ORCID Profile
0000-0002-6173-621X
Current Organisations
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
,
The University of Hong Kong
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University of Hong Kong
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2006
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2004
DOI: 10.1002/PON.758
Abstract: To investigate the dimensions and determinants of posttraumatic growth among Chinese cancer survivors, 188 participants were asked to complete a Chinese posttraumatic growth inventory, translated from the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI J Trauma Stress 1996 9: 455-471), together with the Chinese versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale, and the General Health Questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a different factor structure than the original English-language version of the PTGI. The dimensions of growth could also be broadly dichotomized into an Interpersonal and an Intrapersonal dimension in our Chinese s le. Multiple regression analysis showed that positive coping was the most important determinant of posttraumatic growth when compared with negative coping and psychological symptoms. A Chinese Posttraumatic Growth Inventory was developed to facilitate future research.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2005
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-08-2016
DOI: 10.1002/PON.4240
Abstract: Patients with cancer and their spouses usually both suffer, but the dyadic effects have not been thoroughly investigated. This study examined the dyadic effects of psychological distress on sleep disturbance in Chinese couples affected by cancer. Patients with cancer and their spouses (N = 135) participated in this study. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to measure anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance. There were significant patient-spouse associations on anxiety (r = 0.48, P < .01), depression (r = 0.55, P < .01), and sleep disturbance (r = 0.30, P < .01). Analyses using the actor-partner interdependence model showed that anxiety had significant actor effects, rather than partner effects, on sleep disturbance in both patients and their spouses, but depression had both actor and partner effects. In addition to providing evidence for the concordance in distress and sleep disturbance in patients with cancer and their spouses, the findings indicate a mutual influence of depression on sleep disturbance among the couples. Clinicians and health care providers are suggested to integrate depression management as a component of sleep therapies and involve both patients and their spouses in treatment programs.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-10-2007
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 03-2017
Abstract: Our recent study demonstrates that adiponectin signaling plays a significant role in mediating physical exercise-exerted effects on hippoc al neurogenesis and antidepression in mice. Whether the findings can be translated to humans remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Baduanjin Qigong exercise on adiponectin and to evaluate whether adiponectin is involved in the antidepressive effects of Qigong exercise on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)-like illness. This is a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial. One hundred eight female participants were randomly assigned to either Qigong exercise or waitlist groups. Sixteen 1.5-h Qigong lessons were conducted. Outcome measures were taken at three time points. Baseline adiponectin levels were negatively associated with body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist/hip ratio in women with CFS-like illness. Compared with the waitlist control, Qigong exercise significantly reduced anxiety and depression symptoms and significantly raised plasma adiponectin levels (median = 0.8 vs. −0.1, p 0.05). More interestingly, increases in adiponectin levels following Qigong exercise were associated with decreases in depression scores for the Qigong group ( r = −0.38, p = 0.04). Moreover, adjusted linear regression analysis further identified Qigong exercise and change in adiponectin levels as the significant factors accounting for reduction of depression symptoms. Baduanjin Qigong significantly increased adiponectin levels in females with CFS-like illness. Decreases in depression symptoms were associated with increases in adiponectin levels following Qigong exercise, indicating that the potential contribution of adiponectin to Qigong exercise elicited antidepressive effects in human subjects.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYNEUEN.2012.06.010
Abstract: This study examined whether the changes in sleep problems, attachment styles, meaning in life, and salivary cortisol over the course of 14 months were the predictors of changes in depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer at post-treatment stage. The study included 76 participants who completed active breast cancer treatment with longitudinal data collected at five points, including baseline assessment (T0) and the four follow-ups after baseline: T1 (in the 2nd month), T2 (in the 5th month), T3 (in the 8th month), and T4 (in the 14th month). The self-reported questionnaires included the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep (MOS-Sleep) scale the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) scale for measuring anxiety and avoidance dimensions of attachment style and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), consisting of the MLQ-Presence scale and the MLQ-Search scale. The participants collected their salivary cortisol at home at six time points: upon waking, 30 and 45 min after waking, and at 1200 h, 1700 h, and 2100 h. Higher scores on for anxiety-related attachment style and the sleep problems index at baseline were associated with more severe initial depressive symptoms after the age, BMI, cancer, and treatment variables were controlled. The presence of meaning in life at baseline was negatively correlated with initial depressive symptoms. Moreover, the decreases in the presence of meaning in life over the course of 14 months predicted more severe depressive symptoms. In addition, the persistent increases of cortisol level at 2100 h across 14-month follow-ups predicted worsening depressive symptoms. Lacking presence of meaning in life as a predictor for severe depressive symptoms demonstrates that breast cancer survivors who lack psychological well-being are more likely to be depressed. The persistent elevation of cortisol levels at night also indicates breast cancer survivors to be at high risk of depression.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2004
