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Chang JHC, Bethoux F, Plow MA. Subjective Well-Being, Positive Affect, Life Satisfaction, and Happiness With Multiple Sclerosis: A Scoping Review of the Literature. Rehabil Nurs 2024:00006939-990000000-00044. [PMID: 39219021 DOI: 10.1097/rnj.0000000000000474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may face challenges maintaining their subjective well-being, life satisfaction, happiness, and positive emotions. This scoping review's purpose was to summarize studies on these positive psychological constructs among people with MS. METHODS Observational and interventional studies that included measures of subjective well-being, life satisfaction, happiness, or positive affect were identified. Variables associated with these constructs were classified using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). RESULTS The review included 22 observational and 10 interventional studies. Variables were categorized into each of the ICF domains. Cognitive behavior therapy was the most common intervention, with content and dosing varying widely. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Subjective well-being, life satisfaction, happiness, and positive affect are crucial components of community and individual health. The findings of this scoping review highlight the complex interplay between function, personal factors, and environmental conditions in influencing positive psychological constructs. Given the limited evidence, rehabilitation nurses should leverage their skills in delivering holistic care and adopt data-driven approaches to integrate positive psychological strategies into care plans. CONCLUSION Further research is needed to measure and compare interventions aimed at improving these constructs and to examine the influence of personal and environmental factors among diverse MS populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia H C Chang
- Department of Nursing, California State University Channel Islands, Camarillo, CA, USA
| | - Francois Bethoux
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurological Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Matthew A Plow
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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van der Horst A, Meijer L, van Os-Medendorp H, Jukema JS, Bohlmeijer E, Schreurs KM, Kelders S. Benefits, Recruitment, Dropout, and Acceptability of the Strength Back Digital Health Intervention for Patients Undergoing Spinal Surgery: Nonrandomized, Qualitative, and Quantitative Pilot Feasibility Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e54600. [PMID: 38324374 PMCID: PMC10882475 DOI: 10.2196/54600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients undergoing spinal surgery report high levels of insecurity, pain, stress, and anxiety before and after surgery. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that surgery will resolve all issues; postsurgical recovery often entails moderate to severe postoperative pain, and some patients undergoing spinal surgery do not experience (long-term) pain relief after surgery. Therefore, focusing on sustainable coping skills and resilience is crucial for these patients. A digital health intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and positive psychology (PP) was developed to enhance psychological flexibility and well-being and reduce postsurgical pain. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was 3-fold: to explore the potential benefits for patients undergoing spinal surgery of the digital ACT and PP intervention Strength Back (research question [RQ] 1), explore the feasibility of a future randomized controlled trial in terms of recruitment and dropout (RQ 2), and assess the acceptability of Strength Back by patients undergoing spinal surgery (RQ 3). METHODS We used a nonrandomized experimental design with an intervention group (n=17) and a control group (n=20). To explore the potential benefits of the intervention, participants in both groups filled out questionnaires before and after surgery. These questionnaires included measurements of pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), pain interference (Multidimensional Pain Inventory), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), valued living (Engaged Living Scale), psychological flexibility (Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale), and mental well-being (Mental Health Continuum-Short Form). Semistructured interviews combined with log data and scores on the Twente Engagement With eHealth Technologies Scale were used to assess the acceptability of the intervention. RESULTS A significant improvement over time in emotional (V=99; P=.03) and overall (V=55; P=.004) well-being (Mental Health Continuum-Short Form) was observed only in the intervention group. In addition, the intervention group showed a significantly larger decline in pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) than did the control group (U=75; P=.003). Of the available weekly modules on average 80% (12/15) was completed by patients undergoing spinal fusion and 67% (6/9) was completed by patients undergoing decompression surgery. A total of 68% (17/25) of the participants used the intervention until the final interview. Most participants (15/17, 88%) in the intervention group would recommend the intervention to future patients. CONCLUSIONS This pilot feasibility study showed that combining ACT and PP in a digital health intervention is promising for patients undergoing spinal surgery as the content was accepted by most of the participants and (larger) improvements in pain intensity and well-being were observed in the intervention group. A digital intervention for patients undergoing (spinal) surgery can use teachable moments, when patients are open to learning more about the surgery and rehabilitation afterward. A larger randomized controlled trial is now warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke van der Horst
