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Objectives: Beginning in February 2022, the United States faced an infant formula shortage that severely impacted access and affordability. Little is known about how this shortage impacted infant feeding intentions among expectant mothers. Our study sought to determine the impact of the formula shortage on prenatal feeding intentions and to understand expectant mothers' feelings and perceived stress related to the shortage. Methods: This cross-sectional, exploratory, observational study of pregnant women (n = 57) residing in New York City utilized a self-administered online survey in May–July 2022. Results: The results indicate that ten (17.5%) respondents changed their feeding intentions during the infant formula shortage for months 0–3 or 3–6 of infancy to include more breastfeeding than originally intended. These mothers also reported significantly higher stress levels related to the shortage than their non-changing peers. Conclusions for practice: Our results suggest that the formula shortage influenced feeding intentions among a subset of surveyed expectant mothers. The stress associated with the shortage influenced prenatal feeding intentions to include more breastfeeding than intended prior to the shortage. Prenatal healthcare providers should consider the availability of infant formula as one of myriad factors that influence infant feeding intentions, and that the stress associated with whether infant formula is readily available may influence these intentions as well. Significance: Numerous factors, including social, cultural, and economic influences, can shape prenatal infant feeding intentions. Our results suggest that availability of infant formula may be an additional element in this decision-making process. Our study found that the 2022 infant formula shortage influenced expectant mothers to include more breastfeeding in their feeding plans than they had originally intended as a result of the shortage. To our knowledge, there has been no research published that examines the effect of an infant formula shortage on the feeding intentions of expectant mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Designing appropriate diagnostic and treatment methods to reduce fall risk and improve quality of life, as well as reduce the cost of care in elderlies. Our findings have potential for early diagnosis of those with a high probability of falling based on fairly simple clinical measures of hyperkyphosis, forward head, and lordosis. Introduction: Poor balance is an underlying cause of falling in the elderly, for which a change in the natural curvature of the spine plays a major role. Little is known about the relationship between spinal curvatures and fall incidence in this population. We primarily aimed to investigate the relationship between sagittal plane spinal curvatures and fall incidence over 1 year among nursing facility residents. Secondarily, we aim to determine associations of sagittal plane spinal curvatures with participants' perception of fall risk and balance capability. Methods: Participants (100 residents mean age 70.17 ± 6.01 years) underwent standing measures of sagittal plane spinal curvatures (flexible ruler technique) and forward displacement of the head relative to the cervical spine. The Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) and Fall Efficacy Scale assessed participants' perception of balance and fear of falling. Incident falls were self-reported monthly and tracked across 1 year. Spearman's correlations and logistic regression evaluated associations between fall incidence and spinal curvature. Predictive performance of spinal curvature and fall risk was determined by the corresponding ROC for defining a cut-off for variables of spinal curvature and fall risk indicators. Results: Predictive performance of spinal curvature and fall risk factors indicated 84% and 77% of participants were correctly classified using models of kyphosis and head angle, respectively. Conclusions: Our study adds new data on spinal curvatures and incident falls among nursing facility residents. Efforts are needed to intervene to counter progression of spinal curvatures and improve fall prevention practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke survivors and their caregivers have numerous and diverse educational needs, many of which are unmet because of inadequate training from healthcare professionals. As stroke recovery and rehabilitation can continue for years post-stroke, it is critical that stroke survivors are provided with and have access to a range of support options and evidence-based information. Website-based education programs (WEP) have been adopted in recent years to manage health problems. The present pilot study aims to evaluate the effect of WEP on activities of daily living (ADLs) and the fear of falls among sub-acute stroke survivors. Methods: A total of 16 eligible post-stroke survivors were recruited from multiple study settings across Surat City of Gujarat state in western India and were randomly assigned using a lottery method to either the experimental group (n = 8) receiving WEP or the control group (n = 8) receiving conventional physiotherapy for 4 weeks. Outcome measures were the Indian Stroke Scale (ISS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in all outcomes but the experimental group showed more significant improvements in ADLs and fear of falls among sub-acute stroke survivors (p < 0.05). Conclusion: WEP for sub-acute stroke survivors is an effective intervention. It improves the performance of ADLs for stroke survivors and helps in better fall management indicating that web-based education programs shall be implemented on a regular basis to improve patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safety behaviors attenuate the effects of exposure therapy. Less is known about how safety behaviors interact with parenting behaviors in relation to anxious children's fear responses. We examined if child safety behaviors interact with maternal punitive responses to explain unique variance in children's fear downregulation—defined as self-reported reduction of anxious arousal—during an anxiety-provoking task. Anxious children ages 8–12 (N = 105; 57.1% female; 61.9% racial minority) completed a diagnostic interview and structured speech task. Mothers reported how often they responded punitively to children's negative emotions. Independent observers coded child safety behaviors used during the speech, and a fear downregulation score was computed per child by subtracting post-speech fear scores from pre-speech fear scores. The interaction between child safety behaviors and maternal punitive responses predicted unique variance in subjective fear downregulation, such that increased use of safety behaviors during the speech task was associated with more difficulties downregulating subjective fear only among children whose mothers reported moderate and high use of punitive responses. Maternal punitive responses to children's negative emotions may promote child safety behavior use to avoid anxiety, resulting in greater difficulties downregulating fear. Our findings provide preliminary evidence for targeting child safety behaviors and parenting behaviors during child anxiety treatment. Highlights: Higher child safety behaviors were associated with more difficulty downregulating fear. Higher maternal punitive responses were associated with more difficulty downregulating fear. Maternal punitive responses interacted with safety behaviors to predict fear downregulation. Parental emotion socialization practices may be important treatment targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental well-being has implications for child outcomes and child well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed substantial psychological distress on parents especially those from under-resourced backgrounds who also have young children. Most of the available studies have used surveys to understand the impact of COVID-19 on parents' well-being with only a few of those studies looking at parents with children below five years from under-resourced backgrounds. We explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of 118 parents from under-resourced communities using qualitative methods. Through thematic analysis, we identified eight themes related to the impact of COVID-19: (1) Losing child care and taking teaching/care responsibility, (2) new rules and routines, (3) loss of basic needs, (4) fear of the virus, (5) loss of social support, (6) loss of jobs, (7) deeper connections, and (8) enhanced hygiene. We also identified four themes related to how parents coped with the impacts of the pandemic: (i) engaging in hobbies; (ii) making plans; (iii) accepting, and (iv) avoiding arguments. Implications include supporting parents' autonomy and providing flexibility at work, developing and tailoring mindfulness and stress reduction interventions to support parents' self-compassion and psychological flexibility skills, preparing lesson samples and helping parents role play to support their self-efficacy in teaching children, and prioritizing keeping child care settings open. Highlights: Loss of child care significantly contributed to parents' psychological distress. Parents experienced low self-efficacy in teaching their children. Parents lost jobs and their partners took more hours to compensate for the lost income which affected their relationships with children. Parents coped by participating in hobbies, accepting, engaging in proactive coping mechanism, and avoiding arguments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facing crises, life problems, and illnesses, many people turn to religion, spirituality, and faith as a psychosocial adjustment approach. This qualitative study assessed the spiritual needs of fourteen Iranian patients who recovered from COVID-19. Qualitative content analysis resulted in three