Preventing the onset of depressive disorders : a meta-analytic review of psychological interventions

OBJECTIVE: A growing number of studies have tested the efficacy of preventive interventions in reducing the incidence of depressive disorders. Until now, no meta-analysis has integrated the results of these studies. METHOD: The authors conducted a meta-analysis. After a comprehensive literature search, 19 studies were identified that met inclusion criteria. The studies had to be randomized controlled studies in which the incidence of depressive disorders (based on diagnostic criteria) in an experimental group could be compared with that of a control group. RESULTS: The mean incidence rate ratio was 0.78, indicating a reduction of the incidence of depressive disorders by 22% in experimental compared with control groups. Heterogeneity was low to moderate (I²=33%). The number needed to treat to prevent one case of depressive disorder was 22. Moderator analyses revealed no systematic differences between target populations or types of prevention (universal, selective, or indicated). The data included indications that prevention based on interpersonal psychotherapy may be more effective than prevention based on cognitive-behavioral therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention of new cases of depressive disorders does seem to be possible. Prevention may become an important way, in addition to treatment, to reduce the enormous public health burden of depression in the coming years.

Internet-based psychological and oral medical treatment compared to psychological treatment alone for ED

Introduction. Sexual function through pregnancy and the postpartum period is an important aspect of quality of life.
Despite this, prospective studies are limited, and the impact of body image on sexual function has not been explored.
Aims. The current study reports on a pilot study that evaluated the effectiveness of a combined Internet-based
psychological treatment program and oral medication compared to an Internet-based psychological program.
Methods. Twelve men with ED participated in the study.
Main Outcome Measures. Assessments were made pre and postintervention on ED, relationship satisfaction, sexual
satisfaction, self-esteem, and quality of life.
Results. Multivariate analyses of variance demonstrated that both treatment conditions showed improvements from
pretest to posttest in sexual functioning, relationships, and personal well-being.
Conclusions. This study indicates the importance of targeting psychological and relationship variables in the
treatment of ED. Further research with larger numbers of participants is necessary for a more rigorous evaluation
of treatment programs that combine psychological and medication interventions for ED.

The effect of the category of sport team on the role of nostalgia in an individual supporter’s psychological connection to that sport team

With the many benefits related to high levels of psychological connection with a sport team, marketers, management and communities desire supporters to be highly connected with sport teams. A major gap has been identified in relation to the effect of the category of sport team on the role of nostalgia in determining that connection. A conceptual model is presented together with a proposed methodology. This research will aid academics and administrators in their communications with and targeting of consumers and affords communities the opportunity to benefit from consumers’ higher levels of psychological connection with a sport team.

The work conditions of allied health professionals : the impact on satisfaction, commitment and psychological distress

The present study investigated the extent to which the Demand-Control-Support (DCS) model, in combination with organizational justice variables, predicts the employee-level outcomes of allied health professionals'. Allied health professionals from an Australian healthcare organization were surveyed, with 113 participating (52,6%). Multiple regression analyses revealed that the DCS model predicted all the outcome variables of job satisfaction, organizational commitment and psychological distress. Conversely, significant contributions of the organizational justice variables were limited to organizational commitment and psychological distress. The results of the study provide practical implications for the job conditions of allied health professionals, in particular, the delivery of support and maintaining high levels of justice.

Attrition from an internet-based psychological intervention for erectile dysfunction : who is likely to drop out?

The current study evaluated the dropout rate from an internet-based treatment program for erectile dysfunction (ED), and determined reasons for attrition from this program. Only 12 of 40 treatment group men and 19 of 20 control group men completed the post-test measures. Reasons for the men being excluded or dropping out of the study are discussed. These reasons included medical conditions that contributed to their ED, the man's partner not being interested in participating in the program, a lack of motivation from the man, or the time commitment being too demanding.