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Article 1

The article examines how the timing of adult children's college completion
impacts the self-rated health of their aging mothers. This phenomena is considered
in the context of delays in college completion, which are often observed across
different socioeconomic groups. The study utilizes data from longitudinal studies
involving adult children and their mothers to assess the effects of on-time,
delayed, or non-completion of college on the mothers' health. Findings indicate
that mothers of children who complete college, whether on time or later, report
better health compared to mothers whose children never complete college.

The study gives a life course perspective, emphasizing the concepts of "linked
lives" and "timing." This perspective highlights how individuals' lives,
particularly those of mothers and children, are connected and mutually influential
throughout their lifetimes. Children's college completion is viewed as a significant
milestone in the transition to adulthood, impacting their mothers' health. The
study also considers the mothers' socioeconomic background, using their
educational attainment as an indicator. Through logistic regression analysis, the
research explores differences in mothers' health based on the timing of their
children's college completion and how these differences may vary by the mothers'
educational levels.

Interventions

1. Existential Therapy
This therapy focuses on helping individuals find meaning and purpose in
their lives, especially when facing significant stress or challenges. For the
mothers in this study, existential therapy could help them cope with
anxiety or worries about their children's future if they have not completed
their education. This therapy can provide mothers understanding and
accepting their situations, and in finding ways to achieve inner peace and
well-being despite uncertainties.
2. Person-Centered Counseling
This counseling approach highlights the importance of a supportive and
empathetic therapeutic relationship. It allows mothers to explore their
feelings about their children's education without feeling judged.
Counselors help clients understand their emotions and develop effective
coping strategies. Through this approach, mothers can feel heard and
supported, which can reduce stress levels and enhance their mental well-
being.

Effectiveness of Interventions

The effectiveness of these interventions depends on various factors, including the


mothers' readiness to engage in therapy, the quality of the therapist-client
relationship, and the suitability of the approach to the individual's needs.

Existential therapy has been proven effective in helping individuals facing


existential crises or seeking meaning in their lives. By helping mothers find
meaning in their situations, this therapy can reduce stress levels and improve
emotional well-being. Meanwhile, person-centered counseling is known for its
success in various therapeutic contexts. This counseling is highly effective in
building strong and supportive therapeutic relationships, which can help clients
feel more motivated and confident in addressing their challenges. By feeling heard
and understood, mothers can alleviate their emotional burdens and improve their
overall mental health.

Article 2

The article "Psychological Well-Being: The Impact of Work-Life Balance and


Work Pressure" by Kiky D.H. Saraswati and Daniel Lie explores how work-life
balance (WLB) and work pressure (WP) affect the psychological well-being
(PWB) of employees. The study involves 250 employees from various business
sectors and uses Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being, the Work-Life
Balance Checklist, and the Tilburg Work Pressure Questionnaire to measure these
variables. The findings indicate that WLB significantly impacts PWB, whereas
WP does not significantly affect PWB among the employees studied.

The study employs a quantitative approach to investigate the relationship between


WLB, WP, and PWB. Data were collected from a sample of 250 employees
across different business sectors. The key instruments used in the study include:
- Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being: Measures six dimensions of
well-being: self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy,
environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth.
- Work-Life Balance Checklist: Developed by Daniels and MacCarraher,
this tool assesses the balance between work and personal life.
- Tilburg Work Pressure Questionnaire: Evaluates the intensity and
demands of work pressure.

The analysis shows that WLB has a significant positive impact on PWB, while
WP does not show a significant direct effect on PWB.

Interventions

1. Person-Centered Counseling
Given the significant role of WLB in influencing PWB, Person-Centered
Counseling (PCC) would be an appropriate intervention. This approach
emphasizes understanding the client's perspective, promoting self-
acceptance, and personal growth. PCC can help employees explore their
work-life dynamics, understand personal needs and values, and develop
strategies to achieve a better balance between work and personal life.
2. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Another suitable intervention is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
which can address the cognitive and behavioral aspects of managing work
pressure. CBT can help employees identify and challenge negative
thoughts related to work pressure and develop effective coping strategies
to manage stress and enhance their psychological well-being.
3. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
This interventionis also relevant, as it focuses on reducing stress through
mindfulness practices. MBSR can help employees become more aware of
their stress responses and develop a more balanced approach to work and
life demands.

Effectiveness of Interventions

- Person-Centered Counseling (PCC)


PCC is effective in enhancing self-awareness, self-acceptance, and
personal growth, which are critical components of PWB. By focusing on
the individual's perspective and fostering a supportive environment, PCC
can lead to improved work-life balance and overall well-being.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT has been widely proven to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety
by altering dysfunctional thinking patterns and behaviors. For employees
dealing with high work pressure, CBT can help them develop practical
skills to manage their workload and stress, contributing to better
psychological well-being.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
MBSR has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. By
incorporating mindfulness practices into daily routines, employees can
experience reduced stress levels and improved emotional regulation,
leading to enhanced well-being.

