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Sulis W. The Continuum Between Temperament and Mental Illness as Dynamical Phases and Transitions. Front Psychiatry 2021; 11:614982. [PMID: 33536952 PMCID: PMC7848037 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.614982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The full range of biopsychosocial complexity is mind-boggling, spanning a vast range of spatiotemporal scales with complicated vertical, horizontal, and diagonal feedback interactions between contributing systems. It is unlikely that such complexity can be dealt with by a single model. One approach is to focus on a narrower range of phenomena which involve fewer systems but still cover the range of spatiotemporal scales. The suggestion is to focus on the relationship between temperament in healthy individuals and mental illness, which have been conjectured to lie along a continuum of neurobehavioral regulation involving neurochemical regulatory systems (e.g., monoamine and acetylcholine, opiate receptors, neuropeptides, oxytocin), and cortical regulatory systems (e.g., prefrontal, limbic). Temperament and mental illness are quintessentially dynamical phenomena, and need to be addressed in dynamical terms. A meteorological metaphor suggests similarities between temperament and chronic mental illness and climate, between individual behaviors and weather, and acute mental illness and frontal weather events. The transition from normative temperament to chronic mental illness is analogous to climate change. This leads to the conjecture that temperament and chronic mental illness describe distinct, high level, dynamical phases. This suggests approaching biopsychosocial complexity through the study of dynamical phases, their order and control parameters, and their phase transitions. Unlike transitions in physical systems, these biopsychosocial phase transitions involve information and semiotics. The application of complex adaptive dynamical systems theory has led to a host of markers including geometrical markers (periodicity, intermittency, recurrence, chaos) and analytical markers such as fluctuation spectroscopy, scaling, entropy, recurrence time. Clinically accessible biomarkers, in particular heart rate variability and activity markers have been suggested to distinguish these dynamical phases and to signal the presence of transitional states. A particular formal model of these dynamical phases will be presented based upon the process algebra, which has been used to model information flow in complex systems. In particular it describes the dual influences of energy and information on the dynamics of complex systems. The process algebra model is well-suited for dealing with the particular dynamical features of the continuum, which include transience, contextuality, and emergence. These dynamical phases will be described using the process algebra model and implications for clinical practice will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Sulis
- Collective Intelligence Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Amini K, Marks D, Cheraghi MA, Eftekhar M, Negarandeh R. Attempting to Restore Integrity of the Self: A Grounded Theory Study of Recovery From Major Depressive Disorder. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2019; 25:385-395. [PMID: 30238839 DOI: 10.1177/1078390318800585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The cultural and social background of the individual would seem to be important factors that can affect recovery from major depressive disorder (MDD). Currently, there is little information on the process of recovery from MDD in Middle Eastern countries, such as Iran. AIMS: This study was conducted to explore the process of recovery from MDD in Iran. METHOD: A grounded theory approach by Corbin and Strauss was used to explore recovery from MDD. Twenty patients were recruited using purposive and theoretical sampling methods. RESULTS: Several themes emerged from the data, the primary of which was "Attempting to restore integrity of the self," which included the two subthemes of "Attempting to restore health," and "Attempting to reacquire the lost abilities." Various contextual factors also affected recovery, including poverty, inefficient health care systems, perceived support, feelings of failure, and social stigma. During the recovery process, participants adopted both "effective strategies" and "ineffective strategies." Following the attempt to restore integrity, participants experienced different levels of integrity, ranging from "complete recovery" to "no recovery/relapse." CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study contribute to the body of knowledge regarding recovery from MDD in Iran. The data suggest that recovery from depressive disorder is a very personal experience that is affected by different and variable factors and conditions. However, the attempt to restore integrity of the self can result in achieving a higher level of performance and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Amini
- 1 Kourosh Amini, RN, PhD, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Dougie Marks
- 2 Dougie Marks, HPsychol, RN, MSc, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, Scotland
| | - Mohammad Ali Cheraghi
- 3 Mohammad Ali Cheraghi, RN, PhD, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Eftekhar
