Mixed-methods quantitative–qualitative study of 29 nonagenarians and centenarians in rural Southern Italy: focus on positive psychological traits

ABSTRACTObjective:This was a study of positive psychological traits in a group of rural Italians aged 90 to 101 years, and their children or other family members.Design:Mixed-methods quantitative (standardized rating scales) and qualitative (semi-structured interviews) study.Setting:Study participants’ homes in nine villages in the Cilento region of southern Italy.Participants:Twenty-nine nonagenarians and centenarians and 51 family members aged 51–75 years, selected by their general practitioners as a part of a larger study called CIAO (Cilento Initiative on Aging Outcomes).Methods:We used published rating scales of mental and physical well-being, resilience, optimism, anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. Qualitative interviews gathered personal narratives of the oldest-old individuals, including migrations, traumatic events, and beliefs. Family members described their impressions about the personality traits of their older relative.Results:Participants age ≥90 years had worse physical health but better mental well-being than their younger family members. Mental well-being correlated negatively with levels of depression and anxiety in both the groups. The main themes that emerged from qualitative interviews included positivity (resilience and optimism), working hard, and bond with family and religion, as described in previously published studies of the oldest old, but also a need for control and love of the land, which appeared to be unique features of this rural population.Conclusions:Exceptional longevity was characterized by a balance between acceptance of and grit to overcome adversities along with a positive attitude and close ties to family, religion, and land, providing purpose in life.

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Compassion toward others and self-compassion predict mental and physical well-being: a 5-year longitudinal study of 1090 community-dwelling adults across the lifespan

Translational Psychiatry ◽

10.1038/s41398-021-01491-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ellen E. Lee ◽

Tushara Govind ◽

Marina Ramsey ◽

Tsung Chin Wu ◽

Rebecca Daly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Longitudinal Study ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Rating Scales ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adult Lifespan ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

Over Time

AbstractThere is growing interest in the role of compassion in promoting health and well-being, with cross-sectional data showing an inverse correlation with loneliness. This is the first longitudinal study examining both compassion toward others (CTO) and compassion toward self (CTS) as predictors of mental and physical health outcomes including loneliness, across adult lifespan. We followed 552 women and 538 men in San Diego County for up to 7.5 (mean 4.8 and SD 2.2) years, using validated rating scales for CTO, CTS, and loneliness. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to examine age- and sex-related trajectories of CTO and CTS over time. Linear regression models were used to evaluate baseline and longitudinal relationships of CTO and CTS with mental well-being, physical well-being, and loneliness. CTS and CTO were weakly intercorrelated. Women had higher baseline CTO than men. While CTO was stable over time and across the lifespan, CTS scores had an inverse U-shaped relationship with age, peaking around age 77. There were significant baseline × slope interactions of both CTO and CTS predicting improvements in physical well-being in adults <60 years old. Increases in CTO and CTS predicted improvements in mental well-being. Higher baseline CTO and CTS as well as increases in CTO and CTS scores predicted lower loneliness scores at follow-up. Thus, CTO and CTS were associated with better mental well-being and loneliness across the adult lifespan, and physical well-being in younger adults, and are promising targets for interventions to improve health outcomes.

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Psychological Consequences of the Delay in the Silent Mentor Programme During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives From Family Members of Silent Mentors

OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying ◽

10.1177/00302228211000952 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 003022282110009

Author(s):

Li Ping Wong ◽

Sik Loo Tan ◽

Haridah Alias ◽

Thiam Eng Sia ◽

Aik Saw

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Family Members ◽

Well Being ◽

The Body ◽

Functional Health ◽

Psychological Consequences ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Health And Well Being

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a hold on the Silent Mentor Programme (SMP); this pause has not only caused unprecedented challenges for the delivery of medical education but has forced changes in the programme ceremony sessions. We aimed to describe the psychological impact and experiences of family members of silent mentors during the COVID-19 pandemic using qualitative interviews. Many expressed feelings of remorse and unrest about the unprecedented delay of the SMP. The delay increased negative emotions particularly among some elderly family members; however, there was no prominent negative effect on their functional health and well-being. Several participants relayed the belief that the soul cannot rest until the body receives a proper burial while some worried about the deterioration of the physical condition of the mentors. In conclusion, findings provide insights into the importance of not overlooking the mental health implications of delaying the SMP in future outbreaks or crises.

