Ahmad Rayan

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on quality of life and positive reappraisal coping among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND Previous research has supported mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to enhance quality of life (QOL) in different populations, but no studies have been found to examine the effectiveness of MBIs on QOL among parents of children with ASD. AIM The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of brief MBI on perceived QOL and positive stress reappraisal (PSR) among parents of children with ASD. METHODS A quasi-experimental, with nonequivalent control group design was used. One hundred and four parents of children with ASD were equally assigned to the intervention and control groups. The study groups were matched on measures of their gender and age, and level of severity of ASD in children. The intervention group participated in MBI program for 5 weeks, while the control group had not attended the program. RESULTS After the intervention program, results of paired samples t-test indicated that parents in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in measures of psychological health domain of QOL, social health domain of QOL, mindfulness, and positive stress reappraisal with medium to large effect size (P<0.01). The control group demonstrated improvement in measures of the dependent variables with small effect size. CONCLUSION MBI is culturally adaptable, acceptable, and effective method to improve QOL and PSR in parents of children with ASD.

Internet Use among University Students in South West Bank: Prevalence, Advantages and Disadvantages, and Association with Psychological Health

University students are frequently using the Internet for educational purposes and for other purposes. Recently, there is a debate on advantages and disadvantages of Internet use and its effects on the students’ psychological health. This study examines the prevalence of Internet use, its advantages and disadvantages, and its relationship with the psychological health of university students in the southern part of the West Bank. Mixed methods employing sequential exploratory design were used. Three focused groups were included to inform the development of the cross-sectional survey. Then, a convenience sample of 144 students from three universities in the south West Bank completed the survey. The results revealed that 96 % of university students reported using the Internet. Different advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet among students were emphasized. A high rate of Internet use was associated with students’ poor psychological health. Internet use has negative and positive educational, social and psychological consequences for students. However, advantages of Internet use were shown to be more than its disadvantages.

Psychological Distress in Jordanian Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Positive Reappraisal Coping

Background Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently report poor psychological well‐being. Positive reappraisal coping (PRC) is a coping strategy which offers a protective effect from anxiety and depression. However, the association between PRC and the psychological distress in parents of children with ASD has yet to be established. Aim This study examines the association between PRC and the psychological distress in parents of children with ASD. Method In this descriptive correlational study, 104 parents of children with ASD completed measures of psychological distress and PRC. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the association between PRC and the psychological distress in parents after controlling the influence of parental age and gender. Results The PRC was associated with the psychological distress in parents above and beyond the variance accounted for by parental age and gender. After controlling for parental age and gender, PRC had significant negative correlation with the levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in parents (Anxiety: &bgr; = −0.36, p < 0.001; Stress: &bgr; = −0.21, p = 0.03; Depression: &bgr; = − 0.37, p < 0.001). Conclusion Using positive reappraisal coping strategy may help to reduce psychological distress in parents of children with ASD.

The Correlates of Quality of Life Among Jordanian Patients With Schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND:Addressing the quality of life (QOL) of patients with schizophrenia is of special importance in the Arab world, where little knowledge is available about their well-being, and most of them experience stigma and living in poverty. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of sociodemographic characteristics, severity of depressive symptoms, and various aspects of public stigma against mental illness, with QOL among Jordanian patients with schizophrenia. METHOD: In this descriptive correlational study, 160 Jordanian outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia completed measures of demographic characteristics, perceived public stigma against mental illness, severity of depression, and QOL. RESULTS: Participants had poor QOL. Age, marital status, relapse, education level, stigma against mental illness, and severity of depression were significantly associated with QOL among Jordanian patients with schizophrenia. Data analysis revealed that the severity of depression accounted for an additional 27% of the variance above and beyond the 36.7% accounted for by age of the participants and perceived public stigma against mental illness. CONCLUSIONS: Health care professionals should develop culturally competent nursing practice considering the specific factors associated with QOL among Arab patients with schizophrenia.

The correlates of stigma toward mental illness among Jordanian patients with major depressive disorder

AIM This study aims to assess the correlates of stigma toward mental illness among patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS One hundred and sixty one Jordanian outpatients suffering from MDD completed the study. Participants completed the demographic questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies for the intensity of depression, and the Devaluation-Discrimination Scale to assess stigma. RESULTS Participants reported a moderate level of perceived stigma toward mental illness. Age, perceived pain, the number of relapses, and severity of depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with stigma toward mental illness among the study sample. The severity of depressive symptoms was the strongest correlate of stigma toward mental illness. CONCLUSIONS Factors associated with stigma toward mental illness should be carefully considered when implementing anti-stigma programs for patients.

