Men with Adult Onset Epileptic Seizures: Their Coping Strategies and Sense of Subjective Wellbeing following Elective Neurosurgery

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-36
Author(s):  
Martin Raffaele ◽  
Elias Mpofu ◽  
Jennifer Smith-Merry ◽  
Martin Mackey

This study aimed to understand the coping strategies used by men with Adult Onset Epileptic Seizures (AOES) following elective neurosurgery, and in particular, how those adaptive skills relate to their subjective wellbeing (SWB). Open-ended qualitative interviews were conducted with five men with a history of neurosurgery for AOES (aged 34–59). The interview data was thematically analysed utilising interpretive phenomenological analysis. The findings indicated that the men experienced significant role marginalisation by family and co-workers, and also poor communication provided by health care professionals. They reported a higher sense of SWB with the use of ego-buffering strategies, such as positive reframing, threat minimisation, emotional self-acceptance and engaging in wish-fulfilling fantasies. Self-blame led to lower SWB. Findings imply that agentic behaviour is important to successful living with AOES following neurosurgery.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Funuyet-Salas ◽  
A Martín-Rodríguez ◽  
M A Pérez-San-Gregorio ◽  
M Romero-Gómez

Abstract Background To date, coping strategies have not been studied in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), despite evidence of their relevance in chronic liver pathology, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity (OB). We therefore analyzed which coping strategies predicted quality of life in diabetic and obese NAFLD patients. Methods Four hundred and ninety-two biopsy-proven NAFLD patients (290 men and 202 women, mean age 54.90±11.74) were evaluated using The Brief COPE, 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire-Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (CLDQ-NAFLD). A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed on four groups (G1, n = 335, absence of T2DM; G2, n = 157, presence of T2DM; G3, n = 249, absence of OB; and G4, n = 243, presence of OB) to analyze which coping strategies predicted patient quality of life (physical component summary SF-12, mental component summary SF-12, and total CLDQ-NAFLD). Results In both diabetic and obese patients, active coping (T2DM, p = 0.003, β = 0.26; OB, p = 0.000, β = 0.33) and denial (T2DM, p = 0.027, β=-0.19; OB, p = 0.004, β=-0.18) predicted the physical component summary. Denial (T2DM, p = 0.000, β=-0.30; OB, p = 0.001, β=-0.19), positive reframing (T2DM, p = 0.000, β = 0.28; OB, p = 0.000, β = 0.29), self-blame (T2DM, p = 0.000, β=-0.24; OB, p = 0.000, β=-0.26) and self-distraction (T2DM, p = 0.033, β=-0.13; OB, p = 0.023, β=-0.11) predicted the mental component summary. Denial (T2DM, p = 0.000, β=-0.34; OB, p = 0.000, β=-0.31), positive reframing (T2DM, p = 0.000, β = 0.30; OB, p = 0.005, β = 0.15) and self-blame (T2DM, p = 0.000, β=-0.26; OB, p = 0.000, β=-0.28) also predicted the total CLDQ-NAFLD in both groups. Conclusions Active coping and positive reframing predicted better quality of life, while denial, self-blame and self-distraction predicted worse quality of life in diabetic and obese NAFLD patients, suggesting the inclusion of coping strategies in future multidisciplinary NAFLD treatments. Key messages Importance of coping strategies for NAFLD patients: active coping and positive reframing predicted better quality of life, while denial, self-blame and self-distraction predicted worse quality. This study shows the need to design multidisciplinary strategies for managing NAFLD and improving patient quality of life, in which intervention in coping strategies should be a major element.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-160
Author(s):  
Maria Batsikoura ◽  
Sofia Zyga ◽  
Foteini Tzavella ◽  
Athanasios Sachlas ◽  
Andrea Paola Rojas Gil

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between nutritional habits, lifestyle, anxiety, and coping strategies. Background: Anxiety is an underestimated and often undiagnosed subclinical disorder that burdens the general public of modern societies and increases illness suscentibility. Methods: The study group consisted of 693 individuals living in Peloponnese, Greece. A standardized questionnaire that consists of the dietary habits and lifestyle questionnaire, the trait Anxiety STAI-X-2 questionnaire and the brief-COPE questionnaire, was used. Principal components analysis identified the factors from the questionnaires, and stepwise multivariate regression analysis investigated their relationships. Results: Weekly consumption of fruits, tomatoes, salads and lettuce, together with Εmotional/Ιnstrumental support, Denial/Behavioural disengagement, substance use and self-blame, was the most important predictors of anxiety scores. Positive reframing/Humour and Acceptance/Planning are also associated with the Positive STAI factor and decreased anxiety scores. Conclusion: Healthy nutritional habits, comprised of consumption of salads and fruits, together with adaptive coping strategies, such as Positive reframing/Humour and Active problem solving, may provide the most profound improvement in the anxiety levels of a healthy population in Peloponnese, Greece.


