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Aydin N, Plewe MC, Mahr LAM, Kleber J. Ill, but Still Attractive? The Impact of Mental Illness on Attractiveness Perceptions and Social Judgment. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:406. [PMID: 38785897 PMCID: PMC11117790 DOI: 10.3390/bs14050406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In line with the "beautiful-is-good" heuristic, numerous studies show that physically attractive individuals are perceived in a more positive light. However, building on previous findings suggesting that the "beauty-good" relationship is bidirectional, the present research investigates how information on a stigmatized attribute impacts attractiveness perceptions and social judgments. Within a controlled experimental design, we present evidence that the mere label of mental illness (i.e., schizophrenia) decreased the positivity of personality evaluations and perceived attractiveness of a male target that had previously been validated to be highly attractive. Consistent with the "good-is-beautiful" heuristic, a mental illness label led to decreased perceptions of attractiveness, which was mediated by the inference of less positive personality characteristics. This finding lends further support for the bidirectional nature of the "beauty-good" relationship and provides a valuable avenue for future research on the multifaceted ways in which the stigma of mental illness affects social perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilüfer Aydin
- Institute of Psychology, University of Klagenfurt, 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria; (M.C.P.); (L.A.M.M.); (J.K.)
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Manão AA, Pascoal PM. Body Dissatisfaction, Cognitive Distraction, and Sexual Satisfaction in a Sample of LGB+ People: A Mediation Study Framed by Cognitive Psychology Models of Sexual Response. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2930. [PMID: 37998422 PMCID: PMC10671832 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11222930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Body dissatisfaction is a well-established risk factor for emotional problems and low levels of well-being indicators, such as sexual health. Cognitive models propose that dissatisfaction with one's body can cause cognitive distraction related to physical appearance during sexual activity. This may compromise sexual response, namely, sexual satisfaction in heterosexual cis women. However, this relationship has only been studied within heterosexual samples. The present study aims to test a mediation model using cognitive distraction related to body appearance during sexual activity as a mediator between body dissatisfaction and sexual satisfaction in LGB+ cis people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other minority sexual orientations). Methods: This cross-sectional online study comprised 165 cisgender LGB+ participants (n = 67 cis women, 40.6%; n = 98 cis men, 59.4%). Self-report questionnaires were used: the Global Body Dissatisfaction Scale, the Body Appearance Distraction Scale, and a Single-Item Measure of Sexual Satisfaction. Results: Cis women and cis men experience similar levels of body dissatisfaction, cognitive distraction with body appearance during sexual activity, and sexual satisfaction. Body appearance cognitive distraction during sexual activity mediated the relationship between body dissatisfaction and sexual satisfaction only in the men's sample. Discussion: Overall, in terms of gender and body dissatisfaction, our results reveal a reversed pattern than those found in heterosexual samples. This may be because LGB+ cis women may conform less to societal pressure, leading to less meaning given to body dissatisfaction in relation to sexuality, which may lead to more positive sexual outcomes. Likewise, LGB+ cis men present higher body dissatisfaction and experience lower sexual satisfaction, possibly due to the emphasis on physical appearance in the gay subculture. The results confirm the validity of cognitive models of sexual response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrícia M. Pascoal
- HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal;
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Examining the Prospective Bidirectional Associations between Subjective and Objective Attractiveness and Adolescent Internalizing Symptoms and Life Satisfaction. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:370-392. [PMID: 36370229 PMCID: PMC9842564 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01700-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Research has consistently shown that more physically attractive individuals are perceived by others to be happier and better psychologically adjusted than those perceived as less attractive. However, due to the lack of longitudinal research in adolescents, it is still unclear whether poor mental health predicts or is predicted by either objective or subjective attractiveness during this critical developmental period. The purpose of the current study was to examine prospective bidirectional associations between both subjective and objective ratings of attractiveness, life satisfaction and symptoms of social anxiety, depression and eating disorders (i.e., internalizing symptoms) from early to mid-adolescence. Participants (T1: N = 528, 49.9% girls; Mage = 11.19; SD = 0.55) were followed annually over four time points. The cross-lagged panel model results revealed evidence of prospective associations between both forms of attractiveness and life satisfaction and internalizing symptoms, which were driven more by changes in the mental health outcomes than by changes in the subjective and objective attractiveness ratings. The results also indicated that the pattern, strength, and direction of the associations tested were robust across boys and girls, and white and non-white ethnic groups. Overall, the findings suggest that it is important to find effective ways of educating adolescents who are unhappy with their appearance that making changes to improve their mental health, rather than focusing on their physical appearance, will have benefits not only for how they perceive themselves but also for how they are perceived by others.
