Can Contextualization Increase Understanding During Man-Machine Communication? A Theory-Driven Study

The Internet offers unlimited possibilities for finding health information. However, the user is often faced with the problem of understanding it. Contextualization has a role to play in enhancing the user’s comprehension. We report on a study which addresses this issue, using a theoretical model of communication whose central theme is that of context. A randomized controlled experimental design was chosen, using as a test-bed the website SeniorGezond we had previously developed. The study was composed of a pre-test, the intervention with the website and a post-test. Participants (n=40) were randomly assigned to exposure or no exposure to contextualization with the website. Results show that contextualization increases understanding for non-knowledgeable users. Furthermore, the participant’s cognitive style was found to be a significant factor on understanding. We also found that participants bring their own contexts such as social context and psychological context to support their understanding

Fibromyalgia impact and depressive symptoms: Can perceiving a silver lining make a difference?

Individuals with fibromyalgia are at greater risk for depressive symptoms than the general population, and this may be partially attributable to physical symptoms that impair day‐to‐day functioning. However, individual‐level protective characteristics may buffer risk for psychopathology. For instance, the ability to perceive a “silver lining” in one’s illness may be related to better mental and physical health. We examined perceived silver lining as a potential moderator of the relation between fibromyalgia impact and depressive symptoms. Our sample of persons with fibromyalgia (N = 401) completed self‐report measures including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire‐Revised, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and the Silver Lining Questionnaire. Moderation analyses covaried age, sex, and ethnicity. Supporting hypotheses, increasing impact of disease was related to greater depressive symptoms, and perceptions of a silver lining attenuated that association. Despite the linkage between impairment and depressive symptoms, identifying positive aspects or outcomes of illness may reduce risk for psychopathology. Therapeutically promoting perception of a silver lining, perhaps via signature strengths exercises or a blessings journal, and encouraging cognitive reframing of the illness experience, perhaps via Motivational Interviewing or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, may reduce depressive symptoms in persons with fibromyalgia

Autonomous multispecies reaction-diffusion systems with more-than-two-site interactions

Autonomous multispecies systems with more-than-two-neighbor interactions are studied. Conditions necessary and sufficient for closedness of the evolution equations of the $n$-point functions are obtained. The average number of the particles at each site for one species and three-site interactions, and its generalization to the more-than-three-site interactions is explicitly obtained. Generalizations of the Glauber model in different directions, using generalized rates, generalized number of states at each site, and generalized number of interacting sites, are also investigated.Comment: 9 pages, LaTeX2

Easing Internet access of health information for elderly users

Elderly users are increasingly becoming active consumers of Internet technologies. Developing websites dedicated to this user group presents several design issues (such as that of 'design for all', participatory design, patient empowerment and cognitive usability assessment methods). SeniorGezond is a health information resource currently under development. It aims to support elderly users in their search and access of appropriate information in the area of fall incidences. The current development of SeniorGezond provides a useful illustration on how design issues can be addressed and applied in a practical setting. Copyright © 2004 Sage Publications