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Wang H, Hou Y, Chen J, Yang X, Wang Y. The Association between Discrepancies in Parental Emotional Expressivity, Adolescent Loneliness and Depression: A Multi-Informant Study Using Response Surface Analysis. J Youth Adolesc 2024; 53:2407-2422. [PMID: 38864953 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-024-02033-3] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Incongruent perceptions of parental emotional expressivity between parents and adolescents may signify relational challenges, potentially impacting adolescents' socioemotional adjustment. Direct evidence is still lacking and father-adolescent discrepancies are overlooked. This study employed a multi-informant design to investigate whether both mother-adolescent and father-adolescent discrepancies in perceptions of parental expressivity are related to adolescents' mental well-being, specifically focusing on loneliness and depression. Analyzing data from 681 families (mean age of adolescents = 15.5 years old, 51.2% girls, 40% only-children) in China revealed that adolescents tended to perceive paternal and maternal emotional expressivity more negatively than their parents, particularly fathers. Polynomial regression and response surface analysis showed significant links between parent-adolescent congruence and incongruence and adolescent loneliness. (In)Congruence between adolescents and mothers or fathers predicted later adolescent depression, mediated by adolescent loneliness and varied by the dimension of emotional expressivity. These findings provide insights into the roles of mothers' and fathers' emotional expressivity in shaping children's mental well-being during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqi Wang
- Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The Third People's Hospital of Maoming, Maoming, China
| | - Yiran Hou
- Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Xueling Yang
- Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - You Wang
- Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
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2
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Cheah YK. Loneliness and its associations with demographic, lifestyle, social and parental factors among adolescents in Timor-Leste. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2024; 29:1565-1582. [PMID: 38438275 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2024.2326532] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Adolescent loneliness is prevalent and has serious adverse impacts on mental and physical health outcomes. This study aimed at examining factors associated with loneliness among school-going adolescents. The country of interest is a low-income country, Timor-Leste, where empirical studies are lacking. Data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey Timor-Leste 2015 (n = 3455) were used for secondary analyses. An ordered probit model was utilized to assess demographic, lifestyle, social, and parental factors correlated with different levels of loneliness (no loneliness, moderate loneliness, and severe loneliness). Approximately 46.3% of adolescents felt moderately lonely and about 13.5% felt severely lonely. Older adolescents were more likely to experience severe and moderate loneliness than younger adolescents. Going hungry and being bullied were associated with an increased likelihood of being severely and moderately lonely. Adolescents had a higher probability of experiencing moderate and severe loneliness if they had sleep difficulties and were physically active. Having understanding parents was positively associated with the likelihood of severe loneliness. In conclusion, a large proportion of adolescents in Timor-Leste have feelings of loneliness, which have been found to be associated with demographic, lifestyle, social, and parental factors. Policymakers should recognize the correlated factors of loneliness in order to formulate a more effective intervention strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Kang Cheah
- School of Economics, Finance and Banking, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia
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3
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Jelsma E, Zhang A, Goosby BJ, Cheadle JE. Sympathetic arousal among depressed college students: Examining the interplay between psychopathology and social activity. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14597. [PMID: 38745361 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14597] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Depressed individuals exhibit altered sensitivity to both positive and negative social contact, and may not reap the same psychological and emotional benefits to socializing as non-depressed individuals. Although depressive symptoms and loneliness predict social withdrawal and decreased pleasure, little is currently understood about immediate affective arousal dynamics during real-time socializing. Using a novel ambulatory protocol that tracked both objective features of affective arousal (electrodermal activity) and subjective valence (self-reported) during college students' social interactions, we evaluated the moderating role of depression and loneliness symptoms on the associations between socializing with others (specifically, with a romantic partner, a close friend, or a group of friends) and the arousal and valence dimensions of affect. Among a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 118 college students (64% African American/Black/Continental African, 20% Latinx, 8% Asian, and 8% White) recruited from a large, predominantly White Midwestern university, those lower in depression and loneliness symptomatology evinced decreased average arousal (Β = -0.10, SE = 0.04, p < .01) when in relaxed and intimate socializing contexts (e.g., with a romantic partner and a close friend), consistent with the idea that these contexts facilitate important opportunities for psychological rest and recovery. Those lower in depression and loneliness symptoms also showed higher average arousal when socializing in the energizing context of being with a group of friends. Overall, the results suggest psychopathology is reflected in patterns of sympathetic arousal when socializing, with more depressed and lonely individuals generally feeling worse while receiving fewer psychophysiological rewards in multiple socializing contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Jelsma
- Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Amy Zhang
- Department of Sociology & Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Bridget J Goosby
- Department of Sociology & Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Jacob E Cheadle
- Department of Sociology & Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Kuczynski AM, Piccirillo ML, Dora J, Kuehn KS, Halvorson MA, King KM, Kanter JW. Characterizing the momentary association between loneliness, depression, and social interactions: Insights from an ecological momentary assessment study. J Affect Disord 2024; 360:376-386. [PMID: 38823593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.148] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that loneliness causes people to feel more depressed. It is unknown, however, why this association occurs and whether momentary versus chronic experiences of loneliness are implicated. Theoretical accounts suggest that momentary feelings of loneliness produce two competing motivations: social reaffiliation and social withdrawal. Social affiliation is protective against depression; social withdrawal, in contrast, is a risk factor. Thus, engaging in frequent and high-quality interactions following experiences of loneliness may protect against subsequent depression. We tested this hypothesis using a random-interval experience sampling design (5x/day/day, 14 days; Nobs = 6568) with a racially/ethnically diverse sample of adults with elevated depression symptoms (N = 102). Momentary loneliness was associated with depressed mood at the same time point and ∼2.5h and ∼5h later. Frequency and quality of social interaction did not moderate these associations. Findings suggest that momentary feelings of loneliness may be an important target for clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Kuczynski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, United States of America.
| | | | - Jonas Dora
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, United States of America
| | - Kevin S Kuehn
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, United States of America
| | - Max A Halvorson
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, United States of America
| | - Kevin M King
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, United States of America
| | - Jonathan W Kanter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, United States of America
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Devos S, Deforche B, Derluyn I, Bracke P, Delaruelle K. Study design: The social wellbeing of newly-arrived adolescent migrants in reception education in Flanders (socNAMs). Scand J Public Health 2024; 52:769-778. [PMID: 37589293 DOI: 10.1177/14034948231191850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
AIMS socNAMs provides a comprehensive and comparative dataset for researchers to identify how students' recent migration and their school setting relates to their social wellbeing, particularly regarding their feelings of loneliness. Results: This study design article delineates a quantitative cross-sectional research study (socNAMs) which successfully developed three questionnaires that were administered with unique and hard to reach populations, newly-arrived adolescent migrants (NAMs) and school staff offering reception education in Flanders, Belgium. METHODS At the individual level, socNAMs collected information on: (1) socio-demographic variables of NAMs; (2) migration and family context; (3) social relationships; (4) school experiences; (5) self-perceived wellbeing (physical and social); and (6) experiences with discrimination. The questionnaire developed for NAMs is available in 16 languages. To gain a further understanding of the impact of the school environment on NAMs, socNAMs collected contextual information primarily concerning school social capital by including data collected from teachers and reception-class coordinators. The final sample included 1379 NAMs, 50 teachers and 26 reception-class coordinators, from 35 schools offering reception education. CONCLUSIONS In this article, we present the rationale for this study, the methodology of sampling and recruitment, the development and content of the questionnaires, some preliminary descriptive results and the strengths and limitations of the study. Future empirical studies will address the research aims outlined in this protocol paper. In addition, we highlight the opportunities that the dataset provides for advancing research regarding the social wellbeing of NAMs in varying school and national contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Devos
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Sociology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Benedicte Deforche
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ilse Derluyn
- Department of Social Work & Social Pedagogy; Centre for the Social Study of Migration & Refugees, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Piet Bracke
- Department of Sociology, Ghent University, Belgium
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Mobach L, Wolters NE, Klein AM, Koelen JA, Vonk P, van der Heijde CM, Wuthrich VM, Rapee RM, Wiers RW. Temporal associations of emotional and social loneliness and psychosocial functioning in emerging adulthood. Scand J Psychol 2024. [PMID: 39036816 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.13056] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Emerging adulthood is an important developmental phase often accompanied by peaks in loneliness, social anxiety, and depression. However, knowledge is lacking on how the relationships between emotional loneliness, social loneliness, social isolation, social anxiety and depression evolve over time. Gaining insight in these temporal relations is crucial for our understanding of how these problems arise and maintain each other across time. Young adults from a university sample (N = 1,357; M = 23.60 years, SD = 6.30) filled out questionnaires on emotional and social loneliness, social isolation, depressive and social anxiety symptoms at three time points within a 3-year period. Random intercept cross-lagged panel models were used to disentangle reciprocal and prospective associations of loneliness subtypes, social isolation, depressive and social anxiety symptoms across time. Results showed that on the within-person level, increases in emotional and social loneliness as well as social isolation predicted higher depression levels on later timepoints. Increases in depressive symptoms also predicted increases in subsequent social loneliness, but not in emotional loneliness. Finally, increases in depressive symptoms predicted increases in social isolation. There were no significant temporal relations between loneliness and social isolation on the one hand and social anxiety symptoms on the other hand. Social distancing imposed by COVID-19 related government restrictions may have impacted the current results. The findings suggest that emotional and social loneliness precede development of depressive symptoms, which in turn precedes development of social loneliness and social isolation, indicating a potential vicious cycle of social loneliness, social isolation and depressive symptoms in emerging adulthood. Social anxiety did not precede nor follow loneliness, depressive symptoms, or social isolation. The current study sheds more light on the temporal order of loneliness and psychopathological symptoms and hereby assists in identifying times where prevention and intervention efforts may be especially helpful to counter development of depression and loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Mobach
- Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Institute for Integrated Mental Health Care Pro Persona, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nine E Wolters
- Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- General Practitioners Practice UvA-HvA, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anke M Klein
- Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Developmental and Educational Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jurrijn A Koelen
- Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Psychology, Health & Technology, University of Twente, Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Vonk
- General Practitioners Practice UvA-HvA, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ronald M Rapee
- Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Reinout W Wiers
- Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Madsen KR, Damsgaard MT, Petersen K, Qualter P, Holstein BE. Bullying at School, Cyberbullying, and Loneliness: National Representative Study of Adolescents in Denmark. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:414. [PMID: 38673326 PMCID: PMC11050631 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The aim was to examine how loneliness was associated with bullying victimization at school and online. METHODS We used data from the Danish arm of the international Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study from 2022. The study population was a nationally representative sample of 11-15-year-olds who completed the internationally standardized HBSC questionnaire at school, n = 5382. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to study the associations between bullying victimization and loneliness. RESULTS The prevalence of reporting loneliness often or very often was 9.0%; 6.3% of the sample experienced habitual bullying victimization at school, and 4.8% incurred cyberbullying. There was a strong and graded association between loneliness and bullying victimization at school and cyberbullying. The associations were significant for boys and girls, and the association between exposure to bullying at school and loneliness was steeper for boys than girls. The gradients were steeper for physical bullying than for cyberbullying. Students exposed to habitual bullying in both contexts had an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 11.21 (6.99-17.98) for loneliness. CONCLUSION Exposure to bullying at school and cyberbullying are strongly associated with loneliness. It is important to reduce bullying at school and on the internet and to promote effective interventions to reduce continuing loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Rich Madsen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.R.M.); (M.T.D.)
