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Brain alterations in individuals with exercise dependence: A multimodal neuroimaging investigation

Author(s): ANNA-CHIARA SCHAUB,MAXIMILIAN MEYER,AMOS TSCHOPP,ALINE WAGNER,Undine LANG,Marc WALTER,Flora COLLEDGE,ANDRÉ SCHMIDT / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2024

Background: Exercise dependence (ED) is characterised by behavioural and psychological symptoms that resemble those of substance use disorders. However, it remains inconclusive whether ED is accompanied by similar brain alterations as seen in substance use disorders. Therefore, we investigated brain alterations in individuals with ED and inactive control participants. Methods: In this crosssectional neuroimaging investigation, 29 individuals with ED as assessed with the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS) and 28 inactive control participants (max one hour exercising per week) underwent structural and functional resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Group differences were explored using voxel-based morphometry and functional connectivity analyses. Analyses were restricted to the striatum, amygdala, and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Exploratory analyses tested whether relationships between brain structure and function were differently related to EDS subscales among groups. Results: No structural differences were found between the two groups. However, right IFG and bilateral putamen volumes were differently related to the EDS subscales “time” and “tolerance”, respectively, between the two groups. Resting-state functional connectivity was increased from right IFG to right superior parietal lobule in individuals with ED compared to inactive control participants. Furthermore, functional connectivity of the angular gyrus to the left IFG and bilateral caudate showed divergent relationships to the EDS subscale “tolerance” among groups. Discussion: The findings suggest that ED may be accompanied by alterations in cognition-related brain structures, but also functional changes that may drive compulsive habitual behaviour. Further prospective studies are needed to disentangle beneficial and detrimental brain effects of ED.

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The influence of age on gambling problems worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis of risk among younger, middle-aged, and older adults

Author(s): GEORGIA DELLOS,Matthew Browne / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2024

Background and Aims: Problem gambling (PG) represents a significant public health concern with widespread effects in various cultures and regions globally, with younger individuals and males at a particularly higher risk. This disparity is attributed to a mix of cultural, developmental, and biological influences. To date, there has not been a comprehensive examination to determine whether this risk pattern holds consistently across different jurisdictions. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using the PRISMA framework, identifying 21 eligible studies from 18 countries, encompassing 156,249 participants (47.6% male and 52.4% female). Results: The studies varied considerably by region (Asia: 19%, Europe: 52%, Oceania: 19%, North America: 10%), the diagnostic criteria for PG, and participation rates in gambling (ranging from 12% to 92%). Data on PG prevalence was categorised by gender and three age groups (young: 18–35, middle: 30–55, and older: 45–65). Using a random-effects meta-analysis, we found a global PG prevalence of 1.9%. Europe reported a significantly lower prevalence (1.3%) compared to North America (5.3%). Men were found to be 3.4 times more likely than women to engage in problem gambling, although the gap narrows in North America. The young demographic showed a 1.51 times higher likelihood of reporting PG compared to the middle-aged group, whereas older adults were 0.80 times less likely to report PG. Notably, age-related effects varied significantly across regions. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that age and gender significantly influence PG risk across cultures, with significant heterogeneity observed across jurisdictions.

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Emotional interference and attentional bias in compulsive sexual behaviors disorder – An fMRI study on heterosexual males

Author(s): Małgorzata Draps,MARIA KULESZA,Agnieszka Glica,JULIA SZYMANOWSKA,KATARZYNA LEWINSKA,Weronika Żukrowska,Mateusz Gola / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2024

Background and aims: Despite the inclusion of the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases, emotional and cognitive impairments related to CSBD remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the behavioral and neuronal effects of emotional interference on cognition among CSBD patients. Methods: Thirty heterosexual males with CSBD and matched healthy controls (HC) were studied with the Emotional Stroop Task using 5 categories of emotionally arousing words (sex-related, positive, fear-related, negative, neutral) during functional magnetic imaging. Results: At the behavioral level, we found the main effect of the condition: sex-related words evoked a stronger Stroop effect than other conditions. At the neural level, we found a significant group effect. Among CSBD patients processing of sex-related words was related to increased activity in the right putamen, right thalamus, hippocampi, and left pulvinar, when compared to HC. We also found a negative correlation between neuronal activation and time spent on sexual activity during the week preceding study and numerous group differences in brain regions connected to the emotional and motivational processing of sexually explicit material, correlating with CSBD symptoms. Conclusions: Behavioral results indicate a specific attentional bias toward sex-related stimuli in both groups, while neural data uncovered stronger reactivity to sex-related words in CSBD compared to HC. This reactivity is related to CSBD symptoms and provides evidence for the interference of sex-related stimuli with cognition. Such results are firmly in line with the Incentive Salience Theory and conceptualizing CSBD as a behavioral addiction.

