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

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

Measuring mental wellbeing in clinical and non-clinical adolescents using the COMPAS-W Wellbeing Scale

Introduction

Adolescence is a key period of vulnerability for poor mental health as the brain is still developing and may be more sensitive to the negative impacts of stress and adversity. Unfortunately, few measures comprehensively assess wellbeing in adolescents.

Methods

The 26-item COMPAS-W Wellbeing Scale for adults was validated in a sample of 1,078 adolescents aged 13-17 years old (51.67% male, 79.13% non-clinical vs 20.87% psychiatric or developmental clinical cases). The six COMPAS-W sub-scales and total scale were examined in this sample using second-order confirmatory factor analysis, and psychometric testing.

Results

The 23-item COMPAS-W demonstrated the best fit for this sample according to goodness-of-fit indices (χ 2 (220, 1078) = 1439.395, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.893, TLI = 0.877, RMSEA = 0.070, SRMR = 0.095). Internal reliability for the confirmed 23-item COMPAS-W model was run for the total scale (α = 0.912) and sub-scales (Composure, α = 0.735; Own-worth, α = 0.601; Mastery, α = 0.757; Positivity, α = 0.721; Achievement, α = 0.827; and Satisfaction, α = 0.867). Test-retest reliability over 6 weeks was also good for the total scale at r = 0.845 and the sub-scales: Composure (r = 0.754), Own-worth (r = 0.743), Mastery (r = 0.715), Positivity (r = 0.750), Achievement (r = 0.750), and Satisfaction (r = 0.812). Compared with non-clinical participants' wellbeing (M = 90.375, SE = 0.400), those with clinical diagnoses reported lower wellbeing, both for those with developmental diagnoses (M = 85.088, SE = 1.188), or psychiatric diagnoses (M = 78.189, SE = 1.758), or combined developmental and psychiatric diagnoses (M = 77.079, SE = 2.116). Yet, when wellbeing category scores were considered by diagnosis group, both non-clinical and clinical groups demonstrated incidence across all three categories of languishing, moderate and flourishing wellbeing, in support of the dual-continua model of mental health. On average, younger adolescents' (13-14 years) wellbeing did not differ from older adolescents' (15-17 years) wellbeing; however, for sex, males scored 1.731 points significantly higher in wellbeing compared with females (p = 0.028); and American participants scored 3.042 points significantly higher in wellbeing compared with Australian participants (p < 0.001).

Discussion

In conclusion, the 23-item COMPAS-W is a reliable measure of wellbeing for adolescents, both for those with and without developmental and psychiatric diagnoses.

Psychological flexibility, self-compassion, subjective well-being, and substance misuse in college students: a serial mediation model

Substance misuse is a pressing public health concern, especially among emerging adults, with implications for psychological health and overall well-being. This cross-sectional study investigates the mediating roles of self-compassion and subjective well-being in the relationship between psychological flexibility and substance misuse among Turkish college students. The study included 445 emerging adults enrolled at a state university in Türkiye. University participants were recruited via convenience sampling using snowball methods. Data were collected using self-report scales. The sample was 69% female (n = 307) and 31% male (n = 138) and ranged in age from 18 to 26 years (M = 20.85, SD = 1.35). In the study, Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between the variables and then the serial mediation model was tested. The findings have revealed that psychological flexibility significantly predicts substance misuse, subjective well-being, and self-compassion. Additionally, the study identifies self-compassion as a mediator in the relationship between psychological flexibility and subjective well-being. While self-compassion contributes significantly to well-being, it does not explain the impact of psychological flexibility on substance misuse. Furthermore, subjective well-being also appears to be a mediator in the relationship between psychological flexibility and substance misuse, emphasizing its potential significance in reducing the likelihood of resorting substance misuse. Overall, the study contributes to understanding the pivotal role of self-compassion and psychological flexibility in fostering well-being and preventing substance misuse in the college setting.

The role of a mindful movement-based program (Movimento Biologico) in health promotion: results of a pre-post intervention study

Introduction

Mindful movement is a comprehensive approach that integrates various bodily, emotional and cognitive aspects into physical activity, promoting overall well-being. This study assessed the impact of a mindful movement program, known as Movimento Biologico (MB), on participants psychological well-being (PWB), positive mental health (PMH), sense of coherence (SOC), and interoceptive awareness.

Methods

MB program was conducted for students attending the bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Sport Sciences of University of Perugia over 8 weeks (from October 16 to November 27, 2022). Participants were requested to fill in four questionnaires before and after the MB program: (1) 18-item PWB scale; (2) 9-item PMH scale; (3) 13-item SOC scale; (4) 32-item scale for Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to assess changes, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

Thirty-eight students (mean age 21.2, 60.5% male) participated. Several MAIA subscales, including noticing (p = 0.003), attention management (p = 0.002), emotional awareness (p = 0.007), self-regulation (p < 0.001), body listening (p = 0.001), and trusting (p = 0.001), showed significant improvements. PMH increased significantly (p = 0.015), and there was a significant enhancement in the autonomy subscale of PWB (p = 0.036). SOC and overall PWB also improved, though not significantly.

Conclusion

The MB program significantly improved participants' positive mental health and interoceptive awareness. This likely resulted from better recognition and management of positive physiological sensations, a stronger link between physical sensations and emotions, enhanced confidence in one's body, and increased autonomy.

Internalized stigma: Social support, coping, psychological distress, and mental well-being among older adults in Ghana

BACKGROUND

Older adults have been found to internalize stigma from society and this has been linked to several variables including social support, coping, psychological distress, and mental well-being. However, there is a dearth of research on how these variables interact with each other to impact the life of older adults.

AIMS

This study employed path analysis to explore social support and coping as boundary conditions and underlying mechanisms in the link between internalized stigma, psychological distress, and mental well-being, among older adults in Ghana.

METHOD

Using a cross-sectional design, the study recruited 167 older adults who responded to standardized questionnaires including The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, The Brief Coping Inventory, Kessler Distress Scale, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, to determine levels of internalized stigma, social support, coping strategies, psychological distress, and mental well-being, respectively.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that at low levels of social support, there is a significant and positive correlation between internalized stigma and mental well-being (β = -.36, SE = 0.17, p < .001). Path analysis showed that the relationship between internalized stigma and mental well-being was fully mediated by problem-focused coping (β = .11, p = . 001, 95% CI [0.04, 0.21]), but not psychological distress. Problem-focused coping was also found to have a significant positive correlation with mental well-being but no significant correlation with psychological distress. Conversely, avoidant-focused coping was found to have a significant positive correlation with psychological distress and a significant negative correlation with mental well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the importance of social support and coping to attaining mental well-being among older adults. This study provides insights into the development of tailored interventions aimed at improving social support and problem-focused coping among older Ghanaian adults facing internalized stigma, and it also establishes a base for future research.

Well-Being Profiles of Pre-service Teachers in Hong Kong: Associations with Teachers' Self-Efficacy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The present study aims to (1) identify the profiles of subjective well-being (SWB) and psychological well-being (PWB) in a sample of pre-service teachers during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong, and (2) explore how different profiles are linked with teachers' self-efficacy. Participants were 291 pre-service teachers (Mage = 21.295, SD = 2.812, female = 89.903%) who were invited to complete self-report measures of SWB, PWB, and teachers' self-efficacy. Latent profile analysis with maximum likelihood estimation was conducted to identify well-being profiles that emerged in this sample. The results suggested a 3-class model with a high, moderate, and low well-being group. The findings also revealed that the pre-service teachers' well-being profiles as reflected by SWB and PWB indicators were consistent. Moreover, the pre-service teachers in the higher well-being group reported higher teaching self-efficacy than those in the lower well-being group. Findings highlighted the benefits of supporting pre-service teachers' well-being (i.e., SWB and PWB) to maintain their teachers' self-efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic when teacher education and practicum are significantly disrupted. Interventions targeting various positive psychological skills (e.g., mindfulness, self-compassion, and positive reappraisal) are warranted. Future investigation is needed to examine the longitudinal relationship between pre-service teachers' well-being and self-efficacy.