| | - Mogens Trab Damsgaard
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.R.M.); (M.T.D.)
| | | | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 5AN, UK;
| | - Bjørn E. Holstein
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.R.M.); (M.T.D.)
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Wu R, Guang Z, Wang Y, Xue B, Zhang A, Dawa Y, Guo C, Tong X, Wang S, Lu C. Eating disorders symptoms and depressive symptoms in Chinese Tibetan University students: a network analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:957. [PMID: 38129774 PMCID: PMC10734136 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05452-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is being increasingly acknowledged as a global public health concern, and following this trend, attention towards eating disorders (EDs) has surged within China's national consciousness. EDs symptoms frequently coexist with various mental health conditions, including depression. However, research focusing on EDs symptoms and depressive symptoms among Tibetan students in China remains scant. This study employs network analysis to estimate the relational network between EDs and depressive symptoms. METHODS Tibetan (n = 2,582) and Han (n = 1,743) students from two universities in the Xizang Autonomous Region, China, completed the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). We estimated the network structure of EDs symptoms and depressive symptoms, identified central and bridge symptoms, and examined whether network characteristics differed by gender and ethnic. RESULTS The core symptoms identified within this study were Calorie_awareness, Desire_to_thin and Fatigue. Conversely, bridge symptoms included Appetite, Suicide, Anhedonia, Guilty, Body_fat_awareness, and Food_preoccupation. The study also revealed no significant gender differences within the network model. However, disparities among ethnic groups were observed within the network structure. CONCLUSIONS Our study examined the correlation between EDs symptoms and depressive symptoms in Tibetan college students. Focusing on the individual's quest for the perfect body shape and some Tibetan students' appetite problems - potentially stemming from transitioning to a new university environment, adapting to the school canteen's diet, or being away from their hometown - could aid in the prevention and management of EDs and depression symptoms. It could reduce the incidence of complications by helping students maintain good physical and mental health. Concurrently, our research provides insights into the relatively higher levels of depression triggered by the unique plateau environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruipeng Wu
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Hypoxia Environment and Life Health, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixuan Guang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingting Wang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Hypoxia Environment and Life Health, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Bei Xue
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ailing Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yundan Dawa
- Department of Tibetan Medicine, University of Tibetan Medicine(UTC), 850000, Lhasa, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenghui Guo
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaopeng Tong
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaokang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ciyong Lu
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Gentzler AL, Hughes JL, Johnston M, Alderson JE. Which social media platforms matter and for whom? Examining moderators of links between adolescents' social media use and depressive symptoms. J Adolesc 2023; 95:1725-1748. [PMID: 37698125 PMCID: PMC10841255 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12243] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite extensive research on social media and risks for mental health, not enough is known about individual differences in these risks. METHODS The present study, with data collected from 2018 to 2020, investigated the association between social media use (total and for specific platforms) and depressive symptoms in a sample of 237 American adolescents (Mage = 15.10; SD = 0.49; 51.1% girls and 48.5% boys). We investigated several moderators: gender, self-esteem, personality, and negative reactions to social media. Covariates were gender, timing of the follow-up (pre vs. during the pandemic), and depressive symptoms a year earlier. RESULTS Results indicated that greater total time spent on social media was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. This effect held for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (but not Snapchat, Facebook, or Twitter). Several moderated effects were found. Twitter was associated with more depressive symptoms for girls but not boys. More frequent Instagram use was linked to more depressive symptoms for less or average-level extraverted teens but not for more extraverted teens, suggesting extraversion may be protective. More frequent TikTok use was associated with more depressive symptoms, particularly for teens who said they have more or average-level negative reactions to social media a year earlier. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that certain adolescents may be at increased risk for serious mental health challenges, like elevated depressive symptoms, when using TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter more frequently, underscoring the importance of examining individual differences and particular social media platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Gentzler
- West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | | | - Matty Johnston
- West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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Wenig V, Heumann E, Stock C, Busse H, Negash S, Pischke CR, Heinrichs K. Associations of loneliness with mental health and with social and physical activity among university students in Germany: results of the COVID-19 German student well-being study (C19 GSWS). Front Public Health 2023; 11:1284460. [PMID: 38026349 PMCID: PMC10668152 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1284460] [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] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction University students are at high risk for loneliness with a potential negative impact on health. The COVID-19 measures disrupted students' academic routine and social life, which might have affected their perception of loneliness. This study investigated the prevalence of perceived loneliness among university students in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associations with mental health, behavioral outcomes, and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods COVID-19 German student well-being study (C19 GSWS) collected data from five German universities from October 27th to November 14th, 2021, resulting in a sample of 7,203 respondents. Associations of loneliness with depressive symptoms, anxiety, social and physical activity, as well as sociodemographic characteristics, were analyzed using multivariable logistic regressions. Results A total of 20.6% of students reported loneliness. Students with depressive or anxiety symptoms had more than eight- or sixfold odds, respectively, for reporting loneliness (depressive symptoms: OR = 8.29; 95% CI: 7.21-9.52; anxiety: OR = 6.48; 95% CI: 5.65-7.43) compared with students who did not report any symptoms. Students who were less physically active were more likely to experience loneliness compared with students who were more physically active (no moderate physical activity: OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.21-1.59; no vigorous physical activity: OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.04-1.36). We found no association between loneliness and social activity. However, loneliness was associated with being single (OR = 2.93; 95% CI: 2.55-3.36), living alone (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.13-1.52), or having a temporary residency status in Germany (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.65-3.04). Conclusion Our findings highlight the importance of loneliness as a relevant factor associated with health. Further research is needed to determine potential protective factors to tackle loneliness and to investigate how study conditions at higher education institutions may affect students' perceived loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Wenig
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eileen Heumann
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Stock
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
- Unit for Health Promotion Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Heide Busse
- Department Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology—BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Sarah Negash
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia R. Pischke
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Katherina Heinrichs
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
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Vithana C, Lokubalasooriya A, Pragasan G, Mahagamage KL, Nanayakkara K, Herath HP, Karunarathna P, Perera N, de Silva C, Jayawardene D, Wickramasinghe ND. Effectiveness of an educational intervention to promote psychosocial well-being of school-going adolescents in Sri Lanka. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2185. [PMID: 37936110 PMCID: PMC10631107 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17023-6] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One-fifth of the Sri Lankan population consists of adolescents, with 71% of them schooling. An extreme need exists in the country for the introduction of evidence-based interventions for the psychosocial well-being of adolescents. The present study assessed the effectiveness of an educational intervention to promote the psychosocial well-being of school-going adolescents in grade nine in Western Province, Sri Lanka. MATERIALS AND METHODS A quasi-experimental study was conducted among grade nine students in Western Province in 2019. Panadura Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area was selected as the interventional area (IA), and Kelaniya MOH area was identified as the control area (CA). Teachers at schools in the IA received training on psychosocial health promotion of adolescents. They delivered the activity-based educational intervention package to the grade nine students as 20-min classroom sessions for three months. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of attitudes and practices related to the psychosocial well-being of adolescents were conducted using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Categorical data were compared using Chi-Square or Fisher's exact test. Mann-Whitney U test was applied to determine the difference between the medians of the pre-and post-intervention scores on attitude and practices for psychosocial well-being. RESULTS A total of 1040 grade nine students were enrolled. There was a statistically significant increase in median score on attitudes [81.8 (IQR:75.5-85.5) to 82.3(IQR:78.6-87.2] and practices [81.7(IQR: 76.1-85.7) to 83.1(IQR: 79.1-86.9)] in the IA while there was no significant difference in the CA. The proportion of bullied adolescents in the past 30 days reduced significantly from 14.8% (n = 38) to 7.9% (n = 20) in IA(p = .03), whereas there was a slight reduction from 17.1% (n = 44) to 11.3% (n = 26) in CA (p = .17). CONCLUSIONS The present psychosocial intervention is effective in improving the psychosocial well-being of school adolescents, though long-term effectiveness was not assessed. It is recommended to utilise study findings in deciding to introduce the present intervention to basic and in-service teacher training packages and school curricula with necessary modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nadeeka Perera
- National Institute of Health Sciences, Kalutara, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Dushyanthi Jayawardene
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Nuwan Darshana Wickramasinghe
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
