Hopelessness for family members of individuals with borderline personality disorder.

Family members and loved ones of individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can experience high levels of distress. Types of distress reported by family members include burden, grief, depression, guilt, and powerlessness. Hopelessness is a construct that has received little attention despite its potential relevance for this group. This study sought to examine, and assess potential change in, hopelessness among individuals attending a 12-week Family Connections (FC) program. Participants were 75 family members, 29 men and 46 women. Most participants were parents (n = 43; 57%). Data were collected at four time-points and outcomes included hopelessness, burden, and grief. The majority of participants (82%) reported scores within the 'minimal' or 'mild' ranges of hopelessness before the FC program. A greater proportion of participants in the 60-70 year age group reported scores in the 'moderate/severe' category when compared with younger age groups. The mean hopelessness score for all participants before FC was 4.61 which is considered mild. There was no significant difference in hopelessness scores after program completion. Although mean scores increased at both 3-month and 12-month follow-ups, they continued to remain in the 'mild' category. Hopelessness scores in the current study are similar to those reported in previous studies, although no significant change was found after FC completion. Concepts of personal vs. situational hopelessness should be considered, as well as the relevance of assessing personal hopelessness for this participant group. Further research is needed to determine the relationship between family member hopelessness and index client wellbeing.

Interpersonal Processes in the Duration of Sick Leave of Workers with Chronic Diseases: A Dyadic Analysis.

PURPOSE: Although there is increasing awareness that significant others' perceptions and behavior can affect health outcomes, the role of interpersonal processes between sick-listed workers and significant others in sick leave and return to work (RTW) has hardly been studied. This study aims to examine the associations between illness perceptions, RTW expectations, and behaviors of significant others (engagement, buffering and overprotection) with sick leave duration within dyads of sick-listed workers with chronic diseases and their significant others. METHODS: We used survey data linked with sick leave registry data of 90 dyads. Pearson correlations were used to study the interdependence within dyads. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between survey data of both dyad members and sick leave duration. RESULTS: We found moderate to strong correlations between workers and significant others, indicating interdependence within dyads regarding illness perceptions, RTW expectations and perceived significant other behaviors. Dyad members' illness perceptions (R2 = .204, p = .001) and RTW expectations (R2 = .326, p = < .001) were associated with sick leave duration, explaining respectively 12.3% and 24.5% of the variance. We found no associations between sick leave duration and active engagement, protective buffering and overprotection. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that negative illness perceptions and RTW expectations of both workers and their significant others are associated with a longer sick leave duration. Considering the interdependence within dyads, involving significant others when intervening on maladaptive illness perceptions and RTW expectations may be more effective than solely focusing on the worker's perceptions and expectations.

Including significant others in psychological therapy with people with intellectual disabilities: A national survey of the practice of UK psychologists.

BACKGROUND: Talking therapy for people with intellectual disabilities is often specifically adapted. One adaptation is the involvement of significant others in therapy, however, there is no systematic description of the use of this adaptation in routine clinical practice. METHOD: An online survey of UK psychologists regarding the inclusion of significant others in individual therapy with people with intellectual disabilities. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-five psychologists who work with people with intellectual disabilities provided responses to questions regarding the decision to include significant others in therapy, factors that make including significant others more or less likely and how the role of significant others is explained to them. CONCLUSIONS: Psychologists consider a range of factors in deciding the involvement of significant others. We discuss implications for training of therapists working with people with intellectual disabilities, issues of consent and how the roles of significant others are understood.

Resilience Through Social Support: An Intersectional Analysis of Sexual Minority Women's Social Resources for Wellbeing.

