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Winstone L, Jamal S, Mars B. Cyberbullying Perpetration and Victimization as Risk Factors for Self-Harm: Results From a Longitudinal Cohort Study of 13-14-Year-Olds in England. J Adolesc Health 2024; 75:298-304. [PMID: 38864792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.04.004] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cyberbullying is a crucial issue that affects adolescent mental health, with evidence to suggest that adolescents who are victims of cyberbullying are at higher risk for self-harm. However, longitudinal evidence is lacking, meaning the direction of effects cannot be established. This study investigated longitudinal associations between levels of cyberbullying involvement (bully, victim, or both), frequency, and self-harm a year later in an adolescent sample. METHODS Data were collected from Year 9 students (13-14-year-olds; N = 1,195) enrolled in 19 schools in Southwest England using an online questionnaire with a 1-year follow-up period (October 2019-October 2020). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to test for associations between different levels of cyberbullying involvement at baseline and the likelihood of self-harm a year later, adjusting for key covariates. A secondary regression analysis also explored the associations between the frequency of cyberbullying involvement at baseline and subsequent self-harm. RESULTS Compared to those with no cyberbullying involvement, individuals who were both victims and perpetrators (adjusted odds ratio = 2.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.99-4.34) as well as victims only (adjusted odds ratio = 2.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.95-4.04) showed an increased risk of subsequent self-harm. In terms of frequency, associations were found between frequent and occasional cyberbullying and self-harm for both victims and perpetrators; however, associations for the perpetrator group attenuated to the null following adjustment for covariates. DISCUSSION Our findings highlight cyberbullying in early adolescence as a risk factor for subsequent self-harm. Cyberbullying prevention should be a priority for school mental health interventions, with consideration that most perpetrators of cyberbullying may also be victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizzy Winstone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - Sarah Jamal
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Becky Mars
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Boyd SI, Moore A, Moghaddas S, Hamilton JL. Perceived functions and importance of digital media use and adolescent depression and suicidal ideation. J Adolesc 2024; 96:1001-1011. [PMID: 38402410 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12311] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although social media (SM) use is nearly ubiquitous among adolescents, there is a lack of clarity concerning the relationship between SM use and mental health outcomes like depression and suicidal ideation (SI), which increase during adolescence. Much of the previous literature has focused on the frequency of SM use; however, the current study examined the relationship between the perceived importance of three types of interactions and functions of SM use and depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. METHODS A sample of 4057 adolescents (M age = 14.6; 47.0% girls; 69.0% Non-Hispanic/Latine White) were recruited via an online survey manager between February and March 2019. Participants completed the Adolescent Digital Technology Interactions and Importance (ADTI) Scale, which assessed the perceived importance of bridging online and offline experiences (bridging), going outside one's identity or offline experience (identity), and facilitating social connections (social). Participants also completed measures of depressive symptoms and SI and a self-report measure of SM use. A series of path analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between bridging, identity, social, and depressive symptoms and SI. RESULTS After accounting for covariates (gender identity, racial identity, age, and SM use), bridging was negatively associated with depressive symptoms, whereas identity was positively associated with depressive symptoms. Bridging and social connection were negatively associated with SI, whereas identity was positively associated with SI. Gender moderated these relationships; however, racial identity did not. CONCLUSION The results highlight the importance of understanding adolescent SM use beyond screen time in relation to depression and SI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Imani Boyd
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Adia Moore
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | | | - Jessica L Hamilton
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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Yu Z, Zhu X, Li Y. The association between problematic short video use and suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviors: the mediating roles of sleep disturbance and depression. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1689. [PMID: 38915039 PMCID: PMC11197212 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19191-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior work suggests that problematic short video use was associated with adverse psychological, physiological, and educational outcomes. With the prevailing of short video platforms, the potential relationships between this problematic behavior and suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviors have yet to be thoroughly examined. Besides, considering the potential dual nature of problematic short video use, particularly its positive aspects, a potential mechanism may exist linking such problematic behavior to SI and SIBs, ultimately driving individuals towards extreme outcomes. Nevertheless, such mediation paths have not been rigorously examined. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate their relationships and delve into the underlying mechanism, specifically identifying potential mediators between sleep disturbance and depression. METHODS A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed to model data derived from a large sample of first- and second-year university students residing in mainland China (N = 1,099; Mage = 19.80 years; 51.7% male). RESULTS Results showed that problematic short video use has a dual impact on SI and SIBs. On the one hand, problematic short video use was directly related to the decreased risk of suicidal ideation, attempts, and NSSI. On the other hand, such problematic behavior was indirectly associated with the increased risk of NSSI through sleep disturbance, and it indirectly related to the elevated risk of suicidal ideation, attempts, and NSSI through depression. Besides, on the whole, problematic short video use was positively associated with NSSI but not suicidal ideation and attempts. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicated that problematic short video use had a dual impact on SI and SIBs. Consequently, it is paramount to comprehend the genuine magnitude of the influence that such problematic behavior holds over these intricate psychological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojun Yu
- Department of Applied Psychology, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinxin Zhu
- Department of Psychology, 7 George Square, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Denton EG, Álvarez K. The Global Prevalence of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Adolescents. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2415406. [PMID: 38874928 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen-Ge Denton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Kiara Álvarez
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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Hamilton JL, Dalack M, Boyd SI, Jorgensen S, Dreier MJ, Sarna J, Brent DA. Positive and negative social media experiences and proximal risk for suicidal ideation in adolescents. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024. [PMID: 38740058 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13996] [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] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media (SM) has received considerable attention as a potential risk factor for adolescent suicide. Few empirical studies, however, have examined adolescents' daily negative and positive experiences on SM and its proximal impacts on suicidal ideation (SI), particularly using intensive monitoring designs. METHOD Adolescents (N = 60; 14-17 years; 49% girls; 62% LGBTQ+) recruited using SM across the United States and participated in an 8-week intensive monitoring protocol. Ecological momentary assessment (three brief surveys per day) asked about negative and positive SM experiences and SI (passive and active). Multilevel modelling was used to evaluate the within-person relationships between daily SM experiences (e.g. individual fluctuations compared to a person's average) and SI, controlling for average levels of SM experiences, SM use screen time, and lifetime SI. RESULTS Significant within-person effects of negative and positive SM experiences were associated with days when adolescents had SI. Specifically, on days when teens endorsed more frequent negative SM experiences than usual, they were more likely to report SI. However, more positive SM experiences than usual were associated with a lower likelihood of having SI. There were no significant effects of SM use ('screen time') on SI or on the reverse associations of SI on next-day SM experiences. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that SM experiences may be dynamic and modifiable risk and protective factors for SI in adolescents, whereas there is no effect of SM screen time on SI. Our results highlight that targeting negative SM experiences and augmenting the positive experiences on SM may be critical targets to improve teens' mental health and prevent suicide, rather than focusing on limiting SM screen time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maya Dalack
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | | | - Saskia Jorgensen
- Department of Psychology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Melissa J Dreier
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jas Sarna
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - David A Brent
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Medeiros Nunes M, Maia CR, de Andrade Santos PR, de Lisboa Lopes Costa A, de Moura SAB, de Andrade Santos PP. Self-mutilation: a systematic review. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12024-024-00809-4. [PMID: 38613622 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-024-00809-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Self-mutilation lesions can represent a clinical diagnosis challenge for healthcare professionals, as patients do not admit to self-mutilation. This leads to failed diagnoses due to the similarity of this condition to other diseases. Searches on the subject were carried out at the PubMed, Periódicos Capes, Scopus, Science Direct and WoS databases, according to the following inclusion criteria: articles in English, Portuguese or Spanish, published from 2018 to June 2023, encompassing case reports, case series and literature reviews. Men are slight more affected by self-mutilation injuries, also presenting the most serious lesions. Self-mutilation injuries are reported globally, mostly in the Asian and American continents. Clinical presentations are varied, but morphology is, in most cases, associated to the form/instrument used for self-mutilation. Greater evidence of diagnosed mental disorders in women and underreporting of these cases in men due to low demands for specialized treatment are noted. A higher prevalence of self-mutilation lesions was verified for men, affecting a wide age range, with the highest number of cases in the USA. The most affected body areas are arms and external genitalia, mostly due to knife use. An association between self-mutilation injuries and mental disorders is clear, with most cases being previously undiagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Medeiros Nunes
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Caio Rodrigues Maia
- Postgraduate Program in Dental Sciences, Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | | - Antônio de Lisboa Lopes Costa
- Postgraduate Program in Dental Sciences, Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Adriane Bezerra de Moura
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Pedro Paulo de Andrade Santos
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil.
