Life-threatening and daily-life stress show two different patterns of influence on mental health. These results provided a preclinical model for understanding, and preventing, human stress-related psychiatric disorders in the future.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) on health care workers in Taiwan. The possible predisposing and perpetuating factors in developing mental symptoms were investigated. Methods: Participantsconsisted of 135 health care workers who had had contact with or took care of patients who were probable or suspected SARS cases, during the SARS outbreak, at a teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. All participants completed questionnaires, including the Chinese Health Questionnaire, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and Parental Bonding Instrument. Results: Twenty-two participants (17.3%) developed significant mental symptoms, and 105 participants (82.7%) showed no obvious symptoms. The structural equation model showed that maternal care (β = –0.18, p = 0.011) and neuroticism (β = 0.54, p < 10^–6) directly influenced the ability of health care workers to deal with the impact of SARS. Maternal overprotection (β = 0.30, p < 10^–4) had an indirect influence on the ability to cope with the impact of SARS. Conclusion: Both neuroticism and maternal attachment influenced the mental health of health care workers during the SARS epidemic. The results can be a helpful reference for intervention and prevention programs for health care workers facing disasters in the future.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the available evidence concerning the effects of breast reconstruction (BR) on body image of women with breast cancer. BR is a potential intervention to improve the body image of women with breast cancer. Conflicting research findings about the effects of breast reconstructive surgery on body image compared to breast conservative surgery (BCS) or mastectomy exist. A meta-analysis of studies found in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, PubMed as well as PQDT (dissertation and theses), and other unpublished literature resources from 1970 to 2010 were searched. Comparable studies that examined the difference of body image between breast cancer women receiving mastectomy plus BR and those with BCS were included. A clear definition about the domains of body image including body stigma, body concern, and transparency were identified. Mean effect sizes were calculated. Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. Women with BR and BCS were no different on the body concern domain of body image. However, women with BR had a significantly worse score on body stigma domain of body image than women receiving BCS. Women with BR had a better body image score than women with mastectomy. Women who are satisfied with their body shape may still perceive deficiencies because of the stigma of mastectomy and affect on body image. Consistent application of valid and reliable measures of body image specific to breast cancer women is needed.

Major depressive disorder is a mediating factor between the monoamine oxidase A promoter polymorphism and telomeric length.

According to the results of this study, recommendations included (1) regularly promulgating a caregiver support group, (2) the advancement of training skills within the group, and (3) upgrading and promoting nurses' ability to lead support groups in the future.