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Zhang Y, Li J, Zhang M, Ai B, Jia F. Bidirectional associations between loneliness and problematic internet use: A meta-analytic review of longitudinal studies. Addict Behav 2024; 150:107916. [PMID: 37995611 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107916] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness and problematic Internet use (PIU) are both major public health concerns around the world. These two constructs have long been linked, but there is conflicting evidence regarding the temporal nature of the loneliness-PIU relationship. METHOD We searched 8 databases to identify studies examining longitudinal associations between loneliness and PIU published on or before August 2023. From the 316 articles identified, 26 studies were included with a total of 23,382 participants. RESULTS Moderate, positive, and significant prospective pathways were found from loneliness to PIU (r = 0.287, p < 0.001, 95 % CI [0.241, 0.331]), and from PIU to loneliness (r = 0.255, p < 0.001, 95 % CI [0.205, 0.303]). Moderator analyses suggested that the association of loneliness with PIU was stronger in samples from Eastern countries, with more males, more young adults, less time passed, and in more recent years. The association of PIU with loneliness was stronger in samples from Eastern countries, with more males, more young adults, and in more recent years. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analytic review provided the first estimation for the overall bidirectional longitudinal associations between loneliness and PIU. A deeper comprehension of the relations has implications for loneliness and PIU intervention programs, where interventions targeting both constructs might be fruitfully applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Zhang
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong.
| | - Jun Li
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- School of Education, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Bote Ai
- Department of Linguistics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Fenglin Jia
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, The Education University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong
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Batterham PJ, Dawel A, Shou Y, Gulliver A, Cherbuin N, Calear AL, Farrer LM, Monaghan C. COVID-19 infection associated with poorer mental health in a representative population sample. J Psychosom Res 2024; 177:111588. [PMID: 38181548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is limited evidence of the direct effects of COVID-19 infection on mental health, and whether these are influenced by vaccination or physical health symptoms. We aimed to investigate the relationships of COVID-19 infection, current symptom presentation, and vaccination status with mental health symptoms in adults. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING A cross-sectional sample of the Australian adult population that was representative by age, gender, and location was recruited through market research panels (N = 1407, 51.3% female, mean age 47.9 years). Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine the associations of COVID-19 infection history and current COVID-19 symptoms with symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), generalized anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) and social anxiety (Mini-Social Phobia Inventory). RESULTS COVID-19 infection was associated with significantly higher depression and anxiety symptoms, but only in those who were not fully vaccinated. Current experience of COVID-related symptoms was associated with significantly higher depression and anxiety symptoms, and attenuated the direct effect of infection on mental health outcomes to non-significance. CONCLUSION COVID-19 infection may be associated with increased mental health symptoms. However, the effects of infection on mental health were primarily evident in those who were not fully vaccinated and were explained by greater physical health problems associated with COVID-19 infection. The findings reinforce the efficacy of vaccination for reducing physical and mental health symptoms following infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Batterham
- Centre for Mental Health Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Amy Dawel
- Research School of Psychology, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Yiyun Shou
- Research School of Psychology, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore; Lloyd's Register Foundation Institute for The Public Understanding of Risk, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amelia Gulliver
- Centre for Mental Health Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Nicolas Cherbuin
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Alison L Calear
- Centre for Mental Health Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Louise M Farrer
- Centre for Mental Health Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Conal Monaghan
- Research School of Psychology, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Mejova Y, Hommadova Lu A. Gender in the disclosure of loneliness on Twitter during COVID-19 lockdowns. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1297983. [PMID: 38125758 PMCID: PMC10731375 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1297983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Loneliness has been shown to affect both mental and physical health, and was a major concern even before the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 distancing measures, millions of people took to social media to express their feelings and seek social support. Methods In this mixed-methods study, we examine the self-disclosure of loneliness by users identifying as male or female (via self-disclosed naming conventions) on Twitter before and during the COVID-19 "lockdowns." Results We show that in the first two months of COVID-19 restrictions, self-disclosure of loneliness on this platform rose dramatically, and also have changed qualitatively. We find that female accounts tend to post more loneliness self-disclosures compared to male ones, even before COVID. Female disclosures more often center around pregnancy, family, and close relationships, whereas those posted by the male ones are more related to leadership, video gaming and sex. During COVID lockdowns, female accounts turn to online messaging apps and hobbies, and male become increasingly vocal in seeking partners. Discussion The insights of this study have important implications for the design of interventions for lessening the burden of loneliness in the current digitized world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anya Hommadova Lu
- Communication Studies, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, United States
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Fowler K. Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Canadian Adults: to what Extent Might Social Support Subdomains and Negative Social Interactions Predict Psychological Distress? Psychiatr Q 2023; 94:655-673. [PMID: 37768501 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-023-10055-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) may involve persistent and unwarranted anxiety, fear, and rumination, combined with various somatic symptoms (e.g., fatigue, dizziness, muscle tension, and nausea) which may compel many to withdraw socially. While studies report an inverse relationship between social support and psychological distress among adults with GAD, those that assess the distinct influence of negative social relations, particularly by sex are limited. The primary aims of this study were to (a) assess and compare respondents with a lifetime of GAD in terms of levels of perceived social support (using the Social Provisions Scale - 10 Items (SPS-10) Scale), negative social interactions (using the Negative Social Interaction (NSI) Scale) and psychological distress (using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10)), and (b) determine whether SPS-10 subdomains and NSIs predict psychological distress. Compared with a matched sample without GAD, respondents with GAD were more likely to be single, divorced, and have lower incomes. Respondents with GAD also had lower overall SPS-10 scores, and lower scores for each subdomain (i.e., 'guidance', 'reliable alliance', 'reassurance of worth', 'attachment', and 'social integration'), and higher NSI and K10 scores. Although no difference in psychological distress was observed between men and women with GAD, men had lower SPS-10 scores (overall and for each subdomain), while women had higher NSIs scores. A subsequent hierarchical regression for respondents with GAD revealed that 'social integration' and 'reassurance of worth' predicted lower psychological distress, while higher NSI scores predicted higher psychological distress. Finding implications and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Fowler
- Student Wellness and Counselling Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.
