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Brailovskaia J. The "Vicious Circle of addictive Social Media Use and Mental Health" Model. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 247:104306. [PMID: 38735249 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104306] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Social media use (SMU) is a significant part of many people's everyday life. Research around the globe describes an increase of addictive SMU tendencies since the COVID-19 outbreak. The present work combines available findings in the "Vicious Circle of addictive Social Media Use and Mental Health" model to explain how social media (SM) activity can contribute to the development of addictive tendencies, which consequences they have for mental health, and how to prevent them. Following the model, the interplay between the risk factors negative experiences caused by daily hassles and by unexpected global and traumatic events, SMU (dimension "quality"), and SM flow can directly contribute to addictive SMU through the "vicious circle". Time spent on SMU (dimension "quantity"), symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the personality trait narcissism contribute to the circle as moderators. Symptoms of stress, insomnia, and suicide-related outcomes are described as potential consequences of addictive SMU. Based on longitudinal intervention studies, a conscious reduction of SMU time and an increase of physical activity, as well as positive mental health and mindfulness are identified as protective factors that reduce the risk of addictive tendencies. The model contributes to a better understanding of addictive SMU. Implications of the model for future research and praxis, specifically for mental health programs and therapeutic treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brailovskaia
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany; DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), partner site Bochum/Marburg, Germany.
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Brailovskaia J, Duscha AL, Kreyelkamp GM, Margraf J. Teachers' competence: How to protect teachers' mental health from the burden caused by students' private in-class use of technical devices? PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305114. [PMID: 38861520 PMCID: PMC11166289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study investigated how students' private in-class use of technical devices is associated with teachers' mental health. Data of 361 teachers from primary and secondary schools in Germany were assessed via online surveys. The present cross-sectional results show a positive association between burden caused by the students' private in-class use of technical devices and teachers' depression symptoms. Both were negatively linked to teachers' positive mental health (PMH) and teachers' competence in handling students' private in-class use of technical devices. In a moderated mediation analysis, the association between burden and depression symptoms was mediated by PMH. Teachers' competence moderated the link between PMH and depression symptoms. Specifically, the higher the competence, the weaker the relationship between both variables. Thus, the protective effect of teachers' competence could be especially important in persons with low PMH. Competence training in handling students' use of technical devices is discussed as a potential step that could protect teachers' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brailovskaia
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), Partner Site Bochum, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Duscha
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Greta M. Kreyelkamp
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), Partner Site Bochum, Marburg, Germany
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Sequeira C, Carvalho JC, Roldan-Merino J, Moreno-Poyato AR, Teixeira S, David B, Costa PS, Puig-Llobet M, Lluch-Canut MT. Psychometric properties of the positive mental health questionnaire: short form (PMHQ-SF18) in young adults. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1375378. [PMID: 38799675 PMCID: PMC11122894 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1375378] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Positive Mental Health (PMH) plays a pivotal role in the promoting of mental health. Assessing this phenomenon is essential for early recognition and intervention in mental health. To date, only one tool was validated with 39 items to assess PMH among Portuguese young adults. Method This study sought to examine the psychometric properties of the short version of the Positive Mental Health Questionnaire (PMHQ) among Portuguese university students. The PMHQ Short Form was administered to a sample of 3,647 university students via an online platform. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. The principal factor solution was employed because some items showed higher levels of kurtosis. Multivariate analysis was tested using the Mardia's Test, Henze-Zirkler, and Royston. Findings of content, construct validity tests, and Cronbach's alfa demonstrated the satisfactory validity and suitable reliability of the PMHQ-Short Form (PMHQ-SF). Results and discussion The exploratory factor analysis produced six dimensions of the PMHQ-SF with three items in each factor demonstrating adequate internal reliability. The global internal consistency was 0.92, with factors ranging between 0.60 to 0.82. The results suggest that the PMHQ-SF is reliable, easier, and more practical to complete by university students due to the shortening of the number of items. The PMHQ-SF is useful for assessing positive mental health in young adults. The final version of the instrument contains from 32 to 18 items.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Sequeira
- Nursing School of Porto (ESEP), Porto, Portugal
