Journal of Health Psychology recent issues

Mirrors and Resistance Exercise, Do They Influence Affective Responses?

Chmelo, E. A., Hall, E. E., Miller, P. C., Sanders, K. N. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:51 PDT

The purpose of this study was to examine affective responses during and following resistance exercise in a mirrored environment. Thirty-two females completed three sessions. During session one, exercise intensity was determined for the subsequent two sessions. During the next two sessions participants performed eight exercises either with or without mirrors. Affect was measured prior to, during, immediately following and 15 minutes post-exercise. Affect was more pleasant and activated during and following exercise, but did not differ by condition. The inability to find a difference in mirrored condition may be a result of participants using the mirrors for technique as opposed to self-evaluation purposes.

Changing Nutrition, Physical Activity and Body Weight among Student Nurses and Midwives: Effects of a Planning Intervention and Self-efficacy Beliefs

Luszczynska, A., Haynes, C. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:51 PDT

The study tested if effects of a planning intervention on fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity and body weight may be moderated by self-efficacy. Student nurses and midwives (N = 182) were randomly assigned to the planning or the control condition. The intervention included action and coping plans and was followed by two booster sessions. Follow-up took place at two months after last booster session. The intervention affected fruit and vegetable intake. Additionally, body mass index of overweight participants was reduced. Baseline self-efficacy moderated the effects of the intervention: only respondents reporting strong efficacy beliefs improved their diet and exercise.

Anxiety Sensitivity and Catastrophizing: Associations with Pain and Somatization in Non-clinical Children

Tsao, J. C.I., Allen, L. B., Evans, S., Lu, Q., Myers, C. D., Zeltzer, L. K. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:51 PDT

This study examined the relationships among anxiety sensitivity (AS), catastrophizing, somatization and pain in 240 non-clinical children (121 girls; mean age = 12.7 years). Children with pain problems (n = 81; 33.8%) reported greater AS and catastrophizing (ps < .01) relative to children without pain problems. AS but not catastrophizing was significantly associated with current pain. However, both AS and catastrophizing were significantly associated with somatization. AS and catastrophizing represent related but partially distinct cognitive constructs that may be targeted by interventions aimed at alleviating pain and somatization in children.

The Impact of Gender and Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Activity on Depressive Symptoms Following Surgical Stress

Pinna, K., Cremeans-Smith, J. K., Greene, K., Delahanty, D. L. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:51 PDT

The impact of gender and cortisol levels on depression following planned surgery was examined in 95 men and women. Patients were assessed prior to surgery and at one and three months following surgery. Higher cortisol levels conferred greater risk for depression at one and three months following surgery. This effect was stronger for men than women at one month following surgery, but did not differ between genders at three months post-surgery. Results support a mechanistic role of HPA alterations in depression following a surgical stressor that differs in strength between men and women.

The individual health burden of acne: Appearance-related distress in male and female adolescents and adults with back, chest and facial acne

Hassan, J., Grogan, S., Clark-Carter, D., Richards, H., Yates, V. M. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:51 PDT

This study examined appearance-related distress in patients with acne. One hundred and thirty-two people attending a specialist acne clinic completed questionnaires including the Derriford Appearance Scale and three self-rated acne scales covering more (facial) and less visible (chest, back) acne sites. Women with acne demonstrated greater self-consciousness of appearance and negative self-concept than men. Subjective rating of severity of facial acne was significantly associated with increased social self-consciousness in women, but not in men. Back acne was significantly associated with sexual and bodily self-consciousness of appearance in both men and women. Patients 20 years and above were significantly more likely to suffer appearance-related distress than 16—19-year-olds. Although not a key focus of this study, ethnicity was also implicated in appearance concern arising from acne.

Protection Motivation Theory and Physical Activity: A Longitudinal Test among a Representative Population Sample of Canadian Adults

Plotnikoff, R. C., Rhodes, R. E., Trinh, L. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:51 PDT

The purpose of this study was to examine the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) to predict physical activity (PA) behaviour in a large, population-based sample of adults. One thousand six hundred and two randomly selected individuals completed two telephone interviews over two consecutive six-month periods assessing PMT constructs. PMT explained 35 per cent and 20 per cent of the variance in intention and behaviour respectively. Coping cognitions as moderators of threat explained 1 per cent of the variance in intention and behaviour. Age and gender as moderators of threat did not provide additional variance in the models. We conclude that salient PMT predictors (e.g. self-efficacy) may guide the development of effective PA interventions in the general population.

Predictors of Familism in the Caregiver Role: A Pilot Study

Parveen, S., Morrison, V. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:51 PDT

This study aimed to investigate whether age, gender and ethnicity were predictive of familism in caregivers; and whether familism was associated with coping. Forty-five British South-Asian and 43 British Caucasian caregivers completed a cross-sectional questionnaire of demographics, the brief Cope and the Heller Familism scale. Asian and younger caregivers endorsed higher levels of familsim than Caucasian and older caregivers. In the final model, demographic variables, humour, religious, active and instrumental coping explained 41 per cent of the variance in caregiver familism. The findings suggest the need to consider familism values when providing caregiver services to minimize the potential negative impact of caregiving.

'Football Is Good for Your Sleep': Favorable Sleep Patterns and Psychological Functioning of Adolescent Male Intense Football Players Compared to Controls

Brand, S., Beck, J., Gerber, M., Hatzinger, M., Holsboer-Trachsler, E. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:51 PDT

It is commonly assumed that physical activity exerts a favorable impact on sleep, although scientific evidence is lacking. This study investigated the impact of football sports on the sleep patterns of 36 male chronic and intense football players and 34 controls. Participants completed a sleep log for seven consecutive days. Compared to controls, football players reported shorter sleep onset latency, fewer awakenings, higher scores of sleep quality and a lower variability of sleep from weekdays to weekends. The findings suggest that football sports activity is positively associated with both quantitative and qualitative dimensions of sleep.

