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What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

The Research Desk

The science of flourishing.

Peer-reviewed research on wellbeing, resilience, and what helps people thrive — read straight from PubMed, translated into plain language, and turned into something you can actually use.

The finding1 of 5

Kursk residents' life quality is moderately impacted by healthcare system satisfaction.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Problemy sotsial'noi gigieny, zdravookhraneniia i istorii meditsiny

[THE SUBJECTIVE ESTIMATES OF QUALITY OF LIFE OF URBAN POPULATION OF PROVINCIAL REGION THROUGH THE PRISM OF SATISFACTION OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEM].

  • Meaning
  • Accomplishment

This study explores how the quality of healthcare systems influences the subjective quality of life for residents in the city of Kursk, Russia. The researchers conducted a survey to understand how people's perceptions of their well-being and life quality are linked to their satisfaction with healthcare services. The findings indicate that inadequacies in healthcare infrastructure and personnel negatively impact residents' quality of life.

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The finding1 of 4

Childhood emotional maltreatment is linked to trauma-related outcomes like PTSD and complex PTSD, with emotional abuse showing a slightly stronger connection than emotional neglect.

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European journal of psychotraumatology

Childhood emotional maltreatment and trauma-related outcomes: a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis.

  • Resilience
  • Growth

This systematic review and meta-analysis explores the impact of childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) on trauma-related outcomes, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD). The study distinguishes between emotional abuse and emotional neglect to understand their respective influences on these conditions. Analyzing data from 62 studies, the research finds a significant association between CEM and trauma-related symptoms, with emotional abuse showing a slightly stronger link to PTSD/CPTSD than emotional neglect.

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The finding1 of 4

Quality of life improves over time for people with HIV in cure-related studies, even during treatment interruptions.

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HIV research & clinical practice

Health-related quality of life trajectories during analytical treatment interruptions in HIV cure-related studies and the influence of depression, anxiety, and resilience.

  • Resilience
  • Accomplishment

This study explores how the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of people living with HIV changes during treatment interruptions in HIV cure-related trials. It specifically looks at how depression, anxiety, and resilience at the start of the study can influence these changes. The research found that, overall, participants' quality of life improved over time, even when undergoing challenging treatment protocols.

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The finding1 of 4

Medical students who see themselves as having higher social status among peers report better physical and mental health.

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Annals of medicine

Subjective social status and health of Saudi medical students: a cross-sectional study on the role of peer comparisons.

  • Relationships
  • Growth

This research explores how medical students' perceptions of their social status among peers relate to their health and well-being. Conducted at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia, the study surveyed 390 undergraduate medical students, assessing their subjective social status using a ladder-like scale. The findings reveal that students who perceive themselves as having a higher social standing compared to their peers report better physical and mental health, as well as greater psychological well-being and life satisfaction.

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The finding1 of 4

Professional identity formation is crucial for family medicine residents to boost resilience and job satisfaction.

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Annals of medicine

Professional identity formation of family medicine residents in Singapore: a qualitative study to identify influencing factors.

  • Growth
  • Relationships

This study delves into how family medicine residents in Singapore develop their professional identity, a crucial factor in combating burnout and ensuring job satisfaction. The research highlights the importance of integrating professional identity formation (PIF) into residency programs, particularly those that are predominantly hospital-based. By conducting in-depth interviews with residents and family physicians, the study identifies key psychological senses that underpin PIF: competence, connectedness, appreciation, and career trajectory.

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The finding1 of 4

Adaptation in liver transplant recipients is a dynamic process focused on social belonging and managing vulnerabilities.

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International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being

Adaptation before and one year after liver transplantation: a longitudinal grounded theory study.

  • Resilience
  • Relationships

This study delves into the emotional and social journey of liver transplant recipients, focusing on how they adapt before and after the surgery. Through interviews with twelve adults, researchers examined how these individuals navigated the profound changes and challenges associated with liver transplantation. The study revealed that adaptation is a dynamic process, beginning with efforts to maintain social belonging and continuity in life before the transplant and evolving into reconstructing stability and managing vulnerability afterward.

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The finding1 of 4

Processing Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) helps PTSD clients connect with positive emotions and improves self-reflection.

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European journal of psychotraumatology

Client and therapist experiences with the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) in a randomized controlled trial: insights for protocol refinement.

  • Positive emotion
  • Resilience

The study explores the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT), a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) access positive autobiographical memories. This method aims to alleviate PTSD symptoms by focusing on positive experiences. The research compares PPMT to Supportive Counseling in a randomized controlled trial involving 70 participants, revealing insights into client and therapist experiences and suggesting areas for improvement.

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The finding1 of 4

Interacting with nature can restore attention and reduce stress, supporting human wellbeing.

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The Lancet. Planetary health

Mechanisms underpinning flourishing at the interface of humans and other natural entities: an umbrella review.

  • Meaning
  • Relationships

This study explores how humans and nature can flourish together, a concept known as ecological-collective-flourishing (e-co-flourishing). The researchers conducted an umbrella review, which is a review of existing systematic reviews, to identify mechanisms that support this intertwined flourishing. They found that psychological benefits, such as attention restoration and stress reduction, were the most consistently supported mechanisms. However, evidence for other pathways, like social cohesion and physical activity, was mixed. The study highlights the need for more rigorous research to better understand how humans and nature can mutually benefit each other.

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The finding1 of 3

E-co-flourishing integrates human and ecological wellbeing, addressing current ecological and social crises.

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The Lancet. Planetary health

Ecological-collective-flourishing (e-co-flourishing): a framework to guide innovation and research.

