Shame, guilt, time perspective, time of imprisonment and PTSD symptoms in sentenced motor vehicle accidents perpetrators - a preliminary report. / Wstyd, poczucie winy, perspektywa czasowa, czas odbywania kary pozbawienia wolnosci i objawy PTSD u skazanych sprawców wypadków drogowych ­ doniesienie wstepne.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed at exploration of a relationship between PTSD symptoms, traumarelated guilt (TRG), time perspective (TP), and guilt/shame proneness among perpetrators of motor vehicle accidents (MVA). We also analyzed relationships between length of imprisonment, PTSD and trauma-related guilt. METHODS: The sample consisted of 37 incarcerated perpetrators of MVA. They were asked to fill in the set of questionnaires: Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, Guilt and Shame Proneness Inventory, Trauma-Related Guilt Inventory). RESULTS: The results showed that 50% of the perpetrators met the DSM-5 PTSD criteria. The proneness to guilt and shame positively correlated with the trauma-related guilt. Shame susceptibility as a consequence of negative self-esteem was associated with a greater traumarelated shame. There was no correlation between guilt/shame or trauma-related guilt and PTSD. The time perspective was associated with PTSD - the stronger the tendency of the respondents to focus on the present/past, the greater the symptoms of PTSD. Focusing on the hedonistic present positively correlated with guilt related to trauma. CONCLUSIONS: In the studied population, every second perpetrator of the accident was affected by PTSD, which was associated with the past and present time perspective. Negative assessment of self and behavior intensified the guilt associated with trauma and reduced the search for justification for one's own actions in external circumstances. Time spent in prison had no effect on moral attitudes or on the moral evaluation of one's own behavior that caused harm to others. However, it was associated with experiencing stress and focusing on one's own suffering.

Phthalate exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in early school age children from Poland.

Some phthalates are known endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC). They are widely present in the environment thus their impact on children's health is of particular scientific interest. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between phthalate exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, in particular behavioral, cognitive and psychomotor development, in 250 early school age children from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). Urine samples were collected at the time of children's neurodevelopmental assessment and were analysed for 21 metabolites of 11 parent phthalates. Behavioral and emotional problems were assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) filled in by the mothers. To assess children's cognitive and psychomotor development, Polish adaptation of the Intelligence and Development Scales (IDS) was administered. The examination was performed by trained psychologists. Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) were the two phthalates showing the highest statistically significant associations, with higher total difficulties scores (ß = 1.5, 95% CI 0.17; 2.7; ß = 1.5, 95% CI 0.25; 2.8, respectively) as well as emotional symptoms and hyperactivity/inattention problems for DnBP (ß = 0.46, 95% CI -0.024; 0.94; ß = 0.72, 95% CI 0.065; 1.4, respectively), and peer relationships problems for DMP (ß = 0.37, 95% CI -0.013; 0.76). In addition, DnBP and DMP have been found to be negatively associated with fluid IQ (ß = -0.14, 95% CI -0.29; 0.0041) and crystallized IQ (ß = -0.16, 95% CI -0.29; -0.025), respectively. In the case of mathematical skills, three phthalates, namely DMP (ß = -0.17, 95% CI -0.31; -0.033), DEP (ß = -0.16, 95% CI -0.29; -0.018) and DnBP (ß = -0.14, 95% CI -0.28; 0.0012), have also shown statistically significant associations. This study indicates that exposure to some phthalates seems to be associated with adverse effects on behavioral and cognitive development of early school age children. Further action including legislation, educational and interventional activities to protect this vulnerable population is still needed.

Prenatal and early postnatal phthalate exposure and child neurodevelopment at age of 7 years - Polish Mother and Child Cohort.

Phthalates are among the most frequently investigated environmental chemicals influencing children's health and particularly their neuropsychological development. However, the reported effects of these compounds on child behavior, cognitive and psychomotor outcomes are not fully consistent. The aim of this study is to evaluate the associations between prenatal and early postnatal phthalate exposures and child neurodevelopment at age of 7 years. A total of 134 mother-child pairs from Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL) constitute the basis for current analysis. Eleven phthalate metabolites were measured in urine samples collected from mothers in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and from children at the age of 2 years. Child neuropsychological development at early school age (7 years) was assessed by both the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) filled by mothers and the Polish adaptation of the Intelligence and Development Scales (IDS) performed by psychologists. Mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) concentration during pregnancy was significantly associated with increased risk of peer relationship problems in SDQ (OR = 2.7, p = 0.03). The results of the IDS analyses focused on child's cognitive and psychomotor development are not fully conclusive. Negative associations were evident between some phthalates in early childhood period and fluid intelligence and cognition (MEP: ß = -5.2; p = 0.006; ß = -4.2; p = 0.006; mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP): ß = -4.9; p = 0.03; ß = -4.0; p = 0.03; respectively), while positive associations have been found in the prenatal period (mono-2-ethyl-5-oxo-hexyl phthalate (oxo-MEHP): ß = 3.6; p = 0.03 for fluid intelligence; ß = 2.9; p = 0.03 for cognition). Further studies are required in order to elucidate which are the most critical periods of phthalate exposure on children's neurodevelopmental outcomes.

