This is a protocol for a scoping review. The main objective is to understand what has been reported in the literature about the psychological factors that play a role in financial planning for retirement. The secondary objectives include: (a) examining the occupational groups that have been the focus of prior studies; (b) investigating how financial planning for retirement has been defined and measured; (c) mapping the types of decision-making and behaviors within financial planning for retirement that have been the focus of prior research; (d) identifying the geographical regions studied in relation to the psychology of retirement financial planning; and (e) determining the predominant publication types in this field (e.g., scientific journals, governmental reports). This review will incorporate both peer-reviewed publications and grey literature. The findings will provide valuable insights for policymakers and financial institutions to develop targeted interventions, while also identifying research gaps that can guide future studies to refine approaches and explore understudied areas.
ObjectivesIn 2021 depressive disorders were the fourth leading cause of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in Australia accounting for 926.92 DALYs per 100,000 people.1 This review aimed to identify which non-pharmacological non-psychological treatments are effective augmentation strategies in treating depression and which primary therapies they most effectively augment.MethodsPubMed, CENTRAL, and PsycINFO were searched for randomised-controlled trials for non-pharmacological non-psychological augmentation strategies in adults with unipolar depression. The results were synthesised qualitatively following the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool.Results3609 studies were screened against title and abstract and 3505 irrelevant studies were excluded. 104 studies were assessed for full-text eligibility. 31 studies were included for analysis. Included studies investigated augmentation with photobiomodulation, neurostimulation, exercise therapies, probiotics and acupuncture.ConclusionNon-pharmacological non-psychological augmentation strategies can be useful for patients with suboptimal response to standard treatment; however, more high-quality large RCTs are needed to investigate the effectiveness of these treatments in augmenting specific therapies. Due to their low cost and favourable safety profiles bright light therapies and exercise should be considered to augment standard treatment in adults with depression. There is lower levels of evidence for acupuncture and probiotics.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of pharmacological and psychological treatments on depressive symptoms in individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The primary objective was to assess treatment-related changes in depressive symptom severity among patients with BDD, while evidence regarding dysmorphic symptoms and combined interventions was reviewed narratively and should be interpreted with caution. Across 46 studies (N = 2,227), evidence suggests antidepressants-especially SSRIs-substantially reduce depressive symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) also shows large effects, though variability across trials remains high. Most research includes small samples and heterogeneous designs, underscoring the need for consistency. Pharmacological treatment yielded a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.96 (95% CI [-1.37,-0.54], p < 0.001), with SSRIs showing the greatest improvement (SMD =-1.16). CBT demonstrated comparable efficacy (SMD = -1.12), remaining significant after bias correction (SMD = -0.65). Combined approaches may provide optimal outcomes. Future research should focus on large, standardized RCTs evaluating functional recovery and suicide risk reduction.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continues to rise, and traditional models fail to fully explain its pathogenesis, particularly the frequent co-occurrence of T2DM with mental health disorders. Based on a systematic integration of epidemiological and molecular biological studies, this review organises existing evidence into a "psychological stress-sleep disturbance-food addiction" triangular framework, drawing together observations that have mostly been discussed in isolation. In this model, the three factors form a self-perpetuating vicious cycle through bidirectional interactions, which may synergistically amplify the risk of both T2DM and comorbid mental health conditions via shared molecular pathways. Mechanistically, the model operates through three tiers of pathological amplification: central drive (HPA axis and autonomic imbalance), peripheral effects (glucocorticoid resistance-driven inflammation and metabolic dysregulation), and tissue damage (insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction). Glucocorticoid resistance serves as the key link connecting central overdrive to amplified peripheral inflammation. The same neuroendocrine and inflammatory pathways are implicated in mood and cognitive disturbances, suggesting a biological basis for the mental-metabolic comorbidity observed clinically. This framework provides an integrated understanding of how psychosocial and dietary factors converge on common biological targets and offers a theoretical foundation for developing integrated nutritional and psychological prevention strategies.
