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Saboor S, Medina A, Marciano L. Application of Positive Psychology in Digital Interventions for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e56045. [PMID: 39141906 DOI: 10.2196/56045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rising prevalence of mental health issues in children, adolescents, and young adults has become an escalating public health issue, impacting approximately 10%-20% of young people on a global scale. Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) can act as powerful mental health promotion tools to reach wide-ranging audiences that might otherwise be challenging to access. This increased access would enable prevention of mental disorders and promotion of widespread well-being by enhancing self-efficacy, thereby supporting the achievement of tangible objectives. OBJECTIVE We aimed to conduct a comprehensive synthesis of all randomized controlled trials and controlled trials involving children, adolescents, and young adults, encompassing both clinical and nonclinical populations, to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of digital PPIs in this age group. METHODS After a literature search in 9 electronic databases until January 12, 2023, and gray literature until April 2023, we carried out a systematic review of 35 articles, of which 18 (51%) provided data for the meta-analysis. We included randomized controlled trials and controlled trials mainly based on web-based, digital, or smartphone-based interventions using a positive psychology framework as the main component. Studies included participants with a mean age of <35 years. Outcomes of PPIs were classified into indicators of well-being (compassion, life satisfaction, optimism, happiness, resilience, emotion regulation and emotion awareness, hope, mindfulness, purpose, quality of life, gratitude, empathy, forgiveness, motivation, and kindness) and ill-being (depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and burnout). PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were used for the selection of studies and data extraction. Quality assessment was performed following the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines. RESULTS For well-being outcomes, meta-analytic results showed that PPIs augmented the feeling of purpose, gratitude, and hope (Hedges g=0.555), compassion (Hedges g=0.447), positive coping behaviors (Hedges g=0.421), body image-related outcomes (Hedges g=0.238), and positive mindset predisposition (Hedges g=0.304). For ill-being outcomes, PPIs reduced cognitive biases (Hedges g=-0.637), negative emotions and mood (Hedges g=-0.369), and stress levels (Hedges g=-0.342). Of note, larger effect sizes were found when a waiting list control group was considered versus a digital control group. A funnel plot showed no publication bias. Meta-regression analyses showed that PPIs tended to show a larger effect size on well-being outcomes in studies including young adults, whereas no specific effect was found for ill-being outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Revised evidence suggests that PPIs benefit young people's well-being and mitigate ill-being symptoms. Digital platforms offer a unique way to address their mental health challenges, although not without limitations. Future research should explore how they work for the needs of the young population and further examine what specific PPIs or combination of interventions is most beneficial with respect to other digital control groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42023420092; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=420092.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundas Saboor
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Adrian Medina
- Deptartment of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Laura Marciano
- Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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Sriati A, Kurniawan K, Senjaya S, Khoirunnisa K, Muslim RNI, Putri AM, Aghnia N. The Effectiveness of Digital-Based Psychotherapy in Overcoming Psychological Problems in College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. J Holist Nurs 2024; 42:S26-S39. [PMID: 37097892 PMCID: PMC10130939 DOI: 10.1177/08980101231162990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: This review aims to determine the effectiveness of the application of digital-based psychotherapy in overcoming the psychological problems of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Several databases consisting of EBSCO-Host CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Sage Journal, and Taylor and Francis were used in the search process and resulted in experimental studies focusing on the effectiveness of the application of digital-based psychotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic timeline (2019-2022). Descriptive and exploratory analyses were performed based on the data set from the study. Results: A total of 12 articles were included in the review. The digital psychotherapy interventions found are diverse including websites, smartphone applications, and video conferencing with the types of therapies provided in the form of, Cognitive Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy. Each intervention has a diverse duration and frequency adjusting to the type of therapy given. Digital psychotherapeutic interventions are effective in reducing mental health problems among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The use of digital psychotherapy can be used as a prevention and support service for students who experience psychological problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The combination of the use of digital media with video conferencing can be considered to increase the effectiveness of this service. Nurses need to understand how the procedure for implementing digital-based psychotherapy is to improve the quality of mental care services as an effort to prevent and support students. More research is needed to find out the effectiveness of the use of digital psychotherapy services and how they impact the psychological well-being of students holistically.
