Mental Health: Global Challenges Journal
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Group Identity as a Prognostic Factor of Mental Health in Preschool Children
Get PDFIntroduction. Victim stance of an individual may arise due to negative social relationships (Chojnacka, 2020) and may be associated with the experience of loneliness (Barbaro, 1999); lack of close friends and rejection by peers; lack of play partner and negative relationships in childhood (Chase, 1999). However, studies investigating the peculiarities of group identity development and the problem of loneliness in preschool children are insufficiently presented in the modern scientific literature. In this article, the phenomenon of victimhood, the experience of acceptance or rejection by a group of peers are considered in the context of preschooler’s mental health genesis.
Purpose. The aim of the study is to determine the features of group identity development in preschool children in kindergartens based on the examples of children and the memories of adults.
Materials and methods: an anonymous survey with open-ended and closed-ended questions was used (n = 247). The participants of the survey were parents of preschoolers attending modern preschool educational institutions (n = 140) and respondents who attended kindergarten as children (n = 107, aged 12 to 55). They were asked to evaluate the organization of groups in kindergarten; the features of interpersonal interaction of children; meeting the needs of children in child-care facilities; the main functions of the kindergarten and their level of trust in educators.
Results: Kindergarten is a second important environment where a child continues to develop his group identity and ego-identity, and not just a place where children stay when parents are at work. Children who have difficulty interacting with their peers often face aggression from peers, experience feelings of loneliness, but not always receive help from their teachers. The majority of respondents (75.7%) answered that the experience of communication in kindergarten influenced their emotional state, self-esteem and communicative competence at school.
Conclusions: The peculiarities of children's group identity in the preschool period are experiences of interest in interaction with a certain group of peers, the desire to be accepted and at the same time hostility towards or lack of interest in other peers. A significant percentage of experienced loneliness among modern children (35.5%) and adults (27.1%) who attended kindergarten more than 30 years ago indicates that this problem has existed for decades and requires more attention from scientists. Absence of play partners and frequent conflicts with peers lead to low self-esteem, fear of communication with children, other toxic experience and, as a consequence, to the risks of victimization in the futur
The overview of utilizing complementary therapy to relieve stress or anxiety in emergency department patients: animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, and music therapy
Get PDFThe Emergency Department could be a stressful environment for patients. Anxiety and depression may develop due to the atmosphere, in addition to patients’ concerns for their health conditions. The condition could potentially affect the experience of the patient in the Emergency Department and the quality of life after the visit. Pharmacological therapy could be administered to the patients. However, adverse effects may be associated with the treatment. Less aggressive complementary treatment approaches are presented in this article. Controlled clinical trials and randomized pilot studies of different complementary therapies, including animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, and music therapy, were conducted. The complementary therapies discussed in this article showed positive outcomes for patients with hospital-induced anxiety and has no adverse effect reported. Hence, hospitals may consider introducing complementary therapies, such as those mentioned in this study, to improve the patients’ experiences in the Emergency Departmen
Emotional potential in the children's team
Get PDFIntroduction. Increased interest in the study various groups that perform joint activities in social, organizational, economic, sports psychology and work psychology nowadays. The urgency is: the fast changing forms of work organization based on the high economic interest and responsibility all members of the group; relative production-economic and organizational-managerial independence of labor collectives, which contributes to the self-organization development and self-government forms improvement; the team fitness issue is becoming more and more relevant.
Purpose. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the group psychological work influence on the children emotional intelligence development and the processes of psychological stability and cohesion in a sport team.
Methodology. We used the comprehensive diagnosis of the child's personality and status in the group (n=622). The main accent was made on the level of emotional intelligence (EQ) and sociometric status of the child. The main hypothesis: the higher the child`s EQ level, the higher its sociometric status. The standard PASW Statistics method was used to process the statistics.
Results. Sociometric tests: 223 children had a low sociometric status (36%); 242 - satisfactory and within the norm limits (39%), 75 - above the average (12%), and only 81 had a high sociometric status (13%). The EQ level indicators (integrative level): 317 respondents had a low EQ level (51%); 218 - the average level (35%) and only 87 respondents had a high EI level (14%).
Conclusions. After the implementation of the author's program for adaptation and the child emotional intelligence development, we have results: Sociometric test: only 56 children have lower sociometric status (9%); 144 - satisfactory and average (23%); 223 - above average (36%) and 199 - high sociometric status (32%). EQ level (integrative level), we also have positive changes: only 111 respondents remained with a low level of emotional intelligence (18%); 386 developed the level of emotional intelligence to the average (62%) and 125 had a high level of emotional intelligence (20%
The mental health of the Ukrainian nation as a driving force for economic growth
Get PDFIntroduction: Achieving a high level of social welfare requires investment in human capital, and its sufficiency and rational use is a necessary condition for the development of the state. The health of the nation as a factor of state formation and security of the state is a basic component of human capital and competitiveness of the country and is closely integrated with the economy, science, and defense.
