Proactive coping with discrimination: A mediator between ethnic-racial socialization and Latinx youth's internalizing symptoms

There is a dearth of knowledge in the coping literature on how minoritized youth cope with racism-related stressors and the predictors of effective coping responses. This two-wave study examined the direct and indirect effects of ethnic-racial socialization on depressive and anxiety symptoms via proactive coping with discrimination in a community sample of 135 Latinx adolescents (M_age = 16, SD = 1.27; 59% female). Results indicate that cultural socialization was related to higher use of proactive coping with discrimination 6 months later, which in turn, was related to fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms. There were no direct or indirect effects between preparation for bias and mental health outcomes.     

Self-blame and stress in undergraduate college students: The mediating role of proactive coping

Objective: This study aimed to examine the mediating relationship of proactive coping on self-blame and stress among US undergraduate college students. Participants: The sample of undergraduate college students (n?=?261) were recruited through their Introduction to Psychology course and registered for the study through a research-based computer program utilized at the university in the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters. Methods: Participants voluntarily completed a battery of self-report questionnaires that measured self-blame, proactive coping, and stress. Correlation and regression-based mediation analyses were utilized to address the study objectives. Demographic differences were explored using comparative analyses. Results: Proactive coping was identified as a mediator between self-blame and stress. Correlation analyses revealed self-blame, proactive coping, and stress were interrelated with one another. Ethnicity differences were observed on proactive coping. Conclusions: Proactive coping mediated the relationship between self-blame and stress and was negatively related to the other included behavioral constructs.     

Underemployment Versus Relocation: Coping Mechanisms of Palestinian Women in Israel with Patriarchal and Spatial Impositions

Abstract

Over the past decade, rates of Palestinian women in Israel with an academic degree have increased. However, the corresponding increase in their rate of employment has been slower, and the paucity of suitable positions is evident. The aim of the present, qualitative study was to gain insight into the barriers that educated Palestinian women face in finding employment suitable for their training, the coping mechanisms they employ in their attempt to overcome these barriers, and factors that contribute to the selection of these coping mechanisms. Towards that aim, educated Palestinian women residing in northern Israel (n?=?17) and ones who relocated to southern Israel for employment purposes (n?=?42) were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed three coping mechanisms with the shortage of suitable employment: underemployment, retraining, and relocation to southern Israel for employment. This study may help policymakers find ways to increase the percentage of Palestinian women working in their field of training.     

The Role of the Environment in Sedentary Behavior in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

To compare amounts of sedentary behavior and physical activity in adults residing in planned group residential settings to those residing in private homes, this study recruited 31 older adults who resided in planned group residential settings (n = 13) and in private homes (n = 18). Daily activities were measured using the SenseWear Armband for 7 days. Estimates of the duration of daily activities performed across sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous intensities were captured. It was found that participants in planned group residential settings were older (age 85.9 ± 3.5 vs. 78.3 ± 7.2; p = 0.001) and spent more time in sedentary behaviors (12.7 ± 1.5 vs. 11.3 ± 1.6; p = 0.02) than participants in private homes. The difference was attenuated slightly after controlling for age and wear time (adjusted difference 1.2 ± 0.6 hours, p = 0.06). Thus, adults residing in planned group residential settings, which provide supportive services, were more sedentary than adults residing in private homes. The environment in which older adults live may contribute to sedentary behavior.     

Meaning of Home in Later Life as a Concept to Understand Older Adults’ Housing Needs: Results from the 7 Age-Friendly Cities Pilot Project in Québec

To support older adults’ desire to age in place, their housing needs must be well understood. However, little research has explored housing needs from older adults’ point of view. This article, based on the results of 49 focus groups (n = 392) and one case study from the Age-Friendly Cities Project in Québec, Canada, uses the concept of meaning of home in later life to explore older adults’ housing needs. An overview presents how older adults express meaning of home and what their needs are regarding housing and relocation. Finally, the implications for decision makers and stakeholders are discussed.     

