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Di Giuseppe M, Nepa G, Prout TA, Albertini F, Marcelli S, Orrù G, Conversano C. Stress, Burnout, and Resilience among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Emergency: The Role of Defense Mechanisms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5258. [PMID: 34069270 PMCID: PMC8156145 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The experience of working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 healthcare crisis has presented a cumulative traumatic experience that affects healthcare professionals' well-being. Psychological resources such as resilience and adaptive defense mechanisms are essential in protecting individuals from severe stress and burnout. During September 2020, 233 healthcare workers responded to an online survey to test the impact of demographic variables, COVID-19 exposure, and psychological resources in determining stress and burnout during the COVID-19 emergency. Frontline workers reported higher scores for stress, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization (p < 0.001) as compared to colleagues working in units not directly serving patients with COVID-19. Mature defensive functioning was associated with resilience and personal accomplishment (r = 0.320; p < 0.001), while neurotic and immature defenses were related to perceived stress and burnout. Stress and burnout were predicted by lower age, female gender, greater exposure to COVID-19, lower resilience, and immature defensive functioning among healthcare professionals (R2 = 463; p < 0.001). Working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to provoke greater stress and burnout. On the other hand, resilience and adaptive defense mechanisms predicted better adjustment. Future reaction plans should promote effective programs offering support for healthcare workers who provide direct care to patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.O.); (C.C.)
| | - Gianni Nepa
- Hospital “G. Mazzini”, ASL 4, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Tracy A. Prout
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Fabrizio Albertini
- Hospital “G. Mazzoni”, Asur Marche Area Vasta 5 Ascoli Piceno, 63100 Ascoli Piceno, Italy; (F.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Stefano Marcelli
- Hospital “G. Mazzoni”, Asur Marche Area Vasta 5 Ascoli Piceno, 63100 Ascoli Piceno, Italy; (F.A.); (S.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Graziella Orrù
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.O.); (C.C.)
| | - Ciro Conversano
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.O.); (C.C.)
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Carr A, Duff H, Craddock F. A Systematic Review of the Outcome of Child Abuse in Long-Term Care. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2020; 21:660-677. [PMID: 30033824 DOI: 10.1177/1524838018789154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the systematic review described in this article was to determine the outcome of child maltreatment in long-term childcare and the scope of the evidence base in this area. Searches of 10 databases were conducted. Forty-nine documents describing 21 primary studies and 25 secondary studies were selected for review. Searches, study selection, data extraction, and study quality assessments were independently conducted by two researchers, with a high degree of interrater reliability. Participants in the 21 primary studies included 3,856 abuse survivors and 1,577 nonabused controls. In six primary studies, survivors were under 18 years, and participants in the remaining primary studies were adults with a mean age of 54 years. Reviewed studies were conducted in the United Kingdom, the United States, Finland, Romania, Tanzania, Canada, Ireland, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Participants were abused in religious and nonreligious residential care centers and foster care. There were significant associations between the experience of child abuse in long-term care and adjustment across the life span in the domains of mental health, physical health, and psychosocial adjustment. Evidence-based trauma-focused treatment should be offered to child abuse survivors. Future research in this area should prioritize longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Carr
- University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Clanwilliam Institute, Dublin, Ireland
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Di Giuseppe M, Gemignani A, Conversano C. Psychological Resources Against the Traumatic Experience of Covid-19. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2020; 17:85-87. [PMID: 34908974 PMCID: PMC8629078 DOI: 10.36131/cn20200210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Psychological resources, such as defense mechanism and mindfulness practice, can mediate the individual reaction to traumatic experiences as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. A novel self-reported measure based on the DMRS (DMRS-SR-30), has been developed with the aim of assessing potential adaptive defensive strategies against the traumatic experience of COVID-19. Preliminary validation of the DMRS-SR-30 showed good internal consistency in both overall defensive functioning and subscales. Combining adaptive defense mechanisms and mindfulness practice could prevent psychological distress due to the effect of COVID-19 losses and quarantining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelo Gemignani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Ciro Conversano
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
