Mentoring matters: findings from the APS College of Health Psychologists Survey

Mentoring has increased in popularity and perceived impact over the past few decades—across academic and professional contexts, however less is known about the benefits within the discipline of psychology (Canter, Kessler, Odar, Aylward & Roberts, 2011; Jackson et al., 2015). Mentoring is defined as ‘a form of professional socialization whereby a more experienced individual acts as a guide, role model, teacher, and patron of a less experienced protégé…to further develop and refine the protégé’s skills, abilities, and understanding” (pp.45; Moore & Amey, 1988), and typically focusses on earlier career professionals—from a developmental approach and based on the mentor-mentee relationship (Chaney, 2014). Mentoring can provide vast positive outcomes for both mentees (e..g,, retention and recruitment; development of career and professional identity) and mentors (e.g., increased knowledge and support, encouragement, recognition; prevention of burnout, a sense of ‘giving back’; Allen, Lentz & Day, 2006; Eby, Allen, Evans, Ng, & Dubois, 2008; Jackson et al., 2015; Nick et al., 2012; Ragins & Scandura, 1999; Shiry, 2006). Thus, mentoring warrants further development and evaluation within the psychology profession in Australia as a means to enhance professional membership, development and identity—across general and endorsed psychology areas and may have particular benefits for smaller sub-specialties (e.g., health psychology) to support needed workforce development and maintenance

Metacognitions mediate HIV stigma & depression/anxiety in men who have sex with men living with HIV

The study examined whether the relationships between HIV stigma and depression and anxiety would be mediated by metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies among men who have sex with men whom are living with HIV. Participants completed an online survey that measured 30-item Metacognitions Questionnaire, thought control strategies (Thought Control Questionnaire), and symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7). The relationships between internalised and anticipated HIV stigma with depressive symptoms were mediated by negative metacognitive beliefs and the use of worry and social thought control strategies. Negative Metacognitive beliefs mediated the association between internalised HIV stigma and anxiety symptoms

Depression mediates HIV stigma and medication adherence in men who have sex with men (living with HIV)

The study examined whether the relationship between HIV stigma and medication adherence would be mediated by depression and anxiety among men who have sex with men (MSM) whom are living with HIV (PLWH). Participants completed an online survey that measured HIV stigma, medication adherence (using the ARMS) and symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7). Results indicated depression mediated the association between HIV stigma and medication adherence more strongly than anxiety

Predictors of dieting and non-dieting approaches among adults living in Australia

Background There is a dearth of research comparing why dieting and non-dieting approaches are adopted. A greater understanding of reasons underlying dieting and non-dieting attempts will help to identify target beliefs for interventions to support and motivate adults to attempt whatever approach they are willing and/or able to pursue. We investigated the predictors of dieting and non-dieting approaches in Australian adults using predictors that were identified in a previous qualitative study. Methods We conducted a prospective study, with two waves of data collection occurring 4 weeks apart. At baseline, participants completed a questionnaire assessing constructs drawn from the theory of planned behaviour (attitude, subjective norm, and self-efficacy), past behaviour, non-planning, attributions for dieting failure, weight control beliefs, and dieting and non-dieting intentions. We used path modelling to analyse responses. Results At baseline, 719 adults (52.2% male) aged between 18 and 76 completed the questionnaire. Four weeks later, 64% of participants (n = 461) reported on their dieting and non-dieting behaviour in the past month. Past behaviour, attitude, subjective norm, and self-identity significantly predicted dieting intentions. Dieting intentions and past behaviour significantly predicted dieting behaviour, while non-planning and self-efficacy did not. The model explained 74.8% of the variance in intention and 52.9% of the variance in behaviour. While most findings were similar for the non-dieting model, subjective norms and self-identity did not predict intention, while self-efficacy and self-identity both predicted non-dieting behaviour directly. The non-dieting model explained 58.2% of the variance in intention and 37.5% of the variance in behaviour. Conclusions The findings from this study provide support for the application of TPB and identity theory constructs in the context of both dieting and non-dieting behaviour. Self-efficacy and self-identity appear more relevant to non-dieting behaviour than dieting behaviour, while subjective norms was more influential in predicting dieting. Practitioners wishing to encourage either approach in their clients should attempt to modify the constructs that influence each approach

Benefits of supportive strategies for carers of people with high-grade glioma: a systematic review: Strategies for addressing the needs of high-grade glioma carers

