The effects of daily stress on positive and negative mental health: Mediation through self-efficacy

Emotional growth mindsets and stress controllability buffer the link between stress intensity and anxiety symptoms: An ecological momentary assessment study

Anxiety is highly prevalent among adults. Evidence suggests that perceived stress controllability and emotional growth mindsets are associated with decreased anxiety. However, whether these positive factors synergistically contribute to reducing the impact of stress on anxiety remains unclear, especially within everyday stress contexts. Multilevel models were used to investigate how perceived stress controllability and emotional growth mindsets interacted to mitigate the adverse impact of daily stress on anxiety, differentiating within- and between-person effects. Overall, 198 participants completed ecological momentary assessments of perceived stress intensity and controllability, emotional growth mindsets, and anxiety four times daily over 10-12 consecutive days. The within-person analyses showed that high emotional growth mindsets buffer the link between perceived stress intensity and anxiety. More importantly, the between-person and cross-level results suggested that the synergistic effect of emotional growth mindsets and perceived stress controllability maximally buffered the correlation between perceived stress intensity and anxiety. Additionally, these results highlighted that the positive association between perceived stress intensity and anxiety was most pronounced among participants with low emotional growth mindsets and perceived stress controllability. These findings further support a synergistic intervention approach that emphasizes anxiety alleviation through enhanced perceived stress controllability and the development of emotional growth mindsets.

Understanding the role of beliefs on intentions and actual usage of a tool for self-management of mental health among college students

Mental health issues are prevalent among college students, with digital interventions lacking in attempts to reduce participant attrition and address low engagement with technology. This study assessed changes in college students' beliefs regarding mental health after exposure to a digital mental health self-management coaching and education app, the Mental Health Evaluation and Lookout Program (mHELP). Participants' beliefs, measured using constructs from the Health Belief Model and Technology Acceptance Model, were compared to user engagement and changes in scores on validated scales for stress, depression, and anxiety. Participant beliefs including self-efficacy, perceived ease of use, and cues to action became more positive post-intervention. Higher participant self-efficacy indicated lower stress, anxiety, and depression ratings. Participants who believed stress to be a serious health threat and perceived the app as useful and easy to use were more likely to engage with the app. Providing digital mental health coaching showed significant relationships between students' beliefs regarding mental health self-management, their engagement with the app, and the reduction in stress and anxiety.

Social support and self-efficacy during early adolescence: Dual impact of protective and promotive links to mental health and wellbeing

This study aimed to assess the impact of sources of social support and dimensions of self-efficacy on psychological symptoms and mental wellbeing among early adolescents. A total of 274 adolescents aged 10-14 from Darjeeling, India, participated in the study. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C) were utilized to assess dimensions of protective/promotive factors. Nested multivariable regression models assessed associations between age, gender, social support, and self-efficacy on psychological symptoms (internalising, externalising, and total difficulties) and mental wellbeing outcomes (mental wellbeing, optimism, and resilience). Results indicated that 13% of early adolescents screened positive for clinical depression and 44% reported poor mental wellbeing. Emotional and academic self-efficacy, along with family support, were significantly associated with reduced psychological symptoms. Conversely, social, and academic self-efficacy, along with support from friends, were linked to higher levels of mental wellbeing. Regression analyses revealed that dimensions of social support and self-efficacy explained a greater proportion of variability in mental wellbeing outcomes (R2 = 0.37-0.64) than in psychological symptom outcomes (R2 = 0.19-0.22), suggesting a stronger promotive effect on mental wellbeing compared to a protective effect on psychological symptoms during early adolescence. Findings suggest the urgent need for early mental health intervention to strengthen systems of social support and support self-efficacy among early adolescents. Multi-level or sequential interventions that target protective and promotive factors are a key strategy to addressing the global youth mental health crisis.

The impact of momentary stress on autobiographical memory recall in a self-efficacy intervention

Recalling positive autobiographical memories has been associated with various positive psychological outcomes, including enhanced mental well-being and self-efficacy. Given the known impact of stress on cognitive functioning, we investigated how momentary stress affects the repeated recall of selected autobiographical mastery memories (e.g., memories of overcoming challenges) in a training to enhance self-efficacy. During this one-week digital training, participants (N = 54) were asked to recall mastery memories, and we assessed their momentary stress levels, memory vividness, and recall feasibility using Ecological Momentary Assessment. Analyses using linear mixed-effects models showed that participants reported greater difficulty and less vividness in recalling self-efficacy memories during moments of increased stress, whereas feeling relaxed facilitated recall feasibility and vividness. Though participants who experienced less recall difficulty appeared to benefit more, recall difficulty and vividness did not significantly moderate improvements in self-efficacy. While replication in a larger, more diverse sample is indicated, our findings underscore the importance of considering momentary affect in memory-based mental health interventions. Effects may be particularly pronounced when interventions are applied during the early stages of stress, when stress levels are still relatively low, aligning with the strategy of Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions. Our study also highlights the potential benefits of combining memory recall practices with relaxation-promoting interventions to enhance mental health outcomes.

Experiences of intimate partner violence and valued living among women veterans: The role of self-efficacy

Predominantly cross-sectional research suggests that self-efficacy may play an important role in women's psychological health after experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). However, few studies have examined these associations over time or with respect to broader aspects of psychological well-being. Valued living, which reflects behavioral engagement within personally important life domains, represents a key aspect of well-being that may be negatively impacted by experiences of IPV. Participants were 190 women veterans who completed three web-based surveys. We examined whether IPV experiences at Time 1 were associated with valued living at Time 3 (i.e., 4 years after Time 1) through self-efficacy at Time 2 (i.e., 3 years after Time 1). We separately examined overall, psychological, physical, and sexual IPV and investigated lifetime and recent (i.e., past 6 months) IPV experiences for each subtype. Separate path analysis models indicated that lifetime overall, β = -.10, 95% CI [-.19, -.02]; psychological, β = -.08, 95% CI [-.17, -.001]; physical, β = -.10, 95% CI [-.18, -.01]; and sexual, β = -.11, 95% CI [-.22, -.01], IPV experiences were indirectly associated with less valued living through less self-efficacy, whereas the indirect effect only emerged for recent physical IPV, β = -.26, 95% CI [-.50, -.02], but not for recent overall, psychological, or sexual IPV. These findings suggest that experiencing IPV is associated with less self-efficacy and valued living, which highlights the importance of providing early psychosocial interventions to enhance well-being among individuals managing the effects of experiencing IPV.

The effect of positive mental well-being on patient reported outcome (PRO): finding from a cross-sectional multi-disease study in China

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the potential impact of positive mental well-being on responses of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), such as EQ-5D-5L.

METHODS

This study utilized the data collected in a cross-sectional study in a sample consisted of individuals with different health conditions. Spearman's rank correlations were employed to investigate the relationship between the responses to the dimensions of EQ-5D-5L and the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS). A binary logistic regression analysis and ordered logistic multivariable regression were utilized to examine how SWEMWBS scores could impact the responses to EQ-5D-5L dimensions, while controlling for variables such as age, gender, education level, health conditions, caring experience, and data collection methods. The effects of SWEMWBS on EQ-VAS and utility values were also examined.

RESULTS

One thousand nine individuals participated in the survey. Spearman's rank correlation revealed that all dimensions of EQ-5D-5L, except for the anxiety/depression dimension, exhibited weak correlations with all dimensions of SWEMWBS. Binary logistic regression and ordered logistic multivariable regression indicated that age, SWEMWBS scores, gender, health conditions, data collection methods, and caring experience significantly influenced the likelihood of reporting problems in EQ-5D-5L responses. Notably, better SWEMWBS outcomes increased the likelihood of reporting no or fewer problems across all EQ-5D-5L dimensions. Spearman's rank correlation suggested a moderate or strong positive correlation between SWEMWBS scores and EQ-5D-5L utility values and EQ-VAS. The results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that SWEMWBS scores, health conditions, caring experience, and data collection methods were significantly associated with EQ-5D utility values and EQ-VAS.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with better positive mental well-being results are more likely to report better results in PROMs like EQ-5D-5L. Future study is needed to understand the thought process and to explore strategies to cope with the response heterogeneity that led by the status of mental well-being.