themes, including "composure" with three categories of "prayer", "hope", and "connection"; "meaning in the life" comprising two categories of "a new prospect of life" and "the power of nature"; and "global responsibility" involving one category of "the relationships between individuals, communities, and the world". This study highlighted that patients relied on spirituality to cope with COVID-19 disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the role of spirituality, intolerance of uncertainty (IU), and fear of COVID-19 as correlates and predictors of psychological distress among older adults in Pakistan and also assess the gender differences among research variables. Using a quantitative correlational survey research design, a sample of 150 (75 = Men, 75 = Women) older adults aged 55 years and above from different cities of Pakistan were approached through a non-probability purposive sampling strategy. Participants completed the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale IUS-12, Fear of COVID-19, and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-K10. Spirituality has a significant negative relationship with psychological distress. Whereas, IU (Inhibitory anxiety and prospective anxiety) and fear of COVID-19 have a significant positive relationship with psychological distress. Results also showed that spirituality, IU dimensions, and fear of COVID-19 emerged as significant predictors of psychological distress among older adults after controlling for the effect of covariates. In addition, elderly females significantly showed more spirituality, less IU, and fear of COVID-19 as compared to elderly males. It is proposed that mental health care plays an important role in treating the psychological needs of older adults in pandemic situations and that further study is needed to develop effective solutions for older persons in stressful situations such as pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cognitive behaviour therapy based on the Clark and Wells (1995) model is a first-line treatment for neurotypical people seeking support for social anxiety. While autistic people frequently report high social anxiety, it is unclear how appropriate the model is for this population. Methods: Over 300 autistic and non-autistic adults completed an online survey measuring key variables of the Clark and Wells model (socially-related negative thoughts, safety behaviours, self-focused attention). Using multiple regression and structural equation modelling, we assessed whether these variables accounted for the link between autism and social fears. Results: In multiple regression, autistic people experienced greater social fears than expected based on Clark and Wells variables, and safety behaviours were less predictive of social fears in autistic people. In structural equation modelling, Clark and Wells variables only mediated half the link between autistic traits and social fears. In exploratory analysis, we found that distress relating to uncertainty was an additional variable that needed to be taken into consideration in the relationship between autistic traits and social fears. Conclusion: The Clark and Wells variables were relevant in autism, but did not fully explain elevated social fears in autistic people, which suggests that other factors are also important in accounting for social anxiety in autistic people. This means that therapy informed by the model may not be optimal for autistic people. We recommend further research developing adapted therapy for social anxiety in autistic people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to determine the postoperative intestinal functioning, quality of life (QoL), and psychological well-being of patients treated either with organ-preserving surgery (OPS) or organ-resection surgery (ORS) for high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HIN) or T1 colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a single tertiary care center. In total, 175 eligible individuals with T1 CRC or HIN were divided into the OPS (n = 103) or ORS (n = 72) group based on whether the relevant segment of the intestine was preserved or resected. Intestinal function was evaluated using low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) scores. QoL was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ)-C30 and EORTC-QLQ-CR29. Psychological status was evaluated using the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form and the Self-rating Anxiety and Depression scales. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize the influence of potential confounders. Results: Overall, 130 of 175 patients (74.29%) responded to the questionnaires; 56 and 74 were in the ORS and OPS groups, respectively. Thirty-five patient pairs were successfully matched through PSM. The mild and severe LARS rates were significantly higher in the ORS group than in the OPS group (P < 0.001). The EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC-QLQ-CR29 scores revealed significantly better physical, role, and emotional functioning and an overall improved state of health (with multiple reduced symptom scores) in the OPS group than in the ORS group (P < 0.05). Significantly more patients were depressed in the ORS group than in the OPS group (P = 0.034), whereas anxiety or fear of disease progression did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusions: OPS for the treatment of HIN or T1 CRC was found to be more advantageous for patients in terms of improved intestinal function, QoL, and psychological status than was ORS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exercise fear and low exercise self-efficacy are common in patients attending cardiac rehabilitation (CR). This study tested whether exercise prescription methods influence exercise fear and exercise self-efficacy. We hypothesized that the use of graded exercise testing (GXT) with a target heart rate range exercise prescription, relative to standard exercise prescription using rating of perceived exertion (RPE), would produce greater reductions in exercise fear and increase self-efficacy during CR. Method: Patients in CR (N = 32) were randomized to an exercise prescription using either RPE or a target heart rate range. Exercise fear and self-efficacy were assessed with questionnaires at three time points: baseline; after the GXT in target heart rate range group; and at session 6 for the RPE group and CR completion. Items were scored on a five-point Likert-type scale with higher mean scores reflecting higher fear of exercise and higher self-efficacy. To analyze mean differences, a mixed effects analysis was run. Results: There were no significant changes in exercise self-efficacy between baseline and discharge from CR; these were not statistically significant (mean differences baseline − 0.63; end − 0.27 (p = 0.13)). Similarly, there was no change in fear between groups (baseline 0.30; end 0.51 (p = 0.37)). Conclusion: Patients in the RPE and target heart rate groups had non-significant changes in exercise self-efficacy over the course of CR. Contrary to our hypothesis, the use of GXT and target heart rate range did not reduce fear, and we noted sustained or increases in fear of exercise among patients with elevated baseline fear. A more targeted psychological intervention seems warranted to reduce exercise fear and self-efficacy in CR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic thrust the world's population into a crisis. Social workers and other professionals working with youth have been front-line witnesses to the accentuated negative impact of this public health emergency on youth and their families as well as to the creative adaptive strategies of youth and their families. Purpose: Because youth workers are often the first to identify and respond to the needs and desires of children and youth, it is critical to better understand the ways in which youth workers adapted, coped, and intervened within the context of this global health, social, and economic crisis. Youth workers play a central role in the lives of children and youth. Their perspective is key to recognizing both practice innovation and organizational impediments. Method: 31 youth workers in mental health, housing, primary care, and child protection participated in focus groups discussing the impact of the pandemic during waves 1 and 2 on the youth and families they work with and, consequently, on their own practice. Results: include two central domains that organize findings around adapting professional practice to crisis situations: (1) the first-person experience of working with youth during the pandemic; (2) the changing needs and risks faced by youth and their families. Discussion: These domains include discussions around participant emotions and feelings of isolation, helplessness, and fear as well as adaptability. The article concludes with recommendations to support youth workers and adapt organizational structures to help protect youth from increased risk and vulnerability during a pandemic or other crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has uniquely impacted people living with HIV (PLWH) worldwide. The negative impacts on PLWH's mental health from fear of COVID-19 are labeled as "a double stress." The association between fear of COVID-19 and HIV (internalized) stigma has been found among PLWH. Studies that explore the relationships between fear of COVID-19 and physical health outcomes are few, especially among PLWH. In this study, we explored the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and physical health among PLWH and the mediated effects of HIV stigma, social support, and substance use. A cross-sectional online survey of PLWH (n = 201) from November 2021 to May 2022 was carried out in Shanghai, China. The data on socio-demographics, fear of COVID-19, physical health, HIV-related perceived stigma, social support, and substance use were gathered and analyzed by structure equation modeling (SEM). In SEM analysis, fear of COVID-19 showed a significant and indirect effect on physical health (β=-0.085) which was primarily mediated by HIV stigma. In SEM analysis, the final model had a good fit. Fear of COVID-19 showed a significant effect on HIV stigma (β = 0.223) with the majority being direct effects (β = 0.262) and a small indirect effect via substance use (β=-0.039). Furthermore, HIV stigma showed a significant effect on physical health (β=-0.382), the majority of which was direct (β=-0.340), and a small indirect effect via social support (β=-0.042). This is one of the first studies to explore how fear of contracting COVID-19 can affect PLWH's coping behaviors (e.g., using substances and obtaining social support) used to combat HIV stigma as well as to achieve better physical health in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disclosing one's HIV status can involve complex individual and interpersonal processes interacting with discriminatory societal norms and institutionalized biases. To support disclosure decision-making among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) living with HIV, we developed Tough Talks™, an mHealth intervention that uses artificially intelligent-facilitated role-playing disclosure scenarios and informational activities that build disclosure skills and self-efficacy. