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Greenblatt-Kimron L. The association between looming cognitive style and posttraumatic stress symptoms: The case of older Holocaust survivors. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:1-8. [PMID: 38217944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The looming cognitive style (LCS) refers to a tendency to produce mental illustrations and images of adverse events and potentially threatening situations with perceived accumulating threat and danger. LCS is a well-known cognitive vulnerability for anxiety, nevertheless few studies examined the relationship between LCS and posttraumatic reactions. Among the existing studies, a higher LCS was reported in Holocaust survivors relative to matched comparisons, and directly associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in older Holocaust survivors. The current study aimed to expand the understanding of the relationship between LCS with PTSS in general, and among older Holocaust survivors in particular. Moreover, whether the number of Holocaust experiences encountered by Holocaust survivors moderated this relationship. The sample consisted of 153 older Holocaust survivors (Mage = 82.42, SD = 5.75). Participants were interviewed regarding their background characteristics, PTSS, LCS, and number of Holocaust experiences. Participants reporting higher LCS showed higher PTSS. There was an interaction between LCS and number of Holocaust experiences for predicting PTSS, suggesting that LCS was associated with higher PTSS to a stronger degree among Holocaust survivors who experienced a smaller number of Holocaust experiences. The findings indicate that Holocaust trauma may have influenced the LCS of Holocaust survivors throughout their lives and into old age. The results provide insight for mental health practitioners treating older Holocaust survivors in focusing on reducing schematic processing biases for threat information and anxiety to enhance better mental health for those suffering from posttraumatic stress symptoms.
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Palgi Y, Regev T, Ben-David BM. Associations among loneliness, internal locus of control and subjective accelerated ageing in older adults who received the booster vaccination. BJPsych Open 2024; 10:e54. [PMID: 38404027 PMCID: PMC10897693 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A rise in loneliness among older adults since the COVID-19 outbreak, even after vaccination, has been highlighted. Loneliness has deleterious consequences, with specific effects on perceptions of the ageing process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coping with stressful life events and the challenges of ageing may result in a perception of acceleration of this process. AIM Studies have shown a buffering effect of an internal locus of control in the relationship between COVID-19 stress and mental distress. The current study examined whether loneliness predicts subjective accelerated ageing and whether internal locus of control moderates this relationship. METHOD Two waves of community-dwelling older adults (M = 70.44, s.d. = 5.95; age range 61-88 years), vaccinated three times, were sampled by a web-survey company. Participants completed the questionnaire after the beginning of the third vaccination campaign and reported again 4 months later on loneliness, internal locus of control and subjective accelerated ageing level in the second wave. RESULTS Participants with higher levels of loneliness presented 4 months later with higher subjective accelerated ageing. Participants with a low level of internal locus of control presented 4 months later with high subjective accelerated ageing, regardless of their loneliness level. Participants with a high level of internal locus of control and a low level of loneliness presented with the lowest subjective accelerated ageing 4 months later. CONCLUSIONS The findings emphasise the deleterious effects of loneliness and low internal locus of control on older adults' perception of their ageing process. Practitioners should focus their interventions not only on loneliness but also on improving the sense of internal locus of control to improve subjective accelerated ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Tali Regev
- School of Economics, Reichman University (IDC), Israel
| | - Boaz M. Ben-David
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC), Israel; Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Canada; and KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Networks, Canada
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Shrira A, Ben-Ezra M, Palgi Y. Echoes of ancestral trauma: Russo-Ukrainian War salience and psychological distress among subsequent generations in Holocaust survivor families. Psychol Trauma 2023:2024-33539-001. [PMID: 38059939 DOI: 10.1037/tra0001633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Russo-Ukrainian War intensified when Russian troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The current study examined whether children (second generation; G2) and grandchildren (third generation; G3) of Holocaust survivors are more preoccupied with the war relative to comparisons. Moreover, whether there was more exacerbation in psychological distress in Holocaust survivor families relative to comparisons since the escalation of the war. METHOD A random sample from a web-based survey company included 1,071 Jewish Israeli adults (297 Holocaust G2, 224 comparison G2, 379 Holocaust G3, and 171 comparison G3). The average age of the participants was 62.95 ± 10.25, 61.79 ± 10.13, 34.02 ± 8.65, and 33.55 ± 8.26, respectively. Participants answered questionnaires on background characteristics, Russo-Ukrainian War exposure, Russo-Ukrainian War salience, and general psychological distress before and since the escalation of the war. RESULTS Findings showed that Holocaust G2 and G3, relative to comparisons, reported more Russo-Ukrainian War salience. Moreover, more psychological distress symptom exacerbation was found in Holocaust survivor families relative to comparisons since the escalation of the war. Finally, Holocaust G2 and G3 with more Holocaust survivors in the family showed higher anxious preoccupation with the war and Holocaust G3 with more survivor grandparents showed more exacerbation in psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest a specific vulnerability due to intergenerational transmission of trauma in Holocaust survivor families, including increased preoccupation with and perceptiveness to potential threats of human-induced trauma. Strengthening previous recommendations, mental health practitioners should focus on reducing the preoccupation with threat and the increased psychological distress of Holocaust survivor families when faced with current adversity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit Shrira
