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Asiamah N, Hatsu S, Muhonja F, Opara CC, Opuni FF, Danquah E, Sghaier S. Association of information technology ability, workplace social engagement, and successful ageing: validation of a short measure with three African samples. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18787. [PMID: 39138214 PMCID: PMC11322284 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69133-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the association of workplace social engagement (WSE) and information technology ability (ITA) with successful ageing and validated a brief scale measuring WSE. The interaction of WSE and ITA on successful ageing was also assessed. A cross-sectional design was adopted, and the participants were 1186 older adults living in Kenya (n = 350), Nigeria (n = 260), and Ghana (n = 576). Pearson's correlation and factor analyses of two datasets (i.e., waves 1 and 2) from the sample were utilised to validate the WSE scale. Hierarchical linear regression analysis with relevant sensitivity analyses were utilised to assess the associations with wave 2 data. The WSE scale produced satisfactory psychometric properties (i.e., reliability and validity) as a unidimensional measure. WSE and ITA were positively associated with successful ageing in Kenya and Ghana and in the consolidated data. The interaction between WSE and ITA was positively associated with successful ageing and its domains (i.e., illness avoidance, functioning, and engagement with life) in Kenya, Ghana, and consolidated data. At higher ITA or the use of information technologies, WSE is less strongly associated with successful ageing. WSE is more strongly associated with successful ageing only at moderate ITA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor Asiamah
- Division of Interdisciplinary Research and Practice, School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ, UK.
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Africa Center for Epidemiology, P. O. Box AN 18462, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Sylvester Hatsu
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Africa Center for Epidemiology, P. O. Box AN 18462, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Computer Science, Accra Technical University, Barnes Road, Accra Metro, P. O Box GP 561, Accra, Ghana
| | - Faith Muhonja
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, Amref International University, P. O. Box 27691, Nairobi, 00506, Kenya
| | - Confidence Chinwe Opara
- Department of Banking and Finance, College of Management Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
| | - Frank Frimpong Opuni
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Africa Center for Epidemiology, P. O. Box AN 18462, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Marketing, School of Business, Accra Technical University, Barnes Road, Accra Metro, P. O Box GP 561, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emelia Danquah
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Africa Center for Epidemiology, P. O. Box AN 18462, Accra, Ghana
- Research Directorate, Koforidua Technical University, Eastern Region, Post Office Box KF-981, Koforidua, Ghana
| | - Sarra Sghaier
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Africa Center for Epidemiology, P. O. Box AN 18462, Accra, Ghana
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Li Y, Du Z, Kondo N. Effect modification of social participation in the relationship between living arrangements and frailty among older adults in Japan: Differences based on gender. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 117:105231. [PMID: 37897853 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty is a common global concern that is closely related to aging, especially in Japan. This study clarifies the relationship between living arrangements and frailty among older Japanese adults and the effect of social participation based on gender, with the aim of developing social preventive and intervention strategies. METHODS Panel data were obtained from the 2016 and 2019 Japan Gerontological Evaluation Studies. A total of 23,630 older adults, aged 65 years and older, were included. Frailty was assessed using the Kihon Checklist. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between living arrangements and frailty and the effect of social participation based on gender. RESULTS A total of 1,589 (6.72 %) participants reported the new onset of frailty. No independent association was found between living arrangements and frailty, regardless of gender, after controlling for covariates. Diverse forms of social participation decreased the risk for frailty among men. For women, living with a spouse was associated with a higher risk for frailty, compared with women who lived alone; however, women who lived with children and participated in three or more social activities had a lowered risk for frailty. CONCLUSIONS For men, social participation played a more important role in the risk for frailty than did living arrangement. However, social participation moderated the association between living arrangements and frailty in women. Therefore, the promotion of social participation can be included in health prevention and intervention programs to decrease the risk for frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhang Li
- Department of Social Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Floor #2, Science Frontier Laboratory, Yoshida Konoe-cho Sakyo-ku Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Sichuan Research Center of Applied Psychology, Chengdu Medical College, Xindu Avenue No. 783, Xindu District, Chengdu 610500, China.