- Research Group Smart Health, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Deventer, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth & Well-being Research - Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Laura Meijer
- Research Group Smart Health, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Deventer, Netherlands
| | | | - Jan S Jukema
- Research Group Smart Health, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Deventer, Netherlands
| | - Ernst Bohlmeijer
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth & Well-being Research - Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Karlein Mg Schreurs
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth & Well-being Research - Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Roessingh Research & Development, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Saskia Kelders
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth & Well-being Research - Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Optentia Research Focus Area, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
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Kraiss JT, Ten Klooster PM, Chrispijn M, Stevens A, Doornbos B, Kupka RW, Bohlmeijer ET. A multicomponent positive psychology intervention for euthymic patients with bipolar disorder to improve mental well-being and personal recovery: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Bipolar Disord 2023; 25:683-695. [PMID: 36856065 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.13313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mental well-being and personal recovery are important treatment targets for patients with bipolar disorder (BD). The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week group multicomponent positive psychology intervention (PPI) for euthymic patients with BD as an adjunct to treatment as usual (TAU) compared to TAU alone. METHODS Patients with BD were randomized to receive TAU (n = 43) or the PPI in addition to TAU (n = 54). The primary outcome was well being measured with the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. Personal recovery was measured with the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery. Data were collected at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment and 6- and 12-month follow-up. Life chart interviews were conducted at 12 months to retrospectively assess recurrence of depression and mania. RESULTS Significant group-by-time interaction effects for well-being and personal recovery were found favouring the PPI. At post-treatment, between-group differences were significant for well-being (d = 0.77) and personal recovery (d = 0.76). Between-group effects for well-being were still significant at 6-month follow-up (d = 0.72). Effects on well-being and personal recovery within the intervention group were sustained until 12-month follow-up. Survival analyses showed no significant differences in time to recurrence. CONCLUSIONS The multicomponent PPI evaluated in this study is effective in improving mental well-being and personal recovery in euthymic patients with BD and would therefore be a valuable addition to the current treatment of euthymic BD patients. The fact that the study was carried out in a pragmatic RCT demonstrates that this intervention can be applied in a real-world clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannis T Kraiss
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M Ten Klooster
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anja Stevens
- Centre for Bipolar Disorders, Dimence Mental Health, Deventer, The Netherlands
| | - Bennard Doornbos
- Department of Specialized Training, Psychiatric Hospital Mental Health Services Drenthe, Outpatient Clinics, Assen, The Netherlands
- Lentis Research, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph W Kupka
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health research center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ernst T Bohlmeijer
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Kloos N, Kraiss J, Ten Klooster P, Bohlmeijer E. First validation of the model of sustainable mental health: Structural model validity and the indirect role of adaptation. J Clin Psychol 2023; 79:2650-2667. [PMID: 37543726 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23574] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is a growing interest in mental well-being as a vital outcome in clinical practice in addition to mental illness. The model of sustainable mental health (SMH) was recently introduced to delineate how interventions can improve mental health by targeting barriers and resources of adaptation to life stressors, improving the ability to adapt and thereby reducing mental illness and improving mental well-being. The aim of the current study is to empirically validate the conceptual model of SMH as well as the assumed indirect role of ability to adapt. METHODS This study used an existing dataset of the general population with self-reported reduced well-being due to the corona crisis (n = 849, mean age 53 years, SD = 15). Measurements of mental illness (depression and anxiety), mental well-being, ability to adapt, a specific barrier for adaptation (i.e., repetitive negative thinking), and a specific resource for adaptation (i.e., positive reframing) were included. Structural equation modeling was used to assess both the structural validity of the model and the indirect effect of ability to adapt. RESULTS An acceptable to good fit was found for the model of SMH and all paths between the proposed elements of the model were significant and in the hypothesized direction. Ability to adapt served as an indirect pathway trough which repetitive negative thinking (B = 0.149, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.016-0.028) and positive reframing (B = 0.163, 95% CI = 0.065-0.123) were linked with mental illness and mental well-being. CONCLUSION The current study provides the first empirical support of the internal validity of the model of SMH in a sample of the general population with reduced well-being, suggesting that barriers and resources to adaptation have an effect on mental illness and mental well-being through the ability to adapt. The model of SMH may therefore be a good model to use in research and clinical practice for developing, implementing, and evaluating a balanced treatment approach targeting both barriers and resources for adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noortje Kloos
