Natalia Sira

Secondary traumatization in pediatric healthcare providers: compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress.

The primary aim for this research was to explore the overlap and differences between the concepts related to secondary traumatization: posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), secondary traumatic stress (STS), compassion fatigue (CF), and burnout (BRN). A secondary aim for this research was to examine the impact of secondary traumatization and some of the personal and professional elements that affect how pediatric healthcare providers experience PTSD, STS, CF, and BRN. An online survey was sent via e-mail to numerous list serves for healthcare providers who had worked on PICU, NICU, or PEDS units within the last year. The analyses revealed that a significant overlap existed between the terms of STS, PTSD, BRN, CS, and CF for PICU, NICU, and PEDS providers. However, a hierarchical linear regression revealed a significant amount of unique contributions to the variance in CF based on each of the measured concepts. Despite previous literature that indicates that the terms STS and CF can be used interchangeably, the two most prominent measures utilized in the assessment of CF and STS are actually capturing at least some unique elements. Given these results, future researchers should examine and conceptualize the difference in etiology, prevalence, symptoms, and treatment efficacy for CF and STS as separate but related entities and then return their focus to understanding secondary traumatization in healthcare providers.

Individual and Familial Correlates of Body Satisfaction in Male and Female College Students.

Abstract Objective: This study investigates the relative contributions of global self-esteem, body mass index (BMI), dieting behaviors, and perceived parental control and care on body satisfaction among a nonclinical sample of college students. Participants and Methods: Participants (49 males and 299 females) reported weight and height (to calculate BMI) and completed the EAT 26 test. Perceived parental care and control, global self-esteem, and body satisfaction were measured and examined in relation to BMI and dieting behavior. Results: High BMIs were associated with lower body satisfaction for both genders; dieting behavior, self-esteem, and perceived parental care and control demonstrated a unique gender-specific association among variables in prediction of body satisfaction and dieting behavior for each gender. Conclusions: Body satisfaction as a part of global self-esteem is constructed differently by males and females. Various aspects of parenting (care and control) are associated with self-esteem and body satisfaction for each gender, influencing dieting behavior.

Gender Differences in Body Satisfaction: An Examination of Familial and Individual Level Variables

This study investigated gender differences in body satisfaction in college students. Participants (195 males and 340 females) self-reported weight and height (in order to calculate BMI). In addition, attachment (to mother and father), dieting behaviors, perceived parental control, global self-worth, and body satisfaction were measured and examined in relation to satisfaction with ones body. Lower BMIs were associated with a higher degree of body satisfaction and higher self-worth scores among females, but male scores were not related to BMI. Regression analysis revealed that psychological correlates, such as attachment to mother and father, parental control, and eating attitudes demonstrated a unique association among variables in prediction of body satisfaction for each gender. Implications for clinicians and researchers are discussed.

Following Bariatric Surgery: an Exploration of the Couples’ Experience

BackgroundBariatric surgery is the most effective intervention for morbid obesity, resulting in substantial weight loss and the resolution of co-morbid conditions. It is not clear what impact bariatric surgery and the subsequent life-style changes have on patients’ couple relationships. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the lived experience of couples after one member of the couple underwent bariatric surgery.MethodsThis study utilized a phenomenological approach of semi-structured interviews of the couples jointly (n = 10 couples). Colaizzi’s method of analysis for phenomenological studies was utilized to elucidate the central themes and distill the essence of the participants’ experience.ResultsAll of the couples felt their post-operative success was due to a joint effort on both members of the couples’ part. The participant couples described the following five emerging thematic experiences: (a) changes in physical health, (b) changes in emotional health, (c) changes in eating habits, (d) greater intimacy in the relationship, and (e) the joint journey.ConclusionsThis research provides greater insight into the experience of the couple than has been previously reported. The use of qualitative research techniques offer new approaches to examine the biopsychosocial outcomes and needs of bariatric surgery patients. Further research is warranted in order to develop culturally appropriate interventions to improve the patient’s surgical and biopsychosocial outcomes.

Family-Centered Developmentally Supportive Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Exploring the Role and Training of Child Life Specialists

Child life specialists provide family-centered, developmentally supportive care for infants in the NICU. However, there is limited research concerning this role. Using an online survey, this study explores child life specialists’ responsibilities in the NICU, training received for this work, and perception of team integration. Results indicate the top three tasks performed were sibling support, palliative care/bereavement support, and family education. Developmental care tasks were ranked foremost for time prioritization. Training regarding NICU role was achieved through assorted methods. Less than half respondents felt integrated with the interdisciplinary team. Recommendations for specialized training and research implications are outlined.

