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Tomassini L, Lancia M, Gambelunghe A, Zahar A, Pini N, Gambelunghe C. Exploring the Nexus of Climate Change and Substance Abuse: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:896. [PMID: 39063473 PMCID: PMC11277026 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The increase in average air temperature and multiple extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and droughts, pose significant health risks to humans. This scoping review aims to examine the current state of the existing literature concerning the potential relationship between substance abuse and climate change, along with the aspects it encompasses. MATERIAL AND METHODS The review followed PRISMA guidelines for methodological rigor, aiming to identify studies on drug abuse. Searches were conducted across the primary databases using specific search strings. Quality assessment involved evaluating the research question's clarity, search strategy transparency, consistency in applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and reliability of data extraction. RESULTS Most studies were conducted in the USA. They included observational and retrospective quantitative studies, as well as qualitative and prospective observational ones. Research examined the correlation between extreme weather and some substance abuse. All studies analyzed the adverse effects of climate change, especially heatwaves, on both physiological and pathological levels. CONCLUSIONS The scoping review notes the scarcity of studies about the correlation between substance abuse and climate change, and emphasizes the threats faced by individuals with substance abuse and mental health disorders due to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Tomassini
- School of Advanced Studies, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Massimo Lancia
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.Z.); (N.P.); (C.G.)
| | - Angela Gambelunghe
- Occupational Medicine, Respiratory Diseases and Toxicology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Abdellah Zahar
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.Z.); (N.P.); (C.G.)
| | - Niccolò Pini
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.Z.); (N.P.); (C.G.)
| | - Cristiana Gambelunghe
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.Z.); (N.P.); (C.G.)
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Paul D, Vasudevan MH. Exploring Mortality Salience and Pandemic Impact in the Context of COVID-19. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024; 88:889-907. [PMID: 34866468 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211056221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mortality salience refers to a state of conscious awareness of death and the inevitable conclusion of life, associated with psychological terror. The COVID-19 pandemic generated increased awareness of illness and death, and effectuated changes in death cognitions and people's experiences around psychological or sociocognitive domains of media and life goals. To understand these changes, this study administered the Multidimensional Mortality Awareness Measure (Levasseur et al., 2015) to 103 emerging adults in India, post which 6 participants proceeded for a semi-structured interview exploring pandemic experiences, news consumption and goal prioritization, to examine specific areas in relation to death cognition. The thematic analysis demonstrates psychological effects, and discusses developments in health and death-related psychological processes. Focus on career goals and health maintenance, cautious news consumption and disadvantageous impacts on mental health are seen, significant in navigating healthcare measures for emerging adults, as we move forward into this 'new normal'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disha Paul
- Department of Psychology, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India
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Goetz AR, Kennedy SM, Kook M, Guzick AG, Nwankwo GNA, Hana LM, Schneider SC, Cepeda SL, Weinzimmer SA, Shah AA, Goodman WK, Salloum A, Ehrenreich-May J, Storch EA. Examining the Effectiveness of the Transdiagnostic Unified Protocol for Emotional Disorders Delivered to Youth Following Hurricane Harvey. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-023-09740-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
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Wertis L, Runkle JD, Sugg MM, Singh D. Examining Hurricane Ida's Impact on Mental Health: Results From a Quasi-Experimental Analysis. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2022GH000707. [PMID: 36776989 PMCID: PMC9905064 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Limited research has evaluated the mental health effects during compounding disasters (e.g., a hurricane occurring during a pandemic), and few studies have examined post-disaster mental health with alternative data sources like crisis text lines. This study examined changes in crisis help-seeking for individuals in Louisiana, USA, before and after Hurricane Ida (2021), a storm that co-occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interrupted time series analysis and difference-in-difference analysis for single and multiple group comparisons were used to examine pre-and post-changes in crisis text volume (i.e., any crisis text, substance use, thoughts of suicide, stress/anxiety, and bereavement) among help-seeking individuals in communities that received US Federal Emergency Management Agency individual and public assistance following a presidential disaster declaration. Results showed a significant increase in crisis texts for any reason, thoughts of suicide, stress/anxiety, and bereavement in the four-week, three-month, and four-month post-impact period. Findings highlight the need for more mental health support for residents directly impacted by disasters like Hurricane Ida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Wertis
- Department of Geography and PlanningAppalachian State UniversityBooneNCUSA
| | - Jennifer D. Runkle
- North Carolina Institute for Climate StudiesNC State UniversityNCRaleighUSA
| | - Margaret M. Sugg
- Department of Geography and PlanningAppalachian State UniversityBooneNCUSA
