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Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences
Number of Followers: 5  Open Access journalISSN (Print) 1948-3260 Published by Walden University  [5 journals]
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- She’s Just Not That Into Me: Sexual Self-Concept Among Heterosexual Men
Who Identify as Involuntary Celibates
Authors: Kyle J. Justin et al.
Abstract: Emerging adult men experiencing involuntary celibacy are increasingly self-identifying as “incels.” Popular culture has painted a negative view of incel men. Nonetheless, almost no research has addressed the experiences of incels or systematically compared incels to their peers to identify whether actual differences exist in psychological functioning. In this study, we surveyed a total of 129 emerging adult men (75 incels and 54 non-incels) to determine if and how incels differ from their non-incel peers. MANOVA results indicated that incels disproportionately struggled with low self-esteem, social anxiety, difficulty approaching women, and optimism about partnered sexual experiences compared to their non-incel peers. Incels also endorsed concepts related to social hierarchies, which suggested a vulnerability to gender role strain related to current hegemonic notions of masculinity. Such concerns have implications for psychotherapeutic intervention and may additionally facilitate understanding of how hegemonic masculinity may impact sexual self-concept.
PubDate: Mon, 27 Jun 2022 06:56:36 PDT
- Differences in Attachment, Resilience, and Negative Affect in
Non-Treatment-Seeking and Treatment-Seeking EMS Professionals
Authors: Jose Carbajal et al.
Abstract: Emergency medical service (EMS) professionals have a stressful vocation, inarguably worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affects their mental health and makes them a vulnerable population warranting further study. However, to date, no published research has compared non-treatment and treatment-seeking EMS professionals in the same greater metropolitan area. In this study, we examined differences and similarities among the non-treatment-seeking EMS professionals (n = 57) from a local EMS agency and treatment-seeking EMS personnel (n = 53) from a non-profit community treatment center on six assessment instruments that measure attachment avoidance, attachment anxiety, resilience, depression, generalized anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidality. The Mann-Whitney U test revealed attachment avoidance, attachment anxiety, depression, generalized anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were significantly higher in the treatment-seeking sample compared to the non-treatment-seeking group. Resilience and suicide did not significantly differ. Correlational analyses revealed that the most consistent findings for both samples were PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety. Findings suggest that negative affect may underlie these three constructs, regardless of whether the individual is treatment-seeking or not. These findings are conceptualized through three different theoretical frameworks: attachment, resilience, and negative affect. We also make recommendations for EMS agencies and suggest future scholarship based on these preliminary findings.
PubDate: Mon, 13 Jun 2022 12:26:43 PDT
- Editorial: Rewriting a Social Science Dissertation into a Journal Article
and Getting it Published
Authors: Lee Stadtlander
Abstract: Publishing a journal article based on a social science dissertation establishes the credibility of the author and provides a mechanism for disseminating the results to a much larger audience than is available to the dissertation. However, rewriting into an article suitable for publication is often an intimidating and overwhelming prospect. The present article discusses the aspects of the dissertation that should be maintained in an article, the logistics of writing, as well as information on the review process, the process of peer review and publication, and the role of the journal editor.
PubDate: Wed, 01 Jun 2022 06:48:52 PDT
- Sociability Moderates the Negative Association Between COVID-Related
Disruptions and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Amna Khan et al.
Abstract: Disruptions in individuals’ lives during the COVID-19 pandemic have been associated with increased mental health problems and decreases in life satisfaction, although recent research indicates that these effects are not uniform across individuals. The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of sociability in moderating the association between COVID-related disruptions and life satisfaction in a sample of adults. Using data from an online survey given to N = 166 adults, COVID-19 disruptions related to conflicts with household members or roommates and disruptions in care during the pandemic were negatively associated with life satisfaction. Sociability was found to moderate the associations between COVID-related disruptions in social interactions and life satisfaction; specifically, high sociability was found to possibly intensify the negative association between disruptions and life satisfaction. The findings of this study indicate that sociability may have been a liability during the pandemic, serving to worsen the potential negative effects of social distancing. Although future research is needed to better understand the mechanisms to explain these effects, the findings from the present study can be used to inform future interventions to help individuals better navigate social disruptions.
