People perceive parasocial relationships to be effective at fulfilling emotional needs

People regularly form one-sided, "parasocial" relationships (PSRs) with targets incapable of returning the sentiment. Past work has shown that people engage with PSRs to support complex psychological needs (e.g., feeling less lonely after watching a favorite movie). However, we do not know how people rate these relationships relative to traditional two-sided relationships in terms of their effectiveness in supporting psychological needs. The current research (Ntotal = 3085) examined how PSRs help people fulfil emotion regulation needs. In Studies 1 and 2, participants felt that both their YouTube creator and non-YouTube creator PSRs were more effective at fulfilling their emotional needs than in-person acquaintances, albeit less effective than close others. In Study 3, people with high self-esteem thought PSRs would be responsive to their needs when their sociometer was activated, just as they do with two-sided relationships.

Associations between muscular strength and mental health in cognitively normal older adults: a cross-sectional study from the AGUEDA trial

Objective

To examine the associations between muscular strength and mental health.

Design

We used baseline data of 91 cognitively healthy older adults (71.69 ± 3.91 years old, 57 % women) participating in the AGUEDA randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Muscular strength was assessed using both objective (i.e., handgrip strength, biceps curl, squats, and isokinetic test) and perceived (i.e., International Fitness Scale) indicators. Psychological ill-being indicators: anxiety, depression, stress, and loneliness; and psychological well-being indicators: satisfaction with life, self-esteem, and emotional well-being) were assessed using a set of valid and reliable self-reported questionnaires. Linear regression analyses were performed adjusting for sex, age, years of education, body mass index , alcohol, diet, and smoking (model 1), and additionally by cardiorespiratory fitness (model 2).

Results

Elbow extension was positively associated with stress in model 1 (β = 0.252, 95 % Confidence Interval [95 % CI] = 0.007 to 0.497, p = 0.044), and even after further adjustment for cardiorespiratory fitness (β = 0.282, 95 % CI = 0.032 to 0.532, p = 0.028). Perceived strength was negatively associated with depressive symptoms in model 1 (β = -0.271, 95 % CI = -0.491 to -0.049, p = 0.017) and model 2 reported associations tending towards significant (β = -0.220, 95 % CI = -0.445 to 0.005, p = 0.055). Handgrip strength was positively associated with self-esteem in model 1 (β = 0.558, 95 % CI = 0.168 to 0.949, p = 0.006) and model 2 (β = 0.546, 95 % CI = 0.135 to 0.956, p = 0.010). No further associations were found among other muscular strength and mental health variables.

Conclusion

Handgrip had a moderate association with self-esteem and there was a small association between perceived strength with depressive symptoms and elbow extension with stress. No other associations were observed between muscular strength and mental health outcomes in cognitively normal older adults.

The influence of physical activity on internet addiction among Chinese college students: the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of gender

OBJECTIVES

The significance of self-esteem in the relationship between physical activity and Internet addiction among college students cannot be over, as it lays a solid foundation for the prevention and control of Internet addiction.

METHODS

A total of 950 college students were surveyed using the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and Chinese Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R) through a cluster random sampling method. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, partial correlation analysis, mediation effect, moderation effect, and Bootstrap testing were conducted on the collected data to analyze and interpret the results.

RESULTS

(1) Significant gender differences were found in the amount of physical activity and the degree of Internet addiction among college students(P&& lt;0.001); (2) Physical activity was significantly and positively correlated with self-esteem (r = 0.26, P < 0.001), but significantly and negatively correlated with Internet addiction (r=-0.23, P < 0.001); Meanwhile, self-esteem and Internet addiction were significantly and negatively related to self-esteem (r=-0.22, P < 0.001). (3) Mediating effect analyses showed that self-esteem played a partial mediating role in physical activity and Internet addiction among college students, accounting for a portion of 78.95%. (4) A moderating effect of gender on the relationship between physical activity and Internet addiction was discovered.

CONCLUSION

The physical activity level of male students is significantly higher than that of female students, while the degree of internet addiction among female students is notably higher than that of male students. Physical activity can not only directly improve the issue of internet addiction among college students, but also indirectly improve it through self-esteem, with gender playing a moderating role in this process. This conclusion has practical reference significance for preventing and controlling internet addiction among college students, and provides evidence support for using physical activity as a reference solution in clinical applications. Additionally, it suggests that gender should be taken into account when preventing and intervening in internet addiction among college students, and different strategies and methods should be adopted for male and female students. Male students should be encouraged to participate more in physical activities, gradually increasing the frequency, duration, and intensity of their participation, in order to divert their attention and enhance their sense of achievement in sports, thereby reducing their use of mobile phones. For female students, on the other hand, it is important to strengthen real-life communication, change the form of sports participation, engage in group, collaborative, and different situational sports activities, and enhance their focus and attention in sports, in order to reduce their internet dependency, better guide them to use the internet reasonably, and enable them to achieve emotional release through sports.