Effect of stress on study skills self-efficacy in Nursing students: the chain mediating role of general self-efficacy and self-directed learning

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study is to explore the current level of nursing students' study skills self-efficacy, and whether general self-efficacy and self-directed learning ability mediate the relationship between perceived stress (including positive stress and negative stress) and study skills self-efficacy.

METHODS

The survey was conducted among 1,289 nursing students including 795 students from Jinzhou Medical University and 494 students from Dalian University. Participants completed a self-designed questionnaire, which included the Study Skills Self-Efficacy Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Self-Directed Learning Instrument, gender, age, academic year, and other demographic characteristics. Descriptive analysis, independent-samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analyses, and the bootstrap method were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Positive stress significantly positively predicted students' study skills self-efficacy, with an effect size of 0.686. Moreover, general self-efficacy and self-directed learning mediate the relationship between positive stress and study skills self-efficacy in nursing students, with effect sizes of 0.235 and 0.245, respectively. The direct effect of negative pressure on students' study skills self-efficacy is not statistically significant, but it has a significant negative predictive effect on study skills self-efficacy under the mediation of general self-efficacy and self-directed learning, with effect sizes of -0.337 and -0.238, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study explains how stress affects students' study skills self-efficacy, and the results have certain enlightenment significance for improving the stress management ability and study skills self-efficacy of college students in the future.

Effects of a digital self-efficacy training in stressed university students: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Self-efficacy is associated with positive mental health outcomes. We developed and tested a digital self-efficacy training for daily recall of autobiographical self-efficacy memories (e.g., memories of successfully overcoming a personal challenge).

METHOD

In this randomized controlled trial, we investigated the effects of the week-long digital self-efficacy training on key mental health outcomes, including anxiety, stress, and hopelessness, and on self-efficacy in 93 university students (mean age 23.3 years, SD: 3.49) with elevated self-reported stress levels. Participants completed either the self-efficacy training combined with ecological momentary assessment (EMA) (training group) or EMA only (control group).

RESULTS

We found significantly reduced hopelessness and trait anxiety in the training group compared to the control group at post-assessment (one day post intervention). Effects on ratings of self-efficacy at post-assessment were also significant when controlling for baseline self-efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

This stand-alone digital self-efficacy training was significantly associated with a number of positive effects on outcomes compared to a control condition, including reduced hopelessness, trait anxiety, and increased self-efficacy. Future work is needed to replicate and investigate the long-term effects of the training and explore its implementation in clinical populations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05617248.

Maternal and paternal harsh parenting and anxiety symptoms in Chinese adolescents: examining a multiple mediation model

BACKGROUND

Harsh parenting has been recognized as a risk factor for adolescent anxiety; however, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship remain unclear, and it is unknown whether this relationship is influenced by different parental roles and living arrangements. This study aimed to investigate the mediating mechanisms between harsh parenting and adolescent anxiety symptoms using a multiple mediation model and to further compare specific roles of harsh parenting and distinguish between the living arrangements.

METHODS

A total of 3505 adolescents completed this survey, and 3295 adolescents (54.7% girls, Mage = 14.97 years) were included in the study. Participants completed self-assessments measuring harsh parenting, self-efficacy, school connectedness, Internet addiction, sleep problems, and anxiety. They were categorized into three groups based on living arrangements: living with both parents, only with the mother, or only with the father.

RESULTS

Correlational analyses revealed that both maternal and paternal harsh parenting were associated with increased anxiety symptoms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) mediation analyses and multigroup analyses showed that the independent mediating effects of school connectedness, Internet addiction, and sleep problems, as well as the sequential mediating pathways involving self-efficacy → school connectedness, self-efficacy → Internet addiction, and self-efficacy → sleep problems, vary across the adolescents' living arrangements in the association between maternal and paternal harsh parenting and adolescent anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study elucidated the mechanisms linking harsh parenting to adolescent anxiety symptoms and validated the effects of different parental roles and living arrangements. The findings provide important insights for developing targeted interventions to address anxiety symptoms in adolescents exposed to harsh parenting.

Triangulation of Questionnaires, Qualitative Data and Natural Language Processing: A Differential Approach to Religious Bahá'í Fasting in Germany

Approaches to integrating mixed methods into medical research are gaining popularity. To get a holistic understanding of the effects of behavioural interventions, we investigated religious fasting using a triangulation of quantitative, qualitative, and natural language analysis. We analysed an observational study of Bahá'í fasting in Germany using a between-method triangulation that is based on links between qualitative and quantitative analyses. Individual interviews show an increase in the mindfulness and well-being categories. Sentiment scores, extracted from the interviews through natural language processing, positively correlate with questionnaire outcomes on quality of life (WHO-5: Spearman correlation r = 0.486, p = 0.048). Five questionnaires contribute to the first principal component capturing the spectrum of mood states (50.1% explained variance). Integrating the findings of the between-method triangulation enabled us to converge on the underlying effects of this kind of intermittent fasting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03443739.

Spatial-Frequency Characteristics of EEG Associated With the Mental Stress in Human-Machine Systems

Accurate assessment of user mental stress in human-machine system plays a crucial role in ensuring task performance and system safety. However, the underlying neural mechanisms of stress in human-machine tasks and assessment methods based on physiological indicators remain fundamental challenges. In this paper, we employ a virtual unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control experiment to explore the reorganization of functional brain network patterns under stress conditions. The results indicate enhanced functional connectivity in the frontal theta band and central beta band, as well as reduced functional connectivity in the left parieto-occipital alpha band, which is associated with increased mental stress. Evaluation of network metrics reveals that decreased global efficiency in the theta and beta bands is linked to elevated stress levels. Subsequently, inspired by the frequency-specific patterns in the stress brain network, a cross-band graph convolutional network (CBGCN) model is constructed for mental stress brain state recognition. The proposed method captures the spatial-frequency topological relationships of cross-band brain networks through multiple branches, with the aim of integrating complex dynamic patterns hidden in the brain network and learning discriminative cognitive features. Experimental results demonstrate that the neuro-inspired CBGCN model improves classification performance and enhances model interpretability. The study suggests that the proposed approach provides a potentially viable solution for recognizing stress states in human-machine system by using EEG signals.

The Relationship between Meaning in Life and Mental Health in Chinese Undergraduates: The Mediating Roles of Self-Esteem and Interpersonal Trust

To explore the association and the underlying process between meaning in life and psychological health, a stratified random sampling was conducted on undergraduate students from five universities in Fujian Province from March to April 2022, with the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Self-Esteem Scale, the Interpersonal Trust Scale, and the Kessler10 Scale. The results indicated that 34.5% of Chinese undergraduates were in poor or worse mental health. There were significant positive correlations among meaning in life, self-esteem, and interpersonal trust; meaning in life, self-esteem, and interpersonal trust were all significantly and positively correlated with mental health. Self-esteem and interpersonal trust played a chain mediating role between meaning in life and mental health. Schools and families should conduct appropriate activities to help them enhance meaning in life so as to improve the level of mental health.

The mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between past professional training and burnout resilience in medical education: a multicentre cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Meta-analyses indicate a high prevalence of burnout among medical students. Although studies have investigated different coping strategies and health interventions to prevent burnout, professional experience's influence on burnout resilience as seldom been explored. Therefore, in our study we aimed to examine the self-efficacy's mediating role in the relationship between past vocational training and burnout resilience. In the process, we also analysed the associations between study-related variables and burnout resilience.