PubDate: Wed, 01 Jun 2022 06:36:33 PDT
- Book Review of Mind Over Money: The Psychology of Money and How to Use It
Better by Claudia Hammond
Authors: Stephen Molchan
Abstract: Mind Over Money: The Psychology of Money and How to Use It Better, by Claudia Hammond, explores research in psychology, neuroscience, biology, and behavioral economics related to how individuals interact with and manage money. Hammond is a broadcaster on the BBC, writer, and professor of psychology. In Mind Over Money: The Psychology of Money and How to Use It Better, Hammond uses captivating interviews, presents stories a broad audience can relate to, and cites multiple research studies to show the psychology of money. Throughout the book, Hammond not only presents readers with the research, 263 studies are mentioned, but provides 32 money tips around spending, negotiating, saving, and more. Following these tips, the readers are offered additional readings that the author found insightful around the various items and themes mentioned throughout the book.
PubDate: Tue, 31 May 2022 13:41:20 PDT
- Relationship Talk With Partners and Friends During Emerging Adulthood: The
Role of Relationship Satisfaction
Authors: Christine So et al.
Abstract: Research indicates that discussing one’s romantic relationship with one’s partner benefits individual well-being and reduces uncertainty about the future of the relationship. Implications of relationship talk with friends remain less clear, though talking with friends may actually increase uncertainty about the relationship (e.g., by making one’s partner jealous of these friends), particularly for emerging adults. Relationship talk with friends may be especially likely to promote relational uncertainty for couples who are already unsatisfied in their relationships. In this study, we explored whether relationship talk with one’s partner and one’s friends would each be uniquely associated with depressive symptoms and uncertainty about the relationship, specifically in the form of perceived partner jealousy of one’s friends and whether these associations would be moderated by relationship satisfaction. Results from a series of path models using data from 202 romantically involved emerging adults in the United States revealed that associations between relationship talk and outcomes were indeed moderated by relationship satisfaction. For example, only in unsatisfied relationships was relationship talk with friends positively associated with a partner's jealousy and negatively associated with depressive symptoms. This research expands our understanding of relationship talk by differentiating between talk with partners versus friends, while considering the contextual role of relationship satisfaction.
PubDate: Tue, 26 Apr 2022 07:41:23 PDT
- Relationship Between Single Motherhood Status and Stunting Among Children
Under 5 in Kgatleng, Botswana
Authors: Mulume SF Mwamba et al.
Abstract: Undernutrition affects sub-Saharan African countries with increased stunting among children under 5 years old. The short- and long-term effects of this stunting include the potential for slow growth in early life, impaired health, and educational and economic disadvantages in adolescent and adult years. In this quantitative cross-sectional study, we analyzed the relationship between single-mother families and the occurrence of stunting among children under 5 years old in the Kgatleng District of Botswana. We collected primary data from 196 mothers and their children who visited selected clinics in Kgatleng. The results of the binary logistic regression analysis were significant: χ2 (1, N = 196) = 4.119, p = .046, indicating the model was able to distinguish between those respondents who reported stunting and those who did not report stunting. The implications for positive social change include the potential to increase awareness among health professionals to continually check the linear growth of children under 5 to help curb the deleterious effects and the social inequalities caused by stunting.
PubDate: Mon, 18 Apr 2022 07:16:11 PDT
- Tell Me More: Parent–Child Sexual Talk and Young Adult Sexual
Communication Satisfaction with Romantic Partners
Authors: Kelsi N. Wilson et al.
Abstract: Young adults (18–30) tend to show insufficient levels of communication about sex with their romantic partners, despite its many benefits to relationships among this age group. Learned sexual shame and guilt can play a role in inhibiting sexual communication with partners, and early messages about sex from parents stemming from narrow cultural boundaries of communication may play a role in fostering sexual shame and guilt from a young age, potentially influencing later sexual communication patterns with partners. We sought to identify whether a significant relationship existed between the sexual communication participants received from parents while growing up and their current sexual communication satisfaction, relational satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction with romantic partners. Path analysis revealed a significant, positive link between parent–child sexual communication and current partner sexual communication satisfaction while controlling for all other variables and length of relationship. ANOVA analyses revealed greater reported sex guilt among males and highly religious participants. Correlation and regression analyses yielded significant, positive relationships between former parent–child communication quality and current young adult sexual satisfaction with partner. Clinical implications and research directions are discussed for increasing open parent–child sex communication.
PubDate: Tue, 29 Mar 2022 07:16:13 PDT
- Sources of Information About COVID-19 Among Older Adults in Ghana,
2019-2021
Authors: Samuel Adu-Gyamfi et al.