- Center for Research in Health Technologies and Services: Health Research Network, From The Lab to The Community (CINTESIS@RISE), ESEP Hub, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Carlos Carvalho
- Nursing School of Porto (ESEP), Porto, Portugal
- Center for Research in Health Technologies and Services: Health Research Network, From The Lab to The Community (CINTESIS@RISE), ESEP Hub, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juan Roldan-Merino
- Campus Docent Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Study Group on Invariance of Instruments for Measurement and Analysis of Change in the Social and Health Environment, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio R. Moreno-Poyato
- Departament d’Infermeria de Salut Pública, Salut Mental i Materno-Infantil, Escola d’Infermeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut. Grup de Recerca de Cures Infermeres en Salut Mental, Psicosocials i de Complexitat (NURSEARCH – 2021 SGR 1083), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sónia Teixeira
- Center for Research in Health Technologies and Services: Health Research Network, From The Lab to The Community (CINTESIS@RISE), ESEP Hub, Porto, Portugal
- Higher School of Health Fernando Pessoa (ESS-FP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz David
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrício Soares Costa
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Montserrat Puig-Llobet
- Departament d’Infermeria de Salut Pública, Salut Mental i Materno-Infantil, Escola d’Infermeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut. Grup de Recerca de Cures Infermeres en Salut Mental, Psicosocials i de Complexitat (NURSEARCH – 2021 SGR 1083), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Lluch-Canut
- Departament d’Infermeria de Salut Pública, Salut Mental i Materno-Infantil, Escola d’Infermeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut. Grup de Recerca de Cures Infermeres en Salut Mental, Psicosocials i de Complexitat (NURSEARCH – 2021 SGR 1083), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Brailovskaia J, Schneider S, Margraf J. The "bubbles"-study: Validation of ultra-short scales for the assessment of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300923. [PMID: 38507342 PMCID: PMC10954120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression, anxiety and stress symptoms cause substantial psychological and economic burdens around the globe. To mitigate the negative consequences, the negative symptoms should be identified at an early stage. Therefore, the implementation of very brief valid screening tools in mental health prevention programs and in therapeutic settings is advantageous. In two studies on representative German population samples, we developed and validated three ultra-short scales-the "bubbles"-that consist of only one item based on the Depression Anxiety Stress 21 subscales (DASS-21) for the assessment of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. The results of Study 1 (N = 1,001) and Study 2 (N = 894) revealed that the bubbles are valid instruments that fit the DASS-21 subscales on the factor level. Moreover, the bubbles replicated the association pattern of the DASS-21 subscales with demographic variables, and with variables that belong to the negative and the positive dimension of mental health. Thus, due to their time- and cost-efficiency, the bubbles can be used as brief screening tools in research (e.g., large-scale studies, longitudinal studies, experience sampling paradigms) and in praxis. Their shortness can prevent fatigue, motivation decrease, and participants' drop-out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brailovskaia
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), Partner Site Bochum/Marburg, Germany
| | - Silvia Schneider
- DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), Partner Site Bochum/Marburg, Germany
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), Partner Site Bochum/Marburg, Germany
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Zrnić Novaković I, Streicher A, Ajduković D, Ajduković M, Kiralj Lacković J, Lotzin A, Lueger-Schuster B. Trajectories of Adjustment Disorder and Well-Being in Austria and Croatia during 20 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6861. [PMID: 37835131 PMCID: PMC10572495 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196861] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the trajectories of adjustment disorder (AD) symptoms and well-being over 20 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria and Croatia. Further objectives of this study were to examine whether sociodemographic characteristics and the symptoms of anxiety and depression could predict these trajectories. As part of the pan-European ESTSS ADJUST study, N = 1144 individuals were recruited using convenience sampling and assessed four times between June 2020 and January 2022 through an online survey. Latent growth curve modelling was applied to estimate the trajectories of AD symptoms and well-being. Over time, the prevalence of probable AD varied between 9.8% and 15.1%. The symptoms of AD tended to increase, whereas well-being tended to decrease. According to the majority of the models tested, women, participants from Austria and those with lower income had higher initial AD symptoms, whereas older participants and those from Croatia had higher initial well-being. In all models and at all timepoints, anxiety and depression significantly predicted AD and well-being scores. Overall, our study points to several predictors of AD and well-being and indicates high variability in people's reactions to the pandemic. Psychosocial support for the general population is needed during pandemics and similar crises, with a special focus on vulnerable groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Zrnić Novaković
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.); (B.L.-S.)