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Resilience Among Gifted Students: Are they Prone to Anxiety During Pandemic? Scand J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Psychol 2022; 10:153-162. [PMID: 36687264 PMCID: PMC9828212 DOI: 10.2478/sjcapp-2022-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Resilience is an important protective factor for psychological wellbeing. According to the previous literature, physical activity level and digital game playing are likely to impact anxiety level. Objective The present study aimed to identify the role of resilience, doing physical activity, and playing digital games on gifted children's anxiety levels during the Pandemic period in 2021 in Turkey. Method The sample consisted of 199 gifted students. Anxiety was measured using the Spielberger's State Anxiety Inventory. Resilience was measured using The Brief Resilience Scale. The physical activity and online/digital game-playing were measured using two open-ended questions. Results Results provided evidence that resilience had a strong negative association with anxiety among gifted students during the Pandemic period (β = -.59, p<.001). Doing physical activity was associated with anxiety among gifted boys (β = -.16, p<.001) but not girls. Finally, digital game playing was associated with anxiety among neither girls nor boys. Conclusions These results reflected the importance of resilience for anxiety.
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Student Burnout and PTSD Symptoms: The Role of Existential Anxiety and Academic Fears on Students during the COVID 19 Pandemic. DEPRESSION RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2022; 2022:6979310. [PMID: 35096425 PMCID: PMC8796705 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6979310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that student burnout is a serious mental health problem, caused by chronic stress related to the educational area. However, in the COVID 19 pandemic, young people have to struggle with additional threats that affect their overall functioning and perception of the world. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating effects of existential anxiety and academic fears on the relationship between academic burnout and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. The findings confirmed that academic burnout, existential anxiety, and academic fear were significantly associated with higher posttraumatic symptoms. Existential anxiety and academic fear played a mediating role in the association between academic burnout and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. In conclusion, it is considered that student burnout and anxiety indicators are important risk factors for the trauma experienced by students and may increase its symptoms.
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Chen LYA, Wu CY, Lee MB, Lin CH, Kao SC, Tu CC, Chen RC. Predictors for psychological distress of young burn survivors across three years: A cohort study of a burn disaster in Taiwan. J Nurs Scholarsh 2021; 54:56-63. [PMID: 34841644 PMCID: PMC9299193 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The study aims to investigate long‐term psychological distress and its risk factors in the burn survivors. Design A longitudinal study with follow‐up interviews was conducted from November 2015–June 2018. A post‐burn baseline interview was conducted 6 months after the event, followed by annual surveys for three years. Methods The burn survivors received structured assessment through telephone in the four‐wave interviews, including the five‐item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS‐5); two‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐2); four‐item Startle, Physiological Arousal, Anger, and Numbness Scale (SPAN‐4); and six‐item Impact of Event Scale (IES‐6) alongside demographic data and other health‐related assessment. Findings A total of 180 respondents with the mean age of 23 years old completed the four waves of interview. Using the BSRS‐5 as the outcome, each variable had different input in psychological distress during the follow‐up years. The main finding was that the SPAN‐4 score could predict more than 62% of psychological distress between 6 months and 3 years after the disaster. The generalized estimating equation demonstrated that SPAN‐4, IES‐6, family functioning impairment, hypnotics use, adaptation to the event, and PHQ‐2 could predict psychological distress. However, the variable of follow‐up year did not exemplify significant estimation in the model. Conclusions The results indicated that different factors had various influences on psychological distress across the four follow‐up stages. PTSD‐like symptoms, depression, and anxiety were the most common psychological problems experienced by the young burn cohort in the longitudinal post‐traumatic period. Clinical relevance Healthcare providers should be aware of psychological consequences of traumatic events within up to a 3‐year post‐burn period, particularly post‐traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Yen Anny Chen
- Institute of Clinical Nursing, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nurisng, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Wu
- School of Nursing, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwanese Society of Suicidology & Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Been Lee
- Taiwanese Society of Suicidology & Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, Shin-Kong Wu-Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hung Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chen Kao
- Department of Health, New Taipei City Government, Banqiao, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chieh Tu
- Department of Health, New Taipei City Government, Banqiao, Taiwan
| | - Ran-Chou Chen
- Department of Health, New Taipei City Government, Banqiao, Taiwan