Stress,strain, coping and social support for affected family members attending the National Problem Gambling Clinic,London

Aims were: to compare burden experienced by affected family members (AFMs) attending a problem gambling treatment clinic in London, England with that of AFMs affected by substance problems; to examine socio-demographic correlates of AFM burden; to evaluate change following an intervention designed for AFMs; and to test the assumption of the stress-strain-coping-support (SSCS) model that change in AFM coping is important. AFMs (N = 215) completed a gambling version of the short questionnaire for family members affected by addiction (SQFM-AA) which assesses stressful impact, symptoms of ill health, ways of coping, social support and overall burden. All received a 5-Step Method workbook, based on the SSCS model. The SQFM-AA was repeated three to six months later (n = 96). T-test analyses showed that baseline burden and related variables were comparable to those of family members affected by substance problems, were greater for wives and those living in the same household as the gambling relative, and were significantly reduced at follow-up. Regression modelling indicated the importance, for AFMs’ health, of reduced levels of engaged-emotional coping. Family members affected by gambling, some subgroups especially, experience high levels of burden. They can benefit from a model-based intervention, and coping change may be an important process.     

Females' Coping Styles and Control Over Poker Machine Gambling

An investigation of the relationship between impaired control over gambling, coping strategies, and demographic variables was conducted by surveying female poker machine players (N = 163) in their gaming venues. Metropolitan (n = 14) and regional (n = 6) gaming venues in Victoria, Australia participated. Control over gambling was measured using the Impaired Control Over Gambling Scale (Baron & Dickerson, 1994). Coping strategies were measured using (Folkman et al., 1986) adaptation of the Revised Ways of Coping Checklist (Vitaliano et al., 1985). MANOVA supported the hypothesis that the lower the control over gambling the greater the reliance on emotion-focused coping (blamed self, wishful thinking, avoidance) with F = 9.92, 13.35, 14.04 respectively, all significant at p < .001. MANOVA failed to supported the hypothesis that problem-focused strategies (problem focus, seek social support) would be significantly related to control over gambling with F = .82 and .21 respectively. Control over gambling was not related to age, employment, relationship status, education, ordistress from significant life events, further supporting the relationship between control and coping strategies. Ways in which coping styles might be related to pathological gambling are discussed.     

Home From Home? A Mixed-Methods Study of Relocation Within a Purpose-Built Retirement Community

Moving from a location where one has intimate knowledge of the physical and social aspects of space, with established daily routines, social networks, and attachment to place, can present challenges in later life. The literature supports the optimality of aging in place, and several studies point to the potentially detrimental effects of disruption, particularly in cases of involuntary relocation. Using both qualitative and quantitative data, this exploratory study aimed to examine the experiences and effects of relocation as part of a redevelopment of a community housing older people. Thirty-five interviews were completed with 17 participants across stages of the relocation process. Quantitative indicators of well-being were also compared between residents who had moved and those who had not over this period. No significant differences were found between movers and non-movers in the quantitative data. However, the qualitative data suggested that the relationship with the environment is more nuanced than the duality of optimal and detrimental. Individuals’ agency in relation to their environment was found to be mediated by such factors as lifestyle and daily routine, bereavement, sociospatial factors, and access to nature. The effects of relocation appear to be complex and mediated by a variety of individual and social factors.     

The role of religion in mediating the transition to residential care

PurposeThe move from independent domicile to residential care can be a traumatic experience for the elderly. This study investigated the mediatory role of the individual's religious and spiritual beliefs on coping with this transition.Design and methodsA self-report survey design was used, and questionnaires were administered to 50 individuals who had entered residential care within the previous 12 months.ResultsThe analyses showed that scores on a life satisfaction scale were significantly and positively correlated with those from a spirituality measure (p = .033), from a faith in nature and humanity scale (p = .001), and from an instrument to measure the use of religion as a coping measure (p = .004). Contrary to the hypotheses, there were no such significant relationships with measures of either organised or non-organised religion. The relationships between variables were further explored through a path analysis.ImplicationsThe findings pointed to the benefits of a more personal and subjective belief system than a formal one. We concluded that it is important for all those who work with the elderly to acknowledge and recognise the role that religious and spiritual beliefs may have as a coping mechanism during stressful times.     

Elder Transgender Lesbians: Exploring the Intersection of Age,Lesbian Sexual Identity,and Transgender Identity

This study is the first to examine the experiences and needs of an international sample of current, English-speaking, lesbian, transgender-identified (trans-lesbian) adults around a number of later life and end-of-life perceptions, preparations, and concerns. I analyzed a subset (n = 276) of the cross-sectional data collected from the online Trans MetLife Survey on Later-Life Preparedness and Perceptions in Transgender-Identified Individuals (N = 1,963). I assessed perceptions and fears around aging, preparation for later life, and end-of-life as well as numerous demographic and psycho-social variables. Despite the overall feeling that they have aged successfully, the respondent trans-lesbian population harbors significant fears about later life. I found that this population, while better-prepared than the overall respondent trans-identified population, is still ill-prepared for the major legalities and events that occur in the later to end-of-life time periods.     