- Postgraduate Program in Dental Sciences, Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil.
- Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Campus Universitário, Lagoa Nova, CEP 59072-970, Natal, RN, Brasil.
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Mojtabai R. Problematic social media use and psychological symptoms in adolescents. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02657-7. [PMID: 38584201 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02657-7] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined time trends in significant child and adolescent psychological symptoms and explored the association of frequent and problematic social media use with these symptoms. METHODS Time trends in psychological symptoms were assessed using data from five waves of the international survey of Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC), conducted between 2001 and 2018 (N = 1,036,869). The associations of frequent and problematic social media use with significant psychological symptoms were assessed by hierarchical multinomial logistic regression using data from 2001-2002 and the 2017-2018 survey waves. The direction of effect between social media use variables and psychological symptoms was explored using Linear Non-Gaussian Acyclic Models (LiNGAM). RESULTS Prevalence of more severe psychological symptoms increased from 6.7% in 2001-2002 to 10.4% in the 2017-2018 survey waves. The increase was especially large among 15-year old and older girls: from 10.9 to 19.1%. The higher prevalence of more severe psychological symptoms in 2017-2018 compared with 2001-2002 was eliminated after adjusting the model for problematic social media use. LiNGAM analysis supported the direction of effect going from social media use and problematic social media use to psychological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that frequent and problematic use of social media contribute to the increasing trend of psychological symptoms in adolescents in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Mojtabai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 1000, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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Husky MM, Léon C, du Roscoät E, Vasiliadis HM. Prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among young adults between 2000 and 2021: Results from six national representative surveys in France. Psychiatry Res 2024; 333:115763. [PMID: 38325160 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115763] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The study examines the prevalence of 12-month suicidal thoughts and lifetime suicide behaviors among young adults between 2000 and 2021. Data were drawn from the Health Barometer survey, a cross-sectional survey on a French national representative sample. The 2000, 2005, 2010, 2014, 2017, and 2021 survey waves were pooled to examine time trends in 12-month suicidal thoughts and lifetime suicidal behaviors among respondents aged 18 to 25 (n = 13,326), categorized based on sex and on their occupational status: students, those employed, and those who are neither in employment, education or training (NEETs). The 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation among young adults in 2021 (6.8 %) is no different from that of 2000 (7.0 %), despite a U-shape curve in between. In contrast, the overall prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts was significantly higher in 2021 as compared to what was observed on average in the previous 21 years. In multivariate models, females and NEETs were overall at greatest risk for suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviors. Additional attention and prevention efforts are needed to reach young adults who are neither in employment, education or training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde M Husky
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, ACTIVE Team, INSERM U1219, Université de Bordeaux, 3 ter, place de la Victoire, Bordeaux 33076, France.
| | | | - Enguerrand du Roscoät
- Santé publique France, Saint-Maurice, France; Laboratoire Parisien de Psychologie Sociale (LAPPS), EA 4386, Université Paris Nanterre, France
| | - Helen-Maria Vasiliadis
- Département des sciences de la santé communautaire, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada; Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne, Campus Longueuil, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
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Walsh RFL, Maddox MA, Smith LT, Liu RT, Alloy LB. Social and circadian rhythm dysregulation and suicide: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105560. [PMID: 38272337 PMCID: PMC10982958 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
This systematic review of 52 studies provides a quantitative synthesis of the empirical literature on social and circadian rhythm correlates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). Small-to-medium pooled effect sizes were observed for associations between evening chronotype and STB and suicidal ideation (SI), although the pooled effect size diminished when accounting for publication bias. Three studies employed longitudinal designs and suggested eveningness was predictive of future STB, with a small-to-medium effect size. Social rhythm irregularity was also a significant correlate of STB with pooled effect sizes in the medium range. Overall circadian rhythm disruption was not associated with STB, although certain circadian rhythm metrics, including mean daytime activity, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder diagnosis, and actigraphy-assessed amplitude were associated with STB. Pooled effect sizes for these indices were in the medium to large range. There is a need for additional longitudinal research on actigraphy-based circadian parameters and objective markers of circadian phase (i.e., dim-light melatonin onset) to gain a clearer understanding of associations of endogenous circadian function and STB beyond that which can be captured via self-report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel F L Walsh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, USA.