Article 3

The article "Helpful or harmful? Exploring the impact of social media usage on
intimate relationships" examines how social media, especially Facebook, affects
romantic relationships in Australia. Social media is a big part of modern life, and
people have different opinions on whether it helps or harms relationships. This
study aims to find out more about these effects.

To do this, the researchers surveyed 518 Australians. The survey asked questions
about how often they use Facebook, how satisfied they are in their relationships,
and their household income. The results showed that the impact of social media
on relationships varies depending on how it is used. For example, people who are
Facebook friends with their romantic partners tend to worry less about social
media affecting their relationships negatively. However, people who live alone or
with children and have a low income are more likely to be unhappy in their
relationships and use social media more often to connect with others.

The study used several methods and ideas to understand how social media affects
relationships:
1. Survey Method : The researchers used a survey to collect data. This survey
included questions about Facebook usage, relationship satisfaction, and household
income. By analyzing the responses, the researchers could identify patterns and
understand how social media impacts relationships

2. Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT): This theory suggests that relationships


become stronger when partners know more about each other and feel less
uncertain. Social media can help partners share information and stay connected,
which can reduce uncertainty and increase satisfaction in the relationship.

3. Social Capital: This concept refers to the benefits people get from their social
connections. Social media can help people maintain and strengthen their social
ties by providing a platform to share support and personal information. This can
have positive effects on relationships

4. Facebook Intensity Scale: The study used this scale to measure not just how
often people use Facebook, but also how important it is to them and how many
friends they have on the platform. This helps to understand the deeper impact of
Facebook on their lives and relationships.

Interventions

1. Existential Therapy
This type of therapy helps people find meaning and purpose in their lives
and relationships. It can be useful for individuals or couples who feel
unhappy due to social media. The therapy can help them explore deeper
issues and concerns, which may be contributing to their dissatisfaction.
2. Person-Centered Counseling
This approach focuses on empathy, acceptance, and understanding. It can
help couples improve communication and understand each other's feelings
about social media. By creating a supportive environment, this counseling
can strengthen emotional bonds and improve relationship satisfaction.
3. Psychoeducation and Digital Literacy Programs
These programs educate individuals and couples about healthy social
media habits, privacy settings, and the potential impacts of social media on
relationships. By promoting balanced online and offline interactions, these
programs can reduce negative effects and enhance relationship
satisfaction.

Effectiveness of Interventions

Both existential and person-centered counseling therapies have shown


effectiveness in improving relationship satisfaction. Existential therapy helps
clients find meaning in their lives and navigate complex feelings related to social
media. Person-centered counseling fosters empathy and better communication
between partners, which can improve emotional connections.

While psychoeducation and digital literacy programs are effective in reducing


anxiety and promoting healthy social media usage. By teaching practical strategies
for managing online interactions, these programs help individuals use social
media mindfully, which can lead to better relationship outcomes.

Article 4

The article "Stress and Coping Strategies Among Retired People in Malaysia: A
Qualitative Study" investigates the various stressors faced by retired individuals in
Malaysia and the strategies they employ to cope with these stressors. Retirement
is a significant life transition, often accompanied by a shift in financial stability,
social roles, and personal identity. This study aims to provide a deeper
understanding of these changes and how they impact retirees' mental and
emotional well-being.

The study focused on 36 retired elderly participants, predominantly female,


Malay, and married. The age range of participants was between 55 and 70 years
old. The qualitative nature of the study allowed for an in-depth exploration of
personal experiences through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. This
method facilitated rich, detailed narratives that highlight the complexity of post-
retirement life.

The researchers employed a qualitative research approach, choosing semi-


structured interviews as their primary method of data collection. This approach is
particularly effective for capturing the nuanced experiences and subjective
perceptions of individuals. The interviews were conducted in person, which
allowed for a deeper connection and more thorough exploration of each
participant's experiences.

The interviews covered several key areas:

- Sources of stress in retirement

- Strategies used to cope with stress

- General health and well-being

The study identified several significant sources of stress and coping strategies
among the retired individuals:

Sources of Stress:

- Financial Difficulties: Financial issues were the most commonly reported


source of stress. Many participants experienced anxiety about managing
their reduced income after retirement. The loss of a regular paycheck and
reliance on savings or pensions created a sense of financial insecurity.
- Family and Work Problems: Stress also stemmed from family dynamics
and unresolved issues from their previous work lives. Conflicts within the
family or difficulties transitioning from a work-centered identity to a
retirement identity contributed to stress.
- Health Problems: While health issues were mentioned, they were less
commonly cited compared to financial and family-related stress.
Nonetheless, managing chronic conditions or new health problems did add
to the overall stress burden for some participants.