METHODS

In our cross-sectional study, we analysed the data of 2217 medical students at different stages of their university education (i.e. 1st, 3rd, 6th, 10th semester, and final year) at five medical faculties in Germany. The questionnaire included items addressing variables related to medical school, previous professional and academic qualifications, and validated instruments for measuring burnout and self-efficacy.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of burnout was 19.7%, as defined by high scores for emotional exhaustion and notable values in at least one of the other two dimensions (cynicism or academic efficacy). Higher levels for self-efficacy (p < .001), having children (p = .004), and financing education with personal earnings (p = .03) were positively associated with burnout resilience, whereas having education financed by a partner or spouse (p = .04) had a negative association. In a mediation analysis, self-efficacy exerted a suppressor effect on the relationship between vocational training and burnout resilience (indirect effect = 0.11, 95% CI [0.04, 0.19]).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-efficacy's suppressor effect suggests that the positive association between vocational training and burnout resilience identified in the mediation analysis disappears for students who have completed vocational training but do not feel efficacious. Those and other findings provide important insights into the psychological mechanisms underlying the development of burnout resilience in medical students and suggest the promotion of self-efficacy in medical education.

Relationships between autistic traits, self-efficacy, and internalizing symptoms in a nonclinical sample of Indian early adolescents

INTRODUCTION

Having more "autistic traits" is associated with an increased risk of mental health conditions. However, few studies have examined autistic traits in nonclinical samples. This study aims to analyze the relationship between autistic traits and internalizing symptoms among early adolescents and to examine the moderating effect of self-efficacy.

METHODS

Survey data were collected from early adolescents ages 10-14 living in Darjeeling, India (n = 274) to assess autistic traits, self-efficacy, and internalizing symptoms.

RESULTS

Higher internalizing symptoms were significantly associated with a higher report of autistic traits. Academic, social, and emotional dimensions of self-efficacy moderated the relationship between autistic traits and internalizing symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The moderation effects between social and emotional self-efficacy among youth with high versus low autism trait scores suggest the need for social-emotional learning interventions designed for and with neurodivergent youth. Such interventions aim to reduce internalizing symptoms during early adolescence and improve future mental health trajectories.

Physical Activity Participation among Children and Youth with Mental Health Symptoms: Clinician Perspectives

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Physical activity supports mental health and well-being in children and youth. However, there are significant barriers to physical activity participation among individuals impacted by mental health disorders. This study investigates these barriers through the perspective of mental health clinicians who support children and youth.

METHODS

Fourteen mental health clinicians, including registered professional psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers, were interviewed in a semi-structured format. Qualitative content analysis was performed to identify key themes, including both barriers and facilitators to physical activity.

RESULTS

Content analysis revealed that clinicians perceive both internal and external barriers and facilitators to their clients' participation in physical activity. Barriers included intrapersonal factors, such as the presence of depression, anxiety, or eating disorder symptoms; lack of motivation; and negative self-talk, as well as factors related to the influence of caregivers, financial limitations, screen time use, environmental and cultural factors, and lack of time. Facilitators included enjoyment of physical activity, knowledge about the benefits of physical activity, and caregiver participation.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental health clinicians demonstrated clear knowledge about the barriers to and facilitators of their clients' participation in physical activity. These findings provide valuable insights that can be used to support children and youth experiencing mental health difficulty to access the beneficial effects of physical activity.

The "Vicious Circle of addictive Social Media Use and Mental Health" Model

Social media use (SMU) is a significant part of many people's everyday life. Research around the globe describes an increase of addictive SMU tendencies since the COVID-19 outbreak. The present work combines available findings in the "Vicious Circle of addictive Social Media Use and Mental Health" model to explain how social media (SM) activity can contribute to the development of addictive tendencies, which consequences they have for mental health, and how to prevent them. Following the model, the interplay between the risk factors negative experiences caused by daily hassles and by unexpected global and traumatic events, SMU (dimension "quality"), and SM flow can directly contribute to addictive SMU through the "vicious circle". Time spent on SMU (dimension "quantity"), symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the personality trait narcissism contribute to the circle as moderators. Symptoms of stress, insomnia, and suicide-related outcomes are described as potential consequences of addictive SMU. Based on longitudinal intervention studies, a conscious reduction of SMU time and an increase of physical activity, as well as positive mental health and mindfulness are identified as protective factors that reduce the risk of addictive tendencies. The model contributes to a better understanding of addictive SMU. Implications of the model for future research and praxis, specifically for mental health programs and therapeutic treatment are discussed.

Videogame training increases clinical well-being, attention and hippocampal-prefrontal functional connectivity in patients with schizophrenia

Recent research shows that videogame training enhances neuronal plasticity and cognitive improvements in healthy individuals. As patients with schizophrenia exhibit reduced neuronal plasticity linked to cognitive deficits and symptoms, we investigated whether videogame-related cognitive improvements and plasticity changes extend to this population. In a training study, patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls were randomly assigned to 3D or 2D platformer videogame training or E-book reading (active control) for 8 weeks, 30 min daily. After training, both videogame conditions showed significant increases in sustained attention compared to the control condition, correlated with increased functional connectivity in a hippocampal-prefrontal network. Notably, patients trained with videogames mostly improved in negative symptoms, general psychopathology, and perceived mental health recovery. Videogames, incorporating initiative, goal setting and gratification, offer a training approach closer to real life than current psychiatric treatments. Our results provide initial evidence that they may represent a possible adjunct therapeutic intervention for complex mental disorders.

The Impact of College Students' Academic Stress on Student Satisfaction from a Typological Perspective: A Latent Profile Analysis Based on Academic Self-Efficacy and Positive Coping Strategies for Stress

This investigation employs Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to analyze data from 1298 Chinese university students, aiming to clarify the mechanisms through which individual psychological resources, primarily academic self-efficacy and positive coping strategies, affect student satisfaction in the context of academic stress. Four distinct profiles emerged based on levels of academic self-efficacy and positive coping strategies: Low-Spirited, General Copers, Capable but Passive, and Optimistic and Confident. These profiles demonstrate significant variances in the sources of academic stress, student engagement, and student satisfaction, with a ranking order from most to least satisfied as follows: Optimistic and Confident, Capable but Passive, General Copers, and Low-spirited. While academic stress uniformly augments engagement across all profiles, its effect on student satisfaction diverges-negatively for Low-spirited and General Copers, and positively for Capable but Passive and Optimistic and Confident. The analysis reveals varying levels of academic stress-tolerance among profiles, highlighting the critical role of academic self-efficacy and indicating a possible nonlinear relationship between student engagement and satisfaction. These findings enhance our comprehension of student satisfaction's intricate dynamics and suggest strategies to alleviate academic stress and improve psychological well-being.

"Gutting It Out" Does Not Work: Why Mental Health Days are Needed

College student mental health issues negatively impact academic performance. Over half of college students in the U.S. report a mental health issue, with 60% reporting one at the two-year mark. Even when aware of such mental health issues, students are still hesitant to seek treatment. As such, investigating perceptions of mental health time off may illuminate perceived usefulness of such policies as well as potential processes for defining and implementing such policies. This study sought to answer the question, "What are the perspectives of time-off for mental health?" Using Reddit's responses, this study extracted (N = 392) quotes and used thematic analysis to identify four main themes. Implications include the need for school-level mental health time-off policies or integration of instructors' policies into their syllabi for transparency to students, which may alleviate student stress and further stigmatization.

The Research on Risk Factors for Adolescents' Mental Health

There is a growing tendency for mental health disorders to emerge during adolescence. These disorders impair emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning, such as unsatisfying peer relationships, disruptive behavior, and decreased academic performance. They also contribute to vulnerability in later adulthood which negatively influences life-long well-being. Thus, research into etiology is imperative to provide implications for prevention and intervention within family and school practices. It is suggested that the onset of psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety, is closely related to stress levels and patterns of stress reaction. Therefore, considerable research has investigated the link between hereditary factors, economic status, dispositional vulnerability, social relationships, and stress levels. The current study examines existing evidence and identifies multifaceted risk factors for adolescents' mental problems across three layers, including individual traits and personality, family status and practices, as well as peer relationships, and school climate. It is also suggested that factors from these three perspectives interact and are closely interconnected, directly or indirectly contributing to adolescent psychopathology. The implications for future development of prevention and intervention programs, as well as therapy, are discussed.

