Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 47 No. 12 December 2009
Assessing Resilience
Gail M. Wagnild, PhD, RN, LAC; and Jeanette A. Collins, MSW, LAC
ABSTRACT
As more studies reveal the positive relationships between resilience and
aging well, mental health practitioners are increasingly interested in
recognizing and strengthening resilience among aging Baby Boomers. Although
there is much information on characteristics of resilience, there is very
little research on assessing for resilience. This article presents a framework
for assessing resilience among middle-aged and older adults that includes the
Resilience Scale and open-ended questions to provide clients opportunities to
reflect on and perhaps rediscover their resilience. This assessment framework
may be useful for mental health practitioners using a strengths-based approach
with their clients.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Wagnild is Research and Evaluation Consultant, and Ms. Collins is
Licensed Addictions Counselor, Resilience Center, PLLP, Billings, Montana.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in
any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this
activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Gail M. Wagnild, PhD, RN, LAC, PO Box 313, Worden,
MT 59088; e-mail: gwagnild@nemontel.net.
doi:10.3928/02793695-20091103-01
Dealing with Bullying in the Workplace: Toward Zero Tolerance
Michelle Cleary, PhD, RN; Glenn E. Hunt, PhD, BA; Garry Walter, PhD, MB BS,
BMedSc, FRANZCP; and Michael Robertson, PhD, MBBS (Hons.), FRANZCP
ABSTRACT
Recent reports indicate an absence of respect in workplace culture. Every
person has the right to a workplace that is fair and equitable and in which he
or she is treated with respect and dignity. Working in a collegial manner is
challenging when environments have staff who engage in unprofessional or
disruptive behaviors. A number of steps can be taken to support a healthy
workplace and prevent bullying. Healthy workplaces are ones in which leaders
and managers lead by example, champion respect, and set the tone and
expectation for behaviors essential for fostering a harmonious and
collaborative environment. The role of the leader/manager is crucial in
developing a positive workplace culture that supports a high level of
professionalism and a culture of zero tolerance toward bullying.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Cleary is Associate Professor in Nursing (Mental Health), University of
Western Sydney, and Clinical Nurse Consultant, Research Unit, Sydney South West
Area Mental Health Service, Concord Hospital, Dr. Hunt is Senior Research
Fellow, Discipline of Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney, and
Research Unit, Sydney South West Area Mental Health Service, Concord Hospital,
Dr. Walter is Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of
Sydney, and Area Clinical Director, Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Services, Northern Sydney Central Coast Health, and Dr. Robertson is Senior
Research Fellow, Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine, University
of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Dr. Walter is also Adjunct
Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova
Scotia, Canada.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in
any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this
activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Michelle Cleary, PhD, RN, Clinical Nurse
Consultant, Research Unit, Level 1 Executive Unit and Administration Support,
Concord Centre for Mental Health, Concord Hospital, Hospital Road, Concord, New
South Wales, 2139, Australia; e-mail:
michelle.cleary@email.cs.nsw.gov.au.
doi:10.3928/02793695-20091103-03
The Effect of Animal-Assisted Activity on Inpatients with Schizophrenia
Cheng-I Chu, PhD, MBA; Chao-Yin Liu, RN, BS; Chi-Tzu Sun, RN, BS; and
Jung Lin, RN, MBA
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of animal-assisted
activity on self-esteem, control over activities of daily living, and other
psycho-physiological aspects among Taiwanese inpatients with schizophrenia.
Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment or control
group. A weekly animal-assisted activity program was arranged for patients in
the treatment group for 2 months. A questionnaire assessing self-esteem,
self-determination, social support, and psychiatric symptoms was completed the
week before and the week after the animal-assisted activity. Compared with the
control group, the treatment group showed significant improvement on all
measures except for social support and negative psychiatric symptoms. The
results of this study showed that animal-assisted activity can promote
significant improvements in many clinical aspects among inpatients with
schizophrenia. Therefore, animal-assisted activity should be integrated into
the treatment of institutionalized patients with schizophrenia.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Chu is Associate Professor, Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi
University, Ms. Liu is Specialist, Chest Section, Department of Internal
Medicine, Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien City, Ms. Sun is a Nurse, Operation
Room, Department of Nursing, and Ms. Lin is Head Nurse, Department of Nursing,
Yu-Li Veterans Hospital, Yu-Li, Hualien County, Taiwan.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in
any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this
activity, including research support. The authors extend their appreciation to
the patients in this study for their cooperation, and to Mr. Orrin Hoopman of
Hualien, Taiwan for his comments and excellent editing work.
Address correspondence to Cheng-I Chu, PhD, MBA, Associate Professor,
Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, No. 701, Section 3, Jhong-yang
Road, Hualien 97004, Taiwan, R.O.C.; e-mail:
lyndon@mail.tcu.edu.tw.
doi:10.3928/02793695-20091103-96