- Centre for eHealth and Well-Being Research, Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Radboud Alzheimer Center, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jannis Kraiss
- Centre for eHealth and Well-Being Research, Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Klooster
- Centre for eHealth and Well-Being Research, Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ernst Bohlmeijer
- Centre for eHealth and Well-Being Research, Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Doyle SJ, Feingold JH, Van Gilder TJ. Modeling the Future of Prevention in Primary Mental Health Care: A Narrative Literature Review. AJPM FOCUS 2023; 2:100092. [PMID: 37790673 PMCID: PMC10546580 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Adults in the U.S. have had poor and worsening mental health for years. Poor mental health exacts a high human and economic cost. Methods Using PubMed, we conducted a focused narrative literature review on mental well-being and its role in mental and physical health care. Results Mental well-being is essential for mental and physical health. High mental well-being is associated with a lower incidence of psychiatric disorder diagnosis and better function for those who do carry a formal diagnosis. High mental well-being also improves health outcomes for several physical diseases. Cultivating mental well-being is both a primary and secondary prevention strategy for mental and physical illness. There is a growing number of low-cost and accessible interventions to promote mental well-being, rooted in the research of positive psychology. These interventions improve mental well-being in multiple populations from different cultural backgrounds. There have been some efforts to incorporate these interventions to improve mental well-being in the clinical setting. Conclusions Our mental healthcare system would substantially improve its ability to protect against mental illness and promote positive function if mental well-being was routinely measured in the clinical setting, and interventions to improve mental well-being were routinely incorporated into standard primary and specialty care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J. Doyle
- Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- UW Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jordyn H. Feingold
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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Almeida TC, Ifrim IC. Psychometric Properties of the Positive Thinking Skills Scale (PTSS) among Portuguese Adults. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13050357. [PMID: 37232594 DOI: 10.3390/bs13050357] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Positive thinking is a cognitive attitude that focuses on optimism and aims for positive results. Positive thinking leads to positive emotions, more adaptive behaviors, and better problem solving. Positive thoughts can inspire individuals and have been linked to increased psychological health. On the other hand, negative thoughts are related to unsatisfactory mental health. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyze the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Positive Thinking Skills Scale (PTSS) and to verify the correlations between positive thinking, resilience, and repetitive negative thinking. PARTICIPANTS The sample comprised 220 Portuguese participants between 18 and 62 years of age (M = 24.9, SD = 6.58), and the majority were women (80.5%). METHOD Participants responded to an online sociodemographic questionnaire, the PTSS, the Persistent and Intrusive Negative Thoughts Scale (PINTS), and the Resilience Scale-10 (RS-10). RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that the original one-factor structure of the PTSS obtained good fits. An excellent value of internal consistency was found. The results also revealed convergent and discriminant validity. CONCLUSION The PTSS is a brief and reliable instrument for assessing positive thinking skills, and its use in research is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telma Catarina Almeida
- Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal
- CiiEM-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal
- LabPSI-Laboratório de Psicologia Egas Moniz, Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ionela Catalina Ifrim
- Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal
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Effectiveness of ACT-based intervention in compliance with the model for sustainable mental health: A cluster randomized control trial in a group of older adults. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
