Student stress and quality of education

Today, managers are increasingly interested in knowing how the work in organizations aftects employees' health. Less common is the interest in stress erupting in the academic community - among students, faculty and administrators. The authors present a reflection paper focused on student stress. In this paper, they first examine McLean 's model of context, vulnerability and stressors. This model provides the framework for the student surveys and for the entire paper. Based on the students surveys, an assessment is made of how asma" group of students are coping with stress. The paper fina"y suggests what can be done by students, faculty, and administrators to insta" and/or improve social support systems that might reduce the harmful eftects of stress on students and thus impact the quality of education.

Estudo das diferen��as de g��nero nas cogni����es antecipat��rias, estrat��gias de coping e depress��o em adultos

RESUMO: A presente disserta����o tem o objectivo de estudar a rela����o das diferen��as de g��nero nas cogni����es antecipat��rias, estrat��gias de coping e depress��o. Para o efeito, constituiu-se duas amostras, uma de indiv��duos do g��nero feminino (n=224) de 57,9% (com uma m��dia de idades de 36,2 e um DP=10,5), e outra por indiv��duos do g��nero masculino (n=163), perfazendo uma percentagem de 42,1% (com uma m��dia de idades de 41,1 e um DP=12,5). Foi elaborado um protocolo de investiga����o composto por: Question��rio de dados s��cio-demogr��ficos, Question��rio de Cogni����es Antecipat��rias (QCA), de Figueira & Ramos, 1995, o Question��rio de Modos de Lidar com os Acontecimentos (QMLA), de J. Pais Ribeiro, C. Santos, 2001 e o Invent��rio de Avalia����o Cl��nica da Depress��o (IACLIDE), de A, Vaz Serra, 1995. Os resultados demonstraram que n��o existem diferen��as estatisticamente significativas entre g��neros nas cogni����es antecipat��rias (p=0,594). Em rela����o ��s estrat��gias de coping, os resultados foram estatisticamente significativos, com as mulheres a recorrerem mais �� procura de suporte social (p=0,042) e �� fuga-evitamento (p=0,006). O ��ndice de depress��o mostra, de forma estatisticamente significativa, que o g��nero feminino apresenta valores mais elevados (p=0,038). A escala de depress��o permitiu ainda verificar de forma estatisticamente significativa que as mulheres revelam mais dificuldades no desempenho das tarefas associadas a queixas biol��gicas e cognitivas (p=0,003), tal como nas dimens��es biol��gica (p=0,002) e de desempenho da tarefa (p=0,007). A rela����o entre as tr��s vari��veis, permite concluir que o ��ndice global da escala de depress��o est�� relacionado positivamente com as Cogni����es Antecipat��rias (p=,000), e nas estrat��gias de coping, as dimens��es fuga-evitamento (p=,002), resolu����o planeada do problema (p=,000) e a reavalia����o positiva (p=,034) tamb��m est��o relacionadas com esta escala da depress��o de forma estatisticamente significativa. ABSTRACT: This dissertation aims to study the relationship of gender differences in anticipatory cognitions, coping strategies and depression. For this purpose, it was constituted two samples, one for female gender (n = 224) 57.9% (with a mean age of 36.2 and a SD=10.5), and other of male gender (n = 163), giving a percentage of 42.1% (with an average age of 41.1 and a SD=12.5). It was prepared a research protocol composed of data questionnaire included social-demographic, Anticipatory Cognitions Questionnaire (QCA), Figueira & Ramos, 1995, the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), J. Pais Ribeiro, C. Santos, 2001, and the Inventory and Evaluation of Clinical Depression (IACLIDE) A, Vaz Serra, 1995. The results have shown no statistically significant differences between genders in anticipatory cognitions (p= 0.594). In the coping strategies, the results were statistically significant, with women looking to take more advantage of social support (p= 0.042) and escape-avoidance (p= 0.006). The rate of depression shows a statistically significant with females having higher values (p=0.038). The depression scale allowed us to verify statistically significant that women shows more difficulty in performing tasks associated with biological and cognitive complaints (p=0,003), as in the biological (p=0,002) and task performance (p=0,007). The relationship between the three variables, shows that the overall rate of depression scale is positively related to the Anticipatory Cognitions (p =, 000), and strategies for coping, escape-avoidance dimensions (p =, 002), resolution of the planned problem (p =, 000) and positive reappraisal (p =, 034) are also related to the scale of depression and were also statistically significant.

