Longitudinal Associations between Metacognition and Spontaneous and Deliberate Mind Wandering During Early Adolescence

Although metacognition plays a pivotal role in theoretical accounts of mind wandering, their longitudinal relationships have not yet been investigated during the important developmental period of early adolescence. This study aimed to examine the developmental trajectories of spontaneous and deliberate mind wandering and the dynamic associations between metacognition and two types of mind wandering in early adolescence. A sample of 4302 Chinese students beginning in Grade 4 (47.4% female; initial Mage = 9.84, SDage = 0.47) completed questionnaires on five occasions over 2.5 years. The results showed that deliberate mind wandering, but not spontaneous mind wandering, gradually increased from Grade 4 to Grade 6. Metacognition was negatively related to spontaneous mind wandering but positively related to deliberate mind wandering. These findings provide empirical evidence for theoretical viewpoints from both individual differences and developmental perspectives.

Bidirectional Associations Between Sleep Quality and Grip Strength and the Mediating Role of Depression: Evidence From Two Nationally Representative Cohorts

BACKGROUND

Although studies have demonstrated associations between sleep quality (SQ) and grip strength (GS) in older adults, the direction and underlying mechanisms of this relationship are yet to be better delineated. We aimed to longitudinally investigate the bidirectional association between SQ and GS and the mediating role of depression in this association.

METHODS

Based on 2 nationally representative samples with people aged ≥50 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS; 4 200 participants) and English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA; 5 922 participants), cross-lagged panel models were employed to examine the potential bidirectional relationships between objectively measured GS and self-reported SQ.

RESULTS

We observed a GS-SQ bidirectional association dominated by GS. After adjusting for potential confounders, a higher GS at T1 predicted better SQ at T2 (ELSA: β = 0.075; CHARLS: β = 0.104, p < .001) and vice versa (ELSA: β = 0.034; CHARLS: β = 0.030, p < .01). Moreover, depression partially mediated the impact of GS on subsequent SQ (ELSA, indirect effect: 0.0057, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0035-0.0084; CHARLS, indirect effect: 0.0086, 95% CI: 0.0051, 0.0131), but not vice versa.

CONCLUSIONS

The results regarding data from both cohorts consistently supported a bidirectional association between GS and SQ and the mediating role of depression in the dominant pathway of this bidirectional relationship. Older adults with a low GS should be made aware of a potentially vicious cycle related to depression that can affect their sleep. Regular screening for depression may help to break this cycle.

Association of social isolation and cognitive performance: a longitudinal study using a four-wave nationwide survey

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to examine the bidirectional relationship between social isolation and cognitive performance among Chinese middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

We used four waves of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A latent growth model (LGM) was applied to examine the association between social isolation and cognitive performance across different characteristics.

RESULTS

In the analysis, we ultimately included 9,367 participants after excluding respondents with missing key variables. Social isolation and cognitive performance showed significant differences across time. After adjusting for the confounders, there was a significant association between higher social isolation and poor cognitive performance (β = -1.38, p < 0.001), and higher levels of social isolation resulted in a more pronounced decline in cognition over time (β = 0.17, p < 0.001). Additionally, the path coefficient between the initial level of cognition at baseline and the slope of social isolation was - 0.07 (p < 0.001) and 0.01 (p = 0.021), respectively. For the correlation between slopes, our study found that females' cognition scores were more susceptible to social isolation (β = - 2.78, p < 0.001). Similarly, regarding cognition scores, the influence of social isolation was greater among people with education below the primary level (β = - 2.89, p = 0.002) or a greater number of chronic diseases (β = - 2.56, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the bidirectional association between social isolation and cognition. Specifically, higher baseline social isolation and its rate of increase over time contribute to an intensification of cognitive decline at follow-up. Besides, poorer cognitive performance predicted higher social isolation.

Longitudinal associations between traditional and cyberbullying victimization and depressive symptoms among young Chinese: A mediation analysis

BACKGROUND

The impacts of bullying victimization on psychological health are long-lasting. However, the longitudinal mediating processes of the association between being bullied (traditionally and in a cyber context) and depressive symptoms of Chinese youth remain underexplored, including across the sexes.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the longitudinal association between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms, including the mediating effects of physical health, healthy lifestyles, sleep quality, and academic achievements. Different pathways from traditional bullying and cyberbullying victimization regarding depressive symptoms were also explored, with a comparison across the sexes.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Data were obtained from the China Education Panel Survey, and ninth graders aged approximately 15 years constituted the baseline cohort.

