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Carretti G, Russo P, Manetti M, Marini M. Female blind baseball players against gender discrimination: the "red diamonds" experience. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1362664. [PMID: 38725476 PMCID: PMC11079132 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1362664] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sport has the well-known power of improving body awareness, self-esteem, and social interaction, thus promoting quality of life and psychophysical wellbeing. Specifically referring to adapted disciplines, habitual practice often becomes an effective integration and self-efficacy booster. Among disabilities, visual impairment deeply alters body image perception, autonomy, and environmental/social interaction heavily reducing sport or leisure involvement opportunities. In particular, visually impaired women represent one of the most vulnerable categories to gender and disability discrimination. Moreover, even when congenitally sightless, they perceive social pressure of mainstream beauty ideals, mostly spread by media, comparable to their sighted peers. On these premises and the previously demonstrated psychophysical benefits of Italian blind baseball practice on this target population, the present study aimed to deepen the social and educative potentialities of such adapted sport applying a more sociological research approach. Methods The "red diamonds" event, namely, the first ever female blind baseball match, was the setting for the administration of our structured online survey. In detail, our survey comprised different evaluation tools such as the 18-item Psychological Well-Being Scale, the 12-item Short Form questionnaire, the Dresden Body Image questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and sociological model designed questions. Quality of life, psychological wellbeing, self-esteem, body image, and perceived female sport psychological violence were investigated in the whole women sample (n = 33) voluntarily adhering to the game. Results Survey results revealed no statistically significant differences between visually impaired players (n = 13; mean age: 32.84 ± 12.05 years) and sighted on-field subjects (i.e., coaches, assistants, and referees; n = 20; mean age: 47.15 ± 12.31 years) in almost all the inquired variables, thus remarking the social and functional benefits of adapted sport through the "dual embodiment" and empowerment phenomenon. Conclusions Given that the event was inspired by and performed on the World Day against women violence, our study deepened not only the topic of disability discrimination but also the currently alarming gender-related one. In such a context, the present research might provide interesting cues for further investigations on disability and gender disparities in sports, hence spreading interest in this under-investigated field. In perspective, the "red diamonds" experience could also contribute to inspiring and progressively developing educative tools against any kind of discrimination by promoting integration and social growth through regular sports practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuditta Carretti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pippo Russo
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mirca Marini
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Stojilković M, Gušić I, Berić J, Prodanović D, Pecikozić N, Veljović T, Mirnić J, Đurić M. Evaluating the influence of dental aesthetics on psychosocial well-being and self-esteem among students of the University of Novi Sad, Serbia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:277. [PMID: 38408989 PMCID: PMC10895718 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A person's smile has been identified as one of the first observed facial characteristics. Even minor deviations from societal beauty standards, especially among younger individuals, can have a negative effect on their self-esteem. The aim of this research is to evaluate the self-perceived psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics and self-esteem among respondents and their association, as well as to determine the main factors contributing to dissatisfaction with dental appearance. METHODS This research was conducted as a cross-sectional study that surveyed students of the University of Novi Sad. Other Universities and private faculties were excluded from participation. Data collection used standardized questionnaires measuring the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics (PIDAQ) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Questionnaire (an online GoogleForms) was sent to the students via official Facebook groups of the faculties, student's e-mails and Instagram profiles. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Students T-test, ANOVA, multiple linear regression analysis and Spearman coefficient. To test internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha(α) was calculated for the questionnaire as a whole (0,761) and each used questionnaire (PIDAQ - 0.766; RSES - 0.765). Cronbach's alpha(α) was also calculated for each domain from PIDAQ (DSC-0.946; SI-0.882; PI-0.953; AC-0.916). RESULTS The study involved 410 participants, predominantly female (80%), aged between 21 and 23 (45.4%), primarily in ther first academic year (21.5%), and with a grade point average between 8.01 and 9.00 (42.4%). Data analysis has shown a statistically significant difference in the total PIDAQ score and SI subdomain in relation to the academic year (total PIDAQ p = 0.025; SI p = 0.000). In terms of self-esteem, results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the academic year (95%CI: 0.410-1.837; p = 0.002) and the average point grade (95%CI: -0.025-1.600; p = 0.047) were significant predictors of greater self-esteem. The Spearman coefficient value (r=-0.316, p < 0.001) confirmed a statistically significant negative correlation between PIDAQ and self-esteem. Only 34% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their teeth. Dissatisfaction about the smile was primarily attributed to the arrangement and positioning of their teeth (32.2%). Financial constraints were identified as the main barrier for seeking interventions to improve smile satisfaction (39.5%). CONCLUSION Students experiencing a greater psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics tended to exhibit lower self-esteem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Stojilković
- Department of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia.
