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Regli J, Sadeghi-Bahmani D, Rigotti V, Stanga Z, Ülgür II, Fichter C, Lang UE, Brühl AB, Brand S. Psychiatric Characteristics, Symptoms of Insomnia and Depression, Emotion Regulation, and Social Activity among Swiss Medical Students. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4372. [PMID: 39124639 PMCID: PMC11313248 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13154372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Almost by default, young adult students are at increased risk of suffering from mental health issues, and this holds particularly true for medical students. Indeed, compared to the general population and non-medical students, medical students report higher scores for symptoms of depression. For Swiss medical students, research on the associations between psychiatric characteristics and symptoms of depression and insomnia, including cognitive-emotional processes and social activity, has been lacking so far. Given this, the aims of the present study were to relate self-declared psychiatric characteristics to symptoms of depression, insomnia, emotion regulation, and social activity. Methods: A total of 575 medical students (mean age: 22.4 years; 68.9% females) completed an online survey covering sociodemographic information (age and gender), study context (year of study), self-declared psychiatric characteristics and symptoms of depression, insomnia, emotion regulation (cognitive reappraisal vs. emotion suppression), and social activity. Data on insomnia sum scores and categories of historical samples (862 non-medical students and 533 police and emergency response service officers) were used for comparison. Results: Of the 575 participants, 190 participants (33%) self-declared psychiatric issues, such as major depressive disorder; anxiety disorders, including PTSD and adjustment disorders; eating disorders; ADHD; or a combination of such psychiatric issues. Self-reporting a psychiatric issue was related to higher symptoms of depression and insomnia and lower symptoms of social activity and cognitive reappraisal (always with significant p-values and medium effect sizes). Compared to historical data for non-medical students and police and emergency response service officers, medical students reported higher insomnia scores. In a regression model, current self-declared psychiatric issues, female gender, higher scores for insomnia, and lower scores for social activity were associated with higher scores for depression. Conclusions: Among a sample of Swiss medical students, the occurrence of self-declared psychiatric issues was associated with higher scores for depression and insomnia and lower cognitive reappraisal and social activity. Further, insomnia scores and insomnia categories were higher when compared to non-medical students and to police and emergency response service officers. The data suggest that medical schools might introduce specifically tailored intervention and support programs to mitigate medical students' mental health issues. This holds particularly true for insomnia, as standardized and online-delivered treatment programs for insomnia (eCBTi) are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Regli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dena Sadeghi-Bahmani
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Viola Rigotti
- Outpatient Medical Clinic, University Hospital of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Zeno Stanga
- Centre of Competence for Military and Disaster Medicine, Swiss Armed Forces, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (Z.S.); (I.I.Ü.)
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, Nutritional Medicine and Metabolism, University Hospital, University of Berne, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Ismail I. Ülgür
- Centre of Competence for Military and Disaster Medicine, Swiss Armed Forces, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (Z.S.); (I.I.Ü.)
