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Carvalho SA, Pinto H, Carreiras D, Palmeira L, Pereira M, Trindade IA. One-year predictors of PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression in SARS-CoV-2 survivors: psychological flexibility and major life events as main predictive factors. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1378213. [PMID: 39257405 PMCID: PMC11385856 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1378213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic held considerable health-related outcomes worldwide, including mental health challenges, with elevated risk of psychiatric sequelae. Methods This study aimed to test the longitudinal (1 year) predictive role of psychosocial factors on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depressive symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 survivors (N = 209 at T1; N = 61; attrition rate 70.83%), through Pearson's correlation analyses and longitudinal multiple regression analyses. Participants (age M = 35.4, SD = 10.1) completed online self-report questionnaires of psychosocial variables, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Results Depression and anxiety symptoms were increased, and 42% of survivors presented clinically meaningful PTSD symptoms. PTSD symptoms were longitudinally predicted by having children (β = 0.32, p < 0.01), number of recent major life events (β = 0.34, p < 0.01), and psychological flexibility (β = -0.36, p < 0.01). Number of major life events (β = 0.29, p < 0.05) and psychological flexibility (β = -0.29, p < 0.05) predicted anxiety. Number of recent major life events (β = 0.32, p < 0.01) was the sole predictor of depressive symptoms. Discussion Psychosocial variables contribute to the long-term harmful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychopathological symptoms. These results suggest that, during the pandemic, mental health was impacted by both socio-contextual factors and individual self-regulatory skills, namely the ability to respond flexibily to contextual cues and guide behavior according to the direct experience. Specifically, results point out the importance of societal incentives to reduce parental burden and socioeconomic losses, as well as to promote adaptive psychological skills such as psychological flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio A Carvalho
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
- HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, School of Psychology and Life Sciences (EPCV), Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Helena Pinto
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diogo Carreiras
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Instituto Superior Miguel Torga, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lara Palmeira
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, CINTESIS.UPT, Portucalense University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marco Pereira
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês A Trindade
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Health and Medical Psychology (CHAMP), School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences, University of Örebro, Örebro, Sweden
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Gil-Almagro F, García-Hedrera FJ, Carmona-Monge FJ, Peñacoba-Puente C. A study on optimism as a psychological strength in nurses through a prospective study from the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic to two years later. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 38:100782. [PMID: 38706572 PMCID: PMC11070230 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100782] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims and objectives This study analyzes, in nurses, the influence of openness to experience and hardiness (assessed at baseline and one year after the COVID-19 pandemic respectively) on the development of optimism (assessed two years after the COVID-19 pandemic). Concerns about self-contagion were included as a moderating variable, given their relevance as a risk factor. Background Nurses have been among the healthcare professionals most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most previous studies have focused on the variables contributing to psychological symptoms, whilst the attention given to the variables adding to the well-being of these professionals has been much scarcer. Design A prospective study was carried out. Methods This study was carried out using three data collection periods: Period 1 (From May to June 2020), Period 2 (From January 2021 to April 2021), and Period 3 (From April 2022 to July 2022), with the participation of 151 Spanish nurses, using online self-reporting questionnaires. The study followed the STROBE statement. Results The results showed that the proposed model was statistically significant. There was a positive effect of openness to experience (year 2020) on hardiness assessed one year later (year 2021). Similarly, hardiness had a positive effect on optimism assessed another year on (year 2022). Conclusions Concerns about self-contagion behaved as a moderator in the relationship between openness to experience and hardiness (the relationship between openness and hardiness was statistically significant when contagion concern was higher). Relevance to clinical practice: In-depth understanding of the psychological processes that trigger psychological strengths (i.e. optimism) as a result of adverse situations (i.e. COVID-19 pandemic) is essential in promoting the mental health of healthcare professionals. Interventions targeting resilient personality traits and cognitive flexibility are key to this goal. No Patient or Public Contribution: The participants contributed exclusively to the collection of the sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Gil-Almagro
- Unidad de Cuidados Críticos, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, C. Budapest, 1, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando J. García-Hedrera
- Unidad de Cuidados Críticos, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, C. Budapest, 1, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - F. Javier Carmona-Monge
- Servicio de Anestesiología, Hospital Universitario Santiago de Compostela, Rúa da Choupana, s/n, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Cecilia Peñacoba-Puente
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Av. de Atenas, s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
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Paiva T, da Silva AN, Neto DD, Karekla M, Kassianos AP, Gloster A. The Effect of Psychological Flexibility on Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Multiple Mediation Role of Mindfulness and Coping. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:545. [PMID: 39062368 PMCID: PMC11274342 DOI: 10.3390/bs14070545] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic involved a complex set of stressors affecting the health and well-being of the population. The understanding of the psychological processes that influence well-being in response to the pandemic and their interrelation is vital. A promising process in understanding the emotional impacts of these stressors is psychological flexibility. This study investigated the effect of psychological flexibility on well-being, both directly and indirectly, via mindfulness and coping strategies. A total of 334 Portuguese adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire, including measures of psychological flexibility, well-being, mindfulness, and coping strategies. A multiple mediation model studied whether there are conditional indirect effects of mindfulness and coping strategies on well-being. The results showed statistically significant correlations between psychological flexibility, well-being, mindfulness, and coping strategies. Furthermore, we found that mindfulness and coping strategies partly mediate the relationship between psychological flexibility and well-being. Understanding the processes through which psychological flexibility influences well-being in a stressful context is important in comprehending the processes involved in an emotional reaction to a pandemic-like societal event. Mindfulness and coping are shown to be important processes to consider in understanding this phenomenon and designing future responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Paiva
- Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Ana Nunes da Silva
- Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal;
- CICPSI—Centro de Investigação Em Ciência Psicológica, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Dias Neto
- School of Psychology, ISPA—Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal;
- APPsyCI—Applied Psychology Research Center Capabilities & Inclusion, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Karekla
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus;
| | | | - Andrew Gloster
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences and Psychology, University of Lucerne, 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland;
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Selker RJDM, Koppert TY, Houtveen JH, Geenen R. Psychological flexibility in somatic symptom and related disorders: A case control study. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 173:398-404. [PMID: 38603918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
A key diagnostic criterion of Somatic Symptom and related Disorders (SSD) comprises significant distress and excessive time-and-energy consuming thoughts, feelings, and behavior pertaining to somatic symptoms. This diagnostic criterion is lacking in central sensitivity syndromes (CSS), such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome. This strong emphasis on disturbed psychological processing of somatic symptoms, suggests that psychological flexibility is low in SDD. Psychological flexibility is defined as the ability to approach difficult or challenging internal states (thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations) in a non-judgmental, mindful way, and being committed to pursue one's values. To clarify the potential significance of psychological flexibility in SSD, we examined its levels in 154 people referred to specialized treatment for SDD, as compared to reference groups from the general population encompassing 597 people with CSS and 1422 people without SSD or CSS (controls). Mean levels of psychological flexibility (adjusted for demographic covariates) were lowest for SSD and highest for controls (F = 154.5, p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.13). Percentages of people with low psychological flexibility (<0.8 SD below the mean of controls) were: SSD 74%, CSS 42%, controls 21%. In SSD, higher psychological flexibility was associated with better mental health (β = 0.56, p < 0.001), but interaction analysis rejected that psychological flexibility preserved health when having more severe somatic symptoms (β ≤ 0.08, p ≥ 0.10). The results indicate that lower psychological flexibility is a prevalent problem in SSD that is associated with lower mental health. This suggests that it is worthwhile to take account of psychological flexibility in SSD in screening, monitoring, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- René J D M Selker
- Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine Eikenboom, Voortgang 6, 3705 WD, Zeist, the Netherlands.
| | - Tim Y Koppert
- Institute of Psychology, Bachelor Education Unit, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Jan H Houtveen
- Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine Eikenboom, Voortgang 6, 3705 WD, Zeist, the Netherlands.