| | - Alina Streicher
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.); (B.L.-S.)
| | - Dean Ajduković
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.A.); (J.K.L.)
| | - Marina Ajduković
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Jana Kiralj Lacković
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.A.); (J.K.L.)
| | - Annett Lotzin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
- Department of Psychology, MSH Medical School Hamburg, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Brigitte Lueger-Schuster
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.); (B.L.-S.)
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Vally Z, Helmy M, Fourie L. The association between depression and addictive social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic: The mediating role of sense of control. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291034. [PMID: 37683017 PMCID: PMC10490948 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 precipitated a plethora of mental health difficulties, particularly for those with pre-existing mental health concerns such as depression or addictive tendencies. For some, the distress that emanated from the experience of the pandemic prompted excessive engagement in the safety of online interactions on social media. The present study examined whether variation in individuals' sense of control explained the association between depression and addictive social media use. METHOD A sample of 1322 participants from two Middle Eastern nations provided data collected during the peak of the pandemic from February to May 2021. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit and collect data from college-aged students enrolled at two universities in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, respectively. This study adopted a cross-sectional design in which participants completed a self-administered survey that consisted of measures that assessed depressive affect, sense of control, and addictive social media use. RESULTS Depression was significantly and positively associated with addictive SMU. Sense of control was negatively related to both depression and SMU and significantly mediated the association between these two variables (β = .62, SE = .03, 95%CI .56, .68). CONCLUSION This study identified a potential protective variable that could be targeted by psychological treatment to ameliorate the potential onset of addictive SMU in individuals with depressive symptoms under conditions of immense psychological distress such as a worldwide pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahir Vally
- Department of Clinical Psychology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mai Helmy
- Department of Psychology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
- Department of Psychology, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Louis Fourie
- Department of Clinical Psychology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Brailovskaia J, Margraf J, Ceccatelli S, Cosci F. The relationship among psychological distress, well-being and excessive social media use during the outbreak of Covid-19: A longitudinal investigation. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023; 30:1013-1019. [PMID: 37056167 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2853] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The corona pandemic has been a life event causing negative consequences on mental health. Mental health consists of positive and negative dimensions. The present longitudinal study investigated how positive and negative dimensions changed over 15 months after the Covid-19 outbreak. Potential changes of excessive social media use (SMU) and its relationship with mental health were also investigated. METHOD Data (N = 189) on distress (measured overall and as depression, anxiety, and stress), well-being and excessive SMU were collected at three time points (baseline, BL; 3-month follow-up, FU1; 15-month follow-up, FU2) via online surveys in Italy. Repeated analyses of variance were used to test differences among the three measurement time points. Mediational models were applied. RESULTS Distress did not change over time, well-being decreased and excessive SMU increased significantly. The relationship between distress at BL and excessive SMU at FU2 was significant (total effect, c: p < .001). The relationship between distress at BL and well-being at FU1 (a: p < .001), and between well-being at FU1and excessive SMU at FU2 (b: p = .004) was significant. Including FU1 well-being in the model, the relationship between distress at BL and excessive SMU at FU2 was not significant (direct effect, c': p = .078). The indirect effect (ab) was significant. CONCLUSION Well-being mediated the relationship between baseline stress and excessive SMU. Enhanced stress may reduce well-being which, in turn, increases the risk of excessive SMU. This emphasizes the urgency of programmes that foster well-being, especially during stressful events such as a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brailovskaia