| | | | - Logan T Smith
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, USA
| | - Richard T Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, USA
| | - Lauren B Alloy
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, USA
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Sanders T, Noetel M, Parker P, Del Pozo Cruz B, Biddle S, Ronto R, Hulteen R, Parker R, Thomas G, De Cocker K, Salmon J, Hesketh K, Weeks N, Arnott H, Devine E, Vasconcellos R, Pagano R, Sherson J, Conigrave J, Lonsdale C. An umbrella review of the benefits and risks associated with youths' interactions with electronic screens. Nat Hum Behav 2024; 8:82-99. [PMID: 37957284 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01712-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The influence of electronic screens on the health of children and adolescents and their education is not well understood. In this prospectively registered umbrella review (PROSPERO identifier CRD42017076051 ), we harmonized effects from 102 meta-analyses (2,451 primary studies; 1,937,501 participants) of screen time and outcomes. In total, 43 effects from 32 meta-analyses met our criteria for statistical certainty. Meta-analyses of associations between screen use and outcomes showed small-to-moderate effects (range: r = -0.14 to 0.33). In education, results were mixed; for example, screen use was negatively associated with literacy (r = -0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.20 to -0.09, P ≤ 0.001, k = 38, N = 18,318), but this effect was positive when parents watched with their children (r = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.28, P = 0.028, k = 12, N = 6,083). In health, we found evidence for several small negative associations; for example, social media was associated with depression (r = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.19, P ≤ 0.001, k = 12, N = 93,740). Limitations of our review include the limited number of studies for each outcome, medium-to-high risk of bias in 95 out of 102 included meta-analyses and high heterogeneity (17 out of 22 in education and 20 out of 21 in health with I2 > 50%). We recommend that caregivers and policymakers carefully weigh the evidence for potential harms and benefits of specific types of screen use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taren Sanders
- Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Michael Noetel
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Philip Parker
- Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Borja Del Pozo Cruz
- Department of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA) Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Stuart Biddle
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Sport and Health Scienchresholds for statistical credibilites, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Rimante Ronto
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ryan Hulteen
- School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Rhiannon Parker
- The Centre for Social Impact, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - George Thomas
- The Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katrien De Cocker
- Department of Movement and Sport Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Salmon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kylie Hesketh
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicole Weeks
- Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hugh Arnott
- Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma Devine
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roberta Vasconcellos
- Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Pagano
- School of Education, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jamie Sherson
- School of Education, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James Conigrave
- Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chris Lonsdale
- Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Weigle PE, Shafi RMA. Social Media and Youth Mental Health. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:1-8. [PMID: 38103128 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01478-w] [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] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review recent evidence regarding the relationship between the social media (SM) habits, experiences, and the mental health of youth. We examine effects of social media use (SMU) on specific diagnoses including depression and anxiety. The relationship between psychiatric illness, specific SM experiences, and the issue of SM mental health contagion is also explored. RECENT FINDINGS Youth engagement in SMU has increased dramatically in recent years, concurrent with increases in prevalence of depression and anxiety. The relationship between SMU and mental illness is complex and depends on characteristics of the user (e.g., social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) and their SM habits and experiences (e.g., cyberbullying, and sexting,). SM engagement has distinct impacts on anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Growing evidence documents how SM may be a medium for psychiatric contagion. Research findings are largely correlational and dependent on subjective report, limiting their interpretation. The mental health of youth is increasingly tied to their SMU, depending greatly on how youth engage with SM and resultant feedback. Future research must look to establish causality in relationships between SM and mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Weigle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA.
- Quinnipiac University School of Medicine, North Haven, USA.
- Hartford Healthcare, 189 Storrs Road, Mansfield Center, CT, 06250, USA.
| | - Reem M A Shafi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology and Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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Biernesser C, Win E, Escobar-Viera C, Farzan R, Rose M, Goldstein T. Development and codesign of flourish: A digital suicide prevention intervention for LGBTQ+ youth who have experienced online victimization. Internet Interv 2023; 34:100663. [PMID: 37693013 PMCID: PMC10491770 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100663] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately high rates of online victimization (OV), referring to harmful remarks, images, or behaviors in online settings, which is associated with suicidal risk. Current services have gaps in supporting LGBTQ+ youth facing OV events. To address these gaps, this study aims to develop Flourish, a digital suicide prevention intervention for LGBTQ+ youth who have experienced OV. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 LGBTQ+ youth with past-year history of OV and lifetime history of suicidality, 11 of their parents, and 10 LGBTQ+-serving professionals. Subsequently, an iterative codesign process was conducted with 22 youth through individual and group design sessions, followed by usability testing. Data were recorded and transcribed. Qualitative interviews were analyzed using a qualitative description approach, and data from design sessions and usability testing were analyzed using rapid qualitative techniques. Results Interviews with youth, parents, and professionals suggested preferences for Flourish to be a partially automated, text message intervention leveraging web-based content that is a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to seek support for OV through education, coping skills, and help-seeking resources. School and mental health services professionals considered the potential for implementing Flourish within youth services settings. Usability testing, assessed through the System Usability Scale, yielded an average rating of 91, indicating excellent perceived usability. Conclusions Flourish has potential to be an acceptable intervention to support LGBTQ+ youth following OV. Future steps will include testing the feasibility and efficacy of Flourish and further examining Flourish's potential for implementation within services for LGBTQ+ youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Biernesser
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
| | - Emma Win
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
- University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, United States of America
| | - César Escobar-Viera
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
| | - Rosta Farzan
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Computing and Information, United States of America
| | - Morgan Rose
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
- University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School of Arts and Science, Department of Psychology, United States of America
| | - Tina Goldstein
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
- University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School of Arts and Science, Department of Psychology, United States of America
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Chen YY, Chen F, Wu KCC, Lu TH, Chi YC, Yip PS. Dynamic reciprocal relationships between traditional media reports, social media postings, and youth suicide in Taiwan between 2012 and 2021. SSM Popul Health 2023; 24:101543. [PMID: 37965108 PMCID: PMC10641279 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Rising social media use over the past decade has been linked with increasing suicide rates among young people. Previous studies that assessed the impact of social media on suicide have typically focused on single social media platforms, such as Twitter, and assumed unidirectional associations, where social media posts leads to suicide. Our study focused on the past decade (2012-2021) which has witnessed a rapid increase of social media platforms and use. Poisson and negative binominal auto-regression models were employed to examine the dynamic reciprocity between social media, traditional media and youth suicides in Taiwan. Increased volume in suicide-related social media posts positively correlated with increased youth suicide rates (β = 2.53 × 10-5, 95% CI= (0.83 × 10-5, 4.24 × 10-5), P < 0.01), but increased rates of youth suicide was not related to an increase in suicide-related social media posts. Suicide-related posts on social media triggered reporting of suicide-related news on traditional media platforms (β = 3.35 × 10-2, 95% CI= (2.51 × 10-2, 4.19 × 10-2), P < 0.001), whilst traditional media reports of suicide led to increased suicide-related social media posts (β = 6.13 × 10-1, 95% CI = (4.58 × 10-1, 7.68 × 10-1); P < 0.001). However, suicide-related reports on traditional media platforms did not directly lead to an increase in youth suicide rates. Our findings highlight challenges for suicide prevention strategies in the 21st Century, in dealing with the increasing prominence of social media over traditional media. As social media is more difficult to regulate than traditional media, suicide prevention efforts must adapt to this new landscape by developing innovative strategies that address the unique risks and opportunities presented by social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Yeh Chen
- Taipei City Psychiatric Centre, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Feng Chen
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- UNSW Data Science Hub (uDASH), the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kevin Chien-Chang Wu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Bioethics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsueh Lu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chen Chi
