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

Integrating theories of alcohol consumption: how do drinking motives influence HAPA self-efficacy?

Introduction: Integrating theories regarding alcohol consumption can create complementary explanations and reduce unexplained variance in drinking behaviour prediction. This study investigated the utility of integrating the Motivational Model of Alcohol Use (MMAU) with the Health Action Process Approach (HAPPA). A cross-sectional study was conducted to test the mediation of HAPA self-efficacy between episode-specific drinking motives and drinking frequency/quantity. Methods: A convenience sample of 405 adults, intended to capture a cross-section of the community, were recruited on a vehicular ferry in Queensland, Australia. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires. Key variables included self-efficacy (SE), drinking motives (DM), and drinking frequency/quantity (DFQ). CFA indicated statistical fit of SE and DM. Results: Participant data ranging from non-drinkers to heavy drinkers (+10 standard drinks daily) was retained for analysis (n=398, 59% male). Hierarchical regression indicated total model variance of 40%. DM added 16% to total variance over and above that contributed by age/gender (11%) and SE (14%). Use of Hayes Process Model 4 suggested significant indirect effect of SE on DFQ through DM. This represented a medium effect

Comparative in vitro evaluation of contact activity of fluralaner, spinosad, phoxim, propoxur, permethrin and deltamethrin against the northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum.

BackgroundNorthern fowl mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of both feral birds and poultry, particularly chicken layers and breeders. They complete their entire life-cycle on infested birds while feeding on blood. Infestations of O. sylviarum are difficult to control and resistance to some chemical classes of acaricides is a growing concern. The contact susceptibility of O. sylviarum to a new active ingredient, fluralaner, was evaluated, as well as other compounds representative of the main chemical classes commonly used to control poultry mite infestations in Europe and the USA.MethodsSix acaricides (fluralaner, spinosad, phoxim, propoxur, permethrin, deltamethrin) were dissolved and serially diluted in butanol:olive oil (1:1) to obtain test solutions used for impregnation of filter paper packets. A carrier-only control was included. Thirty adult northern fowl mites, freshly collected from untreated host chickens, were inserted into each packet for continuous compound exposure. Mite mortality was assessed after incubation of the test packets for 48 h at 75% relative humidity and a temperature of 22 °C.ResultsAdult mite LC50 /LC99 values were 2.95/8.09 ppm for fluralaner, 1587/3123 ppm for spinosad, 420/750 ppm for phoxim and 86/181 ppm for propoxur. Permethrin and deltamethrin LC values could not be calculated due to lack of mortality observed even at 1000 ppm.ConclusionsNorthern fowl mites were highly sensitive to fluralaner after contact exposure. They were moderately sensitive to phoxim and propoxur, and less sensitive to spinosad. Furthermore, the tested mite population appeared to be resistant to the pyrethroids, permethrin and deltamethrin, despite not being exposed to acaricides for at least 10 years

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

The OnTrack Diabetes Group Therapy Project: Feasibility Trial of a Web-based CBT Program with Conjunctive Group Therapy

Context. Type 2 diabetes is a global public health concern due to its wide-spread impacts on mortality, morbidity and quality of life, which are largely preventable through adequate self-management. However, emotional and psychological barriers to effective self-management remain a challenge for health systems to address. Interventions targeting diabetes self-management, emotional and psychological issues can lead to improvements in patients’ physical and mental health outcomes. Furthermore, there is a significant, positive relationship between social support and psychological wellbeing in people with diabetes and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in this population. Intervention. This paper presents on the feasibility trial of an intervention that includes social support in the form of CBT-based group therapy delivered in conjunction with a web-based CBT type 2 diabetes self-management and mood intervention. Methods. Aims of this study include: (i) to evaluate user uptake, engagement, perceived usefulness and acceptability of the intervention; and (ii) to evaluate the implementation fidelity of both intervention components, as well as group cohesion and group-facilitator alliance, and their relationship to participant engagement in the group therapy program. A sample of 30 adults with type 2 diabetes is recruited to take part in the trial at three locations, including metropolitan Victoria and regional areas of Victoria and Queensland. Results. Results will indicate the feasibility of delivering a face-to-face group therapy program with web-based support and will inform the future roll-out of the program as a complete web-based intervention. Conclusions. Implications for the future implementation of the program based on feasibility trial findings will be discussed

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