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 YMSM living with HIV (mean age 24 years, 50% Black) who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial assessing Tough Talks™ to understand their experiences with HIV status disclosure. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically coded. Barriers to disclosure focused on fear, anxiety, stigma, and trauma. Facilitators to disclosure are described in the context of these barriers including how participants built comfort and confidence in disclosure decisions and ways the Tough Talks™ intervention helped them. Participants' narratives identified meaning-making within disclosure conversations including opportunities for educating others and advocacy. Findings revealed ongoing challenges to HIV status disclosure among YMSM and a need for clinical providers and others to support disclosure decision-making and affirm individuals' autonomy over their decisions to disclose. Considering disclosure as a process rather than discrete events could inform future intervention approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how global misinformation and local cultural factors shape public perceptions of COVID-19 in Malawi. While misinformation about the pandemic often originates from global sources like the Internet and social media, its impact is influenced by religious and cultural narratives that resonate differently across various demographics, including gender. These 'cultural determinants' amplify the influence of misinformation, leading to widespread vaccine hesitancy. The paper draws on findings from a study conducted in the Malawian districts of Zomba, Dowa, and Nkhata Bay. The study reveals how religious prophecies and apocalyptic symbols, such as the '666' mentioned in the biblical Book of Revelation, are used to frame vaccines as malevolent, distorting public understanding and fuelling fears about COVID-19. The role of social media in spreading misinformation is particularly significant, given its ability to quickly disseminate content and engage users as both consumers and creators of information. Despite limited internet access in Malawi, misinformation spreads effectively through offline spaces, where cultural beliefs and mistrust in political leaders further propagate it. This study highlights the need for culturally sensitive public health communication strategies to address the fears and beliefs that drive misinformation and vaccine hesitancy in Malawi and similar contexts. Although misinformation and vaccine hesitancy are global challenges, the study highlights that misinformation in Malawi is culturally specific, localised, and appeals to fears, with distinct resonance across the male-female gender divide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Foot massage is known to be effective on the emotional state (anxiety, depression, etc.) in the postoperative period. However, studies on its effect on functional level are insufficient. Aim: The study aimed to investigate the impact of foot plantar massage on functional recovery in older adults undergoing general surgery, employing a randomized clinical trial design. Methods: A total of 70 older adults aged 65 years and above who underwent abdominal surgery were included. Various assessments were conducted, including pain levels (Visual Analogue Scale), fear of mobility (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), functional independence (Functional Independence Measure), balance (Berg Balance Scale), basic mobility (Rivermead Mobility Index), mental function status (Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination), and delirium (Nu-DESC). Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in some assessment parameters within the groups during the 2nd and 3rd measurement times, with the intervention group demonstrating significant mean differences. Discussions: The literature underscores the increase in kinesiophobia scores post-general/abdominal surgery in older adults, emphasizing the importance of evaluating functional level and kinesiophobia to expedite discharge processes and potentially plan early post-discharge rehabilitation to mitigate readmissions for functional reasons. Conclusions: Ultimately, foot massage was found to be effective in reducing kinesiophobia, improving balance, mobility, daily living skills, and mental status in older adults post-abdominal surgery, thereby advocating for the facilitation of post-discharge rehabilitation programs or the reduction of readmission rates. The clinical trials number: NCT05534490. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Addressing knowledge and concerns related to corticosteroid is essential to enhance patient care, promote optimal utilization, and minimize their potential side effects. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding corticosteroid use among healthcare providers (HCPs) in the United Arab Emirates using a validated questionnaire. Knowledge, attitudes, and fear items were described as frequency and percentages. Then, a total score was calculated; multilinear regression was used to see the effect of demographics on these scores. Results: Among 129 HCPs, 100 had previously prescribed corticosteroids (77.5%), with intranasal spray being the most dispensed dosage form (89.0%). Respiratory diseases were the most reported indication for corticosteroid dispensing (93.0%). HCPs preferred corticosteroids for their ability to quickly relief of patients' symptoms (67.0%). About 60.0% identified increased appetite as a patient-reported side effect. The assessment of the HCPs' knowledge showed a median score of 10 out of 11 (IQR = 9–11). The median fear score was six out of 10 (IQR = 4–10), but they were significantly and conversely related to each other. Conclusion: This study revealed that while HCPs in the UAE possess substantial knowledge regarding corticosteroid use, their concerns, particularly around side effects, indicate a need for further education. Addressing these concerns through targeted educational programs could enhance the safe and effective utilization of corticosteroids, ultimately improving patient care outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children can acquire fears of novel stimuli as a result of listening to parental verbal threat information about these stimuli (i.e., instructional learning). While empirical studies have shown that learning via parental information occurs, the effect size of parental verbal threat information on child fear of a novel stimulus has not yet been measured in a meta-analysis. We conducted a systematic review and meta analysis to assess the effect of parents' verbal statements on their children's fear acquisition. Additionally, we explored potential moderators of this effect, namely, parent and child anxiety levels, as well as child age. WebOfScience, Pubmed, Medline, and PsycINFO were used to identify eligible studies that assessed children's (30 months to 18 years old) fear of novel stimuli after being exposed to parental verbal threat information. We selected 17 studies for the meta-analysis and 18 for the systematic review. The meta-analysis revealed a significant causal effect of parental verbal threat information on children's fear reaction towards novel stimuli [g = 1.26]. No evidence was found for a moderation of verbal learning effects, neither by child or parent anxiety levels nor by child age. The effect of parents' verbal threat information on children's fear of novel stimuli is large and not dependent on anxiety levels or child age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Street harassment is a widespread problem that affects women from all backgrounds, often leading to negative psychological consequences such as anxiety, depression, and reduced self-worth. Despite the pioneering development of laws protecting women's rights, Spanish culture often normalizes this type of violence against women, and research on this context remains limited. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study with 245 women in Spain to investigate the occurrence and impact of street harassment on psychological well-being. We used the Street Harassment Assessment Scale, a self-report measure designed to evaluate the prevalence and frequency of street harassment, and explored its association with anxiety, fear of rape, avoidance behavior, self-esteem, and adherence to sexist beliefs. The results showed that 98% of women experienced street harassment, with 80% reporting monthly occurrences. The frequency of street harassment was correlated with increased anxiety, fear of rape and avoidance behavior, and lower self-esteem. Additionally, the results supported the link between the endorsement of sexist ideology and lower identification of events. Collectively, the results underscore the negative impact of street harassment on women's well-being and freedom, highlighting its role as a patriarchal tool that perpetuates female objectification and subordination. An integrative feminist perspective involving various fields, including psychology, public policy, and education, among others, is necessary to create safer environments for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prenatal depression is associated with adverse health outcomes for both mothers and their children. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has presented new risks and challenges for expectant mothers. The aims of the study were to investigate the underlying mechanism between COVID-19 risk perception of Chinese pregnant women and their prenatal depressive symptoms and potential protective factors such as family sense of coherence (FSOC). Method: A total of 181 Chinese pregnant women (Mage = 31.40 years, SD = 3.67, ranged from 23 to 43) participated in an online survey from April 22 to May 16, 2020. Risk perception and negative emotions (fear and anxiety) related with COVID-19, FSOC, and prenatal depressive symptoms were assessed. Results: The experience of maternal COVID-19 related negative emotion fully mediated the positive relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and prenatal depressive symptoms of pregnant women (β = 0.12, 95% CI [0.06, 0.19]). When confronting COVID-19 related fear and anxiety, expectant mothers from higher coherent families experienced a significantly lower level of prenatal depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Contextual negative emotional experience was demonstrated to explain how risk perception impacts depressive symptoms during severe public health crisis for pregnant women. FSOC may be a psychological resource protecting pregnant women from experiencing adverse psychological outcomes during COVID-19 pandemic. Significance: What is already known on this subject?: Robust evidence showed that maternal perinatal mental health was largely harmed during the early stage of COVID-19 pandemic in China. COVID-19 risk perception was one of the significant risk factors for psychological distress. What this study adds?: COVID-19 related negative emotions might serve as a possible mechanism linking risk perception and mental health in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. And the FSOC might serve as a protective factor that buffers the expectant mothers from antenatal depression. These findings clarified mental health vulnerabilities and potential opportunities of intervention for pregnant women during public health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the growing economic relevance of mobile health (mHealth) and the increasing global prevalence of dementia, self-testing apps for dementia and mild neurocognitive disorder (MCD) have been developed and advertised. The apps' promise of a quick and easy tool has been criticized in the literature from a variety of angles, but as we argue in this article, the celebratory characterization of self-testing also stands in disbalance to the various kinds of fears that may be connected to taking the test. By drawing on Sara Ahmed's phenomenological theory on emotions and by referring to illustrative experiences from two users with a particular dementia self-testing app, we explore four dimensions of fear derived from phenomenology: performative, ontological, embodied, and temporal dimensions. We argue that fear (1) motivates one to take the self-test and to try to take control over one's health; (2) is shaped by and shapes the ways in which we make sense of ourselves and others as cognitively deficient; (3) constructs and is constructed by our differently embodied presence in the world; and that (4) testing makes a fearful future self as cognitively deficient more tangible. In outlining these different dimensions of fear, this article expands the understanding of the meaning of experiencing self-testing in comparison to the mostly quantitative literature on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Providing services for patients with noncommunicable diseases is one of the main responsibilities of health systems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the care of these patients faced problems. This study investigates the ways of providing optimal care to patients during pandemics like COVID-19. Subject and methods: This study was conducted in 2021 in Tehran province using an analytical cross-sectional method. Six hundred participants were selected for the study. In order to examine the challenges and solutions for receiving services, a questionnaire was completed and its reliability and validity were checked; finally, a telephone interview was completed over a period of 3 months. Results: Among study participants, 68.2% were female, and the highest percentage was in the age group of 50–60 years. Fifty-four percent were illiterate or had primary education, 48.8% had diabetes, 42.8% had high blood pressure, and 8.3% had both diseases. Forty-three percent of the interviewees had not used health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the main reason for which was the fear of contracting COVID-19. The outbreak of coronavirus disease had affected the care of noncommunicable diseases for 63% of the interviewees. Conclusion: The fundamental need for changes in the health system was revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for flexibility in the health system will inevitably arise when similar cases occur, and policymakers and managers should consider necessary measures in this regard. The use of new technologies is one of the ways to replace traditional models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for certain types of chronic diseases and mental health problems. Despite having extended survival in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era, MSM living with HIV contend with aging-related diseases and complications with treatment. Consequent hospitalizations incur high costs, fear, low quality of life, and frailty. Unlike heterosexual men, MSM experience more structural violence and "syndemics" of psychosocial factors that not only accelerate HIV acquisition and transmission risk but also may increase morbidity, leading to greater rates of hospitalization. We aim to examine the impact of "syndemic" psychosocial factors on the incidence of hospitalization among geographically diverse MSM in the US. Participants were 1760 MSM from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) between 2004 and 2019. We examined the relationship between six psychosocial factors (depression, stimulant use, smoking, heroin use, childhood sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence) and incident hospitalization (admission to a hospital for treatment). We found a positive dose-response relationship between the number of syndemic factors and hospitalization. MSM reporting five or more syndemic factors had over twice the risk of hospitalization compared to MSM without syndemic factors [aRR = 2.14 (95% CI = 1.56, 2.94)]. Psychosocial factors synergistically increased hospitalizations over time. The positive dose-response relationship between the number of syndemic factors and hospitalization and the synergistic effects of these factors underscore the need for interventions that disentangle the syndemics to reduce hospitalization and related costs and improve the quality of life among MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resilience is defined as the ability to bounce back from adversity. Life challenges are present in all stages of human development, including the stage of emerging adulthood. Being resilient is crucial to cope with these challenges. Existing studies have revealed that parenting styles have a significant impact on one's resilience level. Nevertheless, the impact of a specific parenting style, particularly helicopter parenting on resilience has not been extensively studied in Malaysia. In addition, the underlying mechanism of the relationship between helicopter parenting and resilience is also under-examined, though it is suggested that fear of negative evaluation may play a mediating role in it. A cross-sectional design was employed to examine the relationship between helicopter parenting and resilience, as well as the mediating role of fear of negative evaluation in the relationship among Malaysian Chinese university students. A survey questionnaire including the Helicopter Parenting Scale, Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, and Brief Resilience Scale was answered by 204 participants. Results indicated that helicopter parenting predicts resilience, and the relationship is partially mediated by fear of negative evaluation. This study sheds light on how university students' resilience level could be promoted by reducing the fear of negative evaluation. The result of the study could be useful in promoting greater resiliency and reducing the negative effect of helicopter parenting among university students, by lessening the fear of negative evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptive emotion regulation is characterized by the ability to flexibly select and switch between different strategies, depending on individual and contextual factors. Previous studies have shown that people prefer disengagement strategies to regulate more intense emotions, while they prefer engagement strategies to regulate less intense emotions. In this study, we investigated whether – in addition to the intensity of emotions – the discrete emotion type (disgust versus fear) also affects emotion regulation strategy preferences. A total of 401 students from three different universities completed an emotion regulation choice task in which