Surgeons' personality, characteristics and presence of meaning in life

BACKGROUND

Surgeons work long shifts and are frequently on call. Pressure to make quick and accurate decisions along with the responsibility of performing complex procedures contribute to surgeons' high stress-levels, anxiety and altered empathy level. We aimed to study surgeons' personality and meaning in life at two different centres.

METHODS

General surgeons completed 47 questions. Visual analogous scale-items with controlled internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) coefficients varying from .77 to .85 were used from the following scales: Global Measure of Perceived Stress; Hostility Questionnaire; Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy; Meaning in Life Questionnaire-SF; Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale; Spielberger State Anxiety Scale and Quality of Work life Scale. Multiple linear regression analyses, parametric or non-parametric tests were employed when considered adequate.

RESULTS

Fifty-four participants were recruited from 3 different levels of training. Gender differences in Anxiety, Physician Empathy and presence of meaning in life (MIL-P) were revealed. Junior trainees differed from senior trainees and consultants as regards MIL-P, Anxiety, Stress and work-related factors. The surgeons' self-rated self-esteem was work-related. Surgeons' Quality of Work Life was best predicted by Physician Empathy but also their self-rated Self-Esteem contributed significantly to the prediction. Surgeons' MIL-P was significantly predicted by Physician Empathy and State Anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons' current personality attributes might not apply to all of them. Female surgeons were more empathetic and felt more presence of meaning in life than male surgeons, and men were less anxious than female surgeons. Junior trainees experienced less anxiety than senior trainees but were more stressed than consultants. The most significant predictors of surgeons' personality were their experience of presence of meaning in life along with their level of empathy.

The Role of Self-Esteem in Protecting Against Cyber-Victimization and Gaming Disorder Symptoms Among Adolescents: A Temporal Dynamics Analysis

Previous literature has suggested that victimization is linked to low self-esteem and increases the symptoms of gaming disorder. However, little is known about the intra-individual processes, and the temporal dynamics of cyber-victimization, self-esteem, and gaming disorder symptoms. To address this gap, a three-year longitudinal study was performed using data collected at six different time points from 4206 Chinese adolescents (aged 12-17 years; 50.4% boys). Results of random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) indicated that at the within-person level, the fluctuation in self-esteem weakly predicted late cyber-victimization, and the fluctuation of cyber-victimization also weakly predicted late self-esteem. Additionally, the current study identified an interactive effect between self-esteem and gaming disorder symptoms at the within-person level. Fluctuations in self-esteem negatively predicted late gaming disorder symptoms, and vice versa. However, when combining the three variables (i.e., cyber-victimization, self-esteem, and gaming disorder symptoms) into one RI-CLPM, the results did not support the mediation of self-esteem in the relationship between cyber-victimization and gaming disorder symptoms at the within-person level. Moreover, fluctuations in self-esteem negatively predicted late gaming disorder symptoms and cyber-victimization at the within-person level in the RI-CLPM. These findings emphasize the protective role of self-esteem developed against cyber-victimization and gaming disorder symptoms among adolescents.

The relationship between self-esteem and happiness of college students in China:A moderated mediation model

The objective of the study is to explore the influence of self-esteem on the happiness levels of college students and the mediating roles of social avoidance and loneliness. 1021 college students between 18 and 24 years of age completed the Self-esteem Scale, General Well-being Scale, Social Avoidance and Distress Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale and Interpersonal Trust Scale.And descriptive statistical analysis and correlation analysis, structural equation model analysis were conducted. The result turns out that Self-esteem negatively predicted the happiness levels of college students. Self-esteem indirectly predicted happiness through three paths: mediating the roles of social avoidance, mediating the roles of loneliness and the chain-mediated roles of social avoidance and loneliness in college students.Interpersonal Trust moderated the relationship between loneliness and happiness.The higher the self-esteem levels of the college students, the less happiness they experienced.