Crossed Evaluations of Temptation to Drink, Strain and Adjustment in Couples with Alcohol Problems

Antoine, P., Christophe, V., Nandrino, J.-L. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:51 PDT

The aim was to describe discrepancies between patients’ and spouses’ dyadic adjustment scores, spouse strain and patients’ temptation to drink during abstinence. Patients overestimated the dyadic adjustment scores of their partner and spouses underestimated patients’ scores. Spouses overestimated patients’ temptation to drink. Correlations between patients’ and spouses’ scores were generally high (.61 to .78) except for five measures of spouse strain which were lower (.31 to .50). Results show discrepancies concerning marital function and the temptation to drink which could be important when planning treatment and prevention of relapse.

Development and Validation of the Physician--Patient Humor Rating Scale

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:51 PDT

The purpose of this study was the development of a rating instrument to assess the use of humor in physician— patient interactions, and to compare humor use as a function of patients’ socioeconomic status. The 46-item Physician—Patient Humor Rating Scale (PPHRS) was used to rate 246 audiotaped primary care interactions. Four subscales were reliable and valid, demonstrating correlations with patient satisfaction and reports of physician humor, with physician satisfaction and with separate affective communication ratings. There was a significant difference in use of humor as a function of patient socioeconomic status, such that there was greater mutual trust between physicians and high versus low income patients.

Using the Constructive Narrative Perspective to Understand Physical Activity Reasoning Schema in Sedentary Adults

Buman, M. P., Giacobbi, P. R., Yasova, L. D., McCrae, C. S. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:51 PDT

We used the Constructive Narrative Perspective (CNP), a three-level, progressively complex reasoning schema, to examine how individuals perceive barriers to physical activity. Sedentary adults (N = 23) aged 50 years and older (M = 65.23; SD = 6.03) participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their reasons for physical inactivity. The results provided initial support for using the CNP framework. Level II (self-relevant) and Level III (cognitive-affective schema-related) reasons were most commonly reported. Level I (evidence-based) reasons were less commonly reported. The CNP framework could become a useful tool in tailoring intervention strategies based upon progressively more complex reasoning schema.

Interrelationships of Adult Attachment Orientations, Health Status and Worrying among Fibromyalgia Patients

Oliveira, P., Costa, M. E. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:52 PDT

This study examined associations between adult attachment dimensions, perceived health status and worrying (coping strategy with chronic pain), and explored whether worrying mediated observed relationships between attachment dimensions and health outcomes within a sample of 128 Portuguese female fibromyalgia patients. Physical health status was inversely correlated with dependence and worrying; mental health status was positively correlated with trust, and inversely related to attachment-related ambivalence, dependence and worrying. Finally, worrying mediated relationships between dependence and both physical and mental health status; moreover, worrying partially mediated the relationship between ambivalence and mental health status. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Strength of Exercise Identity and Identity-Exercise Consistency: Affective and Social Cognitive Relationships

Strachan, S. M., Brawley, L. R., Spink, K. S., Jung, M. E. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:52 PDT

This study examined Identity Theory hypotheses about identity—behaviour consistency. Exercise-identity strength and judgments about consistency were hypothesized to relate to perceptions of percent consistency and frequency of vigorous exercise. Identity strength and percent consistency were hypothesized to interact in their relationship with affective reactions to extent of consistency. Measures of exercise-identity strength, perceived consistency, exercise frequency, self-regulatory efficacy and consistency-related affect were completed by 528 exercisers. Exercise-identity strength and consistency judgments related to percent consistency and exercise frequency. Exercise-identity strength and percent consistency interacted in their relationship with consistency-related affect and also were related to self- regulatory efficacy.

The Influence of Family--Work Role Experience and Mastery on Psychological Health of Chinese Employed Mothers

Tang, C. S.-K. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:52 PDT

Four-hundred-and-thirty-five Chinese married nurses with children were surveyed on their family—work role experience, sense of mastery, and psychological distress. Hierarchical regression analyses showed spillover effects of role experience on psychological health as well as asymmetrical permeability of family and work boundaries. The hypothesis that mastery acted as a moderator between role experience and psychological health was supported. In general, a higher level of mastery augmented positive but mitigated negative influence of role experience on psychological functioning. Findings provide useful information to practitioners and policy makers on issues related to family—work stress and women’s health in contemporary Chinese society.

Representations of voluntary childlessness in the UK press, 1990--2008

Giles, D., Shaw, R. L., Morgan, W. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:52 PDT

Representations of voluntary childlessness — the declaration by an individual that he or she does not wish to bear or raise children — were studied in 116 articles published in British national newspapers in the period 1990—2008. Media framing analysis was used to examine broad patterns of framing of the topic, identifying four frames: voluntary childlessness as an individual rights issue, as a form of resistance, as a social trend, and as a personal decision. These frames, it is argued, may act as potential ‘scripts’ for newspaper readers who are debating the decision to start a family.

How Do People Change Their Diet?: An Exploration into Mechanisms of Dietary Change

Chapman, K., Ogden, J. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:52 PDT

The present study explored how people change their diet over the course of their lifespan and what factors facilitate this process. Twenty participants’ narratives were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The participants’ narratives indicated that diet changes can occur either with or without the individual’s active involvement. We labelled these the active path and the passive path. Four themes emerged denoting the mechanisms of change: accumulation of evidence; trigger to action; imposed change; and seamless change. These results indicate that dietary changes may not be as infrequent and difficult as often assumed and highlight an array of new mechanisms which could be explored further to promote behaviour change.