Interventions

Given the study's findings, several interventions can be proposed to support


retired individuals in managing stress effectively:

1. Person-Centered Counseling
This type of counseling emphasizes empathy, acceptance, and
understanding. It involves providing a supportive and non-judgmental
environment where retirees can express their feelings and concerns.
Person-centered counseling can help retirees navigate the emotional
challenges of retirement, improving their overall mental health.
2. Existential Therapy
Existential therapy focuses on helping individuals find meaning and
purpose in their lives. For retirees, this type of therapy can be particularly
beneficial as it addresses the existential questions that often arise during
this life stage. By exploring issues of identity, purpose, and personal
values, existential therapy can help retirees adjust to the new realities of
post-retirement life.
3. Stress Management Programs
These programs teach practical techniques for managing stress, such as
mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and positive thinking. Mindfulness can
help retirees stay present and reduce anxiety, while relaxation exercises
can lower stress levels. Positive thinking strategies can reframe negative
thoughts and promote a more optimistic outlook.
4. Financial Planning Workshops
Financial difficulties being a significant source of stress, offering
workshops on financial planning and management could greatly benefit
retirees. These workshops can provide practical advice on budgeting,
investing, and managing retirement funds. By equipping retirees with
better financial knowledge and skills, these workshops can reduce
financial anxiety and improve overall well-being.

Effectiveness of Interventions

1. Person-Centered Counseling
This approach is highly effective in providing emotional support and
fostering a sense of understanding and acceptance. It helps retirees feel
heard and validated, reducing feelings of isolation and stress. The
empathetic nature of this counseling helps individuals feel less alone in
their struggles.
2. Existential Therapy
Effective in helping individuals find new meaning and purpose, existential
therapy can reduce existential anxiety and improve overall mental health.
It encourages retirees to explore their values and passions, leading to a
more fulfilling retirement experience.
3. Stress Management Programs
These programs have proven effective in reducing stress and improving
quality of life. Techniques like mindfulness and relaxation exercises lower
stress hormones and improve emotional regulation. Positive thinking
strategies help in developing a more resilient mindset.
4. Financial Planning Workshops
These workshops can significantly reduce financial stress by providing
retirees with the knowledge and tools to manage their finances better.
Understanding how to budget, save, and invest wisely can alleviate anxiety
about money and provide a sense of financial security.

Article 5

The article by Johanna Petersen and colleagues investigates the longitudinal


relationship between loneliness and social isolation in older adults. The study uses
data from the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), focusing on participants aged
65 and older. The main goal is to understand how changes in social isolation
impact feelings of loneliness over time.

The researchers conducted a longitudinal study involving 5,870 older adults with
an average age of 72.89 years. Loneliness was measured using a simple
dichotomized question, while social isolation was assessed through six items from
the Lubben Social Network Scale. Additionally, the study tracked yearly life
events to capture abrupt changes in the social network of participants.

The study found a strong link between higher levels of social isolation and
increased odds of experiencing loneliness. This suggests that the more isolated an
individual is, the more likely they are to feel lonely. Significant life events, such
as the death of a close friend, were associated with increased loneliness. This
highlights the importance of life changes in influencing feelings of loneliness.
Loneliness was found to be a stable condition, with 60% of participants who
reported loneliness in one year also reporting it the following year. This indicates
that once loneliness sets in, it tends to persist. A larger social network was
associated with lower odds of loneliness. Participants with the highest possible
social network scores had a 97% lower chance of feeling lonely compared to those
with the smallest networks.

Interventions

1. Person-Centered Counseling
Given the findings, person-centered counseling is a suitable intervention.
This therapeutic approach focuses on the individual's subjective
experience and aims to enhance self-esteem and self-worth. It can help
older adults articulate their feelings of loneliness and work towards
building meaningful relationships, thus reducing feelings of isolation.
2. Existential Therapy
Existential therapy can also be beneficial, as it addresses fundamental
human concerns such as isolation, meaning, and mortality. This type of
therapy can help older adults find purpose and meaning in their lives
despite social isolation, thereby mitigating feelings of loneliness.
3. Social Interventions
Social interventions that enhance the size and quality of an individual's
social network are crucial. Programs that facilitate community
engagement, such as senior centers, hobby groups, and volunteer
opportunities, can help older adults expand their social circles and reduce
isolation.

Effectiveness of Interventions

1. Person-Centered Counseling
This approach has been shown to improve mental well-being and reduce
feelings of loneliness by fostering a supportive and understanding
therapeutic environment
2. Existential Therapy
Research indicates that existential therapy can effectively reduce feelings
of loneliness by helping individuals find meaning in their experiences and
cope with existential concerns.
3. Social Interventions
Interventions aimed at increasing social interaction and engagement have
been found to significantly reduce loneliness and improve overall quality
of life in older adults. Programs that encourage regular social activities and
community involvement are particularly effective.

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