| | - Christian Fichter
- Department of Psychology, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Undine E. Lang
- Adult Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Annette B. Brühl
- Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disturbances, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Serge Brand
- Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disturbances, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland;
- Division of Sport Science and Psychosocial Health, Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6719851115, Iran
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6719851115, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
- Center for Disaster Psychiatry and Disaster Psychology, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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2
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Wang Y, Ran G, Zhang Q, Zhang Q. The association between social support and prosocial behavior: A three-level meta-analysis. Psych J 2024. [PMID: 39034601 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Numerous studies have examined the relationship between social support and prosocial behavior and have concluded that social support is an important factor in generating prosocial behavior. However, different studies have produced different conclusions, and the moderating effect on the relationship is not entirely clear. The current study uses a three-level meta-analysis method to clarify the relationship between social support and prosocial behavior, and explores the moderating variables that affect the relationship between the two variables. Through a systematic literature search, a total of 92 studies, 418 effect sizes, and 74,378 participants were obtained. The main effects test found a significant positive correlation between social support and prosocial behavior. Tests of the moderating effects indicated that the relationship between social support and prosocial behavior was moderated by year of publication, source of social support, measurement of social support and measurement of prosocial behavior. In summary, social support plays an important role in prosocial behavior, and exploring their relationship is beneficial to families, schools and society in guiding individuals' prosocial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinlan Wang
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| | - Guangming Ran
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Preschool and Primary Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| | - Qiongzhi Zhang
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
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3
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McLoughlin S, Kristjánsson K. Virtues as protective factors for adolescent mental health. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2024. [PMID: 39032006 DOI: 10.1111/jora.13004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
This paper explores the decline in adolescent mental health and the weakening of traditional moral frameworks, positing education in the virtues as protective of mental health due to the intrinsic link between moral/existential wellbeing and psychological health. By integrating character education into school curricula, a continuous "dosage" of moral guidance may be an optimal way to ensure a gradual and ever-clearer articulation of a life worth living and how to live well. The paper critiques popular clinical and positive psychological approaches to promoting wellbeing, which often miss the existential and moral dimensions of adolescent growth. The conclusion emphasizes the need for integrating moral education into mental health interventions to address the comprehensive existential and moral dimensions of adolescent development. This paper advocates for a proactive character developmental model that nurtures moral and existential growth, recognizing challenges with virtue and meta-virtue development as integral to personal and moral evolution, and enhancing the moral and psychological fortitude of adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane McLoughlin
- Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Lau N, Srinakarin K, Aalfs H, Zhao X, Palermo TM. TikTok and teen mental health: an analysis of user-generated content and engagement. J Pediatr Psychol 2024:jsae039. [PMID: 38950415 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsae039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TikTok is a social media mobile application that is widely used by adolescents, and has the potential to serve as a revolutionary platform for public and mental health discourse, education, and intervention. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to describe the content and engagement metrics of the hashtag #teenmentalhealth on TikTok. METHODS In this study, we: (a) conducted a directed content analysis of the Top 100 TikTok videos tagged with #teenmentalhealth, and (b) collected data on video engagements (views, likes, saves, and shares) and computed view-based engagement rates. RESULTS The videos collectively garnered 144,320,591 views; 28,289,655 likes; 219,780 comments; 1,971,492 saves; and 478,696 shares. Most of the generated content were from teens and therapists. Engagement metrics revealed strong user engagement rates across user types. The most prevalent content categories represented across videos were personal experience, coping techniques or treatment, humor, interpersonal relationships, and health campaign. The content categories with the highest engagement rates were relatable media representation, health campaign, social isolation, and humor. Only a single video incorporated evidence-based treatment content. CONCLUSION TikTok facilitates communication and information dissemination on teen mental health. Future research should focus on improving the quality and credibility of digital content while maintaining engagement through creativity, self-expression, and relatability. Use of popular social media platforms and community-engaged research to disseminate evidence-based content may help bridge the translational research gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Lau
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kavin Srinakarin
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Homer Aalfs
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tonya M Palermo
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
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5