Insomnia and anxiety among COVID-19 patients in China: the chain mediating effect of psychological capital and self-esteem

BACKGROUND

The outbreak of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) in 2019 has continued until now, posing a huge threat to the public's physical and mental health, resulting in different degrees of mental health problems. As a vulnerable segment of the public, anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems among COVID-19 patients. Excessive anxiety aggravates the physical and psychological symptoms of COVID-19 patients, which is detrimental to their treatment and recovery, increases financial expenditure, affects family relations, and adds to the medical burden.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the role of psychological capital and self-esteem in the relationship between insomnia and anxiety, thereby shedding light on the mechanism of the effect of insomnia on anxiety in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2022 in Fangcang hospital in Shanghai, China. The self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 718 COVID-19 patients via cell phone using the Internet platform "Questionnaire Star", which included Athens Insomnia Scale, Psychological Capital Questionnaire, Self-esteem Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, gender, age, marital status, education. Data analysis was performed using descriptive analysis, independent-samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, ordinary least-squares regression, and bootstrap method.

RESULTS

Education background had significant impact on anxiety in COVID-19 patients (F = 7.70, P < 0.001). Insomnia, psychological capital, self-esteem and anxiety were significantly correlated, respectively (P < 0.001). And Regression analysis showed that insomnia had a direct negative predictive effect on psychological capital (β = -0.70, P < 0.001) and self-esteem (β = -0.13, P < 0.001). Psychological capital had a direct positive predictive effect on self-esteem (β = 0.12, P < 0.001). Insomnia had a direct positive predictive effect on anxiety (β = 0.61, P < 0.001). Both psychological capital and self-esteem had significant negative predictive effects on anxiety (β = -0.06, P < 0.05; β = -0.72, P < 0.001). The results showed that the mediating effect of psychological capital and self-esteem was significant, and the mediating effect value was 0.21. First, the indirect effect consisting of insomnia - psychological capital - anxiety was 0.04, showing that psychological capital had a significant mediating effect. Second, the indirect effect consisting of insomnia-self-esteem-anxiety had a value of 0.10, indicating that self-esteem had a significant mediating effect. Third, the indirect effect consisting of insomnia-psychological capital-self-esteem-anxiety had a value of 0.06, suggesting that psychological capital and self-esteem had a significant chain mediating effect between insomnia and anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Insomnia had a significant positive predictive effect on anxiety. Insomnia was first associated with a decrease in psychological capital, followed by a sequential decrease in self-esteem, which in turn was associated with increased anxiety symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, focusing on improving the psychological capital and self-esteem of patients can help alleviate the anxiety caused by insomnia in COVID-19 patients. It is recommended that patients and health care professionals increase the psychological capital and Self-esteem of COVID-19 patients through various methods to counter the effects of insomnia on anxiety.

Impact of confrontation to patient suffering and death on wellbeing and burnout in professionals: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Palliative care and oncology generate a risk of burnout and psychological distress in professionals. The purpose of this study is to identify both psychopathological and positive factors related to mental health at work. It aims (i) to explore the extent to which these professionals are confronted with suffering, illness, and death; and to explore the prevalence of psychological distress and/or burnout, (ii) to identify potential determinants of burnout and psychological wellbeing at work, (iii) to develop an integrative model of mental health; and to identify frequency and impact of confrontations with death, and (iv) to identify profiles of professionals are at risk of developing a mental health disorder or, conversely, characterized by wellbeing.

METHODS

A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in palliative care and oncology evaluating confrontations with death, coping, burnout, psychological distress, personality, self-esteem, well-being and meaning at work. Regressions, clustering, and structural equation modeling analyses were performed.

RESULTS

109 professionals participated (58% from oncology and 42% from palliative care), of which 79% were female, and 65% were between 30 and 49 years old. Aim i: 30% witnessed an intolerable suffering at least 9 times a month, 45% reported moderate to high levels of burnout, 39% suffered from anxiety and 11% from depression. Aim ii: the determinants of burnout were the personality traits conscientiousness and neuroticism, low meaning of work, and low wellbeing (R2 = 0.44). The determinants of wellbeing were work meaning, depersonalization, self-esteem, fulfillment and low emotional exhaustion (R2 = 0.71). Aim iii: the integrative model included both well-being (self-esteem, conscientiousness) and psychopathology (neuroticism, anxiety) parameters, and strongly satisfied the standard SEM goodness of fit indices (e.g., CFI, IFI, and TLI ≥ 0.95). Aim iv: three profiles were identified: (a) a "distressed profile" with a majority of professionals at the patient's bedside, (b) a "disengaged profile" with professionals working as second-line consultants, (c) a "wellbeing profile" contains profiles of caregivers insensitive to psychological distress and with a high level of positive Impact of confrontation on different areas of their lives.