[Psychological examinations in occupational health services: Legal regulations. Part II]. / Badania psychologiczne w sluzbie medycyny pracy ­ regulacje prawne: czesc II.

This paper constitutes a continuation of the critical analysis of legal aspects of psychological examinations in some group of workers. In this part the appeal procedure, documentation, costs of examinations and supervision are discussed. The analysis has shown many deficiencies in regulations related to all aspects of psychological examinations. They arise from incoherence of legal regulations and the lack of regulations of some questions. This legal standing is restricted to occupational work and adversely affects the quality of supplied services. Therefore acts of law and regulations relevant to psychological examinations for the purpose of fitness-to-work certification need necessary adjustments. According to authors it is desirable to end the legal procedure amending the act of law on a profession of psychology and the self-government of psychologists, as well as to develop and implement executive regulations. Med Pr 2018;69(6):673-684.

[Psychological examinations in occupational health services: Legal regulations. Part I]. / Badania psychologiczne w sluzbie medycyny pracy ­ regulacje prawne: czesc I.

In Poland psychological assessment for the purpose of fitness-to-work certification is regulated by the law. In the majority of cases, only psychologists registered with the occupational health services are authorized to conduct the assessment procedures. In this study 32 legal documents (17 acts and 15 directives) have been analyzed to identify the most problematic issues pertaining to psychological examination and to suggest certain changes in the regulations, as well as to raise the psychologists' awareness of the legal aspects of their work. Due to the number of the topics explored, the results of the study will be published as two separate, yet related articles. The first one concentrates on the qualifications of psychologists, the examination reference process, the aim and scope of the psychological assessment, and the validity of the assessment results. In part II other issues, not directly related to the diagnostic process, will be discussed. Med Pr 2018;69(5):561-572.

Response to Noise Emitted by Wind Farms in People Living in Nearby Areas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception and annoyance of noise from wind turbines in populated areas of Poland. A questionnaire inquiry was carried out among 517 subjects, aged 18⁻88, living within 204⁻1726 m from the nearest wind turbine. For areas where respondents lived, A-weighted sound pressure levels (SPLs) were calculated as the sum of the contributions from the wind power plants in the specific area. It has been shown that the wind turbine noise at the calculated A-weighted SPL of 33⁻50 dB was perceived as annoying or highly annoying by 46% and 28% of respondents, respectively. Moreover, 34% and 18% of them said that they were annoyed or highly annoyed indoors, respectively. The perception of high annoyance was associated with the A-weighted sound pressure level or the distance from the nearest wind turbine, general attitude to wind farms, noise sensitivity and terrain shape (annoyance outdoors) or road-traffic intensity (annoyance indoors). About 48⁻66% of variance in noise annoyance rating might be explained by the aforesaid factors. It was estimated that at the distance of 1000 m the wind turbine noise might be perceived as highly annoying outdoors by 43% and 2% of people with negative and positive attitude towards wind turbines, respectively. There was no significant association between noise level (or distance) and various health and well-being aspects. However, all variables measuring health and well-being aspects, including stress symptoms, were positively associated with annoyance related to wind turbine noise.

[Late effects of mass acute phosphine poisoning - Case report]. / Pózne nastepstwa zbiorowego ostrego zatrucia fosfanem ­ opis przypadku.

This paper reports the case of collective acute phosphide (PH3) intoxication among the crew aboard a merchant ship. All the intoxicated individuals were hospitalized 3 months after the accident. The aim of examinations was to identify late health effects of the accident. Laboratory tests and consultations were performed during their stay in the hospital. There were 5 cases of toxic liver damage. other 5 patients were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder and adjustment disorders. The results of the study suggest that in cases of acute phosphide intoxication, the assessment of patients' psychological functioning should be an indispensable part of diagnostic procedure. Med Pr 2018;69(3):337-344.

Effort-reward balance as a mediator of the relationship between supplementary person-organization fit and perceived stress among middle-level managers.

