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Trachtenberg E, Ruzal K, Forkosh O, Ben-Ami Bartal I. The effect of a prosocial environment on health and well-being during the first COVID-19 lockdown and a year later. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6565. [PMID: 38503824 PMCID: PMC10951249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56979-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The outset of the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by prolonged periods of chronic stress and social isolation. While studies have investigated the changes to well-being (WB) during this period, the impact of the social environment on long-term physical and mental health requires further study. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing WB and health outcomes, with the hypothesis that a positive social environment would play a significant immediate and long-term role in improving WB and preventing the effects of anxiety associated with the pandemic. At time point 1 (April 2020), an Israeli sample of 206 participants (84% female, mean age 31.5) responded to traditional questionnaires assessing mental health and social support. Factors affecting WB were assessed within subjects during the first COVID-19 lockdown for 6 weeks using a daily survey (Beiwe phone application). A year later, in May 2021, at time point 2, the initial questionnaires were readministered to a subset of the same participants (N = 94). We found that anxiety during the first lockdown adversely affected WB and predicted health and WB deterioration a year later. In contrast, a high quality of social relationships was associated with better short- and long-term WB, and mitigated the adverse effects of anxiety. Daily activities, including physical activity, meditation, and romantic relations, were also positively associated with WB during the first lockdown but did not have long-term effects. In summary, our study underscores the enduring health advantages of a positive social environment, particularly during stressful periods. These results have implications for health policymakers: programs which support individuals with high anxiety and low support, by integrating them into community-based interventions, promise to enhance well-being (WB) and health, as well as to fortify the community as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estherina Trachtenberg
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Keren Ruzal
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Oren Forkosh
- Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Animal Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Inbal Ben-Ami Bartal
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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2
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Buenconsejo JU, Fincham FD, Datu JAD. The perks of being grateful to partners: Expressing gratitude in relationships predicts relational self-efficacy and life satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2023; 15:1472-1489. [PMID: 37195635 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Being grateful to one's partner matters for a diverse range of interpersonal and individual well-being outcomes. However, there is little investigation on the psychological benefits of expressing gratitude to partners during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Using a short-term longitudinal design, this study of undergraduate students (Mage = 20.31; SDage = 1.81; n = 268) in the United States explores the link between expressing gratitude in romantic relationships, subsequent relationship self-efficacy, life satisfaction, psychological well-being, and the COVID-19 anxiety. Results demonstrated that expressing gratitude in relationships positively predicted subsequent relationship self-efficacy and life satisfaction even after controlling for age, gender, ethnic background, trait gratitude, and auto-regressor effects. These findings show that relational gratitude had incremental validity in predicting relational self-efficacy and subjective well-being above and beyond the effects of demographic factors and dispositional gratitude. This research emphasizes the psychological payoffs of cultivating gratitude in relational contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jet U Buenconsejo
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Frank D Fincham
- FSU Family Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Jesus Alfonso D Datu
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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3
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Read RK, Mason OJ, Jones CJ. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) exploring the impact of a photography intervention on wellbeing and posttraumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arts Health 2023; 15:275-291. [PMID: 35918101 DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2022.2107033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence points to rising levels of psychological distress resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need for self-administered, low-cost, and accessible interventions that facilitate wellbeing and growth. METHODS This study used a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design to investigate the effects of a two-week positivity-oriented photography intervention on wellbeing and posttraumatic growth in comparison to a control group. Participants were adults between the ages of 21 and 80 living in the UK recruited between May and August 2020 (n = 109). RESULTS After adjusting for baseline wellbeing, both wellbeing and PTG were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group following intervention completion, with this effect remaining similar at one-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The study offers preliminary evidence that a brief self-administered photography intervention could hold therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Read
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Oliver J Mason
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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4
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de Leeuw RNH, van Woudenberg TJ, Green KH, Sweijen SW, van de Groep S, Kleemans M, Tamboer SL, Crone EA, Buijzen M. Moral Beauty During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prosocial Behavior Among Adolescents and the Inspiring Role of the Media. COMMUNICATION RESEARCH 2023; 50:131-156. [PMID: 36874391 PMCID: PMC9922666 DOI: 10.1177/00936502221112804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we examined whether adolescents helped others during the COVID-19 pandemic and how stories in the media inspired them in doing so. Using an online daily diary design, 481 younger adolescents (M = 15.29, SD = 1.76) and 404 older adolescents (M = 21.48, SD = 1.91) were followed for 2 weeks. Findings from linear mixed effects models demonstrated that feelings of being moved by stories in the media were related to giving emotional support to family and friends, and to helping others, including strangers. Exposure to COVID-19 news and information was found to spark efforts to support and help as well and keeping physical distance in line with the advised protective behaviors against COVID-19. Moreover, helping others was related to increased happiness. Overall, the findings of this study highlight the potential role of the media in connecting people in times of crisis.
