Resilience and social support promote posttraumatic growth of women with infertility: the mediating role of positive coping

The mediating effect of post-traumatic growth on the relationship between personality traits and resilience among a sample of Lebanese adults

BACKGROUND

Resilience plays a crucial role in mental health promotion and prevention, and was shown to be more represented in individuals who exhibit high levels of extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. However, there is a lack of studies that comprehensively investigate the association between personality traits and resilience in Lebanon and Arab countries more broadly. The purpose of the present study was to complement the literature by investigating the direct and indirect effects between the five personality traits and resilience among a sample of Lebanese adults through the intermediary role of posttraumatic growth.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was carried out between May and July 2022, and enrolled 387 participants, all aged above 18 years old and recruited from all Lebanon governorates. The questionnaire used included socio-demographic questions, and the following scales: Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) to assess resilience, post traumatic growth (PTG), and Big Five Inventory (BFI-2). The SPSS software v.25 was used for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Post-traumatic growth mediated the association between extraversion / agreeableness / conscientiousness and resilience. Higher extraversion / agreeableness / conscientiousness was significantly associated with more post-traumatic growth. Higher post-traumatic growth was significantly associated with more resilience. Extraversion, but not agreeableness and conscientiousness, was significantly and directly associated with more resilience.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that fostering PTG in individuals who experience adversity can help promote their resilience. Hence, it could be beneficial to design and apply programs aiming at supporting PTG among people who experience stressful and traumatizing situations, to consequently help them increase their sense of resilience.

Impact of social support on the resilience of youth: mediating effects of coping styles

Background

Chinese youth are at high risk for depression with a significantly higher detection rate of depression risk than other age groups, which brings about a huge challenge to the mental health work of universities. Developing supportive resources that promote resilience against adverse environmental influences in high-risk groups is quite more urgent than medical treatment for firm diagnoses of mental issues that have developed into depression in the current background.

Methods

A total of 665 university students in China completed self-reported questionnaires measuring psychological resilience, social support, and coping styles. The structural equation model testing on the goodness of fit of the theoretical framework was first performed. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation analysis among social support, resilience, and coping styles were then conducted. At last, we tested the mediating role of coping styles.

Results

Social support has a significant positive effect on the psychological resilience of the youth. Mixed coping and immature coping styles have significant negative impacts on both social support and resilience, while mature coping styles have a significant positive effect on social support and resilience. Mature and immature coping styles mediate the association between social support and resilience in youth.

Conclusion

Based on stress theory, this study explores mechanisms that facilitate the development of resilience in young people with regard to social support and coping styles. The current research depicts an interventional perspective of building a social support network that guides the youth to adopt mature coping styles to enhance their resilience and facilitate their mental health.

Resilience among involuntarily childless couples and individuals undergoing infertility treatment: a systematic review

Infertility is regarded as a highly stressful and challenging experience. However, the response to this unexpected moment varies from one individual to the other. The review explores research that studies resilience in the context of infertility and its treatment. The purpose was to study the protective and risk factors associated with resilience and to identify psychosocial factors that could play a crucial role in resilience among infertile couples and individuals who are seeking infertility treatment. Four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Online Library) were searched with appropriate keywords. A total of 4101 articles were retrieved from the databases and after following various levels of screening 18 articles were finalized. These articles explored resilience and other psychosocial factors in couples/individuals seeking infertility treatment. The protective factors associated with resilience were quality of life, coping, social support, and posttraumatic growth. The risk factors associated with resilience were infertility-related stress, anxiety and depression. The unexpected diagnosis of infertility might be disturbing for many, still, it may not be extremely agonizing for some. Individuals who are encouraged to utilize their own resources and seek support are able to deal with stressors associated with infertility.

The clinical effect evaluation of multidisciplinary collaborative team combined with palliative care model in patients with terminal cancer: a randomised controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical effect of a multidisciplinary collaboration team combined with a palliative care model in patients with terminal cancer.

METHOD

A total of 84 patients diagnosed with terminal cancer in our hospital were included and randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group, with 42 cases in each group. Patients in the intervention group were treated by a multidisciplinary collaborative team combined with the palliative care model, and patients in the control group were treated by routine nursing intervention. The Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to evaluate negative emotions and anxiety and depression of patients before and after intervention. The Quality of Life Scale (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] QLQ-C30) and Social Support Scale (SSRS) were used to evaluate the quality of life and social support of patients. This study has been registered in 13/01/2023 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05683236).

RESULT

The general data of the two groups were comparable. After intervention, the SAS (43.7 ± 7.4 vs. 54.2 ± 9.3) and SDS scores (38.4 ± 6.5 vs. 53.1 ± 8.4) of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group. The total SSRS score, subjective support score, objective support score and utilisation of support of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The overall quality of life score of the intervention group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (79.5 ± 4.5 vs. 73.2 ± 3.6, P < 0.05). The scores of each functional scale were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with conventional nursing, the application of the multidisciplinary collaborative team combined with tranquilisation therapy in patients with terminal cancer can significantly reduce the anxiety and depression of patients, enable patients to obtain comprehensive social support, and effectively improve the quality of life of patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05683236, 13/01/2023, Retrospectively registered.

Reliability and Validity of the Japanese Version of the Short Form of the Expanded Version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-X-SF-J): A Cross-Sectional Study

A Japanese version of the short form of the expanded Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-X-SF-J) was developed in this study, as the extended version captures broader, more diverse personal growth perspectives, such as existential spiritual growth. We collected cross-sectional data from 408 (first sample) and 284 (second sample) Japanese university students using the expanded version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-X-J). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed with the first sample and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with the second; reliability and validity were examined. The short-form version resulting from the EFA and CFA comprised 10 items and five factors. Cronbach's alpha for the PTGI-X-SF-J total and subscale scores ranged from 0.671 to 0.875. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the total and subscale scores between the PTGI-X-J and PTGI-X-SF-J ranged from 0.699 to 0.821. Regarding external validity, no significant correlation was found between posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic stress disorder checklists. Due to its brevity, the PTGI-X-SF-J can help assess diverse spiritual and existential personal growth experiences among clients, patients, and trauma survivors while reducing physical and psychological burdens.

