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Casali N, Feraco T, Meneghetti C. Keep going, keep growing: A longitudinal analysis of grit, posttraumatic growth, and life satisfaction in school students under COVID-19. LEARNING AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023:102320. [PMID: 37366479 PMCID: PMC10288321 DOI: 10.1016/j.lindif.2023.102320] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted students' daily life, but grit could have sustained students' wellbeing by helping them work hard and stay goal-oriented over time despite adversity. Gritty students may also have interpreted COVID-19-related adversity as an opportunity to grow, thus displaying higher levels of post-traumatic growth. In this study, 445 students in grades 6-12 (160 males, Mage = 14.25, SDage = 2.11) completed measures of grit and life satisfaction at the beginning (Time 1) and at the end (Time 2) of the school year, together with a measure of posttraumatic growth. A longitudinal SEM model shows that perseverance positively relates to posttraumatic growth, indirectly favoring life satisfaction at Time 2. In conclusion, perseverance, rather than consistency, appeared to have sustained students' positive adjustment to the COVID-19 pandemic. Teaching students how to nurture this quality can have important beneficial effects for their wellbeing under adverse conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Casali
- Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tommaso Feraco
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Meneghetti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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2
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Casali N, Feraco T, Meneghetti C. Character strengths sustain mental health and post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal analysis. Psychol Health 2022; 37:1663-1679. [PMID: 34288790 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.1952587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has brought negative and positive changes in the general population, with some people experiencing post-traumatic growth after the first wave. Little research has focused, however, on personal factors potentially helping individuals cope with COVID-related difficulties. This study investigates the relations between character strengths, mental health, and post-traumatic growth. DESIGN Longitudinal (T1: April 2020; T2: December 2020-January 2021). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES 254 Italian adults (54 males; mean age = 36.05, SD = 14.04) completed questionnaires on character and mental health at T1, and on mental health and post-traumatic growth at T2. RESULTS General mental health was worse at T2 than at T1. Structural equation modelling showed that character, as a whole, had a significant direct effect on post-traumatic growth and mental health at T2, and an indirect effect mediated by post-traumatic growth. Furthermore, regression analyses evidenced that the virtue of transcendence was uniquely related to mental health at T2, while humanity was specifically associated with post-traumatic growth (after accounting for the other virtues). CONCLUSION Individuals' character strengths related to their mental health and post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with evidence of post-traumatic growth mediating the relation between character and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Casali
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Tommaso Feraco
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Pentathlon Srl, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Meneghetti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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3
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Naddaf SA, Lavy S. Character Strengths' Change During COVID-19. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2022; 24:185-210. [PMID: 36373087 PMCID: PMC9638306 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00575-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 had negative effects on individuals and nations worldwide. However, based on literature suggesting that crises can trigger growth, we propose that it may have also triggered individuals' character strengths development, especially among those having experienced moderate levels of difficulty during the pandemic and having received social support. The participants' (N = 1700) 24 character strengths were assessed twice: before and during COVID-19. At the second assessment, participants also reported the level of impact COVID-19 had on their lives, and their perceived social support. MANOVA analysis revealed a general increase in character strengths, with significant - but mainly negligible or small - increases in 17 strengths: appreciation of beauty and excellence, bravery, prudence, creativity, curiosity, fairness, gratitude, honesty, hope, judgment, kindness, leadership, perspective, self-regulation, social intelligence, spirituality, and zest. Across the 24 strengths, the reported level of COVID-19's impact (i.e., low, moderate, or high) was not associated with different changes during the pandemic. Univariate analyses showed that such changes were significant only in curiosity, forgiveness and kindness. The multivariate effect of social support on changes in character strengths was significant. Specifically, it enhanced the increase in love, prudence, curiosity, forgiveness, gratitude, honesty, hope, judgment, leadership, humility and zest during COVID-19, although the interactions effect sizes were small. The results suggest that, in the time frame examined in this study, character development processes triggered by COVID-19 were evident, yet specific changes in strengths were relatively mild. Some of these processes may have been enhanced by social support. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10902-022-00575-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Amoury Naddaf
- Department of Leadership and Policy in Education, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shiri Lavy
- Department of Leadership and Policy in Education, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Kiye S, Boysan M. Relationships between character strengths, internalising and externalising problems among adolescents: a latent class analysis. BRITISH JOURNAL OF GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2021.1872768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Semra Kiye
- Department of Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Murat Boysan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ankara Social Sciences University, Ankara, Turkey
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Fernández-Millán JM, Bretones FD. Salud mental y factores de resiliencia durante el confinamiento por COVID-19. UNIVERSITAS PSYCHOLOGICA 2021. [DOI: 10.11144/javeriana.upsy19.smfr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
La pandemia del coronavirus y posterior confinamiento domiciliario adoptada para impedir su propagación puede generar la aparición de síntomas de salud mental, especialmente en países con periodos de confinamientos largos. El presente artículo explora los factores de afrontamiento llevados a cabo por la población general para atenuar dichos síntomas derivados de esta situación. Para ello, se llevó a cabo un estudio mediante encuestas a una muestra de 1041 personas entre 18 y 65 años de edad y residentes en España. Los resultados encontrados muestran el impacto de la actitud positiva y la percepción de autoeficacia como estrategias efectivas de afrontamiento, así como otras variables sociodemográficas. El artículo expone la utilidad y aplicaciones prácticas de estos resultados y posibles líneas futuras, así como la necesidad de realizar entrenamiento psicológico a la población, en estas variables cognitivas ante futuras pandemias y confinamientos.
