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This case study focuses on how Norwegian ski jumpers performed in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and the following FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) ski flying World Championships 2022 in Vikersund, Norway, despite organizational conflict at the management level and intense and sustained media coverage the entire season. Five athletes (one third of the elite squad) were interviewed about how they coped with the stressors. The results revealed two main responses: One group avoided, as far as possible, hearing or reading about the conflicts and tried to stay in their "bubble" and focus on preparing for competition. The other group chose to follow the conflicts and was more willing to interact with the media, therefore experienced a higher degree of perceived stress, and consequently needed to employ a wider range of coping strategies. The findings highlight the importance of a consistent and effective management strategy in helping athletes to focus on training and competition preparation and insulate them from stressors generated by organizational turbulence and conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Grounded in the occupational socialization theory, this study explored how gender interacted with and influenced socialization experiences in the careers of South Korean female physical educators. Specific attention was directed toward the gendered experiences that female teachers experienced and the coping strategies to navigate them. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative case study design, and the participants were 15 female secondary school physical educators. Data were collected through life story timelines, critical incident writings, and individual interviews. Results: Four themes emerged: (a) unwelcomed and invisible; (b) experiencing a physicality-driven hierarchy; (c) dual marginalization as female physical educators; and (d) retreating, masking, redefining, or leaving to cope with challenges. Discussion/Conclusions: The findings indicated that female physical educators experienced being dual-marginalized due to the interplay between gender and subject matter. In response to the challenges, some conformed to their gender role to be safe; however, other teachers employed various strategies to overcome the status quo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gendered experiences of women working in sports media have been the subject of growing research, particularly in the United States, but cases are emerging in other contexts. This paper examines the strategies used by seven women working in sports media in the United Kingdom and Ireland to deal with undesirable audience interactions, both online and in person. With emotional labor as an overarching framework, semistructured interviews interviews were conducted and reflexive thematic analysis was used to construct two themes: internal and external responses. The study reveals the additional self-regulated emotional burden carried by women working in sports media and the strategies used to cope. Women in sports media publicly downplay their mistreatment and have not yet embraced the reporting of gendered practices in the workplace. The findings contribute to a growing body of literature that sheds light on the experiences of women in sports media and offer insights for women working in the industry and their employers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth internalizing symptoms increased significantly during COVID-19, suggesting a need for more knowledge on how to prevent youth mental health problems during future widespread societal health crises. This cross-sectional study examined coping strategies and how these were associated with internalizing problems in a clinical sample of youth during COVID-19. Youth (13–19 years) referred to mental health treatment for internalizing problems were assessed 6–18 months into the pandemic. Participants (N = 160, mean age = 15.8 years, SD = 1.2; 80% female, 5% non-binary) completed the Response to Stress Questionnaire, assessing COVID-19 stress, coping strategies, and involuntary stress responses. Internalizing symptoms were evaluated by the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale and the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire. Results showed that coping strategies were associated with internalizing symptoms, after controlling for sex, age, and COVID-19-related stress. Youth using primary control coping had lower levels of anxiety whereas those using secondary control coping strategies had fewer depressive symptoms and fewer involuntary disengagement responses. Secondary control coping (i.e., adapting to the situations) was the most frequent strategy. The highest COVID-19 stressors reported were insecurity about the future, and having to change, postpone or cancel important plans/events. Thus, in a clinical sample of youth, unique associations were found between the type of coping strategy and levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. During future pandemics and societal health crises, measures to reduce unpredictability in everyday life and insecurity about the future should be implemented, followed by interventions to support adaptive coping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Philippine Statistics Authority reports a rise in the population of unwed mothers in the Philippines, increasing from 54.3% in 2018 to 57% in 2020. This growth highlights ongoing issues related to mental health, financial stability, and work-life balance among single mothers. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of single mothers raising their children, focusing on the challenges faced by six participants from selected cities in Metro Manila. Using a phenomenological research design, data were collected through interviews and observations. The findings reveal several key themes: the challenges encountered, and coping strategies utilized, role of support systems and influence of others in the parenting process, and cultural and societal factors. These elements collectively shape the experiences of Filipino single mothers. The study underscores the importance of recognizing the difficulties faced by single mothers and advocates for targeted government and social work interventions to support them in overcoming the physiological and psychological challenges of single parenthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is of serious public health concern. Paucity of literature exists on qualitative experiences of people with SCD, despite substantial research on the clinical signs and management of the disease. This study examined how SCD affects a range of undergraduate students' experiences, their academic achievements, relationships, mental health and healthcare utilization. Methods: This was an exploratory qualitative study that interviewed 22 participants selected by thematic saturation between September 2023 and February 2024. The study was conducted in Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State and Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, annex of Bowen University, Nigeria. Thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted. Results: Eight distinct themes emerged and were linked to the study objectives. Findings show resilience and determination of the students in navigating the complexities of living with sicknesses while pursuing their academic goals and daily activities. This underscores the need for increased community awareness, support for undergraduates living with SCD, and access to effective healthcare to better assist undergraduates with SCD in managing their health and academic responsibilities effectively. Conclusion: Health professionals and lecturers working with undergraduates with SCD should be aware of diverse coping strategies for them and prioritize integrating such into clinical conversations and support in appropriate contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use and influence of coping mechanisms vary across cultures and evaluation methods. Limited research exists on coping mechanisms for non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP) in African societies. This secondary qualitative study explored adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies used by adults with CLBP in Nigerian and Zambian communities. Methods: Primary qualitative data from studies in rural Nigeria and peri-urban Zambia were used. Primary data were collected through in-depth face-to-face interviews with adults living with back pain to explore their experiences and coping strategies. Thematic analyses of interview transcripts from both studies were conducted using the framework approach, combining inductive and deductive analysis techniques. Findings: Participants used a mix of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies for CLBP. Some strategies had both positive and negative aspects, with varying effects on individuals. A few participants focused on adaptive coping, staying positive, and actively managing their pain through stretching, exercise, pacing activities, spirituality, and belief in their strategies. They avoided seeking treatment for their back pain. Discussion: The nuances in coping with CLBP should be taken into consideration when developing coping assessment strategies and rehabilitation interventions for individuals with CLBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexualized drug use (SDU) has been associated with various motivations (e.g. coping with emotional distress, enhancing sexual functioning) and factors related to