Research indicates that siblings of children with chronic health conditions (CHCs) are a vulnerable population that faces various challenges, and interventions have been developed to mitigate the potential for adverse outcomes. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of interventions developed for siblings of children with CHCs across a wide spectrum of outcomes. A systematic search of APA PsycInfo, PubMed, and Scopus was conducted in September 2023 to review the literature on interventions for siblings (birth to 18 years old) of children with physical or mental CHCs. Inclusion criteria consisted of online and in-person interventions, controlled and uncontrolled studies, and the assessment of at least one sibling outcome. The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool was used to assess study bias. Twenty-one studies covering 19 interventions were included, with a total of 1,627 participants and over 17 childhood chronic illnesses. Results from the review evidenced support in improvements in sibling self-esteem (n = 6), social support (n = 2), knowledge of illness (n = 9), and internalizing and externalizing symptoms (n = 10) postintervention. There were no remarkable differences between interventions for siblings of children with physical, mental, or a combination of CHCs. The evidence largely indicates that interventions for siblings can be beneficial across a range of outcomes. Nonetheless, there were some inconsistencies in findings, which likely were an artifact of the variability in study designs, the diversity of interventions, and poor study methodologies. The findings highlight the need for well-designed intervention studies for their effective integration into clinical practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
Breast cancer survivors frequently experience adverse changes in body composition, cardiometabolic biomarkers, functional capacity and quality of life that may worsen long-term prognosis, yet the comparative effectiveness of lifestyle interventions across delivery formats and supervision levels remains unclear. Background/Objectives: This systematic review assessed the effects of structured diet and exercise interventions on body composition, metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, functional capacity, dietary habits and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies published in English between 2016 and 2026. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2 and ROBINS-I and certainty of evidence with GRADE. Results: Of 1413 records, 15 studies (11 RCTs; mean age 46-60 years; mostly overweight or obese post-treatment women) met the inclusion criteria; twelve interventions were supervised and three home-based or web-based. Within the assessed domains, many studies reported significant improvements in body composition, quality of life and metabolic or inflammatory biomarkers. Effects were larger in multimodal supervised programs combining caloric restriction with moderate-to-vigorous aerobic plus resistance training (5-8% weight loss; 19-29% visceral fat reduction; improved insulin, IGF-1, leptin, adiponectin and EORTC QLQ-C30 scores), whereas digital or low-intensity interventions produced smaller, less uniform objective effects despite improving dietary behaviors. GRADE certainty ranged from very low to moderate-high. Conclusions: Multimodal supervised programs offer the most robust benefits; digital formats require additional supervision. Standardized protocols and longer follow-up are needed.
Allostatic load (AL) is a multisystemic indicator of the cumulative "wear and tear" on the body caused by chronic stress. In oncology, high AL is associated with a poorer prognosis, a higher number of postoperative complications, and lower treatment tolerance. Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC)-due to frequent smoking, alcohol abuse, low socioeconomic status, and high psychological and functional burden-belong to a group particularly vulnerable to high AL; however, its role in this population remains poorly understood. This narrative review includes publications from 2015 to 2026 from the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases. We analyzed original studies, systematic reviews, and narrative reviews concerning AL in oncology, prehabilitation, and HNC. Additionally, we employed the snowballing method and included studies from key research groups. The results reveal a clear research gap-the lack of direct studies evaluating AL in HNC patients. In other cancers (breast, colorectal, lung), high AL is an independent risk factor for complications, longer hospital stays, and poorer survival. Multimodal prehabilitation (exercise, nutritional, and psychological support) shows potential for reducing AL, but no prospective studies evaluating this effect have been conducted in the HNC population. Assessment of AL may serve as a valuable tool for preoperative risk stratification and monitoring the effects of prehabilitation in patients with head and neck cancer. Prospective cohort and randomized trials are needed to integrate AL into precision medicine for this patient group.