| | - Zhen Du
- Department of Social Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Floor #2, Science Frontier Laboratory, Yoshida Konoe-cho Sakyo-ku Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Naoki Kondo
- Department of Social Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Floor #2, Science Frontier Laboratory, Yoshida Konoe-cho Sakyo-ku Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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Fryburg DA. Kindness Isn't Just about Being Nice: The Value Proposition of Kindness as Viewed through the Lens of Incivility in the Healthcare Workplace. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:457. [PMID: 37366709 DOI: 10.3390/bs13060457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The healthcare workplace is a high-stress environment. All stakeholders, including patients and providers, display evidence of that stress. High stress has several effects. Even acutely, stress can negatively affect cognitive function, worsening diagnostic acumen, decision-making, and problem-solving. It decreases helpfulness. As stress increases, it can progress to burnout and more severe mental health consequences, including depression and suicide. One of the consequences (and causes) of stress is incivility. Both patients and staff can manifest these unkind behaviors, which in turn have been shown to cause medical errors. The human cost of errors is enormous, reflected in thousands of lives impacted every year. The economic cost is also enormous, costing at least several billion dollars annually. The warrant for promoting kindness, therefore, is enormous. Kindness creates positive interpersonal connections, which, in turn, buffers stress and fosters resilience. Kindness, therefore, is not just a nice thing to do: it is critically important in the workplace. Ways to promote kindness, including leadership modeling positive behaviors as well as the deterrence of negative behaviors, are essential. A new approach using kindness media is described. It uplifts patients and staff, decreases irritation and stress, and increases happiness, calmness, and feeling connected to others.
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Reynolds GS, Bennett JB. The Role of Wellness Climate in Small Business Health Promotion and Employee Wellbeing. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCIENCE 2023:1-36. [PMID: 37359456 PMCID: PMC10131546 DOI: 10.1007/s41542-023-00148-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Wellness involves physical, emotional, behavioral, social, and spiritual dimensions. A climate for wellness exists at both the psychological and organizational levels, consisting of individual and shared perceptions of policies, structures, and managerial behavior that support or promote employee wellbeing. This study explored the associations between psychological and organizational wellness climate and the effectiveness of a team health promotion training on employees' perceived physical and mental wellbeing and substance use. Employees from 45 small businesses completed self-report measures of wellness climate, wellbeing, positive unwinding behavior, work-family conflict, job stress, drug use, and alcohol use, assessed before, and one and six months after, attending either of two types of onsite health promotion training. Team Awareness training targeted improvements in the social climate at work. Healthy Choices training targeted individual health behavior. A control group did not receive training until after the study. Businesses were randomly assigned to conditions and data were analyzed using multi-level modeling. Models that included wellness climate as a mediator fit the data significantly better than models without climate as a mediator. Team Awareness participants showed greater improvements in wellness climate and wellbeing compared to the control group. Healthy Choices participants showed no changes in climate and no mediation effects of climate. Health promotion efforts may be enhanced by including wellness climate as a target in program design at multiple levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Shawn Reynolds
- Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems, 2221 Justin Rd. #119485, Flower Mound, TX 75028 USA
| | - Joel B. Bennett
- Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems, 2221 Justin Rd. #119485, Flower Mound, TX 75028 USA
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McGrath MO, Krysinska K, Reavley NJ, Andriessen K, Pirkis J. Disclosure of Mental Health Problems or Suicidality at Work: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085548. [PMID: 37107827 PMCID: PMC10138519 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Many adults experience mental health problems or suicidality. Mental health and suicidality are associated with stigma and discrimination. Little is known about disclosure of mental health or suicidality problems in workplaces and the role of stigma and discrimination in affecting disclosure. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. Searches for peer-reviewed articles in MedLINE, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO identified 26 studies, including sixteen qualitative, seven quantitative and three mixed-methods studies. No studies were excluded based on quality assessment. All studies reported on mental health disclosure; none reported on disclosure of suicidal thoughts or behaviours. The narrative synthesis identified four overarching themes relating to disclosure of mental health problems in workplaces. Themes included beliefs about stigma and discrimination, workplace factors (including supports and accommodation), identity factors (including professional and personal identity, gender and intersectionality) and factors relating to the disclosure process (including timing and recipients), with all influencing disclosure decision making. Significantly, this review found that there is a gap in the existing literature relating to suicidality disclosure in workplaces, with none of the included studies investigating disclosure of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
