emotions, psychiatric state, and social behavior. In the second stage, we carried out an experiment with 34 resident patients in two chronic schizophrenic wards who were exposed to 70 movies during 3 months. The experimental group was exposed to humorous movies only, and the control group to different kinds of movies. Before and after the exposure to films for 3 months, both groups were tested on different health, emotional, social, and clinical measures using the Cognitive Orientation of Health Questionnaire, the Shalvata Symptom Rating Scale, blood pressure, heart rate, Perceived Verbal and Motor Aggression (rated by nurses), the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List, the Social Support Questionnaire 6, and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS; rated by psychiatrists). Covariance analyses yielded significant reductions in Perceived Verbal Hostility, BPRS scales (total score, anxiety/depression), and significant increases in BPRS (activation) and degree of staff support experienced by the patients. The results indicate that the effects of exposure to humor may be mediated by the effects on the staff of the incidental exposure to humorous films.