Personal Growth and Life Satisfaction during Fertility Treatment-A Comparison between Arab and Jewish Women

Coping with difficulty conceiving and the ensuing fertility treatments is a stressful experience that impacts many aspects of women's lives. On the basis of Lazarus and Folkman's model of stress and coping and Schaefer and Moos's model of personal growth, and in view of the sparse literature on cultural aspects of infertility and personal growth, this study examined the relationship between stress on the one hand and personal growth and life satisfaction on the other among Arab and Jewish Israeli women. Furthermore, it investigated the moderating role played by perceived stigma, coping flexibility, cultural orientation (individualism and collectivism), and ethnicity. Two hundred five Arab and Jewish Israeli women undergoing fertility treatment completed self-report questionnaires. The results show that Arab women reported higher levels of personal growth and individualism than Jewish women. In the whole sample, a linear negative relationship was found between stress and life satisfaction, and a curvilinear relationship was found between stress and personal growth. In addition, perceived stigma, collectivism, individualism, and coping flexibility were found to moderate the association between perceived stress and personal growth. The findings provide further understanding of personal growth in the context of infertility, showing that personal resources and perceptions are more important than cultural differences in this regard.

Social support and posttraumatic growth: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The beneficial role of social support on posttraumatic growth (PTG) has been assumed by theoretical models and established in some studies. However, there are inconsistent findings and little knowledge on moderators. The present study aims to investigate the overall effect size of the relationship and identify factors affecting the association.

METHODS

Six electronic databases were searched. Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) were used to evaluate the quality of studies. Study quality, study design, trauma type, PTG measure, social support measure, continent, publishing language, sample size, gender, religion, and age were analyzed as moderators. Meta-regression was conducted with the significant differential predictors in moderator analysis.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 217 samples and a total of 47,940 participants from both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. There was a medium positive effect size between social support and PTG in random effect model, r = 0.418, p < .001. The meta-regression analysis indicated that the association between social support and PTG was stronger among caregivers (vs. other traumatized samples), Chinese, older individuals and studies with smaller sample size.

LIMITATIONS

Only survey results were included in the analysis. The retrospective self-report may limit a more objective assessment of the relations. In addition, 87 % of the studies were cross-sectional, which may influence the estimation of a valid effect size.

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding the medium positive association between social support and PTG, it is important to enhance social support for trauma survivors. It will be especially effective for caregivers, Chinese, and older people.

The Relationship between Effort-Reward Imbalance for Learning and Academic Burnout in Junior High School: A Moderated Mediation Model

Although effort-reward imbalance has been proven to affect academic burnout, how effort-reward imbalance affects academic burnout remains unclear. This study, from the perspective of learning satisfaction and resilience, investigates how effort-reward imbalance affects academic burnout and reveals the influence of effort-reward imbalance on academic burnout. A sample of 755 junior high school students was assessed using the Revised Effort-Reward Imbalance for Learning Scale, Revised Learning Satisfaction Scale, Academic Burnout Scale, and Resilience Scale. Junior high school students' effort-reward imbalance rates for learning, learning satisfaction, and academic burnout were all significantly correlated with each other; learning satisfaction mediated the relationship between them. Learning satisfaction mediated the relationship between junior high school students' effort-reward imbalance rate for learning and academic burnout, and resilience negatively moderated the path from junior high school students' effort-reward imbalance rate from learning to learning satisfaction. The results suggest that improving students' resilience can effectively decrease the negative effects of effort-reward imbalance.

Post-traumatic Growth in Cancer Patients: A Correlational Study in Turkey

This study aims to evaluate the factors that influence post-traumatic growth (PTG), including religious coping and resilience. This descriptive and correlational study involved 111 cancer patients, followed up at a hematology inpatient clinic of a university hospital in Turkey. Religious coping scale, resilience scale, and PTG inventory were used for data collection. PTG was positively associated with negative religious coping and was negatively associated with age. PTG scores were higher for patients without children, who were recently diagnosed, had higher knowledge about the disease, and used negative religious coping.

Does infertility develop posttraumatic growth or anxiety/depressive symptoms? Roles of personality traits, resilience, and social support

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore levels of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and anxiety/depressive symptoms and the role of personality traits, resilience, and social support as predictors of PTG in infertile men/women.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In our cross-sectional study, 162 infertile individuals (40 men and 122 women) completed the research questionnaires, including PTG, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Fertility Problem Inventory, NEO Five-Factor Inventory, Perceived Social Support, Kobasa hardiness short 20-item, and Beck Inventory Depression (BDI-II).

RESULTS

The prevalence of PTG was higher than that of anxiety/depressive symptoms (55.6% vs. 45.7%/40.7%). Neuroticism (β = 0.54 ± 0.25, p < 0.03), extroversion (β = 0.69 ± 0.26, p < 0.01), and resilience (β = 0.33 ± 0.12, p < 0.008) were positive predictors of PTG.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Infertile men/women with high level of resilience, extroversion, and neuroticism may have more tendency toward personal growth rather than distress. Practitioners ought to direct counseling to promote factors of personal growth.

Negative emotions and creativity among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: the mediating role of psychological resilience and the moderating role of posttraumatic growth

Background

The aim of the study was to use a moderated mediation model to understand and examine the relationship between negative emotions and creativity among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, using psychological resilience as a mediator and posttraumatic growth as a moderator.

Methods

A sample of 881 college students in mainland China completed a self-report questionnaire that included four scales: the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale, Psychological Resilience Scale, Runco Ideational Behavior Scale and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory.

Results

Findings indicated that:(1) negative emotions were a strong predictor of creativity; (2) psychological resilience partially mediated the association between negative emotions and creativity; and (3) posttraumatic growth moderated the positive effect of psychological resilience, such that the indirect effect between negative emotions and creativity via psychological resilience was stronger for someone with a low level of resilience.

Conclusion

The findings further clarify the mechanisms that affect the relationship between negative emotions and creativity among college students.