OBJECTIVES: The study has aimed to identify the relations between the supplementary person-organization fit (P-O fit) and the perceived stress among managerial staff, with special regard to the mediating role of the effort-reward balance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 715 middle-level managers, aged 25-64 years old, employed in large companies. To measure the selected variables, the authors used the Questionnaire of Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI), Perceived Stress Scale - 10 (PSS-10), and Person-Organization Fit Questionnaire. RESULTS: The regression analysis revealed that the perceived effort-reward imbalance partially mediated the negative relationship between the supplementary person-organization fit and stress. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that even when the characteristics of the manager and organization are highly congruent, the managers will experience stress if their work involves heavy effort or when this effort is not compensated properly. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(2):305-312.

Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL) - Methodology of the follow-up of the children at the age of 7.

Effects of environmental exposures in utero and in the first years of life on early life health and development is a growing research area with major public health implications. The main aim of this work has been to provide an overview of the next step of the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL) covering exposure, health and neurodevelopment assessments of children at 7 years of age. Details regarding methodology of the follow-up of the children are crucial for cross-cohort collaboration and a full understanding of the future research questions. Phase III of the REPRO_PL cohort covers a follow-up of 900 children at the age of 7 years old. The questionnaire filled in by the mothers is composed of: socio-demographic, child exposure and home environment information, nutritional status and health data. In the case of 400 children, environmental (including collection of urine, saliva and buccal cells), health status and psychomotor assessments are performed. Health and development check consists of physical measurements, child health status assessment (including lung function tests, skin prick testing, an interview/examination by an allergist) and psychomotor development tests (the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Intelligence and Development Scales). The results of the study will become available within the next few years. Extension of the REPRO_PL cohort with examinations of children at the age of 7 years old may provide a better understanding of the relationship between environmental and lifestyle-related factors and children's health and neurodevelopment; and may further strengthen scientific base for policies and interventions promoting healthy lifestyle. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(6):883-893.

[Mental health status of drivers--Motor vehicle accidents perpetrators]. / Stan psychiczny kierowców--sprawców wypadków drogowych.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at exploring the phenomenon of motor vehicle accidents (MVA). The following research questions were addressed: what are the immediate reactions to accidents among MVA perpetrators, do MVA perpetrators develop posttraumatic stress symptoms, and what are the differences between high and low symptomatic signs in terms of socio-demographics and accident features? MATERIAL AND METHODS: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) questionnaire by Watson et al. in the Polish adaptation was applied to assess PTSD and its subclinical symptoms. The information on the MVA nature, declared MVA causes, drivers' reactions after MVA, as well as on the age, education and history of driving in the study group was collected. The results of psychological examination obtained from 209 MVA perpetrators were analyzed. The examination took place at least 1 month after the accident. RESULTS: In 1/3 of the study group no physiological reactions were observed directly after the accident, while 46% of respondents experienced trembling and shaking and about 30% of subjects were crying or having tears in their eyes. Compassion for the injured and victims, guilt, helplessness and fear were the most common among immediate psychological reactions related to the accident. On the day of psychological examination 11.2% of drivers met diagnostic criteria for PTSD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth edition (DSM-IV). Drivers showing low and high PTSD symptoms did not differ in terms of age, education, and subjective perception of accident cause. Women were significantly overrepresented it the group meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate the need to carry on systematic screening for mental health problems in drivers involved in serious MVA as a part of strategy for improving road safety.

Evaluation of annoyance from the wind turbine noise: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of and annoyance due to the noise from wind turbines in populated areas of Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 156 subjects. All subjects were asked to fill in a questionnaire developed to enable evaluation of their living conditions, including prevalence of annoyance due to the noise from wind turbines and the self-assessment of physical health and well-being. In addition, current mental health status of the respondents was assessed using Goldberg General Health Questionnaire GHQ-12. For areas where the respondents lived, A-weighted sound pressure levels (SPLs) were calculated as the sum of the contributions from the wind power plants in the specific area. RESULTS: It has been shown that the wind turbine noise at the calculated A-weighted SPL of 30-48 dB was noticed outdoors by 60.3% of the respondents. This noise was perceived as annoying outdoors by 33.3% of the respondents, while indoors by 20.5% of them. The odds ratio of being annoyed outdoors by the wind turbine noise increased along with increasing SPLs (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.22-3.62). The subjects' attitude to wind turbines in general and sensitivity to landscape littering was found to have significant impact on the perceived annoyance. About 63% of variance in outdoors annoyance assessment might be explained by the noise level, general attitude to wind turbines and sensitivity to landscape littering. CONCLUSIONS: Before firm conclusions can be drawn further studies are needed, including a larger number of respondents with different living environments (i.e., dissimilar terrain, different urbanization and road traffic intensity).