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Kiuchi K, Umehara H, Irizawa K, Kang X, Nakataki M, Yoshida M, Numata S, Matsumoto K. An Exploratory Study of the Potential of Online Counseling for University Students by a Human-Operated Avatar Counselor. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1287. [PMID: 38998822 PMCID: PMC11241672 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12131287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, the use of digital technologies, such as avatars and virtual reality, has been increasingly explored to address university students' mental health issues. However, there is limited research on the advantages and disadvantages of counselors using avatars in online video counseling. Herein, 25 university students were enrolled in a pilot online counseling session with a human counselor-controlled avatar, and asked about their emotional experiences and impressions of the avatar and to provide qualitative feedback on their communication experience. Positive emotions during the session were associated with impressions of the avatar's intelligence and likeability. The anthropomorphism, animacy, likeability, and intelligent impressions of the avatar were interrelated, indicating that the avatar's smile and the counselor's expertise in empathy and approval may have contributed to these impressions. However, no associations were observed between participant experiences and their prior communication with avatars, or between participant experiences and their gender or the perceived gender of the avatar. Accordingly, recommendations for future practice and research are provided. Accumulating practical and empirical findings on the effectiveness of human-operated avatar counselors is crucial for addressing university students' mental health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Kiuchi
- Japan National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan Organization of Occupational Health and Safety, Kawasaki 214-8585, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Umehara
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-0042, Japan
| | - Koushi Irizawa
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-0042, Japan
| | - Xin Kang
- Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan
| | - Masahito Nakataki
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-0042, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan
| | - Shusuke Numata
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-0042, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan
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6
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Ramjan LM, Smith BW, Miskovic-Wheatley J, Pathrose SP, Hay PJ. Social support for young people with eating disorders-An integrative review. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38812085 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Eating disorder treatment should be underpinned by a recovery-oriented approach, be therapeutic, personalised and trauma informed. Within such models of care, social support is an important factor to explore in terms of its influence in supporting hope for recovery, reducing stigma, and mitigating life stressors. Limited research has been conducted to understand the types of social support that are available to young people formally diagnosed with an eating disorder, their feasibility and acceptability and the positive outcomes. This integrative review sought to explore the positive outcomes of social support or social support programs for young people with eating disorders. An integrative review was conducted based on a search of five electronic databases from inception to 31 March 2023. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools and findings have been narratively synthesised and presented in accordance with the review's aims and questions. Seven studies (total 429 individuals, range 3-160) published between 2001 and 2023 were included in the final synthesis. Overall social support interventions showed promising preliminary evidence as a feasible and acceptable adjunct to treatment for young people with an eating disorder motivated to change, with some clinical improvements in psychopathology. Social support augmented existing relationships, providing a human element of open dialogue, friendship and a sense of hope for recovery. Despite the small number and heterogeneity of the studies, this review has highlighted some promising preliminary benefits. Future treatment for eating disorders should embrace adjunct modalities that enhance psychosocial recovery for young people with eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie M Ramjan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brandon W Smith
- School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jane Miskovic-Wheatley
- InsideOut Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sheeja Perumbil Pathrose
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- New South Wales Centre for Evidence Based Health Care: A JBI Affiliated Group, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillipa J Hay
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Campbelltown Hospital, Mental Health Services, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Wang H, He X, Tang Y, Tang J, Yang J. Unveiling the links between physical activity, self-identity, social anxiety, and emotional eating among overweight and obese young adults. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1255548. [PMID: 38259565 PMCID: PMC10800689 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1255548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Emotional eating not only contributes to physical obesity but also leads to the experience of guilt and shame, exacerbating emotional problems. Increasing physical activity, adopting a balanced diet, and seeking psychological support help improve emotional eating issues in overweight or obese young adults, enhancing overall mental and physical well-being. Methods This study investigates the correlation between physical activity, self-identity, social anxiety, and emotional eating among 373 overweight and obese college students aged 18-26 in central China. By utilizing AMOS v.26, a structural equation model was constructed to examine the hypotheses. Results The findings reveal that physical activity significantly influences self-identity and social anxiety, which, in turn, significantly impact emotional eating. Moreover, self-identity and social anxiety serve as mediators in the relationship between physical activity and emotional eating. These results emphasize the role of physical activity in mitigating emotional eating among young individuals struggling with overweight and obesity. Discussion Consequently, the government and relevant agencies are urged to address the issue of obesity among young adults and provide support for their engagement in physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Wang
- School of Business, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, China
- School of Physical Education, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, China
| | - Xianyi He