Positive mental health accounts for the relationship between insomnia symptoms and suicide-related outcomes

Insomnia symptoms have been shown to be associated with suicide ideation/behavior. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear and studies on protective factors that might mitigate the association between sleep-related problems and suicide ideation/behavior are largely missing. On this background the aim of the current study was to investigate, whether positive mental health (PMH) accounts for the association between insomnia symptoms and suicidal ideation/behavior. A total of 913 participants (72.2% women; age: M(SD) = 25.91 (7.08)) completed measures on insomnia symptoms, PMH and suicide ideation/behavior via an online survey. The results reveal a significant association between insomnia symptoms and PMH. Both variables were significantly linked to lifetime suicide ideation/behavior and 12-month suicide ideation. Moreover, the association between insomnia symptoms and suicide-related outcomes was significantly mitigated by PMH. The current findings complement previous studies on the association between insomnia symptoms and suicide ideation/behavior. Furthermore, they demonstrate that PMH can mitigate the risk of suicide-related outcomes. Therapeutic intervention targeting insomnia symptoms and fostering PMH might be useful in the prevention of suicide ideation/behavior.

Caring for a parent with dementia: The psychological well-being of adult children

BACKGROUND

Caregiving for a parent with dementia has both positive and negative influences on psychological well-being of adult children and perceived social support plays an essential role in dementia caregiving process.

OBJECTIVES

We examined how the degree of caregiving intensity influences mental health among Chinese adult children then further explored how perceived social support influences the relationship between intensity and psychological well-being.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study in Kunming, mainland China between November 2022 and January 2023.

METHODS

We interviewed 320 adult dementia child caregivers. Linear regression and multiple mediation analysis using Hayes' process model were used to assess the relationship between caregiving intensity and psychological well-being, as well as the mediating role of perceived social support.

RESULTS

The study found that caregiving intensity was positively associated with depression and negatively associated with life satisfaction. A lack of perceived social support exacerbated these effects for the adult children. Specifically, the caregivers reported higher caregiving intensity when they perceived less family support, which is in turn associated with greater depression and lower life satisfaction among the caregivers. Likewise, those who reported higher caregiving intensity was reported lower friend support, which was in turn associated with greater depression.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The findings emphasize the importance of social support, especially family support, and the necessity for health practitioners to provide targeted interventions on both negative and positive aspects of psychological well-being among dementia caregivers and to strengthen caregivers' resources for social support to enhance their well-being. While these findings are cross-sectional, it is logical to assume that those who perceive less support feel that their caregiving responsibilities are more intense, and that intensity could cause the caregiver to withdraw from friends.

University serial winning coaches' experiences with low performance and maladaptive team culture

We sought to explore the strategies and behaviours employed by University serial winning coaches during seasons of both low performance and a maladaptive team culture. We interviewed seven University team sport coaches and subsequently analyzed the data using a reflexive thematic analysis (RTA). Results indicated that our coaches generally felt unprepared for the unexpected and challenging season, leading to increased stress and decreased psychological well-being. Coaches experienced frustration, disappointment, and self-doubt, which was either exacerbated or mitigated by their access to social support. Despite the emotional turmoil coaches experienced, they were able to reflect on their actions and take away key lessons, helping them perform well in the future. Findings provide insight into how winning coaches manage and overcome inevitable adverse situations. Moreover, these results provide a deeper understanding of how these highly successful coaches navigate these key challenges that over time can inform policy and practice in coach development. These coaching strategies may help coaches of all levels overcome barriers to success and may be transferable to leaders of all levels across a range of disciplines outside of sport.

Determinants of Weight Status and Body, Health and Life Satisfaction in Young Adults

Health behaviors include behavioral patterns and habits that relate to health maintenance, restoration and improvement. They do not only affect the physical condition; they are also associated with life satisfaction. In our study, we focused on young adulthood, a specific lifespan period for establishing long-term health behavior patterns. The aim of the present study was to investigate depressive symptoms, lifestyle and eating behaviors and delineate their associations with overweight/obesity and body, health and life satisfaction in young adults in Poland. We enrolled 800 students (81.4% females and 18.6% males). Diet, physical activity, depressive symptoms, eating behaviors and body, health and life satisfaction were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed. Almost half of the participants in our study had at least mild symptoms of depression. Symptoms of depression significantly reduced the odds of satisfaction with body, health and life, whereas physical activity increased them. Overweight/obesity significantly reduced the odds of body and health satisfaction. In women, a history of depression and emotional eating increased the odds of being overweight/obese. The results of our study may contribute to the development of educational programs and intervention strategies for young adults.

Effects of mindfulness and movement on affect and vitality

BACKGROUND

Increasing levels of distress and barriers to healthcare have coincided with increasing use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). While mindfulness and movement interventions may improve wellbeing, little research has compared the effectiveness of these two approaches.

OBJECTIVE

This single intervention study aimed to (1) explore the effects of two brief, online, self-administered mindfulness and movement interventions on affect and vitality, and (2) establish whether changes in affect and vitality could be predicted by age, gender, general distress, previous CAM experience and enjoyment of the intervention.

METHODS

Participants (n = 62) were randomly allocated to follow a brief online mindfulness or movement intervention. Levels of affect (using PANAS) and subjective vitality (using the Subjective Vitality Scale) were measured pre and post intervention. Demographics, experience with CAM and general distress (using the DASS-21) were collected pre intervention, while level of enjoyment (using the ENJOY scale) was measured post intervention. Open-text responses gathered qualitative data on participant experience.

RESULTS

Participants completing the mindfulness intervention reported increased vitality and decreased positive and negative affect. Those completing the movement intervention reported increased vitality and positive affect and decreased negative affect. Higher DASS-21 levels were predictive of greater reductions in negative affect. Higher levels of enjoyment were predictive of greater increases in positive affect and vitality.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences between mindfulness and movement interventions may indicate that they could have targeted applications. While further research is necessary, these brief, online interventions may provide a sustainable, accessible self-management and wellbeing intervention.

Teachers' Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Commitment: A Moderated Mediation Model of Teachers' Psychological Well-Being and Principal Transformational Leadership

Given the global challenge of increasing teacher attrition and turnover rates, the exploration of factors and mechanisms that improve teachers' organizational commitment has become a pivotal topic in educational research. In this context, the present study examines the influence of teachers' emotional intelligence on their organizational commitment, with a specific inquiry into the mediating role of teachers' psychological well-being and the moderating role of principal transformational leadership, as informed by the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions and the trait activation theory. We verified this study's hypotheses based on 768 valid questionnaires collected from Chinese primary and secondary school teachers. The results reveal that teachers' emotional intelligence can predict their organizational commitment both directly and indirectly through the mediating role of psychological well-being. Additionally, principal transformational leadership amplifies the positive effect of teachers' emotional intelligence on psychological well-being and, subsequently, organizational commitment. These findings theoretically deepen our understanding of the psychological pathways and the boundary conditions linking teachers' emotional intelligence to their organizational commitment, while also offering valuable practical implications for building a stable and effective teaching workforce.

A systematic review and a comprehensive approach to PhD students' wellbeing

The pursuit of a doctoral degree is a challenging process that can have a negative impact on the wellbeing of PhD students. Therefore, the aim here is to offer a systematic review of the current state of the literature on wellbeing among PhD students and the variables it involves in order to build an integrative model that will enrich future research. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology for systematic reviews has been used to lay out the process in a flow diagram. We systematically review studies up to 2021 (N = 38) published on the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases. The results show the current state of the literature on wellbeing in PhD students, the characteristics of the studies (location, study design, and sample), how the literature defines the concept, the variables involved, the study limitations, and future perspectives to improve the quality of life of doctoral students. Finally, a comprehensive approach to the topic is presented in an integrative model that encompasses all variables identified in the literature and offers a guide for future research.

