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Life Domains (life + domain)
Selected AbstractsRumination fosters indecision in dysphoria,JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Annette van Randenborgh Abstract This study investigated the effects of rumination on indecision, assessed as high levels of perceived decision difficulty, low confidence in a decision, and decision latency. Dysphoric and nondysphoric participants were assigned to either a rumination or a distraction induction. Subsequently, they made four decisions with alleged real-life consequences. As predicted, rumination exhibited a negative effect on dysphoric participants' decision-making process. They experienced the decisions as more difficult and had less confidence in their choices. No effects emerged on the measure of decision time. Mediation analyses revealed that increased difficulty of the decisions was due to self-focused thinking as a cognitive consequence of rumination, while reduced confidence in the decisions was partly mediated by negative affect that resulted from rumination. The finding that rumination affects the important life domain of decision making by fostering indecision in dysphoric individuals is a central extension of previous studies on rumination's consequences. In addition, these results provide insight into the depressive symptom of indecisiveness by revealing its underlying mechanisms. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66: 229,248, 2010. [source] Family quality of life among families with a member who has an intellectual disability: an exploratory examination of key domains and dimensions of the revised FQOL SurveyJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 6 2009S. Werner Abstract Background The Family Quality of Life Survey (FQOLS-2006) was developed as the result of increased interest in family quality of life (FQOL) among families with a member who has an intellectual disability (ID). The instrument includes nine life domains and six dimensions reflecting the main areas and characteristics of FQOL. The aim of the current study was to provide a descriptive analysis of the domains and dimensions of the survey and to explore their relationship to one another and to global satisfaction. Method A convenience sample of 35 participants with a family member who had ID completed the FQOLS-2006 in a large urban centre in Canada. The data were analysed using descriptive analyses. Results The findings showed that although participants differentiated between different domains and dimensions, as reflected in their variability, stability was also found. For example, support from others was rated lowest across most dimensions, while family relationships and health of the family were generally rated higher. Conclusions The findings strengthen the importance of examining both the overall perception of FQOL as well as the perceptions in individual life domains. Moreover, they highlight the need to examine each life domain according to its various dimensions. In sum, the results call for further examination of the FQOLS-2006 as a useful tool for assessing FQOL and for implementing services based on it. [source] Nursing Research and HIV Infection: State-of-the-ScienceJOURNAL OF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, Issue 3 2000Barbara A. Goldrick Purpose: To provide an update of the nursing research literature on HIV infection and to develop an HIV/AIDS database using arcs© computer software. Methods: Nursing research literature from 1986 through 1997 on human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) was reviewed. With an emphasis on client-focused research, 246 studies were entered into the arcs© HIV/AIDS database. Findings: Analysis of over 1,000 citations in the HIV/AIDS nursing research literature over the past decade indicated that 22% (n = 219) of the nursing studies were client- or patient-focused; 29% (n = 292) were risk-group focused; and 49% (n = 492) were provider-focused. Of the 246 studies entered into the arcs© HIV/AIDS database, 88 (35.7%) were classified in the psychologic domain, 65 (26.4%) in the physiologic domain, 24 (9.7%) in the behavioral domain, and 25 (10%) in the social domain. In addition, 17 (6.9%) of the studies were classified in the quality of life domain, and 27 (10.9%) in the stage of HIV disease domain. The majority (53%) of the 246 studies (n = 131) were correlational, 86 (35%) were descriptive, and 29 (12%) had experimental or quasi-experimental designs. Conclusions: Although nursing studies have described some of the problems that affect HIV-infected people, further research is needed, particularly related to clinical interventions. [source] Sexual functioning in young adult survivors of childhood cancerPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 8 2010Brad J. Zebrack Abstract Background: Studies of sexuality or sexual behavior in childhood cancer survivors tend to examine relationships or achievement of developmental milestones but not physiological response to cancer or treatment. The purpose of this study is to (1) identify prevalence and risk factors for sexual dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors, and (2) examine the extent to which sexual dysfunction may be associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and psychosocial outcomes. Methods: Five hundred ninety-nine survivors age 18,39 years completed standardized measures of sexual functioning, HRQOL, psychological distress and life satisfaction. Descriptive statistics assessed