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Jen E, Chan HY, Cheung HN. Addressing adolescent social and emotional concerns: Insights from loneliness, burnout, and preferred conversation topics in Asian and UK contexts post-pandemic. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 247:104326. [PMID: 38788612 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104326] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated relationships between social and emotional concerns, loneliness, and school burnout, as these factors are associated with adaptive functioning during adolescence residence in Asia (i.e., China, Hong Kong) and the UK. Analysis of data from 2849 participants illuminated compelling insights. The participants reported a high level of loneliness, notably among girls in the UK. The research generated 11 preferred conversation topics (i.e., future and aspirations, anything, learning, nothing, mental health, personal interests, health, relationships, psychosocial issues, social issues, feelings). Among them, future and aspirations lead the way, aligning with developmental needs. A desire for mental health discussions coexisted with heightened loneliness and burnout among participants who pursued such conversations. The low achievers tended to talk about mental health issues or have nothing to say. High achievers were drawn to social issues, emphasizing their distinct socio-emotional needs. Forging a connection between personal interests and mitigated school burnout underscores the potential for individual passions to harmonize with educational experience. These findings underscore the exigency for bespoke interventions addressing the evolving emotional terrain of adolescents, especially in the pandemic's aftermath. The study's implications underscore the importance of empathetic listening and proactive engagement between adolescents and supportive adults. This research enriches the comprehension of pandemic-induced adolescent experiences and suggests avenues for future investigations into long-term emotional well-being. CLASSIFICATION CODE: 2800 (Developmental Psychology).
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyi Jen
- Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education, Studio City, CA, USA
| | - Hsun-Yu Chan
- Department of Industrial Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - H N Cheung
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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Sease TB, Sandoz EK, Yoke L, Swets JA, Cox CR. Loneliness and Relationship Well-Being: Investigating the Mediating Roles of Relationship Awareness and Distraction among Romantic Partners. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:439. [PMID: 38920770 PMCID: PMC11200782 DOI: 10.3390/bs14060439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Loneliness arises when there is a discrepancy between one's desired and actual social connection with others. Studies examining the effects of loneliness in romantic relationships show that people who are lonely are less satisfied and committed to their romantic relationships. The present study explored the association between loneliness and romantic relationship well-being. Using a cross-sectional design, loneliness was correlated with relationship commitment, trust, and conflict. Relationship awareness, but not relationship distraction, statistically mediated the association between loneliness, relationship conflict, and relationship trust. The indirect effect of loneliness on relationship well-being was only present in people reporting low and medium levels of psychological inflexibility. Implications are discussed for acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions for persons in romantic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B. Sease
- Institute of Behavioral Research, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA;
| | - Emily K. Sandoz
- Psychology Department, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA;
| | - Leo Yoke
- San Fransico Center for Compassion Focused Therapies, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA;
| | - Julie A. Swets
- Eastern Washington University at Bellevue College, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA;
| | - Cathy R. Cox
- Institute of Behavioral Research, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA;
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Nikolovski A, Gamgoum L, Deol A, Quilichini S, Kazemir E, Rhodenizer J, Oliveira A, Brooks D, Alsubheen S. Psychometric properties of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in individuals with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a systematic review. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:1230-1238. [PMID: 36861817 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2182918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is used to assess anxiety and depression in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, its measurement properties lack critical appraisal. We aimed to summarize and critically appraise the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the HADS in COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five electronic databases were searched. The Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines were used to assess the methodological and evidence quality in the selected studies. RESULTS Twelve studies assessed the psychometric properties of the HADS-Total and its subscales HADS-Anxiety and HADS-Depression in COPD. High-quality evidence supported the structural and criterion validity of the HADS-A, the internal consistency of the HADS-T, HADS-A, and HADS-D with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.73-0.87, and before-after treatment responsiveness of HADS-T and its subscales (minimal clinically important difference = 1.4-2; effect size = 0.45-1.40). Moderate-quality evidence supported the test-retest reliability of the HADS-A and HADS-D with excellent coefficient values of 0.86-0.90. CONCLUSIONS The HADS-A is recommended for use in individuals with stable COPD. The lack of high-quality evidence on the validity of the HADS-D and HADS-T prevented drawing robust conclusions about their clinical utility in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara Gamgoum
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Arshpreet Deol
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Shea Quilichini
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Ethan Kazemir
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | - Ana Oliveira
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, Canada
- School of Health Sciences, Lab 3R Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation Laboratory, University of Aveiro (ESSUA), IBMED, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Dina Brooks