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Sandora J, Novak L, Brnka R, van Dijk JP, Tavel P, Malinakova K. The Abbreviated Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) and the Abbreviated Overall Depression Severity and Impairment Scale (ODSIS): Psychometric Properties and Evaluation of the Czech Versions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10337. [PMID: 34639633 PMCID: PMC8508516 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Short and effective tools for measuring depression, anxiety and their resulting impairments are lacking in the Czech language. The abbreviated versions of the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) and the Overall Depression Severity and Impairment Scale (ODSIS) show very good psychometric properties in English and other languages, and can be used in different settings for research or clinical purposes. The aim of this study was the psychometric evaluation and validation of the Czech versions of the abbreviated forms of both tools in the general population. A nationally representative sample of 2912 participants (age = 48.88, SD = 15.56; 55% female) was used. The non-parametric testing of the differences between sociodemographic groups revealed a higher level of anxiety and depression in students, females and religious respondents. Confirmatory Factor Analysis suggested a good fit for the unidimensional model of the OASIS: x2(4) = 38.28; p < 0.001; TLI = 0.999; CFI = 0.997; RMSEA = 0.078; SRMR = 0.027 and the ODSIS: x2(4) = 36.54; p < 0.001; TLI = 0.999; CFI = 0.999; RMSEA = 0.076; SRMR = 0.021 with the data. Both scales had an excellent internal consistency (OASIS: Cronbach's alpha = 0.95, McDonald's omega = 0.95 and ODSIS: Cronbach's alpha = 0.95, McDonald's omega = 0.95). A clinical cut-off of 15 was identified for the OASIS and a cut-off of 12 for the ODSIS. The study showed good validity for both scales. The Czech versions of the abbreviated OASIS and ODSIS were short and valid instruments for measuring anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Sandora
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (L.N.); (R.B.); (J.P.v.D.); (P.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Lukas Novak
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (L.N.); (R.B.); (J.P.v.D.); (P.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Robert Brnka
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (L.N.); (R.B.); (J.P.v.D.); (P.T.); (K.M.)
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jitse P. van Dijk
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (L.N.); (R.B.); (J.P.v.D.); (P.T.); (K.M.)
- Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Graduate School Kosice Institute for Society and Health, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Peter Tavel
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (L.N.); (R.B.); (J.P.v.D.); (P.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Klara Malinakova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (L.N.); (R.B.); (J.P.v.D.); (P.T.); (K.M.)
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Barkin JL, Buoli M, Curry CL, von Esenwein SA, Upadhyay S, Kearney MB, Mach K. Effects of extreme weather events on child mood and behavior. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:785-790. [PMID: 33720406 PMCID: PMC8252647 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Extreme weather events (EWEs) are increasing in frequency and severity as the planet continues to become warmer. Resulting disasters have the potential to wreak havoc on the economy, infrastructure, family unit, and human health. Global estimates project that children will be disproportionately impacted by the changing climate - shouldering 88% of the related burdens. Exposure to EWEs in childhood is traumatic, with ramifications for mental health specifically. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety have all been associated with childhood EWE exposure and have the potential to persist under certain circumstances. Conversely, many childhood survivors of EWE also demonstrate resilience and experience only transient symptoms. While the majority of studies are focused on the effects resulting from one specific type of disaster (hurricanes), we have synthesized the literature across the various types of EWEs. We describe psychological symptoms and behavior, the potential for long-term effects, and potential protective factors and risk factors. What this paper adds Climate change-related phenomena such as extreme weather events (EWEs) have the potential to impact mood and behavior in children. Posttraumatic stress (PTS) is the most common mental health consequence in child survivors of EWEs. PTS is often comorbid with depression and/or anxiety in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Massimiliano Buoli
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental HealthFondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly,Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | | | | | | | | | - Katharine Mach
- University of MiamiRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceMiamiFLUSA,Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and PolicyUniversity of MiamiCoral GablesFLUSA
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The effect of stress inoculation training on existential anxiety and resilience of cancer patients. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01729-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Arredondo AY, Caparrós B. Traumatic experiences and resilience: Associations with mental health, death attitudes, and religion in university students. DEATH STUDIES 2021; 46:2187-2197. [PMID: 33848214 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1909181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Resilience may be related to mental health and profound beliefs and attitudes. Utilizing a survey design, we examined relationships among resilience, clinical syndromes, death attitudes, and religion. Mexican university students (N = 161) answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Global Post-Traumatic Stress Scale, the Millon Multiaxial Inventory, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Death Attitudes Profile. Pearson correlation analyses showed that resilience correlated inversely with clinical syndromes and fear of death and positively with approach acceptance. Religion entailed higher death attitudes and resilience. Regression analysis revealed that lower anxiety, alcohol use, persistent depression, and higher delusion and death approach acceptance explained resilience.
