Testing social-cognitive mediators for objective estimates of physical activity from the Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes in Primary Care Networks (HEALD-PCN) study

Objective: More evidence from prospective studies is needed to determine ‘if’ and ‘how’ social cognitive constructs mediate behaviour change. In a longitudinal study, we aimed to examine potential social cognitive mediators of objectively measured physical activity (PA) behaviour among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who participated in a six-month PA intervention. Methods: All participants from the proven effective Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes in Primary Care Networks trial were included for this secondary analysis. Change in pedometer-derived daily step counts (baseline to six months) was the outcome of interest. Primary constructs of interest were from Social Cognitive Theory, however constructs from and Theory of Planned Behaviour were also tested in a mediating variable framework using a product-of-coefficients test. Results: The sample (N = 198) had a mean age of 59.5 (SD 8.3) years, haemoglobin A1c 6.8% (SD 1.1), 50% women, BMI 33.6 kg/m² (SD 6.5), systolic pressure 125.6 mmHg (SD 16.2) and average daily steps were 5879 (SD 3130). Daily pedometer-determined steps increased for the intervention group compared to usual care control at six-months (1481 [SD 2631] vs. 336 [SD 2712]; adjusted p = .002). There was a significant action theory test effect for ‘planning’ (A = .21, SE = .10, p = .037), and significant conceptual theory test results for ‘subjective norms’ (B = 657, SE = 312, p = .037) and ‘cons’ (B = ?664, SE = 270, p = .015). None of the constructs satisfied the criteria for mediation. Conclusions: We were unable to account for the effect of a pedometer-based PA intervention for people with T2D through our examination of mediators. Our findings are inconsistent with some literature concerning PA interventions in diabetes; this may be due to variability in measures used or in study populations.     

Relationships of Contextual Factors and Personal Identity to Externalizing Problem Behavior Among Iranian Early Adolescents

In the present study, we evaluated a model of relations among contextual factors (family, school, and peer group), personal identity (i.e., coherence and confusion), and problem behavior among Iranian adolescents. The sample consisted of 765 Iranian adolescents and 615 primary caregivers. Results indicated that family functioning (adolescent report) was related to adolescent problem behavior (a) directly and (b) indirectly through identity confusion. Peer support on the other hand was solely indirectly related to adolescent problem behavior through identity confusion. School functioning was also significantly and negatively related to adolescent problem behavior. The present findings suggest that identity and contextual factors play important roles in steering Iranian adolescents toward or away from behavior problems. Implications for further research are discussed.     

家庭收入与青少年睡眠质量的关系:歧视知觉、自尊的链式中介作用

本研究探讨家庭收入与青少年睡眠质量的关系以及歧视知觉、自尊在其中的中介作用。采用家庭收入问卷、歧视知觉问卷、Rosenberg自尊量表(SES)与匹兹堡睡眠质量指数(PSQI)对广东省某地区两所中学1053名青少年进行匿名施测。结果发现:(1)以PSQI得分≥8作为睡眠问题的参考界值,青少年睡眠问题的检出率为15.60%;(2)歧视知觉、自尊在家庭收入与青少年睡眠质量关系中起链式中介作用。因此,家庭收入既直接影响青少年的睡眠质量,又通过歧视知觉、自尊的链式中介作用影响青少年的睡眠质量。     

Resilience and quality of life among empty nesters in China: the mediating role of the source of support

Abstract

This study aims to explore the correlations among resilience, social support, and quality of life (QOL) in empty nesters to comprehend whether various sources of social support indirectly affected the correlation between resilience and QOL. We used hierarchical multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling method in this study. Resilience and support from both family members and friends significantly correlated with the QOL. Besides, both types of support played vital roles in the mediating effects on the correlation between resilience and QOL among empty nesters residing in China. Hence, the hypothesis proposed was confirmed partially. Furthermore, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of overall mental and physical health among empty nesters.     

Relational and psychological mediators of change in low‐income couples' perceived health

Experimental tests of the association between relationship functioning and physical health are limited. Although associations are hypothesized to be partially mediated through improved psychological functioning, tests are mostly limited to lab‐based studies. The present study evaluated relational and psychological mediators of change in perceived health in a sample of 742 low‐income couples (1,484 individuals) who participated in a randomized controlled trial of two online relationship education programs and a waitlist control group. Results partially supported the Strengths and Strains Model of Relationships and Physical Health. Relationship functioning and some psychological functioning were mediators of change in perceived health. Future research is needed to understand how relationship functioning improved perceived health through mediators other than psychological functioning tested here.     

Saying and doing: A commentary on a contingency-space analysis

This article addresses the contingency-space analysis (Matthews, Shimoff, & Catania, 1987) of the verbal regulation of behavior. From an applied perspective, the conceptualization of the relationship between saying and doing Matthews et al. present may be more complex than is necessary. The central issue in correspondence investigations is a simple one: does correspondence between what people say and what they do occur? The focus of this paper is on the applied and clinical importance of the relationship between verbalizations and relevant behavior and the implications for future research.     

Parent Alienation Syndrome: A Two Step Approach Toward a Solution

This paper deals with the steps involved in mediation before or while legal action and the courts intervene to force a solution by law to often tragic, acrimonious human interaction between former partners. Professionals such as qualified psychologists or psychiatrists should be able to offer a full course of mediation before partners begin divorce proceedings or decisions regarding the placement of children with one party or the other. A 10-year study involving 16 cases provides evidence that the initial use of mediation may well be superior to the initial use of the adversarial system on its own.     

Clinical Ethics: Theory Or Practice?

This article starts with a brief historical account of the ongoing debate about the status of clinical ethics: theory of practice. The author goes on to argue that clinical ethics is best understood as a practice. However, its practicality should not be measured by the extent to which clinical-ethical consultants manage to mediate or negotiate resolutions to ethical conflicts. Rather, clinical ethics is practical because it is characterized by a profound concern for the well-being of individual patients as well as the moral parameters of swift and urgent medical action in the face of limited supportive information.     

大学生社会支持对睡眠质量的影响：多重中介模型的检验

以360名大学生为被试,采用匹兹堡睡眠质量指数量表、领悟社会支持量表、担忧问卷以及状态焦虑量表,考察了担忧、焦虑在社会支持和睡眠质量关系之间的多重中介作用。结果表明,复合式多重中介模型能够较好地解释焦虑和担忧在社会支持与睡眠质量之间所起的中介作用。     

真实型领导对教师知识分享行为的影响:组织支持感的中介和调节作用*

为了探讨真实型领导、组织支持感和教师知识分享行为的关系,对330个有效教师样本进行研究。结果发现:(1)真实型领导对教师的知识分享行为具有显著的预测作用(β=0.494,p<0.001)。(2)组织支持感在两者之间具有部分中介作用,间接效应占总效应的44.8%。(3)组织支持感在真实型领导的下属导向、领导特质、诚实不欺和正直无私与知识分享行为的关系中起调节作用,但在循规蹈矩与知识分享行为的关系中的调节作用不显著。