1
|
Omiya T, Deguchi NK, Asakura T. A Sense of Belonging and Help Seeking: Examining Factors Related to the Mental Health of High School Students with High Autistic Traits without Diagnosis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1927. [PMID: 38136129 PMCID: PMC10742478 DOI: 10.3390/children10121927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Certain individuals are clinically undiagnosed for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but exhibit strong ASD characteristics. This study examined the differences between a control group and a "high autistic traits" group involving individuals who scored 9 or higher on the Autism-Spectrum Quotient-16 Japanese Version, based on their sense of belonging, help-seeking style, and relationship with mental health. The participants were 608 Japanese public high school students. Of them, 129 (21.2%) and 479 (78.8%) were in the high autistic traits and control groups, respectively. A multiple regression analysis was performed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) as the dependent variable for the groups. The analysis revealed no differences between the two groups regarding grade, gender, physical illness, insomnia, or mental health status; however, they differed regarding avoidant help-seeking style and teacher acceptance. Moreover, avoidant help-seeking scores in the high autistic traits group and teacher acceptance showed a significantly positive and significantly negative association with GHQ, respectively. The results indicated that children with autistic traits internally suppress them, experiencing distress. Teachers are aware that these students seek support from them, but the students seem reluctant to ask them for help. This can negatively impact the mental health of children with high autistic traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Omiya
- Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | | | - Takashi Asakura
- Laboratory of Health and Social Behavior, Tokyo Gakugei University, Koganei 184-8501, Japan;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Omiya T, Sankai T, Miyazaki A, Abe Y, Deguchi NK. Transitions in sense of coherence among middle-aged women raising adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1215463. [PMID: 38054169 PMCID: PMC10694286 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1215463] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective A longitudinal study was conducted among Japanese women raising adolescents to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their sense of coherence (SOC) and to provide suggestions for supporting them. Methods The SOC scores of 138 pairs of middle-aged women and their children (junior high school students) were compared at two time points: 2019 (before the pandemic, T1) and 2020 (during the pandemic, T2). Results Overall, the women's SOC did not change, whereas the adolescents' SOC increased. In contrast, 44% of the women's SOC scores decreased during the pandemic; no differences were detected between the SOC maintenance and increase group (G1) and the SOC decrease group (G2) in mental health, subjective physical health, social capital, and job status, and the child variables were not related. Multiple regression analysis of G1 and G2 with SOC at T2 as the dependent variable showed that for G2, at T1, having good mental and physical health conditions, a rich social capital, and having a job were positively associated with SOC during the pandemic. Conclusion Middle-aged Japanese women, who often work as informal workers, are easily laid off and are involved in care work. Thus, the change in their socioeconomic status due to the pandemic may have been severe. Given the long-term social impact of the pandemic, it is necessary to consider support for women, including economic and social support such as employment and building human connections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Omiya
- Division on Health Innovation and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tomoko Sankai
- Division on Health Innovation and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Akari Miyazaki
- Health Promotion Division of Ibaraki Prefectural Government, Mito, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Abe
- Division on Health Innovation and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bargehr B, Fischer von Weikersthal L, Junghans C, Zomorodbakhsch B, Stoll C, Prott FJ, Fuxius S, Micke O, Hübner J, Büntzel J, Hoppe C. Sense of coherence and its context with demographics, psychological aspects, lifestyle, complementary and alternative medicine and lay aetiology. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04760-9. [PMID: 37079052 PMCID: PMC10374667 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04760-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE For patients with a cancer diagnosis, coping abilities are of high importance. Cancer patients with a high sense of coherence may cope better. The purpose of this study is to learn more about the correlation of sense of coherence and different aspects, such as demographics, psychological factors, lifestyle, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and lay aetiology. METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study was performed in ten cancer centres in Germany. The questionnaire consisted of ten sub-items, collecting information about sense of coherence, demographics, general life satisfaction, resilience, spirituality, self-efficacy, physical activity and sports, nutrition, CAM methods and cancer causes. RESULTS As many as 349 participants were evaluable. The mean sense of coherence score was M = 47.30. Significant associations were shown for sense of coherence and financial situation (r = 0.230, p < 0.001), level of education (r = 0.187, p < 0.001), marital status (η = 0.177, p = 0.026) and time interval since diagnosis (r = - 0.109, p = 0.045). Sense of coherence and resilience correlated on a high level, as well as spirituality, self-efficacy and general life satisfaction (r = 0.563, r = 0.432, r = 0.461, r = 0.306, p's < 0.001). CONCLUSION Several aspects, such as demographics and psychological factors, have a great influence on the sense of coherence. To help patients to cope better, physicians should try to strengthen sense of coherence, resilience and self-efficacy and, at the same time, consider patients' individual background such as level of education, financial capacity and emotional support by family members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Bargehr
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
| | - L Fischer von Weikersthal
- Gesundheitszentrum St. Marien GmbH, Praxis für Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Mariahilfbergweg 7, 92224, Amberg, Germany
| | - C Junghans
- Paracelsus Klinik am Schillergarten Bad Elster, Martin-Andersen-Nexö-Straße 10, 08645, Bad Elster, Germany
| | - B Zomorodbakhsch
- üBAG/MVZ Onkologische Kooperation Harz GbR, Kösliner Straße 14, 38642, Goslar, Germany
| | - C Stoll
- Klinik Herzoghöhe Bayreuth, Kulmbacher Straße 103, 95445, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - F-J Prott
- Strahlentherapie am St. Josef Krankenhaus, Beethovenstraße 20, 65189, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - S Fuxius
- Onkologische Schwerpunktpraxis Heidelberg, Kurfürsten-Anlage 34, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - O Micke
- Franziskus Hospital, Klinik für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, Kiskerstraße 26, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - J Hübner
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - J Büntzel
- Klinik für HNO-Erkrankungen, Kopf-Hals-Chirurgie, Interdisziplinäre Palliativstation, Südharz Klinikum Nordhausen, Dr.-Robert-Koch-Straße 39, 99734, Nordhausen, Germany
| | - C Hoppe
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alharbi FS, Aljemaiah AI, Osman M. Validation of the factor structure and psychometric characteristics of the Arabic adaptation of the sense of coherence SOC-13 scale: a confirmatory factor analysis. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:115. [PMID: 35505411 PMCID: PMC9066761 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00826-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sense of coherence is as focused on one's awareness of the level of pervasive, enduring, and dynamic feelings. Stronger sense of coherence leads to better physical and mental health and promotes recovery from life stressors. Sense of coherence-13 (SOC-13) is a 13-item valid and reliable measure for individual's healthy living. However, the factor structure of SOC-13 was criticized in several cultures and languages. The current study was set to explore the factor structure of an Arabic adaptation for SOC-13. METHODS This cross-sectional study of the SOC-13 included (n = 1235) Arabic speaking individuals. We used confirmatory factor analysis to contrast unidimensional, bidimensional, three-dimensional, and four-dimensional factor structure for the SOC-13. We carried out measurement invariance analysis across age and gender groups to examine the stability of fit indices among participants' subgroups. RESULTS We found the reliability coefficient to be 0.82, indicative of good internal consistency. The three-factor structure, after modification of items 1, 2, and 3 was the best-fitting factor model. However, measurement invariance was indicative of discrepancy for the three-factor model between genders and age classes. The mean overall SOC-13 total score in our sample was 52.1 (SD = 16.1). CONCLUSIONS The SOC-13 showed acceptable psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency and a modified three-factor structure in its Arabic version. However, the reliability of the three underlying dimensions was sub-optimum. Moreover, the three-factor structure requires modification by either removing the first three problematic items or allowing the residuals to correlate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatimah Sayer Alharbi
- Department of Psychology, College of Education, Nourah's Health Program, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, PO Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz I Aljemaiah
- Armed Forces Centre for Psychiatric Care, Prince Mansour Military Hospital, Al-Matar Street, Al-Faiysaliyah District, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mugtaba Osman