| | - Ivana Gušić
- Department of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
- Dentistry Clinic of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 12, Novi Sad, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Jelena Berić
- Department of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Dušan Prodanović
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Nevena Pecikozić
- Department of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Tanja Veljović
- Department of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Jelena Mirnić
- Department of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Milanko Đurić
- Department of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
- Dentistry Clinic of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 12, Novi Sad, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
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Alexander ED, Chung VHA, Yacovelli A, Sarmiento I, Andersson N. Social media and postsecondary student adoption of mental health labels: protocol for a scoping review. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078193. [PMID: 38355173 PMCID: PMC10868259 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many postsecondary students use social media at an age when mental health issues often arise for the first time. On social media, students describe their mental states or social interactions using psychiatric language. This is a process of mental health labelling as opposed to receiving a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. Despite substantial literature on psychiatric labelling effects such as stigma, little research has addressed the mechanisms and effects of labelling through social media. Our objective is to summarise the existing evidence to address this gap. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This review includes articles in English published since 1995 on how postsecondary students interact with mental health labels in their use of social media. We will consider empirical studies and theses. The search strategy includes SCOPUS, PubMed, OVID MEDLINE (to access APA PsycINFO), Web of Science and ProQuest Global Dissertations and Theses. This scoping review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extensions for protocols and Scoping Reviews guidelines. The artificial intelligence application, Connected Papers, will assist in identifying additional references. The outcomes of interest are labelling by self or others and changes in self-concept and presentation associated with these labels. Two researchers will independently identify the included studies and extract data, solving disagreements with a third opinion. We will produce tables and narrative descriptions of the operationalisation and measurement methods of labelling and social media use, reported effects and uses of labelling, and explanatory mechanisms for the adoption of labels. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This literature review does not require ethics approval. The researchers will present their findings for publication in an open-access peer-reviewed journal and at student/scientific conferences. Potential knowledge users include university students, social media users, researchers, mental health professionals and on-campus mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Dylan Alexander
- CIET-PRAM, Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Van-Han-Alex Chung
- CIET-PRAM, Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexandra Yacovelli
- CIET-PRAM, Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ivan Sarmiento
- CIET-PRAM, Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- GESTS, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Neil Andersson
- CIET-PRAM, Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
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Gentzler AL, Hughes JL, Johnston M, Alderson JE. Which social media platforms matter and for whom? Examining moderators of links between adolescents' social media use and depressive symptoms. J Adolesc 2023; 95:1725-1748. [PMID: 37698125 PMCID: PMC10841255 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite extensive research on social media and risks for mental health, not enough is known about individual differences in these risks. METHODS The present study, with data collected from 2018 to 2020, investigated the association between social media use (total and for specific platforms) and depressive symptoms in a sample of 237 American adolescents (Mage = 15.10; SD = 0.49; 51.1% girls and 48.5% boys). We investigated several moderators: gender, self-esteem, personality, and negative reactions to social media. Covariates were gender, timing of the follow-up (pre vs. during the pandemic), and depressive symptoms a year earlier. RESULTS Results indicated that greater total time spent on social media was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. This effect held for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (but not Snapchat, Facebook, or Twitter). Several moderated effects were found. Twitter was associated with more depressive symptoms for girls but not boys. More frequent Instagram use was linked to more depressive symptoms for less or average-level extraverted teens but not for more extraverted teens, suggesting extraversion may be protective. More frequent TikTok use was associated with more depressive symptoms, particularly for teens who said they have more or average-level negative reactions to social media a year earlier. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that certain adolescents may be at increased risk for serious mental health challenges, like elevated depressive symptoms, when using TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter more frequently, underscoring the importance of examining individual differences and particular social media platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Gentzler
- West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | | | - Matty Johnston
- West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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Yang CC, Tsai JY. Asians and Asian Americans' social media use for coping with discrimination: A mixed-methods study of well-being implications. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16842. [PMID: 37332968 PMCID: PMC10275783 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Although social media has the potential to serve as a coping tool, it is unclear how Asians and Asian Americans use social media to cope with discrimination, and how social media coping is associated with these users' psycho-emotional well-being. Drawing on the Multidimensional Model of Social Media Use, this mixed-methods study examined the well-being implications of three social media coping activities among Asians and Asian Americans. A total of 931 Asians and Asian Americans in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 93 (M = 46.49, SD = 16.58; 49.2% female) completed an anonymous online survey. Twenty-three participants (12 females) between the ages of 19 and 70 joined seven focus group interviews. Survey results showed that messaging was related to greater race-based traumatic stress (RBTS), although it also had a weak indirect relationship with positive emotions through social support. Posting and commenting had an indirect relationship with both lower RBTS and greater positive emotions via social support. Reading and browsing was associated with greater RBTS (directly) and positive emotions (both directly and indirectly through social support). Focus group data revealed how the three activities contributed to perceived social support and why these activities were associated with promising and/or concerning well-being outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-chen Yang