| | - Rinie Geenen
- Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine Eikenboom, Voortgang 6, 3705 WD, Zeist, the Netherlands; Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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H O'Brien W, Wang S, Varga AV, Lim CX, Xu H, Jarukasemthawee S, Pisitsungkagarn K, Suvanbenjakule P, Braden A. Psychological flexibility prospectively predicts COVID-19 PPE use across a two-month interval. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2024; 29:484-491. [PMID: 36593532 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2162936] [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: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Perceived susceptibility, psychological flexibility and health behaviors (PPE use, social distancing) were measured at two time points spaced 2 months apart during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in the U.S.A (Time 1 April 2020; Time 2 June 2020). Demographic variables were also collected. Data from 151 Mturk workers indicated that Time 1 psychological flexibility significantly predicted PPE use and social distancing. The effect sizes were substantial. Perceived susceptibility was not a significant predictor. Psychological flexibility messaging and interventions could be an important way to increase the likelihood of people performing health protective behaviors to better constrain the continuing COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H O'Brien
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Psychology, Duke Kunshan University, Suzhou, China
| | - Aniko Viktoria Varga
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - Chung Xiann Lim
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - Huanzhen Xu
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | - Abby Braden
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
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Babazadeh T, Ghaffari-Fam S, Shahnavaz-Yoshanluie F, Ranjbaran S. Psychological well-being and factors affecting it after the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1295774. [PMID: 38390417 PMCID: PMC10881793 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1295774] [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: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has enormously impacted human activity worldwide, partly due to many governments issuing stay-at-home orders and limiting the types of social interactions citizens can engage in. Hence, this study investigated psychological well-being and factors affecting it after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A total of 345 participants were recruited in the study. This research was conducted between February and May 2023 in Sarab, East Azerbaijan, Iran. To measure the data, valid and reliable instruments of Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), interpersonal support evaluation list (ISEL-SF), and health-protective behaviors checklist instrument were used. Results According to the results, health locus of control (r = 0.227; p < 0.001), social support (r = 0.339; p < 0.001), and COVID-19 preventive behaviors (r = 0.376; p < 0.001) were positively correlated with psychological well-being. The strongest correlation was observed between psychological well-being and protective behaviors (r = 0.376; p < 0.001). In the hierarchical regression model, total, demographic characteristics along with health locus of control, social support, covid-19 preventive behaviors, and history of COVID-19 infection were able to explain 57.4% of the variation in psychological well-being. Discussion Public healthcare providers' and policymakers' preventive and supportive actions are highly advised for promoting health locus of control and social support in adults after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it is better to include a community's social and environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Towhid Babazadeh
- Department of Public Health, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
| | - Saber Ghaffari-Fam
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing of Miyandoab City, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Soheila Ranjbaran
- Department of Public Health, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
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7
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Carlson AS, Stegall MS, Sirotiak Z, Herrmann F, Thomas EBK. Just as Essential: The Mental Health of Educators During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2024; 18:e6. [PMID: 38234124 PMCID: PMC10904175 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic deleteriously impacted physical and mental health. In the summer of 2020, return-to-learn plans were enacted, including virtual, hybrid, and in-person plans, impacting educators and students. We examined (1) how return-to-learn plan was related to depressive and social anxiety symptoms among educators and (2) how psychological flexibility related to symptoms. METHODS Educators (N = 853) completed a survey via Qualtrics that assessed internalizing symptoms, psychological flexibility, and occupational characteristics. Two one-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) examined between-group differences in return-to-learn plans across depression and social anxiety. Two hierarchical linear regressions examined the relation between psychological flexibility components and depressive and social anxiety symptoms. RESULTS Median T-scores were well above the national normative means for General Depression (median T-score: 81) and Social Anxiety (median T-score: 67). There were no significant differences between reopening plans in general depression nor social anxiety T-scores. Psychological flexibility accounted for 33% of the variance in depressive symptoms and 24% of the variance in social anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Results indicated high levels of psychiatric symptoms among educators during COVID-19, and psychological flexibility was associated with lower symptoms. Addressing educator mental health is of utmost importance in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manny S Stegall
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Zoe Sirotiak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Felipe Herrmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Emily B K Thomas
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Huberman JS, Allsop DB, Rosen NO. Associations between New Mothers' Partner-Oriented Sexual Values and Sexual Distress in the Transition to Parenthood. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:1259-1268. [PMID: 35731509 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2089969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Women commonly experience heightened sexual distress in pregnancy and postpartum, and there is limited knowledge of protective factors. Women report declines in the importance of sexuality during this time, suggesting that valuing sexuality could be a relevant individual difference factor. It may be particularly protective for women to feel successful in living in line with their sexual values. In a longitudinal study, we examined associations between the extent to which women valued their role as a sexual partner, and their success living in line with this partner-oriented sexual value, with their sexual distress. Women (N = 367) reported the importance of their role as a sexual partner, success living according to this value, and sexual distress during pregnancy (18-20 weeks) and at 3, 6, 12 and 24-months postpartum. More strongly valuing one's role as a sexual partner was associated with more sexual distress, both between-person (i.e., across women) and within-person (i.e., variation within women over time). Above and beyond these effects, greater success at living in line with one's partner-oriented sexual value was associated with less sexual distress. Finding ways to live in line with one's sexual values may protect against sexual distress for new mothers in the transition to parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David B Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dalhousie University
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Pakenham KI, Landi G, Cattivelli R, Grandi S, Tossani E. Identification of psychological flexibility and inflexibility profiles during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Clin Psychol 2023; 79:2225-2250. [PMID: 37192495 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wave and lockdown adversely affected the lives of people in diverse ways. AIMS This study used a person-centered approach to identify patterns of engagement in the 12 psychological flexibility (PF) and inflexibility (PI) processes to manage the first COVID-19 wave and lockdown hardships. MATERIALS & METHODS A total of 1035 Italian adults completed an online survey. RESULTS Latent profile analyses conducted on the 12 PI/PF processes measured by the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory identified five profiles; three reflected gradations of high to low PF with corresponding inverse levels of PI, while two represented more complex relationships between PI and PF. After controlling for relevant socio-demographic and COVID-19/lockdown factors, the five profiles differed in mental health (depression, anxiety, and COVID-19 distress). Essentially a gradient of progressive decreases in all PI processes (except experiential avoidance) corresponded with increments in mental health across all profiles. Two profiles, which evidenced the highest levels of mental health (highly flexible and moderately flexible profiles), also had the greatest proportion of the sample 56.42% (n = 584), and the highest levels of PF and experiential avoidance. DISCUSSION Findings from this and similar studies suggest intersecting complex relationships among the PI/PF processes that are likely to shift in response to changing contexts. We suggest this network of relationships is better represented by a three-dimensional PF/PI hexaflex than a simplistic two-dimensional depiction of the model. CONCLUSION Distinguishing different PF/PI profiles identified groups most at risk for the adverse mental health impacts of the pandemic and exposed variations in the mental health protective and risk roles of PF and PI processes, respectively, that can inform ACT-based mental health promotion interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth I Pakenham
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Giulia Landi
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics (head Prof. Silvana Grandi), University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Roberto Cattivelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics (head Prof. Silvana Grandi), University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Silvana Grandi
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics (head Prof. Silvana Grandi), University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Eliana Tossani
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics (head Prof. Silvana Grandi), University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
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Nikrah N, Bahari F, Shiri A. Effectiveness of the acceptance and commitment therapy on resilience and quality of life in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. Appl Nurs Res 2023; 73:151723. [PMID: 37722791 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2023.151723] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is defined as an ongoing symptomatic illness in patients who have recovered from their initial COVID-19 infection which causes long term respiratory problems, muscle atrophy, etc. So, the current research aimed to examine effectiveness of the acceptance and commitment therapy on resilience and health-related quality of life of PCS patients. The research deployed a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-tests and 3-month follow-up with wait-list group. Thirty PCS patients from a specialized facility in Iran were recruited using available sampling method and were randomly assigned to either treatment or wait-list groups, each group 15 subjects. The subjects answered to Connor and Davidson's (2003) Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the World Health Organization's (1995) Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The posttest score of resilience in the treatment and wait-list groups were 19.6 and 14.47, respectively, and their follow-up scores were 17.13 and 14.55, respectively. Also, total score of HRQoL in the treatment and wait-list groups in the posttest were 65.07 and 55.73 and in the follow-up were 63.27 and 54.6, respectively. The results showed that there were significant differences in the posttest scores of the dependent variables based on the groups. Also, the MANCOVA showed that the acceptance and commitment therapy was still significantly effective on the dependent variables three months after the last session. The ACT can significantly increase PCS patients' resilience and HRQoL even 3months after the intervention. The implications and limitations of the research are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Nikrah
- Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University Science and Research Branch, Arak, Iran.
| | | | - Amin Shiri
- Azad university Tehran Markazi Branch, Iran
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Mabire-Yon R, Le Bonniec A, Arnaud S, Préau M. Organization of psychosocial factors associated with worry about acquiring SARS-CoV-2 among women undergoing cancer treatment: an empirical network comparison approach. J Psychosoc Oncol 2023; 42:315-332. [PMID: 37632453 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2023.2246126] [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] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pandemic-induced anxiety can have adverse mental and somatic health consequences on cancer patients (CP). This study aimed to (1) explore the intricate relationships between worry related to potential SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 perception, sociodemographic factors, and the perceived effectiveness of lockdown measures and (2) investigate if these relationships differ between cancer patients and individuals without a history of cancer (IWHC). METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional quantitative study in France between December 1 and 14, 2020. Network analysis was employed on a sample of 1889 women, including 282 cancer patients and 1607 noncancer individuals. RESULTS Our findings indicate that CP were 20% more likely to express worry than IWHC. Anxiety is embedded within a complex network involving sociodemographic, cognitive, and emotional factors. The emotional components related to COVID-19 perception were found to play a crucial role. The networks for both groups were observed to be identical. CONCLUSIONS Our study underscores the heightened vulnerability of cancer patients to pandemic-induced anxiety, emphasizing the crucial role of emotional components related to COVID-19 perception. The observed similarities in the anxiety network between cancer patients and those without a history of cancer suggest that universal approaches might be effective across groups. IMPLICATIONS Utilizing the Causal Attitude Network Model, we propose potential methods for managing and reducing individual anxiety levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renaud Mabire-Yon
- Unit Inserm U1296, Radiations: Defense, Health and Environment, Institute of Psychology - University Lumière Lyon 2, Bron, France
| | - Alice Le Bonniec
- Health Behaviour Change Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Siméone Arnaud
- Unit Inserm U1296, Radiations: Defense, Health and Environment, Institute of Psychology - University Lumière Lyon 2, Bron, France
| | - Marie Préau
- Unit Inserm U1296, Radiations: Defense, Health and Environment, Institute of Psychology - University Lumière Lyon 2, Bron, France
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Sarbassova G, Kudaibergenova A, Madaliyeva Z, Kassen G, Sadvakassova Z, Ramazanova S, Ryskulova M. Diagnostics of psychological flexibility and the ability to cope with the inevitable changes among psychology students. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37359571 PMCID: PMC10172729 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04712-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The study concerns the question of how much the emotional competence and the ability to cope with problems in one's own personality increase in the process of professional psychological education, for which students of different years of study were tested. The aim of this study is to deeply diagnose various components of psychological flexibility and the ability to cope with unexpected events among psychology students. The study involved 30 students from 1 to 4 years of university grade level participated into study, divided into 4 equal groups from. Based on testing various aspects of psychological flexibility, emotional intelligence test (EQ test), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and D.V. Lyusin emotional intelligence instrument (Emin) were used; it was tested using Student's t-test and Kruskal-Wallis H-test to evaluate differences between three or more samples simultaneously. As a result of the study, the significant differences between all groups of participants and between the assessment of individual factors of psychological flexibility in different groups was accepted. Each of the groups demonstrated its specific characteristics of the relationship between emotional competence and coping with stress. Comparison of the results of students from different years of study showed that psychological education does not have a significant effect on emotional intelligence as an indicator of emotional flexibility, but positively affects the development of coping with stress, although in predominantly passive forms. The practical application of the research lies in improving psychology students' learning; the research results can be used as methods for determining psychological flexibility factors that require development in study groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulzat Sarbassova
- Department of Pedagogy and Psychology, Kazakh Humanitarian and Legal Innovation University in Semipalatinsk, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Aliya Kudaibergenova
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Management, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Zabira Madaliyeva
- Department of General and Applied Psychology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulmira Kassen
- Department of General and Applied Psychology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Zukhra Sadvakassova
- Department of General and Applied Psychology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Samal Ramazanova