Illness Acceptance, Hospitalization Stress and Subjective Health in a Sample of Chronic Patients Admitted to Hospital

Karademas, E. C., Tsagaraki, A., Lambrou, N. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:52 PDT

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of illness acceptance on the subjective health of hospitalized chronic medical patients. Participants were 128 patients with a previous diagnosis of chronic coronary artery disease, cancer, or chronic renal disease, who were admitted to a public hospital. Illness acceptance was associated with higher levels of subjective health. It was negatively related to psychological symptoms and positively to self-rated health, even after controlling for demographic variables, type of disease, years since diagnosis, health-related quality of life and hospitalization stress. Furthermore, acceptance mediated the effects of hospitalization stress on subjective health measures.

Sleep Apnea and Psychological Functioning in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Libman, E., Creti, L., Baltzan, M., Rizzo, D., Fichten, C. S., Bailes, S. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:52 PDT

Objectives were to explore: (1) whether sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) should be considered a chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) comorbidity, rather than a diagnostic exclusion criterion; and (2) to compare sleep/wake/ psychopathology in individuals with CFS, controls and another illness. Participants (CFS, SAHS, controls) completed questionnaires and were evaluated for SAHS; 68 percent were subsequently diagnosed with SAHS. CFS participants with and without SAHS did not differ. Both clinical groups were less well adjusted than controls. We conclude that SAHS should not be an exclusion criterion for CFS and that psychological problems in CFS seem a consequence of coping with illness.

Fathers' Views and Understanding of their Roles in Families with a Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Hill, K., Higgins, A., Dempster, M., McCarthy, A. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:37:52 PDT

This study explored how fathers of children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) perceived and understood the roles they had within their family over the course of their child’s illness and treatment. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with five fathers. Transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The major themes that emerged were: adjusting to the diagnosis; the experience of maternal gate-keeping; striving for normalization; experiences of giving and receiving support. Overall, the fathers perceived themselves as having significant responsibility in helping their child and family cope with the illness experience. Clinical implications, including the need for professionals to recognize and more openly acknowledge the father’s position, are considered.

Comparing views of patients, parents, and clinicians on emotions in anorexia: A qualitative study

Kyriacou, O., Easter, A., Tchanturia, K. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) may experience difficulties in emotional processing that can adversely affect treatment and maintenance of the illness. Focus groups or questionnaires were undertaken with patients with AN, parents and clinicians, with the aim to explore the most salient issues pertaining to emotions and social cognition in AN. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Seven primary themes were identified showing congruence across groups: ‘emotional awareness and understanding’; ‘emotional intolerance’; ‘emotional avoidance’; ‘emotional expression and negative beliefs’; ‘extreme emotional responses’; ‘social interactions and relationships’; and ‘lack of empathy’. Clinical and empirical implications are discussed.

Social sharing of genetic information in the family: A study on hereditary breast and ovarian cancers

Christophe, V., Vennin, P., Corbeil, M., Adenis, C., Reich, M. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

The present study assessed how preventive medical information about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer is spread within the family before actual genetic test results. Forty-two women (19 had a breast or ovarian tumor and 23 did not) were asked to fill out a questionnaire about: (1) the spread within the family of the medical information received during the consultation; and (2) the reasons for sharing this information. Results indicate that all of the women socially shared medical information with an immediate family member for preventive purposes, and generally not for seeking emotional or informative social support.

What sense do people make of a theory of planned behaviour questionnaire?: A think-aloud study

Darker, C. D., French, D. P. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

This study aimed to understand the processes of interpretation of, and responses to, the task of completing a theory of planned behaviour (TPB) questionnaire. Forty-five adults verbalized their thoughts while completing a full TPB questionnaire on walking behaviour. On average, participants’ verbalizations indicated around 16 problems with the 52 questions. Further, problems as indentified from verbalizations were associated with increased endorsement of the middle option on the questionnaire. Normative and intention questions were found to be particularly problematic. The current standardized method to develop TPB measures systematically yields problematic questions, as indicated by both talk and questionnaire responses.

Correlates of drive for muscularity: The role of anthropometric measures and psychological factors

Chittester, N. I., Hausenblas, H. A. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

Drive for muscularity (DM) is associated with anabolic steroid and supplement use, exercise dependence, eating pathology, and low self-esteem. However, only one study has examined how anthropometric measures are related to DM. To extend previous research, and to clarify the relationship between DM and anthropometric indices, 113 college-aged men completed self-report surveys and were assessed for body fat percentage, fat-free mass, and body mass index. We found that supplement use, exercise dependence, and self-esteem, but none of the anthropometric measures, correlated with DM. These results enhance our understanding of DM and can be used to develop interventions to decrease DM.

A cost-effectiveness evaluation of a home visit program for adolescent mothers

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

A home visit intervention program for adolescents throughout their pregnancy and during the early stages of motherhood was evaluated. The participants (N = 90) were part of a larger group of adolescents treated in two health centers in a poor neighborhood in Santiago, Chile. The program was carried out by volunteer community health monitors and evaluated through an experimental, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Cost-effectiveness was examined in comparison with standard health care. Results show higher scores for the intervention group on the mothers’ mental health and nutritional state, as well as on the children’s levels of linguistic development.

