Aim: The well-being of migrant youth is a major global public health concern. This developmental stage is fraught with many challenges, with migrant youth suffering additional challenges as a result of the demands from migration. One potential avenue to better understand the psychological mechanisms that underpin the well-being of migrant youth is examining how mindsets – or implicit theories – about the malleability of human characteristics affect well-being. Based on Kneeland et al.’s model of emotion malleability, the current study aimed to test a conceptual model of cognition malleability beliefs and how they influence the well-being of migrant youth. We hypothesised that cognition malleability beliefs would be associated with higher well-being among migrant youth and that this association would be mediated by emotion regulation, specifically cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. We examined these hypotheses in two different population groups.
Design: The study adopted a correlational design with data collected in two samples of migrant youth from mainland China and Hong Kong.
Method: In Study 1, mainland China migrant youth (N=735; Meanage = 13.91 years, SD = 1.26, range = 11-17 years; 52.0% male; 26.0% grade seven, 36.2% grade eight, and 37.8% grade nine) completed a survey measuring demographics and cognition malleability belief, emotion regulation style (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression), and well-being (holistic well-being). In Study 2, Hong Kong migrant youth (N=285; Meanage = 15.09 years, SD = 2.75, Range = 10-19 years; 55.3% male; 33.8% grade seven, 43.2% grade eight, and 23.0% grade nine) completed similar measures; however, satisfaction with life scale measured well-being.
Results: Both studies supported the model; cognition malleability belief was shown to be associated with the well-being of migrant youth and the associations were mediated via emotion regulation style.
Conclusion: The well-being of migrant youth is a concern. Current findings provide further evidence that mindsets matter on health and well-being; however, the influence of this effect may be through one’s emotion regulation. This study provides avenues for future research to develop interventions for testing the efficacy of these mechanisms in promoting beliefs about cognitive malleability to ensure the well-being of migrant youth.

Presentation:2 The influence of stress mindsets on physical and psychological wellbeing: Testing a stress beliefs model in police officers using Bayesian path analysis

Symposium abstract: Mindsets - or implicit theories - about the malleability of human characteristics such as intelligence, cognition, and stress have been found to influence wellbeing in a range of contexts. Until recently, there has been little focus on the development of theory and empirically testing the mechanisms through which mindsets influence outcomes. Mindsets have been found to be modifiable through brief interventions, and understanding the mechanisms of action provides insight into how they can be leveraged to improve health and wellbeing. This symposium will showcase studies which highlight the mechanisms that different types of mindsets play in determining the health and wellbeing of individuals in target population groups. Paper 1 examines the role of mindsets related to the malleability of cognition in a sample of migrant youth. This study highlights that mindsets matter in determining health and wellbeing and that this effect may occur, in part, through differences in emotion regulation. Paper 2 turns to examining the role of stress mindsets in moderating the effect of self-regulatory styles on health-related behaviour in University students. This study indicates that stress mindsets may buffer the effect of trait self-regulatory styles on some health-related behaviours as well as some aspects of psychological health and provides avenues for further investigation. Paper 3 tests a stress beliefs model in which perceived somatic symptoms and coping behaviors mediate the effect of stress mindsets on outcomes in a sample of Australian police officers. The study supports the predictions within the stress beliefs model and provides formative data which can shape the development of future interventions aiming to support those in highly stressed occupations in managing their stress. Together, these studies provide further insight into the role of mindsets and the role mindsets play in improving individuals’ health and wellbeing.
Papers:
1) Zhu et al. Cognition malleability belief, emotion regulation and adolescent well-being: examining a mediation model among migrant youth
2) Hamilton et al. Examining the buffering effect of stress mindsets on the relationship between self-regulatory styles, health-related behaviours, and psychological health
3) Keech et al. The influence of stress mindsets on physical and psychological wellbeing: Testing a stress beliefs model in police officers using Bayesian path analysis

Presentation 3: Examining the buffering effect of stress mindsets on the relationship between self-regulatory styles, health-related behaviours, and psychological health

Aim: The present study examined the links between mindfulness, self-compassion and body appreciation. It was anticipated that mindfulness would be related with higher self-compassion and more body appreciation.

Design: Using a correlational research design three models were tested: one investigating self-compassion as a mediator between mindfulness and body appreciation, another examining mindfulness as the mediator between self-compassion and body appreciation, and a proposed alternative model exploring both positive and negative self-compassion subscales as parallel mediators of the relationship between mindfulness and body appreciation.

