Search Results (104)

Background: Bruxism is a multifactorial biopsychosocial condition involving repetitive jaw muscle activity, influenced by psychological stress, anxiety, and maladaptive coping strategies. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 111 health sciences students (mean age 22.29 ± 3.10 years; 66.6% women) underwent standardized DC/TMD clinical evaluation and completed the GAD-7, COPE Inventory, and a 105-item Stroop Test. Results: Bruxism prevalence was 63.96% (71/111). Students with bruxism had higher GAD-7 scores (10.63 ± 5.78 vs. 5.80 ± 3.66; mean difference 4.83, 95% CI 2.88–6.78; p < 0.001, g = 0.94), with clinically relevant anxiety nearly three times more frequent (55.4% vs. 19.6%; RR = 2.83, 95% CI 1.68–4.76). Stroop interference times were slower in the bruxism group (42.19 ± 16.87 s vs. 34.57 ± 16.25 s; mean difference 7.63 s, 95% CI 0.90–14.35; p = 0.027, g = 0.46), though accuracy was similar. COPE results showed a shift toward emotion-focused and avoidance strategies with increasing muscle pain. Conclusions: Bruxism is strongly linked to elevated anxiety, maladaptive coping strategies, and reduced inhibitory control speed. Integrating psychological screening tools such as GAD-7 and COPE into dental and medical practice could enable early identification and referral, supporting comprehensive management that combines dental treatment with psychological interventions to prevent chronic pain and long-term complications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cervicogenic headache (CeH) is linked to upper cervical dysfunctions. The obliquus capitis inferior (OCI) muscle may contribute to restricted cervical rotation at the C1–C2 level, altered proprioception and pain. Dry needling (DN) of the OCI is hypothesized to target these dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a single intervention combining DN and manual therapy (MT) compared to sham needling (SN) and MT, improves C1–C2 rotation, functional, headache-related and psychological outcomes in a subgroup of CeH patients with a positive cervical flexion–rotation test (CFRT). Methods: Thirty-four participants were randomly assigned to (1) DN or (2) SN. The primary outcome was C1–C2 rotational mobility. Secondary outcomes included headache-related parameters (frequency, intensity, duration and perceived effect), functional parameters (cervical mobility, pain pressure thresholds, motor control and proprioception) and psychological parameters (central sensitization, pain catastrophizing, coping strategies and kinesiophobia). Outcomes were re-evaluated at one-week follow-up. Results: Linear mixed-effects models showed a significant and clinically relevant increase of C1–C2 rotation in the DN group compared to the SN group post-intervention (mean difference [MD]: 4.51°; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74; 7.28), which was maintained at the 1-week follow-up (MD: 5.44°; 95% CI: 2.55; 8.33). No clinically relevant changes were observed in other secondary outcome measures. Conclusions: Targeting the OCI may be of added value in restoring atlanto-axial dysfunction. While short-term mobility gains were observed, a single intervention appears insufficient as a stand-alone treatment to impact functional or psychological outcomes. Future research involving larger samples should examine DN effects as part of a multimodal approach with long-term follow-up. Full article

Introduction. Chronic pain (CP) is a multidimensional condition that exerts a considerable impact on individuals’ quality of life and presents a wide range of clinical and psychological expressions. This study sought, firstly, to identify distinct clinical profiles among individuals with CP based on clinical indicators, and secondly, to examine the differences in psychological vulnerability and pain-related coping strategies according to the clinical profiles. Methods. A total of 251 adults diagnosed with CP and residing in Spain participated in the study. Participants completed the Purpose in Life Test, the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Pain Coping Questionnaire. A two-step cluster analysis was performed to identify subgroups within the sample, followed by independent samples t-tests to assess psychological differences between clusters. Results. This study identified two clinical profiles among individuals with CP, distinguished by diagnostic delay, disease progression, and functional impact. Cluster 1 exhibited greater functional impairment, lower quality of life, and higher emotional distress (uncertainty, perceived burdensomeness, emotional dysregulation, and hopelessness). In contrast, Cluster 2 showed lower functional impairment, better quality of life, greater use of distraction strategies, and a higher meaning in life. Discussion. These findings suggest that both medical and psychological aspects appear to be associated with each other and may influence the perception, evolution and adaptation to CP. Full article