Similarity not favourability: The role of donor prototypes in predicting willingness to donate organs while living

Hyde, M. K., White, K. M. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

Using an extended Prototype/Willingness Model, we examined the predictors of willingness to donate an organ to a partner/family member and a stranger while living. A questionnaire assessed university students’ (N = 284) attitudes, subjective norm, prototype favourability, prototype similarity, moral norm, and willingness to donate organs in each recipient scenario. All variables, except prototype favourability, predicted willingness to donate organs in both situations. Future strategies should emphasise perceived approval from important others for living donation, the consistency of living donation with one’s own morals, and encourage perceptions of similarity between oneself and living donors to increase acceptance of living donation.

The measurement of menstrual symptoms: Factor structure of the menstrual symptom questionnaire in adolescent girls

Negriff, S., Dorn, L. D., Hillman, J. B., Huang, B. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

This study examined the factor structure of the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) in a sample of 210 adolescent girls (11—17 years). Such an examination has not been carried out with an adolescent sample. In addition, the definitions of menstrual disorders have evolved since the creation of the MSQ. Exploratory factor analysis supported a three factor structure indicating abdominal pain, negative affect/somatic complaints, and back pain. Partial correlations indicated all three MSQ factors were correlated with depressive symptoms, but only the negative affect factor was correlated with trait anxiety. Future research should explore potential associations in multiple areas of functioning as menstrual symptoms may alter healthy developmental processes during adolescence.

GPs' perceptions of the service needs of South Asian people with chronic pain: A qualitative enquiry

Patel, S., Peacock, S.M., Mckinley, R.K., Clark-Carter, D., Watson, P.J. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

This qualitative study describes GPs’ experiences of and needs for management of people from a South Asian community who have chronic pain. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 GPs from practices in two PCTs in Leicester. The data was analysed using grounded theory. The results indicate that managing patients from a South Asian community with chronic pain can be challenging due to differing pain expression and presentation. Emerging themes refer to shortages of services for these patients including the need for CBT, counselling, community support and GP education and training. Potential implications of the results for service provision are discussed.

Tobacco use and body mass index: Mediated effects through physical inactivity

Dvorak, R. D., Del Gaizo, A. L., Engdahl, R. M., Eliason, C. J. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

The current study examined associations between smoking and body mass index (BMI) utilizing a nationally representative sample of adults (N = 1547). Previous research has shown that smokers have lower BMI than non-smokers; however among smokers, tobacco use is positively associated with BMI. Previous authors have hypothesized this is due to poor behavioral habits among smokers. Building on this, we found that smoking was positively associated with physical inactivity, which mediated the association between tobacco use and BMI. Interpretation, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Perceptions of exercise among people who have not attended cardiac rehabilitation following myocardial infarction

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

Perceptions of exercise among nonattenders of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) were explored using semi-structured interviews. Analysis indicated that participants did not recognize the cardiovascular benefits of exercise, and perceived keeping active through daily activities as sufficient for health. Health professionals were perceived to downplay the importance of exercise and CR, and medication was viewed as being more important than exercise for promoting health. The content of CR programmes and the benefits of exercise need to be further explained to patients post-MI, and in a manner that communicates to patients that these programmes are valued by significant others, particularly health professionals.

Stress management training in diabetes mellitus

Soo, H., Lam, S. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

Good diabetic control minimizes the risk of complications. Stress affects control directly through the release of hormones and indirectly by disrupting self-management activities. This review examines the impact of stress management interventions on glycaemic control. Qualifying studies since 1980 were identified using searches of Medline and PsycInfo databases. Ten were identified in adult populations, and four in adolescent populations. The general trend suggested that stress management interventions may be useful in management of diabetes. Further research will provide greater understanding of the particular benefits of various components of stress management training in relation to specific subgroups of the diabetic population.

The Latina Breast Cancer Screening Sacle: Beliefs about breast cancer and breast cancer screening

Borrayo, E. A., Gonzalez, P., Swaim, R., Marcus, A., Flores, E., Espinoza, P. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

The Latina Breast Cancer Screening (LBCS) was developed to measure Latinas’ culturally-shared health beliefs about breast cancer and breast cancer screening. A 60-item LBCS scale was tested with 288 participants and reduced to 35 items using principal components analyses. The 35-item LBCS scale and other measures were administered to a second sample of 147 participants to establish the scale’s validity and reliability. A six-factor solution suggested six LBCS sub-scales. The LBCS in its entirety displayed strong internal consistency ( =.93) with adequate estimates of convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity. The LBCS scale appears to be a valid and reliable measure.

The role of rumination in affective distress in people with a chronic physical illness: A review of the literature and theoretical formulation

Soo, H., Burney, S., Basten, C. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

The role of maladaptive cognitive content among individuals with chronic physical illness has been acknowledged in cognitive models. Rumination has been documented as a key predictor of depression, and to a lesser extent of anxiety, in non-clinical samples. This paper provides a preliminary discussion of the potential role of rumination as a causal and maintaining factor for emotional distress in the setting of chronic physical illness. Although a number of methodological limitations exist, the current research on rumination may provide a useful framework for the extension of existing cognitive models in chronic illness.