they could choose between distraction and reappraisal to regulate their emotions in response to viewing high versus low intensity disgust- and fear-evoking pictures. We found that strategy choices did indeed depend on the nature of specific emotions, with distraction being preferred for regulating disgust, and reappraisal being preferred for regulating fear. Crucially, the nature of the emotion also qualified the previously reported effect of emotion intensity on strategy choice: Only for disgust- but not for fear-evoking pictures did participants show an increased preference for distraction over reappraisal with increased emotion intensity. Our results thus show that the effects of emotional intensity on emotion regulation strategy choice are emotion-specific and indicate that factors affecting emotion regulation strategy choice interact with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, face masks have become a common experience for many people to reduce the spread of the disease. Although recent research has shown that face masks impair emotion recognition, it is unclear how this impairment differs from other familiar types of face covering, such as sunglasses. In the present study, participants identified expressions and rated their confidence in this assessment of six affective expressions (anger, disgust, fear, surprise, sadness, and happiness) on faces wearing masks or sunglasses at four different time points during the pandemic (June 2020, March 2021, September 2021, June 2022). They also provided judgements of emotion intensity and genuineness. Overall, emotion identification of faces with masks was less accurate and had lower ratings of confidence and emotion intensity than faces with sunglasses. Faces with sunglasses, alternatively, were rated as less genuine than faces with masks. Furthermore, this pattern for both masks and sunglasses remained stable across two years of the pandemic. This study provides new insights on the differential effects of face masks and sunglasses on emotion perception and highlights the importance of face coverings for emotion communication and social interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety is very pertinent to systemic family therapy (SFT), however, there is little research that seeks to understand people's experiences with anxiety symptoms and how they impact people's lives and relationships. The aim of this study was to examine the trending hashtag #ThisIsWhatAnxietyFeelsLike—a commonly used hashtag related to anxiety—to look more closely at how users talk about their anxiety symptoms on Twitter and how these symptoms influence people's interactions and relationships with others. We used a qualitative thematic analysis to analyze 1318 relational tweets posted with this hashtag that occurred between February 2017 and February 2018 and uncover themes related to experiences with anxiety. The analysis revealed six core themes: (a) deflated self in relation to others and their perceptions; (b) fear, worry and avoidance behaviors that influence relationships; (c) negative emotional responses leading to feeling misunderstood, lonely, and like a failure; (d) social triggers; (e) anxiety management strategies; and (f) things for others to avoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following treatment, cancer survivors often experience pain that negatively impacts their quality of life. Although both anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) have been shown to exacerbate pain interference, less is known about either the temporal relationship between anxiety/FCR and pain interference or modifiable cognitive/emotional factors that might moderate that relationship among cancer survivors. This longitudinal study aims to advance our understanding of the impact of both anxiety and FCR following primary cancer treatment on subsequent pain interference. We also examined potentially modifiable moderators (i.e., cancer-related illness beliefs and emotion regulation difficulties) of the relationship between anxiety/FCR and subsequent pain interference. Adults (N = 397; 67% female; Mage = 59.1 years) diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer completed self-report measures at baseline (average of 2.5 months following treatment completion) and at 6-month follow-up. Both greater anxiety and FCR not only predicted subsequent pain interference, but also predicted increases in pain interference over time. Additionally, complex interaction patterns were observed between anxiety and the potential moderators on pain interference. Specifically, lower Personal Control beliefs and higher Consequences beliefs were associated with greater pain interference for those with lower levels of anxiety/FCR. Emotion regulation difficulties also moderated the anxiety-pain interference link (i.e., was more strongly associated with greater pain interference at lower levels of anxiety), but not the FCR-pain link. Chronicity beliefs did not interact with anxiety or FCR in predicting pain interference. This study advances our understanding of the role of anxiety/FCR on pain interference over time as well as potential psychological treatment targets for individuals at greater risk for longer-term pain following cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fear of missing out (FoMO) and homesickness have been associated with a variety of negative psychosocial outcomes; however, they have rarely been studied together or with adolescents in residential settings. Objective: This study examined the potential associations of FoMO and homesickness with program outcomes in a sample of adolescents attending a military-style residential program. The residential treatment context inherently involves removal and isolation from an individual's typical living arrangements. Methods: Data were collected from 185 participants (aged 16–18) at three time points (i.e., 2 weeks after entry into the 19-week program; 9 weeks into the program; at week 18 of the program). RESULTS: Overall, FoMO and homesickness declined from initial assessment to midway through the program but rebounded just prior to exit from the program. FoMO and homesickness showed no direct correlations with participant outcomes, although both showed patterns of correlation demonstrating poor adjustment (e.g., low emotion regulation, high loneliness). Decreases in FoMO and homesickness during the program were positively correlated with distress tolerance. Conclusions: Given the negative implications of experiencing FoMO and homesickness, adolescents at risk for emotional distress tolerance may need additional support when initiating participation in residential programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both child temperament (specifically high shyness and fear) and environmental stressors like the COVID-19 pandemic are known to confer risk for elevated anxiety symptoms in children. However, few studies have examined the long-term impact of the pandemic on young children's anxiety. Objective: We examined the moderating effects of disruptions experienced during the early months of the pandemic on the longitudinal association between shy and fearful temperament at age 2 pre-pandemic and anxiety symptoms in the year following the start of the pandemic. Methods: Participants were 125 parents of toddlers (Mage = 26 months, 54% girls, 80% White) who were participating in an ongoing anxiety screening study when the pandemic started in 2020. Shy and fearful temperament were assessed pre-pandemic at age 2 years using the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire and anxiety symptoms were assessed within the first post-pandemic year (at ages 3 or 4) using the Spence Preschool Anxiety Scale. Parents completed the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory at the start of the pandemic to assess types of disruptions experienced. Results: Shyness predicted higher anxiety symptoms among children whose parents experienced more work-related disruptions. Fear was associated with higher anxiety symptoms at lower levels of social activities disruption but was unrelated to anxiety symptoms at high levels of these disruptions. Conclusions: Results suggest that anxious temperament may serve as a meaningful screening target for identifying the children most in need of support during times of major stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of fear, refuge, and migration in a predator–prey model, where the interactions between the species follow an asymmetric function response. In contrast to some other findings, we propose that prey develop an anti-predator response in response to a concentration of predators, which in turn increases the fear factor of the predators. The conditions under which all ecologically meaningful equilibrium points exist are discussed in detail. The local and global dynamics of the model are determined at all equilibrium points. The model admits several interesting results by changing the rate of fear of predators and predator aggregate sensitivity. Numerical simulations have been performed to verify our theoretical findings. We found that under certain conditions, the system appears to be losing the stability to acquire the periodic attractor when the trait-mediated direct effect of one of each (prey growth, competition, fear, and prey death). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fear of negative evaluation, defined as a sense of dread associated with being unfavorably evaluated in a social situation, is the primary factor underlying student anxiety in college science courses and is disproportionately experienced by students who are underserved in science. Yet, it is unknown why fear of negative evaluation disproportionately affects these students and what can be done to reduce student fear of negative evaluation. Academic social comparison describes how students perceive themselves compared to their peers with regard to desirability as a groupmate, the extent they fit in among others in their major, and academic talent. We hypothesize that academic social comparison mediates the relationship between student identities and fear of negative evaluation, where individuals with underserved identities in science may perceive themselves as "less than" their peers, contributing to their fear of negative evaluation. We surveyed 909 undergraduate science majors across 15 research-intensive institutions in the United States (U.S.) to assess: (1) To what extent do student identities predict fear of negative evaluation among science undergraduates? and (2) For identities that significantly predict fear of negative evaluation, to what extent does academic social comparison mediate the relationship? We used regression, single-mediator models, and multi-mediator models to address our research questions. Results: Women/non-binary and LGBTQ + science majors reported disproportionately high fear of negative evaluation compared to men and non-LGBTQ + science majors. Women/non-binary and LGBTQ + students also expressed lower academic social comparison relative to their respective counterparts, meaning they perceive themselves as less than their peers with regard to their desirability as a groupmate, the extent to which they fit in among others in their major, and their academic talent. Academic social comparison partially mediated the relationship between fear of negative evaluation and both gender and LGBTQ + status. Major fit, defined as the extent to which students perceive they fit in among others in their major, was found to be the primary mediating subconstruct of academic social comparison for both gender and LGBTQ + identities. Conclusions: Women/non-binary and LGBTQ + science majors perceive themselves as less than their peers to a greater extent than men and non-LGBTQ + science majors, contributing to their higher fear of negative evaluation in college science course. Major fit, defined as the extent to which students feel they fit in with others in their major, is the subconstruct of academic social comparison that had the strongest influence on fear of negative evaluation in our sample. Academic social comparison is a promising target for future efforts aimed at decreasing fear of negative evaluation in active learning college science courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research was conducted to determine the impact of a planned training program and music on fear, anxiety, and depression among women undergoing cesarean section. Methods: The sample of the randomized-controlled experimental study consisted of a total of 120 pregnant women (music 40, training 40, and the control 40) scheduled for cesarean section at the Obstetrics Service. Instrumental music from the Turkish music modes (the Hejaz, Neva, and Acemaşıran modes) was played for the music group, a planned training was given for the training group (what a cesarean section is, why a cesarean section should be performed, breastfeeding, mobilization, etc.) before the cesarean section, and no additional interventions were made for the control group. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Surgical Fear Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: After the planned training and listening to music applications, statistically significant differences were found between the music, training, and the control groups in terms of the short-term, long-term sub-scale scores and the overall score of the Surgical Fear Questionnaire and the anxiety sub-scale scores of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Listening to music before the cesarean section was effective in reducing women's short-term and general surgical fears, and the training was also effective in reducing their short-term, long-term, and general surgical fears and anxiety levels. However, the applications did not change depression levels. According to these findings, listening to music and provision of training are recommended to reduce surgical fears and anxiety levels of women before a planned cesarean section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately and quickly identifying other people's emotional information is an important social cognitive ability. Social interaction situations usually regulate individuals' emotional recognition in two ways: consistency situations and functional-relationship situations. However, when considering the gender factors of the two in threatening social interaction situations, relevant research on individual emotion recognition is still limited. Therefore, this study combined a forced-choice emotion recognition task with eye-tracking technology to explore gender differences in individuals' emotion recognition in threatening situations. Our results found that the total fixation duration and the total fixation point number in the target area of interest of men under the conditions of anger and fear tasks were higher than in women. Under the conditions of different gender combinations of materials and characters, women looked at the target character (fear emotion) for a longer total fixation duration, a higher total fixation point number, and an earlier first fixation time. The above research results indicate that individuals have gender effects in the task of identifying different emotion types in threatening social interaction situations. There is a gender effect on the characters in the experimental materials. This study provides new ideas for further research on gender differences in emotion recognition in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human dimensions play a pivotal role in wolf management and conservation. To offer an informed basis to improve Human-Wolf coexistence, we explore how socio-demographic factors, fear, knowledge, and perceptions of costs and benefits of wolf presence drive human attitudes in the southern area of the Douro River, Portugal, a region inhabited by a small and endangered wolf population. We interviewed 220 people (175 from the general public, 13 hunters, and 32 livestock owners) through a semi-structured survey organized on a 5-point Likert scale. Public and hunter respondents exhibited neutral to positive attitudes, whereas livestock owners expressed negative to neutral attitudes and revealed a Not-In-My-Backyard sentiment. We found that positive attitudes were linked to a greater receptiveness to increased wolf numbers, particularly in areas of irregular wolf presence. Fear was a significant driver of public attitudes, while the presence of wolves influenced livestock owners'views. For both groups, attitudes were also influenced by perceived costs and benefits. Knowledge about wolves did not significantly influence attitudes, with scores being consistently low across groups, and the myth of reintroduction persisting. Thus, management actions should address the concerns and complaints of individuals directly affected by wolves, dispel common fears and myths, and emphasize the ecological and economic benefits of wolf presence in the territory. Media outlets can serve as strategic partners in engaging the neutral population through untargeted interventions. Prioritizing the input of all groups, including conservationists, is essential for establishing common ground and ensuring sustained coexistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal trauma often leads to lasting psychological impacts stemming from concerns of future injuries. Often referred to as kinesiophobia or re-injury anxiety, such concerns have been shown to hinder return to physical activity and are believed to increase the risk for secondary injuries. Screening for re-injury anxiety is currently restricted to subjective questionnaires, which are prone to self-report bias. We introduce a novel approach to objectively identify electrocortical activity associated with the threat of destabilising perturbations. We aimed to explore its feasibility among non-injured persons, with potential future implementation for screening of re-injury anxiety. Twenty-three participants stood blindfolded on a translational balance perturbation platform. Consecutive auditory stimuli were provided as low (neutral stimulus [CS–]) or high (conditioned stimulus [CS+]) tones. For the main experimental protocol (Protocol I), half of the high tones were followed by a perturbation in one of eight unpredictable directions. A separate validation protocol (Protocol II) requiring voluntary squatting without perturbations was performed with 12 participants. Event-related potentials (ERP) were computed from electroencephalography recordings and significant time-domain components were detected using an interval-wise testing procedure. High-amplitude early contingent negative variation (CNV) waves were significantly greater for CS+ compared with CS– trials in all channels for Protocol I (> 521-800ms), most prominently over frontal and central midline locations (P ≤ 0.001). For Protocol II, shorter frontal ERP components were observed (541-609ms). Our test paradigm revealed electrocortical activation possibly associated with movement-related fear. Exploring the discriminative validity of the paradigm among individuals with and without self-reported re-injury anxiety is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body image has an important role in the health and development of adolescents. Body dissatisfaction and dieting can become chronic and continue into adulthood. There is a lack of recent, comprehensive studies on ongoing trends on body dissatisfaction. This study assessed time-trend changes in self-reported body dissatisfaction and dieting among Finnish adolescents at four assessment points. Representative samples of adolescents (N = 6660) aged 13–16 years participated in school-based, cross-sectional studies in 1998 (N = 1458), 2008 (N = 2044), 2014 (N = 1809), and 2018 (N = 1349), respectively. The studies were similar in design, methodology, and geographical recruitment areas. Body