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Juergen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sara Ceccatelli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Cosci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Brailovskaia J, Balcerowska JM, Precht LM, Margraf J. Positive mental health mediates the association between insomnia symptoms and addictive social media use in Germany and Poland. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2023.107676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Brailovskaia J, Krasavtseva Y, Kochetkov Y, Tour P, Margraf J. Social media use, mental health, and suicide-related outcomes in Russian women: A cross-sectional comparison between two age groups. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 18:17455057221141292. [PMID: 36510444 PMCID: PMC9751176 DOI: 10.1177/17455057221141292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women who belong to the age group "emerging adulthood" (18 to 29 years) are vulnerable to mental health issues and suicide-related outcomes. OBJECTIVES This study investigated potential predictors of suicide-related outcomes in females emerging adulthood and compared them to older women. DESIGN AND METHODS Data of 2537 women from Russia (group "18 to 29 years": n = 1123; group "> 29 years": n = 1414) on lifetime suicide-related outcomes, (problematic) social media use, daily stress, depression and anxiety symptoms, and positive mental health were assessed via online cross-sectional surveys. RESULTS The younger group spent significantly more time on social media use than the older group. It had significantly higher levels of daily stress, problematic social media use, depression and anxiety symptoms, and suicide-related outcomes. The older group showed significantly higher levels of positive mental health. Only in the younger group, problematic social media use significantly mediated the relationship between daily stress and suicide-related outcomes in a moderated mediation analysis. Positive mental health significantly moderated the association between problematic social media use and suicide-related outcomes. Specifically, the higher the positive mental health level, the less close the link between both variables. CONCLUSION The current results reveal that young women in Russia could be at enhanced risk for daily stress, problematic social media use, and low levels of mental health. The interaction between these variables could foster suicide-related outcomes. Public governmental communication in Russia should call attention to potential negative impact of intensive social media use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brailovskaia
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany,Julia Brailovskaia, Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstrasse 9-13, 44787 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Yulia Krasavtseva
- Department of Pedagogy and Medical Psychology, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia,Department of Psychology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia,Center for Cognitive Therapy, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Polina Tour
- Center for Cognitive Therapy, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Brailovskaia J, Margraf J. Positive mental health and mindfulness as protective factors against addictive social media use during the COVID-19 outbreak. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277631. [PMID: 36449483 PMCID: PMC9710776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 caused high psychological burden for many people. Some people tend to excessive social media use (SMU) to escape the negative emotions which can foster addictive tendencies. The present study investigated positive mental health (PMH) and mindfulness as protective factors that could reduce the risk for addictive SMU. Data of 1,049 participants from Germany were assessed via online surveys in autumn 2021. The current results reveal a positive relationship between COVID-19 burden and addictive SMU. Both were negatively linked to PMH and mindfulness. In a moderated mediation analysis, the relationship between COVID-19 burden and addictive SMU was mediated by PMH. Mindfulness moderated the association between PMH and addictive SMU. The COVID-19 situation can be burdensome and contribute to dysfunctional coping strategies such as addictive SMU. However, PMH and mindfulness serve as protective factors. The protective effect of mindfulness could be especially important for persons with low PMH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brailovskaia
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Miragall M, Escrivá-Martínez T, Wrzesien M, Vara MD, Herrero R, Desdentado L, Baños RM. Too many lemons to make lemonade? Disentangling mental health during the third wave of COVID-19 infections in Spain. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022:1-13. [PMID: 36213570 PMCID: PMC9533265 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03638-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to analyze the longitudinal change in mental health during the third wave of COVID-19 infections in Spain. Negative (e.g., emotional distress) and positive (e.g., positive functioning variables) outcomes were analyzed. Protective factors (e.g., resilience) as predictors of psychological adjustment (i.e., positive mental health, openness to the future, and low burden due to COVID-19) after ten months of the pandemic were also examined. The sample consisted of 164 participants, and self-reported questionnaires were administered at the beginning of the lockdown (March 2020), at the end of the lockdown (June 2020), and during the third wave (January 2021). Linear mixed models showed that individuals' emotional distress increased, and positive functioning variables (i.e., meaning in life, gratitude, resilience, and life satisfaction) decreased over time, but an increase was observed in some dimensions of posttraumatic growth. Regression analyses showed that resilience scores at all three data collection time points were significant predictors of positive mental health, openness to the future, and burden during the third wave. Mediation analyses showed that positive mental health and openness to the future were mediators of the effect of resilience on burden. The prolonged situation of the COVID-19 crisis had an important impact on positive and negative mental health. However, resilience may help to build up resources that can act as a buffer against adverse psychological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Miragall
- Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tamara Escrivá-Martínez
- Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Polibienestar, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 21, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maja Wrzesien
- Instituto Polibienestar, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 21, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mª Dolores Vara
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Polibienestar, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 21, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rocío Herrero
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Lorena Desdentado
- Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Polibienestar, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 21, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rosa Mª Baños
- Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Polibienestar, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 21, Valencia, Spain
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Cao L. The Relationship Between Adjustment and Mental Health of Chinese Freshmen: The Mediating Effect of Security and the Moderating Effect of Gender. Front Public Health 2022; 10:916329. [PMID: 35677766 PMCID: PMC9168234 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.916329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities are confronted with campus lockdown or even school closures to reduce the risk of infection. However, these measures pose a threat to the mental health of adolescents. In particular, freshmen who have just entered the university campus may suffer from more serious mental health risks. In this study, 1,818 freshmen were analyzed by using the Chinese College Student Adjustment Scale (CCSAS), Sense of Security Questionnaire (SQ), and Symptom Check List 90 (SCL-90) of the qualitative method. The results showed that adjustment had an impact on mental health. Firstly, there was a significant negative association between adjustment and mental health. Secondly, adjustment had a significant predictive effect on mental health. Finally, a sense of security and gender affected the relationship between adjustment and mental health. Collectively, adjustment, sense of security, and gender exerted impacts on the mental health of freshmen, suggesting that we should create a warm and harmonious campus environment for students and conduct targeted education for male and female students.
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Brailovskaia J, Margraf J. Addictive social media use during Covid-19 outbreak: Validation of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and investigation of protective factors in nine countries. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022:1-19. [PMID: 35615694 PMCID: PMC9122809 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03182-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Since the Covid-19 outbreak, addictive social media use increased in many countries. To better understand this development, a universal instrument for the assessment of addictive social media use is required. Against this background, we examined the psychometric properties of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) in representative population samples in nine countries (N = 9418, age range: "18 to 24 years" (youngest group), "55 years and older" (oldest group): China, France, Germany, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, U.K., U.S.). Furthermore, we investigated potential factors and mechanisms that could be associated with addictive social media use. Our cross-national findings show that the BSMAS is a unidimensional reliable and valid instrument. Moreover, they reveal that the negative association between positive mental health and addictive social media use is mediated by sense of control in seven of the nine countries (exception: China, Russia). Thus, it can be hypothesized that activities which increase positive mental health could indirectly contribute to the decrease of addictive social media use. We identified conscious engagement in physical activity and a regular sleep rhythm during the pandemic as such potential activities. The fostering of both by governmental programs could enhance positive mental health and reduce addictive social media use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brailovskaia
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787 Bochum, Germany
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Brailovskaia J, Truskauskaite-Kuneviciene I, Kazlauskas E, Gelezelyte O, Teismann T, Margraf J. Physical activity, mental and physical health during the Covid-19 outbreak: longitudinal predictors of suicide ideation in Germany. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 31:1-11. [PMID: 35369671 PMCID: PMC8956329 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-022-01708-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aim Suicide ideation has increased since the outbreak of Covid-19 in many countries. The present longitudinal study investigated potential predictors of suicide ideation. Subject and methods Data of 406 participants from Germany (age M = 27.69, SD = 6.88) were assessed via online surveys in spring 2020 (baseline, BL) and in spring 2021 (follow-up, FU). Results The current results reveal a significant increase in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress between 2020 and 2021. Positive mental health (PMH), sense of control, and physical health significantly decreased. Depression symptoms (BL), PMH (BL), and consciously enhanced physical activity since the pandemic outbreak (FU) significantly predicted 12-month suicide ideation (FU). In a moderated mediation analysis, the positive relationship between depression and suicide ideation was significantly mediated by PMH. Consciously enhanced physical activity significantly moderated the negative association between PMH and suicide ideation. Conclusion The context of Covid-19 could negatively impact mental health and physical health. This might increase the risk for suicide ideation. However, PMH and physical activity might serve as protective factors. The protective effect of physical activity could be especially important in people with high depression symptoms and low PMH, such as clinical patients. Potential ways of how PMH and physical activity could be enhanced in the Covid-19 context to prevent suicide ideation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brailovskaia
