Search Results (348)

Heart transplantation represents a pivotal intervention for end-stage heart failure, extending survival. However, it imposes profound physical, psychological, and social challenges that often undermine recipients’ quality of life (QoL). These challenges are especially pronounced in collectivist cultural contexts like China, where familial obligations and stigma surrounding chronic illness intensify existential burdens. Grounded in theoretical frameworks including Coping Theory, Self-Determination Theory, Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, and Terror Management Theory, this cross-sectional study explored the interplay between social support and QoL among Chinese heart transplant recipients, elucidating the mediating roles of self-esteem and death anxiety, as well as their sequential chain-mediating pathway. Employing validated psychometric instruments, including the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Templer Death Anxiety Scale (T-DAS) and SF-36 Health Survey, along with chain-mediation modeling, the analysis revealed that social support exerts a direct positive influence on QoL, supplemented by indirect effects through enhanced self-esteem, reduced death anxiety, and a chained cognitive-existential mechanism linking these factors. These insights highlight the complex psychosocial dynamics of post-transplant adaptation, advocating for targeted and culturally attuned interventions. These interventions include family-based support programs, self-esteem enhancement strategies, and death anxiety counseling. The aim is to promote holistic rehabilitation and sustained well-being among heart transplant recipients in China’s context. Full article

This study examines the relationship between quality of life, self-esteem, and anxiety in Slovak women of reproductive age diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The research was carried out with a non-experimental correlation survey design, and the data was obtained using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ). The research sample consisted of 244 women aged from 18 to 52 years with a confirmed PCOS diagnosis. The results revealed that lower health-related quality of life scores among women with PCOS were associated with lower self-esteem and higher levels of anxiety. Furthermore, higher general quality of life in the domains of Physical health, Psychological Health, Social relationships, and Environment were associated with higher self-esteem and lower anxiety among women with PCOS. The results also show the effect of emotional problems as a symptom of PCOS for anxiety, self-esteem, and general quality of life, especially in the areas of physical and psychological health. New insights in this area may contribute to the improvement of women’s awareness of PCOS and its consequences and emphasise the need for support of both physical and mental health. Full article

Since the popularization of dating apps, the scientific literature developed in the last decade still has various limitations that concern both the populations studied and the variables evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the use of dating apps among adults (25–50 years) and the relationship between the use of these apps and mental, physical and sexual health and substance use. A total of 1004 adults of both sexes (M = 36.61, SD = 7.16; 50.7% women, 49.3% men) participated in the study, filling out a battery of online questionnaires. A 40% prevalence of dating apps use was found. Men, non-heterosexuals, and single people showed higher use of these apps. No relationship was found between the use of dating apps and mental health (self-esteem, anxiety, depression). On the other hand, a direct association was found between being a dating app user and the consumption of substances (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, mental health medication), concern about physical appearance, and the practice of physical exercise. In addition, app users showed better sexual functioning than non-users. The main finding of the study is that there are no differences in mental health (self-esteem, anxiety, depression) between adult users and non-users of dating apps. The results obtained have significant implications both a psychological and social viewpoint. Therefore, they must be considered when implementing prevention and promotion programs for sexual health. Full article

Introduction: Mental health problems in children and adolescents are a growing public health concern. Aerobic physical activity has been identified as a promising, accessible, and low-cost intervention to promote psychological well-being. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and a pre-registered PROSPERO protocol. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL for randomized controlled trials published until December 2024, with no language restrictions. Eligibility criteria included interventions based on aerobic physical activity among children and adolescents (5–18 years) reporting outcomes on mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, self-esteem, mood, resilience). Methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro scale. Results: From 828 initial records, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria and 19 were included in the meta-analysis. The trials, conducted in diverse countries and settings, applied structured aerobic interventions (e.g., running, dancing, cycling, active games) with durations of 6–30 weeks. The pooled results showed significant improvements in depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and stress, with the largest effects observed in stress reduction and self-esteem enhancement. Conclusions: Aerobic physical activity appears to be an effective and feasible strategy to improve mental health in children and adolescents. Its integration into school and community programs is recommended as a preventive and complementary approach to traditional treatments. Full article

