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Laure T, Boffo M, Engels RC, Remmerswaal D. Effectiveness and uptake of a transdiagnostic emotion regulation mobile intervention among university students: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Internet Interv 2024; 37:100750. [PMID: 38827123 PMCID: PMC11141155 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2024.100750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Going to university is a major life event, which can be stressful and negatively affect mental health. However, it also presents an opportunity to establish a foundation for positive life trajectories. To support university students, a mobile transdiagnostic emotion regulation (ER) intervention has been developed, offering both broad-based (universal) and targeted (indicated) preventative support. ER, a transdiagnostic factor underlying various mental health problems, is a critical intervention target in students, a demographic particularly susceptible to mental health issues. Cultivating ER can help manage immediate stressors and foster long-term wellbeing. This paper describes the study protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness and uptake of such mobile transdiagnostic ER intervention. Method The superiority parallel-group RCT involves 250 participants randomized to either the intervention condition (i.e., full access to the mobile intervention, (n = 125) or to a waitlist control condition (n = 125). Primary outcomes include ER skills and stress symptoms. Secondary outcomes include mental health parameters (anxiety, depression, resilience) and intervention uptake (i.e., objective engagement, subjective engagement, ER skills application in real life). Outcomes are assessed at baseline, week 3, 8 and 12, with continuous log-data collection for user engagement. Discussion This study evaluates the effectiveness and uptake of a transdiagnostic ER mobile intervention for the student population addressing their ER developmental needs. If successful, the results will validate our approach to intervention development and whether focusing on learning transfer (i.e., application of the learnt skills in real-life) and personalization using a recommendation system, can boost the real-world application of skills and intervention impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tajda Laure
- Department of Psychology, Child Studies, and Education, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marilisa Boffo
- Department of Psychology, Child Studies, and Education, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rutger C.M.E. Engels
- Department of Psychology, Child Studies, and Education, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Danielle Remmerswaal
- Department of Psychology, Child Studies, and Education, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Martin B, Peck B, Terry D. Yoga as a Contemplative Practice and Its Contribution to Participatory Self-Knowledge and Student Retention: A Scoping Review of the First-Year Undergraduate Student Transition. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:884. [PMID: 39063461 PMCID: PMC11276742 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contemplative pedagogy, specifically yoga, introduced into the higher education curriculum has the potential to develop and entrain intellectual, emotional, and social development in relation to mental health among university students studying for medical and nursing degrees. The objective of the study is to determine the extent of the current literature on the prevalence of yoga as a contemplative practice that contributes to student well-being and self-knowledge in the first-year transition from high school to university. METHODS As part of the scoping review, CINAHL, EBSCO, Medline, Emerald, Eric, and PsycINFO were searched to identify the prevalence and connection of mind-body courses to student well-being between 2011 and 2022. Screening and selection of studies were based on eligibility criteria and methodological quality assessment. Colaizzi's method of data analysis enabled the phenomena of interest to be examined and follows the PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. RESULTS Seventeen studies were included with two themes emerging, which include physical practices and training and barriers to success. CONCLUSION Yoga is a practice that supports undergraduate students in managing their stressful lives. Due to the experiential nature of yoga the participatory reflective processes established within the physicality of the students provided a framework to cope with the stress and challenges of higher education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Martin
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, 1 University Way, Mt. Helen, VIC 3350, Australia; (B.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Blake Peck
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, 1 University Way, Mt. Helen, VIC 3350, Australia; (B.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Daniel Terry
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southern Queensland, 11 Salisbury Rd, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, 11 Salisbury Rd, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
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Zhou H, Zhu Z, Feng X, Zhang R. Low mindfulness is related to poor sleep quality from middle adolescents to emerging adults: a process model involving resilience and emotional dysfunction. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:626. [PMID: 37641001 PMCID: PMC10463593 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05092-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transitions from middle adolescence into merging adulthood, a life stage between age 15-25, has a high prevalence of sleep problems. Mindfulness is a trait defined as being attentive to the present moment which positively relates to sleep quality. In this study, we aimed to investigate how resilience and emotional dysfunction may influence the relationship between trait mindfulness and sleep quality. METHODS The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales were used to measure the key variables through an online survey of 497 participants between middle adolescence and emerging adults (317 females, mean age 18.27 ± 0.76 years). A process model was built to investigate the mediating roles of resilience and emotional dysfunction in the impact of trait mindfulness on sleep quality, together with the relationships between their specific components. RESULTS We found a positive association between mindfulness and sleep quality through resilience and through emotional dysfunction, and through the sequential pathway from resilience to emotional dysfunction. Of note, acting with awareness (mindfulness facet) showed significant indirect effects on sleep quality, mediated by resilience and emotional dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Our findings may unveil the underlying mechanisms of how low mindfulness induces poor sleep quality. The findings indicate that conceiving mindfulness as a multifaceted construct facilitates comprehension of its components, relationships with other variables, and underscores its potential clinical significance given its critical implications for mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiyuan Zhou