On becoming a first-time mother after an emergency Caesarean section: A journey from alienation to symbolic adoption

Herishanu-Gilutz, S., Shahar, G., Schattner, E., Kofman, O., Holcberg, G. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

This qualitative research focused on the significance of subjective experience of mothers who gave birth in an emergency Caesarean section. Ten first-time mothers experiencing emergency Caesarean section were interviewed, and their narrative accounts were analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological method. Mothers described alienation from the infant on encountering her/him; primal difficulties in holding; a ‘mechanistic’ pattern of childcare at home; over-apprehension and fear of a cradle-death. A few of the women seemed to cope with these experiences by performing ‘a symbolic adoption’ of their infants. In the context of object-relations theory, the findings, will potentially inform psychological care in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Frequency of use and impact of coping strategies assessed by the COPE Inventory and their relationships to post-event health and well-being

Litman, J. A., Lunsford, G. D. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

In dealing with a stressful event, 440 participants reported how frequently they used a variety of different coping strategies, rated their separate impacts on problems and the associated emotions, and reported their effects on subsequent health and well-being. Coping strategies did not generally impact problems or emotions differently. Use of planning led to increased self-efficacy, which along with positive reinterpretation, predicted growth. Emotional venting and behavioral disengagement predicted diminishment, which along with mental disengagement and self-injury, predicted illness. Social support buffered against diminishment. Use of acceptance coping and seeking advice from others had both positive and negative effects on well-being.

Avoidance and Inflexibility as a Common Clinical Pathway in Obesity and Smoking Treatment

Gifford, E. V., Lillis, J. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

This brief study presents reductions in avoidance and inflexibility as a potential common clinical pathway to intervene on for both smoking cessation and weight control. A mediation analysis—using the Avoidance and Inflexibility Scale (AIS)—was conducted on a group of participants (N = 84) who were shown to improve weight control outcomes after receiving an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention. Results were then compared to a previous study using the same process measure (AIS) for smoking cessation. Results suggest a common clinical pathway.

Oh Stuff It! The Experience and Explanation of Diet Failure: An Exploration Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Green, A.R., Larkin, M., Sullivan, V. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

Successful long-term weight-loss is exceptional, even with the best dietary and psychological interventions. Nomothetic accounts of diet failure focus on cognitive processes and emotional regulation. However, qualitative research suggests that successful dieters draw on wider understandings in explaining their success; this study extends this literature to address diet failure. Individual interviews with 10 self-selected UK dieters are analysed using IPA. Understandings of diet failure are explored and situated within wider cultural discourses. Five themes are identified: ‘Dieting mode’; ‘Multime’; ‘Not me’; ‘Modern life’; and ‘Challenges of emotional and social eating’. Implications for weight-loss interventions are explored.

The Moderating Role of Different Sources of Perceived Social Support on the Dispositional Optimism-- Posttraumatic Growth Relationship in Postoperative Breast Cancer Patients

Bozo, O., Gundogdu, E., Buyukasik-Colak, C. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dispositional optimism—posttraumatic growth (PTG) relationship in postoperative breast cancer patients and to examine if perceived social support moderates this relationship. The study was conducted with 104 women undergoing postoperative chemotherapy treatment or coming to the hospital for their routine controls. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that breast cancer survivors high on dispositional optimism and perceived social support, are more likely to develop PTG. Among the different sources of social support, only social support perceived from a private person moderated the dispositional optimism—PTG relationship. Strengths, limitations and possible implications of the findings are discussed.

Unsafe, Unwanted: Sexual Coercion as a Barrier to Safer Sex among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Gavey, N., Schmidt, J., Braun, V., Fenaughty, J., Eremin, M. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

Individual and focus group interviews with a total of 40 gay and bisexual men, as well as with 23 community and/or professional key informants, highlighted that sexual coercion is an important, yet under-recognized, barrier to the practice of safer sex among men who have sex with men. In this article we discuss how the dynamics of sexual coercion, including subtle forms, can operate to compromise men’s ability to practise safer sex, leading men to have sex that is both unsafe and unwanted.

Unveiled: Pre-wedding Weight Concerns and Health and Beauty Plans of Australian Brides

Prichard, I., Tiggemann, M. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

This study investigated the prevalence of appearance and weight-related concerns in 879 Australian brides-to-be recruited from five bridal websites. Close to 75 per cent of the sample intended to exercise more and follow a ‘healthy eating plan’, while over 35 per cent planned to cut fat or carbohydrates out of their diets. On average, participants wished to lose over 8kg (18lbs) by their wedding day, and one-third had been told to lose weight by someone else for the wedding. These findings demonstrate the salience of appearance concerns among brides-to-be and highlight the need to promote a healthier bridal body ideal.

Preventing Disability through Exercise: Investigating Older Adults' Influences and Motivations to Engage in Physical Activity

Hardy, S., Grogan, S. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

In this qualitative study focus groups were used to gain an in-depth understanding of personal and social influences on physical activity in 48 52—87-year-old participants. A model produced using a Grounded Theory analysis showed that preventing health decline was particularly important in determining physical activity participation. Other influences included enjoyment of exercise, others as motivators to exercise and perceived limited appreciation for older people’s needs. The results are discussed in relation to health and exercise interventions designed to motivate exercise behaviour in older adults.

'That's not masculine': Masculine Capital and Health-related Behaviour

De Visser, R. O., Smith, J. A., McDonnell, E. J. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

In recent years increasing attention has been given to how different masculinities are expressed in young men’s health behaviour. To examine whether men can use competence in key health-related masculine domains to compensate for other non-masculine behaviour, group discussions were conducted with men aged 18—21 living in London, England. The analysis revealed the ways in which competence in traditionally masculine health-related domains produces masculine ‘capital’, which can be used to compensate for non-masculine behaviour in other domains. However, the capacity to trade this capital is limited because different masculine and non-masculine behaviours have different values.

