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1.
Geriatrics (Basel) ; 9(3)2024 May 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38920428

ABSTRACT

Gratitude is a well-known and researched internal positive psychological resource. Empirical data, however, on the association between gratitude, meaning in life, and burden in family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease is scant. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the relationships among these variables in a sample of family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's; and (2) determine if gratitude mediates the effects of perceived burden on meaning in life in this population. One-hundred and twenty-six adult family caregivers, most of whom were an intimate partner or adult child of a person with Alzheimer's, completed the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six Item, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Zarit Burden Inventory, and other relevant measures. A series of OLS regression models, guided by the caregiver stress process model, were conducted. These analyses demonstrated that gratitude was a predictor of the presence of meaning in life among the caregivers in this study even when other key variables were considered. Furthermore, analyses revealed that gratitude fully mediated the effects of caregiver burden on the presence of meaning in life in this sample. Thus, clinicians should consider gratitude as an important internal resource for cultivating meaning in life in this population, especially when caregiver burden is present. Gratitude-bolstering clinical interventions should be further developed and tested as both stand-alone and complimentary additions to empirically supported psychoeducational approaches for supporting health and well-being in this population.

2.
Geriatrics (Basel) ; 9(2)2024 Mar 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38525755

ABSTRACT

The experience of burden among family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia may be deleterious for their health and well-being. Little is known, however, about the degree to which internal positive psychological resources, such as hope, influence burden perceptions in this population. The current study is novel in that it examined how multiple dimensions of hope, hope-agency and hope-pathway, influenced burden in a sample of one-hundred and fifty-five family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease. The stress process model was used as the theoretical framework for variable specification in this study. Hope was conceptualized using Snyder and colleagues' hope theory. Supporting our first hypothesis, we found that burden was negatively associated with hope-agency, r = -0.33, p < 0.001 and hope-pathway, r = -0.24, p < 0.01. Multiple regression was used to determine if hope-agency and hope-pathway independently contributed to burden. Analysis revealed that hope-agency but not hope-pathway influenced burden when other key variables were taken into consideration. Findings from mediation analysis affirmed that hope-agency had a small but significant mediation effect between stress and burden in this sample. This study provides evidence for the relevance of assessing multiple dimensions of hope when working with caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's. Although replication studies are warranted, the current study confirms a need for further development and refinement of hope-bolstering behavioral interventions which may mediate stress and burden in this population. These interventions should be systematically assessed for efficacy and effectiveness via implementation studies in real-world settings.

3.
J Gerontol Soc Work ; 67(3): 306-321, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37768188

ABSTRACT

This paper explores how social workers integrate personal spirituality within nursing homes, where a highly regulated, stressful environment marginalizes professional identity and challenges retention. Researchers offer new evidence of how spirituality informs professional identity, ethical practice, and continuation in the role. Twenty BSW/MSW licensed nursing home social workers (NHSWs) reported how they daily navigate the personal spirituality-at-work opportunity and challenge. Qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews resulted in three primary codes and related subcodes: Spirituality-Integrated Professional Identity (Vocational Affirmation and Value Alignment), Spirituality-Informed Practice (Intervention Asset, Relational Affinity, and Ambiguous Boundaries), and Spiritually-Sustained Career Resilience. Respondents reported how spirituality animated professional identity, informed daily role enactment, and sustained role involvement. Recommendations are provided for normalizing ethical spirituality-at-work through social work education and practical guidance in navigating the spirituality and practice space.


Subject(s)
Resilience, Psychological , Spirituality , Humans , Social Workers , Nursing Homes , Skilled Nursing Facilities
4.
Dementia (London) ; 22(1): 46-67, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36215111