As representa����es sociais das mulheres migrantes brasileiras v��timas de viol��ncia dom��stica

O tema a que se refere este estudo foi escolhido dada a atualidade e a pertin��ncia da tem��tica da viol��ncia dom��stica na nossa sociedade, sendo reconhecida e assumida como um crime p��blico e uma forma grave de viola����o dos direitos humanos. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar, identificar e compreender as representa����es sociais de um grupo de mulheres migrantes brasileiras v��timas de viol��ncia dom��stica. Do ponto de vista metodol��gico o estudo �� qualitativo recorrendo aos testemunhos pessoais atrav��s de uma amostra de 10 participantes no qual foi aplicada a t��cnica de recolha de dados, a entrevista. Os conte��dos das entrevistas foram analisados atrav��s dos softwares Textstat 2.9 e do Freemind 1.1. Os resultados demonstraram que o tipo de viol��ncia dom��stica preponderante �� a viol��ncia f��sica e as causas da viol��ncia dom��stica foram, essencialmente, o ��lcool e as drogas. O agressor foi representado pelas mulheres atrav��s de objetiva����es negativas e afetivas, sendo que a maioria das mulheres acreditam na mudan��a do comportamento violento do agressor. No que tange ��s representa����es acerca do futuro, observaram-se representa����es ancoradas na resili��ncia e na falta de perspetivas de futuro. Os resultados s��o indicadores que as representa����es sociais que as mulheres brasileiras t��m dos brasileiros s��o positivas e dos portugueses negativas, sendo o suporte social sustentado na fam��lia, nos amigos e nas institui����es de apoio �� v��tima. Os resultados demonstram que as mulheres possuem a representa����o de que os portugueses e os brasileiros s��o ambos violentos, e constatou-se que as representa����es sociais que as mulheres possuem em rela����o �� toler��ncia s��o objetiva����es positivas. Verificou-se tamb��m que a viol��ncia contra a mulher reflete um fen��meno complexo e multifacetado.

The Bambu�� health and ageing study (BHAS): methodological approach and preliminary results of a population-based cohort study of the elderly in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: A cohort study has been designed to identify predictors of adverse health events in the elderly. The methodology of the study and preliminary descriptive results are presented. METHODS: The study population comprises all residents of Bambu�� (Minas Gerais, Brazil), aged 60 or more years (n=1.742). From these, 92.2% were interviewed and 85.9% underwent clinical examination, consisting of haematological and biochemical tests, serology for Trypanosoma cruzi, anthropometric and blood pressure measures and electrocardiogram. Aliquots of serum, plasma and DNA were stored for future investigations. The baseline interview included sociodemographic characteristics, self-referred health condition and history of selected diseases, medication use, health service use, source of medical care, physical activities, smoking, drinking and eating habits, reproductive history, physical functioning, life events, social support and mental health. Individuals are being followed up annually. RESULTS: The following characteristics predominated among participants: women (60,0%), married (48.9%) or widowed (35.4%), people living in households with up to 2 residents (73.8%), heads of family (76.7%), people with monthly income between 1.00 and 2.99 Brazilian minimum wages (62.0%) and people with up to 4 years of schooling (89.1%). The median age was 68 years. Among the cohort members, only 1.7% were lost in the first follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the characteristics of the study population were very similar to those from other epidemiological studies of the elderly based on large Brazilian cities. The small number of losses to follow-up indicates that the choice of Bambu�� was adequate, assuring the feasibility of a long term cohort study.

Determination of pharmocotherapeutical complexity in institutionalized elderly

The phenomenon of aging is nowadays society as acquired the status of a social problem, with growing attention and concern, leading to an increase number of studies dedicated to the elderly. The lack of domestic, familiar or social support often lead elderly to nursing homes. Institutionalization is in many cases the only opportunity to have access to health care and life quality. Aging is also associated with a higher prevalence of chronic diseases that require long term medication sometimes for life. Frequently the onset of multiple pathologies at the same time require different therapies and the phenomenon of polypharmacy (five ou more drugs daily) can occur. Even more, the slow down of physiological and cognitives mechanisms associated with these chronic diseases can interphere, in one hand, with the pharmacocinetic of many medications and, on the other hand, with the facility to accomplish the therapeutical regimen. All of these realities contribute to an increase of pharmacotherapeutical complexity, decreasing the adherence and effectiveness of treatment. The pharmacotherapeutical complexity of an individual is characterized by the conciliator element of different characteristics of their drug therapy, such as: the number of medications used; dosage forms; dosing frequency and additional indications. It can be measured by the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI), originally validated in English.