METHODS

The baseline data and longitudinal data at two- and five-year follow-ups, respectively, were evaluated to estimate structural equation models.

RESULTS

Baseline traditional bullying and cyberbullying victimization significantly predicted subsequent depressive symptoms at both follow-ups (P < 0.001). Being bullied also predicted worse healthy lifestyles, poorer sleep quality, and lower academic achievements (P < 0.05), all significantly correlated with the development of depressive symptoms (P < 0.001) regarding both bullying victimizations. Physical health was the mediator of the traditional bullying victimization-depressive symptoms linkage (P < 0.05). Female victims have a relatively higher risk of depression versus male victims, with different mediating pathways from victimization to depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings strengthen the evidence of a longitudinal association between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms, provide new explanations for mechanisms of mediation, and highlight the importance of long-term comprehensive mental health interventions for victims of bullying.

Investigating the relationship between depression and breast cancer: observational and genetic analyses

BACKGROUND

Both depression and breast cancer (BC) contribute to a substantial global burden of morbidity and mortality among women, and previous studies have observed a potential depression-BC link. We aimed to comprehensively characterize the phenotypic and genetic relationships between depression and BC.

METHODS

We first evaluated phenotypic association using longitudinal follow-up data from the UK Biobank (N = 250,294). We then investigated genetic relationships leveraging summary statistics from the hitherto largest genome-wide association study of European individuals conducted for depression (N = 500,199), BC (N = 247,173), and its subtypes based on the status of estrogen receptor (ER + : N = 175,475; ER - : N = 127,442).

RESULTS

Observational analysis suggested an increased hazard of BC in depression patients (HR = 1.10, 95%CIs = 0.95-1.26). A positive genetic correlation between depression and overall BC was observed ([Formula: see text] = 0.08, P = 3.00 × 10-4), consistent across ER + ([Formula: see text] = 0.06, P = 6.30 × 10-3) and ER - subtypes ([Formula: see text] = 0.08, P = 7.20 × 10-3). Several specific genomic regions showed evidence of local genetic correlation, including one locus at 9q31.2, and four loci at, or close, to 6p22.1. Cross-trait meta-analysis identified 17 pleiotropic loci shared between depression and BC. TWAS analysis revealed five shared genes. Bi-directional Mendelian randomization suggested risk of depression was causally associated with risk of overall BC (OR = 1.12, 95%Cis = 1.04-1.19), but risk of BC was not causally associated with risk of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work demonstrates a shared genetic basis, pleiotropic loci, and a putative causal relationship between depression and BC, highlighting a biological link underlying the observed phenotypic relationship; these findings may provide important implications for future studies aimed reducing BC risk.

Progression of depressive symptoms after early exposure to famine: The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

The effect of early exposure to famine on progression of depressive symptoms has not been studied and the Chinese Famine offers a unique opportunity to explore this association with its long duration and widespread influence.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the longitudinal association of early famine exposure with subsequent depressive symptoms and whether there existed a critical exposure period.

METHODS

Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were analysed. Famine exposure was evaluated retrospectively in 2014 and severe famine exposure was defined as starvation to death of family members. Depressive symptoms were assessed prospectively from wave 1 (2011-2012) to wave 4 (2018) using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Linear mixed model and Cox proportional hazards model were applied to evaluate associations of famine exposure with progression or occurrence of depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 7053 participants were included. Compared with no famine exposure, severe famine exposure was associated with a faster growth in CES-D score (0.169 point/year, 95 % CI 0.035 to 0.304, P = 0.013) and an elevated risk of occurrence of depressive symptoms (HR 1.360, 95 % CI 1.069 to 1.729, P = 0.012). Further analysis revealed that famine exposure during middle childhood was associated with a faster growth in CES-D score (0.404 point/year, 95 % CI 0.164 to 0.644, P = 0.001).