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Ahmed M, Cerda I, Maloof M. Breaking the vicious cycle: The interplay between loneliness, metabolic illness, and mental health. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1134865. [PMID: 36970267 PMCID: PMC10030736 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1134865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness, or perceived social isolation, is a leading predictor of all-cause mortality and is increasingly considered a public health epidemic afflicting significant portions of the general population. Chronic loneliness is itself associated with two of the most pressing public health epidemics currently facing the globe: the rise of mental illness and metabolic health disorders. Here, we highlight the epidemiological associations between loneliness and mental and metabolic health disorders and argue that loneliness contributes to the etiology of these conditions by acting as a chronic stressor that leads to neuroendocrine dysregulation and downstream immunometabolic consequences that manifest in disease. Specifically, we describe how loneliness can lead to overactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and ultimately cause mitochondrial dysfunction, which is implicated in mental and metabolic disease. These conditions can, in turn, lead to further social isolation and propel a vicious cycle of chronic illness. Finally, we outline interventions and policy recommendations that can reduce loneliness at both the individual and community levels. Given its role in the etiology of the most prevalent chronic diseases of our time, focusing resources on alleviating loneliness is a vitally important and cost-effective public health strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhal Ahmed
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ivo Cerda
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Molly Maloof
- Adamo Bioscience, Inc., Fernandina Beach, FL, United States
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Belfi LM, Chetlen A, Frigini A, Jay A, Methratta ST, Robbins J, Woods R, Deitte L. Recovering Joy in the Workplace Requires P.R.A.C.T.I.C.E. Acad Radiol 2023; 30:536-540. [PMID: 35654656 PMCID: PMC9151245 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lily M. Belfi
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, Room F-054, New York, NY,Address correspondence to: L.M.B
| | - Alison Chetlen
- Department of Radiology, Penn State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Ann Jay
- Department of Radiology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC
| | | | - Jessica Robbins
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Ryan Woods
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Lori Deitte
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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Rovito KE, Herring RP, Beeson WL, Gamboa-Maldonado T, Lee JW. Social-Ecological Correlates of Social Isolation as a Structural Indicator of Social Connectedness Among Young Adult U.S. Males. Am J Health Promot 2022; 36:1284-1295. [PMID: 35606679 DOI: 10.1177/08901171221103755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined the intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and societal correlates of a structural indicator of social connectedness (ie, social isolation) among a sample of young adult U.S. males. DESIGN Cross-sectional. Setting: Online survey. SUBJECTS Males (n = 495) aged 18-25 years residing in the U.S. MEASURES Social isolation was assessed as an index measure of social integration (inverse scored). The correlates consisted of the following variables: 1) intrapersonal (eg, social-demographic characteristics), 2) interpersonal (eg, adverse childhood experiences; marital status), 3) community (eg, county-level mental distress rates), and 4) societal (eg, how powerful is society's image of the 'masculine man'). ANALYSIS Four-block hierarchical regression. RESULTS The intra- and interpersonal variables significantly shared 17% and an incremental 5%, respectively, of the explained variance in social isolation. Several intra- (eg, financial vulnerability β = -2.76, [95% CI: -4.40, -1.13]) and inter-personal (ie, childhood household dysfunction β = -.66, [95% CI: -1.18, -.14]) factors were significantly associated with greater social isolation. Four intrapersonal factors (eg, gay or bisexual β = 2.31, [95% CI: .29, 4.33]) were significantly associated with lower social isolation. CONCLUSIONS The current study's findings have important implications for understanding and shaping social connectedness in young adult U.S. males, with micro-level influences potentially being most important in predicting social isolation in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R Patti Herring
- School of Public Health, 4608Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - W Lawrence Beeson
- School of Public Health, 4608Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | | | - Jerry W Lee
- School of Public Health, 4608Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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9
