1
|
Vanhasbroeck N, Vanbelle S, Moors A, Vanpaemel W, Tuerlinckx F. Chasing consistency: On the measurement error in self-reported affect in experiments. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:3009-3022. [PMID: 37993673 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02290-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
How feelings change over time is a central topic in emotion research. To study these affective fluctuations, researchers often ask participants to repeatedly indicate how they feel on a self-report rating scale. Despite widespread recognition that this kind of data is subject to measurement error, the extent of this error remains an open question. Complementing many daily-life studies, this study aimed to investigate this question in an experimental setting. In such a setting, multiple trials follow each other at a fast pace, forcing experimenters to use a limited number of questions to measure affect during each trial. A total of 1398 participants completed a probabilistic reward task in which they were unknowingly presented with the same string of outcomes multiple times throughout the study. This allowed us to assess the test-retest consistency of their affective responses to the rating scales under investigation. We then compared these consistencies across different types of rating scales in hopes of finding out whether a given type of scale led to a greater consistency of affective measurements. Overall, we found moderate to good consistency of the affective measurements. Surprisingly, however, we found no differences in consistency across rating scales, which suggests that the specific rating scale that is used does not influence the measurement consistency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niels Vanhasbroeck
- Research Group of Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Sophie Vanbelle
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Agnes Moors
- Research Group of Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Social and Cultural Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wolf Vanpaemel
- Research Group of Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francis Tuerlinckx
- Research Group of Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Aksoy O, Wu AFW, Aksoy S, Rivas C. Social support and mental well-being among people with and without chronic illness during the Covid-19 pandemic: evidence from the longitudinal UCL covid survey. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:136. [PMID: 38468353 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01596-x] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE An immediate research priority recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic is well-being among some of our most vulnerable-people with chronic illness. We studied how mental health changed among people with and without chronic illness throughout the pandemic and the mediating role of social support. METHODS We used the 3-waves of COVID-19 survey within the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS, age 19, N = 5522) and MCS Parent (MCSP, age > > 19, N = 7479) samples, with additional pre-pandemic measures of some outcomes and exposure. Using Structural Equation Panel Models with Full Information Maximum Likelihood estimation to address missing data, we studied differences between respondents with a chronic illness and without, regarding depressive symptoms and mental well-being, with social provision, social support, and loneliness as potential mediators. RESULTS Mental well-being (SWEMWBS) and psychological distress (Kessler-6) worsened significantly during the pandemic relative to baseline for people with and without chronic illness, while the latter group had substantially better well-being at all waves and the baseline regarding both outcomes. When the lockdown was lifted during wave-2, mental well-being temporarily rebounded, and distress waned among people without chronic illness but continued to worsen among people with chronic illness. Social support partially mediated the link between chronic illness and mental well-being. CONCLUSIONS The large mental well-being gap between people with and without chronic illness persisted during the pandemic. However, social support and provision can partially narrow this gap, hence should be employed in future pandemic management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozan Aksoy
- UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, 55-59 Gordon Square, WC1H 0NU, London, UK.
| | - Alison Fang-Wei Wu
- UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, 55-59 Gordon Square, WC1H 0NU, London, UK
| | - Sevgi Aksoy
- University of Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, SE10 9LS, London, UK
| | - Carol Rivas
- UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, 55-59 Gordon Square, WC1H 0NU, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Denkova E, Barry J, Zanesco AP, Rooks J, Rogers SL, Jha AP. Online mindfulness training for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial using a multi-method assessment approach. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:130-141. [PMID: 37702364 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2242301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic drastically accelerated the need for studies examining the effectiveness of programs to bolster psychological well-being, particularly for at-risk groups, such as older adults (OAs). Mindfulness Training (MT) has been suggested as a well-suited program for this purpose. The present study examined the impact of a 4-week online, trainer-led MT course tailored for OAs during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Fifty-three OAs were randomly assigned to either Group A or Group B. Group A received the online MT course during the 4-week interval between the first (T1) and second (T2) testing sessions, while Group B received the same MT course during the interval between T2 and the third testing session (T3). The testing sessions included measures of mindfulness, emotional well-being, psychological health, and cognitive performance. In addition, a very brief survey was sent every week during the T1-T2 and T2-T3 intervals to assess weekly emotional well-being. RESULTS The findings revealed that MT may improve some, albeit not all, aspects of mindfulness and well-being, while no significant results were noted for outcomes measuring psychological health and cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS These findings are discussed in the context of the evolving COVID-19 situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Denkova
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Jordan Barry
