Psychosomatic medicine
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Psychosomatic medicine · Mar 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialChanges in cognitive coping skills and social support during cognitive behavioral stress management intervention and distress outcomes in symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive gay men.
We have previously reported decreases in dysphoria, anxiety, and total mood disturbance in symptomatic HIV seropositive gay men after a 10-week cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) group intervention. This structured intervention was designed a) to increase cognitive and behavioral coping skills related to managing the distress of symptomatic HIV, and b) to increase social support among group members. Here we examine the relative contribution of changes in coping skills and social support during the intervention period to reductions in dysphoria, anxiety, and distress-related symptoms in this sample. ⋯ These results suggest that cognitive coping and social support factors can be modified by psychosocial interventions and may be important determinants of the changes in psychological well-being and quality of life during symptomatic HIV infection that can be achieved through this form of intervention.
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Psychosomatic medicine · Mar 1998
The stability of family decisions to consent or refuse organ donation: would you do it again?
Past organ donation research has studied attitudes toward donation, predictors of signing donor cards, and distinguishing characteristics of donors vs. nondonors. The current study is the first to examine predictors of family members' satisfaction with the decision to consent or refuse donation of a dying loved one's organs or tissue. ⋯ People should be encouraged not only to sign donor cards, but to have discussions with family about wishes. Individuals should be encouraged to seek the help of family and friends during the decision, and be aware of the need of social support from family and friends during and after the decision.