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Teng F, Wang X, Zhang Y, Lei Q, Xiang F, Yuan S. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, I Deserve More Than All: Perceived Attractiveness and Self-Interested Behavior. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Rahmani A, Afsharnia E, Fedotova J, Shahbazi S, Fallahi A, Allahqoli L, Ghanei-Gheshlagh R, Abboud S, Alkatout I. Sexual Function and Mood Disorders Among Menopausal Women: A Systematic Scoping Review. J Sex Med 2022; 19:1098-1115. [PMID: 35752457 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.614] [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: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in sex hormones during menopause may have detrimental effects on a woman's sexual function and cause mood disorders. The treatment of both conditions is a challenge in gynecology. AIM To review the published literature on sexual function and mood disorders among peri- and postmenopausal women. METHODS The review is based on the methodological framework of scoping reviews. We searched electronic databases including Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science (WoS). Publications that reported data about the relationship between sexual function and mood disorders among menopausal women were included in the review. The search was not subject to any limitation in terms of time or method. OUTCOMES The main outcome measures used for the review were sexual dysfunction and mood disorders. RESULTS We found 106 total records. After a full-text screening we included 19 studies from 1986 to 2020 based on various methodologies; the majority of the studies16 were cross-sectional. Investigations that addressed the symptoms of mood disorders and some domains of sexual function showed a close relationship between sexual dysfunction and mood disorders among menopausal women. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS In clinical practice, it would be appropriate to screen women for at least one mood disorder or sexual dysfunction. If a woman suffers from either, it will be necessary to assess for a further disorder as well. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS The review was based on a detailed search of the published literature concerning mood disorders and sexual dysfunction among menopausal women compared to women of reproductive age. Despite the clinical importance of the subject, the number of studies eligible for inclusion in the review are rather small. Further investigation of the topic is clearly warranted. CONCLUSIONS While the association between sexual dysfunction and mood disorders appears to be bidirectional, future studies will have to investigate the specific mechanisms by which sexual dysfunction could lead to mood disorders (or vice versa). Future studies should specifically address sexual dysfunctions and attitudes of partners, BMI, family support, sleep, and multiparity. Azam Rahmani, Elahe Afsharnia, Julia Fedotova, Shirin Shahbazi, Arezoo Fallahi, Leila Allahqoli, Reza GhaneipoklGheshlagh, Sarah Abboud, Ibrahim Alkatout. Sexual Function and Mood Disorders Among Menopausal Women: A Systematic Scoping Review. J Sex Med 2022;19:1098-1115.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Rahmani
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Afsharnia
- Department of Gerontology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Julia Fedotova
- International Research Centre "Biotechnologies of the Third Millennium", St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, ITMO University, I.P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology RASci., St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Shirin Shahbazi
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Breastfeeding Research Center-Family Health Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezoo Fallahi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Leila Allahqoli
- School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Ghanei-Gheshlagh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Clinical Care Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Kurdistan University of Medical, Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Sarah Abboud
- Department of Women, Children, and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ibrahim Alkatout
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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Poovey K, de Jong DC, Morey K. The Roles of Body Image, Sexual Motives, and Distraction in Women's Sexual Pleasure. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1577-1589. [PMID: 35113273 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Women with body image concerns are more likely to experience sexual difficulties (e.g., with arousal, lubrication, orgasm). However, the processes by which body image impacts sexual well-being are poorly understood. We theorized that women with negative body image are less likely to view sex in terms of reward, leading them to have weaker approach sexual motives (i.e., to pursue positive experiences such as pleasure). Rather, women with negative body image may have sex to avoid personal insecurities and negative emotions, leading them to have stronger avoidance sexual motives (i.e., to cope with negative affect or to avoid partner conflict). In turn, we theorized that stronger approach sexual motives may allow women to be more focused on erotic cues during sex, thereby enhancing sexual pleasure, whereas avoidance motives may lead to greater distraction, interfering with sexual pleasure. Women (N = 1619) were recruited from online venues and reported on their body image and most recent sex. We found that body dissatisfaction was associated with weaker self-focused approach motives and in turn more distraction. Additionally, body dissatisfaction was associated with stronger self- and partner-focused avoidance motives and in turn more distraction. In turn, more distraction was associated with less pleasure and worse sexual function. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation of whether body image in women is associated with their sexual motives. Findings highlight the importance of sexual motives in explaining the link between body image and sexual pleasure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall Poovey
- Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University, 91 Killian Building Lane, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, USA
| | - David C de Jong
- Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University, 91 Killian Building Lane, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, USA.
