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BackgroundAdolescents are highly susceptible to negative self-perceptions, likely due to their social cues and environment. The presence of these negative self-perceptions has been shown to adversely impact levels of physical activity (PA). Although PA has the ability to foster improved self-perceptions, the rates of PA among adolescents continue to descend, with girls appearing to be most susceptible to these declines. At-risk adolescent girls, who may experience a number of negative preceding lifestyle conditions, may be exceptionally vulnerable to declines in PA. There are a high number of adolescent girls from low-income and abusive households in British Columbia, Canada, thus indicating a need for a program to relay the importance of PA and healthy lifestyle behaviors. ObjectiveThis paper aims to describe the protocol of the Girls United and on the Move (GUM) pragmatic intervention, an integrated PA and psychosocial program aimed at improving self-compassion, social connectedness, and overall self-perceptions among at-risk adolescent girls. MethodsUsing a quasi-experimental mixed methods approach, the GUM intervention was conducted in 5 schools in British Columbia, Canada. Adolescent girls aged 11 to 15 years who were identified as at risk were included in the study. The 9-week intervention, co-delivered by a PA/health promotion–trained researcher and a registered social worker, involved a PA component and a psychosocial component with evidence-based topics addressing the concerns of the adolescent girls. The following outcomes were evaluated: PA, self-compassion, social support, leader supportiveness, and sport enjoyment and commitment. Program acceptability and satisfaction was also examined. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline (week 1), week 6, and postintervention (week 9), and interview data concerning program acceptability and satisfaction were collected at postintervention from a subsample of participants. ResultsA total of 101 participants were invited to participate in the GUM intervention. Reporting of the results is projected for the fall of 2020. ConclusionsIt is anticipated that the GUM intervention will enhance PA while also improving self-compassion, social connectedness, and overall self-perceptions among at-risk adolescent girls. The findings of this research will contribute to the literature concerning PA and various psychosocial factors that impact the physical and mental health of at-risk adolescent girls. Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT03567200; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03567200. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/15302

Prior research has demonstrated beneficial outcomes for learning new skills in older adulthood, including increased cognitive and functional abilities, which help prevent age-related declines and foster healthy aging. However, these studies largely have included participants not typically considered at risk for cognitive and functional decline (i.e., White, highly educated, higher income). Cognitive and functional disparities exist among minoritized racial and ethnic individuals, particularly Black and Latinx populations, because of a lifetime of inequalities associated with low socioeconomic status, low education, and discrimination. This theoretical paper proposes a potential pathway in which such disparities could be mitigated by increasing cognitive and functional abilities via novel skill learning in these at-risk populations in middle and later life to prevent decline. We also discuss indirect barriers (e.g., financial and health issues), direct barriers (e.g., limited learning opportunities), and motivational barriers (e.g., self-beliefs, values) that these adults may encounter. We further highlight that addressing these barriers to novel skill learning by providing appropriate resources is necessary to maximize the feasibility and potential effectiveness of this pathway. Lastly, we encourage future research to test this pathway and help inform policymakers and existing learning programs to implement better ways of promoting lifelong learning in an inclusive and equitable manner to prevent decline.

Postsecondary institutions across Canada have implemented various Indigenization strategies. Critical reflection is needed about the development, implementation, and impact of these strategies to ensure they serve more than checked boxes, and that they strive towards institutional decolonization. The purpose of this article is to present the development of an undergraduate course on Indigenous wellness at a Canadian postsecondary institution. Applying a reflective case narrative scholarly approach, we self-situate to present contextual information about ourselves and the course, as well as our motivation for course development and the scope of curriculum design. We consider five indicators of course design success within Dimitrov and Haque's (2016) intercultural curriculum design competencies, and we recommend changes to the course design process for Indigenization sake. Reflecting on and interpreting our approach, we propose a three-party relational model to Indigenous course development consisting of the course instructor, a keeper of traditional knowledges, and a teaching and learning expert. In doing so we attempt to inform and prompt the thinking of others with similar or related course design goals.