The "bubbles"-study: Validation of ultra-short scales for the assessment of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms

Depression, anxiety and stress symptoms cause substantial psychological and economic burdens around the globe. To mitigate the negative consequences, the negative symptoms should be identified at an early stage. Therefore, the implementation of very brief valid screening tools in mental health prevention programs and in therapeutic settings is advantageous. In two studies on representative German population samples, we developed and validated three ultra-short scales-the "bubbles"-that consist of only one item based on the Depression Anxiety Stress 21 subscales (DASS-21) for the assessment of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. The results of Study 1 (N = 1,001) and Study 2 (N = 894) revealed that the bubbles are valid instruments that fit the DASS-21 subscales on the factor level. Moreover, the bubbles replicated the association pattern of the DASS-21 subscales with demographic variables, and with variables that belong to the negative and the positive dimension of mental health. Thus, due to their time- and cost-efficiency, the bubbles can be used as brief screening tools in research (e.g., large-scale studies, longitudinal studies, experience sampling paradigms) and in praxis. Their shortness can prevent fatigue, motivation decrease, and participants' drop-out.

Social prescribing for individuals with mental health problems: An ethnographic study exploring the mechanisms of action through which community groups support psychosocial well-being

Background

Social prescribing involves connecting individuals to community groups and activities, often to support their mental health and well-being. It has received increasing support in recent years across the NHS. There is a strong evidence base for the benefits of different types of community activities, including exercise groups, arts groups and nature interventions, on mental health outcomes, however, less is known about how these groups impact mental health and well-being. This study explores through what individual-level mechanisms (the 'how') these groups support psychosocial well-being.

Methods

An ethnographic study was conducted over 12-months to explore key shared, individual-level mechanisms across 4 social prescribing community groups: football, singing, gardening and reading. This study focused mostly on those with severe mental illness, whereas previously most social prescribing studies have focused on mild to moderate mental health problems. To frame the findings, a 'multi-level theoretical framework of mechanisms of action' of leisure activities was used.

Results

Key shared psychological mechanisms were: increased self-confidence and self-esteem, increased purpose/meaning, increased sense of achievement, experience of pleasure; social mechanisms included: increased social support, formation of friendships and reduced loneliness, enhanced sense of community and belonging; behavioural mechanisms were: increased independence and openness to experience, reduction in addictive behaviours and building healthier habits, increased work-seeking behaviour, and provision of structure & routine.

Conclusions

It is hoped that the findings of this study can help referring professionals increase their understanding of exactly how such groups support individuals' mental health, thus enhancing referring practices.

Social visibility of consumption and conspicuous consumption: An empirical analysis of Chinese wedding ceremonies

This study explores the transformative impact of a digital platform integrating social media platforms like WeChat and Weibo with social e-commerce applications such as RED on individuals' consumption behaviours. It examines how this influence reshapes personal image, builds social identity, and engages in various behaviours, particularly focusing on the social visibility of consumption during Chinese wedding celebrations. Through an online survey of 570 respondents who have hosted or plan to host wedding celebrations, we investigate whether the use of social media increases the likelihood of the social visibility of individual consumption. Our findings reveal a significant relationship between social media use and the social visibility of respondents' consumption. Moreover, a continual rise in the social visibility of respondents' consumption is associated with increased conspicuous consumption behaviour and display. While self-expression enhances the social visibility of consumption and its impact on brand awareness, this study does not identify a moderating effect of self-expression on the relationship between the social visibility of consumption and conspicuous consumption behaviour and display. These results give insight into the evolving role of digital platforms in shaping consumption patterns, particularly in the context of significant life events like weddings in China.

Factors contributing to the mental wellbeing of Afghan migrants in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study aims to explore the factors contributing mental health of Afghan migrants residing in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges encountered by migrants, especially during times of crisis, this research delves into the influential factors of experienced anxiety, social cohesion, and stress and their significant contribution to the development of depression among Afghan migrants. The study included a sample of 469 individuals from the Afghan migrant community, aged 15 to 80 years. Data collection took place from December to March 2022 in Iran. The study revealed that anxiety and the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the occurrence of depression among Afghan migrants. Furthermore, the relationship between these factors and depression was mediated by the experience of stress. Conversely, higher levels of perceived social cohesion in the host country were linked to reduced stress and depression among the migrants. As Afghan migrants in Iran face a heightened risk of developing depression, the importance of social support and integration is underscored by the association between higher levels of perceived social cohesion in the host country and reduced levels of stress and depression. Recognizing the vulnerabilities of this population, it becomes evident that fostering social support networks and promoting integration can play a crucial role in mitigating the negative impact of migration-related stressors and enhancing mental wellbeing among this population.

Association of Stressful Life Events With Oral Health Among Japanese Workers

BACKGROUND

Psychological stress can cause various mental and physical health problems. The previous results on stress and oral health are inconsistent, possibly because of the narrow stress measurements. We aimed to examine the association between a broader range of stressful life events and oral health among workers.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study analyzed anonymous individual data from a national survey in Japan. Data on stressful life events, oral health problems which are one or more of tooth pain, gum swelling/bleeding, and difficulty chewing, and covariates were obtained using a self-reported questionnaire. Covariates used included gender, age group, and disease under treatment. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between stressful life events and oral health problems. We then estimated the causal treatment effects of stress using the augmented inverse-probability weighting (AIPW) method.

RESULTS

Among the 274,881 subjects, 152,850 men (55.6%) and 122,031 women (44.4%) with a mean age of 47.0 (standard deviation, 14.4) years, 4.0% reported oral health problems, with a prevalence of 2.1% among those without any stress. The prevalence increased with stress score, reaching 15.4% for those with the maximum stress score. The adjusted odds ratio of this group compared to those without any stress was 9.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.2-10.3). The estimated prevalence of oral health problems by the AIPW analysis was 2.2% (95% CI, 2.1-2.3%) for those without any stress and 14.4% (95% CI, 12.1-16.7%) for those with the maximum stress scores.

CONCLUSION

There was a clear dose-response association between stressful life events and oral health problems.

Psychological Dimensions That Explain Integrity in Older Adults: Examination of a Structural Model

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this research was to confirm whether internal coping strengths, depressive symptomatology and gratitude disposition are significant predictors of integrity in older adults.

METHODS

Participated 394 Ecuadorian older adults with ages between 60 and 91 years old. Self-report were applied to assess the different variables under study. Specifically, integrity, coping, resilience, self-efficacy, mood and gratitude were assessed.

RESULTS

A confirmatory model was estimated to predict ego-integrity. A personal adjustment factor composed of problem-focused coping strategies, resilience and self-efficacy, and gratitude showed positive and significant relationships with ego-integrity, whereas negative mood negatively predicted integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrity is a key variable to strengthen a coherent view of one's life history and highly relevant during ageing. Having personal strengths and dispositions that facilitate adaptation to ageing and maintaining a positive mood predicts the attainment of integrity.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Integrity is an adjustment factor that facilitates adaptation to the stressors of ageing and to major life changes and loss of control indifferent areas of life.

Exploring the complex relationships between coping strategies, locus of control and self-esteem with psychopathology: structural equation modeling with a special focus on clinical high-risk of psychosis

BACKGROUND

Coping strategies, competence, and locus of control (LOC) beliefs are important predictors of mental health (MH). However, research into their complex interactions has produced mixed results. Our study investigated them further in the previously unexplored context of clinical high-risk (CHR) of psychosis.

METHODS

We tested six alternative structural equation models in a community sample (N = 523), hypothesizing a mediating role of coping and treating CHR symptoms as (i) an additional mediator or (ii) a specific outcome. Our measurement model included two latent factors of MH: (1) psychopathology (PP), consisting of presence of mental disorders, global and psychosocial functioning, and (2) self-rated health (SRH) status.