sexo-relational well-being (e.g., sexual satisfaction, performance anxiety). However, there is a lack of comprehensive models exploring associations between motivations for SDU and sexo-relational correlates. This study examined motivations related to SDU and their associations with sexo-relational correlates (e.g., sexual satisfaction, compulsivity). A community sample of 1,196 adults from Quebec completed an online survey on sexual health, including a questionnaire on SDU and related motivations and validated questionnaires on sexual satisfaction, sexual performance anxiety, body shame, discomfort with sexual communication, sexual compulsivity, and a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) were performed on the SDU motivations questionnaire, followed by path analysis to test for sexo-relational correlates motivation domains. The EFA revealed four SDU motivations: increasing satisfaction and sensations (Factor 1), increasing sexual self-esteem (Factor 2), mitigating distress (Factor 3), and increasing sexual responsiveness and functioning (Factor 4). Higher performance anxiety and sexual compulsivity were associated with higher scores on all four motivation factors. Greater body shame was positively linked to Factors 2 and 3 and negatively to Factor 4. Sexual satisfaction, discomfort with sexual communication, and CSA were, respectively, uniquely associated with Factors 1, 3, and 4. The results provide insight into the heterogeneity of motivations for SDU and into the relationship between these motivations and sexo-relational well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lateral violence, a group of behaviours directed towards people of the same group, is considered endemic among Aboriginal people. Behaviours include bullying, gossiping, isolation or exclusion of certain group members, and challenges to one's Aboriginal identity. Lateral violence impacts all aspects of one's life. Due to its pervasiveness, this qualitative study investigated strategies employed by Aboriginal people to deal with lateral violence. Method: Yarns with 17 knowledge-holders (53% male, 47% female; aged between 18 and 65 years) took place in south-east Australia. Thematic analysis and yarn summaries were used to analyse the yarns. Results: Strategies identified to deal with lateral violence included changes to one's attitude towards lateral violence, connecting with others, one's culture and community to improve wellbeing, education strategies, and systemic change. Conclusion: Supporting the development of Aboriginal identity, promoting social and emotional wellbeing, and true self-determination has the potential to heal Aboriginal communities and reduce lateral violence in the process. Key Points: What is already known about this topic: Lateral violence refers to a group of overt and covert behaviours including bullying, gossiping, family feuding, workplace conflict, and isolating or excluding certain members of the community. Lateral violence has recently been extended to encompass attacks on one's Indigeneity and identity. Lateral violence not only impacts the targeted individual, but also one's family, friends, and community. What this topic adds: Aboriginal people employ many strategies to cope, and deal, with lateral violence. A strong sense of one's Indigeneity was important for overcoming challenges to one's identity. Systemic change, including a focus on Aboriginal self-determination, is important for SEWB and overcoming lateral violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living in a stepfamily can be stressful due to several challenges that confront individuals within stepfamilies, hence adaptive coping is vital for wellbeing. Nonetheless, little research focus has been devoted to understating how individuals within stepfamilies cope with family-related distresses. Using a qualitative exploratory approach, this study explored coping strategies used by 11 stepparents and 22 adolescent stepchildren in the Ghanaian context. Findings show that whereas stepchildren adopted a wide range of coping strategies which were mostly emotion-focused, stepparents used less diverse strategies. Nonetheless, both groups used strategies that were both emotion-focused and problem-focused although, for stepchildren, two of the problem-solving strategies were maladaptive. Findings reflect the imbalanced power hierarchy that exists within the stepfamily household that tends to disadvantage stepchildren. Implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the sources of parenting stress and the coping strategies adopted by parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in China. The current study aimed to explore the stress and coping strategies adopted by Chinese parents using stress-coping theories. A qualitative study was conducted on fifteen parents whose children, aged between 7 and 11 years (from primary school grades one to five), had received a formal diagnosis of ADHD. The findings revealed that Chinese parents use individual, family and school coping strategies to cope with their stress. The themes that emerged from the data included five types of stressors and eight coping strategies. The choice of the strategy adopted by the parents was influenced by cultural and environmental factors; in particular, family coping strategies required the availability of a supportive spouse and a supportive family culture. Similarly, school coping strategies required the availability of school involvement opportunities and school support resources. Since the support offered by teachers and mental health professionals such as school counsellors and social workers can be strengthened, this study recommends ways to strengthen the support provided to parents of children with ADHD. Highlights: This study examined the coping methods adopted by Chinese parents whose children have ADHD within the Chinese cultural, social and educational context. The results revealed that the children's symptoms, parents' personality traits and perception, extra family burden and additional family conflict as the primary sources of the parental stress. Whereas parents employed individual, family and school coping strategies in reacting to the stressors. Chinese parents were more self-critical in a collectivist culture and they engaged in self-reflection, self-criticism and self-regulation as a stress coping process. Chinese parents felt the lack of social and school support, especially the pressure from teachers' criticism and the lack of empathy for their children. They expect to get some social resources to help them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) encompasses a diverse range of techniques designed to facilitate behavior change. Evaluation of these techniques through the transtheoretical model (TTM) may provide insight into their effectiveness and the progressive nature of change in individuals with substance use disorders and the gradual nature of change in individuals with substance use disorders. This systematic review aims to identify and evaluate the methods and techniques used in CBT and examine their relationship to the stages of change as defined by the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). A comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library was conducted, focusing on studies published between 2000 and 2023. The review focused on peer-reviewed articles that examined CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) techniques and their alignment with stages of transformation. especially the transtheoretical model (TTM), in the context of substance use disorders. The review identified several CBT techniques, including cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, problem solving, and skills training. These techniques have been found to align with the various stages of the TTM and effectively promote progression through the stages of change, particularly in facilitating the transition from contemplation to preparation and from action to maintenance. The integration of CBT techniques with the TTM stages of change offers a structured approach to behavioral modification in substance use disorders. Understanding and applying these techniques within the TTM framework can enhance the efficacy of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify signs of food insecurity (FI) and coping strategies among university students from three minority groups. Participants: Participants consisted of 3155 university students: 25.58% first-generation, 16.86% nonwhite, and 4.63% international. Methods: Students answered a questionnaire composed of the 2-item Hunger Vital Sign for food security, and questions about demographics, food campus resources, and coping strategies. Results: Among the three minorities, most students (53-57%) reported being food insecure. The food insecurity status was associated with being a senior, or graduate student, having participated in high school food programs, and use of university food resources in all minority groups. Also, a variation in the use of coping strategies to obtain food was reported among minority groups. Conclusion: There is a need to articulate minorities' awareness and use of the university's nutritional resources to face the high rates of FI. Campus initiatives should focus on the reality of underserved populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined inter- and intra-person level associations between stress and overwhelm and adaptive coping strategies used by college students during COVID-19. Participants were 55 college students (Mage = 23.31, SD = 4.49; 87% White, 85% Female), who completed a 21-day daily diary study. The common coping