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787 Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Evaldas Kazlauskas
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Odeta Gelezelyte
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tobias Teismann
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787 Bochum, Germany
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15
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Naghavi A, Teismann T, Asgari Z, Eizadifard R, Brailovskaia J. Validation of the Persian version of the Positive Mental Health Scale. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:472. [PMID: 34579691 PMCID: PMC8474728 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03487-6] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Positive mental health (PMH) is a factor of far-reaching salutogenetic importance. The present study aimed at validating the Persian version of the Positive Mental Health Scale (PMH-Scale). METHODS Reliability and validity of the Persian version of the PMH-Scale were established in an Iranian student sample (N = 573). Internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity were investigated, and exploratory factor analysis was conducted. Furthermore, it was assessed how PMH scores moderate the association between depressive symptoms and suicide ideation/behavior. RESULTS The Persian version of the PMH-Scale was shown to have a unidimensional structure with excellent internal consistency, as well as good convergent and divergent validity. PMH differentiated between participants with higher vs. lower suicide risk. Furthermore, PMH proved to moderate the association between depressive symptoms and suicide ideation/behavior. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the PMH-Scale is a brief, reliable, and valid measure of subjective and psychological well-being that can be used in Iranian student samples and research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Naghavi
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Azadi Sq, Isfahan, 8174673441, Iran
| | - Tobias Teismann
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstrasse 9-13, 44787, Bochum, Germany
| | - Zahra Asgari
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Azadi Sq, Isfahan, 8174673441, Iran
| | - Razieh Eizadifard
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstrasse 9-13, 44787, Bochum, Germany
| | - Julia Brailovskaia
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstrasse 9-13, 44787, Bochum, Germany.
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16
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Brailovskaia J, Zhang XC, Cai D, Lu S, Gao ZH, Margraf J. The Benefits of Physical Activity and Positive Mental Health for Reducing the Burden of COVID-19: Validation from a Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Investigation in China and Germany. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021; 21:1186-1199. [PMID: 34602914 PMCID: PMC8475893 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00653-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Many people experience high burden by the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its consequences for health and everyday life. The present cross-national study investigated potential factors that can reduce the burden by COVID-19 in China and Germany. Cross-sectional and longitudinal (China: N = 474, baseline, BL: 2015, follow-up, FU: 2020; Germany: N = 359, BL: 2019, FU: 2020) data on physical activity (e.g., jogging) (BL/FU), positive mental health (PMH) (BL/FU), and burden by COVID-19 (FU) were collected via online surveys. In both countries, physical activity was positively associated with PMH, and both variables were negatively related to burden by COVID-19. Furthermore, PMH mediated the link between physical activity and burden. The mediation model was significant when physical activity and PMH were assessed at the BL, while burden was measured at the FU; and it was also significant when all variables were assessed at the FU. The present findings reveal that physical activity in combination with PMH can reduce the experience of burden by COVID-19. Conscious fostering of physical activity and PMH is supported as an effective strategy to reduce the negative impact of the pandemic outbreak on mental and physical health. Additional benefits such as increased adherence to governmental measures around COVID-19 are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Brailovskaia
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - X C Zhang
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - D Cai
- Department of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - S Lu
- Department of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Z H Gao
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - J Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787 Bochum, Germany