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Perceived stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and adolescents' depression symptoms: The moderating role of character strengths. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021; 182:111062. [PMID: 34177027 PMCID: PMC8213401 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 could increase adolescents' psychological distress and have a detrimental effect on their mental health. However, the negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents' mental health might be moderated by their existing psychological resources. The present study sought to investigate whether the relationship between adolescents' perceived stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and their depression symptoms was alleviated by their character strengths. A total of 617 adolescents were recruited and completed the online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicated that adolescents' perceived stress of the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly positively correlated with their depression symptoms. Character strengths were significantly negatively correlated with adolescents' perceived stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and their depression symptoms. Moreover, the moderating effect of character strengths on the relationship between adolescents' perceived stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and their depression symptoms was significant. Therefore, adolescents' character strengths as a protective factor could buffer the effect of perceived stress of the COVID-19 pandemic on their depression symptoms and contribute to maintaining their mental health.
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Waters L, Allen KA, Arslan G. Stress-Related Growth in Adolescents Returning to School After COVID-19 School Closure. Front Psychol 2021; 12:643443. [PMID: 34093323 PMCID: PMC8174561 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.643443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The move to remote learning during COVID-19 has impacted billions of students. While research shows that school closure, and the pandemic more generally, has led to student distress, the possibility that these disruptions can also prompt growth in is a worthwhile question to investigate. The current study examined stress-related growth (SRG) in a sample of students returning to campus after a period of COVID-19 remote learning (n = 404, age = 13-18). The degree to which well-being skills were taught at school (i.e., positive education) before the COVID-19 outbreak and student levels of SRG upon returning to campus was tested via structural equation modeling. Positive reappraisal, emotional processing, and strengths use in students were examined as mediators. The model provided a good fit [χ 2 = 5.37, df = 3, p = 0.146, RMSEA = 0.044 (90% CI = 0.00-0.10), SRMR = 0.012, CFI = 99, TLI = 0.99] with 56% of the variance in SRG explained. Positive education explained 15% of the variance in cognitive reappraisal, 7% in emotional processing, and 16% in student strengths use during remote learning. The results are discussed using a positive education paradigm with implications for teaching well-being skills at school to foster growth through adversity and assist in times of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Waters
- Centre for Positive Psychology, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kelly-Ann Allen
- Centre for Positive Psychology, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Education, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Gökmen Arslan
- Department of Psychological Counselling and Guidance, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
- International Network on Personal Meaning, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Blanchard T, McGrath RE, Jayawickreme E. Resilience in the face of interpersonal loss: The role of character strengths. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2021; 13:817-834. [PMID: 33876863 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The present study assessed whether seven specific character strengths may function to promote resilience or growth following interpersonal loss. A sample of 3710 adults, including 557 who experienced a recent interpersonal loss (defined as death of a first-degree relative or divorce in the previous six months), completed questionnaires at least once across three time points to evaluate the extent to which character strengths predicted the presence of or changes in depression and functional impairment over a six-month period. Exploratory analyses also assessed changes in character strengths over time after loss. Results indicated that depression generally decreased over time and was unrelated to loss. Further, higher scores on the examined strengths predicted resilience, in that they predicted consistently lower levels of depression and impairment over time, regardless of loss. Thus, the seven examined strengths appeared to protect against depression and impairment over time. The loss group demonstrated higher levels of hope and gratitude across time points. Consistent with the concept of post-traumatic growth, results suggest that these strengths may be particularly salient when confronted with loss. Contrary to predictions of post-traumatic growth theory, however, there was little change in strengths over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Blanchard
- School of Psychology and Counseling, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ, USA
| | - Robert E McGrath
- School of Psychology and Counseling, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ, USA
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Waters L, Algoe SB, Dutton J, Emmons R, Fredrickson BL, Heaphy E, Moskowitz JT, Neff K, Niemiec R, Pury C, Steger M. Positive psychology in a pandemic: buffering, bolstering, and building mental health. JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2021.1871945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lea Waters
- Centre for Positive Psychology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Jane Dutton
- Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Robert Emmons
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
| | | | - Emily Heaphy
- Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
| | - Judith T. Moskowitz
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Kristin Neff
- Educational Psychology Department, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Cynthia Pury
- Clemson University Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Michael Steger
- Center for Meaning and Purpose, Department of Psychology, Optentia Research Programme, Colorado State University, North-West University, Fort Collins, Vanderbijlpark, CO, USA, South Africa
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Niemiec RM, Pearce R. The Practice of Character Strengths: Unifying Definitions, Principles, and Exploration of What's Soaring, Emerging, and Ripe With Potential in Science and in Practice. Front Psychol 2021; 11:590220. [PMID: 33584426 PMCID: PMC7873298 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.590220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
What does it mean to be “strengths-based” or to be a “strengths-based practitioner?” These are diffuse areas that are generic and ill-defined. Part of the confusion arises from the customary default of practitioners and leaders across many cultures to label anything positive or complimentary as “strengths-based,” whether that be an approach, a theoretical orientation, an intervention, or a company. Additional muddle is created by many researchers and practitioners not making distinctions between very different categories of “strength” in human beings – strengths of character, of talent/ability, of interest/passion, of skill/competency, to name a few. To add clarity and unification across professions, we offer seven characteristics and a comprehensive definition for a character strengths-based practitioner. We center on the type of strength referred to as character strengths and explore six guiding principles for understanding character strengths (e.g., character is plural; character is being and doing) and their practical corollaries. Reflecting this foundation and based on character strengths research, our longstanding work with strengths, discussions with practitioners across the globe, and a practitioner survey asking about strength practices (N = 113), we point out several character strengths practices or approaches we describe as soaring (e.g., explore and encourage signature strengths; practice strengths-spotting), emerging (e.g., the integration of mindfulness and character strengths), or ripe with potential (e.g., phasic strengths; the tempering effect; the towing effect). We use the same framework for describing general research domains. Some areas of research in character strengths are soaring with more than 25 studies (e.g., workplace/organizations), some are emerging with a handful of studies (e.g., health/medicine), and others are ripe with potential that have none or few studies yet opportunity looms large for integrating character science (e.g., peace/conflict studies). Using this framework, we seek to advance the exchange and collaboration between researcher and practitioner, as well as to advance the science and practice of character strengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Niemiec
- VIA Institute on Character, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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11
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Moore A, van Loenhout JAF, de Almeida MM, Smith P, Guha-Sapir D. Measuring mental health burden in humanitarian settings: a critical review of assessment tools. Glob Health Action 2020; 13:1783957. [PMID: 32657249 PMCID: PMC7480646 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1783957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of disasters and conflicts are widespread and heavily studied. While attention to disasters' impacts on mental health is growing, mental health effects are not well understood due to inconsistencies in measurement. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to review mental health assessment tools and their use in populations affected by disasters and conflicts. METHOD Tools that assess posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, substance use disorder, and general mental health were examined. This review began with a search for assessment tools in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Next, validation studies for the tools were obtained through snowball sampling. A final search was conducted for scientific studies using the selected tools in humanitarian settings to collect the data for analysis. The benefits and limitations described for each tool were compiled into a complete table. RESULTS Twelve assessment tools were included, with 88 studies using them. The primary findings indicate that half of the studies used the Impact of Events Scale-Revised. The most common limitation discussed is that self-report tools inaccurately estimate the prevalence of mental health problems. This inaccuracy is further exacerbated by a lack of cultural appropriateness of the tools, as many are developed for Western contexts. CONCLUSION It is recommended that researchers and humanitarian workers reflect on the effectiveness of the mental health assessment tool they use to accurately represent the populations under study in emergency settings. In addition, mental health assessment should be coupled with action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Moore
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joris Adriaan Frank van Loenhout
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Moitinho de Almeida
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Smith
- Institute of Health and Society IRSS, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Debarati Guha-Sapir