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Sponselee HCS, ter Beek L, Renders CM, Robroek SJW, Steenhuis IHM, Kroeze W. Stakeholders' Perceptions Regarding Adaptation and Implementation of Existing Individual and Environmental Workplace Health Promotion Interventions in Blue-Collar Work Settings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13545. [PMID: 36294131 PMCID: PMC9603088 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Blue-collar workers often have disadvantageous health statuses and might therefore benefit from a combination of individual and environmental workplace health promotion interventions. Exploring stakeholders' perceived facilitators and barriers regarding the combined implementation of these interventions in blue-collar work settings is important for effective implementation. A qualitative study consisting of 20 stakeholder interviews within six types of organisations in The Netherlands was conducted. The potential implementation of the evidence-based individual intervention SMARTsize and the environmental intervention company cafeteria 2.0 was discussed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis with a deductive approach. Five main themes emerged: (1) the availability of resources, (2) professional obligation, (3) expected employee cooperation, (4) the compatibility of the proposed health interventions, and (5) the content of implementation tools and procedures. Generally, stakeholders expressed a sense of professional obligation toward workplace health promotion, mentioning that the current societal focus on health and lifestyle provided the perfect opportunity to implement interventions to promote healthy eating and physical activity. However, they often perceived the high doses of employees' occupational physical activity as a barrier. We recommend co-creating interventions, implementation tools, and processes by involving stakeholders with different professional backgrounds and by adapting communication strategies at diverse organisational levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne C. S. Sponselee
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lies ter Beek
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carry M. Renders
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Suzan J. W. Robroek
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid H. M. Steenhuis
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willemieke Kroeze
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Care for Nutrition and Health Group, School of Nursing, Christian University of Applied Sciences, 6717 JS Ede, The Netherlands
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10
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Wallbank G, Haynes A, Tiedemann A, Sherrington C, Grunseit AC. Designing physical activity interventions for women aged 50+: a qualitative study of participant perspectives. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1855. [PMID: 36195939 PMCID: PMC9531643 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14237-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Active Women over 50 trial tested a scalable program for increasing physical activity among women aged 50+. The program included information, activity tracker and email support. This study sought to describe the participant perspectives of the Active Women over 50 program and considerations for designing physical activity interventions for this demographic. METHODS Women who completed the Active Women over 50 trial were purposively recruited for maximum variation in age, employment, carer responsibility, medical conditions and physical activity. Individual semi-structured interviews explored their perspectives on physical activity, Active Women over 50 program components and suggestions for future iterations. Data were thematically analysed. RESULTS Participants' capacity to be physically active was shaped by an interplay of factors. Our analysis generated four main themes relating to physical activity in general and to the program: Age and gender matters, Physical activity is social, Strategising for physical activity and the Self-responsibility discourse. At this midlife stage, physical activity participation was challenged by personal, life-stage and cultural factors, alongside a tension of the self-responsibility discourse which also impacted the program experience. Social factors and finding a suitable strategy for motivation were deemed integral aspects of being active. Future programs could consider facilitation of social networks and accountability, life-stage health information and positive framing to support self-responsibility. CONCLUSION A range of strategies is key to supporting women over 50 to be more physically active due to the variety of circumstances and levels of agency experienced. We offer suggestions that do not need to be resource intensive but could be incorporated into a scaled program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Wallbank
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia. .,Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. .,, Missenden Road, PO Box M179, 2050, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Abby Haynes
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anne Tiedemann
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catherine Sherrington
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anne C Grunseit
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Tsoi L, Burns SM, Falk EB, Tamir DI. The promises and pitfalls of functional magnetic resonance imaging hyperscanning for social interaction research. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2022; 16:e12707. [PMID: 36407123 PMCID: PMC9667901 DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Social neuroscience combines tools and perspectives from social psychology and neuroscience to understand how people interact with their social world. Here we discuss a relatively new method-hyperscanning-to study real-time, interactive social interactions using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We highlight three contributions that fMRI hyperscanning makes to the study of the social mind: (1) Naturalism: it shifts the focus from tightly-controlled stimuli to more naturalistic social interactions; (2) Multi-person Dynamics: it shifts the focus from individuals as the unit of analysis to dyads and groups; and (3) Neural Resolution: fMRI hyperscanning captures high-resolution neural patterns and dynamics across the whole brain, unlike other neuroimaging hyperscanning methods (e.g., electroencephalogram, functional near-infrared spectroscopy). Finally, we describe the practical considerations and challenges that fMRI hyperscanning researchers must navigate. We hope researchers will harness this powerful new paradigm to address pressing questions in today's society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Tsoi