- Department of Social & Health Sciences, Bar-Ilan University
| | | | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa
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Kestler-Peleg M, Greenblatt-Kimron L, Even-Zohar A, Lavenda O. Parental Self-Efficacy Among Israeli Older Adults. Can J Aging 2023; 42:631-641. [PMID: 37272522 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980823000144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Parental self-efficacy (PSE) is a central aspect of parenting research. Although parenting continues in older ages, few studies have focused on PSE among older adults. In line with the parenting determinant model, the study examined the associations between psychological distress, social support, loneliness, and PSE in older age.The study used a quantitative cross-sectional survey, including 362 Israeli parents age 65 years and above. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires of psychological distress, social support, loneliness, PSE, and background information.Results revealed that higher PSE was associated with lower psychological distress, higher social support, and a lower sense of loneliness in older adults. The research model explained 36.9 per cent of the variance in PSE among older adults.Mental state and social conditions are important for PSE of older adults; therefore, professionals should ensure the availability of diverse solutions to enable, maintain, and promote well-being through social and familial engagement in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Osnat Lavenda
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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5
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Shacham M, Ben-Ezra M, Hamama-Raz Y, Palgi Y, Greenblatt-Kimron L. Dental anxiety and ageing anxiety: Moderated mediation roles of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and subjective accelerated ageing. J Oral Rehabil 2023; 50:1439-1445. [PMID: 37606322 DOI: 10.1111/joor.13569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral health and its relation to ageing is an important topic often neglected among geriatric populations. Proper oral rehabilitation may aid in alleviating mental health burdens in such populations. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to explore the association between dental anxiety and ageing anxiety, with regard to the interplay of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) as mediator and subjective accelerated ageing as a moderator. METHODS A total of 577 participants with mean age 72.78 years (SD = 3.832, range = 68-87) were recruited via a survey company in Israel. They completed a self-report battery of questionnaires about dental anxiety, OHRQoL, subjective accelerated ageing and ageing anxiety, along with their informed consent. RESULTS The findings revealed that dental anxiety was positively associated with ageing anxiety (direct effect), and that OHRQoL mediated the link between dental anxiety and ageing anxiety (indirect effect). Additionally, subjective accelerated ageing moderated the positive link between dental anxiety and OHRQoL, as well as the positive link between OHRQoL and ageing anxiety. CONCLUSIONS The results provide insight for the roles of OHRQoL and subjective accelerated ageing among older adults between dental anxiety and ageing anxiety. Tailoring oral rehabilitation interventions that focus on these factors are warranted to improve older adults' dental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maayan Shacham
- Unit of Medical Education, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Kagan M, Zychlinski E, Greenblatt-Kimron L. The mediating roles of optimism, loneliness, and psychological distress in the association between a sense of community and meaning in life among older adults. Am J Community Psychol 2023. [PMID: 37898970 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
A sense of community is known to be a protective factor for the well-being of older adults and meaning in life associated with positive mental outcomes. Nevertheless, there is a need to expand the knowledge of the role of a sense of community in meaning in life, particularly among older adults. Intending to broaden the empirical understanding from this perspective, the current study examined the mediating roles of optimism, loneliness, and psychological distress in the association between a sense of community and meaning in life. Participants included 740 community dwelling Israeli older adults (M = 71.96; SD = 5.81). Participants completed questionnaires on a sense of community, optimism, loneliness, psychological distress, meaning in life, and sociodemographic characteristics. A positive association was found between a sense of community with optimism, and a negative association with loneliness. A negative association between optimism with psychological distress and a positive link between loneliness with psychological distress was found, while a higher level of psychological distress was associated with a lower level of meaning in life. Practitioners should focus interventions with older adults on developing a sense of community, with the aim to promote optimism and, at the same time, reduce loneliness and thus decrease psychological distress while strengthening meaning in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Kagan
