Articles in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine Category
Positive Psychology in Cancer Care: A Story Line Resistant to Evidence
Abstract
Background Aspinwall and Tedeschi (Ann Behav Med, 2010) summarize evidence they view as supporting links between positive psychological
states, including sense of coherence (SOC) and optimism and health outcomes, and they refer to persistent assumptions that
interfere with understanding how positive states predict health.
Purpose We critically evaluate Aspinwall and Tedeschi’s assertions.
Methods We examine evidence related to SOC and optimism in relation to physical health, and rev [...]
Abstract
Background Aspinwall and Tedeschi (Ann Behav Med, 2010) summarize evidence they view as supporting links between positive psychological
states, including sense of coherence (SOC) and optimism and health outcomes, and they refer to persistent assumptions that
interfere with understanding how positive states predict health.
Purpose We critically evaluate Aspinwall and Tedeschi’s assertions.
Methods We examine evidence related to SOC and optimism in relation to physical health, and rev [...]
Exploring the Efficacy and Moderators of Two Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Interventions for Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
Background Important health benefits can be derived when low-cost (e.g., computer-tailored) physical activity interventions for older
adults demonstrate sustained effects.
Purpose The purpose of the study was to conduct in-depth analysis on the long-term efficacy of two tailored physical activity interventions
for older adults.
Methods A randomized controlled trial (n = 1,971) with two computer-tailored interventions and a no-intervention control group was conducted. The two tai [...]
Abstract
Background Important health benefits can be derived when low-cost (e.g., computer-tailored) physical activity interventions for older
adults demonstrate sustained effects.
Purpose The purpose of the study was to conduct in-depth analysis on the long-term efficacy of two tailored physical activity interventions
for older adults.
Methods A randomized controlled trial (n = 1,971) with two computer-tailored interventions and a no-intervention control group was conducted. The two tai [...]
Self-report Mindfulness as a Mediator of Psychological Well-being in a Stress Reduction Intervention for Cancer Patients—A Randomized Study
Abstract
Background There is increasing recognition of mindfulness and mindfulness training as a way to decrease stress and increase psychological
functioning.
Purpose The aims of this study were to examine the effects of mindfulness stress reduction training on perceived stress and psychological
well-being and to examine if changes in mindfulness mediate intervention effects on these outcomes.
Methods Seventy women and one man with a previous cancer diagnosis (mean age 51.8 years, stan [...]
Abstract
Background There is increasing recognition of mindfulness and mindfulness training as a way to decrease stress and increase psychological
functioning.
Purpose The aims of this study were to examine the effects of mindfulness stress reduction training on perceived stress and psychological
well-being and to examine if changes in mindfulness mediate intervention effects on these outcomes.
Methods Seventy women and one man with a previous cancer diagnosis (mean age 51.8 years, stan [...]
Randomized Controlled Trial of an Interactive Internet Smoking Cessation Program with Long-Term Follow-up
Abstract
Background Internet programs for smoking cessation are widely available but few controlled studies demonstrate long-term efficacy.
Purpose To determine the 13-month effectiveness of an Internet program presenting a set sequence of interactive steps, and the role
of depressed affect.
Methods In a randomized controlled trial sponsored by the American Cancer Society, a treatment condition (n = 1,106) was compared to a control site (n = 1,047).
Results More trea [...]
Abstract
Background Internet programs for smoking cessation are widely available but few controlled studies demonstrate long-term efficacy.
Purpose To determine the 13-month effectiveness of an Internet program presenting a set sequence of interactive steps, and the role
of depressed affect.
Methods In a randomized controlled trial sponsored by the American Cancer Society, a treatment condition (n = 1,106) was compared to a control site (n = 1,047).
Results More trea [...]
MobileMums: A Randomized Controlled Trial of an SMS-Based Physical Activity Intervention
Abstract
Background Postnatal women (<12 months postpartum) are at increased risk of physical inactivity.
Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a theory-based physical activity (PA) intervention delivered to postnatal women
primarily via mobile telephone short message service (SMS).
Methods Eighty-eight women were randomized to the intervention (n = 45) or minimal contact control (n = 43) condition. The 12-week intervention consisted of a face-to-face PA goal-setti [...]
Abstract
Background Postnatal women (<12 months postpartum) are at increased risk of physical inactivity.
Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a theory-based physical activity (PA) intervention delivered to postnatal women
primarily via mobile telephone short message service (SMS).