Background: Research on psychological well-being has traditionally focused on individual characteristics such as personality traits, values, and beliefs. However, comparatively less attention has been paid to the sociocultural contexts in which individuals are embedded and that influence how the individual characteristics are expressed, evaluated, and rewarded. One theoretical framework that captures this interaction is person-culture match (PCM), defined as the alignment between individual traits, values, or beliefs and those prevalent within the surrounding culture. Objectives: This narrative review synthesizes conceptual and empirical research on PCM and discusses its implications for psychological well-being and broader societal consequences. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted to identify key theoretical contributions and empirical studies on PCM. The reviewed literature includes cross-cultural research examining the alignment between personal characteristics and corresponding cultural characteristics, as well as its implications for well-being and broader societal processes. Results: Across a wide range of studies, individuals tend to report higher well-being when their personal traits, values, or beliefs align with characteristics prevalent within their sociocultural context. This pattern has been documented across multiple characteristics, including personality traits, religiosity, political ideology, and personal values. Higher PCM has been associated with higher life satisfaction, greater positive affect, stronger self-esteem, and lower levels of stress and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The literature suggests that well-being is shaped not only by individual characteristics but also by their alignment with one's sociocultural contexts. Future research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying these effects and to explore the broader societal consequences of PCM. Considering cultural alignment may therefore be valuable for both advancing research and informing public health strategies and policy interventions aimed at enhancing well-being and social cohesion.
Cyberchondria is characterized by compulsive online health information seeking with additional psychological characteristics of behavioral addictions. Alexithymia, a transdiagnostic factor, is associated with difficulties in recognizing and differentiating emotions from bodily sensations. These characteristics may facilitate cyberchondria as a maladaptive strategy employed to cope with health anxiety. The present scoping review aims to examine the evidence regarding the association between alexithymia and cyberchondria. The scoping review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search of major databases (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) and grey literature sources (i.e., ProQuest and Google Scholar) was conducted. Data extraction was centered on the study's design, the characteristics of the sample, the tools utilized, the primary findings, and other relevant variables. A total of 139 records were identified from the databases, and four studies met the inclusion criteria. An additional study was selected from grey literature. The included studies involved different populations, including healthcare workers, university students, and patients with chronic conditions. Across these populations, a significant association between alexithymia and cyberchondria was consistently reported, considering both total scores and their respective dimensions. Furthermore, alexithymia mediated or moderated the relationship between other psychological factors (e.g., perceived stress, somatosensory amplification) and cyberchondria. The scoping review revealed limited but growing research indicating the potential influence of alexithymia on cyberchondria, with implications for clinical and healthcare contexts. The findings also highlighted gaps in the literature and the need for further research in this area.
