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Monsonet M, Amedy A, Kwapil TR, Barrantes-Vidal N. A psychosocial pathway to paranoia: The interplay between social connectedness and self-esteem. Schizophr Res 2023; 254:199-207. [PMID: 36931182 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
The quantity and quality of social contacts have been related to self-esteem, and both social relationships and self-esteem have been implicated in the pathways to paranoia. However, how social relationships interplay with self-esteem to trigger paranoia is not well understood. This study aims to investigate whether different measures of social connectedness (social support, loneliness, and desired friendship), as well as the frequency of social contact, impact paranoia and other positive and negative psychotic-like experiences (PLE) through the indirect effect of self-esteem. Data from a sample of 169 nonclinically ascertained participants oversampled for schizotypy scores were analyzed using two different approaches: retrospective trait-like and ecological momentary measures of social connectedness. Results showed that self-esteem mediates the pathways from poor social support and social longing, but not from loneliness, to paranoia and other cognitive PLE. In contrast, pathways from social connectedness to perceptual PLE and negative PLE were not mediated by self-esteem. Results were consistent across trait-like and momentary measures. Finally, self-esteem was not implicated in the pathways from the frequency of social contact and paranoia or other forms of PLE. These results provide a comprehensive picture of how social connectedness drives specific symptoms of psychosis through self-esteem. Findings underscore the need to explore separately the quality and quantity of social relationships and suggest that the subjective experience of meaningful social bonds is key social determinants of mental health. Therefore, addressing inadequacies of social connectedness could substantially improve symptomatic and functional outcomes of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manel Monsonet
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Amad Amedy
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, United States of America
| | - Thomas R Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.
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2
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Chen Y, Yu X, Ma’rof AA, Zaremohzzabieh Z, Abdullah H, Halimatusaadiah Hamsan H, Zhang L. Social Identity, Core Self-Evaluation, School Adaptation, and Mental Health Problems in Migrant Children in China: A Chain Mediation Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16645. [PMID: 36554527 PMCID: PMC9778830 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: The present study investigated the relationships between social identity, core self-evaluation, school adaptation, and mental health problems in migrant children, and the mechanism underlying these relationships; (2) Methods: The participants were migrant middle school students in China. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. A survey comprising the social identity scale, core self-evaluation scale, school adaptation scale, and mental health scale MMHI-60 was deployed; (3) Results: Findings indicated a significant and negative association between social identity and mental health problems, and such an association was sequentially mediated by core self-evaluation and school adaptation. Furthermore, core self-evaluation and school adaptation played a chain mediation role between social identity and migrant children's mental health problems; (4) Conclusions: It is crucial to improve social identity, core self-evaluation, and school adaptation to reduce mental health problems among this population. Therefore, the research results provide a new direction for promoting the development of mental health education for migrant workers and their children in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chen
- Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Xinxin Yu
- Department of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Aini Azeqa Ma’rof
- Institute for Social Science Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Zeinab Zaremohzzabieh
- Institute for Social Science Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Haslinda Abdullah
- Institute for Social Science Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | | | - Lyuci Zhang
- Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
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3
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Elahi A, McIntyre JC, Thomas J, Abernethy L, Bentall RP, White RG. Symptoms of Paranoia Experienced by Students of Pakistani Heritage in England: The Role of Explicit and Implicit Identities and Perceived Discrimination. J Nerv Ment Dis 2022; 210:680-685. [PMID: 36037323 PMCID: PMC9426746 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Individuals belonging to ethnic minority groups are less likely to experience symptoms of psychosis, such as paranoia, if they live in areas with high proportions of people from the same ethnic background. This effect may be due to processes associated with group belonging (social identification). We examined whether the relationship between perceived discrimination and paranoia was moderated by explicit and implicit Pakistani/English identification among students of Pakistani heritage (N = 119). Participants completed measures of explicit and implicit Pakistani and English identity, a measure of perceived discrimination, and a measure of paranoia. Perceived discrimination was the strongest predictor of paranoia (0.31). Implicit identities moderated the relationship between perceived discrimination and paranoia (-0.17). The findings suggest that higher levels of implicit Pakistani identity were most protective against high levels of paranoia (0.26, with low implicit English identity; 0.78, with medium English identity; 1.46, with high English identity). Overall, a complex relationship between identity and paranoia was apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anam Elahi
