Flourishing Beyond Borders: Facilitating the Well-Being of Accompanying Expatriate Partners.

One of the leading causes for failing at expatriate assignments is the accompanying expatriate partners' (AEPs) unhappiness with life abroad or inability to adjust to the challenges of the host country. Strength-based therapeutic interventions have the potential to increase individuals' mental health and well-being. The current study formed part of a multimethod study consisting of three related but independent sub-studies. The first sub-study identified the strengths of Gratitude, Curiosity and Hope to be positively associated with AEPs' resilience and well-being. These results were used to construct a quantitative model that illustrates the interplay between these constructs. In the second sub-study, the proposed model was qualitatively reviewed by a smaller group of AEPs to inform and enrich our understanding of AEPs' personal experiences of these constructs. In the current study, a panel of practicing psychologists who provide counselling services for South African expatriates and AEPs were asked to qualitatively review a proposed quantitative model. A cross-sectional, interpretive descriptive research design, applying purposive sampling was used to identify and recruit participants. The objective for the current study was firstly to ascertain why participants thought strengths of Gratitude, Curiosity and Hope featured so prominently in the model. Secondly, the study aimed to determine how these participants would, from their experience in working with AEPs, enhance these strengths and AEPs' resilience in therapy, and ultimately facilitate greater well-being and successful adjustment abroad. Participants completed an online questionnaire consisting of two semi-structured, open-ended questions. The data were analyzed using primary and secondary cycle coding to ultimately develop themes. Results indicated that strengths of Curiosity, Gratitude and Hope featured prominently because these strengths include elements that form part of the process of expatriation. Participants were able to suggest practical strength-based therapeutic techniques which would assist in enhancement of strengths, resilience and ultimately well-being. It is proposed that the therapeutic techniques and approaches suggested in this study could contribute to the success rate of expatriate assignments.

A critical review of the relationship between type 1 diabetes mellitus, inhibition, and behavioral management.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic and lifelong condition that requires adequate behavior management in order to meet desired health outcomes. The effects of T1DM on the neurocognitive functioning of affected individuals raise concerns about how the disease may influence executive functioning. Inhibition is a core component of executive functioning, and plays a vital role in self-regulation and the restriction of impulsive behaviors. Inhibition may thus play a vital role in the behavior management of people with T1DM. The aim of this study was to identify current gaps in existing knowledge regarding the relationship between T1DM, inhibition, and behavior management. This study employed a critical review design to analyze and synthesize the current scientific literature. Twelve studies were identified through an appraisal process, and the data extracted were thematically analyzed and integrated. The findings of this study indicate that a possible cycle arises between these three constructs, in which T1DM affects inhibition, inhibition affects behavior management, and poor behavior management affects inhibition. It is recommended that future research should focus more specifically on this relationship.

The experience of and coping with an induced abortion: A rapid review.

This rapid review was conducted to determine the scientific evidence available on how women experience induced abortion and how they cope with the subjective experience thereof. The aim of this review was to systematically explore and synthesise scientific evidence on how women experience and cope with induced abortion. The guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence were used as a framework to review current international and national literature. The researchers made use of Ebsco Discovery Service to search for relevant studies. This was done by employing key concepts and related synonyms. Eleven relevant studies were identified. As the study was exploratory in nature, covering a relatively small selection of studies, heterogeneous in methodology and cultural focus, only a few general trends were highlighted. Not much information was found for women in the South African context. The study found that socio-economic disadvantages and premorbid relationships are important factors that should be better researched, understood and managed in a South African context. Despite many studies on how women experience and cope with induced abortion, the review revealed the need for research related to specific challenges and experiences of South African women.

Exposure to violence, quality of life, and health status in a group of farm workers in South Africa: a preliminary report.

Farm workers (N=52), ages 18 to 60 years (M=34.1, SD=11.1), completed the Survey of Exposure to Community Violence, General Health Questionnaire-28, and the Quality of Life Inventory. Farm workers reported average Exposure to Violence, very low Quality of Life, and subaverage Health Status. No significant correlation was found between scores on Exposure to Violence and Quality of Life. Exposure to Violence was significantly correlated with poor Health Status in women but not in men. The implication of these results is discussed.

Biopsychosocial determinants of self-management in culturally diverse South african patients with essential hypertension.

Associations between self-management and biopsychosocial variables in a group of Afrikaans- (n= 102) and Sotho-speaking (n= 94) patients with essential hypertension (EH) were investigated. Self-management in terms of predetermined criteria for medical and lifestyle prescriptions was achieved by only 30.6 per cent of the participants. Significant differences were found between self-managing and non self-managing participants regarding language and culture, doctor-patient fit, complexity of prescriptions, medication side-effects, aspects of health beliefs, illness behaviour and health locus of control. In addition, a first empirical indication was found that self-management is also linked with psychological wellbeing, as manifested in a sense of coherence. The significantly accurate prediction of self-management by various biopsychosocial variables endorses the relevance of a biopsychosocial perspective in the treatment of patients with EH.