Latent profiles of emotion regulation among university students: links to repetitive negative thinking, internet addiction, and subjective wellbeing

Recent years have seen a deterioration in the mental health of university students and notable surge in the need for psychological support. Due to its links to psychopathology and high-risk behaviors, difficulty in emotion regulation frequently serves as a transdiagnostic dimension. This cross-sectional study used a person-centered analytical approach (latent profile analysis; LPA) to identify groups of Portuguese university students with similar profiles of emotion regulation difficulties (N = 261; Mage = 22.5 ± 1.2 years; n = 213 female) and describe how these groups differ in their presentation of repetitive negative thinking, internet addiction, and subjective wellbeing. The analyses identified four latent profiles: 14.5% of students showed global dysregulation (the Low Emotion Regulation Profile), 23% were moderately dysregulated with elevated problems in goal-directed behavior (the Moderate Emotion Regulation Profile), 8% showed specific difficulties with low emotional awareness and clarity (the Low Insight Profile), and 54.4% showed adaptive emotion regulation (the High Emotion Regulation Profile). As anticipated, the Low Emotion Regulation Profile had the lowest subjective wellbeing and the highest prevalence of repetitive negative thinking and internet addiction. Students with a Low Insight Profile also showed low subjective wellbeing, but less repetitive negative thinking compared to the Low Emotion Regulation Profile. Our findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving health and wellbeing among university students should consider each student's unique set of emotion regulation difficulties, rather than focusing on particular strategies. Further research may help determine whether emotion regulation profiles can serve as predictive indicators of varying mental health trajectories and subjective wellbeing in university students.

The Mediating Role of Rumination and Self-Regulation Between Self-Generated Stress and Psychological Well-Being

In this study, we aimed to examine the relationships between self-generated stress (SGS) and psychological well-being (PWB) and the mediating role of self-critical rumination (SCR) and self-regulation in this relationship. In this direction, the Self-Generated Stress Scale (SGSS) was adapted into Turkish in the first study. In the second study, we tested the mediating role of SCR and self-regulation in the relationship between SGS and PWB in university students. The findings showed that the Self-Generated Stress Scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool for Turkish culture and PWB and self-regulation have partial mediating roles in the relationship between SGS and PWB. These results contribute to a better understanding of the association between SGS and PWB.

A systematic review and meta-synthesis on perspectives of autistic young people and their parents on psychological well-being

Autistic adolescents are at increased risk of developing mental health problems. Improving psychological well-being could reduce the likelihood of such problems developing. Research has tended to prioritise the voices of non-autistic people and has neglected to consult autistic young people themselves. Our meta-synthesis aimed to systematically review qualitative research on the perspectives of autistic young people and their parents on the lived experience of psychological well-being. We conducted a pre-planned systematic search which identified 2552 papers, with 37 of those meeting full inclusion criteria. Included papers were published between 2008 and 2023, with three-quarters published since 2018. We extracted qualitative data from each paper pertaining to the lived experience of psychological well-being in autistic young people and conducted a thematic synthesis. We identified three themes; Walking a tightrope: the need for growth versus recharging through rest and familiarity; Developing a positive sense of self in the social world; Internally driven sources of happiness. Psychological interventions aiming to improve well-being in autistic young people should respect their autonomy and need for rest whilst encouraging growth and skills development, provide opportunities to understand social needs and differences, and promote opportunities to enjoy special interests.

Greater Emotional and Psychological Well-being Are Associated With Reduced Employee Self-report Illness-Related Absenteeism: A Multi-Industry, Cross-sectional Study Conducted During COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship that emotional, psychological, and social well-being has with self-reported illness-related absenteeism.

METHODS

This study examines the relationship between three dimensions of well-being (emotional, psychological, and social) and self-report illness-related absenteeism among 133 workers spanning multiple industries across 16 different companies. This secondary, cross-sectional data were analyzed using multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

As hypothesized, emotional well-being and psychological well-being were found to be negatively associated with absenteeism, with emotional well-being being the stronger predictor. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found that social well-being was not associated with absenteeism among workers.

CONCLUSIONS

Employee emotional well-being and psychological well-being are associated with self-reported illness-related absenteeism. Future work should explore causal relationships between these constructs.

Coping and psychological well-being among persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: The role of perceived self-efficacy

OBJECTIVE

To explore self-efficacy as a possible mediator in the relationship between adaptive coping and psychological well-being (PWB) in persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

METHOD

174 persons with RRMS (91% Female) completed an online survey consisting of psychosocial questionnaires. The COPE Inventory was used to create an adaptive coping composite that accounts for the relative contributions of both active and avoidant coping. Self-efficacy was measured using the General Self-Efficacy Scale. The Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scales captured several domains of PWB: Positive relations with others, autonomy, purpose in life, environmental mastery, self-acceptance, and personal growth. The SPSS PROCESS macro was used to test whether self-efficacy mediated the association between adaptive coping and each PWB subscale, using 5,000 bootstrap samples to estimate confidence intervals.

RESULTS

In each mediational model, adaptive coping was significantly associated with each PWB subscale and self-efficacy (all p's ≤ 0.001). Self-efficacy was also significantly associated with each PWB subscale (p ≤ 0.001). After controlling for self-efficacy, the associations between adaptive coping and positive relations with others (indirect effect = 0.021, 95% CI [0.011, 0.033]) and autonomy (indirect effect = 0.019, 95% CI [0.011, 0.028]) became non-significant. The separate associations between adaptive coping and purpose in life (p = .004), self-acceptance (p = .026), and personal growth (p < .001) remained significant, despite controlling for self-efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-efficacy fully mediated the relationships between adaptive coping and positive relations with others and autonomy in our sample of persons with RRMS. Interventions aimed at increasing adaptive coping skills and self-efficacy may improve relations with others and autonomy among persons with MS.

Leisure Activity, Leisure Satisfaction, and Hedonic and Eudaimonic Well-Being Among Older Adults With Cancer Experience

Older adults with cancer experience are more likely to encounter a notable reduction of participation in physical and social leisure activities, which may threaten their overall well-being. The purpose of this study was to explore how specific types of leisure activities and leisure satisfaction were linked to hedonic and eudaimonic well-being among older adults who had experienced cancer. A nationally representative sample of 2,934 older adults with lifetime cancer experience was retained from the Health and Retirement Study. The results of regression analysis revealed that walking for 20 minutes was reported as the only type of leisure activity related to hedonic well-being for the oldest-old (85+ years old). The current study also found that TV watching was significantly, but negatively associated with eudaimonic well-being for the young-old (50-74 years of age). In contrast, using a computer was positively linked to hedonic and eudaimonic well-being among the young-old and old-old (75-84 years of age). The current study made a significant contribution to build the body of knowledge that the different age groups of older adults who had experienced cancer can enhance eudaimonic and hedonic well-being by participating in different types of leisure activities. Implications for further research are discussed.

Satisfaction of basic psychological needs and European entrepreneurs' well-being and health: The association with job satisfaction and entrepreneurial motivation

PURPOSE

We examine an integrative model associating entrepreneurial motivation and job satisfaction with basic psychological needs satisfaction and the psychological well-being (PWB) and health problems of European entrepreneurs. In contrast with previous literature that focuses mainly on hedonic well-being, this study examines well-being by using a eudaimonic perspective and the link between entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurs' PWB.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

Based on the self-determination theory (SDT) and using structural equation modeling, this study examines a European representative sample composed of 7,878 entrepreneurs from the sixth European Working Conditions Survey (6th EWCS; Eurofound [2015] database).