- School of Psychology and CounselingCaldwell UniversityCaldwellNew JerseyUSA
| | - Shannon M. Burns
- Department of Psychological SciencePomona CollegeClaremontCaliforniaUSA
- Department of NeurosciencePomona CollegeClaremontCaliforniaUSA
| | - Emily B. Falk
- Annenberg School for CommunicationUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Wharton Marketing DepartmentUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Operations, Information, and Decisions DepartmentUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Diana I. Tamir
- Department of PsychologyPrinceton UniversityPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
- Princeton Neuroscience InstitutePrinceton UniversityPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
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Sponselee HCS, Kroeze W, Robroek SJW, Renders CM, Steenhuis IHM. Perceptions of employees with a low and medium level of education towards workplace health promotion programmes: a mixed-methods study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1617. [PMID: 36008851 PMCID: PMC9404568 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13976-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the perceptions of lower socioeconomic groups towards workplace health promotion is important because they are underrepresented in workplace health promotion activities and generally engage in unhealthier lifestyle behaviour than high SEP groups. This study aims to explore interest in workplace health promotion programmes (WHPPs) among employees with a low and medium level of education regarding participation and desired programme characteristics (i.e. the employer's role, the source, the channel, the involvement of the social environment and conditions of participation). METHODS A mixed-methods design was used, consisting of a questionnaire study (n = 475) and a sequential focus group study (n = 27) to enrich the questionnaire's results. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to analyse the associations between subgroups (i.e. demographics, weight status) and interest in a WHPP. The focus group data were analysed deductively through thematic analysis, using MAXQDA 2018 for qualitative data analysis. RESULTS The questionnaire study showed that 36.8% of respondents were interested in an employer-provided WHPP, while 45.1% expressed no interest. Regarding subgroup differences, respondents with a low level of education were less likely to express interest in a WHPP than those with a medium level of education (OR = .54, 95%, CI = .35-.85). No significant differences were found concerning gender, age and weight status. The overall themes discussed in the focus groups were similar to the questionnaires (i.e. the employer's role, the source, the channel, the involvement of the social environment and conditions of participation). The qualitative data showed that participants' perceptions were often related to their jobs and working conditions. CONCLUSIONS Employees with a medium level of education were more inclined to be interested in a WHPP than those with a low level of education. Focus groups suggested preferences varied depending on job type and related tasks. Recommendations are to allow WHPP design to adapt to this variation and facilitate flexible participation. Future research investigating employers' perceptions of WHPPs is needed to enable a mutual understanding of an effective programme design, possibly contributing to sustainable WHPP implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne C S Sponselee
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Willemieke Kroeze
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Care for Nutrition and Health Group, School of Nursing, Christian University of Applied Sciences, 6717 JS, Ede, The Netherlands
| | - Suzan J W Robroek
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carry M Renders
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid H M Steenhuis
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Slavich GM. Social Safety Theory: Understanding social stress, disease risk, resilience, and behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 45:101299. [PMID: 35219156 PMCID: PMC8769662 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Many of life's most impactful experiences involve either social safety (e.g., acceptance, affiliation, belonging, inclusion) or social threat (e.g., conflict, isolation, rejection, exclusion). According to Social Safety Theory, these experiences greatly impact human health and behavior because a fundamental goal of the brain and immune system is to keep the body biologically safe. To achieve this crucial goal, social threats likely gained the ability to activate anticipatory neural-immune responses that would have historically benefited reproduction and survival; the presence of social safety, in turn, likely dampened these responses. Viewing positive and negative social experiences through this lens affords a biologically based evolutionary account for why certain stressors are particularly impactful. It also provides an integrated, multi-level framework for investigating the biopsychosocial roots of psychopathology, health disparities, aging, longevity, and interpersonal cognition and behavior. Ultimately, this work has the potential to inform new strategies for reducing disease risk and promoting resilience.
