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Langheit S, Poulin F. Links Between Best-Friendship Quality and Well-Being From Early Emerging Adulthood to Early Established Adulthood. EMERGING ADULTHOOD (PRINT) 2024; 12:539-552. [PMID: 38934010 PMCID: PMC11196206 DOI: 10.1177/21676968241248877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify whether the links between features of best-friendship quality (intimacy, reliable alliance, conflict) and well-being indicators (self-esteem, loneliness) change from early emerging adulthood to early established adulthood. The moderating effect of gender and investment in romantic life on these links was examined as well. For the purpose, 346 individuals (58% women) completed questionnaires at age 20 and again at age 30. Multilevel analysis were performed for each well-being indicators separately. The results showed reliable alliance to be associated with both well-being indicators, and intimacy to be associated with loneliness. Age moderated the effect of intimacy on self-esteem, whereas investment in romantic life moderated the effect of reliable alliance. Finally, triple interactions emerged between conflict, gender and age in their associations with self-esteem and loneliness, underscoring particularities for men. These results underscore the most influential features of friendship quality for well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Langheit
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - François Poulin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Levi-Belz Y, Blank C, Groweiss Y, Neria Y. The impact of PTSD symptoms on suicide ideation in time of terror and war: A nationwide prospective study on the moderating role of loneliness. Psychiatry Res 2024; 338:115996. [PMID: 38823164 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115996] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
The terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and its accompanying war have increased the risk for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and suicide ideation (SI). In this national prospective cohort study, we examined the extent to which a sense of loneliness moderates the association between PTSS and SI in the wake of the October 7th attack and the Israel-Hamas war. A representative sample of 710 Israeli adults (362 female, 51.1 %) aged 18-85 (M = 41.01, SD = 13.72) participated in a longitudinal study assessing depression, current SI, and loneliness at two time points: T1, one month before the attack (August 2023) and T2 (November 2023), one month after the attack. We found two significant interactions in which a sense of loneliness at T2 moderated the link between both PTSS at T1 and T2 and current SI at T2. Specifically, the level of PTSS contributed to current SI at T2 more strongly among individuals reporting higher loneliness levels than those reporting low loneliness levels. Clinicians treating individuals coping with high PTSS levels should attend to their patients' sense of loneliness, as it comprises a significant risk factor for current SI and may be considered an important target in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossi Levi-Belz
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel; Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel.
| | - Carmel Blank
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel; Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Yoav Groweiss
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Yuval Neria
- Department of Psychiatry and New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY, USA
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Ketoja JA, Saurio K, Rautkoski H, Kenttä E, Tanaka A, Koponen AI, Virkajärvi J, Heinonen K, Kostamo K, Järvenpää A, Hyry N, Heikkilä P, Hankonen N, Harlin A. Design of biodegradable cellulose filtration material with high efficiency and breathability. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 336:122133. [PMID: 38670771 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122133] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Using respiratory protective equipment is one of the relevant preventive measures for infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and for various occupational respiratory hazards. Because experienced discomfort may result in a decrease in the utilization of respirators, it is important to enhance the material properties to resolve suboptimal usage. We combined several technologies to produce a filtration material that met requirements set by a cross-disciplinary interview study on the usability of protective equipment. Improved breathability, environmental sustainability, and comfort of the material were achieved by electrospinning poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) nanofibers on a thin foam-formed fabric from regenerated cellulose fibers. The high filtration efficiency of sub-micron-sized diethylhexyl sebacate (DEHS) aerosol particles resulted from the small mean segment length of 0.35 μm of the nanofiber network. For a particle diameter of 0.6 μm, the filtration efficiency of a single PEO layer varied in the range of 80-97 % depending on the coat weight. The corresponding pressure drop had the level of 20-90 Pa for the airflow velocity of 5.3 cm/s. Using a multilayer structure, a very high filtration efficiency of 99.5 % was obtained with only a slightly higher pressure drop. This opens a route toward designing sustainable personal protective media with improved user experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jukka A Ketoja
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland.
| | - Kaisa Saurio
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Finland
| | - Hille Rautkoski
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Eija Kenttä
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Antti I Koponen
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Jussi Virkajärvi
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Kimmo Heinonen
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Katri Kostamo
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Finland
| | - Anastasia Järvenpää
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Niina Hyry
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Pirjo Heikkilä
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | | | - Ali Harlin
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
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Adam H, Loades M, Wallace V. A Brief Description of How Teachers Experience An Infographic Loneliness Toolkit About Supporting Adolescents to Overcome Loneliness. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1058-1069. [PMID: 37933664 PMCID: PMC11188548 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231209353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness is a common experience amongst adolescents. As adolescents spend much of their time in school, it is important that school staff can support adolescent students experiencing loneliness. The current study aimed to explore teachers' experiences of a 1-page loneliness toolkit regarding adolescent loneliness. An online survey to collect ratings and descriptions of experiences was distributed to secondary school teachers. Findings showed that both self-rated knowledge and experience of students experiencing loneliness were positively correlated with how useful teachers found the loneliness toolkit. Three themes were developed about how useful teachers found the toolkit; clarity, brings attention to loneliness, and communication. Two themes were developed about how the user experience of the toolkit could be improved; education, and interactive student support. Future research should investigate more effective methodologies aimed at supporting adolescents experiencing loneliness to aid teachers in supporting their students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Adam
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Maria Loades
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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5
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Gao Q, Bone JK, Finn S, Fancourt D. The reciprocal associations between social deficits, social engagement, and inflammation: Longitudinal evidence comparing venous blood samples and dried blood spots and mapping the modifying role of phenotypic and genotypic depression. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:120-128. [PMID: 38555990 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social psychoneuroimmunology suggests an interplay between social deficits (loneliness and isolation) and chronic inflammation, but the direction of these relationships remains unclear. We estimated the reciprocal associations of social deficits and social engagement with levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), compared the consistency of the findings depending on the biological sampling method used, and examined the modifying role of phenotypic and genotypic depression. METHODS We used longitudinal nationally representative data from the US (Health and Retirement Study, 3 waves, 2006-16) and England (English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, 4 waves, 2004-18). Loneliness, social isolation, and social engagement were self-reported. CRP was measured using dried blood spots (US) and venous blood samples (England). Cross-lagged panel models were fitted and tested interactions with phenotypic depression (above-threshold depressive symptom scores) and genotypic depression (polygenic score for major depressive disorder). RESULTS We included 15,066 participants (mean age = 66.1 years, SD = 9.8) in the US and 10,290 (66.9 years, SD = 10.5) in England. We found reciprocal associations between loneliness and CRP using dried blood spots and venous blood samples. Higher CRP predicted higher subsequent loneliness and higher loneliness predicted elevated CRP. Both phenotypic and genotypic depression modified this reciprocal association. There were also reciprocal associations for social engagement in venous blood samples: higher CRP predicted lower social engagement and greater social engagement predicted lower subsequent CRP. Associations between social isolation and CRP were inconsistent and unidirectional. CONCLUSIONS Loneliness may increase chronic inflammation, whereas social engagement may reduce inflammation. As these relationships were reciprocal, there may be a loop between inflammation, loneliness, and social engagement. This loop was stronger in those with depression or at high genetic risk for major depressive disorder. This relationship for loneliness was present in both blood sampling methods despite contrasting methods of CRP measurement, indicating that the finding is not attributable to measurement bias in biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Gao
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, UK; School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jessica K Bone
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Saoirse Finn
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Daisy Fancourt
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, UK.
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Schafer KM, Campione M, Joiner T. Quality of Life and Loneliness Among American Military Veterans. J Nerv Ment Dis 2024; 212:359-364. [PMID: 38573736 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Quality of life and loneliness are closely associated with mental and physical health outcomes. This relationship is particularly important in Veterans who experience elevated rates of disabilities, comorbidities, and chronic health conditions as compared with non-Veterans. In the present project, we use data from the Military Health and Well-Being Project ( n = 1469, 67.2% men, 32.3% women, 0.5% transgender, nonbinary, prefer not to say) to investigate the link between five domains of quality of life ( i.e. , general quality of life, physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment) with loneliness in American Military Veterans. Findings indicated that every domain of quality of life was negatively and significantly associated with loneliness ( r 's < -0.45, p 's < 0.001), such that quality of life decreased as loneliness increased. We further found, using linear regression, that quality social relationships (β = -0.385, t = -13.23), psychological functioning (β = -0.196, t = -5.28), and physical health (β = -0.133, t = -4.174) were related to low levels of loneliness. Taken together, these findings indicate that in this sample of Veterans 1) general quality of life, physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment are all strongly connected with loneliness, and 2) of these, social relationships, psychological health, and physical health seem to protect most against loneliness, with large robust effect sizes. We recommend that intervention and policy researchers continue to investigate and develop feasible, acceptable, and cost-effective ways to promote social relationships, psychological health, and physical health among Veterans. Data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may limit generalizability of these findings.
