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Alvarez de Mon MA, Sánchez-Villegas A, Gutiérrez-Rojas L, Martinez-Gonzalez MA. Screen exposure, mental health and emotional well-being in the adolescent population: is it time for governments to take action ?. J Epidemiol Community Health 2024:jech-2023-220577. [PMID: 38964781 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2023-220577] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
During the last decade, a multitude of epidemiological studies with different designs have been published assessing the association between the use of digital media and psychological well-being, including the incidence of mental disorders and suicidal behaviours. Particularly, available research has very often focused on smartphone use in teenagers, with highly addictive potential, coining the term 'problematic smartphone use' and developing specific scales to measure the addictive or problematic use of smartphones. Available studies, despite some methodological limitations and gaps in knowledge, suggest that higher screen time is associated with impaired psychological well-being, lower self-esteem, higher levels of body dissatisfaction, higher incidence of eating disorders, poorer sleeping outcomes and higher odds of depressive symptoms in adolescents. Moreover, a significant association has also been found between screen time and higher suicide risk. Finally, problematic pornography has been shown to be highly prevalent and it is a strong cause of concern to many public health departments and national governments because it might be eventually associated with aggressive sexual behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Alvarez de Mon
- Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
- Psychiatry, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Sánchez-Villegas
- Institute for Innovation and Sustained Development in Food Chain (ISFOOD), Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Luis Gutiérrez-Rojas
- Psychiatry Service, San Cecilio University Hospital, Andalusian Health Service, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel A Martinez-Gonzalez
- Institute for Innovation and Sustained Development in Food Chain (ISFOOD), Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Taylor AM, Wessels Q. "Spine to the future"-A narrative review of anatomy engagement. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2024; 17:735-748. [PMID: 38587085 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2417] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Anatomy has been integral to medical and health education for centuries, it has also had a significant role in wider public life, as an educational resource, a link to their health, and also as a darker deterrent. Historically, public engagement in anatomy is hallmarked by public dissections of convicted criminals across the globe. Artists, specifically non-medical men, such as Leonardo da Vinci, are reported to have participated in public dissection. Dissection would later rekindle public interest in anatomy as graverobbing led to the reform and regulation of anatomy in many countries. In recent years, there has been growing interest from the public in learning more about their bodies as health and well-being become of paramount importance, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Anatomy sits in a prime position to direct and instigate conversations around health, well-being, and body image. Every human on earth possesses a perfect resource to look at and learn about. Models, art-based anatomical activities, and crafts provide active learning opportunities for the wider public around anatomy. Most recently, apps, games, and extended reality provide novel and insightful learning opportunities for the public relating to the body. Finally, training and resources must also be made available from institutions and professional bodies to anatomists to enable them to deliver engagement in an already congested and educationally heavy schedule. This resurgence of interest in anatomical public engagement sees anatomy re-enter the public spotlight, with more appropriate resources and educational settings to offer engagement with the aim of benefiting the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Taylor
- Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Quenton Wessels
- Division of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
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Tibber MS, Milne G, Fonagy P, Dekker TM. The online world as a means of connection and disconnection during the COVID-19 pandemic: A test of the interpersonal-connections-behaviour framework. J Affect Disord 2024; 347:533-540. [PMID: 38070743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interpersonal-connections-behaviour framework proposes that social media is helpful/unhelpful to the individual to the extent that it facilitates/hinders satisfaction of core needs for acceptance and belonging (connecting and disconnecting pathways). However, little research has, to date, explicitly tested this framework. METHODS Both pathways were explored in a cross-sectional sample of UK adults at the start of the pandemic (N = 632) and in longitudinal (cross-lagged) analyses (N = 227-240). Participants completed measures of online and offline socialising with friends and family (connecting pathway), and online and offline social comparisons (disconnecting pathway), anxiety, depression and loneliness. RESULTS In cross-sectional analyses higher levels of online comparisons were associated with poorer mental health, an effect that survived after controlling for offline comparisons, and was partially mediated by loneliness. Counter to our predictions, online socialising was also associated with poorer mental health. Longitudinal analyses did not support predicted directions of causality. LIMITATIONS Limitations include a lack of testing of individual-level moderators, the use of single item questions to probe some constructs, and an inability to test for effects potentially operating at different time-scales. CONCLUSIONS The findings reported partially support the interpersonal-connections-behaviour framework in highlighting a disconnecting (but not connecting) pathway between online engagement and mental health. From a clinical perspective they highlight the importance of including people's online lives when considering mental health risk and resilience, particularly (one might argue) during periods of social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc S Tibber
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, UK.