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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Ost-Mor S, Segel-Karpas D, Palgi Y, Yaira HR, Mayan S, Ben-Ezra M, Greenblatt-Kimron L. Let there be light: The moderating role of positive solitude in the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms. Int Psychogeriatr 2023:1-5. [PMID: 37800183 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610223000698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Positive solitude (PS), the choice of being alone to engage in meaningful inner or physical, spiritual, mental, or cognitive activity/ experience, was recently suggested as a stand-alone phenomenon differentiated from loneliness and negative solitude. As loneliness was previously found to have adverse implications for mental health, the present study examined whether the ability to engage in PS can moderate the harmful effect of loneliness on depressive symptoms. The sample consisted of 520 community-dwelling older adults in Israel aged 68-87 (Mage = 72.66). Participants answered an online questionnaire through a survey company (Ipanel) assessing their background characteristics, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and PS. Loneliness was positively associated with depressive symptoms, whereas PS was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, PS moderated the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms, such that higher levels of PS weakened this association. The findings indicate that PS may serve as a buffering factor for mental health among older adults by augmenting coping with the adverse outcomes of loneliness. The results provide insight for tailoring future treatment interventions focusing on PS to enhance mental health among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Ost-Mor
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Shacham Mayan
- Unit of Medical Education, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Palgi Y, Greenblatt-Kimron L, Ben-Ezra M, Shrira A. Trauma-related and risk factors associated with perceived exacerbation in psychological distress due to the Russo-Ukrainian war. Psychiatry Res 2023; 328:115451. [PMID: 37660583 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
This study examined trauma-related and other potential risk factors associated with perceived exacerbation in psychological distress among Israelis due to the Russo-Ukrainian War. Specifically, we assessed how vulnerability factors such as previous traumatic exposure, having relatives and friends affected by the war, media exposure, having a Holocaust familial background, lower levels of resilience, and probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) are associated with perceived exacerbation in psychological distress. A random sample of 845 Israeli Jews aged 18-75 who reported exposure to at least one traumatic event participated in the study. Univariate logistic regression showed that Holocaust familial background, previous exposure to trauma, media exposure to the Russo-Ukrainian War, and probable diagnosis of PTSD or CPTSD are the main factors associated with perceived exacerbation in psychological distress. These results suggest that various traumatic factors associate with perceived higher psychological vulnerability to international conflicts, even when there is no direct personal threat. Practitioners should be aware of these factors among individuals exposed to trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | | | | | - Amit Shrira
- Department of Social & Health Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Ben-Ezra M, Shacham M, Hamama-Raz Y, Palgi Y. Factors associated with ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder and complex posttraumatic stress disorder among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2023; 10:e49. [PMID: 37854413 PMCID: PMC10579674 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2023.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD have been understudied in the older population. The study focused on the associations between traumatic exposure before the pandemic, COVID-19 worries, depression, and loneliness with current PTSD and CPTSD among older adults. A random sample of five hundred and twelve Israeli older adults (Mage = 72.67 ± 3.81, range 68-87) was recruited using a Web-based survey company (Ipanel, Israel). Participants completed questionnaires of demographic details, self-rated health, COVID-19 worries, trauma exposure, depressive symptoms, level of loneliness, PTSD, and CPTSD. Univariate logistic regression revealed that trauma exposure, COVID-19 worries, depression, and loneliness were associated with PTSD. Multinomial regression revealed that only trauma exposure was associated with PTSD among older adults with PTSD compared with those not reaching the PTSD cutoff level. In the comparison between older adults suffering from CPTSD with those not reaching the PTSD cutoff level, being married, higher levels of trauma exposure, COVID-19 worries, depression, and loneliness were associated with a higher risk of CPTSD. Results suggest that specific factors may be significant psychological correlates of CPTSD symptoms among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying these factors could assist practitioners in tailoring more effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maayan Shacham
- Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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10
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Rosenfeld M, Goldblatt H, Greenblatt-Kimron L, Cohen M. "There is a God or There is No God-It is in the Hands of God:" Fatalistic Beliefs Among Israeli People About Cancer and Their Impact on Behavioral Outcomes. J Relig Health 2023; 62:2033-2049. [PMID: 36738394 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01751-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study examined fatalistic beliefs and cancer causal attributions among people without cancer. Participants were 30 Israeli women and men aged 51-70 from diverse sociocultural backgrounds who participated in four focus groups. Three main themes emerged, referring to the variability in fatalistic beliefs of cancer occurrence and cancer outcome, the duality in attributing causality to divine providence and mere luck or chance, and the connection between distinct fatalistic beliefs and health behaviors. Data analysis enabled an expansion of the understanding of cancer fatalism as a multidimensional structure, whereby interactions between causality attribution and different fatalistic beliefs are related to prevention and screening behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hadass Goldblatt
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | | | - Miri Cohen