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqing Zhu
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangang Feng
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ruibin Zhang
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Tsegay SM, Wheeler L, Kirkman P, Pratt-Adams S. Teacher Perspectives on Primary-Secondary School Transition Projects During the COVID-19 Pandemic. SAGE OPEN 2023; 13:21582440231181382. [PMID: 37362766 PMCID: PMC10285136 DOI: 10.1177/21582440231181382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Opportunity areas are primarily selected to improve the social mobility of citizens using education. This paper explores teachers' perspectives on school transitions, particularly emphasizing the role of school transition intervention activities in supporting students' resilience, behavior, academic understanding, and positive parental involvement. Informed by Multiple and Multi-dimensional Transitions (MMT) theory, the paper focuses on the outcomes of school transition intervention activities applied to new Year 7 students in a UK opportunity area. Data was collected through document review, teacher survey, and semi-structured interviews. As a result, 14 interventions were identified, such as a summer school program, peer mentoring, and interschool visits, aiming to make primary to secondary school transition smoother. However, the findings suggested that many schools did not employ some of the school transition intervention projects. Moreover, the data indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the implementation of many of the school transition projects. The paper contributes to understanding the impact of school transition projects on students' confidence, wellbeing, and academic achievement.
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Aghamohammadi F, Saed O, Ahmadi R, Kharaghani R. The effectiveness of adapted group mindfulness-based stress management program on perceived stress and emotion regulation in midwives: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:123. [PMID: 35562792 PMCID: PMC9103483 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00823-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Midwives' stress can have negative consequences on their emotional state, burnout, and poor quality of midwifery care. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an adapted mindfulness-based stress management program on perceived stress and the emotional regulation of midwives. Methods The study was a parallel randomized clinical trial on the midwives working in general hospitals of Zanjan, Iran. In this study, 121 midwives registered to participate based on the census sampling method were screened using a cut point of ≥ 28 in the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). From the initial sample, 42 subjects had inclusion criteria assigned to two groups of control (n = 21) and intervention (n = 21) using online random allocation. The intervention group received an 8-week adapted mindfulness-based stress management program. This program emanates from the Kabat-Zinn's MBSR program, which has been adjusted according to the Iranian culture. The ANCOVA and repeated measure analysis of variance test were used to compare groups over time. Results The results showed that the group intervention effectively affected perceived stress (P = 0.001) and difficulty in emotion regulation during the post-intervention period (P = 0.001). Moreover, the interventions were effective in emotion regulation (P = 0.003), but it was not effective on perceived stress (P = 0.125) at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusions This adapted mindfulness-based program successfully reduced stress and increased emotion regulation strategies in midwives; however, the long-term outcomes of this treatment program need further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Aghamohammadi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Omid Saed
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Reza Ahmadi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Roghieh Kharaghani
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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Serhatoğlu S, Koydemir S, Schütz A. When Mindfulness Becomes a Mental Health Risk: The Relevance of Emotion Regulation Difficulties and Need Frustration. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 156:310-329. [PMID: 35303415 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2022.2048777] [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: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although a great deal of research has shown the positive effects of mindfulness on mental health, some studies have provided evidence that mindfulness can have negative consequences. However, not much is known about the conditions that can account for such negative effects. We examined the moderating roles of difficulties in emotion regulation and basic psychological need frustration in the relationship between mindfulness and psychological ill-being. Longitudinal data were collected at three points in time during a 6-month period from two adult samples in Turkey and Germany. Self-report measures were used to measure ill-being, mindfulness, emotion regulation difficulties, and need frustration. In the German sample, difficulties in emotion regulation and need frustration were related to ill-being, but there were no significant interactions. In the Turkish sample, need frustration predicted ill-being, and the interaction between mindfulness and difficulties in emotion regulation also predicted ill-being. Mindfulness was a protective factor among people with no major difficulties in emotion regulation, whereas it was a risk factor among those with emotion regulation difficulties. The findings suggest that the relationship between mindfulness and ill-being may be more complex than previously thought.