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Fischer-Grote L, Fössing V, Aigner M, Fehrmann E, Boeckle M. Effectiveness of Online and Remote Interventions for Mental Health in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults After the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e46637. [PMID: 38315524 PMCID: PMC10877489 DOI: 10.2196/46637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of mental illness increased in children, adolescents, and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, while at the same time, access to treatment facilities has been restricted, resulting in a need for the quick implementation of remote or online interventions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to give an overview of randomized controlled studies examining remote or online interventions for mental health in children, adolescents, and young adults and to explore the overall effectiveness of these interventions regarding different symptoms. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines using PubMed, PsycInfo, Psyndex, Embase, and Google Scholar. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model to calculate overall effect sizes for interventions using standardized mean differences (SMDs) for postintervention scores. RESULTS We identified 17 articles with 8732 participants in the final sample, and 13 were included in the quantitative analysis. The studies examined different digital interventions for several outcomes, showing better outcomes than the control in some studies. Meta-analyses revealed significant medium overall effects for anxiety (SMD=0.44, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.67) and social functioning (SMD=0.42, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.17) and a large significant effect for depression (SMD=1.31, 95% CI 0.34 to 2.95). In contrast, no significant overall treatment effects for well-being, psychological distress, disordered eating, and COVID-19-related symptoms were found. CONCLUSIONS The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the included studies show promising results regarding the effectiveness of online interventions, especially for symptoms of anxiety and depression and for training of social functioning. However, the effectiveness needs to be further investigated for other groups of symptoms in the future. All in all, more research with high-quality studies is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Fischer-Grote
- Department of Psychology and Psychodynamics, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Vera Fössing
- Research Centre Transitional Psychiatry, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Martin Aigner
- Department of Psychology and Psychodynamics, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
- Department of Psychiatry for Adults, University Hospital Tulln, Tulln, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Fehrmann
- Department of Psychology and Psychodynamics, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Markus Boeckle
- Research Centre Transitional Psychiatry, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
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Zuo X, Tang Y, Chen Y, Zhou Z. The efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions on mental health among university students: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1259250. [PMID: 38146476 PMCID: PMC10749636 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1259250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction We aimed to estimate the effect of mindfulness therapy on mental health. Methods Two researchers searched 12 databases to identify relevant trials that were published from 1 January 2018 to 1 May 2023. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the effect of mindfulness therapy on depression, which was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS); anxiety, which was measured by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), PROMIS, and DASS, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7); stress, which was measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), DASS, and GAD-7; mindfulness, which was measured by the GAD-7, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Short Form-12 Mental Component Score (SF-12 MCS) and Short Form-12 Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS); and sleep quality, which was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). After screening studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1,824 participants were ultimately included. Results All these studies demonstrated positive effects of mindfulness therapy on depression (SMD = -0.33, 95% CI: [-0.44, -0.22], p < 0.00001, I2 = 29%), anxiety (SMD = -0.35, 95% CI: [-0.46, -0.25], p < 0.00001, I2 = 40%), stress (SMD = -0.39, 95% CI: [-0.48, -0.29], p < 0.00001, I2 = 69%) and sleep quality scores (SMD = -0.81, 95% CI: [-1.54, -0.09], p = 0.03, I2 = 0%). However, there was no significant difference in mindfulness (SMD = -0.12, 95% CI: [-0.36, -0.12], p = 0.34, I2 = 34%) between the mindfulness therapy group and the control group. Discussion In future studies, it is necessary to consider the investigation on whether the strategies of improving the mindfulness therapy in adherence and fidelity can work on the improvement of the outcomes in mental health. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier [CRD42023469301].
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zuo
- Sociology Department, School of Government, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Tang
- Sociology Department, School of Government, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yifang Chen
- Institution of Policy Studies, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Rennie GH, Zhao J, Camus-Ela M, Shi J, Jiang L, Zhang L, Wang J, Raghavan V. Influence of Lifestyle and Dietary Habits on the Prevalence of Food Allergies: A Scoping Review. Foods 2023; 12:3290. [PMID: 37685223 PMCID: PMC10486777 DOI: 10.3390/foods12173290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in behavior, lifestyle, and nutritional patterns have influenced many potential risk variables globally. In recent decades, food allergies (FAs) have been elevated to a severe public health issue both in developed countries and developing countries (third-world countries). This study aims to evaluate the effects caused by certain factors such as lifestyle and dietary habits on food allergies, review the association of lifestyle and dietary habit status with FAs, and outline why more people are allergic to food sources as a result of lifestyle changes and dietary habits. We searched electronic international databases including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using combinations of keywords. Utilizing Excel, the relevant studies were included and the irrelevant studies were excluded, and Mendeley was used for referencing and also to remove duplicates. The framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley was used for this scoping review. The papers published in the databases from 2016 to 2020 were extracted. A total of eight studies were extracted, and this scoping review was carried out according to the risk factors. In our review, we found that some lifestyle choices (Caesarean section and antibiotics) and dietary habits (n-3 PUFA, fast food, duration of dietary intervention, and vitamin D), were important contributing factors for FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gardiner Henric Rennie
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (G.H.R.); (J.Z.); (L.J.)