CONCLUSIONS

An integrative approach is essential to understand the full range of mental health issues for professionals. Meaning of work is a key factor in professional interventions that should primarily affect front-line professionals with limited experience.

Nature and correlates of self-esteem in young adult survivors of childhood traumatic brain injury

Despite growing research linking childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI) with reduced wellbeing, self-esteem, and psycho-social health, very few studies have examined self-esteem and its correlates in young adult survivors of childhood TBI. This very-long-term follow-up study evaluated self-esteem in 29 young adults with a history of childhood TBI (M time since injury = 13.84 years; SD = 0.74), and 10 typically developing controls (TDCs). All participants were originally recruited into a larger, longitudinal case-control study between 2007 and 2010. In the current follow-up study, both groups completed well-validated measures of self-esteem and mental health in young adulthood. Although group means for self-esteem did not significantly differ between TBI and TDC groups, a higher proportion of TBI participants rated their self-esteem in the clinical range (TBI group = 17%; TDC group = 0%). While self-esteem was not significantly associated with injury or pre-injury child or family characteristics, lower self-esteem was significantly correlated with greater concurrent feelings of loneliness (p = 0.007) and higher concurrent mood symptoms (p < 0.001).Our results suggest that social isolation and low mood may represent meaningful targets for psycho-social interventions to address poor self-worth in young adults with a history of childhood TBI.

Distinct associations between gratitude, self-esteem, and optimism with subjective and psychological well-being among Japanese individuals

BACKGROUND

Mounting evidence suggests that the effectiveness of positive psychology interventions is influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural context. Identifying intervention targets that can effectively contribute to improving individual well-being under these boundary conditions is a crucial step when developing viable interventions. To this end, we examined how gratitude disposition, self-esteem, and optimism relate to the subjective well-being (SWB) and psychological well-being (PWB) of Japanese individuals.

METHODS

Multivariate regression analysis was employed to quantify the unique relationships between the three potential intervention targets and both SWB and PWB, while accounting for the influence of other variables. Participants (N = 71) also engaged in a 4-week experience sampling study to explore how gratitude, self-esteem and optimism shape the link between momentary affective states in everyday life and evaluations of day satisfaction.

RESULTS

Multivariate regression analysis revealed that self-esteem was predominantly more strongly associated with SWB compared to gratitude disposition, whereas gratitude disposition was more strongly associated with the PWB dimensions, particularly personal growth, positive relations with others and purpose in life. Experience sampling data indicated that while both gratitude disposition and self-esteem moderated the association between momentary positive affect and day satisfaction evaluations, they did so in opposite ways; greater gratitude disposition strengthened the association, while greater self-esteem weakened it.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the current results suggest that while gratitude, self-esteem, and optimism influence individual well-being as a whole, they likely play distinct roles in facilitating SWB and PWB in the studied cohort.

Cognitive Reappraisal Moderates the Longitudinal Relationship between Adolescents' Peer Victimization and Self-Esteem. A Latent Interaction Model

Poor self-esteem relates closely to youth maladjustment and appears to be predicted by peer victimization experiences. However, not all peer victimized adolescents face the same risk for self-esteem erosion over time. Drawing upon the Bi-Dimensional Framework for resilience and extant research, the present study examined the potential moderating role of cognitive reappraisal in the prospective relationship from peer victimization to self-esteem. To increase precision of findings the long-term impact of self-esteem on peer victimization was also tested. Self-reported data were collected from 285 early adolescents (Mage = 10.53 years, SD = 0.16; 54.0% girls) at two waves, spaced 1-year. Latent moderated structural equation analysis showed that peer victimization was negatively related to later self-esteem, but only for youth displaying low levels of cognitive reappraisal. For adolescents with high levels of cognitive reappraising, peer victimization was not found to predict any changes in self-esteem over time. The long-term impact of self-esteem on peer victimization was not supported. Overall the present study suggests that enhancing cognitive reappraisal could be a promising avenue for lowering risk for poor self-esteem in young individuals experiencing peer victimization.

Social Support, Health Behaviors, Self-Esteem, and Successful Aging in a Sub-Saharan African Sample of Older Adults: Test of a Sequential Mediation Model

Background and Objectives

Previous research demonstrates that social support facilitates successful aging across all cultures. However, the factors that potentially mediate the link between social support and successful aging remain unclear. This study examined whether a healthy lifestyle and self-esteem mediate the association between social support and successful aging. It was hypothesized that the relationship between social support (family, friends, and significant other) and successful aging would be serially mediated by both healthy lifestyle and self-esteem.