FINDINGS

This study finds a positive relationship between the satisfaction of the need for autonomy and competence and opportunity motivation, which in turn is positively associated with job satisfaction. This study also finds that need satisfaction is positively associated with entrepreneurs' PWB and job satisfaction, which in turn is positively associated with entrepreneurs' PWB and health. Results highlight the relevance of SDT, opportunity motivation, and job satisfaction to understanding entrepreneurs' PWB and health.

ORIGINALITY

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first integrative model relating satisfaction of basic psychological needs (autonomy and competence) and diverse individual outcomes related to work (job satisfaction, PWB, and health) of European entrepreneurs by considering entrepreneurial motivation. This study examines a large and representative European sample, in contrast with previous research focusing on the Anglosphere nations.

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

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

Distinct associations between gratitude, self-esteem, and optimism with subjective and psychological well-being among Japanese individuals

BACKGROUND

Mounting evidence suggests that the effectiveness of positive psychology interventions is influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural context. Identifying intervention targets that can effectively contribute to improving individual well-being under these boundary conditions is a crucial step when developing viable interventions. To this end, we examined how gratitude disposition, self-esteem, and optimism relate to the subjective well-being (SWB) and psychological well-being (PWB) of Japanese individuals.

METHODS

Multivariate regression analysis was employed to quantify the unique relationships between the three potential intervention targets and both SWB and PWB, while accounting for the influence of other variables. Participants (N = 71) also engaged in a 4-week experience sampling study to explore how gratitude, self-esteem and optimism shape the link between momentary affective states in everyday life and evaluations of day satisfaction.

RESULTS

Multivariate regression analysis revealed that self-esteem was predominantly more strongly associated with SWB compared to gratitude disposition, whereas gratitude disposition was more strongly associated with the PWB dimensions, particularly personal growth, positive relations with others and purpose in life. Experience sampling data indicated that while both gratitude disposition and self-esteem moderated the association between momentary positive affect and day satisfaction evaluations, they did so in opposite ways; greater gratitude disposition strengthened the association, while greater self-esteem weakened it.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the current results suggest that while gratitude, self-esteem, and optimism influence individual well-being as a whole, they likely play distinct roles in facilitating SWB and PWB in the studied cohort.

Evaluating the Structure of Subjective Well-Being: Evidence From Three Large-Scale, Long-Term, National Longitudinal Studies

To inform the tripartite structure of subjective well-being (SWB), national longitudinal studies from the United States, Germany, and Australia were used to estimate random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPM) in which between- and within-individual variation in life satisfaction (LS), positive affect (PA), and negative affect (NA) was examined over periods of up to two decades. The RI-CLPMs incorporated a hierarchical conceptualization in which LS, PA, and NA are indicators of a latent SWB factor and a causal systems conceptualization in which PA and NA are inputs to LS. Results from all three samples indicated substantial loadings from LS, PA, and NA on latent SWB factors between and within individuals. Cross-lagged effects were observed among all three SWB components, rather than unidirectional from PA and NA to LS. The present findings provide valuable new insights concerning the tripartite structure of SWB between and within individuals over extended periods of time.

Age of victimization and moderating role of social support for the relationship between school-age bullying and life satisfaction in middle-age

AIMS

This study aimed to examine whether the moderating role of social support on the negative association between school-age bullying victimization and life satisfaction in middle-age was different by age of victimization.

METHODS

A longitudinal study was conducted using data collected at the ages of 7, 11 and 50 years in the 1958 British birth cohort (N = 18,558). Frequency of bullying victimization (never, sometimes, or frequently) was assessed by parental interviews at ages seven and 11. A self-reported questionnaire assessed life satisfaction and perceived social support (instrumental and emotional) at age 50. To determine the moderating effect of social support on the association between bullying victimization and life satisfaction, hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were conducted in which two interaction terms, victimization at age seven by social support and victimization at age 11 by social support, were simultaneously entered into the models.

RESULTS

Among 5304 respondents subjected to the statistical analysis, 34% had bullying victimization at age 7 years; 23% had bullying victimization at age 11 years. Instrumental support significantly buffered the effect of frequent victimization at age 11 (β = 0.03, p = 0.03) and significantly deteriorated the effect of frequent victimization at age 7 years (β = -0.04, p = 0.01), after adjusting for childhood confounders. No significant moderating effect was observed for emotional support.

CONCLUSIONS

Instrumental support in middle-age may more effectively buffer the effect of late school-age victimization than of early school-age victimization, while both effect sizes were small and additional research is needed.

Enhancing mental wellbeing by changing mindsets? Results from two randomized controlled trials

Improving mental wellbeing is often targeted with behavioral interventions, while mindset interventions might be more appealing as they require less time and effort. In addition to recent experimental studies demonstrating that attributional beliefs can be changed to improve emotional wellbeing and performance, the current study examines whether a positive change in people's beliefs about stress and life philosophy enhances emotional, social and psychological wellbeing using brief educational interventions. Two parallel double-blind randomized controlled trials were conducted. Study 1 (N = 106; 62.3% female, mean age 36.0) compared an educational video about the benefits of a stress-is-enhancing mindset versus an active control video. In Study 2 (N = 136; 57.4% female, mean age 35.7), educational texts about the benefits of a stress-is-enhancing mindset and holding a life-is-long-and-easy mindset were compared to an active control text. Results of multilevel growth curve modeling showed that a stress mindset could be significantly changed using an educational video or text, while the change in the philosophies of life mindset did not significantly differ between conditions. Furthermore, none of the manipulations were able to sustain the positive change in mindset which might explain why there was no significant increase in mental wellbeing compared to control. To have a lasting effect on people's mental wellbeing, a change in mindset might need to be embodied in everyday life. Future research should investigate simple versus intensive interventions with longer follow-up time to examine whether and how a mindset can be sustainably changed to promote flourishing mental health in the general population.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Psychosocial Functioning among Adults with Cancer: A Scoping Review

The post-treatment period (after the completion of primary cancer treatment) is a phase during which adults with cancer are particularly vulnerable to the physical and psychological side effects of treatment. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits during this time is essential to mitigate these effects. This scoping review investigated the associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) with two post-treatment psychosocial indicators among adults with cancer: psychological functioning and quality of life (QoL). An exhaustive search was performed in January 2023 across five databases, namely APA PsycInfo, MedLine, SPORTDiscuss, SCOPUS, and CINAHL, adhering to PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria; 16 used a cross-sectional design, while 4 used a longitudinal one. PA and ST were assessed mainly with accelerometers (n = 17), and psychosocial indicators with self-reported questionnaires (n = 20). Most studies linked higher PA levels to reduced anxiety (n = 3) and depression (n = 4) symptoms, and elevated ST to higher psychological symptoms (n = 3). Opposite associations were observed for QoL (n = 5). Altogether, PA appeared to be more strongly related to psychological functioning and QoL than ST. This scoping review highlights associations of PA and ST with psychological functioning and QoL among adults with cancer in the post-treatment period. However, future studies must prioritize longitudinal designs to establish directionality.

The ABC of happiness: Validation of the tridimensional model of subjective well-being (affect, cognition, and behavior) using Bifactor Polytomous Multidimensional Item Response Theory

Background

Happiness is often conceptualized as subjective well-being, which comprises people's evaluations of emotional experiences (i.e., the affective dimension: positive and negative feelings and emotions) and judgements of a self-imposed ideal (i.e., the cognitive dimension: life satisfaction). Recent research has established these two dimensions as primary parts of a higher order factor. However, theoretical, conceptual, and empirical work suggest that people's evaluations of harmony in their life (i.e., the sense of balance and capacity to behave and adapt with both acceptance and flexibility to inter- and intrapersonal circumstances) constitutes a third dimension (i.e., the behavioral dimension). This tridemensional conceptualization of subjective well-being has recently been verified using Unidimensional Item Response Theory (UIRT) and Classical Test Theory (CTT). Here, we use a recently developed and more robust approach that combines these two methods (i.e., Multidimensional Item Response Theory, MIRT) to simultaneously address the complex interactions and multidimensionality behind how people feel, think, and behave in relation to happiness in their life.

