Marzanna Farnicka

Lung cancer carries a substantial psychosocial burden, frequently involving elevated psychological distress, disease-related stigma, and difficulties in adaptation to illness. Coping styles and self-efficacy are both recognized as relevant personal resources in chronic illness, but their combined statistical association with perceived stress, and specifically whether self-efficacy accounts for part of the association between coping and stress, has not been examined in lung cancer patients. Objective: This study examined the statistical associations between coping styles (task-, emotion-, and avoidance-oriented), cancer-related self-efficacy, and perceived stress, testing cancer-related self-efficacy as a mediator of each coping style’s association with perceived stress, and additionally compared these variables by gender. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among ninety-seven patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Standardized measures included the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, a cancer-specific adaptation of the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. A series of three simple mediation analyses was performed to evaluate the proposed statistical model. Results: Task-oriented coping was positively, and emotion-oriented coping negatively, associated with cancer-related self-efficacy; avoidance-oriented coping showed no significant association with self-efficacy. Task- and emotion-oriented coping were significantly associated with perceived stress in the expected directions, while avoidance-oriented coping was not. Cancer-related self-efficacy significantly, and partially, mediated the association between task-oriented coping and perceived stress; no significant indirect effect was found for emotion- or avoidance-oriented coping. Women reported significantly higher perceived stress and greater use of emotion-oriented coping than men, with no significant gender differences in self-efficacy or the other coping styles. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional sample, cancer-related self-efficacy was statistically associated with lower perceived stress specifically through its association with task-oriented coping, whereas the association between emotion-oriented coping and stress appeared largely independent of self-efficacy. These findings suggest that coping styles are associated with perceived stress through at least partly distinct mechanisms and support attention to both active coping and self-efficacy beliefs in psychosocial care for lung cancer patients, while findings regarding gender differences warrant further, formally tested investigation.

Mental disability is an issue both on the individual level and in terms of public health and social policy. Globally, one in four people experiences a mental disorder at least once in their lifetime (WHO, 2020). Research indicates that individuals who have undergone a mental health crisis or suffer from mental illness are among the most strongly stigmatized social groups (Ciobanu et al., 2021; Connell et al., 2012). The aim of this study was to examine how individuals who experienced a mental health crisis functioned during and after the crisis in the labor market, and what kinds of support networks they had. On the empirical level, a diagnostic survey was conducted using a questionnaire technique. The results highlight the difficulties participants faced while coping with mental illness and identify who provided them with support. The findings confirm what is well-established in the literature: social support (particularly from family) plays a critical role in dealing with mental health crises.

Zakłady pracy chronionej (ZPCh) są podmiotami realizującymi politykę państwa wobec rynku pracy w odniesieniu do szczególnej grupy obywateli, jakimi są osoby z niepełnosprawnościami. Zakłady te są przeznaczone przede wszystkim dla tych, którzy nie są w stanie uzyskać zatrudnienia i utrzymać je w warunkach konkurencyjnych (na otwartym rynku pracy). Celem opracowania było przedstawienie idei i realności istniejących ZPCh w jednym z regionów w Polsce oraz identyfikacja i ocena stosunku pracodawców na lokalnym rynku pracy ZPCh do zatrudniania osób chorujących psychicznie. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań empirycznych dotyczących postrzegania ich zdolności do pracy zarobkowej, możliwości i barier zatrudniania, polityki zakładów pracy wobec rekrutacji i zatrudniania osób chorujących psychicznie oraz barier i bodźców mogących mieć wpływ na pracodawców odnośnie do nawiązania z nimi relacji zawodowych. W badaniach zastosowano metodę sondażu diagnostycznego z wykorzystaniem techniki ankietowej oraz kwestionariusza ankiety. Wyniki badań wskazały na pozytywny stosunek respondentów do osób chorujących psychicznie i ich obecności w zakładzie pracy, co wzmaga bezpośredni kontakt z chorującymi psychicznie w życiu pozazawodowym.

