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Li M, Yan Y, Jia H, Gao Y, Qiu J, Yang W. Neural basis underlying the association between thought control ability and happiness: The moderating role of the amygdala. Psych J 2024; 13:625-638. [PMID: 38450574 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Thought control ability (TCA) plays an important role in individuals' health and happiness. Previous studies demonstrated that TCA was closely conceptually associated with happiness. However, empirical research supporting this relationship was limited. In addition, the neural basis underlying TCA and how this neural basis influences the relationship between TCA and happiness remain unexplored. In the present study, the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) method was adopted to investigate the neuroanatomical basis of TCA in 314 healthy subjects. The behavioral results revealed a significant positive association between TCA and happiness. On the neural level, there was a significant negative correlation between TCA and the gray matter density (GMD) of the bilateral amygdala. Split-half validation analysis revealed similar results, further confirming the stability of the VBM analysis findings. Furthermore, gray matter covariance network and graph theoretical analyses showed positive association between TCA and both the node degree and node strength of the amygdala. Moderation analysis revealed that the GMD of the amygdala moderated the relationship between TCA and happiness. Specifically, the positive association between TCA and self-perceived happiness was stronger in subjects with a lower GMD of the amygdala. The present study indicated the neural basis underlying the association between TCA and happiness and offered a method of improving individual well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuchi Yan
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Jia
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Yixin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
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Sánchez-López MT, Llamas-Díaz D, Megías-Robles A, Gómez-Leal R, Gutiérrez-Cobo MJ, Fernández-Berrocal P, Cabello R. Differential Impact of Emotional and Contextual Factors Associated with COVID-19 on Adolescent Mental Health. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:147-156. [PMID: 38223310 PMCID: PMC10788053 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s434365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background During the confinement, there was an increase in the incidence of mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. In this regard, affectivity is of particular interest, as emotions play a fundamental role in overall mental health. The literature on COVID-19 in this population has often focused on the analysis of risk factors for mental health, while less attention has been paid to protective factors. In this paper, we propose an inclusive model of risk and protective factors for adolescent mental health through the indirect effect of negative and positive affect. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with a Spanish community sample of 477 adolescents (Mage = 16.23, range:14 to 20 years old; 43.4% were boys; response rate: 100%). We measured the perceived hardness of confinement, worrying about contagion, quality of relationships at home, pleasant activities, affect (positive and negative), and mental health. Results The results revealed a positive relationship between the perceived hardness of confinement and worrying about contagion with mental health, through the indirect effect of negative affect, and a positive relationship between home relationships and pleasant activities with mental health through an indirect effect of positive affect. Conclusion Our results suggest that different types of emotions generated by the various contextual variables associated with COVID-19 may have a differential impact on mental health. These findings support the inclusive model of risk and protective factors for adolescent mental health. Practical implications, future studies, and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - María José Gutiérrez-Cobo
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Rosario Cabello
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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Llamas-Díaz D, Cabello R, Gómez-Leal R, Gutiérrez-Cobo MJ, Megías-Robles A, Fernández-Berrocal P. Ability Emotional Intelligence and Subjective Happiness in Adolescents: The Role of Positive and Negative Affect. J Intell 2023; 11:166. [PMID: 37623549 PMCID: PMC10456052 DOI: 10.3390/jintelligence11080166] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is an increasingly vulnerable period for the onset of affective disorders and other mental health issues that can significantly impact an individual's subjective well-being. This study aims to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence (ability EI), measured with a performance-based instrument, and Subjective Happiness in adolescents. It also explores the mediating role of positive (PA) and negative affect (NA) in this association and the moderating role of gender. The sample consisted of 333 first-year secondary school students from five centers in Spain, with an average age of 12.11 years (SD = 0.64), ranging from 11-14 years. Path analysis revealed an indirect effect (through NA and PA jointly) of Total Ability EI on Subjective Happiness and a positive direct effect that was observed only in females. Furthermore, this association was explored through various branches of ability EI. The results of this study suggest that interventions aimed at improving emotional abilities in adolescents while modulating the intensity of their emotions could significantly impact their overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée Llamas-Díaz
- Department of Basic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Campus de Teatinos, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (D.L.-D.); (R.G.-L.); (A.M.-R.); (P.F.-B.)
| | - Rosario Cabello
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Campus de Teatinos, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Raquel Gómez-Leal
- Department of Basic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Campus de Teatinos, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (D.L.-D.); (R.G.-L.); (A.M.-R.); (P.F.-B.)
| | - María José Gutiérrez-Cobo
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Campus de Teatinos, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Alberto Megías-Robles
- Department of Basic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Campus de Teatinos, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (D.L.-D.); (R.G.-L.); (A.M.-R.); (P.F.-B.)
| | - Pablo Fernández-Berrocal
- Department of Basic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Campus de Teatinos, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (D.L.-D.); (R.G.-L.); (A.M.-R.); (P.F.-B.)