dissatisfaction and dieting were assessed with a questionnaire including items derived from the DSM-IV criteria for anorexia and bulimia nervosa. From 1998 to 2018, dieting and fears related to gaining weight decreased among females. Body dissatisfaction reduced among females, and their wishes to become thinner became less prevalent. Consuming large amounts of food at one time consistently decreased among females and males and there were no changes in the rates of willful vomiting. The number of females in the 90th percentile with the most severe symptoms decreased. The results indicate that body dissatisfaction and disturbed dieting improved among females during the 20-year study. Despite these positive developments, the overall level of symptoms among females remained substantial, indicating that females have much higher levels of body dissatisfaction and dieting than males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of religious attitude on death anxiety among patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. This cross-sectional study included 77 patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The religious attitude scale (RAS) and the death anxiety scale (DAS) were used to collect data. The results revealed a moderately strong negative relationship between the mean RAS total score and the mean DAS total score (r = − 0.350, p < 0.05). Additionally, religious attitude accounted for 12% of the variance in death anxiety (R2 = 0.12). Accordingly, the levels of religious attitude exhibited by patients may negatively affect their death anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined caregivers' lived experiences during the initial weeks of stay-at-home mandates within the unique socio-cultural and healthcare context of the United States.To learn about the experiences of caregivers during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted seventeen semi-structured interviewswith caregivers of young children with autism (ages 3–8) in Illinois.The inability to meet demands, the abrupt loss of social and therapeutic support, and the loss of opportunities for leisure and self-care took an emotional toll on the caregivers and the families. Although four caregivers attributed positive changes in their lives to the lockdown (e.g., more family time and improved academic standing for their child), the reported negative impacts overshadowed the positives. To foster resilience and reduce the adverse long-term effects of world-changing events on families of young children with autism, the information gleaned from this study can inform educators, service providers, and other concerned parties about unique considerations when creating future proactive and responsive support measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a mental health crisis, with depression symptoms increasing nearly three-fold compared to pre-pandemic levels. To explain this surge and to outline related novel treatment targets for post-pandemic psychiatric interventions, the current study examined cognitive, emotional, and behavioral predictors of depression (in the context of the recent pandemic). Participants completed measures assessing perceived danger, perceived infectiousness, and fear of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Participants also reported symptoms of depression and behavioral tendencies: pandemic-related compulsive checking, cleaning, and avoidance (of activities, situations, places, and people). A multiple mediation model revealed that the relationship between perceived infectiousness of the virus and depression was atemporally mediated by fear of the virus and pandemic-related avoidance of activities, situations, places, and people. Furthermore, avoidance played a uniquely important role in the mediation model. First, it directly mediated the relationship between perceived infectiousness and depression, even when omitting fear from the model. Second, avoidance was a discriminant predictor of depression, as neither pandemic-related checking and reassurance-seeking nor cleaning behavior mediated the relationship between cognition and depressive symptoms. Clinical implications are discussed, including how addressing the relationship between anxiety about viral infections and depression can prospectively increase treatment success as we move beyond the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study is to explore factors associated with quality of parenting among women in treatment for opioid use disorders. 150 Black American women with 3–5 year old children were recruited through methadone treatment programs. Parenting representations were assessed through the Working Model of the Child Interview and parenting behavior through video recordings of mother–child interaction. Interviews were used to assess mothers' history of violence exposure and to make DSM diagnoses. Mothers' mood disorder was related to distorted representations and to expressions of concerned affect (anxiety, fear, guilt). Mothers' personality disorder was related to expressions of negative affect (anger and frustration) and inversely related to sensitive parenting behavior. Mothers' experience of family violence during childhood and partner violence during adulthood were related to concerned affect in their representations. Women in treatment for substance use disorder have complex and interconnected needs, including parenting supports and trauma-informed mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming part of the everyday. During this transition, people's intention to use AI technologies is still unclear and emotions such as fear are influencing it. In this paper, we focus on autonomous cars to first verify empirically the extent to which people fear AI and then examine the impact that fear has on their intention to use AI-driven vehicles. Our research is based on a systematic survey and it reveals that while individuals are largely afraid of cars that are driven by AI, they are nonetheless willing to adopt this technology as soon as possible. To explain this tension, we extend our analysis beyond just fear and show that people also believe that AI-driven cars will generate many individual, urban and global benefits. Subsequently, we employ our empirical findings as the foundations of a theoretical framework meant to illustrate the main factors that people ponder when they consider the use of AI tech. In addition to offering a comprehensive theoretical framework for the study of AI technology acceptance, this paper provides a nuanced understanding of the tension that exists between the fear and adoption of AI, capturing what exactly people fear and intend to do. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to thoroughly investigate the dynamics of a predator–prey model with a Beddington-De Angelis functional response. We assume that the prey refuge is proportional to both species. We establish the standard properties of boundedness, permanence, and local stability. We show that under certain parameter conditions, transcritical bifurcation and Hopf bifurcation occur. To understand the nature of the limit cycle, we determine the direction of the Hopf bifurcation. We focus on the significant ranges of the predators' prey capturing rate and examine how the level of prey fear and the predator's mutual interference affect the system's stability. Through numerical analysis, we study the behavior of the Lyapunov exponent and observe multiple self-repeating shrimp-shaped patterns that indicate periodic attractors in discrete-time predator–prey system. These structures appear across a broad region associated with chaotic dynamics. Additionally, if the intensity of white noise is kept below a specific threshold, the deterministic control approach is equally effective in environmental fluctuation. Numerical simulations support these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Covid-19 pandemic and its relative containment measures have affected populations' quality of life and psychological well-being worldwide. The fear related to the pandemic and the imposed containment measures has acted as a trigger causing a global increase in negative mental health states. Thus, we aimed to explore the relationship between fear of covid-19 and mental health via QoL (the first and the second lockdown in Italy, 2020). Subject and methods: Through a quantitative cross-lagged path model research design, the study investigates people's fear of Covid-19, quality of life, and negative mental states in a population of 444 Italian adults (Mean=40.7; Standard Deviation=16.9; 80% women), in the period between the first and the second waves of the pandemic. Results: Results show that participants' Covid-19 fear decreased between waves, contributing to a decrease in negative mental states (stress, anxiety and depression), thus improving the perceived quality of life. Furthermore, quality of life emerged as able to buffer the impact of fear of Covid on people's psychological distress in short and medium terms, confirming its central role in regulating mental distress. Conclusion: The study suggests important guidelines for developing interventions to support the populations' well-being and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic violence (DV) impacts the safety and well-being of adult victims and their children who are exposed to the violence. Police play a critical role in providing intervention strategies to protect the welfare of victims of DV. Police training, policy and procedures on intervention strategies are often adult-centric leaving little direct police interaction with children. Objective: The objective of the current study is to identify the challenges police officers perceive in providing effective safety planning and risk management strategies for domestic violence victims and their children. Participants, Setting & Methods: Interviews with domestic violence police specialists (n = 12) in Ontario, Canada