Predictors of Attrition from an Expressive Writing Intervention for Sexual Abuse Survivors

This study examined predictors of attrition from a clinical trial examining the effects of an expressive writing intervention for sexual problems among female survivors of child sexual abuse. Participants were 124 women all reporting sexual difficulties, who were randomized to a trauma-focused condition (n?=?45), an experimental sexual schema-focused condition (n?=?37), or a control condition (n?=?42). Thirty-five women (28%) dropped out before completing posttreatment assessments. Younger age, less education, and increased use of positive coping strategies were each independently associated with dropout. Results have implications for both researchers and clinicians working with this population, and it is hoped that these data can help bolster retention of those who are more likely to discontinue treatment.     

The Legacy of Leaving Home: Long‐Term Effects of Coresidence on Parent – Child Relationships

This study investigated how early, “on‐time,” and late home leavers differed in their relations to parents in later life. A life course perspective suggested different pathways by which the time spent in the parental home may set the stage for intergenerational solidarity in aging families. Using fixed‐effects models with data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (N = 14,739 parent – child dyads), the author assessed the effects of previous coresidence on intergenerational proximity, contact frequency, and support exchange more than 5 years after children had left home. The results indicated that, compared with siblings who moved out “on time,” late home leavers lived closer to their aging parents, maintained more frequent contact, and were more likely to be providers as well as receivers of intergenerational support. Overall, this evidence paints a positive picture of extended coresidence, revealing its potential to promote intergenerational solidarity across the life course.     

Family Structure History and Adolescent Romance

This study examined the association between family structure history and adolescent romance. Using a national sample drawn from Add Health (N= 13,570), family structure at Wave I was associated with the likelihood that adolescents were involved in a romantic relationship at Wave II and, among those in a relationship, the number of relationships they had since Wave I. Cumulative family instability and its timing were also associated with these outcomes and largely drove the family structure effects. Gender and age interactions suggest that experiences of family instability were more consequential to the romantic lives of boys and younger teens.     

An Infection Control Program for a 2009 Influenza A H1N1 Outbreak in a University-Based Summer Camp

Abstract

Objectives: Describe two 2009-H1N1 influenza outbreaks in university-based summer camps and the implementation of an infection control program. Participants: 7,906 campers across 73 residential camps from May 21–August 2, 2009. Methods: Influenza-like-illness (ILI) was defined as fever with cough and/or sore throat. Influenza A was identified using PCR or rapid-antigen testing. We implemented an infection control program consisting of education, hand hygiene, disinfection, symptom screening, and ILI case management. Results: An initial ILI cluster involved 60 cases across 3 camps from June 17–July 2. Academic Camp-1 had the most cases (n = 45, 14.9% attack rate); influenza A was identified in 84% of those tested. Despite implementation of an infection control program, a second ILI cluster began on July 12 in Academic Camp-2 (n = 47, 15.0% attack rate). Conclusions: ILI can spread rapidly in a university-based residential camp. Infection control is an important aspect of the medical response but is challenging to implement.     

Therapeutic crisis intervention system in residential care for children and youth: Staff knowledge,attitudes, and coping styles

About ten years ago, several residential treatment facilities for children and youth in Israel were given approval to use the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention System (TCI, ‘holding’) technique in order to proactively restrain violent behavior. The purpose of the current study was to examine attitudes toward TCI among staff of residential facilities for children and youth and the association between staff attitudes and between their knowledge and coping strategies with stressful daily situations. A unique aspect of this study is its emphasis on the staff's coping style in stressful situations and the relationship between their coping style and their use of TCI. The research population consisted of staff members who work in residential facilities for children and youth at risk (n = 100), half of whom had been trained to perform TCI and to implement the method in their work. No differences in knowledge were found between participants who had been trained and those who had not, while the former even displayed incomplete knowledge and unwillingness to perform TCI when necessary. In addition, the more problem-oriented the coping style the less positive the attitude toward use of TCI and the less the tool was used. No relationship was found between emotion-oriented coping style and attitudes and frequency of using TCI as a means of intervention. The study shows the complexity involved in introducing the method of TCI as well as the necessary caution that must be taken before deciding to use it.     