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence that individuals' virtues and character strengths can contribute to a sense of fulfillment, the majority of dementia research focuses on losses and decline. To date, virtues and character strengths in persons living with dementia is an understudied phenomena. This study begins to addresses this gap in the literature. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to: (1) examine the expression of virtues and character strengths in persons living with dementia in the early stages; and (2) share implications and recommendations for strengths-based clinical practice and future research. METHODS: Qualitative data was utilized to examine virtues and character strengths among persons living with dementia. This data was derived from semi-structured interviews with 25 persons living with dementia age 65 or older (average age of 77.88). The interviews were audio recorded with consent, professionally transcribed, audit checked, and subjected to Interpretive Phenomenological analysis which was informed by the Values in Action (VIA) framework. FINDINGS: Each of the virtues and 24 corresponding character strengths from the VIA framework were observed in this sample. The most frequently observed character strengths were love, spirituality, perseverance, and gratitude. IMPLICATIONS: Persons with dementia continue to express virtues and character strengths in the context of cognitive and functional changes. Positive strengths-based research and clinical practice should highlight and build upon these individual virtues and character strengths.


Subject(s)
Dementia , Virtues , Humans , Aged , Character , Personal Satisfaction
5.
J Appl Gerontol ; 41(11): 2353-2361, 2022 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35751168

ABSTRACT

Experienced senior living leaders (SLLs) report the impact of spirituality and religious practice on SLL role adaptation and continuation. The sample included 18 SLLs in 18 skilled care settings representing public, non-profit, and for-profit types of incorporation, with oversampling of for-profit facilities. The average years of SLL experience was 24 years. In-depth interviews were examined through a thematic analysis approach using Excel software. Seventy-eight percent described how a higher power, religious beliefs, and faith practices were associated with their role. Their narratives revealed three major themes: Frame (calling and pre-dispositional spiritual beliefs and religious practices), Role Performance (how spirituality informed SLL administrative practice), and Benefits (perceived rewards of adherence to spiritual beliefs and practices). Further analysis of the three themes produced codes that added greater specification for each theme. Implications provided for normalizing the spirituality and work-life intersect and infusing ethical integration of spirituality and work-life in SLL educational programs.


Subject(s)
Assisted Living Facilities , Leadership , Religion , Spirituality , Humans
6.
Clin Pediatr (Phila) ; 60(2): 100-108, 2021 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32959667

ABSTRACT

The authors adapted the established Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) interaction model for use in integrated behavioral health clinics. CARE was modified for delivery in the examination room, during routine primary care visits. Adopting a real-world implementation approach, clinical social workers were trained in the new model-IntegratedCARE-and provided the brief, 3-session treatment to 30 different parent-child dyads. Measurements included the Parental Stress Index-4 Short Form (PSI 4-SF), the Eyberg Childhood Behavior Inventory (ECBI), and the Therapy Attitude Inventory (TAI). There was a statistically significant mean score decrease on the both subscales of the ECBI at pre- and posttreatment. Scores on the TAI indicated that participants were satisfied with the treatment. Attrition rates were somewhat lower than similar studies. Findings indicate the IntegratedCARE model is feasible for sustainable delivery by trained behavioral health professionals in primary care.


Subject(s)
Child Behavior Disorders/therapy , Delivery of Health Care, Integrated/methods , Parenting/psychology , Parents/education , Primary Health Care/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans
7.
J Appl Gerontol ; 38(8): 1063-1095, 2019 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29165022

ABSTRACT

Types of compromised resident behaviors licensed nursing facility social workers encounter, the behavioral health role they enact, and effective practices they apply have not been the subject of systematic investigation. Analyses of 20 in-depth interviews with Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)/Master of Social Work (MSW) social workers averaging 8.8 years of experience identified frequently occurring resident behaviors: physical and verbal aggression/disruption, passive disruption, socially and sexually inappropriateness. Six functions of the behavioral health role were care management, educating, investigating, preventing, mediating, and advocating. Skills most frequently applied were attention/affirmation/active listening, assessment, behavior management, building relationship, teamwork, and redirection. Narratives revealed role rewards as well as knowledge deficits, organizational barriers, personal maltreatment, and frustrations. Respondents offered perspectives and prescriptions for behavioral health practice in this setting. The findings expand understanding of the behavioral health role and provide an empirical basis for more research in this area. Recommendations, including educational competencies, are offered.