were used to gather information on police officers' perspective on the challenges they face in executing safety planning and risk management strategies. A dual deductive/inductive approach to a thematic analysis at the sematic level was used (Braun and Clarke, Qualitative Research in Psychology 3:77–101, 2006) to explore themes. Results: The major themes that emerged from the interviews were: (a) challenges with the broader economic/social and judicial system; (b) challenges created by organizational factors; and (c) individual challenges affiliated with police officers' perception of barriers they encountered. These challenges all impact the police response to providing intervention strategies to DV victims and their child(ren). Conclusions: This study highlights the need for police organizations to formalize training, policies, and directives specific to safety planning and risk management for adult victims of DV and their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workplace incivility has been touted as a form of modern discrimination with serious negative consequences for the target. The increasingly unequal gender distribution in STEM workforce has also been attributed to workplace incivility. This study examines the lived experience of this covert mistreatment for women employees in STEM workplaces. Data from STEM women employees revealed a typology of STEM incivility, mapping onto ostracism, hostility, undermining, and sexual incivility. Further, the gendered nature and STEM-specific phenomenology of incivility against women employees, based on instigator characteristics, incivility frequency, and the general climate of STEM which aided or fostered interpersonal mistreatment was found. Drawing on affective events theory from organizational sciences and grounded in the STEM industry, this research examined the person-centric, emotional consequences of being a target of STEM incivility. Three broad themes that describe the first-person, felt-experience impact of mistreatment were as follows: discrete emotions, emotion regulation, duration of emotion experience. Upon encountering uncivil interpersonal experiences, participant reactions fell among one of four discrete emotional states: anger, fear, sadness, and surprise. Emotion regulation emerged as a key feature of the affective response. Specifically, STEM demands were tied to participant utilization of the regulation strategy of suppression to hide the felt emotion initially and reappraisal and response modulation over time. Importantly, although understood as a mild event, the emotional consequences of incivility were long-lasting such that they continued beyond the episode, lasting anywhere from two hours to a week. The STEM context was central to the emotion trajectories. Results are discussed with respect to work performance, attitudinal, and health-related consequences for women employees in STEM jobs. Practical implications are discussed with a special grounding in STEM context with an eye toward best practices for managing incivility for women in STEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear and anxiety among patients are sometimes evoked in dental clinics due to the sound of dental drills. This study aimed to explore the impact of age-related hearing loss in the extended high frequency (EHF) range above 8 kHz on individuals' subjective discomfort towards dental drill noise. After measuring pure-tone audiometric thresholds at both conventional and extended high frequencies, we used a psychoacoustic approach to evaluate subjective impressions of four dental drill sound stimuli, which featured varying frequency components, in 62 participants (aged 12–67 years). We found a significant decrease in hearing sensitivity within the EHF range as age increased, with notable differences in hearing thresholds at 14 kHz between teenage and older adults exceeding 65 dB. Furthermore, significant differences were observed between younger and older (above 40 years) participants in the subjective impressions of dental drill noise, emphasizing age as a critical factor in the perception of high frequency components. Consequently, age may influence the unpleasantness of dental drilling noise. Compared to older individuals, young participants may exhibit increased fear of dental procedures owing to physiological factors. These results underscore the need for age-appropriate noise control strategies in dental clinics to mitigate anxiety and improve patient comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear of negative evaluation and prosocial behavior have been identified as predictive factors influencing the development of loneliness in adolescence, representing typical factors in the cognitive and behavioral processes of re-affiliation. The elucidation of plausible direct and indirect pathways linking these pivotal factors to adolescents' loneliness need further exploration. This study aimed to investigate the direct and indirect relationships between the fear of negative evaluation, prosocial behavior, and adolescents' loneliness through the lens of developmental changes. A total of 533 adolescents (49.0% girls, Mage = 15.18 years, SD = 0.71) participated in this longitudinal study, assessed at three timepoints over a span of two years with 12-month intervals. Latent growth modeling uncovered direct associations between the developmental trajectories of both fear of negative evaluation and prosocial behavior with the developmental trajectory of adolescents' loneliness. The developmental trajectory of fear of negative evaluation exhibited an indirect association with the developmental trajectory of loneliness through the mediating role of prosocial behavior. These findings highlighted the roles of cognitive and behavioral re-affiliation processes, both independently and as mediators, in influencing adolescent loneliness, suggesting that interventions aimed at reducing fear of negative evaluation and promoting prosocial behavior could effectively mitigate adolescents' loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Improving surgical access in low- and middle-income countries is vital for the 5 billion people who lack safe surgical care. Tailoring a culturally sensitive approach to consent is essential for patient comprehension and comfort, thereby alleviating the effects of resource constraints and advancing equitable care. This study examines the consenting process for endoscopy at Kyabirwa Surgical Center in Kyabirwa, Jinja, Uganda, to assess patients' knowledge and attitudes as a potential barrier to participating in endoscopic procedures. Methods: All adult upper endoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy patients were recruited to participate in a survey of their demographics, knowledge, and attitudes toward their procedure. All patients received a standard consultation explaining the procedure and its risks and benefits. Results: 75 patients were included; median age was 54 years and 56% (n = 42) were women. 92% (n = 69) of patients had never had an endoscopy before and 73% (n = 55) of patients were scheduled for an EGD while the remaining 27% (n = 20) were scheduled for a colonoscopy. Most patients 80% (n = 60) had a basic understanding of what an endoscopy is and 87% (n = 65) its diagnostic purpose. Few patients 15% (n = 11) knew of the most common side effects or if they would have a surgical scar 27% (n = 20). Overall, 46.7% (n = 35) of patients were moderately or severely fearful of getting an endoscopy. Additionally, 45.3% (n = 34) of patients were moderately or severely fearful of receiving anesthesia during their endoscopic procedure. Despite this fear, most patients 85.3% (n = 64) stated that they understood the benefits of the procedure either very well or extremely well. Conclusions: Most patients understood the role that an endoscopic procedure plays in their care and its potential benefits. Despite this, many patients continued to have high levels of fear associated with both the endoscopic procedure and with receiving anesthesia during their procedure. Future patient education should focus on addressing patients' fears and the risks of undergoing an endoscopy, which may improve the utilization of surgical services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gut microbiome has been reported to be associated with nighttime light (NTL) exposure and temperament. However, the specific role of infant gut microbiome plays in NTL exposure and temperament is unclear. This study investigated the potential mediating role of infants' gut microbiome in correlations between NTL exposure and temperament. Demographic information, stool samples, and temperament scores were collected from 40 infants. Temperament was evaluated using the Infants Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R). The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Cumulative and lagged effects of NTL exposure were calculated based on residential address (NTLpoint) and a concentric 1 km radius buffer zone around the address (NTL1000m), respectively. Mediation models were utilized for assessing the mediating effects of the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome of infants with higher fear scores was characterized by a higher abundance of Akkermansia and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and a lower abundance of Bacteroides. Mediation models indicated Akkermansia played a full mediating role in associations between NTLpoint, NTL1000m and fear in specific time periods. Genus Akkermansia explained 24.46% and 33.50% of associations between fear and cumulative exposure to NTLpoint and NTL1000m, respectively. This study provides evidence for the mediating role of Akkermansia between NTL exposure and fear. However, further experimental is required to elucidate the mechanisms through which the gut microbiome mediates between NTL exposure and temperament in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]