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Casali N, Feraco T, Ghisi M, Meneghetti C. " Andrà tutto bene": Associations Between Character Strengths, Psychological Distress and Self-efficacy During Covid-19 Lockdown. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2020; 22:2255-2274. [PMID: 33071624 PMCID: PMC7553371 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-020-00321-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic obliged people around the world to stay home and self-isolate, with a number of negative psychological consequences. This study focuses on the protective role of character strengths in sustaining mental health and self-efficacy during lockdown. Data were collected from 944 Italian respondents (mean age = 37.24 years, SD = 14.50) by means of an online survey investigating character strengths, psychological distress and Covid-19-related self-efficacy one month after lockdown began. Using principal component analysis, four strengths factors were extracted, namely transcendence, interpersonal, openness and restraint. Regression models with second-order factors showed that transcendence strengths had a strong inverse association with psychological distress, and a positive association with self-efficacy. Regression models with single strengths identified hope, zest, prudence, love and forgiveness as the strengths most associated with distress, love and zest as the most related to self-efficacy and zest to general mental health. Openness factor and appreciation of beauty showed an unexpected direct relation with psychological distress. These results provide original evidence of the association of character strengths, and transcendence strengths in particular, with mental health and self-efficacy in a pandemic and are discussed within the field of positive psychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Casali
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, via Venezia 8, Padua, Italy
| | - Tommaso Feraco
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, via Venezia 8, Padua, Italy
- Pentathlon Srl, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marta Ghisi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, via Venezia 8, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Meneghetti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, via Venezia 8, Padua, Italy
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Xi Y, Yu H, Yao Y, Peng K, Wang Y, Chen R. Post-traumatic stress disorder and the role of resilience, social support, anxiety and depression after the Jiuzhaigou earthquake: A structural equation model. Asian J Psychiatr 2020; 49:101958. [PMID: 32078953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.101958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This is the first study to investigate the mechanism of Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the 2017 7.0 Ritcher scale Jiuzhaigou earthquake. In order to identify the mechanism underling interactions among different factors associated with PTSD symptoms. Three months after the earthquake, 607 participants from the heavy damaged areas were recruited in this survey. Demographic information and scale measurements on social support, resilience, anxiety, depression, and PTSD were collected using standardized questionnaire. The result showed that PTSD, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms prevalence in the severely affected area were 52.7 %, 53.8 % and 69.6 %, respectively. Resilience and social support had direct effects on PTSD, as well as indirect effects on PTSD through anxiety and depression. The proposed mechanism on PTSD explained the paths among the measured variables, which explained the risk and protective factors related to PTSD. This current study has important practical implications for understanding mental health status of earthquake victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Xi
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders & Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Yiming Yao
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders & Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Ke Peng
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK.
| | - Runsen Chen
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders & Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, China; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Shek DTL, Zhu X. Reciprocal Relationships Between Moral Competence and Externalizing Behavior in Junior Secondary Students: A Longitudinal Study in Hong Kong. Front Psychol 2019; 10:528. [PMID: 30894835 PMCID: PMC6414454 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Defining moral competence using a virtue approach, this longitudinal study examined the prospective relationships between moral competence and externalizing behavior indexed by delinquency and intention to engage in problem behavior in a large and representative sample of Hong Kong Chinese adolescents. Starting from the 2009-2010 academic year, Grade 7 students in 28 randomly selected secondary schools in Hong Kong were invited to join a longitudinal study, which surveyed participating students annually during the high school years. The current study used data collected in the first 3 years (Wave 1 to Wave 3) across junior secondary school stage (Grades 7-9) with a sample of 3,328 students (Age = 12.59 ± 0.74 years and 52.1% boys at Wave 1). Cross-lagged panel path analyses were conducted to compare four models involving different hypothesized patterns of relationships between moral competence and externalizing behavior. Results revealed that the reciprocal effects model best fit the data, supporting reciprocal causal relationships between moral competence and externalizing behavior measures. Specifically, a higher level of moral competence significantly predicted a lower level of delinquency and problem behavioral intention over time. At the same time, a higher level of externalizing behavior also significantly predicted a lower level of moral competence 1 year later. As the magnitudes of the significant findings were not high, replications in different Chinese communities are needed. Nevertheless, the present findings provide important theoretical insights on how moral competence and externalizing behavior in adolescents are associated with each other. Practically speaking, the findings suggest that it is promising to reduce adolescent externalizing behavior by promoting their virtues through moral education programs, and guiding adolescents to behave in a good manner would help promote the development of their virtues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T L Shek
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaoqin Zhu
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