Exploring the Phenomenon of Spiritual Care Between Hospital Chaplains and Hospital Based Healthcare Providers

Hospital chaplaincy and spiritual care services are important to patients’ medical care and well-being; however, little is known about healthcare providers’ experiences receiving spiritual support. A phenomenological study examined the shared experience of spiritual care between hospital chaplains and hospital-based healthcare providers (HBHPs). Six distinct themes emerged from the in-depth interviews: Awareness of chaplain availability, chaplains focus on building relationships with providers and staff, chaplains are integrated in varying degrees on certain hospital units, chaplains meet providers’ personal and professional needs, providers appreciate chaplains, and barriers to expanding hospital chaplains’ services. While HBHPs appreciated the care received and were able to provide better patient care as a result, participants reported that administrators may not recognize the true value of the care provided. Implications from this study are applied to hospital chaplaincy clinical, research, and training opportunities.

Coping Strategies in Mothers of Children with Heart Defects: A Closer Look Into Spirituality and Internet Utilization

ABSTRACT. Parents of children with congenital heart defects (CHD) experience distinctive stressors while coping with their childs condition. Using a cross-sectional survey, the current study examined coping patterns, spirituality reliance, and Internet utilization for information seeking and support in mothers whose children have CHD. Mothers (N = 175) completed the Coping Health Inventory for Parents, which measures 3 coping patterns, and the Spiritual Insight and Behavioral Scale. They also reported on Internet use and answered 3 open-ended questions. Understanding the medical situation and communication with other parents was the most used coping pattern among study participants, while maintaining self-esteem and psychological stability was the least utilized pattern. Regression analyses revealed that higher spirituality reliance was contributing to effective family integration and optimism, while frequent Internet use was associated with better understanding the medical situation and communication. Recommendations for further research to understand the complexity of coping in mothers of children with CHD are presented. Implications for supportive interventions to promote effective coping strategies for mothers of children with heart defects are discussed.

The Impact of Pistachio Consumption on Blood Lipid Profile: A Literature Review

Studies showed that nut consumption is associated with a reduced risk in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and morbidity and an improvement in the modifiable CVD risk factors. Our objective was to review studies that reported the effect of pistachios intake on blood lipid profile. A PUBMED and Loma Linda University Nut Library database search was conducted to identify relevant studies. Eight relevant studies were identified and included in the review. With a few exceptions, the results showed a consistent improvement in serum lipid profile, improving all cholesterol fractions. With one exception, all studies reported a large decrease in the mean LDL-cholesterol ranging from 7.6 to 9.7% of the baseline level. In four of the seven studies that reported a change in HDL-cholesterol level, the mean HDL-cholesterol increased after the intervention. In all but one studies that reported the change in TG, the post-test values were reduced. The majority of the studies reported statistically significant reduction in the mean TC and LDL-cholesterol fractions. Similarly, all studies that reported a change in TC/HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratios reported a statistically significant improvement. Adding pistachios to a typical diet of normo and hypercholesterolemic individuals have a beneficial effect on blood lipid profile.

Building alliance for preschool inclusion: Parents of typically developing children, attitudes and perceptions

ABSTRACT The current study investigated perceptions, thoughts, and attitudes of parents of typically developing children enrolled in inclusive 3-year-old and 4-year-old preschool classrooms. Using a qualitative approach, guided by ecological system theory semi-structured interviews with parents (N = 7) were completed. Several common themes related to inclusive preschool interactions were identified. Results indicated that parental perspectives, perceptions, and experiences vary. While parents were supportive of inclusion philosophy in child care centers, they felt less confident in their ability to explain the limitations associated with special needs to their young children. Parental support and involvement within inclusive preschool classrooms may be strengthened through the development of educational programs and family–professional partnerships. The role and involvement of teachers in facilitating parental support of inclusion philosophy is also addressed.

An examination of compassion fatigue risk in certified child life specialists

ABSTRACT Certified child life specialists (CCLSs) provide psychosocial interventions for children and families to manage potentially traumatic experiences in health care settings. Research on related professions indicates engaging in therapeutic relationships in high stress environments may place workers at risk for compassion fatigue. Results of an online survey using the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL-5), completed by 154 CCLSs, showed that compassion fatigue risk in CCLSs was comparable to other helping professions. This risk was lower with peer support to debrief after patient fatality, and higher when working in intensive care and hematology/oncology units. Findings suggest need for compassion fatigue prevention, early identification, and support resources for CCLSs.