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Management, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Madina Ryskulova
- Department of Psychology, Eurasian National University named after L.N. Gumilyov, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
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13
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Hsu T, Hoffman L, Thomas EBK. Confirmatory measurement modeling and longitudinal invariance of the CompACT-15: A short-form assessment of psychological flexibility. Psychol Assess 2023; 35:430-442. [PMID: 36656724 PMCID: PMC10101904 DOI: 10.1037/pas0001214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Processes (CompACT; Francis et al., 2016) is a recently developed measure of psychological flexibility (PF) possessing several advantages over other measures of PF, including multidimensional assessment and relative brevity. Unfortunately, previous psychometric evaluations of the CompACT have been limited by their use of exploratory factor analysis to assess dimensionality, coefficient α to assess reliability, and a lack of attention to measurement equivalence in assessing change over time. The present study used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and item factor analysis (IFA) to examine the dimensionality, factor-specific reliability, longitudinal measurement invariance, and construct validity of the CompACT items in a longitudinal online sample of U.S. adults (N = 523). Converging evidence across CFA and IFA confirmatory latent variable measurement models provides support for the reduction of the 23-item CompACT to a 15-item short form with a more stable factor structure, acceptable reliability over large ranges of its three latent factors, and measurement equivalence of its items in assessing latent change over time. Results also support the construct validity of the CompACT-15 items based on its relations with theoretically relevant measures. Overall, the CompACT-15 appears to be a psychometrically sound instrument with the potential to contribute to research and intervention efforts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ti Hsu
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
| | - Lesa Hoffman
- Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations
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14
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Flowers J, Eddy A, McCullough N, Christopher M, Kennedy CH. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Processes Differentially Predict Aspects of Mental Health. Psychol Rep 2023:332941231169673. [PMID: 37052148 DOI: 10.1177/00332941231169673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Psychological flexibility relates to various aspects of mental health, including psychological distress and adaptive mental health. The CompACT has been developed to assess psychological flexibility by quantifying psychological flexibility as a multidimensional whole, and by three processes of psychological flexibility including, Openness to Experience (OE), Behavioral Awareness (BA), and Valued Action (VA). The current study examined the unique predictive property of each three process of the CompACT with aspects of mental health. Participants (N = 593) were a diverse sample of United States adults. Our results found OE and BA significantly predicted depression, anxiety, and stress. OE and VA significantly predicted satisfaction with life, and all three processes significantly predicted resilience. Our results support multidimensional assessment of psychological flexibility when examining aspects of mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Flowers
- School of Graduate Psychology, Phacific University Health Professions Campus, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Ashley Eddy
- School of Graduate Psychology, Phacific University Health Professions Campus, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Nicole McCullough
- School of Graduate Psychology, Phacific University Health Professions Campus, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Michael Christopher
- School of Graduate Psychology, Phacific University Health Professions Campus, Hillsboro, OR, USA
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15
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Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Patients with Sarcoma in the United Kingdom. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030956. [PMID: 36765920 PMCID: PMC9913479 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a persistent concern among those living with cancer and is associated with a variety of negative psychosocial outcomes. However, people with sarcoma have been underrepresented within this area of research. We aimed to determine the prevalence of FCR experienced by people with sarcoma in the United Kingdom and explore factors that may predict FCR, such as the perceived impact of cancer and psychological flexibility. Participants (n = 229) with soft tissue (n = 167), bone (n = 25), and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (n = 33) completed an online survey including the self-reported measures of FCR, the perceived physical and psychological impact of cancer and psychological flexibility, and demographic information. Data were analysed using ANOVA and multiple regression modelling. Mean FCR scores (M = 91.4; SD = 26.5) were higher than those reported in meta-analytic data inclusive of all cancer types (M = 65.2; SD = 28.2). Interest in receiving support for FCR was also high (70%). Significant factors associated with FCR included cognitive and emotional distress and psychological flexibility, but not perceptions of the physical impact of cancer (R2 = 0.56). The negative association between psychological flexibility and FCR suggests the potential benefit of intervention approaches which foster psychological flexibility, such as acceptance and commitment therapy.
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16
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Nandal N, Tanwar R, Pathan ASK. Sentiment Analysis based Emotion Extraction for COVID-19 Using Crawled Tweets and Global Statistics for Mental Health. PROCEDIA COMPUTER SCIENCE 2023; 218:949-958. [PMID: 36743797 PMCID: PMC9886326 DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2023.01.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The unpredictable and crucial challenges that occurred because of the COVID-19 pandemic disease have taken a gradual upsurge impacting over 213 countries across the globe. Different countries have taken several measures to get control over it like Lockdown, Curfews, Travel ban, etc. but still the cases were increasing and the situation was getting worse globally during some period of time. The impacts on the financial, social, and physical aspects of several citizens resulted in their psychological and mental health issues. In this work, we have quantitatively analyzed the depression, stress, and suicide cases during the period of COVID-19 globally and especially, in India. The global data including tweets (collected using a Scraper) is used for analysis. The data have been analyzed on Tableau and; sentiment analysis for extracting emotions in tweets has been performed using Python. Tweets are analyzed to extract the emotion of people in terms of Fear, Sadness, Anger, and Happiness. With total collected Tweets of 819678 from Jan 2020 to March 2022, it is found that people are more into Fear and Sadness with 59.3% and 28.9% scores respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Nandal
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering and Technology, India
| | - Rohit Tanwar
- School of Computer Science, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, India
| | - Al-Sakib Khan Pathan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, United International University, Bangladesh
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17
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Reilly ED, Wolkowicz NR, Heapy A, Ross MacLean R, Duarte BA, Chamberlin ES, Harris JI, Shirk SD, Kelly MM. Chronic pain and problematic substance use for veterans during COVID-19: the moderating role of psychological flexibility. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1173641. [PMID: 37205082 PMCID: PMC10185850 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1173641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic pain and problematic substance use are commonly co-occurring and highly detrimental issues that are especially prevalent in U.S. veteran populations. Although COVID-19 made clinical management of these conditions potentially difficult, some research suggests that certain veterans with these conditions did not experience this period as negatively as others. It is thus important to consider whether resilience factors, such as the increasingly-studied process of psychological flexibility, might have led to better outcomes for veterans managing pain and problematic substance use during this time of global crisis. Methods This planned sub-analysis of a larger cross-sectional, anonymous, and nationally-distributed survey (N = 409) was collected during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Veteran participants completed a short screener and battery of online surveys assessing pain severity and interference, substance use, psychological flexibility, mental health functioning, and pandemic-related quality of life. Results For veterans with chronic pain and problematic substance use, the pandemic resulted in a significant lowering of their quality of life related to meeting basic needs, emotional health, and physical health compared to veterans with problematic substance use but no chronic pain diagnosis. However, moderation analyses revealed that veterans with these comorbid conditions experienced less negative impacts from the pandemic on quality of life and mental health when they reported greater psychological flexibility. For veterans with problematic substance use only, psychological flexibility was also related to better mental health functioning, but did not significantly correlate with their quality of life. Conclusion Results highlight how COVID-19 differentially impacted veterans with both problematic substance use and chronic pain, such that this group reported particularly negative impacts of the pandemic on multiple areas of quality of life. However, our findings further emphasize that psychological flexibility, a modifiable resiliency process, also buffered against some of the negative impacts of the pandemic on mental health and quality of life. Given this, future research into the impact of natural crises and healthcare management should investigate how psychological flexibility can be targeted to help increase resiliency for veterans with chronic pain and problematic substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D. Reilly
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Erin D. Reilly,
| | - Noah R. Wolkowicz
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Alicia Heapy
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - R. Ross MacLean
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Elizabeth S. Chamberlin
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - J. Irene Harris
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Steven D. Shirk
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Megan M. Kelly
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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18
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Bennett KM, Panzeri A, Derrer-Merk E, Butter S, Hartman TK, Mason L, McBride O, Murphy J, Shevlin M, Gibson-Miller J, Levita L, Martinez AP, McKay R, Lloyd A, Stocks TVA, Bottesi G, Vidotto G, Bentall RP, Bertamini M. Predicting resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Kingdom: Cross-sectional and longitudinal results. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283254. [PMID: 37167208 PMCID: PMC10174573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the psychological wellbeing of some people, there is evidence that many have been much less affected. The Ecological Model of Resilience (EMR) may explain why some individuals are not resilient whilst others are. In this study we test the EMR in a comparison of UK survey data collected from the COVID-19 Psychological Research Consortium (C19PRC) longitudinal study of a representative sample of the United Kingdom (UK) adult population and data from an Italian arm of the study. We first compare data from the third wave of the UK arm of the study, collected in July/August 2020, with data from an equivalent sample and stage of the pandemic in Italy in July 2020. Next, using UK longitudinal data collected from C19PRC Waves 1, 3 and 5, collected between March 2020 and April 2021 we identify the proportion of people who were resilient. Finally, we examine which factors, drawn from the EMR, predict resilient and non-resilient outcomes. We find that the 72% of the UK sample was resilient, in line with the Italian study. In the cross-sectional logistic regression model, age and self-esteem were significantly associated with resilience whilst death anxiety thoughts, neuroticism, loneliness, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms related to COVID-19 were significantly associated with Non-Resilient outcomes. In the longitudinal UK analysis, at Wave 5, 80% of the sample was Resilient. Service use, belonging to wider neighbourhood, self-rated health, self-esteem, openness, and externally generated death anxiety were associated with Resilient outcomes. In contrast, PTSD symptoms and loneliness were associated with Non-Resilient outcomes. The EMR effectively explained the results. There were some variables which are amenable to intervention which could increase resilience in the face of similar future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M Bennett
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Panzeri
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Sarah Butter
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
| | - Todd K Hartman
- Department of Social Statistics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Liam Mason
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Orla McBride
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Murphy
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Shevlin
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
| | - Jilly Gibson-Miller
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Liat Levita
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Anton P Martinez
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan McKay
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Lloyd
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas V A Stocks
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Gioa Bottesi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulo Vidotto
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Richard P Bentall
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Bertamini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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19
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Lappalainen P, Lappalainen R, Keinonen K, Kaipainen K, Puolakanaho A, Muotka J, Kiuru N. In the shadow of COVID-19: A randomized controlled online ACT trial promoting adolescent psychological flexibility and self-compassion. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2023; 27:34-44. [PMID: 36514308 PMCID: PMC9731646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Although some adolescents managed to cope well with the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the well-being of many was adversely affected due to school closures, distance education, restrictions on gathering with friends, and limited access to mental health services. Many adolescents reported increased anxiety and depression as well as decreased psychological wellbeing due to the pandemic. Consequently, there is a need for psychological support that exceeds the strained resources available to schools to support young people during times of crisis and societal pressure. Objective The present study aimed to explore the effects of an online-delivered ACT intervention to promote adolescent psychological flexibility and self-compassion and decrease psychological distress during the second wave of COVID-19 in the fall of 2020. Methods A total of 348 adolescents aged 15-16 were randomly divided into three equal groups: 1) the iACT student coach + virtual coach group, n = 116; 2) the iACT virtual coach group, n = 116; and 3) the control group with no intervention, n = 116). Among these adolescents, 234 participated in a pre-measurement (iACT, n = 154; control, n = 80; intent-to-treat) and completed measures of psychological flexibility, self-compassion, anxiety, and depression. Results An investigation of all the adolescents who participated in the pre-measurement (intent-to-treat analysis, n = 234) revealed no significant differences between the three groups with regard to psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, upon combining the two intervention groups and examining the adolescents who completed at least 30% of the Youth Compass program (per-protocol analysis, n = 137), small but significant differences between the iACT intervention and control groups were found regarding the psychological flexibility subscale valued action, self-compassion, and anxiety in favor of the intervention group. Conclusions Active use of an ACT-based online intervention under adverse circumstances may decrease symptoms of anxiety and increase psychological flexibility skills in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Päivi Lappalainen
- Department of Education, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | | | | | - Kirsikka Kaipainen
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
- Tampere University, Unit of Computing Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Joona Muotka
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Noona Kiuru
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
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20
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Howard MC. Why people fail to participate in annual skin cancer screening: creation of the perceptions of annual skin cancer screening scale (PASCSS). Diagnosis (Berl) 2022; 10:164-174. [PMID: 36541628 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2022-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Many studies show that most people, even at-risk individuals, do not undergo routine clinical skin cancer screening, and many questions remain unanswered regarding the participation (or lack thereof) in annual skin cancer screening. Perhaps the largest unanswered question is the most essential: why do people fail to undergo annual skin cancer screening? We provide an avenue to answer this question by creating the Perceptions of Annual Skin Cancer Screening Scale (PASCSS).
