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Åmlid HO, Carlsson J, Bjørnestad J, Joa I, Hegelstad WTV. We need to talk: a qualitative inquiry into pathways to care for young men at ultra-high risk for psychosis. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1282432. [PMID: 38410399 PMCID: PMC10894910 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1282432] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction It is known from the literature that men are slower to seek help and staying engaged in mental health care compared to women. Seeing that in psychosis, men more often than women have insidious onsets but also a more malign illness course, it is important to find ways to improve timely help-seeking. The aim of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators for help-seeking in young male persons struggling with early signs of psychosis. Methods Qualitative interviews with nine young men who suffer from a first episode of psychosis or psychosis risk symptoms. Results Male stereotypical ideals, significant others, and knowledge of symptoms and where to get help as well characteristics of symptom trajectories appeared to be important determinants of help-seeking behavior. Discussion Interviews indicated that help-seeking in the participants was delayed first, because of reluctancy to disclose distress and second, because significant others were unable to accurately recognize symptoms. Information, awareness, and easy access to care remain important in early detection and intervention in psychosis and psychosis risk. However, more emphasis should be placed on de-stigmatizing mental health problems in men and aiming information specifically at them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Håkon Olav Åmlid
- TIPS – Centre for Clinical Research in Psychosis, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- School of Law, Psychology and Social Work, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Jan Carlsson
- School of Law, Psychology and Social Work, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Jone Bjørnestad
- TIPS – Centre for Clinical Research in Psychosis, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Social Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Psychiatry, District General Hospital of Førde, Førde, Norway
| | - Inge Joa
- TIPS – Centre for Clinical Research in Psychosis, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Wenche ten Velden Hegelstad
- TIPS – Centre for Clinical Research in Psychosis, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Social Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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Mansour K, Greenwood CJ, Francis LM, Smith I, Olsson CA, Macdonald JA. Social network investment of men: Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with mental health problems. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024; 16:138-157. [PMID: 37503713 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12475] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Internationally, there is growing attention on links between social isolation and mental health problems. Here, we use unique Australian longitudinal data to investigate associations between adult men's (n = 507; age M = 29.90, SD = 1.31) social network investments and their concurrent and subsequent mental health problems. In linear regressions, using generalised estimating equations (GEEs), we examined associations between social network investment (time with friends, network size and various activities with friends) and mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety and stress) across five timepoints. Models were adjusted for waves of outcome and potential confounders. Cross-sectionally, each social network investment variable, except for drinking with friends, was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Men's extended friendship network size and sharing a meal with friends were negatively associated with concurrent anxiety and stress. Time spent and physical activity with friends was also negatively associated with concurrent stress. In longitudinal analyses, after adjusting for prior depressive symptoms, only the number of friends in close and extended networks remained protective against depressive symptoms 1 year later. Results did not differ by fatherhood or relationship status. Programs designed to strengthen men's investment in social networks are recommended to reduce men's depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Mansour
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Christopher J Greenwood
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lauren M Francis
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Imogene Smith
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Craig A Olsson
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jacqui A Macdonald
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Simione L, Gnagnarella C. Humor Coping Reduces the Positive Relationship between Avoidance Coping Strategies and Perceived Stress: A Moderation Analysis. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13020179. [PMID: 36829408 PMCID: PMC9952361 DOI: 10.3390/bs13020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Humor is considered an adaptive coping strategy as it could reduce the burden of perceived stress and increase positive emotional states when dealing with stressful situations. Humor has been reported in several models as a rather independent strategy that can be correlated with both approach-based coping strategies and avoidance-based coping strategies. Humor can be defined as a hedonistic escapism strategy that would work better in the presence of unpredictable or uncontrollable stressors, such as the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and its related confinement measures. Therefore, during such a stressful event, humor would have increased the positive effect of the approach coping style on mental health and reduced the negative effect of the avoidance coping style. Based on this hypothesis, we conducted a cross-sectional study with a moderation analysis in which we assessed the interaction of humor with both approach-based and avoidance-based coping styles on perceived stress in a large sample of Italian participants collected in April and May 2021. Despite some limitations related to sampling and study design, the results obtained partially support our hypothesis, as we observed that humor had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between avoidance coping and psychological distress, with a reduction of perceived stress while using such a coping style in the presence of a medium to high level of humor. On the other hand, we did not observe a significant moderating effect of humor on the relationship between the approach coping style and perceived stress. In general, our results support the beneficial effect of humor on mental health and highlight a special role for humor as a moderator of other coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Simione
