Cognitive Predictors of Worry in a Non-Clinical Population

Although worry is considered to be the key feature of generalised anxiety disorder, it has its own unique properties. The study aimed to investigate the extent to which intolerance of uncertainty, poor problem solving confidence, positive beliefs about worry and negative thinking style, predicted worry, both individually and in combination, once the effects of trait anxiety were removed. Ninety-six university students participated in the study by completing a battery of questionnaires. Results, showed trait anxiety to be the strongest predictor. Further, negative thinking, intolerance of uncertainty and positive beliefs about worry contributed to the prediction of worry individually, beyond the effects of trait anxiety. However, when examined collectively, intolerance of uncertainty and a negative thinking were shown to be superior predictors of worry. The findings support the cognitive processing models of worry and generalised anxiety. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to future research

Indonesian Perspective of Wellbeing: A Qualitative Study

Cross-cultural research suggests that wellbeing may be experienced differently by distinct populations. While research on wellbeing in non-Western populations has increased, there is limited empirical evidence regarding wellbeing in Indonesia. As the fourth largest country in the world, and with its unique socio-cultural characteristics, the potentially distinctive Indonesian experience of wellbeing has been overlooked by international scholars. The present research investigated the Indonesian perception of wellbeing using a qualitative thematic analysis approach. Thirty Indonesian adults participated in semi structured interviews which focused on their understanding and experience of wellbeing. The analysis revealed a number of keythemes: fulfilment of basic needs; social relations with family and community; and the positive world views of self-acceptance, gratitude, and spirituality as key aspects of wellbeing. Although these overarching themes are commonly reported in wellbeing research, the expression of these themes was unique to the Indonesian context. This study enriches the wellbeing literature and understanding of the experience of wellbeing in the Indonesian context and paves the ways for further research

The relationship between second language anxiety and international nursing students stress

Second language anxiety is a common phenomenon amongst international students. However, information on second language anxiety remains scarce, particularly amongst specific populations such as international nursing students. The study examined the relationship between second language anxiety and international nursing student stress after taking into account the demographic, cognitive, and acculturative factors. One hundred and fifty-two international nursing students completed an online questionnaire battery. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that spoken second language anxiety and the acculturative factors of marginalisation and separation were significantly related to learning & teaching-related and placement-related stress in international nursing students. The results suggest that international nursing students are equally vulnerable to developing stress as a result of the pressures of their degree course, with second language anxiety, particularly its spoken aspect, being a significant component of this stress. As such, interventions aimed at building resilience in international students, particularly those in nursing programs, should factor in coping and management of second language issues into their programs, especially with respects to second language communication

Refugee settlers in South-East Queensland: Employment, aspirations and intergenerational communication about future occupational pathways: final report

This is the finalreport of the ARC linkage research project Refugees’ employment aspirations and inter-generational communication about future occupational pathways.The project was based in South-eastQueensland and was conducted overthree years (2013, 2014, and 2015). The lead chief investigator was Dr Aparna Hebbani from the University of Queensland.The project had three overall aims. Aim 1: To investigate the employment experiences of recently arrived refugees. Aims2 and 3: Toinvestigate refugees’ aspirations for themselves and their children’s educational and occupational futures.Specifically, this study focused on the experiences of refugeesettlersfrom Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia, which are among the top ten source countries for offshore humanitarian entrants (DIBP, 2013).<br/

Characteristics of culturally and linguistically diverse mental health clients

The present study examined Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre (QTMHC) client characteristics in order to provide a better understanding for development of future health service delivery models. Archived data that was collected for 1499 clients over two years period (2007-2009) was analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi squares. The results indicated that clients were referred from a range of sources and were generally adults. There were more women than men, who sought services. At least half of the clients had language barriers and relied on bilingual workers. Most frequently expressed mental health issues were mood disorder symptoms, followed by symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis and anxiety. Acculturation strains and stressors were described as the most common psychosocial issues. Mental health and psychosocial issues differed for age, gender and world regions from which the CALD clients originated. The findings provided an understanding of clients who seek services at QTMHC. Various ways in which transcultural services and data bases can be further improved are discussed

Exploring the effectiveness of the Tree of Life in promoting the therapeutic growth of refugee women living with HIV

The current study aimed to understand the experiences of refugee women living with HIV as they participated in the Tree of Life (ToL), a group-based narrative technique. A qualitative case study methodology was used. Five African refugee women took part in the study. The ToL consisted of seven two-hourly sessions conducted on weekly basis. Further, participants completed a feedback form after each session, and they were individually interviewed on completion of the ToL. The researchers kept detailed field notes. The data indicated that participants were motivated to attend the intervention in order to overcome their psychological distress, isolation and negative thoughts associated with their situation. Participants found the intervention beneficial. In a safe and supportive setting, and through the art making process, they were able to reflect on their painful past and current issues associated with their migratory stressors and with living with HIV. They identified personal strengths and qualities that enabled them to cope and build their resilience. The art making process and the discussion of the tree empowered them to re-author their life narratives. Finally, they related to each other and they developed a sense of connectedness. The findings indicate the Tree of Life as a promising technique for use with refugees living with HIV. Implications and future directions are discussed

Modification of the Catastrophic Cognitions Questionnaire (CCQ-M) for Normals and Patients: Exploratory and LISREL Analyses

The recently developed Catastrophic Cognitions Questionnaire (CCQ) was further inestigated using both student and anxiety patient samples. LISREL confirmatory factor analyses was used. The results showed that the CCQ could be explained by a three-factor oblique solution. These are Emotional Catastrophes, Physical Catastrophes, and Mental Catastrophes. The modified version of CCQ (CCQ-M) revealed good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity. It has also good discriminant validity. The CCQ-M can therefore be used with both normal and anxiety-disordered patients

An Investigation of the Psychological Distress of Muslim Migrants in Australia

The present study investigates the psychological distress of Muslims migrants in Brisbane, Australia. Literature indicates that a range of demographic and psychosocial factors are related to the psychological distress of the migrants. Two hundred and eighty Muslims were asked to complete a variety of questionnaires in either English or Arabic language. A series of analyses of variances indicated that participants' psychological distress was affected by their marital and visa status. Further, hierarchical regression indicated that psychological distress of the participants was predicted by their perceived difficulties with the English language, lack of social support, and tendency to use emotional and avoidance coping. It is expected that the study's findings will assist mental health workers, working in a multicultural settings, to understand and treat the mental health issues of Muslim migrants in Australia

Multicultural Mental Health Awareness Scale (MMHAS)

Australia is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) society in the world. There are individuals from all over the globe settled in Australia. They enter Australia as migrants or refugees. Although, the process of migration differs from individual to individual, it can be an uprooting experience and can bring with it many mental health challenges which need professional attention. Mainstream allied and mental health professionals need to be prepared for this diverse population and their mental health issues and concerns. These professionals may have to offer multicultural counselling to clients from an ethnic and cultural background, which is very different from their own. It is therefore essential for them to demonstrate multicultural counselling competencies (MCC)..

Effective interviewing of culturally and linguistically diverse clients

Effective interviewing of culturally and linguistically diverse clients Tips from Dr Nigar Khawaja MAPS, Convenor, APS Psychology and Cultures Interest Grou