Emotional exhaustion among nurses, which stems from high-intensity emotional labor, is a significant occupational health concern. While existing literature establishes a direct correlation between emotional labor strategies-specifically surface acting and deep acting-and emotional exhaustion, the dynamic regulatory role of core psychological resources (e.g., psychological resilience) in this relationship remains a key theoretical gap. A cross-sectional design was used to survey 527 nurses from 20 hospitals in China. Data were collected using validated scales, and all statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 25.0. The findings indicated that surface acting was positively associated with emotional exhaustion (β = 0.342, 95% CI [0.291, 0.393], p < 0.001), thereby supporting the Resource Loss Spiral hypothesis. In contrast, deep acting exhibited a significant negative association with emotional exhaustion (β = -0.337, 95% CI [-0.389, -0.285], p < 0.001), consistent with the Resource Gain Spiral expectation. A key finding of this study was the differentiated and asymmetric moderating effect of psychological resilience, which significantly mitigated the positive relationship between surface acting and emotional exhaustion (interaction term β = -0.159, 95% CI [-0.214, -0.104], p < 0.001; buffering effect of 63.5%), while simultaneously enhancing the negative relationship between deep acting and emotional exhaustion (interaction term β = 0.183, 95% CI [0.121, 0.245], p < 0.001; gain effect of 237.7%). Notably, the magnitude of the gain effect was 3.7 times greater than that of the buffering effect. This study revealed that nurses' emotional labor was associated with emotional exhaustion through a dual pathway of "surface-level depletion and deep-level gain". As a key boundary condition, psychological resilience reshapes the strength of this relationship through a dual moderating mechanism of "buffering-depletion and facilitating-gain". Theoretically, it expands the dynamic explanatory dimension of COR theory and the Emotional Labor Boundary Condition Theory. Practically, we recommend developing an intervention program integrating psychological resilience training with matched emotional labor strategies to improve resilience levels and maximize the resource gain benefits. Not applicable.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated use of remote communication in psychological support, increasing interest in the effectiveness and acceptability of remote interventions. However, little is known about the provision of remote versus in-person high-level specialist psychological support for individuals with a visible difference. This study aimed to explore UK-based specialists' experiences of delivering remote versus in-person high-level psychological interventions to individuals with a visible difference, focusing on perceived demand, preferences, and service provision. Thirty healthcare professionals across burns, cleft, craniofacial, and other specialties completed a mixed-methods online survey. We conducted descriptive statistical analysis. Qualitative data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The majority of participants (90%) reported offering both remote and in-person support, with many noting increased remote provision since the pandemic. Sixty-seven per cent reported they were 'always' able to offer patients a choice of modality, and 17% were 'sometimes' able to offer choice. Three themes were identified: "Maintaining therapeutic space", "Remote support as a bridge", and "Focus on difference". In-person support was seen as offering greater therapeutic depth and opportunities for different therapeutic exercises, particularly for appearance-related concerns. Remote support was valued for its logistical and emotional accessibility, offering access to support for those unwilling or unable to access support in-person. Whilst appearing on camera was described as a barrier to remote support, participants identified specific adaptations to mitigate this. Findings highlight the need for flexible, tailored psychological services that balance therapeutic depth with accessibility, informing future clinical practice and intervention development for individuals with a visible difference.
This review summarizes the clinical evidence of non-invasive neuromodulation (NINM) in selected chronic pain conditions and examines whether combining neuromodulation with behavioral or psychological pain therapy improves therapeutic outcomes. Clinical studies and meta-analyses investigating NINM in neuropathic pain, migraine, fibromyalgia, and chronic low back pain were reviewed. Particular attention was given to studies integrating neuromodulation with active physiotherapy or psychological pain therapy. The strongest evidence exists for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which demonstrate moderate effects in neuropathic pain, migraine, and fibromyalgia. Other approaches such as cranial electrical stimulation (CES), neurofeedback, and systolic extinction training (SET) show promising but more limited evidence. