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Roe D, Gilboa-Schechtman E, Baumel A. Digital Terror: Its Striking Impact on Public Mental Health. Psychiatr Serv 2024:appips20240169. [PMID: 38938092 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20240169] [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] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Digital terror refers to the use of digital technology to disseminate graphic images of acts of violence to frighten the public. On October 7, 2023, militants of the Palestinian organization Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel and used digital terror to magnify their acts. Although the purposeful spreading of terror via digital means is not new, the Hamas attack was significant for the scope, immediacy, and widespread dissemination of its digital content. This column aims to describe and analyze the psychological significance of this new form of terror, the public mental health challenges raised, and the interventions needed to assist those exposed to digital terror.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Roe
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel (Roe, Baumel); Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel (Gilboa-Schechtman)
| | - Eva Gilboa-Schechtman
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel (Roe, Baumel); Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel (Gilboa-Schechtman)
| | - Amit Baumel
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel (Roe, Baumel); Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel (Gilboa-Schechtman)
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Helmy M, Alhuwailah A, Shuwiekh HAM, Naser AY, Maalej E, Obeid S, Cheour M, Hallit S. Mediating effect of depression and acute stress between exposure to Israel-Gaza war media coverage and insomnia: a multinational study from five arab countries. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1498. [PMID: 38835005 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18996-8] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of persistent wars and conflicts worldwide, the impact of acute, excessive and constant exposure to media coverage of such events on mental health outcomes becomes a serious problem for public health, and requires therefore urgent investigation to inform an effective prevention and management response. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that war-related media exposure is directly and indirectly associated with insomnia through depression and perceived stress among adults from the general population of different Arab countries. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried-out two weeks after the beginning of Israel-Gaza war on the 7th of October 2023. An anonymous online survey and a snowball sampling method were adopted to collect data. A sample of 2635 general population adults (mean age of 23.98 ± 7.55 years, 73.1% females) took part of this study. RESULTS The results of the mediation analysis showed that, after adjusting over potential confounders, depression and perceived stress fully mediated the association between war media exposure and insomnia; higher war media exposure was significantly associated with higher depression (Beta = 0.13; p < .001) and perceived stress (Beta = 0.07; p < .001), whereas higher depression (Beta = 0.43; p < .001) and perceived stress (Beta = 0.31; p < .001) were significantly associated with higher insomnia. It is of note that war media exposure was not significantly and directly associated with insomnia (Beta = - 0.01; p = .178 and Beta = 0.02; p = .098 respectively). CONCLUSION The present study is the first to provide evidence that more time spent viewing the horrors of war is significantly associated with insomnia. In addition, symptoms of stress and depression were present as early as two weeks following the beginning of the war, and played a significant role in mediating the association between war media coverage and insomnia. These findings suggest that timely screening for, and management of depression and stress symptoms in clinical and preventive programs might be beneficial for community adults who have been heavily and indirectly exposed to war through media, and present with insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis Al Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry Ibn Omrane, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Mai Helmy
- Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
- Psychology department, College of education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | | | | | - Abdallah Y Naser
- Department of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, faculty of pharmacy, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Emna Maalej
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis Al Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry Ibn Omrane, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sahar Obeid
- School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Majda Cheour
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis Al Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry Ibn Omrane, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478, Saudi Arabia.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
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Bhugra D, Ventriglio A. An age of rage, victimhood and entitlement. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2024; 70:636-638. [PMID: 38822727 DOI: 10.1177/00207640241254704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Bhugra
- Mental Health & Cultural Diversity, PO72, Centre for Affective Disorders, IoPPN, Kings College, London, UK