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Dumarkaite A, Truskauskaite-Kuneviciene I, Andersson G, Mingaudaite J, Kazlauskas E. Effects of Mindfulness-Based Internet Intervention on ICD-11 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Mindfulness (N Y) 2021; 12:2754-2766. [PMID: 34539930 PMCID: PMC8435188 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-021-01739-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives A substantial proportion of trauma survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) continue to experience symptoms even after trauma-focused therapies. Internet-based interventions could facilitate access to treatment for PTSD and CPTSD. The current pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of mindfulness-based internet intervention on PTSD and CPTSD symptoms. Methods A randomized controlled trial (RCT) design with two measurement points (pre-test and post-test) was used to investigate the effects of a structured mindfulness-based internet intervention on PTSD and CPTSD symptoms as well as anxiety, depression, and positive mental health. In total, 70 university students with high levels of PTSD and CPTSD symptoms based on ICD-11 criteria participated in the study: 31 in the intervention group and 39 in the waiting list control group. Results We found that the mindfulness-based internet intervention reduced CPTSD disturbances in self-organization (DSO) symptoms (ES = − 0.48 [− 0.96; 0.00]), particularly negative self-concept (ES = − 0.72 [− 1.21; − 0.24]) and disturbances in relationships (ES = − 0.55 [− 1.03; − 0.07]). Moreover, the intervention reduced the symptoms of PTSD sense of threat (ES = − 0.48 [− 0.96; − 0.01]) and promoted positive mental health (ES = 0.51 [0.03; 0.99]). High user satisfaction and good usability of the intervention were reported. Conclusions Promising treatment effects were found, indicating that mindfulness-based internet intervention can reduce CPTSD symptoms and have a positive effect on mental health among youth in general. The findings of the current study contribute to the further development of trauma care using internet-delivered interventions. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NTC04333667 (3 April 2020)
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Affiliation(s)
- Austeja Dumarkaite
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julija Mingaudaite
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Evaldas Kazlauskas
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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'Should I Stay, or Should I Go?' Psychological Distress Predicts Career Change Ideation among Intensive Care Staff in Lithuania and the UK Amid COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052660. [PMID: 33800903 PMCID: PMC7967320 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on healthcare globally. Additional pressure created by coronavirus adversely affected the mental health and psychological well-being of healthcare workers, leading many to question their desire and willingness to continue working in healthcare. This study aimed to identify predictors for career change ideation among healthcare professionals in two countries; Lithuania and the United Kingdom amid the coronavirus pandemic. In total, 610 healthcare professionals from Lithuania and the UK (285 and 325, respectively) participated in a survey from May to August 2020. Psychological distress and psychological well-being were measured using the self-report scales "DASS-21" and "WHO-5". Almost half of the sample (49.2%), 59.6% and 40.0% in Lithuanian and the UK, respectively, exhibited career change ideation, the country effect was significant (AOR = 2.21, p < 0.001). Stronger ideation to leave healthcare was predicted by higher levels of depression (AOR = 1.10, p = 0.005), stress (AOR = 1.10, p = 0.007), anxiety surrounding inadequate personal protective equipment (AOR = 2.27, p = 0.009), and lower psychological well-being scores (AOR = 1.10, p = 0.007). We conclude that psychosocial support must be provided for healthcare professionals to prevent burnout and loss of staff amid the pandemic.
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Brailovskaia J, Margraf J. Predicting adaptive and maladaptive responses to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: A prospective longitudinal study. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2020; 20:183-191. [PMID: 32837518 PMCID: PMC7321043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective The outbreak of COVID-19 and the lack of vaccine made extraordinary actions such as social distancing necessary. While some individuals experience the restrictions on daily life as a heavy burden, others adapt to the situation and try to make the best of it. The present longitudinal study investigated the extent and predictors of the burden induced by the outbreak of COVID-19 in Germany. Method Data were assessed in October 2019 using the DASS-21 and the PMH-Scale, and in March 2020 adding a six-item measure of burden and a 2-item rating of sense of control. Results In a sample of 436 participants, about 28% stayed in self-quarantine, 22 persons had relevant symptoms and one person was positively tested for COVID-19. Most participants experienced medium to high levels of burden but tried to make the best of it. Stress symptoms in 2019 predicted a higher level of burden and PMH predicted a lower level of burden in March 2020. Remarkably, depression and anxiety symptoms did not significantly predict burden. The protective effect of PMH and the negative impact of stress symptoms were mediated by perceived sense of control. Conclusions The results emphasize the protective effect of PMH in extraordinary situations such as the current outbreak of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brailovskaia
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
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