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sanaa Alsubheen
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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Lai B, Young R, Craig M, Chaviano K, Swanson-Kimani E, Wozow C, Davis D, Rimmer JH. Improving Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Adolescents With Physical Disabilities Through Group-Based Virtual Reality Gaming: Feasibility Pre-Post Trial Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e47630. [PMID: 38055309 PMCID: PMC10733831 DOI: 10.2196/47630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents with disabilities experience alarmingly higher rates of depression and isolation than peers without disabilities. There is a need to identify interventions that can improve mental health and isolation among this underserved population. Innovations in virtual reality (VR) gaming "standalone" headsets allow greater access to immersive high-quality digital experiences, due to their relatively low cost. OBJECTIVE This study had three purposes, which were to (1) examine the preliminary effects of a low-cost, home-based VR multiplayer recreation and socialization on depression, socialization, and loneliness; (2) quantify the acceptability of the program as measured by participant adherence, total play time, and exercise time; and (3) identify and describe behavioral mechanisms that affected participant engagement. METHODS This was a single-group, pre- to postdesign trial. The intervention was conducted at home. Participants were recruited from a children's hospital. The intervention lasted 4 weeks and included 2×1-hour sessions per week of supervised peer-to-peer gaming. Participants used the Meta Quest 2 headset to meet peers and 2 coaches in a private party held digitally. Aim 1 was evaluated with the Children's Depression Inventory 2 Short Form and the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale 20 items, which are measures of social isolation and loneliness, respectively. Aim 2 was evaluated through the following metrics: participant adherence, the types of games played, friendship building and playtime, and program satisfaction and enjoyment. RESULTS In total, 12 people enrolled (mean age 16.6, SD 1.8 years; male: n=9 and female: n=3), and 8 people completed the program. Mean attendance for the 8 participants was 77% (49 sessions of 64 total possible sessions; mean 6, SD 2 sessions). A trend was observed for improved Children's Depression Inventory 2 Short Form scores (mean preintervention score 7.25, SD 4.2; mean postintervention score 5.38, SD 4.1; P=.06; effect size=0.45, 95% CI -0.15 to 3.9), but this was not statistically significant; no difference was observed for University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale 20 items scores. Most participants (7/8, 88%) stated that they became friends with a peer in class; 50% (4/8) reported that they played with other people. Participants reported high levels of enjoyment and satisfaction with how the program was implemented. Qualitative analysis resulted in 4 qualitative themes that explained behavioral mechanisms that determined engagement in the program. CONCLUSIONS The study findings demonstrated that a brief VR group program could be valuable for potentially improving mental health among adolescents with physical disabilities. Participants built friendships with peers and other players on the web, using low-cost consumer equipment that provided easy access and strong scale-up potential. Study findings identified factors that can be addressed to enhance the program within a larger clinical trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05259462; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05259462. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/42651.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byron Lai
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Raven Young
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Mary Craig
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Kelli Chaviano
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Erin Swanson-Kimani
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Cynthia Wozow
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Drew Davis
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - James H Rimmer
- Dean's Office, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Odenthal M, Schlechter P, Benke C, Pané-Farré CA. Temporal dynamics in mental health symptoms and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic in a longitudinal probability sample: a network analysis. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:162. [PMID: 37164952 PMCID: PMC10170425 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02444-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Figuring out which symptoms are central for symptom escalation during the COVID-19 pandemic is important for targeting prevention and intervention. Previous studies have contributed to the understanding of the course of psychological distress during the pandemic, but less is known about key symptoms of psychological distress over time. Going beyond a pathogenetic pathway perspective, we applied the network approach to psychopathology to examine how psychological distress unfolds in a period of maximum stress (pre-pandemic to pandemic onset) and a period of repeated stress (pandemic peak to pandemic peak). We conducted secondary data analyses with the Understanding Society data (N = 17,761), a longitudinal probability study in the UK with data before (2019), at the onset of (April 2020), and during the COVID-19 pandemic (November 2020 & January 2021). Using the General Health Questionnaire and one loneliness item, we computed three temporal cross-lagged panel network models to analyze psychological distress over time. Specifically, we computed (1) a pre-COVID to first incidence peak network, (2) a first incidence peak to second incidence peak network, and (3) a second incidence peak to third incidence peak network. All networks were highly consistent over time. Loneliness and thinking of self as worthless displayed a high influence on other symptoms. Feeling depressed and not overcoming difficulties had many incoming connections, thus constituting an end-product of symptom cascades. Our findings highlight the importance of loneliness and self-worth for psychological distress during COVID-19, which may have important implications in therapy and prevention. Prevention and intervention measures are discussed, as single session interventions are available that specifically target loneliness and worthlessness to alleviate mental health problems.
