1
|
Tomaz Santos N, Ramos C, de Almeida MF, Leal I. Group Intervention Program to Facilitate Post-Traumatic Growth and Reduce Stigma in HIV. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:900. [PMID: 38727457 PMCID: PMC11083302 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12090900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Research on post-traumatic growth (PTG) and HIV is scarce and the relationship between PTG and stigma is controversial. Group psychotherapeutic interventions to facilitate PTG in clinical samples are effective but none exist to simultaneously decrease stigma in the HIV population. The main objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention in increasing PTG and decreasing stigma in HIV, as well as to explore relationships between the variables. Methods: Quasi-experimental design with a sample of 42 HIV-positive adults (M = 46.26, SD = 11.90). The experimental group (EG) was subjected to a 9-week group intervention. Instruments: CBI, PTGI-X, PSS-10, HIV stigma, emotional expression, HIV stress indicators, HIV literacy, and skills. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the variables. Results: There was an increase in PTG and a significant decrease in stigma in all domains and subscales in the EG. Compared to the control group, stigma (t(42) = -3.040, p = 0.004) and negative self-image (W = -2.937, p = 0.003) were significant, showing the efficacy of the intervention. Discussion: The intervention demonstrated success in facilitating PTG, attesting that in order to increase PTG, personal strength, and spiritual change, it is necessary to reduce stigma and negative self-image. The research provides more information on group interventions for PTG in HIV, relationships between variables, and population-specific knowledge for professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Catarina Ramos
- CiiEM—Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Monte da Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | | | - Isabel Leal
- WJCR—William James Center for Research, ISPA—University Institute, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.F.d.A.); (I.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tencerová J, Halama P, Uhrecký B. "I loved before, but now I love even more." Qualitative study of posttraumatic growth as a consequence of severe COVID-19 experience in Slovak adults. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1335145. [PMID: 38449764 PMCID: PMC10916006 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1335145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The results indicate that post-traumatic growth does indeed occur after overcoming the severe form of COVID-19. It suggests that this posttraumatic growth most often occurred through a reassessment of priorities and an appreciation of life itself and loved ones. COVID-19 disease has been one of the most discussed and researched topics for several years, as it dramatically affects everyone's daily life. Methods The qualitative study presented here focuses on health psychology, especially post-traumatic growth after overcoming a severe form of the COVID-19 disease. We worked with adult people who had either been treated in the intensive care unit or had been hospitalized with severe pneumonia. Results Thematic analysis was used to determine categories and subcategories. The study presented here contributes to knowledge about the COVID-19 experience by mapping a Slovakian sample of adult participants. Discussion The results obtained by Thematic analysis help us better understand how people experience the disease, especially those who have overcome a severe form of the disease and thus had a borderline experience when their lives were directly threatened, as well as their overall health.
Collapse
|
3
|
Yeom CW, Ha H, Hahm BJ, Hee Lee S, Joong Kim N, Shim EJ. Is fear of disease progression associated with antiretroviral therapy adherence in persons with HIV/AIDS? J Health Psychol 2024:13591053231224177. [PMID: 38251645 DOI: 10.1177/13591053231224177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
We examined the mediating role of depression and anxiety on the relationship between fear of disease progression (FoP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and the moderating role of social support in the FoP-depression/anxiety-ART adherence relationship in persons with HIV/AIDS (PWHA). 202 PWHA completed self-report measures. Simple mediation and moderated mediation analyses were performed. FoP was directly and negatively associated with ART adherence, and the mediating role of depression in this relationship was significant. Indirect effect of FoP mediated by anxiety on ART adherence was not significant. The moderating effect of social support was significant in the FoP-depression pathway, while the indirect effect of FoP on ART adherence mediated by depression was greatest at a higher level of social support and lower level of FoP. The results suggest the relevance of high FoP and depression-mediated FoP in ART adherence and social support may attenuate the negative impact of FoP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Woo Yeom
- Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Republic of Korea
- Eulji University School of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeju Ha
- Pusan National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Jin Hahm
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University Hospital, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Hee Lee
- Pusan National University School of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Republic of Korea
- Pusan National University Hospital, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Joong Kim