strategies endorsed were media use, relaxation techniques, and exercise. Variability among feelings of stress (ICC =.520) and overwhelm (ICC =.530) were similarly explained by between and within-person differences. Daily stress and overwhelm were positively associated with relaxation techniques, media, and total coping strategies. Further, daily stress was positively associated with connection with others to cope. At the between-person level, average stress was associated with avoidance strategies such as taking a break from news to cope. These findings may prove useful in the development of interventions to increase the practice of adaptive coping strategies to reduce stress and overwhelm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before COVID-19, the cultural sector was already in crisis – suffering from precarious labour conditions, intersectional inequalities and insufficient public funding. During the pandemic, performing artists, particularly the self-employed, were hit hardest due to the difficulties of adapting their work to digital audiences, their fragile and unstable economic situation, and the limited financial support available to them. This article examines from a sociological standpoint how the pandemic has affected performing artists in London and Buenos Aires. We discuss, through online in-depth interviews and focus groups, the work strategies that 73 self-employed workers (musicians, actors, dancers, opera singers and circus artists) have deployed to cope with the crisis. Suggestions are made about how cultural policy can best support the recovery of the performing arts post-pandemic, while also reflecting on what our findings reveal about the prospects of cultural policy and the future of the performing arts in Argentina and the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although over the past 2 years several studies have been carried out on the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people, few of them investigated the pandemic as psychosocial strain and its effects on deviant behaviors. According to Agnew's General Strain Theory, a repeated objective psychosocial strain, such as the pandemic, exerts pressure on deviance when individuals associate with deviant peers and have weak attachment to parents. Using a sample of 568 young Italians (ages: 15–20 years; 65.8% females, 34.2% males) from north, central and south Italy, we tested for the possible correlation between COVID-19 as a repeated psychosocial strain, deviant behaviors and the role of some coping strategies not included in the Agnew's original theoretical formulation. Results back the thesis that, considering the COVID-19 pandemic as a repeated subjective strain, affect deviance results primarily through association with deviant peers and less through weak attachment with family. The mediating role of coping strategies was found to be weak. The predominant role of the peer group in the genesis of deviant responses to strain will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, Black women have been susceptible to the effects of race- and gender-related stress, such as the sexually promiscuous Jezebel or the motherly Mammy stereotypes. However, few studies have centered on the influence of the Sapphire stereotype--defined as being overbearing, emasculating, and aggressive--on Black women's health. Due to these stereotypes, Black women may utilize different coping strategies such as disengagement coping--limiting one's interpersonal interactions-- to manage these stressors. Yet, little research has specifically examined how Black women's gendered racial identity development relates to internalization of the Sapphire stereotype. The present study aimed to explore whether gendered racial identity centrality moderates the relationship between the Sapphire stereotype and disengagement coping among Black women. Two hundred ninetyeight Black/African American women between the ages of 18-52 completed an online survey via Qualtrics. Based on the Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems Theory, we hypothesized that gendered racial identity centrality will moderate the relationship between the Sapphire stereotype and disengagement coping. Consistent with the hypothesis, the results indicated that identity centrality significantly moderated the relationship between the Sapphire stereotype and the use of disengagement coping such that higher identity centrality decreased the association between the Sapphire stereotype and disengagement use (b = .51, SE = 0.09, t = 5.67, p < .001, 95% CI [.33, .69]). This research can be used to develop educational programs to promote healthy identity development among Black women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in Bishoftu and Asella areas, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify the coping strategies utilized by smallholder dairy farmers in dealing with shocks and stresses encountered in dairy farming. Data were collected from September 2017 to April 2018, involving individual interviews with 120 households (60 per area), field observations, and focus group discussions. Dairy farmers were categorized into two groups (typical smallholders and entrepreneurial farmers) based on production potential, number of milking cows, and marketing practices. A STATA, version 12 software was used for analyses. The results showed that both entrepreneurial and typical dairy farmers in Asella ranked diseases and feed shortages as their main risks, closely followed by lack of access to inputs and services and milk market fluctuations. Both entrepreneurial and typical dairy farmers in Bishoftu ranked feed shortages as their main risk, followed by diseases and issues of poor genetics and reproduction. Vaccination, treatment, deworming with commercial drugs, and keeping animals and barns hygienic were the major coping strategies adopted to deal with diseases, parasites, and pests in both study areas. Major coping strategies to deal with feed shortages were utilizing crop residues, supplementary feed, fodder, and non-convectional feed. The study concludes that entrepreneurial dairy farmers have more effective coping strategies than typical dairy farmers in both study areas. It is essential for dairy farmers to comprehend the requirement to employ varied coping strategies to manage the risks involved in dairy farming to ensure the sustainability of dairy farming in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing diversity is a challenge for many organizations and their diversity initiatives are often criticized for an inability to produce tangible outcomes. One reason for such mixed results is the fact that espoused diversity policies are often implemented in multi-objective contexts in which various stakeholders perceive of diversity and its place in the organization in different ways, thus affecting organizational outcomes. To shed new light on these challenges, we apply paradox theory to diversity management. Based on a series of interviews with all key stakeholder groups of one organization that successfully implemented a diversity initiative in a challenging context, we are able to provide a systematic account of differences between stakeholder groups in terms of both the tensions they perceive in diversity management and the solutions they prefer. Our data show that stakeholders perceive of tensions in a nested fashion, where some only see one or two categories of tensions, whereas others perceive a much wider range. This nested fashion re-appears in the coping strategies which different stakeholders prefer. Here, we found that 'observers' and 'makers' – that is, the two groups who are, respectively, least and most involved with the policy – favour strategies that accept the paradoxical tensions, whereas 'beneficiaries' tend to emphasize strategies to resolve them. We conclude our paper by discussing managerial implications of our findings, as well as avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to understand the socioeconomic impact of flood events on households, especially household welfare in terms of changes in consumption and coping strategies to deal with flood risk. This study is based on Bihar, one of the most frequently flood-affected, most populous and economically backward states in India. Design/methodology/approach: Primary data were collected from 700 households in the seven most frequently flood-affected districts in Bihar. A total of 100 individuals from each district were randomly selected from flood-affected villages. Based on a detailed literature review, an econometric (probit) model was developed to test the null hypothesis of the availability of consumption insurance, and the multivariate probability approach was used to analyze the various coping strategies of these households. Findings: The results of this study suggest that flood-affected households maintain their consumption by overcoming various losses, including income, house damage and livestock loss. Households depend on financial transfers, borrowings and relief, and migrate to overcome losses. Borrowing could be an extra burden as the government compensates for house damage and crop loss late to the affected households. Again, there is no compensation to overcome livelihood loss and deal with occurrences of post-flood diseases, which further emphasizes the policy implications of strengthening the health infrastructure in the state and generating alternative livelihood opportunities. Originality/value: This study discusses flood risk in terms of changes in household welfare, identifies the most effective risk-coping capabilities of rural communities and contributes to the shortcomings of the government insurance and relief model. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-07-2023-0569 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prevailing view is that loneliness predominantly affects older adults. However, awareness of high rates of loneliness among younger populations is growing, prompting a call for interventions. The current study aimed to listen to the voices of young people regarding how they cope with loneliness, gaining a better understanding of how to then develop tailored interventions. Methods: Thirteen Arts-based focus groups were conducted with 74 participants (8-18 years old), in London, Manchester, and South Yorkshire. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised. Results: We developed six themes as follows: (1) "Determinants of the coping approach for loneliness", (2) "Considerations to guide decision making", (3) "Coping strategies to alleviate loneliness", (4) "Social connection as a coping strategy for loneliness – considerations", (5) "Being active in your own coping success", and (6) "Worsening loneliness, coping strategies gone wrong". Conclusions: Participants described a partially sequential process in choosing coping strategies for loneliness, including effective and maladaptive choices. Effective strategies were highlighted, reflecting developmental stages with the need for self-motivation. Participants noted challenges in engaging in coping due to skill deficits. These findings are crucial for developing interventions specific to this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMethodResultsConclusionMusic Performance Anxiety (MPA) is a major setback for musicians with diverse backgrounds and expertise. MPA can be managed with adequate strategies, and success will improve if information and professional help is widely available and if musicians are willing to seek such help. Research on MPA has focused on the correlates (potential causes) of MPA, but results are scattered across studies. Also, the correlates of musicians’ willingness to mitigate MPA remain underexplored.To address the referred gaps, we inspected eleven sociodemographic and music-related predictors of MPA in a single sample and investigated potential correlates of musicians’ coping strategies and openness to professional help.Results from 184 Portuguese and Brazilian musicians pointed to age, sex, and discrepancies between real and ideal self as a musician as the most relevant predictors of MPA. Regarding coping strategies, we found that females, Portuguese, classical performers and those exposed to higher levels of external judgment resort more than males, Brazilians, non-classical and low-exposure musicians to physiology-related methods. Openness to professional help was lower in Portuguese, classical and high-exposure musicians, and in low-MPA performers.These findings contribute to better identifying individuals at risk of developing and perpetuating MPA, thus allowing more efficient awareness campaigns and intervention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ethiopian migrants to the Middle East and South Africa are exposed to dangerous traveling and working conditions and their experiences are mostly tragic. They are unwelcomed not only by the situation in the destination but also by the community at home which is an important indicator of stigma and discrimination. However, there is lack of evidence on how psychological distress is associated with migration experiences, stigma and coping strategies. Therefore, it was aimed to determine the mediating effect of psychological distress in the association between migration experiences and stigma and discrimination and coping strategies. Methods: A total of 739 Ethiopian migrant returnees from the Middle East and South Africa were included in the study. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five migration hotspot areas in Ethiopia, namely Addis Ababa, Dessie, Shashemene, Hossana, and Gondar. Data related to socio-demographic, economic, migration experiences, psychological distress, coping strategies, and stigma and discrimination were collected. Psychological distress was measured using the 21- item version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and coping strategies were measured with the Brief-COPE. Structural equation modeling was employed to estimate the relationship among variables. Results: About 395 (57.33%) of the participants reported symptoms of depression, 428 (59.86%) anxiety symptoms, and 313 (45.21%) stress symptoms. The mediated association between physical violence and coping strategy through psychological distress was 0.29 (adjusted β = 0.29, 95%CI: 0.15, 0.44). Denial of salary had positive direct (adjusted β = 1.00, 95%CI: 0.50, 1.50) and mediated (adjusted β = 1.20, 95%CI: 0.71, 1.68) associations with stigma and discrimination through psychological distress. Restricted freedom had positive mediated (adjusted β = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.13, 0.65) and total (adjusted β = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.59, 1.29) associations with stigma and discrimination through psychological distress. Conclusion: Depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms are common among migrant returnees. Religious practice is the most commonly used coping mechanism. Psychological distress has positive mediating association with the relationships between denial of salary by employers and stigma and discrimination, physical violence and coping strategy, and restricted freedom and stigma and discrimination. Psychological interventions to deal with the psychological distress and stigma and discrimination of migrant returnees and to encourage the practice of positive coping strategies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between coping strategies and perceived obstacles faced by teachers in achieving task mastery during the teaching and learning process. Utilizing data from surveys and assessments, the study explored how teachers utilized coping mechanisms such as Seeking Support, Active Planning, Disengagement, and Suppression of Competing Behavior to navigate challenges in educational settings. It also investigated various perceived obstacles, including time management, facility constraints, community support, student conduct management, and school leadership. The findings indicated that while teachers deployed coping strategies occasionally across different dimensions, they encountered occasional challenges in these areas. Despite these obstacles, teachers consistently demonstrated high effectiveness in their roles, as evidenced by performance evaluations. The study concluded by recommending targeted interventions and support systems to enhance coping strategies and mitigate perceived obstacles, thereby optimizing teacher performance and fostering a conducive learning environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There is limited knowledge on the prevalence, risk factors, and coping strategies of food insecurity among women refugees. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of food insecurity among Syrian women refugees living in Türkiye (Turkey) and to evaluate the various coping strategies they use to manage food insecurity. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 Syrian women refugees aged 18–64 years living in Türkiye. Data were collected by native Arabic-speaking researchers through online and face-to-face surveys. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements, food insecurity status, and coping strategies were analyzed. ‘Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)’ was used to determine the food insecurity status. Results: It was found that 28% of the women who participated in the study had food security, 35% had mild, 24% had moderate, and 13% had severe food insecurity. In the group with food insecurity, age, number of children in the family, and average body mass index (BMI) were higher, while education and income level were lower (p < 0,05). For each 1-unit increase in BMI, there was a 0.122 increase in the total FIES score. A 1-unit increase in the number of children was associated with a 0.333 increase in the total FIES score. The most preferred strategies to cope with food insecurity were found to be purchasing less preferred and cheaper foods, and reducing portion sizes. Conclusion: It was found that food insecurity is common among Syrian women refugees living in Türkiye. Women who are older, have more children, lower income, lower education, and higher BMI are more likely to experience food insecurity. Studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are needed to investigate the causes and effects of food insecurity among women refugees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults could be frequently underdiagnosed due to concomitant psychiatric disorders, including depressive symptomatology, which could determine inappropriate treatments. Our study aims at clinically characterizing adult ADHD with or without depressive symptomatology in order to identify the relationship with specific affective temperamental profiles and coping strategies. A total of 225 outpatients consecutively afferent to our outpatient adult ADHD service since September 2019 were retrospectively screened for eligibility and administered Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (COPE-NV) and Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego (TEMPS-M). 