Method

A total of 435 participants (197 males and 238 females) with an age mean of 44.84 (sd = 13.36) responded to the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule (10 positive affect items, 10 negative affect items), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (five items), and the Harmony in life Scale (five items). We used Bifactor-Graded Response MIRT for the main analyses.

Result

At the general level, each of the 30 items had a strong capacity to discriminate between respondents across all three dimensions of subjective well-being. The investigation of different parameters (e.g., marginal slopes, ECV, IECV) strongly reflected the multidimensionality of subjective well-being at the item, the scale, and the model level. Indeed, subjective well-being could explain 64 % of the common variance in the whole model. Moreover, most of the items measuring positive affect (8/10) and life satisfaction (4/5) and all the items measuring harmony in life (5/5) accounted for a larger amount of variance of subjective well-being compared to that of their respective individual dimensions. The negative affect items, however, measured its own individual concept to a lager extent rather than subjective well-being. Thus, suggesting that the experience of negative affect is a more independent dimension within the whole subjective well-being model. We also found that specific items (e.g., "Alert", "Distressed", "Irritable", "I am satisfied with my life") were the recurrent exceptions in our results. Last but not the least, experiencing high levels in one dimension seems to compensate for low levels in the others and vice versa.

Conclusion

As expected, the three subjective well-being dimensions do not work separately. Interestingly, the order and magnitude of the effect by each dimension on subjective well-being mirror how people define happiness in their life: first as harmony, second as satisfaction, third as positive emotions, and fourth, albeit to a much lesser degree, as negative emotions. Ergo, we argue that subjective well-being functions as a complex biopsychosocial adaptive system mirroring our attitude towards life in these three dimensions (A: affective dimension; B: behavioral dimension; C: cognitive dimension). Ergo, researchers and practitioners need to take in to account all three to fully understand, measure, and promote people's experience of the happy life. Moreover, our results also suggest that negative affect, especially regarding high activation unpleasant emotions, need considerable changes and further analyses if it is going to be included as a construct within the affective dimension of a general subjective well-being factor.

Academic self-efficacy, grit, and teacher support as predictors of psychological well-being of Chinese EFL students

Introduction

This study explores the determinants of psychological well-being among 968 Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students by employing structural equation modeling (SEM). Focusing on academic self-efficacy, grit, and teacher support, this research aims to illuminate their roles in shaping the psychological well-being of EFL students within the Chinese educational context.

Methods

Data from a robust sample of Chinese EFL students were analyzed using SEM techniques to investigate the relationships between academic self-efficacy, grit, teacher support, and psychological well-being. Validated instruments were utilized to measure these constructs, ensuring accuracy and reliability. The study employed meticulous data collection procedures over a three-month period, maintaining strict ethical standards and anonymity for participants.

Results

The SEM analysis revealed intricate connections among academic self-efficacy, grit, teacher support, and the psychological well-being of Chinese EFL students. Academic self-efficacy and grit emerged as direct predictors of psychological well-being, highlighting their significance in fostering students' overall well-being. Additionally, teacher support was identified to play a mediating role in this relationship, emphasizing its critical influence on enhancing academic self-efficacy and grit, thereby contributing to students' psychological well-being.

Discussion

These findings underscore the crucial importance of nurturing academic self-efficacy and grit to enhance the psychological well-being of Chinese EFL students. Furthermore, teacher support stands out as a pivotal factor in elevating students' academic self-efficacy and grit, emphasizing the need for educational interventions centered on fostering these attributes among Chinese EFL learners. The implications of these results extend to educational practices, emphasizing the indispensable role of teacher support and interventions aimed at cultivating academic self-efficacy and grit to promote the psychological well-being of EFL students within the learning environment.

Professional quality of life, psychological well-being, and work engagement of healthcare professionals in two Greek hospitals during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of healthcare professionals has emerged as an issue of great concern.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the levels of professional quality of life, psychological well-being, and work engagement among healthcare professionals in two Greek hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2021 in two public hospitals in Greece. To assess the levels of professional quality of life, psychological well-being, and work engagement, respondents completed the Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 (ProQOL-V), the Psychological Well-being (PWB) scale, and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17).

RESULTS

A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed, and 102 were returned (response rate: 68%). It was found that as burnout levels increased, the levels of work engagement decreased (rho = -0.36, p-value < 0.01). Higher levels of compassion satisfaction were associated with higher work engagement (rho = 0.48, p-value < 0.01). Multivariable analysis revealed that healthcare personnel's contact with patients or service users exposed to or who have experienced traumatic events was associated with less positive relationships with others (and, consequently, lower levels of psychological well-being) (p-value = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare professionals in the two public hospitals in Greece, experienced moderate levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their psychological well-being was also found to be moderate, and their levels of work engagement were moderate to high. Supporting the physical and psychological well-being of healthcare professionals is essential for their ability to provide high-quality care in times of crisis, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mediating Effect of Well-Being, Happiness, and Trust in the Relationship Between Work-Life Balance and Work Effectiveness in Seafarers

In the contemporary global context, seafarers persist as the uncelebrated heroes of international trade, despite their substantial contributions. The current estimate places the number of STCW- certified officers at 857 540, reflecting a notable increase of 10.8% since 2015. Nevertheless, there is a growing recognition of the imperative to accord specific attention to seafarers' mental and physical well-being. During their tenures aboard ships, seafarers confront various challenges, including psychological well-being, work-life imbalance, dissatisfaction, diminished performance, and a sense of mistrust toward the organizational framework. The primary objective of this research is to scrutinize the nexus between work-life balance and work effectiveness, exploring the mediating roles of psychological well-being, organizational happiness, and organizational trust. A questionnaire-based survey is meticulously crafted to achieve this, employing a dataset comprising 420 seafarers engaged in diverse vessel types in Turkey, operating under both Turkish and international flags. Methodologically, structural equation modeling and correlation analyses are executed to assess the formulated research hypotheses rigorously. The empirical findings of this research reveal noteworthy mediating roles: psychological well-being exhibits a complete mediation effect, organizational happiness demonstrates a full mediation effect, and organizational trust manifests a partial mediation effect. These outcomes underscore the nuanced interplay between work-life balance and work effectiveness in the seafaring context. The implications of these findings extend significantly to the maritime sector and industry, accentuating the imperative for targeted interventions to enhance the well-being and performance of seafaring professionals.

Three-wave longitudinal prediction of positive mental health in Germany and China

The present study is a follow-up of a prior study examining a broad range of longitudinal predictors of dimensional positive mental health (PMH) and negative mental health (NMH), using cross-cultural data from the Bochum Optimism and Mental Health (BOOM) study. The present study sought to expand prior findings on positive mental health predictors to a longer longitudinal timeframe. The analysis, specifically, tests our prior model using a third time point, The following positive constructs were examined in relation to later positive mental health: resilience, social support, social rhythm, family affluence, physical health and expectations for fertility. Negative predictors depression, anxiety, and stress were also examined in relation to time 3 positive mental health. Participants included university student samples from Germany (N = 591) and China (N = 8,831). Structural equation modeling was used to examine the effects of predictors on mental health. In China, three of the six salutogenic predictors (social rhythm regularity, positive mental health, resilience) at baseline were predictive of positive mental health at both follow-ups with generally small, but significant effects. Social support at baseline predicted more, and stress and anxiety predicted less positive mental health at follow-up 1, with generally small effects. Depression at baseline predicted less positive mental health at follow-up 2. In Germany, two of the six salutogenic predictors (positive mental health, social support) at baseline were predictive of positive mental health at both follow-ups, with generally small effects. Pathogenic predictors were not predictive of positive mental health at either follow-up. According to multi group analysis, the paths from positive mental health baseline to positive mental health follow-up 1 (FU1) as well as the path positive mental health FU1 to positive mental health follow-up 2 (FU2) were found to differ between Germany and China. All other paths could be seen as equivalent in Germany and China. Results indicate prediction of positive mental health over an extended period of time, and in particular by salutogenic predictors. Pathogenic predictors were also (negatively) predictive of PMH, but with more mixed results, underscoring the differential prediction of PMH from salutogenic and pathogenic factors.