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Franken K, Schuffelen P, ten Klooster P, van Doesum K, Westerhof G, Bohlmeijer E. Introduction of the generic sense of ability to adapt scale and validation in a sample of outpatient adults with mental health problems. Front Psychol 2023; 14:985408. [PMID: 37063565 PMCID: PMC10090661 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.985408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe ability to adapt is a core aspect of daily human life. Recent models and theories emphasize its essential role for health and well-being. It concerns the perceived ability to readjust and actively deal with the psychosocial consequences of challenging events. While many questionnaires measure competences related to adaptability to specific conditions, a scale that measures a generic sense of the ability to adapt is lacking. The aim of the present study is to introduce the Generic Sense of Ability to Adapt Scale (GSAAS) and to examine its psychometric properties.MethodsThe article describes two sub-studies. In the first study the items of the GSAAS were generated and field-tested in a cross-sectional non-clinical sample using item analysis, exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis.ResultsThis resulted in a 10-item questionnaire measuring a single dimension with good reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.87). In the second study the 10-item scale was validated using a cross-sectional sample of 496 outpatient adults with mental health problems. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the unidimensional structure of the GSAAS and the absence of measurement variance across gender, age and education. Reliability was high (α = 0.89) and moderate to strong correlations between the GSAAS and concurrent validation measures confirmed its convergent validity. Regarding incremental validity, the GSAAS accounted for 7.4% additional explained variance in symptomatic distress above and beyond sense of coherence.DiscussionIn conclusion, the GSAAS appears to be a reliable and valid instrument to assess people’s generic sense of the ability to adapt. It is a practical and quick tool that can be used to measure a vital aspect of health in research and clinical treatment settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katinka Franken
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- GGNet Centre of Mental Health, Apeldoorn, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Katinka Franken,
| | - Pauline Schuffelen
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Mindfit, Deventer, Netherlands
| | - Peter ten Klooster
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | | | - Gerben Westerhof
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- GGNet Centre of Mental Health, Apeldoorn, Netherlands
| | - Ernst Bohlmeijer
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
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Bohlmeijer ET, Frielingsdorf L, Kraiss JT, de Jager-Meezenbroek E, Visser A, ten Klooster PM. Spirituality in the Context of Well-being. Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties and Added Value of the Spiritual Attitude and Involvement List Short Form (SAIL-SF). JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2023; 24:1169-1190. [PMID: 37113243 PMCID: PMC9985910 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-023-00640-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that spiritual well-being is positively associated with adaptive coping and health. The Spiritual Attitude and Involvement List (SAIL) was developed to measure a sense of connectedness to oneself, the environment and the transcendent as a universal experience. The aim of the current study was to develop a short form of the SAIL (SAIL-SF). A factor analytic approach was adopted to select the items for the SAIL-SF based on earlier studies among nurses (n = 458) and cancer patients (n = 445). The dimensionality, factor-loadings, internal consistency, construct validity and incremental validity of the final SAIL-SF were then evaluated in a new sample of adults (n = 225) participating in a trial assessing a positive psychology intervention. The first study yielded seven items, each representing one of the dimensions of the original SAIL: meaningfulness, trust, acceptance, caring for others, connectedness with nature, transcendent experiences, and spiritual activities. The seven items represented a single meaningful factor in both samples and the factor loadings of the items were adequately high. In the second study, a good fit across the various model indices was found and all items had adequately high factor loadings in a strict unidimensional confirmatory factor model and demonstrated good internal consistency. The SAIL-SF explained 7% of variance in ability to adapt above and beyond emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The current study shows that the SAIL-SF has good psychometric properties, and that spiritual well-being has a unique contribution to the ability to adapt in comparison with other types of well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. T. Bohlmeijer
- Department Technology of Human and Institutional Behavior, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - L. Frielingsdorf
- Department Technology of Human and Institutional Behavior, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - J. T. Kraiss
- Department Technology of Human and Institutional Behavior, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | - A. Visser
- Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - P. M. ten Klooster
- Department Technology of Human and Institutional Behavior, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
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van Zyl LE, Gaffaney J, van der Vaart L, Dik BJ, Donaldson SI. The critiques and criticisms of positive psychology: A systematic review. THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2023.2178956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Llewellyn E. van Zyl
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, University of Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
- Department of Human Resource Management, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
- Department of Social Psychology, Institut für Psychologie, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jaclyn Gaffaney
- Division of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences, Claremont Graduate University, CA, USA
