Informatics Publishing Limited

Martin Varghese Kallarackal ¹, Clarissa F. Delariarte ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Clinical Psychology Graduate School, Far Eastern University, Manila, PH
2 Department of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School, Far Eastern University, Manila, PH

Abstract

College students across the world struggle with the unprecedented stress during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The existing psychological issues of college students were accentuated by facing the uncertain features of the Pandemic like uncertainty about their college life, their future, and their health. Intolerance of uncertainty is identified as the broad dispositional, vulnerable and maintenance factor for the emotional irregularities and the heightened psychological distress of student population during the Pandemic. Considering the need for the psychological interventions during and the post Pandemic, the present study aimed to develop and examine the feasibility and usability of the Cognitive-based Acceptance and Motivational Program (CAMP) for reducing intolerance of uncertainty and thereby reducing the psychological distress among the college students. CAMP was designed on the basis of the principles and techniques of intolerance of uncertainty theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, and self-determination theory. The researchers' developed intervention was subjected to expert validation of six disciplinary experts and a pilot study was conducted for 10 college students with a moderate level of psychological distress and a moderate level of intolerance of uncertainty. The statistical analysis of the quantitative findings of the pilot study and the feedback of the participants revealed that the CAMP is an effective psychological intervention for reducing intolerance of uncertainty and psychological distress among college students and is suitable for a randomized controlled trial.

Keywords

intolerance of uncertainty, psychological distress

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Shyla Thomas Puthusserry ¹, Clarissa F. Delariarte ²

Affiliations
1 Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, PH
2 Graduate school, University of Santo Tomas Philippines, Department of Psychology, Far Eastern University Philippines, Department of Psychology, De La Salle University, PH

Abstract

The rapid progress of the COVID-19 pandemic is known as a period of psychological stress and can negatively affect the women's menstrual cycle and premenstrual symptoms severity. Young college students aged 18 to 24 are considered late adolescents or youth are the more vulnerable group affected with psychological disorders by the quick closures of universities. Studies reporting that stress is significantly related to the frequency and severity of premenstrual distress and quality of life remain questionable among young women. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional predictive research study to examine the relationship between premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which is the severe form of premenstrual syndrome, and quality of life among college students during the COVID- 19 pandemic living in the Karnataka region of South India. The respondents' demographic data, Premenstrual Symptom Screening Tool (Steiner et al., 2003) and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-Bref) were used as assessment tools. The purposive sampling method was used for gathering the data, and 400 students participated in the study. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were done for the quantitative data analysis. The study's findings showed a strong negative correlation between premenstrual symptoms severity and quality of life, which was statistically significant (r=-.819; p=001). The current study also highlighted that premenstrual disorder was a strong predictor of poor quality of life among late adolescents (R2= .671; β=-.819). Identifying the growing impact of premenstrual dysphoric disorder on late adolescents' quality of life, these findings can be a foundation for a psychological intervention program to alleviate the issues as early as possible and to improve the quality of life of this target population.

Keywords

premenstrual dysphoric disorder, quality of life, and late adolescents

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Liji Joseph ¹, Clarissa F. Delariarte ²

Affiliations
1 Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila,, PH
2 Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippine, De La Salle University, Manila,, PH

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disability that lasts a lifetime. Children with ASD (CASD) exhibit impairment in communication and social relations, as well as repetitive and restricted behavioral issues. CASD may have major challenges and show disruptive behaviors when their routines are altered, which may negatively influence the mental health of primary caregivers, particularly mothers. As part of the COVID-19 protocol, the closure of training facilities and schools, social isolation, and lack of support may interfere with the CASD's everyday activities, increase their caregivers' burden, and negatively impact their mental well-being and the development of the CASD. Mothers may experience psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, and stress since they do not know how to handle the problem without professional support, which is inaccessible due to pandemic protocol. This research designed to assess the psychological distress of mothers of CASD (MCASD) during the COVID-19 epidemic, in Kerala, India. The researchers used the DASS-21 scale to measure depression, anxiety, and stress in MCASD. One hundred MCASD who accompanied their children to autism training centers and special schools in Kerala were recruited using purposive sampling and employed a cross-sectional design. According to the current study findings, 89%, 83%, and 90% of mothers of children with ASD experience depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Our research shows that after several months from the COVID-19 pandemic breakout, mothers of children with ASD continue to experience severe psychological distress. Therefore, it is critical to pay special attention to these mothers' mental health and implement a viable intervention program to effectively face challenges and cope with stressors while caring for their children with ASD.

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Liji Joseph ¹, Clarissa F. Delariarte ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila,, PH

Abstract

Logotherapy is a practical approach that promotes mental health by focusing on the innate desire to discover the meaning and purpose of life even amid adverse life events. The perspective of logotherapy holds the idea that humans can endure meta-pain and lead meaningful lives. When the afflicted find the meaning and purpose of their lives, they are given the potential to live fully and the freedom to find happiness. An analysis of the various literature on logotherapy led us to the conclusion that logotherapy is an effective psychotherapy for a variety of physical, mental, and psychosocial problems. In addition, logotherapy compensates for the shortcomings of other third-wave therapies by emphasizing meaning and purpose in life.

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