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Polizzi CP, McDonald CW, Sleight FG, Lynn SJ. Resilience, Coping, and the Covid-19 Pandemic Across the Globe - an Update: What Have we Learned? CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2023; 20:316-326. [PMID: 37791081 PMCID: PMC10544248 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20230411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic is a mass traumatic event that has universally and indiscriminately negatively affected the world. The adverse consequences of the pandemic have globally impacted psychological health and well-being via increased stressors, such as uncertainty, health anxieties, and financial instability. During the initial months of the pandemic, we (Polizzi et al., 2020) identified coping strategies that may be well-suited to address the sequelae of the pandemic. These strategies included behavioral activation, acceptance-based coping, mindfulness practice, and loving-kindness meditation. We argued that these coping skills may foster resilience and recovery during the pandemic by generating a sense of social connection, encouraging meaning-making, and enhancing feelings of control amid uncertainty. Three years later, we update our initial suggestions by providing a narrative review that considers empirical evidence collected during the pandemic to support the utility of the previously identified coping strategies as well as additional strategies. We also discuss cross-cultural similarities and differences among these strategies and how research supports their application across diverse countries and groups. Finally, we conclude by synthesizing the literature within a regulatory flexibility framework that emphasizes flexible skill implementation with respect to sensitivity to context, coping repertoires, and feedback from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig P. Polizzi
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
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Rajkumar RP. Cultural values and changes in happiness in 78 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis of data from the World Happiness Reports. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1090340. [PMID: 36818129 PMCID: PMC9932538 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1090340] [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: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of happiness is consistent across cultures to a significant extent, and encompasses both internal (subjective) and external (situational) aspects. Cultural values and norms shape emotions and behavior from an early age, and hence play a key role in influencing cross-national variations in happiness. Cross-national variations in culture can thus play a key role in influencing the relationship between adverse circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and happiness. The current study examines the relationship between the six dimensions of culture, defined by Hofstede and his colleagues, and subjective ratings of happiness in 78 countries, obtained before (2017-19) and during (2020-21) the COVID-19 pandemic, based on data from the most recent World Happiness reports. The key results were: (a) countries were as likely to experience an increase as a decrease in self-reported happiness during this period; (b) distinct domains of culture were significantly correlated with happiness at each time point, though there was a certain degree of overlap; (c) pre-pandemic levels of happiness were negatively associated with changes in happiness during the pandemic; and (d) among cultural dimensions, long-term orientation was positively associated with changes in subjective happiness, while indulgence was negatively associated with this variable. Certain cultural values may play an important part in fostering a path to well-being in the face of stressful or traumatic circumstances. This path may be similar to the concept of mature happiness, derived from existential philosophy, which is characterized by achieving a balance between the positive and negative aspects of one's life.
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Bostan CM, Hrițuleac A, Măgurianu LA. Death Anxiety and COVID-19 Anxiety. The Mediating Role of Religious Relational Identification and the Impact of Emotional Regulation Strategies. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231151744. [PMID: 36625040 PMCID: PMC9834625 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231151744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Management theory of terror (TMT) explains the way disease and death anxiety (DA) are managed through religion during crisis (i.e., COVID-19 pandemic). 344 women students completed self-reported questionnaires regarding death and COVID-19 anxiety, religious relational identification, and emotional regulation. Results show positive relation between religious relational identification and death anxiety, and COVID-19 anxiety. The interaction between death anxiety and emotional regulation shows that both cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression are dysfunctional for COVID-19 anxiety. A moderated mediation effect is significant, showing that COVID-19 anxiety is not decreasing due to usual and natural ways of coping (i.e., religious relational identification and cognitive reappraisal).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Maria Bostan
- Psychology and Educational Sciences
Department, “Gheorghe Zane” Institute of Economic
and Social Research, Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
| | - Aurora Hrițuleac
- Psychology and Educational Sciences
Department, “Gheorghe Zane” Institute of Economic
and Social Research, Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
| | - Liviu-Adrian Măgurianu
- Psychology and Educational Sciences
Department, “Gheorghe Zane” Institute of Economic
and Social Research, Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
