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Fan Z, Shi X, Yang S, Sun Y, Chen R. Reliability and validity evaluation of the stigma of loneliness scale in Chinese college students. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:238. [PMID: 38245671 PMCID: PMC10799475 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17738-0] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stigma of loneliness exacerbates the negative effect of loneliness, reduces the willingness to seek help, damages interpersonal relationships, and threatens health status. However, there is currently no valid scale for measuring the stigma of loneliness in China. The study aims to translate the Stigma of Loneliness Scale (SLS) and evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version. METHODS The investigation was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the SLS was used to conduct a questionnaire survey on 657 college students aged 17 to 24; in the second phase, the SLS, the UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8), the Distress Disclosure Index (DDI), the Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale (RCBS), the Self-Concealment Scale (SCS), the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), the Social Phobia Scale (SPS), the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were used to conduct the questionnaire survey on 801 college and graduates students aged 18 to 39. RESULTS Two dimensions of Self-stigma of Loneliness and Public Stigma of Loneliness were extracted with a cumulative factor interpretation rate of 74.60% when conducting exploratory factor analysis on the first-stage data. The factor loading of each item ranged from 0.585 to 0.890, and the commonality ranged from 0.609 to 0.735. The confirmatory factor analysis and reliability and validity test were carried out on the data gathered in the second phase, indicating that the two-factor model fits well. In addition, the scores of SLS and all dimensions were significantly positively correlated with the total scores of ULS-8, RCBS, SCS, SIAS, SPS, and K10, and negatively correlated with those of DDI and RSES. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for SLS and SSL and PSL dimensions were 0.957, 0.941, and 0.955. The cross-group invariance test found that the SLS was equivalent for males and females. Meanwhile, males scored significantly higher than females on both the total scores of SLS score and each dimension. CONCLUSIONS The Chinese version of SLS displayed satisfactory psychometric properties and can be a valid tool to assess the stigma of loneliness among Chinese young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguang Fan
- Department of Psychology, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Xiaoli Shi
- School of Education, Jilin International Studies University, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Shuhan Yang
- School of Education, Jilin International Studies University, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Yueliang Sun
- School of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Ri Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China.
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Lanfredi M, Dagani J, Geviti A, Di Cosimo F, Bussolati M, Rillosi L, Albini D, Pizzi M, Ghidoni R, Fazzi E, Vita A, Rossi R. Risk and protective factors associated with mental health status in an Italian sample of students during the fourth wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:78. [PMID: 37365640 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00615-w] [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: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well known that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global health crisis, especially for young people. However, most studies were conducted during the first waves of the pandemic. Few Italian studies specifically attempted to broadly assess young people's mental health status during the fourth wave of the pandemic. METHODS This study aimed at evaluating the mental health status among a group of Italian adolescents and young adults during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. 11,839 high school students and 15,000 university students (age range 14-25) were asked to complete a multidimensional online survey, of which 7,146 (26,6%) agreed to participate. The survey also included standardized measures for depression, anxiety, anger, somatic symptoms, resilience, loneliness and post-traumatic growth. Two separate clusters were identified through cluster analysis. Random forest, classification tree and logistic regressions analyses were applied to identify factors associated to a good or a poor level of mental health and, thus, to define students' mental health profiles. RESULTS Overall, the students in our sample showed high levels of psychopathology. The clustering methods performed identified two separate clusters reflecting groups of students with different psychological features, that we further defined as "poor mental health" and "good mental health". The random forest and the logistic regressions found that the most discriminating variables among those two groups were: UCLA Loneliness Scale score, self-harm behaviors, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 score, satisfaction with family relationships, Fear of COVID-19 Scale score, gender and binge eating behaviors. The classification tree analysis identified students' profiles, showing that, globally, poor mental health was defined by higher scores of loneliness and self-harm, followed by being of female gender, presenting binge eating behaviors and, finally, having unsatisfying family relationships. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study confirmed the major psychological distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in a large sample of Italian students, and provided further insights regarding those factors associated with a good or poor mental health status. Our findings suggest the importance of implementing programs targeting aspects that have been found to be associated to a good mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Lanfredi
- Unit of Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni 4, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jessica Dagani
- SIPEC Foundation, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Geviti
- Service of Statistics, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Di Cosimo
- USR Lombardia, Ufficio IV Ambito Territoriale di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Marina Pizzi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Ghidoni
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Fazzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Rossi
- Unit of Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni 4, 25125, Brescia, Italy.
