Life after bariatric surgery:psychosocial and behavioural characteristics and their effect on weight and well-being

Background: Bariatric surgery (BS) is an effective weight-loss treatment for severe obesity, leading to great weight reduction and long-term improvement in physical and psychological health. A subgroup of patients, however, reach unsatisfactory weight loss results. The aims of this research are to investigate: 1. The impact of BS on psychological well-being [e.g. health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), depression] over time, and 2. psychological factors (e.g. food craving, body image satisfaction, self-efficacy, attachment style and neuroticism) which may predict short- and long-term surgical outcomes. Currently, the field lacks testable hypotheses as well as conclusive findings about predictors of surgical outcomes.Method: Medical, psychosocial and behavioural factors are measured from obese patients admitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass before and 6-, 12- and 24-months after the surgery. Multivariate regression analyses will be used to answer the research questions.Expected results: We expect HR-QoL to improve and depressive symptoms to ameliorate as weight decreases. Furthermore, we expect higher food craving, body image satisfaction and negative affect to be important predictors of small weight loss, but which will also change for better as weight decreases. Current stage of work: A prospective, longitudinal study involving a multidisciplinary research team was initiated in September 2016 in Amsterdam and over 200 patients have been included so far. Discussion: This study will contribute in constructing a theory about weight loss after BS. Knowledge about psychological predictors of surgical outcomes will aid in patient screening and designing additional interventions aimed at supporting long-term weight maintenance after BS (e.g. eHealth).<br/

Delivering mindfulness in the classroom via a technology-enabled approach:Feasibility and the potential impact on teachers' psychological well-being, self-efficacy, and mindfulness

This longitudinal study included 64 teachers. We examined the feasibility and preliminary effects of a newly designed program, playing pre-recorded mindfulness practices to elementary school students by teachers across one school year. Self-report surveys and logbooks were used to collect data quantitative and qualitative data. During the first four months of implementation, teachers reported significant improvements in self-efficacy in classroom management and lower levels of perceived stress. Levels of mindfulness increased significantly and gradually throughout the school year. Qualitative results underlined potential changes in teachers’ outcomes, suggesting a calming effect and perceived improvement in their teaching skills.</p

Delivering mindfulness in the classroom via a technology-enabled approach:Feasibility and the potential impact on teachers' psychological well-being, self-efficacy, and mindfulness

This longitudinal study included 64 teachers. We examined the feasibility and preliminary effects of a newly designed program, playing pre-recorded mindfulness practices to elementary school students by teachers across one school year. Self-report surveys and logbooks were used to collect data quantitative and qualitative data. During the first four months of implementation, teachers reported significant improvements in self-efficacy in classroom management and lower levels of perceived stress. Levels of mindfulness increased significantly and gradually throughout the school year. Qualitative results underlined potential changes in teachers’ outcomes, suggesting a calming effect and perceived improvement in their teaching skills.</p

Process Evaluation of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention for Informal Caregivers

Background: Informal caregivers are individuals who provide care for ill, frail, or otherwise dependent family members, siblings, or friends. Due to the caregiving demands, informal caregivers are known to experience negative mental health symptoms, such as stress or anxiety. Interventions based on Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) principles have been previously found to be effective for different populations and could also be considered as a plausible support option for informal caregivers. However, findings regarding effectiveness alone might not be sufficient for informing about the overall feasibility of the intervention.Objective: The aim of this process evaluation study was to evaluate the feasibility of a previously developed ICBT intervention for informal caregivers in Lithuania. More specifically, we evaluated the suitability of the intervention in relation to its content and delivery mode.Methods: Two studies were conducted. Study 1 consisted of participant evaluations of an 8-week, 8-module long therapist supported ICBT intervention. Evaluations for the Study 1 were retrieved from previously unused data, obtained from pilot testing of the intervention in which 63 informal caregivers took part. The evaluations contained of qualitative data (participant comments), as well as quantitative data (evaluations of each of the sessions). The Study 2 was an online stakeholder focus-group discussion conducted via Zoom. Eight stakeholders took part in the discussion, among whom there were social workers, medical professionals as well as individuals with caregiving experience themselves. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, and data coding.Results: Results of the Study 1 showed that most of the pilot randomized controlled trial participants evaluated content and format of the intervention positively. These results were complemented by the findings in the Study 2, in which stakeholders evaluated the intervention as suitable and promising. In addition, stakeholders made certain suggestions for improving the intervention's usability for the informal caregivers. This included improving the instructions, providing with more guidance, and considering personalization options.Conclusion: The process evaluation helped to evaluate the feasibility of the ICBT intervention for informal caregivers in Lithuania from the two perspectives: users and stakeholders. Our findings suggest that the intervention is suitable for the target population.</p