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To advance the understanding of perceived social isolation among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), the objectives of the present study were to explore: (1) experiences of perceived social isolation and (2) factors that contribute to perceived social isolation. Interpretive description qualitative methodology was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 30 individuals with SCI from across Ontario (Canada) from November 2016 to August 2017. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants identified disruption to social networks that seemed to impact perceived social isolation. Five major themes were identified: (1) impact on structure and frequency of social network; (2) importance of feeling heard; (3) importance of employment, hobbies, and sports; (4) need to improve physical accessibility and built environment; and (5) individual characteristics. Changes in quality of social networks, rather than size, contributed to greater feelings of perceived social isolation. The built environment, maintenance of employment, hobbies, and sports, social media, and technology use, as well as individual traits, were also found to impact perceived social isolation. Future research should focus on the development of programs to help maintain or improve social network quality for persons with SCI to minimize the impact of perceived social isolation. Perceived social isolation, resulting from physical and environmental barriers, is a challenge that is faced by many individuals who are living in the community with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Rehabilitation and community programs should utilize an individualized approach to find solutions to challenges faced by this population to prevent the effects of perceived social isolation. Education on how to adapt to changes in social network, together with the provision of access to peer-to-peer support groups, and SCI specific return to work or leisure programs, is recommended as an essential component of rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When designing efficacy trials, researchers have a responsibility to "do no harm" and to "do good". Given the psychological vulnerability of adolescent girls with overweight and obesity, it is important to consider the implications of participating in weight-related research studies. We investigated psychological outcomes from a 12-week laboratory-based randomised controlled trial aimed at improving body composition and bone health in adolescent girls with overweight and obesity. Sixty-three participants were randomised to three groups (Recommended dairy diet plus exercise (RDa, n = 24); Low dairy diet plus exercise (LDa, n = 25); no-intervention control (n = 14)). Self-Determination Theory-informed strategies were applied in both intervention groups to foster motivation and enhance psychological wellbeing. Motivation, perceived competence and self-perceptions were measured at 0 and 12 weeks. Fifty-four participants (24 RDa, 23 LDa, 7 Control) provided complete psychological data. There were no between group differences in 0- to 12-week change in motivation, perceived competence or global self-worth. Both intervention groups showed significant improvements in physical self-worth (p = 0.001), body satisfaction (p = 0.002) and perceived physical conditioning (p = 0.002), compared with the control group. A theory-informed, laboratory-based diet and exercise intervention produced favourable psychological outcomes for adolescent girls with overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe objective social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation post-spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D), and to examine associations among social disconnectedness and social isolation by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. A telephone-based questionnaire was administered to 170 community dwelling individuals with a SCI/D. Social disconnectedness was measured by social network size, composition, and frequency of contact. Social isolation was measured using the revised three item UCLA Loneliness Scale. Of the 170 participants, the majority were men (n = 136, 80%), had a traumatic injury (n = 149, 87.6%), and had incomplete tetraplegia (n = 58, 34%). The mean network size was 3.86 (SD = 2.0) of a maximum seven. The mean loneliness score for the sample was 4.93 (SD = 1.87). Factors associated with lower feelings of loneliness included being married, living with a higher proportion of network members, and being employed. Size of networks was not significantly associated with feelings of loneliness. This study highlights the vulnerability for perceived social isolation among persons with SCI/D. The size of network does not seem to matter as much as the frequency and quality of social interactions. Findings reinforce the complexity of social disconnectedness and the importance in understanding the various indicators of social disconnectedness as they relate to social isolation. Social relationships have been shown to be a vital component of optimal health and well-being. Individuals with a spinal cord injury/dysfunction are faced with a number of challenges in developing and maintaining social relationships and community participation. Rehabilitation professionals should encourage opportunities for social inclusion, employment and community participation to optimize health and well-being for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few people with multiple sclerosis engage in physical activity. Messaging interventions may motivate more physical activity among these individuals. The purpose of this online study was to evaluate an intervention presenting participants with multiple sclerosis (N = 237) with risk information (i.e., information demonstrating people with multiple sclerosis are more likely to experience certain health issues) or no risk information followed by gain- or loss-framed physical activity messages. Participants completed questionnaires on Days 1, 6, and 28 and received information material on Days 2–5. The dependent variables were as follows: physical activity intentions and behavior, response and task efficacy, perceived threat (i.e., perception of threat to health issues relevant to people with multiple sclerosis), and avoidance (i.e., avoiding thinking about/doing something about the health issues presented in the messages). Analyses indicated physical activity and response efficacy increased over time. Also, participants receiving risk information had higher levels of physical activity and perceived threat. However, manipulation checks showed no differences between participants regarding perceptions of risk information or gain/loss-framed messages. Despite the lack of impact of the framing intervention, this study suggests that a brief informational intervention can positively influence physical activity and certain correlates of physical activity among people with multiple sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]