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Introduction: Tobacco use is a major causative factor for head and neck cancers (HNC). Continued use of tobacco even after cancer diagnosis is common and is associated with all-cause and cancer-specific mortality, cancer recurrence and poor treatment response. Evidence suggests that behavioral interventions, help achieve greater smoking cessation rates in HNC patients. However, intervention studies focused on HNC patients using smokeless tobacco, which is more common than smoking in India, are sparse. Materials and Methods: We conducted a parallel arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) on dyads of patients with recently diagnosed HNC and a close relative. The experimental arm received a brief tobacco cessation intervention (BTCI) and the control arm received treatment as usual (TAU); 27 and 25 dyads in each arm completed the trial. Results: Overall for the dyads using SLT, the relative risk of continuing to use SLT was 3.23 times higher (odds ratio = 7.01) if BTCI was not undertaken at one-month follow-up and 4.43 times higher (odds ratio = 8.65) at 3-months follow-up. For patients only, the relative risk of continuing to use SLT at one-month and 3-months follow-ups was 4.99 and 12.04 times higher, respectively, if BTCI was not undertaken. For relatives only, the corresponding relative risk values were 2.14 and 2.2. Conclusion: We conclude that BTCI delivered to patient-relative dyads, compared to TAU, is effective in enhancing the discontinuation rates of the use of SLT in newly diagnosed patients with HNC. This form of intervention is significantly effective for discontinuing SLT use in the relatives too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a quasi‐experimental, nonequivalent design study investigating the efficacy of multicouple group and single‐couple intervention formats aimed at diminishing the psychosocial impact of infertility. The review studies carried out to date that have assessed this subject do not show consistent findings and although increasing the efficacy and efficiency of intervention formats more than justifies their analysis, there are no studies making this particular comparison. Eighty‐seven infertile couples who were in assessment for their infertility and/or were close to undergoing some kind of assisted reproductive technology process participated in a psychosocial intervention either under the multicouple group or single‐couple subconditions, or acted as controls. The variables of depression, anxiety, and fertility quality of life were used for evaluating psychosocial impact. Comparisons were made: (a) between the intervention condition and controls and (b) between the two subconditions. The results support the efficacy of the intervention both in the dyadic latent growth curve models analysis carried out and in the treatment effect calculation. Although in the comparison between the multicouple and single‐couple format, some differences generally favoring the single format one were found, they were not conclusive. Therefore, the results are in line with review studies that did not find the group format to be more effective. Although this study provides valuable information, its limitations mean that further research needs to be carried out. When selecting the intervention format, therapists should also weigh up others aspects, such as the intervention goal, patient's needs and characteristics, reproductive history, and current stage of infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to improve the efficiency of the assessment process within a Step4 Psychological Therapies Service by identifying factors related to assessment non-attendance and service suitability for referred clients. Design/methodology/approach: Referral and assessment information was accessed between October 2019 and March 2020 from Step4 routine service data, electronic client records where necessary and Step4 staff self-report questionnaires. Findings: All clients offered an assessment during this time attended. Findings indicated several factors could influence service suitability in meeting client need. These included individual differences such as readiness to change, which was not necessarily identified at referral or prior to assessment, and potential systemic factors, such as the opt-in procedure, which possibly impeded access. Though the necessity for assessment in clarifying client needs and treatment was indicated, an assessment (from referral to assessment appointment) that led to discharge could take an excess of one working day of service time, associated with considerable opportunity cost to other clients awaiting assessment. Recommendations are made for improving assessment efficiency. Originality/value: With a high prevalence of poor mental health in the UK, efforts must be made to identify and reduce additional demand upon service time and resources within mental health services to effectively meet people's needs. Recommendations to improve assessment process efficiency include the use of a standardised referral form, offer of follow-up support procedures, increased client involvement, a streamlined opt-in battery and ongoing monitoring to ensure shared practice between clinicians. These are transferable to other mental health services, with implications for subsequent quality and timeliness of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to identify and critically appraise literature exploring the effectiveness of psychological interventions in improving borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptomatology for individuals who misuse substances. Design/methodology/approach: Systematic searches across six databases (PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, Medline, CINAHL and ProQuest), hand searching and citation chaining were conducted between June and August 2021. Key search terms included BPD, substance use, therapy and effect. Study and sample characteristics, interventions, outcome measures and key findings were extracted. Quality assessment and a narrative synthesis approach were used to explore strengths, limitations and relationships between and within studies. Findings: Seven eligible reports were included and showed mostly adequate quality. Mixed samples, designs, outcomes, definitions and implementation varied. Treatment completion did not differ significantly between those who did and did not misuse substances. Interventions demonstrated effectiveness in relation to psychiatric symptoms, hospital admissions, self-efficacy and impulsive and self-mutilating (cutting, burning, etc.) behaviours. No effects were found for suicidal or parasuicidal (threats, preparation and attempts) behaviours. Research limitations/implications: This review only considers individuals with diagnoses of BPD who are not accessing substance misuse treatment. Radically open dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), therapeutic communities and other interventions are available as interventions for substance misuse (Beaulieu et al., 2021). Based on the findings of this review, it should not be assumed that such interventions affect substance misuse rather than BPD symptomatology. Therefore, future research might explore the effectiveness of these interventions on BPD symptomatology despite this not being the primary target for intervention. Practical implications: Despite McCrone et al. (2008) noting the cost of this population's difficulties to both themselves and services, the limited number of studies in this area is astonishing. Despite a lack of quality in the data available, there i some evidence to support the use of DBT and general psychiatric management (GPM) interventions for those with BPD and concurrent substance misuse. It is therefore of principal importance that health and social care services action Public Health England's (2017) recommendations. Individuals with coexisting BPD and substance misuse would then receive support from any professional they see, who could then refer for psychological therapies. Originality/value: Although the reports appear to show that DBT, integrated therapies and GPM may be effective for this population, conclusions cannot be drawn with high levels of confidence due to heterogeneity among studies. The findings indicate that future, high-quality research is needed to test the effects of interventions on BPD symptomatology for those who misuse substances. Randomised controlled trials with sufficient statistical power, homogeneous outcomes and standardised methodological approaches are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychological factors, including pain catastrophizing, depression, and anxiety are factors that influence chronic pain and physical function after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Previous studies have shown that exercise and psychological interventions improve psychological factors. However, the level of evidence on the effect of the combined exercise and psychological interventions on psychological factors after TKA is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the combined exercise and psychological interventions for patients who underwent TKA improves psychological factors compared to exercise alone or psychological intervention alone, and to determine the quality of the evidence. Moreover, to identify interventions with a high level of evidence that improve psychological factors in patients who underwent TKA. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were researched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Igaku Chuo Zasshi. The PEDro scale was used for assessing the risk of bias. This study included seven RCTs. Combined exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy may be more effective than exercise intervention alone in improving pain catastrophizing in patients who underwent TKA. Additionally, combined exercise and auditory or visual intervention may be more effective than exercise intervention alone in improving depression in patients who underwent TKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic Recreation (TR) has been likened to an existential therapy because it facilitates meaningful outcomes for participants. Logotherapy and Existential Analysis (LTEA) has previously been proposed as a suitable existential approach for TR. However, this proposition has not been examined extensively in TR; consequently, LTEA has not been adopted widely as an in-depth approach to practice. Deductive content analysis (DCA) is a research method that has been recommended for testing a theoretical structure in a new context. A DCA of four of the most recent introductory textbooks in TR was conducted to test the theoretical structure of LTEA within the TR context. Content in the textbooks that related to the theoretical structure--the sources of meaning in life--was extracted and formed into categories and overarching TR concepts. Based on these findings, LTEA aligns with TR and could be a suitable approach to TR practice with the potential of enhancing its therapeutic aims. Recommendations for practice and further research are proposed as a result of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of simulated patients (SPs) is increasing in popularity in psychotherapy training, but costs can limit their further spread. With a view to potentially lowering costs of recruitment and SP training, we examined whether a detailed patient role-script helped students to simulate a depressive patient more authentically than when they were only given basic information. A randomized controlled study design was applied. Student SPs (N = 59) were randomly allocated to an experimental (i.e., in-depth role-script) or control condition (i.e., text task). SPs' authenticity was evaluated from four different perspectives, including the SPs themselves, the study therapist involved in the simulations, two independent raters, and a licensed therapist. We found in-depth role-scripts to have a significant effect on SPs' authenticity (p < .001). No correlation was found between SPs' authenticity with SPs' acting and psychotherapy preexperience, empathy, and personality. Authenticity correlated with extraversion (r = .36, p < .01) and the empathic concern scale (r = .27, p < .05) from self-report measures. The students were capable of authentically portraying a patient after receiving an in-depth role-script. Engaging students as SPs is thus reasonable. Detailed role-scripts could be easily implemented into curriculum for peer-simulations. Given the promising findings, future studies should examine the comparison between student SPs and real patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interventions to improve mental health can target individuals, working groups, their leaders, or organisations, also known as the Individual, Group, Leader, and Organisational (IGLO) levels of intervention. Evaluating such interventions in organisational settings is complex and requires sophisticated evaluation designs taking into account the intervention process. In the present systematic literature review, we present state of the-art of quantitative measures of process evaluation. We identified 39 papers. We found that measures had been developed to explore the organisational context, the intervention design, and the mental models of the intervention and its activities. Quantitative process measures are often poorly validated, and only around half of the studies linked the process to intervention outcomes. Fifteen studies used mixed methods for process evaluation. Most often, a qualitative process evaluation was used to understand unexpected intervention outcomes. Despite the existence of theoretical process evaluation frameworks, these were not often employed, and even when included, frameworks were rarely acknowledged, and only selected elements were included. Based on our synthesis, we propose a new framework for evaluating interventions, the Integrative Process Evaluation Framework (IPEF), together with reflections on how we may optimise the use of quantitative process evaluation in conjunction with a qualitative process evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existential issues are common in patient experiences and can present as themes in any practice setting, but particularly in psychotherapy. Existential issues are any concerns that arise from distress or questions about difficult subjects, such as death, meaning, freedom, and isolation, and can be a source of psychiatric concerns or simply a modifying factor. Because of this, clinicians should be able to recognize and understand the basic tenets of addressing existential issues in psychotherapy. This article outlines the historical context and theoretical basis of existentialism. It also discusses existential issues in relation to psychotherapy and provides practical clinical tips for addressing these issues with patients, including helpful probing questions, tips for noticing existential themes, and ideas about how to address existential issues in session. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To systematically review the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions developed for informal caregivers of hemodialysis patients. Relevant studies were identified through five electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and the CENTRAL. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies describing interventions for informal caregivers of adult in-center hemodialysis patients (≥18 years old) were included and independently appraised by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute Statistics Assessment and Review Instruments critical appraisal checklists. Eleven articles evaluating eight intervention programs were included in this review, covering a total of 729 informal caregivers. Most studies implemented educational or psycho-educational interventions (n = 6). Psycho-educational interventions designed to promote caregivers' ability to care and to cope with the caregiving role had positive effects on burden and/or quality of life. Psychological interventions also had large effects on reducing the burden over time. There are still few interventions available to caregivers of hemodialysis patients. Psychosocial interventions showed great potential in improving the caregiver burden and quality of life. Further research with rigorous designs is needed to achieve stronger evidence on the extent of the current findings. CRD42021247916. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing in-center hemodialysis often require emotional and/or practical support from family members or friends. Research has consistently shown that informal caregivers of hemodialysis patients may experience significant burden and a negative impact on their quality of life as a result of their caregiving role during the disease trajectory. This review evidenced that intervention programs involving education and psychological strategies had large positive effects on reducing caregiver burden and improving quality of life. The findings provide valuable evidence to recommend the inclusion of psychosocial programs to family caregivers as part of comprehensive renal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nowadays, there is promising evidence that psychosocial interventions could be helpful in paediatric oncology. Thus, this review aimed to describe the impact of psychosocial interventions on cancer‐related health outcomes in children. Methods: Fifteen English electronic databases were searched from October to December 2020. Only randomised controlled trials that (1) included children ≤18 years old diagnosed with cancer, (2) evaluated the effects of psychosocial interventions, and (3) reported health outcomes including quality of life, anxiety, depression, stress, distress, self‐esteem, psychological adjustment, treatment adherence, pain, fatigue, and academic performance were included. Results: Ten RCTs were included in this review. Six types of psychosocial interventions (social skill training, music‐based intervention, therapeutic play, cognitive therapy, wish intervention, and art therapy) were identified. The studies were assessed as having low to high risk of bias. Nine of the studies reported significant improvement in at least one outcome measure. But quantifying the pooled effect was not applicable due to the heterogeneity of interventions. Conclusion: Psychosocial interventions could be beneficial in paediatric oncology. Yet, the outcomes were reported in heterogeneous types of interventions and participants. The results underscore the need to conduct further studies that include participants with specific cancer diagnoses and types of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Individuals with bulimia nervosa (BN) have a high comorbidity with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) or borderline personality disorder (BPD). This case series describes the proof of concept of a novel integrative psychotherapy for adults with comorbid BN and psychological trauma. Memory reconsolidation therapy (MRT) was developed as an evolution of classic prolonged exposure therapy. The aim of this study was an initial assessment of MRT for comorbid BN and psychological trauma in a case series study. Method: MRT was used in this study to reduce trauma symptoms which may maintain disordered eating behaviour. Two women with BN and PTSD, and an additional participant with comorbid BN and BPD/cPTSD, were offered 16 weekly sessions of MRT following baseline measures. Results: At 3-month follow-up, all participants experienced a decrease in trauma symptoms as measured by the Impact of Event Scale–Revised. All participants also experienced a decrease in the frequency of self-reported BN behaviour. Conclusions: In this case series patients with BN and PTSD/cPTSD/BPD showed improvement of BN and trauma symptoms. These results offer preliminary support for the inclusion of MRT for the treatment of psychological trauma in adults with BN. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: There is a high prevalence rate of comorbid bulimia nervosa and posttraumatic stress disorder. Engagement in disordered eating behaviours can be a maladaptive coping strategy in response to traumatic experiences. Preliminary studies support the efficacy of memory reconsolidation therapy in treating traumatic memories. What this topic adds: (1) The results provide preliminary evidence that memory reconsolidation therapy is efficacious in reducing trauma symptoms in adults with bulimia nervosa and comorbid PTSD/cPTSD. (2) The reduction in bulimia nervosa symptoms appeared to coincide with the reduction in trauma symptoms. (3) Treating posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in patients with comorbid bulimia nervosa and posttraumatic stress disorder has the potential to reduce both trauma symptoms and the frequency of self-reported disordered eating behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether i) brief videos aiming to optimise outcome expectations would augment the efficacy of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and ii) whether participants' characteristics would moderate these effects. Sixty‐eight healthy subjects randomized to one of three experimental manipulations before undergoing a single PMR session either watched i) a video displaying a neutral expert, ii) a video with a warm expert, or iii) were part of an active control condition. Constrained linear mixed models indicated increased relaxation and decreased stress levels for all participants after the PMR session. The primary outcome was the change of perceived relaxation/stress from pre to post. Participants with high neuroticism and trait anxiety indicated an augmented PMR's efficacy and increased outcome expectations when watching the warm expert video compared to the control group or the less warm expert. Brief videos displaying an expert aiming to optimise outcome expectations regarding a brief stress‐reducing psychological intervention may boost or decrease an intervention's efficacy. Effects may depend on the viewer's personality and the (video) expert's communication style. Trial Registration: The study protocol was approved by the local Ethics Committee of the University of Marburg, Germany. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03330431). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effects of psychological, psychosocial, educational and alternative interventions on mental health outcomes of Indigenous adult populations in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States and the Indigenous involvement and content in each study. Methods: We systematically searched databases, key journals and gray literature, for records until June 2020. Eligible studies were in English or French and examined the impact of interventions on mental health outcomes including anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, psychological distress or stress for Indigenous adults (⩾16 years). Data were extracted using a modified Cochrane Data Extraction Form and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication. Quality was evaluated using the Effective Public Health Practice Project quality assessment form. Results: In total, 21 studies were eligible, comprising 8 randomized controlled trials, 10 single-group pre–post studies and 3 pre–post studies with comparison groups. Twenty studies had Indigenous individuals or organizations involved in some decision-making capacity, though extent of involvement varied widely. In total, 9 studies were rated moderate and 12 weak in the Effective Public Health Practice Project quality assessment. Eight studies measuring depression, three measuring posttraumatic stress disorder, three measuring psychological distress and two measuring stress showed statistically significant improvements following the intervention. Conclusion: A wide range of interventions demonstrated mental health improvements. However, it is difficult to draw generalizable conclusions on intervention effectiveness, given heterogeneity among studies. Studies should employ a thorough assessment of the Indigenous involvement and content of their interventions for reporting and for critical consideration of the implications of their research and whether they address Indigenous determinants of mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to reinvigorate sociotherapy by contextualizing its practice within a logotherapeutic and an existential health discourse. This approach is used to enhance meaningfulness in life within the framework of a sociotherapy, through mindfulness, and greenspace activities such as walking and gardening. This discourse has been largely inspired by: 1) sociotherapy's capacity to facilitate existential health; 2) the international research community's struggle for a broader concept of health; 3) World Health Organization's concept of existential health; and, 4) Frankl's assertion that people must be understood holistically as physical, psychological, social and spiritual beings. This paper approaches the social worker as sociotherapist (SWS) from an ecological and systemic perspective, the aim being to move the client from an egoistic to a mindful and ecological mind-set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of a function-based self-advocacy (FBSA) intervention, which provided systematic and explicit instruction to three students with or at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders on how to self-advocate their needs in regard to behavioral support based on the function of their behavior. We used a single-case, multiple-probe across-participants design and measured participants' problem behaviors and replacement behaviors to determine the intervention effects. Results showed a functional relationship between FBSA and reduction of problem behaviors. There also was an increase in replacement behaviors upon implementation of the FBSA training. In addition, a descriptive analysis of students' ability to complete steps to self-advocate needs indicated an increase in the number of responses emitted or steps completed across both intervention and generalization settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of intimate partner violence against women training program based on the theory of planned behavior on nurses' and midwives' approaches of violence. A randomized controlled trial was performed at nurses and midwives in Turkey, between December 2016 and August 2017. The participants were separated into an intervention group (n = 50) and control group (n = 49). According to the result of study, training given to the intervention group was more effective in increasing the intimate partner violence attitudes, practices, and reporting compared to the control group. These results show that this training program effectively developed the nurses' and midwives' approaches about intimate partner violence against women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: To evaluate whether the cumulative effect of an individual‐level intervention followed by a building‐level intervention, both based on Fishbein's Integrated Model of Behavior Change, has a better effect on oral hygiene clinical outcomes than the sequence of the building‐level intervention followed by the individual‐level intervention; to determine the added effect of each intervention on the other; to identify the psychosocial mechanisms that might explain the differences. Methods: Six low‐income senior housing complexes were enrolled in the study, and participants were recruited from these buildings. Buildings were randomly assigned to receive either the individual counselling intervention first followed by the building‐level intervention, or the building‐level intervention first followed by the individual intervention. Participants were assessed for gingival inflammation using the gingival index (GI) and plaque scores (PS) at T0, prior to the interventions, T1, about one month after each intervention and T2, about a month after the interventions switched and were completed. Data were collected on background moderators and cognitive/emotional/behavioural mediators in surveys administered at T0, T1 and T2. General linear mixed models were used to assess changes over time by condition and to analyse the effects of moderators and mediators over time. Results: Three hundred and thirty‐one people completed T0; 306 completed T1 assessments (92.4% retention rate) and 285 completed T2 assessments (86.1% retention rate). All participants improved on GI and PS at T1 and T2 compared to T0. Those in the individual‐level intervention condition improved more than those in the building‐level condition. Those who were in the building‐level intervention followed by the individual intervention continued to improve on GI from T1 to T2. Those in the individual‐based intervention followed by the building intervention did not improve significantly from T1 to T2 but remained about the same. For PS, neither group improved significantly from T1 to T2. Several cognitive/behavioural variables significantly affected improvements in GI and PS. Conclusions: Both interventions were successful in improving GI and PS. The building‐level intervention did not provide much additional benefit when it followed the individual intervention although it may have had a sustaining effect. The findings on the cognitive/emotional/behavioural variables support the importance of these factors and should be considered when implementing oral hygiene interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of positive psychotherapy in life expectancy and self-efficacy among diabetic patients in Shahriar, Iran. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted based on pre-test and post-test design and a control group. The statistical population of the present study included a number of patients with diabetes referred to comprehensive health service centers in Shahriar, Iran, in 1400, from which 30 cases were randomly selected and divided into two groups of experimental (n=15) and control (n=15). After randomly dividing diabetic patients into experimental and control groups, eight 2-hour positive psychotherapy skill training sessions were presented to the participants in the experimental group for 2 months; however, the control group received no intervention. Both groups completed Schneider et al.'s Scale of Expectancy and Scherer's Self-Efficacy once before and once after the experimental intervention. Results: Findings of the repeated measures ANOVA showed that positive psychotherapy training had a significant effect on life expectancy and self-efficacy among diabetic patients in Shahriar, Iran (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that positive psychotherapy training had a positive effect on life expectancy and self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mentalisation‐based treatment (MBT) aims to improve reflective functioning. There is a growing evidence base outlining positive clinical outcomes for the use of MBT in eating disorder patients with co‐morbid borderline personality disorder (BPD). The use of MBT has not been studied for eating disorder patients without BPD. This pilot study is an exploratory randomised controlled trial in which outcomes from MBT are compared with standard clinical management in a cohort of patients diagnosed with an eating disorder but not BPD. The main objectives were two‐fold—to explore the use of MBT as a therapeutic modality and to test the acceptability and feasibility of the protocol design. Method: Thirty‐two participants were randomised to receive either MBT or standard treatment during an inpatient eating disorders program. All patients enrolled in the study were diagnosed with an eating disorder but did not meet DSM‐5 criteria for BPD. On admission patients were categorised as very underweight (BMI 15.0–16.4 kg/m2), underweight (BMI 16.5–18.4 kg/m2) or healthy weight range (BMI ≥ 18.5–24.9 kg/m2). Upon discharge participants were further categorised as weight restored (BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2) or