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Comparative analysis of cortical anatomy in male participants with internet gaming disorder or tobacco use disorder: Insights from normative modeling

Author(s): XUEFENG MA,ANHANG JIANG,Junhong Dai,Shuang Li,HONGAN CHEN,YONG XIE,Shizhen Wang,Bo YANG,Lingxiao Wang,Guang-Heng Dong / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2024

Background: Research on individual differences in brain structural features of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and established addictions such as tobacco use disorder (TUD) is currently limited. This study utilized normative modeling to analyze the cortical thickness (CT) development patterns of male patients with IGD and TUD, aiming to provide further insights into whether IGD qualifies as an addiction. Methods: Surface-based brain morphometry (SBM) was used to calculate CT from T1- weighted magnetic resonance imaging data of 804 male participants (665 healthy individuals, 68 IGD and 71 TUD). Gaussian process regression was employed to generate normative models of CT development. Deviation maps were produced to depict deviations of IGD and TUD participants from the typical developmental patterns. Results: Both addiction groups exhibited widespread cortical thinning, particularly in regions such as the bilateral temporal pole and medial orbitofrontal cortex. The TUD group demonstrated a higher degree of individualization and limited spatial overlap compared to the IGD group. Opposite trends in CT changes were observed between the two groups in the bilateral pericalcarine cortex and pars triangularis. Conclusions: These findings regarding the similarities and differences between IGD and TUD provide support for the idea that IGD shares common features with substance-related addictions and contribute to a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying IGD.

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Evaluation of a multicomponent positive psychology program to prevent gaming disorder and enhance mental wellness in primary pupils: A randomized controlled trial

Author(s): Cecilia CHENG,SHUO LI,Si Chen / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2024

Background and Aims: Gaming disorder (GD) is a prevalent and complex issue that has recently been recognized as a condition that impairs mental health, underscoring the urgent need for early prevention measures. This evaluation study examined the effectiveness of the Digital Netizen Alliance (D.N.A.) program, a new multicomponent positive psychology program for preventing GD and bolstering mental wellness among Chinese children. Methods: Drawing on gamification and positive psychology principles, the program builds four key positive skills collectively referred to as the P-A-G-E framework: psychological resilience, active coping, growth mindset, and emotion regulation. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 264 primary school pupils attending fourth, fifth, or sixth grade in Hong Kong (63% female; mean age 5 10.83, SD 5 1.18). Results: The findings revealed that participation in the program effectively promoted active coping, a growth mindset, and emotion regulation. Moreover, program participation alleviated GD symptoms and reduced negative affect. These desirable changes were fully explained by the P-A-G-E framework. Discussion and Conclusions: The new D.N.A. program, which cultivates the positive psychology skills specified in the P-A-G-E framework, facilitates favorable psychological changes among children. These results emphasize the importance of using multicomponent frameworks for interventions targeting GD prevention.

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Negative emotions mediate the association between the topology of the complex brain network and smartphone use disorder: A resting-state EEG study

Author(s): YULONG YIN,XU LI,Joseph T.F. Lau,SUNIAN NAN,MINGKUN OUYANG,Xiao CAI,Pengcheng Wang / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

Background: Increasing research has examined the factors related to smartphone use disorder. However, limited research has explored its neural basis. Aims: We aimed to examine the relationship between the topology of the resting-state electroencephalography (rs-EEG) brain network and smartphone use disorder using minimum spanning tree analysis. Furthermore, we examined how negative emotions mediate this relationship. Methods: This study included 113 young, healthy adults (mean age 5 20.87 years, 46.9% males). Results: The results showed that the alpha- and delta-band kappas and delta-band leaf fraction were positively correlated with smartphone use disorder. In contrast, the alpha-band diameter was negatively correlated with smartphone use disorder. Negative emotions fully mediated the relationship between alpha-band kappa and alpha-band diameter and smartphone use disorder. Furthermore, negative emotions partially mediated the relationship between delta-band kappa and smartphone use disorder. The findings suggest that excessive scale-free alpha- and delta-band brain networks contribute to the emergence of smartphone use disorder. In addition, the findings also demonstrate that negative emotions and smartphone use disorder share the same neural basis. Negative emotions play a mediating role in the association between topological deviations and smartphone use disorder. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the neural basis of smartphone use disorder from the perspective of the topology of the rs-EEG brain network. Therefore, neuromodulation may be a potential intervention for smartphone use disorder.