Methods Eighty-eight women were randomized to the intervention (n = 45) or minimal contact control (n = 43) condition. The 12-week intervention consisted of a face-to-face PA goal-setti [...]
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Cardiovascular, and Metabolic Disease: A Review of the Evidence
Abstract
Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
Purpose The purpose of the current review is to evaluate the evidence suggesting that PTSD increases cardiovascular and metabolic
risk factors, and to identify possible biomarkers and psychosocial characteristics and behavioral variables that are associated
with these outcomes.
Methods A systematic literature search in the period of 2002–2009 for PTSD, cardiovascula [...]
Abstract
Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
Purpose The purpose of the current review is to evaluate the evidence suggesting that PTSD increases cardiovascular and metabolic
risk factors, and to identify possible biomarkers and psychosocial characteristics and behavioral variables that are associated
with these outcomes.
Methods A systematic literature search in the period of 2002–2009 for PTSD, cardiovascula [...]
Motivation and Physiologic Responses of Playing a Physically Interactive Video Game Relative to a Sedentary Alternative in Children
Abstract
Background While there is emerging research outlining the physiologic cost of the physically interactive Nintendo Wii, there are no evaluations
of the relative reinforcing value (RRV) of the Wii versus a sedentary alternative.
Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the physiologic cost, RRV, and liking of playing Wii Sports Boxing (Wii) versus a
traditional sedentary video game (SVG) in 11 lean and 13 overweight/obese 8- to 12-year-old children.
Methods Heart rate (HR) and [...]
Abstract
Background While there is emerging research outlining the physiologic cost of the physically interactive Nintendo Wii, there are no evaluations
of the relative reinforcing value (RRV) of the Wii versus a sedentary alternative.
Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the physiologic cost, RRV, and liking of playing Wii Sports Boxing (Wii) versus a
traditional sedentary video game (SVG) in 11 lean and 13 overweight/obese 8- to 12-year-old children.
Methods Heart rate (HR) and [...]
Executive Function and Survival in the Context of Chronic Illness
Abstract
Background Individual differences in executive function (EF) have been shown to predict risk factors for chronic illness. It is not currently
known whether EFs also predict survival time following a diagnosis of a chronic illness.
Purpose The objective of this investigation was to examine the association between individual differences in EF and survival time
among individuals suffering from one or more chronic illness.
Methods A sample of 162 community-dwelling older adults who suffered [...]
Abstract
Background Individual differences in executive function (EF) have been shown to predict risk factors for chronic illness. It is not currently
known whether EFs also predict survival time following a diagnosis of a chronic illness.
Purpose The objective of this investigation was to examine the association between individual differences in EF and survival time
among individuals suffering from one or more chronic illness.
Methods A sample of 162 community-dwelling older adults who suffered [...]
Direct and Buffering Effects of Social Support Among Gynecologic Cancer Survivors
Abstract
Background There are few studies of QoL among long-term gynecologic cancer survivors; available data suggest significant sequelae of
disease and treatment. Research clarifying circumstances that improve difficult survivorship trajectories is lacking.
Purpose The present study examines whether social support moderates the relationship between physical functioning and psychological
outcomes by testing the stress-buffering hypothesis.
Methods Participants (N = 260) were gynecologic can [...]
Abstract
Background There are few studies of QoL among long-term gynecologic cancer survivors; available data suggest significant sequelae of
disease and treatment. Research clarifying circumstances that improve difficult survivorship trajectories is lacking.
Purpose The present study examines whether social support moderates the relationship between physical functioning and psychological
outcomes by testing the stress-buffering hypothesis.
Methods Participants (N = 260) were gynecologic can [...]
Positive Psychology in Cancer Care: Bad Science, Exaggerated Claims, and Unproven Medicine
Abstract
Background Claims of positive psychology about people with cancer enjoy great popularity because they seem to offer scientific confirmation
of strongly held cultural beliefs and values.
Purpose Our goal is to examine critically four widely accepted claims in the positive psychology literature regarding adaptational
outcomes among individuals living with cancer.
Methods We examine: (1) the role of positive factors, such as a “fighting spirit” in extending the life of persons with can [...]
Abstract
Background Claims of positive psychology about people with cancer enjoy great popularity because they seem to offer scientific confirmation
of strongly held cultural beliefs and values.
Purpose Our goal is to examine critically four widely accepted claims in the positive psychology literature regarding adaptational
outcomes among individuals living with cancer.
Methods We examine: (1) the role of positive factors, such as a “fighting spirit” in extending the life of persons with can [...] 
