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Zagaria A, Serena S, Musetti A, Rapelli G, De Gennaro L, Plazzi G, Franceschini C. Poor sleep hygiene practices are associated with a higher increase in sleep problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: A latent change score model. J Sleep Res 2024; 33:e14057. [PMID: 37776031 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14057] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly influenced physical and mental health worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate changes in sleep problems across three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify potential predictors of the inter-individual variability around these changes, with a particular focus on the role of detrimental sleep hygiene practices. A total of 352 participants completed an online survey of self-report questionnaires at three different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: T1 (Spring 2020); T2 (Autumn-Winter 2020); and T3 (Spring 2021). The questionnaires collected information on socio-demographic and COVID-19-related variables, psychological distress (i.e. the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21), sleep hygiene (i.e. the Sleep Hygiene Index) and sleep problems (i.e. the Medical Outcomes Study-Sleep Scale). Latent change score modelling revealed an average increase in sleep problems between T1 and T2 with significant inter-individual variability. No substantial changes were observed on average between T2 and T3. Notably, poorer sleep hygiene practices were associated with a more pronounced increase in sleep problems between T1 and T2 (β = 0.191, p = 0.013), even after controlling for relevant confounders such as demographic factors, COVID-19-related information and psychological distress. These findings expand on previous research regarding the detrimental effects of the pandemic on mental health, suggesting that interventions targeting sleep hygiene practices may be beneficial for mitigating its negative impact on sleep disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Zagaria
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Scarpelli Serena
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giada Rapelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Body and Action Lab, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio-Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Vrdoljak A, Čorkalo Biruški D, Stanković N, Fasel R, Butera F, Jelić M. Imagining a better world: assessing the immediate and delayed effects of imagined contact on attitudes toward refugees in elementary school. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1294208. [PMID: 38741758 PMCID: PMC11089249 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1294208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Preparing host-society children for contact with refugees coming into their classes poses a new and important challenge for countries with little prior experience in integration. Imagined contact is a prejudice-reduction intervention that can be particularly useful in this context. However, its long-term effects and potential age-related variations in its efficacy among primary school children remain understudied. Methods This study investigated the short-term and long-term effects of an imagined contact school intervention on the change in attitudes and contact intentions of 1,544 children aged 7-15. Of these, 827 participated in a four-session-long intervention delivered by their teachers within their regular classes, while 717 served as a comparison group. Short-term effects were assessed approximately one week after the last intervention session, with long-term effects evaluated around two and a half months later. Results Our findings indicate that the imagined contact intervention instigates positive changes in intergroup attitudes and contact intentions in both the short term and long term, but only for the children in the lower grades of primary school. Discussion While the durability of these effects among younger participants holds promise for future use of imagined contact in schools, we also scrutinize potential developmental and methodological explanations of the absence of expected intervention effects among older children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonija Vrdoljak
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Nikolina Stanković
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Rachel Fasel
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio Butera
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Margareta Jelić
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Wang C, Xin G, Zhang L, Liu H, Yang Y, Zhang Y. Developmental interactions between peer victimization and depressive symptoms in adolescents: A latent change score analysis. Dev Psychopathol 2023:1-15. [PMID: 38111966 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423001529] [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: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Peer victimization and depressive symptoms are highly relevant risks during adolescence. Understanding the dynamic patterns of interactions between peer victimization and depressive symptoms as well as gender differences in these variables can improve intervention strategies for adolescents navigating this critical transition period. In the present study, a large sample of Chinese adolescents reported peer victimization and depressive symptoms in four survey waves at six-month intervals. A total of 2534 adolescents (51.9% boys, M = 12.98 ± 0.60 years) were included in the latent change score (LCS) analysis. The results supported the reciprocal effects model obtained in the full sample. Changes in peer victimization were influenced by prior changes in depressive symptoms over time, and changes in depressive symptoms were influenced by prior levels of peer victimization. There were also gender differences, with boys exhibiting depressive symptom-driven effects on peer victimization, while girls exhibiting peer victimization-induced depressive symptoms. The dynamic relationships between peer victimization and depressive symptoms that promote and constrain each other in adolescents are elucidated in this study. Differentiating effects on boys and girls is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of practical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxu Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment Toward Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Guogang Xin