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Di Giuseppe M, Zilcha-Mano S, Prout TA, Perry JC, Orrù G, Conversano C. Psychological Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Among Italians During the First Week of Lockdown. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:576597. [PMID: 33192713 PMCID: PMC7554332 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.576597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pandemics and government-mandated quarantining measures have a substantial impact on mental health. This study investigated the psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis on Italian residents during the first week of government-imposed lockdown and the role of defense mechanisms as protective factors against distress. In this cross-sectional study, 5,683 Italians responded to an online survey assessing socio-demographics, overall psychological distress, post-traumatic symptoms, and defense mechanisms using validated measures as the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scale-Self-Report-30 (DMRS-SR-30). Data were collected from March 13 to March 18, within the first week of lockdown in Italy. Results showed that younger age and female gender were associated with increased psychological distress. Having positive cases nearby, more days on lockdown, and having to relocate were also associated with greater distress. Higher overall defensive functioning (ODF) was associated with lower levels of depression (r = -.44, 95% CI -0.48, -0.40), anxiety (r = -.38, 95% CI -0.42, -0.35), and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) (r = -.34, 95% CI -0.38, -0.30). Conversely, less adaptive defensive functioning was related to greater affective distress across all domains. Each increased unit of ODF decreased the chances of developing post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) by 71% (odds ratio = 0.29, p < 0.001, 95% CI.026,.032). The psychological impact of COVID-19 among Italians during the early weeks of government lockdown has been significant. The pandemic continues to have extraordinary mental health impact as it moves across the globe. Given the salience of defensive functioning in psychological distress, consideration of interventions that foster the use of more adaptive defenses may be an important component of building resilience amidst a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Tracy A Prout
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - John Christopher Perry
- Institute of Community and Family Psychiatry, JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Graziella Orrù
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ciro Conversano
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Abstract
The main focus is on the assessment of the effects of early institutional care and compares three longitudinal studies from Romania, Greece and Hong Kong/China. The findings have been strikingly contrasting. The review asks if the risks are dependent on whether or not the institutional rearing is accompanied by gross pervasive deprivation (as it was in Romania) and investigates the methodological issues to explore the causal influence of the outcomes. Evidence is considered on changing institutional practices and the benefits of doing so. Comparison is made between institutions with major deprivation and those without global deprivation. A small number of studies are discussed that look at direct comparisons between institutional and community care. The empirical and conceptual implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Woodhouse
- MRC Social,Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre,Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology and Neuroscience,King's College London,London,UK
| | - A Miah
- MRC Social,Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre,Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology and Neuroscience,King's College London,London,UK
| | - M Rutter
- MRC Social,Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre,Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology and Neuroscience,King's College London,London,UK
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Paré N, Sigal JJ, Perry JC, Boucher S, Ouimet MC. Les expériences vécues par les enfants de Duplessis institutionnalisés : les conséquences après plus de 50 ans. SANTE MENTALE AU QUEBEC 2010; 35:85-109. [DOI: 10.7202/044799ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dans cet article, les auteurs présentent les résultats qualitatifs recueillis à partir de questionnaires et d’entrevues semi-structurées destinés à documenter les expériences tant actuelles que passées des enfants de Duplessis institutionnalisés (EDI). Des exemples typiques et deux cas représentatifs sont présentés. Les résultats indiquent que les abus et la négligence subis par les EDI pendant l’enfance ont compromis leur ajustement psychosocial à long terme. Ils révèlent aussi que les EDI qui ont rapporté au moins quatre forces pendant leur enfance étaient plus susceptibles d’être protégés à l’âge adulte contre les effets négatifs de leur placement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John J. Sigal
- Ph.D., Psychologue, Institut de psychiatrie communautaire et familiale, Sir Mortimer B. Davis, Hôpital Général Juif, Université McGill
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Morantz G, Heymann J. Life in institutional care: the voices of children in a residential facility in Botswana. AIDS Care 2010; 22:10-6. [PMID: 20390476 DOI: 10.1080/09540120903012601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
As a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, there are now more than 12 million orphans in sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of these children have been absorbed into their extended families. A minority of AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children are living in residential care facilities. Although concerns have been raised regarding the care received in such facilities, very little is known about children's perspectives on their own experiences residing in these institutions. As part of an ongoing initiative to better understand the impact of HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa and what can be done to address needs, one-on-one interviews were conducted with the children and youth residents, and graduates of a residential care facility in Botswana. The children report on the importance of having uninterrupted access to food, shelter and schooling and a sense of belonging. However, they also reveal a profound ambivalence towards their paid caregivers, and the other children residents. They describe being separated from siblings, missing their families and feeling disconnected from the community at large. Their narratives offer insight into ways in which we can better meet their complex needs. Policy implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Morantz
- Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Institute of Health and Social Policy, Quebec, Canada.
