scholarly journals Using dual-EEG to explore therapistclient interpersonal neural synchrony

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Lecchi ◽  
Ksenija da Silva ◽  
Fabio Giommi ◽  
Victoria Leong
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Alliance ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Important Variable ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Neural Synchrony ◽  
Clinical Tool ◽  
Shared Intentionality ◽  
Mutual Engagement

The therapeutic alliance represents an important variable in explaining the outcome of mental health treatment. In particular, research suggests that mindfulness practice might help therapists to develop skills that are key to a good therapeutic alliance. Although the therapeutic alliance is well-recognised from a clinical perspective, basic quantitative research is still lacking about the neurocognitive mechanisms involved in establishing and maintaining the alliance between individuals. Recent advances in two-person neuroscience research have demonstrated that interpersonal neural synchrony -which may develop between speaker and listener, or parent and child -is a strong predictor of mutual understanding as well as social learning and influence. Further, social cues that improve communication quality and clarify intent effectively modulate levels of interpersonal neural synchrony, suggesting that this neural index is sensitive to dynamic changes in speaker-listener engagement. Given that the therapeutic alliance depends strongly on shared intentionality and mutual engagement between therapist and client, interpersonal neural synchrony may also index the quality and strength of the therapist-client alliance, and predict treatment outcome. If so, this quantitative neural index could provide a useful clinical tool for measuring and understanding the nature and efficacy of the therapeutic alliance. The present paper discusses these hypotheses, presenting preliminary data from a pilot study investigating neural synchrony between clients and therapists in face-to-face and videoconference interactions, comparing therapists who practice mindfulness with therapists without any mindfulness experience.

scholarly journals Emotional symptoms, mental fatigue and behavioral adherence after 72 continuous days of strict lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Torrente ◽  
A Yoris ◽  
DM Low ◽  
PL Lopez ◽  
P Bekinschtein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Important Variable ◽  
Mental Fatigue ◽  
Lasso Regression ◽  
Emotional Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Failures ◽  
Restrictive Measures ◽  
Cognitive Problems

AbstractBackgroundAn early, total, and prolonged lockdown was adopted in Argentina during the first wave of COVID-19 as the main sanitary strategy to reduce the spread of the virus in the population. The aim of this study was to explore emotional symptoms, mental fatigue, and behavioral adherence associated with the COVID-19 pandemic after an average of 72 days of continuous lockdown in Argentina. Specifically, we intended to know: 1) if the prolongation of the lockdown was associated with elevated emotional symptoms; 2) if the prolonged lockdown affected adherence, a phenomenon called “behavioral fatigue”; and 3) how financial concerns in a developing country affected adherence to the lockdown and emotional status of the population.MethodA survey was designed to evaluate the psychological impact of the pandemic and lockdown. The survey included standardized questionnaires to assess the severity of depressive (PHQ-9) and anxious (GAD-7) symptoms, a questionnaire to evaluate mental fatigue, and several additional instruments to assess other variables of interest: risk perception, lockdown adherence, financial concerns, daily stress, loneliness, intolerance to uncertainty, negative repetitive thinking, and cognitive problems. Three LASSO regression analyses were carried to evaluate the predictive role of the different variables over depression, anxiety, and lockdown adherenceResultsThe survey was responded by 3617 individuals over the age of 18 (85.2% female) from all the provinces of Argentina. Using the Oxford stringency index, Argentina had one of the most stringent and prolonged lockdowns when the sample was collected with 63 to 77 continuous days with a stringency index of more than 85/100. 45.6% of the sample met the cut-off for depression and 27% for anxiety. Previous mental health treatment, low income, being younger, and being female were associated with higher levels of emotional symptoms. Mental fatigue, cognitive failures, and financial concerns were also associated with emotional and subjective complaints, but not with adherence to the lockdown. In the regression models, mental fatigue, cognitive failures, and loneliness were the most important variables to predict depression, meanwhile intolerance to uncertainty and lockdown difficulty were the most important in the case of anxiety. Perceived threat was the most important variable predicting lockdown adherence.ConclusionsEmotional symptoms persisted and even increased during the extended lockdown, but we found no evidence of behavioral fatigue. Instead, mental fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and financial concerns were expressions of the emotional side of the pandemic and the restrictive measures.

scholarly journals At the intersection of lay and professional social networks: how community ties shape perceptions of mental health treatment providers

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. L. Perry ◽  
E. Pullen ◽  
B. A. Pescosolido
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Therapeutic Alliance ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Systems Of Care ◽  
Community Networks ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Treatment Providers