non‐weight restored (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). The primary outcome was the subscale score on the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ‐8). Secondary outcomes were subscale scores on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS)‐21. Participants were assessed at baseline and on discharge. Statistical significance was determined using repeated measurements analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Both groups experienced improvements in eating disorder symptoms and measures of psychological well‐being. Participants within the MBT group exhibited greater improvements in reflective capacity as defined by the RFQ‐8 however these benefits appeared to be limited to patients who achieved weight restoration at discharge. The eligibility criteria—which excluded comorbid BPD—led to challenges in recruitment which limited the power of the study analysis. As participants with a range of different eating disorder diagnoses were included this led to complexities in estimating the treatment effect within a defined cohort. Conclusions: Although the small sample size must be noted as a limitation—the finding that weight restoration appears to be associated with improvements in reflective capacity in MBT would be worth exploring in a subsequent larger study. Modification of eligibility criteria and recruitment from a defined cohort may increase the efficiency of a future study. Highlights: This pilot study highlights important challenges to conducting a full‐scale trial comparing MBT with treatment as usual in a cohort of eating disorder patientsMBT aims to develop skills in reflective capacity and has been shown to lead to positive outcomes in patients with borderline personality disorder and eating disorders who often have concrete 'black and white' thinking stylesOverall the study displayed MBT to be an acceptable and potentially valuable therapeutic modality for this patient group while highlighting potential challenges for patient recruitmentThe novel finding, that benefits of MBT may not extend to those patients who remain non‐weight restored, is consistent with the concept of the "starved brain" and suggests weight restoration is central to therapeutic gains [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As there is currently no cure for dementia, providing psycho-social support is imperative. Counselling and psychotherapeutic interventions offer a way to provide individualised support for people with dementia and their families. However, to date, there has not been a systematic review examining the research evidence for these interventions. This review aimed to examine the following research questions: (1) Are counselling/psychotherapeutic interventions effective for people with dementia?, (2) Are counselling/psychotherapeutic interventions effective for care-givers of people with dementia? and (3) Which modes of delivery are most effective for people with dementia and care-givers of people with dementia? A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed), PsycINFO and CINAHL in March 2019. Keyword searches were employed with the terms 'dement*', 'counsel*', 'psychotherapy', 'therap*', 'care' and 'outcome', for the years 2000–2019. Thirty-one papers were included in the review, from seven countries. Twenty studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or adopted a quasi-experimental design. The remaining studies were qualitative or single-group repeated-measures design. The review identified variation in the counselling/psychotherapeutic approaches and mode of delivery. Most interventions adopted either a problem-solving or cognitive behavioural therapy approach. Mixed effectiveness was found on various outcomes. The importance of customised modifications for people with dementia was highlighted consistently. Understanding the dyadic relationships between people with dementia and their care-givers is essential to offering effective interventions and guidance for practitioners is needed. Information about the cognitive impairment experienced by participants with dementia was poorly reported and is essential in the development of this research area. Future studies should consider the impact of cognitive impairment in developing guidance for counselling/psychotherapeutic intervention delivery for people with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several theorists (Bandura, 1969; Hackney & Goodyear, 1984; Searles, 1955) suggest parallels between the relationship in supervision and the relationship in therapy. We examined supervisor and therapist trainee ratings of supervisory working alliance (SWA) in 1 week predicting client-rated therapeutic working alliance (TWA) and client-rated therapy session evaluation (TSE) in the following week as well asTWAand TSE ratings in 1 week predicting SWA ratings in the following week. Our data included 663 weeks of therapy nested within 28 trainees nested within 15 supervisors, disaggregated into differences between supervisors, differences within supervisors, and differences within trainees. At the between-supervisor level, when supervisors' trainees rated the SWA higher on average compared with other supervisors' trainees' average SWA ratings, their clients' average TWA rating was higher. In contrast, when supervisors rated the SWA higher on average compared with other supervisors' average SWA ratings, their trainees' clients' average TSE rating was higher but the average TWA rating was lower. At the within-supervisor level, when trainees rated a higher SWA on average compared with other trainees' average SWA ratings with the same supervisor, their clients' average TSE rating was higher. The theoretical prediction of parallel relationships in supervision and therapy was supported, but only for between-supervisor and withinsupervisor differences in SWA. We found no evidence that week-to-week changes in SWA or client-rated TWA or TSE reflected parallel relationships. We provide suggestions for further research, including exploring the mechanisms through which supervision relates to the therapy process and outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Cancer is one of the significant health problems in this century. The suffering caused by cancer can decrease the patient's sense of self-efficacy and psychological well-being. However, cancer patients' psychological well-being and self-efficacy are considered two essential variables in motivating them to follow the prescribed treatment program and increase the probability of successful treatment response. Psychological well-being refers to a sense of health that includes full awareness of all aspects of the individual's integrity. Psychological well-being is a core feature of mental health. It may be defined as having hedonic (enjoyment, pleasure) and eudaimonic (meaning, fulfillment) happiness, as well as resilience (coping, emotion regulation, healthy problem solving). The Six-factor Model of Psychological Well-being is a theory developed by Ryff which determines six factors that contribute to an individual's psychological well-being, contentment, and happiness. Psychological well-being consists of positive relationships with others, personal mastery, autonomy, a feeling of purpose and meaning in life, and personal growth and development. Psychological well-being is attained by achieving a state of balance affected by both challenging and rewarding life events. People with high well-being experience mainly positive emotions and have a positive evaluation. Self-efficacy refers to the perception of one's ability to act according to one's desire. Self-efficacy reflects confidence in exerting control over one's motivation, behavior, and social environment. A strong sense of self-efficacy promotes human accomplishment and personal well-being. A person with high self-efficacy views challenges as things that are supposed to be mastered rather than threats to avoid. These people can recover from failure faster and are more likely to attribute failure to a lack of effort. They approach threatening situations with the belief that they can control them. These things have been linked to lower levels of stress and a lower vulnerability to depression. According to numerous studies, in cancer patients, interventions to increase the sense of self-efficacy facilitate the treatment process, increase the therapeutic response and reduce the disease's symptoms. Also, higher self-efficacy increases the adaptation of cancer patients to infection and improves the quality of life. Compassion-Focused Therapy has received a lot of attention recently. Compassion-focused therapy aims to help promote mental and emotional healing by encouraging people in treatment to be compassionate toward themselves and other people. Compassion-focused therapy was founded by Paul Gilbert (2000) in response to the observation that many people, particularly those high in shame and self-criticism, were experiencing difficulties generating kind and self-supporting inner voices when engaging in traditional therapy. It was observed that although these individuals were able to engage with cognitive and behavioral tasks, they still responded poorly to therapy. Self-compassion focus on kindness to oneself in the face of self-judgment, human commonalities in front of isolation, and mindfulness. Self-compassion is associated with positive emotions and the ability to hold negative emotions in a non-judgmental consciousness. Compassion, both toward the self and toward others, is an emotional response believed by many to be an essential aspect of well-being. Therefore, the present study seeks to answer whether compassion-focused Therapy is effective on psychological well-being and self-efficacy in people with cancer. Methods: The design of the present study was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest and control group. The necessary permission was first obtained from the ethics committee of Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences with the code IR to conduct this study. HUMS.REC.1398.306. This study's statistical population included all cancer patients referred to Shahid Fayyaz Bakhsh Hospital in Tehran in 1398, of which 34 people who met the inclusion criteria and were willing to participate in the study were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent eight sessions of 90-minute treatment focused on compassion in a group and weekly manner. Patients in both groups answered the research questionnaires at the beginning and immediately after the intervention. Inclusion criteria included: maximum age of 65, lowest literacy, at least six months after diagnosis, no severe mental disorder, and substance abuse. Exclusion criteria include the absence of more than two sessions in treatment, unwillingness to continue to participate in the study, and the occurrence of acute physical and mental disorders that do not allow continued participation in the sessions. At the end of the treatment sessions, two people from each group were excluded due to non-participation in the study, and finally, 15 people remained in each group. Generalized self-efficacy scale AND Ryff's psychological well-being scales were used to collect data. Results: Based on demographic information from the experimental and control groups, 15 cancer patients each participated; the mean age of the subjects in the experimental group was 38.12 years and in the control group was 36.94 years. The mean duration of the disease in the experimental group was 4.97, and in the control group was 5.33 years. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to compare the differences between groups in psychological well-being subscales. The multivariate analysis of covariance showed a significant difference between the two groups in the linear composition of the dependent variables (Lambda Wickels = 0.03, F = 0.001, p < 0.001). Also, to compare the two groups in each of the components of psychological well-being as a dependent variable, the test of effects between subjects in the text of the univariate analysis of covariance test was used. The results showed that after controlling the effect of pre-tests on the post-test score, the group effect on the components of psychological well-being in the post-test has become significant. Univariate covariance analysis was used to compare the two groups in self-efficacy score and total psychological well-being score. The results showed that by controlling the pre-test scores, the group's effect on the self-efficacy post-test score and the total score of psychological well-being is significant. Conclusion: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of compassion-focused Therapy on cancer patients' psychological well-being and self-efficacy. The results showed that compassion-focused Therapy could significantly positively affect cancer patients' psychological well-being and self-efficacy. Explaining these results, it should be noted that according to the compassionate view, people who have high self-judgment are more likely to blame themselves for stressful life events. The basic premise of compassion-focused Therapy is that not only are feelings of shame about brokenness and self-blame not helping to solve problems, but such a reproachful pattern can be the source of many mental disorders and poor well-being. In compassionate Therapy, by creating a new perspective, people who constantly criticize themselves are helped to achieve growth and development and choose the options they can. Also, in case of failure, instead of being unkind and judgmental towards themselves, they should appear with a state of compassion and acceptance towards themselves, which can gradually help to strengthen one's self-efficacy and psychological well-being. Some of the critical steps involved in compassion-focused therapy sessions are the use of imagery, compassionate thinking to the self and others, responding to self-criticism through self-compassion, and practicing human behavior, often complimented with letter or diary writing. Compassion-focused Therapy encourages the client to focus on, understand, and feel compassion to the self during negative thought processes, with a strong focus on nurturing compassion within the self. Compassion-focused Therapy helps the individual to accept problems and failures and illness and disability as part of shared human experiences by teaching the components of self-kindness, a shared sense of humanity, and mindfulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms exhibit deficits in positive internal experiences. This study critically reviewed empirically validated PTSD interventions to determine (1) whether positive memories, cognitions, and emotions were explicitly addressed and (2) the goals of focusing on these positive internal experiences. We selected 11 empirically validated PTSD interventions listed as "recommended/strongly recommended" in recently published reviews, reviewed existing literature for studies using these interventions (N = 1,070), short-listed randomized controlled trial studies meeting predetermined inclusion criteria for the selected interventions (in English, developed for adults, individual therapy modality, in-person administration, tailored to PTSD; N = 47), and emailed authors (N = 41) to obtain the unique intervention manuals. Hereby, we reviewed 13 unique empirically validated PTSD intervention manuals. Findings indicated 53.85%, 69.23%, and 69.23% of reviewed manuals explicitly discussed positive memories, emotions, and cognitions, respectively. Primarily, positive memories were integral to mechanisms underlying PTSD, a precursor to targeting negative experiences, an indicator of treatment progress, or a way to identify client problems; positive emotions were discussed when providing psychoeducation on PTSD/trauma reactions; and positive cognitions were addressed in reference to coping with negative experiences or as targets to enhance self-concept. This review demonstrates that comparatively, positive memories are infrequently elicited in the reviewed interventions; positive emotions and cognitions are explicitly referenced in two-thirds of the reviewed interventions but are included as a primary focus for therapeutic processing only in a few interventions; and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing has the most comprehensive focus on positive internal experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although research to date has shown that there can be no health or sustainable development without good mental health, mental illness continues to significantly impact societies. A major challenge confronting people with mental illnesses and their families is the stigma that they endure. In this study, empirical literature was reviewed to assess policies and interventions that seek to reduce familial mental illness stigma across four countries. We used Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework, and a qualitative content analysis was employed to augment the descriptive data extracted. Seven studies published between 2000 and 2020 were analyzed. We propose herein three themes that align with interventions to reduce familial mental illness stigma: transformative education, sharing and disclosure, and social networking and support. The findings indicate that persuasive and purposeful education directed at the public to correct misconceptions surrounding mental illness, with attention to language, may help in reducing familial mental illness stigma. Disclosure of mental illness is encouraged among persons with mental illnesses and their families as a strategy to enhance mutual understanding. Social sharing also affords persons with mental illnesses opportunities to engage with their peers at different levels within the public sphere. Apart from these recommendations, we have noted a paucity of broad governmental-level policies and interventions to comprehensively address the negative attitudes of families toward their relatives. Future work must address this gap to identify effective interventions to create healthier and supportive environments that address familial mental illness stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To observe the effects of psychological intervention on the perioperative quality of life and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free PSA (FPSA) levels in patients with prostate cancer treated with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Method. A total of 208 prostate cancer patients were selected and randomly divided into a study group with 104 cases and a control group with 104 cases. The control group received a plan of basic nursing combined with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and the study group received psychological intervention on the basis of the control group. Negative emotion, pain degree, quality of life, maximum urine flow rate, residual urine volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups before and after the treatment. The levels of PSA and FPSA and the long-term efficacy of the two groups of patients before and after treatment were compared. Results. After nursing, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) score, pain degree, maximum urine flow rate, residual urine volume, IPSS score, emotional function, social function, role function, and physical function scores of patients in two groups were decreased, and the decrease was more significant in the study group. After treatment, serum PSA and FPSA levels in the study group were obviously lower than those in the control group. The two-year cumulative survival rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group. There was no significant difference in the cognitive function score and incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Conclusion. Psychological intervention combined with traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of prostate cancer can effectively improve the patient's psychological state, reduce the degree of pain in patients, improve the therapeutic effect and the quality of life of patients, and significantly reduce serum PSA and FPSA levels, which could lead to a prolonged life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In‐person psychotherapy (IPP) has a long and storied past, but technology advances have ushered in a new era of video‐delivered psychotherapy (VDP). In this meta‐analysis, pre‐post changes within VDP were evaluated as were outcome differences between VDP versus IPP or other comparison groups. A literature search identified k = 56 within‐group studies (N = 1681 participants) and 47 between‐group studies (N = 3564). The pre‐post effect size of VDP was large and highly significant, g = +0.99 95% CI [0.67–0.31]. VDP was significantly better in outcome than wait list controls (g = 0.77) but negligible in difference from IPP. Within‐groups heterogeneity of effect sizes was reduced after subgrouping studies by treatment target, of which anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (each with k > 5) had effect sizes nearing 1.00. Disaggregating within‐groups studies by therapy type, the effect size was 1.34 for CBT and 0.66 for non‐CBT. Adjusted for possible publication bias, the overall effect size of VDP within groups was g = 0.54. In conclusion, substantial and significant improvement occurs from pre‐ to post‐phases of VDP, this in turn differing negligibly from IPP treatment outcome. The VDP improvement is most pronounced when CBT is used, and when anxiety, depression, or PTSD are targeted, and it remains strong though attenuated by publication bias. Clinically, therapy is no less efficacious when delivered via videoconferencing than in‐person, with efficacy being most pronounced in CBT for affective disorders. Live psychotherapy by video emerges not only as a popular and convenient choice but also one that is now upheld by meta‐analytic evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention program to improve the health and social psychological outcomes for grandparents raising grandchildren using the theory of Selection, Optimization, and Compensation (Baltes, P. B., & Baltes, M. M. (1990). Psychological perspectives on successful aging: The model of selective optimization with compensation. In P. B. Baltes & M. M. Baltes (Eds.), Successful aging: Perspectives from the behavioral sciences (pp. 1-34). Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511665684.003). Methods : Fifty-two grandparents were randomly assigned either to a 6-session solution-oriented goal-setting program or to a waiting list control condition who subsequently received the intervention. Results: Grandparents in the intervention group, in comparison to the waiting list control group, reduced their level of depression, improved their parental efficacy, overall psychosocial adjustment, and increased their ability to choose effective goals. For the most part, findings were replicated in the waiting list control analyses. Discussion: While these findings are consistent with previous studies using psychosocial interventions with parents and grandparent caregivers, they also provide support for strength-based proactive behavioral approaches to improve the quality of life of grandparent caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emotional distress in mothers inhibits the let-down reflex, thus affecting breastfeeding self-efficacy. A breastfeeding mother may have to cope with both physical discomfort and psychological distress. However, literature on initiatives to improve breastfeeding rates has focused mainly on providing community-based peer support, or social policies. The aim of this review is to assess evidence on the effectiveness of a broad range of psychological interventions to facilitate breastfeeding for mothers facing difficulties around the time of delivery. Methods: The review of the literature is derived from a search on Cochrane Library, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and PsycINFO for papers published since 1980. The approach was to explore quantitative and qualitative parameters. Quantitative parameters included breastfeeding initiation, duration, and composition. Qualitative parameters recorded the evaluation of maternal perceptions on breastfeeding success. The high heterogeneity of the studies led to a narrative review; 20 selected papers that report on breastfeeding outcomes and psychological programs met the inclusion criteria. Results: The evidence on breastfeeding support through psychotherapy is heterogeneous and scant. Out of the included studies, 11 were randomized controlled trials, two were non-randomised trials, and two used a quasi-experimental design. None of the studies reported an increase in adverse breastfeeding outcomes. Three studies failed to report an association between psychological procedures and improved breastfeeding outcomes. A literature review showed that 17 (85%) analyses support stress-releasing techniques to facilitate breastfeeding. Conclusions: This review suggests that relaxation interventions carefully tailored to address perinatal emotional distress may lead to important health benefits, including improvement in breastfeeding outcomes. There is also some indication that psychotherapy support while breastfeeding may have more impact than routine counselling. Conversely, this review did not find an association between self-hypnosis and breastfeeding outcomes. Data from this study can be used in designing prevention programs and future research with appropriate theoretical underpinning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) save lives, but often induce significant psychological distress among patients. Positive psychological constructs are associated with improved outcomes among cardiac patients. In this NHLBI-funded randomized controlled trial, one aim was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a positive psychology intervention (Quality of Life Therapy; QOLT, n = 11), compared to a Heart Healthy Education (HHE) control (n = 10), among ICD patients. A majority of participants across groups attended all 12 sessions (71%) and completed homework assignments (80%). Agreement on participant engagement and interventionist protocol adherence were high, with no differences between groups (ps > 0.20). A greater proportion of QOLT participants rated their sessions was "very" helpful compared to HHE participants (63% vs. 10%, p = 0.19). These initial data support the feasibility and acceptability of QOLT. A larger-scale trial using positive psychology interventions among ICD patients is indicated to determine potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between positive psychological constructs and cardiovascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Current approaches of routine outcome monitoring (session‐by‐session measures) expect that trajectories of change should move on a standard track. Patients moving out of standard tracks are assumed to be at risk of deterioration. From a nonlinear dynamic systems perspective, there is not any assumption regarding a supposed standard track a patient should follow. Individual trajectories should be more complex than averaged tracks, highly individual, and characterised by pattern transitions. Method: We tested if high‐frequency (daily) trajectories of change are moving on standard tracks, if there are different complexity levels of high‐ versus low‐frequency time series, if 'not on track' dynamics will be correlated with poor outcome and if complexity peaks representing the critical instabilities of a process will be correlated with the outcome. The patients included in the data analysis (N = 88) used the Therapy Process Questionnaire (TPQ) for daily self‐assessments and the ICD‐10‐based Symptom Rating (ISR) for outcome evaluation. Results: High‐frequency trajectories are not running on standard tracks and are not necessarily correlated with poor outcome. Locally increased complexity may be associated with good outcome. Conclusion: It may be useful to move beyond the concept of standard tracks and expected treatment outcomes. Routine feedback procedures should use the information that is given by the nonlinear dynamics of multiple change criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This preliminary study explored the feasibility and benefits of using cinematherapy with adults who stutter to address affective and cognitive reactions to stuttering and their impact on the persons' life. A mixed methods research design was used to explore the impact of cinematherapy. Four clients completed a 4-week structured cinematherapy program. All clients completed two questionnaires: Unhelpful Thoughts and Beliefs about Stuttering and Overall Experience of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering, before starting and after completing the program. At the end of the program, clients also completed a semistructured interview. The semistructured interviews provide insight on clients' perceptions of cinematherapy, and questionnaires provided quantitative insights on the clients' perceptions of change. Qualitative data analysis indicated that clients reported five themes related to perceptions of cinematherapy: Promoted Vulnerability; Nurtured Empowerment; Stimulated Self-Reflection; Incited Feelings of Belonging; and Diminished Self-Stigma. Overall, clients reported a clinically significant decrease in scores on both questionnaires after completion of the 4-week cinematherapy program. Results indicate that cinematherapy was well received and had a positive impact on cognitive and affective aspects of stuttering in the four adult clients. These results provide preliminary support for larger scale clinical trials of cinematherapy as an adjuvant to traditional stuttering therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preterm labor (PTL) is associated with high anxiety and stress in pregnant women. The study investigated the effect of adding psychotherapy to hospital management of pregnant women with successfully treated for PTLon improving anxiety, pregnancy stress, and perceived control. In a randomized controlled trial study, sixty pregnant women with gestational ages of 24 to 37 weeks and successfully treated forPTL were randomly divided into the experimental (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). The experimental group received psychotherapy along with medical care in individual face-to-facesessions, 1 h per day for 6 consecutive days.The control group received medical care for PTL. Objective outcomes were assessed via the State-Anxiety Inventory, Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (NuPDQ), and Perceived Pregnancy Control at pre-trial and post-trial. The results revealed that psychotherapy significantly improved mean pregnancy distress (45.80 ± 2.29 vs. 43.80 ± 1.93), state anxiety (47.46 ± 5.92 vs. 41.60 ± 5.46), and perceived control (2.86 ± 1.59 vs. 5.26 ± 1.38) in women with PTL from beginning to end of the intervention. The findings suggest that adding psychotherapy to hospital management of women successfully treated for PTLcan be considered a potential method to reduce anxiety and pregnancy-specific stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to serve as a guide for counseling psychologists to learn about a neuroscience methodology that can be used to study psychotherapy change processes. Event-related potential (ERP) is a specific type of electroencephalography that can be time-locked to a stimulus and thus allows researchers to examine neural responses to specific therapeutic techniques. A conceptual overview of the method and its applicability to counseling psychologists is provided. Additionally, this article contains basic guidelines for designing an ERP study, the tools necessary for setting up an ERP lab, and an overview of data-processing strategies. Common pitfalls encountered both broadly in neuroscience research and specifically in ERP research are discussed. An integrated review of relevant literature is presented here, along with suggestions for future counseling psychology research, with a focus on