Fear of cancer recurrence : a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis of patients' experiences

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a significant issue for most cancer survivors, with nearly half of cancer survivors reporting it at moderate to high levels of intensity. We aimed to further explore the experience of having FCR from the point of view of patients by systematically reviewing qualitative studies. Following PRISMA guidelines, 87 qualitative studies were selected. All participants' quotes about FRC were extracted, then analysed using a conceptual framework based on the emotion-focused therapy theory of emotion schemes, which consist of experienced/implicit emotions, along with perceptual-situational, bodily-expressive, symbolic-conceptual and motivational-behavioral elements. According to participant descriptions, FCR was found to be an intense, difficult, multi-dimensional experience. Considering the diversity of experiences identified, it is useful to look at FCR as an emotional experience that extends along a continuum of adaptive and maladaptive responses. For some participants, FCR was described in trauma-like terms, including forms of re-experiencing, avoidance, negative thoughts and feelings, and arousal or reactivity related to cancer-related triggers or memories. Vivid metaphors expressing vulnerability and conflict also reflect the strong impact of FCR in patients' lives and can help therapists empathize with their clients

Engaging children and young people in digital mental health interventions:Systematic review of modes of delivery, facilitators, and barriers

Background There is a high prevalence of children and young people (CYP) experiencing mental health (MH) problems. Owing to accessibility, affordability, and scalability, an increasing number of digital health interventions (DHIs) have been developed and incorporated into MH treatment. Studies have shown the potential of DHIs to improve MH outcomes. However, the modes of delivery used to engage CYP in digital MH interventions may differ, with implications for the extent to which findings pertain to the level of engagement with the DHI. Knowledge of the various modalities could aid in the development of interventions that are acceptable and feasible. Objective This review aimed to (1) identify modes of delivery used in CYP digital MH interventions, (2) explore influencing factors to usage and implementation, and (3) investigate ways in which the interventions have been evaluated and whether CYP engage in DHIs. Methods A literature search was performed in the Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), and PsycINFO databases using 3 key concepts “child and adolescent mental health,” “digital intervention,” and “engagement.” Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed using rigorous inclusion criteria and screening by at least two reviewers. The selected articles were assessed for quality using the mixed methods appraisal tool, and data were extracted to address the review aims. Data aggregation and synthesis were conducted and presented as descriptive numerical summaries and a narrative synthesis, respectively. Results This study identified 6 modes of delivery from 83 articles and 71 interventions for engaging CYP: (1) websites, (2) games and computer-assisted programs, (3) apps, (4) robots and digital devices, (5) virtual reality, and (6) mobile text messaging. Overall, 2 themes emerged highlighting intervention-specific and person-specific barriers and facilitators to CYP’s engagement. These themes encompassed factors such as suitability, usability, and acceptability of the DHIs and motivation, capability, and opportunity for the CYP using DHIs. The literature highlighted that CYP prefer DHIs with features such as videos, limited text, ability to personalize, ability to connect with others, and options to receive text message reminders. The findings of this review suggest a high average retention rate of 79% in studies involving various DHIs. Conclusions The development of DHIs is increasing and may be of interest to CYP, particularly in the area of MH treatment. With continuous technological advancements, it is important to know which modalities may increase engagement and help CYP who are facing MH problems. This review identified the existing modalities and highlighted the influencing factors from the perspective of CYP. This knowledge provides information that can be used to design and evaluate new interventions and offers important theoretical insights into how and why CYP engage in DHIs

For the future of familiar and communitarian therapy in Mozambique

Este artigo é um contributo para a história da Terapia Familiar Sistémica em Moçambique, ao descrever o processo de delineamento do 1º Mestrado no país, os eixos meta-teóricos que estão subjacentes à organização do seu programa, e os desafios que coloca na área da investigação da Psicologia da Família. São ainda deixados alguns reptos relativos a possíveis desenvolvimentos da Terapia Familiar em Moçambique e ao papel que a Universidade em colaboração Internacional aí pode desempenharThis paper is a contribution to the history of family systemic therapy in Mozambique, by describing the development of the first Masters in this country, the metatheoretical principles underlying its structure and  the way it  challenges research in Family Psychology. Future developments in family therapy in Mozambique are also elicited, highlighting the role which international university collaboration may have in this process

Problematic use of the internet in low- and middle-income countries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review

© 2022 Published by Elsevier. This is the accepted manuscript version of an article which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2022.101208People from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) represent large portions of the world population, often occupy less favorable living conditions, and typically suffer greater health risks, yet frequently receive little research and global health attention. The present study reviews emerging evidence on problematic use of the internet (PUI) in LMICs prior/during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzed studies mainly focused on general properties of PUI in university students, problematic gaming in youth, or problematic use of social media in adults, registering higher prevalence estimates, as compared to earlier reports. Research mainly focused on initially affected regions and COVID-exposed populations. Overall, unfavorable circumstances including poor social support, family relationships and lifestyle tendencies/habits may present potential risk for PUI in LMICs, likely exacerbated during the pandemic.Peer reviewe

Mediators in psychological and psychoeducational interventions for the prevention of depression and anxiety. A systematic review

Although efforts have been undertaken to determine how psychological interventions exert their effects, research on mediators and mechanisms of change remains limited, especially in the field of prevention. We aimed to assess available evidence on mediators of psychological and psychoeducational interventions for the prevention of depression and anxiety in varied populations. A systematic review using PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase, OpenGrey, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed. Two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility criteria of all articles, extracted data, determined the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials, and the requirements for mediators. The outcomes were mediators of the incidence of depression or anxiety and/or the reduction of symptoms of depression or anxiety. We identified 28 nested mediator studies within randomized controlled trials involving 7442 participants. Potential cognitive, behavioral, emotional and interpersonal mediators were evaluated in different psychological and psychoeducational interventions to prevent depression and anxiety. The effects were mediated mainly by cognitive variables, which were the most commonly assessed factors. For depression, the mediator with the strongest empirical support was negative thinking in adults. Cognitive change is an important mediator in preventive psychological and psychoeducational interventions for both anxiety and depression. Registration details: Registration number (PROSPERO): CRD42018092393