Purpose: To systematically review and examine current evidence for the carer-reported benefits of supportive care strategies for carers of adults with high-grade glioma (HGG). Methods: Four databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO) were searched for articles published between January 2005 and April 2022 that assessed strategies for addressing the supportive care needs of carers of adults with HGG (WHO grade 3–4). Study selection and critical appraisal were conducted independently by three authors (DJ/MC, 2021; DJ/RJ 2022). Data extraction was conducted by one author (DJ) and checked by a second author (RJ). Results were synthesised narratively. Results: Twenty-one studies involving 1377 caregivers were included, targeting the carer directly (n = 10), the patient-carer dyad (n = 3), or focused on people with HGG + / − their carers (n = 8). A paucity of high-quality evidence exists for effective and comprehensive support directly addressing outcomes for carers of adults with HGG. Strategies that demonstrated some benefits included those that built carer knowledge or provided emotional support, delivered by health professionals or through peer support. Supportive and early palliative care programmes have potential to reduce unmet carer needs while providing ongoing carer support. Conclusion: Strategies incorporating an educational component, emotional support, and a regular needs assessment with corresponding tailored support are most valued by carers. Future practice development research should adopt a value-based approach and exceed evaluation of efficacy outcomes to incorporate evaluation of the experience of patients, carers, and staff, as well as costs

Development and testing of a model for risk and protective factors for eating disorders and higher weight among emerging adults: A study protocol

© 2019 Research has demonstrated that eating disorders (ED) and higher weight have lifetime co-occurrence suggesting that they may be best considered within a common etiological model. Although we know that body dissatisfaction is likely to be a risk factor for both outcomes, other proposed risk and protective factors for each condition have not been adequately explored. The current paper tests a conceptual model that is based on a review of the existing literature from both areas of scholarship. It considers biological, sociocultural, psychological, and behavioral factors that may contribute to both outcomes. The model will be tested in a longitudinal design with an initial sample of 600 emerging adults (aged 18–30) per country in nine different countries (total sample = 5400 participants). Questionnaires will be completed online on two occasions, 12 months apart. The first full phase of the study commenced in July 2018, the same time Body Image was approached to publish this protocol paper (the final revised paper was submitted in September 2019), and data collection will be finalized in December 2019. Multi-group path analysis will identify the biopsychosocial predictors – both cross-sectionally and longitudinally – of both ED and higher weight, and how these vary across countries and gender

Patient-practitioner relationships desired by overweight/obese adults

Objective: This study investigated the characteristics of the patient-practitioner relationship desired by overweight/obese individuals in weight management. The aim was to identify characteristics of the relationship which empower patients to make lifestyle changes. Methods: Grounded theory was used inductively to build a model of the patient-practitioner relationship based on the perspectives of 21 overweight/obese ¬adults. Results: Emerging from the match between patient and practitioner characteristics, collaboration was the key process explicitly occurring in the patient-practitioner relationship, and was characterised by two subcategories; perceived power dimensions and openness. Trust emerged implicitly from the collaborative process, being fostered by relational, informational, and credible aspects of the interaction. Patient trust in their practitioner consequently led to empowering outcomes including goal ownership and perceiving the utility of changes. Conclusion: An appropriate match between patient and practitioner characteristics facilitates collaboration which leads to trust, both of which appear to precede empowering outcomes for patients such as goal ownership and perceiving the utility of changes. Collaboration is an explicit process and precedes the patient trusting their practitioner. Practice implications: Practitioners should be sensitive to patient preferences for collaboration and the opportunity to develop trust with patients relationally, through information provision, and modelling a healthy lifestyle

Identifying the beliefs which predict environmentally friendly behaviour in the Brisbane area: A foundation for informed interventions

A move to more sustainable living can provide immediate and long term health and environmental benefits. The Green Living Study consisted of a mail survey of 1186 South East Queensland residents and an online survey of a further 451 individuals, primarily from South East Queensland, and explored the predictors of environmentally friendly behaviour. This paper explores the underlying beliefs that were found to predict specific environmentally friendly behaviours, such as walking for transport, switching off lights when not in use, switching off unused appliances at the wall and shopping with reusable bags. Beliefs explored included social norms, advantages and disadvantages of performing the behaviours, and issues of control over ones behaviour. The findings showed that people’s environmentally friendly behaviours may be influenced by convenience, saving money and saving face; i.e. is it easy to do, will I be better off, and will I be seen as ‘different’? Understanding the beliefs which directly predict behaviour can help inform public policy and educational initiatives. A number of models for transferring this knowledge into policy and practice will be discussed