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Lewis KC, Roche MJ, Brown F, Tillman JG. Intolerance of aloneness as a prospective predictor of suicidal ideation during COVID-19. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2023; 11:100469. [PMID: 36618605 PMCID: PMC9811853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100469] [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: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social distancing has been essential in mitigating the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Evidence regarding the impact of reduced social contact on mental health during the pandemic has been mixed, however, with studies suggesting that enduring personality traits and affect regulation impairments may together increase risk for suicidal distress during periods of lockdown. The present study utilized experience sampling and longitudinal follow-up methods to evaluate intolerance of aloneness (IA) as a predictor of suicidal ideation (SI) during the pandemic. Methods A general adult sample (n = 184) recruited online completed an 8-week experience sampling protocol via smartphone between April and September 2020. A subset of n = 69 participants completed a follow-up assessment of SI six months after the initial study period. Results IA was associated with suicidal ideation both at baseline and prospectively during the experience sampling period. Individuals with greater IA were more likely to report SI in the short-term context of reduced daily in-person social contact. Higher IA at baseline furthermore prospectively predicted the occurrence of SI during the 6-month follow-up period. Limitations The sample was relatively homogenous in terms of demographic characteristics and excluded individuals with limited access to communication technology. While statistical models accounted for current mental health treatment status, other factors that were not assessed (such as adverse events or psychiatric symptoms in non-treatment-seeking subjects) may have contributed to the development of SI. Conclusions Findings enhance understanding of how personality-based factors may contribute to suicide risk during periods of social distancing, informing both clinical treatment, risk assessment, and public health intervention approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie C. Lewis
- Erikson Institute for Education and Research, Austen Riggs Center, 25 Main St, Stockbridge, MA, 01262, USA,Corresponding author at: Erikson Institute for Education, Research, and Advocacy, Austen Riggs Center, 25 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA 01262, USA
| | - Michael J. Roche
- Department of Psychology, West Chester University, 700 South High St, West Chester, PA, 19383, USA
| | - Fiona Brown
- Erikson Institute for Education and Research, Austen Riggs Center, 25 Main St, Stockbridge, MA, 01262, USA
| | - Jane G. Tillman
- Erikson Institute for Education and Research, Austen Riggs Center, 25 Main St, Stockbridge, MA, 01262, USA
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John A, Lee SC, Puchades A, Del Pozo-Baños M, Morgan K, Page N, Moore G, Murphy S. Self-harm, in-person bullying and cyberbullying in secondary school-aged children: A data linkage study in Wales. J Adolesc 2023; 95:97-114. [PMID: 36210647 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12102] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the evidence base on bullying victimization and self-harm in young people has been growing, most studies were cross-sectional, relied on self-reported non-validated measures of self-harm, and did not separate effects of in-person and cyberbullying. This study aimed to assess associations of self-harm following in-person bullying at school and cyberbullying victimization controlling for covariates. METHODS School survey data from 11 to 16 years pupils collected in 2017 from 39 Welsh secondary schools were linked to routinely collected data. Inverse probability weighting was performed to circumvent selection bias. Survival analyses for recurrent events were conducted to evaluate relative risks (adjusted hazard ratios [AHR]) of self-harm among bullying groups within 2 years following survey completion. RESULTS A total of 35.0% (weighted N = 6813) of pupils reported being bullied, with 18.1%, 6.4% and 10.5% being victims of in-person bullying at school only, cyberbullying only and both in-person bullying at school and cyberbullying respectively. Adjusting for covariates, effect sizes for self-harm were significant after being in-person bullied at school only (AHR = 2.2 [1.1-4.3]) and being both in-person bullied at school and cyberbullied (AHR = 2.2 [1.0-4.7]) but not being cyberbullied only (AHR = 1.2 [0.4-3.3]). Feeling lonely during recent summer holidays was also a robust predictor (AHR = 2.2 [1.2-4.0]). CONCLUSIONS We reaffirm the role of in-person bullying victimization on self-harm. Pupils were twice as likely to self-harm following in-person bullying as their nonvictimised peers. Interventions for young people that minimize the potential impacts of bullying on self-harm should also include strategies to prevent loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann John
