Showing papers in "Indian Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2013"

Effect of Obesity in Self-esteem, Peer Victimization and Behavior Problems in Adolescents

Abstract: Obesity is known to have adverse psychosocial impact in children and adolescents. This study aimed at understanding the relationship between self-esteem, peer victimization and behavior problems in obese adolescents. The sample consisted of 54 obese and 54 normal weight, school-going adolescents aged 11 to 16 years, based on specific criteria and were assessed individually using standard measures of self-esteem, peer victimization, and behavior problems. Results indicated that obese adolescents differed significantly from their counterparts only with respect to behavior problems (t=2.15; df=106; p <.05). There was no interactive effect of obesity and gender on self-esteem, peer victimization and behavior problems. But self-esteem (r= -.42; p<0.01) and behavioural problems (r=.24; p<0.05) showed a significantly negative and positive correlation, respectively, with peer victimization in obese adolescents. Based on these results it is concluded that obese adolescents may exhibit more behavioural problems than their counterparts. Obesity per se there may not be any significantly negative effect on self-esteem and peer victimization. But obese adolescents with low self-esteem and behavioural problems may be at risk for peer victimization.

Application of Yoga Nidra and Vedic Mantras on Psychological Well-being among School Going Adolescents

Abstract: Adolescent mental health has always been challenge for mental health professionals. Various techniques of yoga are the traditional and one of the oldest interventional system to cope with various stressors and developing positive mental health. The present study aimed to see the effect of Yoga Nidra and Vedic Mantras on psychological wellbeing of school children. The 32 school going adolescents were selected for the study and they were given structure yogic procedure. Result shows that Yoga Nidra and Vedic Mantras were found significantly effective on psychological well-being, school performance and stress and anxiety. It was also effective on developing self awareness. Parents, Teachers and Students self observation reveals significant improvement in sense of well-being vitality, low mood and anxiety.

Pathways to Homelessness, Psychological Distress and Perceived Social Support among Married Women in a Shelter: Implications for Trauma Informed Care

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to explore reasons for homelessness, psychological distress and perceived social support among married women residents living in a shelter. The sample consisted of 33 homeless women living in a shelter in North Bangalore. The mean age of the sample was 30.56 years, mean years of education was 2.73 years, and mean duration of stay in shelter was 5.52 months. Data were obtained through a Socio-demographic Data Sheet (SDS), a Semi-Structured Interview Schedule, General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and the Social Support Behaviors (SS-B) Scale. Results indicated that alcohol related problems in the husband, domestic violence and other difficult life circumstances led to search for a shelter among the women. Results also revealed that homeless women had less emotional support, social support, practical assistance, financial assistance and advice or guidance from their family members. Lack of social support from the family was associated with higher psychological distress.Although subjective well-being was perceived as less than adequate, 85% of the homeless women reported that they were optimistic about their future. The findings have implications for trauma informed care for women in shelters.

Loss, Trauma and Suicidal Ideation among Women Living in a Shelter

Abstract: Stress is very common phenomenon among women living in shelter. the present study is concern with the loss, trauma and suicidal ideation among women living in shelter. Between 2002 and 2010, life histories, interviews and information obtained from standardized rating scales, had indicated significant distress among women living in a rehabilitation home in South Bangalore. The aim of the present investigation was to examine factors related to the distress and to assess the suicidal ideation. The sample consisted of 93 women in the age range of 16 to 47 years (Mean age: 20.38 years). 33 women had been raised in orphanages from a young age and the rest had been placed in the shelter by family members. A semistructured interview and Beck's Scale for Suicide Ideation were used to collect information. Results revealed that 65% of women who had experienced disintegration of their families and 24.24% of women raised in institutions were significantly distressed. Interviews revealed multiple themes related to loss, abuse and trauma in childhood and adolescence. Loss of parents, loss of home, physical and psychological abuse, neglect and deprivation were reported as particularly traumatic. Subjects who reported such experiences scored higher on the scale for suicide ideation. The findings indicate that women living in shelters may be vulnerable for developing serious emotional problems especially if they have experienced adverse childhood experiences. The findings imply that it is necessary to screen women living in shelters for trauma and suicidal ideation in order to plan effective interventions.

Cognitive Functioning of Community Dwelling Urban Older Adults with Reference to Socio-Demographic Variables

Abstract: Study was conducted to identify socio-demographic variables associated with cognitive functioning of community dwelling urban older adults. The study is based on a PhD work of the first author carried out alongwith the data collection of ICMR, New Delhi funded research project on same subjects. All houses in randomly selected 2 municipal wards of urban Lucknow were visited. Houses where at least one family member aged 60 years and above was residing were identified and listed. Subjects were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent by the subjects/family members according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. Hindi Cognitive Screening Test (HCST), Semi-structured socio-demographic proforma and SES scale were administered. A cut off score of 24 was applied to differentiate cognitively impaired subjects from normal. Thus, an equal number of cognitively impaired (150) and Normal (150) subjects on HCST were finally recruited in a consecutive series. Brief Cognitive Rating Scale was administered on all 300 subjects to assess level of cognitive functioning. As and when required, the family members were cross checked about the information given by the elderly subjects. The information which was difficult to elicit from the subjects with cognitive impairment were obtained from their family members. Data was analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 12.0. and GraphPad InStat demo version 3.05 Inc year 2000. Results showed age, education, living arrangements and occupation were found to be significantly associated with cognitive functioning of the older adults aged 60 years and above living in an urban community.

Perceived Social Support among the Family Members of Mentally Ill Patients

Abstract: The present study has applied caregivers’ need based approach that aimed to assess and understand their perceived social support and also to know and compare the effect of different ‘course of illness’ on the perceived support of their relatives. Present study aimed to assess and compare the effect of different ‘course of illness’ of the patient on the perceived social support of their relatives who were taking care of them. Data was collected at Out Patient Department of Ranchi Institute of Neuropsychiatry & Allied Sciences (RINPAS), Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. Sample consisted of 30 caregivers of bipolar affective disorder (currently mania) patients and 30 caregivers of schizophrenic patients. Social Support Questionnaire Short version (SSQ- short version) was administered to assess perceived social support. Group comparison was done using t-test. Majority of the caregivers in both groups perceived ‘poor’ social network. Caregivers of manic and schizophrenic patients face more or less similar problem in perceiving social support (number of social support and satisfaction with social support). Findings of the present study suggest that perception of social support network does not necessarily determine the level of satisfaction from it. Perceived social support of caregivers of schizophrenic (continuous course) and manic (episodic course) patients is more or less similar. Level of satisfaction is not necessarily associated with perception of social network.

Burden of Care and Expressed Emotion in Spouses of Chronic Schizophrenic Patients

Abstract: Expressed Emotion (EE) is one of the critical factors that has been implicated in the relapse of major psychiatric disorders. Less attention has been paid to the antecedent factors that contribute to EE in family members. The present study was designed to explore the role of Burden of Care and selected demographic and clinical variables in Expressed Emotion of spouses of chronic schizophrenic patients. Burden Assessment Schedule and Family Attitude Scale were administered on 40 spouses of chronic schizophrenic patients. The results revealed a significant correlation between Burden of care and expressed emotion. Medicine compliance and expressed emotion were also found to be significantly associated in male spouses. There is a need for addressing the burden of care not only for its direct relevance for the caregivers but also for mitigating the probability of relapse in major psychiatric disorders.