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Karatzias T, Yonatan M, Shoham A, Hyland P, Ben-Ezra M, Shevlin M. Early maladaptive schemas and ICD-11 CPTSD symptoms: Treatment considerations. Psychol Psychother 2023; 96:117-128. [PMID: 36253922 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) can result from adverse interpersonal traumatic experiences. The ICD-11 updated the concept of disorders following traumatic experiences with the new disorder of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). There is now a need to develop and test interventions for CPTSD. An essential step in identifying interventions that are particularly relevant to the treatment of CPTSD is to explore psychological constructs associated more closely with CPTSD compared to PTSD. The current study explored the associations of EMS with PTSD and CPTSD. DESIGN The sample consisted of 603 adults (mean age = 41.65, SD = 13.8), recruited through social media and e-mails, and who responded to an online questionnaire. METHODS Participants completed measures of demographic, traumatic life events, EMS, PTSD and CPTSD symptoms. RESULTS Overall, results suggest that participants with CPTSD present with higher schema elevations across all schemas compared to those with PTSD or no diagnosis. Secondly, the schemas of emotional deprivation, abandonment/instability, social isolation/alienation, defectiveness/shame, enmeshment/undeveloped self, subjugation, emotional inhibition and insufficient self-control/self-discipline were significantly associated with the symptom clusters of CPTSD. Finally, results indicate that different schemas form significant associations with the individual symptom clusters of CPTSD. CONCLUSIONS Although results require replication in clinical samples, initial findings suggest that specific EMS may be important psychological correlates of CPTSD symptoms. Wider treatment considerations of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thanos Karatzias
- School of Health & Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK.,Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Maya Yonatan
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Adi Shoham
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland.,Trinity Centre for Global Health, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Mark Shevlin
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Shinan-Altman S, Alperin M, Levkovich I. Depression and Medicine Use among Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Psychosocial Resources and COVID-19 Perceived Susceptibility. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:3398. [PMID: 36834090 PMCID: PMC9961318 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A relationship was found between the COVID-19 pandemic and depression among older adults and between depressed mood and increased use of antidepressant medication among older adults during the pandemic. With the aim of broadening the understanding of these relationships, the study examined whether COVID-19 perceived susceptibility mediates the relationship between psychosocial resources (optimism and perceived social support) and depressive symptoms and medication use. Participants included 383 older adults (M = 71.75, SD = 6.77) reporting on socio-demographics, health characteristics, depression, optimism, social support, and COVID-19 perceived susceptibility. Medication use was retrieved from participants medical files. Lower optimism, lower social support, and higher COVID-19 perceived susceptibility were associated with greater depression, related with higher medication use. The findings emphasize the buffering effect of psychosocial resources on the adverse effects of depression affecting older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, and consequently, the increased use of medication in this population. Practitioners should focus interventions on enhancing optimism and expanding social support among older adults. Moreover, interventions focused on alleviating depression among older adults should aim at improving perceptions of perceived susceptibility in the older population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shiri Shinan-Altman
- Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Mordechai Alperin
- Department of Family Medicine, The Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
- Clalit Health Services, Haifa and Western Galilee District, Tel Aviv 6209804, Israel
| | - Inbar Levkovich
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Oranim Academic College of Education, Kiryat Tivon 3600600, Israel
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13
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Kagan M, Zychlinski E. Meaning in Life among Older Adults: An Integrative Model. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph192416762. [PMID: 36554641 PMCID: PMC9779067 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Meaning in life (MIL) among older adults has a significant physical and mental health impact. This study aimed to present an integrative model of factors that contribute to variability in MIL among older adults, including background characteristics (gender, age, employment status, religiosity), personality characteristics (locus of control, self-efficacy, optimism), and psycho-social factors (psychological distress and loneliness). Participants (751 older adults, Mage = 72.27, SD = 6.28; 446 female, 305 male) responded to a questionnaire in-person or online. Measures included: demographic variables, Short Scale for the Assessment of Locus of Control, New General Self-Efficacy Scale, Life Orientation Test-Revised, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and Hughes Short Scale for Measuring Loneliness. Hierarchical regression revealed that younger and religious older adults reported higher MIL levels than older and non-religious older adults. Internal locus of control, higher self-efficacy, and higher optimism were linked to higher MIL levels. Higher psychological distress and loneliness were associated with lower MIL levels, with psychological distress contributing the most of all variables in the study model to explain the variance in MIL among older adults. Employed older old adults reported lower MIL levels than those unemployed. The study emphasizes the importance of an integrative approach in the examination of MIL among older adults.
