The main aim of this thesis is to examine the effectiveness of innovative psychological interventions on health optimization by (1) evaluating the effectiveness of innovative psychological tools, i... Show moreThe main aim of this thesis is to examine the effectiveness of innovative psychological interventions on health optimization by (1) evaluating the effectiveness of innovative psychological tools, i.e., serious gaming, verbal suggestions, and internet-based interventions, to optimize various health behaviors and psychophysiological outcomes; (2) providing a concise overview of the currently existing evidence of psychological interventions in optimizing immune function in response to in vitro or in vivo immunological as well as psychophysiological challenges; and (3) incorporating various self-reporting, behavioral and psychophysiological outcome measures, but also physical and psychophysiological challenges, including psychophysiological, physical and/or cognitive stressors, to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions on health outcomes. Show less
Evers, A.W.M.; Gieler, U.; Hasenbring, M.I.; Middendorp, H. van 2014
Regular participation in moderate-intensity physical activity (PA) is beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, a large proportion of patients with RA are not physically... Show moreRegular participation in moderate-intensity physical activity (PA) is beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, a large proportion of patients with RA are not physically active. In this dissertation, we describe the pilot-testing of an intervention to promote PA among patients with RA, as well as several preliminary studies which informed the development of the intervention. These preliminary investigations identified autonomous motivation, self-efficacy, PA goal achievement and use of self-regulation techniques as important predictors of PA behavior change. As such, and based on existing literature, motivational interviewing (MI) and self-regulation coaching (SR) were selected as intervention techniques which could impact upon these variables. In a randomized controlled trial, the combined MI+SR intervention led to increased autonomous motivation, self-efficacy and physical activity comp ared to a patient education control group over 32 weeks. Process analyses revealed that autonomous motivation and use of self-regulation skills explained the sustained increases in PA behavior, and that certain characteristics of MI sessions explained changes in autonomous motivation and PA. Despite increasing their PA, patients who received the intervention did not improve on any disease related variables. Practical implications of the findings are discussed. Show less
The studies described in this thesis had two main aims: 1) To study the quality of life of patients with venous thrombosis and to examine the role of illness perceptions in explaining the quality... Show moreThe studies described in this thesis had two main aims: 1) To study the quality of life of patients with venous thrombosis and to examine the role of illness perceptions in explaining the quality of life of these patients. 2) To assess the psychological consequences of genetic testing for thrombophilia, using the Common-Sense Model (Leventhal et al.., 1984) as a theoretical framework.The studies performed to assess aim 1 form the first part of the thesis and show that the effect of venous thrombosis on quality of life should not be underestimated, even some years after the venous thrombosis. Furthermore, results give an indication that besides the presence of the postthrombotic syndrome, illness perceptions may help to explain quality of life in patients with venous thrombosis.In the second part of the thesis aim 2 is addressed. Genetic testing for thrombophilia does not have many adverse psychological consequences. However, certain vulnerable individuals may still experience considerable worry about getting venous thrombosis. Furthermore, results indicate that the Common-Sense Model can act as a useful framework to enhance understanding of how factors contribute to influence psychological response to risk of disease. Show less
