Internalization of Western Ideals on Appearance and Self-Esteem in Jamaican Undergraduate Students.

Beauty ideals in the Caribbean are shifting with increased exposure to Western and European standards of appearance. Previous research has shown a consistent link between internalization of Western beauty ideals and depressive symptoms and other forms of psychological disturbance among diverse populations including Caribbeans. We examined the association between internalization of Western beauty ideals and depressive symptoms as well as the potential mediating role of self-esteem on this relation in N = 222 students (155 females, 79 males) attending a tertiary institution in Kingston, Jamaica. Internalization of Western ideals was inversely associated with self-esteem (r =- .35, p < .01) and positively associated with depressive symptoms (r =.13, p < .05). In a model adjusted for age and sex, results revealed a significant indirect effect of internalization of Western ideals of appearance on depressive symptoms via self-esteem (estimate= .21, SE = .05, 95% confidence interval [.13, .32]). The potent effects of culture must be better understood as intercontinental travel becomes less important as a mechanism for cultural exposure and exchange, and there is a significant increase of digital and internet access in the Caribbean. The current study suggest that Caribbeans are at significant risk for internalizing Western ideals of beauty, subsequently diminishing their self-esteem, and ultimately increasing depression symptomatology. The benefits and consequences of cultural exchange should continue to be a topic for research studies.

The Postinjury Psychological Sequelae of High-Level Jamaican Athletes: Exploration of a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder-Self-Efficacy Conceptualization.

CONTEXT: Athletes at the highest levels appear to be most affected by sport-related injuries and suffer both physiologically and psychologically. Established models of psychological responses to injury, however, do not offer a comprehensive explanation based on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), although some studies suggest that injuries may be interpreted as traumatic. Studies also suggest that perceived self-efficacy may be a mediator of PTSD development. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the psychological sequelae experienced by high-level athletes as a result of sport-related injuries based on a PTSD-self-efficacy framework. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design was used. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six athletes (30 males and 16 females) from 4 different sports were conveniently sampled and completed a questionnaire battery assessing injury characteristics, trauma sequelae, and self-efficacy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Present injury status, PTSD symptomatology, and general self-efficacy. RESULTS: Injury was found to be associated with elevated levels of PTSD symptomatology. The presence of injury was a significant predictor of general PTSD and, specifically, hyperarousal symptoms; however, general self-efficacy was not found to predict trauma-related symptoms. There were indications, however, that self-efficacy beliefs may affect injury-related factors. CONCLUSIONS: This research highlights the presence of PTSD-related psychological dysfunction associated with sport injury, and further uncovers the possible impacts of self-efficacy beliefs in managing the stress of injury. These findings highlight the need for psychological support as injured athletes undergo rehabilitation.

Locus of control, depression and quality of life among persons with sickle cell disease in Jamaica.

This study explored how locus of control (LOC), depression and quality of life (QOL) interplay in patients with sickle cell disease. One hundred and forty-three sickle cell clinic patients with consecutive clinic consultations completed the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control and Short Factor 36 (SF-36) scales as well as the Beck Depression Inventory. Participants in this study had higher scores on the "chance", "other people" and "internal" domains of LOC than persons with a number of other chronic illnesses in a previous study. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that high scores on the "internal" domain of LOC were associated with better QOL and fewer symptoms of depression. Depressive symptoms were greater in persons with high scores on the "other people" LOC domain and in younger persons. These findings would suggest that it is possible that interventions which enhance internal LOC and discourage "other people" orientations might improve QOL and ameliorate depression among persons with sickle cell disease.

The relationship between childhood sexual abuse and sexual dysfunction in Jamaican adults.

This study examined the associations between early traumatic sexualization and later sexual dysfunction in a sample of 100 Jamaican adults while identifying the linkages between age, frequency of abuse, and gender on sexual functioning. Participants were selected via purposive and convenience sampling and divided equally into comparison and experimental groups based on sociodemographic characteristics. Results indicated that childhood sexual abuse is a likely factor in the development of sexual dysfunction in Jamaican adults, especially in the domains of Orgasm and Sexual Drive and Relationship. Gender, frequency, and age of abuse are also seen to impact specific areas of an individual's sexual functioning. Results are discussed in light of previous research for their implications in order to better understand sexuality in the Jamaican context.