Differences Between Posttraumatic Growth and Resiliency: Their Distinctive Relationships With Empathy and Emotion Recognition Ability

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) and resiliency have been observed among people who experienced life crises. Given that the direct relationships between PTG and resiliency have been equivocal, it is important to know how they are different in conjunction with cognitive ability. The purpose of this study is to examine how perceived PTG and resiliency would be, respectively, associated with empathy and emotion recognition ability. A total of 420 college students participated in an online survey requiring them to identify emotions based on photographs of facial expressions, report their traumatic experiences, and respond to the PTG Inventory, Brief Resilience Scale, and Questionnaire of Emotional Empathy. The results suggest that perceived PTG was not associated with empathy but significantly predicted increased emotion recognition, whereas resiliency showed a negative relationship with empathy but no significant relationship with emotion recognition. These findings demonstrate that self-perceived PTG may be associated with cognitive ability, which could be due to one's growth within relationships and social interactions. Even though growing after trauma may promote resilient characteristics, the current results indicate that PTG and resiliency may foster different outcomes. Since empathy and emotion recognition are affected by other contextual factors, future studies should assess how empathy and the type of errors in emotion recognition may be associated with situational factors that are beyond personal factors such as post-traumatic life experiences or personality.

Examining the Acceptability of a Resilience Building Intervention Among Adults Aging With HIV

ABSTRACT

Few interventions have targeted resilience resources in people living with HIV (PLWH). We tested the acceptability of an existing resilience intervention in middle-age and older PLWH. Fourteen PLWH attended one 3-hr group session, which included videos, quizzes, and written activities. Participants provided quantitative and qualitative feedback. The mean acceptability rating was 8.71 (1.27) on a 10-point scale. A majority of participants reported that the intervention was an appropriate length; that it improved their resilience, mood, and ability to manage HIV; and that they would likely continue using the tools. Average content retention accuracy was 75% (12.66). Qualitative feedback suggested addressing HIV-specific stressors, including disclosure concerns, stigma, health concerns, and treatment adherence. The resilience intervention was deemed highly acceptable among older PLWH. Uptake may increase by addressing HIV-specific stressors and improving comprehensibility. Future research should further refine and test the efficacy of a modified version of the intervention.

Post-Traumatic Growth during COVID-19: The Role of Perceived Social Support, Personality, and Coping Strategies

Although many studies on mental health have been conducted among various populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, few studies have focused on post-traumatic growth (PTG) in the general population. The current study aimed to explore whether perceived social support, personality, and coping strategies are associated with PTG in the COVID-19 pandemic period. The study also investigated whether coping strategies mediate the relations between perceived social support, personality, and PTG. A total of 181 participants (M_age = 24) completed the self-report questionnaire online, which was distributed via various online channels, mainly in China and Sweden. The relations between the study variables were examined with correlation analyses and a multiple mediation analysis. Results showed that more than half of the participants (60.8%) reported experiences of PTG during the pandemic. Additionally, perceived social support, personality traits (extraversion, emotional stability, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) and coping strategies (problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and social support coping) were positively correlated with PTG. In addition, coping strategies (problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and avoidance coping) mediated the relations between perceived social support, personality traits and PTG. Theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed, concluding that the findings of this study have the potential to guide intervention efforts to promote positive change during the pandemic.

Posttraumatic Growth in Women With a Long-Standing Experience of Involuntary Childlessness in the Czech Republic

This qualitative research study aimed to examine aspects of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in women with a long-standing experience of involuntary childlessness. In-depth semi-structured interviews, lasting an average of 53 min, were conducted in the Czech Republic. Twenty-four women, averaging 38.8 years old with an average of 6.2 years of infertility experience, participated. They were asked how involuntary childlessness affected/changed their partnerships, sexual life, job, future plans, attitude to children/values/faith, and leisure time. Participants shared both positive and negative aspects of the infertility experience. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five main themes of PTG were identified: strengthening of partnership, greater humility, deeper self-appreciation, reassessment of relationships, and changes in the philosophy of life. These findings could be useful to mental health providers to facilitate the PTG process in patients.

Psychosocial correlates of fertility-related quality of life among infertile women with repeated implantation failure: The mediating role of resilience

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine associations between psychosocial factors and fertility-related quality of life (FertiQoL) among infertile women with repeated implantation failure (RIF), and to identify the possible role of resilience in mediating the effect of social support on FertiQoL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 234 infertile women with RIF in total. Fertility quality of life scale (FertiQoL), perceived social support scale (PSSS), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) were used to evaluate the patients. Data were described by univariate and multivariate analyses. Stepwise regression method was performed to analyse the mediating effect of resilience.

RESULTS

Social support had a positive predictive effect on FertiQoL (β = 0.757, P < 0.001), also positive on resilience (β = 0.847, P < 0.001). After both variables were added to the regression equation, resilience was found to have a significant positive predictive effect on FertiQoL (β = 0.798, P < 0.001), while the predictive effect of social support on FertiQoL was no longer significant (β = 0.081, P > 0.05). The results indicated that resilience played a complete mediating role between social support and FertiQoL.

CONCLUSION

This study preliminarily verified the mediating role of resilience between social support and FertiQoL among infertile women with RIF. Interventions that consider enhancing resilience and building social support will likely improve their FertiQoL.

Resilience and Anxiety Among Healthcare Workers During the Spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant: A Moderated Mediation Model

INTRODUCTION

The B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant of SARS-COV-2 has caused a surge in COVID-19 cases worldwide, placing a great burden on the health care system under the zero-tolerance epidemic prevention policy in China. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety among health care workers during the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, and to discuss the mediating role of positive coping style between resilience and anxiety, and the moderating role of general self-efficacy.

METHOD

Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (CD-RISC), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), General Self-efficacy Scale (GSES) and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) were used in this cross-sectional study among 390 healthcare workers in Jiangsu Province, China. Mackinnon's four-step procedure was applied to test the mediation effect, and Hayes PROCESS macro was conducted to examine the moderated mediation model.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anxiety among Chinese healthcare workers during the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant was 41.8%. Male, unmarried, childless and younger subjects reported higher levels of anxiety. Positive coping partially mediated the effect of resilience on anxiety among healthcare workers and the indirect effect was stronger with the increase of general self-efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety was prevalent among healthcare workers during the spread of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. This research sheds new light on the potential mechanism underlying the association between resilience and anxiety and provides new insight into the prevention of anxiety among healthcare workers during the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant.