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The longitudinal associations between internet addiction and ADHD symptoms among adolescents

Author(s): Jin-Liang Wang,XUE-QIN YIN,Hai-Zhen Wang,Daniel L. King,Detlef H. Rost / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

Background and aims: Internet addiction has been linked to ADHD-related symptoms. However, the direction of the relationship and its potential for reciprocal relations is not well understood. This study examined the potential reciprocal relations between the three components of ADHD and Internet addiction, as well as the moderating effects of gender on these relations. Methods: Using a longitudinal design, we collected data of 865 Chinese adolescents across three waves (Mage 5 13.78, SD 5 1.56 in wave 1), with a time interval of 6 months. Results: Cross-lagged analyses revealed bidirectional associations between hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, and Internet addiction over time. Multi-group analyses did not yield any significant gender differences in these relationships. Discussion and conclusions: These findings enhance our understanding of the complex link between ADHD components and Internet addiction and have implications for interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of Internet addiction and ADHD.

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A three-wave longitudinal study on the underlying metacognitive mechanism between depression and Internet gaming disorder

Author(s): Le Dang,Hong Mian Yang,Marcantonio M. Spada,Anise M.S. Wu / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

Background and aims: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and depression have negative consequences on individuals’ mental health, but their relationships are complex. This three-wave longitudinal study aimed to detect the metacognitive mechanisms underlying the association between IGD tendency and depression based on the self-regulatory executive function model. Methods: A total of 1,243 Chinese undergraduate student gamers (57% female, M 5 19.77, SD 5 1.29) were recruited at the baseline survey (Wave 1 [W1]), with 622 and 574 of them taking part in the two follow-up surveys (Wave 2 [W2] at 6 and Wave 3 [W3] at 12 months later), respectively. Results: The three-wave path model demonstrated, after controlling for the autoregressive effect of each variable, that depression consistently predicted IGD tendency but not vice versa, while negative but not positive metacognitions about online gaming (MOG) significantly predicted both depression and IGD tendency. Moreover, two statistically significant mediation paths: (i) negative MOG [W1] → depression [W2] → IGD tendency [W3]; and (ii) depression [W1] → negative MOG [W2] → IGD tendency [W3] were identified. Discussion and conclusions: These findings extend the understanding of the associations among depression, IGD tendency, and MOG, highlighting how negative MOG has a stronger prospective effect than positive MOG on depression and IGD tendency, and also reveal the mutual mediation effects of depression and negative MOG on IGD tendency. Integrated programmes with both emotional regulation training and Metacognitive Therapy are recommended for IGD treatment.

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LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF SENIOR COUNSELING TO REDUCE POST-PANDEMIC ANXIETY

Author(s): Alina Maria Breaz,Ovidiu TODERICI,Henrietta Torkos,Elvis DOBRESCU / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2023

The pandemic generated by the COVID-19 virus has affected the entire structure of society, including the economic, social, public relations, etc. One of the groups with an extremely high risk was represented by the group of elderly people. The institutionalized elderly, although isolated to a certain extent, had an increased risk, the centers becoming foci of infection where the virus spread rapidly. All these aspects, to which is added the lack of knowledge of the long-term effects of getting sick with COVID-19, nor of the effects of the vaccine, have demanded the maximum of people's adaptive capacities, requiring the formation of new skills and lifestyles that will allow them to face the challenges of the pandemic. Objective: based on previous research carried out by us in 2021, the long-term effects of counseling the elderly in reducing reactive anxiety to the dangerousness of the COVID-19 virus were followed. Methodology: the Hamilton Anxiety Scale was used, applied to 12 elderly people from the Care Center for the elderly, Arad. Main results: the results showed in the first research an obvious decrease in anxiety following counseling. The application of the same scale after one year reveals a slow progressive decrease in anxiety as a result of counseling in which new techniques for managing stressful situations were acquired and the emphasis was placed on acquiring increased skills to adapt to stressful situations. General conclusion: the counseling system used has proven its effectiveness in the long term, but new future research is needed, on an increased number of subjects, to be able to be implemented in the elderly centers as a method of preventing the increase of anxiety in crisis situations.