- School of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Aviation, Oklahoma State University, USA
| | - Jiun-Yi Tsai
- School of Communication, Northern Arizona University, USA
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McFarland S, Tan TY, De France K, Hoffmann JD. Taking a nuanced look at adolescent technology use and negative affect: the protective role of preparedness. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1015635. [PMID: 37255675 PMCID: PMC10225526 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1015635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescents are online more than any other age group, with the majority of their time on social media. Increases in technology use among adolescents have heightened conversations regarding its effects on their negative affect. There have been mixed findings regarding the relationship between technology use and adolescent negative affect; some studies present a negative association or no association, and some show a positive association. To clarify this relationship, we propose moving away from asking only how much adolescents use technology to asking how and what they use it for. We employed the Multidimensional Healthy Technology Use and Social Media Habits Scale (MTECH) and adapted forms of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) in a sample of 7,234 middle and high school students to assess the extent to which students feel prepared to use technology safely and successfully and whether this impacts the association between the amount of various types of technology they use and their negative affect. We conducted eight moderated regression analyses that, in some models, revealed preparedness had a protective role in the association between technology use and negative affect. In these models, at all levels of technology use, adolescents with higher levels of preparedness experienced lower levels of negative affect than their peers; however, in some instances, this effect was diminished for those using technology with high frequency. These findings support the notion that the association between technology and negative affect is not best modeled as a direct relationship, and instead that we must consider important moderators of this complex association.
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Yang CC, Ariati J, Pham T, Smith C. Motives for digital social multitasking (DSMT) and problematic phone use among adolescents. J Adolesc 2023. [PMID: 36793203 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12155] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Phone use during face-to-face interactions (i.e., digital social multitasking [DSMT]) is a growing activity among adolescents. DSMT appears to be a risk factor for problematic phone use, but little is known about why adolescents engage in DSMT and how different motives of DSMT would be associated with problematic phone use. Drawing on the framework of DSMT and the uses and gratifications theory, this study explored (1) the motives of adolescent DSMT and (2) the direct and indirect relationships between DSMT motives and problematic phone use via the level and perception of DSMT. METHOD The study involved survey data from 517 adolescents in the United States recruited through the Qualtrics panels (Mage = 14.83, SD = 1.93) in the fall of 2020. The sample's gender and racial/ethnic distributions were nationally representative. RESULTS We developed a scale measuring adolescent DSMT motives, which showed that adolescents engaged in DSMT because of enjoyment and connection, boredom, information, and habitual use. The motive of habitual use was associated with problematic phone use both directly and indirectly via level of DSMT and perceived distraction caused by DSMT. The information motive was directly associated with problematic phone use, while the boredom motive was indirectly associated with problematic phone use via perceived distraction. Conversely, the motive of enjoyment and connection was related to lower problematic phone use both directly and indirectly via lower perceived distraction. CONCLUSION The study identifies DSMT-related risk and protective factors for problematic phone use. The findings should help adults recognize adaptive versus maladaptive forms of DSMT among adolescents and develop proper guidance and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chen Yang
- School of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Aviation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jati Ariati
- School of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Aviation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.,Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Thomas Pham
- School of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Aviation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Christina Smith
- School of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Aviation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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Digital screen time and suicidality during high school: How important is cyberbullying? A mediation analysis using the youth risk behavioral surveillance survey, 2011-2019. Prev Med 2023; 166:107330. [PMID: 36334685 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Elevated digital screen time (i.e., 2+ hours per day) is associated with suicidal ideations, planning, and attempts during adolescence. Recent studies suggest quality, rather than duration, of digital screen time is most impactful on adolescent mental health. We investigate the role of cyberbullying victimization on the relationship between elevated digital screen time and risk factors for completed suicide. We pooled five years of biennial Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance (YRBS) survey data (2011-2019). Participants were n = 73,011 high school students in the United States (US). Elevated digital screen time reflected spending 3 h (or more) per day on leisure, digital media. Outcome variables were: (1) feeling sad/hopeless; (2) suicidal ideation; (3) suicidal planning; and (4) suicide attempt. Structural equation models (SEMs) tested the mediating effects of self-reported online bullying victimization (i.e., cyberbullying) on the effect of elevated digital screen time on suicidality. We controlled for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and survey year. Subsample analyses stratified by sex were also conducted. Overall, 40.5% of high school students reported elevated digital screen time and 15.4% reported cyberbullying. Cyberbullying mediated a substantial proportion of the relationship between digital screen time and feeling sad/hopeless (16%), suicidal ideation (18%), planned suicide attempt (18%), and past suicide attempt (26%), among high school students, controlling for covariates. Similar mediating effects were observed in models stratified by sex. Findings reinforce prior research demonstrating that the quality of leisure, digital media strongly influences the relationship between digital screen time and mental health during adolescence. Findings need replication via longitudinal designs.