- Department of Healthcare Information and Management, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Paul S.F. Yip
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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14
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Liby C, Doty JL, Mehari KR, Abbas I, Su YW. Adolescent experiences with online racial discrimination: Implications for prevention and coping. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2023; 33:1281-1294. [PMID: 37395444 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12875] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Online aggression represents a wide range of negative experiences, including online discrimination targeting individuals based on race, but adolescent perspectives are not well-represented. We interviewed 15 adolescents regarding their experiences with online racial discrimination. After a phenomenological analysis, four main themes emerged: types of online racial aggression, processes supporting online racism, personal coping, and strategies to prevent online racial aggression. These themes provided insights into adolescent experiences, including feelings about targeted online racial discrimination, intersectionality with sexual harassment, and comfort through processing with friends. This study highlights adolescents' thoughts regarding advocacy, education, and social media reform to prevent online racial aggression. Future research should ensure that youth voices from minoritized racial backgrounds are integrated into efforts to address these critical social issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calista Liby
- Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jennifer L Doty
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Krista R Mehari
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ismat Abbas
- Department of Family Science and Human Development, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yi-Wen Su
- Department of Counselor Education, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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15
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Clayton MG, Pollak OH, Prinstein MJ. Why Suicide? Suicide Propinquity and Adolescent Risk for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2023; 26:904-918. [PMID: 37801188 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-023-00456-1] [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] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Suicide represents an international public health concern, and for adolescents aged 14 to 18 in the United States, is the third leading cause of death (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data. Available at: www.cdc.gov/yrbs . Accessed on August 30, 2023.). In response to this alarming rate, as well as the relative lack of meaningful progress in the prediction and prevention of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) over the past decades (see Franklin et al., 2017), recent reviews of the suicide literature have advocated for the adoption of novel frameworks and theoretical reexamination of the processes that confer risk for suicide. Currently, the majority of suicide theories emphasize distal factors associated with suicide risk, but these factors also generalize to other types of psychopathology and do not answer the fundamental question of "why suicide?" vs. other maladaptive outcomes. In an effort to address this gap and build off existing theoretical and empirical science from various disciplines, the current theoretical paper will explore the concept of suicide propinquity, the degree of closeness and identification with STB, as a potential moderator of the link between psychological distress and suicide. Specifically, this paper: (1) provides context within the existing theories of suicide, highlighting gaps that might otherwise be explained by propinquity; (2) discusses historical and scientific evidence of suicide phenomena that support the existence of propinquity; (3) explores potential processes of how propinquity may confer risk for STB in adolescence; and (4) suggests future directions for research to examine adolescent suicide from a propinquity perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Clayton
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Davie Hall, Campus, Box 3270, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Olivia H Pollak
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Davie Hall, Campus, Box 3270, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mitchell J Prinstein
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Davie Hall, Campus, Box 3270, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Tørmoen AJ, Myhre MØ, Kildahl AT, Walby FA, Rossow I. A nationwide study on time spent on social media and self-harm among adolescents. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19111. [PMID: 37925469 PMCID: PMC10625526 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46370-y] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-harm among adolescents has increased in many countries, but few studies have examined possible explanations. One explanation could be the changes in the way adolescents socialize and use of social media. We explored the relationship between past year self-harm and time spent on social media, employing data from a nationwide cross-sectional survey among students in grades 8 through 11 in Norway (N = 37,268). The association was estimated in logistic regression models and we adjusted for identified confounders and stratified on gender, age group and depressive symptoms. A total of 16.1% of the study population reported to have self-harmed in the past year. This proportion was elevated among those spending more than 3 h daily on social media (unadjusted OR = 2.74 (CI 2.58.-2.90)). Adjustment for confounders modified the association (OR = 1.49 (CI 1.39-1.60)). In stratified analyses, adjusted OR did not differ significantly by gender or age The association between time spent on social media and self-harm was weaker among adolescents with severe depressive symptoms (adjusted OR = 1.38 (CI 1.22-1.55)), than among those with mild or no symptoms (adjusted OR = 1.70 (CI 1.56-1.86)). Risk of self-harm was elevated among those who spent 3 or more hours daily on social media, also after controlling for other factors. Further studies are needed to explore the nature and underlying mechanisms of this association. Strengthening the evidence will help informing the development of adequate measures to prevent self-harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Johanna Tørmoen
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Martin Øverlien Myhre
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anine Therese Kildahl
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fredrik Andreas Walby
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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17
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Wickramasinghe K, Lobstein T, Lazeri L. Obesity and young people: Are we listening? Obes Rev 2023; 24 Suppl 2:e13609. [PMID: 37753606 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kremlin Wickramasinghe
- Nutrition Physical Activity and Obesity, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Ledia Lazeri
- Mental Health, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Zuckerman E, Fernandes SN, Sullivan SR, Ortin-Peralta A, Jeglic E, Miranda R, Baroni A. Sleep quality and in-person versus online social interaction during the early COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: Impact on affect and interpersonal needs among young adults. PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:100134. [PMID: 37736570 PMCID: PMC10512736 DOI: 10.1016/j.psycom.2023.100134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
We examined relationships among sleep quality and forms of social interaction (in-person vs. online) as predictors of change in affect and interpersonal needs (perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness) - correlates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors - during the early COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. New York City undergraduates (N = 58) from four public colleges completed a baseline survey and daily diaries up to 30 days in April-June 2020. Adjusting for relevant covariates, better sleep quality and in-person communication predicted greater positive affect and lower negative affect over time, but online social interaction only predicted greater positive affect and did not predict negative affect. Better sleep quality predicted lower perceived burdensomeness but not thwarted belongingness. Both in-person and online social interaction - but not total hours on social media - predicted lower thwarted belonging and perceived burdensomeness. Greater hours spent on social media each day lessened the relationship between in-person interaction and positive affect and lessened the buffering effect of in-person interaction on perceived burdensomeness. Improving sleep quality and increasing in-person interaction may ameliorate psychological variables that increase risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. However, when in-person interaction is limited, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, online social interaction might be encouraged - depending on the nature of the interactions - to increase positive affect and buffer against suicide-related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Zuckerman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, USA
| | | | - Sarah R. Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, USA
| | - Ana Ortin-Peralta
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, USA
- School-Clinical Child Psychology Program, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, USA
| | - Elizabeth Jeglic
- Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, USA
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, USA
| | - Regina Miranda
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, USA
- Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, USA
| | - Argelinda Baroni
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
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19
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Polanco-Roman L, Ebrahimi CT, Mafnas KSW, Hausmann-Stabile C, Meca A, Mazzula SL, Duarte CS, Lewis-Fernández R. Acculturation and suicide-related risk in ethnoracially minoritized youth in the US: a scoping review and content analysis of the empirical evidence. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1121-1137. [PMID: 37270726 PMCID: PMC10366293 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02494-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Among Asian-American/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx, and Black youth, the US born have higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (attempts and death-by-suicide) than first-generation migrants. Research has focused on the role of acculturation, defined as the sociocultural and psychological adaptations from navigating multiple cultural environments. METHODS Using content analysis, we conducted a scoping review on acculturation-related experiences and suicide-related risk in Asian-American/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx, and Black youth (henceforth described as "ethnoracially minoritized adolescents"), identifying 27 empirical articles in 2005-2022. RESULTS Findings were mixed: 19 articles found a positive association between acculturation and higher risk for suicide ideation and attempts, namely when assessed as acculturative stress; 3 articles a negative association; and 5 articles no association. Most of the research, however, was cross-sectional, largely focused on Hispanic/Latinx youth, relied on demographic variables or acculturation-related constructs as proxies for acculturation, used single-item assessments for suicide risk, and employed non-random sampling strategies. Although few articles discussed the role of gender, none discussed the intersections of race, sexual orientation, or other social identities on acculturation. CONCLUSION Without a more developmental approach and systematic application of an intersectional research framework that accounts for racialized experiences, the mechanisms by which acculturation may influence the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior remain unclear, resulting in a dearth of culturally responsive suicide-prevention strategies among migrant and ethnoracially minoritized youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Polanco-Roman