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Възможности за интегриране на философията на ценностите в контекста на психотерапията

Author(s): Milena Popcheva / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 6/2024

The present article considers the possibility of turning the active work with the processes of value formation into a key element in psychotherapy. It is based on observations of processes of value formation spontaneously occurring during psychotherapies with patients that cannot be explained by the theoretical framework of the psychodynamic method being used. These processes can be described in the following manner: 1) the detachment of the patient from his current situation and its recognition as contrary to his values and the will to change resulting from that; 2) the gradual realisation of what is most important in the life of the patient as a value around which he builds up his existential center which gives direction of his strivings and of the changes he undertakes an opens up future possibilities for his development. The values formed as a result of this process are personal as opposed to the generally accepted moral values of a given society or culture. In the article it is argued that the described processes can be understood from the perspective of the philosophy of values. It arrives at the conclusion that a psychotherapeutic method which actively engages these processes and grounded on the philosophy of values would be distinct from the already available methods even from those that already work with values or are founded on philosophy. For the formulation of such a method of work are necessary future analysis and research.

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SHVATANJE PSIHOPATOLOGIJE I DIJAGNOSTIKE U SAVREMENOJ GEŠTALT TERAPIJI – IMPLIKACIJE ZA EDUKACIJU I SUPERVIZIJU

Author(s): Snežana Opačić / Language(s): Serbian Issue: 11/2024

Although the attitude of gestalt therapy towards psychopathology and diagnostics has changed a lot since its inception until today, the intention and goal have remained the same: understanding the suffering of clients from a humanistic, experiential and relational point of view, which excludes labeling and reducing people to disorders. That is why the aim of this paper is to point out the necessity of knowing and distinguishing three different perspectives from which we perceive and name the experience of working with clients: individualistic, relational and field theory perspective, as well as the importance of the therapist’s awareness of whether and how he moves between these three different experiences and understanding. This is also important for educators and supervisors, to be more aware of what they pay attention to, and what and how they teach their students and supervisors in the process of education for Gestalt therapists. The paper discusses and considers the advantages and disadvantages of all three perspectives, and looking at their differences, we can say that the therapeutic approach in the individualistic perspective is mainly based on the ego function, in the relational one more on the persona function, and in the field theory perspective a little more on the id function. Seen in that way, there is a need and sense to use all three bases and modes of operation. And as we know, thanks to the paradoxical theory of change, only if we know all three well and accept them, we can more consciously orient ourselves and move more fluently in the complex field of therapy, education and supervision.

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Music therapy for children with ADHD - a theoretical approach

Author(s): Beatrice Elena Iordache / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2023

Music Therapy has been found to be a safe and non-invasive intervention that can complement traditional treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This article aims to provide an overview of the current research on music therapy for ADHD and its potential applications in supporting children with ADHD. By examining the existing literature, we can gain a better understanding of how music therapy can be used to complement traditional treatments for ADHD and promote the well-being of children with ADHD and their families.

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Biomarkery spojené s individuálnou rádiosenzitivitou

Author(s): Martin Patin,Martin Bereta,Jaromír Tupý,Lucián Zastko / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 2/2024

This paper, as a part of a basic review, focuses on biomarkers that are associated with individual radiosensitivity of patients. This topic is nowadays directly connected with the research in oncology, especially in the radiation oncology, where more individualized and more effective form of therapy is requested for a long time.The biomarkers together with other innovative methods could be helpful. This brief review includes several basic categories of biomarkers and their detection methods that could be used in the field of conventional radiotherapy in the near future. These biomarkers are mainly associated with cellular processes that take place before and after the patient´s body is irradiated. Research in this area is still progressing and therefore we expect promising application of these biomarkers in a clinical practice.

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Pohybová aktivita u pacientov s onkologickým ochorením

Author(s): Mária Novysedláková,Katarína Zrubáková / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 2/2024

In the rehabilitation of cancer patients, a specific approach is important, which depends on the affected site, the histological type of the tumour, the stage of the disease, the progress of the cancer treatment, the age of the patient, the prognosis, the psychological state and the social background. The aim of this paper is to use the narrative review method, to summarize and to interpret the findings of studies dealing with physical activity interventions for selected cancer symptoms. We reviewed published studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of outcomes related to physical activity in cancer patients using the Medline/PubMed database. In the published studies, the authors provided ample evidence that adequate specifically dosed aerobic, resistance, or combined training can improve depressive symptoms, anxiety, fatigue, physical performance, and health-related quality of life. Experts in the literature have emphasized the need for studies focusing on the benefits of physical activity exercise also in the prevention and management of other sequelae of cancer disease and its treatment.