DOI: 10.1002/PON.799
Abstract: Chinese persons are not known as strong in expressing emotions, especially negative ones. However, being diagnosed with cancer and going through treatment can be an emotionally traumatic experience and cancer patients are supposed to have a stronger need to express these negative feelings. The control of expression of negative emotions such as anger, anxiety and depression in Chinese female cancer survivors (n=139) was examined in the present study using the Chinese version of the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS). The reliability, internal consistency and validity of the Chinese CECS were comparable to the original English scale. Correlation analyses suggested that cancer survivors with higher emotional control tended to have higher stress, anxiety and depression levels and to adopt negative coping with cancer. Regression analysis showed that emotional control would positively predict stress level even after the effect of depressed mood was under control. Further investigations are suggested in order to elucidate the causal relationships and specific cultural factors affecting emotional control in Chinese cancer survivors and, most importantly, its effect on health outcomes.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 16-06-2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 09-2007
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 04-2006
DOI: 10.1093/BJSW/BCL008
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 05-2013
Abstract: The aim of this review is to summarize and assess critically clinical trial evidence of the effect of t'ai chi (TC) exercise on immunity and TC efficacy for treating infectious diseases. Fourteen databases were searched from their respective inceptions through January 2011. No language restrictions were imposed. Quality and validity of the included clinical trials were evaluated using standard scales. Sixteen (16) studies, including 7 randomized controlled trials, 4 controlled clinical trials, and 5 retrospective case-control studies, met the inclusion criteria for this review. One (1) study examined clinical symptoms, 3 studies tested functional measures of immunity (antigen-induced immunity), and the other studies tested enumerative parameters of immunity. such as lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, complements, natural-killer cells, and myeloid dendritic cells. Overall, these studies suggested favorable effects of TC exercise. TC exercise appears to improve both cell-mediated immunity and antibody response in immune system, but it remains debatable whether or not the changes in immune parameters are sufficient to provide protection from infections.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2016
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-05-2020
Abstract: Findings of the association between hot weather and suicide in a subtropical city such as Hong Kong are inconsistent. This study aimed to revisit the association by identifying meteorological risk factors for older-adult suicides in Hong Kong using a time-series approach. A retrospective study was conducted on older-adult (aged ≥65) suicide deaths in Hong Kong from 1976 to 2014. Suicides were classified into those involving violent methods and those involving nonviolent methods. Meteorological data, including ambient temperature, were retrieved. Transfer function time-series models were fitted. In total, 7314 older-adult suicide deaths involving violent methods and 630 involving nonviolent methods were recorded. For violent-method suicides, a monthly average daily minimum ambient temperature was determined to best predict the monthly rate, and a daily maximum ambient temperature of 30.3 °C was considered the threshold. For suicide deaths involving nonviolent methods, the number of days in a month for which the daily maximum ambient temperature exceeded 32.7 °C could best predict the monthly rate. Higher ambient temperature was associated with more older-adult suicide deaths, both from violent and nonviolent methods. Weather-focused preventive measures for older-adult suicides are necessary, such as the provision of more public air-conditioned areas where older adults can shelter from extreme hot weather.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2015.1080849
Abstract: Mental health care workers face heavy emotional demand and are prone to work burnout. Work burnout has been associated with poor mental health and work climate, which refers to in idual perceptions about work setting. The purpose of this study was to examine whether intra-in idual changes in work climate were associated with intra-in idual changes in burnout and depression over two years. The present s le included Chinese mental health care workers (N = 312 mean age = 38.6, SD = 9.9) working in a psychosocial rehabilitation institution. The participants completed questionnaires on work climate, work burnout and depression at seven time points across two years. Parallel process latent growth modeling was used to analyze the associations of change between work climate and burnout and depression. Work climate displayed a logarithmic decreasing trend while burnout and depression displayed logarithmic increasing trends over two years. Baseline levels of work climate were negatively and moderately associated with baseline levels of burnout and depression (r = -.44 to -.60, p < .01). Changes in work climate were negatively and moderately associated with change in burnout (r = -.43, p < .01) and change in depression (r = -.31, p < .05). Change in burnout was positively and strongly associated (r = .58, p < .01) with change in depression. The current results support temporal relationships among changes in work climate, burnout and depression across time. Practical implications for future preventive work in burnout interventions were discussed within this population.