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Hendriks T, Graafsma T, Hassankhan A, Bohlmeijer E, de Jong J. Strengths and virtues and the development of resilience: A qualitative study in Suriname during a time of economic crisis. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2018; 64:180-188. [PMID: 29277153 DOI: 10.1177/0020764017749624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resilience can be described as the capacity to deal with adversity and traumatic events. The current economic situation in Suriname and its social economic consequences may demand a great amount of resilience for people living in Suriname. In this explorative study, we examined the relation between strengths and resilience among the three major ethnic groups in Suriname. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants. We sought to gather viewpoints from community representatives, health care professionals and academic scholars about the personal resources used by people in Suriname to help them deal with the consequences of the current socio-economic crisis. RESULTS We identified major five strengths that were associated with resilience: religiousness, hope, harmony, acceptance and perseverance. While these strengths contribute to the development of resilience, they can under certain circumstances have an ambiguous influence. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that religiousness is the bedrock strength for the development of resilience in Suriname. We recommend that future positive psychological interventions in non-Western countries integrate positive activities with religious elements into program interventions to achieve a better cultural fit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Hendriks
- 1 Anton de Kom Universiteit van Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Tobi Graafsma
- 2 Institute for Graduate Studies & Research, Anton de Kom Universiteit van Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | | | | | - Joop de Jong
- 4 Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Guo J, He H, Fu M, Han Z, Qu Z, Wang X, Guan L. Suicidality associated with PTSD, depression, and disaster recovery status among adult survivors 8 years after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. Psychiatry Res 2017; 253:383-390. [PMID: 28437765 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
It has been eight years since the Wenchuan earthquake. We don't know how the lives of those affected by the disaster may remain blighted by its effects, or how many remain thus affected. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of disaster exposure, PTSD, depression and suicidal behaviors, using data from a cross-sectional survey conducted in earthquake-affected areas of China. 1369 participants were recruited from two different sites that were severely affected by the Wenchuan earthquake. The survey assessed suicidality (suicidal ideation, plans and attempts) and other mental health issues. Probable PTSD was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) Chinese edition was used to assess depressive symptoms. The results showed that 11.2% of participants felt that their lives had not yet recovered from the effects of the Wenchuan earthquake, even after eight years. Suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts were reported by 9.1%, 2.9%, and 3.3%, respectively, of the respondents. PTSD, depression, and perceived non-recovery were highly associated with suicidality. These results indicate that suicidality can be a long-term mental health sequela of disaster. Targeted, long-term suicide prevention programs for adult survivors should be further developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- School of Sociology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China.
| | - Huan He
- Department of Public Administration, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdou 610074, PR China
| | - Mingqi Fu
- School of Sociology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Ziqiang Han
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Zhiyong Qu
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, China Institute of Health, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, China Institute of Health, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Liding Guan
- School of Sociology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China
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Duan W, Ho SMY. Three-Dimensional Model of Strengths: Examination of Invariance Across Gender, Age, Education Levels, and Marriage Status. Community Ment Health J 2017; 53:233-240. [PMID: 27324904 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-016-0038-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Strengths are positive qualities that significantly contributed to well-being of individuals and community. Therefore, a reliable and valid measure of strengths for research and practice is needed. The Brief Strengths Scale (BSS) is a newly developed tool for measuring the three-dimensional strengths model (i.e., temperance, intellectual, and interpersonal strength). However, empirical support for the measurement invariance of the BSS has not been obtained. This study examined the three-factor structure of BSS across gender, age, education, and marriage groups in a community sample (n = 375) using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. After removing one item of each subscale from the original version, the revised model provided a good fit to the data at different subgroups. The revised nine-item BSS indicated that measurement invariance across gender and age groups was achieved. In addition, the measurement was more influenced by social-cultural factors than biological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Duan
- Department of Sociology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Samuel Mun Yin Ho
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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18
