Model of Occupational Empowerment and Gunnarsson’s Tree Theme: Intervention for Mothers in Recovery

In this study the authors investigated Gunnarsson's Tree Theme Method as an occupational therapy intervention program for mothers in recovery from addiction in accordance with Fisher and Hotchkiss's Model of Occupational Empowerment (2008 Fisher , G. , &; Hotchkiss , A. ( 2008 ). A model of occupational empowerment for marginalized populations in community environments . Occupational Therapy in Health Care , 22 , 55 – 71 . Retrieved from EBSCOhost .[Crossref] , [Google Scholar]). Each session of this mixed design study consisted of relaxation exercises, discussions on self-help readings, and participation in the Tree Theme Method. Two participants out of three improved their personal growth initiative. Participant reflection provided insight into the women's inner feelings. Fisher and Hotchkiss's model (2008 Fisher , G. , &; Hotchkiss , A. ( 2008 ). A model of occupational empowerment for marginalized populations in community environments . Occupational Therapy in Health Care , 22 , 55 – 71 . Retrieved from EBSCOhost .[Crossref] , [Google Scholar]) was supported as the women achieved personal growth. Further research is needed concerning how this may guide occupational therapy practice with disadvantaged populations.     

The effectiveness of a joint mother–daughter sexual health program for Latina early adolescents

A culturally and cognitively adapted joint mother–daughter sexual health and HIV transmission curriculum was implemented for 96 Latina early adolescents and their mothers (48 mother–daughter dyads). Pretest and posttest surveys, interviews, and observations of participants' conversations about AIDS were used to assess program effectiveness in increasing knowledge and communication about sexuality and HIV transmission, and fostering daughters' positive attitudes toward using condoms in the future. At posttest, mothers and daughters reported an increase in the frequency of home communication about sexual topics and openness in general communication. Systematic observational analysis of videotaped mother–daughter conversations about AIDS revealed that, compared to the pretest, daughters were more engaged in posttest conversations as evidenced by an increase in their spontaneous sharing of information about HIV transmission and their offering of opinions. In addition, the posttest conversations focused on a broader discussion of HIV transmission risk behavior including condom use as a protective measure. Mothers who knew more about HIV transmission at posttest, and who reported more openness in general communication with daughters at posttest, asked their daughters more questions in the conversations about what they had learned in the program. Daughters who contributed more information and opinions to the posttest conversations, who were more knowledgeable about HIV transmission at posttest, and who reported more home communication about sexual topics in the posttest, also reported more positive attitudes toward using condoms in the future.     

Anxiety Disorders in Late Life: Considerations for Assessment and Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment

Anxiety disorders are among the most frequently diagnosed mental disorders in late life. As older adults comprise a growing segment of the population, evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorders in late life have come into sharper focus. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders in late life has received less empirical attention and widespread dissemination relative to other age groups. Increasing older adults’ access to timely assessment and effective treatment can help reduce the personal and societal costs of anxiety disorders. The purpose of this review paper is to discuss important considerations for the assessment of anxiety disorders in older adults and offer adaptations to CBT treatment for this population. As part of assessment considerations, we discuss how physical health conditions, cognitive impairment, and functional limitations can impact anxiety disorder diagnoses with older adults. We also outline validated self-report measures of anxiety disorder symptoms for older adults and highlight the importance of assessing older adults’ suitability for CBT. Several recommendations for adapting CBT protocols for older adults with anxiety disorders are described, such as extending psychoeducation, altered treatment pacing, use of content aids, and medical contraindications for interoceptive exposure. A case study is included that illustrates helpful assessment and treatment adaptions for an older woman with panic disorder. We highlight the pressing need to increase research and dissemination of CBT for anxiety disorders for older adults to meet the needs of an increasing segment of the population worldwide.     

Longitudinal Study on the Relationships between Organizational Factors and Autonomous and Controlled Motivation among Older Japanese Bridge Employees1

Longitudinal relationships between organizational factors and autonomous and controlled motivation among older Japanese bridge employees were investigated. The study sample consisted of 331 older people working in bridge employment at the same organizations where they worked before retirement (M_age = 63.45 years, SD = 3.28 years). Data were taken at two time points 10 months apart. Multiple regression analysis indicated that organizational justice predicted autonomous motivation at Time 2, after controlling for demographic variables and autonomous motivation at Time 1, whereas organizational justice did not predict controlled motivation. Moreover, support from coworkers positively predicted autonomous motivation and negatively predicted controlled motivation at Time 2. These results indicate that optimal organizational environments might promote autonomous motivation and reduce controlled motivation among older workers. It is suggested that organizations develop environments where older workers can receive fair evaluations from their superiors and close relationships with their coworkers.     