Publisher: World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X12500206
Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of Chinese qigong exercise in rehabilitative programs among cardiac patients. Thirteen databases were searched through to November 2010, and all controlled clinical trials on Chinese qigong exercise among patients with chronic heart diseases were included. For each included study, data was extracted and validity was assessed. Study quality was evaluated and summarized using both the Jadad Scale and the criteria for levels of evidence. Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one non-randomized controlled clinical trial (CCT) published between 1988 and 2007 met the inclusion criteria. In total, these studies covered 540 patients with various chronic heart diseases including atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarct, valve replacement, and ischemic heart disease. Outcome measures emerged in these studies included subjective outcomes such as symptoms and quality of life and objective outcomes such as blood pressure, ECG findings, and exercise capacity, physical activity, balance, co-ordination, heart rate, and oxygen uptake. Overall, these studies suggest that Chinese qigong exercise seems to be an optimal option for patients with chronic heart diseases who were unable to engage in other forms of physical activity however, its efficacy and effectiveness in cardiac rehabilitation programs should be further tested.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2001
DOI: 10.1080/026404101300149384
Abstract: Exercise has been suggested as an effective adjunctive treatment for a range of mental health conditions. In this study, we explored the perceptions of exercise held by course directors of doctoral training programmes in clinical psychology in England. Given the exploratory nature of the study, we used a qualitative design incorporating semi-structured interviews. Although most participants held favourable attitudes regarding exercise, this was related more to exercise being seen as a positive lifestyle activity that is worth encouraging, rather than exercise being recommended as an adjunctive treatment for mental health problems. Inductive analysis identified four themes that underpinned such a response: inconsistent positions on the evidential criteria used to evaluate the role of exercise, which masked themes regarding the perceived 'simplicity' of exercise interventions, a practical adherence to a mind-body dichotomy, and the incompatibility of exercise with traditional models of understanding and treating clinical conditions. The barriers we have highlighted will continue to hinder the consideration of exercise as a common therapeutic adjunct at present. Although further research is required to examine the relationship between exercise and mental health, consideration must also be given to how such research should be disseminated to mental health professionals.