- 4 Mehrdad Eftekhar, MD, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Negarandeh
- 5 Reza Negarandeh, RN, PhD, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Koinberg I, Olofsson EH, Carlström E, Olsson LE. Impact of a person-centered intervention for patients with head and neck cancer: a qualitative exploration. BMC Nurs 2018; 17:48. [PMID: 30479562 PMCID: PMC6249743 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-018-0319-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People affected by head and neck cancer (HNC) experience a variety of multifaceted health-related problems during the treatment process, based on both the disease and side effects, several years after the treatment is complete. This study investigated a person-centred intervention using transition theory as a framework. Aim Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore patients’ experience of the transition and person centred care from diagnosis to the end of the treatment period. Methods Interviews were conducted with 12 persons included in the person-centred intervention group. The patients were recruited from a randomised controlled study. We used a directed deductive content analysis as an analysis method. Results There was a distinct transition between being a healthy person to being diagnosed with a serious disease. The majority of the participants felt that the diagnosis had put their lives in the balance; they felt both healthy and sick at the same time, and all participants described that their symptoms and side effects were the worst possible and totally unexpected. Of great importance was the health-care plan, comprising self-management goals which were formed in partnership between the patient and the nurse. The participants experienced that their interaction and engagement with lay persons and healthcare professionals supported a gradual acceptance of the situation and a sense of relief with a kind of awareness of the disease. Conclusion The intervention played a significant role in promoting a healthy transition. Person-centredness and transition theory can help healthcare professionals to be more confident and resourceful in supporting people affected by HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingalill Koinberg
- 1The Sahlgrenska Academy - Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,2Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.,3Department of Oncology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Hansson Olofsson
- 1The Sahlgrenska Academy - Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,2Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eric Carlström
- 1The Sahlgrenska Academy - Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,2Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars-Eric Olsson
- 1The Sahlgrenska Academy - Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,2Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Bygstad-Landro M, Giske T. Risking existence: The experience and handling of depression. J Clin Nurs 2017; 27:e514-e522. [PMID: 28861916 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To gain insight into how people suffering from depression experience and manage life. BACKGROUND Depression is the leading cause of incapacitation and constitutes the second largest healthcare burden worldwide, causing considerable discomfort for depression sufferers and their significant others. Depression must be understood against the backdrop of a person's context as well as biological, psychological and social factors. While various studies have been conducted on the process of depression, only a few studies have examined its existential aspects. DESIGN A classical grounded theory methodology employing open and selective coding was used to identify the participants' main concern and the strategies they used to handle it. METHOD Data were collected in 2015-2016 during 18 in-depth interviews with people with current or former moderate depression. The data were analysed through constant comparisons until the grounded theory emerged. RESULTS/FINDINGS The main concern of the participants was Longing for belonging, and they handled their depression through a process named Risking existence. The process comprised four phases: (i) Ungraspable processing; (ii) Giving clues; (iii) Daring dependence; and (iv) Courage to be. The process of risking existence was accompanied from beginning to end by three essentials: to hope, to endure and shame. CONCLUSION Working in mental health care involves encountering the pain, suffering and despair that humans endure. This challenges nurses to go beyond the symptoms and to listen for their meaning to each individual person. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The grounded theory of risking existence provides a model by which nurses can orient themselves when working with people who are depressed. Each phase describes different strategies that patients use that can help the nurse recognise what is going on, thus enabling him or her to understand and guide his or her patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marte Bygstad-Landro
- VID Specialized University, Center for Diakonia, Values and Professional Practice and Solli District Psychiatric Center
| | - Tove Giske
- VID Specialized University, Faculty of Health, Bergen, Norway