establishing biomarkers of successful interventions. Public Significance Statement: This article provides a guide for employing event-related potentials in the study of psychotherapy change processes within the field of counseling psychology. A conceptual overview of the method, current implementations and uses, and implications for the future of the field are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Session Rating Scale (SRS) is a measure used in psychotherapy practice. Given its application and frequent use in clinical practice settings, several studies including primary validation studies as well as outcome studies reporting psychometric properties have examined the validity and reliability of the SRS. Because the SRS is designed to be used in clinical practice, demonstration of reliability and validity is ideal with clinical populations instead of non-clinical populations. To our knowledge, there have been no reviews evaluating the psychometric properties of the SRS with clinical populations. Purpose: The aim of this study was to review and synthesize the psychometric properties of the SRS by examining all relevant outcome and validation studies. Methods: We completed an electronic literature search of several online databases in order to identify relevant articles. We identified 12 articles that met our inclusion and analyzed the reliability and validity evidence for the SRS with clinical populations. Results: Findings showed high internal consistency for the SRS and support evidence that the underlying dimension is a measure of therapeutic alliance. Test–retest reliability estimates were reported in 4 of the 12 studies included in this review (ranging from.54 to.70). The SRS had low to moderate concurrent validity with other longer measures of therapeutic alliance (.29 with ORS;.48 with HAQ II;.57-.65 with WAI). Discussion: Clinicians should be aware of the limitations in validity evidence for the SRS that may result from its brevity. However, clinicians should also consider the relative stability of the SRS as a pragmatic global measure of the construct of therapeutic alliance. Future research efforts should focus on validation of the SRS with larger, more diverse samples and specific clinical populations with a wider range of symptom severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a psychological intervention focused on stress management in women who are candidates for in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Method: Pre–post study with two groups (n = 26). The psychological intervention group (IG) received a 90-minute session that included psychoeducation, relaxation training and coping skills. The control group (CG) did not receive any psychological intervention. All participants later underwent IVF. In the initial and final evaluations, state anxiety, emotional imbalance, adaptive resources and quality of life were measured. In the initial evaluation, demographic and clinical variables were also measured. Results: In the IG, the final evaluation reflected: (1) decreased levels of anxiety and emotional imbalance; (2) the perception of enhanced quality of life. Moreover, among the participants who received the psychological intervention and later achieved a successful IVF, the level of anxiety appeared to have decreased more strongly. Conclusions: A brief intervention focused on stress management can benefit the psychological adjustment of women who are candidates for IVF, reducing the anxiety they may experience in this regard. However, our conclusions are based on a small sample, and so should be considered with caution. Nevertheless, these results are promising and highlight the advisability of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the growing literature on LGBTQ + individuals' mental health, there has been no publication of a systematic review focused exclusively on effective psychological interventions for same-sex couples (SSC). The aim of this review is to investigate whether there are any empirical quantitative studies evaluating the outcome of couple psychological interventions specifically delivered to SSC. Multiple databases were screened by two independent reviewers for studies published between Jan 1996-Dec 2017. Hand-searching included journals, books and grey literature. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Pre-defined eligibility criteria, methodological quality assessments and qualitative synthesis of the results were applied. After reviewing 1,451 citations, 9 eligible studies were identified with 583 SSC. They represent five unique psychoeducational or psychotherapeutic interventions, namely Relationship Education, Couples HIV Testing and Counseling, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Behavior Couples Therapy, and "Connect with Pride." The overall risk of bias of included trials was moderate. Affirmative outcomes were related to high satisfaction with the interventions and improvements on multiple variables such as health-related behaviors, relationship enhancement, drug/alcohol abuse. The current review confirms that SSC are still underrepresented in couple outcome research. There is preliminary evidence of possible benefits regarding couple interventions for SSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is a relatively new treatment that may be beneficial as a standalone approach or as an adjunct for use in individuals who suffer from simple or complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Aims: The main objective of this review was to explore the effectiveness of NET in remediating PTSD symptoms as compared to Non Trauma-Focused-Therapy (NTFT). Methods: A systematic search in Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) was carried out. Reference lists of papers and grey literature were hand searched. Experimental studies that compare NET to NTFT with no preference to age, gender or nationality of participants that include a baseline and 3–6 month measurement of PTSD outcomes using tools with good psychometric properties were included. The search resulted in 10 randomised controlled trials. Data extraction, collection and analysis was then carried out by the authors. Results: In all of the studies, the difference in the PTSD symptoms' mean score after 3–6 months between the NET group and the NTFT group was in favour of NET. However, the level of significance was attained in six of the studies only. The overall effect size (standardised mean difference) of the trials is 0.684 in favour of NET (p <.001). Conclusions: NET was shown to be superior to NTFT in post-traumatic stress disorder. The most important recommendations are in relation to research and target the methodological limitations of existing studies in particular the small sample sizes, lack of blindness and inadequate rigour during the trials. More research is needed to further explore the benefits of NET for different populations and trauma-types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing stress, depression and anxiety among parents of children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Design: A systematic review and a meta‐analysis. Data sources: Seven electronic databases (CINAHL, CENTRAL, EMBASE, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus) were searched from each database's point of inception to December 2018. Review methods: Quality appraisal was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Data were analysed using Review Manager 5.3. The overall quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Results: A total of 18 studies were included in this review. Eleven studies were involved in a meta‐analysis and the remaining seven studies were summarized narratively. The meta‐analysis found that psychological interventions significantly reduced parental stress at postintervention but not at 3–6 months' postintervention. Inconclusive evidence was found for the effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing parental depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Psychological interventions appeared to reduce parental stress temporarily. Healthcare professionals can offer varied psychological interventions for parents to choose from. Policymakers can ease accessibility and affordability for parents to attend interventions. Impact: Psychological interventions were found to have short‐term effects in reducing parental stress. Inconclusive evidence was found for the effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing parental depression and anxiety. Healthcare professionals should ensure that knowledge is transmitted to parents when delivering their interventions. Policymakers worldwide should ensure that parents of children and adolescents with developmental disabilities can attend interventions by making them accessible and affordable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many outcome measures and session‐related questionnaires in psychotherapy are designed for weekly or biweekly administration. Yet, today, technical developments allow for higher frequency assessments to monitor human change dynamics more closely by daily assessments. For this purpose, the Therapy Process Questionnaire (TPQ) was developed, with a specific focus on inpatient psychotherapy. In this article, we present an explorative and confirmative factor analysis of the TPQ on the basis of the time series data of 150 patients collected during their hospital stay (mean time series length: 69.1 measurement points). A seven‐factor solution was identified, which explains 68.7% of variance and associates 43 items onto the factors, which are "well‐being and positive emotions," "relationship with fellow patients," "therapeutic relationship and clinical setting," "emotional and problem intensity," "insight/confidence/therapeutic progress," "motivation for change," and "mindfulness/self‐care." The internal consistency (Cronbach's α), the inter‐item correlations of the subscales, and the discriminative power of the items are excellent. The TPQ can be applied in practice and research for creating time series with equidistant measurement points and time series lengths, which are appropriate for the application of nonlinear analysis methods. Especially in clinical practice, it is important to identify precursors of phase transitions, changing synchronization patterns, and critical or instable periods of a process, which now is possible by internet‐ or app‐based applications of this multidimensional questionnaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An adaptation of multisystemic therapy (MST) was piloted to find out whether it would yield better outcomes than standard MST in families where the adolescent not only shows antisocial or