Przedmiotem artykułu była analiza warunków pracy oraz motywacji do zatrudnienia z perspektywy osób po kryzysie psychicznym w kontekście ich doświadczeń zawodowych. Celem badania była ocena wpływu kryzysu psychicznego na życie zawodowe respondentów, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem takich aspektów, jak: poziom zarobków, satysfakcja z wykonywanej pracy, motywacja do zatrudnienia oraz rozwój zawodowy. Ponadto zbadano opinie respondentów na temat konieczności popularyzacji wiedzy dotyczącej trudności, z jakimi osoby z diagnozą choroby psychicznej borykają się na rynku pracy. Wnioski z tej analizy mogą przyczynić się do identyfikacji nowych wyzwań i weryfikacji istniejących programów aktywizacji zawodowej, wspierając tym samym proces ich optymalizacji.W pierwszej części artykułu przeprowadzono rozważania dotyczące aktywności zawodowej osób z niepełnosprawnościami, ograniczeń w ich funkcjonowaniu na rynku pracy, oraz przedstawiono wybrane teorie motywacji. Ze względu na niewielką liczbę polskich prac na ten temat zbadanie i opisanie warunków pracy oraz motywacji do zatrudnienia osób po kryzysie psychicznym jest uzasadnione. Badania były realizowane od września 2023 roku do lutego 2024. Zastosowano w nich metodę sondażu diagnostycznego z wykorzystaniem kwestionariusza ankiety w opracowaniu własnym. Udział respondentów w badaniach był anonimowy i dobrowolny.Osoby z niepełnosprawnościami zostały tu potraktowane jako wyzwanie dla rynku pracy. Wyniki zrealizowanych badań stanowią wkład w zrozumienie problemów i wyzwań, z jakimi mierzą się osoby po kryzysach psychicznych w kontekście pracy zawodowej w szerszym ujęciu na rynku pracy, oraz dostarczają wskazówek dla działań na rzecz ich skutecznej rehabilitacji i integracji zawodowej (Paszkowicz, 2018).Przedmiotem części drugiej artykułu była analiza warunków pracy i motywacji do zatrudnienia z perspektywy osób po kryzysie psychicznym. Autorzy skupili się na różnicach w doświadczeniach osób, które po kryzysie psychicznym kontynuowały pracę zawodową, oraz tych, które pozostawały bez zatrudnienia, ale aktywnie poszukiwały pracy.

Background: Breast cancer poses not only a physical health threat but also significant emotional and identity challenges for women, particularly regarding femininity and body image. Understanding how patients adapt psychologically can guide effective psychosocial interventions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate psychological adaptation, coping strategies, illness acceptance, and body image in women with breast cancer and identify factors associated with better adjustment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 women aged 22–66 undergoing treatment at the Wielkopolskie Centrum Onkologii, Poland. Standardized tools included the Mini-MAC scale (coping strategies), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and Body Image Scale (BIS). Descriptive statistics and correlations were analyzed. Results: Most participants exhibited a constructive coping style, with positive redefinition and fighting spirit being predominant. Some women simultaneously showed elements of a destructive coping style, including helplessness and hopelessness, indicating complex emotional reactions. Overall, participants demonstrated high illness acceptance, despite notable body image-related discomfort, particularly shame, reduced perceived attractiveness, and appearance-related anxiety. While age did not correlate significantly with coping or body image, a significant negative association was found between age and illness acceptance, with younger women showing better adjustment. Conclusions: Psychological adaptation to breast cancer is multidimensional and individualized, dependent on personality traits, internal resources, and social support. Findings highlight the need for holistic, patient-centered psychosocial care, addressing both emotional adaptation and body image-related distress, including support for intimacy and prosthetic interventions. Individualized strategies can improve quality of life and functional outcomes during and after cancer treatment.