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Shrira A, Rubinstein T, Palgi Y. Family involvement and secondary traumatization in Holocaust survivor families: An actor-partner interdependence model. Psychol Trauma 2022; 15:2022-70409-001. [PMID: 35708928 DOI: 10.1037/tra0001264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aimed to examine the interpersonal relationships between family involvement (i.e., emotional and behavioral strategies that underscore family members' well-being and familial legacy) and secondary traumatization (i.e., symptoms of distress resulting from close contact with a traumatized individual) in Holocaust survivors and comparison families. We assessed levels of family involvement and secondary traumatization in children and grandchildren of survivors (Holocaust G2 and G3) and comparisons. Next, we examined whether there are within and between generation relationships between family involvement and secondary traumatization (i.e., G2's family involvement affects G3's secondary traumatization and vice versa). METHOD The sample included 92 Holocaust G2-G3 dyads and 67 equivalent comparison dyads (comparison G2 and G3 of European origin, whose parents or grandparents were not in Nazi/pro-Nazi dominated countries). Participants answered questionaries on background characteristics, family involvement, and secondary traumatization. RESULTS Secondary traumatization was significantly higher among Holocaust G2 and G3 than comparison G2 and G3, respectively. Family involvement was significantly higher among Holocaust G2 than comparison G2. An Actor-Partner Interdependence model showed that participants who reported greater family involvement reported higher secondary traumatization in all families (i.e., an actor effect). A significant partner effect was found only in Holocaust families. In these families, greater family involvement in one generation was related to higher secondary traumatization in the other generation. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest a unique interpersonal mechanism of intergenerational transmission of trauma in Holocaust families that appears to affect both generations, which may help design multigenerational interventions with survivor families, focusing on family involvement. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit Shrira
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences
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15
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Hoffman Y, Palgi Y, Goodwin R, Ben-Ezra M, Greenblatt-Kimron L. Severe Covid-19 Vaccine Side-Effects are Rare in Older Adults yet are Linked With Depressive Symptoms. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 30:115-116. [PMID: 34686410 PMCID: PMC8482552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaakov Hoffman
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences (YH), Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
| | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology (YP), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Robin Goodwin
- Department of Psychology (RG), Warwick University, Coventry, UK
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Palgi Y, Hayun Y, Greenblatt-Kimron L. The Relation Between Loneliness or Positive Solitude with Posttraumatic Symptoms of Holocaust Survivors. GeroPsych 2021. [DOI: 10.1024/1662-9647/a000258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. The current study examined how reported early life experiences of isolation encountered by Holocaust survivors affect the relationship between their current feeling of loneliness/feeling of positive solitude and their level of posttraumatic stress symptoms. To this end, using a convenient sampling methodology 81 community-dwelling older adults reported the number of years they had been alone or the level of loneliness they had experienced during the Holocaust, their level of current loneliness/positive solitude, and their level of posttraumatic stress symptoms. More years spent alone during the Holocaust were related to a stronger positive association between loneliness and posttraumatic stress symptoms; feeling lonelier was also related to a stronger negative association between positive solitude and posttraumatic stress symptoms. The findings emphasize that survivors who reported more years of isolation during the Holocaust are prone to be more sensitive when associated with current loneliness to the deleterious results of posttraumatic stress symptoms. However, survivors who felt lonelier during the Holocaust demonstrate lower levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms when reporting on a higher level of positive solitude. Intervention focus on improving positive solitude capability may become beneficial for those suffering from loneliness and posttraumatic stress symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Yonat Hayun
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Israel
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17
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Palgi Y, Greenblatt-Kimron L, Hoffman Y, Goodwin R, Ben-Ezra M. Factors associated with current posttraumatic stress disorder among COVID-19 vaccinated older adults in Israel. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 142:272-274. [PMID: 34392054 PMCID: PMC8353618 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This is the first study to examine COVID-19 vaccine-related stressors in the context of current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms amongst older adults exposed to traumatic events prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, with particular focus on the associations between ageism, vaccine-related stressors and PTSD. Five hundred and sixty-three participants aged 65 and above reported exposure to at least one traumatic event, their current PTSD level, physical and mental health, ageist attitudes, and vaccine related stressors. Univariate logistic regression revealed that depressive symptoms, ageism, vaccine hesitancy and severity of side effects were the main factors associated with clinical levels of current PTSD. These results suggest that older adults were vulnerable to intensified PTSD symptoms, not only as a result of greater depression, but also as a consequence of other factors, including ageism, vaccination hesitancy and vaccination side effects. Practitioners would benefit from awareness to these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | | | - Yaakov Hoffman
- Interdisciplinary Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Robin Goodwin
- Department of Psychology, Warwick University, Coventry, UK
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18
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Kestler-Peleg M, Even-Zohar A, Lavenda O. Death Anxiety and Loneliness among Older Adults: Role of Parental Self-Efficacy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18189857. [PMID: 34574776 PMCID: PMC8470864 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Death anxiety and loneliness are major issues for older people. The present study aimed to broaden the understanding of factors that are linked with increased loneliness in old age by examining the association between death anxiety and loneliness, and the role of an unexplored variable among older adults, namely, parental self-efficacy. A convenience sample of 362 Israeli parents over the age of 65 was recruited through means of social media. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires, which included background characteristics, death anxiety, parental self-efficacy, and loneliness measures. The findings showed that death anxiety was positively associated with loneliness among older adults. The findings also confirmed that parental self-efficacy moderated this association in this population. We concluded that the combination of death anxiety and low parental self-efficacy identified a group of older adults that are at higher risk of developing increased loneliness levels. Mental health professionals should consider intergenerational relationships as a fundamental component of older adults' daily lives, focusing on parental self-efficacy in old age, as this appears to be a resilience resource.