Book Review: Katrina Karkazis, Fixing sex: Intersex, medical authority, and lived experience Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2008, 365 pp. US$23.95 (pbk); ISBN-13: 978--0--8223--4318--9 US$84.95(hbk); ISBN-13: 978--0822343028

Munoz, V. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:32:48 PDT

Change in Airflow among Patients with Asthma Discussing Relationship Problems with Their Partners

Schmaling, K. B., Afari, N., Hops, H., Barnhart, S., Buchwald, D. — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

This study examined the covariation of negative emotions with airflow among 48 persons with asthma and their partners as they discussed relationship problems. Measures included self-reported questionnaires, airflow and behavior coded from videotaped discussions. Significantly increased self-reported hostility and statistically but not clinically significant declines in airflow were found post- versus pre-discussion. Self-reported responses to asthma symptoms of more anger and less loneliness predicted lower post-discussion airflow after accounting for pre-discussion airflow. The use of effort-independent measures of airflow and autonomic nervous system monitoring may inform future research regarding the physiological mechanisms through which mood and behavior affect airflow.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Health Information Orientation Scale: A Brief Measure for Assessing Health Information Engagement and Apprehension

DuBenske, L. L., Burke Beckjord, E., Hawkins, R. P., Gustafson, D. H. — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

The Health Information Orientation Scale (HIOS) was developed from a need to briefly assess information orientation in a health context and underlying reasons for information seeking or avoidance. Using data from a larger longitudinal study of informal cancer caregivers, this study examines psychometric properties of the HIOS, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability and construct validity through associations with information competence, coping and distress. CFA supported two conceptually unique factors: Information Engagement and Information Apprehension. Each factor demonstrated adequate reliability and construct validity, providing promising findings regarding Information Engagement and Information Apprehension, specific to a health context.

'Coping Quite Well with a Few Difficult Bits': Living with Disfigurement in Early Adolescence

Prior, J., O'Dell, L. — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

Facial disfigurement affects approximately one in 500 children and young people in the UK. Four mothers and their four children aged 11—13 years who have a facial disfigurement were recruited through the charity Changing Faces, in order to examine the perspectives and concerns of adolescents and their mothers, and how they live with their disfigurement. Semi-structured interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The implications for research and practice in health psychology are discussed, and in particular the support and intervention of friends, constant vigilance and practical assistance from mothers, and the individual characteristics of the child are highlighted for further consideration.

Life Impact of Urologic Pain Syndromes

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

In order to explore the personal experience of chronic urologic pain we asked patients to journal in their own words their daily symptoms and the effects of those symptoms on home/family life, working life and social life. Journal responses were independently reviewed by three researchers and major themes summarized following an inductive approach. Three major themes were identified concerning symptoms, personal and interpersonal effects of symptoms and related role limitations. Fatigue emerged as a newly recognized symptom that may benefit from treatment. Role limitations are mediated by potentially modifiable personal and interpersonal effects currently not addressed in urologic pain treatment paradigms.

Personal Meanings, Values and Feelings Relating to Physical Activity and Exercise Participation in Female Undergraduates: A Qualitative Exploration

Bulley, C., Donaghy, M., Payne, A., Mutrie, N. — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

Understanding was sought of the ways that female students understand and feel about physical activity and exercise participation, to inform effective and ethical intervention. Sixteen women participated in semi-structured interviews which were analysed thematically, using QSR NUD*IST 4. Physical activity and exercise proved emotive topics and meant different things to different people. Some women associated physical activity and exercise with enjoyment, or achieving their goals. Others saw exercise in particular as a duty, associated with feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Findings supported the value of promoting realistic goals, and careful choice of activities according to individual preferences.

How Do Social Norms Impact HIV Sexual Risk Behavior in HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men?: Multiple Mediator Effects

Miner, M. H., Peterson, J. L., Welles, S. L., Jacoby, S. M., Simon Rosser, B.R. — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

This study examines mediation of the association between social norms and unsafe sexual behavior. Self-report data were collected from 675 HIVinfected men enrolled in a study exploring interventions for HIV risk behavior. Unsafe sex included any unprotected anal sex with HIVnegative or HIV status unknown partners in the last three months. Norms for condom use indirectly influenced unsafe sex through condom self-efficacy and/or safer sex intentions. Additionally, sexual behavior discontrol influenced unsafe sex regardless of other individual or social factors. Our results suggest that interventions consider the combined effects of condom self-efficacy, safer sex intentions and sexual behavior control.

Measuring Rebelliousness and Predicting Health Behaviour and Outcomes: An Investigation of the Construct Validity of the Social Reactivity Scale

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

The Social Reactivity Scale is a questionnaire measure of individual differences in rebelliousness. The associations between rebelliousness, health behaviours and health outcomes were examined in two Dutch samples by means of cross-sectional survey data. We found moderate support for the reliability and construct validity of the scale. Findings were suggestive of rebelliousness, first, being associated with low control beliefs, second, being related to hostility and, third, also heightening the risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviours and that of poor health (perhaps through deliberately rejecting health education messages). Findings thus contribute to the ongoing emergence of an empirically viable theoretical construct.

Effects of Exercise Interventions on Body Image: A Meta-analysis

Campbell, A., Hausenblas, H. A. — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

Our meta-analysis examined the impact of exercise interventions on body image; and participant, intervention, and design features associated with larger effects. We identified 57 interventions (with pre-and post-data for the exercise and control groups) examining the effects of exercise on body image. A small random effect indicated that exercise intervention conditions had improved body image compared to control conditions; and that participant (age), design (year of publication), and intervention (exercise frequency and specificity) features moderated the effect size. Research examining the mechanisms and the exercise dose-response required for body image change is needed.