- Armed Forces Centre for Psychiatric Care, Prince Mansour Military Hospital, Al-Matar Street, Al-Faiysaliyah District, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Omiya T, Deguchi NK, Togari T, Yamazaki Y. A study on the examination of sense of coherence-related factors in Japanese junior high school students and their mothers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4208. [PMID: 35273289 PMCID: PMC8913827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07998-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between the sense of coherence (SOC), which is conceptually the ability to successfully cope with stress, of Japanese junior high school students and their mothers, and investigated SOC-related factors among the students. We analyzed self-reported data from 134 junior high school students (aged 12–14 years) and their mothers (average age: 45.5 ± 4.1 years), based in an urban area of Japan. We found a weak correlation between the SOC total scores of female students and their mothers; further, few subscales showed weak correlations. However, the SOC of male students was not correlated with that of their mothers, including the three subcomponents that constitute the SOC. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that the SOC of female students was negatively associated with ASD-related characteristics, sensitivity to evaluation, and avoidant help-seeking style, and positively associated with a sense of belonging to the school. However, male students’ SOC showed a negative relationship with excessive response to evaluation and a strong sense of parental control. To improve SOC in adolescents, it is necessary to consider their gender differences and support them, both at home and school.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Omiya
- Division of Health Innovation and Nursing, Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennnodai, Tsukuba-city, Ibaraki Prefecture, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Naoko Kumada Deguchi
- Division of Health Innovation and Nursing, Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennnodai, Tsukuba-city, Ibaraki Prefecture, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Taisuke Togari
- Faculty of Liberal Arts, The Open University of Japan, Chiba-city, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Yamazaki
- Department of Social Welfare, Faculty of Social Welfare, Nihon Fukushi University, Chita-Gun, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Omiya T, Deguchi N, Sakata Y, Takata Y, Yamazaki Y. Changes in Japanese Junior High School Students' Sense of Coherence Before and After the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study of Children and Mothers. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:780443. [PMID: 35111086 PMCID: PMC8801452 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.780443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a longitudinal study to clarify the changes in the sense of coherence (SOC); that is, the ability to cope with stress successfully, of 166 Japanese junior high school students and their mothers before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. First, we analyzed changes in SOC at three time points for all students and divided them into two groups: Group 1 included students with SOC scores that increased or maintained before and after the onset of the pandemic and Group 2 included students with decreased SOC scores after the onset of the pandemic. Second, we conducted a comparative analysis between the two groups. Overall, results indicated that student's SOC scores increased. Additionally, interpersonal stress scores were lower after the onset of the pandemic than before. There were almost no differences in family relationships, financial conditions, or personality tendencies between the two groups. However, Group 2 did not regain their sense of belonging to school. In this group, the frequency of stress experiences in club activities after the onset of the pandemic, troubles with the opposite gender, and inability to catch up with the contents of the subject lecture were high. The accumulation of small stressors may have hindered the maintenance of a sense of school affiliation. Mothers of students in Group 2 either were full-time employees at baseline or had started a new job after the onset of the pandemic. Their children may have been affected by the household's damaged financial budget and changes in mother's working styles. As COVID-19 reduced the number of days students went to school, students' SOC could have reduced had they not felt a sense of presence or belonging due to the lack of participation in club activities, school events, etc. Teachers and mothers should communicate carefully with their students and children, respectively, to develop a sense of belonging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Omiya
- Division of Health Innovation and Nursing, Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Naoko Deguchi
- Division of Health Innovation and Nursing, Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yumiko Sakata
- Division of Health Innovation and Nursing, Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yuriko Takata
- Division of Health Innovation and Nursing, Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Yamazaki
- Department of Social Welfare, Faculty of Social Welfare, Nihon Fukushi University, Mihama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|