Jak rozwijać rozumienie społeczne u młodzieży? Wnioski z krótkoterminowego treningu opartego na konwersacji

Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by significant changes and intensified social interactions. The role of parents decreases and the importance of peer groups increases. Peers, especially friends, may deliver instrumental aid and emotional support; they may also promote a sense of security and be a significant source of affection and intimacy. Additionally, peer relations provide a testing ground for exercising many competencies necessary in complex social situations, such as social problem-solving, conflict resolution, and negotiation. The intensified contact with peers may also enhance adolescents’ social understanding skills. Therefore, practicing social understanding skills within a peer group may enhance one’s social functioning in adolescence. For these practical and educational reasons, we aimed to confirm the effectiveness of conversation-based training in these skills and identify what factors potentially support or hinder its effectiveness. Social understanding, the ability to understand oneself and others in various social situations, develops in childhood and adolescence. As this ability impacts satisfactory social functioning in adolescence and develops in a social context, a training process was proposed with the aim of enhancing the development of this ability based on the social-constructivist approach to social understanding. The efficacy of the training to enhance the understanding of one’s own and others’ mental states was verified using a sample of 65 Polish adolescents (mean age: 14.6 years). They participated in nine one-hour sessions and were divided into an experimental group (social understanding, n = 26) and two control groups: attention/perception (n = 17) and film/text literacy (n = 22). Although no direct effect of the theory of mind training was found, the results provided important observations for further work on adolescent social understanding training programs.Adolescencja to okres rozwojowy charakteryzujący się intensyfikacją i znaczącymi zmianami w obszarze kontaktów społecznych. W okresie tym maleje rola rodziców, wzrasta natomiast znaczenie grup rówieśniczych. Rówieśnicy, a zwłaszcza przyjaciele, mogą zapewniać wsparcie instrumentalne i emocjonalne oraz być znaczącym źródłem poczucia bezpieczeństwa, uczuć i intymności. Dodatkowo relacje rówieśnicze stanowią swego rodzaju poligon doświadczalny dla ćwiczenia wielu kompetencji niezbędnych w złożonych sytuacjach społecznych, takich jak radzenie sobie z problemami społecznymi, rozwiązywanie konfliktów czy negocjacje. Większa intensyfikacja kontaktów z rówieśnikami może również zwiększyć zdolność nastolatków w zakresie rozumienia społecznego. Z tego powodu ćwiczenie umiejętności rozumienia społecznego w grupie rówieśniczej może poprawić funkcjonowanie społeczne młodzieży. Mając na uwadze powyższe założenia praktyczne i edukacyjne, podjęto próbę potwierdzenia skuteczności treningu opartego na konwersacji w zakresie rozumienia społecznego z intencją zidentyfikowania czynników potencjalnie wspierających lub zmniejszających tę skuteczność. Rozumienie społeczne, czyli umiejętność rozumienia siebie i innych w różnych sytuacjach społecznych, rozwija się w dzieciństwie i okresie dojrzewania. Ponieważ umiejętność ta wpływa na efektywne funkcjonowanie społeczne nastolatków i rozwija się w kontekście społecznym, zaproponowano trening, którego celem jest stymulowanie rozwoju tej umiejętności w oparciu o społeczno-konstruktywistyczne podejście do rozumienia społecznego. Skuteczność treningu doskonalącego rozumienie własnych i cudzych stanów mentalnych zbadano na próbie polskiej młodzieży (N = 65, średni wiek = 14,6 lat). Adolescenci wzięli udział w dziewięciu półtoragodzinnych sesjach, w podziale na trzy grupy: jedną eksperymentalną (rozumienie społeczne, n = 26) i dwie grupy kontrolne – percepcja–uwaga (n = 17) i literatura–film (n = 22). Pomimo że nie stwierdzono bezpośredniego wpływu treningu teorii umysłu, wyniki dostarczyły ważnych obserwacji do dalszych prac nad treningiem rozumienia społecznego wśród młodzieży