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool
| | - Jason C. McIntyre
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Justin Thomas
- College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Louise Abernethy
- Psychology Department, Nelson and Colne College, Scotland Road Nelson
| | - Richard P. Bentall
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Vicar Lane, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ross G. White
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool
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4
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Stuart A, Katz D, Stevenson C, Gooch D, Harkin L, Bennasar M, Sanderson L, Liddle J, Bennaceur A, Levine M, Mehta V, Wijesundara A, Talbot C, Bandara A, Price B, Nuseibeh B. Loneliness in older people and COVID-19: Applying the social identity approach to digital intervention design. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR REPORTS 2022; 6:100179. [PMID: 35233473 PMCID: PMC8872705 DOI: 10.1016/j.chbr.2022.100179] [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: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is worsening loneliness for many older people through the challenges it poses in engaging with their social worlds. Digital technology has been offered as a potential aid, however, many popular digital tools have not been designed to address the needs of older adults during times of limited contact. We propose that the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC) could be a foundation for digital loneliness interventions. While SIMIC is a well-established approach for maintaining wellbeing during life transitions, it has not been rigorously applied to digital interventions. There are known challenges to integrating psychological theory in the design of digital technology to enable efficacy, technology acceptance, and continued use. The interdisciplinary field of Human Computer Interaction has a history of drawing on models originating from psychology to improve the design of digital technology and to design technologies in an appropriate manner. Drawing on key lessons from this literature, we consolidate research and design guidelines for multidisciplinary research applying psychological theory such as SIMIC to digital social interventions for loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avelie Stuart
- University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom,Corresponding author. Washington Singer Labs, University of Exeter, Perry Road, Exeter, EX4 4QG, UK
| | - Dmitri Katz
- The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | | | - Daniel Gooch
- The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Lydia Harkin
- Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jacki Liddle
- The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Mark Levine
- Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Vikram Mehta
- The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Blaine Price
- The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Bashar Nuseibeh
- The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom,Lero - the Irish Software Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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5
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Vogel JS, Bruins J, de Jong S, Knegtering H, Bartels-Velthuis AA, Bruggeman R, Jörg F, Pijnenborg MGHM, Veling W, Visser E, van der Gaag M, Castelein S. Satisfaction with social connectedness as a predictor for positive and negative symptoms of psychosis: A PHAMOUS study. Schizophr Res 2021; 238:121-127. [PMID: 34653741 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examines satisfaction with social connectedness (SSC) as predictor of positive and negative symptoms in people with a psychotic disorder. METHODS Data from the Pharmacotherapy Monitoring and Outcome Survey (PHAMOUS) was used from patients assessed between 2014 and 2019, diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (N = 2109). Items about social connectedness of the Manchester short assessment of Quality of Life (ManSA) were used to measure SSC. Linear mixed models were used to estimate the association of SSC with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) after one and two years against α = 0.01. Analyses were adjusted for symptoms, time since onset, gender and age. Additionally, fluctuation of positive and negative symptom scores over time was estimated. RESULTS The mean duration of illness of the sample was 18.8 years (SD 10.7) with >65% showing only small variation in positive and negative symptoms over a two to five-year time period. After adjustment for covariates, SSC showed to be negatively associated with positive symptoms after one year (β = -0.47, p < 0.001, 95% CI = -0.70, -025) and two years (β = -0.59, p < 0.001, 95% CI = -0.88, -0.30), and for negative symptoms after one year (β = -0.52, p < 0.001, 95% CI = -0.77, -0.27). The prediction of negative symptoms was not significant at two years. CONCLUSION This research indicates that interventions on SSC might positively impact mental health for people with psychosis. SSC is a small and robust predictor of future levels of positive symptoms. Negative symptoms could be predicted by SSC at one year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Sjoerd Vogel
- Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Hereweg 80, 9725 AG Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center, P.O. 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands; GGZ Drenthe Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychotic Disorders, Dennenweg 9, 9404 LA Assen, the Netherlands.