Background: Calls to action addressing the interconnections between physical (in)activity and the climate crisis are increasing. The current study aimed to investigate public support for policy actions that potentially have co-benefits for physical activity promotion and climate change mitigation. Methods: In 2023, a survey through the Angus Reid Forum was completed by 2507 adults living in Canada. Binary logistic regressions were conducted. Separate models were created to reflect support or opposition to the 8 included policy items. Several covariates were included in the models including age, gender, political orientation, physical activity levels, income, urbanicity climate anxiety, and attitudes surrounding physical activity and climate change. The data were weighted to reflect the gender, age, and regional composition of the country. Results: Most individuals living in Canada strongly or moderately supported all actions (ranging from 71% to 85%). Meeting the physical activity guidelines, higher self-reported income, and scoring high on personal experience of climate change were associated with higher odds of supporting the policy actions related to climate actions. Conclusions: Most adults living in Canada support policies that align with the recommended policy actions related to physical activity and climate change. National campaigns enhancing awareness and understanding of the bidirectional relationship between physical activity and climate change are warranted, and these should consider the consistent demographic differences (eg, gender, age, and political orientation) seen in public support for physical activity-related policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the personality characteristics that help and/or hinder competitive success in sport is of great interest to many sport psychology researchers. Grit (i.e. passion and perseverance towards long-term goals) is one such construct that has recently gained popularity in the sport domain. This scoping review explored the associations between grit and the cognitive, affective, and behavioural variables that reside within athletes and sport settings. Ninety publications were identified through various search strategies. The majority of studies explored relationships between grit and athlete sex, athlete skill/competitive level, sport performance, motivation, mindfulness, self-compassion, and deliberate practice. Constructs that have been previously critiqued as sharing significant variance with grit were also collated from the existing research. Six collegiate-level coaches were consulted as knowledgeable stakeholders and provided input to the results of the scoping review. These results allowed for the identification of future research considerations, including ameliorating current issues regarding grit measurement in sport contexts, and the designing and testing of interventions aimed at increasing athlete grit levels. Additional research with stronger methodological design and rigour is needed, and recommendations to enhance the quality of future studies with athletes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with younger and middle-aged adults, older adults are less likely to adopt new computer technology, potentially limiting access to healthcare and many other important resources available online. This limitation could impact cognitive abilities, well-being, and mental health outcomes of older adults. The aims of the present study were to increase access to online county and healthcare resources, while also assessing the impact of technology access on cognitive functioning and multiple well-being domains. A pilot community collaboration provided a two-month tablet training intervention, focused on increasing digital independence via tablet navigation, resources access, and fraud and scam prevention, to 20 low-income older adult participants (75% female, Mage = 70.85). Pre- and post-test phone interviews were conducted to measure any changes in digital independence, cognitive abilities, well-being, mental health, and mindset. Linear mixed effects models revealed no significant changes in outcome measures from pre- to post-test. However, we found effects of digital independence on several well-being measures, providing important information for the impact of technology access and training for low-income older adults. This pilot intervention offers limited but promising results, inspiring further investigations that may inform public health and policy services to address barriers to access and potentially improve psychological health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel skill learning has been shown to have cognitive benefits in the short-term (up to a few months). Two studies expanded on prior research by investigating whether learning multiple novel real-world skills simultaneously (e.g. Spanish, drawing, music composition), for a minimum of six hours a week, would yield 1-year cognitive gains. Following a 3-month multi-skill learning intervention, Study 1 (N = 6, Mage = 66 years, SDage = 6.41) and Study 2 (N = 27, Mage = 69 years, SDage = 7.12) participants completed follow-up cognitive assessments 3 months, 6 months, and one year after the intervention period. Cognitive assessments tested executive function (working memory and cognitive control) and verbal episodic memory. Linear mixed-effects models revealed