| | - Georgia Milne
- Department of Experimental Psychology, UCL, London, UK; Visual Function and Neuroscience, Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Peter Fonagy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Tessa M Dekker
- Department of Experimental Psychology, UCL, London, UK; Visual Function and Neuroscience, Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, UK
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Major D, Fazekas-Pongor V, Pártos K, Tabák AG, Ungvari ZI, Eörsi D, Árva D, Terebessy A. Effect of school lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic on screen time among adolescents in Hungary: a longitudinal analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1233024. [PMID: 38098820 PMCID: PMC10720660 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1233024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studies indicate that due to school lockdown during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, screen time increased more steeply than pre-pandemic years. The aim of our study was to examine changes in screen time and its components (screen time spent on videos, games, homework, and other activities) of adolescents affected by COVID-19 school closures compared to controls from pre-pandemic years and to assess the effect of family structure and family communication. Methods Two sets of ninth-grader boys and girls transitioning into 10th grade were included in the analysis. The 'pre-COVID classes' (controls) completed the baseline survey in February 2018 and the follow-up survey in March 2019. 'COVID classes' (cases) completed the baseline survey in February 2020 (1 month before the COVID-19-related school lockdowns) and the follow-up survey in March 2021. Linear mixed models stratified by sex were built to assess the change in screen time over one year adjusted for family structure and communication. Results Our study population consisted of 227 controls (128 girls, 99 boys) and 240 cases (118 girls, 122 boys). Without COVID-19, overall screen time did not change significantly for boys, but there was a decrease in screen time for gaming by 0.63 h, which was accompanied by an increase of 1.11 h in screen time for other activities (consisting mainly of social media and communication). Because of the pandemic, all components increased by 1.44-2.24 h in boys. Girls' screen time and its components remained stable without school lockdown, while it increased for videos and homework by 1.66-2.10 h because of school lockdown. Living in a single-parent household was associated with higher, while better family communication resulted in lower screen time. Discussion Our results indicate that COVID-19-related school lockdowns modified the age-specific increase in screen time for boys and girls as well. This trend, however, may be counterbalanced by improving communication between family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Major
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vince Fazekas-Pongor
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Pártos
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adam G. Tabák
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- UCL Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zoltan I. Ungvari
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Departments of Translational Medicine and Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Dániel Eörsi
- Doctoral School of Mental Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Árva
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Terebessy
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Mossberg K, Möllborg P. Changes in physical and mental health in Swedish schoolchildren in the digital age. Acta Paediatr 2023; 112:2149-2160. [PMID: 37548582 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16941] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Poor physical and mental health are common and increasing in Swedish children. The aim was to investigate significant changes in health and digital habits in fourth grade and ninth grade pupils in 2020 compared to 2011. METHODS A validated questionnaire was conducted in 2011 and 2020 among schoolchildren in fourth (10 years) and ninth grade (15 years) in Sweden. The study population consisted of 196 students in 2020 and 254 students in 2011. RESULTS A significant increase was seen in self-reported sleeping difficulties, tiredness, life dissatisfaction and dissatisfaction with academic abilities among fourth grade children and a sixfold increase in their refusal to go to school. Students in fourth grade also reported that they spent more time on social media and had a reduced interest in sports. Both students in fourth and ninth grade described an increase in attacks of anger and unhappiness, as well as decreased time with family. CONCLUSION We conclude that fourth grade children have more physical and mental health symptoms in 2020 compared to 2011. The ninth grade students showed a high frequency of physical and mental symptoms in 2011, which remained high in 2020. One possible explanation may be that digital habits have increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Mossberg
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per Möllborg