| | - Jojanneke Bruins
- Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Hereweg 80, 9725 AG Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center, P.O. 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Steven de Jong
- Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Hereweg 80, 9725 AG Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center, P.O. 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Henderikus Knegtering
- Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Hereweg 80, 9725 AG Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center, P.O. 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Agna A Bartels-Velthuis
- Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Hereweg 80, 9725 AG Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center, P.O. 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Richard Bruggeman
- University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center, P.O. 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Frederike Jörg
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center, P.O. 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands; GGZ Friesland Mental Health Institute, Department of Research and Education, Sixmastraat 2, 8932 PA Leeuwarden, the Netherlands.
| | - Marieke G H M Pijnenborg
- University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, the Netherlands; GGZ Drenthe Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychotic Disorders, Dennenweg 9, 9404 LA Assen, the Netherlands.
| | - Wim Veling
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Psychosis Department, Hanzeplein 1 (CC60), 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Ellen Visser
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center, P.O. 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Mark van der Gaag
- VU University Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Psychology, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BR Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Mental Health Research Institute, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BR Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychosis Research, Zoutkeetsingel 40, 2512 HN The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Stynke Castelein
- Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Hereweg 80, 9725 AG Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center, P.O. 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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6
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Greenburgh A, Bell V, Raihani N. The roles of coalitional threat and safety in paranoia: A network approach. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 61:541-555. [PMID: 34724219 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12342] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Paranoia is known to vary with levels of coalitional threat and safety present in the social environment. However, it remains underexplored whether threat and safety are differentially associated with paranoia, if these relationships vary with the source of threat and safety, and whether such effects hold across the continuum of severity of paranoid thoughts. METHODS We employed a network analysis approach with community analysis on a large dataset (n = 6,337), the UK Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007, to explore these questions. We included one node to capture paranoia typical in the general population, and one pertaining to thought interference common in persecutory delusions in psychosis. RESULTS Nodes reflecting paranoia in the general population as well as persecution-related concerns in psychosis shared the strongest positive edges with nodes representing threat stemming from close social relationships. Paranoia common in the general population was negatively associated with both safety stemming from the wider social environment, and safety in close relationships, where the former association was strongest. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that threat from within one's immediate social group is more closely linked to paranoid thoughts than is safety from either one's social group or the wider social environment. Further, our results imply that coalitional threat may be a particularly associated with concerns common in psychosis, whereas paranoid ideation more common in the general population is also associated with reduced coalitional safety. Overall, this network analysis offers a broad view of how paranoia relates to multiple aspects of our coalitional environment and provides some testable predictions for future research in this area. PRACTITIONER POINTS Individuals with paranoia more typical of delusions may find threat in close social relationships most challenging Variation in paranoia in the general population may be attributed to feeling safe in the wider social environment more than in close social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Greenburgh
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, UK
| | - Vaughan Bell
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Healthy Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - Nichola Raihani
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, UK
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7
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Kellezi B, Guxholli A, Stevenson C, Ruth Helen Wakefield J, Bowe M, Bridger K. ‘Enemy of the people’: Family identity as social cure and curse dynamics in contexts of human rights violations. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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8
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McIntyre JC, Elahi A, Barlow FK, White RG, Bentall RP. The relationship between ingroup identity and Paranoid ideation among people from African and African Caribbean backgrounds. Psychol Psychother 2021; 94:16-32. [PMID: 31742832 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES People from ethnic minority groups experience higher rates of paranoid delusions compared with people from ethnic majority groups. Identifying with social groups has been shown to protect against mental health symptoms; however, no studies have investigated the relationship between social identification and paranoia in ethnic minority populations. Here, we investigated the association between British identification and paranoia in a sample of people from African and African Caribbean backgrounds living in the United Kingdom. We also assessed the role of potential mediating (self-esteem and locus of control) and moderating (contact with White British people) factors. DESIGN Cross-sectional quantitative survey design. METHODS We recruited 335 people from African and African Caribbean backgrounds who completed online self-report measures of identification with Great Britain, self-esteem, locus of control, positive and negative contact with White British people, and paranoia. RESULTS A parallel moderated mediation model indicated that British identification was