| | - Jinlong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (G.H.R.); (J.Z.); (L.J.)
| | - Mukeshimana Camus-Ela
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (G.H.R.); (J.Z.); (L.J.)
| | - Jialu Shi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (G.H.R.); (J.Z.); (L.J.)
| | - Lan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (G.H.R.); (J.Z.); (L.J.)
| | - Lili Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (G.H.R.); (J.Z.); (L.J.)
| | - Jin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (G.H.R.); (J.Z.); (L.J.)
| | - Vijaya Raghavan
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Rd, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
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Jurišová E, Pivková L, Ráczová L, Sollár T, Romanová M. Hope, optimism, and pessimism as predictors of positive and negative psychological changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovak adults. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1151027. [PMID: 37575434 PMCID: PMC10419173 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1151027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Positive and negative changes in outlook represent psychological changes that are the results of the cognitive processing of stressful and traumatic events by an individual. The objectives of the study were (1) to determine the level of occurrence and types of positive and negative changes in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic among adults in Slovakia and (2) to study the role of personality factors such as hope (dispositional and perceived) and life orientation (optimism and pessimism) in the prediction of positive and negative changes in adults during the fourth pandemic wave. Methods A Short Form of the Changes in Outlook Questionnaire (CiOQ-S), the Dispositional Hope Scale (DHS), the Perceived Hope Scale (PHS), and the Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) were administered. The research sample consisted of 102 participants, whose ages ranged from 20 to 65 years (Mage = 38.90, SD = 14.28). The research design was quantitative, exploratory, and confirmatory. Results In total, 95% of participants reported positive changes related to COVID-19. Concurrently, up to 70% of these participants also reported negative changes from the impact of the pandemic. Only 25% of participants reported positive changes without noticing any negative perception of the consequences of the pandemic. Overall, 68% of participants reported negative changes related to COVID-19. Only 29% of participants reported negative changes without noticing any positive perception of the consequences of the pandemic. In total, up to 86% of participants agreed with experienced psychological changes (positive or negative) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The high prevalence of positive changes along with the relatively high prevalence of negative changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic outline the question of whether reported positive changes represent real or illusory growth. Optimism and pessimism were found to be significant independent predictors of positive changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hope was identified as a significant independent predictor of negative changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Jurišová
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Health Care, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Pivková
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Health Care, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Ráczová
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Health Care, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Tomáš Sollár
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Health Care, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Martina Romanová
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Health Care, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
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Villani D, Pancini E, Pesce F, Scuzzarella L. Savoring life during pandemic: an online intervention to promote well-being in emerging adults. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:196. [PMID: 37403128 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01225-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Savoring, that is the ability to create and increase positive emotions, represents a promising approach to enhance subjective well-being (SWB) in emerging adults. This controlled study aims to investigate the preliminary effects of a self-help e-savoring intervention on increasing savoring beliefs and strategies and SWB in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Forty-nine emerging adult participants were recruited using the snowball sampling method. The experimental group (n = 23) completed six online exercises (two exercises per week for three weeks) while the control group (n = 26) did not receive the intervention. Both groups filled out online questionnaires before and after the intervention. User experience and perceived usefulness of the intervention were assessed for the experimental group. RESULTS A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant increase for the experimental group in savoring beliefs (especially toward the present and the future) and in positive emotions compared to the control group. The perspicuity, attractiveness, and efficiency of the online platform were very positively evaluated, and most participants rated the intervention as useful. CONCLUSIONS The results of this preliminary study together with the high level of adherence and the appreciation for the intervention indicate the potential of promoting online savoring and positive emotions in emerging adults. Future research could evaluate its long-term effects and verify its results with other age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Villani