64.7 % of patients displayed a significant comorbid depressive symptomatology. According to the multivariate linear regression model, depressive levels were positively predicted by TEMPS-M cyclothymic subscale (B = 0.567, p = 0.004) and negatively predicted by COPE-NVI "positive attitude" subscale (B = −0.438, p = 0.024) (R = 0.496, R2 = 0.246, F(2,66) = 10.747, p < 0.001). While considering the results, it should be taken in consideration that: the assessment was carried out only at baseline, our sample is constituted only by adult ADHD patients and mostly without a previous ADHD diagnosis, the presence of a discrepancy between the rates of ADHD subtypes, the absence of a healthy control group and emotional dysregulation was not directly assessed. Affective temperamental profiles and coping strategies could help in clinically characterizing and personalizing treatment in adult comorbid ADHD-depressive symptomatology patients. Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy of targeted psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions within this ADHD sub-sample. • ADHD adults experience mainly restlessness, impulsivity and planning difficulties. • Comorbid depressive symptomatology is frequently reported with ADHD in adults. • Depression in ADHD adults is predicted by cyclothymic affective temperament. • Depression in ADHD adults is predicted by low positive attitude coping strategies. • A careful characterization of adult ADHD may help to choose the treatment strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBullying has become a worldwide concern, and is particularly serious in vocational high schools in China. The bullied students typically resort to coping strategies to mitigate its adverse consequences. However, there is a lack of research on which bullying coping strategies might mitigate the negative effects of bullying on students and which types of classroom discipline management might play a moderating role. The participants were 1483 students from a vocational high school. The Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire was used to identify 251 students who had experienced bullying. The results showed that: cognitive distancing significantly negatively predicted the externalizing problems of bullied students, while revenge seeking significantly positively predicted their externalizing problems. Seeking adult support and cognitive distancing significantly and negatively predicted the internalizing problems, while passive coping significantly positively predicted their internalizing problems. Discipline management played a moderating role in the relationship between coping strategies and externalizing problems. These findings suggest that seeking support from teachers and parents through open communication is encouraged, as it was shown to reduce internalizing problems. While cognitive distancing may offer temporary relief, revenge seeking and passive coping had detrimental effects on externalizing or internalizing problems. Positive disciplinary management mitigated externalizing problems for bullied students who used passive coping. However, punitive management potentially exacerbated externalizing problems for students who sought revenge. Furthermore, SEL programs only benefited those with low levels of passive coping. Special attention needs to be paid to bullied students who use passive coping or seek revenge, and guide them toward more adaptive responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Policing is a stressful occupation. Police officers are exposed to stressors that are inherent in the organization and operations of law enforcement. Similar to their counterparts around the world, many Nigeria police officers are exposed to high levels of stress, making them vulnerable to stress-related mental health conditions and other noncommunicable diseases. Despite these risks and their consequences to the health and safety of police officers and the larger society, interventions are currently not available to address this challenge in Nigeria. This pilot study aims to assess the burden of stress from a national sample of police officers and test the feasibility of an intervention for stress prevention, management, and coping mechanisms among police officers in Nigeria. Methods: This is a three-phase study: (1) a needs assessment and situational analysis using a convergent parallel, mixed-methods approach to determine the prevalence of stress and mental health burden among 1200 police officers in four randomly selected states in four geopolitical zones of the country, (2) the development of a peer-led intervention for stress prevention, management, and coping mechanism which will be tested using a cluster randomized trial among 200 police officers, and (3) the preliminary evaluation of the intervention based on knowledge about stress management and mental disorders and psychological distress and reduction in stress levels. These measures will be obtained at baseline (T0), immediate (T1), and 6-month post-intervention (T2). Feasibility will be determined based on enrollment rate, attendance, and completion of the group sessions. Multivariable linear regression models taking into account clustering effects will be used to estimate between-group differences in outcome measures. Discussion: Findings from the study will inform policy review and the development of a pragmatic intervention on stress prevention and management among police officers. This will enhance the policing role of officers, thus contributing to the safety of the communities they serve. Trial registration: PACTR Registry: PACTR202310474721238. Registered on 6 October, 2023. https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=25663. Protocol version number 1.0 (date: 6 October, 2023). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundMethodsResultsImplicationsExtensive criminological literature has paid attention to the exacerbation of disadvantage due to compulsory treatment of drug use within vulnerable communities. However, understanding how compulsivity shapes users’ narrative framework and meaning construction of lives is still limited.Based on an ethnography conducted at a Compulsory Isolation Treatment Center (CITC) in Central China, we collect in-depth interview data about how trainees who were convicted as drug dependents experienced and interpreted compulsory treatment in the context of life history. Our coding and case analysis of data illustrate four representative narratives on rehabilitation and reveal different ways of meaning-giving between each other.Our finding shows that the experience of incarcerated detoxification did not relieve the social disadvantages of people who use drugs. Instead, it was perceived as a negative encounter that intensified discrimination, deeply ingrained in social identity and constantly resurfaced in everyday life. Specifically, harmful experiences are generated by the punitive management of CITC, which underlines obedience between instructors (police officers) and trainees and encourages mutual distrust among peers. The crippling of interpersonal relationships prevents participants from developing social connections or restoring social skills. We also find trainees’ diverse coping strategies to the punitive institutions, ranging from showing physical weakness for board shelter catering to the standard of conduct for an early release to deciphering the intricacies of power relations in CITC. However, these temporary strategies cannot balance their permanent estrangement from public life and thus make them descend into the invisible confines of societal imprisonment.Our ethnographic descriptions reveal the deliberated production of punishment and isolation in the process of compulsory isolation treatment and explicate the potential proximity between political correctives and drug treatment. We, thus, promote abolishing the compulsory isolation model in China, which stems not only from the inefficiency of the treatment at the medical level but also from the political motivations behind the institution and the superficiality of its moral reshaping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction Methods Results Conclusions Pregnant women face the challenge of managing early labor on their own until they feel the need to seek professional support. However, professional support during such a vulnerable stage of labor may sometimes be insufficient. This study aims to understand pregnant women's care needs during early labor in order to improve the quality of care provided at the onset of labor.A scoping review was conducted following a systematic search strategy in May 2021 and in August 2022 concentrating on pregnant women in early labor with spontaneous onset of labor. A sensitive search strategy was used with five different databases. The articles were screened by two independent researchers. Data were extracted and mapped to answer the research question.52 articles were included. Major reasons for seeking professional help are to receive reassurance and get advice and information on how to cope with early labor. Furthermore, many women express the need for professional guidance. Several articles demonstrated women's preferences for hospital admission or a continuous care model. While some women want empowerment and empathy from a midwife, others require clear instructions on helpful measures or even clinical interventions within the process.Managing early labor without professional support creates a major challenge for pregnant women and nurtures insecurities and anxiety. Protecting women from unnecessary interventions is a well‐intentioned plan, yet a lack of support in early labor may sometimes jeopardize a positive birth experience. New ways need to be elaborated to support women‐centred and individualized approaches to providing early labor