Objectives. The study examines the relationship between a healthy lifestyle and the self-perception, focusing on how the health behaviors affect the self-evaluation. It also analyzes the gender differences in adopting healthy habits, such as nutrition and physical activity, to understand factors that enhance the well-being and the self-image. Material and methods. The study was conducted on a sample of 100 participants (47 men and 53 women) aged between 18 and 61 (mean of 34.5 years). The methodology included using two instruments: an interview designed to identify a healthy lifestyle and the “Unconditional Acceptance of One’s Own Questionnaire – USAQ” in order to assess the self-esteem. The working procedure involved the application of these instruments to collect data concerning the participants’ health habits and self-perception. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric methods such as the Spearman test for correlation of variables and the Mann-Whitney test for gender differences. Results. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between adopting a healthy lifestyle and self-perception (correlation coefficient of 0.476, p < 0.01), confirming the hypothesis that a healthy lifestyle contributes to a more positive self-perception. Significant gender differences were also observed, with women showing greater concern for nutrition and mental health, while men engaged more often in vigorous physical activity and risky behaviors (p < 0.01). Conclusions. The results suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle positively impacts the self-perception and the general well-being. Tailoring health behaviors to fit gender and individual preferences may further optimize the physical and the mental health. This personalized approach may lead to better long-term health outcomes and improved well-being for diverse populations. Keywords: effects, lifestyle, health, perception, people
Objectives. Being given the limited studies on the flow of patients in Albanian emergency departments (EDs), this study made the profile of the frequent patients who attended EDs during the pandemic. This article aimed to evaluate the weight and the factors which accompanied the frequent ED users even in some unusual situations. Material and methods. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were examined following Andersen’s model. Data were collected from March 9th, 2020 to March 9th, 2021 using the medical registry of the Emergency Service at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” in Tirana. Results. Data collection included 13,753 patients with 15,314 ED visits; only 0.5% were classified as frequent ED users. They have reported the highest percentages in the Tirana region, in the number of visits and admissions to the ward, and in the diagnoses of hypertension, followed by coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes (DM), and stroke. Patients with CAD had 4 times the odds of reporting frequent ED use compared to those with no CAD (C.I.95% [2.2, 8.5]); patients with stroke had 11.34 times the odds of reporting frequent ED use compared to those without stroke (C.I.95% [5.2-14.4]). Patients with HTA and with DM had 2.6 times the odds of reporting frequent ED use compared to those without these diseases (C.I.95% [1.4-5.07] and C.I.95% [1.3, 4.3]). Conclusion. Even during the pandemic, the frequent ED users continue to remain in considerable numbers in the use of the emergency system. A high percentage of frequent users were true emergencies. Results could suggest that the appropriate intervention measures are crucial in order to reduce the occasional ED utilization. Keywords: Emergency Department, frequent users, patients’ profile, pandemic.
Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the distinct correlations between shame, guilt, and depressive symptoms in Albanian students. Self-conscious emotions, particularly the shame and the guilt, play a significant role in how individuals evaluate themselves and interact with the others. When experienced intensely or chronically, these emotions have been linked to various forms of psychopathology, including depression. In exploring these variable relations, this study aims to clarify the unique contributions of shame and guilt to the depressive symptomatology in the emerging adulthood. The current research seeks to enhance the understanding of shame and guilt and their distinct psychological impacts and contribute to refining the psychological models of the emotional regulation and distress. Material and methods. A total of 349 students, aged 18 to 28, participated in this study, taking into consideration that this age range represents a pivotal stage of emerging adulthood marked by significant identity development, emotional regulation challenges and increased susceptibility to self-conscious emotions and mental health issues. The Test of Self-Conscious Affect (TOSCA-3) was used in order to assess shame and guilt-proneness, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered with the aim to evaluate the severity of the depressive symptoms. Statistical analysis focused on correlations between these variables. Results. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between the shame and the depressive symptoms, meaning that the students who experienced higher levels of shame also reported more severe depressive symptoms. Conversely, the guilt was also associated with depression, but this correlation was less pronounced compared to shame. Conclusions. The findings highlight the critical role of shame in the development of the depressive symptoms, illustrating how the pervasive feelings of the inadequacy may undermine the mental well-being. The study emphasizes the need for the mental health interventions that specifically target shame-proneness to mitigate its detrimental impact on the depression in emerging adults, promoting the emotional resilience. Keywords: shame, guilt, depression, self-conscious emotions, students.