- Department of Psychology, Research Center in Communication Psychology (PsiCom), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli, 1, 20123, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elisa Pancini
- Department of Psychology, Research Center in Communication Psychology (PsiCom), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli, 1, 20123, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Pesce
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Scuzzarella
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Malighetti C, Bernardelli L, Pancini E, Riva G, Villani D. Promoting Emotional and Psychological Well-Being During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Self-Help Virtual Reality Intervention for University Students. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2023; 26:309-317. [PMID: 36940285 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2022.0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Mental health problems are very common among university students, and the situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure of universities, the restrictions imposed, and the reduction of social activities led to considerable changes in students' lives, thus posing new mental health and emotional challenges. Within this context, promoting university students' general well-being, in particular emotional and psychological well-being, becomes essential. In addition to the possibility of online interventions aimed at overcoming distance limitations and reaching people at their home, other advanced technologies such as virtual reality (VR) have demonstrated the potential to improve people's well-being, quality of life, and positive experiences. The study reported in this article is aimed at exploring the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a self-help VR intervention lasting 3 weeks in promoting emotional well-being in university students. Forty-two university students voluntarily participated in a six-session intervention. In each session, a different virtual scenario was presented: two relaxing experiences and four transformative experiences based on metaphors or metaphoric ones aimed at encouraging students to be aware of their emotions and positive resources. Students were randomly allocated to an experimental group and to a waiting list group that started the intervention after 3 weeks. Before and after the six sessions, participants completed an assessment by completing online questionnaires. Results showed a significant increase in both emotional well-being and psychological well-being in the experimental group compared to the waiting list group. The majority of participants said that they would recommend the experience to other students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clelia Malighetti
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Pancini
- Research Center in Communication Psychology, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano (IRCCS), Milano, Italy
- Humane Technology Lab, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Villani
- Research Center in Communication Psychology, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Chi D, Zhang Y, Zhou D, Xu G, Bian G. The effectiveness and associated factors of online psychotherapy on COVID-19 related distress: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1045400. [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1045400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveA quantitative synthesis of online psychotherapies' effectiveness in managing COVID-19 related distress is lacking. This study aimed to estimate online psychological interventions' effectiveness and associated factors on COVID-19 related psychological distress.MethodsMulti-databases including PubMed, EBSCO, ProQuest, and Cochrane were searched repeatedly till the end of June 2022. Hand-picking was also utilized for relevant papers. Depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of sleep were evaluated as outcomes. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane tool. Data analyses were conducted through Review Manager (version 5.4.1).ResultsA total of 13 studies involving 1,897 participants were included for meta-analysis. Results showed that online psychotherapy significantly reduced the levels of depression [standard mean difference, SMD = −0.45, 95% CI (−0.69, −0.20)], anxiety [SMD = −0.67, 95% CI (−0.99, −0.36)], and stress [SMD = −0.73, 95% CI (−1.11, −0.34)], but not quality of sleep [SMD = −0.53, 95% CI (−1.23, 0.17)]. In addition, guided therapies were more effective than self-help ones on reducing levels of anxiety (χ2 = 5.58, p = 0.02, and I2 = 82.1%), and ≤ 2 weeks' daily interventions were more effective on treating depression than 2-month weekly interventions (χ2 = 7.97, p = 0.005, I2 = 87.5%).ConclusionOnline psychological interventions effectively reduced COVID-19 related depression, anxiety, and stress levels, and the effectiveness was influenced by settings like guidance and duration and frequency.Systematic review registrationhttps://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-7-0081/, identifier: INPLASY202270081.