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Putra IGNE, Pradnyani PE, Putra GW, Astiti NLEP, Derayanti NW, Artini NNA, Astuti PAS, Dendup T, Ratan ZA. Gender differences in social environmental factors of psychological distress among Indonesian adolescents: Findings from the 2015 Global School-based Student Health Survey. J Biosoc Sci 2023; 55:1101-1118. [PMID: 36320184 DOI: 10.1017/s0021932022000426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate gender differences in social environmental factors of psychological distress among Indonesian adolescents. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study using the data from the 2015 Indonesia Global School-based Student Health Survey. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the influences of main independent variables - social environmental factors (i.e., peer support, having close friends, bullying victimisation, physical fight, physical attack, parental supervision, connectedness, bonding), demographic characteristics, and health-related behaviours on the measures of psychological distress (loneliness, anxiety-induced sleep disturbance, and a combination of both measures as psychological distress). RESULTS The prevalence of psychological distress measured as loneliness, anxiety-induced sleep disturbance, and combined psychological distress was 6.12%, 4.52%, and 8.04%, respectively. Findings from multivariate analyses indicated that bullying victimisation, physical attack, experience of hunger (a proxy of socioeconomic status), and sedentary behaviour were associated with all measures of psychological distress. Meanwhile, age, gender, drug use, parental connectedness and bonding, and having no close friends were correlates of one or two measures of psychological distress. Based on gender-stratified analyses, experience of hunger, sedentary behaviour, bullying victimisation, and having no close friends were consistently associated with measures of psychological distress among both girls and boys. In addition, the influence of some social environmental factors, such as parental connectedness, peer support, and physical attack, were more salient among girls. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that social environmental factors, demographic characteristics, and health-related behaviours were associated with psychological distress, and the associations appeared to differ by gender. Interventions that include improving positive social environmental factors (e.g., reducing interpersonal violence, encouraging positive relationships with parents and peers) and promoting healthy behaviours (e.g., less sedentary behaviour, preventing substance use) might help reduce the risk of psychological distress among Indonesian adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gusti Ngurah Edi Putra
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Mandala Data, Denpasar, Indonesia
| | - Putu Erma Pradnyani
- Health Polytechnic Kartini Bali, Denpasar, Indonesia
- Mandala Data, Denpasar, Indonesia
| | - Gede Wirabuana Putra
- Health Polytechnic Kartini Bali, Denpasar, Indonesia
- Mandala Data, Denpasar, Indonesia
| | | | | | | | - Putu Ayu Swandewi Astuti
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Indonesia
| | | | - Zubair Ahmed Ratan
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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13
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Linkiewich D, Dib KC, Forgeron PA, Dick BD, McMurtry CM. Perceptions of Adolescents With Chronic Pain About Peer Support: Reflexive Thematic Analysis. J Pediatr Psychol 2023; 48:655-663. [PMID: 36860181 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsad014] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social challenges are a common experience for adolescents with chronic pain. Group peer support for these adolescents could be a promising intervention; however, no studies have focused exclusively on the peer support needs of this population. The present study addressed this gap in the literature. METHODS Adolescents with chronic pain between 12 and 17 years of age completed a virtual interview and demographics questionnaire. Interviews were analyzed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Fourteen adolescents (Mage: 15.21 years; 9 females; 3 males, 1 nonbinary, 1 gender questioning) with chronic pain participated. Three themes were generated: "Being Misunderstood," "They Would Understand Me," and "Moving Forward Together in Our Pain Journeys." Adolescents with chronic pain feel misunderstood and under supported by their peers without pain leading to feeling "othered" by having to explain their pain, yet not feeling free to talk about their pain with friends. Adolescents with chronic pain expressed that peer support would provide the forms of social support they are missing amongst their friends without pain as well as companionship and a sense of belonging due to shared knowledge and experiences. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents with chronic pain desire peer support from others like themselves, highlighting the challenges in their everyday friendships as the impetus for this support, as well as their anticipated short- and long-term benefits, including learning from their peers and developing new friendships. Findings indicate that adolescents with chronic pain may benefit from group peer support. Findings will inform the development of a peer support intervention for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bruce D Dick
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Psychiatry & Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Stollery Children's Hospital, Canada
| | - C Meghan McMurtry
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Canada
- McMaster Children's Hospital and Department of Anaesthesia, McMaster University, Canada
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14
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Master L, Nahmod NG, Mathew GM, Hale L, Chang AM, Buxton OM. Why so slangry (sleepy and angry)? Shorter sleep duration and lower sleep efficiency predict worse next-day mood in adolescents. J Adolesc 2023; 95:1140-1151. [PMID: 37138384 PMCID: PMC10524335 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12182] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationships of actigraphic nighttime sleep duration and quality with next-day mood among urban adolescents using a micro-longitudinal design. METHODS A subsample (N = 525) of participants from the Fragile Families & Child Wellbeing Study (mean age: 15.4 years; 53% female; 42% Black non-Hispanic, 24% Hispanic/Latino, 19% White non-Hispanic) in the United States between 2014 and 2016 concurrently wore a wrist actigraphic sleep monitor and rated their daily mood in electronic diaries for about 1 week. Multilevel models tested the within-person temporal associations of nightly sleep duration and sleep maintenance efficiency with next-day reports of happiness, anger, and loneliness. The models also tested the between-person associations of sleep variables and mood. Models adjusted for sociodemographic and household characteristics, weekend, and school year. RESULTS After nights when adolescents obtained longer sleep duration than their usual, they reported lower ratings of anger (B = -.03, p < .01) the next day. After nights when adolescents had higher sleep maintenance efficiency than their usual, they reported higher ratings of happiness (B = .02, p < .01) the next day. Adolescents who had longer average sleep duration reported lower ratings of anger (B = -.08, p < .01) and loneliness (B = -.08, p < .01) compared to others. There was no within-person association of sleep duration or efficiency with loneliness. Sleep duration was not associated with happiness between adolescents, and sleep maintenance efficiency was not associated with any mood measure between adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Improvements to nightly sleep may help increase happiness and decrease anger the following day in adolescents. Promoting sleep health is recommended to improve mood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Master
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Nicole G. Nahmod
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Gina Marie Mathew
- Program in Public Health, Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Hale
- Program in Public Health, Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Chang
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Orfeu M. Buxton
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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15
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Wolters NE, Mobach L, Wuthrich VM, Vonk P, Van der Heijde CM, Wiers RW, Rapee RM, Klein AM. Emotional and social loneliness and their unique links with social isolation, depression and anxiety. J Affect Disord 2023; 329:207-217. [PMID: 36842647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness and social isolation are known to be associated with depression, general anxiety, and social anxiety. However, knowledge on the overlapping and unique features of these relationships, while differentiating between social loneliness (perceived absence of an acceptable social network) and emotional loneliness (perceived absence of close connections), is lacking. METHODS We constructed a network analysis to examine the relationships between self-reported social loneliness, emotional loneliness, social isolation, depression, general anxiety and social anxiety in a large sample of university students (N = 7314, 67.4 % female, range 16.3-75.8 years, Mage = 23.9, SDage = 5.7). Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine whether depression, general anxiety and social anxiety moderated the relationship between social isolation and loneliness types. As comorbidity between anxiety and depression is high, the role of anxiety as a moderator in the relationship between depression and loneliness types was also examined. RESULTS The network analysis showed that social loneliness was most strongly explained by social isolation, whereas emotional loneliness was most strongly explained by social anxiety and depression. General anxiety was solely related to loneliness through depression. The regression analyses showed that general and social anxiety and depression did not moderate the relationship between social isolation and loneliness types. LIMITATIONS Differences found between loneliness types may be influenced by a methodological artifact of the DJGLS. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of social anxiety over general anxiety in relation to loneliness. Also, it showed unique relationships for social- and emotional loneliness with psycho-social variables, which has important implications for research- and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nine E Wolters
- University of Amsterdam, Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; University of Amsterdam, Student Health Service, UvA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lynn Mobach
- University of Amsterdam, Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Peter Vonk
- University of Amsterdam, Student Health Service, UvA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Reinout W Wiers
- University of Amsterdam, Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald M Rapee
- Macquarie University, Centre for Emotional Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anke M Klein
- University of Amsterdam, Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Leiden University, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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16
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Bırni G, Satıcı SA, Deniz ME. Self-criticism and romantic relationship satisfaction as serial mediators of links between childhood psychological maltreatment and loneliness. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 139:106112. [PMID: 36841160 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological maltreatment may be one of the causes of adults' loneliness despite having a partner. There are some links between psychological maltreatment, self-criticism, relationship satisfaction, and loneliness in the literature. But the nature of these links requires further explanation. OBJECTIVE The present study examined the serial mediation role of self-criticism and romantic relationship satisfaction on the pathway from childhood psychological maltreatment to loneliness, in a Turkish sample. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS In total 403 individuals (Female = 294, Male = 109) participated from 53 different cities in Türkiye. Participants were either dating (65.8 %), had a fiancée (4 %), or were married (30.3 %). METHOD The data was collected using Psychological Maltreatment Questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Self-criticism Rumination Scale, and the Relationship Assessment Scale. RESULTS Structural equation modeling results indicated that self-criticism and romantic relationship satisfaction fully mediated the impact of psychological maltreatment on loneliness. The model was a good fit [χ2 (29, N = 403) = 63.846, p < .001; χ2/df = 2.20; SRMR = 0.061; RMSEA = 0.055; GFI = 0.969; CFI = 0.979; NFI = 0.963; IFI = 0.979]. CONCLUSIONS Childhood experiences of psychological maltreatment can continue to haunt individuals, even as adults. Although being in a relationship can help individuals with their loneliness, psychologically maltreated adults may feel lonely in their relationships due to self-criticism and dissatisfaction. Interventions focused on childhood psychological maltreatment and self-criticism may help lonely adults. Along with this focus, relationship satisfaction can be addressed in family/couple counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaye Bırni
- Department of Psychological Counselling, Yildiz Technical University, Türkiye.
