Zoë Chouliara

A controlled comparison of the effectiveness and efficiency of two psychological therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder: eye movement desensitization and reprocessing vs. emotional freedom techniques.

The present study reports on the first ever controlled comparison between eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and emotional freedom techniques (EFT) for posttraumatic stress disorder. A total of 46 participants were randomized to either EMDR (n = 23) or EFT (n = 23). The participants were assessed at baseline and then reassessed after an 8-week waiting period. Two further blind assessments were conducted at posttreatment and 3-months follow-up. Overall, the results indicated that both interventions produced significant therapeutic gains at posttreatment and follow-up in an equal number of sessions. Similar treatment effect sizes were observed in both treatment groups. Regarding clinical significant changes, a slightly higher proportion of patients in the EMDR group produced substantial clinical changes compared with the EFT group. Given the speculative nature of the theoretical basis of EFT, a dismantling study on the active ingredients of EFT should be subject to future research.

Practice of and attitudes toward breast self-examination (BSE): a cross-cultural comparison between younger women in Scotland and Greece.

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a method of early detection of breast cancer. Although BSE is recommended for all women, it is mostly suitable and readily available for younger women. BSE beliefs and practices of women in Scotland, a country with organised health campaigns about BSE, were compared with those of women in Greece, a country without such campaigns. Our sample consisted of 68 university students in Scotland and Greece, aged 18 to 26 years old. All participants completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, health history, knowledge, BSE practice, health beliefs, and health-related personality. BSE practice was found to be associated with different variables across the two cultural groups. Adherence rates were found particularly higher than previous reports and BSE practice did not differ significantly between women in Scotland and Greece. Nevertheless, the two groups differed significantly in their knowledge, attitudes toward BSE, and health-related personality. On the basis of these findings, cultural factors should be considered in organising BSE campaigns. Also the present findings identified BSE-related beliefs and practices specific to younger age groups. These could be considered and addressed in order to organise BSE campaigns in Greece and improve future UK programs especially tailored for this age group.

Effectiveness and acceptability of group psychoeducation for the management of mental health problems in survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA).

Abstract There has been limited published research on the effectiveness of manualized psychoeducational approaches for the mental health and behavioral problems of child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors. The present study aims to add to the evidence base for the effectiveness and acceptability of such interventions. A total of 37 enrolled into a brief psychoeducation program (i.e., 10 sessions) aiming to help stabilize mental health and behavioral outcomes (e.g., self-harm), while on the waiting list for mental health services. Participants completed a set of self-rated measures at baseline, pre-intervention, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Although there was no change over time with regard to general distress, traumatic symptomatology, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and life satisfaction, completers were less likely to report self-harm and presented with decreased rates of smoking, alcohol and substance misuse, and involvement in illegal and antisocial behaviors at post-treatment and follow-up. Qualitative data also suggested that overall the program is well tolerated by participants, despite the high attrition rate (43%). Although further research is required to establish the efficacy of this intervention, preliminary results indicate that the new intervention may be useful for stabilizing behavioral problems at post-treatment and follow-up. Strategies to improve attrition rates in future research and clinical practice are discussed.

Factors associated with breast screening attendance: a controlled comparison between attenders and non-attenders in Scotland.

Abstract The present study aimed to compare a sample of screening mammography attenders with a sample of non-attenders, in terms of knowledge about breast cancer and mammography, health beliefs and personality variables, and identify factors associated with attendance. The sample consisted of 58 women; 29 had attended the National Breast Screening Programme and 29 had declined an invitation to attend. Assessment was made by use of anonymous questionnaire. Significant differences were found between the two groups in use of focusing and venting on emotions as a health-related coping style, knowledge about breast cancer and knowledge about mammography. The most powerful predictor of attendance was knowledge about mammography. Results are discussed predominantly in relation to provision of emotional-related and fact-related information.