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a worldwide search for information. Information about COVID-19 is crucial and it could be the first step toward designing practical disease-control strategies. Misinformation amid the widespread information about COVID-19 has undoubtedly caused psychological distress, especially among older adults. We present an empirical and descriptive study of the sources of information among older adults and how they perceived the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 58 participants were recruited and interviewed using an in-depth semi-structured interview and structured questionnaire for our study. The study participants were recruited using purposive and convenience sampling in their respective homes from Mallam, a community in Ghana. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed, and themes were created for analysis. Our study revealed multiple sources of information regarding COVID-19, including radio, television, social media, family members, and friends. The COVID-19 information consisted of precautionary measures, effects, causes, symptoms, daily reported cases, and regarding vaccination. Our study revealed that the perception of COVID-19 information via social media, traditional media, families, and friends increased psychological distress among older persons by causing fear and panic. We contend that having a reliable source of information about COVID-19 is essential for older adults in mitigating the burden of the disease. Ultimately, our study substantiates the need for researchers, advocates, and policymakers to partner with social workers and healthcare workers to develop effective and practical policy interventions to address language and access difficulties for older adults seeking to obtain health information.
PubDate: Thu, 20 Jan 2022 09:36:48 PST
- Health Expectations, Risk Tolerance, and Walking in Peripheral Artery
Disease-Related Claudication
Authors: Sherene Sharath et al.
Abstract: We examined the association between health expectations, baseline physical activity, and self-reported symptom severity among patients with claudication: calf pain that occurs during walking and is relieved at rest. Beliefs and attitudes toward exercise influence the behavior. When walking is prescribed as an alternative to surgical intervention with the intention of decreasing symptom severity, as is the case with claudication, it is important to assess patient perceptions, beliefs, and expectations. Through a phone survey, participants described the severity of their symptoms via the Walking Impairment Questionnaire. Data were collected on (1) health expectations and attitudes, assessments of value placed on recovery in the form of associated risks and benefits, and (2) daily physical activity (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, known as the PASE). Between February and August 2016, twenty participants were enrolled. The median age among the predominantly male cohort (19, 95%) was 69 years (interquartile range: 66–75 years). Most participants were “risk-seeking” in that 75% (12/16) were willing to accept the risk of amputation associated with surgery regardless of the level of symptom improvement. The alternative was walking, which is associated with no risk of amputation. Individuals who expected greater walking benefit reported walking greater distances with less difficulty (p = .04; unadjusted). Given that most participants were willing to accept some risk of amputation despite the equivalent effectiveness of exercise and surgery in treating claudication, understanding a patient’s perspective is critical to identifying the appropriate approach that will treat symptoms with the least adverse effects.
PubDate: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 07:57:22 PST
- Experiences of African American Women Living With Herpes Simplex Virus 2
Authors: Cherlisa Jackson et al.
Abstract: In the United States, the prevalence of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) continues to be the highest among African American women. Yet the perceived benefit of discussing sexual health, as well as recognizing a need to discuss HSV-2 with a health-care provider, is a gap in research. The purpose of this interpretive qualitative study was to understand the experiences of African American women who received an asymptomatic HSV-2 diagnosis. Semistructured interviews of seven participants were used to explore the experiences of African American women diagnosed with HSV-2, including barriers and challenges of discussing HSV-2 with health-care providers. Participants highlighted that a decrease in condom use arises when emotional commitment is established, and a lower perception of the severity of disease occurs when controlling symptoms with medication is understood and communicated. Results from the study also highlighted that not all participants preferred African American health-care providers, and participants were pleased that sexual partners were supportive of their diagnosis disclosures. African American women and their corresponding providers could benefit from sexual health education initiatives that address this information, as well as the results from this study.
PubDate: Mon, 20 Dec 2021 06:51:37 PST
- Interrogating Systems That Cause Disparities: Testing the
Social-Ecological Model in Low- Versus High-Density African American
Communities
Authors: Kaprea F. Johnson et al.
Abstract: This study utilized the four-level social-ecological model to provide a better understanding of the disparities in health-related outcomes in high- and low-density African American (AA) communities. The current research sought to understand the relationships between mental and physical health, social-economic factors, and physical environment within this community. The goal of this study was to understand the relationship between these indicators of health, to better inform health-care strategies. The results highlight the significant difference between high- and low-density AA communities and socio-economic factors, physical environment, poor physical days, and poor mental health days. Implications for behavioral health providers are explored.