Introduction: Understanding adolescent maturational development and its impact on physical and psychological well-being is essential for supporting the academic and professional growth of undergraduate students in Health Sciences programs (Psychology, Medicine, and Nursing). This study aimed to assess and compare self-concept, self-perception, physical activity, and lifestyle among first-year Health Sciences students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with first-year students at the University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain. Data were collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), and Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC). Variables included sex, age, study program, and body mass index (BMI). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, reliability assessment (Cronbach’s alpha), distribution tests, and chi-squared tests. Results: Among 190 participants, the RSES showed generally positive self-esteem, although 75% of students reported low self-confidence. Male Psychology students all scored in the fair range on self-perception. Physical activity was low, particularly among female students, with 20% classified as sedentary. HBSC results indicated the need for lifestyle improvements. SOC-13 scores showed that 80.5% of students had fair levels of sense of coherence. Conclusions: Health Sciences students exhibited low self-concept, emotional distress, sedentary habits, and inadequate lifestyle behaviors. Male Nursing students and female Psychology students had the poorest self-concept scores. The findings emphasize the need for interventions promoting healthy habits and emotional well-being among students entering health-related academic programs. Full article

Background. Living with a stoma entails profound changes in a person’s life, affecting physical, psychological, and social well-being. Patients often face challenges related to body image, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem. A stoma can impair quality of life, trigger feelings of shame and limit freedom of movement. Objectives. To assess the subjective perception of quality of life and related psychophysical consequences in individuals with an intestinal stoma. To evaluate the level of perceived support from healthcare professionals involved in the care pathway. Methods. This is a descriptive observational study conducted through the administration of an online questionnaire. The sample includes 189 adult patients with an intestinal stoma. Results. Data analysis revealed that participants aged ≥65 years and those with a permanent stoma reported higher quality of life scores compared to younger individuals or those with a temporary stoma. An inverse correlation emerged between quality of life and perceived stress (p < 0.001); in particular, pain and social embarrassment were strongly associated with higher levels of stress. The enterostomal therapy nurse was identified as a key figure in the care pathway (70.4%). Conclusions. The findings highlight the need for person-centered care that addresses not only clinical aspects but also emotional and relational dimensions. Enhancing the role of trained professionals, such as enterostomal therapy nurses, and promoting targeted educational interventions may contribute to improving the quality of life in patients living with a stoma. Full article

Workplace toxicity in the tourism sector remains a widespread issue, particularly for hotel staff who are constantly suffering from verbal, emotional, or physical abuse. While previous research has primarily highlighted the negative consequences of abusive behavior, this study examines a different perspective—how abusive supervision may be associated with reduced helping behavior among hotel employees, with emotional contagion and self-esteem serving as key moderating and mediating variables. Based on the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, the current paper suggests that abusive supervision causes people’s psychological resources to be depleted, which decreases their self-esteem and, in turn, their helpful behavior. Furthermore, it is revealed that emotional contagion can act as a moderator to amplify the detrimental association between abusive supervision and self-esteem. Data were gathered from frontline hotels employees. Employing structural equation modeling with SmartPLS 3, the findings reveal that abusive supervision was negatively related to both self-esteem and helping behaviors. Additionally, the correlation between helpful behavior and abusive supervision was strongly mediated by self-esteem. It is also shown that emotional contagion mitigated the detrimental relationship between abusive supervision and self-esteem, such that people with high emotional contagion experienced a stronger negative relationship. This paper advances our theoretical knowledge of workplace dynamics by expanding COR theory to justify how and why abusive supervision impairs pro-social behavior. From a practical standpoint, the findings underscore the significance of management behavior and emotional intelligence in service-oriented sectors. Employee self-esteem and cooperative workplace behavior may be preserved by interventions that deplete supervisory abuse and boost emotional resilience. Full article

Background: Chronic stress in childhood and adolescence leads to excessive cortisol secretion, adipokines production and obesity with all the negative mental and physical effects on the health of individuals and adulthood. Objectives: The aim of the present non-randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of a stress management protocol with diaphragmatic breathing (DB) and physiotherapy exercise on stress, body composition, cardiorespiratory and metabolic markers of children and adolescents with morbid obesity. Methods: The study included 31 children and adolescents (5–18 years old) with morbid obesity (22 in the intervention arm and 9 controls). All participants completed anxiety questionnaires and a self-perception scale. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), blood pressure (BP) and SpO₂ were measured. Fasting glucose, uric acid, triglycerides, HbA1c, (AST/SGOT), (ALT/SGPT), HDL, LDL, insulin, ACTH, cortisol, HOMA-IR, 17-OH, S-DHEA, SHBG were assessed, and anthropometric measurements were also performed. Results: In the intervention group, 4 months after the treatment, an improvement was noted in the BMI, BMI z-score, waist-to-height ratio, FEV1, SpO₂, pulse and systolic BP. HDL increased, ALT/SGPT and insulin resistance improved. Positive changes were observed in temporary and permanent stress and self-esteem of children in the intervention group, including anxiety, self-perception, physical appearance, etc. Conclusions: A combined exercise and DB protocol has a positive effect on stress, by improving body composition, reducing insulin resistance, and ameliorating physical and mental health and quality of life of pediatric patients with morbid obesity. Full article