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BULGARIAN ADAPTATION OF THE AUTISM SCREENING INSTRUMENT FOR ADULTS “AUTISM SPECTRUM QUOTIENT”: PRELIMINARY DATA

Author(s): Mihaela Barokova / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2024

There is no publicly available information about the number of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Bulgaria. According to international epidemiological studies, the percentage of people who meet criteria for an official ASD diagnosis is between 1% and 2% of the population (Brugha et al., 2018; CDC, 2017). In Bulgaria, that will add up to 80 000 people. The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ; Baron-Cohen et al., 2001) is a screening questionnaire for autism spectrum disorders in adults. The aim of the present report is to present preliminary data on the Bulgarian AQ adaptation by comparing the total scores of participants with an ASD diagnosis to the total scores of neurotypical controls. The questionnaire was posted on social media, as well as sent to people receiving social services for individuals with ASD. In 2022 and 2023 the online questionnaire was filled out by 40 adults with ASD (mean age: 25,31 years; 27 male, 10 female) and 945 neurotypical adults (36,84 years; 250 male, 681 female). There was a statistically significant difference in total scores between participants with ASD and those without (ASD: M=30,63 points, SD=9,08; Controls: M=22,52, SD=9,25; t(983)=5,43, p<0,001). The statistically higher average total score of the adults with ASD provides preliminary evidence that the Bulgarian adaptation of the AQ can distinguish between adults with ASD and those without. Similar results are reported for the adaptations of the AQ to other languages and cultures.

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Limity slobody a genetické predispozície na formovanie nerestípodľa Tomáša Akvinského

Author(s): Peter Samuel Lovás / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 3/2024

The article connects some findings of empirical sciences (especially psychology and psychiatry) with the teachings of Thomas Aquinas in the field of character formation, in a broader context of the limits of human freedom. Some human behavioural and psychological anomalies have genetic and other biological causes. In this case, a disorder on the biological level accidentally becomes part of our individual nature. However, such a disorder goes against specific human nature, that is, against man as such, and therefore brings about a decay in genuine human goodness. According to Thomas Aquinas, even a person with such a disorder can experience flourishing if, in the struggle with his corrupt inclinations, he develops virtues that are opposed to his disordered tendencies. In this manner, and with the help of God’s grace, he also gains effective control over himself and can achieve true human happiness.

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The Impact of Stress on Child Development and Healthcare Interventions for Children with Chronic Illnesses in Albania

Author(s): Brunilda Hoxhaj,Dora Karagjozi / Language(s): English Issue: 23/2024

This study is of paramount importance for advancing healthcare and improving the quality of life for children with chronic diseases in Albania. Chronic illnesses in children present significant challenges that extend beyond the physical aspects of the disease. These conditions often require continuous medical management and can have substantial emotional and psychological impacts. In Albania, it is estimated that approximately 15-20% of children are affected by chronic illnesses. Among these children, about 30-40% experience high levels of stress, which can significantly impact their overall health and well-being. Understanding the relationship between stress and chronic illnesses is crucial for developing effective healthcare strategies. Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of chronic diseases and contribute to a deterioration in the child’s condition. This study aims to explore the intricate relationship between stress and health interventions, analyzing how stress impacts the health and well-being of children with chronic illnesses. It investigates whether increased stress levels are associated with worsening of the child’s condition and evaluates the effectiveness of various health interventions in mitigating this stress. The methodology of the study includes using surveys to measure stress levels among children and medical monitoring to identify changes in their health status in relation to stress. The hypotheses guiding this research suggest that elevated stress levels may significantly increase symptoms and the risk of worsening chronic conditions. By examining these relationships, the study seeks to confirm the importance of stress management in the healthcare and treatment of children with chronic illnesses. The findings reveal a noticeable link between stress levels and the worsening of chronic illnesses, underscoring the critical need for effective stress management strategies. The results suggest that psychosocial interventions and family support are essential components in reducing stress and improving the quality of life for these children. Practical implications of the study include the development and implementation of targeted interventions designed to address the specific stressors faced by children with chronic conditions, potentially enhancing their overall care and support. However, the study does have limitations. Measuring stress and accounting for other variables that may affect health can be challenging, and these factors may impact the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the findings. Despite these limitations, the study’s insights have significant social implications. A deeper understanding of how stress affects health can contribute to the development of more effective policies and practices, fostering better healthcare environments for children with chronic illnesses. Overall, this study provides valuable new perspectives on the impact of stress on children with chronic conditions and highlights the necessity of effective interventions. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of chronic illness management, the study aims to improve the overall quality of life for affected children, reduce healthcare costs, and support their emotional and social well-being