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University Hospital, Republic of Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Puffer ES, Finnegan A, Schenk K, Langhaug L, Rusakaniko S, Choi Y, Mahaso S, Simmons R, Green EP. Comparing fears about paediatric HIV disclosure to the lived experiences of parents and guardians: a prospective cohort study. Psychol Health 2023; 38:1587-1605. [PMID: 35188010 PMCID: PMC9392813 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2022.2041637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to: (1) follow parents and guardians through the process of paediatric HIV disclosure to understand how often pre-disclosure worries are realised; and (2) estimate the effects of disclosure on child, caregiver, and family well-being. DESIGN We conducted a 12-month prospective cohort study in Zimbabwe with 123 primary caregivers of children ages 9 to 15 years who were HIV positive but did not know their serostatus at baseline. By the end of the study period 65 caregivers reported that their child learned his or her HIV-positive status. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We used three waves of data to compare caregivers' pre-disclosure worries to post-disclosure reports and to characterise associations between disclosure and well-being of the child (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), caregiver (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and family (Family Relationship Quality) over time. RESULTS Caregivers' pre-disclosure worries and fears about how their child would react to disclosure of their HIV status largely went unrealised. Furthermore, we did not find strong evidence of clinically-important increases in problems on average following disclosure. CONCLUSION Findings support the call to identify supportive intervention strategies that address caregiver fears at the beginning of the disclosure process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eve S. Puffer
- Duke University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amy Finnegan
- Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Lisa Langhaug
- Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Yujung Choi
- Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Ryan Simmons
- Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Eric P. Green
- Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rzeszutek M, Gruszczyńska E. Depression during the COVID-19 pandemic among people living with HIV: Are low HIV/AIDS stigma and high perceived emotional support protective resources? Stress Health 2023; 39:884-893. [PMID: 36716041 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
This study has two objectives: first, to examine changes in depressive symptoms among people living with HIV (PLWH) during the COVID-19 pandemic and, second, to verify the role of HIV/AIDS stigma and perceived emotional support (PES) in the heterogeneity of these changes. The participants were 392 people with a medical diagnosis of HIV who have undergone antiretroviral therapy. Depression was measured at three time points with 6-month intervals using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). PES was evaluated with the Berlin Social Support Scales, and HIV/AIDS-related stigma was assessed with the Berger HIV Stigma Scale. Latent growth class modelling identified four trajectories of depression over the study period: three stable (very high, high, and very low) and one increasing. Both the very high and high stable trajectories had baseline values above the CES-D cut-off point for depression, suggesting that 57.6% of the sample was likely to be diagnosed with depression. After controlling for sociodemographic and clinical variables, stigma and PES were found to be significant covariates of the obtained trajectories; however, they did not protect against an increase in depression symptoms. There was no overall increase in depression symptoms among the PLWH participants during the pandemic, but this change in depression symptoms was heterogeneous. We observed the potential development of depression in initially well-functioning individuals despite their personal resources differing only slightly from those who remained resilient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ewa Gruszczyńska
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Łyś AE, Huflejt-Łukasik M, Gambin M, Studzińska A, Bargiel-Matusiewicz K, Oleksy T, Wnuk A, Pankowski D. Predictors of pretraumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290151. [PMID: 37594938 PMCID: PMC10437860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pretraumatic stress has the same symptoms as post-traumatic stress but instead pertains to anticipated threats. There is evidence that pretraumatic stress occurs among soldiers and pregnant people. OBJECTIVE We analyzed correlates of pretraumatic stress concerning the threat of COVID-19 infection. METHOD Our pilot study was cross-sectional (N = 74); our main study was longitudinal and consisted of three waves (N = 1067, N = 894, and N = 752 for Waves 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Our pilot study used correlation and multiple linear regression. Our main study used quadratic regression and a random intercept cross-lagged panel model. RESULTS The pilot study found that pretraumatic stress was positively correlated with agreeableness (r = .24, p < .01) and negatively correlated with emotional stability (r = -.30, p < .01) and intellect/imagination (r = -.37, p < .01). The main study demonstrated that pretraumatic stress was positively correlated with other measures of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic and with perceived positive aspects of the pandemic (r = .11, p < .01). There is evidence of a U-shaped relationship between pretraumatic stress and perceived positive aspects of the pandemic. A random intercept cross-lagged panel model analysis demonstrated that pretraumatic stress in Wave 2 was negatively predicted by levels of prosocial behavior in Wave 1 (B = -1.130, p < .01). CONCLUSION Mental health professionals should take into account pretraumatic stress, not only as a possible consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak but more generally as a risk in situations that are new, difficult, and challenging for people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka E. Łyś
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | | | | | - Anna Studzińska
- Toulouse Campus, Icam School of Engineering, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Tomasz Oleksy
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Wnuk
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daniel Pankowski