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Runkle JD, Michael KD, Stevens SE, Sugg MM. Quasi-experimental evaluation of text-based crisis patterns in youth following Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas, 2018. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:141702. [PMID: 32861078 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Crisis text lines have proven to be an effective and low-cost means for delivering texting-based mental health support to youth. Yet there has been limited research examining the use of these services in capturing the psychological impact on youth affected by a weather-related disaster. OBJECTIVE This ecologic study examined changes in help-seeking behavior for adolescents and young adults in North and South Carolina, USA, before and after Hurricane Florence (2018). DESIGN AND MAIN OUTCOMES A retrospective, interrupted time-series design was used to examine pre- and post-hurricane changes in crisis text volume among youth help seekers in the Carolinas for the following outcomes: (1) text for any reason; (2) stress & anxiety; (3) depression; and (4) suicidal thoughts. RESULTS Results showed an immediate and sustained increase in crisis texts for stress/anxiety and suicidal thoughts in the six weeks following Florence. Overall, an immediate 15% increase in crisis texts for anxiety/stress (SE = 0.05, p = .005) and a 17% increase in suicidal thoughts (SE = 0.07, p = .02) occurred during the week of the storm. Text volume for anxiety/stress increased 17% (SE = 0.08, p = .005) and 23% for suicidal ideation (SE = 0.08, p = .01) in the 6-week post-hurricane period. Finally, forecast models revealed observed text volume for all mental health outcomes was higher than expected in the 6 weeks post-Florence. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE A low-cost, crisis texting platform provided 24/7 mental health support available to young people in the Carolinas impacted by Hurricane Florence. These findings highlight a new application for text-based crisis support services to address the mental health consequences in youth following a weather-related disaster, as well as the potential for these types of crisis platforms to measure situational awareness in impacted communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Runkle
- North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, 151 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801, United States of America.
| | - Kurt D Michael
- Department of Psychology, Appalachian State University, P.O. Box 32066, Boone, NC 28608, United States of America
| | - Scott E Stevens
- North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, 151 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801, United States of America
| | - Margaret M Sugg
- Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, P.O. Box 32066, Boone, NC 28608, United States of America
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Hrabok M, Delorme A, Agyapong VIO. Threats to Mental Health and Well-Being Associated with Climate Change. J Anxiety Disord 2020; 76:102295. [PMID: 32896782 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is a contributor to extreme weather events and natural disasters. The mental health effects of climate change are multifaceted, with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression predominant. This paper aims to describe the impact of climate change on mental health conditions, including risk and protective factors related to the expression of mental health conditions post-disaster, as well as a discussion of our local experience with a devastating wildfire to our region within Canada. The risk of the development of mental health conditions post-disaster is not equally distributed; research has consistently demonstrated that specific risk factors (e.g., gender, socioeconomic status and education, pre-existing mental health symptomatology), are associated with increased vulnerability to mental health conditions following natural disasters. There are multiple strategies that must be undertaken by communities to enhance adjustment and coping post-disaster, including improved access to care, inter-agency cooperation, enhanced community resiliency, and adequate preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Hrabok
- Dission of Community Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aaron Delorme
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vincent I O Agyapong
- Dission of Community Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Tomaszek K, Muchacka-Cymerman A. Thinking about My Existence during COVID-19, I Feel Anxiety and Awe-The Mediating Role of Existential Anxiety and Life Satisfaction on the Relationship between PTSD Symptoms and Post-Traumatic Growth. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7062. [PMID: 32992515 PMCID: PMC7579162 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global outbreak of COVID-19set new challenges and threats for every human being. In the psychological field it is similar to deep existential crises or a traumatic experience that may lead to the appearance or exacerbation of a serious mental disorder and loss of life meaning and satisfaction. Courtney et al. (2020) discussed deadly pandemic COVID-19 in the light of TMT theory and named it as global contagion of mortality that personally affected every human being. Such unique conditions activate existential fears as people start to be aware of their own mortality. OBJECTIVE The main aim of this study was to test the mediating effect of existential anxiety, activated by COVID-19 and life satisfaction (SWLS) on the relationship between PTSD symptoms and post-traumatic growth (PTG). We also examined the moderated mediating effect of severity of trauma symptoms on life satisfaction and existential anxiety and its associations with PTG. METHOD We conducted an online survey during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in Poland. The participants completed existential anxiety scale (SNE), life satisfaction scale (SWLS), IES-R scale for measuring the level of PTSD symptoms and post-traumatic growth inventory (PTGI). RESULTS The effect of PTSD on PTG was found to be mediated by existential anxiety and life satisfaction. We also confirmed two indirect effects: (1) the indirect effect of PTSD on PTG via existential anxiety and life satisfaction tested simultaneously; (2) the indirect effect of life satisfaction on PTG through severity of trauma symptoms. An intermediate or high level of PTSD level was related to less PTG when low and full PTSD stress symptoms strengthened PTG experiences. CONCLUSIONS A therapeutic intervention for individuals after traumatic experience should attempt to include fundamental existential questions and meaning of life as well as the severity of PTSD symptoms. The severity of traumatic sensations may affect the relationship between life satisfaction and post-traumatic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agnieszka Muchacka-Cymerman
- Department of Psychosomatic, Institute of Psychology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Kraków, Poland;
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Bell CA, Crabtree SA, Hall EL, Sandage SJ. Research in counselling and psychotherapy Post-COVID-19. COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH 2020; 21:3-7. [PMID: 32837330 PMCID: PMC7362162 DOI: 10.1002/capr.12334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic brings to light many areas the field of counselling and psychotherapy may need to address in future research. We outline several issues stemming from or exacerbated by the pandemic and offer suggestions for future research to address the mental health needs of those impacted. Our suggestions focus on five domains: (a) the health and well-being of helping professionals, (b) the infodemic, (c) discrimination and minority stress, (d) spiritual and existential dynamics in mental health and (e) couple and family stress and resilience. We aim to provide a multi-systemic perspective of mental health and well-being in the time of COVID-19, as well as encourage current and future studies to incorporate these suggestions to advance the health and well-being of our communities through evidence-based treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chance A Bell
- Department of Family Science University of Nebraska Kearney Kearney NE USA
| | - Sarah A Crabtree
- Albert & Jessie Danielsen Institute Boston University Boston MA USA
| | - Eugene L Hall
- Albert & Jessie Danielsen Institute Boston University Boston MA USA
| | - Steven J Sandage
- Albert & Jessie Danielsen Institute Boston University Boston MA USA.,MF Norwegian School of Theology (Oslo) Oslo Norway
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Maffly-Kipp J, Flanagan P, Kim J, Schlegel RJ, Vess M, Hicks JA. The Role of Perceived Authenticity in Psychological Recovery from Collective Trauma. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2020.39.5.419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Previous research demonstrates that perceived authenticity is positively associated with psychological health and security in the face of threats. The current research extends this work by testing whether perceived authenticity promotes recovery from the negative mental health consequences of collective trauma (e.g., a natural disaster). Methods: We recruited a sample of undergraduates (N = 570), many of whom reported direct or indirect exposure to Hurricane Harvey, to complete surveys at two time points. We assessed exposure to the disaster, acute stress, post-traumatic stress, coping, and authenticity twice, once approximately 1 month after Hurricane Harvey (Time 1) and again approximately 9 weeks after Hurricane Harvey (Time 2). Results: We employed multilevel modelling to explore whether authenticity would aid in recovery from collective trauma. Results showed that perceived authentic living at Time 1 predicted a variety of indicators of stress related to the hurricane at Time 2. Specifically, those participants who reported low authentic living at Time 1 reported greater levels of stress at Time 2, compared to individuals who reported higher levels of authentic living. Importantly, these effects remained even when controlling for known predictors of stress (e.g., levels of stress at Time 1 and coping strategies). Discussion: Findings provide preliminary insight into authenticity as a part of a likely larger network of interrelated psychosocial qualities that have the potential to help one navigate recovery from trauma.
