ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: A defense mechanism is an automatic psychological process necessary for successful adaptation. It reflects adaptive capacity. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between the adaptation ability of individuals who face mandatory military service and the pattern of defense mechanisms. METHODS: The subjects were 69 men (21.4±2.2 years) who expressed psychological difficulties in three military service situations. Control group was 36 men (24.0±1.4 years) who had successfully completed military service. We examined psychiatric history, the pattern of defense mechanisms, and depression and anxiety levels. Defense mechanisms were compared between two groups. RESULTS: The maladjusted group used immature defenses more frequently than the control group did. There were no differences in the defense patterns according to diagnosis. The control group used more identification and rationalization, classified as immature defenses. The temporarily maladjusted group used more somatization, regression, and avoidance. CONCLUSION: Using mature defense mechanisms helped young adults to adapt to a particular situation. The maturity of the defense is more valuable than the psychiatric diagnosis. Some immature defenses are also helpful to adapt. We cautiously assume that some defenses can be protective or risk factors in adapting to stressful situations by young adults.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Young Adult , Anxiety , Defense Mechanisms , Depression , Diagnosis , Korea , Mental Disorders , Military Personnel , Rationalization , Risk Factors , Social AdjustmentABSTRACT
RESUMEN La tasa de cirugía bariátrica en personas cada vez más jóvenes ha ido aumentando, sin embargo, son escasos los datos sobre la evolución del funcionamiento psicosocial de población joven sometida a esta intervención. Surge la necesidad de conocer diferencias y similitudes con población adulta. Objetivo: Explorar las experiencias y necesidades pre y postoperatorias de jóvenes sometidos a cirugía bariátrica en centros de salud de Chile. Método: Estudio cualitativo de alcance exploratorio/descriptivo y de corte transversal. Se aplicaron entrevistas semi-estructuradas a 27 jóvenes de entre 18 y 27 años sometidos a cirugía bariátrica. Los datos fueron analizados mediante la técnica de codificación abierta de la teoría fundamentada. Resultados: Se identifican cuatro categorías respecto a la evolución del proceso operatorio, incluyendo: historial de obesidad, motivos de consulta, vivencias postoperatorias, y factores ambientales y personales facilitadores del proceso. Discusión: Los participantes exhiben, en general, experiencias similares a las reportadas por adultos. No obstante, se evidencian elementos específicos al contexto y etapa evolutiva de la juventud, que son necesarios de considerar en el acompañamiento profesional y familiar pre y postoperatorio a corto y largo plazo.
ABSTRACT The rate of bariatric surgery has increased in younger populations, nonetheless data about the psychosocial evolution of young adults who undergo this intervention is scarce. Thus, there is a need to understand the differences and similarities of experiences compared with older adults. Aim: To explore pre- and post-operative experiences and needs of young adults who underwent bariatric surgery in health care centers in Chile. Method: Cross-sectional qualitative study with an exploratory/descriptive scope. We interviewed 27 young adults between 18 and 27 years old, who underwent bariatric surgery. Data were analyzed using open coding technique from grounded theory. Results: Four categories regarding the evolution of the operative process were identified. These included: obesity history, surgery motives, postoperative experiences, as well as environmental and personal facilitators of the process. Discussion: Participants, in general, showed similar experiences compared to the ones reported by adults. Nonetheless, we found specific elements of the developmental period and age-specific context, which are necessary to consider for the short- and long-term pre- and post-operative professional and family support.
Subject(s)
Humans , Patients , Health Centers , Adolescent , Bariatric Surgery , Young Adult , Postoperative Period , Preoperative Period , ObesityABSTRACT
Young Adults with diabetes mellitus suffer from low blood sugar levels due to the influences of their personal and social environments. In addition, they experience a constantly declining motivation, causing them to experience burn-out and eventually lose their quality of life. Considering this, diabetic education should be able to understand and take into account the characteristics of young adult patients while implementing various different approaches.