Objectives. Congenital malformations originate from the genetic constitution of the embryo or from an extrinsic defect during its in-utero development. The most common causes of congenital anomalies are teratogenic agents, specifically the teratogenic plants (TP). In this context, we undertook a cross-sectional study in order to assess the prevalence of TP usage by pregnant women before and during pregnancy in Morocco. Material and methods. This study was conducted in seven health facilities providing ante-natal care in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, central Morocco. The study focused on a population of pregnant women (N=624) in their last trimester of pregnancy, spanning a four-months period from February 1 to May 30, 2022. Results. In total, 13 different TP were identified. 92% of pregnant women reported that they were used with TP before pregnancy, this percentage decreased to 75% during pregnancy. For newborns after childbirth, stillbirth represents 0.7% of pregnancies. Furthermore, there were 17 newborns (2.8%) affected. The use of TP during pregnancy showed a significant association with the economic level of pregnant women (p < .05), medical insurance (p < .05), parity (p < .05), the type of pregnancy (programmed or not) (p < .05), and stillbirth (p < .05). Furthermore, a knowledge gap and dangerous practices related to TP were detected among participants. Conclusions. This study reveals high prevalence of TP used just before and during pregnancy which present a danger to the health of mothers and their newborns, requiring an urgent action to raise public awareness of the harmful effects of these TP. Keywords: Pregnant women, Teratogen plants, Congenital malformations, Morocco.
Objective. The objective of this study was to analyze the emotional distress among the adolescents with cancer. This distress negatively affects both the health-related quality of life and the treatment outcomes. Material and method. 42 adolescents (18 female and 24 male; 15 years +-1.8 SD) were included in the study and we emphasize that to them were applied the followings: a short scale of distress with 6 items and a scale of emotional thermometers, at the start of treatment and 6 months after the start of treatment. All the adolescents participating in the study benefited from the interventions of the non-formal Brain Station program and the formal program of the Hospital School. The study took place between September 2023 and June 2024. Results. At the beginning of the treatment, stress had a significant influence on distress, explaining approximately 21.49% of its total variance (r2=0.2149, p<0.05). After the interventions of the non-formal Brain Station program and the formal Hospital School program, stress continued to have a considerable influence on the distress, but explained only 9.54% of the variance (r2=0.0954, p<0.05). Also, the results of the study indicated that, 6 months after starting treatment: depression decreased significantly, anger decreased marginally significantly, while stress, anxiety, and need for help did not show statistically significant decreases. Conclusions. Interventions aimed to reducing stress early in treatment may have a relevant impact on reducing distress relative to interventions applied later. Thus, it was essential to pay a special attention to the stress management in the early stages of the oncology treatment, in order to maximize the reduction of distress in patients. Key words: adolescent, cancer, stress, distress, Brain Station, hospital school.