PubDate: Thu, 02 Dec 2021 14:11:20 PST
- Aging, Agency, and Self-Efficacy: A Phenomenological Case Study of an
Older Couple
Authors: David A. Hernandez
Abstract: Researchers have found that the majority of older individuals want to remain in their own home as they age. However, respecting the right of older individuals to exert control over their life while ensuring their safety can be a difficult undertaking to achieve. The aim of this research was to understand the lived experiences of an older couple who are in cognitive decline but are trying to maintain personal agency. The issue was studied using Bandura’s agency and self-efficacy theories as the theoretical framework. A phenomenological case study methodology was used. Participants were selected using a purposeful sampling strategy, and the sample was four individuals (father, mother, daughter, and grandson) from one family living at two separate residences. Data were collected using a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative data were collected by interviewing participants, and quantitative data were collected by administering a standardized cognitive assessment to the older individuals. Results indicated that the older couple were able to live independently because of the presence of the following five components: (a) adequate physical health; (b) adequate cognition, especially in the areas of memory and problem solving; (c) self-efficacy beliefs; (d) coping strategies to compensate for the declines in physical health and cognition due to aging; and (e) a support system to help the couple with activities they could no longer do on their own. In this study, each of the older individuals believed they could take care of themselves and wanted to live on their own. Independent living was only possible with significant assistance from family members.
PubDate: Mon, 29 Nov 2021 12:02:02 PST
- Better to Forgive or to Forget' Marital Transgressions and Forgiveness
in Older Couples
Authors: Jakob Jensen et al.
Abstract: Navigating romantic transgressions in older adulthood is imperative for both relationship quality and longevity, making forgiveness a critical process. The current study examined marital transgressions and forgiveness among 64 older (age range = 56–89), higher-functioning, primarily White, married couples studied at two time points spaced 16.4 months apart. More than half the spouses did not report a transgression in the past year, and not doing so was associated with better marital functioning at both time points. Of the transgressions reported, thematic analyses revealed they fell into six categories (e.g., spouse behaving badly, financial issues), but were overall relatively minor in nature. If husbands engaged in greater avoidance after a transgression, both spouses were less maritally satisfied a year later. Findings suggest more attention to not only forgiveness approaches employed (avoidance of the issue versus avoidance of the person) but also to the potential role of gender and timing in these associations.
PubDate: Thu, 18 Nov 2021 17:51:31 PST
- Social Experiences of Muslim Americans Regarding the Intolerance Displayed
by Non-Muslims
Authors: Munder Abderrazzaq
Abstract: Non-Muslims in the United States have openly expressed their opposition regarding Muslim Americans, which has led to the racial profiling and unequal treatment of Muslim Americans. Literature regarding the intolerance displayed by majority members indicates a need for further research that explores the point of view of minorities in the United States. Intolerance is defined as the refusal and unwillingness to respect or tolerate persons of a different social group or members of minority groups who hold beliefs contrary to one’s own. The intolerance displayed among members of different religious and cultural backgrounds can limit the ability to discover new information needed in promoting positive social change among Muslims and non-Muslims in the United States. Semistructured interviews were used to explore the social experiences of Muslim Americans of Palestinian descent in Cleveland, Ohio, regarding prejudice and discrimination displayed by non-Muslims. The theory of planned behavior and impression management theory were used as the framework for this study. Convenience and purposeful sampling were used to recruit the 10 participants chosen for this study. Template analysis, Giorgio’s psychological phenomenological method, and coding were used to analyze the data obtained from this study. Participants revealed experiencing prejudice and discrimination “everywhere” and “anywhere,” including verbal attacks and emotional distress. Participants also described the intolerance among Muslims and non-Muslims as “good and bad” or “it depends.” Information from this study can help in the development of social strategies that can be used to improve the interactions among Muslims and non-Muslims in United States.
PubDate: Fri, 12 Nov 2021 11:01:29 PST
- All Social Media Is Not Created Equal: Instagram, Finsta, and Loneliness
Authors: Rebecca Schoenfeld et al.
Abstract: Research on the relationships between social media use and loneliness has produced mixed findings, in part because people use social media in different ways. Finsta is a private Instagram account followed only by a small group of the user’s friends and is considered to be a more authentic form of social media. The purpose of the present study was to examine the differential associations of Instagram and Finsta use with social and emotional loneliness and to investigate off-line engagement as a potential mediator of these associations. With data from an online survey given to N = 330 emerging adults, a series of hierarchical linear regressions showed that Instagram use negatively predicted and Finsta use positively predicted social loneliness, whereas neither were associated with emotional loneliness. Furthermore, whereas Finsta use was not associated with off-line social engagement with friends (OSE-friend), Instagram use was positively associated with this variable. In addition, results showed that off-line social support with friends partially mediated the relationship between Instagram use and social loneliness. The findings imply that all social media are not created equal; even within the same platform (Instagram), differential associations were found with social loneliness depending on the type of account used.