The nature of child-adult interaction : from turn-taking to understanding pointing and use of pointing gestures

Analyses of interactions between an adult and a one-year-old child are often connected with studying early communicative competences, e.g. the child’s participation in turn-taking sequences, in joint attention, and use of pointing gestures. Infants’ communicative behaviors were studied using a structured observational measure – the Early Social Communication Scales (Mundy et al., 2003) in a study of 358 12-month-old children. An exploratory factor analysis revealed: (i) a distinction between the categories of initiation and response among the behaviors displayed, (ii) simple and complex behavior categories occurring; (iii) the presence within one factor of behaviors fulfilling various functions (e.g. requesting and sharing interest). An analysis of the results showed that communicative competences can be classified according to their level and ignoring their function, and made it possible to suggest modifications to the way in which behaviors are coded on the ESCS and to complement the procedure of studying early communicative competences

Non celiac gluten sensitivity — facts and controversies

W ostatnich latach na całym świecie obserwuje się rosnącą liczbę pacjentów cierpiących na nowy rodzaj nadwrażliwości pokarmowej nazwanej nadwrażliwością na gluten (NCGS). Częściej dotyczy ona nastolatków i dorosłych, szczególnie płci żeńskiej, z dużą liczbą przypadków diagnozowanych w wieku starszym. Obecnie szacuje się, że obejmuje ona 6% populacji. Nadwrażliwość na gluten charakteryzuje się wystąpieniem wielu objawów zarówno gastro-jelitowych, tj.: wzdęcia, biegunki, bóle brzucha, jak i pozajelitowych symptomów, między innymi: uczucia splątania, bólów głowy, bólów stawów i mięśni, poczucia niepokoju, a także depresji. Objawy pojawiają się krótko po spożyciu glutenu i ulegają poprawie lub znikają po przejściu na dietę bezglutenową. Rozpoznanie nadwrażliwości na gluten wymaga wykluczenia celiakii (negatywny wynik przeciwciał, brak zaniku kosmków jelitowych) oraz alergii na pszenicę (brak podwyższonego stężenia IgE). W przeciwieństwie do dobrze poznanej celiakii, mechanizm patogenetyczne NCGS nadal nie został jasno określony. Obecnie uważa się, że istotną rolę w rozwoju NCGS odgrywa kilka mechanizmów — aktywacja wrodzonej odpowiedzi immunolo gicznej, zmiana funkcji barier y błony śluzowej jelit, spożywanie żywności zawierającej inhibi tory amylaz, a także istnienie wieloskładnikowej nadwrażliwości pokar mowej, związanej z dietą bogatą w FOODMAPs lub dodatki do żywności. Leczenie nadwrażliwości na gluten opiera się na głównie na zmianie nawyków żywieniowych oraz wprowadzeniu diety bezglutenowej.In recent years all over the world there is an increasing number of patients suffering from food hypersensitivity new type called non celiac gluten sensitivity or NCGS. More often, it relates to teens and adults, especially females, with a large number of cases diagnosed in the elderly. Currently, it is estimated that it covers 6% of the population. Gluten sensitivity is characterized by the occur rence of a number of gastro-intestinal symptoms such as: bloati ng, diarrhea, abdominal pain and parenteral symptoms include: confusion, headaches, joint and muscle pain, zafeeling of anxiety, and depression. Symptoms occur shortly after ingestion of gluten and are improved or disappeared after going on a gluten-free diet. The diagnosis of non celiac gluten sensitivity requires exclusion celiac disease (antibody negative, no atrophy of intestinal villi), and allergy to wheat (no elevated levels of IgE). In contrast t o the well acknowledged celiac disease, NCGS pathogenic mechanism is still not clearly defined. Currently, it is believed that an important role in the development of NCGS plays several mechanisms such as: activation of the innate immune response, the change in the bar rier function of the intestinal m ucosa, food containing amylase inhibitors, and the existence of multi-component food hypersensitivity associated with a diet high in FOODMAP s or food additives. Treatment of hypersensitivity to gluten is based mainly on the change of dietary habits and the introduction of a gluten-free diet