Background.The therapeutic alliance is a critical determinant of individuals’ persistence and outcomes in mental health treatment. Simultaneously, individuals’ community networks shape decisions about whether, when, and what kind of treatment are used. Despite the similar focus on social relationship influence for individuals with serious mental illness, each line of research has maintained an almost exclusive focus on either ‘inside’ (i.e. treatment) networks or ‘outside’ (i.e. community) networks, respectively.Method.For this study, we integrate these important insights by employing a network-embedded approach to understand the therapeutic alliance. Using data from the Indianapolis Network Mental Health Study (INMHS, n = 169, obs = 2206), we target patients experiencing their first major contact with the mental health treatment system. We compare patients’ perceptions of support resources available through treatment providers and lay people, and ask whether evaluations of interpersonal dimensions of the therapeutic alliance are contingent on characteristics of community networks.Results.Analyses reveal that providers make up only 9% of the whole social network, but are generally perceived positively. However, when community networks are characterized by close relationships and frequent contact, patients are significantly more likely to report that treatment providers offer useful advice and information. Conversely, when community networks are in conflict, perceptions of treatment providers are more negative.Conclusion.Community-based social networks are critical for understanding facilitators of and barriers to effective networks inside treatment, including the therapeutic alliance. Implications for community-based systems of care are discussed in the context of the USA and global patterns of deinstitutionalization and community reintegration.

Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry of the Vibrating Larynx

1995 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glendon M. Gardner ◽  
Michelle Conerty ◽  
James Castracane ◽  
Steven M. Parnes
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Speckle Pattern ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Vocal Folds ◽  
Digital Data ◽  
Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry ◽  
Clinical Tool ◽  
Digital Hardware ◽  
Laser Holography

Laser holography is a technique that creates a three-dimensional image of a static object. This technique can be applied to the analysis of vibrating structures. Electronic speckle pattern interferometry uses a laser for illumination of the vibrating object and solid state detectors and digital hardware technology for capturing and processing the image in real time. This was performed on a human cadaver larynx and is the first time an interferogram of vibrating vocal cords has ever been obtained. Dark and bright interference fringes are seen that represent the vibratory motion of the vocal folds. These are presented in still photos as well as real-time on videotape. This method can provide advantages over current techniques of laryngeal study: it is sensitive to motion in the vertical dimension, and the digital data can be quantitatively analyzed. Application of this technique to study the larynx should eventually be a valuable clinical tool and provide quantitative research data.

scholarly journals Mindfulness and Self-Regulation Strategies Predict Performance of Romanian Handball Players

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 3667
Author(s):  
Daniela Popa ◽  
Veronica Mîndrescu ◽  
Teodora-Mihaela Iconomescu ◽  
Laurentiu-Gabriel Talaghir
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Physiological Factors ◽  
Regulation Strategies ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Body Self ◽  
High Level

Previous studies on handball players’ performance are focused more on influence of physical, physiological factors and tactical strategies and less on the influence of cognitive, metacognitive and attentional regulation strategies. Performance can be achieved by attentional and emotional regulation alongside cognitive, metacognitive and procedural regulation strategies. This study explores the association between self-regulation strategies, mindfulness practice and performance. The sample consists of 288 Romanian handball players. The participants were 30% male and 70% female, with age between 12.01 and 14 years old, divided in three categories. The quantitative research design is descriptive and transversal. The method was survey based on questionnaires. There were interesting results found in different age categories and different performance levels. The variables (state mindfulness of body, self-monitoring, and self-efficacy) explained 87% of the variance in sports performance, in a hierarchical multiple regression. The research findings indicated that handball players with a high level of acceptance of one’s own thoughts and emotions, non-judging present-moment awareness, conscious monitoring the execution of movements, and confidence in their abilities to succeed could have more chances to achieve the desired performance.

Prolonged Capillary Refilling as a Predictor of Mortality in Patients With Septic Shock

2021 ◽  
pp. 088506662110035
Author(s):  
J Pablo Morocho ◽  
A Fernando Martínez ◽  
M Mónica Cevallos ◽  
Jorge Vasconez-Gonzalez ◽  
Esteban Ortiz-Prado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Septic Shock ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Tissue Perfusion ◽  
Blood Lactate Level ◽  
P Value ◽  
Serological Analysis ◽  
Clinical Tool ◽  
Survival Curves

Introduction: Microcirculatory alterations characterize septic shock; increased blood lactate level has been described as markers of microcirculation alteration in patients with septic shock. Although useful, this serological analysis is not always feasible in all settings worldwide. Objective: To determine if a prolonged capillary refilling is a predictor of mortality in patients with septic shock. Methodology: A 10-months prospective cohort study was carried out on 175 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with the diagnosis of septic shock. The capillary refilling time (CRT) was evaluated Immediately upon admission and after 6 hours post-resuscitation. Traditional tissue perfusion markers were also used to compare and analyze their predictive value on mortality at 28 days. Results: The area under the ROC curve (AUC) to estimate mortality in patients with septic shock with CRT at admission was 0.666 (0.584-0.748), while at 6 hours was 0.819 (0.753-0.885), with a cut-off point of 4.5 seconds at admission (PPV 52.87% NPV 72.73%) and 3.5 sec at 6 hours (PPV 95.56% NPV 79.23%). In those with CRT > 3.5 seconds at 6 hours, they had a RR of 4.60, while a CRT > 4.5 seconds at admission had a RR of 1.94, with a non-survivor proportion of 95.56% for a CRT > 3.5 sec at 6 hours vs 20.77% for CRT ≤ 3.5 sec ( P value < 0.001). The CRT at 6 hours showed significant differences in the survival curves with P-value < 0.001, where for values > 3.5 sec, survival at 28 days was 4.44% vs 79.20% for values ≤ 3.5 sec. Conclusion: CRT is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with septic shock. Evaluating changes in CRT during resuscitation from septic shock might be used as an important clinical tool to predict mortality; especially in low-resources settings where using other biomarkers might be sometimes difficult.