Methods
In Study 1, we conduct a qualitative investigation to identify potential scale dimensions and items (n=233). In Study 2, we test the validity and psychometric properties of our initial item list via exploratory factor analysis (n=406). In Study 3, we further test the psychometric properties of our item list via confirmatory factor analysis (n=587).
Results
These three studies provide strong support for the validity and psychometric properties of our item list, resulting in the PASCSS. The PASCSS includes 48 items and 12 dimensions that each represent unique perceptions regarding annual skin cancer screening.
Conclusions
We encourage future authors to utilize the PASCSS to identify those most at risk for failing to participate in annual skin cancer screening as well as develop adaptive interventions that can target these participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt C. Howard
- University of South Alabama, Mitchell College of Business , Mobile , AL , USA
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21
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Roche AI, Adamowicz JL, Stegall MS, Toovey CR, Sirotiak Z, Thomas EBK. College Student Resilience During COVID-19: Examining the Roles of Mindfulness, Compassion, and Prosocial Behavior. ADVERSITY AND RESILIENCE SCIENCE 2022; 3:309-320. [PMID: 36415323 PMCID: PMC9669537 DOI: 10.1007/s42844-022-00083-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined factors associated with resilience in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were undergraduates at a large Midwestern university in the USA (N = 848). Hierarchical linear regression analyses examined self-reported pandemic-related adversity, community COVID-19 case rates, mindfulness, compassion, and prosocialness to determine the strongest associates of resilience. Findings demonstrated that mindfulness was the only psychological process of interest significantly associated with resilience, so specific facets were further explored in a regression analysis. Specifically, higher levels of the following mindfulness skills were associated with greater resilience: ability to describe internal experiences, to remain aware while engaging in action, and to take a nonreactive stance toward internal experiences. Mindfulness-based interventions may be appropriate for promoting resilience in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne I. Roche
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Jenna L. Adamowicz
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Manny S. Stegall
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Cole R. Toovey
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Zoe Sirotiak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Emily B. K. Thomas
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
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22
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McCracken LM, Buhrman M, Badinlou F, Brocki KC. Health, well-being, and persisting symptoms in the pandemic: What is the role of psychological flexibility? JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022; 26:187-192. [PMID: 36247216 PMCID: PMC9554036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Finding psychological factors that can reduce the substantial impact of COVID-19 on mental and physical health is important. Here we replicate and expand a previous study regarding the role of psychological flexibility (PF) in this context. We employed a comprehensive and well validated measure of PF and examined its role in relation to health outcomes and persistent post COVID-19 symptoms. 1174 participants completed standardized measures of depression, anxiety, insomnia and the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI), and reported the presence of persistent symptoms associated with "long COVID." All PF and psychological inflexibility (PI) facets, except for acceptance, correlated with the three mental health outcomes and with persistent symptoms. PF and PI accounted for significant variance in depression, anxiety, and insomnia after adjusting for background and health status variables. A notable finding was the particularly stronger correlations obtained for the PI facets. Our findings emphasize the potentially mitigating effects of PF on mental ill health, as well as the particularly aggravating effects of PI, in the pandemic context. A novel finding is the significant association of PI with persisting symptoms of COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance M. McCracken
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Monica Buhrman
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Farzaneh Badinlou
- Division of Emotion Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin C. Brocki
- Division of Emotion Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden,Corresponding author. Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Box 1225, 751 42, Uppsala, Sweden
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23
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Yıldız E. "The World is Changing… I Can Feel it in the Water and Soil. I Can Smell It": Addressing the role of psychological flexibility on the planet of disasters. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:3114-3116. [PMID: 35582766 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.13117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Erman Yıldız
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
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24
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Avsec A, Eisenbeck N, Carreno DF, Kocjan GZ, Kavčič T. Coping styles mediate the association between psychological inflexibility and psychological functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic: A crucial role of meaning-centered coping. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022; 26:201-209. [PMID: 36247215 PMCID: PMC9536873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
People's psychological response to the COVID-19 pandemic is significantly affected by their psychological inflexibility. One possible mechanism explaining the association between psychological inflexibility and psychological functioning concerns coping styles. While avoidance and approach coping styles were previously found to mediate this association, the mediating role of meaning-centered coping has not yet been explored. However, meaning-centered coping it is likely to be crucial in circumstances as uncertain as those at the onset of the COVID -19 pandemic. This study explored the mediating role of the three coping styles in the relationship of psychological inflexibility with ill-being and well-being. Slovenian adults (N = 1365) aged 18-81 years provided self-reports on the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, the PERMA Profiler, the Brief COPE Inventory, and the Meaning-Centered Coping Scale. In the context of the highly stressful beginning of the pandemic, psychological inflexibility contributed to higher ill-being and lower well-being directly and through increased use of avoidance coping, decreased use of meaning-centered coping, and, to a lesser extent, decreased use of approach coping. Avoidance coping predicted higher levels of ill-being, suggesting a maladaptive effect of this coping strategy. Approach coping positively but weakly predicted well-being, indicating a diminished value of this coping style in low-controllable circumstances of the pandemic. Finally, meaning-centered coping appeared to be the most beneficial in such circumstances, as it was associated with both lower levels of ill-being and higher levels of well-being. This finding suggests that meaning-centered coping should be studied as a stand-alone strategy, rather than as a combination of specific approach coping strategies. Consistent with previous research, this study demonstrates the importance of psychological inflexibility in effectively adapting to and actively coping with aversive situations. Furthermore, the results suggest that seeking or making meaning is vital, at least in a context characterized by low levels of control and high levels of uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreja Avsec
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia,Corresponding author. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | | | - Gaja Zager Kocjan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Kavčič
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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25
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Landi G, Pakenham KI, Mattioli E, Crocetti E, Agostini A, Grandi S, Tossani E. Post-traumatic growth in people experiencing high post-traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic: The protective role of psychological flexibility. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022; 26:44-55. [PMID: 36060527 PMCID: PMC9420208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic evokes high levels of post-traumatic stress (PTS) in some people as well as positive personal changes, a phenomenon known as post-traumatic growth (PTG). Experiencing an adverse event as traumatic is crucial for triggering PTG, therefore higher PTS is often associated with higher PTG. This longitudinal study examined the protective role of psychological flexibility in fostering PTG in a group of people reporting high PTS related to COVID-19 as compared to those with low PTS. We hypothesized that higher psychological flexibility will be associated with higher PTG in those with high PTS and that psychological flexibility would be unrelated to PTG in those with low PTS. Secondary data analysis was conducted on data from a larger project investigating the psychological impacts of COVID-19. Adult Italians (N = 382) completed online surveys at Time 1 (three months after the first national lockdown, July 2020) and Time 2 (three months later when the number of COVID-19 cases increased, October 2020). Based on the Impact of Event Scale-Revised cut-off score, two PTS groups were identified at Time 2: low PTS (below cut-off) and high PTS (above cut-off). As predicted, moderation analyses showed that after controlling for Time 1 PTS and PTG and confounding variables, Time 1 psychological flexibility was associated with higher Time 2 PTG in the high PTS group, whereas psychological flexibility was unrelated to PTG in the low PTS group. Four psychological flexibility sub-processes (present moment awareness, defusion, values, committed action) at Time 1 were related to higher Time 2 PTG in only the high PTS group. Findings advance understanding of the role of psychological flexibility in trauma reactions and pandemic mental health adjustment. Evidence-based approaches that target psychological flexibility, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, are likely to foster PTG and ultimately adjustment in people with high PTS during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Landi
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Kenneth I Pakenham
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD, Australia
| | - Elisa Mattioli
- Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Agostini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine DIMES St.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvana Grandi
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Eliana Tossani
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
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Mikocka-Walus A, Skvarc D, de Acosta MB, Evertsz FB, Bernstein CN, Burisch J, Ferreira N, Gearry RB, Graff LA, Jedel S, Mokrowiecka A, Stengel A, Trindade IA, van Tilburg MAL, Knowles SR. Exploring the Relationship Between Self-Isolation and Distress Among People with Gastrointestinal Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2022; 29:654-665. [PMID: 34494184 PMCID: PMC8423336 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-021-09818-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the association between perceived isolation and symptoms of distress in people with GI disorders at the time of the pandemic; and to examine factors which moderate this relationship. This online cross-sectional survey was advertised in May-September 2020 via patient organisations and associated social media. Overall, 831 people (82% female, mean age 49 years) from 27 countries participated. A significant relationship between social isolation and psychological distress was noted (r = .525, p < .001). GI symptoms moderated the association between isolation and distress (B = .047, t = 2.47, p = .015). Interventions targeting these factors may help to reduce distress in people with GI disorders at the time of major stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Skvarc
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Manuel Barreiro de Acosta
- Department of Gastroenterology, IBD Unit, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Floor Bennebroek Evertsz
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Johan Burisch
- Medical Division, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, GastrounitHvidovre, Denmark
| | - Nuno Ferreira
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Richard B Gearry
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Lesley A Graff
- Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sharon Jedel
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anna Mokrowiecka
- Department of Digestive Tract Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Andreas Stengel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inês A Trindade
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miranda A L van Tilburg
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Simon R Knowles