| | - Seydi Ahmet Satıcı
- Department of Psychological Counselling, Yildiz Technical University, Türkiye
| | - M Engin Deniz
- Department of Psychological Counselling, Yildiz Technical University, Türkiye
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17
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Bessaha M, Mushonga D, Fedina L, DeVylder J. Association between Loneliness, Mental Health Symptoms, and Treatment Use among Emerging Adults. HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK 2023; 48:133-142. [PMID: 36881711 DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness research has focused primarily on older adult populations. There is limited research on how loneliness and social support impact young people's mental health and mental health services use. This article reports an assessment of whether loneliness and social support are associated with mental health services use and mental health symptoms (psychological distress and suicidal ideation) among emerging adults. A subsample of emerging adults ages 18 to 29 (N = 307) was drawn from the 2017 Survey of Police-Public Encounters, a cross-sectional, general population survey administered to residents of New York City and Baltimore. Ordinary least squares and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to model associations between loneliness and mental health symptoms and services use outcomes. Emerging adults with higher levels of loneliness reported higher levels of distress and suicidal ideation. Having more social support, experiencing higher levels of distress, and suicidal ideation were associated with increased odds for using services. First-generation American emerging adults and Black emerging adults were less likely to use services than their U.S.-born and non-Black counterparts. The significant impact of loneliness on mental health symptoms and the effect of social support on service use highlight the importance of developing interventions to prevent and reduce loneliness over the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bessaha
- PhD, LMSW, is associate professor, School of Social Welfare, Stony Brook University, Health Sciences Center Level 2, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Dawnsha Mushonga
- PhD, is assistant professor, School of Health and Human Services, University of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lisa Fedina
- PhD, is assistant professor, School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jordan DeVylder
- PhD, is associate professor, Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Upenieks L. With You Until the End of the Age? A Longitudinal Study of Changes in Religiosity and Loneliness in Later Life. Res Aging 2023; 45:299-319. [PMID: 35603607 DOI: 10.1177/01640275221104720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
With few exceptions, a vast literature on religion and well-being in later life has largely ignored outcomes of loneliness. The current study considers how changes in religiosity and formal religious participation over time associate with loneliness, and whether there are age differences in how this process unfold. Using data from the first two waves (2005-2006, 2010-2011) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) from the United States, results suggest that consistent religious attendance was associated with lower loneliness, while decreases in attendance were associated with higher loneliness. The association between stable high religious attendance and loneliness was stronger for older cohorts of older adults (65-74, and 75+ years of age). We found no such patterns for religious integration in daily life. We discuss the implications for church communities and family and friends of older adults and provide insights for addressing loneliness as a public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Upenieks
- Department of Sociology, Baylor University, Waco, IX, USA
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19
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Verhagen M, Derks M, Roelofs K, Maciejewski D. Behavioral inhibition, negative parenting, and social withdrawal: Longitudinal associations with loneliness during early, middle, and late adolescence. Child Dev 2023; 94:512-528. [PMID: 36449019 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent loneliness can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health, but there is limited understanding of its antecedents in infancy and childhood. A 20-year longitudinal, multi-informant, and multi-methods study (first data collection in 1998) was conducted to examine mechanisms underlying adolescent loneliness (N = 128, 52% boys, Mage_baseline = 1.23, SD = 0.02, 99% White, recruitment in Dutch urban, healthcare centers). Structural equation modeling showed that high infant behavioral inhibition (BI) was indirectly associated with high loneliness during adolescence via high childhood social withdrawal. This indirect effect was equally strong during early, middle, and late adolescence. Contrary to expectations, infant parenting did not moderate the relation between BI and social withdrawal. The results suggest a developmental cascade with infant BI showing long-lasting indirect effects on adolescent loneliness up to 20 years later via childhood social withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Verhagen
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mare Derks
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Roelofs
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Center for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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20
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Hemberg J, Östman L, Korzhina Y, Groundstroem H, Nyström L, Nyman-Kurkiala P. Loneliness as experienced by adolescents and young adults: an explorative qualitative study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE AND YOUTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2022.2109422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Hemberg
- Department of Caring Sciences, Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Åbo Akademi University, Vaasa, Finland
| | - Lillemor Östman
- Childcare and Education Department, Luleå Municipality, Luleå Sweden
| | - Yulia Korzhina
- Department of Caring Sciences, Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Åbo Akademi University, Vaasa, Finland
| | | | - Lisbet Nyström
- Department of Caring Sciences, Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Åbo Akademi University, Vaasa, Finland
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21
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Aboagye RG, Ahinkorah BO, Seidu AA, Okyere J, Frimpong JB, Kumar M. In-school adolescents’ loneliness, social support, and suicidal ideation in sub-Saharan Africa: Leveraging Global School Health data to advance mental health focus in the region. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275660. [PMID: 36350793 PMCID: PMC9645589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adolescent and youth mental health problems are increasingly becoming an area of concern in global health. Young people in sub-Saharan Africa experience significant adversities and systemic challenges despite technological advancements and demographic transition that the region is experiencing. We examined the nexus between experiences of loneliness, low social support, and presence of suicidal ideation among in-school adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Method A total of 19,119 in-school adolescents from eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa were included in this study. Suicidal ideation was the main outcome variable and loneliness, and social support were the explanatory variables. Percentages were used to summarise the prevalence of suicidal ideation, loneliness, and social support among the in-school adolescents. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was later used to determine the association between suicidal ideation and the explanatory variables and covariates using Stata v16. Four models were tested using the regression analysis. We presented the regression results using adjusted odds ratios (aOR), with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Overall, the past year prevalence of loneliness, peer support, one or more close friends, and suicidal ideation were 10%, 33.4%, 90.1%, and 14.5%, respectively. In-school adolescents who felt lonely (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.69, 2.09) were more likely to experience suicidal ideation. However, those who received peer support (aOR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.82, 0.97) and had one or more close friends (aOR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.68, 0.86) were less likely to experience suicidal ideation. Conclusion These results point to the significant roles of loneliness, and lack of social support, in understanding suicidal ideations. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa need to improve child and adolescent mental health policies and programmes to respond to these risk factors and mental health challenges. Programmes with a differential focus on the needs of males and females, younger and older adolescents will be important in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Gyan Aboagye
- Department of Family and Community Health, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Abdul-Aziz Seidu
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Department of Estate Management, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Douglas, Australia
| | - Joshua Okyere
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - James Boadu Frimpong
- Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Department of Kinesiology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Manasi Kumar
- Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
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22
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Bone JK, Fancourt D, Fluharty ME, Paul E, Sonke JK, Bu F. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between arts engagement, loneliness, and social support in adolescence. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022:10.1007/s00127-022-02379-8. [PMID: 36342533 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02379-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although arts engagement holds promise for reducing loneliness and enhancing social support, previous research has focussed on older adults. We investigated whether arts engagement was associated with loneliness and social support during adolescence. METHODS We included 11,780 adolescents aged 11-21 years from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a nationally representative cohort study. We measured whether adolescents engaged in school-based arts activities (band, book club, chorus, choir, cheerleading, dance, drama club, newspaper, orchestra) at wave one (1994-1995). Loneliness and perceived social support from peers were measured at waves one and two (1996). We used logistic regression to test whether arts engagement was associated with concurrent and subsequent loneliness and social support. RESULTS Arts engagement was not associated with concurrent or subsequent loneliness. Compared to not engaging, doing one or more school-based arts activities was associated with 59% higher odds of high social support concurrently (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.32-1.91). However, this cross-sectional association was attenuated after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related covariates (adjusted OR [AOR] = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.95-1.42). In contrast, doing arts activities was associated with 28% higher odds of reporting high social support one year later (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.03-1.59), independent of covariates and previous social support. CONCLUSIONS Extracurricular arts activities are associated with increased odds of reporting good subsequent social support from peers. This may be because they provide opportunities for social engagement, developing friendships, and building a sense of community. Exploring these associations in more detail should be a priority, enabling better understanding of this strategy for enhancing social ties during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Bone
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - Daisy Fancourt
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Meg E Fluharty
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Elise Paul
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Jill K Sonke
- Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Feifei Bu
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
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Mann F, Wang J, Pearce E, Ma R, Schlief M, Lloyd-Evans B, Ikhtabi S, Johnson S. Loneliness and the onset of new mental health problems in the general population. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:2161-2178. [PMID: 35583561 PMCID: PMC9636084 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02261-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Loneliness is associated with poor health including premature mortality. There are cross-sectional associations with depression, anxiety, psychosis, and other mental health outcomes. However, it is not known whether loneliness is causally linked with the new onset of mental health problems in the general population. Longitudinal studies are key to understanding this relationship. We synthesized evidence from longitudinal studies investigating the relationship between loneliness and new onset of mental health problems, in the general population. METHOD We systematically searched six electronic databases, unpublished sources, and hand-searched references, up to August 2021. We conducted a meta-analysis of eight independent cohorts and narrative synthesis of the remaining studies. RESULTS We included 32 studies, of which the majority focused on depression. Our narrative synthesis found most studies show loneliness at baseline which is associated with the subsequent new onset of depression. The few studies on anxiety and self-harm also showed a positive association. Our meta-analysis found a pooled adjusted odds ratio of 2.33 (95% CI 1.62-3.34) for risk of new onset depression in adults who were often lonely compared with people who were not often lonely. This should be interpreted with caution given evidence of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Loneliness is a public mental health issue. There is growing evidence it is associated with the onset of depression and other common mental health problems. Future studies should explore its impact across the age range and in more diverse populations, look beyond depression, and explore the mechanisms involved with a view to better informing appropriate interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Mann
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Wing B, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.