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Van Bogart K, Harrington EE, Witzel DD, Kang JE, Sliwinski MJ, Engeland CG, Graham-Engeland JE. Momentary loneliness and intrusive thoughts among older adults: the interactive roles of mild cognitive impairment and marital status. Aging Ment Health 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38907581 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2368643] [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: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Loneliness is associated with maladaptive cognitions, yet little is known about the association between loneliness and intrusive thinking during older adulthood. Links between loneliness and intrusive thoughts may be particularly strong among individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), who may have greater difficulty regulating emotion and intrusive thoughts. In contrast, having close relationships (e.g. being married) may serve as a protective factor as marital status is associated with better overall well-being. METHOD Participants were 316 older adults (recruited from the Bronx, NY, as part of a larger study) without dementia at study intake (40% Black; 13% Hispanic, Mage = 77.45 years, 67% women) who completed ecological momentary assessments five times daily for 14 consecutive days (13,957 EMAs total). Multilevel modeling was used to examine the association between momentary loneliness and intrusive thoughts and whether MCI and marital status interacted to moderate this association. RESULTS There was a significant three-way interaction (β = -0.17, p < 0.05), such that lagged momentary loneliness was positively associated with intrusive thoughts (3-4 h later) for those with MCI who were not married. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that among older adults with MCI, being married may be a protective factor and being unmarried may be a risk factor for experiencing loneliness and subsequent intrusive thoughts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Van Bogart
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | - Dakota D Witzel
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Jee Eun Kang
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Martin J Sliwinski
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Christopher G Engeland
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer E Graham-Engeland
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Liu S, Zeng Z, Qi Q, Yang Q, Hu Y. The Effect of Peer Relationships on Adolescent Loneliness: The Role of Psychological Resilience and the OXTR Gene. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:2477-2489. [PMID: 38933337 PMCID: PMC11204807 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s460393] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Based on the gene-environment interaction paradigm, this study explored the effect of peer relationships on adolescent loneliness and the role of psychological resilience and the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR). Methods A survey was conducted in a sample of 619 adolescents, and their oral cells were collected for DNA extraction and genotyping. Results The results showed that (1) both peer relationships and psychological resilience significantly affected adolescent loneliness; (2) psychological resilience partially mediated the relationship between peer relationships and loneliness in adolescents; (3) OXTR gene rs53576 polymorphism moderated both the first and second half of the indirect pathway of the mediation model. Specifically, carriers of the rs53576 polymorphism A/A genotype showed a significantly enhanced effect of peer relationships on adolescent psychological resilience, while carriers of the rs53576 polymorphism G/G genotype showed a significantly enhanced effect of psychological resilience on adolescent loneliness. Conclusion These findings helped elucidate the developmental mechanisms of adolescent loneliness in terms of peer relationships, psychological resilience, and OXTR gene polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangjin Liu
- School of Educational Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zihao Zeng
- School of Educational Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Qi
- School of Educational Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin Yang
- School of Educational Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiqiu Hu
- School of Educational Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410006, People’s Republic of China
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Kim K, Chang SM, Hahm BJ, Kim BS. Association of loneliness with mental disorders in Korean adults: national mental health survey of Korea 2021. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02702-5. [PMID: 38900246 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02702-5] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Loneliness is a risk factor for mental and physical disorders. Rapid individualization, with increasing associated social burden, is a contributing factor to loneliness among Koreans. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between loneliness and mental disorders, as well as to determine whether long-term loneliness is a factor predicting the occurrence of mental disorders in adults. METHODS The National Mental Health Survey of Korea 2021, a nationally representative survey on mental disorders, was conducted. Responses from 5511 participants were collected using the Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition, Structured Clinical Interview for Internet Gaming Disorder, and the World Health Organization Adult Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) self-report scale. Loneliness and its duration were investigated among these participants. RESULTS Loneliness was reported by approximately 2.9% of the general population. Loneliness was associated with an increased adulthood prevalence of alcohol use disorders, nicotine use disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adult ADHD, and internet gaming disorders. Long-term loneliness was significantly associated with an elevated risk of alcohol use disorders, nicotine use disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders. Internet gaming disorder was associated with loneliness lasting > 1 year. CONCLUSION Various adult psychiatric disorders were associated with loneliness. The significant dose-effect relationship indicated the importance of early detection of and intervention for loneliness to reduce its negative consequences on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Man Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Jin Hahm
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Soo Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
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Vasan S, Lim MH, Eikelis N, Lambert E. Investigating the relationship between early cardiovascular disease markers and loneliness in young adults. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14221. [PMID: 38902298 PMCID: PMC11190220 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65039-8] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Loneliness is recognised as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease development. However, it is unclear whether loneliness itself or other closely related mental health symptoms, such as depression and social anxiety, are associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we examined the relationship between loneliness and several early cardiovascular disease markers in young adults, after controlling for depression and social anxiety. Sixty-six young adults (18-35 years old, Mage = 22.70; 75.8% females) completed psychological questionnaires and took part in several physiological tests assessing cardiovascular health (e.g., vascular function). Results revealed higher loneliness was significantly associated with shorter pulse transit time (β = - 0.70, p = 0.002; shorter pulse transit time is a subclinical marker for arterial stiffness). Additionally, results show that while loneliness and depression were both related to vascular dysfunction in young adults, the underlining physiological mechanisms through which they affect vascular function may be different. Specifically, higher loneliness was associated with increased arterial stiffness, whereas depression was associated with increased endothelial dysfunction (β = - 0.43, p = 0.04). Our findings indicate that presence of loneliness and depression in young adults may be accompanied by early indicators of poor cardiovascular health, such as arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. Results from the study further support the link between loneliness and cardiovascular disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradha Vasan
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, 3122, Australia.
- Department of Mental Health Services, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Michelle H Lim
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, 3122, Australia
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nina Eikelis
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, 3122, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Lambert
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, 3122, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
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Bari S, Kim BW, Vike NL, Lalvani S, Stefanopoulos L, Maglaveras N, Block M, Strawn J, Katsaggelos AK, Breiter HC. A novel approach to anxiety level prediction using small sets of judgment and survey variables. NPJ MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 3:29. [PMID: 38890545 PMCID: PMC11189415 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-024-00074-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Anxiety, a condition characterized by intense fear and persistent worry, affects millions each year and, when severe, is distressing and functionally impairing. Numerous machine learning frameworks have been developed and tested to predict features of anxiety and anxiety traits. This study extended these approaches by using a small set of interpretable judgment variables (n = 15) and contextual variables (demographics, perceived loneliness, COVID-19 history) to (1) understand the relationships between these variables and (2) develop a framework to predict anxiety levels [derived from the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)]. This set of 15 judgment variables, including loss aversion and risk aversion, models biases in reward/aversion judgments extracted from an unsupervised, short (2-3 min) picture rating task (using the International Affective Picture System) that can be completed on a smartphone. The study cohort consisted of 3476 de-identified adult participants from across the United States who were recruited using an email survey database. Using a balanced Random Forest approach with these judgment and contextual variables, STAI-derived anxiety levels were predicted with up to 81% accuracy and 0.71 AUC ROC. Normalized Gini scores showed that the most important predictors (age, loneliness, household income, employment status) contributed a total of 29-31% of the cumulative relative importance and up to 61% was contributed by judgment variables. Mediation/moderation statistics revealed that the interactions between judgment and contextual variables appears to be important for accurately predicting anxiety levels. Median shifts in judgment variables described a behavioral profile for individuals with higher anxiety levels that was characterized by less resilience, more avoidance, and more indifference behavior. This study supports the hypothesis that distinct constellations of 15 interpretable judgment variables, along with contextual variables, could yield an efficient and highly scalable system for mental health assessment. These results contribute to our understanding of underlying psychological processes that are necessary to characterize what causes variance in anxiety conditions and its behaviors, which can impact treatment development and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumra Bari
- Department of Computer Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Byoung-Woo Kim
- Department of Computer Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nicole L Vike
- Department of Computer Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Shamal Lalvani
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Leandros Stefanopoulos
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Laboratory of Medical Informatics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nicos Maglaveras
- Laboratory of Medical Informatics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Martin Block
- Integrated Marketing Communications, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey Strawn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Aggelos K Katsaggelos
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hans C Breiter
- Department of Computer Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Hou L, Cai W. Effect of empowering leadership on employees' workplace loneliness: a moderated mediation model. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1387624. [PMID: 38952823 PMCID: PMC11215211 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1387624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Workplace loneliness has become a prevalent experience among employees in organizations; however, there is limited empirical research on how leaders can address and mitigate this issue. Drawing upon self-determination theory and empowering leadership theory, this study examines the impact of empowering leadership on workplace loneliness by exploring the mediator of role breadth self-efficacy and the moderator of leader-member conversational quality. Methods A time-lagged research design was used, collecting data through a two-wave online survey involving 531 employees in Chinese public sectors. The participants consisted of 321 males and 210 females, with an average age of 35 years (SD = 7.36). Results Our findings indicate that empowering leadership positively influences employees' role breadth self-efficacy, reducing their workplace loneliness. Moreover, leader-member conversational quality strengthens this indirect effect, suggesting that empowering leadership is more effective in reducing workplace loneliness when leader-member conversational quality is high. Conclusion This study expands and enriches research on the antecedents of workplace loneliness from the leadership approach, providing valuable insights for organizations to implement interventions that effectively alleviate employees' workplace loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Hou
- School of Public Affairs, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wenjing Cai
- School of Public Affairs, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Department of Management & Organization, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Cala VC, Ortega F. Understanding the Sociocultural Dynamics of Loneliness in Southern Spanish Youth. Cult Med Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s11013-024-09861-9. [PMID: 38864972 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-024-09861-9] [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] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness among young people has been increasing in recent years and is considered a major public health problem. This article delves into the sociocultural dynamics that favour the experiences of loneliness. For this purpose, 40 students between 19 and 24 years of age were interviewed using the photo elicitation interview (PEI) strategy. The results show a gradual normalization of the experience of loneliness and an effort to become accustomed to it. Virtual relationships and isolation linked to the COVID-19 pandemic are considered the two factors that have most enabled a climate prone to loneliness. Young people identify a few elements that feed social loneliness, such as an understanding of instrumental relationships, a scarcity of intimate relationships, a demand for hyperconnectivity, a fantasy of independence and a culture of positivity that hinders the establishment of quality social ties. Faced with hostile relational conditions, youth are sent into a cycle of loneliness. The greater the distrust of the environment is, the greater the defensive reactions and social distancing, and the greater the search for nearby spaces of refuge, security and shelter. Social withdrawal makes in-person relationships difficult and strengthens the need to isolate and become accustomed to loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica C Cala
- Research Methods Department, University of Almeria, Crtra sacramento s/n 04120 (2.11 office, central building), Almería, Spain.