associated with lower paranoia when participants experienced primarily positive contact with White British people. British identification was associated with higher paranoia when participants had primarily negative contact with White British people. Both effects were mediated by changes in locus of control, but self-esteem was not implicated in either pathway. CONCLUSIONS Identification with the majority culture is associated both positively and negatively with paranoid beliefs depending on the types of social interactions people experience. The findings have implications for preventative social prescribing initiatives and for understanding the causes of the high rates of psychosis in ethnic minority populations. PRACTITIONER POINTS People from African and African Caribbean backgrounds experience high rates of paranoia, which may stem from social causes such as lack of belonging and negative social experiences. Among people from African backgrounds living in the UK, British identification is associated with lower paranoia when people's social experiences with White British people are positive and higher paranoia when their social experiences with White British people are negative. It is recommended that social interventions designed to reduce paranoia in vulnerable groups foster positive social contact and community belonging, which should enhance feelings of personal control. Understanding the complex interplay between social identity and social contact in the development of paranoia may help therapists and researchers better understand the phenomenology and risk factors of paranoid symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason C McIntyre
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.,Department of Health Services Research, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Anam Elahi
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Fiona Kate Barlow
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ross G White
- Institute of Life and Human Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK
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9
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Abstract
Life change affects health. Research aimed at understanding the consequences of life change has primarily focused on the important roles played by stress, social support, individual differences, and broader socioeconomic factors in shaping health outcomes, most notably mental health decline. In this review we extend these accounts by exploring social identity-based determinants of adjustment to life change. We do so by drawing on social identity theorizing and, in particular, the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC). This points to the importance of multiple, maintained, new, and compatible group memberships as determinants of people's responses and adjustment to life change. We apply this model to understand the health consequences of adjustment to life change in four diverse areas: pursuit of higher education, migration, trauma and resilience, and recovery from illness and injury. Finally, we provide direction for future research on SIMIC and the health consequences of life change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Haslam
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - S Alexander Haslam
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Jolanda Jetten
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Tegan Cruwys
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Niklas K Steffens
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia;
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10
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Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a consensus that adoptees and immigrants both experience more mental health problems than their peers. The two groups share many risk factors for psychosis, but an increased risk for psychotic illness has only been demonstrated for immigrants. AIMS The aim of this review is to describe psychosis risk factors in adoptees, with a focus on difficulties with identity formation, identification with in-groups, attachment to parents, and coping with loss and with discrimination. METHOD The literature in these five areas is reviewed as it pertains to adoption and psychosis. RESULTS There are no clear findings because the relevant studies have not been done, but the literature suggests that adopted children face challenges very similar to those of immigrants to a new country. CONCLUSION The immigration field and the adoption field have much to learn from each other. It is recommended that a prevention strategy analogous to increased neighbourhood ethnic density be implemented with adoptees - that they be intentionally exposed from early childhood and throughout adolescence to age peers who share a similar background and with whom they can readily identify. It is also recommended that immigrants be welcomed into their host country with the same open arms as adoptive parents welcome their new children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary V Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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11
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Wakefield JRH, Bowe M, Kellezi B, Butcher A, Groeger JA. Longitudinal associations between family identification, loneliness, depression, and sleep quality. Br J Health Psychol 2019; 25:1-16. [DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Haslam SA, Haslam C, Jetten J, Cruwys T, Bentley S. Group life shapes the psychology and biology of health: The case for a sociopsychobio model. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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13
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Greenaway KH, Haslam SA, Bingley W. Are “they” out to get me? A social identity model of paranoia. GROUP PROCESSES & INTERGROUP RELATIONS 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/1368430218793190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This research tests a social identity model of paranoia, building on work showing that identification with social groups is associated with less paranoid thinking. Studies 1 ( N = 800) and 2 ( N = 779) supported this model, showing that national group identification is associated with lower paranoia. Study 3 ( N = 784) added to the literature by probing the mechanisms underlying these relationships, and found that it is through enhanced control and trust that identification is associated with better mental health. Studies 4 ( N = 390) and 5 ( N = 904) manipulated identification to provide evidence of causality. A minimeta analysis revealed a robust association between national identification and paranoia across the studies, although no association emerged between political identification and paranoia. The results point to the role that lack of social connections can play in underpinning paranoid thinking, and suggest that, as with other mental health issues, the problems caused by paranoia may have a social cure.