Ongoing interest in the intersection of spirituality and health has prompted a need for integrated research. This report proposes a distinct approach in a model that allows for successful and harmonious cross-fertilization within these latter two areas of interest. Our work is especially pertinent to inquiries around the role of spirituality in mental health, with special attention to chronic pain conditions. The latter have become an open channel for novel avenues to explore the field of spirituality-based interventions within the arena of psychological inquiry. To address this, the authors developed and implemented the Church and Academia Model, a prototype for an innovative collaborative research project, with the aim of exploring the role of devotional practices, and their potential to be used as therapeutic co-adjuvants or tools to enhance the coping skills of patients with chronic pain. Keeping in mind that the church presents a rich landscape for clinical inquiry with broad relevance for clinicians and society at large, we created a unique hybrid research model. This is a new paradigm that focuses on distinct and well-defined studies where the funding, protocol writing, study design, and implementation are shared by experts from both the pastoral and clinical spaces. A team of theologians, researchers, and healthcare providers, including clinical pain psychologists, built a coalition leveraging their respective skill sets. Each expert is housed in their own environs, creating a functional network that has proven academically productive and pastorally effective. Key outputs include the creation and validation of a new psychometric measure, the Pain-related PRAYER Scale (PPRAYERS), an associated bedside prayer tool and a full-scale dissemination strategy through journal publications and specialty society conferences. This collaborative prototype is also an ideal fit for integrated knowledge translation platforms, and it is a promising paradigm for future collaborative projects focused on spirituality and mental health. Full article

Objectives: To investigate whether a Multimodal Rehabilitation Program (MRP) affects the change in visual–spatial abilities, especially attention, information-processing speed, visual–spatial learning, the severity of depression, and strategies for coping with pain in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) participants. Methods: The study was conducted between October 2021 and February 2023, with a 4-week rehabilitation program that included individual physiotherapy, manual and physical therapy, and psychological intervention such as psychoeducation, relaxation, and Graded Motor Imagery therapy. Twenty participants with CRPS and twenty healthy participants, forming a control group, were enlisted. The study was a 2-arm parallel: a CRPS group with MRP intervention and a healthy control group matched to the CRPS group according to demographic variables. Before and after, the MRP participants in the CRPS group were assessed for visual–spatial learning, attention abilities, severity of depression, and pain-coping strategy. The healthy control group underwent the same assessment without intervention before two measurements. The primary outcome measure was Reproduction on Rey–Osterrieth’s Complex Figure Test assessing visual–spatial learning. Results: In the post-test compared to the pre-test, the participants with CRPS obtained a significantly high score in visual–spatial learning (p < 0.01) and visual information-processing speed (p = 0.01). They made significantly fewer omission mistakes in visual working memory (p = 0.01). After the MRP compared to the pre-test, the CRPS participants indicated a decrease in the severity of depression (p = 0.04) and used a task-oriented strategy for coping with pain more often than before the rehabilitation program (p = 0.02). Conclusions: After a 4-week MRP, the following outcomes were obtained: an increase in visual–spatial learning, visual information-processing speed, a decrease in severity of depression, and a change in the pain-coping strategies—which became more adaptive. Full article

This study aims to explore the associations between menstrual health, lifestyle behaviors, biological traits, and coping strategies among female students at a Vietnamese medical university. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 884 female students across five academic majors. Data on demographics, menstrual patterns, biological characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and coping mechanisms were collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation, and logistic regression to identify significant predictors of self-reported menstrual changes post university admission. Of the 884 participants, 49.8% reported menstrual changes after entering university. Among the lifestyle-related factors, increased daily electronic use (mean = 5.83 h) and later bedtimes (mean = 23:58) were associated with menstrual change (p < 0.01). Older age and higher academic year emerged as significant predictors of menstrual changes (p < 0.001). Additionally, students with blood groups A and B exhibited a higher risk compared to those with group O (p < 0.05), and Rh-positive status was also significantly associated with menstrual changes (p = 0.05). In terms of knowledge and coping practices, students who had premenstrual syndrome awareness since school were significantly less likely to report menstrual changes (p = 0.003). Although use of pain relief, particularly painkillers, correlated with higher reported pain severity, it was not directly linked to menstrual change. On the other hand, clinic consultations were positively associated with menstrual changes (p = 0.003), while students who relied on their mothers as counselors exhibited a protective association (p = 0.001). Menstrual health in university-aged women is influenced by a complex interplay of lifestyle behaviors, biological traits, and menstrual knowledge. Early education and structured coping support may serve as protective factors. The findings call for targeted menstrual health programs in university settings. Full article

