bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influences of alexithymia and assertiveness in the self-concept - study of women's situation in Portugal
Authors: Lopes R. 
Published: May 2011

The self-concept, its importance has been widely investigated in different areas of knowledge and involved in numerous clinical situations, and is considered an entity in different vulnerable psychopathological disorders in women.We conducted a study aiming to identify some psychological characteristics that influence and / or predictors of self-concept in women, specifically, alexithymia and assertiveness. In this study, descriptive, correlational and cross, the instrument of data collection was composed of scales (validated in the Portuguese population); Self-concept Clinical Inventory (SCCI) Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS20) and Rathus Assertiveness Scale (RAS).The convenience sample consisted of 104 female students in the Bachelor of Nursing, aged between 18 and 35 years, mean age 19,32 years and standard deviation 1,7. The self-concept varied between 58 and 94 (minimum-maximum), with an mean of 74,06 and 72,00 of mode.Correlational study found that alexithymia (TAS20) (rho =−,426; p = ,000) and its factors: identifying feelings (F1-TAS20) (rho =−,270; p = ,006), describe feelings (F2-TAS20) (rho =−,392; p = ,000) and externally oriented thinking (F3-TAS20) (rho = ,372; p = ,000) correlated negatively and highly significantly with self-concept. Assertiveness correlated positively and highly significantly with self-concept (rho = ,412; p = ,000).Through hierarchical multiple regression predictor variables emerged as the self-concept: alexithymia (2,25%;p = ,000 negative contribution), assertiveness (2,64%; p = ,002 positive contribution) externally oriented thinking (2,92%; p = ,008 negative contribution).We conclude that the implementation of strategies which promote personal and social development and personal and social skills of women, particularly assertiveness and expression of emotions are essential to a better self-concept and consequently to the mental health of women.
Perceived job stress of women workers in diverse manufacturing industries
Authors: Lu S.F.D. , Lu J.L. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveThis was An investigation of the impact of organizational factors on perceived job stress among women workers in the IT-dominated garment and electronics industries in the Philippines was undertaken.AimTo target risk factors affecting women workers.MethodsThe sample included 23 establishments with 630 women respondents. Questionnaires, walk-through surveys of the industries, and interviews were done. The workplace factors included the content of the job, the nature of tasks, job autonomy, hazard exposure, and management and supervisory styles.ResultsChi-square analysis showed that there were interactions among the organizational factors (P = 0.05 and 0.10). These factors included the need for better quality and new products; tasks requiring intense concentration; exposure to radiation, chemical, noise, and vapor hazards; standing for prolonged periods of time; and highly monitored, repetitious work. Workers experienced job stress (P = .05) when they were subjected to low job autonomy, poor work quality, close monitoring, and hazardous work pressure.ConclusionThis study has shown that there exists an intricate relationship between work hazards, organizational factors, gender, health and technology. Organizational factors that have been identified to contribute to adverse health effects among women workers were the physical work environment, nature of the task, lack of job autonomy, and difficult relationships with supervisors and management.
Comparison of life quality of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding who have been treated by hysterectomy or hormone therapy
Authors: Marofi M. , Kazemi K. , Homayoni M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionAbnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common problem in women that can adversely affect their quality of life. In this survey the quality of life of the patients has been treated by hysterectomy and whom have received hormone therapy have been studied.MethodThis is a descriptive and comparative clinical study in which 54 women have been treated due to AUB by hysterectomy and 54 women received hormone therapy because of the same reason completed the WHO questionnaire for life quality. Data then analyzed by independent t test, ANCOVA and Mann-Wittnei using SPSS software.ResultsWith regard to the total score of the questionnaire, there was no difference between two groups (61.77 ± 9.30 for hysterectomy group vs. 65.36 ± 7.32 for hormone group, P = 0.34).On the other hand, considering the mental dimension score of the questionnaire, a significant difference was observed between groups (50.72 ± 16.81 for hysterectomy group vs. 80.09 ± 10.37 for hormone group, P = 0.001).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that at least mental aspects of quality of life are significantly better in the AUB patients treated by hormone therapy, comparing to those treated by hysterectomy. Education and counseling of the patients and their families may improve life quality in more cases.
A therapeutic “innovation”…
Authors: Matos-Pires A. , Salazar-Garcia F. , Monteiro E. , Estevens D. 
Published: May 2011

Domestic violence, particularly violence against women, is a scourge that has killed this year in Portugal more than twenty women.Our aim is to present a case study on the issue of gender violence on a 49 years old woman with a prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder and its (terrible) consequences.The multiple injuries sustained over several years “treated” the bipolar disorder. Apart from a frontal lesion on CT there is now a set of neurological and psychiatric symptoms compatible with a diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) “boxer's dementia” like.
Sexuality and body image: What link?