Research Design and Methods

Participants were 479 Nigerian retirees (53.4% female) aged 60 to 90 years (Mage = 64.81, SD = 6.86). They provided information on relevant demographic variables and completed the following measures: Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist (Fitness Appraisal), Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale, and Successful Aging Inventory. Three separate regression models (family, friends, and significant other dimensions of social support) were conducted using the Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS with 5,000 bootstrap estimates.

Results

Controlling for age and sex, family support, significant other support, friends support, healthy lifestyle, and self-esteem were directly associated with successful aging. The association between family support and successful aging was mediated by healthy lifestyle; and this was also seen for friends' support and significant other support. The sequential path from social support to successful aging through healthy lifestyle, and then via improved self-esteem, was significant for family support and significant other support, but not friends support.

Discussion and Implications

Findings suggest that middle-aged to older adults who have strong support from their families and significant others may be more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and, in turn, experience higher levels of self-esteem, thereby aging well.

Long-Term Satisfaction with Breast Augmentation and Augmentation Mastopexy in the Latin American Population

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to determine the long-term satisfaction levels of women who have undergone breast augmentation and augmentation mastopexy procedures, while identifying the factors influencing patient satisfaction.

METHODS

A self-reported retrospective case study design was used to collect data from women with breast implants. The study employed a survey that included demographic information, preoperative diagnosis, implant details, and patient-reported outcomes measured using the Breast-Q Instrument, which evaluates satisfaction with breasts, self-esteem, sexual well-being, and physical symptoms. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify correlations and differences in outcomes between the different variables.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 1022 women from 19 countries, with Chile, Mexico, and Colombia being the most represented. Augmentation was performed on 72.2% of the patients, while 27.7% underwent augmentation mastopexy. Patient satisfaction with breast size and shape varied significantly between the two procedures, with patients undergoing augmentation mastopexy showing less satisfaction. In addition, patients who were unaware of their implant shape or placement reported lower satisfaction scores. The study also found that patient satisfaction decreased over time in the augmentation mastopexy cases and that patients with high body mass index had lower satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Augmentation mastopexy in patients with breast ptosis yields lower satisfaction than augmentation alone. Dissatisfaction escalates with overweight/obesity (BMI), post-surgery time, and misinformation. Implant pocket (pre-vs. subpectoral), shape (round vs. anatomical), and size did not impact satisfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Mixed-Mode Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for psychological resilience, Self Esteem and Stigma of patients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

People with schizophrenia often face challenges such as lower psychological resilience, reduced self-worth, and increased social stigma, hindering their recovery. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has shown promise in boosting psychological resilience and self-esteem while diminishing stigma. However, MBCT demands professional involvement and substantial expenses, adding to the workload of professionals and the financial strain on patients. Mixed-mode Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (M-MBCT) integrates both "face-to-face" and "self-help" approaches to minimize staff effort and costs. This study aims to assess the impact of M-MBCT on the psychological resilience, self-esteem, and stigma in schizophrenia patients.

METHODS

This randomized, controlled, parallel-group, assessor-blinded clinical trial enrolled 174 inpatients with schizophrenia. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group underwent an 8-week M-MBCT intervention, while the control group received standard treatment. Data collection employed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) before and after the intervention. Post-intervention, significant differences in ISMI, CD-RISC, and RSES scores were observed between the experimental and control groups.

RESULTS

In the experimental group, ISMI scores notably decreased, while CD-RISC and RSES scores significantly increased (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis identified age, education, and family history of mental illness as significant factors related to stigma (P < 0.05). Additionally, correlation analysis indicated a significant negative relationship between the reduction in CD-RISC scores and the reduction in ISMI scores (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

M-MBCT effectively enhanced psychological resilience and self-esteem while diminishing stigma in individuals with schizophrenia. M-MBCT emerges as a promising treatment option for schizophrenia sufferers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 03/06/2023 ( www.chictr.org.cn ; ChiCTR ID: ChiCTR2300069071).

The association between self-esteem and aesthetic component of smile among adolescents

OBJECTIVES

Self-esteem plays a crucial role during adolescence in a shaping of an individual's overall well-being and confidence. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the self-esteem in adolescents and their smile aesthetics, as well as to assess the alignment of opinions on this matter between adolescents and dentists.

METHODS

Sample included 413 students in Split-Dalmatia County, aged 13 to 18 (60% females). Data on demographic issues, orthodontic history, and desire for orthodontic treatment were collected by the self-administrated questionnaire. Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory was also used. Smile aesthetics was assessed by each participant and dentist independently using an Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN AC).