Objectives. The study explores how some traits of personality like conscientiousness, extraversion, and emotional stability may influence the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. Conscientious individuals engage in consistent health behaviors, extroverts are more socially active in maintaining health, and emotionally stable individuals manage stress better, promoting overall healthier lifestyle choices. Material and methods. The study included 100 participants (47 men and 53 women, aged 18 to 61). The tools used were interviewing to identify health behaviors and the „Five-Factor Personality Inventory – FFPI” questionnaire to assess personality traits. Results. Statistical analyses included tests of normality and Spearman correlation. Results: The analysis revealed a positive correlation between a healthy lifestyle and conscientiousness (r = 0.220, p < 0.05), indicating that more conscientious people adopt healthy behaviors more easily. A positive correlation was also found between healthy lifestyle and extraversion (r = 0.273, p < 0.01), suggesting that extroverts are more socially and physically active, but may be prone to risky behaviors. Emotional stability was also positively correlated with a healthy lifestyle (r = 0.351, p < 0.01), showing that people with better stress management adopt more effective healthy behaviors. Conclusions. The study confirms that the personality traits significantly influence how individuals adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Conscientiousness leads to the adherence of the structured routines, extraversion promotes the engagement in social and group activities, and emotional stability aids in stress management, reducing unhealthy behaviors. These findings emphasize the importance of personalized health strategies tailored to individual personality profiles, enhancing the effectiveness of health behavior adoption and a long-term well-being. Keywords: influence, traits, personality, lifestyle.
Objectives. To analyze the career transition process of the rural workers resettled due to the land acquisition in Nghi Son Economic Zone, Thanh Hoa, Vietnam. Driven by industrialization and urbanization, this resettlement significantly alters the livelihoods of the rural populations, necessitating a shift from the traditional agricultural practices to new forms of employment. Material and methods. The study interviewed representatives of 400 households after they were resettled due to the land acquisition in Nghi Son Economic Zone, Thanh Hoa, to serve in the industrialization and urbanization process. This substantial sample size provides a robust basis for analysis. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Quantitative data from structured interviews was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions in order to illustrate key trends and patterns. Results. Data analysis using the PLS-SEM model to show the relationship between 5 factors: (1) Career transition trend; (2) Transition time; (3) Work location; (4) Advantages and disadvantages in the career transition process; (5) Level of satisfaction and expectations of people after the career transition process of rural workers after resettlement due to land acquisition. The variables considered in the study include career transition trend, transition time, work location, advantages and disadvantages in the career transition process, and satisfaction and expectations of people after career transition. Conclusion. The study successfully analyzed the aspects of the career transition process. To effectively support the career transition process of the rural workers after the land acquisition, businesses, managers and scientists must cooperate comprehensively, combine support policies, target interventions, and empower workers. Keywords: career change, rural labor, resettlement, land recovery, Nghi Son economic zone, Thanh Hoa.
Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the different types of childhood trauma and the development of anxiety symptoms in adulthood, focusing on the contributions of specific trauma types to long-term mental health outcomes. Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 320 participants (M = 22.5 years, SD = 4.2) from the general population. Participants completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to measure the anxiety symptoms and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) to assess the childhood trauma experiences. Results. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data. The childhood trauma accounted for 37.3% of the variance in adult anxiety symptoms (R² = .373). Emotional abuse emerged as the strongest predictor of anxiety symptoms (ß = .517, p < .01), followed by the sexual abuse (ß = .210, p < .01), the physical abuse (ß = .201, p = .010), and the emotional neglect (ß = .160, p = .039). The physical neglect did not significantly predict the anxiety symptoms. Conclusions. The findings indicated that the emotional abuse and neglect have had the most profound impact on anxiety symptoms in adulthood, highlighting the lasting effects of early traumatic experiences. These results emphasized the need for early intervention and trauma-informed care in order to reduce the long-term psychological consequences of childhood trauma. Keywords: Childhood trauma, anxiety symptoms, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse.