| | | | - Bryan J. Dik
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Stewart I Donaldson
- Division of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences, Claremont Graduate University, CA, USA
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Van Der Horst AY, Bohlmeijer ET, Schreurs KMG, Kelders SM. Strength Back - A qualitative study on the co-creation of a positive psychology digital health intervention for spinal surgery patients. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1117357. [PMID: 37151334 PMCID: PMC10160468 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1117357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spinal surgery patients often experience pain as well as stress, anxiety or even depression before surgery, highlighting the need for better mental preparation before undergoing surgery. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and positive psychology have proven effective in coping with chronic pain and providing long-term skills that enhance psychological flexibility and mental well-being.The aim of this study is to develop a digital intervention (app) based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and positive psychology in co-creation with all stakeholders, including patients and professionals. The aim of the intervention is to increase psychological flexibility and positive skills of spinal surgery patients to promote long-term resilience. Materials and methods In this qualitative study, individual, semi-structured interviews were held with healthcare professionals (N = 9) and spinal surgery patients (N = 12) to identify contextual factors and needs for the app. Subsequently, three focus-group sessions were held with healthcare professionals and newly recruited patients to specify relevant values. Also, a first version of the app, named Strength Back, was developed using a participatory design. Results The interviews confirmed the need for information and digital support to cope with insecurity, anxiety and pain, both before and after surgery. Based on iterative steps in the focus-group sessions, thirteen modules were developed focusing on procedural information, pain education, psychological flexibility and mental well-being. Discussion The intervention Strength Back, containing information as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and positive psychology exercises, has the potential to increase psychological flexibility, enhance well-being and improve postoperative recovery after spinal surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke Y. Van Der Horst
- Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Research Centre Smart Health, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Deventer, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Annemieke Y. Van Der Horst,
| | - Ernst T. Bohlmeijer
- Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Karlein M. G. Schreurs
- Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Roessingh Research and Development, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Saskia M. Kelders
- Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Optentia Research Focus Area, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
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Marquez J, Lambert L, Cutts M. Geographic, Socio-Demographic and School Type Variation in Adolescent Wellbeing and Mental Health and Links with Academic Competence in the United Arab Emirates. CHILD INDICATORS RESEARCH 2022; 16:797-836. [PMID: 36465521 PMCID: PMC9702627 DOI: 10.1007/s12187-022-09993-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Interest in adolescents' wellbeing and mental health is growing worldwide, but little research in this area has been conducted in certain world regions and countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Geographic, socio-demographic and school type differences in adolescent wellbeing and mental health are commonly observed in the field, and the UAE is a diverse country where these types of differences have been found for other outcomes (notably, academic). Yet, no prior national study has explored these differences in terms of wellbeing and mental health in the nation. We address this gap by investigating differences across emirates, gender, socio-economic status, immigrant status, school sector and school curriculum for overall life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect, meaning and purpose in life, and internalizing difficulties. We use linear regression to analyse cross-sectional data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) study from 2015 and 2018. We find substantial geographic, socio-demographic and school type differences in levels (2018) of wellbeing and mental health -which vary across distinct domains- and declines (2015-2018) of wellbeing. Better wellbeing and mental health are observed in the northern emirates and among boys. Better wellbeing and poorer mental health are observed among nationals (compared to expatriates) and in public schools (compared to private schools). Despite presenting the best academic outcomes, British schools present the worst wellbeing and mental health outcomes. However, results show the absence of a trade-off between academic competence and wellbeing and mental health, with evidence of a small positive association with wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Marquez
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | | | - Megan Cutts
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