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Duan W, Klibert J, Schotanus-Dijkstra M, Llorens S, van den Heuvel M, Mayer CH, Tomasulo D, Liao Y, van Zyl LE. Editorial: Positive psychological interventions: How, when and why they work: Beyond WEIRD contexts. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1021539. [PMID: 36262443 PMCID: PMC9575688 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1021539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Duan
- School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jeff Klibert
- Department of Psychology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, United States
| | - Marijke Schotanus-Dijkstra
- Department of Positive Psychology and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Marijke Schotanus-Dijkstra
| | - Susana Llorens
- WANT Research Team, Department of Developmental Psychology, Education, Social Psychology and Methodology, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Machteld van den Heuvel
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences Programme, Work and Organizational Psychology Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Claude-Helene Mayer
- Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Dan Tomasulo
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yujing Liao
- School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Llewellyn Ellardus van Zyl
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, University of Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
- Department of Human Resource Management, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Department of Social Psychology, Institut für Psychologie, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Llewellyn Ellardus van Zyl
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Cole M, Shankland R, Nel M, Knoop HH, Chen S, van Zyl LE. Editorial: Positive Educational Approaches to Teaching Effectiveness and Student Well-being: Contemporary Approaches and Guidelines. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1015064. [PMID: 36225696 PMCID: PMC9549937 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1015064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Cole
- College of Business and Information Technology, Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI, United States
| | - Rebecca Shankland
- Laboratoire DIPHE (Développement, Individu, Personnalité, Handicap, Education), Université Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Mirna Nel
- Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Hans Henrik Knoop
- Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
- Department of Education, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sufen Chen
- Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
- Graduate Institute of Digital Learning and Education, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Llewellyn Ellardus van Zyl
- Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, University of Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Department of Human Resource Management, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Department of Social Psychology, Institut für Psychologie, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- *Correspondence: Llewellyn Ellardus van Zyl
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Theurel A, Witt A, Shankland R. Promoting University Students' Mental Health through an Online Multicomponent Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191610442. [PMID: 36012078 PMCID: PMC9407816 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The mental health of university students is a serious public health issue. The alarming trend of high levels of untreated psychological distress observed during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for prevention programs. Digital tools are a promising means of delivering such programs. Web-based programs are acceptable and effective at improving mental health problems and general mental well-being. However, the usefulness of such digital prevention approaches to address the multiple issues raised by the COVID-19 pandemic needs to be tested. The current study assessed the effectiveness of an 8-week online intervention, integrating a variety of evidence-based strategies for improving French university students' mental health. Students were assigned to: (1) the online self-help program ETUCARE (n = 53), or (2) the control condition (n = 50). All the participants completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires that assessed mental health problems and psychological well-being. The findings revealed that, compared to the control group, participation in the online program was associated with higher levels of psychological well-being post-test and fewer clinical symptoms of psychological distress, anxiety, and alcohol consumption. These preliminary findings suggest that the ETUCARE program is a promising multicomponent intervention to buffer the mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in French university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Theurel
- Instance Régionale D’éducation et de Promotion de la Santé, 21000 Dijon, France
- LEAD-CNRS (UMR 5022), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Arnaud Witt
- LEAD-CNRS (UMR 5022), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Rebecca Shankland
- Laboratory DIPHE, Department of Psychology, Education and Vulnerabilities, Université Lumière Lyon 2, 69676 Bron, France
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Malinauskas R, Malinauskiene V. Meta-Analysis of Psychological Interventions for Reducing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression among University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159199. [PMID: 35954553 PMCID: PMC9368492 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of internet-based intervention programs for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic by conducting a meta-analysis. (2) Methods: Searches were conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, EbscoHost Academic Search Ultimate, and PsycArticles, using a combination of “Covid-19 AND ‘Randomized Controlled Trial’ AND students”, as well as a combination of the following search terms: “internet”, “online”, “treat_”, “psycholog_”, “intervention”, “program_”, “stress_”, “depress_”, “anxiety”, “university”, “college”, ”freshm_”, “sophomore_”, and “undergraduat_”. The population, intervention, control, outcomes, and study design (PICOS) framework was used (P (population): university students during the COVID-19 pandemic; I (intervention): internet-based intervention programs for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression; C (control): no intervention, usual care, or on a waiting list; O (outcomes): stress, anxiety, and depression indicators; S (study design): meta-analysis including only randomized controlled trials (RCTs)). A meta-analysis was performed on the 10 retrieved studies published between 2021 and 2022. Only RCTs were analyzed. (3) Results: All 10 analyzed papers revealed a trend in the effectiveness of internet-based intervention for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in university students during COVID-19. Significant effects from the included RCTs with interventions for reducing stress and depression were established. (4) Conclusions: Psychological internet-based interventions may help to reduce depression and stress among university students; however, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness in reducing anxiety.