Objective: This study explores maladaptive schemas and adverse childhood experiences as possible etiologic factors in the development of narcissistic personality traits. Materials and Methods. This study included 285 participants aged between 20 and 61 years (M = 37.62, SD = 8.57SD = 8.57), 74.39% of whom were female. They were recruited through their psychotherapists on the basis of a diagnosis of narcissism. The data were collected on-line, through a survey based on several questionnaires: the OMNI-IV – Personality Inventory, the Young Schema Questionnaire – Short Version (YSQ-S3) and the Early Adverse Experiences Questionnaire (ACE). All data analysis was performed using R (Version 4.4.0) and a series of packages such as R-packages car (Version 3.1.2), carData (Version 3.0.5) etc. Results. Increased scores on schemas of Defectiveness/shame, Unrelenting standards, Emotional deprivation, Approval-seeking/Recognition seeking and Entitlement/grandiosity increased the odds of study participants having narcissistic personality disorder. This study found no statistically significant correlations between early adverse experiences and narcissism, but did find significant correlations between adverse childhood experiences and some maladaptive schemas. Emotional deprivation and Defectivness/shame schemas were the best predictors of adverse childhood experiences. Conclusions. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of the etiology of narcissism. From a clinical point of view, the findings help mental health professionals better understand the underlying core pathology associated with narcissistic personality and target specific schemes in therapy for this disorder. Key words: early maladaptive schemas, narcissistic personality, adverse childhood experiences, narcissistic traits
Objectives.The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has tested people’s adaptability, resulting in significant changes in human habits. Notably, the Internet use and the family communication have been profoundly affected. This study aims to assess the differences between the parents and the children in their levels of Internet use, its consequences on parent-child communication during the pandemic, and offers suggestions for improving the parent-child communication in the time of crisis. Material and methods. This study was conducted through a survey of 464 parents and children dyads in three major cities of Vietnam. We utilized the one-way ANOVA to analyze the variance measuring the differences in Internet usage and family communication time between parents and children, and examine the differing assessments of the Internet impact on family communication in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Results. The results indicate that COVID-19 increased both the time spent using the Internet and communicating in the family. Parents and children reported a relatively high level of satisfaction with communication. While there was no statistically a significant difference in how parents and children assessed the positive impact of the Internet on the family communication, parents rated the negative impact higher than the children did. Conclusions. The research findings offer a unique perspective on the relationship between the Internet use and the family communication within a specific social contex. The study lays a crucial foundation for advocating the development and the implementation of the effective solutions for Internet use and communication, ensuring the sustainable family dynamics even in times of crisis or uncertainty. Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, Internet impact, parent-child communication.
Objectives. The aim of this study is to investigate the Quality of Life in children with neurodevelopmental disorders aged 3-6 years old through the perspective of their parents. Material and methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. The Kiddy-KINDLR parents’ version questionnaire was administered to 80 parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders for 3 months from January to March 2024 and also to a control group of 72 parents of children with typical development. The Kiddy-KINDLR questionnaire is divided into 6 main sub-scales, each investigating different dimensions of the global well-being during the past week: Physical well-being, Emotional Well-being, Self-esteem, Family, Friends, School, and an additional sub-scale with important questions regarding the general functioning. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using the SPSS 22. Results. Children were diagnosed with different neurodevelopmental disorders, most of them being (43%) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, 15% with ADHD, 19% with speech and language disorder, 21% with intellectual disability, and 3% with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Data analysis showed a slightly statistically significant relationship between the children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and low levels of emotional well-being (p = 0.047), struggling at school, and facing difficulties with their peers (p = 0.048). Almost all of the children with neurodevelopmental disorders faced significant challenges in family interactions. Conclusions. Assessment of Quality of Life in children with neurodevelopmental disorders can identify what is important to them and to their families and provide the initial information for the policymakers to assess their needs. Keywords: neurodevelopmental disorder, quality of life, Albania, parents.