Authors: Mnif L. , Masmoudi J. , Feki I. , Charfi N. , Bâati I. , Jaoua A. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionResarches on body image suggest a link with sexuality.The objective of our study was to investigate Tunisian women's perceptions of their bodies and its involvement on sexuality.Methods and patientsA total of 100 Tunisian women were interviewed using a self-administered questionnaire which explores:
-Clinical data: weight, height, hormonal status-The perception of women to their bodies and their husband's perception.-The impact of body image on sexual activityResultsWomen's body image was positive in most cases: The body is seen as female in 94% of cases, young in 76% of cases, physically attractive in 66% and erotic in 51% of cases.Eighty five percent of women were satisfied with their sexual activity. These women report having an erotic body (p = 0.009) and source of self-confidence (p = 0.002).Half of women said that their body image allowed them to take the initiative in sexual activity and to have a satisfying desire (p = 0.003).A positive perception of the spouse of a woman's body influenced significantly the sexual behavior of women: more interest to intimate moments (p = 0.001), ability to initiate sexual activity (p = 0.014) and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.018).ConclusionOur study shows the positive role of an adequate perception of body image of women by herself and her spouse about sexuality, through its influence on self-esteem and confidence. It would be interesting to consider these dimensions in any treatment of sexual disorders.
Augmentation mammoplasty and sexuality
Authors: Moutinho A. , Pereira A.V. , Jorge G. 
Published: May 2011

The interest in breasts in our society can hardly escape the attention of even a casual observer. It has been found that women with larger breasts than the average were considered to be more physically attractive and have greater social outcomes.Some women consider themselves less beautiful or feminine because of the lack of “ideal” size and shape. This feeling of inadequacy may lead to lowered levels of self-esteem and sexuality.Although not extensively researched, psychologic factors have attributed to the dramatic increase in the number of performed breast augmentation procedures. As this number continues to rise it is important that healthcare providers comprehend the degree to sexuality may affect their patients’ outcomes.This review is designed to provide an overview of the psychological and sexuality literature on cosmetic breast augmentation. It seems to exist a positive effect of breast augmentation surgery on woman's sexuality, as well in other psychological aspects. This relation need to be explored further in future studies.
The influence of social support, conflict, and stressful life events on PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptom severity in U.S. army female veterans
Authors: Nayback-Beebe A.M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThere have been prevailing gender differences in negative mental health outcomes for female U.S. veterans returning from combat deployments. Research has validated the importance of post-deployment social support in mitigating the effects of these experiences on mental health; however, the influence of conflict within the social network has not been thoroughly explored.Aims(1)Examine the relationships between social support, conflict, and stressful life events to PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptom severity in female veterans 6–12 months after deployment.(2)Determine whether the absence of social support or the presence of social conflict is more influential in the severity of these symptoms.MethodsDescriptive, correlationalResultsThere were significant positive bivariate correlations (p < .01) between conflict and stressful life events and significant negative bivariate correlations (p < .01) between social support and each of the three outcome variables: PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Hierarchical linear regression showed that co-morbid depression, greater post-deployment stressful life events, and greater conflict within the social network best explained the presence of greater PTSD symptom severity. Stressful life events did not contribute to greater anxiety symptom severity; however, symptom severity was affected by the absence of social support. In contrast, greater depression symptom severity was best explained by the presence of co-morbid PTSD symptoms and the absence of social support.ConclusionsTreatment programs for PTSD and anxiety in female veterans’ post-deployment must assess and address sources of intrapersonal conflict within their social networks. Family therapy may be integral to treatment success.
The role of perfectionism in perinatal depression (ICD-10, DSM-IV and BDI-II, PDSS)
Authors: Maia B. , Pereira A.T. , Marques M. , Soares M.J. , Bos S. , Valente J. , Allen A. , Nogueira V. , Azevedo M.H. , Macedo A. 
Published: May 2011

AimsThe role of perfectionism as a correlate of perinatal depressive symptomatology, and as a predictor of postpartum depressive disorder was examined.Methods386 women in their third trimester of pregnancy (mean age = 30.08 years; SD = 4.205; range = 19–44) completed the Portuguese versions of Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II/BDI-II, Postpartum Depression Screening Scale/PDSS and three additional questions evaluating anxiety trait, life stress perception and social support. Diagnoses of depression (ICD-10/DSM-IV) were obtained using the Portuguese version of the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies/OPCRIT system. Women who were clinically depressed in pregnancy (ICD-10/DSM-IV) were excluded from the analysis.ResultsSelf-Oriented Perfectionism/SOP and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism/SPP subcomponents were significant correlates of depressive symptomatology (BDI-II/PDSS) in pregnancy. SPP-Others High Standards/OHS was a significant predictor of postpartum depressive symptomatology (BDI-II/PDSS), and SPP-Conditional Acceptance/CA was a predictor of postpartum depressive symptomatology (PDSS). None of the perfectionism subscales predicted postpartum depressive disorder (ICD-10/DSM-IV).ConclusionsSOP and SPP have shown to be relevant correlates of depressive symptomatology in pregnancy. In the present study, SPP-OHS and SPP-CA were also significant correlates of perinatal depressive symptomatology, as well as important risk factors for depressive symptomatology in postpartum. Perfectionism subscales were not significant predictors of postpartum depressive disorder (ICD-10/DSM-IV). While SPP maladaptive influence was supported, SOP was shown to be more heterogeneous in its consequences. These findings may have important implications both for clinical practice and for research.