PubDate: Sun, 31 Oct 2021 08:21:30 PDT
- Predicting Students' Spiritual and Religious Competence Based on
Supervisor Practices and Institutional Attendance
Authors: Andrew P. Secor et al.
Abstract: Counseling students report a lack of competence in spiritual and religious integration (SRI). As such, counselor educators and supervisors (CES) and students want to understand how to develop SRI competence. Although past research highlights SRI dialogue in training, there exists no clear understanding about the role of faculty supervisor SRI on perceived student competence. The supervision models used to inform the study included (a) the integrated developmental model, (b) the discrimination model, and (c) the spirituality in supervision model (SACRED). The purpose of this study is to determine if master’s-level graduate counseling student perceptions of faculty supervisor SRI practices predicts student perceived spiritual competence when considering attendance in faith-based and non-faith-based institutions accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP). A review of existing literature supports the use of a quantitative, cross-sectional design. An online survey was distributed to students (n = 59) in master’s-level CACREP counseling programs, currently in field experience, to measure perceived SRI in supervision and perceived SRI competence. A multiple linear regression reveals a statistically significant predictive relationship between supervisor SRI and perceived student competence as measured by the Spiritual and Religious Competence Assessment and the Spiritual Issues in Supervision Scale. These results inform CES about the importance of SRI and student ability to work with the spiritual and religious beliefs of clients. On this basis, it is recommended that supervisors focus on SRI in supervision. Future research should focus on additional factors related to SRI competence during counselor training.
PubDate: Fri, 22 Oct 2021 15:41:21 PDT
- Advancing Behavioral Health Literacy
Authors: James Scollione
Abstract: Accessing, comprehending, and using information to make informed decisions and improve one’s overall health or well-being are the foci of health literacy. The concept of behavioral health was introduced in the early 1980s and, since then, it has influenced new ideas (e.g., behavioral health literacy and integrated behavioral health care) and gained research and public attention. My aim is to provide an overview of definitions (i.e., health literacy, mental health literacy, and behavioral health literacy) and their connection to each other. I propose an expanded and honed definition of behavioral health literacy to enhance the behavioral health literacy and well-being of the individual as well as the community, with the hope of reducing both physical and behavioral negative health conditions and improving overall quality of life for all people.
PubDate: Wed, 13 Oct 2021 10:01:24 PDT
- Social Media Behaviors and Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
Associations With Anxiety, Depression, and Stress
Authors: J. Mitchell Vaterlaus et al.
Abstract: The majority of research concerning public health crises and social media platforms has focused on analyzing the accuracy of information within social media posts. The current exploratory study explored social media users’ specific social media behaviors and experiences during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic and whether these behaviors and experiences related to anxiety, depression, and stress. Data were collected March 21–31, 2020 from adults in the United States (N = 564) through snowball sampling on social media sites and Prime Panels. Online surveys included questions regarding social media use during the pandemic and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS). Forward stepwise modeling procedures were used to build three models for anxiety, stress, and depression. Participants who actively engaged with COVID-19 social media content were more likely to experience higher anxiety. Those who had emotional experiences via social media and used social media to connect during the pandemic were susceptible to higher levels of stress and depression. The current study suggests that during the pandemic specific behaviors and experiences via social media were related to anxiety, stress, and depression. Thus, limiting time spent on social media during public health crises may protect the mental health of individuals.
PubDate: Mon, 27 Sep 2021 08:36:09 PDT
- Risk Perception and Coping Strategies among Direct Support Professionals
in the Age of COVID-19.
Authors: Johanna LoPorto et al.
Abstract: The spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) across the globe and its associated morbidity and mortality has impacted and challenged society in many ways, which resulted in adapting to a new way of life. One underrecognized and unaddressed area is the mental health of essential employees providing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Direct support professionals (DSPs) serve an important function in the daily supervision and care of clients with IDD. It is not clear, however, how these essential workers perceived their own risk of contracting COVID-19 while working during this pandemic. Our research presents results of a national survey of 478 DSPs that focused on perceptions of risk and ways of coping with COVID-19. Using an online survey, we examined DSPs’ perception of risk and on the emotional and problem-solving strategies they used to cope with the global crisis. We found that DSPs engaged in higher problem-focused strategies rather than emotion-focused strategies in coping with the virus. As such, we show that it is critical for IDD provider organizations to assess DSPs’ needs to provide coping supports during the age of COVID.
PubDate: Mon, 30 Aug 2021 07:01:20 PDT