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Companion Animal Type and Level of Engagement Matter: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Links between Companion Animal Guardianship, Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11082349 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 2349

Author(s):

Heather Clements ◽

Stephanie Valentin ◽

Nicholas Jenkins ◽

Jean Rankin ◽

Nancy R. Gee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Quantitative Data ◽

Online Survey ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Well Being ◽

Companion Animal ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, countries worldwide placed limitations on social interaction, which is anticipated to have severe psychological consequences. Although findings are inconsistent, prior research has suggested that companion animals may positively influence human well-being and reduce loneliness. In the context of COVID-19, this has important implications, as companion animal guardians may be less negatively affected by the pandemic. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the influence of companion animals on mental well-being and loneliness during the pandemic, with specific interest in the role of ornamental fishes. A mixed-methods study was conducted, using an international sample. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey (n = 1199) and analysed using robust hierarchical multiple regression analyses; the influence of level of engagement with companion animals was examined for dogs, cats and ornamental fishes. There was no evidence that companion animal guardianship was associated with loneliness and mental well-being during the pandemic but spending more time engaging physically or socially with dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) was generally associated with poorer outcomes. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended survey responses (n = 757) and semi-structured interviews (n = 25) and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two themes were developed—one related to companion animals as providers of social and emotional support, and the other to companion animals as providers of purpose and perspective. Concerns regarding the impact of the pandemic on animal welfare were also identified. Compared to other animal types, more participants expressed indifference regarding the impact of their fishes on their well-being during the pandemic, possibly because fishes cannot provide comfort via physical touch. The findings of this study reflect the wider field of human–animal interaction; although qualitative data suggest guardians believe their companion animals are a positive influence in their lives, there is little convincing quantitative data to support these beliefs. This highlights the need to refine theories regarding which aspects of companion animal guardianship may influence human well-being; the findings from this research may be useful in the refinement of such theories.

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Experiences with a universal mindfulness and well-being programme at a UK medical school

Health Education ◽

10.1108/he-10-2017-0053 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 118 (4) ◽

pp. 304-319 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sarah Stewart-Brown ◽

Mizaya Cader ◽

Thomas Walker ◽

Sabah Janjua ◽

Emma Hanson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical School ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Evaluation Studies ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Well Being ◽

Mindfulness Practice ◽

Content Type ◽

Graduate Entry ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Mental Well Being

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the evaluation of a universal, mental well-being and mindfulness programme in a UK graduate entry medical school. Design/methodology/approach Mixed methods used in the paper were the measurement of mental well-being and mindfulness in two cohorts at three time points over 15 months; descriptive, regression and repeated measures analysis with post hoc pairwise comparisons; qualitative interviews with purposive sample of 13 students after one year analysed thematically; and spontaneous anonymous feedback on the course. Findings The course was a surprise to students, and reactions were mixed. Respect for its contents grew over the first year. Most students had actively implemented a well-being strategy by the end of the course, and an estimated quarter was practicing some mindful activity. In the context of an overall decline in well-being and limited engagement with mindfulness practice, increases in mindfulness were protective against this decline in both cohorts (p<001). A small minority of students thought that the course was a waste of time. Their attitudes influenced engagement by their peers. The mindfulness and well-being practices of the facilitators were evident to students and influenced perceived effects. Research limitations/implications The uncontrolled nature of this observational study and low response rates to the survey limit conclusions. Further research in other medical education settings is needed. Practical implications Results are encouraging, suggesting modest benefit in terms of changing attitudes and practices and a modest protective effect on the well-being of students who engaged. Originality/value This is the first study of a universal well-being and mindfulness programme in a UK medical school. Universal programmes are rare and evaluation studies are scarce.