The Mediating Role of Time Perspective in Socio-economic Inequalities in Smoking and Physical Activity in Older English Adults

Adams, J. — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

Socio-economic variations in health behaviours contribute to socio-economic inequalities in health. Time perspective describes how individuals’ consideration of future outcomes influences their present day behaviours and is associated with health behaviours and socio-economic position. Although theoretically plausible, the potential mediating role of time perspective in socio-economic inequalities in health behaviours has received little research attention. Analysis of data from wave 1 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing revealed that time perspective played a small partial mediating role in socioeconomic inequalities in smoking and physical activity. The data were self-report and cross-sectional, and the sample restricted to individuals aged 50+.

A Pragmatist Approach to the Problem of Knowledge in Health Psychology

Cornish, F., Gillespie, A. — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

The multiplicity of forms of health-related knowledge, including biomedical knowledge, lay knowledge and critical constructionist knowledge, raises challenges for health researchers. On one hand, there is a demand for a pluralist acceptance of the variety of health-related knowledge. On the other, the need to improve health calls for action, and thus for choices between opposing forms of knowledge. The present article proposes a pragmatist approach to this epistemological problem. According to pragmatism, knowledge is a tool for action and as such it should be evaluated according to whether it serves our desired interests. We identify implications for research methodology and the choice of research goals.

The Role of Individual and Familial Protective Factors in Adolescents' Diet Control

Piko, B. F., Brassai, L. — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

This study examines a conceptual model linking individual cognitive-behavioral and familial influences to adolescents’ poor diet control as a health-risk behavior. A cross-sectional survey collected data from students enrolled in the secondary schools of the Middle Transylvanian Region, Romania (N = 1977). Self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. Logistic regression analyses revealed that future-orientation, self-regulation, life purpose, parenting style and parental support were all significant protective factors against adolescents’ poor diet control. While both individual and familial variables act as protection for girls and younger adolescents, for boys and older adolescents, only parental variables are significant.

Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis: The Patient's Perspective

Hamilton-West, K. E., Quine, L. — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a potentially debilitating chronic condition that necessitates a biopsychosocial approach for successful long-term management. However, the psychosocial consequences of AS are not well understood. In this study patients (N = 68) reported impacts of AS across a wide range of life domains; negative impacts included physical effects of AS, changes in mood or personality, effects on social life and relationships with friends and family, low self-esteem, stigma and worry about the future; positive impacts included increased exercise, feelings of achievement and empathy, stronger relationships, slower pace of life and a more positive perspective. Implications for treatment are discussed.

Book Review: Health, Culture and Communication: Realities and Possibilities Mohan J. Dutta, Communicating health: A culture-centered approach Malden, MA: Polity Press, 2008, 306 pp. $74.95 (hbk); ISBN--13: 978--07456--3491--3; $26.95 (pbk); ISBN--13: 978--07456--3492--0

Sanders, V. L. — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

Book Review: From Local to Global: Contextualizing Women's Sexual Health in the Shadow of AIDS Ida Susser, AIDS, sex and culture: Global politics and survival in South Africa Wiley-Blackwell, 2009, 276 pp. {pound}18.99 (pbk); ISBN-13: 978--1--4051--5587--8; {pound}80.00 (hbk); ISBN-13: 978--1405155861

Campbell, C. — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:53:38 PDT

Human Exploitation Is NOT a Joke--So Don't Laugh!

Estacio, E. V. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:15:34 PDT

In a previous article, I called for an open discussion and debate on health psychology perspectives on social and political issues relevant to health, in particular the issue concerning racism and the media (Estacio, 2009). In this article, I raise three topics for discussion which the controversial BBC `Harry and Paul' sketch (un)intentionally exposed to the public domain: (1) racist humour, the media and health; (2) human rights abuses against domestic workers; and (3) third world poverty and labour migration. Its implications on health psychology theory, research and practice are also explored.

Let's Get Real (with a Small `r'): For a Health Psychology That Prioritizes the Concrete

Cornish, F. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:15:34 PDT

Depending on which kind of philosophy of science we espouse, health psychology can be a relatively concrete or relatively abstract activity. Estacio, I suggest, prioritizes the concrete, by foregrounding real social phenomena. I argue that prioritizing the concrete has two particular benefits: it increases the social relevance of health psychology, and it increases the validity of our analyses, by ensuring that they are close to reality. To further the pursuit of the concrete, I suggest that critical health psychology is in particular need of exemplars of critical health psychology in action, rather than reflexive commentary on critical health psychology itself.

Questioning `Black Humour': Racial Exploitation, Media and Health

Hodgetts, D., Stolte, O. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:15:34 PDT

This commentary explores the relevance of media racism to health psychology. While supporting Dr Estacio's call for health psychologists to get involved in promoting social justice via the media, we propose that health psychologists should not overstate the negative influence of the media on racism in society. Media content is complex and contradictory. It contains both racist and anti-racist representations. Challenging racism requires a conceptualization of links between the representational spaces provided by the media and the everyday geographic places within which inter-personal interactions and exploitation occur.

Health in the Inter-land

Maclachlan, M. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:15:34 PDT

Estacio presents the exploitation of migrant workers, particularly those from low income countries, as a challenge for critical health psychology. This resonates with calls for an understanding of health that reflects its social determinants, the influence of power relationships and the need for social justice to promote people's welfare and rights. Recent developments in international health policy now call for an approach to health that is inter-disciplinary, intersectoral and inter-ministerial. This presents critical health psychology with an opportunity and an obligation to address health in this complex `inter-land'. The concept of `research for health', the recommendations of the Commission on the Social Determinants of Health and the Bamako Call for Action on Research for Health, are outlined in relation to this challenge.