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 12-04-2019
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1155/2014/874648
Abstract: This pilot study investigated the patterns of video and internet gaming habits and the prevalence and correlates of gaming addiction in Hong Kong adolescents. A total of 503 students were recruited from two secondary schools. Addictive behaviors of video and internet gaming were assessed using the Game Addiction Scale. Risk factors for gaming addiction were examined using logistical regression. An overwhelming majority of the subjects (94%) reported using video or internet games, with one in six (15.6%) identified as having a gaming addiction. The risk for gaming addiction was significantly higher among boys, those with poor academic performance, and those who preferred multiplayer online games. Gaming addiction was significantly associated with the average time spent gaming per week, frequency of spending money on gaming, period of spending money on gaming, perceived family disharmony, and having more close friends. These results suggest that effective educational and preventative programs or strategies are needed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-02-2015
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1155/2014/106048
Abstract: Objectives . To evaluate the effectiveness of Baduanjin Qigong exercise on sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome- (CFS-) like illness and to determine the dose-response relationship. Methods . One hundred fifty participants with CFS-like illness (mean age = 39.0 , SD = 7.9 ) were randomly assigned to Qigong and waitlist. Sixteen 1.5-hour Qigong lessons were arranged over 9 consecutive weeks. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Chalder Fatigue Scale (ChFS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed at baseline, immediate posttreatment, and 3-month posttreatment. The amount of Qigong self-practice was assessed by self-report. Results . Repeated measures analyses of covariance showed a marginally nonsignificant ( P = 0.064 ) group by time interaction in the PSQI total score, but it was significant for the “subjective sleep quality” and “sleep latency” items, favoring Qigong exercise. Improvement in “subjective sleep quality” was maintained at 3-month posttreatment. Significant group by time interaction was also detected for the ChFS and HADS anxiety and depression scores. The number of Qigong lessons attended and the amount of Qigong self-practice were significantly associated with sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptom improvement. Conclusion . Baduanjin Qigong was an efficacious and acceptable treatment for sleep disturbance in CFS-like illness. This trial is registered with Hong Kong Clinical Trial Register: HKCTR-1380 .
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-07-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.GENHOSPPSYCH.2013.10.019
Abstract: The aims were to examine the effects of psychotherapy on depressive and anxiety symptoms, the occurrence of suicidal ideations and diurnal cortisol patterns in patients with adjustment disorder (AD) with depressed mood. Participants recruited from an outpatient department of psychiatry at a general hospital were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 34 in psychotherapy group and 37 in control group. The control group consisted of one-session psychoeducation. Psychotherapy included the eight-weekly body-mind-spirit (BMS) group psychotherapy. Measures included Beck Depression Inventory-II and State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Salivary cortisol s les were collected from the patients at their homes on awakening 30 and 45 min after awakening and at 1200, 1700 and 2100 h. Measurements were taken at baseline and at months 2 (end of intervention), 5, 8 and 14. There was no differential change over time between the BMS and control groups in self-reported depression or anxiety symptoms. However, suicidal ideation appeared to be reduced in the psychotherapy group. Changes in diurnal cortisol patterns were also significantly different in group × time interactions, in favor of BMS group. Psychotherapy likely provides improvements in psychobiological stress responses and decreases the occurrence of suicidal ideation in patients with AD.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-10-2012
DOI: 10.1111/AJCO.12030
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1155/2012/923925
Abstract: Objective . Patients with schizophrenia residing at institutions often suffer from negative symptoms, motor, and functional impairments more severe than their noninstitutionalized counterparts. Tai-chi emphasizes body relaxation, alertness, and movement coordination with benefits to balance, focus, and stress relief. This pilot study explored the efficacy of Tai-chi on movement coordination, negative symptoms, and functioning disabilities towards schizophrenia. Methods . A randomized waitlist control design was adopted, where participants were randomized to receive either the 6-week Tai-chi program and standard residential care or only the latter. 30 Chinese patients with schizophrenia were recruited from a rehabilitation residency. All were assessed on movement coordination, negative symptoms, and functional disabilities at baseline, following intervention and 6 weeks after intervention. Results . Tai-chi buffered from deteriorations in movement coordination and interpersonal functioning, the latter with sustained effectiveness 6 weeks after the class was ended. Controls showed marked deteriorations in those areas. The Tai-chi group also experienced fewer disruptions to life activities at the 6-week maintenance. There was no significant improvement in negative symptoms after Tai-chi. Conclusions . This study demonstrated encouraging benefits of Tai-chi in preventing deteriorations in movement coordination and interpersonal functioning for residential patients with schizophrenia. The ease of implementation facilitates promotion at institutional psychiatric services.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYNEUEN.2009.08.019
Abstract: This study was an examination of 126 major depressive disorder (MDD) outpatients' morning to evening diurnal cortisol patterns to determine their association with family histories of mental illness, self-perceived depressive and anxiety distress, self-perceived health-related conditions, and healthy behaviors. 126 MDD outpatients and 106 healthy subjects were recruited. Self-reports of symptom distress, health-related conditions, and healthy behaviors and objective measures of salivary cortisol upon awakening, 45min after awakening, and at 1200, 1700, and 2100h were collected at subjects' homes. The in idual growth curve model was used to manage data and to analyze repeated observations of self-report data associated with diurnal cortisol patterns. For MDD outpatients, flatter diurnal cortisol patterns were more likely found in subjects with family histories of mental illness than in those without. Patient-reported shorter total sleep hours, more severe levels of depression and higher suffering levels were positively associated with flatter diurnal cortisol patterns. Less than 5 sleep hours was more likely associated with flatter diurnal cortisol patterns than above 7 sleep hours. Severe levels of depression were more likely related to flatter diurnal cortisol patterns than moderate and mild levels of depression. Higher anxiety levels, better sleep quality and higher levels of physical activity reported by patients were positively associated with steeper diurnal cortisol patterns. Unlike the MDD outpatients, the only trait associated with diurnal cortisol patterns in healthy subjects was total sleep hours. These results suggested that self-perceived good sleep quality, total hours slept of 7 or greater, and self-perceived higher levels of physical activity in the home environment could be positively related to positive stress endocrine outcomes seen as steep diurnal cortisol patterns in outpatients with major depressive disorder.