| | - Jingyi Wang
- School of Public Health Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Eiluned Pearce
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Wing B, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Ruimin Ma
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Merle Schlief
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Wing B, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Brynmor Lloyd-Evans
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Wing B, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Sarah Ikhtabi
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Wing B, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Sonia Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Wing B, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
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24
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Wu H, Gu Z, Zeng L, Guo T. Do Global Adolescents With Food Insecurity Feel Lonely? Front Public Health 2022; 10:820444. [PMID: 35223740 PMCID: PMC8868937 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.820444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a proxy measure of socioeconomic status, food insecurity is understudied in mental health-related research. This study aimed to explore the association between food insecurity and loneliness in adolescents. Using cross-sectional data from the Global Student Health Survey (GSHS), 164,993 adolescent participants were included in this study. Food insecurity, loneliness, and other covariates were assessed by self-reported questionnaire. Multivariable logistics regression considering complex survey was used to explore the association between food insecurity and loneliness. The prevalence of loneliness was 10.8% in adolescents. With higher levels of food insecurity, the prevalence of loneliness in general increased, but "most of the time" was the most frequently reported item in terms of food insecurity. Adolescents who reported severe food insecurity had significantly greater odds for loneliness: (1) being most of the time [odd ratio (OR) = 2.54, 95% CI = 2.13-3.02]; (2) always hungry (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.55-2.51). Of all the 53 countries, adolescents from 39 countries reported significantly higher prevalence of loneliness when exposed to food insecurity. The pooled OR was 1.74 (1.60-1.89) with a negligible heterogeneity (higher I-squared was 34.2%). Adolescents with food insecurity were more likely to be exposed to be lonely. Eliminating socioeconomic disparities in adolescents might be a good approach to promote mental health in adolescents. Future studies are encouraged to utilize longitudinal studies to confirm or negate our study findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Wu
- School of Government, Institute of Urban Governance, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhijun Gu
- School of Government, Institute of Urban Governance, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Linmiao Zeng
- School of Public Administration and Emergency Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianyou Guo
- Exercise Psychophysiology Laboratory, Institute of KEEP Collaborative Innovation, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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25
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Forgeron PA, Dick BD, Chambers C, Cohen J, Lamontagne C, Finley GA. Are They Still Friends? Friendship Stability of Adolescents With Chronic Pain: 1-Year Follow-Up. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 2:767236. [PMID: 35295468 PMCID: PMC8915730 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.767236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most adolescents identify their best friend as their main source of social support. Adolescents with chronic pain (ACP) report the loss of friendships due to pain. Friendships protect against loneliness and depression, yet adolescents with pain experience increased levels of loneliness and depression compared to peers. This longitudinal study examines the friendship stability of dyads that included an adolescent with chronic pain compared to non-pain friendship dyads as well as the factors contributing to a friendship breakup. Eighty-three participants from 61 same-sex friendship dyads across 3 sites participated in a 1-year follow-up survey designed to capture friendship features, indices of social-emotional well-being, pain characteristics, and friendship stability. Chi-square, repeated measures ANOVA, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Dyads that included an ACP experienced higher rates of friendship breakup. The shorter length of friendship and having chronic pain predicted a friendship breakup at time 2. ACP continues to experience worse scores on indices of social-emotional well-being that are not predicted with a friendship breakup. Understanding what contributes to positive long-term friendships for those with pain may inform strategies to maintain and improve friendships for those with pain and who experience social challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A. Forgeron
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario's Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Paula A. Forgeron
| | - Bruce D. Dick
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Christine Chambers
- Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Psychology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Janice Cohen
- Behavioural Neurosciences and Consultation Liaison Team, Mental Health, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Christine Lamontagne
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario's Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gordon Allen Finley
- Department of Anesthesia, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Psychology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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26
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Espinoza G, Hernandez HL. Adolescent loneliness, stress and depressive symptoms during the
COVID
‐19 pandemic: The protective role of friends. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2022; 31:e2305. [PMID: 35464827 PMCID: PMC9015336 DOI: 10.1002/icd.2305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Espinoza
- Child and Adolescent Studies Department California State University Fullerton California USA
| | - Hannah L. Hernandez
- Child and Adolescent Studies Department California State University Fullerton California USA
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27
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Perez LG, Siconolfi D, Troxel WM, Tucker JS, Seelam R, Rodriguez A, Shih RA, D'Amico EJ. Loneliness and multiple health domains: associations among emerging adults. J Behav Med 2022; 45:260-271. [PMID: 34981307 PMCID: PMC8723800 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-021-00267-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Emerging adults (18–25 years), particularly racially/ethnically diverse and sexual and gender minority populations, may experience loneliness following major life transitions. How loneliness relates to health and health disparities during this developmental period is not well understood. We examine associations of loneliness with physical (self-rated health), behavioral (alcohol/marijuana consequences; nicotine dependence), and health behavior outcomes (weekday and weekend sleep; trouble sleeping), and investigate moderating effects by sex, race/ethnicity, and sexual/gender minority (SGM) status. Adjusted models using cross-sectional data from 2,534 emerging adults, predominantly in California, examined associations between loneliness and each outcome and tested interactions of loneliness with sex, race/ethnicity, and SGM status. Higher loneliness was significantly associated with worse self-rated health, higher marijuana consequences, less weekday sleep, and greater odds of feeling bothered by trouble sleeping. None of the interactions were significant. Findings suggest that interventions to reduce loneliness may help promote healthy development among emerging adults across subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian G Perez
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA.
| | - Daniel Siconolfi
- RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Wendy M Troxel
- RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Joan S Tucker
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA
| | - Rachana Seelam
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA
| | | | - Regina A Shih
- RAND Corporation, 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA, 22202, USA
| | - Elizabeth J D'Amico
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA
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28
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The Effect of Loneliness in Psychological and Behavioral Profile among High School Students in Spain. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su14010168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Loneliness is a distressing feeling that can be a barrier to a student’s development and affect their mental health. This research aimed to analyse the effects of loneliness on psychological and behavioral factors among students aged 12–19 years in Spain. Loneliness, experiential avoidance, psychological inflexibility, physical activity, mobile phone use, and smoke habits were analysed in a sample of 110 men and 122 women assigned into two groups depending on their loneliness levels: higher loneliness group (HLG) and lower loneliness group (LLG). Results showed that experimental avoidance and psychological inflexibility were related with loneliness (r = 0.471; p = 0.000). Experiential avoidance and psychological inflexibility were higher in HLG than LLG. Regarding the use of mobile phones and smoking habits, LLG presented significantly higher values than HLG. Higher age correlated with lower loneliness values (r = −0.155; p = 0.017). The present research found how students with higher loneliness presented higher experiential avoidance and psychological inflexibility and lower age, use of mobile phone, and smoking habits. These findings reveal the importance of considering multiple social behaviours when examining adolescent mental health factors.