Sexual minority women (SMW) are at higher risk for a range of health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder) than heterosexual women. However, poor health outcomes do not occur for all SMW. Resilience provides a lens for understanding why some SMW maintain good mental and behavioral health despite the presence of multiple risk factors. Few studies have examined the resilience-promoting factor of social support in relation to depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder in SMW. There is a need for further research clarifying sources of social support (e.g. family, significant others, friends, LGBTQ+ community) associated with resilient outcomes for SMW. This study used data from a telephone-based survey of 520 SMW to examine the relationships between resilience and social support. We used multiple regression and tested for interactions with ethnoracial identity and sexual identity. Greater levels of overall social support were associated with greater resilience, as was social support from the LGBTQ+ community in particular. There were few differences in these relationships by ethnoracial identity, sexual identity, or their intersections. Interventions that increase social support across any of four support sources appear to have the potential to increase resilience and decrease mental and behavioral health risks for SMW.

Exposure to pro-tobacco and anti-tobacco media messages and events and smoking behaviour among adolescents in Gambia.

BACKGROUND: Despite the widespread prevalence of adolescent smoking in Gambia, a West African country, there is limited research exploring the relationships between exposure to pro-tobacco and anti-tobacco media messages and events and smoking behaviour among young people. This study investigates the interplay of these exposures and smoking behaviour among 11-17-year-old adolescents in Gambia. METHODS: Secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2017 Gambia Global Youth and Tobacco Survey (GYTS), which included a total of 9,127 respondents. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including proportions, Pearson's chi-squared tests, and multivariable logistic regression models, were employed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The final model revealed significant associations between exposure to anti-tobacco media messages and events and smoking behaviour. Adolescents exposed to anti-tobacco media messages had a 29% increased odds of smoking (aOR 1.29,CI = 1.08,1.53) compared to those unexposed, while exposure to anti-tobacco media events showed a 31% increased odds (aOR 1.31,CI = 1.09,1.59) compared to those unexposed. Exposure to pro-tobacco messages, such as witnessing tobacco use on TV (aOR 1.41, CI = 1.17,1.69) and owning objects with tobacco brand logos (aOR 1.49,CI = 1.19,1.86), was associated with higher odds of smoking. Covariates, including sex, age, and exposure to smoking behaviour by significant others, also demonstrated associations with smoking behaviour. Notably, male respondents showed significantly higher odds of smoking (aOR = 4.01,CI = 3.28,4.89) compared to females. Respondents aged 15 years and older had increased odds of smoking (aOR = 1.47,CI = 1.22,1.76) compared to those below 15 years old. Those whose fathers smoke displayed higher odds of smoking (aOR = 1.35, CI = 1.04,1.76) compared to individuals with non-smoking parents. Additionally, those whose closest friends smoke showed remarkably higher odds of smoking (aOR = 2.87,CI = 2.37, 3.48) compared to those without such influence. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the significant impact of exposure to both anti-tobacco and pro-tobacco media messages and events on smoking behaviour among adolescents in Gambia. However, pro-tobacco messages had a greater influence on smoking prevalence than anti-tobacco messages and events. Understanding these associations is crucial for devising effective public health interventions aimed at reducing tobacco use in this population.

Recovery-oriented care in Teams Working with the ART Model in long-term Mental Health care: A Qualitative Study on the Experiences of Service Users and Their Significant Others.

The Active Recovery Triad (ART) model provides a framework for recovery-oriented care in long-term mental health settings. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the experiences and views of service users and their significant others regarding care and support they receive from teams working with the ART model. Semi-structured interviews were performed with nineteen service users and five significant others of teams operating in Dutch long-term mental health care. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The three core principles of the ART model formed the deductive basis of the analysis and for every principle themes were identified inductively. Under the principle 'Active', service users mentioned that they feel motivated, work actively on personal recovery goals and have dreams for the future. Service users valued the service as a safe environment, but several service users also preferred to live more independently. Under the principle 'Recovery', participants reported how the dimensions of recovery (health, personal identity, daily life and community functioning) were addressed in care and support. Also, specific conditions for recovery-oriented care were identified, for example regarding specific expertise of care providers. Under the principle 'Triad' the support from significant others, contact with care workers and with other service users were identified as important. The insights regarding what is important for service users and their significant others may contribute to the improvement of care and support in long-term mental health care. In addition, the findings of this study provide directions for the further development of the ART model.