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tuot S, Sim JW, Nagashima-Hayashi M, Chhoun P, Teo AKJ, Prem K, Yi S. What are the determinants of antiretroviral therapy adherence among stable people living with HIV? A cross-sectional study in Cambodia. AIDS Res Ther 2023; 20:47. [PMID: 37452342 PMCID: PMC10347818 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-023-00544-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding context-specific determinants of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is crucial for developing tailored interventions for improving health outcomes and achieving the UNAIDS' third 95% target. This cross-sectional study explores factors associated with ART adherence among stable people living with HIV on ART in Cambodia. METHODS We used baseline survey data from a quasi-experimental study conducted in 2021. The participants were recruited from 20 ART clinics in nine provinces for face-to-face interviews. A structured questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, ART adherence, perceived ART self-efficacy, mental health, quality of life, stigma, and discrimination. We conducted bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with ART adherence. RESULTS Out of the 4101 participants, 86.5% reported adhering to ART in the past two months. The adjusted odds of ART adherence were significantly higher among participants in older age groups than those aged 15-29, participants with elevated cholesterol than those without it, participants who exhibited strong self-efficacy in health responsibility to maintain life than those with poor self-efficacy in health responsibility, participants who scored < 3 on the stigma and discrimination scale than those who scored ≥ 3, participants who scored ≥ 42 on the mental component of the quality-of-life scale than those who scored < 42. The adjusted odds of ART adherence were significantly lower in participants who earned > 301 USD per month than those who earned ≤ 100 USD per month. CONCLUSION The ART adherence rate among stable people living with HIV in this study was comparable to that of the general people living with HIV in Cambodia. The results suggest the need for innovative interventions to further reduce stigma and discrimination and strategies to improve the self-efficacy and mental health of people living with HIV to improve ART adherence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sovannary Tuot
- KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanity, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Jian Wei Sim
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10- 01, 117549, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michiko Nagashima-Hayashi
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10- 01, 117549, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pheak Chhoun
- KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Alvin Kuo Jing Teo
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10- 01, 117549, Singapore, Singapore
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kiesha Prem
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10- 01, 117549, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Siyan Yi
- KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10- 01, 117549, Singapore, Singapore.
- Center for Global Health Research, Public Health Program, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The role of resilience in daily experiences of posttraumatic growth, affect, and HIV/AIDS stigma among people living with HIV. Sci Rep 2023; 13:796. [PMID: 36646818 PMCID: PMC9842738 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28187-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the intraindividual variability in daily posttraumatic growth (PTG) versus posttraumatic depreciation (PTD), positive and negative affect (PA and NA), and HIV/AIDS stigma among people living with HIV (PLWH). In particular, we examined whether this variability derives from participants' resilience operationalized on a trait level. The participants included 67 PLWH, who completed a baseline questionnaire on resilience, measured with the Brief Resilience Scale. Following this, they completed the shortened versions of the following inventories over five consecutive days: the Posttraumatic Growth and Posttraumatic Depreciation Inventory V Expanded version Inventory, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule - Expanded Form, and the Berger HIV Stigma Scale. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was utilized to analyze the study results. We observed significant intraindividual variability in PTG, PTD, PA, NA, and perceived HIV/AIDS stigma. Resilience was related to PTG, PTD, PA, and NA but not to stigma. Moreover, higher resilience was associated with higher, stabler PA and lower, stabler NA. Our results highlight the need of further studies on the daily functioning of PLWH. Specifically, while health status is important, it does not appear to be the predominant source of everyday distress for PLWH. Consequently, psychological counselling for PLWH should concentrate more on the life of the person as a whole and not only on coping with HIV infection.
Collapse
|
9
|
Chung ML, Miller JL, Lee SJ, Son YJ, Cha G, King RB. Linkage of Optimism With Depressive Symptoms Among the Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Dyads at 2 Years Post Stroke: Dyadic Mediation Approach. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2022; 38:00005082-990000000-00011. [PMID: 35467560 DOI: 10.1097/jcn.0000000000000920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressive symptoms are substantial among stroke survivors and their caregivers in poststroke management. Optimism and social support are known to protect against depressive symptoms. However, little is known about how optimism and social support contribute to depressive symptoms among stroke survivor-caregiver dyads. The study's purpose was to examine actor and partner effects of optimism on depressive symptoms through perceived social support among stroke survivors and caregiver dyads in the chronic stage of rehabilitation. METHODS Stroke survivors and caregivers (N = 105 dyads) completed the survey at 2 years of follow-up after the first stroke. Depressive symptoms, optimism, and perceived social support were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression, the Life Orientation Test, and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model Extended to Mediation analysis was used to test the indirect effect of optimism on depressive symptoms through perceived social support. RESULTS Higher optimism was significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms for caregivers (direct actor effect, -0.6844; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.9844 to -0.3844) and stroke survivors (direct partner effect, -0.4189; 95% CI, -0.0789 to -0.0889). Perceived social support availability significantly mediated the association between optimism and depressive symptoms for stroke survivors (indirect effect, -0.1957; 95% CI, -0.3923 to -0.0670). Caregiver perceived social support availability was also a significant mediator between caregivers' optimism and stroke survivors' depressive symptoms (indirect effect, 0.1658; 95% CI, 0.0559-0.3128). CONCLUSIONS Intervention improving dyad members' optimism and social support would be beneficial to improve depressive symptoms of the stroke survivors and caregivers in chronic stroke management.