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Ewen AM, Gittus N, Higgins MCSS, Palma S, Whitley K, Schneider JI. Program Administrator Burnout in Graduate Medical Education: a Longitudinal Study. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:3248-3253. [PMID: 32399913 PMCID: PMC7661571 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-05853-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the level of burnout among program administrators (PAs) in medical education and its impact on the trainee environment. OBJECTIVE To investigate variations in burnout levels over a 1-year period among a national cohort of PAs and examine any associations between perceived support and isolation. DESIGN A 1-year longitudinal study conducted to assess burnout levels among PAs across the USA. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (score range, 0-100) was used to measure burnout over one academic year (July 2017-June 2018). The generalized estimating equations model was used to measure changes in burnout levels from the start of the academic year. To explore the differences in burnout scores across question response levels, a one-way ANOVA test was utilized and reported as least squares means ± SD. PARTICIPANTS Individuals who self-identified as PAs in a graduate medical education training program. Among the 1084 persons nationwide who expressed interest, 904 (83%) completed the baseline survey; 29 of the 42 (69%) local administrators completed the survey. "Clients" defined as interns, residents/fellows, and medical students. MAIN MEASURES Change in burnout score using the validated tool. Hypothesis formulated prior to data collection. KEY RESULTS Among the 931 participants, the 3rd quarter (March 2018) marked the lowest average personal burnout score (change from the start of academic year, - 3.67; p < 0.001, 95% CI - 5.77 to - 1.58) and work-related burnout score (change, - 3.03; p < 0.001, 95% CI - 5.01 to - 1.06). Client-related burnout was the lowest in September 2017 (change, - 1.46; p = 0.491; 95% CI - 3.54 to 0.62). June 2018: those who strongly agreed to feeling isolated in their current position had an increased personal (69.1 ± 18.4 SD), work-related (72.5 ± 20.8 SD), and client-related (42.3 ± 23.7 SD) burnout score. CONCLUSIONS PA burnout levels fluctuate over the academic year and are shown to increase as feelings of isolation grow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana M Ewen
- Graduate Medical Education, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natalie Gittus
- Medical Education, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mikhail C S S Higgins
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sandra Palma
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn Whitley
- Department of Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey I Schneider
- Graduate Medical Education, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Slavich GM. Social Safety Theory: A Biologically Based Evolutionary Perspective on Life Stress, Health, and Behavior. Annu Rev Clin Psychol 2020; 16:265-295. [PMID: 32141764 PMCID: PMC7213777 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032816-045159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Social Safety Theory hypothesizes that developing and maintaining friendly social bonds is a fundamental organizing principle of human behavior and that threats to social safety are a critical feature of psychological stressors that increase risk for disease. Central to this formulation is the fact that the human brain and immune system are principally designed to keep the body biologically safe, which they do by continually monitoring and responding to social, physical, and microbial threats in the environment. Because situations involving social conflict, isolation, devaluation, rejection, and exclusion historically increased risk for physical injury and infection, anticipatory neural-immune reactivity to social threat was likely highly conserved. This neurocognitive and immunologic ability for humans to symbolically represent and respond to potentially dangerous social situations is ultimately critical for survival. When sustained, however, this multilevel biological threat response can increase individuals' risk for viral infections and several inflammation-related disease conditions that dominate present-day morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- George M Slavich
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-7076, USA;
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