Coping strategies mediate the association between family functioning and posttraumatic growth in family caregivers of people with dementia

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of coping strategies on the relationship between family functioning and posttraumatic growth in family caregivers of people with dementia (PwD).

METHODS

A total of 124 family caregivers of PwD from a memory clinic were investigated from July to October 2017. Family functioning, coping strategies, and posttraumatic growth of family caregivers of PwD were measured. Data were processed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis, and structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

Posttraumatic growth was observed in family caregivers of PwD. The caregiver's gender, relationship with the patient, and difficulty balancing financial income and expenditures in the past month, as well as disease severity of PwD, are significant predictors of posttraumatic growth. There were significantly positive correlations among posttraumatic growth, family functioning and positive coping strategies (P＜0.01). Positive coping strategies exert a complete mediating effect between family functioning and posttraumatic growth (β = 0.49, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A model of the posttraumatic growth of family caregivers of PwD can be established, and the relevant mechanisms can be explored. Healthcare providers should pay attention to the family functioning of caregivers and take effective measures to provide them with positive coping strategies to promote their posttraumatic growth.

Relationship between infertility-related stress and resilience with posttraumatic growth in infertile couples: gender differences and dyadic interaction

STUDY QUESTION

Are there any gender differences and dyadic interactions in the associations between infertility-related stress and resilience and posttraumatic growth in infertile couples?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Husbands' posttraumatic growth was only impacted by their own infertility-related stress and resilience, whereas wives' posttraumatic growth was influenced by their own resilience and their spouses' resilience.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Posttraumatic growth may play a significant role in protecting the infertile couples' psychological well-being and contribute to positive pregnancy outcomes. The reciprocal influence on each other within the infertile couple in terms of relationships between infertility-related stress and resilience and posttraumatic growth has been largely overlooked.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This cross-sectional study included 170 couples who were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between September 2019 and January 2020.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The Fertility Problem Inventory, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10, and Post-traumatic Growth Inventory were used to measure infertility-related stress, resilience, and posttraumatic growth. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model was used to analyze the effects of infertility-related stress and resilience on the couple's own posttraumatic growth (actor effect) as well as on their partner's posttraumatic growth (partner effect).

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Husbands had higher levels of resilience than wives, while no significant gender differences were found in the levels of infertility-related stress and posttraumatic growth. Posttraumatic growth correlated with each other among infertile couples. Husbands' infertility-related stress had actor effects on their own posttraumatic growth, while wives' infertility-related stress had no effect on their own or their spouses' posttraumatic growth. Husbands' resilience had actor and partner effects on their own and their wives' posttraumatic growth, while wives' resilience only had an actor effect on their own posttraumatic growth.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

First, our sample was limited to infertile Chinese couples seeking clinical treatment. Second, sociodemographic and psychological measures were self-reported. Third, as the current study is a cross-sectional study, the dynamic process of posttraumatic growth is unknown.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Infertile couples should be considered as a whole in studies on infertility. Couple-based psychological interventions are critical and more effective in improving mental health among individuals with infertility. Elevating the level of resilience may contribute to improving posttraumatic growth for both husbands and wives. Moreover, enhancing the ability to cope with infertility-related stress might be useful for husbands and indirectly contribute to wives' posttraumatic growth.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31900783) and the College Natural Science Research Project of Jiangsu Province (Grant No.19KJD320004). The authors declare no conflict of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Inter-relationships between trait resilience, coping strategies, and mental health outcomes in autistic adults

Resilience has been depicted as a key characteristic in the promotion of mental health in the face of stress and adversity. Despite high levels of stress encountered in the autistic population, resilience studies remain scarce. Using data from an Australian longitudinal adult study, this study explored the inter-relationships between trait resilience, coping, and mental health in a sample of autistic adults (N = 78). In particular, we examined the relationship between resilience and use of coping strategies, and the potential mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between resilience and mental health outcomes. Our findings suggested that increased use of engagement coping (e.g., problem-solving, positive appraisal) and decreased use of disengagement coping (e.g., self-blame, being in denial) strategies were associated with higher levels of resilience. Further, mediation analysis results suggest that disengagement coping mediated the associations between resilience and all three mental health outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, and well-being), while engagement coping strategies mediated the relationship between resilience and well-being only. Our results illustrate that coping strategies may be an important mechanism in explaining the resilience-mental health relationship in autistic adults, highlighting the importance of considering stress-related constructs together (i.e., trait resilience and coping) when addressing support and intervention options for mental health difficulties in the autistic adult population. LAY SUMMARY: This research explored how resilience and coping strategies influence the mental health and well-being of autistic adults. We found that resilient autistic adults used more engagement coping strategies, less disengagement coping strategies, and reported better mental health and well-being. Considering stress-related factors together (i.e., resilience and coping) offers a novel perspective to mental health difficulties in autistic adults and may be a vital step in the development of support options in this population.

The relationship between psychological coping and mood across the menstrual cycle among distressed women struggling to conceive

OBJECTIVES

Infertility is disproportionately associated with distress in women yet there has been limited research focusing on the relationship between coping strategies and fertility-monitoring techniques on distress in women struggling to conceive naturally.

METHODS

Fifty-eight distressed women with infertility were recruited via social media. Every second day women's depressive and anxious mood was assessed in the morning and again in the evening along with their psychological coping strategies, the use of fertility monitoring techniques, and Fertility Quality of Life emotion subscale, over the course of one full menstrual cycle.

RESULTS

During menstruation and statistically adjusting for morning depressive mood, active coping (β(SE) = -1.35 (0.36), p < .001) and behavioural engagement (β(SE) = -0.98 (0.35), p = .006) were associated with less depressive mood in the evening. Across all phases, social support seeking was associated with greater anxiety (β(SE) = 0.50 (0.20), p = .013) and lower emotional quality of life (β(SE) = -0.82 (0.32), p = .011). Use of fertility monitoring techniques was associated with heightened anxiety (M(SE) = 6.7 (0.2) vs. 5.9 (0.2), p < .001). The use of avoidance strategies (β(SE) = 3.22 (1.29), p = .016), endorsement of optimism (β(SE) = -4.72 (1.78), p = .011) and social support seeking (β(SE) = 3.09 (1.18), p = .012) throughout the cycle were significantly predictive of depression ratings following a negative pregnancy test, despite statistically adjusting for mean depression ratings throughout the menstrual cycle.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight a number of cognitive and behavioural strategies that could be manipulated via psychological interventions to improve distress among women struggling to conceive.

