Lilian Velasco

Can We Learn to Treat One Another Better? A Test of a Social Intelligence Curriculum.

This paper reports on the first test of the value of an online curriculum in social intelligence (SI). Built from current social and cognitive neuroscience research findings, the 50 session SI program was administered, with facilitation in Spanish by classroom instructors, to 207 students from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid as part of their undergraduate classes. All materials were translated into Castilian Spanish, including outcome measures of SI that have been used in prior studies to provide valid estimates of two key components of social intelligence: 1) Sensitivity to others and 2) confidence in one’s capacity to manage social situations. Pre- and Posttest were administered to participants in the SI training, and also to 87 students in similar classes who did not receive the program who served as the control group. Gender and emotional intelligence levels at pretest also were examined as potential individual differences that might affect the impact of the program on study outcomes. Repeated measures ANOVAs on study outcomes revealed significant increases, from pre to post, in most measures of social intelligence for program participants in comparison to controls, with no effects of gender or age on program effectiveness. Prior scores on emotional intelligence were not a prerequisite for learning from the program. Some findings suggest ways the program may be improved to have stronger effects. Nonetheless, the findings indicate that the SI program tested here shows considerable promise as a means to increase the willingness of young adults to take the perspective of others and enhance their efficacy for initiating and sustaining positive social connections.

Erratum to: To walk or not to walk: insights from a qualitative description study with women suffering from fibromyalgia

Walking improves health outcomes in fibromyalgia; however, there is low adherence to this practice. The aim of this research was to explore the beliefs of women suffering from fibromyalgia toward walking, and the meaning that they attribute to the behavior of walking as part of their fibromyalgia treatment. This study is a qualitative description research. Forty-six (46) women suffering from fibromyalgia and associated with local fibromyalgia associations located in four different Spanish cities (Elche, Alicante, Madrid, and Talavera de la Reina) participated in focus group discussions in the summer 2012. Thematic content analysis was performed in transcribed verbatim from interviews. Participants perceived several inhibitors for walking even when they had positive beliefs toward its therapeutic value. Whereas participants believed that walking can generate improvement in their disease and their health in general, they did not feel able to actually do so given their many physical impediments. Furthermore, participants struggled with social isolation and stigma, which was lessened through the conscious support of family. Advice from family doctors was also a very important facilitator to participants. In a health care delivery context that favors person-centered care, and in order to foster adherence to walking-based fibromyalgia treatments, it is recommended that therapeutic walking programs be tailored to each woman’ individual circumstances, and developed in close collaboration with them to help them increase control over their health and their condition.

Healthcare Provider Advice to Engage in Walking Regimens and Adherence in Women With Fibromyalgia

Purpose The aim of the study was to analyze the profile of fibromyalgia patients receiving medical advice to walk and who complied with the advice according to a specific clinical pattern. A further aim has been to analyze the elements that increase adherence to walking. Design A cross-sectional study with 920 women with fibromyalgia. Methods Sociodemographic and clinical variables, walking behavior, and medical advice to walk were assessed. Findings and Conclusions Patients who adhere to walking have a lower likelihood of being tired. Regular walkers (patients who walk according to a specific clinical pattern) have a lower likelihood of comorbidity. Patients who receive medical advice to walk are more likely to walk more than 30 minutes and to take a break between bouts. Clinical Relevance Nurses caring for people with fibromyalgia should include strategies to promote walking, especially in patients with low adherence profiles, paying attention to all elements of behavior.

Walking Beliefs in Women With Fibromyalgia: Clinical Profile and Impact on Walking Behavior:

Although exercise is essential for the treatment of fibromyalgia, adherence is low. Walking, as a form of physical exercise, has significant advantages. The aim of this article is to describe, in 920 women with fibromyalgia, the prevalence of certain walking beliefs and analyze their effects both on the walking behavior itself and on the associated symptoms when patients walk according to a clinically recommended way. The results highlight the high prevalence of beliefs related to pain and fatigue as walking-inhibitors. In the whole sample, beliefs are associated with an increased perception that comorbidity prevents walking, and with higher levels of pain and fatigue. In patients who walk regularly, beliefs are only associated with the perception that comorbidity prevents them from walking. It is necessary to promote walking according to the established way (including breaks to prevent fatigue) and to implement interventions on the most prevalent beliefs that inhibit walking.

Influence of Cognitive and Affective Variables in Stress, Functional Limitation and Symptoms in Fibromyalgia

The clinical manifestations of Fibromyalgia (FM) have invited extensive inquiry into the potential role of psychological factors associated with this condition (Alegre et al., 2010; Wolfe, et al., 1990). Widespread pain and limitations in physical functioning characterize this condition, and a number of studies have shown that such symptoms are accompanied by considerable psychological distress (Affleck et al., 1996; Esteve-Vives et al., 2010). Some researchers have proposed, however, that deficits in positive affect and cognitions characterize the unique adaptation difficulties of FM patients better than measures of vulnerability (Davis, Zautra, & Smith, 2004; Zautra et al., 2005). Chronic pain disorders are a source of stress for the patient and demand constant efforts of adaptation. In this context, numerous studies have identified patients perceptions of control as significant predictor of health outcomes in chronic pain samples in general and in FMS in particular (Arnstein et al., 1999; Besteiro et al., 2008; Buckelew et al., 1994; Oliver and Cronan, 2005; Wallston, 1989). This perception of control beliefs includes two different constructs: selfefficacy beliefs and locus of control. Both, previously defined as stress modulator variables, have in common to make up mechanisms that involve a sense of control. Self-efficacy levels in people living with FM have been shown to predict psychological and physical well-being (e.g. Culos-Reed & Brawley, 2003), and individuals with lower selfefficacy show limitations in their ability to perform everyday tasks required or adaptation to FM. On the other hand, higher levels of pain self-efficacy has been related with better improvement on treatment (Buckelew et al., 1996; Martin et al., 1996; Schachter et al., 2003; Wells-Federman et al., 2003), higher satisfaction levels (Serber et al., 2003), lower pain intensity, less associated symptoms, less functional limitation and psychological distress (Buckelew et al., 1995; Martin-Aragon et al., 2001; Menzies et al., 2006; Miro, 1994; Oliver & Cronan, 2002). Also, self-efficacy is a predictor of physical activity in FM patients (CulosReed & Brawley, 2003; Culos-Reed, 2001) and has also been related to a better stress/recovery balance, increasing satisfactory experiences and the involvement in social activities (Gonzalez-Gutierrez et al., 2009). Another perception of control variable that has been studied in FM is locus of control. It seems that FM patients present a more external locus of control (belief that the course of their illness