| | - Francisco Ortega
- Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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14
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An SJ, Seo YS. Exploring Loneliness among Korean Adults: A Concept Mapping Approach. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:492. [PMID: 38920824 PMCID: PMC11201173 DOI: 10.3390/bs14060492] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In South Korea, the proportion of adults experiencing severe loneliness has been increasing rapidly. Accordingly, this study examines the elements of loneliness experienced by Korean adults and investigates their structural relevance using concept mapping. Korean adults (47) were recruited for individual in-depth interviews based on their scores on the UCLA Loneliness Scale. The interviews yielded 80 unique statements, which were then evaluated using multidimensional scaling and a hierarchical cluster analysis. A cluster map of loneliness was derived, with three clusters: (1) emotional distress due to the actual or anticipated absence of connection in relationships, (2) emotional distance from oneself or from others in a relationship, and (3) powerlessness and emptiness due to being directionless. Two dimensions distinguished these clusters: the lack of a sense of connection or self-assurance, and an inward or outward focus. These findings reveal that loneliness encompasses more than unmet relational needs; it also involves self-attentional focus, indicating a need to reconceptualize the notion of loneliness. The study's implications extend to counseling theory and practices by highlighting the importance of addressing both relational connections and self-perceptions in interventions for loneliness. By expanding the understanding of loneliness through empirical data, this research provides a more comprehensive framework for addressing loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Jung An
- Department of Psychotherapy, Myongji University, Seoul 03674, Republic of Korea;
| | - Young-Seok Seo
- Faculty of Education, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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15
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Xiao Z, Robertson S, Long E, Flaig R, Kirby L, Romaniuk L, Murray A, Whalley H. Loneliness in the Digital World: protocol for a co-produced ecological momentary assessment study in adolescents. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e087374. [PMID: 38844398 PMCID: PMC11163606 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Loneliness has been identified as an important public health issue, peaking during adolescence. Previous research has suggested that social interaction is a key factor in loneliness, and positive social interaction can act as a protective factor against loneliness. However, it is unclear whether there are differing impacts of in-person and online social interaction on adolescents' loneliness and mental health. Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) designs are ideally suited for better understanding these associations. METHOD AND ANALYSIS In the 'Loneliness in the Digital World' study, we will use a co-developed EMA design to capture daily social interactions, loneliness and mental health such as positive and negative emotions, depression and anxiety in approximately 200 adolescents aged 12-15 years. We will combine this with comprehensive information gathered from online surveys. Analysing the data using techniques such as dynamic structural equation modelling, we will examine, among other research questions, the associations between online and in-person social interaction and feelings of loneliness. The results can help inform interventions to support adolescents with high levels of loneliness and poor mental health. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION We received the ethics approval for the data collection from The Academic and Clinical Central Office for Research and Development, followed by the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Ethics panel at University of Edinburgh, and finally reviewed by East of Scotland Research Ethics Service. The results will be disseminated through journal publications, conferences and seminar presentations and to relevant stakeholders such as teachers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoni Xiao
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sarah Robertson
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emily Long
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Robin Flaig
- Centre for Medical Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Liz Kirby
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Liana Romaniuk
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Aja Murray
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Heather Whalley
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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16
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Komatsu T, Fraune MR, Tsui KM, Suda S, Kobayashi M. How did COVID-19 pandemic affect the older adults' needs for robot technologies in Japan?: comparison of participatory design workshops during versus after the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Robot AI 2024; 11:1363243. [PMID: 38894894 PMCID: PMC11184464 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2024.1363243] [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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Social technology can improve the quality of social lives of older adults (OAs) and mitigate negative mental and physical health outcomes. When people engage with technology, they can do so to stimulate social interaction (stimulation hypothesis) or disengage from their real world (disengagement hypothesis), according to Nowland et al.'s model of the relationship between social Internet use and loneliness. External events, such as large periods of social isolation like during the COVID-19 pandemic, can also affect whether people use technology in line with the stimulation or disengagement hypothesis. We examined how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the social challenges OAs faced and their expectations for robot technology to solve their challenges. We conducted two participatory design (PD) workshops with OAs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, OAs' primary concern was distanced communication with family members, with a prevalent desire to assist them through technology. They also wanted to share experiences socially, as such OA's attitude toward technology could be explained mostly by the stimulation hypothesis. However, after COVID-19 the pandemic, their focus shifted towards their own wellbeing. Social isolation and loneliness were already significant issues for OAs, and these were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, such OAs' attitudes toward technology after the pandemic could be explained mostly by the disengagement hypothesis. This clearly reflect the OA's current situation that they have been getting further digitally excluded due to rapid technological development during the pandemic. Both during and after the pandemic, OAs found it important to have technologies that were easy to use, which would reduce their digital exclusion. After the pandemic, we found this especially in relation to newly developed technologies meant to help people keep at a distance. To effectively integrate these technologies and avoid excluding large parts of the population, society must address the social challenges faced by OAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Komatsu
- Department of Frontier Media Science, Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Marlena R. Fraune
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | | | - Shogo Suda
- Department of Frontier Media Science, Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mizuki Kobayashi
- Department of Frontier Media Science, Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Fan K, Seah B, Lu Z, Wang T, Zhou Y. Association between loneliness and mild cognitive impairment in older adults: a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Aging Ment Health 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38825970 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2358079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Prior studies reporting the effects of loneliness on mild impairment cognitive (MCI) have generated inconsistent results. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between loneliness and risk of MCI among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults. METHOD Five electronic databases were searched from inception to 9 May 2023. Eligible studies examined the longitudinal association between loneliness and cognitive outcomes, including incident MCI, cognitive impairment, and cognitive decline. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects meta-analysis. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted. Publication bias was examined using Egger's and Begg tests. RESULTS Eight studies were included. Among the 45,032 participants, 10,570 were diagnosed with MCI/cognitive decline. Loneliness was positively associated with an increased risk of MCI (overall OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.05, 1.23), with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 44.2%). Sensitivity analysis have minimal influence on the aforementioned pooled effect. Subgroup analyses indicated stronger associations in studies which employed incident MCI as cognitive outcome (OR = 2.55, 95%CI = 1.31, 1.83), were conducted in non-Asia countries (OR = 1.52, 95%CI = 0.95, 1.20), and reported no depression adjustment (OR = 1.51, 95%CI = 1.04, 1.25). The association between loneliness and MCI was stronger among males compare to females. The Egger test and Begg test showed no evidence of significant publication bias (p = .493; p = .474). CONCLUSION The findings indicated that loneliness was associated with an increased risk of MCI. Future longitudinal studies should evaluate potential cases of MCI through comprehensive clinical assessments by practitioners to draw robust findings on the association of loneliness with MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Fan
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Betsy Seah
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhiyuan Lu
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Yunping Zhou
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, P.R. China
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18
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Yu L, Li LMW, Tong X. Understanding the link between theory of mind and loneliness among primary school students: A cross-lagged panel model analysis. J Exp Child Psychol 2024; 242:105891. [PMID: 38442684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2024.105891] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between theory of mind (ToM) and loneliness as well as the potential moderating effects of parenting style on this association. A total of 689 Chinese third-grade students (341 girls and 348 boys; Mage = 9.23 years, SD = 0.66) were recruited from eight primary schools and were followed from Grade 3 to Grade 5. These students reported their primary caregivers' parenting style in third grade and completed the same ToM task and loneliness questionnaire at each time point from Grade 3 to Grade 5. The study's results indicated a bidirectional relationship between ToM and loneliness, implying that children with less developed ToM abilities tend to feel lonelier and, conversely, that higher levels of loneliness are associated with lower ToM skills. Moreover, the study demonstrated that parenting style influenced the association between ToM and loneliness. Specifically, the impact of ToM at Grade 3 on reducing loneliness at Grade 4 was greater among children who experienced high levels of rejection from their caregivers compared with those with low levels of rejection. In addition, this study found that loneliness at Grade 3 had a greater influence on ToM at Grade 5 for children experiencing low levels of emotional warmth from their caregivers than for those who experienced high levels of emotional warmth. These findings highlight the significance of ToM as both a precursor and consequence of children's loneliness and emphasize the variation in these longitudinal relationships based on the parenting styles of primary caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Yu
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA
| | - Liman Man Wai Li
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Xiuhong Tong
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong.
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19
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de Souza PM, Mota BEF, de Resende HDP, Fernandes O, Sanchez TA, Volchan E, Bearzoti E, Souza GGL. Impact of Loneliness on Training Gains with Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in the Elderly: A Pilot Study. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2024; 49:261-269. [PMID: 38453731 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09623-8] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The negative impact of loneliness on the health of the elderly is particularly noticeable because of the effects of central control on the autonomic nervous system. Such an impact can be assessed through heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and can be modified using HRV biofeedback training. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different levels of social interaction reported by the elderly on HRV before and after training with HRV biofeedback and after a follow-up period. The participants of this pilot study comprised 16 elderly people of both sexes with a mean age of 71.20 ± 4.92 years. The participants were divided into two groups, the loneliness group (N = 8) and the no-loneliness group (N = 8), based on a combination of both criteria: the institutionalization condition (institutionalized or not) and the score on the loneliness scale (high or low). All participants had their HRV components recorded at baseline, after 14 training sessions with HRV biofeedback (three times a week, 15 min each for 4.5 weeks), and after 4.5 weeks of follow-up without training. After HRV biofeedback training, HRV components increased in both groups. However, the gains lasted at follow-up only in the no-loneliness group. In conclusion, loneliness can influence the maintenance of HRV after interruption of training with HRV biofeedback in the elderly. HRV biofeedback training can be an innovative and effective tool for complementary treatment of elderly individuals, but its effects on lonely elderly individuals need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perciliany Martins de Souza
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Bruna Eugênia Ferreira Mota
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Graduate Program in Health and Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Orlando Fernandes
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Behavior, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal Fluminense University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tiago Arruda Sanchez
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Psychophysiology, Department of Radiology, Medical School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Bearzoti
- Department of Statistics, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Guerra Leal Souza
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil.