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Boucher S, Paré N, Perry JC, Sigal JJ, Ouimet MC. Répercussions d’une enfance vécue en institution : le cas des Enfants de Duplessis. SANTE MENTALE AU QUEBEC 2009; 33:271-91. [DOI: 10.7202/019678ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Résumé
Les conséquences négatives d’un placement en institution sur les enfants ont été documentées, mais aucune étude n’a porté sur les orphelins et les enfants placés une fois devenus adultes. Au Québec, les Enfants de Duplessis offrent un témoignage poignant des répercussions à long terme d’une enfance vécue en institution. Les histoires recueillies auprès de 40 hommes et 41 femmes ayant grandi en institution à l’époque de Duplessis font état d’un nombre élevé d’abus et d’expériences adverses, incluant les agressions physiques, psychologiques et sexuelles. Le milieu était peu stimulant et offrait peu d’opportunités de développer des relations d’attachement positives et significatives. Lorsqu’ils sont appariés et comparés à des adultes provenant de l’enquête Santé-Québec, les Enfants de Duplessis devenus adultes rapportent plus de problèmes de santé liés au stress et une détresse psychologique plus importante. Nos résultats indiquent également que les personnes ayant disposé de peu de ressources et d’aptitudes personnelles dans l’enfance sont les plus affectées par les expériences adverses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Boucher
- Ph.D., Département de sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal ; Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les problèmes de couple et les agressions sexuelles ; Institut de psychiatrie communautaire et familiale, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Hôpital Général Juif
| | - Nikolas Paré
- Ph.D., Institut de psychiatrie communautaire et familiale, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Hôpital Général Juif ; Psychologue en cabinet privé, Montréal
| | - J. Christopher Perry
- M.P.H., M.D., Institut de psychiatrie communautaire et familiale, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Hôpital Général Juif ; Erikson Institute for Education and Research of the Austen Riggs Center, Stockbridge, MA, États-Unis
| | - John J. Sigal
- Ph.D., Institut de psychiatrie communautaire et familiale, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Hôpital Général Juif
| | - Marie-Claude Ouimet
- Ph.D., Institut de psychiatrie communautaire et familiale, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Hôpital Général Juif ; Prevention Research Branch, Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, États-Unis
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Stein
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, USA.
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Perry JC, Sigal JJ, Boucher S, Paré N. Seven institutionalized children and their adaptation in late adulthood: the children of Duplessis (Les Enfants de Duplessis). Psychiatry 2006; 69:283-301. [PMID: 17326727 DOI: 10.1521/psyc.2006.69.4.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
War, societal and familial upheaval, disease, and natural disasters have resulted in orphaned children throughout time. One societal response to providing care for orphans has been institutionalization or the orphanage. We studied a sample of adults, known as les enfants de Duplessis or Duplessis's children, who were raised in Quebec institutions from birth onward and followed up in late adulthood. Systematic study indicated a high prevalence of adverse outcomes and found high levels of gross psychological trauma and adversity which, moderated by the childhood strengths of the individuals, had adverse effects on adult outcome (Sigal, Perry, Rossignol, & Ouimet, 2003; Perry, Sigal, Boucher, Paré, & Ouimet, 2005a; Perry, Sigal, Boucher, Paré, Ouimet, Norman, & Henry, 2005b). This report describes the experiences of seven individuals in the institutions and their subsequent life history and current functioning. The individual cases reflect a wide range of childhood strengths and experiences of trauma and other adversity in relationship to adult caretakers. While the group overall appears to have had seriously diminished functioning in late adulthood, several individuals had positive outcomes. We hope that by highlighting the potentially adverse effects of institutional rearing on subsequent development into late adulthood, these stories may inform those concerned with the care of orphans.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Christopher Perry
- Institute of Community and Family Psychiatry, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital and with McGill University in Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Low JY, Eth S. Commentary on "Seven institutionalized children and their adaptation in late adulthood: the children of Duplessis". Psychiatry 2006; 69:314-21. [PMID: 17342851 DOI: 10.1521/psyc.2006.69.4.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Y Low
- New York Medical College, Saint Vincent's Hospital - Manhattan, New York City, USA.
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Cozza SJ. Case studies of the orphans of Duplessis: the power of stories. Psychiatry 2006; 69:325-7. [PMID: 17342853 DOI: 10.1521/psyc.2006.69.4.325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Cozza
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Services, Bethesda, Marylnad, USA.
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Perry JC, Sigal JJ, Boucher S, Paré N, Ouimet MC. Personal strengths and traumatic experiences among institutionalized children given up at birth (Les Enfants de Duplessis--Duplessis' children): I: Early experiences. J Nerv Ment Dis 2005; 193:777-82. [PMID: 16319698 DOI: 10.1097/01.nmd.0000188959.25098.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We examined childhood and early adult strengths and adverse experiences of a group of orphans given up at or near birth and raised in Quebec institutions into early adulthood. A follow-up interview of 81 adults (41 women, 40 men) at a mean age of 59.2 years included retrospective assessments of childhood experiences. Most participants reported multiple early adverse experiences, including, in descending order, unfair rules and excessive punishment, physical abuse, emotional neglect, witnessing violence, verbal abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, and serious illness. Adverse experiences were mainly due to lay caretakers, not peers or nuns. Twelve childhood strengths, such as self-protectiveness and athletic talent, were scored at each of four age periods, yielding a median score equivalent to one strength at each period. Over half had significant childhood attachments, but of limited intimacy. Childhood variables correlated with their respective variables in later adulthood. Overall, these older adults reported a high prevalence of adverse or traumatic childhood experiences, counterbalanced by modest levels of individual strengths and attachment relationships. Institutionalization of children--if unavoidable--must build in effective safeguards against adverse experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Christopher Perry
- Institute of Community and Family Psychiatry, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, 4222 Chemin de la Côte Ste-Catherine, Montréal, Québec H3T 1E4, Canada
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