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Zhang F, Cheng ST. Benefit-finding buffers the effects of home confinement and centralized quarantine (HCCQ) on late midlife and older adults' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:489-495. [PMID: 35274581 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2048357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Older adults' well-being may suffer due to prolonged social isolation leading to loneliness and increased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aimed to address the role of benefit-finding, defined as the capacity to derive meaning and positive aspects from stressful situations, in late midlife and older adults' adaptation to the effects of home confinement and centralized quarantine (HCCQ).Methods: 421 participants aged 50 or above in mainland of China participated in an online survey to study the effects of HCCQ on loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression and life satisfaction, as well as the moderating role of benefit-finding.Results: Correlational analysis showed that a history of HCCQ was basically unrelated to any outcome. However, the effect actually varied by levels of benefit-finding. Among late midlife and older people with lower benefit-finding, those who had experienced HCCQ reported more loneliness, perceived stress, as well as more anxiety and depressive symptoms; no such relationships were found when benefit-finding was moderate or high.Conclusion: The findings extended our understanding of the role of benefit-finding in buffering the negative impact of adversity. By mitigating the effects of prolonged social isolation, benefit-finding served as a protective factor in late midlife and older people's adaptation to the sequelae of this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheung-Tak Cheng
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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6
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Ou J, Yun H, Zhang K, Du Y, He Y, Wang Y. Prepandemic relationship satisfaction is related to postpandemic COVID-19 anxiety: A four-wave study in China. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2023; 40:363-383. [PMID: 38603232 PMCID: PMC9047625 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221091993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting impacts on people's interpersonal relationship and mental health. Using four-wave data in China (N = 222, 54.50% female, Mage = 31.53, SD = 8.17), the current study examined whether prepandemic relationship satisfaction was related to postpandemic COVID-19 anxiety through midpandemic perceived social support and/or gratitude. The results showed that people's COVID-19 anxiety decreased from the peak to the trough stage of the pandemic; perceived social support increased markedly from prepandemic to the peak and remained stable subsequently, while relationship satisfaction remained unchanged throughout. Further, it was midpandemic perceived social support, not gratitude, that mediated the association between prepandemic relationship satisfaction and postpandemic COVID-19 anxiety, indicating that perceived social support played a crucial role in this process. Finally, it is suggested that perceived social support should be distinguished from gratitude as two different components of social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yinan Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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El Khoury-Malhame M, Rizk R, Joukayem E, Rechdan A, Sawma T. The psychological impact of COVID-19 in a socio-politically unstable environment: protective effects of sleep and gratitude in Lebanese adults. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:14. [PMID: 36658665 PMCID: PMC9851101 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01042-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 global pandemic initiated an unprecedented medico-psychological turmoil. Our study investigates the psychological impact of the viral spread and austere lockdown, and focuses mostly on potential protective factors in a politically and economically unstable society. METHODS A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate rates of mental distress in a sample of 348 Lebanese adults. Participants filled questionnaires of perceived stress (PSS), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), PTSD (IES-22), as well as sleep (PSQi) and gratitude (GQ-6) immediately after 3 months of strict quarantine. Demographics included gender, age, employment and infection statuses. Correlations and regression models were used. RESULTS Results indicated a very high prevalence of mental distress, in addition to major alterations in sleep quality and quantity. Younger age and unemployment correlated with more severe symptoms. Sleep was found to be a protective factor against all studied psychological distress, and gratitude further mitigated effects of depression. CONCLUSIONS Mental health significantly degrades post-COVID lockdown, even in the absence of direct viral threat. Yet simple behavioral and cognitive changes like sleep and attitude of gratitude could provide protective factors against these psychological distresses. Such changes should be further explored and advocated as cost-efficient self-care practices to buffer this devastating public health burden, especially in unstable socio-political environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam El Khoury-Malhame
- grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973Department of Social and Education Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rana Rizk
- grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon ,INSPECT-LB, (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Epidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Esperance Joukayem
- grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973Department of Social and Education Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alyssa Rechdan
- grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973Department of Social and Education Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Toni Sawma
- grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973Department of Social and Education Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Kurian RM, Thomas S. Gratitude as a path to human prosperity during adverse circumstances: a narrative review. BRITISH JOURNAL OF GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2022.2154314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shinto Thomas
- Department of Psychology, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, India
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9
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Xin Z. Perceived social support and college student engagement: moderating effects of a grateful disposition on the satisfaction of basic psychological needs as a mediator. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:298. [PMID: 36503628 PMCID: PMC9743595 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-01015-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has examined the role of support provided by the workplace in promoting employee engagement. This study aimed to extend this research to the academic environment by testing a proposed model of the relationship between perceived social support and student engagement and its underlying mechanisms, with the latter involving the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and a grateful disposition. METHODS A total of 622 Chinese college students were selected by convenience sampling. I adopted the Perceived Social Support Scale, Basic Needs Satisfaction in General Scale, Gratitude Questionnaire, and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-Student to collect their responses. The data were analyzed by using a moderated mediation model with SPSS and the Process 4.0 macro. RESULTS The results showed that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs played a mediating role in the association between perceived social support and student engagement, while a grateful disposition played a moderating role. The moderating mediation model further revealed that this effect was more robust for students with a higher grateful disposition than for those with a lower level. CONCLUSION Perceived social support can significantly and positively predict student engagement through the satisfaction of their basic psychological needs. Students with a high grateful disposition benefit more than those with a low grateful disposition from using social support, as well as can use the received social support fully in order to meet their psychological needs and promote academic engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyi Xin
- Faculty of Education, Shaanxi Xue Qian Normal University, No. 101 Shenhe 2nd Road, Changan District, Xi’an, 710100 China
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10
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Subjective Wellbeing and Its Associated Factors among University Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Northern Malaysia. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10061083. [PMID: 35742134 PMCID: PMC9222925 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lockdown implementation during COVID-19 pandemic has caused many negative impacts in various aspect of life, including in the academic world. Routine disruption to teaching and learning environment has raised concerns to the wellbeing of university staff and students. This study aimed to examine the subjective wellbeing of the university community in Northern Malaysia during lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic and the factors affecting it. An online cross-sectional survey involving 1148 university staff and students was conducted between March and April 2020. The research tools include the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) to assess subjective wellbeing and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress 21 (DASS-21) scale for psychological distress. While we found the subjective wellbeing score in our study population was stable at 7.67 (1.38), there was high prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress with 27.4%, 18.4%, and 11.5%, respectively. The students reported higher levels of psychological distress compared to staff. The PWI score was seen to be inversely affected by the depression and stress score with a reduction in the PWI score by 0.022 (95% CI −0.037 to −0.007) and 0.046 (95% CI −0.062 to −0.030) with every one-unit increment for each subscale, respectively. Those who perceived to have more difficulty due to the lockdown also reported low subjective wellbeing. Thus, it is crucial to ensure policies and preventative measures are in place to provide conducive teaching and learning environment. Additionally, the detrimental psychological effects especially among students should be addressed proactively.