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Ouédraogo F, Tapsoba PK. Diversity of market gardening farms in western Burkina Faso. Nexus between production environment, farm size, financial performance and environmental issues. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12408. [PMID: 36590491 PMCID: PMC9800426 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study characterizes market gardening in Houet province in order to determine the various categories of market gardening farms based on specific socioeconomic variables, as well as to analyze the main factors influencing their economic performance. Using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical ascending classification, the main factors influencing the economic situation of the market garden farms in Houet were analyzed through the interrelationships between the variables considered. Findings revealed four clusters of vegetable farms with different socioeconomic features depending on the farming environment (urban, peri-urban and rural). In the same vein, the results showed that market gardeners in urban areas have the best economic performance. With the regard to the durability of the production, results showed that the majority of market gardeners (95%) have a conventional production method and often use in an uncontrolled way chemical pesticides, as well as mineral fertilizers that some combine with organic amendments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Ouédraogo
- Institut des Sciences des Sociétés (INSS), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (CNRST), 03 BP 7047 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Parfait K. Tapsoba
- School of Economics, Socio-Anthropology and Communication for Rural Development (EESAC), Faculty of Agronomic Sciences (FSA), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), 03 BP 2819 Cotonou, Benin,Corresponding author.
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Pretorius C, McCashin D, Coyle D. Mental health professionals as influencers on TikTok and Instagram: What role do they play in mental health literacy and help-seeking? Internet Interv 2022; 30:100591. [PMID: 36458161 PMCID: PMC9706523 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2022.100591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental disorders are recognised as the leading causes of disability worldwide. Despite high rates of incidence, few young people pursue formal help-seeking. Low levels of mental health literacy have been identified as a contributing factor to the notable lack of formal help-seeking by young people. Social media offers a potential means through which to engage and improve young people's mental health literacy. Mental health influencers could be a means through which to do this. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were two-fold: (1) to systematically identify the most popular mental health professionals who could be classified as 'influencers'; and (2) to determine whether their content contributed to mental health literacy. METHODS The search function of Instagram and TikTok was used to generate a list of accounts owned by mental health professionals with over 100,000 followers. Accounts not in English, in private, with no posts in the last year or with content unrelated to the search terms were excluded. Accounts were assessed for number of followers, country of origin, verified status and whether a disclaimer was included. Using content analysis, the five most recent posts dating back from 15 November 2021 were analysed for purpose and dimensions of mental health literacy as outlined by Jorm (2000) by three separate reviewers. RESULTS A total of 28 influencer accounts were identified on TikTok and 22 on Instagram. Majority of the accounts on both TikTok and Instagram originated from the United States (n = 35). A greater number of accounts included disclaimer and crisis support information on Instagram (12/22, 54.55 %) than on TikTok (8/22, 36.36 %). A total of 140 posts were analysed on TikTok and 110 posts on Instagram. When addressing elements of mental health literacy from this sample, 23.57 % (33/140) TikTok posts and 7.27 %. (8/110) posts on Instagram enhanced the ability to recognise specific difficulties. CONCLUSIONS These platforms and accounts provide a potential means through which to make mental health information more accessible, however, these accounts are not subjected to any credibility checks. Careful consideration should be given to the impact of content created by mental health professionals and its role in supporting help-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudette Pretorius
- Insight Centre for Data Analytics, School of Computer Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - David Coyle
- School of Computer Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Corresponding author.