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
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Johns G, Waddington L, Samuel V. Prevalence and predictors of mental health outcomes in UK doctors and final year medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Affect Disord 2022; 311:267-275. [PMID: 35569608 PMCID: PMC9098653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mental health of doctors is an ongoing concern, both prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to: i) assess the prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and burnout in UK doctors and final year medical students during the pandemic, and ii) analyse the hypothesised relationships between psychological flexibility, intolerance of uncertainty and resilience with these mental health outcomes. METHODS A cross-sectional online study of UK-based doctors and final year medical students was conducted between 27/09/2020 and 31/01/2021. Outcomes were measured using the PHQ9, GAD7, PCL-5, and aMBI. Independent variables included the CompACT-SF, IUS-12, and CD-RISC-10. Descriptive statistics, between-group analyses, and multiple regression were performed. RESULTS Prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 26.3%, depression 21.9%, PTSD 11.8%, and burnout 10.8%. Psychological flexibility negatively predicted all outcomes, apart from low personal achievement. Intolerance of uncertainty positively predicted anxiety and PTSD scores. Resilience negatively predicted scores on burnout subscales. LIMITATIONS Cross-sectional design and non-probability sampling method means that assumptions about causality cannot be made and may have implications for bias and generalisability of results. CONCLUSION Doctors and medical students in the UK reported high levels of mental health symptoms during the pandemic, between September 2020 and January 2021. All three independent variables explained significant variance in mental health outcomes. Psychological flexibility was the most consistent predictor, over and above sociodemographic variables and other psychological predictors. These findings have implications for interventions to improve retention of our essential medical workforce, and for providing support at future times of national crisis.
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Li Q, Xia B, Zhang H, Wang W, Wang X. College students' cyberloafing and the sense of meaning of life: The mediating role of state anxiety and the moderating role of psychological flexibility. Front Public Health 2022; 10:905699. [PMID: 35958850 PMCID: PMC9362957 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.905699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the gradual penetration of network media into various fields of people's life, the relationship between network behavior and the sense of meaning of life is bound to be closer and closer. The purpose of this study is to explore the mediating role of state anxiety between cyber loafing and the sense of meaning of life, and the moderating role of psychological flexibility in this mediating relationship. Methodology With 964 undergraduates recruited as subjects three-wave-time-lagged quantitative research design was conducted in China. All participants were required to complete a self-reported electronic questionnaire. Then, the mediating mechanism and moderating effect were explored with utilization of SPSS25.0. Results The results showed that cyberloafing had significant negative correlation with the sense of meaning of life. Our analysis testing the mediating effect showed that state anxiety partially mediated the relationship between cyberloafing and the sense of meaning of life (indirect effect = −0.05, p < 0.01,), while the mediating effect was 31.25% of the total effect. Our analysis testing the moderating effect showed that psychological flexibility significantly moderated the relationship between cyberloafing and state anxiety (interaction effect = −0.26, p < 0.01). And our analysis testing the moderated mediating effect showed that psychological flexibility played a moderating role in the mediating effect of state anxiety. Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, college students' cyberloafing negatively affects their sense of meaning of life. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken to supervise and restrict college students' Internet use and provide them with corresponding guidance; certain psychological adjustment measures should also be taken when necessary to help college students with low psychological flexibility in reducing their state anxiety and improving their sense of meaning of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- School of Marxism, Communication University of Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingnan Xia
- School of Business Administration, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huijia Zhang
- Office of Academic Research, Zhejiang Gongshang University Hangzhou College of Commerce, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Hangzhou Zhongxing Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaochen Wang
- School of Business Administration, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaochen Wang
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Landi G, Pakenham KI, Crocetti E, Tossani E, Grandi S. The trajectories of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic and the protective role of psychological flexibility: A four-wave longitudinal study. J Affect Disord 2022; 307:69-78. [PMID: 35378147 PMCID: PMC8972980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Published reports on the adverse mental health impacts of the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic suggest an emerging global mental health crisis. However, the trajectories of these mental health impacts over multiple COVID-19 peaks and corresponding lockdowns are unknown. This study explored the trajectories of anxiety and depression over two consecutive lockdowns during the first nine months of the pandemic in Europe (April 2020-January 2021) and examined whether they varied as a function of different psychological flexibility and inflexibility profiles. METHODS A total of 569 Italians completed online surveys at four assessment points. Trajectories of anxiety and depression were examined with latent growth modeling and according to different psychological flexibility and inflexibility profiles. RESULTS Anxiety increased linearly throughout the study period, whereas depression displayed a quadratic trajectory evidencing a decrease with the easing of the first lockdown followed by an increase during the second lockdown. Furthermore, two profiles were identified that displayed different anxiety and depression trajectories. Compared to the psychologically flexible profile, the psychologically inflexible profile reported significantly higher anxiety and depression which remained higher across the study period. LIMITATIONS A reliance on self-report measures and convenience sampling constitute key study limitations. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that high psychological inflexibility is a risk factor for prolonged elevated anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas high psychological flexibility is a protective factor. Psychological flexibility and inflexibility should be targeted by preventive public health interventions that harness evidence-based strategies shown to effectively target these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Landi
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy; Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Europa 115, 47023 Cesena, Italy.
| | - Kenneth I. Pakenham
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Elisabetta Crocetti
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eliana Tossani
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy,Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Europa 115, 47023 Cesena, Italy
| | - Silvana Grandi
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy,Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Europa 115, 47023 Cesena, Italy
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Tindle R, Hemi A, Moustafa AA. Social support, psychological flexibility and coping mediate the association between COVID-19 related stress exposure and psychological distress. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8688. [PMID: 35606392 PMCID: PMC9126245 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12262-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to an increase in psychological distress. However, protective factors such as social support, psychological flexibility, and coping mechanisms can help individuals cope with the effects of psychological distress. This study aimed to test a recent hypothesis suggesting that psychological flexibility is not necessarily a coping strategy but a mechanism that can influence the coping strategies an individual employs during stressful events. We tested a mediation model that COVID-19 concerns would contribute to higher levels of perceived social support, which would directly increase psychological flexibility, and finally test if the effect of psychological flexibility on distress was mediated by approach and avoidant coping strategies. The results show that social support facilitates higher levels of psychological flexibility. Further, that psychological flexibility indirectly reduces psychological distress by reducing avoidant coping and increasing approach coping strategies. Within the context of COVID-19, we have shown the importance of social support and psychological flexibility for reducing distress. We have provided further evidence that psychological flexibility might not be a coping mechanism but a strategy that leads individuals to engage in more approach coping strategies and fewer avoidant coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Tindle
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Discipline of Psychology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia.
| | - Alla Hemi
- School of Education, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ahmed A Moustafa
- Faculty of Society and Design, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- The Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, School of Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Abdulrahman A, Richards D, Bilgin AA. Exploring the influence of a user-specific explainable virtual advisor on health behaviour change intentions. AUTONOMOUS AGENTS AND MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS 2022; 36:25. [PMID: 35401031 PMCID: PMC8977831 DOI: 10.1007/s10458-022-09553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Virtual advisors (VAs) are being utilised almost in every service nowadays from entertainment to healthcare. To increase the user's trust in these VAs and encourage the users to follow their advice, they should have the capability of explaining their decisions, particularly, when the decision is vital such as health advice. However, the role of an explainable VA in health behaviour change is understudied. There is evidence that people tend to change their intentions towards health behaviour when the persuasion message is linked to their mental state. Thus, this study explores this link by introducing an explainable VA that provides explanation according to the user's mental state (beliefs and goals) rather than the agent's mental state as commonly utilised in explainable agents. It further explores the influence of different explanation patterns that refer to beliefs, goals, or beliefs&goals on the user's behaviour change. An explainable VA was designed to advise undergraduate students how to manage their study-related stress by motivating them to change certain behaviours. With 91 participants, the VA was evaluated and the results revealed that user-specific explanation could significantly encourage behaviour change intentions and build good user-agent relationship. Small differences were found between the three types of explanation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Abdulrahman
- School of Computing, Macquarie University, Balaclava Road, Sydney, 2109 NSW Australia
| | - Deborah Richards
- School of Computing, Macquarie University, Balaclava Road, Sydney, 2109 NSW Australia
| | - Ayse Aysin Bilgin
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Macquarie University, Balaclava Road, Sydney, 2109 NSW Australia
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Nikopoulou VA, Gliatas I, Blekas A, Parlapani E, Holeva V, Tsipropoulou V, Karamouzi P, Godosidis A, Diakogiannis I. Uncertainty, Stress, and Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece. J Nerv Ment Dis 2022; 210:249-256. [PMID: 35349504 PMCID: PMC8963442 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The COVID-19 outbreak imposed stress worldwide, as daily routine changed almost overnight, with no time to prepare. A pandemic like this may trigger a chain reaction starting out as surprise, continuing to uncertainty and ending up either in adaptation or in symptoms of fear, anxiety, and/or depression. Resilience on the other hand could lessen anxiety and prove to be a prophylactic coping mechanism against distress. This study explored peritraumatic distress, intolerance of uncertainty (IU), and resilient coping in a sample of 2717 adults who voluntarily and anonymously participated in an online survey conducted in April 2020, in Greece.Results indicated a moderate pandemic-related mental burden and medium resilient coping and designated IU as a significant positive predictor of peritraumatic distress; resilient coping proved to be a significant moderator that alters the strength of the association between IU and distress reactions.