Publisher: World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X1250084X
Abstract: The objective of this review was to summarize and critically evaluate the clinical evidence of the effect of qigong exercise on immunity and its efficacy in the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases. Thirteen databases were searched from their respective inceptions through January 2011, and all controlled clinical trials of qigong exercise on immunity and infections were included. Quality and validity of the included studies were evaluated using standard scales. Seven studies including two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), two controlled clinical trials (CCTs) and three retrospective observational studies (ROSs) met the inclusion criteria. One study focused on functional measures of immunity (antigen-induced immunity) and six studies on enumerative parameters of immunity. No study on clinical symptoms relevant to infectious diseases could be identified. Overall, the included studies suggested favorable effects of qigong exercise on immunity, but the quality of research for most of the studies examined in this review was poor. Further rigorously designed studies are required, which should adhere to accepted standards of methodology for clinical trials.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-01-2014
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1159/000321558
Abstract: i Background: /i Psychotherapy added to pharmacotherapy results in greater improvement in clinical outcomes than does pharmacotherapy alone. However, few studies examined how psychotherapy coupled with pharmacotherapy could produce a long-term protective effect by improving the psychobiological stress response. i Methods: /i The researchers recruited 63 subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD) in an outpatient department of psychiatry at a general hospital. The randomly assigned subjects formed 2 groups: 29 in combined therapy (COMB) and 34 in monotherapy (MT). The COMB included 8 weekly body-mind-spirit group psychotherapy sessions added to pharmacotherapy. MT consisted of pharmacotherapy only. The outcome measures, collected at the subjects’ homes, included the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and salivary cortisol on awakening, 45 min after awakening, and at 12.00, 17.00 and 21.00 h. Evaluation of outcome measures was at baseline condition, and at months 2 (end of additional psychotherapy), 5 and 8. i Results: /i While the decreases in symptoms of depression were similar between COMB and MT (p 0.05), the reductions in anxiety state were greater in COMB than in MT during the 8-month follow-up (p 0.05). A steeper diurnal cortisol pattern more likely occurred in COMB than in MT in the 3 follow-up periods (p 0.05, p .001 and p 0.01). i Conclusions: /i The superior outcomes of group psychotherapy added to pharmacotherapy for MDD outpatients could relate to decreasing the anxiety state and to producing long-term impacts on positive stress endocrine outcomes seen as a steeper diurnal cortisol pattern.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-08-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-09-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1002/SMI.1075
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 07-2012
Abstract: The study objective was to summarize and critically assess the evidence available from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of qigong exercise for patients with fibromyalgia (FM). Thirteen (13) databases were searched up to February 2011. RCTs testing the effects of qigong exercise among patients with FM were included. For each included study, data were extracted and study quality was evaluated using the Jadad Scale. Four (4) RCTs met the inclusion criteria. One (1) RCT demonstrated beneficial effects of qigong exercise for FM. Two (2) RCTs testing the effectiveness of qigong as a part of a treatment package compared with group education or daily activities failed to show favorable effects of qigong exercise for adult patients with FM. Another RCT comparing qigong with aerobic exercise among children with FM showed effects in favor of aerobic exercise. Given methodological flaws in the included studies, it is still too early to draw a conclusion about the effectiveness of qigong exercise for FM. Further rigorously designed RCTs are warranted.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-06-2006
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2006.01649.X