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‘Every day is hard, being outside, but you have to do it for your child’: Mixed-methods formative evaluation of a peer-led parenting intervention for homeless families

Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/1359104520926247 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 860-876

Author(s):

Caroline Bradley ◽

Crispin Day ◽

Caroline Penney ◽

Daniel Michelson

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

User Satisfaction ◽

Formative Evaluation ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Well Being ◽

Target Population ◽

Parenting Intervention ◽

Homeless Families ◽

Parenting Knowledge ◽

Behavioural Difficulties

We conducted a mixed-methods, formative evaluation of a peer-led parenting intervention for homeless families. Participants were parents living in temporary accommodation with self-identified difficulties related to parenting an index child aged 2–11 years. An evidence-based programme (‘Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities’) was adapted for delivery with the target population in London, UK. We assessed feasibility in terms of session attendance rate, intervention completion rate and potential for impact on a range of parent-reported outcomes measures. Acceptability and appropriateness were examined by a user satisfaction measure and qualitative interviews. The intervention was delivered across three group cohorts ( N = 15). Thirteen parents completed the programme (including one parent who required two attempts). We found improvements in child behavioural difficulties, parenting knowledge and practices, while parental well-being and social support were unchanged. Participants were highly satisfied overall, with indications that the peer-led model mitigated negative expectancies of services and normalized experiences of parenting in challenging conditions. Parental self-care and ‘the good enough parent’ were strongly endorsed topics, although some content (e.g. timeout) was deemed impractical. These promising findings warrant further testing under controlled conditions.

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Understanding the Multi-Dimensional Mental Well-Being in Late Life: Evidence from the Perspective of the Oldest Old Population

Journal of Happiness Studies ◽

10.1007/s10902-019-00090-1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 465-484 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Elvira Lara ◽

Natalia Martín-María ◽

Anna K. Forsman ◽

Johanna Cresswell-Smith ◽

Valeria Donisi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oldest Old ◽

Late Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Mental Well Being

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Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS): Validated for teenage school students in England and Scotland. A mixed methods assessment

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/1471-2458-11-487 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 145

Author(s):

Aileen Clarke ◽

Tim Friede ◽

Rebecca Putz ◽

Jacquie Ashdown ◽

Steven Martin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Well Being ◽

School Students ◽

Mental Well Being

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Healthy Parent Carers programme: mixed methods process evaluation and refinement of a health promotion intervention

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045570 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. e045570

Author(s):

Jenny Lloyd ◽

Gretchen Bjornstad ◽

Aleksandra Borek ◽

Beth Cuffe-Fuller ◽

Mary Fredlund ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Process Evaluation ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Well Being ◽

Social Identification ◽

Feasibility Trial ◽

Special Educational Needs ◽

Registration Number ◽

Programme Content ◽

Problem Solve

ObjectivesParent carers of children with special educational needs or disability are at risk of poorer mental and physical health. In response to these needs, we codeveloped the ‘Healthy Parent Carers’ (HPC) programme. This study examined the views and experiences of participants in the HPC feasibility trial to inform programme refinement.Intervention, setting and participantsHPC is a peer-led group-based intervention (supported by online materials) for primary carers of disabled children, encouraging behaviours linked with health and well-being. It was delivered by two lead and six assistant peer facilitators in six community sites (one lead and one assistant per group) in South West England over six or 12 sessions. Control participants had online materials only. The trial involved 47 intervention and 45 control parent carers (97% female and 97% white) and eight facilitators (one male).DesignA preplanned mixed methods process evaluation using questionnaires and checklists (during and after the intervention), qualitative interviews with participants after intervention (n=18) and a focus group with facilitators after trial.ResultsHPC was highly acceptable to participants and facilitators and experiences were very positive. Participants reported that the programme increased awareness of what parent carers could and could not change and their self-efficacy to engage in health-promoting behaviours. The intended mechanisms of action (social identification and peer support) matched participants’ expectations and experiences. Control participants found the online-only programme flexible but isolating, as there were no opportunities to share ideas and problem solve with peers, the key function of the programme. Areas for improvement were identified for programme content, facilitator training and delivery.ConclusionHPC was acceptable, well received and offers considerable potential to improve the health of parent carers. Under the pandemic, the challenge going forward is how best to maintain reach and fidelity to function while delivering a more virtual programme.Trial registration numberISRCTN151144652.

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