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Karam JM, Bouteen C, Mahmoud Y, Tur JA, Bouzas C. The Relationship between Social Media Use and Body Image in Lebanese University Students. Nutrients 2023; 15:3961. [PMID: 37764745 PMCID: PMC10538105 DOI: 10.3390/nu15183961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Well-being is not only defined as being physically healthy; multiple factors can affect a person's well-being. Social media is strongly correlated with the body dissatisfaction of an individual. High exposure to lean and toned body shapes has created new standards and "idealized" body types. The aim of this article was to assess the relationship between social media and body image among university students in Lebanon. Data were obtained from 292 university students (median age: 22 years), selected from different Lebanese regions by using convenience sampling. Demographic data, social media addiction, body satisfaction, levels of physical activity, eating behaviors, and ultimate well-being were expressed as median and interquartile range. People who relied more on social media were younger than those who did not. Individuals addicted to social media had higher odds of having moderate and marked body image concerns. A significant association was found between social media addiction and emotional overeating, food responsiveness, and feeling hunger. These findings stress the need for rising regional and national awareness among social media users, especially the younger ones, and the implementation of intervention and prevention techniques to help prevent body image dissatisfaction, disordered eating patterns, and the alteration of overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne M. Karam
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103 2180, Lebanon
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
- School of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business and Science, Damour 113-7501, Lebanon
| | - Carol Bouteen
- School of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business and Science, Damour 113-7501, Lebanon
| | - Yara Mahmoud
- School of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business and Science, Damour 113-7501, Lebanon
| | - Josep A. Tur
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands-IUNICS, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain;
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), E-07120 Palma, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Bouzas
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands-IUNICS, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain;
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), E-07120 Palma, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
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Santoniccolo F, Trombetta T, Paradiso MN, Rollè L. Gender and Media Representations: A Review of the Literature on Gender Stereotypes, Objectification and Sexualization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105770. [PMID: 37239498 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Media representations play an important role in producing sociocultural pressures. Despite social and legal progress in civil rights, restrictive gender-based representations appear to be still very pervasive in some contexts. The article explores scientific research on the relationship between media representations and gender stereotypes, objectification and sexualization, focusing on their presence in the cultural context. Results show how stereotyping, objectifying and sexualizing representations appear to be still very common across a number of contexts. Exposure to stereotyping representations appears to strengthen beliefs in gender stereotypes and endorsement of gender role norms, as well as fostering sexism, harassment and violence in men and stifling career-related ambitions in women. Exposure to objectifying and sexualizing representations appears to be associated with the internalization of cultural ideals of appearance, endorsement of sexist attitudes and tolerance of abuse and body shame. In turn, factors associated with exposure to these representations have been linked to detrimental effects on physical and psychological well-being, such as eating disorder symptomatology, increased body surveillance and poorer body image quality of life. However, specificities in the pathways from exposure to detrimental effects on well-being are involved for certain populations that warrant further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tommaso Trombetta
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Luca Rollè
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Turin, Italy
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Papageorgiou A, Cross D, Fisher C. Sexualized Images on Social Media and Adolescent Girls' Mental Health: Qualitative Insights from Parents, School Support Service Staff and Youth Mental Health Service Providers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:433. [PMID: 36612754 PMCID: PMC9819033 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This research explored adults' perceptions of how sexualized images typically found on social media might influence adolescent girls' mental health, what support girls might need should they experience mental health difficulties, and how such difficulties could be prevented or reduced. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews with parents of adolescent girls (n = 11) and those who provide support to them: school support service staff (n = 7) and youth mental health service providers (n = 10) located in Perth, Western Australia. All three participant groups perceived sexualized images typically found on social media as exacerbating poor mental health among adolescent girls. Two interrelated themes, emerged with participants describing the 'potential for comparison' and 'pressure to conform' they believed girls encounter on social media that influences their mental health. Participants also explained how they perceived 'counteracting negative influences' related to sexualized images on social media could prevent or reduce the potential for mental health harms among girls, and the importance of adults and services 'keeping up to date' and being 'approachable and trustworthy' when describing the support they believed girls might need. The findings of this study have important implications for the development of health promotion programs focused on social media use and mental health among adolescent girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Papageorgiou
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Donna Cross
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Colleen Fisher
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
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