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
- Public Health Wales, 2 Capital Quarter, Cardiff, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sze Chim Lee
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Alice Puchades
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
- Public Health Wales, 2 Capital Quarter, Cardiff, UK
| | - Marcos Del Pozo-Baños
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kelly Morgan
- Centre for Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nicholas Page
- Centre for Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Graham Moore
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Centre for Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Simon Murphy
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Centre for Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Hanna JR, McConnell T, Harrison C, Patynowska KA, Finucane AM, Hudson B, Paradine S, McCullagh A, Reid J. 'There's something about admitting that you are lonely' - prevalence, impact and solutions to loneliness in terminal illness: An explanatory sequential multi-methods study. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1483-1492. [PMID: 36081273 PMCID: PMC9749015 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221122269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is a prevalent societal issue and can impact on a person's physical and mental health. It is unclear how loneliness impacts on end of life experiences or how such feelings can be alleviated. AIM To explore the perceived prevalence, impact and possible solutions to loneliness among people who are terminally ill and their carers in Northern Ireland through the lens of health and social care professionals. DESIGN An explanatory multi-method study. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS An online survey (n = 68, response rate 30%) followed by three online focus groups with palliative and end of life care health and social care professionals (n = 14). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. RESULTS Loneliness was perceived by professionals as highly prevalent for people with a terminal illness (92.6%) and their carers (86.8%). Loneliness was considered a taboo subject and impacts on symptoms including pain and breathlessness and overall wellbeing at end of life. Social support was viewed as central towards alleviating feelings of loneliness and promoting connectedness at end of life. Four themes were identified: (1) the stigma of loneliness, (2) COVID-19: The loneliness pandemic (3) impact of loneliness across physical and mental health domains and (4) the power of social networks. CONCLUSION There is a need for greater investment for social support initiatives to tackle experiences of loneliness at end of life. These services must be co-produced with people impacted by terminal illness to ensure they meet the needs of this population.
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Rissanen ML, Kekkonen V, Kraav SL, Kivimäki P, Laukkanen E, Hintikka J, Tolmunen T. Social support may prevent self-cutting in adolescence: A 5-year follow-up study. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING 2021; 34:343-351. [PMID: 34164876 DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Self-cutting is common among adolescents. However, studies examining protective factors are rare. It has been suggested that social support may protect against self-cutting in adolescence. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association of social relationships with the initiation of self-cutting. METHODS The participants were community-dwelling Finnish adolescents (N = 4171) aged 13-18 years at baseline. The follow-up assessment was conducted 5 years later (N = 794). Those adolescents who had self-cut before the baseline assessment (N = 134) were excluded from the analysis, leaving a total of 660 participants to be analyzed. In this group, 37 adolescents initiated self-cutting during the 5-year follow-up period and 623 did not. Cox's proportional hazards models were used with several adjustments for possible confounding factors. FINDINGS A higher age, male gender, good relationships with siblings, weekly meetings with friends, and personal experience of not being lonely associated with the noninitiation of self-cutting during the follow-up period. Good relationships with parents or peers had no association with the initiation of self-cutting. Depressive symptoms mediated the effect of subjective loneliness on initiating self-cutting. CONCLUSIONS Social support produced by friends may have a protective effect against self-cutting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marja-Liisa Rissanen