RESULTS

Self-esteem was higher in adolescents who rated their smile aesthetics equally to the dentist than in those who considered their aesthetics to be worse than the dentist (18.5 vs. 16; P = 0.011). The multiple linear regression revealed that the self-esteem of adolescents was positively related to undergone previous orthodontic treatment (β = 1.286, P = 0.020) while negatively related to the female gender (β = -2.531, P ≤ 0.001) and IOTN AC assessed by dentist (β = -0.356, P = 0.015). It was not related to educational level or desire for orthodontic treatment.

CONCLUSION

The self-esteem in adolescence is influenced the most by gender, but the orthodontic treatment and better smile aesthetics might also contribute.

Self-esteem in children and adolescents with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analytic review

Meta-analytic methods were used to examine global and domain-specific (i.e., academic, social, behavioral) self-esteem in children and adolescents with and without ADHD. Potential moderators of effect size heterogeneity were also examined via meta-regressions within a three-level approach. Findings from 49 aggregated global self-esteem effect sizes (ADHDN = 2500, TDN = 9448), 12 academic self-esteem effect sizes (ADHDN = 386, TDN = 315), 11 social self-esteem effect sizes (ADHDN = 258, TDN = 254), and 8 behavioral self-esteem effect sizes (ADHDN = 231, TDN = 211) suggest that children and adolescents with ADHD experience moderate global (ES = 0.46, p < .001), academic (ES = 0.60, p = .009), and social (ES = 0.67, p = .001) self-esteem impairments compared to children and adolescents without the disorder. The aggregated behavioral self-esteem effect size (ES = 0.20, p = .54), however, was not significant, and the global self-esteem effect size was markedly smaller compared to effect sizes for the academic and social domains. Further, examination of potential moderators of effect size heterogeneity indicated null effects for medication status, diagnostic complexity, informant, age, sex, comorbid psychopathology, and self-esteem dimension. Collectively, findings suggest that children and adolescents with ADHD do not hold a ubiquitous negative self-perception of difficulties across academic, social, and behavioral domains of functioning, and unexamined domains that are distal to ADHD may serve to bolster global self-esteem.

Levels of depression and self-esteem in women with cancer of the endometrium and cervix receiving chemotherapy treatment in Türkiye

OBJECTIVE

Endometrium and cervical cancer is a common and important health problem that affects women in many physical, emotional and psychological aspects. This study aimed to determine the levels of depression and self-esteem in women with endometrial and cervical cancer receiving chemotherapy, determine the factors affecting them, and examine the relationship between the levels of depression and self-esteem.

METHODS

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 158 women who came to the gynecology-oncology policlinic and chemotherapy unit of a training and research hospital in Izmir, western Türkiye, between April 2022 and April 2023. Data were collected with the "Descriptive Information Form", "Beck Depression Inventory" and "Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale". Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to analyse the association between the study variables.

RESULTS

In this study, 52.5% of women were diagnosed with endometrial cancer and 47.5% with cervical cancer. Beck Depression Inventory mean total score was 11.28 ± 6.35, and 20.3% of them were at risk of depression (BDI ≥ 17). Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale mean total score was 21.06 ± 3.85, and 97.5% of them had high self-esteem. There was a statistically significant and strong negative correlation between the mean total scores of the Beck Depression Inventory and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (r = 0.723; p < 0.05). It was determined that an increase in the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale mean total score by 1 unit decreased the Beck Depression Inventory mean total score by 1.2 units and was responsible for 52% of the variance (B = -1.192; R2 = 0.523).

CONCLUSION

It was determined that one-fifth of women experienced moderate/severe depression and the majority of them had high self-esteem. The increase in women's depression levels decreased their self-esteem. Health professionals and oncology nurses should perform screenings to determine the depression and self-esteem levels of women with endometrial and cervical cancer and provide necessary education, counseling, and care to women.

The effect of empowerment counseling on stress and self-esteem of mothers with hospitalized premature infants

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effect of counselling on stress and self-esteem of mothers with hospitalized premature infants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted on 80 primigravida mothers aged 18-40 years, gestational age of 28-34 weeks in 2021 in Iran. The women were randomly assigned to two groups by blocked randomization. The data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire, Paternal Stress Scale and Rosenberg self-esteem questionnaire. Individual counselling based on the GATHER model was carried out within two consecutive weeks in four sessions. Data were analyzed with SPSS 24.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic variables, stress, and self-esteem before the intervention (P>0.05). There was a substantial difference in the mean score of self - esteem 9.52±3.22 and 16.75±6.39 (P<0.001), stress 154.65±32.15and 61±10.98 (P<0.001) and different dimensions of stress between the control and intervention groups after the intervention. The most significant reduction occurred in the dimension of appearance and behaviour of the infant (cohen d=3.146).