- The New School, Department of Psychology, 80 Fifth Avenue, Room 617, New York, NY, 10011, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Chantel T Ebrahimi
- The New School, Department of Psychology, 80 Fifth Avenue, Room 617, New York, NY, 10011, USA
| | - Katherine S W Mafnas
- The New School, Department of Psychology, 80 Fifth Avenue, Room 617, New York, NY, 10011, USA
| | | | - Alan Meca
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | - Silvia L Mazzula
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College for Criminal Justice, CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cristiane S Duarte
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberto Lewis-Fernández
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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20
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Marciano A, David Y, Antebi-Gruszka N. Facebook use and body dissatisfaction moderate the association between discrimination and suicidality among LGBQ individuals. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2023.107729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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21
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Harris D, Krishnan A. Exploring the Association Between Suicide Prevention Public Service Announcements and User Comments on YouTube: A Computational Text Analysis Approach. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 28:302-311. [PMID: 37070172 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2203077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, suicide rates have increased by 30% over the past few decades. Public service announcements (PSAs) are effective health promotion vehicles and social media can help spread PSAs to hard-to-engage individuals who may benefit from intervention efforts, yet the most meaningful characteristics of PSAs for influencing health promotion attitudes and behaviors are inconclusive. This study applied content and quantitative text analyses to suicide prevention PSAs and comments on YouTube to assess the relationships between message frame, message format, and the level of sentiment and help-seeking language within them. Seventy-two PSAs were analyzed for gain/loss-framing and narrative/argument-format, and 4,335 related comments were analyzed for positive/negative sentiment and frequency of help-seeking language use. Results indicate that a higher ratio of positive comments was more likely to be found on gain-framed and narrative-formatted PSAs, and a higher ratio of comments with help-seeking language was more likely to be found on narrative-formatted PSAs. Implications and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Harris
- Information Science Department, College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Archana Krishnan
- College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Communication, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
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22
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Wang X, Wang S. The Bridge between Cybervictimization and Suicidal Ideation among Adolescents: A Vicious Cycle of Hopelessness. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:996-1009. [PMID: 36629988 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01726-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cybervictimization has been shown to relate to suicidal ideation. However, few studies have fully clarified the directionality of this relationship, and little is known about the potential mediating and moderating mechanisms of this relationship. To address these gaps, the current study tested bidirectional relationships among cybervictimization, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation across three years using a cross-lagged design and examined whether these relationships varied by openness, family socioeconomic status, perceived economic stress, and sex. A total of 2,407 Chinese adolescents (50.23% female, Mage = 12.75, SD = 0.58 at baseline) from seven schools participated in the present study. The results indicated that cybervictimization was related to hopelessness and suicidal ideation. There was a vicious cycle between cybervictimization and hopelessness after controlling the effects of cyberbullying at T1. There were significant reciprocal relationships between hopelessness and suicidal ideation. Hopelessness at T2 mediated the relationship between cybervictimization at T1 and suicidal ideation at T3. Openness moderated the relationships among cybervictimization, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. Family socioeconomic status, perceived economic stress, and sex did not play a moderating role. These findings will help to understand that intervening with hopelessness is a promising way to reduce adolescents' cybervictimization and suicidal ideation, and promoting adolescents' openness is an effective approach to alleviate the negative outcome of cybervictimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingchao Wang
- School of Educational Science, Shanxi University, No. 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, 030006, China.
| | - Shiyin Wang
- School of Educational Science, Shanxi University, No. 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, 030006, China
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23
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Balt E, Mérelle S, Robinson J, Popma A, Creemers D, van den Brand I, van Bergen D, Rasing S, Mulder W, Gilissen R. Social media use of adolescents who died by suicide: lessons from a psychological autopsy study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:48. [PMID: 37029395 PMCID: PMC10082488 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00597-9] [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] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND while there are many benefits for young people to use social media, adverse effects such as cyberbullying, online challenges, social comparison and imitation may provoke and aggravate suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The influence of social media on mental health and suicidal thoughts and behaviours has been amply studied, but there is little empirical evidence for its potential role in adolescent suicides. The current study aimed to inform digital suicide prevention strategies by examining the meaning of social media in the lives of young suicide victims and elucidating the harmful and supportive effects of social media use on their wellbeing and distress. METHODS data were analyzed from a psychological autopsy study of 35 adolescents who died by suicide in the Netherlands (43% of all adolescents who died by suicide in that year). These were 18 girls and 17 boys. All were under the age of twenty years, with an average of seventeen years. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was performed of 55 semi structured interviews with peers and parents of the decedents. RESULTS young people benefitted from peer support and recovery stories. However, various themes were discussed relating to the harmful effects of social media, including dependency, triggers and imitation, challenges, cybervictimization and psychological entrapment. The themes of dependency and triggers and imitation were more salient in young females. A group of girls cultivated an online identity around their suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Next-of-kin, particularly parents, faced various challenges to talk to the adolescents about social media use, including technological illiteracy, online anonymity, and the youths' closedness. CONCLUSIONS based on the findings, we recommend education to stimulate the digital literacy of parents, health workers and educators, supporting conscientious social media use in young people, and extending the prevention of cyberbullying. We encourage future research to examine how virtual social networks may sustain suicidal thoughts and behaviour, and to further investigate the effectiveness of digital interventions, like moderated peer support and the use of positive role models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Balt
- Research department, 113 Suicide Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Saskia Mérelle
- Research department, 113 Suicide Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jo Robinson
- Orygen, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, Vic, 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Arne Popma
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam University Medical Centre (AUMC), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daan Creemers
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, GGZ Oost Brabant, Boekel, the Netherlands
| | - Isa van den Brand
- Research department, 113 Suicide Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Diana van Bergen
- Department of Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Rasing
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, GGZ Oost Brabant, Boekel, the Netherlands
| | - Wico Mulder
- Youth healthcare, Dutch Centre for Youth Health (NCJ), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Renske Gilissen
- Research department, 113 Suicide Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Biernesser C, Ohmer M, Nelson L, Mann E, Farzan R, Schwanke B, Radovic A. Middle School Students' Experiences with Cyberbullying and Perspectives Toward Prevention and Bystander Intervention in Schools. JOURNAL OF SCHOOL VIOLENCE 2023; 22:339-352. [PMID: 37377674 PMCID: PMC10292780 DOI: 10.1080/15388220.2023.2186417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Cyberbullying is a growing problem for middle school students. Bystander interventions that train witnesses to positively intervene can prevent cyberbullying. Through six focus groups, we explored forty-six middle school students' experiences with cyberbullying and opportunities for school-based prevention programs to encourage positive bystander behavior. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. Students viewed cyberbullying as an important problem with significant consequences. They noted hesitancy in reporting to parents and school personnel and felt more comfortable discussing cyberbullying with a near-peer (e.g., older sibling or friend). Students desired combining school-based and online programming with near-peer mentorship. This study suggests need for targeted prevention programs that center middle school students' lived experiences with cyberbullying and their preferences for learning and utilizing positive bystander strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Ohmer