The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support Between Resilience and Anxiety 1 Year After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Disparity Between High-Risk and Low-Risk Nurses in China

Introduction: One year after the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, China has made substantial progress in the prevention and control of the pandemic, while the epidemic situation remains grim in China since virus may easily survive with the falling temperature in winter. The present study aimed to compare the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety between high-risk and low-risk nurses 1 year after the COVID-19 outbreak, and examine the association between resilience and anxiety and its underlying mechanisms. Method: Connor-Davidson Resilience scale, Perceived Social Support Scale and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale were administrated to 701 nurses from Jiangsu Province, China, 1 year after the COVID-19 outbreak. The mediating effect was examined by Mackinnon's four-step procedure, while the moderated mediation model was tested by Hayes PROCESS macro. Results: The findings presented the prevalence of anxiety among nurses was 21.4% 1 year after the COVID-19 pandemic. High-risk nurses presented a higher prevalence of anxiety (24.5 vs. 19.3%) than low-risk nurses. Age and professional title were significantly associated with anxiety only in high-risk nurses (all P < 0.05). Perceived social support mediated the association between resilience and anxiety and the indirect effect was stronger for high-risk nurses than low-risk nurses. Conclusion: Anxiety remains prevalent among nurses 1 year after the COVID-19 outbreak, and resilience plays a protective role against anxiety. Programs that enhance resilience and social support should be designed and special attention should be paid to nurses from high-risk units.

Positive functioning at work during COVID-19: Posttraumatic growth, resilience, and emotional exhaustion in Chinese frontline healthcare workers

Research on traumatic events often emphasizes the importance of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and resilience, yet few studies have explored their trends and their relationship throughout the progression of traumatic events. This paper explores the longitudinal relationship between resilience and PTG, as well as the role of job burnout in this relationship, among frontline healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic, who have been exposed to high‐risk work environments over extraordinarily long workdays. In Study 1, 134 Chinese frontline healthcare workers completed a three‐wave survey (Time 1, Time 2, and Time 3) in February–May 2020. In Study 2, 401 frontline healthcare workers completed a cross‐sectional survey. The cross‐lagged analysis suggested that resilience at Time 1 positively predicted PTG at Time 2, which in turn positively predicted resilience at Time 3. PTG at Time 1 also positively predicted resilience at Time 2 (Study 1). However, job burnout was negatively related to both resilience and PTG; in particular, emotional exhaustion moderated the link between PTG and resilience (Study 2). Our findings support a cycle of reinforcement between resilience and PTG over time. The positive effect of PTG on resilience, however, is undermined by emotional exhaustion. Implications for future intervention research and workplace support are discussed.

Family resilience is a protective buffer in the relationship between infertility-related stress and psychological distress among females preparing for their first in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

The present study aimed to evaluate psychological distress and scrutinized whether family resilience plays a moderating role in the association between infertility-related stress and psychological distress among infertile females preparing for their first IVF-ET. A total of 492 infertile females completed self-reported measures including the Kessler 10 Psychological Distress Scale (K10), the fertility problem inventory (FPI), and the Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS). The results showed 21 (65.2%) participants reported moderate or higher levels of psychological distress. While controlling for economic status, we found psychological distress to be positively linked to infertility-related stress (β=0.483, P<0.001), and negatively related to family resilience (β=-0.145, P=0.001). The simple slopes analysis showed that infertility-related stress had a weaker positive association with psychological distress for individuals at 1 SD (β = 0.443, P < 0.001) above the mean on family resilience compared to those at 1 SD (β = 0.537, P < 0.001) below the mean. Thus, it suggests that clinical practice should conduct family resilience-oriented interventions to facilitate family resilience among infertile females preparing for their first IVF-ET, with the goal to reduce psychological distress.

Psychometric properties of two abbreviated Connor-Davidson Resilience scales in Chinese infertile couples

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the 10-item and 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the agreement between these two versions, and the measurement invariance of the CD-RISC-10 across genders in Chinese infertile couples.

METHODS

A total of 170 infertile couples were enrolled from an infertility outpatient clinic between September 2019 and January 2020. The CD-RISC scores were tested for floor and ceiling effects. Reliability was evaluated by calculating Cronbach's α. Convergent and divergent validity were assessed by bivariate correlations between resilience and infertility-related stress, depression, anxiety, and two divergent variables. Agreement between the two versions was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. A multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the measurement equivalence of CD-RISC-10 across genders.

RESULTS

No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Internal consistencies of CD-RISC-10 and CD-RISC-2 were 0.91 and 0.63, respectively. The CFA analysis indicated an excellent model fit for a one-factor structure of CD-RISC-10 (TLI > 0.950, CFI > 0.950, RMSEA < 0.060). Both scales displayed good convergent and divergent validity, and the agreement between them was significant with an ICC of 0.80 (95% CI ranging from 0.76 to 0.84). Measurement invariance across genders was supported by multigroup CFA, and a higher level of resilience was found in men than in women.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed significant reliability, validity, and stability of CD-RISC-10 and acceptable internal consistency and validity of CD-RISC-2. CD-RISC-10 is recommended as a resilience measure in clinical evaluations of infertile patients.

Life on pause: An analysis of UK fertility patients’ coping mechanisms after the cancellation of fertility treatment due to COVID-19

In March 2020, fertility clinics across the UK began cancelling all assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment, with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) stopping all ART treatment from going ahead beyond the 15th April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article examines the coping mechanisms adopted by fertility patients during this time, focussing on the emotional support received from online fertility forums and fertility clinics during the indeterminate wait for treatment to resume. The study draws upon an online survey which assessed the mental health and wellbeing of 124 female fertility patients whose ART treatment was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The findings indicate a potential for improved communication between fertility clinics and patients in order to reduce psychological stress and isolation during the postponement of ART treatment, alongside better utilisation of online platforms as mechanisms for support. This article adds to the growing body of knowledge concerned with the implications of denying reproductive rights to the infertility community during a global pandemic. It also contributes to sociological discussions on the support mechanisms available to those navigating infertility and the wider social management of uncertainty.