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is only effective for acute back pain. Across conditions, neuromodulation alone often produces short-term improvements in pain, whereas multimodal interventions combining neuromodulation with behavioral therapy such as neurofeedback and SET appear to produce clinically significant pain reduction and remission. A potential explanation for these findings lies in the interaction between neuromodulation and learning processes. Neuromodulatory interventions may transiently increase neural plasticity within the pain network. The reactivation of the brain stem (dorsal-medial nucleus tractus solitarius; dmNTS) might create a window during which adaptive learning processes can be facilitated. Behavioral interventions such as operant pain therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can reinforce healthy behaviors and adaptive coping through mechanisms of classical and operant conditioning. NINM should be considered not only as an isolated intervention but also as a neurophysiological facilitator of learning-based pain therapy. Future research should focus on personalized neuromodulation protocols, multimodal treatment approaches, and the identification of neurophysiological biomarkers that predict treatment response. HINTERGRUND: Diese Übersicht fasst die Evidenz verschiedener nichtinvasiver neuromodulatorischer Methoden (NINM) für ausgewählte chronische Schmerzsyndrome zusammen und prüft, ob die Kombination der nichtinvasiven Neuromodulation mit psychologischer Schmerztherapie therapeutische Outcomes verbessert. Klinische Studien und Metaanalysen, die NINM bei neuropathischem Schmerz, Migräne, Fibromyalgie und chronischem Rückenschmerz untersuchen, werden vorgestellt. Eine besondere Aufmerksamkeit richtete sich auf Studien, die nichtinvasive Neuromodulation mit aktiver Physiotherapie oder psychologischer Schmerztherapie kombinieren. Der stärkste Beweis für kurzfristig wirksame Effekte existiert für die repetitive transkranielle Magnetstimulation (rTMS) und die transkranielle Gleichstromstimulation (tDCS), die bei neuropathischem Schmerz, Migräne und Fibromyalgie moderate Effekte aufweisen. Andere Methoden wie craniale Elektrostimulation (CES), Neurofeedback und systolisches Extinktionstraining (SET) zeigen eine vielversprechende, aber noch limitierte Evidenz. Die transkutane elektrische Nervenstimulation (TENS) ist ausschließlich bei akuten Rückenschmerzen effektiv. Über alle NINM-Methoden betrachtet, erzielt NINM als Monotherapie kurzfristige Schmerzreduktionen, während multimodale Interventionen, die NINM mit Verhaltenstherapie kombinieren, wie Neurofeedback und SET, klinisch signifikante Verbesserungen und Schmerzremission langfristig ermöglichen. Eine mögliche Erklärung für diese Befunde liegt in der Wechselwirkung zwischen Neuromodulation und Lernprozessen. Die Reaktivierung des Stammhirns (dorsal-medialer Nucleus tractus solitarius, dmNTS) kann die neuronale Plastizität des Schmerznetzwerks erhöhen und so ein Zeitfenster schaffen, in dem adaptive Lernprozesse gefördert werden können. Verhaltensinterventionen wie operante Schmerztherapie und kognitive Verhaltenstherapie können gesundes Verhalten und aktive Verarbeitung durch Mechanismen der klassischen und operanten Konditionierung verstärken. Nichtinvasive Neuromodulation sollte nicht nur als eine isolierte Intervention genutzt werden, sondern als ein neurophysiologischer Moderator für eine auf Lernen basierte Schmerztherapie. Zukünftige Forschung sollte auf personalisierte Neuromodulationsprotokolle fokussieren, auf multimodale Behandlungsdesigns und auf die Identifikation von neurophysiologischen Biomarkern, die den Behandlungseffekt prädiktieren.
The use of AI within psychological assessment has many potential benefits for psychologists and their patients, including improved access to care, workflow efficiency, and expanded clinical training through virtual patients; however, there are also potential risks, including data privacy and security, and introducing potential bias into clinical practice and training. In addition, other risks may be present within clinical training in assessment, including reduced supervisor oversight, cultural insensitivity, and biased or insufficient feedback. This paper presents two case vignettes to review ethical considerations of the use of AI in psychological assessment training and practice within an ethical decision-making framework. Current best practices, ethical guidelines, and potential barriers, as well as considerations for evaluating the use of AI and other technology as an area of competency for trainees are reviewed.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by pain, sleep disturbance, and physical activity impairments, significantly impacting patients' quality of life (QoL). Biological therapies, targeting specific inflammatory pathways, have emerged as effective interventions for managing RA symptoms and disease progression. This integrative review explored the effects of biological therapies on pain management, physical activity, sleep quality, and QoL in adult patients with RA, emphasizing their role in improving patient outcomes. An integrative review was conducted as outlined by Whittemore and Knafl. This methodology allows for the inclusion of diverse study designs to comprehensively synthesize the literature. Data from all sources were analyzed thematically to identify consistent findings and overarching insights into the effects of biological therapies on RA-related outcomes. A total of 21 studies with diverse designs-including observational studies, cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and reviews-were included, with sample sizes ranging from 33 to 1,651 participants. Biological therapies demonstrated significant benefits in reducing pain, improved joint function, and enhanced mobility by alleviating fatigue and stiffness. Sleep quality improved through reductions in nocturnal discomfort and disease activity. Overall, biological therapies produced marked improvements in health-related QoL across physical, psychological, and social domains by lowering disease burden and associated emotional distress such as anxiety and depression. Biological therapies represent a transformative advancement in RA management, providing targeted control of inflammation that alleviates pain, improves functional ability, enhances sleep quality, and elevates overall QoL. These findings underscore the essential role of nurses in delivering evidence-based, holistic care through assessment, education, and adherence support in order to optimize outcomes for patients receiving biologic therapy.