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14
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Elahi A, McIntyre JC, Hampson C, Bodycote HJ, Sitko K, White RG, Bentall RP. Home Is Where You Hang Your Hat: Host Town Identity, But Not Hometown Identity, Protects Against Mental Health Symptoms Associated with Financial Stress. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2018.37.3.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Debt and financial insecurity are associated with stress, low self-worth, and poor health. Joining and identifying with social groups (social identification) promotes better health and higher self-esteem. Here, we examined whether identifying with one's local neighborhood protected people from developing mental health symptoms associated with financial stress. We analyzed data from a general population survey (Study 1, N = 4319) and a student mental health survey (Study 2, N = 612) conducted in the North West of England. We administered measures of financial stress, self-esteem, neighborhood identity, and mental health, and conducted moderated mediation analyses to test our predictions. Study 1 (population survey) demonstrated that stronger identification with one's local neighborhood attenuated the adverse effects of financial stress on self-esteem and subsequent mental health. Study 2 (student survey) showed that strong host town identities buffered students from mental health symptoms related to financial stress. Strong hometown identities, however, showed no buffering effect. The findings suggest that one way financial stress impacts mental health is by eroding self-esteem. Identifying with one's current place of residence appears to disrupt this pathway, while identifying with one's previous place of residence does not provide the same psychological protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Elahi
- University of Liverpool, England
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15
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McIntyre JC, Worsley J, Corcoran R, Harrison Woods P, Bentall RP. Academic and non-academic predictors of student psychological distress: the role of social identity and loneliness. J Ment Health 2018; 27:230-239. [PMID: 29436883 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2018.1437608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND University students experience high rates of stress and mental illness; however, few studies have comprehensively examined the impact of academic and non-academic stressors on student mental health. Similarly, there has been little focus on the role of social groups in protecting against mental distress in this young adult group. AIM To identify the key social determinants of mental health symptoms in a student population. METHODS Using an online survey, we administered measures of social connectedness and mental health symptoms alongside academic and non-academic stressors to a large sample of UK university students. RESULTS Loneliness was the strongest overall predictor of mental distress, while assessment stress was the most important academic predictor. Strong identification with university friendship groups was most protective against distress relative to other social identities, and the beneficial impact of identification on symptoms was mediated by reduced loneliness. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the benefits of establishing strong social connections at university and the importance of minimising stress associated with assessment tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason C McIntyre
- a Institute of Psychology, Health and Society , University of Liverpool , Liverpool , UK
| | - Joanne Worsley
- a Institute of Psychology, Health and Society , University of Liverpool , Liverpool , UK
| | - Rhiannon Corcoran
- a Institute of Psychology, Health and Society , University of Liverpool , Liverpool , UK
| | - Paula Harrison Woods
- b Student Administration and Support Division , University of Liverpool , Liverpool , UK , and
| | - Richard P Bentall
- c Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology Unit , The University of Sheffield , Sheffield , UK
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