Post-Traumatic Growth among Patients after Living and Cadaveric Donor Kidney Transplantation: The Role of Resilience and Alexithymia

The aim of this study was to determine the role of resilience and alexithymia in the post-traumatic growth as a response to extreme stress in patients after kidney transplantation and to determine whether there are differences in the level of posttraumatic growth in patients after living and cadaveric donor kidney transplantation. The relationships between these variables were also evaluated. The questionnaire survey of 91 kidney recipients took place in 2018 and 2019. The following tools were used: authorial post-transplant questionnaire for recipients and validated questionnaires, Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-R), Resilience Coping Scale Questionnaire, and Toronto Alexithymia Scale Questionnaire (TAS20). The results obtained showed significant differences between the group of kidney recipients from living donors and recipients from cadaveric donors, in terms of overall post-traumatic growth, as well as changes in self-perception and a greater appreciation for life. Post-traumatic growth in both groups was related to the level of resilience and the level of alexithymia. Resilience is an accurate predictor of posttraumatic growth in general and for each of the groups of recipients separately.

COVID-19 among Chinese high school graduates: Psychological distress, growth, meaning in life and resilience

This study examined perceived impact of COVID-19 (PIC) on mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic growth) and roles of resilience and meaning in life. In October 2020, 430 Chinese high school graduates completed self-report measures. Results showed that 4.4% and 5.8% participants had anxiety and depression symptoms (⩾10), respectively, while 13.3% developed posttraumatic growth (⩾37.5). Resilience and meaning in life mediated the relationships between PIC and mental health outcomes. These findings underline psychological distress and growth coexisted in COVID-19, while resilience and meaning in life served as important protective factors of mental health.

Psychological coping strategies associated with improved mental health in the context of infertility

To examine the use of psychological coping strategies across the menstrual cycle in relation to within-person changes in depressed mood, anxious mood, and infertility-related distress, in a sample of women struggling to conceive. Sixty-five women from Canada and the USA (aged 19-43 years) trying to conceive naturally for ≥ 12 months were recruited via social media. On the first day of each participant's menstrual period, and every 3 days until the end of their cycle, participants completed questionnaires assessing depressed and anxious mood, and infertility-related distress. In addition, participants completed a 13-item coping questionnaire assessing four general coping strategies: emotional suppression, active coping, engagement in activities unrelated to trying to conceive, and downplaying the importance of biological children. The within-person effect of daily coping strategies on person-centred mood and infertility-related distress was examined. Day-to-day use of behavioural engagement was associated with lower person-centred depression scores, β(SEM) = - 3.25(.51), p < .0001, anxiety scores, β(SEM) = - 2.07(.36), p < .0001, and infertility-related daily distress, β(SEM) = - .64(.22), p = .005. Downplaying the importance of biological children was also associated with person-centred depression scores, β(SEM) = 1.14(.47), p = .016. Neither active coping nor emotional suppression was related to depression, anxiety, or distress (ps > .0125). These findings point to promising targets of future intervention studies, including promoting increased engagement in behaviours unrelated to conceiving and promoting acceptance, rather than denial and resistance, of feelings throughout the infertility journey.

Childhood Neglect and Psychological Distress Among Pregnant Women: The Chain Multiple Mediation Effect of Perceived Social Support and Positive Coping

This study aimed to investigate the association between childhood neglect and psychological distress in pregnant women and to assess whether perceived social support and coping styles mediated this association. Pregnant women (N = 276) recruited from the prenatal clinic of a comprehensive hospital in China participated in this study. Participants reported their experiences of childhood neglect and abuse, depression, anxiety, perceived social support, and coping styles. Childhood neglect was positively associated with psychological distress. Perceived social support mediated the relationship between childhood neglect and psychological distress. Perceived social support and positive coping acted as chain mediators between childhood neglect and psychological distress. Childhood neglect is a risk factor for psychological distress during pregnancy independent of childhood abuse; perceived social support and positive coping can influence this relationship.

The psychological impact of fertility treatment suspensions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose

To examine the psychological impact of fertility treatment suspensions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and to clarify psychosocial predictors of better or worse mental health.

Methods

92 women from Canada and the United States (ages 20–45 years) whose fertility treatments had been cancelled were recruited via social media. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms, perceived mental health impact, and change in quality of life related to treatment suspensions. Potential predictors of psychological outcomes were also examined, including several personality traits, aspects of social support, illness cognitions, and coping strategies.

Results

52% of respondents endorsed clinical levels of depressive symptoms. On a 7-point scale, participants endorsed a significant decline in overall quality of life (M(SD) = -1.3(1.3), p < .0001) as well as a significant decline in mental health related to treatment suspensions on a scale from -5 to +5 (M(SD) = -2.1(2.1), p < .001). Several psychosocial variables were found to positively influence these outcomes: lower levels of defensive pessimism (r = -.25, p < .05), greater infertility acceptance (r = .51, p < .0001), better quality social support (r = .31, p < .01), more social support seeking (r = .35, p < .001) and less avoidance of infertility reminders (r = -.23, p = .029).

Conclusion

Fertility treatment suspensions have had a considerable negative impact on women’s mental health and quality of life. However, these findings point to several protective psychosocial factors that can be fostered in the future to help women cope.

Mediating effect of neuroticism and negative coping style in relation to childhood psychological maltreatment and smartphone addiction among college students in China

BACKGROUND

Smartphones are convenient for college students. However, overuse of smartphone or smartphone addiction, can lead to problems related to healthy development. The cause of smartphone addiction can be traced to adverse childhood experiences such as childhood psychological maltreatment. Therefore, exploring the cause and mechanism underlying smartphone addiction in college students with a history of childhood psychological maltreatment is crucial.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore the mediating effect of neuroticism and coping style in relationship between childhood psychological maltreatment and smartphone addiction among college students.

METHODS

The participants included 1169 (43.8 % female and 56.2 % male) college students ranging in age from 17 to 23 years (M = 19.89, SD = 1.25). All participants completed a self-report questionnaire measuring childhood psychological maltreatment, neuroticism, coping style, and smartphone addiction symptoms. A multiple mediation model was used to test the hypotheses.