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11
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Araki S. The Resilience Divide Among Older Adults Under Uncertainty: A Positive Sociological Study of Life Satisfaction During the COVID-19 Crisis. J Appl Gerontol 2022; 41:1792-1801. [PMID: 35471951 PMCID: PMC9047606 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221089284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
While recent research has detected older adults’ resilience during the global
pandemic, its unequal distribution is inadequately examined. Using the panel
survey data in Japan (N = 3,725), this positive sociological
study investigated who were more/less resilient under COVID-19, with attention
to the heterogeneity in life satisfaction (LS). It was first confirmed that
older adults’ LS had substantially improved during the pandemic, indicating
their resilience on average. However, the multinomial logistic regression and
the fixed effects model revealed that the shift in LS was associated with age,
gender, income, family/social relationships, and heath in a nuanced way. This
suggests, while older adults who have access to economic, social, and
health-related resources can maintain/enhance their LS under the global crisis,
those without such assets face the risk of being penalized. In these uncertain
times, it is therefore imperative to shed light on the resilience divide among
older adults alongside their average strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Araki
- Department of Sociology and Social Policy, 34743Lingnan University, Hong Kong
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12
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Sneed RS, Krendl AC. What factors are associated with psychological vulnerability & resiliency among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic? J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2022; 77:e1-e4. [PMID: 35137063 PMCID: PMC9122744 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbac027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rodlescia S Sneed
- Division of Public Health, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University
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13
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Emerging Adults’ Outlook on the Future in the Midst of COVID-19: The Role of Personality Profiles. JOURNAL OF ADULT DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10804-022-09395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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14
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Yu Z, Liu H, Ye B, Tang C, Huang D, Liu L. Life Satisfaction and Suicidal Ideation Among Chinese College Students During the Recurrent Outbreak of COVID-19: A Moderated Mediation Model. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:937511. [PMID: 35898633 PMCID: PMC9309380 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.937511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study examined a moderated mediation model between life satisfaction and suicidal ideation among Chinese college students during the recurrent outbreak of COVID-19. Seven hundred and ninety college students participated in the study and completed questionnaires on life satisfaction, suicidal ideation, depression, and gratitude. Findings indicated that (1) Depression played a partial mediating role between life satisfaction and suicidal ideation. Life satisfaction was not only directly affected suicidal ideation, but also indirectly affected suicidal ideation through the mediating effect of college students' depression; (2) Gratitude played a moderating role in the effect of life satisfaction on depression, and the link between life satisfaction and suicide ideation was only significant for those with higher gratitude. This study provides practical implications for the prevention of suicidal behavior among Chinese college students during the recurrent outbreak of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Yu
- Center of Mental Health Education and Research, School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Haidong Liu
- Center of Mental Health Education and Research, School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Baojuan Ye
- Center of Mental Health Education and Research, School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chunyan Tang
- Health Education and Counseling Center, Jiangxi Health Vocational College, Nanchang, China
| | - Dawu Huang
- Physical Education College, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Center of Mental Health Education and Research, School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
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15
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Kumar SA, Edwards ME, Grandgenett HM, Scherer LL, DiLillo D, Jaffe AE. Does Gratitude Promote Resilience During a Pandemic? An Examination of Mental Health and Positivity at the Onset of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2022; 23:3463-3483. [PMID: 35855779 PMCID: PMC9281297 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00554-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have emphasized the detrimental effects of COVID-19 on mental health, but less attention has been given to personal strengths promoting resilience during the pandemic. One strength might be gratitude, which supports wellbeing amidst adversity. A two-wave examination of 201 college students revealed anxiety symptom severity increased to a lesser extent from pre-COVID (January-March 2020) to onset-COVID (April 2020) among those who reported greater pre-COVID gratitude. A similar trend appeared for depression symptom severity. Gratitude was also correlated with less negative changes in outlook, greater positive changes in outlook, and endorsement of positive experiences resulting from COVID-19. Thematic analysis showed "strengthened interpersonal connections" and "more time" were the most commonly reported positive experiences. Overall findings suggest gratitude lessened mental health difficulties and fostered positivity at the onset of the pandemic, but more research is needed to determine whether gratitude and other strengths promote resilience as COVID-19 continues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaina A. Kumar
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE USA
| | - Madison E. Edwards
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE USA
| | | | - Lisa L. Scherer
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, NE USA
| | - David DiLillo
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE USA
| | - Anna E. Jaffe
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE USA
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16