Hand loss is devasting, psychologically, socially and occupationally, and has been seen as irreversible. Hand and upper limb transplantation (HAUL-T) offers the potential for restoration of function, independence, completeness and improved quality-of-life. However, the risks of lifelong immunosuppressive medication make it controversial. Successful transplantation requires appropriate patient selection, with a degree of conformity to the "ideal patient" required, both psychologically and physically, to prevent rejection. Psychological assessment protocols are at present not published. The Clinical Psychology Protocols (UKCPP), designed for and used in the only centre in the UK undertaking HAUL-T are described here. We examine the attributes required of recipients using semi-structured interview and psychometric assessment. This involves detailed evaluation of several important areas: the patient's setting and personal attributes, the ability to undertake complex decision-making and informed consent, realistic expectations of post-operative physical and psychological outcome, strong motivation, an ability to cope with a complex and challenging process, and to adjust successfully. The UKCPP have now been used for over 60 patients and found to be fit for purpose.
Multisource feedback (MSF) is widely used in performance management and leadership development, yet there is still no consensus on whether it predicts improvements in employee performance. This study presents a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating whether the use of person-moderated MSF predicts changes in individual work performance. The review is guided by an integrative framework drawing on feedback intervention theory and existing MSF models. A systematic search and meta-analytic synthesis of the empirical literature will be conducted, and potential moderators of the MSF-performance relationship will be examined to identify under what conditions effects occur. By clarifying whether and when MSF contributes to performance improvement, the study aims to provide evidence-based insights for researchers and practitioners designing feedback systems in organizations. The review will be guided by the following questions: 1. Does the use of MSF predict changes in work performance? 2. Do certain moderators affect the relationship between MSF and changes in work performance? The potential moderators are: • The number of feedback sources • The characteristic of feedback (positive vs. negative vs. evenly balanced) • Employee perceptions of and reactions to feedback • Psychological individual differences • Follow-up activities • The intended purpose of MSF • The format of feedback • The delivery mode of feedback • Socio-cultural individual differences.
Adolescence is an important stage of development marked by quick changes in the brain and emotions. During this time, young people become more vulnerable to mental health issues. Taking part in organized sports can help build resilience, social connections, and self-esteem; however, new evidence shows that it might also create psychological stress. This review looks at mental health outcomes in adolescent athletes aged 12-19, based on peer-reviewed studies published from January 2000 to December 2025. We included and summarized 45 studies using a biopsychosocial and ecological approach to find key risk factors, protective mechanisms, and intervention strategies. The findings indicate that adolescent athletes face a variety of mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, burnout, and disordered eating. Reported rates indicate higher levels of anxiety (about 40-50%), disordered eating (up to 42% in aesthetic sports), and burnout (35-45% in endurance sports), while lower rates of anxiety and depression are seen in team sports (around 10-20%). Common risk factors include performance pressure, fear of failure, early specialization in sports, overtraining, injury-related identity changes, unhealthy perfectionism, controlling coaching styles, and body image issues. On the other hand, protective factors include supportive coaching, a strong team environment, family support, a balanced athletic identity, and good coping skills. In summary, organized sports can both pose risks and offer protection for young people's mental health. This underscores the importance of developing comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies.