Purpose: The purpose of our study is the system of protection and preservation of the mental health of Ukrainians, in the framework and context of economic development.
Methodology: The study was conducted based on statistical data of the Center for Medical Statistics of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine for the period 2016–2020. The following methods were used: analytical, medical statistics, comparative analysis, system approach.
Results: The incidence and prevalence of mental and behavioral disorders among the entire population of Ukraine, as well as among the adult population, working-age and old age, depending on the place of residence and sex, were studied and analyzed.
Conclusions: The problems of the current state of mental health of Ukrainians are studied and the ways of solving these problems are suggested. The retrospective dynamics of the dependence of the level of psychological health of the population and economic development of the country are analyzed. The tendencies of prevention and improvement of the level of public awareness about the role of mental health on the example of the leading countries of the world are analyze
MENTAL HEALTH OF TEACHERS IN UKRAINIAN EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Get PDFIntroduction. Organizational educational environment may contain some destabilizing features (threats), which under certain conditions violate the psychological safety of a teacher and negatively affect his/her mental health and well-being in general. However, the effects of a destabilizing organization of professional activities on mental health and well-being have not been specifically studied, which necessitates appropriate research.
Purpose: to research the indicators of teachers’ mental health in a destabilizing organization of professional activitie
Experience in correcting eating disorders in the clinic of mental illness
Get PDFIntroduction: Eating disorders - a class of psychogenic behavioral syndromes associated with eating disorders. The class of these disorders includes anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, compulsive overeating, as well as several other disorders, which are included in the international classification, to section F 50-F 59.
Purpose: The purpose of our study is to trace the dynamics of individual eating disorders in patients with various mental illnesses under the influence of corrective therapy.
Methodology: Were examined 77 patients with various mental diseases who have had eating disorders. The first (I) group included 33 patients. They have added Metoclopramide at a dose of 20 mg/day to the main treatment. The second group (II) - 44 patients who received the drug Ondansetron at a dose of 4 mg/day, respectively. The condition of all patients was assessed according to the following scales: Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), 36-Item Short-Form Health Status (SF-36). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated to study the dynamics of weight. All examinations of patients were performed at the beginning and after 14 days of treatment.
Results: According to the EAT-26 scale the average score in the I group was 29 ± 2.8 points, and in the II - 30.1 ± 2.4, respectively. According to the SF-36 questionnaire, the average total score in the I group was - 69.5 ± 1.8 before treatment, 79.5 ± 1.6 - after treatment improved by 12.5% (p <0,05). In group II - 70.8 ± 1.2 and 89.4 ± 1.5, improving by 20.8%, respectively (p <0.05). Under the influence of the therapy, the patients' manifestations of eating behavior decreased, which contributed to the growth of BMI: in group I - by 2.1 ± 1.3 kg, in group II - by 3.5 ± 2.3 kg, which is 1.6 times more.
Conclusions: The drug Ondansetron, intended for the correction of eating disorders, in combination with therapy of the underlying pathology, was likely to be more effective than Metoclopramide hydrochloride, which should be considered in practical psychiatr
Covid-19 the Trigger for SDG Solutions in Mental Health
No full textIntroduction. This paper explores COVID-19 impact on Global attempts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, specifically Target 3.4.
Purpose. Suggest a new WHO Mental Health Action Plan needs to be refocused to help achieve universal mental health.
Approach. The author discusses the context of COVID-19s impact on Governments inability to progress the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Target 3.4, reviewing this against the WHO Mental Health Action Plan (MHAP) 2013-2020 (WHO 2013). Utilizing relevant publications, progress/lack of progress are discussed, suggestions made as to how, by refocusing the MHAP to one more culturally sensitive and localized, to progress towards universal mental health.
Discussion. Contextualizing the lack of specific Sustainable Development Goals mental health target. The continual use by the WHO of promoting western medical approaches to achieve universal global mental health is explored, while using COVID-19 pandemic as a means of triggering change in how localized, culturally specific non-medical approaches could be championed.
Limitation/Strengths. The paper does not involve an extensive literature search. However, subject matter is timely and relevant. It challenges traditional approaches of how Global Mental Health has been addressed by organizations led by the UN/WHO. It identifies positive ways of progressing global mental health, by utilizing localized and culturally sensitive approaches.
Practical/Social value. The suggestions made are cost effective, given the financial challenges COVID-19 has brought, that is a practical and social value in its own right. Additionally, the practical local and culturally sensitive solutions can be used globally. They could be undertaken on their own or in conjunction with traditional western/medical models. The potential social value could be considerable, should it be the focus of the latest WHO Mental Health Action Plan.