  • Meaning
  • Mindfulness

This paper introduces a novel framework called ecological-collective-flourishing (e-co-flourishing), which aims to integrate human wellbeing with the health of natural ecosystems. The authors argue that current models of progress are inadequate for addressing the intertwined ecological and social crises we face today. By promoting a holistic approach, the e-co-flourishing framework seeks to advance wellbeing not just for individuals, but also for the broader ecological systems they are part of.

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The finding1 of 4

War in Ukraine impacts children's mental health, highlighting anxiety, depression, PTSD, but also resilience factors like social support and posttraumatic growth.

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European journal of psychotraumatology

Understanding mental health needs in Ukraine: protocol for a longitudinal survey of mental health in children and caregivers during the war in Ukraine.

  • Resilience
  • Relationships

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has placed immense psychological stress on its population, particularly children and adolescents. Recognizing the gap in understanding the mental health of young Ukrainians, the UNITY initiative is conducting a comprehensive study to assess the mental health needs of children aged 8 to 16 and their caregivers. This longitudinal study aims to gather data from 3,000 children across various regions of Ukraine, ensuring a representative sample that considers different levels of exposure to the conflict.

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The finding1 of 4

Cancer survivors use interpersonal strengths to aid in recovery and find meaning after their illness.

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European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society

Beyond pain: A phenomenological narrative of interpersonal character strengths in coping with the cancer experience.

  • Growth
  • Relationships

This study delves into how cancer survivors use interpersonal character strengths to navigate their recovery and find meaning after their illness. Through interviews with 12 survivors, researchers identified key strengths that aid in psychological recovery and social reintegration. The study highlights how these strengths allow survivors to see their cancer journey as a chance for personal growth and deeper connections with others.

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The finding1 of 4

Positive psychology interventions improve emotional and psychological health in adults with spinal cord injuries.

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Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation

Positive Psychology Interventions for Adults with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

  • Positive emotion
  • Accomplishment

This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the impact of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) on the health and wellbeing of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study synthesized evidence from eight eligible studies that implemented PPIs based on Seligman's PERMA model, which focuses on Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. The findings highlight that PPIs can significantly improve emotional and psychological health outcomes, such as self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and anxiety, although the long-term effects remain uncertain.

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The finding1 of 3

Intensive and massed therapy programs offer promising alternatives for treating PTSD, with individual and group-based models showing potential.

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European journal of psychotraumatology

Therapeutic intensification in post-traumatic stress disorder worldwide: where do we stand?

  • Resilience
  • Relationships

This paper reviews recent developments in intensive and massed therapy programs for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Traditional trauma-focused psychotherapies are often the first line of treatment for PTSD, but they have limitations. Intensive and massed programs, which involve concentrated therapy sessions over shorter periods, have shown promising results in improving outcomes for those with PTSD.

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The finding1 of 4

Existential beliefs predict resilience in Dutch firefighters over time, while sleep quality and social support do not.

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European journal of psychotraumatology

Predictors of psychological resilience among high-risk professionals: a two-year follow-up study in Dutch firefighters.

  • Resilience
  • Meaning

This study explores the psychological resilience of Dutch firefighters, focusing on the role of existential beliefs, sleep quality, and social support over a two-year period. Resilience, the ability to positively adapt in the face of adversity, is crucial for high-risk professionals like firefighters. The researchers found that existential beliefs, specifically a sense of coherence and meaning in life, were significant predictors of resilience over time.

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The finding1 of 4

Community support reduces burnout symptoms among pediatric education leaders.

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Medical education online

"From Exhaustion to Invigoration": a mixed-methods study exploring the role of a community in supporting resilience of pediatric education leaders.

  • Resilience
  • Relationships

This study delves into the factors that contribute to burnout among pediatric education leaders in Canada and how a sense of community might help mitigate these symptoms. The researchers explored the experiences of members of the Paediatric Undergraduate Program Directors of Canada (PUPDOC) through surveys and focus groups. They found that while some participants showed signs of burnout, the community aspect of PUPDOC played a significant role in providing support and reducing burnout symptoms.

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The finding1 of 4

Infertility-related stigma and age increase social avoidance and distress, while self-esteem, resilience, and social relationships offer protection.

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Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology

Analysis of influencing factors for social avoidance and distress among infertile patients based on LASSO and XGBoost algorithms.

  • Resilience
  • Relationships

This study delves into the psychological challenges faced by individuals dealing with infertility, specifically focusing on social avoidance and distress (SAD). By examining 205 patients, the researchers identified several factors that contribute to SAD, including age, perceived infertility stigma, self-esteem, resilience, and the quality of social relationships. The study employed advanced statistical methods to pinpoint these factors, highlighting their role in either increasing risk or providing protection against SAD.

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The finding1 of 4

WeChat-based PERMA intervention reduces grief and boosts wellbeing after pregnancy termination.

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Frontiers in psychology

Effects of a WeChat-based PERMA model positive psychological intervention on Chinese women after termination of pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

  • Resilience
  • Growth

This study explores the impact of a digital psychological intervention, based on the PERMA model, delivered via WeChat to support Chinese women following the termination of a pregnancy. The intervention aimed to alleviate grief, enhance post-traumatic growth, and improve overall wellbeing during the postpartum period. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial, the study involved 118 participants, with one group receiving the PERMA-based support in addition to standard care, while the control group received only standard postpartum care.

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The finding1 of 3

University students value mental health apps that are discreet, user-friendly, and protect privacy.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being

Integration of cognitive behavioral therapy and mobile health applications among university students with depression: a qualitative study.

  • Resilience
  • Engagement

This study delves into how university students with depressive symptoms perceive the integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mobile health applications. Through interviews with 32 students, researchers identified key themes around app design, help-seeking processes, and the core features of CBT that these students find beneficial. The study highlights the importance of discreet and user-friendly app design, emphasizing privacy and flexible features that cater to personal needs.

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