care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explored rural livelihood sustainability in South Asia and Africa through a bibliometric analysis and systematic review approach. The purpose of the study was to identify the trend of scholarly discourse, the dominant themes that have attracted scholarly interest over the past decade, and to shed light on the emerging opportunities for enhancing rural livelihood sustainability. The study carefully selected 139 articles sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and other institutional websites. Our findings revealed noticeable growth in scholarly output over the past decade and identified some scholars with noteworthy contributions. Notably, it was found that the impact of climate change, drought, poverty, and food security on rural livelihoods has largely dominated the scholarly investigations over the period. However, the potentials of pyrolis, biochar, and dryland forestry for rural livelihood sustainability were found to be underexplored. In light of these insights, we recommend the scholarly community develop much interest in less explored areas that equally hold great potential for enhancing rural livelihoods. We also recommend that rural livelihood programming by policymakers must seek the integration of indigenous knowledge and be tailored to strengthen the resilience of rural households against the perils of climate change and weather variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure in which a stoma is created in trachea by direct incision over the anterior aspect of the neck, which can cause disfigurement of the anterior neck and many other associated physical and psychosocial issues. Patients with long-term/permanent tracheostomy have to live with tracheostomy even after getting discharged from the hospital, which can further complicate the condition of the patients as they are unable to cope up with the problems associated with long-term tracheostomy. There is dearth of literature related to intensity of problems among patients having long term/ permanent tracheostomy in India. Therefore, the aim of the study is to assess psychosocial, physical problems and coping mechanism in patients with long-term/permanent tracheostomy. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at ENT outpatient department and ENT Minor operation theatre, tertiary care hospital India. Total of 100 patients having long term/permanent tracheostomy were enrolled by convenient sampling. Data regarding demographics and clinical characteristics, Physical and Psychosocial problems, and Coping strategies were collected by structured questionnaires. Result: The majority of individuals who had long-term or permanent tracheostomies had only minor health issues. Patients experienced more psychosocial issues than people in the general healthy population. The majority of patients employed active coping, acceptance, and religion as coping mechanisms, whereas the coping mechanisms which were minimally used includes: humor and substance abuse. Patients' coping strategies vary significantly according on their age, employment status, marital status, and the duration of their tracheostomy. Conclusion: Long-term/Permanent tracheostomy can cause multiple physical and psychosocial issues in patients, but eventually, patients get adapted to it. Support from family members and significant others plays a vital role in better coping with tracheostomy in situ, also it is critical for health care providers to be aware of their problems and coping mechanisms so that they can provide required care and assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universities globally are called to educate collaborative and ethical engineers. In response, interdisciplinary problem-based learning is increasingly used to equip students with competencies needed to solve grand societal challenges. However, complex problem-solving in interdisciplinary teams can challenge students’ existing beliefs and cause confusion. Our study examines these challenges through the lens of ‘disorienting dilemmas’ from transformative learning theory and investigates students’ coping strategies. Through twenty-nine student interviews, we uncovered disorienting dilemmas related to self-identity, problem-solving, disciplinary perceptions, conceptual understanding, and collaboration. Additionally, based on varied cognitive and behavioural responses, we identified four coping strategies: integrating, investigating, negotiating, and withdrawing. Notably, we observed shifts in students’ use of coping strategies. Our research advances transformative learning theory through its focus on shared learning and the recognition of diversity of coping strategies, thus providing insights for designing supports that guide students towards more constructive strategies and facilitate transformative learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between athletes' training satisfaction and competitive state anxiety, by examining the mediating roles of psychological resilience and coping strategies. The findings provide a theoretical foundation and practical recommendations for enhancing athletes' training and mental health services. Methods: A questionnaire was utilized to assess training satisfaction, psychological resilience, coping strategies, and Competitive State Anxiety among a sample of 447 athletes. The data was examined through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling, employing SPSS and the Process 3.5 plug-in. Results: Training satisfaction had a significant positive effect on psychological resilience (β = 0.726, p <0.001), while training satisfaction (β = 0.178, p <0.001) and psychological resilience (β = 1.138, p <0.001) were found to have a significant positive effect on strategy. Additionally, training satisfaction, psychological resilience, and coping strategies all demonstrated a significant negative effect on competitive state anxiety (p <0.001). Training satisfaction indirectly influenced competitive state anxiety through psychological resilience (indirect effect 1), coping strategies (indirect effect 2), and the combined mediating effect of psychological resilience and coping strategies (indirect effect 3), resulting in a total indirect effect of −0.385 [95% CI = (−0.433, −0.337)]. Discussion: In conclusion, enhancing athletes' training satisfaction can help reduce competitive state anxiety by improving psychological resilience and fostering positive coping mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the psychological stress experienced by frontline medical staff during the Yangbi Earthquake and to understand how coping strategies and social support influence stress responses. Methods: From days 3 to 14 post-earthquake, online questionnaires were administered to frontline medical staff to assess perceived social support, coping strategies, and psychological stress responses using the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Trait Coping Strategies Questionnaire (TCSQ), and Stress Response Questionnaire (SRQ). Data analysis included correlation analysis to explore relationships between variables, multiple linear regression to identify key predictors of stress, and path analysis to determine direct and indirect effects. Results: A total of 253 valid questionnaires were analyzed, with a participant composition of 81.82% females and 18.18% males, and the majority being nurses (62.06%). Psychological stress responses varied by gender and age, with females and older age groups showing higher physical stress responses (P < 0.05). Correlation and regression analyses indicated that negative coping and lower levels of social support were associated with increased stress responses (P < 0.05). Path analysis revealed that intra-family and extra-family support influenced stress responses directly and indirectly through coping strategies (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that perceived social support directly influences stress responses in frontline medical personnel during disasters, with coping strategies mediating this effect. Future research should explore these dynamics over time through longitudinal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social–emotional skills (e.g., emotion regulation) influence a variety of academic outcomes among children. This study examined the relations of coping strategies and cognitive emotion regulation (CER) to academic achievement goals and academic performance among Chinese children (N = 401, age M = 10.52 years). Full Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis showed that children's use of active coping strategies was positively associated with their endorsement of performance approach and mastery avoidance goals. Avoidant and support-seeking coping strategies were not associated with any outcome variables. Maladaptive CER was positively associated with performance approach, performance avoidance, and mastery avoidance goals and negatively associated with academic performance; adaptive CER was positively associated with mastery approach goals but not associated with other outcome variables. The current study provided some preliminary evidence to indicate that active coping strategies, maladaptive CER, and adaptive CER were associated with academic achievement goals and academic performance among Chinese children. Although maladaptive CER was not used as often as adaptive CER by Chinese children, the more they used maladaptive CER, the more likely they were to have academic achievement goals that focused on things other than learning itself, whereas the more Chinese children used adaptive CER, the more likely they were