prevalence of sexual symptoms. Bivariate analyses identified correlates of sexual symptoms and examined associations between symptoms and HRQOL/psychosocial outcomes. Results: Most survivors appear to be doing well, although 52% of female survivors and 32% of male survivors reported at least ,a little of a problem' in one or more areas of sexual functioning. Mean symptom score for females was more than twice that of males. Sexual symptoms were associated with reporting health problems. Significant associations between sexual functioning and HRQOL outcomes were observed, with gender differences in strengths of association suggesting that males find sexual symptoms more distressing than do females. Conclusions: While most survivors appear to be doing well in this important life domain, some young adult survivors report sexual concerns. While female survivors may report more sexual symptoms than male survivors, males may experience more distress associated with sexual difficulties. Better-specified measures of sexual function, behavior and outcomes are needed for this young adult population. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Improving the Sexual Quality of Life of Couples Affected by Erectile Dysfunction: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of VardenafilTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2005William A. Fisher PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Erectile dysfunction (ED) has a dual negative impact on men and their female partners; both are likely to face a drop in sexual quality of life and challenges to their intimate relationship as couples' sexual activities are curtailed by the loss of erectile function. Aim., The primary objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of vardenafil vs. placebo in terms of success of maintenance of erection in men with ED and improvement of their female partner's sexual quality of life. Methods., This was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, flexible-dose, parallel-group comparison of vardenafil vs. placebo for 12 weeks in men (,18 years) with ED of ,,6 months duration, and their female partners. Main Outcome Measures., Changes in patient's overall response rate to Sexual Encounter Profile question 3 (SEP3) "Did your erection last long enough for you to have sexual intercourse?" and female partner's response to the quality of life domain of the modified Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire (mSLQQ-QOL) at last observation carried forward (LOCF) were considered the primary efficacy measures. In addition, patient's response to SEP2 "Were you able to insert your penis into your partner's vagina?," the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) and patient's mSLQQ-QOL score were also assessed. Results., Compared with placebo, vardenafil significantly improved overall least square (LS) mean per-patient SEP3 success rate (28% vs. 68%; P < 0.0001) and partner's LS mean (standard error [SE]) mSLQQ-QOL score at LOCF (32.14 [3.24] vs. 65.80 [3.10]; P < 0.0001). In addition, compared with placebo, vardenafil also improved overall LS mean per-patient SEP2 success rate (47% vs. 80%; P < 0.0001), LS mean (SE) IIEF-EF scores at LOCF (12.7 [0.8] vs. 22.8 [0.8]; P < 0.0001) and patient's LS mean (SE) mSLQQ-QOL (28.37 [3.46] vs. 63.85 [3.28]; P < 0.0001) at LOCF. Conclusions., Vardenafil improved erectile function in men with ED and improved the sexual quality of life of the couple. Fisher WA, Rosen RC, Mollen M, Brock G, Karlin G, Pommerville P, Goldstein I, Bangerter K, Bandel T-J, Derogatis LR, and Sand M for the Vardenafil Study Group. Improving the sexual quality of life of couples affected by erectile dysfunction: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of vardenafil. J Sex Med 2005;2:699,708. [source] Rethinking the Work,Life Interface: It's Not about Balance, It's about Resource AllocationAPPLIED PSYCHOLOGY: HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, Issue 2 2010Matthew J. Grawitch This article re-conceptualises the framework surrounding work,life balance. Though previous research has focused primarily on the ways in which work life and non-work life influence each other (mostly negatively), we present an alternative perspective that focuses on personal pursuits and the management of personal resources. We introduce a personal resource allocation (PRA) framework that treats all life demands,whether preferred or required,as forcing individuals to make choices about where, when, and how they expend their personal resources across the life domain. Building on self-regulatory theories, such as control theory, self-determination theory, and conservation of resources theory, we suggest ways in which effective personal resource allocation not only decreases negative outcomes (which has been the emphasis in work,life balance research), but also how effective personal resource allocation can actually contribute to positive outcomes. We conclude by providing some practical implications for individuals and organisations based on the PRA framework and suggest future research opportunities. [source] Clinical correlates of clozapine prescription for schizophrenia in ChinaHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 1 2007Yu-tao Xiang Abstract Aims Few studies have investigated the prescription patterns of clozapine in outpatients with schizophrenia in China. It is an important issue due to clozapine's high efficacy and potentially fatal side effect profile. This study examined the use of