CONCLUSIONS

The results show counselling with an empowerment approach based on the GATHER model is effective in reducing stress and increasing self-esteem of mothers of premature infants admitted to the intensive care unit.

Effect of Makeup Use on Depressive Symptoms: An Open, Randomized and Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Depression is one of the most disabling diseases globally, with a high disease burden that generates high direct and indirect costs. The incidence of depression is twofold higher in adult women than in men. Biological and psychosocial factors constitute the pathophysiological bases of the condition and due to the complexity of the condition, current understanding is that the "treatment strategy must be multimodal". The objective of this study was to measure the effect of introducing the frequent use of makeup on improving depressive symptoms in adult women of medium-low purchasing power METHODS: Participants with the targeted profile who did not frequently use makeup were selected and randomised to receive (test group) or not (control group) stimuli and makeup products intended for encouraging the frequent use of makeup. The Zung Depression Self-Assessment Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms, with additional assessments on self-image perception using the mirror test and salivary cortisol level.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated a sustained reduction in depressive symptoms (8.3 percentage points reduction in the Average Zung Index; P < 0.05), with a significant improvement in self-image perception (25% increase in the average score obtained in the mirror test; P < 0.05) and a specific influence on salivary cortisol levels (55% reduction in salivary cortisol concentration; P < 0.05) after the first makeup application.

CONCLUSION

The results show that encouraging the frequent use of makeup, a practice that can be achieved by most people and which is simple and inexpensive to implement, can contribute to effective and sustainable improvement in the well-being and mental health of a significant portion of the population.

The continuation of non-physical abuse from childhood to adulthood in eating disorder patients: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

BACKGROUND

The ED literature has focused on the physical forms of childhood abuse with respect to eating disorders, overlooking non-physical abuse even though eating disorder patients report the latter either as primary experiences or as a revival of their childhood experiences. Additionally, there is no literature exploring whether adult eating disorder patients who have experienced childhood non-physical abuse continue to experience abuse as adults, and if they do, how well-being is impacted or linked with eating pathology.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the lived experiences of eating disorders patients who have experienced non-physical childhood abuse in childhood and adulthood.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS

Six adult female eating disorder outpatients each took part in a semi-structured interview.

METHODS

This study used the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework.

RESULTS

Three master themes and eleven superordinate themes were drawn from the analysis, addressing the research question: continuation of non-physical abuse across a lifetime, developmental factors and non-physical abuse, and non-physical abuse and eating pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

The participants' accounts indicate that childhood non-physical abuse is related to eating disorder onset, and abuse continuation in adulthood contributes to the disorder's maintenance. Moreover, the lifelong consequences of non-physical childhood abuse impact psychological factors, such as self-esteem, attachment and emotion regulation, affecting the individuals' adult lives and keeping participants inside a vicious cycle of trauma re-enactment. Low self-esteem is considered by the participants as the key factor for their disturbed relationship with food.

Influence of economics students' self-esteem on their academic engagement: The moderating role of gender

This study investigated the moderating role of gender in the influence of Economics students' self-esteem on their academic engagement. This quantitative research used a descriptive cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 422 senior high school Economics students. The Academic Engagement and Self-Esteem Scales served as the instruments for data collection in this study. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The study revealed that there was a statistically significant positive influence of Economics students' self-esteem on their academic engagement. Specifically, it was found out that self-esteem had a significant positive influence on academic affective, behavioural and cognitive engagement. Also, it was discovered that gender did not moderate the influence of students' self-esteem on their academic affective, behavioural and cognitive engagement. Therefore, it was recommended that parents, guardians and Economics teachers should guide students to improve upon their self-esteem since high self-esteem will lead to high academic engagement.

Self-esteem and cortical thickness correlate with aggression in healthy children: A surface-based analysis

Aggressive behavior can have serious physical, psychological, and social consequences. However, little is known about the personality and neurological antecedents underlying aggressive behavior in children. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-esteem, aggression, and brain structure (i.e., cortical thickness and surface area) in a population of healthy children (N = 78; 9-12 years; mean age: 9.95 ± 0.90 years). The results revealed that self-esteem showed a negative association with aggression and significantly predicted aggressive behavior. No gender differences were found in aggression and its neural correlates. We performed the cortical parcellation method to further explore the neural foundations underlying the association of self-esteem with aggression. Children with higher aggression had increased cortical thickness in four clusters after multiple comparison correction: right medial orbitofrontal cortex, right lateral orbitofrontal cortex, right superior frontal gyrus, and left insula. In a mediation analysis, cortical thickness in the right medial orbitofrontal cortex contributed to the effect of self-esteem on aggression. These findings extend our understanding of morphological correlates of aggression in children, suggesting that an increased cortical thickness in childhood is a potential mechanism linking low self-esteem to aggression.