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Jönsson PD, Nunstedt H, Berglund IJ, Ahlström BH, Hedelin B, Skärsäter I, Jormfeldt H. Problematization of perspectives on health promotion and empowerment in mental health nursing--within the research network "MeHNuRse" and the Horatio conference, 2012. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2014; 9:22945. [PMID: 24717267 PMCID: PMC3982111 DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v9.22945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental illness is increasing worldwide, while society's response seems to be a trend toward narrower and more specialized mental health care. This development is creating great demands on mental health nurses to include a health promotion perspective in care and support of persons with mental illness. A health promotion perspective emphasizes cooperation and communication with people who suffer from long-term mental illness, focusing on their independence and health. From a health perspective, every human being is an actor in his/her own life, with an inherent ability to make his/her own choices. However, persons who suffer from long-term mental illness are at risk of losing power and control over areas of their lives and their health. Mental health nurses are in a position to support these individuals in promoting health and in maintaining or regaining control over their lives. The emphasis of this paper is to problematize mental health nurses’ responsibility to provide health-promoting nursing care in relation to empowerment by means of emancipation, self-efficacy, and self-management. We argue that mental health nurses can work from a health-promoting perspective by using these concepts and that this challenges some of the traditional ideas of health promotion in mental health nursing. The theoretical background discussions in this paper have their origin in the research network “Mental Health Nursing Research in Scandinavia” (MeHNuRse) and from the professional discussions developed during a 2012 workshop that included mental health nurses and researchers at the European Horatio Festival in Stockholm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik D Jönsson
- Department of Research, Development and Education (FoUU), Region of Halland, Halmstad, Sweden; School of Social and Health Sciences, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden;
| | - Håkan Nunstedt
- Department of Nursing, Health and Culture, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden
| | | | - Britt H Ahlström
- Department of Nursing, Health and Culture, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Hedelin
- Department of Nursing, Gjøvik University College, Gjøvik, Norway
| | - Ingela Skärsäter
- School of Social and Health Sciences, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Henrika Jormfeldt
- School of Social and Health Sciences, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
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Ramsay P, Huby G, Thompson A, Walsh T. Intensive care survivors' experiences of ward-based care: Meleis' theory of nursing transitions and role development among critical care outreach services. J Clin Nurs 2013; 23:605-15. [PMID: 24354952 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.12452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore the psychosocial needs of patients discharged from intensive care, the extent to which they are captured using existing theory on transitions in care and the potential role development of critical care outreach, follow-up and liaison services. BACKGROUND Intensive care patients are at an increased risk of adverse events, deterioration or death following ward transfer. Nurse-led critical care outreach, follow-up or liaison services have been adopted internationally to prevent these potentially avoidable sequelae. The need to provide patients with psychosocial support during the transition to ward-based care has also been identified, but the evidence base for role development is currently limited. DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty participants were invited to discuss their experiences of ward-based care as part of a broader study on recovery following prolonged critical illness. Psychosocial distress was a prominent feature of their accounts, prompting secondary data analysis using Meleis et al.'s mid-range theory on experiencing transitions. RESULTS Participants described a sense of disconnection in relation to profound debilitation and dependency and were often distressed by a perceived lack of understanding, indifference or insensitivity among ward staff to their basic care needs. Negotiating the transition between dependence and independence was identified as a significant source of distress following ward transfer. Participants varied in the extent to which they were able to express their needs and negotiate recovery within professionally mediated boundaries. CONCLUSION These data provide new insights into the putative origins of the psychosocial distress that patients experience following ward transfer. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Meleis et al.'s work has resonance in terms of explicating intensive care patients' experiences of psychosocial distress throughout the transition to general ward-based care, such that the future role development of critical care outreach, follow-up and liaison services may be more theoretically informed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pam Ramsay