LIMITATIONS

This is an observational study therefore causal relationship cannot be concluded.

CONCLUSIONS

Early exposure to severe famine was associated with aggravation of depressive symptoms. Middle childhood might be a critical time window for depression prevention.

Longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and cognitive decline among middle-aged and elderly population

BACKGROUND

Depression is considered a risk factor for cognitive decline. The long-term impact of depressive symptoms on cognitive performance has not been established thus far.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the longitudinal associations between depressive symptoms and cognitive performance among middle-aged and elderly population.

METHODS

We included 10,387 adults aged ≥45 years from the Health and Retirement Study (2004 to 2014) in this study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CESD) scale. Participant's cognitive function was assessed via the telephone interview for cognitive status (TICS); the total cognitive score ranged from 0 to 35. We classified the participants into four clusters according to the quartile of the total cognitive score (TCS). We examined the change of depressive symptoms and cognitive performance by using the unconditional latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) method, and a parallel LGCM method was used to examine the longitudinal associations between depressive symptoms and cognitive performance among middle-aged and elderly adults in each cluster.

RESULTS

Participants with lower levels of cognitive performance were associated with a greater risk of high depressive symptoms. Results from unconditional LGCM showed a sustained decline in cognitive performance and an increasing trend in depressive symptoms per 2 years for each cluster of participants. The parallel LGCM indicated that baseline levels of depression showed a significant negative correlation with the cognitive performance at baseline (β [95% CI] of intercept_(Dep) predicting intercept_(TCS) were -0.33 [-0.41, -0.26], -0.03[-0.06, -0.00], -0.05 [-0.07, -0.02] and -0.64 [-0.70,-0.58], for clusters of Q1 to Q3 and the entire population, respectively). Further, a significant positive prospective association was observed between baseline levels of depression and changes in cognitive performance (intercept_(Dep) predicting slope_(TCS) were -0.05 [-0.08, -0.02], -0.09[-0.13, -0.05], -0.12 [-0.15, -0.08], -0.11 [-0.15, -0.06] and -0.04 [-0.06,-0.02] for clusters of Q1 to Q4 and the entire population, respectively). Moreover, for participants with the highest quartile of TCS, the rising trend of depressive symptoms accelerated the decline of cognitive performance during the follow-up period (Slope_(Dep) predicting Slope_(TCS): -0.44 [-0.86, -0.01]).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that depressive symptoms were associated with lower cognitive performance and larger subsequent decline during follow-up period. Adults with depression may require more medical attention, and early intervention is required to delay the development of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Independent and combined associations of intimate partner violence and food insecurity on maternal depression and generalized anxiety disorder

While research has investigated intimate partner violence (IPV) and food insecurity (FI) as independent experiences on mental health, research is lacking on the possible longitudinal associations of combined experiences of IPV and FI on maternal depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study (n = 1440), the current study examined the independent and combined associations of IPV and FI mothers experienced 3-5 years after their child's birth on depression and GAD at Year 15. Five mutually exclusive dichotomous variables were created based on IPV and FI experiences during Year 3 and Year 5. Depression and GAD were measured at Year 15 using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form. According to the covariate-adjusted logistic regression models, exposure to IPV and FI, both concurrently and independently predicted greater depression at Year 15. Mothers in all IPV and FI categories had greater odds of having GAD at Year 15 compared to those with no exposure. Compared to the independent effect of IPV and FI, the combined effect of IPV and FI was highly associated with maternal GAD, but not depression. Using a trauma-informed approach to counseling in combination with food assistance programs might be an effective strategy in preventing mental health symptoms.