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Mikulincer M, Lifshin U, Shaver PR. Towards an Anxiety-Buffer Disruption Approach to Depression: Attachment Anxiety and Worldview Threat Heighten Death-Thought Accessibility and Depression-Related Feelings. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2020.39.4.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: In two studies, we tested an anxiety-buffer disruption approach to depression, examining the effects of attachment insecurities, worldview threat, and death concerns on depression-related feelings. Method: In both studies, Israeli undergraduates reported on their attachment insecurities (anxiety, avoidance), were exposed to a worldview threat or a no-threat condition, and then rated their current level of depression-related feelings. Results: In Study 1 (N = 124), we also measured death-thought accessibility and found that a worldview threat (versus no-threat) heightened death-thought accessibility and depression feelings only among participants scoring relatively high on attachment anxiety, and that death-thought accessibility mediated the effects of worldview threat and attachment anxiety on feelings of depression. In Study 2 (N = 240), we randomly assigned participants to a mortality salience or a control condition and found that heightened death concerns caused more depression only when a worldview threat was present and participants' attachment anxiety was high. Discussion: The roles that disruption of anxiety buffering systems and death-related concerns play in depression were discussed.
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Chen ZJ, Bechara AO, Worthington EL, Davis EB, Csikszentmihalyi M. Trauma and well-being in colombian disaster contexts: effects of religious coping, forgivingness, and hope. THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2019.1663254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Job Chen
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Andrea Ortega Bechara
- Department of Psychology, Universidad del Sinú and el Instituto de Ciencias de la Felicidad Florecer, Montería, Colombia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This paper reviews recent research on the depression in young people following exposure to catastrophic stresses such as disasters, terrorism and political violence. RECENT FINDINGS Depression is one of the commonest outcomes following mass trauma, for all ages including children and adolescents. Recent articles continue to report high prevalence of depression which often continues for years. It is often comorbid with other psychiatric disorders, especially PTSD. Post-traumatic depression in children and adolescence affects purpose of life, impairs scholastic achievements, increases suicidality and has extensive comorbidity. Besides the trauma, individual constructs, personality factors, social support, exposure to other traumatic events are some of the predicting factors. Biological and genetic basis of post-traumatic depression has been reported. Studies suggest some benefit to psychotherapeutic interventions such as trauma-focussed cognitive behavioural therapy and web-based therapy. A considerable proportion of youths develop depression following mass traumatic events. More research is required regarding the effectiveness of interventions in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilamadhab Kar
- Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Steps to Health, Showell Circus, Low Hill, Wolverhampton, WV10 9TH, UK.
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Arredondo AY, Caparrós B. Associations Between Existential Concerns and Adverse Experiences: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0022167819846284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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Ferreira RJ, Buttell F, Cannon C. Ethical Issues in Conducting Research With Children and Families Affected by Disasters. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2018; 20:42. [PMID: 29777320 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-018-0902-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review topical evidence on ethical issues in conducting disaster research with children and families affected by natural disasters, with an emphasis on analyzing specific vulnerabilities associated with children and families affected by disasters, identifying significant findings and trends of ethical guidelines and approaches, and discussing key observations into ethical research in a disaster setting. RECENT FINDINGS Current evidence indicates that there is a wide range of research methods for child disaster studies. Vulnerability as a concept in child disaster studies is more prevalent with several scholars underscoring the need for an ethical approach to disaster research. Current disaster research evidence suggests that there is specifically an interest in conducting disaster research with children and families. With the increase in investigations, it is strongly recommended that investigators adhere to ethical standards in research practice when conducting research with vulnerable populations (e.g., children) within a postdisaster context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regardt J Ferreira
- Tulane School of Social Work, 127 Elk Place, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA. .,Department of Social Work, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
| | - Fred Buttell
- Tulane School of Social Work, 127 Elk Place, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA.,Department of Social Work, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Clare Cannon
- Department of Social Work, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.,Department of Human Ecology, UC Davis, Davis, USA
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Predictors of Suicidal Ideation Among Children and Adolescents: Roles of Mental Health Status and Meaning in Life. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-017-9427-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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