- Unit of Health Care, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Virve Kekkonen
- Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Siiri-Liisi Kraav
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Petri Kivimäki
- Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,City of Helsinki, Pitäjänmäki Health Station, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eila Laukkanen
- Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Hintikka
- Department of Psychiatry, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, Lahti, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tommi Tolmunen
- Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Gyori D, Farkas BF, Horvath LO, Komaromy D, Meszaros G, Szentivanyi D, Balazs J. The Association of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury with Quality of Life and Mental Disorders in Clinical Adolescents-A Network Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1840. [PMID: 33672808 PMCID: PMC7918829 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although earlier research has highlighted that psychiatric disorders significantly impair patients' quality of life (QoL), few studies have examined the relationship between nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and QoL. Our aim was to investigate whether QoL mediates the mental disorder-NSSI relationship, and to study the QoL ratings agreement of self and parents in a clinical population of adolescents. We involved 202 adolescents from Vadaskert Child Psychiatric Hospital and Outpatient Clinic, Budapest, aged 13-18 years. All participants completed the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory, Inventar zur Erfassung der Lebensqualität bei Kindern und Jugendlichen, and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Kid. To map the interrelationship between the NSSI, mental disorders, and QoL dimensions, Mixed Graphical Models were estimated. Adolescents with a history of NSSI rated their QoL to be significantly lower than adolescents without NSSI. Self and parents' QoL ratings are closer in the NSSI sample than in the no-NSSI sample. Among all QoL dimensions, only family problems had a direct significant association with NSSI engagement. Our results highlight that, contrary to our hypothesis, the presence of mental disorders mediates the relationship between most QoL dimensions and the occurrence of NSSI. Our results draw attention to the potential causal effect of environmental factors (e.g., peer problems) on mental disorders that, in turn, result in NSSI. The present paper highlights the importance of network modelling in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Gyori
- Doctoral School of Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, 1075 Budapest, Hungary; (L.O.H.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, 1075 Budapest, Hungary; (D.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Bernadett Frida Farkas
- Mental Health Sciences Doctoral School, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (B.F.F.); (G.M.)
| | - Lili Olga Horvath
- Doctoral School of Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, 1075 Budapest, Hungary; (L.O.H.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, 1075 Budapest, Hungary; (D.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Daniel Komaromy
- Institute of Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, 1075 Budapest, Hungary; (D.K.); (J.B.)
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gergely Meszaros
- Mental Health Sciences Doctoral School, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (B.F.F.); (G.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dora Szentivanyi
- Doctoral School of Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, 1075 Budapest, Hungary; (L.O.H.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, 1075 Budapest, Hungary; (D.K.); (J.B.)
- Pedagogical Assistance Services, 1067 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Balazs
- Institute of Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, 1075 Budapest, Hungary; (D.K.); (J.B.)