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Howard AL, Carnrite KD, Barker ET. First-Year University Students' Mental Health Trajectories Were Disrupted at the Onset of COVID-19, but Disruptions Were Not Linked to Housing and Financial Vulnerabilities: A Registered Report. EMERGING ADULTHOOD (PRINT) 2022; 10:264-281. [PMID: 35103117 PMCID: PMC8796160 DOI: 10.1177/21676968211053523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This study modeled disruptions in first-year undergraduates' trajectories of mental health associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, testing whether disruptions were worse for students who moved residences, reported low family income, or were food insecure. Participants (n = 510) at a large Canadian university reported depression, anxiety, and stress in September, November, January, and March. In March 2020, in tandem with COVID-related campus closures, students also reported for each mental health measure whether their responses were influenced by personal experiences surrounding the pandemic. As hypothesized, students who reported feeling more COVID-related disruption reported poorer mental health in March. Contrary to hypotheses, mental health disruptions were not more pronounced for students who moved, had low income, or were food insecure. Survey administration at an early stage of COVID-19 combined with supports afforded by moving in with parents and near-universal government income assistance may have mitigated the incremental distress we hypothesized for vulnerable students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Howard
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Erin T Barker
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Zhao FF. The association of loneliness, mindfulness, and optimism with self-directed learning among nursing students in China: A cross-sectional study. J Prof Nurs 2022; 38:65-73. [PMID: 35042592 DOI: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful adaption to the increasing demands of the healthcare system involves self-directed learning (SDL) approach, which contributes to professional values and academic and clinical performance. Although many factors are related to SDL, research examining the association between internal factors such as loneliness, mindfulness and optimism with self-directed learning is limited. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the association between loneliness, mindfulness, and optimism with self-directed learning. METHODS A cross-sectional design was conducted, and study participants included 568 nursing students from higher education institutes in North, East and South China from May 2020 to October 2020. Data collection instruments included socio-demographics, the self-directed learning scale, the loneliness scale, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and the Life Orientation Test. Hierarchical multiple regression and moderation analyses were used to analyze the data. RESULTS Findings indicated that loneliness was negatively related to SDL, whereas mindfulness and optimism showed a positive relationship to SDL. Optimism did not significantly moderate the relationship between loneliness and SDL, and between optimism and self-directed learning. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that incorporating training programs for reducing loneliness and improving mindfulness and optimism into curricular and extracurricular activities on campuses may help increase SDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fang Zhao
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nantong University, China.
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Tian J, Zhang M, Zhou H, Wu J. College Satisfaction, Sense of Achievement, Student Happiness and Sense of Belonging of Freshmen in Chinese Private Colleges: Mediation Effect of Emotion Regulation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11736. [PMID: 34831492 PMCID: PMC8620960 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Sense of belonging constitutes a critical component of college students' retention and academic achievement, especially in disadvantaged higher education institutions such as private colleges in China. Using nationwide survey data (n = 3816) from Chinese private colleges, this study explores how college satisfaction, sense of achievement, and student happiness contribute to freshmen' sense of belonging. Structural equation modeling analyses have identified the significant positive associations between freshmen's emotion regulation and sense of belonging. In particular, emotion regulation plays a mediating role in the relations between college satisfaction, sense of achievement, student happiness, and the sense of belonging. Therefore, private colleges should design and implement orientation programs to improve freshmen's learning experience, especially college satisfaction and student happiness, to enhance their sense of belonging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tian
- Zhejiang Academy of Higher Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China;
| | - Mohan Zhang
- Jing Hengyi School of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (M.Z.); (J.W.)
| | - Haitao Zhou
- Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jianfen Wu
- Jing Hengyi School of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (M.Z.); (J.W.)