improvements in multiple cognitive outcomes from before the intervention to the follow-up timepoints. Specifically, executive function increased from pre-test to the 1-year follow-up for both studies (an effect driven mostly by cognitive control scores). Our findings provide evidence that simultaneously learning real-world skills can lead to long-term improvements in cognition during older adulthood. Future work with diverse samples could investigate individual differences in gains. Overall, our findings promote the benefits of lifelong learning, namely, to improve cognitive abilities in older adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-compassion, an adaptive self-attitude, is a resource that women athletes use during emotionally difficult times and as a way to reach their potential. The relationship between self-compassion and sport performance, however, is complex. The role and experience of self-compassion within perceived important competitive events are important to explore, as athletes face unique pressures and stressors in these meaningful sport experiences. This collective case study describes women athletes' self-compassion, sport performance perceptions, and well-being around a self-identified important competitive event. Competitive women athletes (N = 9) participated in two one-on-one interviews, before and after their important competitive event. Results from the holistic, functional, and thematic analyses are represented by holistic case descriptions and an overarching theme, Continuing to Excel in Sport, and subthemes, Reframing Criticism and A Determined Approach. In important competitive events, women athletes utilize self-compassion to promote performance perceptions and well-being when preparing, competing, and reflecting to excel in sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research has demonstrated beneficial outcomes for learning new skills in older adulthood, including increased cognitive and functional abilities, which help prevent age-related declines and foster healthy aging. However, these studies largely have included participants not typically considered at risk for cognitive and functional decline (i.e., White, highly educated, higher income). Cognitive and functional disparities exist among minoritized racial and ethnic individuals, particularly Black and Latinx populations, because of a lifetime of inequalities associated with low socioeconomic status, low education, and discrimination. This theoretical paper proposes a potential pathway in which such disparities could be mitigated by increasing cognitive and functional abilities via novel skill learning in these at-risk populations in middle and later life to prevent decline. We also discuss indirect barriers (e.g., financial and health issues), direct barriers (e.g., limited learning opportunities), and motivational barriers (e.g., self-beliefs, values) that these adults may encounter. We further highlight that addressing these barriers to novel skill learning by providing appropriate resources is necessary to maximize the feasibility and potential effectiveness of this pathway. Lastly, we encourage future research to test this pathway and help inform policymakers and existing learning programs to implement better ways of promoting lifelong learning in an inclusive and equitable manner to prevent decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a growing emphasis on self-compassion in sport, little research has focused exclusively on men athletes. The purpose of this research was to explore the interaction of self-compassion and diverse versions of masculinity on the psychosocial well-being of men athletes. The authors sampled 172 men athletes (Mage = 22.8 yr) from a variety of sports, using descriptive methodology with self-report questionnaires. Self-compassion was related to most variables (e.g., psychological well-being, fear of negative evaluation, state self-criticism, internalized shame, reactions to a hypothetical sport-specific scenario) in hypothesized directions and predicted unique variance beyond self-esteem across most of those variables, as well as moderated relationships between masculinity and both autonomy and attitudes toward gay men. In addition, self-compassion was differentially related to inclusive and hegemonic masculinity. Our findings support self-compassion as a promising resource for men athletes to buffer emotionally difficult sport experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we explored the role of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA; Miilunpalo, 2001) in women's eudaimonic well being (i.e., psychological flourishing at one's maximal potential; Ryff, 1989). We used a quantitative approach (N = 349) to explore the relationship between HEPA and eudaimonic well being. While HEPA was not related to eudaimonic well being, experiencing eudaimonia through HEPA contributed unique variance in eudaimonic well being beyond HEPA and experiencing hedonia through HEPA. As quality of activity was more important than quantity, a qualitative component (N = 10) provided further insight on if and how HEPA contributes to women's eudaimonic well being. Participants supported HEPA in fulfilling their potential through goal setting/striving, providing bonding experiences, allowing for self-reflection, and developing a physical/able body. (Contains 2 tables.)