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Alsubheen SA, Ellerton C, Goldstein R, Brooks D. Validity and reliability of the University of California and Los Angeles Loneliness Scale in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY, CRITICAL CARE, AND SLEEP MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/24745332.2023.2176798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa A. Alsubheen
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Cindy Ellerton
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roger Goldstein
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dina Brooks
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Padmanabhanunni A, Pretorius T. The Resilience of South African School Teachers in the Time of COVID-19: Coping with Risk of Infection, Loneliness, and Anxiety. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3462. [PMID: 36834157 PMCID: PMC9965853 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated an overall increase in the global prevalence of mental health disorders and psychological distress. However, against this backdrop, there was also evidence of adaptation and coping, which suggested the influence of protective factors. The current study aims to extend previous research on the role of protective factors by investigating the health-sustaining and mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between perceived vulnerability to disease, loneliness, and anxiety. Participants consisted of a convenience sample of schoolteachers (N = 355) who completed the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Questionnaire, the short form of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, and the trait scale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale, through an online link created with Google Forms. The results of path analysis indicated significant negative associations between resilience and both loneliness and anxiety. These results indicate the health-sustaining role of resilience. In addition, resilience mediated the relationships between germ aversion and perceived infectability, on the one hand, and loneliness and anxiety, on the other hand. The findings confirm that resilience can play a substantial role in counteracting the negative impact of the pandemic on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tyrone Pretorius
- Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7530, South Africa
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Guzman PG, Lange JE, McClain AC. The Association between Food Security Status and Psychological Distress and Loneliness among Full-Time Undergraduate Students at a Minority-Serving Institution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15245. [PMID: 36429963 PMCID: PMC9690574 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the relationship of food security (FS) status with mental health among students at minority-serving institutions. We aimed to elucidate the association of FS status with psychological distress and loneliness among full-time undergraduate students at a minority-serving institution. We used data from the National Collegiate Health Assessment III (n = 441). To assess FS, students responded to the USDA 6-item short form (range: 0-6) and responses were categorized as high (0), marginal (1) or low/very low (2-6) FS. The Kessler 6 scale assessed psychological distress (range: 0-24). The UCLA loneliness scale assessed loneliness (range: 3-9). Higher scores indicated higher psychological distress and loneliness. Using adjusted linear regression models, we examined the association of FS with psychological distress and loneliness. Compared to students with high FS (mean (SD): 9.4 (0.8)), students with marginal (11.4 (1.0); p < 0.05) or low/very low (11.8 (0.8); p < 0.01) FS had higher psychological distress scores. Compared to students with high FS (5.5 (0.3)), students with low/very low FS (6.0 (0.3); p < 0.05) had higher loneliness scores. Future studies should further explore these relationships using mixed methods, to provide complementary quantitative findings with the emic perspective of students and their experiences, which can inform programming to prevent and reduce food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro G. Guzman
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-7251, USA
| | - James E. Lange
- Well-Being & Health Promotion Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-4705, USA
| | - Amanda C. McClain
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-7251, USA
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Acosta Benito MÁ, García Pliego RA, Baena Díez JM, Gorroñogoitia Iturbe A, Herreros Herreros Y, De Hoyos Alonso MDC, Magán Tapia P, Martin Lesende I. [PAPPS update on older people 2022]. Aten Primaria 2022; 54 Suppl 1:102438. [PMID: 36435582 PMCID: PMC9705221 DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2022.102438] [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: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This article examines the latest available evidence on preventive activities in the elderly, including sleep disorders, physical exercise, deprescription, cognitive disorders and dementias, nutrition, social isolation and frailty.
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Lai B, Davis D, Young R, Swanson-Kimani E, Wozow C, Chaviano K, Rimmer JH. Group tele-gaming through immersive virtual reality to improve mental health among adolescents with physical disabilities: pre and post trial protocol. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e42651. [PMID: 36194864 PMCID: PMC9614625 DOI: 10.2196/42651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents with physical disabilities have higher rates of mental health conditions and issues than adolescents without disabilities, and this disparity was exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also have limited access to on-site programs and nearby peers. Objective This pilot aims to investigate the potential effects of a low-dose multiplayer virtual reality telegaming program on depression, socialization, and loneliness among a cohort of children with physical disabilities. A secondary aim is to describe feasibility metrics, namely, recruitment and adherence rates and perceived program enjoyment and satisfaction. The tertiary aim is to describe behavioral mechanisms that affect participant adherence and social participation in the classes. Methods This study is a single-group pre- and posttest–designed trial. A single cohort of 12 children with physical disabilities will pilot a 1-month program that includes 2 supervised 1-hour sessions per week of group-based exergaming. Participants will complete questionnaires before and after the program. The primary aim measures will include the Children’s Depression Inventory 2 Short Form, a measure of feelings of depression, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale, a measure of both loneliness and social isolation. Secondary aim measures will include three posttest Likert scale questionnaires: perceived program enjoyment, program satisfaction, and satisfaction with multiplayer experiences. At postintervention or dropout, participants will undergo semistructured interviews to identify behavioral mechanisms that underlie participation. Data will be reported descriptively and be supported by t tests as appropriate. Results Recruitment procedures started in July 2022. All data are expected to be collected by January 2023. Full trial results are expected to be published by March 2023. Secondary analyses of data will be subsequently published. Conclusions This trial tests a peer-to-peer virtual reality telegaming program that includes a completely remote enrollment, assessment, and intervention protocol. This program is accessible and short in duration and frequency, allowing it to be integrated into other interventions. Knowledge obtained from this study will inform the development of a larger trial for improving the mental health and well-being of adolescents with physical disabilities. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05259462; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05259462 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/42651