- College of Physical Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiwei Tang
- School of Physical Education, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, China
| | - Jiaxin Tang
- School of Business, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, China
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Department of Medical Bioinformatics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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8
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Tao X, Fisher C. Associations Among Web-Based Civic Engagement and Discrimination, Web-Based Social Support, and Mental Health and Substance Use Risk Among LGBT Youth: Cross-Sectional Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46604. [PMID: 37358882 DOI: 10.2196/46604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media use is ubiquitous among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender or nonbinary (LGBT) adolescents. The time spent on LGBT sites and involvement in social justice-oriented web-based civic activities can increase exposure to heterosexist and transphobic posts, resulting in increases in depression, anxiety, and substance use. Collaborative social justice civic engagement may also increase LGBT adolescents' social support on the web, which may buffer the mental health and substance use risks associated with web-based discrimination. OBJECTIVE Drawing on the minority stress and stress-buffering hypotheses, this study aimed to test time spent on LGBT sites, involvement in web-based social justice activities, the mediating effect of web-based discrimination, and the moderating effect of web-based social support on mental health and substance use. METHODS An anonymous web-based survey conducted from October 20 to November 18, 2022, analyzed data from 571 respondents (mean age 16.4, SD 1.1 years): 125 cisgender lesbian girls, 186 cisgender gay boys, 111 cisgender bisexual adolescents, and 149 transgender or nonbinary adolescents. Measures included demographics, web-based LGBT identity disclosure, hours per week spent on LGBT social media sites, engagement in web-based social justice activities (Online Civic Engagement Behavior Construct), exposure to web-based discrimination (Online Victimization Scale), web-based social support (adapted from scales examining web-based interactions), depressive and anxiety symptoms, and substance use (the Patient Health Questionnaire modified for Adolescents; Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item; and Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble Screening Test). RESULTS The time spent on LGBT social media sites was unrelated to web-based discrimination after civic engagement was accounted for (90% CI -0.007 to 0.004). Web-based social justice civic engagement was positively associated with social support (β=.4, 90% CI 0.2-0.4), exposure to discrimination (β=.6, 90% CI 0.5-0.7), and higher substance use risk (β=.2, 90% CI 0.2-0.6). Consistent with minority stress theory, exposure to web-based discrimination fully mediated the positive association between LGBT justice civic engagement and depressive (β=.3, 90% CI 0.2-0.4) and anxiety symptoms (β=.3, 90% CI 0.2-0.4). Web-based social support did not moderate the association between exposure to discrimination with depressive (90% CI -0.07 to 0.1) and anxiety symptoms (90% CI -0.06 to 0.1) and substance use (90% CI -0.04 to 0.01). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of examining LGBT youth's specific web-based activities and the need for future research to focus on the intersectional experiences of LGBT adolescents from racial and ethnic minoritized groups through culturally sensitive questions. This study also calls for social media platforms to implement policies that mitigate the effects of algorithms that expose youth to heterosexist and transphobic messaging, such as adopting machine learning algorithms that can efficiently recognize and remove harmful content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Tao
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Celia Fisher
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, United States
- Center for Ethics Education, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, United States
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Teshale AB, Htun HL, Hu J, Dalli LL, Lim MH, Neves BB, Baker JR, Phyo AZZ, Reid CM, Ryan J, Owen AJ, Fitzgerald SM, Freak-Poli R. The relationship between social isolation, social support, and loneliness with cardiovascular disease and shared risk factors: A narrative review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 111:105008. [PMID: 37003026 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the greatest contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Poor social health plays a critical role in CVD incidence. Additionally, the relationship between social health and CVD may be mediated through CVD risk factors. However, the underlying mechanisms between social health and CVD are poorly understood. Certain social health constructs (social isolation, low social support and loneliness) have complicated the characterisation of a causal relationship between social health and CVD. AIM To provide an overview of the relationship between social health and CVD (and its shared risk factors). METHOD In this narrative review, we examined published literature on the relationship between three social health constructs (social isolation, social support, and loneliness) and CVD. Evidence was synthesised in a narrative format, focusing on the potential ways in which social health affects CVD, including shared risk factors. RESULTS The current literature highlights an established relationship between social health and CVD with a likelihood for bi-directionality. However, there is speculation and varied evidence regarding how these relationships may be mediated through CVD risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Social health can be considered an established risk factor for CVD. However, the potential bi-directional pathways of social health with CVD risk factors are less established. Further research is needed to understand whether targeting certain constructs of social health may directly improve the management of CVD risk factors. Given the health and economic burdens of poor social health and CVD, improvements to addressing or preventing these interrelated health conditions would have societal benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Htet Lin Htun
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jessie Hu
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lachlan L Dalli
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Michelle H Lim
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | | | - J R Baker
- School of Health, Southern Cross University, Australia; Primary & Community Care Limited, Australia.