2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 168-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Subedi ◽  
Dana S. Edge ◽  
Catherine L. Goldie ◽  
Monakshi Sawhney

Background Since 2008, Bhutanese refugees have been resettled in Canada, including Ottawa. This relocation and resettling process is associated with significant physical and psychological stress, as individuals acclimatize to a new country. Purpose To assess the relationship between coping strategies and psychological well-being of Bhutanese refugees resettled in Ottawa. Methods A cross-sectional survey utilizing a convenience sample of adults (n = 110) was conducted in the fall of 2015 in Ottawa. Two tools, Brief COPE and general well-being schedule were used. Results Bhutanese refugees were in moderate distress. Using multiple linear regression, age, education, and three coping strategies (positive reframing, self-blame, and venting) were identified as predictors of general well-being ( F (11, 96) = 3.61, p < .001, R2 = 21.2%). Higher levels of education and positive reframing were associated with greater general well-being scores, while self-blame and well-being between ages 41 and 50 years were inversely associated with general well-being. Conclusions Findings suggest that a broad intersectorial approach between nurses and partner agencies is needed to enhance the mental health of this population for better adjustment in the host country. Nurses could provide support and counseling to minimize the use of self-blame and venting and promote positive coping strategies.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-66
Author(s):  
Martin Raffaele

This study explored family relationship dynamics of men with Adult Onset Epileptic Seizures (AOES) following an elective lobectomy procedure to address their frequent seizure activity. Informants were five Australian men with history of adult-onset epilepsy for which they received neurosurgery (aged 34–59 years). Thematic analysis following semi-structured interviews yielded three themes: role marginalization, role dependency and role enmeshment. All the men reported significant role marginalization in not being consulted about everyday life activities. They also reported to experience decisional role shifting towards their spouses or partners and children post-surgery. Their family role enmeshment experiences included being perceived by spouses or partners as adult–children and by their children as a parent–child. However, some of the men were accepting of these role definitions and to add rather than take away from their health-related quality of life.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 98
Author(s):  
Nefeli Paraskevi Strongylaki ◽  
Georgios Pilafas ◽  
Anastasia Dermati ◽  
Despina Menti ◽  
Georgios Lyrakos

Background: The psychological impact of quarantine, due to the SARS COVID-19 outbreak, was examined with a specific focus on the relationship between 7 coping strategies: (i) active coping, (ii) positive reframing, (iii) acceptance, (iv) use of emotional support, (v) religion, (vi) substance use and (vii) self-blame and acute stress. This study aimed to identify specifically which of those coping strategies could increase or decrease acute stress levels.Method and Material: The data collection took place during the lockdown and was performed using online surveys. The finale sample size reached up to 1154 Greek adults (age M= 40.51). Two adapted and translated scales were used to measure the variables of interest, including: Brief-COPE questionnaire as well as Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS).Results: “Active coping”, “acceptance”, “positive reframing” and “emotional support”, four of the coping strategies examined, that were found to be significantly associated with stress reduction. Meanwhile, “religion”, “self-blame” and “substance use” were not associated with stress reduction. Conclusions: This study initially provides an insight of acute stress and effective coping strategies associated with the quarantine period during the COVID – 19 pandemic in Greece. The outcome of this study equip support for the expected inflation of the mental health issues stemmed from the unusual stressors, and urge clinicians, mental health providers, and public agencies to assemble, in an attempt to make possible the widespread implementation of more effective and beneficial coping strategies.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Gysin-Maillart ◽  
Leila M. Soravia ◽  
Simon Schwab

The development of individual coping strategies for suicidal crises is essential for suicide prevention. However, the influence of a brief intervention and the effect on coping strategies is largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the long-term association between coping behaviour and suicidal ideation in a clinical high-risk sample of the Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) evaluation study. In this secondary analysis of a 24-month follow-up randomised controlled study, 120 patients (55% female; mean age of 36) with a history of suicide attempts were randomly allocated to the ASSIP group or to a control group, both added to treatment as usual. The present study identifies an 11% reduction in dysfunctional coping in the ASSIP group and a 6% increase in problem-focussed coping compared to the control group after 24-months. Broader categories of dysfunctional coping showed a significant interaction between the ASSIP group and the control group regarding self-distraction, after 12-months, and self-blame, after 24-months. In the ASSIP group, active coping and substance use were associated with a reduction in Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS) scores. In the control group (CG), behavioural disengagement and positive reframing were positively and self-distraction was negatively related to suicidal ideation. These results indicate that ASSIP has an influence on coping behaviour. Thus, the development of new problem-focussed coping strategies is crucial, although a reduction in dysfunctional coping (e.g. self-blame) seems to be essential in overcoming suicidal crises long-term.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (07) ◽  
pp. 876-880
Author(s):  
Mamoona Mushtaq ◽  
Najma Najam