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Zhang Y, Luo X, Che X, Duan W. Protective Effect of Self-Compassion to Emotional Response among Students with Chronic Academic Stress. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1802. [PMID: 27920736 PMCID: PMC5118418 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The literature has shown that self-compassion is a protective factor of an individual's emotional response to chronic stress. However, this stress-buffering effect has not been completely analyzed in individuals who report significantly high academic stress. The present study explored the role of self-compassion in a group of undergraduate students who experience chronic academic stress. A total of 208 undergraduate students who were preparing for the Postgraduate Entrance Examination (PEE) were recruited and completed the Self-Compassion Scale, Adolescent Self-Rating Life Event Check List, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Differences analysis confirmed that the participants reported significantly higher academic stress than their peers who were not preparing for PEE. Self-compassion positively related to positive affect but negatively related to negative affect and learning stress. Further analysis showed that self-compassion negatively mediated the relationship between chronic academic stress and negative affect. Findings imply that self-compassion-centered interventions can be developed in the educational context to assist students cope with chronic academic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Zhang
- School of Cultural and Social Development, Southwest University Chongqing, China
| | - Xi Luo
- School of Cultural and Social Development, Southwest University Chongqing, China
| | - Xianwei Che
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Central Clinical School and the Alfred, Monash University Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wenjie Duan
- Department of Sociology, Wuhan University Wuhan, China
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19
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Duan W. The benefits of personal strengths in mental health of stressed students: A longitudinal investigation. Qual Life Res 2016; 25:2879-2888. [DOI: 10.1007/s11136-016-1320-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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20
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Garcia DM, Sheehan MC. Extreme Weather-driven Disasters and Children’s Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SERVICES 2015; 46:79-105. [DOI: 10.1177/0020731415625254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Extreme weather events such as heat waves, extreme precipitation, and storm surges are likely to become more frequent and intense with climate change. Extreme weather-driven disasters (EWDDs) cause a substantial burden of childhood mortality and morbidity worldwide. We reviewed the published literature on EWDDs and their health impacts on children, and developed a conceptual model based on complex systems thinking to identify the health risks, vulnerabilities, and capacities of children in the context of EWDDs as a means of informing areas for adaptive intervention. We found that direct and indirect physical and mental impacts of EWDDs on child health are abundant and interrelate in complex ways. The literature review and modeling demonstrated the centrality of resilience at the level of the child and his or her direct environment, suggesting that mental health status may play a key role in a child’s experience of numerous other health outcomes of EWDDs. EWDDs interact with environmental and social systems and with individual children and their contexts in complex ways, the impacts of which are nonlinear and difficult to predict. Traditional perspectives on climate change-driven health impacts often overlook complex bio-psychosocial interactions, suggesting a need to work on preventive strategies to reduce vulnerability and build individual child resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary C. Sheehan
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Maryland, USA
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Duan W, Guo P, Gan P. Relationships among Trait Resilience, Virtues, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and Post-traumatic Growth. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125707. [PMID: 25932954 PMCID: PMC4416702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aims to examine the relationship between trait resilience and virtues in the context of trauma. A total of 537 participants who attended the preliminary investigation and completed the Life Events Checklist were screened. Of these participants, 142 suffered from personal traumatic experiences in the past year; these individuals were qualified and invited to respond to online questionnaires to assess trait resilience, virtues (i.e., Conscientiousness, Vitality, and Relationship), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and post-traumatic growth (PTG). The following questionnaires were used: Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-Revised, Chinese Virtues Questionnaire, PTSD Checklist-Specific, and Post-traumatic Growth Inventory-Chinese. Only 95 participants who manifested self-reported PTSD symptoms and PTG were involved in the current analyses. Trauma was positively and significantly correlated with PTSD in the current sample. Results indicated that trait resilience was positively associated with virtues and PTG; by contrast, PTSD scores were negatively but not significantly related to most of these factors. The three virtues contributed to PTG to a greater extent than trait resilience in non-PTSD and PTSD groups. However, trait resilience remained a significant predictor in the PTSD group even when the three virtues were controlled. The relationship between trait resilience and PTG was moderated by PTSD type (non-PTSD group vs. PTSD group). Our results further suggested that trait resilience and virtues were conceptually related but functionally different constructs. Trait resilience and virtues are positively related; thus, these factors contributed variances to PTG in the context of trauma; however, trait resilience is only manifested when virtues are controlled and when individuals are diagnosed as PTSD. Furthermore, implications and limitations of this study are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Duan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Guo
- Hospital (T. C. M.) Affiliated to Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, Sichuan, P. R. China
- * E-mail:
| | - Pei Gan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
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