The article presents a multidimensional approach to the well-being of older adults, grounded in the Balance Model and the Relational Dimensions derived from Transcultural Positive Psychotherapy (PPT). At the outset, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) conceptualization of well-being is introduced as a theoretical foundation. Well-being in late adulthood is conceptualized as a dynamic interaction among physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors that collectively shape quality of life and the trajectory of aging. Within this framework, the paper advances an integrative model of well-being informed by PPT principles, offering a novel lens for analyzing developmental changes and for designing interventions for older adults, their families, and caregivers. The proposed approach enables a more precise identification of factors that either promote or threaten well-being in later life. Drawing on a comprehensive review of the literature, the article emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and a care system grounded in dignity, positive representations of aging, and active social participation. It also introduces the 4A Model (Activity, Acceptance, Autonomy, and Activation), which provides a comprehensive framework for diagnosing and supporting older adults in sustaining psychological balance and a sense of meaning in life. The model is derived from PPT and supports a culturally sensitive, person-centered understanding of well-being applicable across diverse contexts. By applying the Positum Model, the Balance Model, and the Relational Dimensions, it is possible to integrate the emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of adaptation in late adulthood. Aging is thus presented not as a process of decline but as a life stage characterized by potential, relationships, and opportunities for personal growth.

The aging of European societies requires new perspectives on old adults care that move beyond traditional medical approaches. This paper examines multidimensional frameworks supporting the well-being of older adults, based on comparative demographic data from Poland, Hungary, and the European Union. The analysis highlights both similarities and differences in life expectancy, health, and living conditions among people aged 65 and over. Empirical studies demonstrate that physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions of well-being are strongly interrelated. Psychological resources such as optimism, resilience, and positive beliefs about aging have measurable biological and behavioral effects. Equally vital are social participation and age-friendly environments that promote autonomy and dignity. The paper as a conceptual paper argues for a holistic, interdisciplinary, and participatory model of care in late adulthood that integrates medical, psychological, and social perspectives. Such an approach offers a sustainable path toward healthy, meaningful, and dignified aging in contemporary European societies.

The aim of the article is to investigate the thesis of a direct and indirect link between sex, gender, and aggressive and victim behavior from the perspective of bio–, social and psychological development. The meta-analysis of the previous study identifies risk factors and protective factors for becoming an aggressor or a victim and the role of sex and gender in that process. The work consists of two parts. The first part of the chapter is the review of the latest research in the field of aggression and adolescence focused on conditions of violence among youth. And the second part is the presentation of the latest research of the author. In the study, model were considered: bio, psycho and social factors such as sex, temperament; attachment; aggressiveness; family, teacher, and classmate support; resilience; and the previous victim or aggressor experiences

Research background and purpose: The aim of the article is to present a literature review concerning the situation of individuals after a mental health crisis in the labor market. The review is divided into two main thematic areas. The first concerns the concept of a mental health crisis, with particular emphasis on the distinctions between medical, psychosocial, and rehabilitative perspectives. The second area review of literature employers’ requirements for disabled employees caring for employees’ mental health in corporate practice. Design/methodology/approach: The authors made a review of the literature on mental health crises and on vocational rehabilitation and inclusion, together with an analysis of employer requirements for employees with disabilities (the present article). It also shows what actions employers take regarding employees’ mental health and psychological crises. Findings: Psychological crises have a distinctly negative impact on occupational engagement; however, their consequences may be effectively mitigated through appropriate interventions at both organizational and individual levels. The key challenge lies in the development of personalized support strategies that take into account the specific characteristics of the labor market as well as the individual needs of employees. An integrated approach, combining health - related and professional support, may contribute to the establishment of sustainable solutions that promote mental health in the workplace. The research findings indicate that at the organizational level, effective support strategies can be implemented to counteract the adverse effects of psychological crises. Preventive measures include regular mental health assessments, stress management training, and monitoring of workload, all of which constitute essential components of prevention. Value added and limitations: This study thus contributes to understanding the problems and challenges faced by individuals after mental health crises in the context of the labor market, while also providing guidance for measures aimed at their effective rehabilitation and vocational integration perspective.