- University of Edinburgh/NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
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Silarova B, Nagyova I, Rosenberger J, Studencan M, Ondusova D, Reijneveld SA, van Dijk JP. Sense of coherence as a predictor of health-related behaviours among patients with coronary heart disease. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2013; 13:345-56. [PMID: 23828020 DOI: 10.1177/1474515113497136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS A high sense of coherence (SOC) has been found to be associated with favourable health-related behaviours. However, evidence is for the most part lacking on the influence of SOC on health-related behaviours among coronary heart disease patients. The aim of this study was to explore the association between SOC at baseline and smoking status, nutrition behaviour, physical exercise and alcohol consumption of coronary heart disease patients 12-28 months after they had undergone different cardiac treatments. METHODS A total of 179 coronary heart disease patients (mean age 58.32±6.54 years, 19% female) were interviewed before coronary angiography and 12-28 months after. Self-report data about health-related behaviours were obtained via a structured interview. SOC was measured using the 13-item Orientation to Life Questionnaire. The relationship between SOC and health-related behaviours was examined using regression and cross-lagged path analyses. RESULTS SOC at baseline predicted non-smoking and quitting smoking: odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) per unit increase (over range 38-91) was 1.11 (1.03-1.19) and 1.09 (1.01-1.17), respectively. Moreover, baseline SOC predicted healthy nutrition behaviour among percutaneous coronary intervention patients: the OR per unit increase was 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01-1.15). Lastly, SOC at baseline predicted improvement in alcohol consumption at follow-up among coronary artery bypass grafting patients (standard score result: -0.15, p<0.05). CONCLUSION Coronary heart disease patients with a low SOC before treatment are less likely to improve health behaviours after cardiac treatment and should thus get additional attention in health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Silarova
- Graduate School Kosice Institute for Society and Health, Safarik University, Slovak Republic
| | - Iveta Nagyova
- Graduate School Kosice Institute for Society and Health, Safarik University, Slovak Republic Institute of Public Health - Department of Social Medicine, Safarik University, Slovak Republic
| | - Jaroslav Rosenberger
- Graduate School Kosice Institute for Society and Health, Safarik University, Slovak Republic
| | - Martin Studencan
- Cardiology Clinic, East Slovakian Institute for Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, Slovak Republic
| | - Daniela Ondusova
- Cardiology Clinic, East Slovakian Institute for Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, Slovak Republic
| | - Sijmen A Reijneveld
- Department of Community & Occupational Health, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jitse P van Dijk
- Graduate School Kosice Institute for Society and Health, Safarik University, Slovak Republic Department of Community & Occupational Health, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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Goyal D, Wang EJ, Shen J, Wong EC, Palaniappan LP. Clinically identified postpartum depression in Asian American mothers. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2012; 41:408-16. [PMID: 22536783 DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2012.01352.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the clinical diagnosis rate of postpartum depression (PPD) in Asian American subgroups (Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese) compared to non-Hispanic Whites. DESIGN Cross-sectional study using electronic health records (EHR). SETTING A large, outpatient, multiservice clinic in Northern California. PARTICIPANTS A diverse clinical population of non-Hispanic White (N = 4582), Asian Indian (N = 1264), Chinese (N = 1160), Filipino (N = 347), Japanese (N = 124), Korean (N = 183), and Vietnamese (N = 147) mothers. METHODS Cases of PPD were identified from EHRs using physician diagnosis codes, medication usage, and age standardized for comparison. The relationship between PPD and other demographic variables (race/ethnicity, maternal age, delivery type, marital status, and infant gender) were examined in a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS The PPD diagnosis rate for all Asian American mothers in aggregate was significantly lower than the diagnosis rate in non-Hispanic White mothers. Moreover, of the six Asian American subgroups, PPD diagnosis rates for Asian Indian, Chinese, and Filipino mothers were significantly lower than non-Hispanic White mothers. In multivariate analyses, race/ethnicity, age, and cesarean were significant predictors of PPD. CONCLUSION In this insured population, PPD diagnosis rates were lower among Asian Americans, with variability in rates across the individual Asian American subgroups. It is unclear whether these lower rates are due to underreporting, underdiagnosis, or underutilization of mental health care in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Goyal
- Valley Foundation School of Nursing, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192-0057, USA.