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Graves BS, Hall ME, Dias-Karch C, Haischer MH, Apter C. Gender differences in perceived stress and coping among college students. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255634. [PMID: 34383790 PMCID: PMC8360537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many college students register each semester for courses, leading to productive careers and fulfilled lives. During this time, the students have to manage many stressors stemming from academic, personal, and, sometimes, work lives. Students, who lack appropriate stress management skills, may find it difficult to balance these responsibilities. Objectives This study examined stress, coping mechanisms, and gender differences in undergraduate students towards the end of the semester. Design and method University students (n = 448) enrolled in three different undergraduate exercise science courses were assessed. Two instruments, the Perceived Stress Scale and Brief Cope, were administered during the twelfth week of the semester, four weeks prior to final exams. T-tests were used to detect gender differences for the stress levels and coping strategies. Results Overall, females indicated higher levels of stress than their male counterparts. Gender differences were evident in both coping dimensions and individual coping strategies used. Females were found to utilize the emotion-focused coping dimension and endorsed the use of four coping strategies more often than males. These included self-distraction, emotional support, instrumental support, and venting. Conclusions This research adds to the existing literature by illuminating the level of perceived stress and different coping strategies used by undergraduate female and male students. In turn, students may need educational interventions to develop effective and healthy coping strategies to last a lifetime. Faculty and other university officials may want to highlight and understand these various factors to protect the students’ wellbeing in their classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Sue Graves
- Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion Department, College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Michael E. Hall
- Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion Department, College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Dias-Karch
- Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion Department, College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Michael H. Haischer
- Athletic and Human Performance Research Center, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Program in Exercise Science–Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Christine Apter
- Campus Recreation Department, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
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Park CL, Finkelstein-Fox L, Russell BS, Fendrich M, Hutchison M, Becker J. Psychological resilience early in the COVID-19 pandemic: Stressors, resources, and coping strategies in a national sample of Americans. AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2021; 76:715-728. [PMID: 34081505 DOI: 10.1037/amp000813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Spreading rapidly across the United States beginning in the spring of 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic radically disrupted Americans' lives. Previous studies of community-wide disasters suggested people are fairly resilient and identified resources and strategies that promote that resilience. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic is in some ways unique, with high levels of uncertainty, evolving implications and restrictions, and varied and uneven impacts. How resilient were Americans as the pandemic progressed? What psychosocial resources and coping strategies facilitated adjustment as the country moved into a summer of uneven reopenings and reclosures? Data from a national sample of 674 Americans were gathered at the height of early lockdowns and peaking infections in mid-April, 2020, and again, 5 and 10 weeks later. The study aimed to determine levels and sources of distress and to identify the resources and coping efforts that promoted or impeded resilience. Early levels of distress diminished to some extent over subsequent months while levels of wellbeing were comparable with usual norms, suggesting a largely resilient response. COVID-19-related stress exposure also decreased gradually over time. Older age, higher levels of mindfulness and social support, and meaning focused coping predicted better adjustment, reflecting resilience, while avoidance coping was particularly unhelpful. In models predicting change over time, approach-oriented coping (i.e., active coping, meaning-focused coping, and seeking social support) was minimally predictive of subsequent adjustment. Given the unique and ongoing circumstances presented by COVID-19, specific interventions targeting psychosocial resources and coping identified here may help to promote resilience as the pandemic continues to unfold. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Park CL, Finkelstein-Fox L, Russell BS, Fendrich M, Hutchison M, Becker J. Americans' distress early in the COVID-19 pandemic: Protective resources and coping strategies. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA : THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY 2021; 13:422-431. [PMID: 33507795 PMCID: PMC8448577 DOI: 10.1037/tra0000931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The rapid emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States has dramatically altered daily life and taken a toll on Americans' physical, mental, social, and financial well-being. Based on previous widespread disasters, future high prevalence of short- and long-term adverse mental health consequences are anticipated. Studies of COVID-19 outside the United States indicated moderately high levels of distress, but we have little information regarding Americans' distress nor the factors associated with relative distress or adjustment during this unprecedented time. This study represents the first national view of Americans' distress during the massive disruption of COVID-19 and identifies levels of stress exposure, protective psychosocial resources, and coping strategies. METHOD Data were collected April 7-9, 2020 from an online platform, using best practices for ensuring high-quality data; 1,015 completed respondents are included ([53.9%] women; average age = 38.9 years; mostly White [82.4%] and non-Hispanic [91.5%]). Respondents' locations ranged across the United States, from 18.5% in the Northeast to 37.8% in the South. RESULTS Fairly high levels of stress exposure and peritraumatic and general distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) were reported. Emotion regulation skills along with active and distraction coping emerged as the strongest predictors of lower distress levels. CONCLUSIONS These results identify potential targets for online mental health interventions-focusing on engaging in adaptive emotion regulation and coping (e.g., through telehealth mental health first aid)-during the pandemic to offset the likely rise in distress over the months ahead. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal L. Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut
| | | | - Beth S. Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut
| | | | - Morica Hutchison
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut
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Dubey N, Podder P, Pandey D. Knowledge of COVID-19 and Its Influence on Mindfulness, Cognitive Emotion Regulation and Psychological Flexibility in the Indian Community. Front Psychol 2020; 11:589365. [PMID: 33281687 PMCID: PMC7689361 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.589365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The current global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has brought about an immense effect on the mental health of the general public. Considering the escalation in number of cases, mankind is facing a myriad of psychological problems, ranging from those related to taking precautions and maintaining safety to the ones caused by separation and bereavement. The current study aims to explore whether there is a significant difference between individuals with excellent, good, fair and vague knowledge of COVID-19 with respect to depression, anxiety, stress, level of mindfulness, specific cognitive emotion regulation strategies and psychological flexibility; to find out whether there is any significant relationship among these variables; and to determine whether knowledge of COVID-19, level of mindfulness, specific cognitive emotion regulation strategies and psychological flexibility are significant predictors of depression, anxiety and stress in the sample of the current study. The sample consisted of 402 individuals selected from the community following the research criteria. Data was collected using digital consent form, information schedule and questionnaires, from 3rd May to 13th May, 2020. The questionnaires consisted of a semi-structured interview schedule to assess knowledge of COVID-19, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Short version and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II. The data was statistically analyzed using analysis of variance test, correlational analysis and linear regression. The findings show that significant differences were present among individuals having varying degrees of knowledge of COVID-19 with respect to anxiety, level of mindfulness and psychological flexibility. Significant relationships were found to be present among the variables of the present study, having differing trends brought forward by the COVID-19 crisis. Certain socio-demographic characteristics and study variables were found to significantly predict the existing levels of depression, anxiety and stress in the current sample. The study suggests the necessity to formulate and implement appropriate mindfulness-based therapeutic interventions to address the mental health concerns arising as a result of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Dubey
- Department of Applied Psychology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
- Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, India
| | - Priyanka Podder
- Department of Psychology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
- Mental Health Foundation, Kolkata, India
| | - Dinkar Pandey
- Department of Computer Science and Technology (CST), IIEST Shibpur, Howrah, India
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Cozzolino M, Vivo DR, Girelli L, Limone P, Celia G. The Evaluation of a Mind-Body Intervention (MBT-T) for Stress Reduction in Academic Settings: A Pilot Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2020; 10:bs10080124. [PMID: 32751650 PMCID: PMC7464367 DOI: 10.3390/bs10080124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is aimed at evaluating the outcomes of mind-body transformation therapy (MBT-T), previously known as the creative psychosocial genomic healing experience© (CPGHE). The intervention was aimed at reducing the perceived level of stress in two non-clinical groups of students with different educational levels and different expertise in the domain of well-being. Whereas participants from the first group were first-year university students, participants from the second group were students attending a post-graduate program in psychotherapy. All participants (n = 159) were exposed to a single session of MBT-T, each group in a separate session. The results of two paired-samples t-tests, conducted separately on the two samples, showed that there was a statistically significant reduction in the participants' perceived level of stress between pre- and post-intervention states in both samples (t88 = 5.39, p < 0.001; t53 = 4.56, p < 0.001 respectively). The results, therefore, showed that a single session of MBT-T was beneficial in reducing the perceived level of stress in both first-year university students and students attending a post-graduate program in psychotherapy, regardless of educational level and expertise in the domain of well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Cozzolino
- Department of Humanities, Philosophy and Education, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (D.R.V.); (L.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-339-685-7115
| | - Deborah R. Vivo
- Department of Humanities, Philosophy and Education, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (D.R.V.); (L.G.)
| | - Laura Girelli
- Department of Humanities, Philosophy and Education, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (D.R.V.); (L.G.)
| | - Pierpaolo Limone
- Department of Humanities, Literature, Cultural Heritage, Education Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (P.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Giovanna Celia
- Department of Humanities, Literature, Cultural Heritage, Education Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (P.L.); (G.C.)