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment Toward Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Libin Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment Toward Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Haidong Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment Toward Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment Toward Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunyun Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment Toward Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Li W, Liu Y, Qiu J, Li Y. Bidirectional relationship between insular grey matter volume and alexithymia: Evidence from a longitudinal study. J Affect Disord 2023; 339:799-806. [PMID: 37442449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.041] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The insula is considered to be involved in emotional cognitive processes, and may be structurally altered in people with alexithymia. However, it remains unclear how the relationship between the insula and alexithymia changes over time. This study aimed to investigate whether alexithymia has longitudinal relationship with the insular structure. METHODS Having processed structural MRI data via FreeSurfer, the insula was divided into five sub-regions, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale was administered to assess alexithymia in the general population. Subsequently, we established the latent change score models between insular sub-regions and the alexithymia (N = 252). RESULTS The TAS-20 mean value of the sample at Time 1 was not significantly different by sex (t = -0.993, df = 250, p = 0.321), while the TAS-20 mean value at Time 2 was slightly different by sex (t = 2.025, df = 250, p = 0.044). Most insular grey matter volumes at Time 1 and Time 2 were significantly associated with TAS-20 at Time 2. The baseline alexithymia and insular grey matter volume positively predicted the other's rate of change between Time 1 and Time 2 in a bidirectional way. LIMITATIONS This study had a limited number of measurement time points, potential bias due to smaller sample sizes and gender imbalance, as well as the potential for inaccuracy in the self-report measure of alexithymia. CONCLUSIONS Time-lagged alexithymia changes and insular grey matter volume changes occur in coupled manner over time, which might improve our understanding of the neurological underpinnings of alexithymia, and shed light on clinical and psychological treatment for alexithymia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Li
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Faculty of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Petrou P, Jongerling J. Incremental and radical creativity in dealing with a crisis at work. CREATIVITY RESEARCH JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10400419.2022.2137209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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Zainal NH, Newman MG. Life Satisfaction Prevents Decline in Working Memory, Spatial Cognition, and Processing Speed: Latent Change Score Analyses Across 23 Years. Eur Psychiatry 2022; 65:1-55. [PMID: 35437134 PMCID: PMC9121850 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Within-person growth in life satisfaction (LS) can protect against declines in cognitive functioning, and, conversely, over time. However, most studies have been cross-sectional, thereby precluding causal inferences. Thus, we used bivariate dual latent change score modeling to test within-person change-to-future change relations between LS and cognition. Method Community adults completed in-person tests of verbal working memory (WM), processing speed, spatial cognition, and an LS self-report. Five waves of assessment occurred across 23 years. Results Reduction in LS predicted future decreases in spatial cognition, processing speed, and verbal WM (|d | = 0.150–0.354). Additionally, depletion in processing speed and verbal WM predicted a future decrease in LS (d = 0.142–0.269). However, change in spatial cognition did not predict change in LS (|d | = 0.085). Discussion LS and verbal WM and processing speed predicted one another across long durations. Evidence-based therapies can be augmented to target LS and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hani Zainal
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michelle G. Newman
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Ervasti J, Seppälä P, Olin N, Kalavainen S, Heikkilä H, Aalto V, Kivimäki M. Effectiveness of a workplace intervention to reduce workplace bullying and violence at work: study protocol for a two-wave quasi-experimental intervention study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e053664. [PMID: 35264345 PMCID: PMC8915301 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bullying and violence at work are relatively common in Finnish public sector workplaces. Previous research has demonstrated their association with increased risk of poor health and well-being, but only few intervention studies exist. The aim of this protocol paper is to describe the development and assessment of the effectiveness of a workplace intervention aimed at reducing these harmful phenomena. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This protocol describes a two-wave quasi-experimental intervention. Each of the three participating Finnish public sector organisations (cities) will select four work units (a total of 450-500 employees) to participate in an intervention including 2-3 workshops for the work unit, 2-3 consultative meetings with the supervisor of the work unit, a follow-up meeting for the entire work unit (a maximum of 6-month time lag) and online meetings with the supervisor to monitor achievements and discuss about difficult cases, if any. Three age-matched, sex-matched and occupation-matched controls for each participants of the intervention group will be randomly selected, a total 1350-1500 individuals in the control group. For intervention and control groups, premeasurement is based on responses to a survey that was conducted in 2020. Postintervention measurement will be based on survey responses in 2022. Data will be analysed using latent change score modelling or difference-in-difference analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approvals are from the Ethics committees of the Helsinki and Uusimaa hospital district and the Finnish institute of Occupational Health. Results will be made available to participating organisations and their employees, the funder and other researchers via open access article in a peer-reviewed journal and subsequent reporting of the results via social media channels and press release to the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Ervasti
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
| | | | - Nina Olin
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
| | | | - Heli Heikkilä
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
| | - Ville Aalto
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
| | - Mika Kivimäki
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
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Publishing quantitative careers research: challenges and recommendations. CAREER DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/cdi-08-2021-0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This article aims to provide prospective authors guidelines that will hopefully enable them to submit more competitive manuscripts to journals publishing careers research.Design/methodology/approach Based on their experience as an author, reviewer and editorial team member, the authors identify the main criteria that a quantitative study must meet to be considered for publication in international peer-reviewed journals covering career-related topics. They emphasize the importance of contributing to the careers literature and of designing the study in accordance with the research question.Findings Manuscripts are rejected because they are insufficiently innovative, and/or because sample, instruments and design are not appropriate to answer the research question at hand. Cross-sectional designs cannot be used to answer questions of mediation but should not be discarded automatically since they can be used to address other types of questions, including questions about nesting, clustering of individuals into subgroups, and to some extent, even causality.Originality/value The manuscript provides an insight into the decision-making process of reviewers and editorial board members and includes recommendations on the use of cross-sectional data.
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