'The world was going through what we go through everyday': The experiences of women with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) living with their partners during the COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVES: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term debilitating illness characterised by profound and persistent fatigue (JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 313, 2015, 1101). The current study aims to explore the experiences of women with ME/CFS living with their partners during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. DESIGN: The study adopted a qualitative design comprising semi-structured interviews with participants. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis (TA). METHODS: Participants were women with ME/CFS (n = 21) recruited through ME/CFS support groups in the United Kingdom. All participants were in romantic relationships and lived with their partners. RESULTS: Data were organised into three themes: (1) lockdown disrupting routine, (2) reducing difference and (3) fear of getting COVID-19. People with ME/CFS found that lockdown disrupted their well-established routines. Although routines were disrupted by partners and increased working-from-home practices, participants found having partners at home helpful. People with ME/CFS believed that the changes induced by the pandemic reduced the differences between themselves and the outside world which, prior to lockdown, had felt prominent. They were fearful of getting COVID-19 as they believed this would make their ME/CFS worse. This meant that for people with ME/CFS, the lifting of the lockdown restrictions was an anxiety-provoking time, hence impacting symptoms. People with ME/CFS continued to adhere to government guidelines after national restrictions were eased. CONCLUSIONS: This study outlines the experiences of women with ME/CFS during COVID-19, alongside the long-term impact this has had due to the changes that the pandemic imposed. These findings may have implications for those with long COVID.

Effects of remote dignity therapy on mental health among patients with hematologic neoplasms and their significant others: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Families of patients with hematologic neoplasms involved in dignity therapy have exhibited a remarkable improvement in psychological well-being and family functioning. However, the applicability and generalizability of family participatory dignity therapy are limited as it is influenced by factors such as intervention time, place, and participants. Whether remote support from significant others is feasible and effective remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to confirm the efficacy of significant others participating in remote dignity therapy (r-DT) on hope, dignity loss, meaning of life, and sense of stigma among patients with hematologic neoplasms as well as their significant others' depression and anxiety. DESIGN: A randomized, single-blinded, two-arm, parallel-group controlled trial. SETTING(S) AND PARTICIPANTS: Participants included patients with hematologic neoplasms and their significant others, who were recruited from Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from May 2021 to January 2022. METHODS: A total of 72 eligible participants (patients and significant others) agreed to participate, and were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 37). Each pair of participants in the intervention group participated in two or three conversations based on the online video function of the WeChat platform, performed by one therapist in accordance with a specific communication outline. To evaluate the effects of the intervention, we assessed the patients' degree of dignity loss, hope level, meaning of life, and sense of stigma, as well as their significant others' depression, anxiety, and intimacy at baseline (T0), 15 days (T1), 30 days (T2), and 60 days (T3), and compared the scores between the two groups after the completion of the intervention. The Generalized Estimation Equation Model (GEE) was used to examine the effects of time, group, and their interaction. RESULTS: The intervention group statistically significantly differed in lower dignity loss (t = 2.190, p = 0.032), higher hope level (t = -2.010, p = 0.049), and higher meaning of life (t = -2.066, p = 0.043) than the control group at T1. Regarding their significant others, the results of the comparison between the two groups showed that significant others in the intervention group had reduced levels of anxiety and depression at T1 and T2 (p < 0.05). The majority of patients (84.38 %) and significant others (75.00 %) provided positive evaluations of the program. CONCLUSIONS: The r-DT showed a short-term positive effect on decreasing patients' dignity loss and promoting patients' hope and meaning of life; among their significant others, it decreased anxiety and depression. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in the China Clinical Trial Registry on 17 March 2021(ChiCTR2100044374). TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Remote dignity therapy decreased patients' dignity loss and promoted their hope and meaning of life; among their significant others, it decreased anxiety and depression.

Potential factors affecting the impact of community reinforcement and family training. Secondary analysis of an RCT.