- University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work
| | - Lisa Nelson
- University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
| | | | - Rosta Farzan
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Computing and Information
| | - Beth Schwanke
- University of Pittsburgh, Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security
| | - Ana Radovic
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
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Mavragani A, Whitlock J, Chapman J, Bhandari A, Bazarova N. Young Adults' Perceptions of 2 Publicly Available Digital Resources for Self-injury: Qualitative Study of a Peer Support App and Web-Based Factsheets. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e41546. [PMID: 36633896 PMCID: PMC9880808 DOI: 10.2196/41546] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital resources have the potential to bridge the gaps in mental health services for young people who self-injure. Most research on digital resources for this population has involved observational studies of content in web-based communities or formative studies focused on the design and early evaluation of new interventions. Far less research has sought to understand young people's experiences with publicly available digital resources or to identify specific components of these resources that are perceived to be of value in their recovery. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand young people's experiences with 2 publicly available digital resources for self-injury-a peer support app and web-based factsheets-and to disentangle potential explanatory mechanisms associated with perceived benefits and harms. METHODS Participants were 96 individuals (aged 16-25 years) with nonsuicidal self-injury behavior in the past month, who recently completed a pilot randomized controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy of a peer support app as compared with web-based factsheets to reduce self-injury behavior. The trial showed that participants using the peer support app reported less self-injury behavior relative to those receiving the web-based factsheets over 8 weeks. In this study, we used a conventional approach to content analysis of responses to 2 open-ended questions delivered at the end of the trial with the aims of exploring participants' overall experiences with these resources and identifying the qualities of these resources that were perceived to be beneficial to or harmful for participants' recovery. RESULTS Overall, participants were more likely to report benefits than harms. Participants who used the peer support app reported more harms than those who received the web-based factsheets. In the open coding phase, clear benefits were also derived from repeated weekly surveys about self-injury. Key benefits across digital resources included enhanced self-knowledge, reduction in self-injury activity, increased outreach or informal conversations, improved attitudes toward therapy, improved mood, and feeling supported and less alone. Key challenges included worsened or unchanged self-injury activity, diminished mood, and increased barriers to outreach. The most prominent benefit derived from the web-based factsheets and weekly surveys was improved self-understanding. However, the way this manifested differed, with factsheets providing insight on why participants engage in self-injury and the function it serves them and surveys making the frequency and severity of participants' behaviors more apparent. The benefits perceived from using the peer support app were general improvements in mood and feeling less alone. CONCLUSIONS Findings contribute a nuanced understanding of young people's experiences with these digital resources and have implications for the optimization of existing platforms and the design of novel resources to support individuals who self-injure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janis Whitlock
- Department of Communication, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Julia Chapman
- Department of Communication, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Aparajita Bhandari
- Department of Communication, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Natalya Bazarova
- Department of Communication, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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Meng F, Zhu X, Gao Q, Li X, Chen J, Sa Q. Integrating the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide Into the Relations Between Cyber-Victimization and Suicidality Among Adolescents: A Short-Term Prospective Study. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:NP981-NP1006. [PMID: 35438527 PMCID: PMC9709550 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221086638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The relation between cyber-victimization and suicidality among adolescents has been well documented; however, the mechanisms underlying this association have not been well investigated. Drawing upon the interpersonal theory of suicide, this study aimed to examine the mediating mechanisms (i.e., thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness) underlying longitudinal, bidirectional relations between cyber-victimization and suicidal ideation/attempts among adolescents and explore gender differences in the mechanisms. Participants were 497 Chinese adolescents (46.1% male; Mage = 13.28, SD = .66), who completed the assessment of cyber-victimization, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness, suicidal ideation/attempts at three-time points. The time interval between each two assessments is two weeks. Results showed the reciprocal relations between cyber-victimization and thwarted belongingness/perceived burdensomeness, between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation/suicide attempts, and between perceived burdensomeness and suicide attempts. Longitudinal mediation analyses indicated that Time 2 thwarted belongingness mediated the relation between Time 1 cyber-victimization and Time 3 suicidal ideation/suicide attempts. Besides, the reverse pathway from Time 1 suicidal ideation to Time 3 cyber-victimization was also mediated by Time 2 thwarted belongingness, but it was only significant in females, as suggested by multiple-group analyses. According to the aforementioned results, the interpersonal theory of suicide provides a useful framework for understanding relations between cyber-victimization and suicidality. Findings suggest that intervention targeted at improving the need to belong may help reduce suicide risk and lower cyber-victimization. Anti-cyber-victimization should be integrated into suicide intervention and prevention programs, and gender differences should be taken into account in order to enhance the program's effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanchen Meng
- Academy of Psychology and Behavior,
Tianjin
Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinxin Zhu
- Department of Psychology,
University
of Edinburgh, Edinburgh,UK
| | - Qianqian Gao
- School of Psychology,
South China
Normal University, Guangzhou,
China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Applied Social
Sciences, The Hong Kong
Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Jing Chen
- Clinical Operation Department,
TenNor
Therapeutics, Suzhou, China
| | - Qieer Sa
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental
Health, Institute of
Psychology, Beijing, China
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27
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Zhou J, Li X, Zhu D, Gong X. Cyber-victimization and Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents: A Longitudinal Moderated Mediation Model. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:122-133. [PMID: 35978231 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01670-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cyber-victimization is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation among adolescents. However, little research has studied how cyber-victimization may impact suicidal ideation over time, and little is known about what protective factors can buffer against these associations. Guided by the integrated motivational-volitional model of suicidal behavior, this longitudinal study inspected the mediating role of hopelessness in the relation between cyber-victimization and suicidal ideation and the moderating roles of mindfulness and perceived social support in those mediating associations. A total of 1110 Chinese early adolescents (46.1% female; Mage at Wave 1 = 12.90 years) participated in a three-wave longitudinal study with 6-month intervals. The results showed that cyber-victimization positively predicted adolescents' suicidal ideation 1 year later, and this effect was fully mediated by hopelessness. Mindfulness buffered against the predictive effect of cyber-victimization on hopelessness, and perceived social support buffered against the predictive effect of hopelessness on suicidal ideation. The results further showed that the indirect effect of hopelessness was more salient when there were lower levels of mindfulness and perceived social support. This study reveals the moderated mediation processes explaining the impact of cyber-victimization on adolescents' suicidal ideation. Fostering youth's mindfulness and providing social support may attenuate the effects by which cyber-victimization causes suicidal ideation via hopelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Zhou
- School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Zhu
- School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Gong
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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28
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McCabe DJ, Egan HM, Theiler CA. The incidence of self-harm ingestions in adolescents and young adults at a tertiary care center. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 63:50-54. [PMID: 36327749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.10.031] [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: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been an increasing incidence of self-harm attempts in recent years in the United States. Particularly concerning, there has been a growing trend of self-harm in the adolescent and young adult population. In order to inform initiatives to address this trend, risk factors and substances used for self-harm need to be clarified. METHODS This is a descriptive retrospective observational study on all cases of self-harm poisoning in patients between the ages of 12 and 25 years reported at the state's only tertiary care center from January 2019 through March 2022. RESULTS There was an increased incidence of 69% for self-harm poisonings for all ages and a 90% increase in ages 12-17 years between the years 2019 and 2021. Fifty percent of all cases occurred in patients aged 14-17 years, 69% were female, and 22% required an intensive care unit. The top three most common substances used are available without a prescription. DISCUSSION There was a persistent increase in self-harm attempts via poisoning throughout the study period with a particularly vulnerable period in the adolescent age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J McCabe
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America; Iowa Poison Control Center, Sioux City, IA, United States of America.