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The Relationship between Emotional Stability, Psychological Well-Being and Life Satisfaction of Romanian Medical Doctors during COVID-19 Period: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052937. [PMID: 35270629 PMCID: PMC8910741 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the fast progression of modern society, occupational stress has recently reached alarming levels with consequences for doctors’ psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship among emotional stability, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction of medical doctors. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 280 medical doctors from Romania between February 2021 and September 2021, in the period between the third and fourth pandemic waves, who were evaluated by the DECAS, ASSET, and Satisfaction with Life scales. Our results showed that emotional stability is negatively correlated with psychological well-being (r = −0.526, p < 0.000) and positively correlated with life satisfaction (r = 0.319, p < 0.0001). Between psychological well-being and life satisfaction, we found a negative correlation (r = −0.046, p < 0.001). This study shows that there is a correlation among emotional stability, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction, which is why it can be considered that Romanian doctors have generated coping mechanisms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Fishbein JN, Arch JJ. Examining the effects of prior Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) treatment among anxious cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022; 24:31-37. [PMID: 35310680 PMCID: PMC8917645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has presented population-wide novel stressors. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may be potent for coping with novel, unpredictable stressors, but it is unknown whether pre-pandemic ACT treatment conferred protective benefit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Participants (N = 73) from a previous randomized controlled trial of ACT (seven 2-h group sessions) versus minimally-enhanced usual care (MEUC) for anxious cancer survivors completed measures of anxiety symptoms, fear of cancer recurrence, and emotional approach coping during the trial and again during the pandemic in May, June/July, and November 2020, an average of 2.71 years after completing ACT or MEUC. We estimated hierarchical linear models to test overall and conditional differences over the trial timepoints, in the interval between the trial and May 2020, and between the pandemic timepoints. Results Compared to MEUC, ACT led to greater improvement on the outcomes during the 8-month trial follow-up, consistent with the main trial findings. Across the entire sample, anxiety symptoms and emotional approach coping worsened from the final trial assessment timepoint to May 2020 (ps < .001). During this period, ACT participants worsened significantly more on emotional approach coping (p = .035) than MEUC participants. No significant condition differences emerged at later pandemic timepoints. Conclusions Treatment with ACT several years earlier did not provide protective benefit to anxious cancer survivors during the pandemic, relative to MEUC. ACT interventions may need to be targeted to pandemic-specific stressors, or booster sessions may be required for prior ACT treatment completers when faced with novel stressors.
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Browne A, Stafford O, Berry A, Murphy E, Taylor LK, Shevlin M, McHugh L, Carr A, Burke T. Psychological Flexibility Mediates Wellbeing for People with Adverse Childhood Experiences during COVID-19. J Clin Med 2022; 11:377. [PMID: 35054070 PMCID: PMC8778161 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11020377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The psychological impact of COVID-19 is multifaceted, both acute and chronic, and has not affected everyone equally. METHOD This longitudinal study compared those with and without Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on measures of psychological distress and wellbeing over time. RESULTS All groups (No ACE, Low ACE, and High ACE) had similar levels of distress at Time 1, with significant increases in psychological distress for those with ACEs over time, but not for those without. Psychological Flexibility was strongly and significantly associated with decreases in psychological distress and improved wellbeing. It significantly mediated the relationship between ACE and wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS Those with ACEs report significantly increased psychological distress over time, compared to those without ACE during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence-based interventions using Psychological Flexibility may improve mental health and wellbeing to help further mediate its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Browne
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (A.B.); (O.S.); (A.B.); (E.M.); (L.K.T.); (L.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Owen Stafford
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (A.B.); (O.S.); (A.B.); (E.M.); (L.K.T.); (L.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Anna Berry
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (A.B.); (O.S.); (A.B.); (E.M.); (L.K.T.); (L.M.); (A.C.)
- Health Service Executive, CHO 8 (Laois/Offaly), R32 YFW6 Laois, Ireland
| | - Eddie Murphy
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (A.B.); (O.S.); (A.B.); (E.M.); (L.K.T.); (L.M.); (A.C.)
- Health Service Executive, CHO 8 (Laois/Offaly), R32 YFW6 Laois, Ireland
| | - Laura K. Taylor
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (A.B.); (O.S.); (A.B.); (E.M.); (L.K.T.); (L.M.); (A.C.)
- School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Mark Shevlin
- School of Psychology, University of Ulster, Belfast BT1 6DN, UK;
| | - Louise McHugh
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (A.B.); (O.S.); (A.B.); (E.M.); (L.K.T.); (L.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Alan Carr
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (A.B.); (O.S.); (A.B.); (E.M.); (L.K.T.); (L.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Tom Burke
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (A.B.); (O.S.); (A.B.); (E.M.); (L.K.T.); (L.M.); (A.C.)
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, H91 CF50 Galway, Ireland
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ACTing towards better living during COVID-19: The effects of Acceptance and Commitment therapy for individuals affected by COVID-19. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2021; 23:98-108. [PMID: 34931160 PMCID: PMC8674651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The widespread effects of COVID-19 have dramatically increased the prevalence of mental health difficulties, meaning it is vital to explore psychotherapy options. Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) helps individuals engage in meaningful activities despite difficult and unchangeable circumstances. Recent literature suggests that psychological flexibility, the underlying process of ACT, may moderate COVID-related distress – making ACT a promising psychotherapy candidate. This study therefore aimed to explore the effects of an ACT-based, guided self-help intervention on wellbeing, psychological flexibility, COVID-related distress, and general psychological distress within the general population. 48 participants (recruited via social media) engaged in a three-week, non-concurrent baseline phase, then received six, weekly, digital modules and weekly webinars to address module queries. 20 participants completed all modules and provided post-intervention feedback via an online qualitative survey. Multilevel modelling analysis found significant improvements in: wellbeing; overall psychological flexibility (including subscales behavioural awareness and valued action); and general psychological distress (including depression, anxiety and stress). No significant changes were found for COVID-related distress. Findings were sustained at one- and two-months follow-up – suggesting lasting change. Qualitative findings provide further insights about the experience of the intervention: participants reported improved wellbeing, still experiencing COVID-related distress, but felt more able to cope with general psychological distress (such as anxiety). No change in COVID-related distress scores may be due to methodological and measurement issues. This study is one of the first to explore ACT as a psychotherapeutic intervention for COVID-related distress and adds to the growing body of literature highlighting psychological flexibility as a key process for mitigating COVID-related distress.
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Koppert TY, Jacobs JW, Lumley MA, Geenen R. The impact of COVID-19 stress on pain and fatigue in people with and without a central sensitivity syndrome. J Psychosom Res 2021; 151:110655. [PMID: 34739944 PMCID: PMC8553422 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Stress may augment somatic symptoms in central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether the association between COVID-19 stress and somatic symptom severity would be stronger in people with than without CSS and whether psychological flexibility would buffer the impact of this stress on symptom severity. METHODS In a 2-sample, repeated cross-sectional design, we analysed questionnaire data from Dutch people with and without CSS, collected in two independent surveys: before the COVID-19 pandemic (2018; CSS: n = 194, non-CSS: n = 337) and at the peak of the pandemic (2020; CSS: n = 428, non-CSS: n = 1101). Somatic symptom severity, worry and stress due to the pandemic, and psychological flexibility were examined in regression analyses. Two stress operationalisations were analysed: stress levels during the peak of the pandemic, and a comparison of measurements in 2020 and 2018 (assuming higher stress levels in 2020). RESULTS Higher worry and stress during the pandemic (standardized β = 0.14), the presence of a CSS (β = 0.40), and lower psychological flexibility (β = -0.33) were all (p < .0001) associated with more severe somatic symptoms, but the associations of each stress operationalisation with somatic symptoms was not particularly strong in people with CSS (β = -0.026, p = .27; β = -0.037, p = .22), and psychological flexibility (β = -0.025, p = .18; β = 0.076, p = .35) did not buffer this association. CONCLUSIONS Findings do not support the hypotheses that COVID-19 stress augments somatic symptoms, particularly in CSS, or that psychological flexibility buffers this impact. Rather, COVID-19-related stress appears to have an uncertain impact on somatic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Y. Koppert
- Department of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes W.G. Jacobs
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark A. Lumley
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States
| | - Rinie Geenen
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine, Zeist, the Netherlands.