| | - Aung Zaw Zaw Phyo
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Christopher M Reid
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Joanne Ryan
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Alice J Owen
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sharyn M Fitzgerald
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Rosanne Freak-Poli
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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10
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Dong Y, Weir NM. Antidepressants: A content analysis of healthcare providers' tweets. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 9:100232. [PMID: 36876146 PMCID: PMC9976573 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antidepressants are the primary treatment for depression, and social support from social media may offer another support route. Whilst Twitter has become an interactive platform for healthcare providers and their patients, previous studies found low engagement of healthcare providers when discussing antidepressants on Twitter. This study aims to analyse the Twitter posts of healthcare providers related to antidepressants and to explore the healthcare providers' engagement and their areas of interest. Method Tweets within a 10-day period were collected through multiple searches with a list of keywords within Twitter. The results were filtered against several inclusion criteria, including a manual screening to identify healthcare providers. A content analysis was conducted on eligible tweets where correlative themes and subthemes were identified. Key findings Healthcare providers contributed 5.9% of the antidepressant-related tweets (n = 770/13,005). The major clinical topics referred to in the tweets were side effects, antidepressants for the treatment of COVID-19, and antidepressant studies of psychedelics. Nurses posted more tweets sharing personal experiences with commonly negative attitudes, in contrast to physicians. Links to external webpages were commonly used among healthcare providers, especially users representing healthcare organisations. Conclusions A relatively low proportion of healthcare providers' engagement on Twitter regarding antidepressants (5.9%) was identified, with a minimal increase throughout the COVID-19 pandemic when compared to previous studies. The major clinical topics referred to in the tweets were side effects, antidepressants for the treatment of COVID-19 and antidepressant studies of psychedelics, which have been made publicly available. In general, the findings confirmed that social media platforms are a mechanism by which healthcare providers, organisations and students support patients, share information about adverse drug effects, communicate personal experiences, and share research. It is plausible that this could impact the belief and behaviours of people with lived experience of depression who may see these tweets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalie M. Weir
- Corresponding author at: 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, United Kingdom.
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11
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Kim K, Lim HJ, Moon E, Moon SI. Influence of Optimism, Social Support, and Spirituality on COVID-19 Stress in Christian Church Community. Psychiatry Investig 2023; 20:130-136. [PMID: 36891597 PMCID: PMC9996147 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2022.0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Optimism, social support, and spirituality can be important factors related to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) stress. However, studies investigating the influence and interplay of optimism, social support, and spirituality on COVID-19 simultaneously are still few. This study is aimed to explore the influence of optimism, social support, and spirituality on COVID-19 stress in the Christian church community. METHODS A total 350 participants were included in this study. This study was cross-sectionally conducted by using an online survey on optimism, social support, spirituality, and COVID-19 stress that were measured by the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS), Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), and COVID-19 Stress Scale for Korean People (CSSK). The prediction models for COVID-19 stress were analyzed by using univariate and multiple linear regression. RESULTS Based on the results of univariate linear regression, subjective feelings on income (p<0.001) and health status (p<0.001), LOTR (p<0.001), MSPSS (p=0.025), and SWBS (p<0.001) scores were significantly associated with COVID-19 stress. The multiple linear regression model with subjective feelings on income and health status and SWSB score was significant (p<0.001) and explained 17.7% of the variance (R2=0.177). CONCLUSION This study showed that subjective feeling on low income, those who had poor health status, lower optimism, lower perceived social support, and lower spirituality were significantly affected with COVID-19 stress. Especially, the model with subjective feelings on income and health status, and spirituality showed highly significant effects, despite the interaction with associated factors. To cope with unpredictable stressful situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, integrated interventions on psycho-socio-spiritual aspect are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoungmi Kim
- Department of Counselling Psychology, TongMyong University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Lim
- Department of Psychology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsoo Moon
- Department of Psychiatry and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Il Moon
- Department of Christian Family Counseling, United Graduate School of Theology, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,Sooyoungro Counseling Center, Busan, Republic of Korea