Disordered gamblers with and without ADHD: the role of coping in elevated psychological distress

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is significantly more prevalent among disordered gamblers than in the general adult population. Despite this, it remains unclear whether co-occurring ADHD is associated with clinically significant differences that call for specialized assessments and treatment planning. The purpose of this article was to explore differences in psychological distress and coping strategies among individuals presenting to an outpatient gambling treatment centre with and without co-occurring adult ADHD. Participants (n = 99) were primarily female (69%) and Caucasian (86%) outpatient treatment-seeking disordered gamblers. At intake, individuals completed self-report measures of coping (Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations – Adult Form), psychological distress (Beck Depression Inventory II) and ADHD (Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales – Adult Form). Results indicated that individuals with ADHD (n = 42) reported significantly more psychological distress and less adaptive coping strategies than those without co-occurring ADHD (n = 57). Mediation analyses showed that an ADHD diagnosis had an indirect effect on psychological distress via the mediator of maladaptive coping. Assessment and treatment should be tailored to address the variety of presentations of gambling disorder. Screening for ADHD at intake may be helpful in creating an individualized treatment plan for disordered gamblers.     

Evaluation of a Resilience Intervention to Enhance Coping Strategies and Protective Factors and Decrease Symptomatology

Objective: In this pilot study, the authors examined the effectiveness of a 4-week resilience intervention to enhance resilience, coping strategies, and protective factors, as well as decrease symptomatology during a period of increased academic stress. Participants and Methods: College students were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 30) and wait-list control (n = 27) groups. The experimental group received a psychoeducational intervention in 4 two-hour weekly sessions. Measures of resilience, coping strategies, protective factors, and symptomatology were administered pre- and postintervention to both groups. Results: Analyses indicated that the experimental group had significantly higher resilience scores, more effective coping strategies (ie, higher problem solving, lower avoidant), higher scores on protective factors (ie, positive affect, self-esteem, self-leadership), and lower scores on symptomatology (ie, depressive symptoms, negative affect, perceived stress) postintervention than did the wait-list control group. Conclusions: These findings indicate that this resilience program may be useful as a stress-management and stress-prevention intervention for college students.     

The essence of being connected: the lived experience of mothers with young children in newer residential areas

Parenthood is a significant life transition and a time of increased social support need. In newer residential areas, a lag in social infrastructure and family relocation can influence potential isolation of families with young children. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of being connected to local communities for mothers with children aged 0–5 years. Family insights were obtained through in-depth interviews with 12 mothers who were primary caregivers, homeowners and living in newer residential areas in outer suburban Perth, Western Australia. For mothers with young children, being connected to the local community appears to be shaped from their past and present lived experience as well as future aspirations. Connectedness evolves and may develop more slowly in newer communities where social relationships and networks are often recently formed. ‘Interaction’, ‘knowing what's going on’ and ‘help is nearby if you need it’ were identified as the essential themes of connectedness for mothers and families in this study. Belonging was identified as an incidental theme as not all mothers who felt connected felt like they belonged. The findings provide insight for professionals and agencies working with families with young children as well as planners of newer residential areas.     

The Four Es 1-Year Later: A Tool for Predicting the Development of Gambling Problems

The Four Es is a 40-item scale measuring psychological risk for the development of problem gambling behavior. One-year follow-up interviews (n = 395) from a previously reported phone survey in Queensland, Australia (n = 2,577) (Rockloff & Dyer, 2006) tested the ability of the Four Es instrument to prospectively identify persons who would later develop gambling problems. Two groups of participants were selected for the 1-year follow-up interviews, including (1) persons who had gambling problems, high-risk alcohol abuse problems, and/or substance abuse problems (abuse group); and (2) a random selection of other persons from the original survey (random group). The results indicated that the “Excess” trait, which measures impulsive behavior, was predictive of relative increases in gambling problems for both groups over the 1-year period. Additionally, the Four Es questionnaire showed good psychometric properties in the surveys, with a test-retest reliability of r = .70 and a Cronbach’s alpha reliability of α = .90 and .92 in the original and follow-up interviews, respectively.     

Perceptions of emerging adults who accessed residential treatment and entered a parental role

Youth who accessed residential mental health treatment (RT) continue to experience challenges related to their emotional and behavioral disorders, and continue to struggle in several life domains. Some of these youth also become parents. The purpose for this report was to explore the perceptions of emerging adults who accessed RT as a child or youth, and who became parents, about their life domains. These participants (n = 12) reported continued challenges in several domains of living, and some reported that impending parenthood helped motivate them to improve their behaviors. Many reported continued reliance on previous social workers. Implications for practice are discussed.