The Impact of Mindful Learning on Subjective and Psychological Well-Being in Postgraduate Students

Mindful learning is widely known to improve learning outcomes, yet its association with students' well-being remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the impact of mindful learning on subjective well-being (SWB) and psychological well-being (PWB) in postgraduate students, using survey questionnaires and a randomized experimental design. In Study 1, correlation and regression analyses based on 236 postgraduate students revealed significant positive associations among mindful learning, SWB, and PWB. In Study 2, 54 students were randomly assigned to three groups: the experimental (which received Mindful Learning Coaching), active-, and blank control groups. The results from repeated-measures ANOVA showed that coaching significantly improved students' mindful learning. The participants' SWB and PWB significantly decreased in both the active- and blank control groups, whilst their SWB and PWB tended to increase in the experimental group. In conclusion, mindful learning, SWB, and PWB are significantly correlated, while the enhancement of mindful learning may be a protective factor in students' well-being.

Switching off automatic pilot to promote wellbeing and performance in the workplace: the role of mindfulness and basic psychological needs satisfaction

Introduction and method

Building on self-determination theory, this study aims to advance the happy-productive worker thesis by examining a sequential mediation linking trait mindfulness to task performance through basic psychological need satisfaction and psychological wellbeing at work. Whereas most of the papers published on the topic stem from USA and Europe, we tested our model in a Canadian sample of 283 French-speaking workers.

Results

Based on structural equation modeling, results show that the three need satisfactions at work mediate the relationship between trait mindfulness and psychological wellbeing at work. Rather than observing a sequential mediation, we find an indirect effect of trait mindfulness on task performance through the satisfaction for one of the basic psychological need (i.e., competence).

Discussion

The present research goes beyond previous studies by exploring a new pair of happy construct-productive criteria alongside an emergent intrapersonal factor contributing to this relationship.

The Effect of Passion for Outdoor Activities on Employee Well-Being Using Nature Connectedness as the Mediating Variable and Environmental Identity as the Moderating Variable

PURPOSE

Although prior research has found outdoor activities to be an important effect on employee well-being, the mechanisms of their effect are understudied. This study integrated the Broaden-and-Build Theory, Attention Restoration Theory and Cognitive Assessment Theory to examine the relation between passion for outdoor activities (two dimensions, namely, harmonious passion, obsessive passion) and employee well-being (three dimensions, namely, life well-being, workplace well-being, psychological well-being) by the mediating role of nature connectedness and the moderating role of environmental identity.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Data were collected from 403 employees of Guangxi enterprises in China. The structural equation model was constructed using AMOS and SmartPLS to test the hypotheses proposed in this study.

RESULTS

Our results confirm that harmonious passion for outdoor activities had a positive effect on employee nature connectedness, workplace well-being and psychological well-being. Obsessive passion for outdoor activities had a negative effect on employee nature connectedness, life well-being and psychological well-being. Natural connectedness has a positive effect on all three dimensions of employee well-being. Nature connectedness mediates between harmonious passion for outdoor activities and all three dimensions of employee well-being. Environmental identity positively moderated the relationship between nature connectedness and the three dimensions of employee well-being. Harmonious passion for outdoor activities has no direct effect on employee life well-being. Obsessive passion for outdoor activities had no direct effect on employee workplace well-being.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals the mechanism of passion for outdoor activities on employee well-being from a new perspective and unveils that the two dimensions of passion for outdoor activities have different effects on employees' life well-being, workplace well-being, and psychological well-being. Business managers should give attention to the benefits of outdoor activities and nature connectedness for their employees, through which they can relieve stress at work, recover attention and improve well-being.

Making leisure time meaningful for adolescents: an interview study from Sweden

Adolescents' school performance is influenced by several factors and meaningful leisure time, especially organized activities, has great potential to impact academic results. Therefore, this study aimed to gain a greater understanding of how community actors perceive meaningful leisure time and how they work to create meaningful leisure time with the intention of increasing the chances for more adolescents completing upper secondary school. Semi-structured interviews with 14 informants, representing nine different community actors in a middle-sized city in Sweden, were conducted and analysed using content analysis. Results suggest that meaningful leisure time positively impacts adolescents' mental health through social relations, support, and guidance. Leisure is believed to have spillover effects on reducing stress, manage school demands and performance. Nevertheless, leisure time activities and school performance must be balanced with time and effort. Community actors work proactively with availability, individual approaches, and offering activities to create meaning. From a societal perspective, places to hang out with supportive adults, in particular structured activities, should be regarded as a social investment in adolescents' health and prospects, especially in deprived areas where fewer activities are available. Finally, ensuring meaningful leisure time is in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Practitioner Review: Effectiveness and mechanisms of change in participatory arts-based programmes for promoting youth mental health and well-being - a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Participatory arts-based (PAB) programmes refer to a diverse range of community programmes involving active engagement in the creation process that appear helpful to several aspects of children's and young people's (CYP) mental health and well-being. This mixed-methods systematic review synthesises evidence relating to the effectiveness and mechanisms of change in PAB programmes for youth.

METHOD

Studies were identified following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach. Eleven electronic databases were searched for studies of PAB programmes conducted with CYP (aged 4-25 years), which reported mental health and well-being effectiveness outcomes and/or mechanisms of change. A mixed-methods appraisal tool assessed study quality. A narrative synthesis was conducted of effectiveness and challenges in capturing this. Findings relating to reported mechanisms of change were integrated via a metasummary.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included. Evidence of effectiveness from quantitative studies was limited by methodological issues. The metasummary identified mechanisms of change resonant with those proposed in talking therapies. Additionally, PAB programmes appear beneficial to CYP by fostering a therapeutic space characterised by subverting restrictive social rules, communitas that is not perceived as coercive, and inviting play and embodied understanding.

CONCLUSIONS

There is good evidence that there are therapeutic processes in PAB programmes. There is a need for more transdisciplinary work to increase understanding of context-mechanism-outcome pathways, including the role played by different art stimuli and practices. Going forward, transdisciplinary teams are needed to quantify short- and long-term mental health and well-being outcomes and to investigate optimal programme durations in relation to population and need. Such teams would also be best placed to work on resolving inter-disciplinary methodological tensions.

Positive Mental Health of Migrants in the UK during COVID-19: A Review

COVID-19 impacted the mental health of many people in the UK. The negative impact was especially substantial among vulnerable population groups, including migrants. While research has focused on the negative aspects of mental health during the pandemic, the positive mental health of migrants in the UK during COVID-19 remained to be evaluated. This review aimed to identify literature that focused on positive mental health, and thematically synthesise the findings to understand what positive mental health approaches were employed to support specific outcomes during the pandemic for them to survive in this difficult time. Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched using terms including "mental health", "migrants", and "COVID-19". The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies. There were only two studies examining the positive mental health of UK migrants during this period. They describe approaches such as religious beliefs, passion for and acknowledgement of their job, learning new things, being physically active, social media, and social activities, producing outcomes such as inner peace, confidence, well-being, and a sense of belonging. The quality of the included studies was high. More research about positive mental health in migrants in the UK during the pandemic is needed.