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19
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Cohen M, Rosenfeld M, Greenblatt-Kimron L. Associations Between Cancer Fatalism, Causal Attributions, and Perceptions of Benefits and Barriers to Screening for Colorectal Cancer. Int J Behav Med 2021; 29:357-366. [PMID: 34523072 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-10023-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to assess the associations between cancer causal attributions (divine providence, chance or luck, environmental or genetic factors, weak personal resilience), cancer fatalistic beliefs (cancer occurrence and outcome beliefs), and benefits of and barriers to screening for early detection of colorectal cancer. METHODS It was a cross-sectional study of 252 individuals (46% men and 54% women) aged 50-75. Participants completed measures of cancer causal attributions, Powe's cancer fatalism questionnaire, and the benefits and barriers to colorectal cancer screening subscales of the health belief model. The study model was assessed using path analysis and mediation tests. RESULTS Participants expressed moderate levels of occurrence and outcome of fatalistic beliefs, moderate levels of causal attributions, a high level of perception of the benefits of screening, and a moderate level of barriers to screening. The path model showed good fit measures (χ2 = 17.38, df = 14, p = .24; χ2/df = 1.24; NFI = .98; TLI = .99; CFI = .99; RMSEA = .03, 90% CI = .01, .07). Outcome fatalism mediated the relationship between each causal attribution and perceived barriers, whereas occurrence fatalism mediated only the relationship between the causal attribution of divine providence and the perceived benefits of screening. CONCLUSIONS The results add to our understanding of the effects of causal attributions and fatalistic beliefs on perceptions of benefits and barriers to screening; hence, these factors should be the focus of change to reduce barriers to screening for early detection of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miri Cohen
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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20
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Pinto G, Greenblatt-Kimron L, Marai I, Lorber A, Lowenstein A, Cohen M. The Role of Affect as a Mediator between Coping Resources and Heart Rate Variability among Older Adults. Exp Aging Res 2021; 48:136-149. [PMID: 34133261 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2021.1923326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart rate variability (HRV) has been suggested as an indicator of capacity to adapt effectively to physiological or environmental challenges and of physical and psychological health in old age. AIMS The study assessed levels of high-frequency HRV (HF-HRV) among older adults in relation to positive and negative affect and the mediating role of positive and negative affect in the association between coping resources (perceived social support and sense of mastery) and HF-HRV. METHOD Participants were 187 men and women in three assisted-living residences who were independent in activities of daily living (93.4% participation rate). The participants completed sense of mastery, multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and positive and negative affect questionnaires. HF-HRV was derived from electrocardiography data measured by a Holter monitoring device for 15 minutes. RESULTS The empirical model showed good fit indices indicating that higher HF-HRV was associated with lower negative affect, and negative affect mediated the association between perceived social support and HF-HRV. In addition, perceived social support and sense of mastery were associated with higher positive affect and lower negative affect. CONCLUSIONS Although this was a cross-sectional study, it suggests that HF-HRV may be a link between affect and health in old age. It also suggests the importance of identification and intervention with older adults and their support systems to reduce negative affect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galit Pinto
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa,Israel.,Geriatric Hospital Rehabilitation-Bait Balev, Nesher, Israel
| | | | - Ibrahim Marai
- Cardiovascular Department, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel and the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Israel
| | - Avraham Lorber
- Pediatric Cardiology Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Miri Cohen
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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21
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Shrira A, Rubinstein T, Palgi Y. Event centrality and secondary traumatization among Holocaust survivors' offspring and grandchildren: A three-generation study. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 81:102401. [PMID: 33932631 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the intergenerational transmission of the Holocaust trauma in relation to levels of secondary traumatization and event centrality across three generations in a cross-sectional survey. Participants included 92 Holocaust survivor-offspring-grandchild triads (Holocaust G1-G2-G3) and 67 comparison triads (Comparison G1-G2-G3). Holocaust G1 reported higher levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms relative to Comparison G1. Holocaust G2 and G3 reported significantly higher secondary traumatization relative to Comparison G2 and G3, respectively. Holocaust G3 also reported significantly higher scores in event centrality relative to Comparison G3. In survivor families, the indirect effect of PTSD symptoms in Holocaust G1 predicted Holocaust G2's secondary traumatization, which subsequently predicted Holocaust G3's secondary traumatization. Moreover, PTSD symptoms in Holocaust G1 predicted Holocaust G3's event centrality through secondary traumatization in both Holocaust G2 and G3 and event centrality in Holocaust G2. In the comparison groups, trauma transmission was not observed in three generations. Findings elucidate unique intergenerational transmission of the Holocaust trauma in survivor families, which comprise both personal and societal constituents. Moreover, the findings show that event centrality is a distinctive mechanism in intergenerational transmission in survivor families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit Shrira
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Tom Rubinstein
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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22
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Ring L, Hoffman Y, Shrira A, Bodner E, Palgi Y. Subjective accelerated aging moderates the association between COVID-19 health worries and peritraumatic distress among older adults. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2021; 8:e16. [PMID: 34192002 PMCID: PMC8082123 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2021.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study examined whether subjective accelerated aging moderated the relationship between COVID-19 health worries and COVID-19 peritraumatic distress among older adults. METHOD The sample consisted of 277 older adults (M = 69.58, s.d. = 6.73, range 60-92) who answered an online questionnaire during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in Israel. Participants completed the measures of background characteristics, exposure to COVID-19, COVID-19 health worries, subjective accelerated aging and COVID-19-based peritraumatic distress. RESULTS Higher levels of COVID-19 health worries were correlated with higher levels of peritraumatic distress symptoms among older adults. Moreover, those reporting accelerated aging also reported a higher level of peritraumatic distress. Finally, the interaction between COVID-19 health worries and subjective accelerated aging predicted peritraumatic distress, suggesting that COVID-19 worries were associated with peritraumatic distress to a stronger degree among older adults who felt they were aging faster. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that negative views of aging may serve as an amplifying factor for traumatic distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although preliminary, the findings provide insight for potential screening and interventions of older adults at risk of developing peritraumatic distress symptoms during the global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lia Ring
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yaakov Hoffman
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Amit Shrira
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ehud Bodner
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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23
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Shacham M, Greenblatt-Kimron L, Hamama-Raz Y, Martin LR, Peleg O, Ben-Ezra M, Mijiritsky E. Increased COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy and Health Awareness amid COVID-19 Vaccinations Programs in Israel. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:3804. [PMID: 33917327 PMCID: PMC8038659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In January 2021, Israel started vaccinating healthcare workers (HCWs) and individuals older than 65 years with COVID-19 vaccines. Scientific literature points to vaccine hesitancy as being a major health concern. During time of pandemics, increased consciousness of health behaviors may be encountered. The current study aimed to assess attitudes to general vaccines and to COVID-19 vaccines in particular among adult (>18) Israeli general public, and among Israeli dentists and dental hygienists. Cross-sectional surveys were filled out by a total of 501 participants (361 Israeli adults >18 years, 73 dental hygienists, and 67 dentists). Along with basic demographics, participants responded to the Hebrew VAX, COVID-VAX and HCS scales. Group comparisons were analyzed using t tests and ANOVAs with Scheffe's test used for post hoc comparisons. Dental hygienists demonstrated significantly higher anti-vaccinations approaches than both dentists (p < 0.01) and the general public (p < 0.05). In all groups, attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccines were more negative compared to attitudes towards general vaccines, with hygienists demonstrating significant negative attitudes compared to dentists (p < 0.05). The general public (p = 0.56) and hygienists demonstrated increased health awareness compared to dentists (p < 0.05). As health awareness has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic primary strategies to combat vaccine hesitancy should be implemented in the general public, and in particular, an dental teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maayan Shacham
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (M.S.); (L.G.-K.); (Y.H.-R.); (M.B.-E.)