delinquent behaviour, but also has an intellectual disability. Method: To establish the comparative effectiveness of MST‐ID (n = 55) versus standard MST (n = 73), treatment outcomes were compared at the end of treatment and at 6‐month follow‐up. Pre‐treatment differences were controlled for using the propensity score method. Results: Multisystemic therapy‐ID resulted in reduced police contact and reduced rule breaking behaviour that lasted up to 6 months post‐treatment. Compared to standard MST, MST‐ID more frequently resulted in improvements in parenting skills, family relations, social support, involvement with pro‐social peers and sustained positive behavioural changes. At follow‐up, more adolescents who had received MST‐ID were still living at home. Conclusions: These results support further development of and research into the MST‐ID adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The free energy principle (FEP) has gained widespread interest and growing acceptance as a new paradigm of brain function, but has had little impact on the theory and practice of psychotherapy. The aim of this paper is to redress this. Brains rely on Bayesian inference during which "bottom-up" sensations are matched with "top-down" predictions. Discrepancies result in "prediction error." The brain abhors informational "surprise," which is minimized by (1) action enhancing the statistical likelihood of sensory samples, (2) revising inferences in the light of experience, updating "priors" to reality-aligned "posteriors," and (3) optimizing the complexity of our generative models of a capricious world. In all three, free energy is converted to bound energy. In psychopathology energy either remains unbound, as in trauma and inhibition of agency, or manifests restricted, anachronistic "top-down" narratives. Psychotherapy fosters client agency, linguistic and practical. Temporary uncoupling bottom-up from top-down automatism and fostering scrutinized simulations sets a number of salutary processes in train. Mentalising enriches Bayesian inference, enabling experience and feeling states to be "metabolized" and assimilated. "Free association" enhances more inclusive sensory sampling, while dream analysis foregrounds salient emotional themes as "attractors." FEP parallels with psychoanalytic theory are outlined, including Freud's unpublished project, Bion's "contact barrier" concept, the Fonagy/Target model of sexuality, Laplanche's therapist as "enigmatic signifier," and the role of projective identification. The therapy stimulates patients to become aware of and revise the priors' they bring to interpersonal experience. In the therapeutic "duet for one," the energy binding skills and non-partisan stance of the analyst help sufferers face trauma without being overwhelmed by psychic entropy. Overall, the FEP provides a sound theoretical basis for psychotherapy practice, training, and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of the current study is to elucidate the relationships between narcissistic personality traits and primary and secondary capacities of individuals within the context of positive psychotherapy. Methods: In the study conducted in 2016-17 academic year, the participants were 255 university students (51.4% female, n=124 and 48.6% male, n=124) aged 18 to 25. As data collection tools, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, Wiesbaden's Inventory of Positive Psychotherapy and Family Therapy and Demographic Information Form created by the researchers were used. The Multiple Regression Analysis method was employed to achieve the objectives of the study. Results: The findings revealed that two of the primary capacities, namely time and patience, were significant predictors of narcissism. In other words, the time capacity was a positive significant predictor of narcissistic personality traits, while those traits were predicted by the patience capacity in a negative way. Regarding the secondary capacities, politeness, faithfulness, cleanliness and honesty were significant predictors of narcissistic personality traits. In brief, the faithfulness, cleanliness and honesty capacities were positive significant predictors whereas the politeness capacity was a negative significant predictor of narcissistic personality traits. Conclusion: In brief, the primary and secondary capacities, which are defined as personality traits in positive psychotherapy, were significant predictors of narcissistic personality traits. Results and implications are discussed in the light of relevant literature, and suggestions are offered for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Difficulties with anger regulation in individuals with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning (MID-BIF) are often associated with aggressive behaviour. Psychomotor therapy (PMT), a mind-body intervention often applied in Dutch facilities for this target group, uses body awareness and physical activities as a medium to learn how to gain control over one’s anger and reduce aggressive behaviour. With Intervention Mapping as a framework, 17 Dutch psychomotor therapists were asked to describe their PMT programme to investigate its content and coherence. Results suggested that interoceptive awareness (IA) and adaptive coping skills (ACS) are key elements of the PMT programmes. The theoretical basis of the PMT programmes is however limited and specific instruments for evaluating PMT are not available yet, especially for IA. Psychomotor therapists would gain from a well-described PMT programme. Future research is warranted on IA, and specific instruments need to be developed and validated for this target group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have noted that treatment fearfulness (e.g., embarrassment or negative attitudes) causes individuals to avoid seeking therapy. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Thoughts About Psychotherapy Survey (TAPS; Kushner and Sher in Prof Psychol Res Prac 20(4):251-257, 1989) in a sample of parents. This study also examined differences in therapy fears among parents with and without a history of using mental health services. Using a sample of 138 parents (87% female), findings indicated that a three factor structure of the TAPS was a good fit for the data. Furthermore, the scales demonstrated “good” internal consistency ranging from.86 to.93. Finally, parents that reported previous use of mental health services reported fewer treatment fears. Given these findings, the TAPS appears to be a valid measure to assess treatment fears among parents. Implications for research and practice will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this non-experimental follow-up study was to specify and quantify rhythmic attunement processes within free improvisations in the early phase of psychodynamic music therapy in order to investigate its predictive value for therapeutic change. Twenty-one in-patients diagnosed with psychosis (ICD-10F20, 23, 25) were included in the study. Participants received five sessions of individual music therapy as per usual. Improvisations were audio recorded. The initial and final improvisations were analysed with the Rhythmic Attunement Scale for Psychosis (RAS-P), which was specifically developed for the project. Clinical measures included external and self-report assessments (BPRS, Dührsen and Happach, TAS 20). Analysis of the audio recordings revealed early occurrence of rhythmic attunement on a stable and qualitatively high level. BPRS scores showed a post-treatment decline of 20%. There was no significant difference for the Dührsen and Happach and TAS 20 scores. Statistical analysis revealed that when initial rhythmic attunement occurred further into the first session, it was a predictor for the decline of psychotic symptoms. Evidence of carefully organised rhythmic attunement suggests beneficial effects on patients with psychosis through improvisational music therapy. Results are limited due to a small sample size and lack of a control comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While randomized controlled trials (RCTs) inform the efficacy and effectiveness of treatments, we need to understand that even RCTs can be associated with sub‐optimal execution. This is of special pertinence to eating disorders given the majority of treatment studies involving cognitive behaviour therapy are of poor quality with respect to managing risk of bias adequately. Methods: The current paper outlines the components of a good RCT for psychotherapy, and examines ways to improve the conduct, interpretation, and usefulness of RCTs. Results: This includes managing reporting bias, recognizing the limits of randomization, applicability, and ethical considerations. Conclusions: We highlight a number of strategies for future research, including issues related to utilizing a variety of designs to examine treatment outcomes, integrity, openness and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Policies guiding the United States Army combat and operational stress control operations have undergone recent changes. This article sought to translate the role and capabilities of United States Army occupational therapy providers within today’s combat and operational stress control units. Methodology: Descriptive design. Results: The knowledge, skills, and attributes that occupational therapy providers contribute to the combat and operational stress control mission are identified and discussed. Conclusion: Occupational therapy providers within the combat and operational stress control unit can enhance service member’s functional performance and overall mission readiness. Future research: Further studies evaluating the effectiveness of occupational therapy skills implemented within combat and operational stress control units are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mental health professionals such as psychiatrists and psychotherapists assess their patients by identifying disorders that explain their symptoms. This assessment requires an inference to the best explanation that compares different disorders with respect to how well they explain the available evidence. Such comparisons are captured by the theory of explanatory coherence that states 7 principles for evaluating competing hypotheses in the light of evidence. The computational model ECHO shows how explanatory coherence can be efficiently computed. We show the applicability of explanatory coherence to mental health assessment by modelling a case of psychiatric interviewing and a case of psychotherapeutic evaluation. We argue that this approach is more plausible than Bayesian inference and hermeneutic interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]