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Parental interference in custody variation proceedings: a forensic psychology perspective

Author(s): Pedro V. Mateo-Fernández,Iria de la Osa Subtil / Language(s): English Issue: 5/2024

Parental interference in judicial proceedings for variation of custody arrangements is a phenomenon that profoundly impacts family dynamics and the well-being of children. This article addresses this issue from the perspective of forensic psychological assessment, highlighting the critical importance of a thorough and rigorous analysis in these contexts. Custody variation, whether physical or legal, often generates tension and conflict between parents, which can lead to parental interference behaviors. These interferences can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, including emotional manipulation of children, denigration of the other parent, and obstruction of parenting time. The relevance of this article lies in the need to understand how these interferences affect both the children and the adults involved, and the importance of having accurate and objective psychological assessments to inform court decision-making. The work of the forensic psychologist is essential in these processes, providing an unbiased assessment based on standardized techniques and tools to identify harmful family dynamics and their impact on the psychological well-being of children. Throughout this article, the importance of early intervention and the implementation of effective strategies to mitigate parental interference is highlighted. In addition, recommendations for courts and other legal professionals on how to appropriately integrate findings from psychological evaluations into judicial decision making are highlighted. Ultimately, this approach seeks to promote the well-being of children and ensure that custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, informed by rigorous and detailed forensic psychological evaluations.

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Art-of-living training: developing an intervention for adolescents with depression or anxiety

Author(s): Jessica Lang,Madeleine Georg,Lisa Groetsch,Bernhard Schmitz / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2018

Objective: The present paper describes two studies that aim at the transfer of the art-ofliving into the clinical-therapeutic context. Study 1 aimed at the identification of those artof-living components that show differences for adolescents who are suffering from anxiety or depression. In Study 2, a need-oriented and a predefined art-of-living training were developed, implemented and evaluated. Design: Study 1 is based on a pre-experimental comparative design. Study 2 is an intervention study based on a randomized two factors multivariate 3x3 design with repeated measures. Main Outcome measures: The main outcome measures are art-of-living, life satisfaction, depression and anxiety. Results: Study 1 could show significant differences of the art-of-living subscales in the comparison of a clinical and a nonclinical sample. A specific pattern was identified for the clinical sample. The results of Study 2 show that the developed trainings improved the art-of-living (F(2,37) = 4.24, p =.02, η² =.67) as well as the satisfaction with life (F(2,37) = 8.19, p <001, η² =.92). Furthermore, a reduction of depression could be achieved (F(2,37) = 6.45, p< 001, η² =.82). Conclusion: In summary, the training successfully enhanced art-of-living and reduced depression. Limitations and benets are discussed.

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Religiosity and psychological resilience in psychiatric patients: an overview

Author(s): Raphael M. Bonelli / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2017

Objective: The impact of religious/spiritual activities on clinical outcomes in patients with serious mental illnesses remains controversial, which was addressed in this international cross-sectional study. Method: The literature was searched using the electronic database of Pubmed. To identify the highest quality papers, we selected publications in psychiatric journals ranked in the top 25% by the ISI citation index 2010, i.e. the top 32 journals out of 126 listed, all with an impact factor of 3.6 or higher. The published original studies were then discussed and rated for the quality of their design, measures, and statistical methods. Results: 1% if the studies find a positive relationship between R/S and better mental health, 18.6% find mixed (positive and negative) results, and 4.7% reported a negative association. All studies on dementia, suicide and stress-related disorders found a positive association, as well as 79% and 67% of the papers on depression and substance abuse, respectively. Conclusion: There is growing evidence today that R/S is correlated with better mental health in the areas of depression, substance abuse, and suicide; insufficient evidence in neurosis and dementia; poor evidence in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and no evidence in many other mental disorders.

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