Abstract: The paper discusses the application of the Eastern body-mind-spirit approach in healthcare practice. Traumas, sufferings and losses may induce immense distress in patients and their families, as well as apathy and exhaustion in healthcare workers. Over-specialization and compartmentalization of services may provide a convenient shelter for healthcare workers to be detached and to simply focus on a narrowly defined scope of intervention. However, the existential problems are still there. Based upon eastern philosophies and holistic health practices, we propose the body-mind-spirit approach in healthcare settings. This is a review paper summarizing the application of the approach on various clinical populations. The approach has been trialled with promising results in a number of health conditions and psychosocial predicaments. Spirituality is not restricted to any religious practices, nor is it narrowed to the pursuit of knowledge at a high level of abstraction. The interconnectedness of the body, mind and spirit presupposes that the practice of spirituality is multidimensional and multi-levelled. Using the body-mind-spirit framework flexibly we can engage more clients while facilitating the important process of exploration and change. The key components include getting in touch with the inner self, coming back to our senses, connecting our body and mind and rebalancing our relationship with the natural and social environment. The ultimate goal is to move out of meaninglessness and to reach a state of mature spirituality of tranquillity and transcendence. The practice of spirituality can be easily applied to daily life.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-12-2013
DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2013.781498
Abstract: The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory is a measurement scale that assesses the degree of burnout in the personal, work, and client domains. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the inventory's Chinese version (CBI-C) in a s le of 312 human service workers in Hong Kong with follow-up assessment for 245 participants. The results of confirmatory factor analyses show the revised three-factor model to have an adequate fit in the baseline and cross-validation s les. The CBI-C demonstrates good degrees of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity, and appears to be a valid and reliable measurement tool of burnout in the Chinese context.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-08-2017
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1159/000329178
Abstract: i Background: /i Neuroendocrine dysregulation influenced by psychosocial stress is related to breast cancer recurrence. Very few studies examine the impacts of psychotherapy on diurnal cortisol patterns among breast cancer survivors. i Methods: /i Forty-eight breast cancer patients who completed active cancer treatment were randomly assigned to receive either 8 weekly body-mind-spirit (BMS) group therapy sessions or 1 educational (EDU) session. Self-report measures included the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and the Meaning in Life questionnaire (MLQ) including two subscales: MLQ-Presence and MLQ-Search. Salivary cortisol levels were collected by the subjects in their homes at the time of awakening, 30 and 45 min after awakening, and at 12.00, 17.00, and 21.00 h. Measurement time points include baseline, the 2nd month (completion of BMS therapy), the 5th month, and the 8th month. i Results: /i There were no significant differences in BDI-II scores (p .05) and MLQ-Presence scores (p .05) between BMS and EDU groups at baseline or across the three follow-ups. Nevertheless, greater MLQ-Search scores were found in the BMS group compared to the EDU group during the 5th month of follow-up (p .01). The higher level of cortisol at 21.00 h (p 0.01) and a flatter diurnal cortisol pattern were more likely to occur in EDU than in BMS participants (p 0.05) at the 8th month of follow-up. i Conclusion: /i BMS group therapy likely contributed to enhancing an active search for meaning in life toward more opportunities for personal growth and to maintaining stable cortisol responses to everyday life stress for breast cancer survivors.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-01-2012
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 05-2020
DOI: 10.1093/ABM/KAAA009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCHRES.2016.01.038
Abstract: The chronic and prevalent natures of schizophrenia result in long-term institutionalization for the patients. Conventional treatment of anti-psychotic medication on management of psychotic symptoms often brings on severe side effects and reduces patients' well-being. Tai-chi is a mind-body exercise that underscores motor coordination and relaxation. This 3-arm randomized controlled trial investigated the psychophysiological benefits of Tai-chi on 153 chronic schizophrenia patients, who were recruited from a mental health rehab complex and randomized into Tai-chi, exercise, or waitlist control groups. Both intervention groups received 12weeks of specific intervention plus standard medication received by the controls. All