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20
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Dobos B, Mellor D, Piko BF. Exploring fear of happiness among university students: The role of perfectionism, academic burnout, loneliness, and hopelessness. Scand J Psychol 2024; 65:559-567. [PMID: 38258953 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.13001] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Due to its impact on mental health and well-being, fear of happiness is beginning to receive more attention in research. This study, conducted in Hungary, explored the relationship between fear of happiness, perfectionism, loneliness, hopelessness, and academic burnout. Participants aged between 18 and 35 years (N = 1,148, M = 22 years, SD = 4.5) completed an online questionnaire that included self-report measures of these constructs. In the present study, males showed higher levels of fear of happiness and perfectionism than did females. Analyses also revealed that both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism, academic burnout, loneliness, and hopelessness were positively related to fear of happiness. In multiple regression analysis, gender had a positive and age had a negative role in the levels of fear of happiness. Maladaptive perfectionism, academic burnout, loneliness, and hopelessness were positive predictors, while adaptive perfectionism almost reached statistical significance. These findings highlight the predictive role of previously unexplored variables in fear of happiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianka Dobos
- Doctoral School of Education, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - David Mellor
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bettina F Piko
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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21
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Paul C, Schöttker B, Hartmann M, Friederich HC, Brenner H, Wild B. Gender-specific factors associated with case complexity in middle-aged and older adults-Evidence from a large population-based study. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 39:e6113. [PMID: 38877644 DOI: 10.1002/gps.6113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate gender-specific factors associated with case complexity in a population-based sample of middle-aged and older adults using a holistic approach to complexity. METHODS Data were derived from the 8-year follow-up home visits of the ESTHER study-a German population-based study in middle-aged and older adults. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted for 2932 persons (aged 57-84). Complexity was assessed by the well-established INTERMED for the elderly interview, which uses a holistic approach to the definition of case complexity. The association between various bio-psycho-social variables and case complexity was analyzed using gender-specific logistic regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic factors (age, marital status, education). RESULTS Prevalence of complexity was 8.3% with significantly higher prevalence in female (10.6%) compared to male (5.8%) participants (p < 0.001). Variables associated with increased odds for complexity in both, women and men were: being divorced (odds ratio [OR] women: 1.86, 95% CI 1.05-3.30; OR men: 3.19, 1.25-8.12), higher total somatic morbidity (women: 1.08, 1.04-1.12; men: 1.06, 1.02-1.11), higher depression severity (women: 1.34, 1.28-1.40; men: 1.35, 1.27-1.44), and higher loneliness scores (women: 1.19, 1.05-1.36; men: 1.23, 1.03-1.47). Women (but not men) with obesity (Body mass index [BMI] ≥30) had higher odds (1.79, 1.11-2.89) for being complex compared to those with a BMI <25. High oxidative stress measured by derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites in serum was associated with 2.02 (1.09-3.74) higher odds for complexity only in men. CONCLUSIONS This study provides epidemiological evidence on gender differences in prevalence and factors associated with case complexity in middle-aged and older adults. Moreover, this study adds to the holistic understanding of complexity by identifying novel variables linked to complexity among middle-aged and older individuals. These factors include loneliness for both genders, and high oxidative stress for men. These findings should be confirmed in future longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinara Paul
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Medical University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ben Schöttker
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mechthild Hartmann
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Medical University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Medical University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- DZPG German Centre for Mental Health-Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim/Ulm, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermann Brenner
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Network Aging Research, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Wild
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Medical University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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22
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Sullivan C, Vick JB, Decosimo K, Grubber J, Coffman CJ, Bruening R, Sperber N, Tucker M, Dadolf J, Boucher N, Wang V, Allen KD, Hastings SN, Van Houtven CH, Shepherd-Banigan M. "I've been doing this for years": the COVID-19 pandemic and family caregiver isolation and loneliness. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2024; 5:1376103. [PMID: 38881826 PMCID: PMC11176456 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2024.1376103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Family caregivers are family members or friends of care recipients who assist with activities of daily living, medication management, transportation, and help with finances among other activities. As a result of their caregiving, family caregivers are often considered a population at risk of experiencing increased stress, isolation, and loneliness. During the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, social isolation and decrease in social activities were a top concern among older adults and their family caregivers. Using secondary analysis of survey data as part of a multi-site implementation trial of a caregiver skills training program, we describe differences in caregiver experiences of loneliness before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Health and wellbeing surveys of family caregivers were collected on 422 family caregivers of veterans before and during COVID-19. Logistic regression modeling examined whether the loneliness differed between caregiver groups pre vs during COVID-19, using the UCLA 3-item loneliness measure. Rapid directed qualitative content analysis of open-ended survey questions was used to explore the context of how survey responses were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Results There were no significant differences in loneliness between caregivers pre vs during COVID-19. In open-ended responses regarding effects of COVID-19, caregivers described experiencing loneliness and social isolation; why they were unaffected by the pandemic; and how caregiving equipped them with coping strategies to manage negative pandemic-related effects. Conclusion Loneliness did not differ significantly between pre vs during COVID-19 caregivers. Future research could assess what specific characteristics are associated with caregivers who have resiliency, and identify caregivers who are more susceptible to experiencing loneliness. Understanding caregiver loneliness could assist other healthcare systems in developing and implementing caregiver support interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Sullivan
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Judith B. Vick
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Kasey Decosimo
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Janet Grubber
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Cynthia J. Coffman
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Rebecca Bruening
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nina Sperber
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Matthew Tucker
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Joshua Dadolf
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nathan Boucher
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke University, Sanford School of Public Policy, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Virginia Wang
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Kelli D. Allen
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - S. Nicole Hastings
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Courtney H. Van Houtven
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Megan Shepherd-Banigan
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Durham, NC, United States
- Durham VA Medical Center Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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23
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Oken BS, Kaplan J, Klee D, Gallegos AM. Contributions of loneliness to cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults are independent of other risk factors and Alzheimer's pathology: a narrative review. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1380002. [PMID: 38873650 PMCID: PMC11169707 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1380002] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Loneliness significantly contributes to cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults. Loneliness is a distressing feeling resulting from a perceived lack of social connection (i.e., a discrepancy between desired and actual social relationships), while social isolation is a related term that can be defined by number and type of social relationships. Importantly, loneliness is distinct from social isolation in that it is associated with a distressing self-perception. The primary focus of this narrative review is the impact of chronic loneliness on cognitive impairment and dementia among older adults. Loneliness has a significant association with many factors that are related to worse cognition, and therefore we include discussion on health, mental health, as well as the physiological effects of loneliness, neuropathology, and potential treatments. Loneliness has been shown to be related to development of dementia with a hazard ratio (HR) risk comparable to having a single APOE4 gene. The relationship of dementia to loneliness appears to be at least partially independent of other known dementia risk factors that are possibly associated with loneliness, such as depression, educational status, social isolation, and physical activity. Episodic memory is not consistently impacted by loneliness, which would be more typically impaired if the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia was due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. In addition, the several longitudinal studies that included neuropathology showed no evidence for a relationship between loneliness and AD neuropathology. Loneliness may decrease resilience, or produce greater cognitive change associated with the same level of AD neuropathology. Intervention strategies to decrease loneliness in older adults have been developed but need to consider key treatment targets beyond social isolation. Loneliness needs to be assessed in all studies of cognitive decline in elders, since it significantly contributes to the variance of cognitive function. It will be useful to better define the underlying mechanism of loneliness effects on cognition to determine if it is similar to other psychological factors related to excessive stress reactivity, such as neuroticism or even depression, which are also associated with cognitive decline. It is important from a health perspective to develop better strategies to decrease loneliness in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry S. Oken
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Josh Kaplan
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Daniel Klee
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Autumn M. Gallegos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
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Seibel L, Harris KM, López R, Wolff J, Spirito A, Esposito-Smythers C. Perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness as mediators of the relation between anxiety and suicidal ideation among adolescents. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2024. [PMID: 38778704 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anxiety and suicidal ideation have been shown to be positively related in adolescents. However, less is known about the strength of this association across different types of anxiety or the mechanisms through which this relation exists. Joiner's interpersonal theory of suicide suggests that thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB) lead to suicidal ideation; these constructs may explain a pathway through which anxiety and suicidal ideation are related. It was hypothesized that TB would mediate the relation between social anxiety disorder (SAD) symptoms and suicidal ideation, and PB would mediate the relation between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms and suicidal ideation. METHODS These longitudinal mediation models were assessed using data collected from 147 depressed adolescents, who were recently hospitalized for suicidal ideation or behavior, enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). RESULTS Consistent with study hypotheses, PB mediated the relation between GAD symptoms and suicidal ideation severity. However, TB did not mediate the relation between SAD symptoms and suicidal ideation severity. CONCLUSION These results suggest that screening for and addressing PB among youth with GAD may help reduce risk for suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Seibel
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Katherine M Harris
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Roberto López
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Jennifer Wolff
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Anthony Spirito
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Hamdan S, Guz T, Zalsman G. The Clinical Sequelae of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Loneliness, Depression, Excessive Alcohol Use, Social Media Addiction, and Risk for Suicide Ideation. Arch Suicide Res 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38756019 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2024.2345170] [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] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression, loneliness, and alcohol use disorder are associated with suicide ideation. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our social structures with social distancing and isolation policies implemented worldwide, severely restricting social interactions. Studies regarding the effects of the pandemic are starting to shed light on the harmful psychological effects of these policies. AIMS This study aims to identify whether the increase in suicidal ideation among college students (mostly young adults) during the pandemic was due to the known risk factors of loneliness, depression, alcohol use disorder, social media addiction, and other background variables. METHOD Nine hundred and eleven college students completed self-report questionnaires assessing suicidal risk, depressive symptoms, loneliness, excessive alcohol use, and social media use. RESULTS During the pandemic suicidal ideation was associated with loneliness (χ2 = 54.65, p < 0.001), depressive symptoms (χ2 = 110.82, p < 0.001), alcohol use disorder (χ2 = 10.02, P < 0.01) and social media addiction (χ2 = 13.73, P < 0.001). Being single [OR = 2.55; p < 0.01], and self-identifying as a non-heterosexual [OR = 2.55; p < 0.01] were found to constitute additional risk factors. LIMITATIONS The structural nature of quantitative self-report scales does not offer the flexibility of gaining a deeper understanding of causes, specific to particular circumstances that may lead participants to ideate on suicide, even briefly. CONCLUSIONS Social distancing and isolation policies during the COVID-19 pandemic constitute an additional factor in the risk for suicide ideation.