Stress and well-being in autistic adults: Exploring the moderating role of coping

The wider stress literature points to negative associations between stress and well-being. Similarly, the use of engagement coping strategies and disengagement coping strategies in the face of stress are related to improved and reduced well-being respectively. However, in the autistic population stress and coping research is limited to date, and the extent to which coping may moderate the relationship between stress and well-being is not known. Using data from an Australian online study, we explored the potential moderating (i.e. buffering or exacerbating) role of coping in the relationship between stress and well-being in a sample of autistic adults (N = 86). Our findings indicated that increased stress was associated with lower well-being. Further, moderation analyses showed that while both engagement coping (e.g. problem solving, positive appraisal) and disengagement coping (e.g., self-distraction, being in denial) strategies had significant positive and negative direct effects on well-being respectively; engagement coping also moderated the relationship between stress and well-being, buffering the impact of stress on well-being. Our results illustrate the different underlying mechanisms by which coping strategies may be associated with stress and well-being. They also highlight the potential protective role of engagement coping strategies, which can be incorporated into the promotion and maintenance of well-being in autistic adults.

Does Psychological Flourishing Have the Potential to Mitigate Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors? A Preliminary Analysis of the Protective Influence of Flourishing

AIM

The purpose of this article was to examine whether psychological flourishing, a multi-dimensional construct of well-being, has the potential to play a preventative role in suicidal and nonsuicidal thoughts and actions.

METHODS

This two-part study utilized cross-sectional survey data from college students across the United States, assessing levels of psychological distress, loneliness, and psychological flourishing. Frequencies of suicidal ideation, intent, previous suicidal attempts, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) were also assessed. Data collected in 2019 were used for Study 1 (n = 38,679) and data collected in 2020 were used for Study 2 (n = 50,307).

RESULTS

Psychological flourishing is significantly inversely related to suicide and NSSI risk when controlling for loneliness and psychological distress. There were two-way interactions between flourishing and distress, whereby under conditions of high distress, the inverse effect of flourishing on suicidal ideation, intent, and attempts and NSSI was more pronounced. These results were consistent across both studies. Subgroup analyses revealed similar results regardless of participants' race, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

CONCLUSION

Inverse associations between flourishing and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors suggest that flourishing may buffer risk of suicide and NSSI, and these findings may have important implications for developing evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Additional research, including longitudinal and clinical work, is warranted.

The 18-item Swedish version of Ryff's psychological wellbeing scale: psychometric properties based on classical test theory and item response theory

Background

Psychological wellbeing is conceptualized as the full engagement and optimal performance in existential challenges of life. Our understanding of psychological wellbeing is important for us humans to survive, adapt, and thrive during the challenges of the 21st century. Hence, the measurement of psychological wellbeing is one cornerstone for the identification and treatment of both mental illness and health promotion. In this context, Ryff operationalized psychological wellbeing as a six-dimensional model of human characteristics: self-acceptance, positive relations with others, environmental mastery, personal growth, autonomy, and purpose in life. Ryff's Psychological Wellbeing Scale has been developed and translated into different versions. Here, we examine and describe the psychometric properties of the 18-item Swedish version of Ryff's Psychological Wellbeing Scale using both Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT).

Methods

The data used in the present study was earlier published elsewhere and consists of 768 participants (279 women and 489 men). In addition to the 18-item version of the scale, participants answered the Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule, and the Background and Health Questionnaire. We examined, the 18-item version's factor structure using different models and its relationship with subjective wellbeing, sociodemographic factors (e.g., education level, gender, age), lifestyle habits (i.e., smoking, frequency of doing exercise, and exercise intensity), and health issues (i.e., pain and sleeping problems). We also analyzed measurement invariance with regard to gender. Moreover, as an addition to the existing literature, we analyzed the properties of the 18 items using Graded Response Model (GRM).

Results

Although the original six-factor structure showed a good fit, both CTT and IRT indicated that a five-factor model, without the purpose in life subscale, provided a better fit. The results supported the internal consistency and concurrent validity of the 18-item Swedish version. Moreover, invariance testing showed similar measurement precision by the scale across gender. Finally, we found several items, especially the purpose in life's item "I live life one day at a time and do not really think about the future," that might need revision or modification in order to improve measurement.

Conclusion

A five-factor solution is a valid and reliable measure for the assessment of psychological wellbeing in the general Swedish population. With some modifications, the scale might achieve enough accuracy to measure the more appropriate and correct six-dimensional theoretical framework as detailed by Ryff. Fortunately, Ryff's original version contains 20 items per subscale and should therefore act as a perfect pool of items in this endeavor.

The structure of well-being: a single underlying factor with genetic and environmental influences

PURPOSE

The structure of well-being has been debated for millennia. Dominant conceptualisations, such as the hedonic and eudaimonic models, emphasise different constituents of the well-being construct. Some previous studies have suggested that the underlying structure of well-being may consist of one or a few general well-being factors. We conducted three studies to advance knowledge on the structure of well-being comprising more than 21,500 individuals, including a genetically informative twin sample.

METHODS

In Study 1, we used hierarchical exploratory factor analysis to identify well-being factors in a population-based sample of Norwegian adults. In Study 2, we used confirmatory factor analysis to examine the model fit of the identified factor model in an independent sample. In Study 3, we used biometric models to examine genetic and environmental influences on general well-being factors.

RESULTS

We identified six well-being factors which all loaded on a single higher-order factor. This higher-order factor may represent a general "happiness factor", i.e. an h-factor, akin to the p-factor in psychopathology research. The identified factor model had excellent fit in an independent sample. All well-being factors showed moderate genetic and substantial non-shared environmental influence, with heritability estimates ranging from 26% to 40%. Heritability was highest for the higher-order general happiness factor.

CONCLUSION

Our findings yield novel insights into the structure of well-being and genetic and environmental influences on general well-being factors, with implications for well-being and mental health research, including genetically informative studies.

Racial and Educational Disparities in Cumulative Exposure to Hardships of the 2008 Great Recession and Inflammation

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional analysis examined self-reported economic hardships of the 2008 Great Recession, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and psychological well-being (PWB) as predictors of systemic inflammatory physiology at midlife. We also tested for differential vulnerability in the relationship between recession hardship and inflammatory physiology by race/ethnicity, education, and PWB.

METHODS

Adults from the Midlife in the United States Refresher sample completed a survey and biomedical assessments after the recession ( n = 592 non-Hispanic White respondents, n = 158 Black/African American respondents, n = 108 respondents with other race/ethnicity). Cumulative recession hardship was the sum of financial, housing, and employment-related events. Outcomes included circulating levels of interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein. General linear regression models tested main effects interactions between primary predictor variables.

RESULTS

Educational attainment was inversely associated with recession hardships ( b = -0.18, 95% confidence interval = -0.26 to -0.11, p < .001). Black/African American respondents reported more recession hardships than White respondents ( b = 1.17, 95% confidence interval = 0.67 to 1.68, p < .001). More recession hardships predicted higher levels of interleukin 6 ( b = 0.06, p < .001) and C-reactive protein ( b = 0.04, p = .004). Analyses did not support race/ethnicity, education, and PWB as moderators of the association between recession hardship and inflammatory markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Race/ethnicity and education independently predicted disparities in cumulative recession hardship exposure. Recession hardship predicted higher blood levels of inflammatory proteins associated with long-term health. The lack of findings for differential vulnerability in the relationship between recession hardship and inflammatory markers by race/ethnicity, education, or PWB was possibly due to the limited sample size.

Examining the Psychological and Spiritual Well-Being of Older Adult Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Turkey

This study examined the psychological well-being (PWB) and spiritual well-being (SWB) of older adult individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who experienced the difficulties of both aging and RA. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in two centers located in the capital city of Turkey. A total of 136 individuals with a diagnosis of RA who met the inclusion criteria constituted the sample group of the study. Participant Information Form, SWB, and PWB Scales were used for data collection. The results showed that participants' PWB score was positively and significantly difference with marital status, presence of children, and regular participation in social activities. It was concluded that pain severity was not significantly difference with PWB and SWB. However, there was a significant negative correlation between PWB score and total SWB score and its two sub-dimensions, transcendence and anomie. Results emphasize the necessity of supportive interventions to increase psychological and spiritual well-being of older adult individuals with RA.