Conclusion. Any new WHO Mental Health Action Plan must ensure non-traditional interventions are central and increasingly used to achieve universal mental health for al
The Psychological Impact of Infertility. Directions for the Development of Interventions
Get PDFIntroduction: Infertility represents a major health problem that oftentimes is experienced as a crisis situation. Because it interposes with achieving an important life goal, that of having children, its implications on the psycho-emotional level are robust.
Purpose: The present article aimed at exploring the multidimensional effects of infertility on mental health, as well as suitable psychological intervention strategies for patients both at an individual and couple level.
Methodology: An extensive literature review was conducted to select the most relevant information. Articles included were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar and other similar databases within a seven years interval (2014-2021) to assure the up-to-date quality of the paper. The main criteria of inclusion were: studies about the consequences of infertility on mental health, epidemiology, risk and protective factors, psychological models for infertility, psychological evaluation, established instruments, psycho-social and therapeutic interventions, intervention protocols used in public health for infertility patients.
Results and Discussion: Infertility is often experienced as a crisis situation, in which the most common consequences are visible at the level of mood disorders (e.g. anxiety, depression, marked distress) and at the social level (stigma, divorce, social isolation, financial difficulties). Psychological counseling is needed throughout medical treatment and therapeutic interventions (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy) have shown favorable results in managing the emotional balance of the individual/couple and reducing the risk of psychopathology.
Conclusions: Research highlights the beneficial effects of psychological interventions on reducing levels of stress related to infertility, anxiety and depressive symptoms and on improving the quality of life and couple dynamic
Peculiarities of superiority and inferiority complexes of Ukrainians
Get PDFIntroduction: The central concept of the Adlerian theory of personality is the feeling of inferiority, which main function is to activate compensatory processes that make a person want to improve, grow and overcome their perceived weakness (Adler, 1989). The evidence of such processes is the life choices of people in the sphere of education and occupation.
Purpose: The main purpose of the present work is to highlight the study results of inferiority and superiority complexes peculiarities of Ukrainians, their relation to the education and occupation choices.
Methodology: The study sample included 449 subjects (282 females, 168 male) between 17 and 85 years old (M=32,96, SD = 13.299). Subjects were recruited from the general population by students who participated in the data collection. Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous. Inferiority and superiority complexes were assessed using Adlerian inferiority (COMPIN) and superiority (SUCOMP) complex shortened scales (?ekrlija et al., 2017); socio-demographic variables such as gender, age, education and occupation were included.
Results: Results show that approximately 70% of respondents have an average level of inferiority and superiority complexes. There is no significant correlation between the mentioned complexes and gender, but there is a negative correlation between the inferiority complex and age (r=.187). The younger Ukrainians are the more intensive inferiority complex they have. Occupation correlates negatively with the inferiority complex (r=.-120) and positively with the superiority complex (r=. 119). The more intensive superiority complex is, the higher positions occupy the respondents. Only inferiority complex correlates negatively with a level of education (r=.-160). People with higher education have less intensive inferiority complex.
Conclusion: In sum, it is peculiar to Ukrainians to overcome inferiority complex with age. The intensity of their inferiority and superiority complexes doesn’t depend on gender. Ukrainians who occupy the high positions have a lower inferiority complex and higher superiority complex. People with low educational level have inferiority complex propensit
Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI): Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Ukrainian version
Get PDFIntroduction: Music performance anxiety (MPA) is one of the most common psychological problems among musicians, regardless of their age, gender or level of stage experience. Since empirical studies of this subject are just emerging in Ukraine, there is a lack of psychometrically valid instruments for measuring it. Many specific instruments are available to evaluate MPA in English, but they have to be adapted for the Ukrainian population. One of such significant psychodiagnostic tools is the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI) used for different cultural contexts.
Purpose: The aim of this research is to study the factor structure of the Ukrainian version of K-MPAI.
Methodology: In order to assess the K-MPAI’s linguistic and conceptual equivalence, the questionnaire was translated using blind back-translation method. Thereafter, the sample of 252 professional musicians (aged 19–66, M = 38, SD = 11.24; 59% women and 41% men) completed the K-MPAI.
Results: An exploratory factor analysis with principal axis factoring and oblimin rotation method was performed based on the K-MPAI items. The optimal implementation of parallel analysis revealed three factors that explain 44.99 % of variance; they are named “proximal performance concerns”, “early relationship context”, and “psychological vulnerability”. The internal consistency of the Ukrainian version of K-?PAI presents excellent value with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.871 and high temporal stability (r = .84; p<0.001).
Discussion & Conclusions: These findings demonstrate evidence of construct validity and reliability of the Ukrainian version of K-MPAI and partially support the theoretical model that became the basis for the development of the original measure. This questionnaire can be used as a valid tool to assess MPA in Ukrainian scientific researc