Objectives. The objective of this study was to validate an intervention model based on the theatrical methods to increase understanding of the concepts of core emotions, personal boundaries and interpersonal skills associated with reducing stress and abuse encountered by at-risk youth being in state care institutions. Material and methods. This study involved a group of 85 at-risk young people aged 8-19 years, affiliated with social protection institutions: General Directorate of the Social Assistance and Child Protection [Direcția pentru Asistența Socială și Protecția Copilului – DGASPC] Bucharest, Dolj, Suceava. At each stage of the intervention, i.e. pre-activity, post-performance, and post-activity, a questionnaire was administered, developed by the authors of this study, with 38 questions (open and closed) on socio-emotional factors. Five drama workshops were conducted at each institution, preceded by a performance presenting three types of abuse situations. Results. The results showed that the drama intervention produced changes in the targeted dimensions among the participants. Post-activity, more than half of the participants were able to correctly name one, two, or three core emotions (joy, fear, sadness, anger) and reported that they developed some skills which made them able to communicate more easily with each other. Conclusions. This study found that the drama exercises facilitated experiential learning and had beneficial implications for the behavior of at-risk youth. In light of this, the initiation of programs aimed at enhancing the emotional and the personal intelligence among vulnerable youth is both timely and essential to helping them identify emotions and interpersonal boundaries and activate the resilience factors, thereby effectively overcoming the adversities they face. Keywords: theatre games, drama intervention, social risk, teenagers, Romania.
Objectives. Numerous studies in this field highlight the significant role of volitional qualities and skills in carrying out various activities in which pupils are engaged. Furthermore, while each activity, in a typically way, involves the presence of a goal and the intention to achieve it, difficulties inevitably arise, for which motivation alone is insufficient to overcome. In this context, the present study aims to determine the level of development of volitional qualities among pupils, as well as to highlight the characteristics of these qualities based on gender and background criteria. Material and methods. The research methodology is grounded in theoretical approaches and the results of empirical studies conducted in psychology. The research sample consists of 304 pupils. Data collection regarding the level volitional qualities was carried out using the Volitional Qualities Questionnaire by M. V. Chumakov. Results. The analysis of the results indicates that pupils exhibit distinct levels of development in volitional qualities. Compared to girls, the boys registered higher average values for the following volitional qualities: determination, resilience, persistence, energy, and perseverance. Additionally, the results demonstrated that pupils from the urban areas, compared to these from the rural areas, obtained higher average values in the following qualities: initiative, determination, independence, and perseverance. Conclusions. This study underscores the importance of understanding the characteristics of volitional qualities among pupils concerning certain psychosocial factors. These insights may be beneficial in achieving desired performance across various domains. Additionally, the findings may contribute to a better understanding of the role of family, school, and community, which are the essential factors in the harmonious development of pupils’ personalities. Keywords: willpower, volitional qualities, determination, resilience, perseverance, pupil.
Objective. This study analyzed the personality traits that may characterize offenders convicted of rape and violent acts. Material and methods. The study involved 850 incarcerated individuals, permanently sentenced and detained within the National Penitentiary Administration of Romania. Participants were aged between 21 and 71 years (MD = 38.7), with 3% being female. The CP5F Personality Questionnaire and a thematic omnibus questionnaire were applied. Results. The analysis revealed that the prisoners who committed a violent act had statistically significantly higher scores on the Extraversion scales (M = 72.14, SD = 11.43; M =70.24, SD =9.58), t(848) = 8.47, p < .05., Emotional Stability (M = 80.22, SD = 10.96; M =77.76, SD =10.82), t(848) = .51, p < .005, and Autonomy (M = 76.12, SD = 9.49; M =74.56, SD =8.25), t(848) = 7.15, p < .05, than the non-violent ones. Prisoners who committed the crime of rape have lower scores on Conscientiousness (M = 99.7783), Emotional Stability (M = 76.6179), and Autonomy (M = 74.0189) compared to those who committed crimes in other categories. Conclusions. The entire sample is characterized by low levels of Emotional Stability and Autonomy. Violent offenders were specifically characterized by lower levels of Extraversion, while rape offenders displayed notably lower levels of Conscientiousness. The present study suggests that there is an urgent need for specialized interventions by considering the psychological aspects that characterize the type of crime committed. Keywords: personality traits, prisoner, crime, violence, rape.