to set an achievement goal to master the knowledge. Therefore, in teaching practices or intervention planning, decreasing maladaptive CER strategies may be as important as cultivating adaptive CER strategies to facilitate academic success among Chinese children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Numerous studies have highlighted the prevalence of mental health disorders among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, with varying indications of emotional strain. This study compares the psychological functioning of healthcare workers at the onset of the pandemic and two years later, offering a comprehensive assessment of their emotional and mental health status in the evolving context of COVID-19. Methods: This longitudinal analysis examined the relationship between stress, emotional processing, and their positive/negative impacts on medical personnel working in Polish hospitals and outpatient clinics in 2020 (n = 285) and 2022 (n = 252). The study employed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Mini-COPE, Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Emotional Processing Scale (EPS), STAI, and PANAS to assess psychological responses and coping mechanisms. Results: Findings revealed a significant increase in denial, substance use, self-blame, negative mood, and impaired psychological and somatic functioning, alongside heightened symptoms of depression and anxiety. Conversely, a marked decrease in planning, positive reinterpretation, acceptance, religious coping, and seeking social support (both emotional and instrumental) was observed over the two-year period. Conclusion: The prolonged nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the psychological resilience of healthcare professionals, eroding critical emotional resources necessary for maintaining interpersonal relationships and mental well-being. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to support the mental health of medical staff in the ongoing crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) impacts not only diagnosed individuals, but also significantly affects the quality of life of both primary and secondary caregivers. These effects are particularly pronounced when compared to caregivers of individuals with other neurodevelopmental disorders. The emotional and physical demands of caring for someone with ASD can profoundly alter family dynamics and interpersonal relationships, creating challenges that require a comprehensive approach to be understood and addressed. Methods: The methodological design is a narrative review study, based on a search conducted during May, June, July, and August 2024 in the Scopus, Dialnet, and WoS databases concerning the object of study. As a result, a total of 197 articles were qualitatively analyzed. Of these, 36 articles were selected for a more detailed qualitative analysis, leading to a final sample of 14 documents. The selected studies were examined through qualitative content analysis. The inclusion criteria for this selection were as follows: empirical studies or research published in English or Spanish; open access via the Internet; categories limited to "education/educational research" relevant to the proposed objectives; and specific documents related to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Results: The care of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has a significant and multifaceted impact on family life, deeply affecting the mental health of caregivers. These effects manifest in the form of chronic stress, anxiety, and interpersonal difficulties, altering family dynamics. The quality of life of caregivers varies depending on the coping strategies they employ, which are crucial for their emotional well-being. Conclusions: Understanding and optimizing these strategies is essential to mitigate the negative effects of caregiving and improving the overall well-being of families living with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farm households, especially in developing countries, are among the most vulnerable to food insecurity and poverty. A farming system approach is largely recognized to play an important role in supporting strategies to improve food security and alleviate poverty among farm households. This paper aims at exploring the drivers of food insecurity among farm households in developing countries, using a farming system approach. It also aims to explore farm households' perceptions regarding the causes of food shortages and the adopted coping strategies, and how these vary across farming systems. This analysis was based on data extracted from an agricultural census, which were analyzed through scatter plots and plot means with 95% confidence intervals. The results indicate that the factors analyzed (level of specialization, market integration, use of yield-raising and labor-saving inputs, farm size, population density, and rainfall) are important drivers explaining food insecurity among farm households, highlighting important differences across farming systems. The analysis also showed that farm households' perceptions regarding the causes of food shortages are related with the abovementioned drivers of food insecurity. Our findings suggest that less specialized farming systems with better access to markets, using yield-raising and/or labor-saving inputs, are more likely to be food secure. The farming system approach proved to be a useful approach to explore food insecurity drivers and coping strategies as well as to support policymaking. Moreover, the use of an agricultural census data provides an easily attainable tool to access and analyze farm-level data for policy analysis and to explore and understand a range of issues affecting farm households in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study aimed to explore the mental health status, coping strategies, and social support of international students in Canada. Participants. Undergraduate and graduate international students studying at one Canadian university participated in an online survey. Methods. The survey consisting of four assessments—the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Carver Brief-Cope Inventory, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support—was distributed during the winter and spring terms of 2020. Results. Of the 338 participants from 53 countries, 76% demonstrated optimal mental health without mental disorders; 86% used approach coping strategies. Those who are women, married, and Ph.D. students showed better mental health and lower psychological distress. Coping skills and social support significantly predict participants' psychological distress and subjective well-being. Conclusions. This study findings address the gaps in meeting the mental health needs of international students and raise awareness of this population's unique mental health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the potential profiles of the sense of coherence (SOC) among cancer radiotherapy patients using latent profile analysis (LPA) and to characterize each category. Additionally, we investigated the correlation between different profiles of the SOC and the coping strategies. Methods: Convenience sampling method was used to select 241 cancer radiotherapy patients hospitalized in a specialized hospital in Shanghai from March 2023 to October 2023 as research subjects. The study utilized a general information questionnaire, the Sense of Coherence Scale-13 (SOC-13), and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ) for the survey. Results: LPA identified three potential profiles based on varying levels of SOC: “Low level-High meaningfulness” group (n = 38, 15.8%), “Moderate level-High manageability” group (n = 104, 43.2%), and “High level-Balanced” group (n = 99, 41%). Age (OR = 6.544, P = 0.015), residence (OR = 0.217, P = 0.004), initial recurrence (OR = 2.869, P = 0.028), and side effects (OR = 2.862, P = 0.015) were significant predictors. A lower level of the SOC was significantly associated with higher scores in acceptance-resignation (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The SOC among cancer radiotherapy patients can be divided into three potential profiles. Younger patients with side effect have lower levels of the SOC. Adopting a acceptance-resignation coping strategies is related to a lower SOC, suggesting that enhancing the level of the SOC plays a positive role in helping patients cope with stressful events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite an improved understanding of its pathogenesis, dry eye disease (DED) remains relatively underestimated and its treatment challenging. A better alignment between the clinical evaluation and the patient self-assessment also requires capturing the whole patient experience of DED. This project aimed to unveil this experience through narrative medicine (NM). Methods: The project involved 38 expert centres in Italy and one in San Marino, targeting adult patients with DED, their informal caregivers and their treating ophthalmologists. Written narratives and sociodemographic and quality of life (QoL)-related data were anonymously collected through the project's webpage. Narratives were analysed through MAXQDA (VERBI Software, Berlin, Germany), NM classifications and content analysis. Results: A total of 171 patients with DED, 37 informal caregivers and 81 ophthalmologists participated in the research. DED was defined as a disabling condition by 19% of patients and 35% of caregivers; 70% of patients reported that a therapeutic alliance is an integral part of DED treatment and 32% hope for more effective therapies. Forty-four per cent of