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12
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Abad Santos PMT, Cleofas JV, Austria AGO, de Guzman AKB, Sarile BAF. The double-edged impact of Internet use on mental health outcomes among Filipino university students: the mediating role of online social support. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2023; 8:1132523. [PMID: 37188151 PMCID: PMC10175574 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2023.1132523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Evidence supports both the positive and negative effects of Internet use on mental health outcomes, but it remains unclear on the role of online social support in this relationship. This study examined the link between daily hours of general Internet use and bidimensional mental health (BMMH) through the pathway of online social support (OSSS). Methods Drawing from a sample of 247 Filipino university students, this cross-sectional study tested two simple mediation models that considered mental wellbeing and psychological distress as outcome variables. Results Findings show that the total effect of Internet use is positive and negative for mental wellbeing and psychological distress, respectively. Online social support mediated the favorable effects of Internet use on BMMH outcomes. However, the introduction of OSSS as a mediator yielded residual direct effects with opposing signs for both models. The resultant inconsistent mediation in the models signifies the double-edged impact of Internet use on mental health, with favorable effects transmitted through online social support. Discussion Findings highlight the importance of online social support as a pathway to harness the positive effects of Internet on mental health. Recommendations to improve online social support for students are discussed herein.
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Luo Q, Huang L, Wu N. The relationship between internet use preference and loneliness among college students during COVID-19: The chain mediating effect of online social support and self-esteem. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1058944. [PMID: 36619083 PMCID: PMC9813670 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1058944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19, especially the demands of social interaction and spatial distancing behavior, has led to a surge in Internet use, which has also led to an increase in loneliness. Therefore, we investigated the role of online social support and self-esteem in the relationship between Internet use preference and loneliness. In this study, 1053 college students were surveyed with a questionnaire based on the framework of Ecological System Theory, and a chain mediation model was established to clarify the mechanism between Internet use preference and loneliness. The results show that Internet use preference not only positively predicts loneliness, but also indirectly influences loneliness through the mediators of online social support and self-esteem, thereby impacting loneliness through the "online social support → self-esteem" chain. The results also indicate the need to pay attention to college students' mental health status during COVID-19. The advent of COVID-19 has impacted people's lifestyles and has changed the impact of the Internet on individual mental health. This study provides a new way to further understand college students' Internet use preferences, online social support, self-esteem, and loneliness status during COVID-19. It provides targeted interventions for college students' loneliness during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Luo
- Department of Psychology, School of Public Policy and Administration, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Qing Luo,
| | - Lu Huang
- School of Marxism, Wuhan Business University, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Wu
- Department of Psychology, College of Education and Science, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, China
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Zhou Z, Cheng Q. Measuring Online Social Support: Development and Validation of a Short Form for Chinese Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192114058. [PMID: 36360936 PMCID: PMC9656139 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Supportive interactions on social media have great potential to benefit adolescents' development. However, there is no instrument to measure online social support (OSS) in China. The study aimed to develop and validate a Chinese short version of the Online Social Support Scale (OSSS). The original scale was translated into Chinese through multiple forward and backward translation protocols. The calibration sample (N = 262) was used to select items and test the reliability, validity, and internal structure of the short form. The cross-validation sample (N = 267) was then used to assess measurement invariance by multigroup confirmatory factor analysis and examine criterion validity based on its relationships with life satisfaction, depression, and time on social media. The 20-item Chinese short version of OSSS (OSSS-CS) includes four factors: esteem/emotional support, social companionship, informational support, and instrumental support. Our results suggest that the OSSS-CS has high internal consistency, construct validity, and criterion validity. Furthermore, evidence of partial cross-validity demonstrated invariance of the variance-covariance matrices, factor structure, factor loadings, and factor variance across independent samples. The results also revealed that the original OSSS could be replicated across cultures. Finally, the short form developed in the study can be used as a reliable and valid measure of online social support among the Chinese adolescent population.
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