RESULTS

In the model with the best Akaike Information Criterion and the latent factors as outcome variables, maladaptive coping completely mediated the impact of maladaptive LOC on PP and SRH. Additionally, CHR symptoms partially mediated the effect of maladaptive coping on PP and SRH in the community sample, as long as sex was not entered into the model. In the clinical sample (N = 371), the model did not support a mediation by CHR symptoms, despite significant pathways with both coping and MH outcomes; further, competence beliefs directly impacted SRH.

CONCLUSIONS

Coping strategies are an important intervention target for MH promotion, especially in the community. In clinical populations, interventions focusing on coping strategies may improve CHR symptoms, thus potentially supporting better MH, especially SRH. Additionally, due to their mostly cascading effects on MH, improving competence and LOC beliefs may also promote psychological well-being.

Caregiving Self-Efficacy in Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: The Role of Knowledge of Dementia and Perceived Social Support

PURPOSE

To examine the role of perceived social support and knowledge of dementia in family caregivers of people with dementia (PwD) regarding caregiving self-efficacy.

DESIGN

Descriptive, cross-sectional, and predictive design was used.

METHODS

The study was conducted with caregivers of PwD (n:102) between March and May 2022. Data was collected using the following forms: a socio-demographic characteristics form, the revised scale for caregiving self-efficacy (RSCSE), the dementia knowledge assessment scale (DKAS) and the revised form of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (RFMSPSS). Data was assessed through descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis.

FINDINGS

The participants' RSCSE, DKAS and RFMSPSS mean scores were 1125.89 ± 417.18 (range:0-1800), 15.70 ± 6.06 (range:0-34), and 52.72 ± 20.07 (range:12-74), respectively. Analysis indicated that DKAS and RFMSPSS predicted positive caregiving self-efficacy scores but it was not statistically significant for DKAS (R2:0.209, F:13.077, p < 0.001). These variables accounted for 21% of total variance of caregiving self-efficacy. RFMSPSS predicted positively and statistically significantly (β:0.461, p < 0.001) the total score of the self-efficacy scale.

CONCLUSIONS

The perceived social support of caregivers of PwD is an important predictor of the self-efficacy level of caregivers.

CLINICAL EVIDENCE

In order to enhance improving the quality of the caregiving process, caregivers should be strengthened, and caregiving self-efficacy should be comprehensively evaluated to enable assistance to the caregiver. The social support of caregivers is an important predictor of caregiving self-efficacy. Therefore, social support should be taken into consideration when engaging in appropriate initiatives.

Online information acquisition affects food risk prevention behaviours: the roles of topic concern, information credibility and risk perception

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only brought great challenges to the global health system but also bred numerous rumours about food safety. Food safety issues have once again attracted public attention.

METHODS

The data were drawn from the fifth wave of the first Taiwan Communication Survey database. The respondents were selected via multistage stratified random sampling. The sampling units were townships/districts, villages/neighbourhoods and households. The sample consisted of 2098 respondents. This study first used propensity value matching to analyse the direct impact of online food safety information acquisition on preventive behaviours and examined the heterogeneous impact caused by the difference in the degree of topic attention through value matching. Hayes' PROCESS macro model 6 was applied to confirm the mediating effect and the serial mediating effect.

RESULTS

The research results show that an increase in the frequency of the acquisition of online food safety information significantly increases individuals' food risk prevention behaviour. However, only users with high concern about the issue are affected. The food risk prevention behaviour of users with low concern about this issue is not affected by the acquisition of online food safety information. Further analysis shows that risk perception and information credibility both play mediating roles in the impact of online food safety information acquisition on food risk prevention behaviour. Moreover, the transmission and united effects of information credibility and risk perception play a distal mediating role.

CONCLUSIONS

Food risk prevention behaviours are an important topic for personal health as well as government management. Our study's findings can provide empirical evidence for risk managers and decision-makers to reevaluate the role of the internet in food risk management.

Questions of value, questions of magnitude: An exploration and application of methods for comparing indirect effects in multiple mediator models

Mediation analysis is widely used to test and inform theory and debate about the mechanism(s) by which causal effects operate, quantitatively operationalized as an indirect effect in a mediation model. Most effects operate through multiple mechanisms simultaneously, and a mediation model is likely to be more realistic when it is specified to capture multiple mechanisms at the same time with the inclusion of more than one mediator in the model. This also allows an investigator to compare indirect effects to each other. After an overview of the mechanics of mediation analysis, we advocate formally comparing indirect effects in models that include more than one mediator, focusing on the important distinction between questions and claims about value (i.e., are two indirect effects the same number?) versus magnitude (i.e., are two indirect effects equidistant from zero or the same in strength?). After discussing the shortcomings of the conventional method for comparing two indirect effects in a multiple mediator model-which only answers a question about magnitude in some circumstances-we introduce several methods that, unlike the conventional approach, always answer questions about difference in magnitude. We illustrate the use of these methods and provide code that implements them in popular software. We end by summarizing simulation findings and recommending which method(s) to prefer when comparing like- and opposite-signed indirect effects.

Future-oriented cognition: links to mental health problems and mental wellbeing in preschool-aged and primary-school-aged children

Future-oriented cognition plays a manifold role for adults' mental health. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between future-oriented cognition and mental health in N = 191 children aged between 3 and 7 years. Parents completed an online-questionnaire including children's future-oriented cognition (e.g., episodic foresight; Children Future Thinking Questionnaire; CFTQ), children's mental health problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; SDQ), and wellbeing (Parent-rated Life Orientation Test of children; PLOT and Positive-Mental-Health Scale; PMH). More externalizing problems (especially hyperactivity) related to lower future-oriented cognition. For mental wellbeing, higher levels of optimism were associated with higher episodic foresight. Future-oriented cognition increased with age cross-sectionally. This increase was flatter at higher levels of wellbeing (indicated by lower pessimism). Results are discussed considering findings on the role of future-oriented cognition for mental health in adults and adolescents. Suggestions for future work are presented regarding the direction of the observed links and underlying mechanisms.

Validation of the irritation scale on a representative German sample: new normative data

The irritation scale is a widely used and reliable self-report scale for measuring cognitive and emotional strain related to the work environment. It extends existing measures by providing a sensitive assessment for pre-clinical stress at work. Existing normative data are based on convenience samples and are therefore not representative. This study provides new normative data for the irritation scale based on a representative German sample (N = 1480). The new normative data indicate that the overall level of irritation in the German workforce is significantly lower compared to previously published data. Convergent and discriminant validity is confirmed by correlations with depression and anxiety (Patient Health Questionnaire-4 for Depression and Anxiety), somatic symptom scales (Bodily Distress Syndrome 25 checklist, Somatic Symptom Scale-8, Giessen Subjective Complaints List-8, comorbidity), psychological functioning (Mini-ICF rating for activity and participation disorders in mental illness), work-related stressors (overcommitment and bullying) and individual resources (self-efficacy). The results confirm the utility of the irritation scale and provide new benchmarks that avoid an underestimation of the levels of irritation in future studies.

Daily stress, and mental health of professional degree graduate students in Chinese traditional medicine universities: the mediating role of learning career adaptation

BACKGROUND

With the expansion of professional degree graduate students' enrollment in China education, the mental health of these professional degree graduate students in medical-related majors who are under pressure of study, scientific research, clinical practice, and employment should not be ignored. What is the mental health level of these graduate students under the effect of learning career adaptation (internal resources) in the face of daily stress (external factors)? The purpose of this study is to discuss the relationship between these variables, and the mediating role of learning career adaptation of professional degree graduate students in traditional Chinese medicine colleges, and universities, to provide a theoretical basis for improving the learning career adaptation of students, and improving the level of mental health.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1593 professional degree graduate students majoring in clinical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and nursing in five traditional Chinese medicine universities. Finally, 660 questionnaires were returned, with a recovery rate of 41.43%. The scores of daily stress, learning career adaptation, and mental health were measured by Daily Stressors Scale for graduate students, graduate-students learning career adaptation scale, and General Mental Health Questionnaire (GHQ-20). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the status quo of daily stress, learning career adaptation, and mental health. Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyze the relationship between them. we undertake analyses using structural equation modeling to construct the latent variable path model of daily stress, learning career adaptation on mental health. The significance level of the mediating effect was tested by the non-parametric percentile bootstrap method.