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Kloos N, Austin J, van ‘t Klooster JW, Drossaert C, Bohlmeijer E. Appreciating the Good Things in Life During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Evaluation of a Gratitude App. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2022; 23:4001-4025. [PMID: 36245700 PMCID: PMC9540053 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00586-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic has had many negative consequences on the general public mental health. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of and satisfaction with an app with gratitude exercises to improve the mental health of people with reduced mental well-being due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as potential mechanisms of well-being change and dose-response relationships. A two-armed randomized controlled trial design was used, with two groups receiving the 6-week gratitude intervention app either immediately (intervention group, n = 424) or after 6 weeks (waiting list control group, n = 425). Assessments took place online at baseline (T0), six weeks later (T1) and at 12 weeks (T2), measuring outcomes (i.e., mental well-being, anxiety, depression, stress), and potential explanatory variables (i.e., gratitude, positive reframing, rumination). Linear mixed models analyses showed that when controlled for baseline measures, the intervention group scored better on all outcome measures compared to the control group at T1 (d = .24-.49). These effects were maintained at T2. The control group scored equally well on all outcome measures at T2 after following the intervention. Effects of the intervention on well-being were partially explained by gratitude, positive reframing, and rumination, and finishing a greater number of modules was weakly related to better outcomes. The intervention was generally appealing, with some room for improvement. The results suggest that a mobile gratitude intervention app is a satisfactory and effective way to improve the mental health of the general population during the difficult times of a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noortje Kloos
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Judith Austin
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | - Constance Drossaert
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ernst Bohlmeijer
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
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Geerling B, Kelders SM, Stevens AWMM, Kupka RW, Bohlmeijer ET. A Web-Based Positive Psychology App for Patients With Bipolar Disorder: Development Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e39476. [PMID: 35946327 PMCID: PMC9531003 DOI: 10.2196/39476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) report lower quality of life and lower levels of well-being than the general population. Despite the growing availability of psychotherapeutic and self-management interventions, important unmet needs remain. These unmet needs are closely linked to positive psychology domains. Although a growing number of studies have evaluated the impact of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) on patients with severe mental illness in general, only few have addressed the application of positive psychology for BD. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to gain insight into the opinions of patients with BD and health care professionals about (web-based) PPIs for BD and to develop and pilot-test an app containing PPIs specifically designed for patients with BD. METHODS The study was conducted in accordance with the Center for eHealth and Disease Management road map principles and incorporated cocreation and designing for implementation. Data were collected using focus group discussions, questionnaires, rapid prototyping, and web-based feedback on a prototype from the participants. In total, 3 focus groups were conducted with 62% (8/13) of patients with BD and 38% (5/13) of professionals. The collected data were used to develop a smartphone app containing short PPIs. The content was based on PPIs for which a solid base of evidence is available. Finally, a pilot test was conducted to test the app. RESULTS Focus groups revealed that PPIs as part of the current BD treatment can potentially meet the following needs: offering hope, increasing self-esteem, expressing feelings, acceptance, and preventing social isolation. Some patients expressed concern that PPIs may provoke a manic or hypomanic episode by increasing positive affect. The pilot of the app showed that the PPIs are moderately to highly valued by the participants. There were no adverse effects such as increase in manic or hypomanic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS With the systematic use of user involvement (patients and professionals) in all steps of the development process, we were able to create an app that can potentially fulfill some of the current unmet needs in the treatment of BD. We reached consensus among consumers and professionals about the potential benefits of PPIs to address the unmet needs of patients with BD. The use of PPI for BD is intriguing and can be usefully explored in further studies. We emphasize that more evaluation studies (quantitative and qualitative) that are focused on the effect of PPIs in the treatment of BD should be conducted. In addition, to establish the working mechanisms in BD, explorative, qualitative, designed studies are required to reveal whether PPIs can address unmet needs in BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Geerling
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Centre for Bipolar Disorder, Dimence Mental Health Institute, Deventer, Netherlands
| | - Saskia M Kelders
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Optentia Research Focus Area, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Anja W M M Stevens
- Centre for Bipolar Disorder, Dimence Mental Health Institute, Deventer, Netherlands
| | - Ralph W Kupka
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Program, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ernst T Bohlmeijer
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