| | - Kasey Morey
- Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University, 91 Killian Building Lane, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, USA
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Borráz-León JI, Rantala MJ, Luoto S, Krams IA, Contreras-Garduño J, Krama T, Cerda-Molina AL. Self-Perceived Facial Attractiveness, Fluctuating Asymmetry, and Minor Ailments Predict Mental Health Outcomes. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-021-00172-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Phenotypic markers associated with developmental stability such as fluctuating asymmetry, facial attractiveness, and reports of minor ailments can also act as indicators of overall physical health. However, few studies have assessed whether these markers might also be cues of mental health. We tested whether self- and other-perceived facial attractiveness, fluctuating asymmetry, and minor ailments are associated with psychopathological symptoms in a mixed sample of 358 college students, controlling for the effects of body mass index, age, and sex.
Methods
We applied the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) questionnaire to assess psychopathological symptoms, a battery of questionnaires about self-perceptions of facial attractiveness, and gathered information about the number of previous minor ailments as well as demographic data. Other-perceived attractiveness was assessed by an independent mixed sample of 109 subjects. Subjects’ facial fluctuating asymmetry was determined by geometric morphometrics.
Results
The results revealed that in both men and women, higher self-perceived attractiveness and fewer minor ailments predicted lower scores of Somatization, Obsessive–Compulsive, Interpersonal Sensitivity, Depression, Anxiety, Phobic Anxiety, Paranoid Ideation, Psychoticism, and a General Psychopathology Index. Higher facial fluctuating asymmetry was associated with higher Interpersonal Sensitivity, but did not contribute to its prediction when controlling for the other studied variables.
Conclusions
The observed strong associations between self-perceived attractiveness, minor ailments, and psychopathology indicate common developmental pathways between physiological and psychological symptomatology which may reflect broader life history (co)variation between genetics, developmental environment, and psychophysiological functioning.
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Seim AR, Jozefiak T, Wichstrøm L, Lydersen S, Kayed NS. Self-esteem in adolescents with reactive attachment disorder or disinhibited social engagement disorder. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 118:105141. [PMID: 34089987 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low self-esteem predicts negative outcomes and mediates the association between childhood adversity and mental health problems in adolescence. Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) are presumably caused by early insufficient care, but their association with self-esteem is unknown. OBJECTIVE Investigate global and domain-specific self-esteem in adolescents with RAD or DSED. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING All adolescents living in Norwegian residential youth care (RYC) (N = 306; age 12-20) were compared with a sample from the general Norwegian adolescent population (N = 10,480; age 12-20). METHODS Self-esteem for scholastic competence (SC), social acceptance (SA), athletic competence (AC), physical appearance (PA), romantic appeal (RA), close friendship (CF), and self-worth (SW) was investigated using the revised version of the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents. RESULTS Compared to the general population, adolescents with RAD diagnosis had lower SC (mean difference, MD = -0.30, p = .020) and higher CF (MD = 0.25, p = .021), whereas adolescents with DSED diagnosis had lower SC (MD = -0.42, p = .005), SA (MD = -0.40, p = .015), AC (MD = -0.22, p = .038), PA (MD = -0.33, p = .048), and SW (MD = -0.37, p = .013). Compared to adolescents in RYC without RAD/DSED diagnoses, adolescents with DSED diagnoses had lower SA (MD = -0.42, p = .012) and SW (MD = -0.32, p = .037). More RAD symptoms were associated with lower SA (B = -0.051, p = .013), AC (B = -0.048, p = .028), RA (B = -0.053, p = .007), and CF (B = -0.052, p = .005). More DSED symptoms were associated with lower SC (B = -0.125, p = .038). CONCLUSION Both global and domain-specific self-esteem in adolescents with RAD or DSED should be assessed; developmental support and treatment plans should be adjusted accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid R Seim
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Thomas Jozefiak
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Stian Lydersen
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Nanna S Kayed