Stiffness memory of EA.hy926 endothelial cells in response to chronic hyperglycemia

Background: Glycemic memory of endothelial cells is an effect of long-lasting hyperglycemia and is a cause of various diabetics complications, that arises despite of the treatment targeted towards returning low glucose level in blood system. On the other hand, endothelial dysfunction, which is believed to be a main cause of cardiovascular complications, is exhibited in the changes of mechanical properties of cells. Although formation of the glycemic memory was widely investigated, its impact on the mechanical properties of endothelial cells has not been studied yet. Methods: In this study, nanoindentaion with a tip of an atomic force microscope was used to probe the long-term changes (through 26 passages, c.a. 80 days) in mechanical properties of EA.hy926 endothelial cells cultured in hyperglycemic conditions. As a complementary method, alterations in the structure of actin cytoskeleton were visualized by fluorescent staining of F-actin. Results: We observed a gradual stiffening of the cells up to 20th passage for cells cultured in high glucose (25 mM). Fluorescence imaging has revealed that this behavior resulted from systematic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. In further passages, a drop in stiffness had occurred. The most interesting finding was recorded for cells transferred after 14 passages from high glucose to normal glucose conditions (5mM). After the transfer, the initial drop in stiffness was followed by a return of the cell stiffness to the value previously observed for cells cultured constantly in high glucose. Conclusions: Our results indicate that glycemic memory causes irreversible changes in stiffness of endothelial cells. The formation of the observed "stiffness memory" could be important in the context of vascular complications which develop despite the normalization of the glucose level

Green tea extract in artal hypertension treatment

Jednym z głównych czynników ryzyka chorób układu krążenia jest nadciśnienie tętnicze. Z powodu globalnego rozprzestrzenienia stanowi ono jeden z podstawowych problemów społecznych, ekonomicznych i zdrowotnych. Niekorzystny wpływ nadciśnienia tętniczego na stan zdrowia społeczeństwa, potwierdzony w licznych badaniach epidemiologicznych, klinicznych i eksperymentalnych, stał się podstawą do poszukiwania odpowiedniej metody profilaktyki, rozpoznawania, a po wykryciu schorzenia — wdrożenia skutecznej strategii terapeutycznej. Bezsprzeczny udział wolnych rodników tlenowych w patogenezie nadciśnienia tętniczego uzasadnia fakt stosowania diety bogatej w antyoksydanty (substancji o działaniu przeciwkrzepliwym, przeciwmiażdżycowym oraz hipotensyjnym) u pacjentów z nadciśnieniem tętniczym. Na szczególną uwagę zasługuje epigallokatechina galusanu (EGCG), której najlepszym źródłem są liście zielonej herbaty. Obiecujące i zachęcające wyniki badań oraz cenny skład liści zielonej herbaty powodują, że wprowadzenie jej do diety pacjentów cierpiących na pierwotne nadciśnienie tętnicze pozwoli być może na nową i bardziej efektywną strategię terapeutyczną, pozwalającą na osiągnięcie zadowalających wyników badań oraz dobre samopoczucie pacjenta. (Forum Zaburzeń Metabolicznych 2011, tom 2, nr 3, 184–191)One of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease is hypertension. Due to the global spread it constitutes one of the fundamental problems of social, economic and health problems. Adverse effects of hypertension on public health confirmed in numerous epidemiological studies, clinical and experimental studies became the basis to seek an appropriate method of prevention, diagnosis, and after the implementation of effective disease detection therapeutic strategy. Unequivocal participation of oxygen free radicals in the pathogenesis of hypertension, is the justification for the use of a diet rich in antioxidants(substances with anti-coagulant, anti atherogenic, and antihypertensive) in patients with hypertension. Particularly noteworthy epigallokatechina gallate (EGCG), which are the best source of green tea leaves. Promising and encouraging results, and a valuable part of green tea leaves mean that the introduction of the diet of patients with primary hypertension might allow for a new and a more effective therapeutic strategy, allowing you to achieve satisfactory results and well-being of the patient. (Forum Zaburzen Metabolicznych 2011, vol. 2, no 3, 184–191