clozapine and its correlates in China. Methods Three hundred ninety-eight clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia were randomly selected and interviewed in Hong Kong (HK) and Beijing (BJ). Assessment instruments included the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Simpson and Angus Scale of Extrapyramidal Symptoms, Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale and the Hong Kong and Mainland China World Health Organization Quality of Life Schedule-Brief version. Assessments were performed by the same investigator in both sites. Results Clozapine was prescribed to 15.6% of (n,=,62) patients. There was a wide inter-site variation between HK and BJ. Use of clozapine was associated with age, age at onset, extrapyramidal side effects (EPS), having health insurance, use of depot and typical antipsychotic and anticholinergic drugs and benzodiazepines as well as history of suicidal attempts. On multiple logistic regression analysis, the number of hospitalizations, site (HK vs. BJ), use of typical antipsychotics, polypharmacy and co-prescription with anticholinergics were significantly associated with the prescription of clozapine. No significant differences were found between the clozapine and non-clozapine groups with regard to any of the quality of life domains. Conclusion A combination of economical and clinical factors, health policies and the characteristics of the treatment settings plays important roles in determining clozapine use. Clozapine appears to have little significant influence on quality of life in clinical stable Chinese patients with schizophrenia. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The construct validity of the client questionnaire of the Wisconsin Quality of Life Index , a cross-validation studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, Issue 3 2003Jean Caron Abstract The Wisconsin Quality of Life Index (W-QLI, Becker, Diamond and Sainfort, 1993) consists of eight scales: satisfaction with life domains, occupational activities, symptoms, physical health, social relations/support, finances, psychological wellbeing, and activities of daily living. The W-QLI has been modified to fit the characteristics of the Canadian population, the universal Canadian health system, and community and social services in Canada and the modified form was named CaW-QLI (Diaz, Mercier, Hachey, Caron, and Boyer, 1999). This study will verify the empirical basis of these theoretical dimensions by applying a cross-validation procedure on two samples, most of whose subjects have a serious mental illness. Confirmatory factor analyses and exploratory factor analyses using the principal component extraction technique with varimax rotation were applied. With the exception of the occupational activities domain, the remaining scales were correctly identified by the factor analyses on each sample. The occupational activities scale should be developed by additional items for representing this scale, which is too brief, and two other items should be revised in order to improve the quality of the instrument. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Acculturation Attitudes: A Comparison of Measurement Methods,JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 7 2007Judit Arends-Tóth Three measurement methods (1, 2, or 4 statements) to assess acculturation attitudes were compared in 2 studies involving Turkish immigrants in The Netherlands. Each measurement method revealed support for differentiation between acculturation in the public and the private domains. The Turkish culture was more valued than the Dutch culture in the private domain, while both cultures were about equally favored in the public domain. A direct comparison of the 3 measurement methods found evidence for a general method factor on which all 3 measurement methods loaded, and an acculturation attitude factor with positive loadings for 2 indicators (private and public domains). The 2-statement measurement method addressing public and private life domains was found to provide a short, though comprehensive instrument. [source] Developing a Chinese quality of life in dementia instrument for patients with early-to-moderate dementia: an exploratory test of validityJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 15-16 2010Yi-Chen Chiu Aims., The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese Dementia Quality of Life instrument, which included testing the different pathways through theoretical quality of life domains (self-esteem, feelings of belonging and sense of aesthetics) to reach outcomes of positive and negative affect. Background., Perceived quality of life in dementia has been conceptualised based on dementia stages. However, the relationships among quality of life domains are unclear in patients with dementia with a Mini-Mental State Examination >10. Design., Cross-sectional study. Methods., Older people (n = 110) were consecutively recruited from memory disorder clinics and community wellness centres (controls). Of these participants, 27 were controls, 39 were diagnosed with questionable dementia and 44 with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. The instrument was back translated and validated. Results., The instrument has good overall internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0·84,0·94). Item-total correlation coefficients, indicating construct validity, were all significant, except for one item. anova showed that controls, patients with questionable dementia and those