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Wade RM, Harper GW. Racialized Sexual Discrimination (RSD) in the Age of Online Sexual Networking: Are Young Black Gay/Bisexual Men (YBGBM) at Elevated Risk for Adverse Psychological Health? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 65:504-523. [PMID: 31587325 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Young Black gay/bisexual men (YBGBM) are a highly marginalized population across multiple health outcomes. Most research on YBGBM health has focused on HIV/sexual health, but there is a demonstrable need for research examining racism and psychosocial functioning among this population. Racialized Sexual Discrimination (RSD), also known as sexual racism, is an important but under-investigated phenomenon that may have implications for the psychological health and well-being of YBGBM. This paper provides an overview of empirical research on RSD as experienced by gay/bisexual men of color in online partner-seeking venues. First, the researchers discuss how racialized experiences are a documented online phenomenon, with a variety of manifestations, and identify the potential effects that this phenomenon may have on the psychosocial health of YBGBM, and gay/bisexual men of color as a whole. Second, the researchers synthesize the RSD literature with a broader literature examining psychological well-being across race and sexual orientation. Third, the researchers present a theoretically grounded conceptual model detailing the pathways between RSD and psychological well-being using a stress and coping framework. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research on this topic, including scale development and hypothesis testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Wade
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Morris LA, Tishelman AC, Kremen J, Ross RA. Depression in Turner Syndrome: A Systematic Review. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:769-786. [PMID: 31598804 PMCID: PMC7035188 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01549-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic condition characterized by partial or complete monosomy X. Alterations in hormonal function, height, and peer relationships, among other features and correlates of TS, appear to be risks for depressive illness. In order to summarize what is known about depression in Turner syndrome, with the aim of determining whether individuals with TS are at increased risk for depression, a literature search and analysis were conducted. In total, 69 studies were identified and 35 met criteria of being peer-reviewed English language articles that collected original data on the experience of depression in individuals with TS. Most studies used patient or parent questionnaires to evaluate depressive symptoms. These studies, a majority of which examined adults and half that examined adolescents, found that individuals with TS experienced more frequent and severe depressive symptoms than individuals without TS diagnoses. Articles studying children with TS did not demonstrate a difference in their depressive experience compared to individuals without TS. Three articles used clinician-administered scales, such as the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV; all diagnosed depression in those with TS at higher rates than others. Five studies relied on expert opinion to evaluate depression. The remaining eight articles were case reports or case series that relied on expert opinion. From these data, we conclude that adolescents and adults with TS are at risk for depression and adulthood appears to be the period of the highest risk. Studies in the last 12 years show consistently more severe depressive symptoms in individuals with TS than in previous years. Implications, risk factors, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Morris
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Program, 55 Fruit St. Yawkey 6A, Boston, MA, 02214, USA.
| | - Amy C Tishelman
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Kremen
- Department of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel A Ross
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Miller PK, Weller BE. Uncovering Profiles of Economic, Social, and Cultural Capital to Explore Depression Across Racial Groups. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2019; 6:1167-1181. [PMID: 31346966 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-019-00618-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Research exploring the association between socio-economic status (SES) and depression is limited by conceptualizations of SES and conflicting findings across racial groups. We broaden previous research by (1) reconceptualizing SES through the lens of Bourdieusian theory to identify profiles of economic, social, and cultural capital; (2) investigating whether these profiles differ for Black and white adults; and (3) exploring whether specific profiles of capital are associated with increased depression scores. This study analyzed secondary data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a nationally representative sample of US individuals. A sub-population of the sample was used, which was comprised of 4339 Black and white participants from wave IV. To address the study aims, we used the new three-step approach to conducting latent class analysis. We identified five profiles of capital, the composition of which varied by race. Compared to Blacks, whites were more likely to be in the "cultural-economic capital" (14% vs. 10%), "elevated overall capital" (35% vs. 14%), and "social-economic capital" (13% vs. 10%) profiles, whereas Blacks were more likely to be in the "limited overall capital" (35% vs. 16%) and "moderate economic capital" (32% vs 22%) profiles. Profiles differed in risk for depression; the "limited overall capital" profile had the highest depression scores, whereas the "elevated overall capital" profile had the lowest depression scores. This research has the potential to reduce health disparities, by providing policy makers and researchers with information that will allow them to target populations that are most at risk for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula K Miller
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ohio University, 6 President St., Bentley Annex 162, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.