BACKGROUND: In addition to increasing the quality of life among concerned significant others (CSOs), Community Reinforcement and Family training (CRAFT) aim at helping CSOs motivate treatment-refusing identified patients (IPs) into treatment through a positive reinforcement process. The aim of the present study was to investigate if the following factors, measured at baseline, have an influence on IP future treatment engagement (1) Type of relation between CSO and the IP (2) The amount of time the CSO spend with the IP (3) if the IP knows that the CSOs seeks help, and (4) The CSO's own alcohol use. METHODS: A secondary analysis from the Danish CRAFT study. CSOs completed a self-administered questionnaire at baseline, after three months, and six months. To investigate the relationship between the four variables and treatment engagement, logistic regression was used. RESULTS: CSO's relation to the IP, the frequency of contact between the CSO and the IP, and the CSO's AUDIT score at the time of the baseline interview were not associated with the IP's treatment engagement. If CSO at baseline had informed the IP that the CSO participated in CRAFT, odds for IP treatment engagement were significantly higher (adjusted OR [(CI)] = 2.29 [1.13; 4.63] (p < 0.05), relative to if IP not being informed. CONCLUSIONS: CRAFT has a higher impact on the likelihood for treatment seeking, if the CSOs inform the IP about his or her own help seeking in order to change the situation. The underlying mechanism behind this is needs further investigations.

Perceived significant others' values: Are they important in the relationship between personal values and self-reported prosociality?

BACKGROUND: Personal values have been extensively found to be relevant variables linked to prosociality; they are desirable and trans-situational goals that serve as guiding principles in people's lives to select modes, means and actions, these reflecting what people consider relevant and worthy. Research has investigated how cultural background influences people's personal values and prosociality, but little is known about the influence of the perception of the values endorsed by significant others, namely the people belonging to the micro-relational context with whom daily interactions and exchanges are possible. Based on Schwartz's theory of basic human values, we analyzed the moderating role of the perceptions of significant others' values in the relationship between personal values and self-reported prosociality. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: Two hundred and forty-five Italian young adults (66.9% women) aged between 18 and 30 years (M = 22.58, SD = 2.53) completed a self-report questionnaire. RESULTS: Specifically, openness to change values were a significant positive predictor of self-reported prosociality when respondents perceived low importance assigned both to openness to change and self-transcendence by significant others, whereas conservation values were a significant positive predictor of self-reported prosociality when respondents perceived low importance assigned to self-enhancement by significant others. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a complex interplay between personal values and perceived significant others' values in shaping young adults' self-reported prosociality.

Self and proxy (parents and teachers') reports of child motor competence: A three-year longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to: 1) analyse the longitudinal trends in the evolution of the association between children's actual and perceived motor competence (AMC and PMC, respectively) according to the source of information: children, parents, and Physical Education (PE) teachers; 2) assess whether children, parents, and PE teachers can report on children's AMC longitudinally (considering the children's age, sex, and the type of motor competence). DESIGN AND METHOD: A sample of 108 typically developing Spanish children (47.12% girls) from five schools participated in this study. AMC and PMC (locomotion, object control and overall MC) data was collected at three time points one year apart. Longitudinal mixed effects models with repeated measures were conducted. RESULTS: Regardless of the domain of MC, no longitudinal association between children's AMC and PMC was found. Parents also exhibited limited capability to proxy report their children's AMC longitudinally. PE teachers' proxy reports of children' AMC were associated over time with object control and overall level. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the necessity of specific training in AMC to effectively report on children's motor competence. PE teachers can be seen as a potential source to empower children's AMC and PMC development over time.

Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Tailored to Spouses and Significant Others of Public Safety Personnel: Formative Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: Spouses and significant others (SSOs) of public safety personnel (PSP) are affected by the risks and requirements of these occupations. Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) provides a convenient and accessible treatment format that can be tailored to the needs of SSOs of PSP. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the initial use and client perceptions (eg, likes, helpfulness, and areas for improvement) of a self-guided, transdiagnostic ICBT course designed for Canadian SSOs of PSP and identify opportunities to further tailor ICBT for this group. METHODS: SSOs were invited to complete a 5-lesson, self-guided, transdiagnostic ICBT course. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of participants. Content analysis was used to analyze the data from open-ended survey responses and interviews to understand their experiences with ICBT. RESULTS: Clients (N=118) endorsed various mental health concerns (eg, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and relationship concerns) with a range of severity levels. Most clients identified as White (110/116, 94.8%) and women (108/116, 91.5%), with a mean age of 42.03 (SD 9.36) years. Of the 26 clients who were interviewed, 89% (23/26) reported believing that ICBT is helpful and 92% (24/26) reported finding at least 1 skill helpful. Clients provided suggestions for course improvements. On the basis of this feedback and quantitative data, changes were made to areas such as the delivery of materials, content, case stories, and timelines. Overall, the results indicated that many SSOs of PSP had positive perceptions of ICBT tailored to their needs and found several aspects of the course helpful, supporting the continued delivery of tailored ICBT to this population. However, there remains a need for continued promotion of the course and outreach to diverse groups of SSOs of PSP. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this formative evaluation provide insight into the unique experiences and needs of SSOs of PSP and provide preliminary evidence for the use of tailored ICBT to support the mental health of this group in Canada.

Apego Adulto y Soltería: Validación de una Escala / Adult Attachment and Singleness: Validation of a Scale

Resumen El apego es un vínculo afectivo que caracteriza y moldea las relaciones interpersonales cercanas. Los estilos de apego son el conjunto de conocimientos, expectativas e inseguridades que se sostienen sobre el sí mismo y los demás. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue elaborar una escala que evalúe el apego adulto no solo en el contexto romántico, sino con otros significativos, lo que permitirá el estudio de las personas sin pareja. Se realizaron tres estudios: en el estudio uno se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio (n=400); en el estudio dos un análisis factorial confirmatorio (n=700). Se obtuvo una escala compuesta por 16 reactivos distribuidos en cuatro factores: preocupado, temeroso, evitante y seguro. La varianza explicada fue del 38.09%, con un índice de fiabilidad con un rango de 0.46 a 0.82 en los distintos factores. En el estudio tres se analizó la validez concurrente (n=201). En los tres estudios se encontraron diferencias entre las personas con pareja y sin pareja, puntuando más alto en seguridad las primeras y más alto en apego ansioso aquellas sin pareja. Se obtuvo una escala válida, confiable, culturalmente relevante que evalúa el apego adulto no solo en el ámbito romántico, sino con otros significativos.

Abstract The attachment is an affective bond that characterizes and shapes close interpersonal relationships. Attachment styles are the set of knowledge, expectations and insecurities about oneself and others. The aim of this research was to develop a scale with adequate psychometric properties, that allows to assess adult attachment not only in a romantic context, but with significant others in general. It will allow the study of groups such as single people. To address that aim, three studies were conducted in which men and women form Mexico City participated voluntarily. In study one an exploratory factor analysis was performed (n=400), in study two a confirmatory factor analysis was performed (n=700). As a result of these studies, it was obtained a scale compounded by 16 items distributed in four factors: preoccupied, fearful, dismissing, and secure. The explained variance was 38.09%, with a reliability index of 0.46 to 0.82 in the different factors. In study three concurrent validity was analyzed (n=201). Differences between people with a partner and single were found in the three studies, scoring higher in security the first and single people scoring higher in preoccupied attachment. It was obtained a valid, reliable, and culturally relevant scale to assess adult attachment not only in the romantic ambit, but also in relation to significant others like family and friends.

How gambling harms others: The influence of relationship-type and closeness on harm, health, and wellbeing.

Background and aims: Concerned significant others (CSOs) can experience gambling-related harm, impacting their health and wellbeing. However, this harm varies depending on the type and closeness of the relationship with the person who gambles. We sought to determine the type and closeness of relationships that are more likely to experience harm from another person's gambling, and examine which aspects of health and wellbeing are related to this harm. Methods: We examined survey data from 1,131 Australian adults who identified as being close to someone experiencing a gambling problem. The survey included information on relationship closeness, gambling-related harm (GHS-20-AO), and a broad range of health and wellbeing measures; including the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI), the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12), and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (PANAS-SF). Results: CSOs in relationships where finances and responsibilities are shared were more likely to be harmed by another person's gambling problem, particularly partners (current and ex) and family members. This harm was most strongly associated with high levels of distress and negative emotions, impacting the CSO's ability to function properly at work or perform other responsibilities. Discussion and Conclusions: Support and treatment services for CSOs should consider addressing the psychological distress and negative emotions commonly experienced by CSOs.