Collapse
|
10
|
Social Support, Relationship Power, and Knowledge of HIV+ Serostatus in Sexual Risk Behavior Among Women in Psychiatric Treatment. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2021; 28:191-199. [PMID: 32026174 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-020-09701-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This study examined social support, perceived relationship power, and knowledge of HIV+ serostatus in relation to frequency of unprotected sex acts and number of partners among women with comorbid psychiatric illness receiving treatment. Data were drawn from an initial assessment of participants enrolled in an HIV risk reduction intervention (N = 284), and two generalized linear models were used to examine the potential associations. Relationship power was significantly associated with fewer unprotected sex acts. This relationship was stronger among those with greater social support. Knowledge of HIV+ serostatus was linked with fewer sexual partners and less unprotected sex. Findings also revealed that the protective nature of support varies by level of perceived relationship power, with higher power indicative of a stronger protective relationship. Study findings suggest that the potential protective benefits of social support may depend on one's perceived relationship power. Implications for HIV prevention intervention for this at-risk group are discussed.
Collapse
|
11
|
Rzeszutek M, Gruszczyńska E, Firląg-Burkacka E. Daily emotional inertia and long-term subjective well-being among people living with HIV. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2021; 19:105. [PMID: 33757542 PMCID: PMC7988924 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-021-01752-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to verify if subjective well-being (SWB) modifies the autoregressive effect of daily emotions and if this emotional inertia predicts long-term changes in SWB among people living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS The 131 participants had medically confirmed diagnoses of HIV and were undergoing antiretroviral therapy. They assessed their SWB (satisfaction with life, negative affect, positive affect) twice with an interval of one year. They also took part in a five-day online diary study six months from their baseline SWB assessment and reported their daily negative and positive emotions. RESULTS Results showed that baseline SWB did not modify the emotional carryover effect from one to another. Additionally, after control for baseline SWB, emotional inertia did not predict SWB one year later. However, such an effect was noted for the mean values of daily reported emotions, indicating their unique predictive power over SWB itself. CONCLUSIONS This may suggest that emotional inertia does not necessarily provide better information than more straightforward measures of affective functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Rzeszutek
- grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Stawki 5/7, 00-183, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Gruszczyńska
- grid.433893.60000 0001 2184 0541Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Chodakowska 19/31, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vazquez C, Valiente C, García FE, Contreras A, Peinado V, Trucharte A, Bentall RP. Post-Traumatic Growth and Stress-Related Responses During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a National Representative Sample: The Role of Positive Core Beliefs About the World and Others. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2021; 22:2915-2935. [PMID: 33456320 PMCID: PMC7798377 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-020-00352-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Given the need to understand both the negative and positive psychological consequences of the current global COVID-19 pandemic (Brewin et al. in Perspectives in Public Health 10.1177/1757913920957365 2020), the aim of this study was to test a cognitive model of post-traumatic symptoms (PTS) and post-traumatic growth (PTG) during confinement caused by the SARS-COV-2 epidemic. In line with cognitive models of trauma elaboration (Park in Psychological Bulletin 10.1037/a0018301), we included in our model some beliefs associated to the world (e.g., primal beliefs about a good world), to the self (e.g., death anxiety or orientation toward the future) and to others (e.g., suspiciousness or identification with humanity). To evaluate the explanatory model, a national representative sample of adults between the ages of 18 and 75 (N = 1951) was surveyed between 7th and 13th April, 2020, in the middle of a strict 7-week national confinement. Structural equation modelling yielded a very similar model to the one initially specified. The results highlight the role of both negative and positive core beliefs, which are pertinent to the current pandemic threat, in the appearance of PTS and PTG, respectively. In short, primal beliefs about a good world, openness to the future and identification with humanity were associated with PTG; while suspiciousness, intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety about death and also identification with humanity were associated with PTS and consequent impairment. This is an innovative study of different pathways to traumatic responses and growth during a pandemic. Future research is needed to replicate its findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Vazquez
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Clinical Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Valiente
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Clinical Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Felipe E. García
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Comunicaciones, Universidad Santo Tomás, Santiago, Chile
- Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Alba Contreras
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Clinical Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Peinado
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Clinical Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Trucharte
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Clinical Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Affiliation(s)
- Jess G Fiedorowicz
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Dept. of Psychiatry, Epidemiology, and Int. Med., University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| |
Collapse
|