with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease differed significantly in scores on Sense of Aesthetics subscale. Instrument total score and scores on three of five subscales (not Feelings of Belonging) differed significantly between control and dementia groups, but not between patients with questionable dementia and those with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Factor analyses showed two inconsistencies with the instrument's prior conceptualisation, namely the Self-Esteem and Negative Affect subscales. The Positive Affect path model was supported but not the Negative Affect path model. Conclusions., This patient-reported Dementia Quality of Life instrument has acceptable psychometric properties in Taiwanese patients with dementia with a Mini-Mental State Examination score >10. Relevance to clinical practice., The Chinese Dementia Quality of Life instrument can be used to assess subjective quality of life in Taiwanese patients with dementia with a Mini-Mental State Examination score >10. [source] Family quality of life among families with a member who has an intellectual disability: an exploratory examination of key domains and dimensions of the revised FQOL SurveyJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 6 2009S. Werner Abstract Background The Family Quality of Life Survey (FQOLS-2006) was developed as the result of increased interest in family quality of life (FQOL) among families with a member who has an intellectual disability (ID). The instrument includes nine life domains and six dimensions reflecting the main areas and characteristics of FQOL. The aim of the current study was to provide a descriptive analysis of the domains and dimensions of the survey and to explore their relationship to one another and to global satisfaction. Method A convenience sample of 35 participants with a family member who had ID completed the FQOLS-2006 in a large urban centre in Canada. The data were analysed using descriptive analyses. Results The findings showed that although participants differentiated between different domains and dimensions, as reflected in their variability, stability was also found. For example, support from others was rated lowest across most dimensions, while family relationships and health of the family were generally rated higher. Conclusions The findings strengthen the importance of examining both the overall perception of FQOL as well as the perceptions in individual life domains. Moreover, they highlight the need to examine each life domain according to its various dimensions. In sum, the results call for further examination of the FQOLS-2006 as a useful tool for assessing FQOL and for implementing services based on it. [source] Domains of quality of life and symptoms in male veterans treated for posttraumatic stress disorder,JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS, Issue 6 2007Carole A. Lunney This study examined the relationship between domains of quality of life and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in 319 male veterans in a randomized trial of group psychotherapy. Confirmatory factor analyses suggested a 4-factor model of quality of life (achievement, self-expression, relationships, and surroundings) fit better than a unidimensional model. Clinically meaningful symptom change was associated with greater change in all quality of life domains. At pretreatment, numbing symptoms uniquely predicted all quality of life domains. Change in avoidance and hyperarousal uniquely predicted change in achievement. Change in reexperiencing uniquely predicted change in self-expression. Change in numbing uniquely predicted change in relationships. Examining change in PTSD symptoms and quality of life domains may provide important information for treatment planning and evaluation. [source] Review article: Patient-level outcomes: the missing linkNEPHROLOGY, Issue 4 2009DENISE V O'SHAUGHNESSY SUMMARY Treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be life-saving, but can disrupt every aspect of a patient's life and the lives of family members. Many patients with CKD are elderly with significant comorbidities and sometimes therapies to improve survival may be less important than those that improve or maintain quality of life. In this setting, patient-level benefits become particularly important goals of therapy. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are also essential to justify expensive therapies, such as medications used in the treatment of CKD mineral and bone disorders. Surprisingly, data to support the efficacy of these drugs for patient-level outcomes remains limited. In fact, fewer RCT are conducted in renal medicine than in any other medical specialty and reliance is often placed on association data and the assessment of intermediate and biochemical end-points. While some of these may prove to be valid surrogates for clinically important outcomes, some may not. Inclusion of patient-level outcomes in clinical research provides a missing link that can inform a more comprehensive approach to clinical practice and patient care. Incorporating measures of health-related quality of life into clinical trials can make outcomes more relevant and may be relatively simple. This paper provides examples of reliable, validated instruments to measure health-related quality of life domains and functional status, together with practical instructions for their use. Most could be incorporated into RCT of CKD mineral and bone disorder treatments. Inclusion of outcomes that are perceived by patients to