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29
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Kenny B, Orellana L, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Moodie M, Brown V, Williams J. Depression and eating disorders in early adolescence: A network analysis approach. Int J Eat Disord 2021; 54:2143-2154. [PMID: 34625986 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating disorders (EDs) and depression are among the most debilitating and pervasive mental illnesses. Although they often co-occur, the relationship between EDs and depression remains poorly understood. This study used network analysis to explore the symptom-level relationship between EDs and depression among a sample of Australian adolescents completing their first year of secondary school. METHOD Adolescents (N = 4,421) aged between 10 and 15 years completed the Centre for Epidemiological Depression Scale and the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire. Network structure was estimated using the Gaussian graphical model and node centrality was assessed using one-step expected influence (EI) and bridge EI. RESULTS "Depressed," "lonely," and "low energy" were identified as core symptoms of depression. "Shape and weight dissatisfaction," "desire to lose weight," and "preoccupation with shape or weight" were identified as core ED symptoms. "Irritable," "social eating," and "depressed" were identified as the most important nodes connecting (i.e., bridging) symptoms of depression and EDs. DISCUSSION This study provides an important symptom-level conceptualization of the association between depression and ED symptoms in a community sample of adolescents. This preliminary evidence may guide the development of public health prevention and early intervention programs. Future research should be conducted to address the study limitations (e.g., cross-sectional design).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Kenny
- Faculty of Health, School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liliana Orellana
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marj Moodie
- Faculty of Health, School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Deakin Health Economics, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vicki Brown
- Faculty of Health, School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Deakin Health Economics, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne Williams
- Faculty of Health, School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
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30
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Rich Madsen K, Tjørnhøj-Thomsen T, Jervelund SS, Qualter P, Holstein BE. Lonely, but Not Alone: Qualitative Study among Immigrant and Native-Born Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11425. [PMID: 34769942 PMCID: PMC8582986 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper explores loneliness as it is understood and experienced by adolescents, with a special focus on the importance of their migration status. We recruited students from five schools following a maximum variation sampling scheme, and we conducted 15 semi-structured, individual interviews with eighth-grade adolescents (aged 14-15 years) that were immigrants, descendants, and with a Danish majority background. A thematic analysis was applied with a special focus on differences and similarities in understanding and experiencing loneliness between adolescents with diverse migration status. The results showed more similarities than differences in loneliness. Generally, loneliness was described as an adverse feeling, varying in intensity and duration, and participants referenced distressing emotions. Feeling lonely was distinguished from being alone and characterized as an invisible social stigma. A variety of perceived social deficiencies were emphasized as causing loneliness, emerging in the interrelation between characteristics of the individual and their social context. The results add to the current literature by highlighting that it is not the presence of specific individual characteristics that causes loneliness; instead, loneliness is dependent on the social contexts the individual is embedded in. Differences across migration status were few and related to variations in the adolescents' individual characteristics. The findings highlight the importance of (1) studying the characteristics of both the individual and the social context in research on the antecedents to adolescents' loneliness, and (2) applying this perspective in other studies on the importance of migration status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Rich Madsen
- The National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Tine Tjørnhøj-Thomsen
- The National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Signe Smith Jervelund
- Section for Health Services Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Bjørn E. Holstein
- The National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark;
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31
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Osborn T, Weatherburn P, French RS. Interventions to address loneliness and social isolation in young people: A systematic review of the evidence on acceptability and effectiveness. J Adolesc 2021; 93:53-79. [PMID: 34662802 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Loneliness is prevalent and associated with negative health outcomes in young people. Our understanding of how it can be best addressed is limited. This systematic review aims to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of interventions to reduce and prevent loneliness and social isolation in young people. METHODS Six bibliographic databases were searched; references of included studies were screened for relevant literature. A pre-defined framework was used for data extraction. Quality appraisal was performed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Data were synthesised narratively. RESULTS 9,358 unique references were identified; 28 publications from 16 interventions met the inclusion criteria. The majority of interventions were high intensity, individual or small group interventions, often targeted at specific 'at risk' populations. While 14 interventions were associated with a statistically significant reduction in loneliness or social isolation, the heterogeneous measures of loneliness, small sample sizes, short periods of follow-up and high attrition rates limit evidence on effectiveness. Interventions implemented in more general populations of young people appeared more acceptable than those in specific 'at risk' populations. CONCLUSION High intensity interventions are unlikely to be feasible at a population level. Further work is required to develop and evaluate theoretically-informed loneliness interventions for young people that reach wider audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Osborn
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK; Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, 26 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AP, UK.
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Rebecca S French
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
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32
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Gender Differences in Nutritional, Odontological and Psychological Patterns of Adolescent Students during COVID-19 Pandemic. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11188499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This research aimed to explore gender differences in nutritional, odontological and psychological patterns of adolescent students during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to achieve the study’s aim, 127 adolescent students (17.61 ± 7.43 years) completed an online questionnaire which analysed variables regarding their psychological, nutritional, oral health, and physical activity profiles and habits during the COVID-19 crisis. Students showed a higher weekly alcohol consumption and higher levels of loneliness perception when alcohol consumption was lower. In addition, experimental avoidance and psychological inflexibility values were lower when the perception of having dry mouth or lack of saliva is higher. The results also show that males presented a more varied intake of food than females and a stronger adherence to physical activity routines. Female students presented a lower number of meals per day when beer and alcohol consumption was higher, and a higher tendency for fat- and sugar-rich foods such as fast food or bakery products than males. Regarding the oral health profile, females showed higher values in daily tooth brushing and no significant differences were found in dry mouth and gastritis variables. The results from the present study could be used by various educational institutions to implement multidisciplinary interventions to develop healthier habits.
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33
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The importance of belonging and the avoidance of social risk taking in adolescence. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2021.100981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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34
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Christiansen J, Qualter P, Friis K, Pedersen SS, Lund R, Andersen CM, Bekker-Jeppesen M, Lasgaard M. Associations of loneliness and social isolation with physical and mental health among adolescents and young adults. Perspect Public Health 2021; 141:226-236. [PMID: 34148462 DOI: 10.1177/17579139211016077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The present study investigates whether loneliness and social isolation are associated with poor physical and mental health among adolescents and young adults, and whether age and gender play a role in the associations of loneliness and social isolation with mental and physical health. METHODS This study used cross-sectional self-report data from the 2017 Danish Health and Morbidity Surveys titled 'How are you?' (N = 19,890, M = 22.6 years). RESULTS Logistic regression analyses showed that loneliness and social isolation were independently associated with poor physical and mental health. Loneliness was associated with increased odds of asthma, migraine, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, slipped disc/back pain, tinnitus, long-term mental illness, depressive symptomatology, anxiety symptomatology and alcohol problems. Social isolation was associated with decreased odds of having migraine, osteoarthritis and alcohol problems, and an increased risk of long-term mental illness and depressive symptomatology. Small age and gender differences were detected. CONCLUSIONS In adolescents and young adults, loneliness and social isolation were associated with poor mental health and loneliness with poor physical health. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention and intervention initiatives to alleviate loneliness and social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Christiansen
- Public Health & Health Services Research, DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region, Olof Palmes Allé 15, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.,Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - P Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - K Friis
- Public Health & Health Services Research, DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - S S Pedersen
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - R Lund
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C M Andersen
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - M Bekker-Jeppesen
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, The Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Lasgaard
- Public Health & Health Services Research, DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus N, Denmark
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35
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Han Z, Wang Z, Li Y. Cyberbullying Involvement, Resilient Coping, and Loneliness of Adolescents During Covid-19 in Rural China. Front Psychol 2021; 12:664612. [PMID: 34220638 PMCID: PMC8242172 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.664612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyberbullying involvement can lead to internal health issues, especially mental health problems. Different coping strategies may reduce or enhance the strengths between cyberbullying experience and mental health problems. In this study, we examined the correlations between cyberbullying involvement and loneliness among a group of children and adolescents during the Covid-19 pandemic in China, focusing on investigating the protecting effect of the resilient coping strategy. The results demonstrated that 86.68% of the students were not involved in cyberbullying activities, 8.19% were victims only, 1.89% was perpetrators only, and 3.24% were both victims and perpetrators. Compared with the non-involved, the victims-only group had a significantly higher degree of reported loneliness and a lower score of resilient coping, while the differences of the other groups were not significant. Resilient coping strategy can significantly reduce loneliness and play a mediating role between cyberbullying victimization and loneliness, but such mitigating effect was relatively weak. Besides, peer relations were the primary protective factors, and age was the primary risk factor of loneliness among the controlled variables. This study can enrich current knowledge of cyberbullying involvement and the psychological health among children and adolescents, especially in the context of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqiang Han
- School of Political Science and Public Administration, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- School of Political Science and Public Administration, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuhuan Li
- School of Government, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing, China
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36
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Bullying as a Risk Factor of Depression on Undergraduate Health Students. Glob Pediatr Health 2021; 8:2333794X211023711. [PMID: 34179302 PMCID: PMC8193662 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x211023711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a serious health problem that needs to be treated early so that it does not get worse in the future. Bullying can cause a mental health problem on students. This study aims to analyze the relationship between bullying and depression among undergraduate health students. This was an observational study with a cross-sectional design. Respondents filled out questionnaires online using the Google Form application. A total of 246 undergraduate health students participated in this study. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the data. There was a relationship between bullying and the incidence of depression in undergraduate health students (AOR: 2.158 (95% CI: 1.050-4.435)) after being controlled by physical attacked, close friends, loneliness, and smartphone addiction. This study proves that bullying is a risk factor for depression. Prevention of bullying is important to prevent depression. Handling and prevention are done by involving peer support from students through peer-counselor or peer-educator programs. Students with severe depression need to be treated further through an appropriate referral system.