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Lorijn SJ, Zwier D, Laninga-Wijnen L, Huisman M, Veenstra R. A New School, a Fresh Start? Change and Stability in Peer Relationships and Academic Performance in the Transition from Primary to Secondary School. J Youth Adolesc 2024:10.1007/s10964-024-01991-y. [PMID: 38704468 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-024-01991-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies on peer relationships in school transitions neglected individual differences, or did not examine the relation with academic performance in secondary school. This study followed 649 students from their last year of primary school to their first year in secondary school (Mage at T1 = 11.6 (SD = 0.6); 53.6% girls). Results revealed that students became more attached to peers, less lonely, and were stable in victimization across the transition. Particularly students with more negative peer experiences in primary school enjoyed a "fresh start" in terms of peer experiences in secondary school. Students who had more co-transitioning peers experienced greater reductions in loneliness. Changes in peer experiences over the transition did not relate to academic performance in secondary school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie J Lorijn
- Department of Sociology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Dieuwke Zwier
- Department of Sociology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lydia Laninga-Wijnen
- Department of Developmental Psychology, INVEST flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Mark Huisman
- Department of Sociology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - René Veenstra
- Department of Sociology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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27
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Hunter SC, Seth R, Houghton S, Lawrence D, Zadow C, Rosenberg M, Wood L, Qualter P, Shilton T. Trajectories of Loneliness During Adolescence Predict Subsequent Symptoms of Depression and Positive Wellbeing. J Youth Adolesc 2024; 53:1078-1090. [PMID: 38129340 PMCID: PMC10980621 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01925-0] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to identify the outcomes of changes in loneliness during adolescence, and to consider this within a multidimensional framework of loneliness. This study considered the effects of different trajectories of change in Isolation Loneliness and in Friendship Loneliness upon both positive wellbeing and symptoms of depression. To achieve this, 1782 (43% female; 12.92 years old at the start of the study, SD = 1.60) young people took part in a longitudinal study with four data points across 2 years. Four Isolation Loneliness trajectories and five Friendship Loneliness trajectories were identified. Youth who experienced low levels of Isolation Loneliness that subsequently increased appear to be at particular risk for poor outcomes. Similarly, initially high levels of Friendship Loneliness that decreased rapidly, or which began at a low level and only increased marginally, seem to also be a risk. Loneliness is a multi-dimensional construct and its development during adolescence impacts upon young people's depressive symptomatology and positive mental wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon C Hunter
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK.
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Seth
- Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Stephen Houghton
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia
- University of Strathclyde, 16 Richmond Street, Glasgow, G1 1XQ, Scotland, UK
| | - David Lawrence
- Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Corinne Zadow
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia
| | - Michael Rosenberg
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia
| | - Lisa Wood
- University of Notre Dame, 23 High Street, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Pamela Qualter
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, England, UK
| | - Trevor Shilton
- Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
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28
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Murray Cunningham S, McHugh Power J, Hyland P, Casey AM. Support for the Supporter: Paternal Postpartum Loneliness and Social Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Am J Mens Health 2024; 18:15579883241249921. [PMID: 38767285 PMCID: PMC11107328 DOI: 10.1177/15579883241249921] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
During the postpartum period, fathers may be at risk of increased stress and loneliness, which may be offset or buffered by the provision of social support. This study aimed to explore fathers' postpartum experiences of loneliness, perceived stress, and social support. A constructivist grounded theory approach was used to inform study design and analysis. Semistructured interviews were conducted to collect data from 12 fathers, living in the Republic of Ireland, who had an infant aged 6 months or younger. A grounded theory entitled "support for the supporter," describing fathers' experiences with social support, and loneliness during the postpartum period, was derived. Participants described experiencing increased financial pressure and having difficulty balancing the role of "breadwinner" with fatherhood. Participants described feeling excluded from maternity care and lacked avenues for information within the Irish health care system. Participants linked their experiences of loneliness to the lack of social support in the postpartum period. This study offers a novel insight into Irish fathers' experiences with maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is the first to qualitatively explore paternal postpartum loneliness and provides a good foundation for future research and intervention in this area. Findings suggest that it would be wise to promote social support from other experienced fathers, friends, family, and from partners to reduce paternal postpartum loneliness.
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29
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Moshtael R, Lynch ME, Duncan GE, Beam CR. A Genetically Informed Study of the Association Between Perceived Stress and Loneliness. Behav Genet 2024; 54:268-277. [PMID: 38341828 PMCID: PMC11032291 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-023-10176-5] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Although research shows a strong positive association between perceived stress and loneliness, the genetic and environmental etiology underlying their association remains unknown. People with a genetic predisposition to perceived stress, for example, may be more prone to feeling lonely and vice versa. Conversely, unique factors in people's lives may explain differences in perceived stress levels that, in turn, affect feelings of loneliness. We tested whether genetic factors, environmental factors, or both account for the association between perceived stress and loneliness. Participants were 3,066 individual twins (nFemale = 2,154, 70.3%) from the Washington State Twin Registry who completed a survey during April-May, 2020. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the item-level perceived stress and loneliness measures. The correlation between latent perceived stress and latent loneliness was .68. Genetic and nonshared environmental variance components underlying perceived stress accounted for 3.71% and 23.26% of the total variance in loneliness, respectively. The genetic correlation between loneliness and perceived stress was .45 and did not differ significantly between men and women. The nonshared environmental correlation was .54 and also did not differ between men and women. Findings suggest that holding constant the strong genetic association between perceived stress and loneliness, unique life experiences underlying people's perceived stress account for individual differences in loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Moshtael
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 3620 McClintock Ave., Seeley G. Mudd Room 501, Los Angeles, CA, 90063, USA.
| | - Morgan E Lynch
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Glen E Duncan
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Washington State University, Pullman, USA
| | - Christopher R Beam
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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30
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Jong A, Odoi CM, Lau J, J.Hollocks M. Loneliness in Young People with ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Atten Disord 2024; 28:1063-1081. [PMID: 38400533 PMCID: PMC11016212 DOI: 10.1177/10870547241229096] [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] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Many studies focus on problematic peer functioning in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but loneliness has been studied less. This paper examined (1) The loneliness level differences between young people (below 25 years old) with ADHD and those without ADHD, and (2) The association between loneliness and mental health difficulties in young people with ADHD. Six electronic databases were searched and 20 studies were included. A random effects meta-analysis was carried out in RStudio using the metafor package for the first question, while a narrative synthesis summarized the findings for the second question. The meta-analysis (n = 15) found that young people with ADHD reported significantly higher loneliness than those without ADHD, with a small-to-medium weighted pool effect (Hedges' g = 0.41) and high heterogeneity (I2 = 75.1%). For the second question (n = 8), associations between loneliness and mental health difficulties in ADHD was found (r = 0.05-0.68). Targeted research and interventions on loneliness in young people with ADHD is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Jong
- King’s College London Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Clarissa Mary Odoi
- King’s College London Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Lau
- Queen Mary University of London Wolfson Institute of Population Health, London, UK
| | - Matthew J.Hollocks
- King’s College London Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
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31
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Arakawa H, Tokashiki M, Higuchi Y, Konno T. Adolescent social isolation disrupts developmental tuning of neuropeptide circuits in the hypothalamus to amygdala regulating social and defensive behavior. Peptides 2024; 175:171178. [PMID: 38368908 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171178] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Engaging in positive social (i.e., prosocial) interactions during adolescence acts to modulate neural circuits that determine adult adaptive behavior. While accumulating evidence indicates that a strong craving for prosocial behavior contributes to sustaining neural development, the consequences of social deprivation during adolescence on social neural circuits, including those involving oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP), are poorly characterized. We evaluated adaptive behaviors in socially isolated mice, including anxiety-like, social, and defensive behaviors, along with OXT and AVP neural profiles in relevant brain regions. Social isolation from postnatal day (P-)22 to P-48 induced enhanced defensive and exploratory behaviors, in nonsocial and social contexts. Unlike OXT neurons, AVP+ cell density in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus increases with age in males. Social isolation also modulated gene expression in the medial amygdala (MeA), including the upregulation of OXT receptors in males and the downregulation of AVP1a receptors in both sexes. Socially isolated mice showed an enhanced defensive, anogenital approach toward a novel adult female during direct social interactions. Subsequent c-Fos mapping revealed diminished neural activity in restricted brain areas, including the MeA, lateral septum, and posterior intralaminar nucleus of the thalamus, in socially isolated mice. These data indicate that neural signals arising from daily social interactions invoke region-specific modification of neuropeptide expression that coordinates with altered defensiveness and neural responsivities, including OXT- and AVP-projecting regions. The present findings indicate an involvement of OXT and AVP circuits in adolescent neural and behavioral plasticity that is tuned by daily social interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, MI, USA.