| | - Bridget E Weller
- School of Social Work, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA
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Baseline Body Mass Predicts Average Depressive Symptoms over the Next Two Decades for White but Not Black Older Adults. Geriatrics (Basel) 2019; 4:geriatrics4010014. [PMID: 31023982 PMCID: PMC6473455 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics4010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although obesity and depression have a bidirectional association, this link may vary based on race. The current study tested racial variation in bidirectional links between depressive symptoms and body mass index (BMI) over 24 years of follow-up in older adults over the age of 50 in the United States. We hypothesized weaker bidirectional links in Blacks compared to Whites. Methods: Data came from waves 1 to 12 (1990 to 2014) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), an ongoing state-of-the-art national cohort. The study followed a representative sample of Americans (n = 15,194; 2,200 Blacks and 12,994 Whites) over the age of 50. Dependent variables were average depressive symptoms and BMI over 24 years, based on measurements every other year, from 1990 to 2014. Independent variables included baseline depressive symptoms and BMI. Covariates included age, gender, marital status, veteran status, and activities of daily living. Structural equation models were fitted to the data for data analysis. Results: In the pooled sample, bidirectional associations were found between BMI and depressive symptoms as baseline BMI predicted average depressive symptoms over time and baseline depressive symptoms predicted average BMI over 24 years. Racial differences were found in the bidirectional association between BMI and depressive symptoms, with both directions of the associations being absent for Blacks. For Whites, baseline BMI predicted average depressive symptoms over the next 24 years. Conclusion: Reciprocal associations between BMI and depressive symptoms over a 24-year period among individuals over the age of 50 vary for Blacks and Whites. As these associations are stronger for Whites than Blacks, clinical and public health programs that simultaneously target comorbid obesity and depression may be more appropriate for Whites than Blacks.
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Seo Y, Je Y. Disturbed eating tendencies, health-related behaviors, and depressive symptoms among university students in Korea. CLINICAL NUTRITION EXPERIMENTAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yclnex.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Carter JD, Assari S. Sustained Obesity and Depressive Symptoms over 6 Years: Race by Gender Differences in the Health and Retirement Study. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 8:312. [PMID: 28101050 PMCID: PMC5209386 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although obesity and physical activity influence psychosocial well-being, these effects may vary based on race, gender, and their intersection. Using 6-year follow-up data of a nationally representative sample of adults over age of 50 in the United States, this study aimed to explore race by gender differences in additive effects of sustained high body mass index (BMI) and physical activity on sustained depressive symptoms (CES-D) and self-rated health (SRH). Methods: Data came from waves 7, 8, and 10 (2004–2010) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), an ongoing national cohort started in 1992. The study enrolled a representative sample of Americans (n = 19,280) over the age of 50. Latent factors were used to calculate sustained high BMI and physical activity (predictors) and sustained poor SRH and high depressive symptoms (outcomes) based on measurements in 2004, 2006, and 2010. Age, education, and income were confounders. Multi-group structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the additive effects of BMI and physical activity on depressive symptoms and SRH, where the groups were defined based on race by gender. Results: Group differences were apparent in the direction and significance of the association between sustained high BMI and depressive symptoms. The association between sustained high BMI and depressive symptoms was positive and significant for White women (B = 0.03, p = 0.007) and non-significant for White men (B = −0.03, p = 0.062), Black men (B = −0.02, p = 0.564) and Black women (B = 0.03, p = 0.110). No group differences were found in the paths from sustained physical activity to depressive symptoms, or from physical activity or BMI to SRH. Conclusion: Sustained high BMI and high depressive symptoms after age 50 are positively associated only for White women. As the association between sustained health problems such as depression and obesity are not universal across race and gender groups, clinical and public health interventions and programs that simultaneously target multiple health problems may have differential effects across race by gender groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia D Carter
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shervin Assari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, MI, USA; Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture and Health, School of Public Health, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, MI, USA
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