be significant should become standard practice in renal medicine and in clinical renal research. [source] The counsellees' view of an unclassified variant in BRCA1/2: recall, interpretation, and impact on lifePSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 8 2008Joël Vos Abstract Objective: Unclassified variants (UVs, variants of uncertain clinical significance) are found in 13% of all BRCA1/2 mutation analyses. Little is known about the counsellees' recall and interpretation of a UV, and its psychosocial/medical impact. Method: Retrospective semi-structured interviews with open questions and five-point Likert scales were carried out in 24 counsellees who received a UV result 3 years before (sd=1.9). Results: Sixty-seven percent (16/24) recalled the UV result as a non-informative DNA result; 29% recalled a pathogenic result. However, 79% of all counsellees interpreted the UV result as a genetic predisposition for cancer. Variations in recall and interpretation were unexplained by demographics, cancer history of themselves and relatives, and communication aspects of UV disclosure. Sixty-seven percent perceived genetic counselling as completed, whereas 71% expected to receive new DNA information. Although most counsellees reported that UV disclosure had changed their lives in general little, one in three counsellees reported large changes in specific life domains, especially in surveillance behavior and medical decisions. Ten out of 19 participants who interpreted the UV as pathogenic had undergone preventive surgery against none of the 5 counsellees who interpreted the UV as non-informative. Conclusion: Counsellors and researchers need to address discrepancies between the counsellees' factual recall and their subjective interpretation of non-informative BRCA1/2-test results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cancer-specific worry interference in women attending a breast and ovarian cancer risk evaluation program: impact on emotional distress and health functioningPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 5 2001Peter C. Trask Intrusive thoughts about cancer, often identified as ,cancer-specific worries' or ,cancer-specific distress', have been postulated to be associated with dysfunction in women at increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. The current study discusses the development and validation of a measure designed to assess women's perceptions of the interference such worries create in their daily functioning. Analyses revealed that approximately two-thirds of a high-risk breast cancer clinic sample perceived worries about breast cancer as interfering with their functioning across a variety of life domains. Multiple regression analyses indicated that worry interference scores predicted Profile of Mood States (POMS) Anxiety and Confusion, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) Role-Emotional and Mental Health scores after the effects of other variables such as frequency of worry about breast cancer, and having a family history of cancer had been considered. Women who perceived their worries as interfering with their functioning reported higher levels of anxiety and confusion, and diminished mental health and role functioning. The results add to the expanding area of anxiety/distress in at-risk populations by providing (1) a direct measure of the perceived interference associated with breast cancer-specific thoughts, (2) a validation of the measure via its associations with standard measures of emotional distress and health functioning, and (3) evidence of the measure's incremental predictive value in explaining distress and quality of life, after consideration of background variables, such as having a family history of cancer. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Migraine: a review and future directions for treatmentACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2006M. Linde Migraine is a chronic, neurological disorder generally manifesting itself in attacks with severe headache, nausea and an increased reactivity to sensory stimuli. A low migraine threshold is set by genetic factors, although the phenotype also modulates the manifestations. The 1-year prevalence is approximately 13% and is higher among women. Patients usually experience neuropsychological dysfunction, and sometimes also reversible focal neurological symptoms. The trajectories of the characteristic symptoms of acute migraine usually follow a similar time course, indicating a reciprocal underlying mechanism. A central nervous system hyperexcitability has been demonstrated in neurophysiological studies. The dibilitating effects of migraine are not confined to the attacks per se. Many individuals do not recover completely between the attacks and most report a negative impact on the most important life domains, and an interest in testing other treatments. Young persons have a higher frequency of attacks. Acute treatment should routinely be initiated with an analgesic plus a prokinetic anti-emetic. Triptans must not be provided early during the attack to ensure their efficacy. The natural course of attacks is commonly only temporarily altered by acute treatment. Non-pharmacological treatment and drugs may be equally viable in prophylaxis for migraine. In more complicated cases, conjoint therapy should be considered. New strategies to improve adherence with existing therapeutic regimens might yield greater benefits than will new pharmacological agents. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||