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Chen YA, Fan T, Toma CL, Scherr S. International students’ psychosocial well-being and social media use at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic: A latent profile analysis. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022; 137:107409. [PMID: 35936989 PMCID: PMC9338770 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the link between the psychosocial well-being and social media use of international students in the US at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when social isolation was mandated. Unlike prior research, which has typically focused on a single aspect of psychosocial well-being, we conceptualized international students' well-being as a multidimensional construct including internalizing symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety, loneliness) as well as markers of intercultural difficulties. We then investigated social media use as a function of international students’ idiosyncratic well-being vulnerabilities. A latent profile analysis revealed four groups with distinctive psychosocial profiles: well-adjusted students, interculturally adjusted students with internalizing symptoms, students with low internalizing symptoms but high intercultural difficulties, and maladjusted students with high internalizing symptoms and high intercultural difficulties. Supporting the social compensation perspective, maladjusted international students reported the highest engagement with social media compared to the other groups. These findings shed light on the unique and heterogenous experiences of international students at the onset of the pandemic. They also add nuance to the social compensation hypothesis by delineating person-specific associations between psychosocial well-being and social media use.
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Vaingankar JA, van Dam RM, Samari E, Chang S, Seow E, Chua YC, Luo N, Verma S, Subramaniam M. Social Media-Driven Routes to Positive Mental Health Among Youth: Qualitative Enquiry and Concept Mapping Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2022; 5:e32758. [PMID: 35254285 PMCID: PMC8933808 DOI: 10.2196/32758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media influence almost every aspect of our lives by facilitating instant many-to-many communication and self-expression. Recent research suggests strong negative and positive impacts of social media exposure on youth mental health; however, there has been more emphasis on harmful relationships. OBJECTIVE Given the limited research on the benefits of social media for mental health, this qualitative study explored the lived experiences of youth to understand how social media use can contribute to positive mental health among youth. METHODS Using an interpretivist epistemological approach, 25 semistructured interviews and 11 focus group discussions were conducted with male and female youth of different ethnicities (aged 15 to 24 years) residing in Singapore, who were recruited through purposive sampling from the community. We conducted inductive thematic analysis and concept mapping to address the research aims. RESULTS We found that youth engaged in a wide range of activities on social media from connecting with family and friends to participating in global movements, and these served as avenues for building positive mental health. Based on participants' narratives, our analysis suggested that positive mental health among youth could be influenced by 3 features of social media consumption (connection with friends and their global community, engagement with social media content, and the value of social media as an outlet for expression). Through these, pathways leading to the following 5 positive mental health components were identified: (1) positive relationships and social capital, (2) self-concept, (3) coping, (4) happiness, and (5) other relevant aspects of mental health (for example, positivity and personal growth). CONCLUSIONS The study results highlight the integral role of social media in the lives of today's youth and indicate that they can offer opportunities for positive influence, personal expression, and social support, thus contributing to positive mental health among youth. The findings of our research can be applied to optimize engagement with youth through social media and enhance the digital modes of mental health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rob M van Dam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sherilyn Chang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Esmond Seow
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi Chian Chua
- Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nan Luo
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Swapna Verma
- Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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13
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Wu Q, Ren Q, Zhong N, Bao J, Zhao Y, Du J, Chen T, Zhao M. Internet behavior patterns of adolescents before, during, and after COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:947360. [PMID: 36440398 PMCID: PMC9685307 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.947360] [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: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected the mental health of adolescents. To describe the Internet behavior-changing patterns of adolescents and to understand the impact of clinical features on changing patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study using data collected through online investigation in China. A total of 625 adolescents completed the online survey from May 15 to June 7, 2020. The adolescents were asked to retrospect to the Internet behaviors and game behaviors of three time periods as follows: before the COVID-19 outbreak in China, during the COVID-19 outbreak in China, and back to school. The clinical variables of the demographic data, family functionality, and emotional and behavioral symptoms were also collected. According to the Internet behaviors and game behaviors patterns across the three time periods, the subjects will be sub-grouped. RESULTS Four Internet behavior-changing patterns during the COVID-19 was identified: (1) Continuous Normal Group (55.52%); (2) Normal to Internet Addiction Group (5.28%); (3) Internet Addiction to Normal Group (14.56%); and (4) Continuous Internet Addiction Group (24.64%). Years of education, academic score ranking, family functionality, and emotional and behavioral symptoms were different across the four groups. Proportions of game behaviors, scores of Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and SDQ subscale during the period before the COVID-19 outbreak were significant in predicting changing patterns. CONCLUSION The Internet behavior patterns of adolescents during the COVID-19 period were various. Clinical features before the COVID-19 pandemic may predict changing patterns. The heterogeneity in characteristics between different changing patterns should be considered when intervening in adolescents' problematic Internet behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Wu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihuan Ren
- Shanghai Hongkou Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Zhong
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juwang Bao
- Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Maternal and Child Health Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Du
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianzhen Chen
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Psychological and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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