Background: This study examines balance, flexibility and self-esteem among healthy individuals who engage in surfing compared to those who do not surf. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted with 124 participants divided into the following groups: Group 1: Surfers n = 42; Group 2: individuals performing over 3 h of physical activity per week n = 43; and Group 3: individuals performing fewer than 3 h of physical activity per week n = 39. To assess balance, the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the Flamenco Test (FBT) were used, the sit-and-reach test (SRT) was used to measure hamstring extensibility, the Rosenberg Scale was used to measure self-esteem, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure physical activity levels. Results: Regarding descriptive characteristics, G1 participants were significant older than those of G2 and G3 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, there was a higher proportion of females in G3 than in G1 and G2 (p < 0.05). The results revealed significant differences in balance between the surfers and those engaging in fewer than 3 h of activity per week (p < 0.05). G1 obtained significantly higher results in SEBT-left leg than G2 and G3 (p < 0.001) and higher result in SEBT-right leg and FBT than G3 (p < 0.05) but no significant differences in self-esteem were found. Significant differences in flexibility were observed between males and females (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This result suggests that surfing could have a positive effect on balance. Full article

Background and Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an elevated risk of impaired mental health and psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Physical factors like weight and hirsutism, as well as psychological factors, such as self-esteem and coping strategies, are all known to have an influence on mental health status. Aim: To assess psychological symptoms in women with and without PCOS, by use of the well-established, validated self-report questionnaire: Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90); to determine the reliability of the SCL-90 for assessment of PCOS patients. Design: Prospective case-control study. Methods: Psychological symptoms were assessed using the German version of the SCL-90 in 31 PCOS women and 31 healthy controls. To test the impact of various parameters on numerical outcome parameters, correlation analyses were conducted. Results: PCOS women revealed significantly increased SCL-90 scores in seven out of the nine subscales (hostility subscale, anxiety subscale, depression subscale, paranoid ideation subscale, psychoticism subscale, somatization subscale, interpersonal sensitivity subscale, obsessive compulsive subscale), as well as in all three global indices (p < 0.05). SCL-90 scores were significantly positively correlated with perceived total stress and perceived helplessness and significantly negatively correlated with perceived self-efficacy (p < 0.05). Conclusions: PCOS women experienced higher levels of psychological symptoms including depressive and anxiety symptoms. Higher perceived stress, higher perceived helplessness and lower self-efficacy were associated with more psychological symptoms. Hence, there is a need to support PCOS women with their emotional regulation and coping strategies. Full article

Objective: This study sought to examine the correlation between physical activity levels and various psychological and nutritional factors associated with the risk of developing eating disorders among female university students in the Health Sciences discipline. Method: The study assessed body image, self-esteem, nutritional status, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and attitudes toward food in a sample of 96 women, categorized into two groups based on their level of physical activity. Results: Significant differences in skeletal muscle mass were identified between the groups, alongside associations between body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and elevated EAT-26 scores. Furthermore, students with higher levels of physical activity exhibited a significantly increased prevalence of eating disorder risk. Logistic regression analysis identified body dissatisfaction as a significant predictor of eating disorder risk, while membership in the group with the highest physical activity levels enhanced model fit and increased eating disorder risk. Conclusions: These findings indicate that, while physical activity is associated with certain benefits related to body composition and eating habits, it may also be linked to a heightened risk of disordered eating behaviors, contingent upon the underlying motivations and body perceptions involved. This study highlights the necessity for comprehensive preventive strategies that address both the physical and psychological dimensions of physical activity in female university students. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to examine whether perceived social support, appearance satisfaction, and self-esteem mediate the relationship between the type of dermatological condition and psychological distress among dermatological patients. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study utilizing self-report measures. The sample consisted of 108 dermatological patients aged 18 to 35 years. Participants were divided into two groups based on their diagnosis: Group A included 54 individuals with visible facial cystic acne, and Group B included 54 individuals with non-visible psoriasis or eczema. Assessments were conducted following their initial dermatological consultation and prior to the commencement of pharmacological treatment. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires including the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the Multidimensional Body–Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scale (MBSRQ–AS), the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-40), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: Mediation analyses indicated that perceived social support and appearance satisfaction significantly mediated the relationship between dermatological group and psychological distress. Self-esteem did not emerge as a significant mediator. Conclusions: The findings suggest that differences in psychological distress among dermatological patients can be partially explained by their perceived social support and satisfaction with physical appearance. These psychosocial factors should be considered in the psychological assessment and treatment planning for individuals with dermatological conditions. Full article