Waiting for a treat : studying behaviors related to self-regulation in 18- and 24- month olds

The ability to delay gratification - conceived as an early expression of self-regulation - develops in the second half of the second year of life. We used inductive methodology to identify different behaviors and set of behaviors performed by children while waiting for a treat. We asked which sets are more effective when it comes to successfully delaying gratification and how all observed sets change during toddler age. 130 children were tested twice - at 18 and at 24 months - using a Snack Delay Task. We observed 20 different behaviors and distinguished 4 sets of behaviors. The most important and effective set for delaying gratification in 18 and in 24 month olds was the set called Attention and Movements. We concluded that growth in the ability to delay gratification resulted from increased ability to overcome temptation by using an active strategy mainly based on attention

Quality of Life and Physical Activity after Liver Transplantation. Literature Review.

Liver transplantation has become one of the most effective treatments for end-stage renal disease. For patients, however, the decision to have orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is often made in an effort to improve their quality of life and to reduce their risk of mortality and morbidity. Quality of life is an important aspect of therapy for transplant patients because this category reflects the subjective evaluation of one's own life in the physical, psychological and social dimensions. One of the means to achieve a better quality of life is not only good health, but also physical activity. Physical activity has been demonstrated to be of significance not only in the assessment of fitness levels but also could be of importance in long term recovery process after major surgical operations. The aim of this study was a review of literature showing the improved quality of life in patients after liver transplantation as well as the influence of physical activity on their physical health, mental health and quality of life after transplantation. Longitudinal data showed remarkable improvement of common domains of QOL comparing pre- and post-transplant items. Gender, occupation and regular physical activity have an influence on the quality of life after liver transplantation

Change and consistency of self-esteem in early and middle adolescence in the context of school transition

Self-esteem is continuous and has stable characteristics, but it may also change, e.g., during transitions from one educational level to the next. In a prospective cross-sectional study over a year and a half, 250 Polish early adolescents (N = 109, 54 girls; mean age at T1 = 12.68 years, SD = 0.49) and middle adolescents (N = 141, 107 girls; mean age at T1 = 15.80, SD = 0.44) were tested three times using Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents, assessing both global self-esteem and self-evaluation in eight domains. The change and consistency of self-esteem were analyzed, at both group and individual levels. At the group level, the following results were found: (1) continuity of self-esteem in five domains (scholastic competence, athletic competence, physical appearance, close friendship, and romantic appeal) and in global self-esteem and discontinuity in only three domains (social acceptance, job competence, and behavioral conduct); (2) significant inter-individual variation in the change not explained by age; and (3) higher self-esteem (in five domains) in early adolescents. At the individual level, the stability in most domains was weak, but was restored over the second year at the new school. The complexity of the developmental change and consistency in self-esteem in adolescence was highlighted, emphasizing the need for analyzing both group and individual change

The importance and determinants of market integration of small family farms in selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe

One of the issues determining the economic situation of farms is the scope of their market integration. It can be therefore assumed that higher market integration leads to an improvement in the economic performance of households. The article has two aims. The first is to indicate the relationship between the degree of market integration of small-scale family farms and their economic condition. The second objective is to discover the determinants of the market integration of farms. The explanatory variables include economic (production value, total farm area, labour input, specialization of production) and demographic (farmer age, education level) factors. The novelty of our paper lies in in depth comparative analysis based on primary data from questionnaire surveys taken in 2018 and 2019 in five countries of Central and Eastern Europe: Serbia, Moldova, Lithuania Romania, and Poland. The results indicate is the existence of a statistically significant positive correlation between the degree of market integration and economic performance. Factors that favorably influence the level of market connection include the scale of production, specialization and, to some extent, level of farmowner’s education. The remaining variables are inconclusive or not statistically significant