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Al-Maghaireh D, Shawish NS, Alsaqer K, Kawafha M, Sheyab HS, Al Mushasha RA, Al Kofahi A. Acute Stress Disorders Among Jordanian Adolescents After Watching Gaza News Footage on Social Media. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:2521-2533. [PMID: 38799013 PMCID: PMC11128230 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s461333] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a surge in acute stress among individuals who are exposed to distressing images and videos daily via social media. Aim This study aimed to examine the impact of watching Gaza news footage on social media among Jordanian adolescents, and explore the experiences of watching Gaza news footage on social media from the perspective of adolescents. Methods An explanatory mixed methods design was conducted from 10/10/2023 until 6/11/2023, undertaken at two government high schools in Jordan. The Perceived Stress Scale was used to survey 180 Jordanian students who watched Gaza news footage on social media. Then the students who had high stress levels were interviewed. Results 180 students participated in this study, more than half of them were male (52.2%). The quantitative findings showed that the students experienced high stress levels, with a mean score of 3.78 (SD = 1.24). 70% of students reported high levels of stress, the amount of time spent watching news footage about the Gaza attack on social media each day, and the presence of social support from family or peers are significantly linked to stress levels (p < 0.05). The qualitative findings revealed the following themes: Extreme Emotional Responses, Sources of Stressors and Impact of Stress Extreme Emotional Responses, Sources of Stressors and Impact of Stress. Conclusion Study findings revealed high stress levels among adolescents after watching Gaza news on social media, highlighting the need for interventions in the context of the three major themes revealed in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Khitam Alsaqer
- Faculty of Nursing, Irbid National University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mariam Kawafha
- Faculty of Nursing, Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan
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de Oliveira C, Matias MA, Jacobs R. Microsimulation Models on Mental Health: A Critical Review of the Literature. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2024; 27:226-246. [PMID: 37949353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.10.015] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To retrieve and synthesize the literature on existing mental health-specific microsimulation models or generic microsimulation models used to examine mental health, and to critically appraise them. METHODS All studies on microsimulation and mental health published in English in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and EconLit between January 1, 2010, and September 30, 2022, were considered. Snowballing, Google searches, and searches on specific journal websites were also undertaken. Data extraction was done on all studies retrieved and the reporting quality of each model was assessed using the Quality Assessment Reporting for Microsimulation Models checklist, a checklist developed by the research team. A narrative synthesis approach was used to synthesize the evidence. RESULTS Among 227 potential hits, 19 studies were found to be relevant. Some studies covered existing economic-demographic models, which included a component on mental health and were used to answer mental-health-related research questions. Other studies were focused solely on mental health and included models that were developed to examine the impact of specific policies or interventions on specific mental disorders or both. Most models examined were of medium quality. The main limitations included the use of model inputs based on self-reported and/or cross-sectional data, small and/or nonrepresentative samples and simplifying assumptions, and lack of model validation. CONCLUSIONS This review found few high-quality microsimulation models on mental health. Microsimulation models developed specifically to examine mental health are important to guide healthcare delivery and service planning. Future research should focus on developing high-quality mental health-specific microsimulation models with wide applicability and multiple functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire de Oliveira
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Maria Ana Matias
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, England, UK
| | - Rowena Jacobs
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, England, UK
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Howard J, Lorenzo-Luaces L, Lind C, Lakhan P, Rutter LA. Is a Criterion A trauma necessary to elicit posttraumatic stress symptoms? J Psychiatr Res 2024; 170:58-64. [PMID: 38103450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.12.008] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis has undergone substantial revision since its first appearance in the DSM-III. Much of the controversy surrounds the definition of trauma, or Criterion A. Our study sought to evaluate the DSM-5-TR's Criterion A and severity of PTSD symptoms in college students. METHOD Participants were 1500 college students who completed an online questionnaire about mental health symptoms. Responses to the Criterion A assessment were double coded by researchers to determine if the DSM-5-TR's Criterion A was met. Interpersonal agreement between raters was high (kappa = .81). Participants were compared across groups based on their PTSD Criterion A status: (1) DSM-Congruent, (2) DSM-Incongruent, (3) DSM-Ambiguous, and (4) Denied Trauma, using analysis of variance and multiple regression. RESULTS Participants who reported a trauma that was coded as Criterion A by researchers had the highest levels of PTSD symptoms, even after controlling for perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and gender (p < .001). Comparing across groups, the DSM-Congruent Criterion A group had significantly higher overall PTSS than those in the DSM-Incongruent Criterion A group and also significantly higher hyperarousal symptoms. However, the DSM-Congruent Criterion A group did not differ from the DSM-Ambiguous trauma group on any PTSD symptom cluster. CONCLUSIONS The lack of significant differences in scores between individuals with DSM- Congruent, DSM-Incongruent, and DSM-Ambiguous traumas provides evidence about the subjective nature of trauma and how college-age individuals interpret their symptoms of PTSD. Clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Howard