scholarly journals Why don't patients attend their appointments? Maintaining engagement with psychiatric services

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 423-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex J. Mitchell ◽  
Thomas Selmes
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Alliance ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Complex Interventions ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Patient Feedback ◽  
Reasonable Evidence ◽  
Service Barriers ◽  
Scheduled Care

Patients miss about 20% of scheduled appointments for mental health treatment, almost twice the rate in other medical specialties. Up to 50% of patients who miss appointments drop out of scheduled care. Many who miss appointments because of slips and lapses later rearrange their appointments without adverse consequences. Those that do not are at risk of further deterioration, relapse and hospital readmission. Predictors of non-attendance are complex and linked with the predictors of missed medication. Service barriers and administrative errors are common but are often overlooked in the absence of feedback from patients. Of prime importance are the therapeutic alliance and degree of ‘helpfulness’ of the clinician but again these are rarely measured routinely. Useful markers of engagement include patient-rated trust, satisfaction and degree of perceived participation in treatment decisions. Much can be done to improve attendance in most services. Simple measures such as offering prompt, convenient appointments, offering reminders and augmenting with telephone contact have a reasonable evidence base. Scales to assess therapeutic alliance are now available. Complex interventions need to be evaluated carefully in order that the overall benefits outweigh costs. We suggest that clinicians consider accessibility, discharge policies and patient feedback when examining local rates of non-attendance.

scholarly journals Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy experiences in youth with inflammatory bowel disease and depression: findings from a mixed methods qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e041140
Author(s):  
Tatjana Ewais ◽  
Jake Begun ◽  
Maura Kenny ◽  
Alan Headey ◽  
Merilyn Tefay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Therapeutic Alliance ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cognitive Therapy ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Therapeutic Change ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

ObjectivesMindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is effective in treating psychosocial comorbidities in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, there have been no qualitative studies of MBCT experiences among youth with IBD. We aimed to examine the experiences of youth with IBD and depression who completed an adapted MBCT group programme, and the impact of common psychotherapy and group factors.DesignThis mixed method qualitative study, nested within a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of MBCT for youth with IBD, employed thematic analysis of qualitative data from three focus groups and open-ended survey questions.SettingThe study was conducted in the outpatient department of a tertiary hospital for young adults in Brisbane, Australia.ParticipantsOut of sixty-four adolescents and young adults recruited to the RCT of MBCT for youth with IBD and depression, 29 completed the MBCT evaluation survey and 19 attended the focus groups.ResultsFour key themes emerged: ‘connectedness and shared understanding’, ‘growing in wisdom’, ‘therapeutic alliance’ and ‘barriers to mindfulness practice’. Participants described MBCT experiences as healing and transformative with the themes of connectedness, growing in wisdom and therapeutic alliance laying the foundation for therapeutic change. Main barriers included fatigue, depression, time and travel constraints.ConclusionsThe study identified key themes facilitating the process of therapeutic change within the MBCT programme for youth with IBD and elucidated common and group psychotherapy factors underlying the key themes. Participants perceived connecting with peers as essential for learning mindfulness skills which in turn strengthened the connection. Study findings will facilitate interpretation of the results of the RCT of MBCT in youth with IBD and inform the design of future studies of MBCT in this cohort.Trial registration numberACTRN12617000876392; Results.

scholarly journals The Effect of Lecturer Service Quality on Students’ Satisfaction in Private Universities

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 223
Author(s):  
Yuyun Elizabeth Patras ◽  
Rais Hidayat
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Private University ◽  
Important Variable ◽  
National Education ◽  
The University ◽  
Students Satisfaction

<pre><span lang="EN-US">One of the roles of the university is to support national education goals as part of educating students.<span class="tlid-translation"> Student satisfaction is an important variable for the existence and sustainability of a university, especially a private universities.This research aims to analyze the effect of lecturer service quality on student satisfaction.</span>This research uses quantitative research with survey methods. <span class="tlid-translation">The population of this research were students of a private university at Universitas Pakuan with 543 respondents. The findings of this research were that there was a positive and significant influence between the lecturer service quality on student satisfaction. This means that efforts to increase student satisfaction can be done by improving the quality of lecturer services. Meanwhile, from the 5 dimensions of lecturer service quality, it was found that the empathy dimension had the greatest influence compared to other dimensions of lecturer service quality</span>.</span></pre>

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