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Jiao L, Jiang W, Guo Z, Xiao Y, Yu M, Xu Y. Good Personality and Subjective Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Three-Wave Longitudinal Study in Chinese Contexts. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2022; 24:589-606. [PMID: 36568473 PMCID: PMC9761042 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00610-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have emphasized the importance of examining psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to identify the factors that affect the influence of COVID-19 on people's mental health. The present research was a three-wave longitudinal study (N = 1495) examining the concurrent and prospective relations of good personality with subjective well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed that good personality positively predicted the subsequent well-being after controlling for the respective autoregressive effects and Big Five personality traits. Specifically, individuals who scored higher on measures of good personality tended to maintain higher well-being in the face of COVID-19. However, subjective well-being could positively predict subsequent personality only at the first time point. In addition, the prospective effect of good personality on subjective well-being was greater than the reverse effect. These findings support the opinion that as a positive value orientation in personality, good personality has a significant positive impact on the response to the pandemic situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Jiao
- Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhen Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Xiao
- Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengke Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Živković D, Nedeljković J, Veljković B, Đošić A, Bojanić Ž, Bratić M, Pantelić S. The Role of Personality in Prediction of Satisfaction With Life in Recreational Athletes During the First Wale of Pandemic Covid-19. Front Psychol 2022; 12:820045. [PMID: 35153937 PMCID: PMC8830418 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.820045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this research is to contribute to the understanding of the concept of satisfaction with life by determining the relationship between personality traits and the subjective experience of satisfaction with life in students—recreational athletes. This research is based on the biological theory of personality by Hans Eysenck and it attempts to offer explanations of a possible change in satisfaction with life in the period of great social deprivation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The sample of subjects consisted of 120 undergraduate students (N = 120) of all years and both sexes, 55 (45.8%) males and 65 (54.2%) females, at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, the University of Nis. The average age of the subjects was 23.63 years (SD = 2.070). Eysenck's personality questionnaire (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, EPQ: Eysenck et al., 1885, adapted and translated by Šipka, 1985) was used for the operationalization of personality structure. The SWLS scale (Satisfaction With Life Scale, Diener et al., 1985) was used for estimating satisfaction with life. A significant regression model, which explains 11% of variance in the subjective experience of satisfaction with life in recreational athletes, was obtained. In the model, extraversion stands out as a significant predictor from the group of personality traits (β = 0.279). Neuroticism (β = −0.160) and psychoticism (β = −0.122) did not prove to be significant predictors of satisfaction with life in the structural model regardless of there being a significant negative correlation between neuroticism and satisfaction with life. The more extraverted participants had a keener subjective sense of satisfaction with life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Živković
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Danijela Živković
| | - Jasmina Nedeljković
- Faculty of Law and Business Studies Dr Lazar Vrkatić, University Union Belgrade, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Bojan Veljković
- Academy of Educational and Medical Vocational Studies, Kruševac-Cuprija Department, Subotica, Serbia
| | - Anđela Đošić
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Željka Bojanić
- Faculty of Law and Business Studies Dr Lazar Vrkatić, University Union Belgrade, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Milovan Bratić
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Saša Pantelić
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
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Mental Health Screening of Healthcare Professionals Who Are Candidates for Psychological Assistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111167. [PMID: 34769686 PMCID: PMC8583048 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are among those most affected by the COVID-19 health emergency, with many presenting symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research shows that one of the factors involved in mitigating the impact of stressful situations is the use of cognitive emotional regulation mechanisms. The aims of this study were (a) to describe the functional and dysfunctional cognitive emotional regulation mechanisms (FRMs and DRMs) by gender, (b) to screen the main group of healthcare professionals who are candidates to receive psychological assistance based on FRMs and DRMs, and (c) to determine the HCP profile of candidates for psychological assistance. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Data were obtained from an adhoc questionnaire-the Cognitive Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ-18), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The representative sample comprised 1452 HCPs. The results revealed significant differences between men and women in the use of DRMs. Women showed a higher use of catastrophizing (≤0.001) and rumination (0.008). The screening procedure detected that 7.5% (109 cases) of the HCPs were candidates to receive psychological support. According to the results of this study, age group (30-39 years old), professional activity (being a nurse or nursing assistant), and having psychological symptoms of anxiety and depression are variables that independently increase the probability of requiring psychological assistance. The gender variable was not found to be an independent factor when it comes to receiving psychological support. In conclusion, it is necessary to consider the influence of cognitive emotional regulation strategies employed by HCPs in the screening of candidates for psychological assistance and design effective interventions to reverse the emotional distress caused by COVID-19.
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