- Department of Psychology, Bjørknes University College, 0456 Oslo, Norway
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Rönkä AR, Sunnari V, Taanila A. Entanglements of loneliness and mental ill health among young adult women. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2020; 15:1838101. [PMID: 33135604 PMCID: PMC7605317 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2020.1838101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE If a person experiences both loneliness and mental ill health, it may have severe effects on a person's wellbeing and functioning. This study explored the ways in which loneliness may be entangled with mental ill health and the factors that contribute to the development of such entanglements. METHODS The study participants were women from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 study, who, in 2001-2002, responded to the survey about being very lonely at the age of 15-16. Women (n = 17) were interviewed again at age 27-28 with semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed with thematic analysis. RESULTS Loneliness and mental ill health formed four types of entanglements: Entanglement 1 (E1): "Loneliness periodically evoked depressive feelings"; E2: "Loneliness and depressive feelings formed an ongoing spiral"; E3: "Loneliness and diagnosed depression/serious emotional disturbance formed periodic spirals;" and E4: "Serious emotional disturbance/mental illness and loneliness formed an ongoing, difficult spiral." Social adversities like unsafe family environment, lack of close friends, and school violence contributed to the development of Entanglements 1-3. In Entanglement 4, serious mental health disorder caused loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Loneliness was centrally linked to mental health issues in the present study and should be taken into consideration when providing mental health prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anja Taanila
- Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu , Oulu, Finland
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Rokach A, Boulazreg S. The Road to Becoming a Psychologist: Indicators of Success and Hardship during the University Years. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 154:632-661. [PMID: 32644034 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2020.1771538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to become a full-fledged psychologist, one must undertake a long, demanding, and quite difficult journey in academia. The academic journey holds a promise of delivering knowledge, interesting theories, and strategies on helping those who need psychological assessment and/or treatment. However, the constant expectation of keeping up with the material, of succeeding in tests and exams, and of preparing to proceed to the next educational level can be daunting and exhausting. In line with the topic of this special issue, this paper addresses factors contributing to academic success at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels of psychology. Utilizing the available literature on the Big Five personality classification scheme, high conscientiousness was found to be the most consistent predictor of success, although curiously, this relationship was only found to be reliable at the undergraduate level. Less robust findings included high agreeableness and low neuroticism as predictors of general academic success in all tertiary levels of education. The importance of mentorship figures in psychology, and a highlight of its lack of widespread implementation at the undergraduate level, are also addressed. Additionally, we discuss the negative implications of the impostor phenomenon and of loneliness, which students at all levels may experience as common barriers to scholastic success in psychology. Following a discussion of each factor as outlined above, there is a brief literature review regarding ways that its constraining effects may be limited or its positive effects possibly enhanced.
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Hu T, Zheng X, Huang M. Absence and Presence of Human Interaction: The Relationship Between Loneliness and Empathy. Front Psychol 2020; 11:768. [PMID: 32508698 PMCID: PMC7249960 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness is the negative experience of a discrepancy between the desired and actual personal network of relationships. Whereas past work have focused on the effect of loneliness on prosocial behaviors, the present research addressed the gap by exploring the effect of loneliness on empathy. Empathy is the emotional reaction of sharing in others' internal experiences. We adopted a new paradigm-empathy selection task, which uses free choices to assess the desire to empathize. Participants made a series of binary choices, selecting situations that instructed them to empathize or objectively describe. Results from two studies showed that, compared to non-lonely people, lonely people were more likely to choose positive empathy but to avoid negative empathy. The pattern occurs because lonely people perceived higher (vs. lower) social support in the positive (vs. negative) empathy tasks. Moreover, empathy served to be an adaptive emotion regulation strategy developed by lonely people to reduce their loneliness effectively. This research has resulted in both theoretical contributions to prosocial behavior literature and the further discovery of practical implications for loneliness intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Miner Huang
- Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Vasileiou K, Barnett J, Barreto M, Vines J, Atkinson M, Long K, Bakewell L, Lawson S, Wilson M. Coping with loneliness at University: A qualitative interview study with students in the UK. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mhp.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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12
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Calati R, Ferrari C, Brittner M, Oasi O, Olié E, Carvalho AF, Courtet P. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors and social isolation: A narrative review of the literature. J Affect Disord 2019; 245:653-667. [PMID: 30445391 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social isolation is one of the main risk factors associated with suicidal outcomes. The aim of this narrative review was to provide an overview on the link between social isolation and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. METHODS We used the PubMed database to identify relevant articles published until April 13, 2018. We focused on: (a) systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and narrative reviews; (b) original observational studies with large samples (N ≥ 500); and (c) qualitative studies. We included all relevant suicidal outcomes: suicidal ideation (SI), suicidal planning, non-suicidal self-injury, deliberate self-harm, suicide attempt (SA), and suicide. RESULTS The main social constructs associated with suicidal outcomes were marital status (being single, separated, divorced, or widowed) and living alone, social isolation, loneliness, alienation, and belongingness. We included 40 original observational studies, the majority of them performed on adolescents and/or young adults (k = 23, 57.5%). Both the objective condition (e.g., living alone) and the subjective feeling of being alone (i.e., loneliness) were strongly associated with suicidal outcomes, in particular with SA and SI. However, loneliness, which was investigated in most studies (k = 24, 60%), had a major impact on both SI and SA. These associations were transculturally consistent. LIMITATIONS Confounding factors can limit the weight of the results obtained in observational studies. CONCLUSIONS Data from the observational studies suggest that both objective social isolation and the subjective feeling of loneliness should be incorporated in the risk assessment of suicide. Interventional studies targeting social isolation for suicide prevention are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Calati
- INSERM, Neuropsychiatry: Epidemiological and Clinical Research, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; FondaMental Foundation, Créteil, France; Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, USA.
