More than a mask: Possible relationships between lifting of COVID-19 mask requirements and depression symptoms experienced by US adults with disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Lifting of masking restrictions at key periods during the COVID-19 pandemic may have disproportionately negatively impacted the mental health of individuals with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the prevalence of depression-related symptoms in individuals with and without disabilities preceding and following the US rollback of COVID-19 masking mandates. METHODS: Pandemic-era data on reported symptoms of depression from the federal Household Pulse Survey from dates surrounding two major announcements on masking relaxations were analyzed. Possible interactions between disability status and type, age grouping, educational attainment, race/Hispanic ethnicity, and sex variables were considered. RESULTS: Following relaxation of major masking restrictions, people with disabilities experienced elevation in depression symptom presence while people without disabilities experienced lessening in these symptoms. Differences between people with and without disabilities were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Direct causation between masking mandate relaxations and changes in symptoms of depression cannot be drawn from the available data. However, when considered with greater vulnerabilities to COVID-19 experienced by many individuals with disabilities and dismissive rhetoric surrounding masking decisions, negative feelings arising from mandate changes may have led to elevations in symptoms of depression in people with disabilities in sharp contrast to people without disabilities who may have felt relief. Findings indicate future public health decision making, even in times of crisis, should be undertaken with as much caution as possible regarding and in partnership with populations already at risk.

Validación del modelo multidimensional de perfeccionismo en población infantil

(analítico) El modelo multidimensional del perfeccionismo ha sido estudiado exiguamente en población infantil debido a la falta de instrumentos que evalúen simultáneamente las tres dimensiones del constructo: autorientado, socialmente prescrito y orientado a otros. En países hispanohablantes solo recientemente ha sido posible operacionalizar estos aspectos, por lo cual se propuso comprobar la bondad de ajuste del modelo tridimensional, integrando factorialmente dos escalas de perfeccionismo infantil. Participaron 2249 menores completando las escalas de perfeccionismo autorientado y de perfeccionismo social, y medidas de arrogancia y depresión. Se observó un ajuste válido y confiable del modelo de tres factores, que incluyó parcelas y covariancias entre residuos. La validez se evidenció, además, mediante correlaciones positivas del perfeccionismo con la arrogancia y la depresión. Los hallazgos demuestran que el modelo multidimensional puede ser generalizable a población infantil.

(analytical) The multidimensional perfectionism model has had a limited application with children due to the lack of instruments that simultaneously assess the three dimensions of this construct: self-oriented, socially prescribed and other-oriented. In Spanish-speaking countries, it has only recently been possible to operationalize these aspects. This study tested the fit of the three-dimensional model by factorially integrating two child perfectionism scales. A total of 2249 children participated in the study, completing the Self-Oriented Perfectionism and Social Perfectionism scales, as well as measures of Arrogance and Depression. A valid and reliable fit for the three-factor model that included parcels and covariances between residuals was observed. Validity was further evidenced by positive correlations of perfectionism with arrogance and depression. These results demonstrate that the multidimensional model can be generalized to be applied with a child population.

(analítico) O modelo multidimensional do perfeccionismo tem sido pouco estudado em crianças devido à falta de instrumentos que avaliem simultaneamente as três dimensões do construto: autodirigido, socialmente prescrito, orientado para os outros. Nos países de língua espanhola, só recentemente foi possível operacionalizar esses aspectos, por isso foi proposto testar a adequação do modelo tridimensional integrando fatorialmente duas escalas de perfeccionismo infantil. Um total de 2249 menores participaram, completando as Escalas de Perfeccionismo Auto-Orientado e Perfeccionismo Social, e medidas de Arrogância e Depressão. Foi observado um ajuste válido e confiável do modelo de três fatores que incluiu parcelas e covariâncias entre os resíduos. A validade foi ainda evidenciada por correlações positivas de perfeccionismo com arrogância e depressão. Esses resultados demonstram que o modelo multidimensional pode ser generalizado para a população infantil.

Crossover trial of the effects of a far-infrared heater that heats the feet with ceramic balls on autonomic nervous activity and mood states.

INTRODUCTION: The accumulation of fatigue and stress creates problems, including reductions in quality of life and productivity. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of a far-infrared heater that heats the feet with ceramic balls on autonomic nervous activity and mood states. METHODS: This study was performed as a crossover trial. Participants comprised 20 women. On different days, each participant underwent 15 min of foot warming with the far-infrared heater (far-infrared group) or remained seated for 15 min (control group). Autonomic nervous activity (low-frequency component/high-frequency component, high-frequency) and mood states scales (Profile of Mood States Second Edition and Two-Dimensional Mood Scale for Self-monitoring and Self-regulation of Momentary Mood States) during the study intervention were measured and compared between groups. RESULTS: Low-frequency/high-frequency was significantly higher in the control group 10 min after the start of intervention than at baseline (P = .033). Low-frequency/high-frequency was significantly lower in the far-infrared group than in the control group at 5 min (P = .027), 10 min (P = .011), and 15 min (P = .015). High-frequency was significantly higher in the far-infrared group at 5 min (P = .008), 10 min (P = .004), and 15 min (P = .015) than at baseline. High-frequency 5 min after the start of intervention was significantly higher in the far-infrared group than in the control group (P = .033). POMS2 scores improved significantly more in the far-infrared group than in the control group, including in fatigue-inertia (P = .019), tension-anxiety (P = .025), and total mood disturbance (P = .019). Finally, the far-infrared group showed greater improvements in Two-Dimensional Mood Scale-Short Term scores such as stability (P = .002) and pleasure (P = .013). CONCLUSION: Using the far-infrared heater to heat the feet with ceramic balls stabilized and improved mood, reduced Fatigue-Inertia and Tension-Anxiety, and alleviated total mood disturbance. Parasympathetic nervous system activation was observed from 5 min after the start of heating, suggesting that short-duration heat stimulation of the feet is effective.