[Application of job demands-resources model in research on relationships between job satisfaction, job resources, individual resources and job demands]. / Zastosowanie modelu "wymagania pracy - zasoby" do badania zwiazku miedzy satysfakcja zawodowa, zasobami pracy, zasobami osobistymi pracowników i wymaganiami pracy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between job demands, job resourses, personal resourses and job satisfaction and to assess the usefulness of the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model in the explanation of these phenomena. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was based on a sample of 500 social workers. The "Psychosocial Factors" and "Job satisfaction" questionnaires were used to test the hypothesis. RESULTS: The results showed that job satisfaction increased with increasing job accessibility and personal resources (r = 0.44; r = 0.31; p < 0.05). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that job resources and job demands [F(1.474) = 4.004; F(1.474) = 4.166; p < 0.05] were statistically significant sources of variation in job satisfaction. Moreover, interactions between job demands and job resources [F(3,474) = 2.748; p <0.05], as well as between job demands and personal resources [F(3.474) = 3.021; p <0.05] had a significant impact on job satisfaction. The post hoc tests showed that 1) in low job demands, but high job resources employees declared higher job satisfaction, than those who perceived them as medium (p = 0.0001) or low (p = 0.0157); 2) when the level of job demands was perceived as medium, employees with high personal resources declared significantly higher job satisfaction than those with low personal resources (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The JD-R model can be used to investigate job satisfaction. Taking into account fundamental factors of this model, in organizational management there are possibilities of shaping job satisfaction among employees.

[Recommended general principles of good practice relating to psychological examinations in occupational medicine service]. / Zasady dobrej praktyki badan psychologicznych dla potrzeb sluzby medycyny pracy.

This paper presents general principles of good practice in prophylactic psychological examinations. The principles are based on the binding law and standards of psychological examinations recommended by the Polish Psychological Association. They also take account of a specific nature of such examinations, resulting from their goals and the subject of their concern. Formal guidelines and health indications concerning this kind examinations, their scope, diagnostic methods, tools and documentation are discussed as well.

[Psychological factors for planning early retirement]. / Psychologiczne czynniki gotowosci do wczesniejszego przejscia na emeryture.

BACKGROUND: Over the recent years the proportion of retired persons in the over 54 years age group has systematically increased in the European Union (EU). In Poland, work force participation rate for people aged 54-65 years is particularly low compared to other countries. The aim of the presented study was to explore psychological and socio-demographic factors affecting the early retirement decision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 199 manual and skilled workers aged 50-64 years. The data were obtained by means of: Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire, Organizational Commitment Scale and adapted items from Work Description Inventory. To explore the risk factors for an early retirement, the logistic regression was used. RESULTS: The following risk factors of an early retirement were identified: low education (primary and vocational Exp(B) = 10.394, p = 0.001; secondary and Bachelor's degree Exp(B) = 3.462, p = 0.001), low health status (Exp(B) = 3.36, p = 0.006, Exp(B) = 7.73, p = 0.002) and lack of reward at work (ERI R) (Exp(B) = 1.09, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that psychological variables play a secondary role in the process of making early retirement decision, while they probably exert a stronger effect on the decision to continue occupational activities than to quit them. This problem should be explored more deeply in the future research.

[Use of driving simulators in psychological research]. / Zastosowanie symulatorów jazdy w badaniach psychologicznych.

The history of simulators dates back to the first decades of the twentieth century. At the beginning they were used to train pilots, and eventually they were used in the automotive industry for testing the strength of new vehicles and ergonomic solutions. With time research institutions and technical universities from outside the automotive industry have become more and more interested in simulators. Attractiveness of simulators for researchers is based on a number of important factors: they create the possibility of modeling, control and repeatability of different experimental situations, reducing at the same time the impact of confounding factors. Simulators have a great potential for data collection and processing. What's more, they are safe and ecologic. These values make them almost an ideal research tool. The article presents a review of psychological studies with use of vehicle driving simulators. It also points to advantages and disadvantages of these devices and outlines the future prospects for experimental research.

[Temperament and perceived stress in road traffic]. / Temperament a poczucie stresu w ruchu drogowym.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the temperamental traits of drivers and the level of stress experienced in driving situations (the research was based on Strelau's Regulative Theory of Temperament). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 214 professional drivers aged 21-65 years. The data were obtained using the following instruments: Formal Characteristics of Behaviour -- The Temperament Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale and Road Traffic Events questionnaires. RESULTS: The findings revealed that the drivers who are more likely to experience stress under conditions of road traffic are those who a) effectively regulate stimulation: they tend to reduce arousal and avoid strong stimulation and b) ineffectively regulate stimulation: they try to reduce arousal but get involved in highly stimulating situations. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between one's temperament and the perceived stress from road traffic found in the present study indicates the necessity to take account of this factor in preventing the drivers' stress.