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Fekete EM, Deichert NT. A Brief Gratitude Writing Intervention Decreased Stress and Negative Affect During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2022; 23:2427-2448. [PMID: 35228834 PMCID: PMC8867461 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00505-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Exploring ways to mitigate the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic is important for long-term health. Expressive and gratitude-focused writing are effective methods to help individuals process traumatic or stressful events. Gratitude-focused writing may yield additional benefits because it helps individuals appraise events positively. We hypothesized that an online gratitude writing intervention would yield greater benefits than an expressive writing intervention or control group. Participants were randomized to one of three groups and completed assessments one-week and one-month post-intervention. The gratitude writing group maintained gratitude levels and decreased stress and negative affect at one-month post-intervention. The expressive writing group decreased in gratitude and showed no changes in stress or negative affect at one-month post-intervention. The control group decreased in gratitude and negative affect and showed no changes in stress at one-month post-intervention. Gratitude writing may be a better resource for dealing with stress and negative affect than traditional expressive writing methods under extremely stressful situations with uncertain trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. Fekete
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46227 USA
| | - Nathan T. Deichert
- Department of Psychology, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, 57799 USA
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Maheux AJ, Nesi J, Galla BM, Roberts SR, Choukas‐Bradley S. #Grateful: Longitudinal Associations Between Adolescents' Social Media Use and Gratitude During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2021; 31:734-747. [PMID: 34448294 PMCID: PMC8456851 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some ways of using social media-such as directly communicating with friends-may have helped adolescents thrive. We examined longitudinal associations between high school adolescents' social media use and gratitude across a 15-month period before and during the pandemic (n = 704, Mage = 15.10; 52% girls). The trajectories of gratitude and the importance of social media for meaningful conversations with friends-but not frequency of social media use-were positively associated over time. At the within-person level, gratitude predicted increased importance of social media for meaningful conversations, but not vice-versa. Findings suggest that gratitude may be associated with and may motivate using social media to foster social connection, but may not increase overall social media use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacqueline Nesi
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- Rhode Island Hospital
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Bernabe-Valero G, Blasco-Magraner JS, Aguilar-Moya R, Moret-Tatay C. The Moderation Effects of Comparative Thinking Between Gratitude and Negative Affect During the COVID-19 Outbreak. Front Psychol 2021; 12:644323. [PMID: 34497551 PMCID: PMC8419257 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.644323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this research was to examine the moderation effects of comparative thinking (CT) across the relationship between gratitude and affect during the COVID-19 outbreak. To this purpose, multiple regression as well as moderation analyses were carried out. Age and sex were also addressed as variables of interest as described in previous literature. A sample of 306 north Americans was recruited by crowdsourcing platform ProA to obtain a representative sample based on age and gender. The participants filled in a questionnaire based on comparative thinking in relation to the emotional experience experienced before and during the COVID-19 outbreak, positive and negative affect schedule for positive and negative affect, as well as Gratitude Questionnaire - Six Items Form scores for gratitude. The main results of the current study related to the COVID-19 outbreak can be listed as follows: (i) no differences between CT groups in the gratitude trait, but differences in positive and negative affect did occur; (ii) regression models that included age, gratitude, and affect variables predicted negative and positive affects but gender did not reach the statistical level; (iii) two moderation models predicted affect from gratitude, with the CT variable moderating this effect; this moderation effect was also statistically significant in predicting negative affect but it was not statistically significant in predicting positive affect. These results might be of interest for training programs in applied levels and theoretical models of gratitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Bernabe-Valero
- MEB Lab (Mind, Emotion, and Behavior Research Laboratory), Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Remedios Aguilar-Moya
- Facultad de Magisterio y Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Moret-Tatay
- MEB Lab (Mind, Emotion, and Behavior Research Laboratory), Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze Salute Mentale e Organi di Senso (NESMOS), Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
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19
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Do People Become More or Less Materialistic during Disasters? The Mediating Roles of Mortality Salience and Gratitude. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168566. [PMID: 34444313 PMCID: PMC8392249 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Studies have yielded inconclusive findings regarding the relationship between disaster experience and materialism. Whereas some have found a positive relationship, others have reported a negative relationship. To clarify the mechanisms underlying these mixed findings, we proposed and examined two mechanisms, namely mortality salience and gratitude. A total of 214 participants (Mage = 42.05 years, SD = 16.49 years) were randomly assigned into either an experimental condition to experience a disaster or a control condition. Participants in the experimental condition reported a lower level of materialism than the scores of their counterparts in the control condition. Such effects were mediated by both mortality salience and gratitude. Participants in the experimental condition reported higher levels of both mortality salience and gratitude simultaneously. Mortality salience strengthened materialism, but gratitude weakened materialism. These findings highlighted the duel-existing mechanisms underlying the relationship between disaster experience and materialism.