Background: Unlike other chronic diseases, cancer patients undergo different types of treatments that affect their well-being, and as a result, they tend to have different experiences from those of other chronic disease sufferers. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of cancer diagnosis and coping strategies on patients in Vhembe District hospitals in Limpopo Province. Methodology: The study design used was a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey. The target population included patients in the Vhembe District of Limpopo who had started treatment within the last year. Probability-stratified sampling was used to sample 207 patients from seven selected hospitals in Vhembe District. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, and the data were analyzed using a software package for descriptive statistics (SPSS version 23). Tables were used to display the results visually, and chi-square tests were used to compare the variables. Ethical principles were considered for the participants’ privacy, anonymity, and informed consent. Findings: The findings revealed that the majority of patients 185 (89.4%) experienced a sense of psychosocial distress such as emotional pain; 142 (68.6%) participants experienced hopelessness and despair, 127 (61.3%) resorted to substance use, 160 (77.3%) did not have a positive attitude towards seeking the medical and other support resources available, only a minority resorted to spirituality, and 121 (63.2%) indicated seeking further clarity about the disease. The study recommends supporting cancer patients and their families through the cancer journey. Contributions: Clinicians should provide psychosocial support interventions to enhance mental health and quality of life in cancer patients, and decentralize oncology services by including primary care professionals in delivering chronic illness disease management strategies. Full article

Background: Optimal coping with chronic pain (CP) has a positive impact on minimizing the barriers to patients’ quality of life. Mindfulness-based approaches have been shown to improve emotional regulation and coping strategies in CP management, promoting a greater acceptance of pain and reducing psychological distress. Given that personality traits may influence the adjustment to chronic pain, this study aimed to investigate whether specific personality dimensions, based on Cloninger’s model of temperament–character dimensions, affect the enrolment and the response to pain treatment in an innovative hybrid arts-based CBT-CP group intervention for patients with non-malignant CP. Methods: A pre-and-post assessment design was implemented in a non-randomized control trial. A total number of 100 outpatients at a University Pain Management Unit were allocated through self-selection in either an arts-based CBT-CP group intervention (N = 50) or a treatment-as-usual (TAU) control group (N = 50). All participants completed the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Orbach and Mikulincer Mental Pain Scale (OMMP), the Tolerance for Mental Pain Scale (TMPS), and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-140). The assessment took place at baseline and at the end of the intervention, after a 10-week period. The statistical analyses included a t-test for independent samples, Chi-square, and linear regression analyses. Results: At baseline, the arts-based CBT-CP intervention group had a higher score in the novelty seeking character dimension (M = 64.04; SD = 9.56), whereas the TAU group was found to have higher scores in self-directedness (M = 74.34; SD = 11.22) and self-transcendence (M = 51.42; SD = 6.61). The arts-based CBT-CP group reported a lower loss of control (M = 22.94; SD = 6.70) and higher belief in the ability to cope with pain (M = 21.10; SD = 3.76) after the intervention, compared to the control group. Self-transcendence was found to be a significant predictor of average pain as well as of patients’ belief in their ability to cope with pain. Conclusions: The current study provides practice-based evidence suggesting that an arts-based CBT-CP group intervention is a promising treatment for non-malignant CP. Personality dimensions affect patients’ enrolment and response to pain treatment. Furthermore, integrating mindfulness-based strategies within such interventions may further enhance treatment outcomes by fostering acceptance, improving coping mechanisms, and reducing the emotional burden associated with chronic pain. Full article

Perceived experiences of violence, trauma, body dissatisfaction, and body shaming emerge as interconnected factors contributing to suicide attempts among adolescents. There is a critical need to improve the understanding and prediction of suicide attempts in this vulnerable population. In this study, a primarily qualitative design was employed, supported by descriptive quantitative elements, such as code frequencies and word clouds, to explore in-depth narrative interviews of adolescents who attempted suicide. Thematic content analysis was utilized to analyze the transcripts of these narrative interviews. The study sample consisted of 22 adolescents (M_age = 16.98 years; SD = 1.624; 77% males, 19% females, 4% non-binary or transgender). The content analysis revealed two significant body-related risk factors for suicide attempts: experiences of violence or trauma and body dissatisfaction, which were associated with maladaptive coping strategies, including self-harm, substance use, and eating disorders. Acute somatic warning signs such as dissociative states, loss of control, and disconnection from one’s body suggested pronounced psychophysiological dysregulation. The findings underscore the body as a battleground, where emotional pain related to bodily experiences and perceptions manifests significantly. Future research should integrate subjective body-related experiences in risk assessments and interventions targeting adolescent suicidal behaviors. Full article