Background: The widespread use of smartphones and the internet has transformed communication, but excessive use has raised concerns about smartphone and internet addiction, which can lead to psychological, physical, and social issues. The objective of this literature review is to explore the relationship between smartphone and internet addiction and physical activity, particularly focusing on whether physical exercise, especially sports, can serve as a protective factor against addiction. The review aims to examine how physical activity can reduce the negative impacts of addiction and improve overall mental health. Methods: This review synthesizes empirical research on smartphone and internet addiction and its connection to physical activity. It examines studies exploring how addiction leads to physical inactivity and how participation in physical activities, especially sports, can counteract this effect. The review also evaluates research on psychological mechanisms, such as self-esteem, self-control, and emotional resilience, that mediate the relationship between physical activity and addiction. Additionally, it discusses how sociodemographic and contextual factors influence this relationship. Conclusions: The findings consistently show an inverse relationship between smartphone and internet use and physical activity, with physical activity acting as a protective factor against addiction. Sports and other physical activities have been linked to reduced addictive behaviors, enhanced psychological well-being, and improved emotional resilience. Promoting physical activity, particularly sports, along with psychological interventions, appears to be an effective strategy for preventing and treating smartphone and internet addiction. Future research should focus on developing tailored interventions and studying diverse populations to optimize addiction prevention. Full article

Sexual minority men (SMM) experience anti-SMM stressors and have elevated rates of mental health issues compared to heterosexual men, such as depression. Importantly, strengths-based factors may directly increase wellbeing and provide a buffer against the detrimental effects of such stressors. In the present study, we integrated risk and strengths-based models to examine predictors of depression symptoms in a sample of 465 Canadian SMM across three time points using multilevel modeling. Higher scores on a measure of childhood physical abuse at baseline, and greater within-person (i.e., deviation from individual’s average) and between-person (i.e., deviation from group average) internalized homonegativity and heterosexist discrimination were associated with higher depression scores. Higher within- and between-person scores on measures of self-esteem, social support, and hope were associated with lower depression scores. Social support buffered the effects of between-person heterosexist discrimination on depression symptoms: at mean and high levels of social support, heterosexist discrimination was not associated with depression symptoms. This is the first study to disaggregate between-person and within-person effects of both risk factors and strengths-based factors among SMM, which has critical importance for the development of tailored individual-level interventions that target internalized homonegativity, hope, social support, and self-esteem to alleviate symptoms of depression among SMM. Full article

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent neoplasms among women, often requiring mastectomy, a procedure with a significant impact on functionality, self-esteem, and quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to map the main interventions performed by the Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist in the follow-up care of mastectomised women. Methods: A review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The search included 11 articles published between 2019 and 2024 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, available on the EBSCO platform (MEDLINE with Full TEXT, CINAHL). The descriptors used were (Mastectomy OR Breast Removal) AND (Rehabilitation Nursing OR Nursing Intervention). Results: The Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist interventions focused on education regarding upper limb mobilisation, medication administration, lymphedema prevention, strategies for performing Daily Life Activities with less effort and pain, implementation of rehabilitation plans with physical exercises, and emotional support in accepting body image changes. Hospital discharge planning and caregiver education also emerged as key elements to ensure continuity of care. Most studies (six) identify performing exercises to strengthen muscles and prevent lymphoedema as a very important intervention for nurses, followed by education on care for upper limb mobilisation and lymphoedema prevention (five) and emotional and social support (four), among other interventions. Conclusions: The Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist interventions are fundamental for promoting functionality, emotional well-being, and quality of life in mastectomised women, reinforcing the importance of a multidisciplinary, person-centred approach supported by scientific evidence. Full article