| | - Lee Greenblatt-Kimron
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (M.S.); (L.G.-K.); (Y.H.-R.); (M.B.-E.)
| | - Yaira Hamama-Raz
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (M.S.); (L.G.-K.); (Y.H.-R.); (M.B.-E.)
| | - Leslie R. Martin
- Department of Psychology, La Sierra University, Riverside, CA 92515, USA;
| | - Oren Peleg
- Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel;
| | - Menachem Ben-Ezra
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (M.S.); (L.G.-K.); (Y.H.-R.); (M.B.-E.)
| | - Eitan Mijiritsky
- Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel;
- The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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24
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Greenblatt-Kimron L. World assumptions and post-traumatic growth among older adults: The case of Holocaust survivors. Stress Health 2021; 37:353-363. [PMID: 33098210 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic events may lead to post-traumatic growth (PTG). Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanisms leading to PTG, especially among older adults. This study sought to examine the direct relationship between world assumptions and PTG and the indirect relationship between them via two possible mediation pathways: post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and meaning in life. One hundred fifty-nine Holocaust survivors participated in the study (mean age = 82.34, SD = 5.81). Participants completed questionnaires of world assumptions, meaning in life, PTSS and PTG. The findings showed that world assumptions were positive and were positively associated with meaning in life and PTG and negatively associated with PTSS. The results of the multiple mediation model suggest that meaning in life and PTSS partially mediated the relations between world assumptions and PTG. Positive world assumptions were associated with higher meaning in life, which was associated with higher PTG. In contrast, despite the direct association between PTSS and PTG, the mediating effect of PTSS was negative, thus the more positive the world assumptions, the higher the PTG mediated by lower PTSS. The results suggest that the relationship between world assumptions and PTG may be direct and indirect. These findings suggest possible mechanisms underlying PTG, especially in old age.
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25
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Ring L, Greenblatt-Kimron L, Palgi Y. The moderating role of subjective nearness-to-death in the association between health worries and death anxieties from COVID-19. Death Stud 2020; 46:1762-1767. [PMID: 32960745 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1821261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine whether subjective nearness-to-death moderated the association between health worries and death anxiety due to the COVID-19 outbreak among older adults in Israel. Using an online survey, 277 participants were recruited and completed self-reported questionnaires, which included background characteristics, exposure to COVID-19 risk experiences, self-rated health, subjective nearness-to-death, health worries regarding COVID-19, and death anxiety. Findings revealed that subjective nearness-to-death moderated the association between health worries and death anxiety. The importance and significance of subjective perceptions concerning the distance from death as far, which may serve as a resilient resource, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Ring
- Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | | | - Yuval Palgi
- Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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26
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Cohen M, Rosenfeld M, Greenblatt-Kimron L. Development and validation of the Fatalistic Causal Attributions of Cancer Questionnaire: A three-phase study. Psychooncology 2020; 30:35-43. [PMID: 32856371 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tools have been developed to assess the existence and intensity of fatalistic beliefs. Causal attributions of cancer, referring to the foundation for fatalistic views of cancer as being predetermined or reflecting an unavoidable death, are lacking. The aim was to develop and validate the Fatalistic Causal Attributions of Cancer Questionnaire, a measurement tool for studying the causal attributions of cancer. METHODS Three-phase study. Phase I: Item extraction and development based on focus groups (N = 30) and assessment of content validity. Phase II: Assessment of quality of items and construct validity (exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and convergent validity) of data from 252 participants (aged 50-75). Phase III: Confirmatory factor analysis and assessment of the discriminant validity and reliability of the questionnaire with 127 online respondents (aged 20-70). RESULTS In Phase I, an initial questionnaire was constructed. In Phase II, four factors were identified: Belief in divine providence, belief in personal resilience as a protective factor, belief in chance or luck, and belief in inevitable environmental or genetic factors. The factorial structure of an 18-item version that emerged in the confirmatory factor analysis had good fit indexes and reliability measures. In Phase III, the 18-item questionnaire and its factorial structure and reliability were confirmed. CONCLUSION The findings show acceptable psychometric properties for the questionnaire. We suggest that this questionnaire should be used with an existing questionnaire that assesses the intensity of fatalistic perceptions for a more comprehensive assessment of fatalism in research and in promoting adherence to screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miri Cohen
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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27
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Cohen M. The role of cognitive processing in the relationship of posttraumatic stress symptoms and depression among older Holocaust survivors: a moderated-mediation model. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping 2019; 33:59-74. [DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2019.1669787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lee Greenblatt-Kimron
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Miri Cohen
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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