Physical activity (PA) levels among adolescent girls continue to steadily decline, especially for those classified as 'at-risk'. To mitigate these trends, Girls United and on the Move (GUM) was created as a dual-component PA and psychosocial program. The primary purpose of this study was to explore participant experiences within GUM, with a secondary purpose of qualitatively informing future PA programs for 'at-risk' adolescent girls. Semi-structured interviews (N = 30) were conducted with a purposeful sample of girls from the GUM program. An inductive thematic analysis was utilized to analyze verbatim transcripts. Two themes were generated from the data: 1) Girls uplifting girls, outlining the importance of a girls-only environment and introducing opportunities for alternative PAs, and 2) finding balance between the physical and psychological, detailing the importance of the dual-component program. These findings provide support for the acceptability of an integrated psychosocial and PA program for at-risk adolescent girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-compassion has been identified as a resource for athletes to manage demanding and evaluative sport experiences. Despite growing research interest, there remains unanswered questions about athletes' self-compassion levels across genders, sport types (e.g., team versus individual), and competition levels (e.g., local versus provincial). Further investigation is also needed to identify factors that facilitate or deter athletes' use of self-compassion. With a sample of athletes (TV = 146; Mage = 22.26 years) living in Canada, the purpose of this study was to (a) examine athletes' self-compassion levels across differing sport contexts, and (b) explore perceptions of self-compassion as enabled and/or restricted in their sport contexts. Aesthetic sport athletes had lower self-compassion (M = 2.95) than non-aesthetic sport athletes (M = 3.16; t(139) = -1.88, p = .03, d = 0.34), and athletes competing locally had higher self-compassion (M = 3.32) than athletes competing provincially (M = 3.04), nationally (M = 2.99), and internationally (M = 2.86; F(4,139) = 2.20, p = . 04, η2 =. 06). Self-compassion did not differ between genders or team and individual sport athletes. Salient environmental factors that nurture athletes' self-compassion included providing a safe and supportive environment and emphasizing doing one's best in sport, whereas excessive negativity from others and perceived pressures in sport inhibit athletes' self-compassion. Our findings suggest target groups for intervention and considerations for self-compassionate sport environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers propose self-compassion as a resource for athletes, yet, it remains unclear how self-compassion relates to athletes' positive body and eating experiences in sport. The purpose of this research was to explore the role of self-compassion in Canadian women athletes' body appreciation and intuitive eating, applying an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Quantitative results (n=90) highlight that self-compassion was positively related to body appreciation (r=.68, p< 01) and intuitive eating (r=.53, p< .01) and negatively related to disordered eating (r=-.59, p< .01), compulsive exercise (r=-.37, p< .01), and state self-criticism (r=- .45, p< .01). Further, self-compassion contributed beyond self-esteem in study variables (ΔR²s .04 to .09, ps <01). Three generated themes highlight women's experiences (n=6): (a) the uniqueness of sport, (b) compassionate awareness, and (c) personalized expectations. The findings highlight that self-compassion plays a role in Canadian women athletes' body and eating attitudes by promoting adaptive perspectives, and protecting and facilitating well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies have shown that behavioral performance is better when detecting specific familiar items based on real‐world experience (e.g., an own‐age face, a specific bird for bird experts), compared to less familiar items (e.g., an other‐age face). These biases emerge from exposure to and interactions with initially less familiar items, which allow for better discrimination and search (e.g., finding an other‐age face in a crowd). However, many broad categories in the natural environment (e.g., vintage objects, exotic fruit) contain perceptually distinct items that people can accurately search for individually, even if the objects are not as familiar. How might real‐world familiarity impact search in these cases? Recent studies suggest that the N2pc event‐related potential (ERP, neural marker of target selection) may be more sensitive than behavioral performance in reflecting prior knowledge, and perhaps familiarity, during visual search. In two experiments, the present study investigated the behavioral effects (Experiment 1) and N2pc effects (Experiment 2) of searching for distinct familiar (modern) versus less familiar (vintage) objects in younger adults. Experiment 1 also included a sample of older adults, who were familiar with both types of