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Affiliation(s)
- Byron Lai
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 University Blvd, Birmingham, US
| | - Drew Davis
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 University Blvd, Birmingham, US
| | - Raven Young
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 University Blvd, Birmingham, US
| | - Erin Swanson-Kimani
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 University Blvd, Birmingham, US
| | - Cynthia Wozow
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 University Blvd, Birmingham, US
| | - Kelli Chaviano
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 University Blvd, Birmingham, US
| | - James H Rimmer
- Dean's Office, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, US
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Thunnissen E, Buffel V, Reyniers T, Nöstlinger C, Wouters E. From Physical Distancing to Social Loneliness among Gay Men and Other Men Having Sex with Men in Belgium: Examining the Disruption of the Social Network and Social Support Structures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116873. [PMID: 35682456 PMCID: PMC9180498 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, levels of loneliness have increased among the general population and especially among sexual minorities, such as gay men and other men who have sex with men, who already experienced more problems with social isolation before the pandemic. We analyzed how the disruption of the social network and social support structures by containment measures impact loneliness among gay and other men having sex with men. Our sample consisted of gay and other men having sex with men who had in person communication with family as well as heterosexual friends and homosexual friends before the lockdown (N = 461). Multivariate regression analyses were performed with social provisions (social interaction and reliable alliance) and loneliness as dependent variables. A change from in-person communication with gay peers before the pandemic to remote-only or no communication with gay peers during the pandemic, mediated by change in social integration, was related to an increased feeling of loneliness during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic. There were some unexpected findings, which should be interpreted in the specific social context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. On average, social integration and reliable alliance among MSM increased during the lockdown, even though in-person communication decreased and loneliness increased. Our results show it is critical to maintain a view of social support and social loneliness as lodged within larger social and cultural contexts that ultimately shape the mechanisms behind them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estrelle Thunnissen
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium; (V.B.); (E.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-492502358
| | - Veerle Buffel
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium; (V.B.); (E.W.)
| | - Thijs Reyniers
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium; (T.R.); (C.N.)
| | | | - Edwin Wouters
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium; (V.B.); (E.W.)
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12
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Manera KE, Smith BJ, Owen KB, Phongsavan P, Lim MH. Psychometric assessment of scales for measuring loneliness and social isolation: an analysis of the household, income and labour dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2022; 20:40. [PMID: 35248075 PMCID: PMC8897757 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-022-01946-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognised as global public health threats, meaning that reliable and valid measures are needed to monitor these conditions at a population level. We aimed to determine if robust and practical scales could be derived for conditions such as loneliness and social isolation using items from a national survey. METHODS We conducted psychometric analyses of ten items in two waves of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey, which included over 15,000 participants. We used the Hull method, exploratory structural equation modelling, and multidimensional item response theory analysis in a calibration sample to determine the number of factors and items within each factor. We cross-validated the factor structure using confirmatory factor analysis in a validation sample. We assessed construct validity by comparing the resulting sub-scales with measures for psychological distress and mental well-being. RESULTS Calibration and cross-validation consistently revealed a three-factor model, with sub-scales reflecting constructs of loneliness and social isolation. Sub-scales showed high reliability and measurement invariance across waves, gender, and age. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations between the sub-scales and measures of psychological distress and mental health. Individuals who met threshold criteria for loneliness and social isolation had consistently greater odds of being psychologically distressed and having poor mental health than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS These derived scales provide robust and practical measures of loneliness and social isolation for population-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine E Manera
- Sydney School of Public Health, Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Research and Education Network, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead Hospital, Corner Darcy & Hawkesbury Roads, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
| | - Ben J Smith
- Sydney School of Public Health, Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Research and Education Network, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead Hospital, Corner Darcy & Hawkesbury Roads, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Katherine B Owen
- Sydney School of Public Health, Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Research and Education Network, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead Hospital, Corner Darcy & Hawkesbury Roads, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Philayrath Phongsavan
- Sydney School of Public Health, Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Research and Education Network, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead Hospital, Corner Darcy & Hawkesbury Roads, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Michelle H Lim
- Iverson Health Innovation Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
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