Subject(s)
Long-Term Care/organization & administration , Professional Role , Social Work/organization & administration , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Long-Term Care/methods , Nursing Homes , Referral and Consultation , Social Work/methods
8.
Soc Work Health Care ; 58(1): 14-31, 2019 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30130473

ABSTRACT

This article presents the perceptions parents have of the causative and curative factors for their child's externalized behaviors and what treatment they prefer to receive from their primary care integrated behavioral health team. This is a qualitative study, using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 parents representing 14 patients with a disruptive behavior disorder (DBD) who sought care from their primary care physician for treatment of the DBD. Participants spoke of uncertainty of the cause of the DBD and the desire to find parenting approaches that augment the effectiveness of pharmacological intervention provided by the primary care team. Parents' responses suggest that they are eager for more education about their child's DBD and how to engage at-home management of the symptoms. Discussion focused on the import of considering the voices of these parents when implementing brief parent management training programs in integrated behavioral health primary care programs.


Subject(s)
Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders/therapy , Parents/education , Parents/psychology , Primary Health Care/organization & administration , Social Work/organization & administration , Adolescent , Child , Emotions , Female , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Parent-Child Relations , Parenting/psychology , Patient Care Team/organization & administration , Qualitative Research , Safety-net Providers/organization & administration , Socioeconomic Factors
9.
Clin Gerontol ; 41(3): 261-267, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29279025

ABSTRACT

Attention to spiritual diversity is necessary for the provision of culturally informed clinical care for people with early-stage dementia and their family members. In this article, an evidence-based theoretical framework for conceptualizing spiritual diversity is described in detail (Pargament, 2011). The framework is then applied to two clinical case studies of people living with early-stage dementia to elucidate the multilayered components of spiritual diversity in this population. The case studies were selected from a larger mixed-methods study on spirituality, positive psychological factors, health, and well-being in people living with early-stage dementia and their family members. To our knowledge this is the first systematic attempt to apply a theoretical framework for understanding spiritual diversity in this population. Implications for clinical practice are provided.


Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Alzheimer Disease/psychology , Spirituality , Black or African American , Family , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , White People
10.
J Appl Gerontol ; 37(4): 435-463, 2018 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27572341

ABSTRACT

Career resilience provided a frame for understanding how Licensed Nursing Facility Administrators (LNFAs) sustain role performance and even thrive in stressful skilled nursing facility work environments. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of in-depth interviews with18 LNFAs, averaging 24 years of experience were conducted by a five-member research team. Analysis was informed by evidence-based frameworks for career resilience in the health professions as well as the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards' (NAB) five domains of competent administrative practice. Findings included six sources of work stressors and six sources of professional satisfaction. Also, participants identified seven strategic principles and 10 administrative practices for addressing major sources of stress. Recommendations are provided for research and evidence-based application of the career resilience perspective to LNFA practice aimed at reducing role abandonment and energizing the delivery of the quality of care that each resident deserves.


Subject(s)
Administrative Personnel/psychology , Occupational Stress/etiology , Occupational Stress/prevention & control , Resilience, Psychological , Skilled Nursing Facilities , Female , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Job Satisfaction , Male , Skilled Nursing Facilities/organization & administration , Work Performance , Workplace/psychology
11.
Clin Gerontol ; 40(4): 307-319, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28459303

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: There are no known positive psychological (PP) measures adapted/validated for use with people in the early stages of dementia. Objectives were to: (1) develop/pilot an accessible protocol for administering PP measures in this population; (2) examine their psychometric properties; and (3) provide preliminary observations about how people with early-stage dementia perceive various aspects of PP as it pertains to living with dementia. METHODS: Five PP measures were adapted/administered to 36 people with early-stage dementia. Constructs of interests were gratitude, life satisfaction, meaning in life, optimism, and resilience. Psychometric data were calculated and response patterns analyzed. RESULTS: Participants easily completed the adapted measures using the accessible protocol. Preliminary evidence of reliability and validity were yielded. Response patterns suggested a range of PP perceptions and experiences among participants. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents a step towards validating the psychometric properties of several PP measures adapted for use with people in the early stages of dementia and provides insight into how PP works in this population. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: PP assessment may assist clinicians and researchers to better understand PP functioning in this population potentially contributing to effective strengths based psychosocial interventions. Recommendations for clinical practice and future research are provided.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis , Dementia/diagnosis , Geriatric Assessment/methods , Psychometrics/instrumentation , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alzheimer Disease/psychology , Dementia/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Optimism/psychology , Psychometrics/methods , Quality of Life/psychology , Reproducibility of Results , Resilience, Psychological
12.
BMC Cell Biol ; 11: 62, 2010 Aug 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20698987