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Akbari M, Seydavi M, Zamani E. The mediating role of personalized psychological flexibility in the association between distress intolerance and psychological distress: A national survey during the fourth waves of COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 28:1416-1426. [PMID: 34731531 PMCID: PMC8653034 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The global COVID-19 outbreak has put the human race's distress tolerance abilities to the test. And, the distress experienced getting worse with each pandemic wave; however, the more flexible the person, the greater the chance of surviving. Thus, the current study aimed to examine the mediating role of personalized psychological flexibility (PPF) in the link between distress intolerance to psychological distress during the fourth wave of the pandemic in Iran. A total of 576 individuals (Meanage 34.80, ±10.9, females 55.6%) took part in the online survey. In this national sample, PPF partially played a role in mediating the association mentioned above. Interestingly, this mediation was independent of demographic factors (age, gender, marital status, and educational level) and fear of COVID-19, mindfulness, and satisfaction with life. So, despite the mentioned variables, accepting and using unpleasant emotions as fuel to achieve valued goals rather than avoiding them would mitigate the psychological distress during the pandemic. Consequently, public health services can aim to provide psychological flexibility enhancing interventions to decay COVID-19-related mental distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Akbari
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and EducationKharazmi UniversityTehranIran
| | - Mohammad Seydavi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and EducationKharazmi UniversityTehranIran
| | - Elahe Zamani
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and EducationKharazmi UniversityTehranIran
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Battista S, Dell'Isola A, Manoni M, Englund M, Palese A, Testa M. Experience of the COVID-19 pandemic as lived by patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis: an Italian qualitative study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e053194. [PMID: 34706962 PMCID: PMC8551748 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic as lived by people with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), in Italy. DESIGN A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews. SETTING Urban and suburban areas in northern Italy. PARTICIPANTS A total of 11 people with OA were enrolled through a purposeful sampling and completed the study. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE The experience of Italian people with OA during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Four themes were brought to the forefront from the analysis of the interviews. (1) Being Stressed for the Limited Social Interactions and for the Family Members at High Risk of Infection, as the interviewees were frustrated because they could not see their loved ones or felt a sense of apprehension for their relatives. (2) Recurring Strategies to Cope with the Pandemic such as an active acceptance towards the situation. (3) Being Limited in the Possibility of Undergoing OA Complementary Treatments and Other Routine Medical Visits. (4) Being Unaware of the Importance of Physical Activity as First-Line Interventions which was an attitude already present before the pandemic. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions impacted the quality of life and the care of individuals with hip and knee OA. The social sphere seemed to be the most hindered. However, the interviewees developed a good level of acceptance to deal with the pandemic. When it came to their care, they faced a delay of routine medical visits not related to OA and of other complementary treatments (eg, physical therapies) to manage OA. Finally, a controversial result that emerged from these interviews was that first-line interventions for OA (ie, therapeutic exercise) was not sought by the interviewees, regardless of the restrictions dictated by the pandemic. Policy-making strategies are thus necessary to support the awareness of the importance of such interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Battista
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Campus of Savona, Savona, Italy
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Orthopaedics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andrea Dell'Isola
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Orthopaedics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mattia Manoni
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Campus of Savona, Savona, Italy
| | - Martin Englund
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Orthopaedics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alvisa Palese
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Testa
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Campus of Savona, Savona, Italy
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Samuelson KW, Dixon K, Jordan JT, Powers T, Sonderman S, Brickman S. Mental health and resilience during the coronavirus pandemic: A machine learning approach. J Clin Psychol 2021; 78:821-846. [PMID: 34633661 PMCID: PMC8657346 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study explored risk and resilience factors of mental health functioning during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic. Methods A sample of 467 adults (M age = 33.14, 63.6% female) reported on mental health (depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], and somatic symptoms), demands and impacts of COVID‐19, resources (e.g., social support, health care access), demographics, and psychosocial resilience factors. Results Depression, anxiety, and PTSD rates were 44%, 36%, and 23%, respectively. Supervised machine learning models identified psychosocial factors as the primary significant predictors across outcomes. Greater trauma coping self‐efficacy and forward‐focused coping, but not trauma‐focused coping, were associated with better mental health. When accounting for psychosocial resilience factors, few external resources and demographic variables emerged as significant predictors. Conclusion With ongoing stressors and traumas, employing coping strategies that emphasize distraction over trauma processing may be warranted. Clinical and community outreach efforts should target trauma coping self‐efficacy to bolster resilience during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin W Samuelson
- Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| | - Kelly Dixon
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| | - Joshua T Jordan
- Department of Psychology, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, California, USA
| | - Tyler Powers
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| | - Samantha Sonderman
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| | - Sophie Brickman
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
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Bonilla-Sierra P, Manrique-G A, Hidalgo-Andrade P, Ruisoto P. Psychological Inflexibility and Loneliness Mediate the Impact of Stress on Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Healthcare Students and Early-Career Professionals During COVID-19. Front Psychol 2021; 12:729171. [PMID: 34621223 PMCID: PMC8491304 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.729171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The current mental health state of healthcare professionals and students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador remains understudied and how to improve their mental health is a challenge. Objective: This study aimed to explore the anxiety and depressive symptomatology among healthcare students and professionals in Ecuador and to examine the role of psychological inflexibility, loneliness, and psychological stress as predictors of anxiety and depression symptoms. Methods: A total of 191 undergraduate and graduate healthcare students in clinical practice (early-career healthcare professionals) in Ecuador were surveyed between January and March 2021 using standardized measures of psychological stress (PSS), psychological inflexibility (AAQ), loneliness (UCLA), alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C), and anxiety and depressive symptomatology (PHQ). Macro Process for SPSS (models 4 and 7) were used to test mediation effects. Results: Alcohol consumption varied between men and women and anxiety and depression symptomatology was generally low among the sample. Psychological inflexibility and loneliness mediated the impact of stress on anxiety and depressive mood in participants, regardless of gender and previous personal history of COVID-19. Discussion: Implications of psychological inflexibility and the prevention and coping with stress in healthcare professionals during COVID-19 are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexis Manrique-G
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja, Ecuador
| | | | - Pablo Ruisoto
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Martin S, Rogge R, Karekla M. Introduction to the special issue on COVID-19. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2021; 22:74-76. [PMID: 34660187 PMCID: PMC8500850 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Staci Martin
- National Cancer Institute, 9030 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20892-8200, USA
| | - Ronald Rogge
- University of Rochester, RC Box 270266, Rochester, NY, 14627-0266, USA
| | - Maria Karekla
- University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, 1678, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Levstek M, Barnby RM, Pocock KL, Banerjee R. "It All Makes Us Feel Together": Young People's Experiences of Virtual Group Music-Making During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2021; 12:703892. [PMID: 34421756 PMCID: PMC8374080 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.703892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We know little about the psychological experiences of children and young people who have participated in virtual group music-making during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Adopting a mixed-methods design, we worked across three music education hubs in the UK, with a total 13 virtual music groups. These included a range of mainstream ensembles, inclusive ensembles targeting young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and inclusive music production spaces, targeting young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Reported progress in intra- and inter-personal psychological outcomes was investigated using quantitative and qualitative staff session reports, which were collected since before the pandemic (n1 for in-person sessions = 87, n2 for virtual sessions = 68), and surveys distributed to tutors, young people, and their parents during the first and second United Kingdom (UK) national lockdowns (n3 for qualitative responses = 240, n4 for quantitative responses = 96). Satisfaction of three basic psychological needs of self-determination theory and their relation to joint music-making in virtual spaces was also observed in real time by the researchers performing quantitative checklist observations on 16 separate occasions. Findings indicated that virtual music groups represented a meaningful psychological resource for the participating children and young people, especially considering the lack of opportunities offered by their schools and other extra-curricular activities. Through their participation with virtual group music-making activities, young people used music as a tool for self-expression and emotion management, restored lost musical identities and confidence, and preserved treasured social connections. Virtual alternatives to group music-making appear to indirectly nurture the sense of belongingness, mediated by supportive staff behaviors, but their direct connection, which has been widely reported for in-person group music-making experiences, has not been observed in virtual music groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maruša Levstek
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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44
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Schneider A, Kroska EB. Face Covered and Six Feet Apart: Behavioral Awareness Predicts Greater Adherence to Public Health Guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8247. [PMID: 34443996 PMCID: PMC8393471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has deleteriously impacted physical and mental health. Guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 include wearing a face covering in public, limiting close contacts, and physical distancing. In combatting this and future pandemics, it is essential to understand predictors of adherence, such as psychological flexibility. We hypothesized higher psychological flexibility would relate to greater adherence to public health guidelines. Participants (n = 265) were English-reading/speaking adults in the United States and were recruited through Amazon's Mechanical Turk. Included in the present analyses are data from June (n = 360) and July 2020 (n = 265). Measures included the Comprehensive Assessment of ACT Processes (CompACT), which measured psychological flexibility. Outcome measures included mask-wearing and number of close contacts, which were operationalized categorically (100% mask-wearing in public, ≤10 close contacts in past week). Two logistic regression models examined psychological flexibility and distress as predictors of adherence to mask-wearing and limiting close contacts, while controlling for demographic correlates. Results indicated that greater behavioral awareness predicted greater odds of mask-wearing and limiting close contacts. Psychological flexibility, and behavioral awareness specifically, should be investigated in future research as targets for intervention amidst global disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily B. Kroska
- Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
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45