RESULTS

Findings from mediation analysis showed that both in parallelly and sequentially, neuroticism and negative coping style mediated the relationship between childhood psychological maltreatment and smartphone addiction.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study can provide an understanding of how childhood psychological maltreatment influences college students' smartphone addiction. This study also provides implications on how to reduce the effects of childhood psychological maltreatment on smartphone addiction in college students.

Direct and Indirect Associations Between Interpersonal Resources and Posttraumatic Growth Through Resilience Among Women Living with HIV in China

This study aims to test the associations between interpersonal resources and posttraumatic growth (PTG) and their indirect associations through resilience among women living with HIV (WLWH). A cross-sectional study interviewed 546 WLWH from eight clinics of Yunnan and Guangxi provinces in China. PTG, resilience and doctors' empathy were assessed by the validated scales. Family support, friend support, and partner intimacy were assessed by the self-constructed scales. Significant background factors of PTG included duration of residence in the area, monthly family income, number of years since HIV diagnosis, self-reported presence of AIDS-related symptoms, and current pregnancy. Family social support, partner intimacy, doctors' empathy, and resilience were positively associated with PTG; friend support was negatively associated with PTG (p < .05). Furthermore, resilience partially mediated the relationships between family support/partner intimacy and PTG, explaining 13.6-14.2% of the variance. Structural equation modeling showed that family support was significantly and indirectly associated with PTG through resilience when controlling for other interpersonal resource indicators. Implications and potential interventions to promote PTG are discussed.

Stress, stigma, violence experiences and social support of US infertile women

Objectives: Previous studies investigated the physical, psychological and sociological effects of infertility; however, stigma and violence experiences of infertile women haven't yet been studied in the US. The objective of the study is to examine the perceived stress, stigma, violence experiences, and social support of US infertile women and to compare with fertile women in order to understand the effects of infertility on stress levels, violence exposures, and support. Methods: The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with fertile and infertile women who use social media for an online support group. A convenience sample of 786 women completed an online survey. Results: In the study, 41.6% of participants were fertile and 58.4% were infertile. We found infertile women experienced high levels of stigma and moderate stress. One in five infertile women has been exposed to emotional or physical violence. Compared to fertile women, infertile women had significantly higher perceived stress levels and were less likely to experience emotional or physical violence. Conclusion: These findings highlight that infertile women have experienced stigma and high levels of stress in a developed country. They are also exposed to emotional or physical violence, but surprisingly infertile women are less likely to report violence than fertile women.

Role of resilience training on compromising of infertile couples' applicant for divorce: A cross-sectional study

Background

Divorce is a social issue, which challenges not only the structure of family but also of a society. Studies have shown that infertility affects the marital boredom. In addition, resilience training and emphasizing on increasing piety (religiousness) can help to decrease this boredom.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the resilience training effects on the compromising of infertile couples' applicant for divorce.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 100 infertile couples who had requested for divorce and referred to the Center for consolidation of the family foundation were enrolled. Participants were randomly divided in two categories (n= 50/each): the case group received some consultation classes on social services as well as resilience training by a consultant in 5 sessions lasting 2 hr. In total, 10 hr of treatment; while the control group just received the consultation and social services. Canner and Davidson questionnaires were utilized as pre- and posttest in both groups. Groups answered the resilience's criterion of Canner and Davidson.

Results

The resilience training significantly increased the compromises made by couples in the case group compared to the control (p < 0.01). The results showed that 26% of members of the case group relinquished divorce, while 10% of control group members did the same; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The resilience training leads to increased psychological well-being elements and compromises in infertile couples.

Perceptions of Mental Health and Wellbeing Following Residential Displacement and Damage from the 2018 St. John River Flood

Climate change has spurred an increase in the prevalence and severity of natural disasters. Damage from natural disasters can lead to residential instability, which negatively impacts mental health and wellbeing. However, research on the mental health of residents who are displaced after natural disasters is relatively novel and needs more study. This study investigates experiences of mental health in residents in New Brunswick, Canada, who experienced residential damage and/or displacement during the 2018 spring flood. Lived experiences were studied through focus groups with 20 residents and perceptions of community mental health and wellbeing were captured during key informant interviews with 10 local community leaders. Data collection and analysis employed grounded theory. Findings indicate that those who had residential displacement or damage due to the flooding experienced negative mental health impacts, both during and following the flood. While natural disasters have devastating impacts on mental health, the data also indicate that the communities were positively impacted by a collective and collaborative response to the flood. This paper argues for the utility of communal coping as a concept to describe the experiences of communities following residential damage and/or displacement following natural disasters.

The Relationship between Self-Perceived Burden and Posttraumatic Growth among Colorectal Cancer Patients: The Mediating Effects of Resilience

At present, the influence factors of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and the relationship between PTG, self-perceived burden (SPB), and resilience are not completely clear. Thus, the present study examined whether resilience and SPB could predict PTG in CRC patients. The role of resilience as a potential mediator was also assessed. Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of 157 CRC patients was selected as subjects, from July to December 2016 in a third-grade hospital. It was found that the main influencing factors for the total PTG score of CRC patients included work status, affordability for medical expenses, and duration of illness. Resilience was positively correlated with PTG, SPB was negatively correlated with PTG, and resilience played an intermediary role. Our findings remind clinicians to treat the psychosocial response of CRC patients from multiple perspectives, with a focus on their positive aspects. By increasing resilience and reducing the patient's SPB, clinicians might enhance the patient's PTG and quality of life.