Despite the proliferation of biomedical and psychological treatments, the global burden of chronic intractable (long-term) pain remains high—a treatment-prevalence paradox. The biopsychosocial model, introduced in the 1970s, is central to strategies for managing pain, but has been criticised for being decontextualised and fragmented, compromising the effectiveness of healthcare pain support services and patient care. The aim of this study was to apply a simplified version of Ken Wilber’s All Quadrant All Levels (AQAL) framework to pain in a healthcare context to advance a biopsychosocial understanding. Utilising domain knowledge, the author mapped features of pain and coping to intrasubjective, intraobjective, intersubjective, and interobjective quadrants (perspectives), as well as levels of psychological development. Narratives were crafted to synthesize the findings of mapping with literature from diverse disciplines within the contexts of salutogenesis and a social model of health. The findings showed that AQAL-mapping enhanced contextual biopsychosocial coherence and exposed the conceptual error of reifying pain. Its utility lay in highlighting upstream influences of the painogenic environment, supporting the reconfiguration of pain within a social model of health, as exemplified by the UK’s Rethinking Pain Service. In conclusion, a simple version of the AQAL framework served as a heuristic device to develop an integral vision of pain, opening opportunities for health promotion solutions within a salutogenic context. Full article

Burn injuries lead to significant physical and psychological consequences, including chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, depression, and social isolation. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been proposed as a holistic approach to address these challenges in burn rehabilitation. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of dispositional mindfulness and MBIs, including mindfulness meditation, yoga, and self-compassion training, in managing pain, emotional distress, and psychosocial adaptation in burn survivors. A comprehensive literature search was conducted through MEDLINE and Web of Science, covering studies up to February 2025, with additional papers retrieved from Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar. Studies were included if they reported quantitative data on the effects of MBIs in burn patients and/or their families, excluding opinion pieces, editorials, reviews, and qualitative studies. After screening 91 studies retrieved from the databases and adding a compelling paper retrieved from the other sources explored, 12 studies were included in the final pool, categorized into cross-sectional studies (n = 6), and intervention studies (n = 6). The extracted data included publication year, research design, sample characteristics, intervention details, main findings, and data for quality assessment. The synthesis of the results suggests that mindfulness is associated with reduced psychological symptoms, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced self-compassion, leading to better coping strategies and social reintegration. However, the long-term efficacy of MBIs remains inconclusive, and further research is needed to differentiate mindfulness-specific effects from those of general physical exercise. Evidence also suggests that mindfulness interventions may reduce anxiety and secondary trauma in children with burns and their caregivers. This review highlights the potential of MBIs as adjuncts to conventional burn rehabilitation programs, but further high-quality trials are needed to establish their sustained efficacy and to understand the specific benefits of mindfulness. Full article

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among Palestinian women and significantly affects their quality of life (QoL). Coping strategies are pivotal in shaping QoL outcomes; however, research examining coping strategies and QoL in the Palestinian context remains scarce. This study aims to evaluate coping strategies among newly diagnosed BC patients and their impact on QoL in the southern West Bank. Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited 147 newly diagnosed BC patients undergoing treatment in governmental hospitals in the Hebron and Bethlehem governorates. Data were collected via face-to-face questionnaires, which included the EORTC QLQ-C30, the Cancer Coping Questionnaire (CCQ), sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and social support. Results: Participants exhibited moderate QoL scores, with physical functioning scoring highest (67) and emotional functioning lowest (49). Fatigue, insomnia, and pain were the most common symptoms. Coping strategies were moderately utilized, and global QoL was significantly associated with these strategies. Hierarchical regression showed education had a small positive effect on global QoL (R² = 0.052, p = 0.005), while family support was a moderate predictor (R² = 0.080, p = 0.041). The CCQ coping score negatively impacted global QoL (R² = 0.186, p < 0.001), whereas CCQ positive focus (R² = 0.342, p < 0.001) and diversion techniques (R² = 0.406, p < 0.001) had substantial positive effects. Conclusions: Positive coping strategies, education, and family support play a vital role in enhancing QoL for newly diagnosed BC patients. Coping-focused interventions should be integrated into oncology care in Palestine to improve patient outcomes. Full article