Anonymity as a Moderator of the Relationship Between FoMO (Fear of Missing Out) and Psychological Well-Being

With the increasing use of technology, different psychological effects of social media emerge. These psychological effects can be negative as well as positive, and in general psychological well-being and different psychological variables related to social media can affect the daily life of individuals. Also, new constructs associated with social media, such as anonymity, have begun to show up as people seek protection of their identities online. This study aims to determine the moderating role of anonymity in the relationship between FoMO and psychological well-being. The sample of this study consisted of 232 participants (69.8% female) between the ages of 18-59. Two different scales were used in this study: Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Psychological Well-being. In addition, to measure anonymity, participants were asked a single question about whether they use anonymous accounts on social media. The analysis of the study found a positive and significant relationship between FoMO and anonymity as well as a negative and significant relationship between psychological well-being and anonymity. Moreover, the results indicated that anonymity moderated the relationship between FoMO and psychological well-being. That is, FoMO was negatively associated with psychological well-being for individuals with anonymous accounts, while there was no significant relationship between FoMO and psychological well-being for those without anonymous accounts. The limitations and contributions of the study were discussed in line with the relevant literature and suggestions for future research were presented.

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

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

Beyond polarization towards dynamic balance: harmony as the core of mental health

Worldviews are culturally derived assumptions that influence individual and collective behaviors, values, and representations of reality. The study of mental functions is not exempt from this influence, as reflected in scientific theories, methodological approaches, and empirical studies. Despite acknowledging the interplay of mental processes with developmental, environmental, and cultural dimensions, psychological research is still primarily based on quantitative methods, and on the conceptualization of mental phenomena as unfolding along polarized continua. A lively epistemological debate surrounds this approach, especially underscoring the risk of blurring the distinction between constructs derived from statistical models and real-life processes and experiences. Based on this debate and on recent empirical evidence derived from the positive psychology literature, this paper is aimed at proposing an integrated view of mental health, as a holistically patterned, contextually imbedded, and dynamic phenomenon changing over time and across life events, with harmony, harmonization and dynamic balance as core qualities. The heuristic potential of investigating the qualitative configuration patterns of mental health dimensions across individuals and groups, beyond their position along a quantitative continuum, is outlined. The development of more integrated approaches and methodologies to investigate mental health as a harmonization process, taking into account personal, contextual and developmental features, would be aligned with evidence derived from the integration of traditional nomothetic and ideographic approaches, and other life sciences. However, the development of a transdisciplinary line of research requires further inputs from different epistemological views, as well as higher attention to the potential contribution of different philosophical traditions.

The relationship among psychological distress, well-being and excessive social media use during the outbreak of Covid-19: A longitudinal investigation

INTRODUCTION

The corona pandemic has been a life event causing negative consequences on mental health. Mental health consists of positive and negative dimensions. The present longitudinal study investigated how positive and negative dimensions changed over 15 months after the Covid-19 outbreak. Potential changes of excessive social media use (SMU) and its relationship with mental health were also investigated.

METHOD

Data (N = 189) on distress (measured overall and as depression, anxiety, and stress), well-being and excessive SMU were collected at three time points (baseline, BL; 3-month follow-up, FU1; 15-month follow-up, FU2) via online surveys in Italy. Repeated analyses of variance were used to test differences among the three measurement time points. Mediational models were applied.

RESULTS

Distress did not change over time, well-being decreased and excessive SMU increased significantly. The relationship between distress at BL and excessive SMU at FU2 was significant (total effect, c: p < .001). The relationship between distress at BL and well-being at FU1 (a: p < .001), and between well-being at FU1and excessive SMU at FU2 (b: p = .004) was significant. Including FU1 well-being in the model, the relationship between distress at BL and excessive SMU at FU2 was not significant (direct effect, c': p = .078). The indirect effect (ab) was significant.

CONCLUSION

Well-being mediated the relationship between baseline stress and excessive SMU. Enhanced stress may reduce well-being which, in turn, increases the risk of excessive SMU. This emphasizes the urgency of programmes that foster well-being, especially during stressful events such as a pandemic.

Positive maternal mental health attenuates the associations between prenatal stress and children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms

Positive maternal mental health can improve perceptions of stressful situations and promote the use of adaptive coping strategies. However, few studies have examined how positive maternal mental health affects children's development. The aims of this study were to examine the associations between positive maternal mental health and children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and to ascertain whether positive maternal mental health moderated the associations between prenatal stress and children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms. This study is based on the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), and comprised 36,584 mother-child dyads. Prenatal stress was assessed using 41 self-reported items measured during pregnancy. Positive maternal mental health (self-efficacy, self-esteem, and enjoyment) was assessed by maternal report during pregnancy and postpartum. Child internalizing and externalizing symptoms were assessed by maternal report at age 5. Structural equation modeling was used for analysis. Maternal self-efficacy, self-esteem, and enjoyment were negatively associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms in males and females. The association between prenatal stress and internalizing symptoms in males was stronger at low than at high levels of maternal self-esteem and enjoyment, whereas for females, the association was stronger at low than at high levels of maternal self-esteem and self-efficacy. This study provides evidence of associations between positive maternal mental health and children's mental health, and suggests that higher positive maternal mental health may buffer against the impacts of prenatal stress. Positive maternal mental health may represent an important intervention target to improve maternal-child well-being and foster intergenerational resilience.

Important Correlates of Purpose in Life in a Diverse Population-Based Cohort: A Machine Learning Approach

BACKGROUND

Purpose-in-life (PiL) refers to the tendency to derive meaning and purpose from daily life experiences. Individuals with higher PiL were more likely to have better physical, mental, and cognitive health in prospective studies. Here, we aimed to identify important correlates of PiL among people of diverse backgrounds.

METHODS

Participants were recruited by the population-based Health and Retirement Study and provided information on 34 different sociodemographic and psychosocial factors through psychometrically validated measures. To identify important correlates of PiL, we employed regularized regression implemented by Elastic Net on the entire cohort as well as among self-identified black participants only and white participants only, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 6,620 participants were included in this study, among whom 913 were black and 5,707 were white. We identified 12 and 23 important sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates of PiL among black and white participants, respectively. Notably, all the 12 correlates in black participants were also correlates among white participants. Interestingly, when we examined both black and white participants together, being black was associated with having higher PiL. The correlates with the largest effect on PiL that were shared among black and white participants were hopelessness, perceived constraint on personal control, and self-mastery.

CONCLUSION

Several sociodemographic and psychosocial factors most strongly associated with PiL were shared among black and white participants. Future studies should investigate whether interventions targeting correlates of PiL can lead to higher sense of life purpose in participants of diverse backgrounds.

Well-Being and Aging-Related Decline in Financial and Health Literacy in Advanced Age

OBJECTIVES

Emerging evidence suggests that financial and health literacy deteriorates in advanced age. By contrast, well-being promotes health in aging. This study tested the hypothesis that well-being is associated with slower aging-related literacy decline.

METHODS

Participants were 1,099 community-based older adults without dementia at baseline. Financial and health literacy was assessed at baseline and annually thereafter via a 32-item measure. Well-being was assessed at baseline via the 18-item version of Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being.

RESULTS

During up to 12 years of annual follow-up, literacy declined about 1 percentage point per year on average (β = -0.91, standard error [SE] = 0.08, p < .001); however, there was considerable variation in change in literacy between participants (random slopes variance = 1.24, SE = 0.15, p < .001). In a linear mixed-effects model adjusted for age, sex, and education, higher well-being was associated with higher starting level of literacy (β = 2.31, SE = 0.67, p = .001) and, critically, slower literacy decline (β = 0.29, SE = 0.11, p = .01). The association of higher well-being with slower literacy decline persisted in models that additionally adjusted for income, medical conditions, depressive symptoms, and a robust measure of global cognition.

DISCUSSION

This study suggests that well-being helps stave off aging-related literacy decline.