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37
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Sundqvist A, Hemberg J. Adolescents’ and young adults’ experiences of loneliness and their thoughts about its alleviation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE AND YOUTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2021.1908903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Sundqvist
- Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Department of Caring Sciences, Åbo Akademi University, Vaasa, Finland
| | - Jessica Hemberg
- Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Department of Caring Sciences, Åbo Akademi University, Vaasa, Finland
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Itzhaki Y, Cnaan RA. Determinants of Congregational Attendees' Psychological Outcomes. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:1141-1159. [PMID: 30919228 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00803-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Congregational membership is known to enhance physical and mental health, as well as providing psychological outcomes (subjective well-being and loneliness). However, it is not clear whether these outcomes can be attributed to social resources or personal resources. The study was conducted in Israel among 260 active synagogue members between 18 and 88 years of age (mean = 32.91). Structural equation modeling suggested that personal resources were the strongest predictors of subjective well-being and loneliness, whereas social resources had lower predictive power. The article offers unique insights into the role of social and personal factors in congregation members' subjective well-being and loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Itzhaki
- School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, 6997801, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| | - Ram A Cnaan
- School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Graduate Institute of Peace Studies, Kyunghee University, Seoul, South Korea
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Noschang C, Lampert C, Krolow R, de Almeida RMM. Social isolation at adolescence: a systematic review on behaviour related to cocaine, amphetamine and nicotine use in rats and mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:927-947. [PMID: 33606060 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05777-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is known for its high level of risk-taking, and neurobiological alterations during this period may predispose to psychoactive drug initiation and progression into more severe use patterns. Stress is a risk factor for drug consumption, and post-weaning social isolation increases drug self-administration in rodents. This review aimed to provide an overview of the effects of adolescent social isolation on cocaine, amphetamine and nicotine use-related behaviours, highlighting the specific period when animals were submitted to stress and these drugs. We wondered if there was a specific period during adolescence that isolation stress would increase drug use vulnerability. A total of 323 publications from the Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed (Medline) electronic databases were identified using the words "social isolation" and "adolescence" and "drug" or "cocaine" or "amphetamine" or "nicotine", resulting in 24 articles after analyses criteria following the PRISMA statement. The main points raised were social isolation during adolescence increased cocaine self-administration, amphetamine and nicotine locomotor activity. We did not observe a pattern of a specific moment during the adolescent period that could lead to an increased vulnerability to drug use. The precise conditions under which adolescent social stress alters drug use parameters are complex and likely depend on several factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Noschang
- Institute of Psychology, Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 2600 Ramiro Barcelos St., Room 216, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil.
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - C Lampert
- Institute of Psychology, Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 2600 Ramiro Barcelos St., Room 216, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - R Krolow
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - R M M de Almeida
- Institute of Psychology, Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 2600 Ramiro Barcelos St., Room 216, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
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Kürtüncü M, Ayyıldız TK, Kurt A. An examination of smartphone addiction and loneliness among high school students according to various variables: A sample from Turkey. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2021; 57:941-947. [PMID: 33043483 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE It was aimed to examine smartphone addiction and loneliness among high school students. DESIGN AND METHOD This descriptive and cross-sectional research was implemented with 1185 high school students. Data collection tools were "Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version," "UCLA Loneliness Scale," and "Parental Attitude Scale." FINDINGS As the level of addiction to smartphones rose, the percentage of students feeling lonely dropped (p < .001). Although the students' smartphone addiction was low, the rate of using the smartphone to be relieved of loneliness and for the purpose of the communication was high. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Education programs for improving the communication skills of adolescents that may be instrumental in reducing loneliness would in fact be effective in terms of smartphone usage and feelings of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meltem Kürtüncü
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Tülay Kuzlu Ayyıldız
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Aylin Kurt
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey
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Vogel M, Meigen C, Sobek C, Ober P, Igel U, Körner A, Kiess W, Poulain T. Well-being and COVID-19-related worries of German children and adolescents: A longitudinal study from pre-COVID to the end of lockdown in Spring 2020. JCPP ADVANCES 2021; 1:e12004. [PMID: 34485984 PMCID: PMC8250267 DOI: 10.1111/jcv2.12004] [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] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is concern that pandemic measures put a strain on the health and well‐being of children. We investigated the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the lockdown, and social distancing on the well‐being, media use, and emotions of children and adolescents between 9 and 18 years. Methods We used linear and proportional odds logistic regression correcting for age, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES) and to compare media use, peers/social support, physical, and psychological well‐being between 2019 (pre‐COVID baseline) and two time points shortly after the start of the lockdown (last week of March and April 2020, respectively) in 391 9–19‐year‐old healthy children and adolescents of the LIFE Child cohort. COVID‐19‐related feelings and their relationship to age, sex, and SES were assessed at two time points during lockdown. Results We found significantly lower scores in physical and psychological well‐being during lockdown compared to baseline. The effect was significantly stronger in children with medium/low SES. Perceived social support scores were also significantly lower during the lockdown. The percentage of children who had no contact with their peers (in‐person or online) increased from 3% pre‐COVID to 14% and 13% in April and March 2020, respectively. About 80% of the children missed in‐person contacts with friends. Most of the children worried more about the health of their families than their own. Sixty percent worried about the international situation at least moderately, whereas only 20% were afraid of COVID‐19 itself. The percentage of children who believed it would never be as before COVID‐19 rose from 7.4% at the beginning lockdown end of March to 16.2% a month later. In contrast, all other COVID‐19‐related worries, showed a (nonsignificant) decline during the same period. Conclusion Our study supports the notion that pandemic measures have to be balanced against adverse public health effects. Especially vulnerable groups have to be protected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Vogel
- LIFE Child Leipzig University Hospital for Children and Adolescents Leipzig University Leipzig Germany.,Department of Women and Child Health Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
| | - Christof Meigen
- LIFE Child Leipzig University Hospital for Children and Adolescents Leipzig University Leipzig Germany.,Department of Women and Child Health Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
| | - Carolin Sobek
- LIFE Child Leipzig University Hospital for Children and Adolescents Leipzig University Leipzig Germany.,Department of Women and Child Health Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
| | - Peggy Ober
- LIFE Child Leipzig University Hospital for Children and Adolescents Leipzig University Leipzig Germany.,Department of Women and Child Health Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
| | - Ulrike Igel
- LIFE Child Leipzig University Hospital for Children and Adolescents Leipzig University Leipzig Germany.,Department of Women and Child Health Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig University Leipzig Germany.,Center for Research and Transfer (FTZ) at the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK) Research Field Health and Social Affairs Leipzig Germany
| | - Antje Körner
- LIFE Child Leipzig University Hospital for Children and Adolescents Leipzig University Leipzig Germany.,Department of Women and Child Health Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- LIFE Child Leipzig University Hospital for Children and Adolescents Leipzig University Leipzig Germany.,Department of Women and Child Health Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
| | - Tanja Poulain
- LIFE Child Leipzig University Hospital for Children and Adolescents Leipzig University Leipzig Germany.,Department of Women and Child Health Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
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Racial discrimination and ethnic racial identity in adolescence as modulators of HPA axis activity. Dev Psychopathol 2021; 32:1669-1684. [PMID: 33427170 DOI: 10.1017/s095457942000111x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We review evidence of racial discrimination as a critical and understudied form of adversity that has the potential to impact stress biology, particularly hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. We highlight ethnic racial identity (ERI) as a positive regulatory influence on HPA axis activity, as indexed by levels of salivary cortisol. In past research by our group, Black individuals with high adolescent discrimination had low adult cortisol levels (hypocortisolism). Here, we present new analyses showing that ERI, measured prospectively from ages 12 through 32 in 112 Black and white individuals, is related to better-regulated cortisol levels in adulthood, particularly for Black participants. We also describe ongoing research that explores whether the promotion of ERI during adolescence can reduce ethnic-racial disparities in stress biology and in emotional health and academic outcomes.
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Holland M, Hawks J, Morelli LC, Khan Z. Risk Assessment and Crisis Intervention for Youth in a Time of Telehealth. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 25:12-26. [PMID: 33425481 PMCID: PMC7786878 DOI: 10.1007/s40688-020-00341-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
For the last decade, there has been growing concern regarding the rising rates of youth engagement in self-injury and suicide. The worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has elevated these concerns due to increased risk factors pertaining to social, family, economic, and health stressors, in addition to changes to typical routines and support systems. Unfortunately, there are many barriers to at-risk youth being able to access evidence-based mental health services including cost, lack of trained providers, transportation issues, and physical distancing due to the pandemic. Providing school-based prevention and intervention programs that promote social, emotional, and behavioral well-being helps to address many of these barriers. This article highlights important considerations to providing these services in a school-based telehealth modality. Symptom clusters that put youth at risk of harm to self are described. Best practice therapeutic modalities that can be disseminated in a school-based telehealth modality, such as cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, are reviewed. Although there is growing empirical literature for these school-based prevention and intervention approaches, additional research is needed to determine how to best support at-risk youth remotely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Holland
- California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA USA
- Sacramento, USA
| | - Jessica Hawks
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO USA
| | | | - Zainab Khan
- California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA USA
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Zhang A, Goosby B, Cheadle JE. In the Flow of Life: Capturing Affective Socializing Dynamics Using a Wearable Sensor and Intensive Daily Diaries. SOCIUS : SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH FOR A DYNAMIC WORLD 2021; 7:10.1177/23780231211064009. [PMID: 38322238 PMCID: PMC10846891 DOI: 10.1177/23780231211064009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Interpersonal socializing is important to many sociological outcomes, but assessing the affective dynamics within interactional contexts is extremely challenging methodologically. As a first step toward capturing socializing and affective outcomes concurrently, this pilot study (n = 118) combines intensive daily surveys with a wearable sensor that tracked affective arousal. This approach allowed the operationalization of affect along its two primary dimensions, valence and arousal, which were then linked to periods socializing with a romantic partner, a best friend, and/or a group of friends. Although socializing predicted positive and negative affective valence concurrently in time, only socializing with groups of friends consistently predicted increased affective arousal. Findings for romantic partners and/or socializing with a close friend suggest that low arousal "downtime" with close intimates may also provide important social functions. This work demonstrates a new biosignaling approach to affective dynamics broadly relevant to emotion-related sociological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Zhang
- The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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45
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Morin AH. Teacher support and the social classroom environment as predictors of student loneliness. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF EDUCATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11218-020-09600-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis study examined the relationships between students’ perceptions of teacher support, the social classroom environment, school loneliness, and possible gender differences among 2099 first year upper secondary school students in Norway. Data were collected in the fall (t1) and spring (t2) of the school year. Results from structural equation modelling (SEM) analyses showed that perceived emotional and instrumental teacher support were directly related to students’ perceptions of the social classroom environment, and indirectly to student loneliness through the social classroom environment. While for boys, both types of teacher support were significantly related to these variables, only emotional teacher support was of significance to girls. The strongest contributing factor to students’ school loneliness was their perceptions of the social classroom environment. Some implications of this study are that a positive social classroom environment is an important safeguard against student loneliness, and that teachers can aid in preventing loneliness among students through facilitating a positive social environment in the class.