Should relational effects be considered in health care priority setting?

It is uncontroversial to claim that the extent to which health care interventions benefit patients is a relevant consideration for health care priority setting. However, when effects accrue to the individual patient, effects of a more indirect kind may accrue to other individuals as well, such as the patient's children, friends, or partner. If, and if so how, such relational effects should be considered relevant in priority setting is contentious. In this paper, we illustrate this question by using disease-modifying drugs for Alzheimer's disease as a case in point. The ethical analysis begins by sketching the so-called prima facie case for ascribing moral weight to relational effects and then moves on to consider a number of objections to it. We argue that, whereas one set of objections may be dismissed, there is another set of arguments that poses more serious challenges for including relational effects in priority setting.

Third-Party Disability for Significant Others of Individuals with Tinnitus: A Cross-Sectional Survey Design.

There is currently increasing awareness of third-party disability, defined as the disability and functioning of a significant other (SO) due to a health condition of one of their family members. The effects of third-party disability on the SOs of individuals with tinnitus has received little attention. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigated third-party disability in the significant others (SOs) of individuals with tinnitus. A cross-sectional survey design included 194 pairs of individuals from the USA with tinnitus and their significant others. The SO sample completed the Consequences of Tinnitus on Significant Others Questionnaire (CTSOQ). Individuals with tinnitus completed standardized self-reported outcome measures for tinnitus severity, anxiety, depression, insomnia, hearing-related quality of life, tinnitus cognitions, hearing disability, and hyperacusis. The CTSOQ showed that 34 (18%) of the SOs were mildly impacted, 59 (30%) were significantly impacted, and 101 (52%) were severely impact. The clinical variables of tinnitus severity, anxiety, and hyperacusis in individuals with tinnitus were the best predictors of the impact of tinnitus on SOs. These results show that the SOs of individuals with tinnitus may experience third-party disability. The effect of the individual's tinnitus on their SO may be greater when the individual with tinnitus has a higher level of tinnitus severity, anxiety, and hyperacusis.

The Efficacy of Psychosocial Interventions in Minimising the Harm Caused to Affected Others of Problem Gambling: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Problem gambling not only impacts gamblers but also protrudes onto several affected others who experience adverse impacts, including financial, health, relationships, and psychological problems. The aims of this systematic review were twofold; to identify the psychosocial interventions to minimise the harm caused to affected others of problem gambling and to assess their efficacy. This study was conducted as outlined in the research protocol PROSPERO (CRD42021239138). Database searches were conducted in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Social Science Database, CINHAL Complete, Academic Search Ultimate and PsycINFO. Randomised controlled trials of psychosocial interventions that aimed to minimise the harm caused to affected others of problem gambling written in English were eligible for inclusion. Risk of bias for included studies was assessed using the Cochrane ROB 2.0 tool. The identified interventions focused on two approaches to supporting affected others: interventions involving both the problem gambler and affected others, and interventions involving affected others only. As the interventions and outcome measures used were sufficiently similar, a meta-analysis was conducted. The quantitative synthesis revealed that generally, treatment groups were unable to show greater benefits over control groups. The goal for future interventions aimed at affected others of problem gambling should focus primarily on the wellbeing of affected others. The standardisation of outcome measures and data collection time points for better comparison of future research is needed.

A preliminary evaluation of the Supportive Other Experiences Questionnaire: integrating the perspectives of social support providers after traumatic injury.