Objectives. The study’s objectives were to test the psychometric properties of the Romanian version of The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) – Family Impact Module (PedsQL™ – FIM), an instrument that evaluates the quality of life of parents of children with chronic illnesses, and to provide a general characterization of life’s quality. Material and Methods. The Romanian version of the PedsQL™ – FIM was obtained based on a request from the developer through the Mapi Research Trust, and the questionnaire was applied to 108 parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed, the internal consistency, the convergent validity and the discriminant validity were also calculated. Results. The Romanian version of the PedsQL™ – FIM passed the CFA and EFA tests, showing satisfactory internal consistency for all scales, with nearly all standardized coefficients above 0.7. Its use highlighted significant deteriorations in total quality of life scores and scores for emotional, social, cognitive functioning, communication, worry, daily activities, and family relationships scales. Conclusions. The application of the PedsQL™ – FIM confirmed the results of international studies – the quality of life of parents of children with ASD is severely deteriorated due to the stress generated by the child’s illness, especially their disruptive behaviors. Evaluating the quality of life of parents of children with ASD using this instrument provides a solid foundation for support interventions for these parents, helping them become more functional physically, emotionally, cognitively, and socially. Keywords: autistic spectrum, quality of life, parents.
Objectives. This article focuses on a relatively under-researched topic – different forms of work (on-site, hybrid and remote) in Bulgarian organizations. The aim of present study is to explore the influence of form of work on well-being, work engagement and work-life balance as well as the interactions between these phenomena. Material and methods. An online survey was conducted with 432 managers and employees from private and public organizations in Bulgaria, using three scales (UWES-9, WHO-5, WLBS) for measuring the main constructs and a questionnaire on the individual-demographic data. The Work-life Balance Scale is applied for the first time among Bulgarian sample. One-Way ANOVA, correlation and regression analyses were performed. Results. The results indicate that respondents who use hybrid and on-site form of work are more engaged (three elements Vigor, Dedication and Absorption) (p<.001), but the participants who work in a hybrid form and remotely have significantly better work-life balance (p<.001). The Bulgarian sample showed good levels of engagement compared to other cultures. No statistically significant differences were found in the well-being scores based on respondents’ form of work (p>.05). A strong positive correlation was found between the work engagement and the well-being, and a weak one was noticed between the work engagement and the work-life’s balance. The work-life’s balance positively influences the well-being (R=.465). Conclusions. The present study confirms that the hybrid work combines many beneficial elements for Bulgarian managers and employees, such as good levels of work engagement and work-life balance, opportunities for social interactions with colleagues at the office but also a flexibility to work from home a part of the week. Keywords: well-being, engagement, work-life balance, remote, hybrid.
Objectives: The article objectives are studying some of the ongoing transformations in the Bulgarian education with an emphasis on the rural context. The analysis outlines a general picture of the rural education in Bulgaria, referring to the declining number of schools, teachers and students, as well as discussing the phenomena of “small classes” and “co-classrooms”, leading to restructuring of rural school education, related to a change in the methods of teaching and training students. Materials and methods: The methods used in the analysis include document analysis, interviews with the teachers and the headmasters as participants in the educational process and a focus group with parents. The article is a secondary analysis of a field research conducted in 2016. The secondary analysis was made within the project “Quality of life and well-being in the context of the professional communities and their activity” КП-06-ПН80/2, funded by National Science Fund. Results: The main results of the article are aimed at evaluating the measures taken in formal education as specific responses to the decreasing number of students. Different perspectives of teachers and parents are shown in order to emphasize the views of the main actors in the rural school and their attitude towards the phenomenon of “co-classrooms”. Conclusions: The conclusion states that the implementation of unpopular decisions is aimed at preserving the quality of education and its effectiveness. It is emphasized that solutions and approaches are sought to preserve rural schools and maintain people’s educational values. Keywords: rural schools, school closure, small classes, “co-classrooms”, Bulgarian rural education
Objectives. The aim of the study was to explore the scientific literature on the variability of executive functions and emotional regulation in substance users, and based on it, one can formulate prevention and intervention strategies in order to reduce substance use. Methodology. Using the APA PsycNet and Scopus platforms, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies investigating executive functions and emotional regulation in illicit drug users aged 18 years and older were searched. From a total of 1073 articles, 64 relevant studies published between 2002-2023 were selected. Results. Use of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis was associated with significant deficits in executive functions and emotional regulation. Opioid users showed major difficulties in decision-making and learning, and cocaine users showed deficits in cognitive control. Cognitive flexibility and working memory were impaired in methamphetamine users, and cannabis use was associated with cognitive and emotional deficits. Targeted interventions, such as Cognitive Remediation Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, have shown improvements in neurocognitive function and reductions in substance use. Conclusions. Executive functions and emotional regulation are impaired by drug use with variability influenced by the type of substance used and severely impaired in poly-drug use. Following substance use remission, executive function deficits and difficulties in emotional regulation improved. Personalized interventions that specifically address each individual’s cognitive and emotional deficits are needed.