RESULTS

The scores of mental health, daily stress, and learning career adaptation were 50.56 ± 10.80, 35.12 ± 19.55, and 67.13 ± 7.48 respectively. Daily stress was negatively correlated with the three dimensions of learning career adaptation: career confidence, focus on his career, and career control (P < 0.01). Daily stress was positively correlated with depression and anxiety (P < 0.01). Self-affirmation, depression, and anxiety were negatively correlated with career confidence, focus on his career, and career control (P < 0.05). Learning career adaptation plays a partial mediating role between daily stress, and mental health (p < 0.001), with an intermediate effect value of 0.127, representing 28.54% of the total effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental health, learning career adaption of medical-related professional degree graduate students in traditional Chinese medical universities were at a moderate degree, and an upper-middle level respectively, while daily stress is to a lesser extent. Learning career adaptation mediates the relationship between daily stress, and mental health partially. To some extent, it can buffer the impact of daily stress on mental health, especially anxiety. The educational administrator could take various measures to improve the mental health of professional degree graduate students. It can also enhance their learning career adaptation from the perspective of individuals, and organizations to improve their mental health.

The mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, many experts pointed to potential adverse mental health effects for older adults. By contrast, many studies in young to middle-aged adults found older age to be associated with reduced mental burden. However, a systematic review on older adults is missing.

OBJECTIVES

To comprehensively assess the pandemic's mental health impact on older adults.

DATA SOURCES

We searched nine databases from December 2019 to April 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

We included longitudinal and repeated cross-sectional studies assessing pre- and/or peri-pandemic mental distress and/or positive mental health indicators (e.g. wellbeing) on at least two occasions.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We identified 108 studies comprising 102,136 participants (≥60 years). After removal of outliers, there was a small increase in mental distress from pre-to-peri-pandemic assessments, standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.01, 0.18]. Furthermore, a small peri-pandemic decrease in anxiety symptoms was observed, whereas other symptoms remained unchanged. For positive mental health indicators, wellbeing and quality of life showed an initial decrease, whereas overall positive mental health increased during the pandemic, SMD = 0.08, 95% CI [0.01, 0.15]. Being female was related to larger peri-pandemic increases in mental distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on many studies, this review demonstrated small decreases in mental health during early stages of the pandemic in older adults, with evidence for later recovery. These findings are similar to those for younger adults and correct earlier claims that older adults are at particular risk for negative mental health consequences. The results ask for further research into resilience and adaptation processes in older adults.

Stress buffering after physical activity engagement: An experience sampling study

OBJECTIVES

While encountering daily hassles is a normative experience, it poses a threat to individuals' daily affective well-being. However, physical activity engagement may help to reduce the current stress-related impact on affective well-being (i.e. stress buffering), which we investigate in this study. Furthermore, we examined the possible moderating role of people's global stress context (i.e. exposure to major life events and chronic stress) on this within-person stress-buffering effect.

DESIGN

We approached these ideas using six-times-a-day experience sampling assessments over a period of 22 days.

METHODS

Drawing on a broad national sample of 156 middle-aged adults from the EE-SOEP-IS study, we aimed to elucidate the naturally occurring within-person dynamics of current stress, physical activity engagement, and momentary affect within individuals' everyday lives. Major life events and chronic stress were measured as between-person variables.

RESULTS

Multilevel analyses revealed significant within-person associations of current stress and physical activity engagement with momentary affect. Stress-related negative affect was lower when individuals engaged in physical activity, in accordance with the idea of a within-person stress-buffering effect of physical activity engagement. For individuals exposed to more severe major life events, the stress-buffering effect of physical activity engagement for negative affect was lower. Chronic stress did not moderate the within-person stress-buffering effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, results add to the existing literature that links physical activity to increased stress resilience and emphasizes the need for taking the global between-person stress context into account.

Psychological Reactions during and after a Lockdown: Self-Efficacy as a Protective Factor of Mental Health

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of home confinement/social isolation (i.e., lockdown), imposed to reduce large-scale spread of a disease in the population, on the mental health of individuals. Through an online survey during the lockdown (DL) related to COVID-19 (1085 respondents, 627 females, agerange: 18-82) (Italy, 23 April-2 May 2020), we revealed that situational factors, i.e., the presence of children at home and female gender, and psychological factors, i.e., a greater sense of isolation, lower perception of safety outside the home and higher trait anxiety, predicted higher levels of state anxiety (R2 = 0.58). The same factors, but with young age instead of the presence of children, predicted higher levels of perceived stress (R2 = 0.63). Then, these data were compared with those collected after the lockdown (AL) (174 respondents, 128 females, agerange: 19-78) (Italy, 1 July-31 October 2021). The results showed that along with a reduced sense of isolation (DL = 2.90 vs. AL = 2.10) and an increased perception of safety outside the home (DL = 2.63 vs. AL = 3.05), a reduction in state anxiety (DL = 45.76 vs. AL= 40.88) and stress appeared (DL = 18.84 vs. AL = 17.63). However, the situation was better for men than for women. Perceived self-efficacy emerged as a protective factor for mental health (R2range: 0.03-0.27). The results are discussed in light of the evidence on the effects of lockdown on individuals worldwide. These results may be used to make more educated decisions on targeted help for individuals who may be most adversely affected by the adoption of lockdowns in the future.

Predictors of Romanian Psychology Students' Intention to Successfully Complete Their Courses-A Process-Based Psychology Theory Approach

Student retention is a frequently researched issue due to the incidence of student dropout and its significance to learning outcomes. However, there are research gaps that need to be addressed in understanding the factors influencing student dropout in the context of higher education in Romania. This cross-sectional investigation aims to fill these gaps by examining the relationships between satisfaction with the specialization, self-regulation of learning behavior, students' perceived stress, perceived acceptance from family and friends, and the intention to complete studies. The study utilizes various statistical analysis techniques, including mediation analysis and correlation analysis, to analyze the collected data. An online questionnaire was administered to non-randomized students majoring in Psychology, and a total of 144 valid and consented responses were obtained. The results reveal significant influences of satisfaction with the specialization, self-regulated learning, and students' perceived stress on the intention to successfully complete courses. Furthermore, academic self-efficacy was found to fully mediate the relationship between satisfaction with the specialization and academic adjustment. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the student dropout process in the Romanian higher education system. By identifying the factors associated with student retention, this study provides insights that can inform the development of interventions aimed at improving students' retention and overall learning outcomes.

Understanding Differential Stress and Mental Health Reactions to COVID-19-Related Events

The effects of the pandemic on mental health can be studied through different variables, such as the number of COVID-19 stressors, the stressor types, and the stress responses. Understanding the sources of mental strain is crucial for developing effective interventions. The present study analyzed the relationship between these COVID-19-related variables and positive and negative mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 666 individuals from the Portuguese general population, mostly females (65.5%) between 16-93 years old. They completed self-report measures regarding the number of COVID-19 stressors, the stressor types, the stress responses (IES-R), and positive (MHC-SF) and negative mental health (BSI-18). The results demonstrated that a higher number of COVID-19-experienced stressors and more stress responses were related to worse mental health. Regarding stressor types, experiences not related to the COVID-19 infection (e.g., tension at home) presented the largest effects on mental health. The strongest predictor was the stress responses for negative (β = 0.50) and positive mental health (β = -0.17). The predictors explained more about negative mental health than positive. These findings support the idea that individual appraisals play a crucial role in mental health.