| | - Mana Tokashiki
- Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Yuki Higuchi
- Department of Systems Physiology, University of the Ryukyus Graduate School of Medicine, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Konno
- Department of Subtropical Agro-Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan; The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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32
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Bierwiaczonek K, Fluit S, von Soest T, Hornsey MJ, Kunst JR. Loneliness trajectories over three decades are associated with conspiracist worldviews in midlife. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3629. [PMID: 38684667 PMCID: PMC11059163 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47113-x] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In the age of misinformation, conspiracy theories can have far-reaching consequences for individuals and society. Social and emotional experiences throughout the life course, such as loneliness, may be associated with a tendency to hold conspiracist worldviews. Here, we present results from a population-based sample of Norwegians followed for almost three decades, from adolescence into midlife (N = 2215). We examine participants' life trajectories of loneliness using latent growth curve modeling. We show that people reporting high levels of loneliness in adolescence, and those who experience increasing loneliness over the life course, are more likely to endorse conspiracy worldviews in midlife.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sam Fluit
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tilmann von Soest
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Social Research (NOVA), Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jonas R Kunst
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
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33
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Sossa Rojas A. Bodily Practices and Meanings Articulated in the Physical Exercise of Older Adults in Santiago de Chile Post-COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:567. [PMID: 38791782 PMCID: PMC11121339 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
This article presents the results of almost nine months of ethnographic research on the relationship between physical exercise and health in older people in the post-COVID-19 context. Via exploratory-descriptive qualitative research and the use of a convenient sample, I shed light on this relationship using the stories and life experiences of 40 older people (10 men and 30 women, including two women instructors for senior classes) who exercise regularly. The meanings they attributed to physical exercise during COVID-19 and after it are explained, emphasising first that there is no health in a context of not feeling safe; once there is a feeling of security, the most relevant meanings can be exposed in three directions. First, exercise produces a sense of identity linked to "being an athlete" and "belonging to a group". Second, exercising is valued as participating in something meaningful (the meanings range from self-realisation, independence, and autonomy to feelings of happiness). Finally, and linked to the sense of identity, those who train alone show more commitment and total hours spent in physical exercise and physical activity than those who train in groups. Even though older people are not a homogeneous group, they generally faced the pandemic as an ageist situation that affected their lives and how they saw sports and health. This article describes the strategies they used during COVID-19 related to exercise and well-being and those used once the pandemic restrictions were no longer present. The qualitative aspects that physical exercise brings to this population are highlighted. The research results give voice to older people, showing their heterogeneity and the meanings and practices that unite them. These inputs are rich material for studies on physical activity, older people, and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Sossa Rojas
- Institute of Sociology (ISUC), Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
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34
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Pascalidis J, Bathelt J. The "central" importance of loneliness in mental health: A network psychometric study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38679279 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.13133] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness is linked to negative mental health outcomes like depression and social anxiety. However, it is unclear how loneliness and these conditions are connected. This study aims to address two questions: (a) Are there pathways connecting loneliness to these conditions? (b) What symptoms play a role in these pathways? Using network analyses, the study examined a representative sample of 962 adults from the UK (mean age = 46, females = 492). The network analysis revealed four dimensions: depression, social anxiety and two dimensions for loneliness (isolation and social connectedness). Two distinct pathways were identified for the transmission of symptoms between loneliness, social anxiety and depression. The depression-isolation pathway involved a node representing the perceived loss of social connections. The social anxiety-social connectedness pathway was characterised by intimate interaction contexts. These findings suggest that loneliness is associated with different symptom pathways, potentially contributing to comorbidity between loneliness, social anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Pascalidis
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, London, UK
| | - Joe Bathelt
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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35
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Wang JA, Wang HF, Cao B, Lei X, Long C. Cultural Dimensions Moderate the Association between Loneliness and Mental Health during Adolescence and Younger Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Youth Adolesc 2024:10.1007/s10964-024-01977-w. [PMID: 38662185 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-024-01977-w] [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: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Cultural factors, such as country or continent, influence the relationship between loneliness and mental health. However, less is known about how cultural dimensions moderate this relationship during adolescence and younger adulthood, even if these dimensions manifest as country or continent differences. This study aims to examine the potential influence of Hofstede's cultural dimensions on this relationship using a three-level meta-analysis approach. A total of 292 studies with 291,946 participants aged 10 to 24 were included in this study. The results indicate that cultural dimensions, such as individualism vs. collectivism, indulgence vs. restraint, power distance, and long-term vs. short-term orientation, moderated the associations between loneliness and social anxiety, stress, Internet overuse, and negative affect. The association between loneliness and mental health was not moderated by cultural dimensions, such as masculinity and uncertainty avoidance. These findings suggest that culture's influence on the association between loneliness and mental health is based on a domain-specific mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Ai Wang
- School of Psychology and Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality of the Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hai-Fan Wang
- School of Psychology and Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality of the Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Bing Cao
- School of Psychology and Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality of the Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xu Lei
- School of Psychology and Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality of the Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Changquan Long
- School of Psychology and Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality of the Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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36
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Eager S, Johnson S, Pitman A, Uribe M, Qualter P, Pearce E. Young people's views on the acceptability and feasibility of loneliness interventions for their age group. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:308. [PMID: 38654301 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05751-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is a frequently reported problem for young people aged 16 to 24 years old. A variety of interventions have been developed (but in most cases not extensively evaluated) to try and tackle loneliness in this age group. These include interpersonal, intrapersonal, and social approaches that vary in their content and mechanisms of action. The current study aimed to qualitatively examine young peoples' views on the acceptability and feasibility of different loneliness interventions. METHODS Young people from 16 to 24 years old living in the United Kingdom who self-identified as having experienced loneliness were recruited to participate in this study. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews to assess their views on the acceptability and feasibility of loneliness interventions for their age group. Interviews were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Our analysis of 23 individual interview transcripts identified six themes. These related to the appropriate stage for intervention and how different types of strategies may be best suited to particular contexts; the key facilitators and barriers to engaging young people in an intervention; considerations for optimising the delivery of an intervention; divergent views on technology use in strategies to manage loneliness; the scope of an intervention and whether it takes a targeted or general approach; and the idea of combining different options within an intervention to allow tailoring to individual preferences and nature of loneliness. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the need for continued development of individualised interventions designed to help manage loneliness in this age group. Future loneliness strategies should be co-produced with young people to ensure that they suit the varying needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Eager
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7NF, London, UK.
| | - Sonia Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7NF, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Pitman
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7NF, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Manuela Uribe
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7NF, London, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Eiluned Pearce
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7NF, London, UK
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Nkyi AK, Ninnoni JPK. Purpose in life, loneliness and depression among patients with substance use disorders in the psychiatric hospitals in Ghana. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299391. [PMID: 38635509 PMCID: PMC11025759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299391] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorder is a global mental health issue. Purpose in life, Loneliness and depression are key indicators of poor mental health, and people with substance use disorder are more likely to experience low purpose in life, depression, and loneliness. This study aims to further the understanding of purpose in life, depression and loneliness among substance use disorders (SUD) patients in three hospitals in Ghana. It uses a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 425 SUD inpatients were screened. Beck Depression Inventory-II, the revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Purpose in Life Test were utilised to measure depression, loneliness, and purpose in life respectively. Data were analysed using the SPSS version 23 for Windows. Data from 378 participants were collected for this study using a cross sectional survey design; after data cleaning, frequency tables (for categorical variables) and descriptive statistics (for continuous variables) were used to summarise the demographics and the three outcome variables depression, purpose in life, and loneliness. Our findings indicate that overall, participants are more likely to experience low sense of purpose in life, depression, and loneliness compared to the general population. There was no statistically significant relationship between depression and loneliness (r = 0.030, p = 0.567). There was a statistically significant negative relationship between depression and purpose in life (r = -0.514, p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant positive relationship between purpose in life and loneliness (r = 0.147, p = 0.004). There was no gender difference in depression, purpose in life, and loneliness among SUDs patients in psychiatric hospitals. There were no significant differences in purpose in life, depression and loneliness based on marital status. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will inform policies and clinical practice regarding service provision for patients with SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Kwabena Nkyi
- Department of Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Educational Foundation, College of Education Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Jerry Paul K. Ninnoni
- Department of Mental Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Meese KA, Boitet LM, Sweeney KL, Rogers DA. Perceived stress from social isolation or loneliness among clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers during COVID-19. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1010. [PMID: 38605388 PMCID: PMC11010423 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18363-7] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workplace social isolation and loneliness have been found to result in a decline in job satisfaction and an increase in burnout among working individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated feelings of loneliness and social isolation among healthcare workers. The majority of research on healthcare worker experiences is conducted in siloes which does not reflect the shared experiences of interprofessional teams. The purpose of this study is to understand stress from social isolation or loneliness across the entire clinical and non-clinical healthcare team over the course of the pandemic. METHODS Data was acquired using a cross-sectional survey distributed to healthcare workers once a year at a large academic medical center in the Southeastern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022). Information pertaining to job role, work location, and demographic factors was collected. Participants were also asked to assess individual well-being and resilience, in addition to reporting stress derived from various sources including job demands and social isolation or loneliness. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were conducted to assess the association between stress from social isolation or loneliness and individual characteristics. RESULTS Stress from social isolation or loneliness was found to decrease over the survey period across all measured variables. Trainees and physician-scientists were found to report the highest rates of this stressor compared to other job roles, while Hospital-Based ICU and Non-ICU work locations reported the highest rates of loneliness and social isolation stress. Younger workers and individuals from marginalized gender and racial groups were at greater risk for stress from social isolation or loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Given the importance of social connections for well-being and job performance, organizations have a responsibility to create conditions and mechanisms to foster social connections. This includes establishing and reinforcing norms of behavior, and developing connection mechanisms, particularly for groups at high risk of loneliness and social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Meese
- Department of Health Services Administration, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, United States.