The Eating Disorders Inventory Among Asian American College Women

Abstract

The authors examined the effects of social support and self-control in a representative sample of 300 older adults in high-density households in an urban area of Agra City, India. The authors administered the Social Support Questionnaire (I. G. Sarason, H. M. Levine, R. B. Basham, &; B. R. Sarason, 1983) and the Self-Control Schedule (M. Rosenbaum, 1980) to form a 2 (age group: young-old vs. old-old) × 2 (social support: high vs. low) × 2 (self-control: high vs. low) factorial design. Scores on the Life Attitude Profile (G. T. Recker &; E. J. Peacock, 1981) and the Perceived Control Scale (P. Nayyar, 1993) were the dependent variables. The authors hypothesized that social support and self-control would act as moderators for a more positive attitude toward life and increased perceived control. The results supported the predictions: Social support and self-control in interaction with age reduced the crowding stress of high density and enhanced the older participants' perceived control and positive attitudes toward life.     

Mothers of Children with Complex Trauma: Occupations Viewed through Photovoice

Abstract

Research in complex trauma has focused on the experiences of children, with less written about their non-offending parents’ occupations. This study utilized photovoice to explore occupations of six mothers of children with complex trauma. Mothers related great difficulty considering their own experiences, rather than their children’s, as they took photos, attended group meetings, and wrote narratives about their photos. Data were analyzed with a modified framework analysis. Themes reflected unrelenting responsibilities for others, identity and aspiration, transformation and empowerment, and belonging within supportive communities. Mothers described their growth and the value of their study participation and they recommended future actions.     

Homeless mothers: is there a relationship between coping strategies,mental health and goal achievement?

This study examined the relationship between coping, mental health and goal achievement among homeless mothers. Seventy-two women took part and 44 were re-interviewed 4 months later. The Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES) were used to identify their coping strategies at the time of homelessness; the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) measured mental health problems; and a semi-structured questionnaire identified their goals. Outcome measures at follow-up were goal achievement and mental health. A variety of coping strategies were used, with some differences ascertained according to reason for homelessness and age of respondent. Lower use of problem-focussed coping was associated with poorer mental health at the time of homelessness. Mental health problems improved over time, but levels of psychopathology remained high at follow-up. Most women had achieved their primary goal of resettlement, and this was associated with use of problem-focussed coping. Lower use of problem-focussed coping, in particular, acquiring social support, was associated with continuation of mental health problems at follow-up, however the greatest predictor of mental health at follow-up was mental health status whilst homeless. Despite exposure to major stressors and poor mental health, mothers experiencing homelessness can maintain their ability to cope effectively, in order to achieve their goals. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Are self-perceptions of ageing modifiable? Examination of an exercise programme with vs. without a self-perceptions of ageing-intervention for older adults

Objective: Longitudinal studies have consistently shown beneficial effects of positive self-perceptions of ageing (SPA) on health. However, SPA are more often negative than positive, particularly in older adults. For this reason, the present study tested the effectiveness of an intervention to promote more positive SPA in the context of an exercise programme for older adults.

Design: Eighty-four community-dwelling older adults (66-88 years; M(SD)=76.8(5.29)) were randomly assigned to a group-based exercise programme over 12 weeks with (n?=?46) or without (n?=?38) a psychological intervention to change SPA, consisting of four intervention units over the programme period.

Main Outcome Measures: A gain- and a loss-related domain of SPA were assessed at baseline, after the first half of the programme, directly after the programme and in a follow-up four weeks later.

Results: Latent change score models showed an improvement of participants’ SPA in the intervention group in both SPA domains after the programme, whereas SPA did not change in the control group. Both groups showed an improvement in physical performance, however, only the IG showed additional improvements in mental health.

Conclusion: The implementation of an SPA intervention is a promising approach in regular health promotion programmes for older adults.     

Girls’ perceptions of their mothers at work and home: Warm does not mean weak

Upper elementary school girls were surveyed about their mothers’ and fathers’ warmth, competence, and agency at home and how they imagine their parents at work. Mothers’ warmth at home was positively correlated with perceived competence and agency both at home and at work. Differences between daughters’ perceptions of their mothers and fathers at work are discussed.