objects. Overall, the behavioral results did not reveal robust differences in searching for modern versus vintage objects. However, the N2pc in younger adults was present when searching for modern objects, but not for vintage objects. The N2pc results suggest that this neural marker may be more sensitive than behavioral measures in reflecting familiarity from real‐world experiences with object categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pain is multidimensional and includes an emotional dimension in addition to the physical and cognitive dimensions. Self-compassion, being touched by and open to one's own suffering, has been identified as a useful resource during difficult experiences. The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to explore the role of self-compassion in the emotional experiences of women with chronic pain. Seven women participated in focus groups, reflective photo voice and one-on-one interviews. Three collective narratives were generated highlighting the women's sources of emotional pain and suggesting self-compassion as a constructive approach to manage the emotional dimension of chronic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Using a mixed methods research design, we explored self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being in young women athletes. In a quantitative study (n = 83), we found that self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being were positively related (r = .76, p < .01). A model of multiple mediation was proposed, with self-compassion, passivity, responsibility, initiative, and self-determination accounting for 83% of the variance in eudaimonic well-being. In a qualitative study (n = 11), we explored when and how self-compassion might be useful in striving to reach one's potential in sport. Self-compassion was described as advantageous in difficult sport-specific situations by increasing positivity, perseverance, and responsibility, as well as decreasing rumination. Apprehensions about fully embracing a self-compassionate mindset in sport warrant additional research to explore the seemingly paradoxical role of self-compassion in eudaimonic well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural connectedness has been associated with increased self-esteem and mental health among Indigenous Peoples. Physical activity is an important contributor to health, although the importance of culture as a determinant of physical activity for Indigenous Peoples in Canada is unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate differences in cultural connectedness between Indigenous adults in Canada achieving high and low physical activity levels. Questionnaires evaluated cultural connectedness and physical activity. Indigenous adults were classified into high and low physical activity groups at the specific group mean and as meeting or not meeting musculoskeletal activity guidelines of twice per week. First Nations and specifically Cree/Nehiyaw First Nations adults who were more physically active reported greater identity, spirituality, traditions, exploration, commitment, affirmation/belonging, and overall cultural connectedness. Cultural connectedness elements of commitment, exploration, identity, affirmation/belonging, traditions, spirituality, and overall cultural connectedness were not different between high and low physical activity Métis adults. Musculoskeletal activity was not associated with any elements of cultural connectedness among any Indigenous identity. Cultural connectedness is a protective factor for physical activity among First Nations and Cree/Nehiyaw First Nations adults, but not among Métis adults in Canada. Novelty Musculoskeletal activity was not associated with cultural connectedness. Cultural connectedness is a protective factor of physical activity for First Nations adults. Moving away from one's home community was associated with lower cultural connectedness for Indigenous Peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During adolescence, deselection from sport occurs during team try-outs when month of birth, stage of growth and maturation may influence selection. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in growth and maturity related factors between those selected and deselected in youth sports teams and identify short-term associations with continued participation. Eight hundred and seventy participants, aged 11–17 years, were recruited from six sports try-outs in Saskatchewan, Canada: baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer and volleyball. Two hundred and forty-four of the initial 870 (28%) returned for follow-up at 36 months. Chronological (years from birth), biological (years from age at peak height velocity (APHV)) and relative (month of birth as it relates to the selection band) ages were calculated from measures of date of birth, date of test, height, sitting height and weight. Parental heights were measured or recalled and participant's adult height predicted. Reference standards were used to calculate z-scores. Sports participation was self-reported at try-outs