| | - Chiara Ferrari
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marie Brittner
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Osmano Oasi
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Emilie Olié
- INSERM, Neuropsychiatry: Epidemiological and Clinical Research, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; FondaMental Foundation, Créteil, France
| | - André F Carvalho
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Philippe Courtet
- INSERM, Neuropsychiatry: Epidemiological and Clinical Research, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; FondaMental Foundation, Créteil, France
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13
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Miettunen J, Haapea M, Björnholm L, Huhtaniska S, Juola T, Kinnunen L, Lehtiniemi H, Lieslehto J, Rautio N, Nordström T. Psychiatric research in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 - a systematic review. Int J Circumpolar Health 2019; 78:1571382. [PMID: 30744507 PMCID: PMC6374936 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2019.1571382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 is a large population-based birth cohort, which aims to promote health and wellbeing of the population. In this paper, we systematically review the psychiatric research performed in the cohort until today, i.e. at the age of 32 years of the cohort (2018). We conducted a systematic literature search using the databases of PubMed and Scopus and complemented it with a manual search. We found a total of 94 articles, which were classified as examining ADHD, emotional and behavioural problems, psychosis risk or other studies relating to psychiatric subjects. The articles are mainly based on two large comprehensive follow-up studies of the cohort and several substudies. The studies have often used also nationwide register data. The studies have found several early predictors for the aforementioned psychiatric outcomes, such as problems at pregnancy and birth, family factors in childhood, physical inactivity and substance use in adolescence. There are also novel findings relating to brain imaging and cognition, for instance regarding familial risk of psychosis in relation to resting state functional MRI. The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 has been utilised frequently in psychiatric research and future data collections are likely to lead to new scientifically important findings. Abbreviations: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
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Affiliation(s)
- Jouko Miettunen
- a Center for Life Course Health Research , University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland.,b Medical Research Center Oulu , Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland
| | - Marianne Haapea
- a Center for Life Course Health Research , University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland.,b Medical Research Center Oulu , Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland.,c Department of Psychiatry , Oulu University Hospital , Oulu , Finland
| | - Lassi Björnholm
- c Department of Psychiatry , Oulu University Hospital , Oulu , Finland.,d Department of Psychiatry , Research Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland
| | - Sanna Huhtaniska
- a Center for Life Course Health Research , University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland
| | - Teija Juola
- a Center for Life Course Health Research , University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland
| | - Lotta Kinnunen
- a Center for Life Course Health Research , University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland.,b Medical Research Center Oulu , Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland
| | - Heli Lehtiniemi
- a Center for Life Course Health Research , University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland.,b Medical Research Center Oulu , Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland.,e Northern Finland Birth Cohorts, Faculty of Medicine , University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland
| | - Johannes Lieslehto
- a Center for Life Course Health Research , University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland.,b Medical Research Center Oulu , Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland
| | - Nina Rautio
- a Center for Life Course Health Research , University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland.,b Medical Research Center Oulu , Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland
| | - Tanja Nordström
- a Center for Life Course Health Research , University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland.,b Medical Research Center Oulu , Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland.,e Northern Finland Birth Cohorts, Faculty of Medicine , University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland
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14