The Portuguese short version of the postpartum depression screening scale
Authors: Pereira A.T. , Bos S. , Maia B.R. , Marques M. , Soares M.J. , Gomes A.A. , Valente J. , Nogueira V. , Macedo A. , Azevedo M.H. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionScreening for perinatal depression is essential. The Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS; Beck & Gable, 2002) is a self-report instrument, composed of 35 items. The Portuguese version of the PDSS revealed to be a valid instrument to screen for perinatal depression (Pereira et al., 2010a,b).ObjectivesTo develop PDSS short version and to determine its cut-off points and associated conditional probabilities to screen for depression according to DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria.MethodsParticipants were 452 women in their third month post-partum (M = 13.07 weeks post-partum; SD = 1.808). All women completed the Portuguese PDSS and were interviewed using the Mood Disorders Section/Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies. To select items for the short version the items that showed the highest correlations with their respective seven dimension scores were retained. ROC analysis was applied and both cut-off points and associated conditional probabilities adjusted to the real prevalence were determined.ResultsFor major depression/DSM-IV the cut-off point of 15, resulted in sensitivity of 77.8%, specificity of 88.9%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 21.7% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.9%; for depressive disorder/ICD-10 the cut-off point of 14 determined sensitivity 77.3%, specificity 84.0%, PPV 19.7%, NPV 98.6%; for mild/moderate depression with somatic syndrome or severe depression without psychotic symptoms/ICD-10 the cut-off point of 18 was associated to sensitivity 91.7%, specificity 94.5%, PPV 31.4% and NPV 99.8%.ConclusionsThe Portuguese short version of PDSS is a good alternative to the 35-items version, equally valid and precise, but more economic, faster and easier.
The effects of yoga in women with generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Ranjbar F. , Hemmati L. , Rezaei S. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionGAD is one of the most common disorders in psychiatry, usually observed twice in women than in men.AimsConsidering the side effects of drugs and their financial burden, the purpose of this research was to study the effects of yoga as a complementary treatment on GAD in women.MethodsIn a single blind clinical trial the effects of yoga on GAD was studied in 40 women who were diagnosed with GAD by psychiatrist interview, SADS questionnaire and spilberger's anxiety scale in psychiatric clinics. The participants were randomly divided into two intervention and control. All the participants took the usual drugs (SSRIs). The intervention group was given Hata yoga instruction for six weeks, while the control group was only watching movies. At the end of the six week period the spilberger anxiety scale was refilled for both groups. Finally the comparison was done by statistical methods for both groups.ResultsThe mean ages of intervention and control groups were 37.7 ± 9.87 and 37.65 ± 10.42 respectively. Improvement was observed in both groups after the six week period. The grades of state and trait anxiety were declined according to spilberger anxiety scale but no statistical difference was observed in two groups regarding improvement.ConclusionsIn the present study no statistical difference was observed between two groups however the participants of intervention group were inclined to continue their yoga sessions due to sense of well being. So it is concluded that yoga can have a positive effect on anxiety in long terms.
Exercise participation in postpartum women in Western Australia
Authors: Saligheh M. , Mcnamara B. , Rooney R. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionResearch evidence suggests that the prevalence rate of postpartum depression in Western countries is 10–25% (Beck, 2001; O’ Hara & Swain, 1996). Many women diagnosed with postnatal depression(PND) are reluctant to take antidepressant medication (Whitton,1996). Coupled with the limited availability of psychological therapies, the consideration of adjunctive interventions for managing PND would appear worthwhile. Physical activity(PA) has been demonstrated to both mediate and improve outcomes for depression (Dimeo, 2001; Nabkasorn et al., 2006) in the general population, and in moderating the impact of PND (Daley, 2009).ObjectivesTo describe physical activity participation in a cohort of postpartum women in Western AustraliaTo investigate the factors associated with physical activity participation in postpartum women Examine the differences between women reporting PND and those without on physical activityAimsStudy 1 was the distribution of a postpartum physical activity questionnaire through child health clinics to mothers within the 6 weeks to12 months postpartum period.MethodsCohort design was used to recruit mothers within postpartum periodResultsThe results from the study showed that mothers who were at the risk of PND had the same level of physical activity in compare to normal mothers. The T-test showed there was not any significant correlation. Analysis revealed that there was a significant correlation between the effect of PND on parental self-confidence and partner support.ConclusionFindings suggest that further exploration needs to be considered to explore mothers’ experience of physical activity, its barriers and the interaction of their partners in order to exercise after child birth.