and at 36-month follow-up. There was an over-representation of players across all sports born in the first and second quartiles of the selection bands (p < 0.05), whether they were selected or deselected. z-scores for predicted adult height ranged from 0.1 (1.1) to 1.8 (1.2) and were significantly different between sports (p < 0.05). Height and APHV differences (p < 0.05) were found between selected and deselected male participants. In females only weight differed between selected and deselected female hockey players (p < 0.05); no further differences were found between selected and deselected female participants. Four per cent of deselected athletes exited sports participation and 68% of deselected athletes remained in the same sport at 36 months, compared with 84% of selected athletes who remained in the same sport. It was found that youth who attended sports team's try-outs were more likely to be born early in the selection year, be tall for their age, and in some sports early maturers. The majority of both the selected and deselected participants continued to participate in sport 36 months after try-outs, with the majority continuing to participate in their try-out sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-compassion represents a shift in how to support performance and well-being in sport, and there has been recent attention directed toward the construct in both research and applied domains. To inform next steps in research and practice, we have reflected on self-compassion intervention and practice based on the current state of the literature and present key considerations for progressing understanding of self-compassion in sport. For the potential of self-compassion in supporting performance and well-being to truly be understood and harnessed, it is necessary to be strategic in addressing remaining fundamental questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to test the associations between physical self-discrepancies (actual:ideal and actual:ought) and physical activity behavior, and to examine whether motivational regulations mediate these associations using self-discrepancy (Higgins, 1987) and organismic integration (Deci & Ryan, 1985) theories as guiding frameworks. Young women (N = 205; M(age) = 18.87 years, SD = 1.83) completed self-report questionnaires. Main analyses involved path analysis using a polynomial regression approach, estimation of direct and indirect effects, and evaluation of response surface values. Agreement between actual and ideal (or ought) physical self-perceptions was related to physical activity both directly and indirectly as mediated by the motivational regulations (R(2) = .24-.30). Specifically, when actual and ideal self-perceptions scores were similar, physical activity levels increased as actual and ideal scores increased. Furthermore, physical activity levels were lower when the discrepancy was such that ideal or ought self were higher than actual self. These findings provide support for integrating self-discrepancy and organismic integration theories to advance research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Mirtazapine is commonly used in veterinary medicine at doses of 1.88 or 3.75 mg as an appetite stimulant. The objectives of this study were to determine the most common adverse effects reported and the dose associated with these signs. Methods Records of cats with mirtazapine exposure (2006–2011) were obtained from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Animal Poison Control Center. The following parameters were recorded: signalment, weight, outcome, agent ingested, amount ingested, route of exposure, clinical signs observed, intended of use, onset time of signs and duration of signs. Results The 10 most commonly observed adverse effects reported in 84 cats exposed to mirtazapine included vocalization (56.0% of cats; mean dose 2.56 mg/kg), agitation (31.0%; 2.57 mg/kg), vomiting (26.2%; 2.92 mg/kg), abnormal gait/ataxia (16.7%; 2.87 mg/kg), restlessness (14.3%; 3.55 mg/kg), tremors/trembling (14.3%; 2.43 mg/kg), hypersalivation (13.0%; 2.89 mg/kg), tachypnea (11.9%; 3.28 mg/kg), tachycardia (10.7%; 3.04 mg/kg) and lethargy (10.7%; 2.69 mg/kg). Fifty-nine (70.2%) cases were considered accidental ingestions and 25 (29.8%) cases were given mirtazapine as prescribed. The doses associated with signs of toxicity were 15.00 mg (40 cats), 3.75 mg (25 cats), 7.50 mg (four cats), 30.00 mg (one cat), 18.75 mg (one cat), 11.25 mg (one cat), 5.80 mg (one cat) and 1.88 mg (one cat). For cats with available information, the onset of clinical signs ranged from 15 mins to 3 h, and time to resolution of clinical signs ranged from 12–48 h. Conclusions and relevance The greater number of adverse effects at 3.75 mg rather than 1.88 mg suggests that the latter may be a more appropriate starting dose for stimulating appetite while limiting toxicity. The benefit of dispensing exact doses of mirtazapine is implied given the likelihood of accidental administration of a full tablet (15 mg) and the resulting toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]