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15
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Johnstone JM, Ribbers A, Jenkins D, Atchley R, Gustafsson H, Nigg JT, Wahbeh H, Oken B. Classroom-Based Mindfulness Training Reduces Anxiety in Adolescents: Acceptability and Effectiveness of a Cluster-Randomized Pilot Study. JOURNAL OF RESTORATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 10:10.14200/jrm.2020.0101. [PMID: 33365203 PMCID: PMC7755132 DOI: 10.14200/jrm.2020.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many high school students experience a high degree of anxiety and perceived stress. This study examined whether a classroom-based mindfulness program or a wellness program were acceptable and effective as anxiety and stress reduction interventions based on students' self-reports. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Thirteen health education classes (n=285 students, aged 14-16 years) were randomized by classroom to one of three conditions: mindfulness, wellness, or usual health class only (passive control/ waitlist), for 8 weeks. OUTCOMES Pre- and post-intervention scores compared self-reported measures of depression, anxiety and stress. RESULTS Complete data were available from nine classes (n=202 students). Post-intervention anxiety scores were reduced in students who received the mindfulness intervention compared to those who received only their usual health class (β=-0.07, SE=0.03, P≤0.001; 95% CI=-0.12, -0.02). No significant between group differences were found for depression or stress (P>0.4). Students' satisfaction with the mindfulness intervention they received withstood baseline credibility and expectancy effects: r=0.21, n=67, P=0.17 for credibility; r=-0.001, n=67, P=0.99 for expectancy. However, students' satisfaction with the wellness intervention they received was positively correlated with their pre-intervention expectations, r=0.42, n=47, P>0.001. Fifty-two percent of the 68 students assigned to mindfulness (n=35) used the iPad app for mindfulness home practice at least once; of those, 10% used it 10 or more times. CONCLUSION Eight weeks of classroom-based mindfulness, with limited home practice, reduced self-reported anxiety compared to usual health class, and withstood baseline expectancy effects in this group of high school students, a majority who come from high income families. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS School- or community-based mindfulness may be an appropriate recommendation for adolescents who experience anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette M. Johnstone
- National University of Natural Medicine, Helfgott Research Institute, 2220 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Amanda Ribbers
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - David Jenkins
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Rachel Atchley
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Hanna Gustafsson
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Joel T. Nigg
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Helané Wahbeh
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Barry Oken
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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16
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Cozzolino M, Girelli L, Vivo DR, Limone P, Celia G. A mind-body intervention for stress reduction as an adjunct to an information session on stress management in university students. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01651. [PMID: 32383355 PMCID: PMC7303398 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study describes the implementation of a mind-body intervention to reduce the perceived level of stress in a nonclinical group of university students. We used a novel approach including a single session of a mind-body technique known as the brain wave modulation (BWM) as an adjunct to a single information session on stress management. METHODS Three hundred and six students participated in the study. A quasi-experimental design was adopted: Students in the experimental group were exposed to an information session on stress management followed by a single session of the BWM, while the other students were exposed to the information session alone. RESULTS A 2 × 2 mixed factor analysis of variance demonstrated that the single session of the BWM was effective in reducing the perceived level of stress in the experimental group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION The BWM is a very easy-to-learn technique that presents certain advantages over traditional mind-body methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Cozzolino
- Department of Humanities, Philosophy and Education, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Laura Girelli
- Department of Humanities, Philosophy and Education, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Deborah R Vivo
- Department of Humanities, Philosophy and Education, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Limone
- Department of Humanities, Literature, Cultural Heritage, Education Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Celia
- Department of Humanities, Literature, Cultural Heritage, Education Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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