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20
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Irani E, Niyomyart A, Hickman RL. Family Caregivers' Experiences and Changes in Caregiving Tasks During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clin Nurs Res 2021; 30:1088-1097. [PMID: 33998836 PMCID: PMC8366190 DOI: 10.1177/10547738211014211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe family caregivers’ experiences and changes in caregiving tasks and approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using web-based strategies, 69 family caregivers of adults with chronic or disabling conditions were recruited and completed an online survey about positive and negative caregiving experiences, and ways in which caregiving has changed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (structured questions) and conventional content analysis (open-ended responses). Participants reported concerns about their loved one’s physical and mental health, the limited access to other caregiving sources, and the limited opportunities to maintain personal well-being. Caregiving tasks completed more than usual included providing emotional support, shopping for groceries and essentials, and contacting healthcare providers. Participants modified their caregiving approach by assuming added responsibilities, leveraging technology, and managing a new caregiving routine. Findings indicate that family caregivers experienced additional caregiving challenges and changed caregiving tasks considering the limited resources available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliane Irani
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Atsadaporn Niyomyart
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ronald L Hickman
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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21
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Jiang D, Chiu MM, Liu S. Daily Positive Support and Perceived Stress During COVID-19 Outbreak: The Role of Daily Gratitude Within Couples. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2021; 23:65-79. [PMID: 33897277 PMCID: PMC8053415 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-021-00387-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has induced stress and anxiety. According to past studies, positive support within married couples reduces stress during diseases and disasters, but their mechanisms are unclear. To address this gap and help individuals better cope with COVID-19-related psychological distress, this study examined the relationships among daily positive support, daily gratitude, and daily stress within married couples. In this 14-day daily diary study, 54 heterosexually married couples (N = 108) aged 28 to 71 years participated. After reporting their demographic information at the start of the study, they reported their perceived positive support from their partner, daily stress, and feelings of gratitude at the end of each day of the study for 14 consecutive days. Using a multivariate outcome, multilevel cross-classification, we found that daily positive support was negatively associated with daily stress, mediated by daily feelings of gratitude. On a day when a person reported more perceived positive support than others, this person also reported a higher level of feelings of gratitude and a lower level of stress, regardless of age. We found only an actor effect, no partner effect. These findings show how greater daily positive support is linked to greater daily feelings of gratitude, which in turn is linked to less daily stress during an emergent public health crisis. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10902-021-00387-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Jiang
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, 10 Lo Ping Rd, Tai Po, Hong Kong China
| | - Ming Ming Chiu
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, 10 Lo Ping Rd, Tai Po, Hong Kong China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, 10 Lo Ping Rd, Tai Po, Hong Kong China
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22
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Bernabe-Valero G, Melero-Fuentes D, De Lima Argimon II, Gerbino M. Individual Differences Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Age, Gender, Personality, and Positive Psychology. Front Psychol 2021; 12:644286. [PMID: 33815230 PMCID: PMC8012731 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.644286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on individual differences in facing the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be crucial in order to design diverse and highly effective intervention strategies. This study uses a sample of 302 North American participants who were recruited through the crowdsourcing platform ProA; different profiles were established, profiling variables of interest in facing the COVID-19 outbreak. Socio-demographic and psychological (personality traits, gratitude, life purpose, and religiosity) variables were explored. These results are of interest if we want to deepen the study of individual differences at both a theoretical and applied level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Bernabe-Valero
- Mind, Emotion and Behavior Laboratory (MEB Lab), Faculty of Psychology, Catholic University of Valencia Saint Vincent Martyr, Valencia, Spain
| | - David Melero-Fuentes
- Information Science and Technology Group, Faculty of Psychology, Catholic University of Valencia Saint Vincent Martyr, Valencia, Spain
| | - Irani I. De Lima Argimon
- Postgraduate Program in Psychology, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Gerbino
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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