participants completed psychiatric interviews, self-report questionnaires, performance tasks, and salivary cortisol measures at baseline, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up on psychotic symptoms, motor coordination, memory, daily living function, and stress. Multigroup latent growth modeling was used to evaluate the intervention effects on the outcomes. Compared to controls, the Tai-chi group showed significant decreases in motor deficits and increases in backward digit span and mean cortisol, while the exercise group displayed significant decreases in motor deficits, negative and depression symptoms and increases in forward digit span, daily living function, and mean cortisol. The two interventions did not show significantly different therapeutic effects, except for fewer symptom manifestations in the exercise group. These results suggest psychophysiological benefits for Tai-chi on chronic schizophrenia patients in terms of motor coordination and memory. Though both Tai-chi and exercise groups tended to manifest fewer symptoms than the control group, the exercise group showed better symptoms management than the Tai-chi group.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 14-06-2018
DOI: 10.1155/2018/8153637
Abstract: Background . Stagnation syndrome, a diagnostic entity in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is characterized by mind-body obstruction-like symptoms. Although TCM has long-established symptom-relief treatments, a comprehensive mind-body intervention was called for. Purpose . The study evaluated the efficacy of a six-session body-mind-spirit (BMS) group therapy for persons with stagnation syndrome. Method . A 2-arm randomized controlled trial design was adopted. The control group received a parallel general TCM instruction course. Both groups completed a pretest (T0), posttest (T1), and 2-month follow-up assessment (T2). The measures included self-report scales on stagnation, depression, anxiety, physical distress, daily functioning, and positive and negative affect the other measure was of salivary cortisol, a biological marker of stress. Results . Data on 111 adults with stagnation syndrome were included in the analysis. Completion rates were high (over 87%) for both the intervention and control groups. Repeated-measures multivariate MANOVA revealed a significant combined effect with large effect size (eta-squared = 0.42). Repeated-measures ANOVA further revealed that the intervention group showed significant improvements in stagnation, the primary outcome, with medium effect size (eta-squared = 0.11). The intervention group also showed significant improvements in depression, physical distress, everyday functioning, and negative affect (eta-squared = 0.06 to 0.13). Post hoc analysis revealed that the intervention group showed significant improvements over the control group in cortisol level at 2-month follow-up assessment (T0 versus T2) with small effect size (eta-squared = 0.05), but not at posttest (T0 versus T1). Conclusions . Overall, the findings indicate that our brief BMS group therapy intervention for stagnation syndrome is efficacious. Moreover, the intervention resulted in a number of substantial improvements in the physical and mental health domains.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1155/2013/716094
Abstract: Objective . To evaluate clinical trial evidence of the effectiveness of qigong exercise on depressive and anxiety symptoms. Methods . Thirteen databases were searched from their respective inception through December 2012. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Effects of qigong across trials were pooled. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for the pooled effects. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 test. Study quality was evaluated using the Wayne Checklist. Results . Twelve RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The results of meta-analyses suggested a beneficial effect of qigong exercise on depressive symptoms when compared to waiting-list controls or usual care only (SMD = −0.75 95% CI, −1.44 to −0.06), group newspaper reading (SMD = −1.24 95% CI, −1.64 to −0.84), and walking or conventional exercise (SMD = −0.52 95% CI, −0.85 to −0.19), which might be comparable to that of cognitive-behavioral therapy ( P = 0.54 ). Available evidence did not suggest a beneficial effect of qigong exercise on anxiety symptoms. Conclusion . Qigong may be potentially beneficial for management of depressive symptoms, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of RCTs and associated methodological weaknesses. Further rigorously designed RCTs are warranted.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2009
Start Date: 12-2021
End Date: 12-2026
Amount: $416,369.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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