Female prisoners: Experiences and perceptions on violence in the world behind bars
Authors: Scherer Z.A.P. , Scherer E.A. ,   GREIVI - Grupo de Estudos Interdisciplinar Sobre Violência; FAPESP/CNPq
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPrison can be considered an oppressive and limiting institution and, hence, a propitious site for the development of conflicting and hostile relations among prisoners.ObjectiveDescribe female prisoners’ experiences and perceptions regarding violence in the prison environment.AimsGet to know the circumstances of relationships established at a female prison.MethodExploratory and descriptive research, carried out at the Female Penitentiary in Ribeirão Preto (SP) - Brazil. A semistructured interview was applied to 15 female prisoners. The results were submitted to thematic content analysis.ResultsTwo categories were idenitfied. “Perception of violence in prison”: they denounced the power hierarchy form, in which some prisoners and employees used physical force as an instrument for authority and dominion; they also revealed being victim of sexual abuse and psychological mistreatment in interpersonal relations (rejection, depreciation, discrimination, disrespect, intimidation, oppression and charge). “Losses deriving from imprisonment”: they complained of the precarious hygiene conditions, overcrowded cells and difficult access to health services; distancing from the family, loss of comfort and civil rights, particularly the right to do what they want (choosing food, practicing sports and leisure).ConclusionPrison can be considered the representation of a place of exclusion, closed, enclosing multiple violent acts. This directly influences the perspective of life and future interpersonal relations of people going through this experience. Thus, interventions are needed that prioritize high-quality social reintegration for these people.
Mental outcomes of contraceptive methods on Semnanian women in heath centers
Authors: Shahbazinodeh A. , Behnam B. , Ghrbani R. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionContraceptive methods can cause physical and mental outcome of user contraceptive methods on Semnanian women.Material and methodsIn this study 961 women using contraceptive methods were interviewed by SCL-90-R all of interviews were executed at3 stages: Just before surgeries six months later and a year after that. All of these data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5 on 5% significant, with K. Square test.FindingsDemographic data showed that 91.7% from urban and 8.3% from rural; mean age : 25.8 ± 5; 90% householders Percentage of each procedure was pills: 40%; IUD: 3.9%; Injection: 2%,Tubectomy 5.7%, vasectomy's husbands 2.1%, natural 7.2% and willing for another pregnancy 5.0%.Beginning of the studyThose who had used permanent methods and the need for consultation or treatment were: 20 / 3% Aggression, 19 / 7% anxiety, 29 / 8%phobia, interpersonal sensitivity 23%, somatic complaints 29 / 6%, obsession20 / 8%, Depression 26 / 1%, psychosis6/ 8%.Those in the baseline methods and the need for temporary use consultation or treatment were: 19 / 9% Aggression, 19 / 7% anxiety, 27 / 6% Phobia, 18 / 8% interpersonal sensitivity, 24 / 6% somatic complaints, 22 / 7% depression, 9 / 1% were psychosis. there was not a Significant difference between the severity of disorder 6 months and one year after the use of contraceptive methodsConclusionResults showed that use of contraceptive methods will not increase the severity of mental disorders after a year and a half of usage.
Exercise imagery and physical self description in females: A new trajectory for mental health through e-learning
Authors: ShahHoseini N. , Kordi R. , Memari A.H. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionLow levels of physical activity in the female population have been linked to a wide range of mental health problems (e.g. eating disorders and depression). Physical self description in female students may affect the functionality of their daily life or academic performance. Physical education research has extended to investigations of psychological constructs that influence not only physical activity but also play an important role in mental health of females.AimThis study was aimed to examine effect of exercise imagery mediated by e-learning on psycho-physical measures of female students.MethodsThirty three grade 5 students from a girl school in Tehran assigned to an 8-week intervention of video aided Exercise Imagery. Students were asked to practice according to the CD of imagery at least 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The outcomes of interest were psycho-physical variables including appearance, activity, Health, global physical and global esteem measured by PSDQ (physical self description questionnaire).ResultsSubjects scores increased on Health dimension, global esteem and activity measures significantly (p < 0.05). Students rated on appearance and global physical dimensions which showed an increase trend but not statistical significantly.ConclusionE-learning could be utilized as an effective media for physical education in female students. The results will facilitate capacity in specialists to apply the e-learning as an effective media for interventions in female mental health issues.