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Ferreira MJ, Sofia R, Carreno DF, Eisenbeck N, Jongenelen I, Cruz JFA. Dealing With the Pandemic of COVID-19 in Portugal: On the Important Role of Positivity, Experiential Avoidance, and Coping Strategies. Front Psychol 2021; 12:647984. [PMID: 34248745 PMCID: PMC8264362 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic crisis has caused an unprecedented impact on most areas of people's lives. Thus, framed within the scope of Existential Positive Psychology (PP2.0), this study aimed at assessing the psychological distress of adults living in Portugal during the first national lockdown, how they are coping with stress, as well to contribute to a deeper understanding about the role that positivity, experiential avoidance, and coping strategies have in psychological distress and well-being. For this purpose, 586 Portuguese adults (73% females) ranging between 18 and 78 years old (M = 38.96, SD = 12.20) completed an online survey during the initial phase of the pandemic crisis in Portugal. Findings suggest that experiential avoidance was the strongest predictor of a negative response (depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and negative emotions), whereas positivity was a better predictor of psychological well-being and lower levels of depression. Additionally, self-blame, behavioral disengagement, and emotional venting were strong risk factors for psychological distress, whereas positive reframing, planning, and acceptance were associated with more positive outcomes. These findings highlight the critical role of experiential avoidance on individuals' psychological distress and the essential contribution of positive life orientation in promoting flourishing. By offering a better understanding of the complex navigation through the dialectics between positive and negative life features, this study provides important and useful cues for psychological interventions directed at promoting a more positive and adaptive human functioning even through such potential adverse and painful life events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria José Ferreira
- HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, Faculty of Psychology, Education and Sports, Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Sofia
- Center of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- School of Sports and Leisure, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | | | - Nikolett Eisenbeck
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Inês Jongenelen
- HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, Faculty of Psychology, Education and Sports, Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal
- School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
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Biermann M, Schulze A, Unterseher F, Atanasova K, Watermann P, Krause-Utz A, Stahlberg D, Bohus M, Lis S. Trustworthiness appraisals of faces wearing a surgical mask during the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany: An experimental study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251393. [PMID: 34003836 PMCID: PMC8130962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the Covid-19 pandemic, the negative effects of wearing a mouth-nose cover (MNC) on interpersonal functioning have been discussed in public media but empirical studies on how wearing MNCs affect social judgements are sparse. In the present study, we investigated the effects of MNCs on trustworthiness appraisals, the influence of changes due to MNCs in evaluating joy, and the relationship between a social-cognitive appraisal bias and a participant's characteristics. METHODS All participants (N = 165) judged the intensity of happiness and trustworthiness in calm facial stimuli presented with and without a surgical mask covering part of the face. We analysed the relationship of changes in judgements evoked by MNCs to participants' evaluations of MNCs as protective tools and explored their associations with the burden experienced by wearing MNCs, compliance to behaviour recommendations, their risk associated with the pandemic, and their levels of psychological distress. RESULTS Overall, calm facial stimuli covered with MNCs were evaluated as less trustworthy and, to an even stronger extent, less happy than uncovered facial stimuli. However, participants varied in whether they showed a negative or positive evaluation of faces with MNCs; the negative bias was stronger in those participants who attributed lower protective potential to MNCs, experienced a higher burden while wearing MNCs, wore MNCs less often, and experienced a higher level of psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS A negative bias in trustworthiness appraisals of faces with a positive emotional expression covered by MNCs is linked to a participant's evaluation of MNCs as inefficient and burdening and their experience of high psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Biermann
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Schulze
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Franziska Unterseher
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Konstantina Atanasova
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paulina Watermann
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Dagmar Stahlberg
- Chair of Social Psychology, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martin Bohus
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Lis
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Yoon H, You M, Shon C. Peritraumatic Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Seoul, South Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094689. [PMID: 33924879 PMCID: PMC8125789 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is traumatic and causes a substantial psychological burden on the general public. The aim of the present study is to examine the severity and prevalence of peritraumatic distress among the citizens of Seoul, which conducted preemptive and aggressive social distancing policy before the central government during the early stage of COVID-19. Furthermore, this study aims to explore the associated risk factors for peritraumatic distress, including risk perception, fear, and COVID-19-related experiences. We conducted an online survey to 813 participants at the end of the first wave of COVID-19 in South Korea. Peritraumatic distress inventory (PDI) was used to measure the level of pandemic-related distress. One-third of participants were at risk for the development of clinically elevated peritraumatic distress. The perception of risk, fear of COVID-19, and stigma were significantly associated with elevated levels of distress. Individuals who had poor health, or who spent more than 1 h per day using the media, also expressed a higher level of distress. Moreover, the level of disruption of daily life and financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic is significantly associated with a higher level of peritraumatic distress. The results of this study highlight the urgent need to develop evidence-based and tailored public mental health interventions, along with various measures to help recovery to daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejung Yoon
- The Seoul Institute, 57 Nambusunhwan-ro, 340-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06756, Korea;
| | - Myoungsoon You
- Department of Public Health Science, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Changwoo Shon
- The Seoul Institute, 57 Nambusunhwan-ro, 340-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06756, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2149-1029
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Chong YY, Chien WT, Cheng HY, Lamnisos D, Ļubenko J, Presti G, Squatrito V, Constantinou M, Nicolaou C, Papacostas S, Aydin G, Ruiz FJ, Garcia-Martin MB, Obando-Posada DP, Segura-Vargas MA, Vasiliou VS, McHugh L, Höfer S, Baban A, Neto DD, da Silva AN, Monestès JL, Alvarez-Galvez J, Blarrina MP, Montesinos F, Salas SV, Őri D, Kleszcz B, Lappalainen R, Ivanović I, Gosar D, Dionne F, Merwin RM, Gloster AT, Karekla M, Kassianos AP. Patterns of Psychological Responses among the Public during the Early Phase of COVID-19: A Cross-Regional Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4143. [PMID: 33919888 PMCID: PMC8070933 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the mediation of psychological flexibility, prosociality and coping in the impacts of illness perceptions toward COVID-19 on mental health among seven regions. Convenience sampled online survey was conducted between April and June 2020 from 9130 citizens in 21 countries. Illness perceptions toward COVID-19, psychological flexibility, prosociality, coping and mental health, socio-demographics, lockdown-related variables and COVID-19 status were assessed. Results showed that psychological flexibility was the only significant mediator in the relationship between illness perceptions toward COVID-19 and mental health across all regions (all ps = 0.001-0.021). Seeking social support was the significant mediator across subgroups (all ps range = <0.001-0.005) except from the Hong Kong sample (p = 0.06) and the North and South American sample (p = 0.53). No mediation was found for problem-solving (except from the Northern European sample, p = 0.009). Prosociality was the significant mediator in the Hong Kong sample (p = 0.016) and the Eastern European sample (p = 0.008). These findings indicate that fostering psychological flexibility may help to mitigate the adverse mental impacts of COVID-19 across regions. Roles of seeking social support, problem-solving and prosociality vary across regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuen Yu Chong
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (W.T.C.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Wai Tong Chien
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (W.T.C.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Ho Yu Cheng
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (W.T.C.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Demetris Lamnisos
- Department of Health Sciences, European University Cyprus, 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus;
| | - Jeļena Ļubenko
- Psychological Laboratory, Faculty of Public Health and Social Welfare, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Giovambattista Presti
- Kore University Behavioral Lab (KUBeLab), Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy; (G.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Valeria Squatrito
- Kore University Behavioral Lab (KUBeLab), Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy; (G.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Marios Constantinou
- Department of Social Sciences, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus;
| | - Christiana Nicolaou
- Department of Nursing, Cyprus University of Technology, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus;
| | | | - Gökçen Aydin
- Department of Psychological Counseling and Guidance, Faculty of Education, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep 27010, Turkey;
| | - Francisco J. Ruiz
- Department of Psychology, Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Bogotà 110231, Colombia; (F.J.R.); (M.A.S.-V.)
| | - Maria B. Garcia-Martin
- Faculty of Psychology, University of La Sabana, Chía 53753, Colombia; (M.B.G.-M.); (D.P.O.-P.)
| | - Diana P. Obando-Posada
- Faculty of Psychology, University of La Sabana, Chía 53753, Colombia; (M.B.G.-M.); (D.P.O.-P.)
| | - Miguel A. Segura-Vargas
- Department of Psychology, Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Bogotà 110231, Colombia; (F.J.R.); (M.A.S.-V.)
| | - Vasilis S. Vasiliou
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Louise McHugh
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Stefan Höfer
- Department of Medical Psychology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Adriana Baban
- Department of Psychology, Babeş-Bolyai University (UBB), 400095 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - David Dias Neto
- ISPA—Instituto Universitário, APPsyCI—Applied Psychology Research Center Capabilities & Inclusion, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Ana Nunes da Silva
- Faculdade de Psicologia, Alameda da Universidade, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-013 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | | | - Javier Alvarez-Galvez
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cadiz, 11003 Cadiz, Spain;
| | | | | | | | - Dorottya Őri
- Heim Pal National Pediatric Institute, Department of Mental Health, 1089 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Bartosz Kleszcz
- Bartosz Kleszcz Psychotherapy and Training, ul. Aleja Zwycięstwa 31/8, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
| | - Raimo Lappalainen
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland;
| | - Iva Ivanović
- Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Center of Montenegro, 81110 Podgorica, Montenegro;
| | - David Gosar
- Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Frederick Dionne
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 5H7, Canada;
| | - Rhonda M. Merwin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA;
| | - Andrew T. Gloster
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Intervention Science, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Maria Karekla
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus; (M.K.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Angelos P. Kassianos
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus; (M.K.); (A.P.K.)
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Chong YY, Chien WT, Cheng HY, Kassianos AP, Gloster AT, Karekla M. Can psychological flexibility and prosociality mitigate illness perceptions toward COVID-19 on mental health? A cross-sectional study among Hong Kong adults. Global Health 2021; 17:43. [PMID: 33832501 PMCID: PMC8027974 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00692-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on public mental health can be persistent and substantial over a long period of time, but little is known regarding what psychological factors or processes can buffer such impact. The present study aimed to examine the mediating roles of coping, psychological flexibility and prosociality in the impacts of perceived illness threats toward COVID-19 on mental health. METHOD Five-hundred and fourteen Hong Kong citizens (18 years or above) completed an online survey to measure illness perceptions toward COVID-19, coping, psychological flexibility, prosociality, and mental health, together with their socio-demographic variables. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the explanatory model that was the best-fit to illustrate the relationships between these constructs. RESULTS Serial mediation structural equation model showed that only psychological flexibility (unstandardised beta coefficient, β = - 0.12, 95% CI [- 0.20, - 0.02], p = 0.031) and prosociality (unstandardised β = 0.04, 95% CI [0.01, 0.08], p = 0.001) fully mediated the relationship between illness perceptions toward COVID-19 and mental health. In addition, psychological flexibility exerted a direct effect on prosociality (standardised β = 0.22, 95% CI [0.12, 0.32], p < 0.001). This best-fit model explained 62% of the variance of mental health. CONCLUSIONS Fostering psychological flexibility and prosocial behaviour may play significant roles in mitigating the adverse effects of COVID-19 and its perceived threats on public mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuen Yu Chong
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
| | - Wai Tong Chien
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ho Yu Cheng
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Angelos P Kassianos
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andrew T Gloster
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Intervention Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Karekla
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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50
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The effect of acceptance and commitment training on improving physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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