An article by Rosina E. Mete, M.S.’13, Ph.D.’18, was recently published in the Yale University Journal of Biology and Medicine. The article, “Examining the Impact of Social Support on Psychological Well-Being Among Canadian Individuals With COPD: Implications for Government Policies,” was based on the doctoral dissertation research she completed at Niagara University, which examined the impact of social support on emotional well-being among Canadian individuals with COPD. It was also selected as an Editor’s Pick for the journal’s chronic illness issue.
Dr. Mete’s study was based on the Social Provisions Theory and stress-buffering hypothesis, using large-scale population data from Statistics Canada’s 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey Mental Health component. Her research found that Canadian individuals with COPD were more likely to report a decreased sense of belonging to a group of friends and struggle to depend on others in stressful times while experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
“The findings add to the literature regarding the importance of social support for our emotional well-being among chronically ill populations,” she said. “Furthermore, rather than focusing on the structural components of social relationships, such as the number of friends an individual has, the study uncovered different functions and characteristics of informal positive relationships for individuals coping with COPD. The research outlines the benefits of integrating peer support, socialization initiatives, and caregiver training into clinical programs designed for individuals with COPD.”
Dr. Mete became interested in studying COPD while working as a psychotherapist at the Niagara Falls Community Health Centre. As part of a multidisciplinary team that provided services to individuals with COPD, she learned firsthand about the impact of the condition, which is the third leading cause of death worldwide. She holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling and a Ph.D. in leadership and policy from Niagara University.
The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine is a PubMed-indexed, open-access, quarterly journal which aims to showcase outstanding research articles from all areas of biology and medicine, to publish significant case reviews, and to provide both perspectives on personal experiences in medicine and reviews of the current state of biology and medicine.