[Stress prevention programs--strategies, techniques, effectiveness. Part I. National and international activities to prevent stress at work]. / Programy prewencji stresu zawodowego-- strategie, techniki, ocena skutecznosci. Czesc I. Narodowe i miedzynarodowe dzialania na rzecz przeciwdzialania stresowi w miejscu pracy.

Work stress is nowadays one of the major world-wide problems because of its negative impact on health and socio-economic consequences. Therefore, many organizations, established to protect occupational health and safety, include stress-related issues into their preventive activities. This article is the first part of a broader review of approaches to work stress prevention and existing practices in Europe. It presents anti-stress interventions elaborated and implemented at international and national levels, such as: legal and research initiatives, educational actions, supporting the development of knowledge of occupational stress, and promoting the idea of healthy work place.

Return to work after myocardial infarction: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the occupational functioning and identify health-related determinants of the continuation of occupational activity in workers with a recent myocardial infarction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The project was a retrospective study concerning 183 male workers, aged 39-65 years, who had suffered a primary uncomplicated myocardial infarction approximately three years prior to the study. The study group comprised both the persons who returned to work after the incident and those who did not. The subjects' mental health as well as quality of life and occupational functioning were evaluated using NHP scale, Beck Depression Inventory, STAI questionnaire by Spielberger et al., WAI, and own questionnaire "My work". RESULTS: Data analysis revealed that the persons who returned to work after myocardial infarction were characterized by a younger age and a higher level of education, self-rated health and quality of life than the persons who did not resume their occupational activity. The occupationally active individuals showed a varying degree of readaptation to work. In the maladapted group, such disturbances occurred as depression, anxiety and lowered work ability. CONCLUSIONS: The study results indicate that in workers with a recent myocardial infarction, the current procedure for assessment of work ability, which is based solely on the evaluation of physical health, is insufficient and should be supplemented with the assessment of their mental health. The employers should also undertake activities for a better adjustment of working conditions to the abilities of workers who have experienced a cardiac incident.

[Psychological effects of road accidents: a challenge for public health]. / Psychologiczne skutki uczestnictwa w wypadkach drogowych--wyzwanie dla zdrowia publicznego.

The authors discuss psychological consequences of road accidents and the need for providing support for the victims and their families. The most common psychological effects include mental health problems, increased use of psychotropic drugs, and difficulty in performing occupational functions. Therefore, it is necessary to remodel the system of traffic safety and supplement it with a comprehensive system of support for both direct victims of accidents and their close relatives. To reach this goal, we need to develop optimal conditions for multidisciplinary research to investigate the effects of road accidents in Poland. This would make it possible to design effective psychological treatment and develop an institutional system for relevant support. However, some preventive measures can be taken right now, e.g., early intervention for severely injured victims during their hospital stay or providing support for non-injured victims and their families.

The impact of low-frequency noise on human mental performance.

OBJECTIVES: There is a growing body of data showing that low frequency noise (LFN), defined as broadband noise with dominant content of low frequencies (10-250 Hz) differs in its nature from other environmental noises at comparable levels. The aim of the study was to investigate whether exposure to LFN at levels normally occurring in the industrial control rooms can influence human mental performance (e.g., visual functions, concentration, continuous and selective attention) and subjective well-being. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 96 female and male volunteers, aged 19-27 years, categorized in terms of sensitivity to LFN. They worked with four standardized psychological tests (Signal Detection, Stroop Color-Word, Comparing of Names, and Continuous Attention) during exposure to LFN or broadband noise without dominant low frequency content (reference noise) at a level of 50 dB(A). Each subject was studied only once at randomly-assigned exposure conditions. RESULTS: In the Comparing of Names Test, the subjects, regardless of the LFN sensitivity, showed tendency to make more errors during exposure to LFN than in the reference noise, and in the Signal Detection Test, they generally reacted faster (had shorter median detection time). In those noise conditions, however, the high-sensitive to LFN subjects, showed tendency to work less precisely (achieved lower number of correct responses in the Signal Detection Test) compared with the low-sensitive ones, while in the reference noise there was no difference related to noise sensitivity. The subjects categorized as high-sensitive to LFN also showed poorer performance than others during exposure to LFN in the Stroop Color-Word Test (a significant interaction between noise and noise sensitivity in case of reading interference index) and in the Continuous Attention Test (a tendency to more erroneous reactions). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that LFN at moderate levels might adversely affect visual functions, concentration, continuous and selective attention, especially in the high-sensitive to LFN subjects.