Longitudinal association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and behavioral problems in children from ages 5 to 9

Few studies have assessed the cumulative effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS¹) in relation to children's neurobehavioral problems over time. We assessed the longitudinal associations between ETS exposure at age 5 and behavioral problems at ages 5, 7, and 9 using the Ewha Birth and Growth Cohort, in Seoul, Korea. Children with available urinary cotinine levels at age 5 and one or more behavioral problem scores measured with the Korean Version of Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL²) at age 5, 7, and 9 were included in the study. Those whose mothers smoked during pregnancy were excluded, and a total of 179 children were included in the analysis. A linear mixed-model analysis using a REPEATED statement was conducted to assess whether ETS exposure was associated with the total, internalizing, and externalizing behavioral problem scores of the CBCL. The group with higher levels of cotinine showed continuously higher total and external behavioral problem scores from ages 5 to 9, which was seen after adjusting for preterm birth, father's education level, and television watching time. In addition, the difference in the total and external behavioral problem scores between the higher and lower cotinine groups at age 5 was statistically significant after a Bonferroni correction (p = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively), even though the fixed effect of cotinine level was almost but not statistically significant (p = 0.07 and 0.08, respectively). The results of this longitudinal cohort study provide evidence regarding the negative effects of ETS exposure in early childhood and their behavioral problems over time. This study supports the strengthening of anti-smoking policies used in educational interventions for parents, in order to reduce early ETS exposure in children.

Bi-directional prospective associations between objectively measured physical activity and fundamental motor skills in children: a two-year follow-up

Background

The direction of the longitudinal relationship between physical activity (PA) and fundamental motor skills (FMS) remains unclear. We evaluated the bi-directional, prospective relationships between intensity-specific physical activity (PA) and domain-specific fundamental motor skills (FMS) over 2 years in children attending preschool at baseline.

Methods

A sample of 230 children (mean age at baseline 4.7 yr, 52% boys) from the 'Sogn og Fjordane Preschool Physical Activity Study' was measured 2 years apart. PA was assessed using ActiGraph accelerometers (GT3X+). FMS were evaluated by a test battery guided by the 'Test of Gross Motor Development 3' and the 'Preschooler Gross Motor Quality Scale'. PA outcomes were total PA (TPA [counts per minute]) and intensity specific PA and sedentary behaviour (SED) (min/day). FMS outcomes were locomotor, object control, and balance skills. Linear mixed model adjusting for potential co-variates was used to evaluate the bi-directional prospective associations between these variables, including the moderating effect of sex and age.

Results

Baseline total PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and vigorous PA predicted higher locomotor, object control, and balance skills at follow-up (standardized regression coefficient (β): 0.17 to 0.26, p = 0.002–0.017). Baseline SED predicted lower locomotor skills at follow-up (β: − 0.27, p = 0.012). Baseline light PA did not predict FMS at follow-up. Baseline FMS were not associated with PA or SED at follow-up.

Conclusions

MVPA was positively associated with development of FMS in young children. In contrast, FMS were not related to future PA levels. Our results suggest promotion of MVPA is important for FMS development in young children.

A Genetic Cross-Lagged Study of the Longitudinal Association Between Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms During Childhood

This study documented the etiology contributions between anxiety symptoms (AS) and depressive symptoms (DS) from ages 6-12 years. Teachers assessed AS and DS in 1112 twins at 5 time points. A genetic cross-lagged model was used to estimate genetic/environmental contributions to cross-sectional, cross-age and cross-lag associations. The variance in AS and DS was largely time-specific and more genetic in nature for DS than for AS. Previous DS predicted subsequent DS better than cross-lag or previous common effects, and AS up to age 9 better than previous AS or previous common effects. Thereafter, previous AS predicted subsequent AS. All predictions involved both genetic and unique environment. Suppression effects were found and, when controlled, AS marginally predicted DS from age 7 onward through genetic influences. AS and DS are associated throughout childhood. DS are more stable than AS, and more central to both subsequent AS and DS. AS marginally contribute to subsequent DS.

Longitudinal associations between BMI change and the risks of colorectal cancer incidence, cancer-relate and all-cause mortality among 81,388 older adults : BMI change and the risks of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality

Background

It remains controversial whether weight change could influence the risks of colorectal cancer (CRC) and mortality. This study aimed to quantify the associations between full-spectrum changes in body mass index (BMI) and the risks of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, cancer-related and all-cause mortality among midlife to elder population.