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Xie X, Huang C, Sitar S, Qiao X. Community engagement and loneliness in older adults in China: mediation effects of social support in the wake of COVID-19. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1199577. [PMID: 38106887 PMCID: PMC10722421 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1199577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Loneliness is a key indicator of well-being in older adults. Drawing from the ecological model of aging, the active aging perspective, and the convoy model of social relations, this study investigates the extent community engagement influences loneliness and whether the relationship is mediated by social support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Data was collected from 1,067 retired older adults in a cross-sectional design in Chengdu, China in 2022. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the direct and indirect effects of community engagement on loneliness through the hypothesized mediator of social support. Results The results show community engagement was positively associated with social support (β = 0.26, p < 0.001) and social support was negatively related to loneliness (β = -0.41, p < 0.001). Social support fully mediated the relationship between community engagement and loneliness. Additionally, community engagement had an indirect effect on loneliness via social support (β = -0.11, p < 0.001). Discussion The findings from the moderation analysis suggests community engagement and social support are likely to have large effects on loneliness for older adults over the age of 70 and who have low educational attainment. The findings suggest community engagement could be an important factor for improving social support and reducing loneliness amongst retired, older adults in China, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic where millions of individuals were isolated for extended periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Xie
- Research Institute of Social Development, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chienchung Huang
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Sophie Sitar
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Xingyong Qiao
- Research Institute of Social Development, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Mollons MO, Penner KE, Elsom AL, Cameron EE, Hunter S, Woods L, Tomfohr-Madsen LM, Nijdam-Jones A, Roos LE. COVID-19 and indigenous youth wellbeing: A review. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 53:101659. [PMID: 37597427 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101659] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Indigenous youth in Canada and the United States of America (USA) have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the compounding of increased illness risk and legacies of colonization. This article reports the findings of a Cochrane rapid review of 23 studies that examined mental wellbeing outcomes for Indigenous youth from March 2020 to April 2023 in Canada and the USA. Reported pandemic-related mental wellbeing impacts included changes in alcohol and substance use, anxiety, depression, sleep, and suicidality. Protective factors emerged including cultural and community connection. Results suggest that mental wellbeing worsened for many Indigenous youth during COVID-19. Clinical implications are discussed alongside guidance for service provision improvements to support Indigenous youth wellbeing, from a lens of self-determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan O Mollons
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N, Canada.
| | - Kailey E Penner
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N, Canada
| | - Anthony L Elsom
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N, Canada
| | - Emily E Cameron
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N, Canada
| | - Sandra Hunter
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N, Canada
| | | | - Lianne M Tomfohr-Madsen
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Colombia
| | - Alicia Nijdam-Jones
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N, Canada
| | - Leslie E Roos
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N, Canada; Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P4, Canada; Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0W2, Canada.
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Bırni G, Satıcı SA, Deniz ME. Self-criticism and romantic relationship satisfaction as serial mediators of links between childhood psychological maltreatment and loneliness. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 139:106112. [PMID: 36841160 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological maltreatment may be one of the causes of adults' loneliness despite having a partner. There are some links between psychological maltreatment, self-criticism, relationship satisfaction, and loneliness in the literature. But the nature of these links requires further explanation. OBJECTIVE The present study examined the serial mediation role of self-criticism and romantic relationship satisfaction on the pathway from childhood psychological maltreatment to loneliness, in a Turkish sample. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS In total 403 individuals (Female = 294, Male = 109) participated from 53 different cities in Türkiye. Participants were either dating (65.8 %), had a fiancée (4 %), or were married (30.3 %). METHOD The data was collected using Psychological Maltreatment Questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Self-criticism Rumination Scale, and the Relationship Assessment Scale. RESULTS Structural equation modeling results indicated that self-criticism and romantic relationship satisfaction fully mediated the impact of psychological maltreatment on loneliness. The model was a good fit [χ2 (29, N = 403) = 63.846, p < .001; χ2/df = 2.20; SRMR = 0.061; RMSEA = 0.055; GFI = 0.969; CFI = 0.979; NFI = 0.963; IFI = 0.979]. CONCLUSIONS Childhood experiences of psychological maltreatment can continue to haunt individuals, even as adults. Although being in a relationship can help individuals with their loneliness, psychologically maltreated adults may feel lonely in their relationships due to self-criticism and dissatisfaction. Interventions focused on childhood psychological maltreatment and self-criticism may help lonely adults. Along with this focus, relationship satisfaction can be addressed in family/couple counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaye Bırni
- Department of Psychological Counselling, Yildiz Technical University, Türkiye.
| | - Seydi Ahmet Satıcı
- Department of Psychological Counselling, Yildiz Technical University, Türkiye
| | - M Engin Deniz
- Department of Psychological Counselling, Yildiz Technical University, Türkiye
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