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van Zyl LE, Rothmann S. Grand Challenges for Positive Psychology: Future Perspectives and Opportunities. Front Psychol 2022; 13:833057. [PMID: 35712184 PMCID: PMC9196264 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.833057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Llewellyn E van Zyl
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, University of Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa.,Department of Human Resource Management, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands.,Department of Social Psychology, Institut für Psychologie, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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16
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Nwaogu JM, Chan APC, Akinyemi TA. Conceptualizing the dynamics of mental health among construction supervisors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15623599.2022.2080932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janet M. Nwaogu
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Albert P. C. Chan
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Tobi A. Akinyemi
- Department of Building, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
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17
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Newson JJ, Pastukh V, Thiagarajan TC. Assessment of Population Well-being With the Mental Health Quotient: Validation Study. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e34105. [PMID: 35442210 PMCID: PMC9069309 DOI: 10.2196/34105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) is an anonymous web-based assessment of mental health and well-being that comprehensively covers symptoms across 10 major psychiatric disorders, as well as positive elements of mental function. It uses a novel life impact scale and provides a score to the individual that places them on a spectrum from Distressed to Thriving along with a personal report that offers self-care recommendations. Since April 2020, the MHQ has been freely deployed as part of the Mental Health Million Project. OBJECTIVE This paper demonstrates the reliability and validity of the MHQ, including the construct validity of the life impact scale, sample and test-retest reliability of the assessment, and criterion validation of the MHQ with respect to clinical burden and productivity loss. METHODS Data were taken from the Mental Health Million open-access database (N=179,238) and included responses from English-speaking adults (aged≥18 years) from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, India, and Nigeria collected during 2021. To assess sample reliability, random demographically matched samples (each 11,033/179,238, 6.16%) were compared within the same 6-month period. Test-retest reliability was determined using the subset of individuals who had taken the assessment twice ≥3 days apart (1907/179,238, 1.06%). To assess the construct validity of the life impact scale, additional questions were asked about the frequency and severity of an example symptom (feelings of sadness, distress, or hopelessness; 4247/179,238, 2.37%). To assess criterion validity, elements rated as having a highly negative life impact by a respondent (equivalent to experiencing the symptom ≥5 days a week) were mapped to clinical diagnostic criteria to calculate the clinical burden (174,618/179,238, 97.42%). In addition, MHQ scores were compared with the number of workdays missed or with reduced productivity in the past month (7625/179,238, 4.25%). RESULTS Distinct samples collected during the same period had indistinguishable MHQ distributions and MHQ scores were correlated with r=0.84 between retakes within an 8- to 120-day period. Life impact ratings were correlated with frequency and severity of symptoms, with a clear linear relationship (R2>0.99). Furthermore, the aggregate MHQ scores were systematically related to both clinical burden and productivity. At one end of the scale, 89.08% (8986/10,087) of those in the Distressed category mapped to one or more disorders and had an average productivity loss of 15.2 (SD 11.2; SEM [standard error of measurement] 0.5) days per month. In contrast, at the other end of the scale, 0% (1/24,365) of those in the Thriving category mapped to any of the 10 disorders and had an average productivity loss of 1.3 (SD 3.6; SEM 0.1) days per month. CONCLUSIONS The MHQ is a valid and reliable assessment of mental health and well-being when delivered anonymously on the web.
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Bohlmeijer E, Kraiss J, Schotanus-Dijkstra M, ten Klooster P. Gratitude as Mood Mediates the Effects of a 6-Weeks Gratitude Intervention on Mental Well-Being: Post hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychol 2022; 12:799447. [PMID: 35095685 PMCID: PMC8795830 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.799447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a gap of knowledge about the extent to which gratitude is indeed the working mechanism of change in gratitude interventions aiming to promote mental well-being. This study explores the mediational role of gratitude as mood in the context of a recently conducted randomized controlled trial on the effects of a 6-week gratitude intervention on mental well-being in comparison with a waitlist control group. Gratitude as mood was measured at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Both simple and multiple mediation models were conducted as well as various sensitivity analyses. Results showed a gradual increase of gratitude as mood during the intervention. The effects of the 6-week gratitude intervention on mental well-being were mediated by increases of gratitude as mood at 4 weeks but not at 2 weeks. These findings suggest a dose-response relationship for gratitude interventions, but more research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst Bohlmeijer
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
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