BACKGROUND: Social support is a protective factor against the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, examinations of the social support after trauma have relied primarily on the self-reports of trauma survivors to the exclusion of their support providers. A new measure, the Supportive Other Experiences Questionnaire (SOEQ) was adapted from a well-established behavioral coding schema of support behaviors to capture social support experiences from the support provider perspective. METHOD: 513 Concerned Significant Others (CSOs) recruited on MTurk who had served as support providers to a traumatically injured romantic partner were recruited to respond to SOEQ candidate items and other relevant measures of psychopathology and relational factors. Factor analytic, correlational and regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analytic results of SOEQ candidate items provide evidence for three support types (i.e., informational, tangible, and emotional) and two support processes (i.e., frequency, difficulty), producing a final 11-item version of the SOEQ. Evidence of convergent and discriminant validity provide good psychometric support for the measure. Evidence of construct validity was derived from support for two hypotheses: (1) difficulty providing social support is negatively associated with CSO perceptions of trauma survivor recovery, (2) social support provision frequency is positively associated with relationship satisfaction. LIMITATIONS: Though factor loadings for support types were significant, several were small, limiting interpretability. Cross-validation in a separate sample is needed. CONCLUSIONS: The final version of the SOEQ demonstrated promising psychometric properties, and can provide key information one the experiences of CSOs as social support providers for trauma survivors.

Experiences of acquired brain injury one-month post-discharge from acute hospitalisation.

Background: Healthcare professionals may have a preconceived idea about life after an acquired brain injury (ABI). Understanding lived experiences of individuals with ABI and their significant others, post-hospitalisation, may improve communication between healthcare professionals and individuals directly influenced by the ABI. Objective: To describe perceived experiences of individuals with ABI, and their significant others, regarding rehabilitation services and returning to daily activities, one-month post-discharge from acute hospitalisation. Method: Semi-structured interviews, via an online platform, expanded on the experiences of six dyads (individuals with an ABI and their significant others). Data were thematically analysed. Results: Six main themes emerged that best described participants' experiences; two of which were shared between individuals with ABI and their significant others (SO). Individuals with an ABI acknowledged recovery as their priority and highlighted the importance of patience. The need for counselling and additional support from healthcare professionals and peers arose. The SO expressed a need for written information, improved communication from healthcare professionals, and education regarding the implications of an ABI. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic negatively influenced all participants' overall experiences, mainly because of termination of visiting hours. Psychosocial intervention would have been beneficial to all participants. Faith influenced most participants' attitudes towards recovery and adapting post-ABI. Conclusion: Most participants accepted their new reality but required additional support to cope emotionally. Individuals with an ABI would benefit from opportunities to share experiences with and learn from others in a similar situation. Streamlined services and improved communication may alleviate anxiety among families during this crucial transitional period. Contribution: This article provides valuable information on the perspectives and experiences of individuals with ABI and their significant others during the transition from acute hospitalisation. The findings can assist with the continuity of care, integrative health and supportive strategies during the transition period post-ABI.

Telemedicine as bridge to the offline world for person affected with problematic internet use or internet use disorder and concerned significant others.

Introduction: Internet use disorder is a disorder of the digital age and presents a growing problem worldwide. It appears that due to structural and personal barriers, many persons affected (PA) and Concerned Significant Others (CSO) do not reach the health care system so far and thus a chronification of the pathology can proceed. Methods: A telemedicine counseling service for PA and CSO of PA unwilling to enter treatment with two webcam-based sessions of 60 minutes for each group was created with the aim of reaching out to PA and CSO to provide a low-threshold support and refer the participants to the local health care system. Motivational interviewing for PA and CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) for CSO were used as methods. Participants answered questions about their Internet use and sociodemographic data and six months after participation, participants were asked via email if they entered the local health care system. CSO answered the questions for themselves and in a third-party rating for PA unwilling to enter treatment. Results: 107 PA (34 years (SD = 13.64), 86% male) and 38 CSO (53 years (SD = 6.11), 28.9% male) participated in the two telemedicine sessions. After participation, 43.9% of the PA and 42.1% of the CSO reached the health care system. When there was consistency between the location of telemedicine consultation and treatment locally, over 90% of participants arrived (PA: 92.3%, CSO: 100%). Conclusion: The results from this study reveal that telemedicine services could be a promising approach to address PA and CSO and build a bridge to the local health care system. Future studies should verify if these results can be replicated in randomized controlled trials.