Method: In an online survey, 482 participants (368 females, 112 males) answered questions relating to mindfulness, self-compassion and body appreciation. Mindfulness was measured with the Comprehensive inventory of mindfulness experiences (CHIME). The Body appreciation scale – Short form (BAS-2) was used to assess body appreciation, an aspect of positive body image. Self-compassion was measured by the Self-compassion scale – Short form (SCS-SF).

Results: Hierarchical regression analysis and SPSS PROCESS was used to conduct path analysis between the variables; mindfulness, self-compassion and body appreciation. Mindfulness was positively related to self-compassion and body appreciation, whereas self-compassion as a whole was found to negatively relate to body appreciation in both simple mediation models. The proposed alternate parallel model partially mediated the relationship between mindfulness and body appreciation, where positive self-compassion subscales related strongly with body appreciation and mindfulness.

Conclusion: The present study has established the strength of the predictive relationship between positive dimensions of self-compassion (self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness) and body appreciation, and therefore adds to the theoretical and research base on positive body image. The implications for clinical health practice are that fostering positive self-compassion in clients is essential to developing a positive body image.

In this workshop, we will provide a background briefing to the physiological and psychological processes associated with chronic GI conditions, with a specific focus on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The workshop will also review and demonstrate of a range of evidence-based focused psychological strategies for the GI system, utilising Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, mindfulness, and hypnosis. The format will involve small group activities, and case study discussions.

The workshop will promote mental health professional’s interest in the GI population and build confidence among those therapists who already strive to optimally implement psychogastroenterology into their practice settings.

Aim: This study aimed to identify biopsychosocial factors associated with fatigue, physical activity and perceived benefits and barriers to exercise in adults with inflammatory bowel disease, and to compare them to those with fibromyalgia and healthy controls.

Design: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to capture as many responses Australia-wide as possible.

Methods: Participants were invited to complete the online survey on various social media platforms. Respondents filled out basic demographic data, in addition to completing the HADS, PSS-10, Brief-COPE, GSE, MSPSS, FSI, IPAQ, EBBS, PCS, PSQI, RFIQ, SCCAI and PRO-3. Overall, 387 participants completed the study (232 inflammatory bowel disease, 102 fibromyalgia, 53 healthy controls). ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis were used to compare levels of fatigue and physical activity between the groups. Hierarchical linear regressions were used to examine correlates of fatigue and physical activity.

Results: Significant correlates of fatigue included pain catastrophizing (p = 0.006), sleep quality (p = 0.003) and depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). Perceived barriers of exercise were associated with depressive symptoms (p = 0.003). Correlates of perceived benefits to exercise included anxiety (p = 0.036), depressive symptoms (p = 0.014), coping (positive reframing) (p = 0.018) and social support (from family) (p = 0.033). Fibromyalgia group had the greatest fatigue interference and the lowest score for physical activity, followed by the inflammatory bowel disease group and healthy controls (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Given the interplay between depressive symptoms, fatigue, and benefits/barriers to exercise, there is a need for more psychological interventions to be developed and tested in order to reduce fatigue and increase physical activity, to better manage disease-related outcomes.

Aim: COPD is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Depression is a major comorbidity and the prevalence rates can be as high as 80% due to limited functioning, lack of cure and progressive nature of COPD, association with smoking, hypoxia, as well as stigma and self-blame. Depression is often untreated in this population, leading to worse quality of life, increased exacerbations, hospital admissions and healthcare costs. COPD clinical guidelines lack evidence base to recommend effective management for COPD-related depression. The aim of the review and meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of psychological interventions in management of depression in patients with COPD.

Design: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analyses were performed.

Method: Relevant scientific databases were searched to identify published and unpublished trials. The main eligibility criteria included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with adult participants who had clinical diagnosis of COPD and depression. Any form of psychological intervention for the treatment of COPD-related depression was included; compared to no intervention, education or co-intervention.

Results: Twelve studies (N=1448 participants) were included in the review, of which 11 were included in meta-analyses. For the primary outcome of change in depressive symptoms, the pooled analysis showed a significant but small effect size for improvement when compared to 'no intervention' (SMD 0.19; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.33; P=0.009; N=764 participants; 6 studies). The quality of evidence was low due to clinical heterogeneity and high risk of selection, performance and detection bias.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that a CBT-based approach can reduce depressive symptoms in patients with COPD; however, the results need to be interpreted with caution as the effect size was small and the quality of evidence was low. Future RCTs with longer follow up periods and improved methodological quality are needed.

This workshop will provide participants with a basic overview of the history, common syndromes, interventions and medications, and psychology led treatment options. We will also discuss compliance and acceptance in the management of people with chronic pain. Participants will be better equipped to consider their role in chronic pain management.