Mindfulness-Based Intervention: A Culturally Adaptable Intervention In Clinical Psychology

Mindfulness is defined as nonjudgmental acceptance and paying attention in specific way to current thoughts and emotions. The concept of mindfulness is directly inspired by the Buddhist tradition, but it is not considered a religious practice. It is also not constrained to the Buddhist tradition. Mindfulness-based interventions were derived from the concept of mindfulness and were reported to be effective in relieving pain and alleviating anxiety and depression in different population. Recently, most studies about mindfulness were reported from Westen literature, and little evience was available regarding using mindfulness in Arab population. As I was a psychiatric nurse, my publications focused on the advanced roles of nurses [1]. I also was very interested in mental illness and stigma toward mental illness in the Arab population [2]. In March 2015, I adapted mindfulness-based interventions to support Arab parents of children with autism. Arab parents of children with autism were targeted because they report high stress level [3].

Psychological Distress in Jordanian Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Trait Mindfulness

AIM This study examines the role of mindfulness in predicting psychological distress in Arab parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD In this descriptive study, parents of 104 children with ASD completed measures of psychological distress and mindfulness. The severity of autism in children was measured using the DSM-V criteria. RESULTS After controlling for parental age and gender and the severity level of ASD, mindfulness was significantly associated with the levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in parents (anxiety: β = 0.49, p < .001; stress: β = 0.55, p < .001; depression: β = 0.53, p < .001). CONCLUSION Mindfulness-based intervention may help to reduce psychological distress in Arab parents of children with ASD.

Stress, Workplace Violence, and Burnout in Nurses Working in King Abdullah Medical City During Al-Hajj Season

ABSTRACT Background: The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the largest mass gatherings in the world, is associated with various challenges for nurses. One of these challenges is increased levels of workplace violence. Therefore, handling and mitigating workplace violence against nurses during Hajj, when nurses face a higher risk of violence and most experience stress and burnout, is of particular importance. Purpose: The aims of this study were to identify the types and sources of workplace violence, examine the relationship between burnout in nurses and the variables of stress and workplace violence, and identify from the perspective of nurses measures to effectively handle and mitigate these issues during Hajj season. Methods: This study used a descriptive correlational design. A convenience sample of 118 nurses completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the modified version of the Joint Programme on Workplace Violence in the Health Sector published by the International Labour Office in Geneva. Data analysis was done using an independent samples t test and Pearson product–moment correlation. Results: One hundred eighteen nurses completed the study. Over two thirds (65%) were female, and 56% reported experiencing at least one type of violence, of which bullying/mobbing, racial harassment, threats, and physical violence accounted for 61%, 15%, 12%, and 12%, respectively. Nurse managers displayed violent behaviors against 54% of the participants. Participants reported high levels of stress and burnout. A positive relationship was found between stress and emotional exhaustion (r = .387, p < .01). Providing effective security measures and staff training regarding how to deal with violence at the workplace were the main measures identified to help reduce workplace violence. Conclusions: Providing effective security measures and tailored intervention programs addressing how to deal with violence in the workplace may enable nurses to handle violent behaviors more effectively.

The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Conflict Management Styles Used by Jordanian Nurse Managers

BACKGROUND Emotional intelligence can help managers to effectively deal with conflicts in the workplace. However, the correlation between conflict management styles and emotional intelligence has not been fully conceptualized. AIM To examine the impact of demographic variables and emotional intelligence on conflict management styles among nurse managers from Jordan. METHOD A descriptive correlational design was used. A sample of 248 nurse managers completed the study. RESULTS The integrating style was the most commonly used style among Jordanian nursing managers, while the least frequently used style was the dominating style. Conflict management styles significantly differed according to hospital type and years of experience. There were significant relationships between emotional intelligence and conflict management styles, but the direction of this relationship is not fully consistent with previous literature. CONCLUSION Educating nursing managers about emotional intelligence may improve their abilities to manage conflicts in the workplace. However, cultural factors might have a role in determining the conflict management style used by managers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT An analysis of the relationship between emotional intelligence and conflict management styles can assist management in initiating a tailor-training program to improve abilities to manage conflict.

Health Related Quality of Life Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness

Background Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is associated with poor quality of life (QOL). Individuals suffering from MS must make multiple adjustments as their condition changes. To date, little is known about the role of psychosocial adjustment in improving QOL of patients with MS. Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between psychosocial adjustment and HRQOL controlling for demographic variables among patients with MS. Methods This study used a descriptive‐correlational design. A sample of 160 patients from two hospitals participated in the study. Self‐reported data were collected using the demographic survey, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life (MSQoL‐54) tool and Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale–Self Report (PAIS‐SR). Results Participants reported poor QOL and difficulty with psychosocial adjustment. The QOL and psychosocial adjustment were correlated with various demographic variables. After controlling for demographic variables, psychosocial adjustment explained a large variance in the mental health composite of QOL (r square change = 44%) and the physical health composite of QOL = (r square change = 38%). Conclusion Psychosocial care could play a vital role in improving quality of life among MS patients. HighlightsMultiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with various physical and psychosocial impairments.To date, little is known about the role of psychosocial adjustment in improving QOL of patients with MS.In the current study, psychosocial adjustment explained a large variance in health related QOL.Psychosocial care could play a vital role in improving quality of life among MS patients.