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; TRAILS, a Project of Tides Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lorenzo Lorenzo-Luaces
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Colton Lind
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Prabhvir Lakhan
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Lauren A Rutter
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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Chabbouh A, Hallit S, Farah N, Youssef C, Hankache A, Fekih-Romdhane F, Bitar Z, Obeid S. Examining correlates of aggression and mediating effect of psychological distress between exposure to media violence and aggression in lebanese adults. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:191. [PMID: 37386511 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01232-0] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violent media is the most consumed type of media in Lebanon. Many studies have linked exposure to media violence to increased aggression and psychological distress. As Lebanon is going through socio-political turmoil, we aimed to [1] explore the correlates of aggression (i.e., sociodemographic factors, BMI, loneliness, social competence, and psychological distress) in a sample of Lebanese adults from the general population, and [2] to examine the mediating effect of psychological distress in the association between exposure to media violence and aggression in this sample. METHODOLOGY Adults were recruited through online convenience sampling. We employed scales to assess content-based media exposure (C-ME), aggression (BPAQ-SF), psychological distress (DASS-8), loneliness (JGLS), and perceived social competence (PSCS). RESULTS Exposure to media violence was associated with all four aggression subtypes (verbal, physical, hostility, and anger). Psychological distress partially mediated all these associations; higher exposure to media violence was significantly associated with more psychological distress, which was significantly associated with higher levels of all types of aggression. Moreover, higher exposure to media violence was significantly associated with higher levels of all types of aggression. CONCLUSION In the sociopolitical context of Lebanon, violent media could be considered a public hazard. Psychological distress likely potentiates the association between exposure to violent media and aggression. Future research should focus on determining what components of psychological distress underpin this mediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Chabbouh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, P.O. Box 446, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
| | - Nour Farah
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Christina Youssef
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
| | - Abdo Hankache
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, Manouba, 2010, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Zeinab Bitar
- Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
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Massag J, Diexer S, Klee B, Costa D, Gottschick C, Broda A, Purschke O, Opel N, Binder M, Sedding D, Frese T, Girndt M, Hoell J, Moor I, Rosendahl J, Gekle M, Mikolajczyk R. Anxiety, depressive symptoms, and distress over the course of the war in Ukraine in three federal states in Germany. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1167615. [PMID: 37181901 PMCID: PMC10172594 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1167615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting consequences are in the center of political discussions, media, and likely individual thinking of the population in Germany. Yet, the impact of this prolonged exposure on mental health is not known hitherto. Methods Using the population based cohort study DigiHero from three federal states (Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, and Bavaria), we assessed anxiety levels (GAD-7), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and distress (modified PDI) in the first weeks of war and 6 months later. Results Of those 19,432, who responded in the first weeks of war, 13,934 (71.1%) responded also 6 months later. While anxiety and emotional distress decreased during the 6 months, their average scores were still elevated, and a substantial fraction of respondents displayed clinically relevant sequelae. Persons from low-income households were especially affected, specifically by fears related to the personal financial situation. Those who reacted with a particularly strong fear in the beginning of war were more likely to have persistent clinically relevant symptoms of depression and anxiety also 6 months later. Discussion The Russian invasion of Ukraine is accompanied by continuing impairment of mental health in the German population. Fears surrounding the personal financial situation are a strong determinant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janka Massag
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sophie Diexer
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniela Costa
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anja Broda
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Oliver Purschke
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Nils Opel
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health, Site Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, Jena, Germany
| | - Mascha Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Haematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniel Sedding
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Mid-German Heart Centre, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Frese
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Girndt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jessica Hoell
- Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Irene Moor
- Institute for Medical Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jonas Rosendahl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Center for Mental Health, Site Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Rafael Mikolajczyk,
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