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie della Cognizione, ISTC, CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Seidler ZE, Wilson MJ, Oliffe JL, Fisher K, O’Connor R, Pirkis J, Rice SM. Suicidal ideation in men during COVID-19: an examination of protective factors. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:46. [PMID: 36650456 PMCID: PMC9845104 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04539-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men account for three-quarters of all suicide deaths in many Western nations including Australia. Whilst extensive research has examined risk factors for suicidal ideation and behaviour in men, protective factors remain underexplored, particularly social support, resilience and coping behaviours. Such factors are important to examine particularly in the context of COVID-19, where enforced isolation (among other negative lifestyle effects) has created widespread risk for the development of suicidal ideation. This mixed-methods study aimed to examine associations of various protective factors with suicidal ideation in men, using data from an online survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we aimed to qualitatively investigate men's self-reported protective strategies when experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviour. METHODS A convenience sample of 700 men (age M = 50.3 years; SD = 15.2 years) responded to an online survey including quantitative measures of suicidal ideation, planning and attempt, alongside employment and relationship status, coping, social support, resilience, and a qualitative free-text item gauging men's self-reported protective strategies. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to compare odds of sub-categories of suicide risk (ideation; planning) according to protective factors. Qualitative responses were analysed via thematic analysis. RESULTS Men in a relationship, and those lower in emotion-focused and avoidant coping reported lower odds of suicidal ideation. Maintaining employment throughout the pandemic was protective against suicidal ideation and planning; as was greater perceived social support from friends. Greater self-reported resilience was protective against suicidal ideation and planning. Qualitative analyses led to the development of two themes: coping and connecting, reflecting men's intra- and interpersonal management strategies; and sustaining selflessness, where men's imaginings of the collateral damage of their suicidal behaviour was protective against action on suicidal thoughts or plans. CONCLUSIONS Findings of this study speak to the nuanced roles of interpersonal connections, resilience and coping behaviours in protecting against suicidal ideation and planning in men. In addition, qualitative insights further cement men's identification with familial protector and/or provider roles as protective against suicidal action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zac E. Seidler
- grid.488501.00000 0004 8032 6923Orygen, Melbourne Parkville, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XCentre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia ,Movember, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael J. Wilson
- grid.488501.00000 0004 8032 6923Orygen, Melbourne Parkville, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XCentre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - John L. Oliffe
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Nursing, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Krista Fisher
- grid.488501.00000 0004 8032 6923Orygen, Melbourne Parkville, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XCentre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Rory O’Connor
- grid.8756.c0000 0001 2193 314XSuicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jane Pirkis
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XCentre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Simon M. Rice
- grid.488501.00000 0004 8032 6923Orygen, Melbourne Parkville, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XCentre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Psychological Distress in Patients Treated for Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Literature Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11216383. [PMID: 36362610 PMCID: PMC9657659 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216383] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The incidence of psychological distress and its impact on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients is unclear. Our aim was to analyze the literature regarding the prevalence of psychological distress and its impact on patients with non-metastatic or metastatic RCC; (2) Methods: A systematic search of five databases was performed. Studies were considered eligible if they included patients with RCC, had a prospective or retrospective design, and assessed anxiety, depression, or psychological distress at any time during treatment or follow-up. Exclusion criteria: no treatment for RCC, or not providing data for RCC patients; (3) Results: A total of 15 studies were included. Reported psychological distress was up to 77% and the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms were up to 77.6% and 68.3% in patients with non-metastatic RCC. There was no association of depression with overall survival (OS) in patients with non-metastatic RCC treated by radical nephrectomy; on the contrary, in patients with metastatic disease, depression had an impact on OS. Limitations are related to the quality of the included studies; (4) Conclusions: Patients with RCC reported a high level of psychological distress like other cancer patients. It seems that for patients with localized disease, psychological distress does not impact OS, while it does in those with metastatic disease.
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O’Gorman KM, Wilson MJ, Seidler ZE, English D, Zajac IT, Fisher KS, Rice SM. Male-Type Depression Mediates the Relationship between Avoidant Coping and Suicidal Ideation in Men. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10874. [PMID: 36078589 PMCID: PMC9517898 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710874] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite known links between men's avoidant coping behaviours (e.g., distraction, denial, substance use) and suicide risk, little research has explored the mechanisms underpinning this relationship. This study sought to examine whether male-type depression symptoms (e.g., anger, aggression, emotion suppression), assessed by the Male Depression Risk Scale, mediate the association between avoidant coping and suicide/self-harm ideation in men. Data were drawn from an online survey of a community sample of 606 Australian men (M age = 50.11 years; SD = 15.00), conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mediation analyses were applied to examine the effect of male-type depression on the association between avoidant coping and suicidal/self-harm ideation, controlling for age, resilience and the experience of two psychosocial stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic (financial stress and government restrictions). Avoidant coping was associated with suicidal/self-harm ideation, r = 0.45, p < 0.001. Results supported a mediating role of male-type depression symptoms in this relationship, R2= 0.29, PM = 0.36, p < 0.001, underscoring the importance of screening for male-type depression symptoms to better identify men at risk of suicidal/self-harm ideation. Results also suggest a need to support men to develop effective coping strategies, particularly in the context of common psychosocial stressors experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran M. O’Gorman
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Michael J. Wilson
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Zac E. Seidler
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Movember, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia
| | - Derek English
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ian T. Zajac
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Krista S. Fisher
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Simon M. Rice
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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