Relationship Between Attention Bias and Psychological Index in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Preliminary Event-Related Potential Study.

Introduction: Attention bias towards pain-related information exists in patients with chronic pain, and recently, attention bias modification (ABM) training has been administered to patients with chronic pain. In this study, we conducted an attention bias modification task in conjunction with event-related potential measurements for individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP) and investigated the relationship between attention bias and psychological assessment. Methods: Eleven women and two men with chronic LBP participated in the study. Results: The Japanese version of the STarT Back Screening Tool (J-SBST) total score was significantly correlated with the N1 amplitude of Cz. The J-SBST psychological score was significantly correlated with the N1 amplitude of Cz and with reaction time (RT). The Japanese version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Japanese version of the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II) scores were significantly correlated with the P2 amplitude at Fz (only PCS), Cz, and Pz. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that J-SBST, which provides a comprehensive evaluation of psychological factors, PCN with measuring of catastrophizing in the context of actual or anticipated pain, and BDI-II, can likely help identify chronic LBP patients with attention bias. For chronic LBP patients who are classified according to J-SBST or PCN pain-related outcome improvement with ABM training can be expected.

El diálogo imaginario de las madres con sus bebés prematuros / The imaginary dialogue between mothers and their premature babies / O diálogo imaginário das mães com seus bebês prematuros

Resumen (analítico) Se analizan los diálogos imaginarios de las madres con sus bebés prematuros en una unidad de cuidado intensivo neonatal, para identificar la representación de la interacción y los contenidos temáticos. La investigación es cualitativa, por medio de estudio de caso múltiple. Se trabajó con seis madres escogidas por conveniencia, que no padecían alteraciones psicopatológicas, con hijos de bajo riesgo. Se utilizó el video feedback y el análisis de contenido temático. Se encontró que en tres de ellas, las representaciones de la interacción eran balanceadas; en dos, no balanceadas distorsionadas, y en una, no balanceada desprendida. En los diálogos predominó el contenido temático físico y el menos frecuente fue el cognitivo. Se exponen los resultados teniendo en cuenta el bajo riesgo de los bebés, los contenidos temáticos y las implicaciones para la prevención en materia de su salud mental.

Abstract (analytical) This study analyzes the imaginary dialogue between mothers and their premature babies in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to identify the representation of these interactions and their thematic content. The research is qualitative and involves multiple case studies. We worked with six mothers, who were chosen due to ease of access, who didn't present any psychopathological alterations and their babies were classified as low-risk. Video feedback and thematic content analysis techniques were used. Three balanced representations were identified along with two unbalanced distorted representations and one unbalanced detached representation. Physical thematic content was a dominant feature of the dialogue and cognitive content was less frequent. The results are discussed by the authors in relation to the low-risk status of the babies, the predominant thematic content of the dialogue and implications for mental health prevention for the babies.

Resumo (analítico) Analisa-se o diálogo imaginário das mães com seus bebês prematuros numa Unidade de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal para identificar a representação da interação e os conteúdos temáticos. A pesquisa é qualitativa, com estudo de caso múltiplo. Trabalhou-se com seis mães, escolhidas por conveniência, sem alterações psicopatológicas e com filhos de baixo risco. Usou-se vídeo feedback e análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados mostran que três mães tinham representações balanceadas da interação, duas desequilibradas distorcidas e uma desequilibrada desligada. No diálogo predominou o conteúdo temático físico; o menos frequente foi o cognitivo. Discutem-se os resultados em relação ao baixo risco dos bebês, dos conteúdos temáticos e das implicações para a prevenção em saúde mental dos bebês.

Technical Note: Effects of age and confinement on pupillary light reflex in sows1.