Methods

A total of 81,388 participants who were free of cancer and aged 55 to 74 years from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) screening program were involved. The percentage change of BMI was calculated as (BMI in 2006 - BMI at baseline)/BMI at baseline, and was categorized into nine groups: decrease (≥ 15.0%, 10.0–14.9%, 5.0–9.9%, 2.5–4.9%), stable (decrease/increase < 2.5%), increase (2.5–4.9%, 5.0–9.9%, 10.0–14.9%, ≥ 15.0%). The associations between percentage change in BMI from study enrolment to follow-up (median: 9.1 years) and the risks of CRC and mortality were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results

After 2006, there were 241 new CRC cases, 648 cancer-related deaths, and 2361 all-cause deaths identified. Overall, the associations between BMI change and CRC incidence and cancer-related mortality, respectively, were not statistically significant. Compared with participants whose BMI were stable, individuals who had a decrease in BMI were at increased risk of all-cause mortality, and the HRs were 1.21 (95% CI: 1.03–1.42), 1.65 (95% CI: 1.44–1.89), 1.84 (95% CI: 1.56–2.17), and 2.84 (95% CI: 2.42–3.35) for 2.5–4.9%, 5.0–9.9%, 10.0–14.9%, and ≥ 15.0% decrease in BMI, respectively. An L-shaped association between BMI change and all-cause mortality was observed. Every 5% decrease in BMI was associated with a 27% increase in the risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.22–1.31, p < 0.001). The results from subgroups showed similar trends.

Conclusions

A decrease in BMI more than 5% shows a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality among older individuals; but no significant association between increase in BMI and all-cause mortality. These findings emphasize the importance of body weight management in older population, and more studies are warranted to evaluate the cause-and-effect relationship between changes in BMI and cancer incidence/mortality.

Vitamin B-6 and depressive symptomatology, over time, in older Latino adults

Background: Low vitamin B-6 status has been linked to depressive symptomatology. We examined the longitudinal association of vitamin B-6 status with depressive symptomatology across 3-time points over ∼5-7 years in a cohort of older Hispanic adults. Methods: We used two-level hierarchical linear regression models for continuous outcomes. Vitamin B-6 status was associated with depressive symptomatology across these time points. Results: Plasma pyridoxyl-5-phosphate (PLP) concentration, a time-varying predictor, was significantly associated with depressive symptomatology. Study participants with PLP deficiency, vs. optimal PLP, had higher baseline depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) score of 22 ± 14, vs. 20 ± 13); this differential remained constant over time and persisted after controlling for age, sex, education, body mass index, smoking and alcohol use, other relevant nutritional factors, perceived stress, stressful life events, allostatic load, and use of antidepressant medication. However, PLP concentration was not associated with the rate of change in depressive symptomatology over time. Conclusions: Suboptimal plasma PLP is associated with higher depressive symptomatology in older Hispanic of Puerto Rican descent and this appears to persist over time. Our data suggest that identification and treatment of vitamin B-6 deficiency may be a useful preventive approach in this population.

The association between cannabis use and mood disorders: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

The association between cannabis use and mood disorders is well documented, yet evidence regarding causality is conflicting. This study explored the association between cannabis use, major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BPD) in a 3-year prospective study.

METHODS

Data was drawn from waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). MDD and BPD were controlled at baseline and defined as meeting full criteria in the 12 months prior to the follow-up. Initiation of cannabis use was defined as any cannabis used by former lifetime abstainers in the time period between baseline and follow-up.

RESULTS

Cannabis use was not significantly associated with increased incidence of MDD (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) for daily use=0.58(0.22-1.51)). Weekly to almost daily cannabis use was associated with increased incidence of BPD ((AOR for weekly to daily use=2.47(1.03-5.92)); daily use was not (AOR=0.52(0.17-1.55)). Baseline MDD was associated with initiation of cannabis use (AOR=1.72(1.1-2.69)). A crude association between baseline BPD and incidence of cannabis use was not maintained in adjusted models (AOR=0.61(0.36-1.04)).

LIMITATIONS

Lack of information regarding frequency of cannabis use at follow-up and limitations regarding generalization of the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings do not support a longitudinal association between cannabis use and incidence of MDD. Results regarding the association between cannabis use and incidence of BPD are conflicting and require further investigation. Baseline MDD, but not BPD, may be associated with future initiation of cannabis use. This may have implications for clinical, social and legislative aspects of cannabis use.