patients assessed their own QoL as good; however, DED emerged as importantly impacting work performance and social events. DED physical, emotional and economic burden and the cruciality of a trusting care relationship represent the main themes that emerged across all narratives, while empathy and effective treatment are among the factors favouring coping with DED. Conclusion: This project marked a pioneering initiative investigating the lived experience of patients with DED through NM, simultaneously involving all viewpoints involved in the care pathway. NM enabled the unveiling of factors favouring the ability to cope with DED and its associated QoL implications and provided valuable insights to improve the therapeutic alliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystems provide a wide variety of life-sustaining services but are currently facing severe degradation due to changing land use and cover. Women are presumed to be more affected by declines in provisioning ecosystem services (PES). These claims have not been empirically proven across all contexts and have been contested by recent studies. Few studies in Ghana have attempted to examine this gendered environmental change phenomenon. Underpinned by the vulnerability theory, this paper employed an eclectic methodological approach to examine gender differences in vulnerability and coping with changing PES in Ghana. The findings reveal that both males and females depend highly on agricultural and woodland ecosystems for their livelihood needs. The deterioration in the total areas of the major ecosystems has resulted in significant declines in vital PES such as wild edible fruits and vegetables, medicinal plants and building materials for both men and women over the past decade. The study further reveals that the decreases in fuelwood supply affect women more than men because the former group mostly cooks food in their households, using fuelwood. As adaptation mechanisms, male farmers mostly planted trees on their farms to reclaim unfertile land and conserve forests, while female farmers engage in fruits and vegetable trade in the markets, as well as used non-indigenous spices to enhance the taste of food. Both males and females have also resorted to relying on orthodox medicines contrary to the past. To increase ecosystem resilience, the mainstreaming of ecosystem integrity adaptation practices into national adaptation plans is paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate midwives' level of stress and burnout during the COVID‐19 Omicron phase in Italy. Secondary aims were to explore the impact of the pandemic on midwives' personal dimensions and professional activities and potential supporting strategies. Design: A mixed‐methods study was undertaken from July to December 2022. Methods: Data were collected using a national online observational survey. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to evaluate stress, burnout and the impact of the pandemic on personal and professional dimensions. A deductive qualitative approach was used to analyse open‐ended responses, that were merged with quantitative data following a convergent mixed‐methods approach. Results: A total of 1944 midwives participated in the survey. The stress summary score mean was 10.34, and 562 midwives (28.91%) experienced burnout. The intention to reduce working hours was reported by 202 midwives (10.39%), with 60.40% (n = 122) of them experiencing burnout. The intention to leave clinical practice within the following 2 years was reported by 239 (12.29%), with 68.20% (n = 163) of them experiencing burnout. All the personal dimensions and professional activities considered were defined by more than half of midwives as being impacted 'Moderately' or 'To a great extent' by pandemic. Stress and burnout frequencies increased when the midwives' perception of the pandemic effects was higher. Potential supporting strategies described by midwives as the most important in increasing their ability to cope with the pandemic were 'Women's awareness of the midwives' role' (n = 1072; 55.14%) and 'Family and friends' emotional support' (n = 746; 38.38%). Conclusion: Our findings suggested strategies to support a positive and safe working environment for midwives during a pandemic emergency, with potential transferability to similar contexts when human resources are lacking. It is recommended that maternity services provide the necessary resources for a safe and supportive working environment to prevent high stress levels and chronic burnout. Impact: Studies conducted during the first COVID‐19 pandemic wave showed an increased level of stress, anxiety, burnout, post‐traumatic stress disorder and depression experienced by healthcare professionals; moreover, midwives experienced drastic changes in care pathways and policies with struggles identified when providing high‐quality woman‐centred care following pandemic restrictions. Although it is recommended, there is lack of knowledge about long‐term psychological effects of COVID‐19 for midwives. Our study highlights that during the Omicron wave midwives experienced a high level of stress and burnout with an impact on individual dimensions and professional activities. Their stress and burnout were influenced by several factors, including restrictions in place, lack of organizational acknowledgement, work overload and need for extra childcare cover. Maternity services should provide the necessary resources for a safe and supportive working environment to prevent high stress levels and chronic burnout. Recommendations on how to facilitate this are suggested. Reporting Method: During the writing process, we referred to 'The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies Epidemiology Statement', the guidelines for reporting observational studies from the Equator network. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. What does this paper contribute to the wider global clinical community?: Work overload conditions negatively impacted on the quality of maternity services. Improving organizational aspects, reducing working hours, promoting family and friends' emotional support and improving women's awareness of midwife's role were the main strategies reported by midwives. These suggestions for ensuring a positive and safe working environment for midwives during a pandemic emergency could potentially be applied to similar situations where human resources are lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Less is known concerning the evolution of coping strategies before and after deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, coping was measured with the neurological version of the CHIP (Coping with Health Injuries and Problem) and the BriefCOPE in PD patients before (T1: DBS - 2 months) and after (T2: + 3 months, T3: + 6 months) DBS. Patients (N = 50, age 59 ± 5.7 years, disease duration 9.54 ± 3.7 years) were randomised in 3 groups: CRTG (preoperative psychological preparation with cognitive restructuring), PIG (preoperative non structured interviews), and CG (no psychological preparation). Results: Coping strategies are modulated by the time of evaluation. Some strategies are significantly more used preoperatively than postoperatively, as strategies about the research for information (CHIP: F = 16.14; P =.000; η2 =.095; BriefCOPE F = 5.71; P =.005; η2 =.066), emotional regulation (F = 3.29; P =.042; η2 =.029), and well-being searching (F = 4.59; P =.013; η2 =.043). Some other strategies appear more used post than preoperatively, as palliative coping (F = 5.57; P =.005; η2 =.064), humour (F = 3.35; P =.041; η2 =.0.35), and use of substance (F = 4.43; P =.015; η2 =.070). No other specific time, group or time per group interaction effect was found. Conclusion: Coping strategies are crucial for PD patients to adapt to the evolution of their parkinsonian state. Their consideration should be more systematic in the neurosurgical process, particularly when neurological symptoms would remain after DBS. More insights are needed concerning the evolution of coping strategies through DBS and the impact of a preoperative psychotherapy over them in preoperative PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vocational teachers participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to develop their professional competencies. In developing country contexts however, it is not always clear what challenges vocational teachers face in their CPD or how they attempt to resolve those challenges. This study therefore investigated the challenges vocational teachers in Kenya face in their CPD and the coping strategies they adopt. Viewing teachers as adult learners, the study adopted a concurrent mixed methods approach whereby interview and questionnaire survey data were collected from vocational teachers in six vocational institutions in Kenya's Nairobi Metropolitan Area and analysed using thematic and statistical analysis. Vocational teachers in Kenya were found to face multiple challenges concurrently, which were categorized as lack of opportunity and access (e.g. failing to find relevant CPD), systemic restrictions (e.g. hindrances due to costs and lack of time), and personal difficulties (e.g. negative self-evaluation of ability). The strength of these challenges was found to vary with the characteristics of teachers. Coping strategies included cutting down on spending, taking loans, moonlighting, and 'juggling time'. Findings show the need for a clear policy on vocational teacher CPD, provision of financial and non-financial support, and reworking the school calendar to create time for CPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]