| | - Haley M Egan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Carly A Theiler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
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29
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Webb B, Looi JC, Allison S, Bidargaddi N, Bastiampillai T. Point of view: Could social media use be contributing to rising rates of deliberate self-harm and suicide in Australian youth populations? Australas Psychiatry 2022; 30:694-697. [PMID: 35524370 DOI: 10.1177/10398562221100093] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A rapid clinical update on the potential interplay between social media use and rates of deliberate self-harm amongst young people in Australia. CONCLUSIONS Rising social media use has been associated with increasing cyberbullying and deliberate self-harm, especially in young women. On the other hand, social media use also provides beneficial support. Examination of problematic social media use in assessments of young people presenting with self-harm may be useful, along with discussion of responses to negative social media. In this point of view, we discuss these matters and the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists' recommendations for reducing the negative impact of social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Webb
- College of Medicine and Public Health, 1065Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Cl Looi
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Canberra Hospital, 104822The Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, ACT, Australia; and
- Consortium of Australian-Academic Psychiatrists for Independent Policy and Research Analysis (CAPIPRA), Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Stephen Allison
- College of Medicine and Public Health, 1065Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; and
- Consortium of Australian-Academic Psychiatrists for Independent Policy and Research Analysis (CAPIPRA), Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Niranjan Bidargaddi
- College of Medicine and Public Health, 1065Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Tarun Bastiampillai
- College of Medicine and Public Health, 1065Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; and
- Consortium of Australian-Academic Psychiatrists for Independent Policy and Research Analysis (CAPIPRA), Canberra, ACT, Australia; and
- Department of Psychiatry, 2541Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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30
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Chen SS, Lam TP, Lam KF, Lo TL, Chao DVK, Mak KY, Lam EWW, Tang WS, Chan HY, Yip PSF. The Use of Close Friends on Instagram, Help-Seeking Willingness, and Suicidality Among Hong Kong Youth: Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e37695. [PMID: 36223182 PMCID: PMC9607886 DOI: 10.2196/37695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social networking sites (SNSs) have gained popularity in recent years for help seeking and self-distress expression among adolescents. Although online suicidal expression is believed to have major benefits, various concerns have also been raised, particularly around privacy issues. Understanding youths’ help-seeking behavior on SNSs is critical for effective suicide prevention; however, most research neglects the impacts of the private SNS context. Objective This study aims to examine youths’ private SNS use via the new Instagram feature, Close Friends, and its association with both online and offline help-seeking willingness as well as youths’ suicidality. Methods This study employed an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach with a combination of explorative qualitative interviews and a systematic quantitative survey, targeting youth aged 15-19 years in Hong Kong. The motivations for utilizing Close Friends and concerns regarding online expression were addressed in the focus group and individual interviews (n=40). A cross-sectional survey (n=1676) was conducted subsequently with eligible secondary school students to examine the prevalence of Close Friends usage, their online and offline help-seeking willingness, and suicide-related experiences. Results A total of 3 primary motives for using Close Friends were identified during interviews, including (1) interaction and help seeking, (2) release of negative emotions, and (3) ventilation and self-expression. Most participants also highlighted the privacy concerns associated with public online communication and the importance of contacting close friends for emotional support. Survey results showed that use of Close Friends was quite prevalent among adolescents (1163/1646, 70.66%), with around 46% (754/1646, 45.81%) of respondents being frequent users. Differences by gender and school academic banding were also revealed. Regarding help-seeking intentions, youths were generally positive about seeking help from peers and friends offline (1010/1266, 79.78%) yet negative about seeking assistance from online friends or professionals with whom they had not yet developed a real-world connection (173/1266, 13.67%). Most notably, frequencies of Close Friends usage were differentially associated with online and offline help-seeking willingness and youths’ suicidality. Compared with nonusers, those who had ever used the feature were more likely to seek offline support (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] 1.82-2.36), whereas heavy use of Close Friends was associated with increased odds of online help-seeking willingness (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.06-2.93) and a higher risk of suicidality (AOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.01-2.31). Conclusions The popularity of Close Friends reflects the increasing need for private online expression among youth. This study demonstrates the importance of Close Friends for self-expression and private conversation and inadequacy of peer support for suicidal adolescents. Further research is needed to identify the causal relationship between Close Friends usage and help-seeking willingness to guide the advancement of suicide prevention strategies. Researchers and social media platforms may cooperate to co-design a risk monitoring system tailored to the private SNS context, assisting professionals in identifying youth at risk of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikky Shiqi Chen
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tai Pong Lam
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok Fai Lam
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tak Lam Lo
- Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - David Vai Kiong Chao
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Hospital Authority Kowloon East Cluster, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ki Yan Mak
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Edmund Wing Wo Lam
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Sin Tang
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hoi Yan Chan
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul Siu Fai Yip
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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31
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Guazzini A, Gursesli MC, Serritella E, Tani M, Duradoni M. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Types and Social Media: Are Social Media Important and Impactful for OCD People? Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2022; 12:1108-1120. [PMID: 36005227 PMCID: PMC9407245 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe12080078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Social media (SM) are the new standard for social interaction and people with OCD use such platforms like everyone else. However, the research on these individuals provides limited, sporadic, and difficult-to-generalize data outside of social-media evidence for one specific context concerning how SM is experienced by people with OCD. Our cross-sectional study involved 660 participants (71.4% females, 28.6% males) with 22% of the sample surpassing the 90° percentile threshold to be identified as high-level OCD-symptomatic individuals. Our work highlighted that roughly all OCD types are affected by social media in terms of mood and that these individuals appeared to give SM more importance than non-OCD individuals. The evidence presented, although very narrow, can be conceived as the first building blocks to encourage future research considering how individuals with OCD experience social media, since they appear to be affected more by them compared to non-OCD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Guazzini
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy
- Centre for the Study of Complex Dynamics, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Mustafa Can Gursesli
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Serritella
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy
| | - Margherita Tani
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy
| | - Mirko Duradoni
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
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32
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Nesi J, Burke TA, Caltabiano A, Spirito A, Wolff JC. Digital media-related precursors to psychiatric hospitalization among youth. J Affect Disord 2022; 310:235-240. [PMID: 35533775 PMCID: PMC10042225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Digital media, including smartphones and social media, are central in youths' lives. This study aimed to examine the role of digital media in psychiatric hospital admissions among adolescents. 343 psychiatrically-hospitalized youth (Mage = 15.2; 70.3% White, 13.7% Black, 33.9% Hispanic; 48.7% female) completed self-report measures of potential digital media-related reasons for hospitalization, patterns of digital media use, and clinical symptoms (internalizing, externalizing, suicidal ideation and attempts). Digital media-related reasons for hospitalization were common, with over 40% of the sample endorsing at least one such reason; 24.8% endorsed having their phone taken away as a reason for admission. Younger adolescents and youth with addictive patterns of phone use were more likely to endorse digital media-related reasons for hospitalization, including phone restriction and negative social media experiences. In addition, youth endorsing suicide-related social media engagement (e.g., posting or messaging about suicide) as a precursor to admission reported more severe suicidal ideation and greater likelihood of a recent suicide attempt. Limitations of the study include a reliance on self-report measures and cross-sectional design. Findings highlight the need to identify youth who may be especially vulnerable to digital media experiences that contribute to risk for psychiatric hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Nesi
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America; Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States of America.