Estrutura da boa vida em pessoas com doen��a cr��nica

Doen��as cr��nicas (DC) s��o doen��as que t��m de ser geridas em vez de curadas. Giovannini, Bitti, Sarchielli e Speltini (1986) caracterizam as doen��as cr��nicas como: a) doen��as de longa dura����o, b) que tendem a prolongar-se por toda a vida do doente, c) que provocam invalidez em graus vari��veis, d) s��o devidas a causas n��o revers��veis, e) que exigem formas particulares de reeduca����o, f) que obrigam o doente a seguir determinadas prescri����es terap��uticas, g) que normalmente exigem a aprendizagem de um novo estilo de vida, h) que necessitam de controlo peri��dico, de observa����o e de tratamento regulares. As DC n��o se definem pela sua aparente ou real gravidade. As pessoas que t��m DC podem fazer a vida do dia-a-dia como qualquer outro cidad��o, e grande parte deles acaba por falecer de velhice ou de outras doen��as, que n��o a DC que os acompanhou grande parte da vida. Para estas pessoas viverem uma boa vida o processo de ajustamento �� decisivo. O ajustamento �� DC torna-se ent��o um objectivo fundamental para as pessoas e para a sociedade. O ajustamento pode definir-se como uma resposta a uma altera����o do meio ambiente, que leva um organismo a adaptar-se a essa altera����o. Esta defini����o, explicam as autoras, implica que ele ocorre ao longo do tempo e, tamb��m, que �� um resultado desej��vel. Para Stanton, Revenson, e Tennen, (2007), o ajustamento engloba in��meros componentes que cruzam dom��nios interpessoais, cognitivos, emocionais, f��sicos e comportamentais. Estes autores referem que da revis��o da literatura se pode concluir que, grosso modo a DC requer, ajustamento em m��ltiplos dom��nios, que o ajustamento se desenrola ao longo do tempo, e que existe uma heterogeneidade acentuada no modo como os indiv��duos se ajustam �� DC. O ajustamento �� um conceito do senso comum que tanto �� verbo como substantivo.

Psychosocial factors as predictors of quality of life in chronic portuguese patients

Background - Chronic illnesses are diseases of long duration and generally of slow progression. They cause significant quality of life impairment. The aim of this study was to analyse psychosocial predictors of quality of life and of subjective well-being in chronic Portuguese patients. Methods - Chronic disease patients (n = 774) were recruited from central Portuguese Hospitals. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires assessing socio-demographic, clinical, psychosocial and outcome variables: quality of life (HRQL) and subjective well-being (SWB). MANCOVA analyses were used to test psychosocial factors as determinants of HRQL and SWB. Results - After controlling for socio-demographic and clinical variables, results showed that dispositional optimism, positive affect, spirituality, social support and treatment adherence are significant predictors of HRQL and SWB. Similar predictors of quality of life, such as positive affect, treatment adherence and spirituality, were found for subgroups of disease classified by medical condition. Conclusions - The work identifies psychosocial factors associated with quality of life. The predictors for the entire group of different chronic diseases are similar to the ones found in different chronic disease subgroups: positive affect, social support, treatment adherence and spirituality. Patients with more positive affect, additional social support, an adequate treatment adherence and a feel-good spirituality, felt better with the disease conditions and consequently had a better quality of life. This study contributes to understanding and improving the processes associated with quality of life, which is relevant for health care providers and chronic diseases support.

Apoio a doentes e cuidadores em comunidades virtuais de sa��de: o caso da comunidade online ELA Portugal

Disserta����o apresentada �� Escola Superior de Comunica����o Social como parte dos requisitos para obten����o de grau de mestre em Audiovisual e Multim��dia.

Trajet��rias de vida de sucesso em indiv��duos com passado de viv��ncia prolongada em contexto institucional

Disserta����o de Mestrado em Psicologia da Educa����o, especialidade em Contextos Comunit��rios.

HIV/AIDS risk among female sex workers who use crack in Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To understand the social context of female sex workers who use crack and its impact on HIV/AIDS risk behaviors. METHODODOLOGICAL PROCEDURES: Qualitative study carried out in Foz do Igua��u, Southern Brazil, in 2003. Twenty-six in-depth interviews and two focus groups were carried out with female commercial sex workers who frequently use crack. In-depth interviews with health providers, community leaders and public policy managers, as well as field observations were also conducted. Transcript data was entered into Atlas.ti software and grounded theory methodology was used to analyze the data and develop a conceptual model as a result of this study. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS: Female sex workers who use crack had low self-perceived HIV risk in spite of being engaged in risky behaviors (e.g. unprotected sex with multiple partners). Physical and sexual violence among clients, occasional and stable partners was widespread jeopardizing negotiation and consistent condom use. According to health providers, community leaders and public policy managers, several female sex workers who use crack are homeless or live in slums, and rarely have access to health services, voluntary counseling and testing, social support, pre-natal and reproductive care. CONCLUSIONS: Female sex workers who use crack experience a plethora of health and social problems, which apparently affect their risks for HIV infection. Low-threshold, user-friendly and gender-tailored interventions should be implemented, in order to increase the access to health and social-support services among this population. Those initiatives might also increase their access to reproductive health in general, and to preventive strategies focusing on HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.