Zufriedenheit mit (teil-)stationärer psychiatrischer Behandlung: Effekte auf die physische und psychische Gesundheit

INTRODUCTION

Quality assessment from the patient's point of view makes it possible to identify negative quality developments at an early stage. The focus is not on the medical result, but on what the patient wants. Correlations between patient satisfaction and physical and psychological treatment outcome were already shown in the 1990s. However, studies using rather unspecific satisfaction measures are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of patient satisfaction with the treatment and the therapies offered on the extent of recovery.

METHODS

In this prospective study, a questionnaire developed for the differentiated recording of patient satisfaction with the therapy offerings of the LWL-Klinik Dortmund was used in a day-care/hospital setting. The structure of the questionnaire was tested by means of explorative factor analysis. The factors generated in this way served as the basis for the hierarchical regression analyses in the further course. In addition to important treatment aspects from the patient's point of view, the subjective health status was recorded by means of SF-36.

RESULTS

105 patients participated in the study (64% female, 84% diagnosed with depression). Significant predictors for physical health were well-being after exercise therapy and satisfaction with the weekly structure of services. Significant predictors for mental health were age at onset of illness, age, perceived benefits from exercise therapy as well as occupational therapy, treatment duration and setting.

DISCUSSION

The demonstrated impact of patient satisfaction on mental health highlights the relevance of treatment quality improvement to recovery.

Examining the relationship between the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS) and EQ-5D-5L and comparing their psychometric properties

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS) and EQ-5D-5L and compare their psychometric properties in 4 chronic conditions in China.

METHODS

Participants were invited to complete the online survey. Spearman's rank correlation was used to evaluate the correlation between SWEMWBS and EQ-5D-5L; exploratory factor analysis was used to ascertain the number of unique underlying latent factors measured by SWEMWBS and EQ-5D-5L. Next, we assessed the psychometric properties of SWEMWBS and EQ-5D-5L by reporting distributions and examining their known-group validity and convergent validity.

RESULTS

In total, 500 individuals participated the online survey. Spearman's rank correlation showed that EQ-5D-5L dimensions, except for the anxiety/depression dimension, were weakly correlated with all dimensions of SWEMWBS. The two-factor solution for exploratory factor analysis found that all of SWEMWBS dimensions loaded onto one factor, four EQ-5D-5L dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities and pain/discomfort) onto another, and the EQ-5D-5L item of anxiety/depression item loaded moderately onto both factors. Patients of four disease groups had different distributions of responses for both SWEMWBS and EQ-5D-5L. In terms of known-group validity, both the F statistic and AUROC value of EQ-5D-5L utility scores were significantly higher than SWEMWBS scores in all four pair-wised comparisons. The Pearson correlation coefficient between EQ-5D-5L utility scores, SWEMWBS scores and EQ-VAS was 0.44 (P < 0.01) and 0.65 (P < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

SWEMWBS and EQ-5D-5L measure different constructs and can be seen as complementary measures. Both measures demonstrated good convergent validity and known-group validity with EQ-5D-5L being a more sensitive measure, even for mental conditions.

A comparative study of well-being, resilience, mindfulness, negative emotions, stress, and burnout among nurses after an online mind–body based intervention during the first COVID-19 pandemic crisis

Background

To mitigate against the possible adverse effects of stress among nurses due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we designed a 12-week mind–body based online intervention program to promote well-being and prevent stress-related disorders such as burnout. Our study aimed to compare the impact of the intervention on perception of stress, negative emotions, burnout, mindfulness, resilience, and well-being at pretest and 6 months post-intervention and to compare the effect among nurses working at two different hospitals.

Methods

We conducted an uncontrolled trial using a convenience sample of nurses working at two hospitals in Mexico: one designated to treat confirmed COVID-19 patients (COVID-hospital) and the other whose patients had a negative COVID-19 test on admission (Non COVID-hospital). The 12 week online intervention consisted of 36 mind–body based micropractices, with subjective well-being as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were health perception, resilience, mindfulness, negative emotions, stress, and burnout.

Results

A pretest survey was completed by 643 nurses. Of the remaining valid responses, 82% were women, with a mean age of 34.8 (SD = 8.95) years old. For the analysis two groups of nurses were sampled by cluster: a COVID-hospital group of 429 (67%) nurses, and a non-COVID Hospital group of 214 (33%) nurses. The proportion lost to follow-up was 71% at postest (n = 188) and 42% at 6 months follow-up (n = 371). At pretest, non-COVID hospital nurses had lower subjective well-being and higher burnout than their COVID hospital counterparts. At postest, non-COVID hospital nurses displayed more negative emotions than their COVID hospital peers. At 6 months post-intervention, nurses experienced improved mindfulness, reduced negative emotions and stress, but a decrease in subjective well-being and resilience. Nurses working at the non-COVID hospital had significantly higher mean scores for burnout than those working at the COVID hospital.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that our online mind–body interventions can help to reduce stress and negative emotions, yet the effects on subjective well-being and resilience are uncertain. Further research is needed to gain a better understanding of their potential mechanisms and the associated efforts of such online interventions.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05515172.

[Resilience and General Self-Efficacy are Related to Perception of COVID-19 Symptomatology, Mental Health, and Coping with Acute COVID-19 Infection]

OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic may be associated with massive impacts on mental health. For example, people with pre-existing mental illness were particularly vulnerable to mental health deterioration. It is known that resilience and general self-efficacy can be protective factors for mental health in the face of stress and challenge such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is the first to examine the associations of resilience and general self-efficacy on mental health coping with acute COVID-19 infection in home isolation.

METHODS

This study is a cross-sectional online survey of people with acute, PCR-diagnosed COVID-19 infection during their home isolation. Recruitment was conducted by telephone via the Freudenstadt health department (Germany). After informed consent, study participants received a link for an online questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic aspects, resilience, general self-efficacy, COVID-19 somatic health, psychological burden (depressiveness, anxiety, somatic symptom disorder), stress experience, and coping strategies. Descriptive statistics, correlational analyses, and multiple linear regressions with resilience and general self-efficacy as independent variables were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 224 home-isolated people with acute COVID-19 infection were included in the study. Lower resilience and lower general self-efficacy were each related with more intense perception of COVID-19 somatic symptoms, higher psychological burden, increased stress perception, lower coping skills, and lower experienced support.

DISCUSSION

Resilience and general self-efficacy are essential for mental health as well as for coping with acute COVID-19 infection. They not only protect against negative effects on mental health but also enhance positive effects. Resilience is positively related to the perception and evaluation of somatic COVID-19 symptoms. More resilient people with COVID-19 infection feel physically healthier.

CONCLUSION

Home-isolated people with acute COVID-19 infection should be screened for support needs using standardized brief questionnaires to avoid negative psychological and somatic consequences. Demand-driven, low-threshold, digital, and individualized intervention programs should also be developed and established for the home isolation setting.

Separating the "Deed" From the "Done-To": How Communicating With the Offender Can Change Victims' Self-Concept

Some victims benefit from communication with offenders after a crime, at least some of the time, but gaps in the evidence about restorative justice practices make it hard for victims to decide whether to take part. This article examines whether and how specific components of victim-offender communication led to changes in victim self-concept. The question was addressed through thematic analysis of interview data from 40 victims of a range of crime types, including serious sexual and violent offences. Interviews were conducted before and after victims attempted communication with the offender. Participants described 10 routes to change in their sense of agency and of being a "good" person (moral self-image); some of these routes supported previous literature, others shed new light on old theories, or were previously undocumented. Together, these routes enabled victims to distance themselves from a "victim" identity, thereby mirroring the commonly cited restorative justice objective of separating the "deed from the doer," to instead separate the "deed from the done-to." To the extent possible given the nature of the study, cases of negative and absent changes are also discussed. In an area replete with theories but lacking in empirical research, this study contributes new evidence and a conceptual clarity that could be used to enhance future studies. Most importantly, it can help victims make informed decisions about communicating with the offender, help them identify and articulate their objectives, and manage their expectations.