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Basurrah AA, Di Blasi Z, Lambert L, Murphy M, Warren MA, Setti A, Al-Haj Baddar M, Shrestha T. The effects of positive psychology interventions in Arab countries: A systematic review. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2022; 15:803-821. [PMID: 35856920 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
While there is evidence for the effects of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) in the Western world, we know little about their effects on Arab cultures. This review aimed to assess the effects of PPIs on well-being and mental health across Arab countries. Systematic searches of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies investigating PPIs in Arabia were conducted in six English and Arabic databases from the inception of positive psychology in 1998 to 28 February 2022. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools. The protocol was published in the BMJ Open. Forty-four studies from 10 Arab countries (n = 3598 participants) were included. Of these, 12 were RCTs and 32 were quasi-experimental. The studies mainly focused on adults (73%) and healthy populations (86%). PPIs included mindfulness, positive thinking, strengths, hope, optimism, self-compassion, positive traits, and multiple PPIs. Nearly all studies (91%) mentioned cultural adaptation; however, little detail was given. This is the first review in Arabia. PPIs appear to be effective for promoting well-being and reducing mental health issues. However, there were some risks of bias concerns. Future research should include younger and clinical populations, using larger samples and providing more details about adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma A Basurrah
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and humanities, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Zelda Di Blasi
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Louise Lambert
- Psychology Department, Canadian University of Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mike Murphy
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Meg A Warren
- Department of Management, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, USA
| | - Annalisa Setti
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Topaz Shrestha
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Digital mental health interventions for anxiety and depressive symptoms in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. REVISTA DE PSIQUIATRIA Y SALUD MENTAL 2022; 16:47-58. [PMID: 35755491 PMCID: PMC9212872 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2022.04.005] [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: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
University students are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, with anxiety and depression identified as the most common conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, self-isolation, and difficulties linked to online teaching and learning have increased their burden of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Thus, the urgent need to intervene in favour of these vulnerable subjects, together with the difficulties in delivering in-person interventions because of lockdowns and restrictions, has led to prioritize digital mental health strategies. This study aimed at systematically reviewing the existing literature on digital mental health interventions targeting anxiety and depressive symptoms in university students during the COVID-19 emergency. Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo databases identified eight randomized controlled trials. Regarding anxiety symptoms, digitally delivered cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and mind-body practice techniques emerged as valid strategies, while digital positive psychology and mindfulness-based interventions showed mixed results. On the other hand, digitally delivered dialectical behaviour therapy and positive psychology interventions have shown some efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms. Overall, the available literature, albeit of low quality, seems to support the role of digital interventions in promoting the mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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van Zyl LE, Rothmann S. Grand Challenges for Positive Psychology: Future Perspectives and Opportunities. Front Psychol 2022; 13:833057. [PMID: 35712184 PMCID: PMC9196264 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.833057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Llewellyn E van Zyl
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, University of Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa.,Department of Human Resource Management, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands.,Department of Social Psychology, Institut für Psychologie, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Pascoe MC, Dash S, Klepac Pogrmilovic B, Patten RK, Parker AG. The engagement of tertiary students with an online mental health intervention during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A feasibility study. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221117746. [PMID: 36060613 PMCID: PMC9434656 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221117746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We discuss the feasibility of a brief, online mental health promotion
programme for tertiary students and establish recommendations for future
programmes. Methods The programme ‘Student Elevenses’ was delivered at a tertiary education
institution. ‘Student Elevenses’ aimed to promote student wellbeing during
the coronavirus disease 2019 crisis, comprised of 10–15-min daily online
micro-interventions targeting six lifestyle areas for wellbeing, and was
delivered via video conference. Upon programme completion, all students were
invited to complete barriers to engagement survey, irrespective of whether
they had attended or heard of the programme. Descriptive statistics were
calculated for demographics, as well as feasibility and acceptability
outcomes including recruitment rates, attendance rates and reported barriers
to attendance. Open-ended questions were coded for themes. Results Less than 1% of those who consented to participate actually attended the
programme, with attendance ranging from 2 to 17 participants. Participants
were predominantly female (68%), domestic students (81%) and had a mean age
of 29.5 years. The barriers students reported included fixed time, online
format, a belief programme would not be helpful, preference for existing
supports and perceived impacts of coronavirus disease 2019. Students
recommended embedding support within policies/teaching, offering a range of
supports and involving students in design. Conclusion Barriers to mental health promotion via telehealth should be considered to
promote accessibility and acceptability for tertiary students. Future
programmes should consider reaching students through mandatory activities
(e.g. lectures, tutorials) and should include student consultation and
co-design to support the development of programmes that meet student needs
and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela C Pascoe
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Dash
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Food and Mood Centre, IMPACT SRC, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Bojana Klepac Pogrmilovic
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Mitchell Institute, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rhiannon K Patten
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexandra G Parker
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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