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Anthony P Zanesco
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | | | - Scott L Rogers
- School of Law, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Amishi P Jha
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Smit AC, Schat E, Ceulemans E. The Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Procedure for Detecting Changes in Intensive Longitudinal Data in Psychological Research in Real-Time: A Tutorial Showcasing Potential Applications. Assessment 2023; 30:1354-1368. [PMID: 35603660 PMCID: PMC10248291 DOI: 10.1177/10731911221086985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Affect, behavior, and severity of psychopathological symptoms do not remain static throughout the life of an individual, but rather they change over time. Since the rise of the smartphone, longitudinal data can be obtained at higher frequencies than ever before, providing new opportunities for investigating these person-specific changes in real-time. Since 2019, researchers have started using the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) procedure, as a statistically sound method to reach this goal. Real-time, person-specific change detection could allow (a) researchers to adapt assessment intensity and strategy when a change occurs to obtain the most useful data at the most useful time and (b) clinicians to provide care to patients during periods in which this is most needed. The current paper provides a tutorial on how to use the EWMA procedure in psychology, as well as demonstrates its added value in a range of potential applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnout C. Smit
- University of Groningen, the
Netherlands
- VU Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Barone A, Billeci M, D'Amore S, De Prisco M, De Simone G, Ermini E, Freda V, Iannotta F, Luciani A, Pistone L, Rifici LM, Saia VM, Spennato G, Subosco F, Vellucci L, D'Urso G, Galletta D, Fornaro M, Iasevoli F, de Bartolomeis A. The effects of sustained COVID-19 emergency and restrictions on the mental health of subjects with serious mental illness: A prospective study. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:154-167. [PMID: 35615854 PMCID: PMC9347680 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Few longitudinal studies have so far investigated the impact of sustained COVID-19 among people with pre-existing psychiatric disorders. We conducted a prospective study involving people with serious mental illness (n = 114) and healthy controls (n = 41) to assess changes in the Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, and Specific Psychotic Experiences Questionnaire scores 18 months after the COVID-19 pandemic outset. Subjects underwent interviews with a mental health professional in April 2020 and at the end of the local third wave (October 2021). A significant increase in perceived stress was found in healthy controls, especially females. Psychiatric patients showed a significant worsening of anxiety symptoms compared to baseline records (t = -2.3, p = 0.036). Patients who rejected vaccination had significantly higher paranoia scores compared to those willing to get vaccinated (U = 649.5, z = -2.02, p = 0.04). These findings indicate that COVID-19's sustained emergency may cause enduring consequences on mental health, soliciting further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Barone
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Martina Billeci
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Sofia D'Amore
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Michele De Prisco
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Giuseppe De Simone
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Eleonora Ermini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Vittorio Freda
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Federica Iannotta
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Adalgisa Luciani
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Luca Pistone
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Lorenza M. Rifici
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Viviana M. Saia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Giancarlo Spennato
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Francesco Subosco
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Licia Vellucci
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Giordano D'Urso
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Diana Galletta
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Felice Iasevoli
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
- UNESCO Chair on Health Education & Sustainable Development at University of Naples “Federico II”School of MedicineNaplesItaly
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Leeming D, Lucock M, Shibazaki K, Pilkington N, Scott B. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Those Supported in the Community with Long-Term Mental Health Problems: A Qualitative Analysis of Power, Threat, Meaning and Survival. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:1297-1309. [PMID: 35032283 PMCID: PMC8760583 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-021-00932-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on those already living with mental health problems, though there is also evidence of resilience. However, to date there has been limited in-depth qualitative investigation. We interviewed 15 people living with long-term mental health problems who, before the pandemic, were being supported by third sector organisations, to explore how they experienced lockdowns and accessing services remotely. Template analysis was informed by the Power Threat Meaning Framework and suggested that participants experienced significant threats to their mental wellbeing and recovery which were exacerbated by current or previous powerlessness and inequality. Although participants described positive coping strategies, several described a return of unhelpful behaviours that had contributed to the original difficulties. The findings illustrate the wider contributions of social and economic context to mental health problems and the importance of ensuring that people do not feel abandoned and are proactively supported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Leeming
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK.
| | - Mike Lucock
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Kagari Shibazaki
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Nicki Pilkington
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Becky Scott
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| |
Collapse
|