The literature review portrays a reasonable picture of the role of certain copingstrategies in developing hypertension. Objectives: Present research based on self-regulationtheory explored correlation of coping strategies of stress with hypertension. Design: Crosssectional research design. Setting: Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Services Hospital, Ganga RamHospital, Lahore. Period: June 2010 to June 2011. Method & material: Sample (N = 400)outdoor hypertensive males (N = 100) and hypertensive females (N = 100) between ages30-60, and their age matched healthy controls (N= 200, 100 males, 100 females) were takenfrom 3 hospitals. Measures: Brief COPE scale was used to measure coping strategies.Analysis: Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were carried out. Results: Significantpositive correlation of hypertension with active coping, substance use, instrumental support,positive reframing, acceptance, and self-blame was found and active coping, acceptance,instrumental social support and self-blame coping strategies appeared as significant predictorsof hypertension.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Fonseca de Freitas ◽  
◽  
Cláudia Silva ◽  
Susana Coimbra ◽  
◽  
...  

Previous studies reveal that the negative effect of discrimination on mental health is particularly pernicious among stigmatised minorities. However, research also points out the importance of protection mechanisms that may buffer its effect. This study aimed to explore the relationships between mental health, perceived discrimination, and coping strategies of positive reframing and self-blame in LGB and heterosexual youth. Data were collected through a paper and pencil and an online survey administered to 195 Portuguese adolescents and young adults. The survey covered mental health (Mental Health Inventory-5), discrimination (Everyday Discrimination Scale), and coping strategies (Brief COPE). Of the sample, 73.3% were women and 51.8% self-identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB). Analyses of variance show that LGB participants have experienced more discrimination than their heterosexual counterparts. There was no difference in the levels of mental health and the use of self-blame or positive reframing coping strategies. Regression analyses reveal that perceived discrimination and self-blame contribute to the worsening of the mental health of LGB and heterosexual youth. Positive reframing coping was a predictor of mental health only in LGB participants, a strategy that contributed to their resilience in the face of discrimination. Additionally, only LGB participants displayed an indirect effect of discrimination on mental health, partially mediated by self-blame coping. Results corroborate previous findings that suggest that perceived discrimination has a more deleterious effect for members of a minority group and support the psychological mediation framework regarding the effect of discrimination on mental health in stigmatised groups.


2004 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELIZABETH GRANT ◽  
SCOTT A. MURRAY ◽  
MARILYN KENDALL ◽  
KIRSTY BOYD ◽  
STEPHEN TILLEY ◽  
...  

Objective: Health care professionals and policy makers acknowledge that spiritual needs are important for many patients with life-limiting illnesses. We asked such patients to describe their spiritual needs and how these needs may impinge on their physical, psychological, and social well-being. Patients were also encouraged to explain in what ways their spiritual needs, if they had any, could be addressed.Methods: We conducted two qualitative interviews, 3 months apart, with 20 patients in their last year of life: 13 patients with advanced cancer and 7 with advanced nonmalignant illness. We also interviewed each patient's general practitioner. Sixty-six interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed.Results: Patients' spiritual needs centered around their loss of roles and self-identity and their fear of dying. Many sought to make sense of life in relation to a nonvisible or sacred world. They associated anxiety, sleeplessness, and despair with such issues, which at times resulted in them seeking support from health professionals. Patients were best able to engage their personal resources to meet these needs when affirmed and valued by health professionals.Significance of results: Enabling patients to deal with their spiritual needs through affirmative relationships with health professionals may improve quality of life and reduce use of health resources. Further research to explore the relationship between spiritual distress and health service utilization is indicated.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 423-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick O’Leary ◽  
Scott D. Easton ◽  
Nick Gould

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a trauma that affects males in substantial numbers, sometimes in ways that are gender-specific (e.g., compromised masculine identity, confusion regarding sexuality). Much of the identification of the male-specific outcomes has been derived from practitioner experience and small qualitative studies. The current study explores gender-specific outcomes and describes the development of a scale to measure the effects of CSA on men. First, qualitative interviews with 20 men who were sexually abused in childhood were thematically analyzed. The emergent themes of sexuality, self-concept, psychological and emotional well-being, and social functioning were used to construct a 30-item instrument which was later completed by 147 men with histories of CSA. The dimensionality of the 30 items was then assessed for suitability as scales using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The final instrument, the Male Sexual Abuse Effects Scale (MSAES), combines three subscales: Negative Identity, Guilt and Self-Blame, and Psychological and Emotional Well-Being. Items concerning masculine identity were shown to be valid in the scale. MSAES scores were compared with the General Health Questionnaire–28 (GHQ-28) and found to be significantly correlated. GHQ-28 clinical thresholds were applied to differentiate clinical from nonclinical cases; an independent-samples t test showed that the clinical cases from the GHQ-28 had high scores on the MSAES. The new scale has the potential to help clinicians and researchers identify men who have been severely affected by CSA and who should be of clinical concern.


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