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Jormfeldt H. Supporting positive dimensions of health, challenges in mental health care. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2011; 6:QHW-6-7126. [PMID: 21637739 PMCID: PMC3105893 DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v6i2.7126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper will explore two contrasting paradigms in mental health care and their relationship to evidence-based practice. The biomedical perspective of pathogenesis and the health perspective of salotogenesis are two major diverse views in mental health care. Positive dimensions of health are traditionally viewed as software not suitable for statistical analysis, while absence of symptoms of disease are regarded as measurable and suitable for statistical analysis and appropriate as a foundation of evidence-based practice. If the main goal of mental health care is to enhance subjectively experienced health among patients, it will not be sufficient to evaluate absence of symptoms of disease as a measure of quality of care. The discussion focuses on the paradox of evidence-based absence of illness and disease versus subjectively experienced health and well-being as criterions of quality of care in mental health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrika Jormfeldt
- School of Social and Health Sciences, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
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Piat M, Sabetti J, Fleury MJ, Boyer R, Lesage A. "Who believes most in me and in my recovery": the importance of families for persons with serious mental illness living in structured community housing. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK IN DISABILITY & REHABILITATION 2011; 10:49-65. [PMID: 21360400 PMCID: PMC4835237 DOI: 10.1080/1536710x.2011.546310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In this article, the authors report on qualitative findings on the role of family in supporting recovery for mental health consumers living in structured, community housing in a large Canadian city. Despite living separately from families and relying heavily on formal services, residents identified their families more often than mental health professionals, friends, and residential caregivers as those who most believe in them and their recovery. Families supported recovery by providing affection and belonging, offering emotional and instrumental support, and by staying actively involved with residents. Families are a vital, untapped resource for social workers in promoting independent living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myra Piat
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Reedy S, Blum K. Applying Middle-Range Nursing Theory to Bariatric Surgery Patients: Experiencing Transitions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1089/bar.2009.9940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Reedy
- University of Maryland Medical System, Adult and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Program, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kay Blum
- University of Maryland Medical System, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
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Skärsäter I, Rayens MK, Peden A, Hall L, Zhang M, Agren H, Prochazka H. Sense of coherence and recovery from major depression: a 4-year follow-up. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2009; 23:119-27. [PMID: 19327554 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2008.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2007] [Revised: 04/23/2008] [Accepted: 04/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this longitudinal exploratory study was to identify and follow persons with the first episode of major depression (MD) to determine whether sense of coherence (SOC) changes over time. An additional purpose was to assess whether SOC is associated with depressive symptoms, aggression, and functional status either immediately after diagnosis or at 4 years postdiagnosis. The study design was longitudinal; participants participated in semistructured interviews and completed surveys every 6 months starting at diagnosis and concluding 4 years later. The sample consisted of 33 adult patients who were being treated for the first episode of MD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Twenty-two participants completed all nine sessions. SOC was measured using the SOC scale; depressive symptoms using the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale; aggression, including the total score and subscales of anger and hostility, using the Aggression Questionnaire-revised Swedish version; and functional status using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). At baseline, SOC was significantly correlated with total aggression (r = -45) and the hostility subscale (r = -.73); baseline SOC was unrelated to depressive symptoms or functional status. SOC increased significantly over time (P < .0001). At the 4-year follow-up, SOC was significantly related to depressive symptoms (r = -.60), the aggression summary score (r = -.65), the anger subscale (r = -.52), the hostility subscale (r = -.77), the GAF (r = .64), and the physical and mental health components of the SF-36 (r = .74 and .72, respectively). The finding that SOC increases as patients recover from MD suggests that treatment of depression may also bolster the patient's ability to cope, in addition to lowering depressive symptoms. The relationship between SOC and aggression in MD, with higher SOC correlated with lower aggression, needs to be examined further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingela Skärsäter
- The Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Faculty of Health and Caring Sciences, Institute of Nursing, Göteborg, Sweden.
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