Background: Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic, nutritional, and lifestyle-related factors may be associated with tinnitus occurrence and symptom burden. Nutritional status, obesity, and sedentary behavior have been hypothesized to be linked with auditory function, neural excitability, and tinnitus-related outcomes. This scoping review aimed to map and summarize the available evidence on associations between dietary factors, nutrient intake, body mass index (BMI), obesity, physical activity, and tinnitus occurrence, severity, and related clinical outcomes. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases was performed. Eligible designs included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively due to methodological heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Several observational studies reported associations between protein intake, lipid profile, micronutrient status, BMI, obesity, physical activity, and tinnitus-related outcomes. Evidence on antioxidant supplementation was heterogeneous, with some trials reporting favorable changes in tinnitus-related measures and others showing no significant benefit compared with placebo. Elevated BMI, obesity, and altered body composition were generally associated with tinnitus occurrence or greater symptom severity. Randomized trials suggested that structured lifestyle programs involving dietary modification, weight reduction, and physical activity may be associated with improvements in tinnitus severity and quality of life in selected patient groups. Conclusions: The available literature suggests potential associations between nutritional, metabolic, and lifestyle-related factors and tinnitus occurrence or symptom severity. However, the evidence is heterogeneous and largely observational, with inconsistent adjustment for hearing loss, psychological distress, and general health status. Further well-designed prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are needed before causal or clinical recommendations can be formulated.
Background/Objectives: Mindfulness has emerged as a widely studied approach for promoting psychological well-being, evolving from its contemplative origins into a secular, evidence-based intervention. In recent years, the proliferation of mobile applications has enabled the delivery of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in accessible and scalable formats. This systematic review examined the efficacy of MBIs delivered via mobile applications in non-clinical adult populations, with a focus on well-being, compassion, and aggression. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across six databases (Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, SciELO, and Dialnet) for studies published from 2014 onward, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A total of 23 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Additionally, a risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane RoB-2 tool. Results: Results indicated small to moderate improvements in well-being outcomes, including positive affect, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being. Evidence regarding compassion was limited and mixed, while no studies addressing aggression met the inclusion criteria. Additionally, substantial variability in adherence rates and a high overall risk of bias were observed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that mindfulness applications may represent accessible tools for enhancing individual well-being; however, their effect on broader socio-emotional functioning remains unclear. Further research should prioritize more rigorous study designs, including active control conditions and behavioral outcome measures, to better establish their effectiveness and underlying mechanisms.
Spontaneous premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition characterized by the cessation of ovarian function before age 40, unrelated to medical interventions. It affects approximately 3.5% of women worldwide and can result in significant emotional, physical, and social consequences. Despite clinical advancements in understanding POI, women's lived experiences remain underexplored, particularly the impact of early reproductive aging that conflicts with their chronological youth. This study aims to synthesize qualitative evidence on women's experiences of spontaneous POI, focusing on emotional, physical, social, and diagnostic challenges, as well as coping strategies. A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from inception to January 2026, with studies screened independently by two reviewers using predefined criteria. Included studies employed qualitative methodologies, were peer-reviewed, and were published in English. Studies on iatrogenic POI or using mixed/quantitative methods were excluded. Participant characteristics were extracted using an adapted Cochrane data collection form. Two researchers independently performed line-by-line coding using Dedoose software, resolving discrepancies via team discussion. Themes were developed through inductive analysis. Thirteen studies involving 389 women revealed five key themes: (1) Emotional and psychological impact; (2) Physical and embodied experiences; (3) Social and relational challenges; (4) Diagnostic and treatment challenges; and (5) Coping and adaptation. Spontaneous POI profoundly affects women biopsychosocially, beyond reproductive loss. Clinical practice must shift toward woman-centered care, integrating emotional support, timely diagnosis, and culturally sensitive interventions.