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Intracellular membrane traffic is an essential component of the membrane remodeling that supports lamellipodium extension during cell adhesion. The membrane trafficking pathways that contribute to cell adhesion have not been fully elucidated, but recent studies have implicated SNARE proteins. Here, the functions of several SNAREs (SNAP23, VAMP3, VAMP4 and syntaxin13) are characterized during the processes of cell spreading and membrane ruffling. RESULTS: We report the first description of a SNARE complex, containing SNAP23, syntaxin13 and cellubrevin/VAMP3, that is induced by cell adhesion to an extracellular matrix. Impairing the function of the SNAREs in the complex using inhibitory SNARE domains disrupted the recycling endosome, impeded delivery of integrins to the cell surface, and reduced haptotactic cell migration and spreading. Blocking SNAP23 also inhibited the formation of PMA-stimulated, F-actin-rich membrane ruffles; however, membrane ruffle formation was not significantly altered by inhibition of VAMP3 or syntaxin13. In contrast, membrane ruffling, and not cell spreading, was sensitive to inhibition of two SNAREs within the biosynthetic secretory pathway, GS15 and VAMP4. Consistent with this, formation of a complex containing VAMP4 and SNAP23 was enhanced by treatment of cells with PMA. The results reveal a requirement for the function of a SNAP23-syntaxin13-VAMP3 complex in the formation of lamellipodia during cell adhesion and of a VAMP4-SNAP23-containing complex during PMA-induced membrane ruffling. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that different SNARE-mediated trafficking pathways support membrane remodeling during ECM-induced lamellipodium extension and PMA-induced ruffle formation, pointing to important mechanistic differences between these processes.


Subject(s)
Protein Transport , Pseudopodia/metabolism , SNARE Proteins/metabolism , Animals , CHO Cells , Cell Adhesion/genetics , Cell Movement/genetics , Cricetinae , Cricetulus , Endocytosis/genetics , Extracellular Matrix/metabolism , HeLa Cells , Humans , Protein Engineering , Protein Structure, Tertiary/genetics , Protein Transport/genetics , Pseudopodia/genetics , SNARE Proteins/genetics , Sequence Deletion/genetics
13.
Respir Med ; 104(6): 816-21, 2010 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20363606

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In-hospital and long term outcomes of patients admitted to the hospital for acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis (AEB) has been evaluated in only a limited fashion. The resulting debilitation after an AEB can increase mortality. This study aims to evaluate the factors associated with mortality in patients admitted with an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis (AEB). METHODS: All charts of the patients admitted between 2003 and 2006 with an AEB were reviewed through an electronic database. Demographics, sputum cultures, pulmonary functions tests and other factors associated with long-term mortality were examined. The social security death index was used to determine long term mortality (http://ssdi.genealogy.rootsweb.com). RESULTS: Forty-three patients (13 men and 30 women) with a mean age of 71.8+/-11.8 were studied. The hospital mortality was 9% and one-year mortality was 30% with a median survival of 46.6 months. Variables associated with mortality were male gender (female vs. male (HR), 0.36; (CI), 0.14-0.98; p=0.045), use of systemic steroids (with vs. without steroids HR, 3.12; CI 1.08-9.02; p=0.036), decreased FEV(1.0)% predicted (HR, 0.96; CI 0.92-0.999; p=0.042), elevated creatinine (HR, 2.36; CI 1.093-5.10; p=0.029), history of smoking (HR, 0.283; CI 0.097-0.825; p=0.021), and mechanical ventilation (HR, 66.011; CI 6.64-656.76; p=0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: Male gender, elevated creatinine, decreased FEV(1.0)% predicted, mechanical ventilation, history of smoking, and acute use of systemic steroids during the hospitalization were associated with an increased risk of mortality.