Gratitude in infertility: a cross-sectional examination of dispositional gratitude in coping with infertility-related stress in women undergoing IVF

STUDY QUESTION

Do sense of meaning and acceptance mediate the relationships between gratitude and infertility-related stress among women undergoing IVF?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Among women undergoing IVF, the negative relationships between gratitude and infertility-related stress are explained by a general sense of meaningfulness and acceptance of life.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Infertility experts increasingly call for a re-balancing of the deficit-based view of psychosocial adjustment in IVF, which has been heavily dominated by studies of risk factors and psychological distress. Attention has been given to strength-based perspectives that emphasize character strengths and personal growth. Gratitude has been found to be a potent protective factor in coping with life stressors; however, its salutary effects and protective processes for infertile women undergoing IVF are yet to be explored.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This study utilized baseline data of a randomized controlled trial for mind–body interventions with 357 Hong Kong Chinese women. Data collection was conducted between January 2015 and December 2017.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS

Eligible women were approached by a research assistant immediately after their first medical consultation at an ART centre of a major university-affiliated hospital. Participants were asked to complete a battery of questionnaires, including the Gratitude Questionnaire-6, the Fertility Problem Inventory, and the Holistic Well-Being Scale. Mediation analyses were conducted with bootstrapped samples.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Of the 494 women who were approached, 357 (72.3%) provided informed consent and participated in the study. Results show that gratitude was negatively associated with all infertility-related stress domains (rs = −0.19 to −0.36), and these relationships are mediated by acceptance and loss of sense of meaning. Further, the link between gratitude and relationship concerns is mediated by loss of sense of meaning in women with a definable cause of infertility (95% CI = [−0.31, −0.08]), but by acceptance among those with unexplained infertility (95% CI = [−0.33, −0.01]).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The cross-sectional nature of the study precluded inferences of causality. Self-selection and self-report biases could be present. Our findings may not be readily generalizable to women who do not intend to undergo psychosocial intervention for their infertility or ART.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our findings support the salutary effects of gratitude in coping with IVF and highlight the role of unexplained infertility in the coping process. These findings offer preliminary support to the use of psychosocial interventions in promoting gratitude, acceptance, and meaning reconstruction for reducing infertility-related stress in women undergoing IVF.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was funded by the Hong Kong University Grant Council—General Research Fund (HKU27400414). All authors declare no competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

HKUCTR-1984.

A latent profile analysis of coping responses to individuals' most traumatic event: associations with adaptive and maladaptive mental health outcomes

Background & Objectives: This study explores how empirically-derived coping response patterns influence mental health. Design: Emerging adults, currently enrolled in college and aged 18-24 (N = 432; M_age= 19.66; SD = 1.65), completed self-report measures of trauma exposure, coping responses to self-selected most traumatic event (MTE), resilience, posttraumatic growth (PTG), depressive symptoms, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Methods: Eight coping subscales were included as indicators in a latent profile analysis. Then, associations between established profiles and mental health outcomes were examined, covarying for demographic and trauma-related variables. Results: Considering fit statistics, class size, profile patterns, and theory, the four-class model was deemed most appropriate: High Overall Coping (HCOPE; n = 146, 34%), Low Overall Coping (LCOPE; n = 92, 22%), High Engagement Coping (HENG; n = 115, 27%), and High Disengagement Coping (HDIS; n = 73, 17%). HENG participants endorsed above-average resilience and PTG, coupled with below-average depressive symptoms and PTSS. Compared to the sample average, HDIS participants endorsed lower resilience and PTG, coupled with higher depressive symptoms and PTSS. LCOPE participants endorsed low levels of all outcomes. HCOPE participants endorsed high levels of all outcomes. Conclusions: Findings suggest that clinicians who promote engagement coping and discourage disengagement coping among trauma-exposed individuals may engender the most desirable constellation of mental health outcomes.

Gender Differences in the Experience of Infertility Concerning Polish Couples: Preliminary Research

The World Health Organization (WHO) determines infertility as a disease of the reproductive system defined clinically by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Estimates indicate that the problem of infertility in the world is continuing to grow. The aim of the study was to compare approaches to disease in partners of both sexes diagnosed with infertility. The study was conducted among 61 couples treated for infertility using an original questionnaire developed by the authors. The Chi square independence test was used for statistical analysis. Both men and women responded to the diagnosis of infertility with negative emotions. Regardless of sex, sadness and anxiety were the dominant feelings associated with the diagnosis of infertility. Women believed in the success of the treatment to a greater extent than men. Mainly women attempted to talk openly about the problem of infertility, while men were more restrained in this respect. Women accepted the assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to a greater extent than men, but men would accept childlessness more often than women.

Relationship between Mental Health and Burden among Primary Caregivers of Outpatients with Schizophrenia

There is growing recognition that caring for a patient with schizophrenia often results in high levels of perceived burden and poorer overall mental health for caregivers. A quantitative cross-sectional design and standardized instruments were used to collect data from 355 primary caregivers of adults in outpatient care with schizophrenia in China. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the association between caregiver burden and mental health among primary caregivers and whether this association is influenced by personality, coping style, and family functioning, based on a diathesis-stress perspective. Goodness-of-fit indices (χ² /df = 1.406, GFI = 0.919, CFI = 0.957, etc.) confirmed that the modified model fit the data well. In line with the diathesis-stress model, and with this study's hypotheses, we found that caregiver burden was significantly related to mental health outcomes directly. The final model showed that personality traits, coping style, and family function influenced the relationship between caregiver burden and mental health. The neuroticism personality traits have a direct effect on caregiver burden and family functioning in this sample. Coping style had a direct effect on the caregiver burden, and family functioning had a direct effect on the caregiver burden. Our final model about primary caregivers can be applied clinically to predict mental health outcomes from caregiver burden.

Psychosocial correlates of health-related quality of life among people living with HIV in China: the mediating role of resilience

OBJECTIVES

The current study aims to examine associations between psychosocial factors and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the role of psychological resilience in mediating the relationship between perceived social support (PSS) and HRQoL.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Guangxi, China. A sample of 2987 PLHIV (1876 men and 1111 women) was included in the current analysis.

METHODS

Hierarchical multiple regression models were employed to assess the association of HRQoL with stigma, three types of PSS (informational, emotional and tangible), and resilience as well as to identify the possible role of resilience in mediating the effect of PSS on HRQoL RESULTS:: HRQoL was negatively associated with stigma (β = -0.27, P < 0.001), but positively associated with emotional PSS (β = 0.13, P < 0.001). After resilience was added to the model, HRQoL remained negatively associated with stigma (β = -0.20, P < 0.001), but positively associated with resilience (β = 0.38, P < 0.001). A mediating effect of resilience was found between emotional PSS and HRQoL (Sobel's Z = 16.87, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Interventions that consider enhancing resilience through building social support, especially emotional social support, will likely improve HRQoL among PLHIV.