- UAB Medicine Office of Wellness, UAB, Birmingham, United States.
| | - Laurence M Boitet
- UAB Medicine Office of Wellness, UAB, Birmingham, United States
- Department of Medical Education, UAB, Birmingham, United States
| | | | - David A Rogers
- UAB Medicine Office of Wellness, UAB, Birmingham, United States
- Department of Surgery, UAB, Birmingham, United States
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Hajek A, Posi G, König HH. Chronic loneliness and chronic social isolation among older adults: a study protocol for a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080399. [PMID: 38580366 PMCID: PMC11002424 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are around 20 studies identifying the prevalence of chronic loneliness and chronic social isolation in older adults. However, there is an absence of a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression that consolidates the available observational studies. Therefore, our objective was to address this knowledge gap. Here, we present the study protocol for this upcoming work. Such knowledge can help in addressing older individuals at risk for chronic loneliness and chronic social isolation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Established electronic databases will be searched. Observational studies reporting the prevalence of chronic loneliness and chronic social isolation among individuals aged 60 years and over will be included. Disease-specific samples will be excluded. The focus of data extraction will be on methods, sample characteristics and key findings. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) standardised critical appraisal instrument for prevalence studies will be used for assessing the quality of the studies. Two reviewers will be responsible for carrying out the study selection, data extraction and assessment of study quality. The results will be presented through the use of figures, tables, narrative summaries and a meta-analysis and meta-regression. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No primary data will be collected. Thus, there is no need for approval from an ethics committee. We intend to share our results through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Giuliana Posi
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Du X, Ding C, Xiang G, Li Q, Liu X, Xiao M, Song S, Chen H. Rejection Sensitivity and Reactive Aggression in Early Adults: The Mediating Role of Loneliness and Maladaptive Coping. Psychol Rep 2024; 127:786-806. [PMID: 38462852 DOI: 10.1177/00332941221125771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Reactive aggression is an aggressive response to a perceived threat or provocation. It has detrimental effects on individuals and society. Rejection sensitivity, a disposition that one tends to anxiously expect, readily perceive, and intensely react to social rejection, has been associated with reactive aggression. Considering that the mechanism underlying this link remains unclear, this study explores the mediating role of loneliness and maladaptive coping. Participants included 1104 early adults between the ages of 17-23 (Mage = 20.35, SD = 1.11, 33.6% men) in China who completed the Chinese version of the Tendency to Expect Rejection Scale, Loneliness Scale, Ways of Coping Questionnaire, and Reactive-Active Aggression Questionnaire. The serial mediation model revealed that loneliness and maladaptive coping independently mediated the association of rejection sensitivity with reactive aggression. More importantly, the chain mediating effect of "loneliness-maladaptive coping" also accounted for this link. The above findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationships among these factors and suggested that rejection sensitivity could positively be related to reactive aggression through loneliness and maladaptive coping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Du
- Faculty of Psychology, Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cody Ding
- Department of Educational Psychology, Research, and Evaluation, University of Missouri, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Guangcan Xiang
- Tian Jiabing College of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Qingqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xinyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Mingyue Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shiqing Song
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
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Doyle DM, Barreto M. Stigma salience increases loneliness among ethnic minorities. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38558020 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12742] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Research shows that ethnic minorities are at increased risk of loneliness compared to the general population of the United Kingdom. We hypothesized that stigma salience increases loneliness among ethnic minorities, conducting two experimental studies with ethnic minorities (Study 1: N = 134, Study 2: N = 267) in which participants were randomly assigned to a stigma salience (recalling a personal experience of discrimination based on ethnicity) or control condition (recalling a past meal in Study 1 and the experience of reading a book in Study 2). Across these two studies, we demonstrated that stigma salience consistently increased self-reported loneliness relative to the control conditions. Study 1 additionally showed evidence for an indirect effect of stigma salience on loneliness through feelings of anxiety. Study 2 replicated the effect of self-relevant (but not non-self-relevant) stigma salience on loneliness and provided suggestive evidence for a more specific indirect effect through identity-related social anxiety.
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Ghiggia A, Castelli L, Adenzato M, Di Tella M. Emotional competencies and psychological distress: Is loneliness a mediating factor? Scand J Psychol 2024; 65:359-368. [PMID: 37986626 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12987] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Emotional competencies, such as emotion regulation and empathy, are essential for social interaction. Impairment of these skills has been associated with increased rates of anxiety/depressive symptoms and loneliness, which has been defined as the discrepancy between the desired and actual quality and quantity of social relationships a person maintains. The aim of the present study was to shed light on the associations between these constructs and to examine the possible mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between emotional competencies and anxiety/depressive symptoms in a sample of non-clinical individuals. A total of 298 participants were recruited for this study and were asked to complete a series of measures assessing difficulties in emotion regulation, empathy, loneliness, and anxiety/depressive symptoms. Regression and mediation models were tested to analyze the associations between these variables. Results showed that reduced emotional competencies in emotion regulation and empathy were both directly and indirectly associated with increased anxiety/depressive symptoms and emotional loneliness, which in turn was related to higher levels of psychological distress (with a partial mediation of loneliness). Overall, the present findings seem to indicate that emotional competencies play a key role in the experience of loneliness and psychological distress. Therefore, individuals reporting high levels of loneliness in combination with anxious/depressive symptoms should receive appropriate assessment and treatment of emotion regulation and empathic skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Ghiggia
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorys Castelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Adenzato
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Domènech-Abella J, Gabarrell-Pascuet A, Mundó J, Haro JM, Varga TV. Chronic and Transient Loneliness in Western Countries: Risk Factors and Association With Depression. A 2-Year Follow-Up Study. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 32:412-423. [PMID: 38040568 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.11.001] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our aim was to test risk factors for chronic and transient loneliness as well as cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of courses of loneliness with depression. METHODS Responses from participants in Wave 5 (T1, 2013) and Wave 6 (T2, 2015) of The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) (N = 45,490) were analyzed. The existence of clinically significant symptoms of depression was defined as reporting a value greater than or equal to 4 on the Euro-D scale. Loneliness was measured through the 3-item UCLA loneliness scale and a single question. Both measures were tested in separate regression models to identify risk factors for transient (loneliness at T1) and chronic (loneliness at T1 and T2) loneliness as well as their associations with depression. RESULTS Chronic loneliness was observed in 47%-40% of the cases of loneliness, according to the UCLA scale and the single question, respectively. Risk factors for chronic loneliness in both models were being female, not being married, having a low educational level, having poor mental and physical health, being limited in activities, having a poor social network, and living in a culturally individualistic country. Risk factors for transient loneliness were less robust and no significant effects were found for variables such as sex and physical health in both models, education level in the UCLA measure model, and social network size in the single question model. Chronic loneliness also showed a strong association with depression in the cross-sectional model and a marked one in the longitudinal model. CONCLUSION The courses of loneliness are relevant in the study of its risk factors and association with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Domènech-Abella
- Epidemiology of Mental Health Disorders and Ageing Research Group (JD-A, AG-P, JMH), Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Research, Teaching, and Innovation Unit (JD-A, AG-P, JMH), Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM) (JD-A, AG-P, JMH), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aina Gabarrell-Pascuet
- Epidemiology of Mental Health Disorders and Ageing Research Group (JD-A, AG-P, JMH), Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Research, Teaching, and Innovation Unit (JD-A, AG-P, JMH), Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM) (JD-A, AG-P, JMH), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine (AG-P), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Mundó
- Department of Sociology (JM), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Maria Haro
- Epidemiology of Mental Health Disorders and Ageing Research Group (JD-A, AG-P, JMH), Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Research, Teaching, and Innovation Unit (JD-A, AG-P, JMH), Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM) (JD-A, AG-P, JMH), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry (JMH), Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Tibor V Varga
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health (TVV), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Madsen KR, Damsgaard MT, Petersen K, Qualter P, Holstein BE. Bullying at School, Cyberbullying, and Loneliness: National Representative Study of Adolescents in Denmark. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:414. [PMID: 38673326 PMCID: PMC11050631 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The aim was to examine how loneliness was associated with bullying victimization at school and online. METHODS We used data from the Danish arm of the international Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study from 2022. The study population was a nationally representative sample of 11-15-year-olds who completed the internationally standardized HBSC questionnaire at school, n = 5382. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to study the associations between bullying victimization and loneliness. RESULTS The prevalence of reporting loneliness often or very often was 9.0%; 6.3% of the sample experienced habitual bullying victimization at school, and 4.8% incurred cyberbullying. There was a strong and graded association between loneliness and bullying victimization at school and cyberbullying. The associations were significant for boys and girls, and the association between exposure to bullying at school and loneliness was steeper for boys than girls. The gradients were steeper for physical bullying than for cyberbullying. Students exposed to habitual bullying in both contexts had an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 11.21 (6.99-17.98) for loneliness. CONCLUSION Exposure to bullying at school and cyberbullying are strongly associated with loneliness. It is important to reduce bullying at school and on the internet and to promote effective interventions to reduce continuing loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Rich Madsen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.R.M.); (M.T.D.)
| | - Mogens Trab Damsgaard
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.R.M.); (M.T.D.)
| | | | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 5AN, UK;
| | - Bjørn E. Holstein
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.R.M.); (M.T.D.)