Swearing is a powerful and emotionally charged form of language that has recently gained increased scholarly attention. While commonly used for emotional release, its role in sport and exercise ‘self-talk’ remains understudied. Prior evidence suggests that swearing may aid in pain management, emotion regulation, and performance enhancement, yet research in athletic contexts has largely focused on conventional self-talk. To address this gap, the present study developed and validated the Reasons for Swearing in Sport and Exercise Questionnaire (RSSEQ), a novel tool assessing reasons motivating swearing among competitive athletes, coaches, and recreational exercisers. A total of 513 participants completed the RSSEQ. Exploratory (n = 333) and confirmatory (n = 180) factor analyses supported a three-factor structure: Stress and Emotional Catharsis, Mental Strength Enhancement, and Coping with Physical Discomfort and Pain. Males reported greater use of swearing for mental strength and pain-related coping, while no gender differences were observed for emotional catharsis. Athletes reported more swearing for emotional catharsis than did coaches, but no differences emerged in motivational or pain-related use. No significant differences were found between competitive and recreational athletes or between team and individual sport participants. These findings establish a foundation for future research on the psychological functions of swearing in sport and exercise, encouraging further exploration of its effectiveness and potential integration into mental training strategies, alongside more traditional self-talk approaches. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer remains a significant global health issue in the 21st century, accounting for 16.8% of all deaths and 22.8% of noncommunicable disease (NCD) deaths globally. This study investigated the impact of a novel integrated rehabilitation intervention on clinical and psychosocial outcomes in cancer patients with vertebral metastasis. Methods: The three-year study included newly diagnosed oncological patients or those undergoing treatment, aged 18 years or older, with vertebral metastasis and spinal pain. The intervention was tailored to each patient based on mental and functional reserves, risk of vertebral fractures, physical reserves, fatigue, and ongoing oncological therapy. Results: The control and experimental groups were compared in terms of baseline characteristics, physical activity, tumor characteristics, pain, sphincter disorders, complications, survival, functional scores, and coping mechanisms. The experimental group demonstrated significantly better outcomes, including longer mean survival time (3.5 vs. 2.8 years, p < 0.001), higher Barthel Total Score (60.7 vs. 40.8, p = 0.002), and lower prevalence of fractures (20.0% vs. 55.4%, p < 0.001), osteoporosis (17.0% vs. 37.0%, p = 0.001), anemia (22.2% vs. 57.4%, p < 0.001), and vomiting (6.1% vs. 54.5%, p < 0.001). The experimental group also exhibited a lower reliance on avoidant coping strategies (29.0 vs. 31.3, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study provides robust evidence that a personalized rehabilitation intervention significantly improves survival, functional independence, and coping strategies in cancer patients with spinal bone metastasis. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether integrating coping strategies into occupational therapy (OT) enhances functional recovery and psychological adaptation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: Twenty-eight patients who underwent TKA were equally assigned to an intervention and control group. Both groups received standard goal-oriented OT, while only the intervention group underwent structured training in pain coping strategies using the “Coping List”. Treatment effects were assessed using Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), pain, anxiety, depression, and pain-related disability scores. Results: A total of 210 coping strategies were identified, with the intervention group adopting an average of 15.1 additional strategies per patient. Strategies were categorized into six domains: physical, psychological and cognitive, social support, relaxation, daily activities, and medication management. The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in COPM performance scores (7.6 ± 1.7 vs. 5.5 ± 2.6; p = 0.048) and COPM satisfaction scores (7.9 ± 2.0 vs. 5.6 ± 2.8; p = 0.049) compared to the control group. Conclusions: The findings suggest that individualized coping strategies integrated with physical rehabilitation can help patients achieve postoperative goals, enhance recovery, and improve overall well-being. Incorporating such strategies into OT appears to be effective in early-postoperative rehabilitation. Clinical trial number: This study’s clinical trial registration information is available online at UMIN (UMIN000050536). Full article