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Bruehlman-Senecal E, Hook CJ, Pfeifer JH, FitzGerald C, Davis B, Delucchi KL, Haritatos J, Ramo DE. Smartphone App to Address Loneliness Among College Students: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Ment Health 2020; 7:e21496. [PMID: 33079071 PMCID: PMC7609198 DOI: 10.2196/21496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is a widespread and significant problem on college campuses. Prolonged loneliness in young adulthood is a risk factor for concurrent and future mental health problems and attrition, making college a critical time for support. Cognitive and behavioral interventions show promise for decreasing loneliness and can be widely disseminated through technology. OBJECTIVE This pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the initial efficacy, feasibility, and desirability of a smartphone app, Nod, designed to deliver cognitive and behavioral skill-building exercises to reduce loneliness during the transition to college. METHODS First-year college students (N=221, mean age 18.7 years, 59% female) were recruited online during incoming student orientation, and randomized to either receive immediate access to Nod (experimental group, n=100) or access after 4 weeks (control group, n=121). The app delivered skills via fully automated (1) "social challenges," suggested activities designed to build social connections; (2) reflections, brief cognitive reframing exercises; and (3) student testimonials that encouraged a growth mindset toward social connection building. Main intention-to-treat analyses were used to compare the conditions on self-assessed loneliness, depressive symptoms, and other mental health and college adjustment outcomes at week 4, controlling for baseline values on those variables. Analyses were also performed to test the hypothesis that the treatment benefits would be particularly pronounced for participants with heightened psychological vulnerability at baseline (ie, higher baseline depressive symptoms and loneliness). RESULTS Retention was 97% at week 4, and participants viewed an average 36.7 pages of app content. There were no significant condition differences in loneliness at week 4 (F1, 211=0.05, P=.82; ηp2 <.001). However, there was a significant condition-by-baseline depression interaction to predict week-4 loneliness (F1,209=9.65, P=.002; ηp2 =.04). Simple slope analyses indicated that baseline depression positively predicted week-4 loneliness among control participants (r=0.30, t209=3.81, P<.001), but not among experimental participants (r=-0.09, t209=-0.84, P=.40), suggesting that Nod buffered participants with high baseline depression scores from experiencing heightened midquarter loneliness. Similarly, there were no significant condition differences in other week-4 outcomes. However, moderation by baseline vulnerability was found for week-4 depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and indices of college adjustment (eg, perceived social support and campus belonging). CONCLUSIONS Although Nod exposure did not impact outcomes for the full sample, these results provide initial evidence of its benefit for vulnerable students. The results of this trial suggest that cognitive and behavioral skills delivered via a mobile app can buffer psychologically vulnerable college students against heightened loneliness and depressive symptoms, as well as other negative college adjustment outcomes. Future work will aim to improve upon app engagement, and to address loneliness among other key populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04164654; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04164654.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer H Pfeifer
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | | | - Brittany Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Kevin L Delucchi
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Burns RD, Bai Y, Pfledderer CD, Brusseau TA, Byun W. Movement Behaviors and Perceived Loneliness and Sadness within Alaskan Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6866. [PMID: 32962220 PMCID: PMC7558989 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity, screen use, and sleep are behaviors that integrate across the whole day. However, the accumulative influence of meeting recommendations for these 24-h movement behaviors on the mental health of Alaskan adolescents has not been examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between movement behaviors, loneliness, and sadness within Alaskan adolescents. Data were obtained from the 2019 Alaska Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The number of adolescents participating in the 2019 Alaska YRBS was 1897. Associations between meeting recommendations for movement behaviors with loneliness and sadness were examined using weighted logistic regression models, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). Approximately 5.0% of the sample met recommendations for all three movement behaviors. Meeting 2 or 3 movement behavior recommendations was associated with lower odds of loneliness (odds ratio (OR) range = 0.23 to 0.44, p < 0.01). Additionally, meeting 1 to 3 movement behavior recommendations was associated with lower odds of sadness (OR range = 0.29 to 0.52, p < 0.05). Joint association analyses determined that these relationships were primarily driven by meeting the sleep recommendation for loneliness and meeting the screen use recommendation for sadness. The results support use of multiple movement-based behavior programming to attenuate feelings of loneliness and sadness within Alaskan adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D. Burns
- Department of Health & Kinesiology, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (Y.B.); (C.D.P.); (T.A.B.); (W.B.)
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Is It Weird to Enjoy Solitude? Relationship of Solitude Capacity with Personality Traits and Physical and Mental Health in Junior College Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17145060. [PMID: 32674365 PMCID: PMC7399970 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17145060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Teenagers described as enjoying their own company have been claimed to have a weird personality and experience loneliness and negative emotions and have often been labeled with negative attributes. However, previous studies have provided a limited understanding of teenagers’ capacity for solitude. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the correlations between teenagers’ capacity for solitude and both personality traits and physical and mental health. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional research design and collected data from a junior college located in Taiwan using a structured questionnaire, which consisted of demographic questions, a solitude capacity scale, a personality trait scale, and a physical and mental health scale. Results: A total of 562 participants were recruited (age = 17.56 ± 1.58 years). The total score of the solitude capacity scale was significantly correlated with four elements of the personality traits subscale: neuroticism, extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness. The solitude capacity subscale (i.e., the solitude-coping subscale) showed significant correlations with two of the physical and mental health elements, i.e., anxiety and insomnia and severe depression. Conclusions: The results verified the correlations between capacity for solitude and personality traits and did not show a positive association with negative personality traits (i.e., neuroticism). Moreover, the solitude coping capacity correlated positively with anxiety levels and negatively with depression.
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Madsen KR, Holstein BE, Damsgaard MT, Rayce SB, Jespersen LN, Due P. Trends in social inequality in loneliness among adolescents 1991-2014. J Public Health (Oxf) 2020; 41:e133-e140. [PMID: 30053062 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdy133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness and social inequality in health are important public health concerns. We examined (i) trends in loneliness among adolescents from 1991 to 2014 in Denmark and (ii) trends in social inequality in loneliness. METHODS Study population: 11-15-year olds in random samples of schools in 1991, 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2014, n = 19 096. Loneliness was measured by a single item and social background by parents' occupational social class (OSC). We calculated absolute (%) differences in loneliness between high and low OSC and relative differences by odds ratio for loneliness. RESULTS Across all surveys, 6.3% reported feeling lonely. The prevalence increased from 4.4% in 1991 to 7.2% in 2014. The prevalence of loneliness in high, middle and low OSC was 5.8, 5.9 and 8.0%. The increase in loneliness was more pronounced in higher than lower OSC, resulting in a decreasing absolute social inequality in loneliness. The statistical interaction between OSC and survey year was significant, P = 0.0176, i.e. the relative social inequality in loneliness also decreased from 1991 to 2014. CONCLUSION The prevalence of loneliness increased from 1991 to 2014. The social inequality in loneliness decreased in both absolute and relative terms because of a rising prevalence of loneliness among children from high OSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Madsen
- University of Southern Denmark, National Institute of Public Health, Studiestræde 6, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - B E Holstein
- University of Southern Denmark, National Institute of Public Health, Studiestræde 6, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M T Damsgaard
- University of Southern Denmark, National Institute of Public Health, Studiestræde 6, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S B Rayce
- VIVE-the Danish Center for Social Science Research, Herluf Trolles Gade 11, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L N Jespersen
- University of Southern Denmark, National Institute of Public Health, Studiestræde 6, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - P Due
- University of Southern Denmark, National Institute of Public Health, Studiestræde 6, Copenhagen, Denmark
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50
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Shovestul B, Han J, Germine L, Dodell-Feder D. Risk factors for loneliness: The high relative importance of age versus other factors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229087. [PMID: 32045467 PMCID: PMC7012443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Loneliness is a potent predictor of negative health outcomes, making it important to identify risk factors for loneliness. Though extant studies have identified characteristics associated with loneliness, less is known about the cumulative and relative importance of these factors, and how their interaction may impact loneliness. Here, 4,885 individuals ages 10-97 years from the US completed the three-item UCLA Loneliness Survey on TestMyBrain.org. Using census data, we calculated the population and community household income of participants' census area, and the proportion of individuals in the participant's census area that shared the participant's demographic characteristics (i.e., sociodemographic density). We evaluated the relative importance of three classes of variables for loneliness risk: those related to the person (e.g., age), place (e.g., community household income), and the interaction of person X place (sociodemographic density). We find that loneliness is highly prevalent and best explained by person (age) and place (community household income) characteristics. Of the variance in loneliness accounted for, the overwhelming majority was explained by age with loneliness peaking at 19 years and declining thereafter. The congruence between one's sociodemographic characteristics and that of one's neighborhood had no impact on loneliness. These data may have important implications for public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Shovestul
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Jiayin Han
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Laura Germine
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - David Dodell-Feder
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America
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