Flourishing or Languishing? The Relationship Between Mental Health, Health Locus of Control and Generalised Self-Efficacy

Mental health is a core component of overall wellbeing and can contribute to positive functioning and purpose in life. Mental health is purportedly related to the constructs of generalised self-efficacy (GSE) and health locus of control (LOC). Most research, however, has explored GSE and LOC and their relationship with psychopathology, or defined mental health as a lack of psychopathology indicators. This contradicts the two continua model of mental health, as it does not incorporate positive mental functioning. The current study sought to re-examine the relationship between health LOC, GSE, and mental health, whilst controlling for potential confounding factors. It was anticipated that health LOC and GSE would predict mental health. A sample of 224 adults completed an online survey comprised of validated psychometric tools scales. Regression analyses were conducted to determine whether health LOC and GSE predicted mental health, after controlling for self-esteem, social support, and coping. Results indicated that GSE was a significant unique positive predictor of mental health. Health locus of control was not a significant predictor of mental health. Limitations were present, including a cross-sectional research design and use of convenience sampling. This study builds upon existing research in providing a better understanding of contributors to mental health, which may assist in the development of evidence-based mental health promotion interventions.

Minority stress and sleep: How do stress perception and anxiety symptoms act as mediators for sexual minority men?

OBJECTIVES

Sexual minority men experience worse sleep than heterosexuals. Little is known about how minority stress may account for these differences. Therefore, the aims of this study are to (1) understand the relationship between minority stress and sleep disturbance in a sample of sexual minority men, and (2) test whether these relationships are mediated by generalized anxiety symptoms and perception of stress.

METHODS

In 2020, 239 sexual minority men were recruited to complete an online survey. Participants responded to scales assessing minority stress (ie, internalized homophobia, experiences of harassment, microaggressions), perception of stress, generalized anxiety symptoms, and sleep disturbance. Linear regressions were used to test the relationship between minority stress and sleep disturbance and to test generalized anxiety symptoms and perception of stress as mediators.

RESULTS

The final model was significant (F = 16.916, p < .001) and accounted for 43.5% of the variance in sleep disturbance. Generalized anxiety symptoms and perception of stress fully mediated the relationships between minority stress and sleep disturbance.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study suggest the need for psychological intervention to improve sleep for sexual minority men. Future research should test this model longitudinally, and include objective measures of stress. Future interventions could target stress perception using mindfulness or cognitive-based interventions.

Parenting Practices and Adolescents' Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Perceived Maternal and Paternal Acceptance-Rejection and Adolescents' Self-Efficacy

Parenting practices are essential in promoting children's mental health, especially in effective and ineffective parenting. The use of ineffective parenting practices is no longer encouraged in the west; however, it remains a common practice among Asian households. Ineffective parenting consists of inconsistent discipline, corporal punishment, and poor monitoring which may result in mental health consequences. Thus, this study assessed the mediating effects of adolescents' self-efficacy and parental acceptance-rejection on the relationship between ineffective parenting practices and adolescents' mental health. The current study involved a total of 761 school-going Malaysian adolescents aged 13-18 (38.5% males; Mage = 15.65; SDage = 1.43). This study utilized a cross-sectional design where it measured adolescents' mental health, ineffective parenting practices, parental acceptance-rejection, and adolescents' self-efficacy. Both paternal and maternal parenting practices and acceptance-rejection were measured independently. Adolescents' self-efficacy and perceived paternal and maternal acceptance-rejection were found to be significant mediators for ineffective parenting practices and adolescents' mental health. Our findings suggest that ineffective parenting practices will result in perceived parental rejection and lower self-efficacy which in turn resulted in poorer mental health among adolescents. It means parents should be mindful of their parenting approaches as they have a direct and indirect impact on the mental health of their offspring.

Automatic detection of the mental state in responses towards relaxation

Nowadays, considering society's highly demanding lifestyles, it is important to consider the usefulness of relaxation from the perspective of both psychology and clinical practice. The response towards relaxation (RResp) is a mind-body interaction that relaxes the organism or compensates for the physiological effects caused by stress. This work aims to automatically detect the different mental states (relaxation, rest and stress) in which RResps may occur so that complete feedback about the quality of the relaxation can be given to the subject itself, the psychologist or the doctor. To this end, an experiment was conducted to induce both states of stress and relaxation in a sample of 20 university students (average age of 25.76 ± 3.7 years old). The electrocardiographic and electrodermal activity signals collected from the participants produced a dataset with 1641 episodes or instances in which the previously mentioned mental states take place. This data was used to extract up to 50 features and train several supervised learning algorithms (rule-based, trees, probabilistic, ensemble classifiers, etc.) using and not using feature selection techniques. Besides, the authors synthesised the cardiac activity information into a single new feature and discretised it down to three levels. The experimentation revealed which features were most discriminating, reaching a classification average accuracy of up to 94.01 ± 1.73 % with the 6 most relevant features for the own-collected dataset. Finally, being restrictive, the same solution/subspace was tested with a dataset referenced in the bibliography (WESAD) and scored an average accuracy of 90.36 ± 1.62 %.

Predictors of Mental Health Literacy among Parents, Guardians, and Teachers of Adolescents in West Malaysia

Parents, guardians, and teachers are the informal sources of mental health support that adolescents rely on. Nevertheless, limited mental health knowledge limits their ability and confidence in providing appropriate assistance. This study aims to (1) evaluate the relationship between the roles of parents/guardians and teachers and their responses to discover the common misconceptions on mental health among those providing informal support to adolescents and (2) determine which demographic factors would act as the strongest predictor influencing their mental health literacy (MHL) status. The cross-sectional study recruited 867 parents, guardians, and teachers of adolescents from 24 government secondary schools' parent-teacher associations via multistage stratified random sampling. Parents, guardians, and teachers' MHL were evaluated using the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule-Malay Version (MAKS-M). The collected data were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-squared test to investigate the association between the respondents' roles and responses. Multiple Regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of MHL. The score of MAKS-M for the current study sample is 73.03% (M = 43.82, SD = 4.07). Most respondents responded incorrectly on Items 1 (employment), 6 (help-seeking), 8 (stress), and 12 (grief). Teachers provided more favorable responses on several items than parents and guardians. Finally, younger age, higher income, knowing someone with mental disorders, and having experience of attending formal training on mental health first aid were the significant predictors of MHL. MHL interventions in Malaysia should cater to older adults of lower socioeconomic status and lesser experience in mental health, specifically highlighting the stigmas on mental health help-seeking behaviors, treatment, and employment concerns, plus the recognition of various mental health diagnoses.

Growth mindset, persistence, and self-efficacy in early adolescents: Associations with depression, anxiety, and externalising behaviours

ABSTRACTGrowth mindset, persistence, and self-efficacy are important protective factors in understanding adolescent psychopathology, including depression, anxiety, and externalising behaviours. Previous studies have shown that dimensions of self-efficacy (academic, social, and emotional) have differential protective effects with mental health outcomes and these differences vary by sex. This study examines the dimensional mediation of self-efficacy from motivational mindsets on anxiety, depression, and externalising behaviours in a sample of early adolescents ages 10-11. Surveys were administered to participants to measure growth mindset and persistence on internalising and externalising symptoms. The Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C) was used to measure domains of self-efficacy for mediation analysis. Multi-group structural equation modelling by sex indicated that structural paths were not invariant by sex. Significant direct effects were identified from persistence to externalising behaviours in boys, and significant direct effects were identified from growth mindset to depression in girls. In a sample of Tanzanian early adolescents, self-efficacy mediates the protective association between motivational mindsets on psychopathology. Higher academic self-efficacy was associated with reduced externalising problems in both boys and girls. Implications for adolescent programmes and future research are discussed.