| | - Taylor A Burke
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Anna Caltabiano
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Anthony Spirito
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Jennifer C Wolff
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America; Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States of America
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33
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Liu J, Shi M, Jiang H. Detecting Suicidal Ideation in Social Media: An Ensemble Method Based on Feature Fusion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138197. [PMID: 35805856 PMCID: PMC9266694 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Suicide has become a serious problem, and how to prevent suicide has become a very important research topic. Social media provides an ideal platform for monitoring suicidal ideation. This paper presents an integrated model for multidimensional information fusion. By integrating the best classification models determined by single and multiple features, different feature information is combined to better identify suicidal posts in online social media. This approach was assessed with a dataset formed from 40,222 posts annotated by Weibo. By integrating the best classification model of single features and multidimensional features, the proposed model ((BSC + RFS)-fs, WEC-fs) achieved 80.61% accuracy and a 79.20% F1-score. Other representative text information representation methods and demographic factors related to suicide may also be important predictors of suicide, which were not considered in this study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the good try that feature combination and ensemble algorithms have been fused to detect user-generated content with suicidal ideation. The findings suggest that feature combinations do not always work well, and that an appropriate combination strategy can make classification models work better. There are differences in the information contained in different functional carriers, and a targeted choice classification model may improve the detection rate of suicidal ideation.
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34
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Chen SS, Lam TP, Lam KF, Lo TL, Chao DVK, Mak KY, Lam EWW, Tang WS, Chan HY, Yip PSF. Motivations for Online Expression, Willingness of Online Help-Seeking, and the Risk of Suicide Among Hong Kong Youths: A Mixed-Methods Study. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2022; 25:384-391. [PMID: 35594242 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2022.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite widespread interest in social media use, little is known about the heterogeneity of underlying motivations for online engagement among at-risk adolescents. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the motives of online expression among Hong Kong youths aged 15-19, as well as their relationships to online help-seeking willingness and suicide risks. In total, 6 focus groups and 12 individual interviews were conducted (N = 40) to elicit information regarding online expression purposes and to construct questionnaire items. The cross-sectional survey (N = 1,676) was undertaken subsequently to determine the prevalence of motives, and their correlations with online help-seeking willingness and suicide risks. Qualitative interviews revealed two key themes: major motivations for online expression, and features of online expression and help-seeking among suicidal youths. Quantitative analyses demonstrated the prevalence of each online expression purpose, with most reporting on "emotional expression" and "life sharing and documentation," but variations identified by gender, school academic banding, and suicide-related experience. Notably, an ordinal logistic regression model revealed that motives of "emotional expression" and "image building" were associated with increased suicide risks, while the purpose of "life sharing" was associated with decreased suicide risks. Those who expressed online for "self-expression" and "friend making" showed a stronger willingness for online help-seeking. These findings provide a more holistic overview of the purposes of online expression, which suggested the likelihood of mental health issues and the need for support. Such insight may facilitate the development of more effective suicide prevention strategies and online intervention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikky Shiqi Chen
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tai Pong Lam
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok Fai Lam
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science and The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Tak Lam Lo
- Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - David Vai Kiong Chao
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Hospital Authority Kowloon East Cluster, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ki Yan Mak
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Edmund Wing Wo Lam
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Sin Tang
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hoi Yan Chan
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul Siu Fai Yip
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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35
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El Frenn Y, Hallit S, Obeid S, Soufia M. Association of the time spent on social media news with depression and suicidal ideation among a sample of Lebanese adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Lebanese economic crisis. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-13. [PMID: 35582433 PMCID: PMC9099267 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03148-1] [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] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The main objectives were to associate between social media news consumption during these unstable times and depression, as well as suicidal ideation among a sample of Lebanese adults, in addition to associate between fear of Covid-19, depression and suicidal ideation. Secondary objectives aimed to check the mediating effect of depression in the association between time spent on social media to get the news and the presence of suicidal ideation. This is a cross-sectional study executed between April and May 2021. It involved 402 Lebanese citizens aged 18 years and above, selected randomly from all Lebanese districts. Having cancer (Beta = 0.20) or lung disease (Beta = 0.27), more fear of COVID-19 (Beta = 0.16), a higher time spent on social media for news (Beta = 0.13) and a higher household crowding index (Beta = 0.29) were significantly associated with more depression, whereas having a pet in the house (Beta = -0.13) and working in the medical field (Beta = -0.17) were significantly associated with less depression. Higher depression (aOR = 1.19) was significantly associated with higher odds of having suicidal ideation, whereas more fear of COVID-19 (aOR = 0.84) and older age (aOR = 0.96) were significantly associated with less odds of having suicidal ideation. Depression did not mediate the association between time spent on social media to get the news and suicidal ideation. This study showed that more time spent on social media reading the news is associated with higher depression but not suicidal ideation. Fear of Covid-19 is associated with more depression, but less suicidal ideation. Further studies are needed to identify the causality between social media news consumption, depression and suicidal ideation. Moreover, awareness campaigns should be organized to teach people how to consume social media news in a responsible way, without letting it affect their emotions directly, which may cause psychological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara El Frenn
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478 Saudi Arabia
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Michel Soufia
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
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36
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Advancing Our Understanding of the Associations Between Social Media Use and Well-Being. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 47:101357. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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37
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Social Media, Self-Harm, and Suicide. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 46:101311. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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38
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Nesi J, Burke TA, Extein J, Kudinova AY, Fox KA, Hunt J, Wolff JC. Social media use, sleep, and psychopathology in psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 144:296-303. [PMID: 34710666 PMCID: PMC8665029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disruption among adolescents represents a major public health concern, and social media use may play an important role in affecting sleep and subsequent mental health. While prior studies of youth sleep and mental health have often focused on social media use frequency and duration, adolescents' emotional experiences related to social media have been underexplored, particularly among clinically acute populations. This study offers a preliminary investigation of associations among negative emotional experiences using social media, sleep disturbance, and clinical symptom severity in a sample of psychiatrically hospitalized youth. A sample of 243 adolescents (Mage = 15.34) completed self-report measures at a single time point. Measures assessed social media use, including frequency and duration, subjective experiences of use, and emotional responses to use, as well as sleep disturbance and clinical symptom severity, including suicidal ideation, internalizing symptoms, and attention problems. Results revealed that more frequent negative emotional responses to social media use were linked to greater sleep disturbance and higher clinical symptom severity. Furthermore, sleep disturbance mediated the relation between negative emotional responses to social media and clinical symptom severity. While gender differences were revealed in characteristics of social media use, sleep disturbance, and clinical outcomes, the associations among these constructs did not vary across gender groups. Overall, these findings highlight sleep disturbance as a potential mechanism through which negative emotional experiences on social media may impact clinical symptoms in psychiatrically vulnerable youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Nesi
- Warrent Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Dept. of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, USA; Rhode Island Hospital, USA.
| | - Taylor A Burke
- Massachusetts General Hospital, USA; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, USA
| | - Jonathan Extein
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, USA
| | - Anastacia Y Kudinova
- Warrent Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Dept. of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, USA; Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, USA
| | - Kara A Fox
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hunt
- Warrent Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Dept. of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, USA; Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, USA
| | - Jennifer C Wolff
- Warrent Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Dept. of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, USA; Rhode Island Hospital, USA
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