Relations Between Depression Level and Conflict Resolution Styles,Marital Adjustments of Patients With Major Depression and Their Spouses

The objective of this study was to determine to relations between the depression level and the conflict resolution styles, marital adjustments of the depressed patients and to analyze the conflict resolution styles, marital adjustments of both the patients and their spouses as the possible predictors of depression levels. The research comprised 113 patients with major depression and their spouses. While there was a negative correlation between depression scores and positive and subordination conflict resolution styles subscales of the patients, there was a positive correlation between the depression scores and negative conflict resolution style subscale. Negative correlation was observed between the depression and marital adjustment scores of patients (p < 0.05). The conflict resolution styles and marital adjustment of depressed patients and their spouses are predictors of depression in patients.     

Vocational identity and psychological adjustment: A study in French adolescents and emerging adults

The aim of the present research was to study vocational identity in French adolescent and emerging adult students by using a French adaptation of the Vocational Identity Status Assessment (VISA), and to analyze the links between vocational identity formation and negative and positive psychological adjustment. Participants were 1077 French students who completed self-report scales about vocational identity, depression and satisfaction with life. The French version of the VISA showed good psychometric properties and six identity statuses were derived by means of cluster analysis: achievement, foreclosure, moratorium, searching moratorium, diffused diffusion and carefree diffusion. The main findings show that diffused diffusion and moratorium represent the dark sides of identity because of their negative psychological adjustment, and that the two processes of reconsideration of commitment were differently associated with psychological adjustment. These findings demonstrate that clinical interventions should be adapted to the individual's identity profile.     

Risk-adjusted comparisons of bloodstream infection rates in neonatal intensive-care units

Comparisons of bloodstream infection (BSI) rates between neonatal intensive-care units (NICUs) should take into account differences in babies' vulnerability and invasive procedures that can introduce infection. Our aim was to investigate which risk factors recorded in routine records should be adjusted for when NICUs are compared. This was a retrospective cohort study using routine records for two London NICUs. We analysed rates of BSI with Poisson regression models. The level of neonatal care used by the National Health Service was the strongest predictor of BSI incidence. The rate ratios for BSI, adjusted for birthweight, inborn/outborn status, and postnatal age, were 3.15 (95% CI 2.01–4.94) for intensive care and 6.58 (95% CI 4.18-10.36) for high-dependency care, relative to special care. Total parenteral nutrition was significantly associated with BSI incidence, but explained less of the variance among babies than level of care. A case—control study with the same dataset gave similar results. Further multicentre studies are required to confirm our predictive model. Until then, we recommend that comparisons of BSI rates between NICUs should include adjustments for level of care, birthweight, inborn/outborn status, and postnatal age, with the use of routinely recorded standardized measures in hospital administrative data.     

Psychological Adjustment and Coping in Adults With Prosthetic Limbs

Abstract

The potential mediating effects of different coping strategies on the adjustment to living with a prosthetic limb were investigated in 44 adult amputees. Participants completed a questionnaire inquiring about coping, pain, emotional well-being, demographics, and disability-related variables. The coping strategy adopted and the extent of the adjustment to the prosthetic limb varied with age, site of limb loss, and cause of amputation. Furthermore, coping style mediated the adjustment to wearing a prosthetic limb. The results are discussed in terms of future applications and research.     

POINT OF VIEW

No abstract available for this article.     

Measurement of partner compatibility: further validation and refinement of the CQ test

Abstract

The Compatibility Quotient (CQ) was developed to assess the degree of similarity within an established or potential couple across domains likely to be important in determining long-term happiness. Validity was supported by correlations with Locke–Wallace Marital Adjustment scores and norms presented that enabled CQ scores to be arranged on a normal curve similar to that used for IQ (intelligence) ratings. Here we replicate the validity findings with an independent, larger and more representative sample of British couples (N = 204), compare item validities with ratings of perceived importance of the various issues, and consider the claims of five new items for inclusion within the CQ. A revised (Mark 2) CQ questionnaire consisting of 25 revised items is recommended for future use.     

Social Adjustment of Women With and Without a Substance-Abusing Partner

Little normative information is available about the psychosocial functioning of women who have a substance-abusing intimate partner. This study examined whether the social adjustment of women who indicate that they have a substance-abusing partner (n=69) is compromised relative to that of women who indicate that their partner does not abuse substances (n=68). Women with a substance-abusing partner reported compromised social adjustment relative to a comparison sample both overall and in five of six life domains (work, social/leisure, primary relationship, parental, family). Results suggest the potential benefit of expanding the focus of research and treatment to include effects and outcomes for these women and to influence treatment-related policy.     

Dynamically adjustable foot-ground contact model to estimate ground reaction force during walking and running

Human dynamic models have been used to estimate joint kinetics during various activities. Kinetics estimation is in demand in sports and clinical applications where data on external forces, such as the ground reaction force (GRF), are not available. The purpose of this study was to estimate the GRF during gait by utilizing distance- and velocity-dependent force models between the foot and ground in an inverse-dynamics-based optimization. Ten males were tested as they walked at four different speeds on a force plate-embedded treadmill system. The full-GRF model whose foot-ground reaction elements were dynamically adjusted according to vertical displacement and anterior-posterior speed between the foot and ground was implemented in a full-body skeletal model. The model estimated the vertical and shear forces of the GRF from body kinematics. The shear-GRF model with dynamically adjustable shear reaction elements according to the input vertical force was also implemented in the foot of a full-body skeletal model. Shear forces of the GRF were estimated from body kinematics, vertical GRF, and center of pressure. The estimated full GRF had the lowest root mean square (RMS) errors at the slow walking speed (1.0 m/s) with 4.2, 1.3, and 5.7% BW for anterior–posterior, medial–lateral, and vertical forces, respectively. The estimated shear forces were not significantly different between the full-GRF and shear-GRF models, but the RMS errors of the estimated knee joint kinetics were significantly lower for the shear-GRF model. Providing COP and vertical GRF with sensors, such as an insole-type pressure mat, can help estimate shear forces of the GRF and increase accuracy for estimation of joint kinetics.