Harry, Paul and the Filipino Maid: Racial and Sexual Abuse in Local Contexts

McVittie, C., Goodall, K. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:15:34 PDT

Estacio argues for critical health psychology to take action to address three issues raised (unintentionally) in the `Harry and Paul' sketch broadcast on British television. It is suggested that, although attempting humour, the sketch offensively reflected and reproduced patterns of social injustice that are far from funny. We argue here that micro-level analysis of the interactional elements of the sketch provides an understanding of how in everyday contexts Filipino workers are constructed in socially unjust terms and of how abuse can be justified. Such an understanding can allow critical health psychology to make a distinctive contribution to these topics.

Racism and Inequalities in Health: Notes towards an Agenda for Critical Health Psychology

Stephens, C. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:15:34 PDT

Estacio (this issue) has provided a moving demonstration of the way in which racism impacts on health at interpersonal, societal and global levels and how the discourses that create and sustain unequal treatment may be identified in everyday mediated talk, including the use of humour. In this commentary I develop Estacio's discussion of the importance of racism in regard to health inequalities. Using her structure, I briefly suggest additional ways in which critical health psychologists may approach these issues by drawing on work from psychology and other disciplines to develop just approaches to health research and practice.

`Your Freedom Ends Where My Nose Begins': Health Psychology's Potential towards Critical Empowerment, Media Advocacy and Social Action

Vida Estacio, E. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:15:34 PDT

There is no question that health psychology needs to be more involved with matters concerning health inequalities and the social injustices associated with media racism, and racism in general. It is recognized that our discipline has the potential to develop and carry out research that can make valuable contributions to address such issues. Reflecting and discussing these matters were useful in this respect, however, the recommendations raised here need to be put into practice for real progress to be made. Engaging with society itself is also crucial.

A Self-management Concept for Men at the Community Level: The `Waist' Disposal Challenge

Aoun, S., Osseiran-Moisson, R., Collins, F., Newton, R., Newton, M. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:15:34 PDT

The Waist Disposal Challenge consisted of a health intervention at the community level to bring about a reduction in body mass index (BMI) and is delivered at three levels: educational presentations on nutrition and exercise; monthly monitoring of BMI competition; telephone lifestyle coaching with follow-ups. Twenty-three Rotary Clubs participated in Western Australia in 2007—08 (750 Rotarians). The significant to moderate decreases in BMI are an encouraging indication that such community based-projects for men at-risk of developing chronic disease may influence the way health services reorient their community programmes to suit the health psychology of middle-aged to older men.

Participant Experiences of a Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy Group for Cardiac Rehabilitation

Griffiths, K., Camic, P.M., Hutton, J.M. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:15:34 PDT

Recently there has been a growth of interest in mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic approaches across a range of medical problems. Cardiac rehabilitation patients often suffer from stress, worry, anxiety and depression, all of which can lead to poor prognosis and worsening of cardiac symptoms. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) of participant experiences, this study reports on the first known Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy group adapted for cardiac rehabilitation. Analysis identified the development of awareness, commitment, within group experiences, relating to the material and acceptance as central experiential themes. The use of the approach was supported for this population.

Re Predictors of Quality of Life in Hospitalized Cardiac Patients

Huis In 'T Veld, E. M.J., Heijmans, N., De Cock, E. S.A. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:15:34 PDT

A recent and interesting publication by Bruscia, Shultis, Dennery and Dileo (2008a) indicated that Sense of Coherence might be a significant predictor of Quality of Life in cardiac patients. In this short critique paper, some possible shortcomings of this study will be discussed.

Healthy-eater Identity and Self-efficacy Predict Healthy Eating Behavior: A Prospective View

Strachan, S. M., Brawley, L. R. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:15:34 PDT

Identity and Self-efficacy Theories were used to examine the relationship between healthy-eater identity, self-efficacy for healthy eating and healthy eating. Measures of healthy-eater identity, perception of healthy eating, nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy for both intake of fruits and vegetables and foods of low nutritional value were completed by 101 university students and staff. Two weeks later, participants recalled recent consumption of (a) fruits and vegetables and (b) foods of low nutritional value. For both eating outcomes, healthy-eater identity was a significant predictor after controlling for nutrition knowledge. The addition of self-efficacy improved prediction in the case of both eating outcomes.

A Personal Projects Analysis: Examining Adaptation to Low Back Pain

Vroman, K., Chamberlain, K., Warner, R. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:15:34 PDT

Personal Projects Analysis (PPA) offers an alternative approach to studying adaptation to illnesses. This study investigated adaptation to low back pain using PPA to examine the relationship between participants' perceptions of pain, and their functioning and well-being. Participants appraised their five most important projects on 26 dimensions, such as project value, success and difficulty. Factor analyses of the project ratings yielded five dispositions (Integrity, Personal Agency, Social Visibility, Pain Salience and Stressfulness). In regression analysis all five dispositions significantly predicted Physical and Social Function, Disruption of Roles, and Well-being. `Pain Salience' was the strongest predictor of functional outcomes, and `Stressfulness' was the best predictor of well-being.

Differences between White Americans and Asian Americans for Social Responsibility, Individual Right and Intentions Regarding Organ Donation

Hee Sun Park, , Yoon Sook Shin, , Yun, D. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:15:34 PDT

This study examined factors affecting intention to enroll in an organ donor registry and intention to talk to family about organ donation. Participants indicated their views about maintaining body integrity as an individual right and donating organs as a social responsibility. Results showed that the influence of social responsibility on intention to enroll was stronger for white Americans than for Asian Americans. Individual right was negatively associated with intention to enroll among Asian Americans, but not among white Americans. Social responsibility was significant for intention to talk among both white Americans and Asian Americans, but individual right was not significant.