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Non-suicidal self-injury in Chinese heroin-dependent patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment: Prevalence and associated factors. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 189:161-165. [PMID: 29957566 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, there have been no studies examining non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in Chinese heroin-dependent patients (HDPs) receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). This study determined the prevalence of NSSI and its methods in HDPs under MMT as well as factors significantly associated with NSSI. METHOD We recruited a cross-sectional sample of 652 HDPs from three MMT clinics in Wuhan, China. In total, 603 HDPs (92.5%) completed standardized questionnaires concerning demographic, clinical, and psychosocial data. The presence and methods of NSSI were assessed with two standardized questions. RESULTS The one-month prevalence of NSSI in Chinese HDPs receiving MMT was 13.8%. The most common three methods of NSSI were burning (59%), cutting (19.3%), and hitting (9.6%). Significant factors associated with NSSI in multiple logistic regression analysis were unemployment (OR [95%CI] = 2.54 [1.26, 5.10], P = 0.009), a short duration of MMT (OR [95%CI] = 1.04 [1.01, 1.09], P = 0.034), pain (OR [95%CI] = 2.31 [1.05, 5.35], P = 0.028), depression (OR [95%CI] = 4.32 [2.09, 9.00], P < 0.001), anxiety (OR [95%CI] = 3.74 [1.61, 8.70], P = 0.002), and loneliness (OR [95%CI] = 3.04 [1.27, 7.26], P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS NSSI is common among Chinese HDPs of MMT clinics. Services for HDPs in MMT settings should include periodic screening for NSSI, adequate pain treatment, and appropriate psychosocial treatment for depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
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15
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Zhong BL, Xu YM, Xie WX, Chen WC, Lu J. Prevalence of Deliberate Self-harm Among Chinese Patients With Heroin Dependence: A Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:325. [PMID: 30072926 PMCID: PMC6058049 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is paucity of data regarding the prevalence and methods of deliberate self-harm (DSH) in patients with heroin dependence in international literature. In China, there have been a few studies investigating the prevalence of DSH in heroin-dependent patients (HDPs), but their rates varied widely. We thus conducted a meta-analysis of studies assessing the prevalence of DSH among Chinese HDPs. Methods: Relevant studies were retrieved from major Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, and SinoMed) and western databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycInfo). Two authors independently identified eligible studies and extracted data. Studies that included a representative sample of Chinese HDPs and ascertained DSH caseness in a reliable way were considered as high quality. Statistical analysis was performed using R software. Results: In total, 15 eligible studies with a total of 37,243 Chinese HDPs were included. All included studies were conducted in heroin detoxification settings. Only two studies were rated as high quality. The pooled prevalence of DSH in Chinese HDPs was 4.4% (95%CI: 2.9, 6.2%), but the heterogeneity of prevalence rates across studies was significant (I2 = 98%, P < 0.001). Studies rated as high quality had significantly higher prevalence of DSH than those rated as low quality (13.2 vs. 3.4%, P < 0.001). Swallowing foreign objects was the most common method of DSH, with a combined prevalence of 2.7% (95%CI: 1.6, 4.4%). Extreme DSH methods such as cutting off fingers and jumping from height were also not uncommon in this patient population. Conclusion: Due to methodological problems in available studies, we find a relatively low prevalence of DSH among Chinese HDPs receiving detoxification treatment. Nevertheless, the self-harmers of Chinese HDPs are more likely to harm themselves in a dangerous or life-threatening way. Restricting the availability of DSH methods may be an effective way to prevent or reduce DSH in China's detoxification treatment settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Liang Zhong
- Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China.,Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan-Min Xu
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wu-Xiang Xie
- Peking University Clinical Research Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Cai Chen
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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16