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Gu W, Yu X, Tan Y, Yu Z, Zhu J. Association between weight, weight perception, weight teasing and mental health among adolescents. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:39. [PMID: 38521915 PMCID: PMC10960988 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00730-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent mental health problems are becoming increasingly prevalent, and there are correlations between weight-related concerns and adolescent mental health. The aim of this study is to explore the association between three weight-related factors (actual weight, weight perception, and weight teasing) and mental health problems (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and loneliness) in Chinese adolescents. METHODS 10,070 adolescents between the ages of 11-18 from schools in Shanghai, China were selected using a stratified random cluster sampling method. Self-reported questionnaires were collected to investigate weight-related factors and mental health problems. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship. RESULTS The prevalence of depressive symptoms, loneliness, mild anxiety symptoms, and moderate to severe anxiety symptoms among adolescents were 18.0%, 53.8%, 26.5%, and 12.3%, respectively, with a higher prevalence found in females. After adjusting for weight perception and weight teasing, actual weight had no harmful impact on adolescents' mental health. Adolescents' perception of being overweight increased the risk of depressive symptoms, loneliness, mild anxiety symptoms, and moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, while the perception of being underweight had a similar but more profound impact (depressive symptoms OR = 1.590, 95% CI: 1.342-1.883; loneliness OR = 1.537, 95% CI: 1.353-1.746; mild anxiety symptoms OR = 1.368, 95% CI: 1.178-1.589; moderate to severe anxiety symptoms OR = 1.780, 95% CI: 1.449-2.186). Experiencing weight teasing more than once a year had a greater effect on adolescents' mental health, especially among adolescents with overweight/obesity (depressive symptoms OR = 2.970, 95% CI: 2.325-3.793; loneliness OR = 3.839, 95% CI: 3.119-4.727; mild anxiety symptoms OR = 2.822, 95% CI: 2.236-3.562; moderate to severe anxiety symptoms OR = 5.212, 95% CI: 3.846-7.065). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of mental health problems among adolescents was high, especially loneliness. Weight perception and weight teasing, but not the actual weight, independently influenced adolescent mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Gu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinliang Tan
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiping Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Jingfen Zhu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Liu J, Liu L, Hu YX, Li JH, Zou X, Zhang HY, Fan L. Causal relationship between feelings and cognitive decline: An univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study. World J Psychiatry 2024; 14:421-433. [PMID: 38617989 PMCID: PMC11008393 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i3.421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the impact of depression on cognition is well-documented, the relationship between feelings and cognition has received limited attention. AIM To explore the potential association between feelings and cognition with a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. METHODS Our analysis utilized genome-wide association data on various feelings (fed-up feelings, n = 453071; worrier/anxious feelings, n = 450765; guilty feelings, n = 450704; nervous feelings, n = 450700; sensitivity/hurt feelings, n = 449419; miserableness, n = 454982; loneliness/isolation, n = 455364; happiness, n = 152348) in the European population and their impact on cognitive functions (intelligence, n = 269867). Conducting a univariable MR (UVMR) analysis to assess the relationship between feelings and cognition. In this analysis, we applied the inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median, and MR Egger methods. Additionally, we performed sensitivity analysis (leave-one-out analysis), assessed heterogeneity (using MR-PRESSO and Cochran's Q test), and conducted multiple validity test (employing MR-Egger regression). Subsequently, a multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was employed to examine the impact of feelings on cognition. IVW served as the primary method in the multivariable analysis, complemented by median-based and MR-Egger methods. RESULTS In this study, UVMR indicated that sensitivity/hurt feelings may have a negative causal effect on cognition (OR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.43-0.92, P = 0.017). After adjustment of other feelings using MVMR, a direct adverse causal effect on cognition was observed (ORMVMR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.17-0.90, PMVMR = 0.027). While a potential increased risk of cognitive decline was observed for fed-up feelings in the UVMR analysis (ORUVMR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.42-0.97, PUVMR = 0.037), this effect disappeared after adjusting for other feelings (ORMVMR = 1.42, 95%CI: 0.43-4.74, PMVMR = 0.569). These findings were generally consistent across MV-IVW, median-based, and MR-Egger analyses. MR-Egger regression revealed pleiotropy in the impact of worrier/anxious feelings on cognition, presenting a challenge in identifying the effect. Notably, this study did not demonstrate any significant impact of guilty feelings, nervous feelings, miserableness, or loneliness/isolation on cognition. Due to a limited number of instrumental variables for happiness, this study was unable to analyze the relationship between happiness and cognition. CONCLUSION This MR study finds that sensitivity/hurt feelings are associated with cognitive decline, while the link between worrier/anxious feelings and cognition remains inconclusive. Insufficient evidence supports direct associations between happiness, guilty feelings, nervous feelings, miserableness, loneliness/isolation, and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yi-Xin Hu
- The Fourth Department of Geriatric Health Care, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Jian-Hua Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xiao Zou
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Hao-Yun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Li Fan
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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Rose AL, Goldberg JO, Flett GL, Nepon T, Besser A. Totally All Alone with My Thoughts: Development, Psychometric Properties and Correlates of the Loneliness Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:1073-1085. [PMID: 38495085 PMCID: PMC10944172 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s433211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The current article introduces the Loneliness Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (LATQ) and describes research evaluating its psychometric properties and correlates. Methods Two separate samples of university student participants (Study 1; N = 282, Study 2; N = 289) were administered the LATQ along with a battery of other measures. Whereas Study 1 involved a preliminary investigation of the psychometric properties of the LATQ, Study 2 provided an opportunity to further expand on this aim by assessing the concurrent validity of the measure across studies. Results Overall, psychometric analyses confirmed that the LATQ items are measured with an adequate degree of internal consistency and confirmatory factor analyses established that the nine items loaded significantly on one replicable factor. Concurrent validity was established in terms of links with other loneliness measures and a measure of persistent and intrusive negative thoughts. Furthermore, LATQ scores were associated with anti-mattering, social hopelessness, anxiety, depression, and unbearable psychache. Moreover, regression analyses established that the LATQ predicted significant unique variance in depression and psychache beyond the variance attributable to measures of loneliness and adaptability to loneliness. Discussion Collectively, results indicate that loneliness-related automatic thoughts represent a unique and important element of the loneliness construct. Future research applications and additional psychometric issues to address in future research are discussed and a need for a greater focus on the cognitive aspects of loneliness is explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Rose
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joel O Goldberg
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gordon L Flett
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Taryn Nepon
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Avi Besser
- Department of Communication Disorders, Hadassah Academic College, Jerusalem, Israel
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Elovainio M, Komulainen K, Hakulinen C, Pahkala K, Rovio S, Hutri N, Raitakari OT, Pulkki-Råback L. Intergenerational continuity of loneliness and potential mechanisms: Young Finns Multigenerational Study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5465. [PMID: 38443584 PMCID: PMC10915156 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56147-6] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence on the intergenerational continuity of loneliness and on potential mechanisms that connect loneliness across successive generations is limited. We examined the association between loneliness of (G0) parents (859 mothers and 570 fathers, mean age 74 years) and their children (G1) (433 sons and 558 daughters, mean age 47 years) producing 991 parent-offspring pairs and tested whether these associations were mediated through subjective socioeconomic position, temperament characteristics, cognitive performance, and depressive symptoms. Mean loneliness across parents had an independent effect on their adult children's experienced loneliness (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.23-2.42). We also found a robust effect of mothers' (OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.17-2.29), but not of fathers' loneliness (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 0.96-2.25) on offspring's experienced loneliness in adulthood. The associations were partly mediated by offspring depressive (41-54%) and anxiety (29-31%) symptoms. The current findings emphasize the high interdependence of loneliness within families mediated partly by offspring's mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Elovainio
- Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine (Department of Psychology), University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, P.O.Box 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00300, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Kaisla Komulainen
- Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine (Department of Psychology), University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, P.O.Box 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Christian Hakulinen
- Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine (Department of Psychology), University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, P.O.Box 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katja Pahkala
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
- Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Suvi Rovio
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
- Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Nina Hutri
- Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Olli T Raitakari
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
- Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Pulkki-Råback
- Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine (Department of Psychology), University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, P.O.Box 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
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Seewer N, Skoko A, Käll A, Andersson G, Berger T, Krieger T. Predictors and moderators of outcome of ICBT for loneliness with guidance or automated messages - A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Internet Interv 2024; 35:100701. [PMID: 38192685 PMCID: PMC10772709 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100701] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) is promising in alleviating loneliness in adults. Identifying individuals who benefit from ICBT for loneliness is pivotal to offering this intervention in a more targeted way and improving the intervention for those who do not benefit. This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to identify predictors and moderators of outcome of an ICBT with guidance or automated messages for loneliness. In the RCT, 243 participants suffering from loneliness were randomly assigned to an ICBT with guidance (n = 98), automated messages (n = 97), or a waitlist-control condition (n = 48). In total, 180 participants completed the post-assessment (i.e., 10 weeks post-randomization). Outcomes were treatment outcome assessed with the UCLA-9 Loneliness Scale at post-assessment and treatment response, i.e., reliable improvement on the UCLA-9 from pre- to post. The relationship between a wide range of patient characteristics (grouped into socio-demographic, clinical, loneliness-specific, and treatment-related variables) and outcome was analyzed using multiple linear and logistic regressions. Feeling less burdened by loneliness resulted in higher odds of reliable improvement in guided ICBT compared to the waitlist-control condition. No treatment outcome or response moderators were identified for ICBT with automated messages compared to the waitlist-control group. Across active intervention groups, loneliness at baseline, age and fit between the tasks and goals of the intervention and participants' need predicted treatment outcome. Predictors of treatment response for ICBT with guidance and automated messages were not identified, and no variables differentially predicted the effects of ICBT with guidance or automated messages on the outcomes. In conclusion, individuals less burdened by their feelings of loneliness benefited more from guided ICBT. Lower baseline loneliness scores, younger age, and a better match between tasks and goals of the intervention and participants' needs also predicted a more favorable treatment outcome for both ICBT with guidance and automated messages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noëmi Seewer
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrej Skoko
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anton Käll
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Social and Affective Neurosciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Krieger
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Scarborough J, Iachizzi M, Schalbetter SM, Müller FS, Weber-Stadlbauer U, Richetto J. Prenatal and postnatal influences on behavioral development in a mouse model of preconceptional stress. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 29:100614. [PMID: 38357099 PMCID: PMC10865047 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression during pregnancy is detrimental for the wellbeing of the expectant mother and can exert long-term consequences on the offspring's development and mental health. In this context, both the gestational environment and the postpartum milieu may be negatively affected by the depressive pathology. It is, however, challenging to assess whether the contributions of prenatal and postnatal depression exposure are distinct, interactive, or cumulative, as it is unclear whether antenatal effects are due to direct effects on fetal development or because antenatal symptoms continue postnatally. Preclinical models have sought to answer this question by implementing stressors that induce a depressive-like state in the dams during pregnancy and studying the effects on the offspring. The aim of our present study was to disentangle the contribution of direct stress in utero from possible changes in maternal behavior in a novel model of preconceptional stress based on social isolation rearing (SIR). Using a cross-fostering paradigm in this model, we show that while SIR leads to subtle changes in maternal behavior, the behavioral changes observed in the offspring are driven by a complex interaction between sex, and prenatal and postnatal maternal factors. Indeed, male offspring are more sensitive to the prenatal environment, as demonstrated by behavioral and transcriptional changes driven by their birth mother, while females are likely affected by more complex interactions between the pre and the postpartum milieu, as suggested by the important impact of their surrogate foster mother. Taken together, our findings suggest that male and female offspring have different time-windows and behavioral domains of susceptibility to maternal preconceptional stress, and thus underscore the importance of including both sexes when investigating the mechanisms that mediate the negative consequences of exposure to such stressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Scarborough
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Monica Iachizzi
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sina M. Schalbetter
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Flavia S. Müller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Juliet Richetto
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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