Objective. The aim of the study was to identify art-therapeutic techniques effective in order to reduce the depression scores in patients with depressive disorders or depression associated with somatic diseases and therapeutic tools for measuring progress. Material and methods. Information has been collected from scientific platforms such as Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, APA PsycNet and Google Scholar. Only quantitative studies from the last 10 years were selected, which have evaluated the progress of patients following the application of art-therapeutic techniques. Keywords such as: art therapy, depression, scores and rehabilitation were used. Of the 76 papers identified, 16 met the inclusion criteria. Results. Studies have confirmed the usefulness of the art-therapeutic techniques in treatment schemes for patients with depression. The most used techniques were those in the field of visual arts (drawing, painting, modeling, collage) and music (musical auditions). Dance and art-media technologies were applied less often, and theatrical techniques were not used at all. All studies, with one exception, indicated a decrease in associated depression and anxiety, as well as improved emotional-cognitive coping. Outcomes were measured by questionnaires validated in a test-retest system, but only in the short term, immediately after the intervention, which was a common limitation. Conclusions. Art therapy has a positive impact in reducing depression scores and increasing patients’ well-being, according to the analyzed studies. However, the future research should focus on evaluating the long-term effects of these techniques for a more in-depth understanding of the therapeutic benefits. Keywords: depression, art therapy, comorbidities, progress
Objectives: The realities of the contemporary Romanian society highlight a series of symbolic transformations at the level of consumption, at the level of everyday life and at the level of how individuals perceive the reality in which they live. All these changes in consumption are largely generated by the powerful sustainability campaigns which are transmitted to us through all existing media channels. Therefore, using the method of observation, I have tried to identify relevant aspects of everyday consumption that have been symbolically strongly altered in the last period of time, inducing new consumer roles and transforming consumers into collaborators of large corporations. Even though modernity offers us state-of-the-art technologies and gadgets, even though we have access to information in an ultra-fast way, people’s lives have not improved or simplified in many ways. The causes of this kind of transformation can be manifold, but this material aims to prove that at the forefront are CSR campaigns and the important role of the media in contemporary society. This is the research purpose that this material is aiming to bring into discussion. Material and methods: The research was carried out using a qualitative methodology – more precisely, participatory observation. The observation was made in the interval between January 2023 and August 2024 in different locations from Bucharest, especially in markets, agglomerated malls and urban locations. Results and Conclusions: The conclusion of this material is that through hegemonic campaigns, large corporations turn consumers into extensions of themselves, using persuasion and awareness campaigns that are broadcast and convince the public that they must get involved in and join seemingly noble ideals. These, in fact, do nothing but restrict freedom of speech and consumer rights. Keywords: symbolic transformations in consumption, hegemony, sustainability, semiotics, consumer restrictions.