Subject(s)
Bronchiectasis/mortality , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data , Aged , Bronchiectasis/complications , Bronchiectasis/diagnosis , Disease Progression , Female , Forced Expiratory Volume , Hospital Mortality , Humans , Male , Predictive Value of Tests , Prognosis , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness Index , Texas/epidemiology , Treatment Outcome
14.
J Cell Sci ; 122(Pt 22): 4089-98, 2009 Nov 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19910495

ABSTRACT

Cellular remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), an essential component of many physiological and pathological processes, is dependent on the trafficking and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-mediated membrane traffic has documented roles in cell-ECM interactions and the present study specifically examines SNARE function in the trafficking of MMPs during ECM degradation. Using the invasive human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080, we demonstrate that a plasma membrane SNARE, SNAP23, and an endosomal v-SNARE, VAMP3 (also known as cellubrevin), partly colocalize with MMP2 and MMP9, and that inhibition of these SNAREs using dominant-negative SNARE mutants impaired secretion of the MMPs. Inhibition of VAMP3, SNAP23 or syntaxin-13 using dominant-negative SNARES, RNA interference or tetanus toxin impaired trafficking of membrane type 1 MMP to the cell surface. Consistent with these observations, we found that blocking the function of these SNAREs reduced the ability of HT-1080 cells to degrade a gelatin substrate in situ and impaired invasion of HT-1080 cells in vitro. The results reveal the importance of VAMP3, syntaxin-13 and SNAP23 in the trafficking of MMP during degradation of ECM substrates and subsequent cellular invasion.


Subject(s)
Cell Movement/physiology , Extracellular Matrix Proteins/metabolism , Matrix Metalloproteinase 14/metabolism , Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/metabolism , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism , Protein Transport/physiology , Qa-SNARE Proteins/metabolism , Qb-SNARE Proteins/metabolism , Qc-SNARE Proteins/metabolism , Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein 3/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Gelatin/metabolism , Humans , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Protein Transport/drug effects , Qa-SNARE Proteins/genetics , Qb-SNARE Proteins/genetics , Qc-SNARE Proteins/genetics , RNA Interference , Tetanus Toxin/pharmacology , Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein 3/genetics
15.
Gerontol Geriatr Educ ; 29(3): 234-8, 2008.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19042502

ABSTRACT

This article offers practical guidance for educators as they prepare specialists to enhance the lives and communities of older persons through the strategic use of visual media in age-related courses. Advantages and disadvantages of this learning innovation are provided as well as seven approaches for enriching instruction. Resources are included for locating effective visual media, matching course content with video resources, determining fair use of copyrighted media, and inserting video clips into PowerPoint presentations. Strategies for accessing assistive services for implementing visual media in the classroom are also addressed. This article promotes the use of visual media for the purpose of enriching gerontological and geriatrics instruction for the adult learner.


Subject(s)
Geriatrics/education , Learning , Teaching/methods , Videotape Recording , Adult , Aging , Humans
16.
Soc Work ; 53(3): 255-65, 2008 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19275121

ABSTRACT

Social workers in diverse community practice settings recruit and work with volunteers from religious congregations. This article reports findings from two surveys: 7,405 congregants in 35 Protestant congregations, including 2,570 who were actively volunteering, and a follow-up survey of 946 volunteers. It compares characteristics of congregation volunteers and nonvolunteers.Volunteers tended to be married, older, more highly educated, longer-term congregational members, and to score higher on all measures of faith maturity and faith practice than did nonvolunteers.Volunteers perceived their involvement as meaningful, important, and challenging. A large majority of volunteers (80 percent) reported changes in faith, attitudes and values, and behavior as results of their volunteer work. Findings provide insights into how religious individuals begin and continue to volunteer in service settings and how congregations promote high levels of community service among their members. These findings have implications for effective social work practice with congregation volunteers.


Subject(s)
Community Participation , Human Experimentation , Religion , Social Work , Adult , Data Collection , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , United States
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