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Vasileiou K, Barnett J, Barreto M, Vines J, Atkinson M, Lawson S, Wilson M. Experiences of Loneliness Associated with Being an Informal Caregiver: A Qualitative Investigation. Front Psychol 2017; 8:585. [PMID: 28469589 PMCID: PMC5395647 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Although providing care to a family member or friend may provide psychological benefits, informal (i.e., unpaid) caregivers also encounter difficulties which may negatively affect their quality of life as well as their mental and physical health. Loneliness is one important challenge that caregivers face, with this psychological state being associated with morbidity and premature mortality. Although previous research has identified loneliness as an issue associated with being an informal caregiver, there is a paucity of evidence that attempts to understand this phenomenon in depth. This study aimed to examine informal caregivers' reflections on, and accounts of, experiences of loneliness linked to their caregiving situation. As part of a cross-sectional, qualitative study, sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 spousal caregivers, 4 daughters caring for a parent, 3 mothers caring for a child (or children), and 1 woman looking after her partner. The cared-for persons were suffering from a range of mental and physical health conditions (e.g., dementia, frailty due to old age, multiple sclerosis, depression, autism). Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis. Experiences of loneliness were described by reference to a context of shrunken personal space and diminished social interaction caused by the restrictions imposed by the caregiving role. Loneliness was also articulated against a background of relational deprivations and losses as well as sentiments of powerlessness, helplessness, and a sense of sole responsibility. Social encounters were also seen to generate loneliness when they were characterized by some form of distancing. Though not all sources or circumstances of loneliness in caregivers are amenable to change, more opportunities for respite care services, as well as a heightened sensibility and social appreciation of caregivers' valued contributions could help caregivers manage some forms of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Barnett
- Department of Psychology, University of BathBath, UK
| | - Manuela Barreto
- Department of Psychology, University of ExeterExeter, UK.,Lisbon University Institute (ISCTE-IUL/CIS)Lisbon, Portugal
| | - John Vines
- School of Design, Northumbria UniversityNewcastle, UK
| | - Mark Atkinson
- Department of Psychology, University of ExeterExeter, UK
| | - Shaun Lawson
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Northumbria UniversityNewcastle, UK
| | - Michael Wilson
- School of the Arts, English and Drama, Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, UK
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17
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Wiens V, Kyngäs H, Pölkki T. The meaning of seasonal changes, nature, and animals for adolescent girls' wellbeing in northern Finland: A qualitative descriptive study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2016; 11:30160. [PMID: 26905401 PMCID: PMC4764957 DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v11.30160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Wellbeing is complex, holistic, and subjectively perceived. Issues such as gender, age, and environment seem to affect it. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study was to describe the meaning of seasonal changes, nature, and animals towards 13-16-year-old girls' wellbeing in Northern Finland. In the spring of 2014, through purposive sampling, a total of 19 girls participated in semi-structured interviews from various parts of Northern Finland. The data were analysed using content analysis. Afterwards, the analysis combining the category participatory involvement with environment was found, and this consisted of three main categories: adaptation to seasonal changes, restorative nature, and empowering interactivity with animals. Seasonal changes had an effect on girls' wellbeing; in the summertime, they felt happy and vivacious, active, and outgoing. Instead, during the winter months, girls' mood and activity seemed to be lower and they felt lazier and depressed. Nature brought mainly positive feelings to girls; being in nature was experienced as liberating and relaxing, and it offered opportunities to relax and have sensory perceptions. Interaction with animals was perceived as empowering. They were experienced as altruistic and comforting companions. Animals were important to girls, and they contributed to girls' lives through positive effects towards their mental and physical wellbeing. Based on the results of this study, we can recommend that being in nature and interacting with animals should be supported because they seem to have benefits towards adolescent girls' health and wellbeing. In order to facilitate the negative effects of winter, the school days should be arranged in such a way that it would be possible for girls to have outdoor activities during the daytime. The challenge for the future is perhaps the purposeful utilisation of nature's and the animals' positive effects towards their wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varpu Wiens
- Research Unit of Nursing Science and Health Management, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland;
| | - Helvi Kyngäs
- Research Unit of Nursing Science and Health Management, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tarja Pölkki
- Research Unit of Nursing Science and Health Management, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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