Disparities in the impact of economic well-being on self-esteem in adulthood: Race and ethnicity

BACKGROUND

Most studies have defined economic well-being as socioeconomic status, with little attention given to whether other indicators influence self-esteem. Little is known about racial/ethnic disparities in the relationship between economic well-being and self-esteem during adulthood.

AIM

To explore the impact of economic well-being on self-esteem in adulthood and differences in the association across race/ethnicity.

METHODS

The current study used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979. The final sample consisted of 2267 African Americans, 1425 Hispanics, and 3678 non-Hispanic Whites. Ordinary linear regression analyses and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

African Americans and Hispanics were more likely to be in poverty in comparison with non-Hispanic Whites. More African Americans were unemployed than Whites. Those who received fringe benefits, were more satisfied with jobs, and were employed were more likely to have higher levels of self-esteem. Poverty was negatively associated with self-esteem. Interaction effects were found between African Americans and job satisfaction predicting self-esteem.

CONCLUSION

The role of employers is important in cultivating employees' self-esteem. Satisfactory outcomes or feelings of happiness from the workplace may be more important to non-Hispanic Whites compared to African Americans and Hispanics.

Prevalence of bullying and its impact on self-esteem, anxiety and depression among medical and health sciences university students in RAS Al Khaimah, UAE

Bullying and peer victimization among medical and health sciences students is a public health issue. This is owing to its detrimental impact and greater risk of psychiatric diseases and psychopathology in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. As a result, a descriptive cross-sectional research study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of bullying and its influence on self-esteem, anxiety, and depression among medical and health sciences university students in RAS Al- Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Approximately 369 students from MBBS, BDS, B Pharm, and BSN colleges were selected. The instruments included sociodemographic questions, bullying queries, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Primary Care Anxiety and Depression Scale. Participants averaged 21.49 ± 2.95. 34.1 % of medical students were bullied. 44.4 % of individuals were called insulting names, making verbal bullying the most common method. The linear regression analysis of bullying data shows that girls (53.2 %) are bullied more than boys (46.8 %). Bullied individuals had a mean score of 43.30 ± 19.74, indicating a higher rate of depression and anxiety. Bullied students had a mean score of 44.62 ± 9.94, indicating lower self-esteem. Significant differences were observed in relation to bullying when considering the variables of the university year, mother's education, and previous experience of bullying (P = 0.002, 0.038, 0.001). It is imperative that universities establish comprehensive protocols to identify instances of such behaviour and provide necessary assistance to victims and their families.

Indirect effect of impulsivity on suicide risk through self-esteem and depressive symptoms in a population with treatment-resistant depression: A FACE-DR study

INTRODUCTION

Suicide is a major health issue. Its prevalence is particularly high in subjects presenting major depression disorder (MDD), making this a key suicide-related risk factor. Suicide attempts in severe forms of MDD were assumed to be linked to impulsivity and loss of control. Nevertheless, we failed to find data specifically investigating the link between impulsivity and suicide risk in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This study seeks to review this relationship.

METHOD

Patients were recruited for a prospective cohort. Suicide risk and impulsivity were assessed using the International Neuropsychiatric Interview and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Version 10, respectively, while the severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, anxiety with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and childhood maltreatment using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire.

RESULTS

220 TRD patients were enrolled in the study. The impulsivity score was correlated with self-esteem, marital status, professional status and anxiety. There was no direct link to suicide risk. However, impulsivity was associated with self-esteem (coefficient: -0.24; p value 0.043) and depressive symptom severity (coefficient: 0.; p value 0.045). The suicide risk was significantly correlated with depressive symptom severity (coefficient = 0.38, p < 0.001) and self-esteem (coefficient = -0.34, p = 0.01). Considering these correlations, we postulated that the effect of impulsivity on suicide risk could be mediated by self-esteem in terms of depressive symptom severity and we finally found a relevant mediation model within impulsivity having an indirect effect on suicide risk by impacting self-esteem and depressive symptoms with anxiety also playing a significant role as a covariable.

CONCLUSION

We found that impulsivity could play an indirect role with the involvement of self-esteem and depressive symptoms and the contributing role of anxiety.