A educa����o art��stica e o desenvolvimento da criatividade e autonomia dos alunos de um curso profissional

Disserta����o apresentada �� Escola Superior de Educa����o de Lisboa para obten����o de grau de mestre em Educa����o Art��stica, na Especializa����o de Artes Pl��sticas na Educa����o

Ancoragem: um programa de psicoeduca����o para familiares de doentes com esquizofrenia

Trabalho apresentado em XIII Congreso Internacional Galego-Portugu��s de Psicopedagox��a, ��rea 5 Familia, Escuela y Comunidad. Universidad da Coru��a, 2 de Setembro de 2015.

Interactions between physical and psychosocial demands of work associated to low back pain

OBJECTIVE: To examine the interaction between physical and psychosocial demands of work associated to low back pain. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out in a stratified proportional random sample of 577 plastic industry workers in the metropolitan area of the city of Salvador, Northeast Brazil in 2002. An anonymous standard questionnaire was administered in the workplace by trained interviewers. Physical demands at work were self-rated on a 6-point numeric scale, with anchors at each end of the scale. Factor analysis was carried out on 11 physical demand variables to identify underlying factors. Psychosocial work demands were measured by demand, control and social support questions. Multivariate analysis was performed using the likelihood ratio test. RESULTS: The factor analysis identified two physical work demand factors: material handling (factor 1) and repetitiveness (factor 2). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that factor 1 was positively associated with low back pain (OR=2.35, 95% CI 1.50;3.66). No interaction was found between physical and psychosocial work demands but both were independently associated to low back pain. CONCLUSIONS: The study found independent effects of physical and psychosocial work demands on low back pain prevalence and emphasizes the importance of physical demands especially of material handling involving trunk bending forward and trunk rotation regardless of age, gender, and body fitness.

Fam��lias de crian��as com perturba����es do espectro do autismo: contributos para a compreens��o das suas necessidades

Disserta����o apresentada �� Escola Superior de Educa����o de Lisboa para a obten����o do grau de Mestre em Ci��ncias da Educa����o - Especializa����o em Interven����o Precoce

Factores psicossociais preditivos de ajustamento �� vida de pessoas com doen��as cr��nicas

Doen��as cr��nicas s��o de longa dura����o, de progress��o lenta e induzem altera����es na vida das pessoas, que s��o confrontadas com um conjunto de fatores que exercem um impacto negativo na sua qualidade de vida (QdV). A QdV �� um conceito envolvendo componentes essenciais da qualidade humana: f��sicas, psicol��gicas, sociais, culturais e espirituais. Ap��s o diagn��stico e com a doen��a estabilizada, os doentes procuram novas formas de lidar com esta. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar fatores psicossociais preditivos (otimismo, afeto positivo e negativo, ades��o aos tratamentos, suporte social e espiritualidade) da QdV (bem-estar geral, sa��de f��sica, sa��de mental) e bem-estar subjetivo (BES) em pessoas com doen��as cr��nicas. Amostra constitu��da por 774 indiv��duos [30% diabetes, 27,1% cancro, 17,2% diabetes, 12% epilepsia, 11,5% esclerose m��ltipla e 2,2% miastenia, 70,5% do sexo feminino, idade M(DP)=42,9(11,6), educa����o M(DP)=9,6(4,7), anos diagn��stico M(DP)=12,8(9,7), classifica����o da doen��a M(DP)=6,6 (2,8)], recrutados nos hospitais centrais portugueses. Aplicando Modelos de Equa����es Estruturais e ajustando para vari��veis sociodemogr��ficas e cl��nicas, verificou-se que, pessoas mais otimistas, mais ativas e com uma melhor ades��o aos tratamentos apresentam um melhor bem-estar geral, uma melhor sa��de mental e um melhor bem-estar subjetivo; uma melhor ades��o aos tratamentos contribui para uma melhor sa��de f��sica; melhor suporte social reflete-se numa melhor sa��de mental; pessoas com mais espiritualidade apresentam uma melhor sa��de f��sica e uma melhor sa��de mental. Estas conclus��es contribuem para a defini����o de uma terapia que pode ajudar a uma melhor adapta����o dos protocolos de tratamento para atender ��s necessidades dos doentes.