Pupillary reflex has been used as a method to examine psychological problems in human clinics and mental disease research. Intensive animal farming has been shown to lead to chronic stress resulting in depression; however, comparing with humans we lack an effective clinical method to clinically inspect these psychological problems in animals. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of age and housing conditions (confined crates vs. group pens) on pupillary light reflex (PLR) of sows to explore whether PLR can be used as an effective way to measure the psychological state of farm animals. In total, 270 pregnant sows were selected for PLR testing and divided into 6 treatments (45 sows per treatment) of 2 different environments (group-housed pen and confined gestation crates) and 3 parities (first, third, and fifth parities). Six selected pupil parameters: 1) latency of the pupil constriction onset (LAT); 2) the percent of the constriction (CON); 3) average constriction velocity (ACV); 4) maximum constriction velocity (MCV); 5) average dilation velocity (ADV); and 6) time of 75% recovery after constriction (T75) were examined. The results showed that there was no difference found in these PLR parameters between the breeds (P > 0.05) but the significant effects were found on LAT, CON, ACV, and MCV by age (P < 0.01). The group-housed sows had significantly higher CON, ACV, and MCV than those in the confined crates (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the pupillary light reflex of the sows was not affected by breed but by age. The results also indicate that some of PLR parameters were sensitive to housing conditions and suggest that ACV and MCV have potential to be sensitive indicators in relation to the psychological problem of sows.

Pisotón: un programa de desarrollo psicoafectivo, como alternativa para construir la paz / Pisotón: Program in the psycho-emotional development in order to determine its possible contribution to peace-building process / Pisotón: um programa de desenvolvimento psicoafectivo como ferramenta para construir a paz

Resumen (analítico): Este artículo evalúa los resultados de la implementación del Programa Pisotón en el desarrollo psicoafectivo de niños y niñas colombianos entre tres y siete años, para determinar su posible aporte a la construcción de paz en el país. Con este fin, se empleó un estudio cualitativo, utilizando como instrumento las Fábulas de Düss, las cuales se aplicaron a 6808 niños y niñas, antes y después de haber participado del Programa. Los resultados evidencian la reorganización emocional y la reducción de defensas maladaptativas en todas las dimensiones emocionales evaluadas. Estos resultados permiten concluir que el Programa brinda herramientas válidas para la elaboración de los conflictos emocionales, tanto aquellos que son propios del desarrollo, como también aquellos que surgen de contextos de violencia.

Abstract (analytic): This article evaluates the results of the Pisotón Program in the psychoemotional development of Colombian children between the ages of 3 and 7 in order to determine its possible contribution to the country's future peace-building process. To this end, a qualitative research was realized, using the Fábulas de Düss as a research instrument. These were applied with 6,808 boys and girls, before and after participating in the program. The results show the emotional reorganization and reduction of defense mechanisms in all of the evaluated emotional dimensions. These results lead to the conclusion that Pisotón provides valid tools for the resolution of conflicts, both those that are common for this age as well as those that arise from contexts of violence.

Resumo (analítico): Este artigo avalia os resultados da implementação do Programa Pisotón, no desenvolvimento psico-emocional das crianças colombianas com idades entre 3 e 7 anos, para determinar a sua possível contribuição para a construção da paz no país. Para este fim, um estudo qualitativo foi realizado utilizando como instrumento Fábulas de DUSS, que foram aplicados a 6.808 crianças, antes e depois de participar no programa. Os resultados mostram a reorganização emocional e redução de defesas mal adaptadas em todas as dimensões emocionais avaliadas. Estes resultados sugerem que o programa fornece ferramentas válidas para o desenvolvimento de conflitos emocionais, tanto aqueles que estão próprio desenvolvimento, como tambem as decorrentes de situações de violência.

A Study on Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Nutrient Intake, Psychological Index according to the Obesity Degree of College Women / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was designed to compare the incidence and severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) between normal (N = 85) and overweight or obese (N = 28) college female students and investigated correlation between PMS, nutrient intake, hematological index and psychological index (depression, anxiety, stress). Each subject was asked a Menstrual Discomfort Questionnaire (MDQ) for PMS by 5 Likert scale. The PMS scores of women in the normal weight subjects ranked in order of severity were water retention (2.71), followed by behavioral change (2.58), negative affect (2.46), pain (2.31), autonomic reaction (2.27), decreased concentration (2.16). The symptoms of 'pain' and 'behavioral change' of overweight or obese subject were significantly higher than those of normal subject (p < 0.05). And total cholesterol concentration of overweight or obese subjects was significantly higher than in normal subject (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the symptoms of 'negative effect' and BMI. And the triglyceride concentration was positively related with 'water retention (p < 0.01)'. The symptoms of 'decreased concentration' were negatively correlated with calcium (p < 0.01) and vitamin B6 intake (p < 0.05). The depression score were positively related with symptoms of 'behavioral change (p < 0.05)', 'negative affect' (p < 0.01), and the anxiety score was positively correlated with 'behavioral change (p < 0.05)' and 'decreased concentration (p < 0.05)'. The stress score was positively correlated with 'decreased concentration (p < 0.01)', 'behavioral change (p < 0.05)' and 'negative affect (p < 0.05)'. This suggests that PMS represents the clinical manifestation of a calcium, vitamin B6 deficiency and psychological disorder. Therefore we concluded that nutrient supplementation, depression and stress management may help to relieve PMS symptoms.