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Corcoran E, Bird M, Batchelor R, Ahmed N, Nowland R, Pitman A. The association between social connectedness and euthanasia and assisted suicide and related constructs: systematic review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1057. [PMID: 38627694 PMCID: PMC11020194 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18528-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Euthanasia and assisted suicide (EAS) requests are common in countries where they are legal. Loneliness and social isolation are modifiable risk factors for mental illness and suicidal behaviour and are common in terminal illness. Our objective was to summarise available literature to clarify whether these and related measures of social connectedness might contribute to requests for EAS. METHODS We conducted a pre-registered (PROSPERO CRD42019160508) systematic review and narrative synthesis of quantitative literature investigating associations between social connectedness and a) requested/actual EAS, b) attitudes towards EAS, and c) a desire for hastened death (DHD) by searching six databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) from inception to November 2022, rating eligible peer-reviewed, empirical studies using the QATSO quality assessment tool. RESULTS We identified 37 eligible studies that investigated associations with a) requested/actual EAS (n = 9), b) attitudes to EAS (n = 16), and c) DHD (n = 14), with limited overlap, including 17,359 participants. The majority (62%) were rated at medium/high risk of bias. Focussing our narrative synthesis on the more methodologically sound studies, we found no evidence to support an association between different constructs of social connectedness and requested or actual EAS, and very little evidence to support an association with attitudes to EAS or an association with DHD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings for all age groups are consistent with a those of a previous systematic review focussed on older adults and suggest that poor social connectedness is not a clear risk factor for EAS or for measures more distally related to EAS. However, we acknowledge low study quality in some studies in relation to sampling, unvalidated exposure/outcome measures, cross-sectional design, unadjusted analyses, and multiple testing. Clinical assessment should focus on modifying established risk factors for suicide and EAS, such as hopelessness and depression, as well as improving any distressing aspects of social disconnectedness to improve quality of life. FUNDING UKRI, NIHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Corcoran
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Oxford Centre for Psychological Health, Oxford, UK
- North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Molly Bird
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rachel Batchelor
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, West Sussex, UK
- The Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Nafiso Ahmed
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Nowland
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Alexandra Pitman
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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2
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Hajek A, Gyasi RM, König HH. Factors associated with loneliness among individuals aged 80 years and over: Findings derived from the nationally representative "Old Age in Germany (D80+)" study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 123:105443. [PMID: 38631279 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To clarify the factors associated with loneliness in individuals aged 80 years and older in Germany (also stratified by sex). METHODS Data from the nationally representative "Old Age in Germany (D80+)" were employed. The analytic sample equaled 10,031 individuals. The D80+ study included community-dwelling and institutionalized individuals ≥ 80 years in Germany. Multiple linear regressions were used (with sociodemographic and health-related explanatory factors). The collection of data occurred between November 2020 and April 2021 (written questionnaire). RESULTS Higher loneliness was significantly associated with not being married (e.g., widowed compared to being married, β=0.37, p<.001), being institutionalized (β=0.33, p<.001), low education (high education compared to low education, β=-0.07, p<.01), a higher number of chronic conditions (β=0.02, p<.001), poor self-rated health (β=-0.19, p<.001) and greater functional impairment (β=0.15, p<.001). Sex-stratified regressions produced comparable results. However, low education was only associated with higher loneliness among men, but not women (with significant interaction: education x sex). CONCLUSION Several sociodemographic and health-related factors can contribute to loneliness among the oldest old in Germany, with sex-specific associations between education and loneliness. Overall, such knowledge can aid to address individuals with higher loneliness levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Razak M Gyasi
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya; National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany
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3
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Driggers A, Kennedy RE, Williams BR, Brown CJ, Buys DR. Changes in Life-Space Mobility With Loss of Relatives and Friends Among Older Adults: Results From the UAB Study of Aging. Gerontologist 2024; 64:gnad116. [PMID: 37638853 PMCID: PMC10943496 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Increasing age brings a greater risk of death of friends and family (hereafter referred to as loss) potentially impacting individuals' life-space mobility (LSM) trajectory. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Using the UAB study of aging, we examined differences in LSM trajectories of 1,000 community-dwelling older Alabamians (65 + years) with and without loss over 8.5 years. We measured LSM using UAB's Life-Space Assessment (LSA), a validated instrument assessing movement through zones ranging from their bedroom to out of town. We assessed loss every 6 months using a standard bereavement questionnaire capturing spousal, other relative, or friend loss. We used piecewise linear mixed-effects models to compare LSA trajectories. RESULTS At baseline, those who later experienced loss, compared with those who did not were younger, more likely to be female, and overall in better health. Those without loss had a baseline mean LSA score of 49.5 and a decline of 0.08 points per year (p < .001). Those with loss had a baseline LSA score of 60 and declined by 1.0 point per year before loss (p < .001), accelerating to 1.8 points per year after loss (p < .001). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Those with loss do not experience acute decline postloss but do have an acceleration of the preexisting decline. Although additional research may explain the impact of loss on LSM; this finding suggests that more interventions such as social, mental, or health care services, may be needed for those who experience loss. Specifically, bereaved individuals may benefit from it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Driggers
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, USA
| | - Richard E Kennedy
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Beverly Rosa Williams
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Cynthia J Brown
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - David R Buys
- Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, USA
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4
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Lian C, Chen XX. The influence mechanism of self-transcendence on green consumption: The chain-mediating effect of construction of meaning in life and connectedness. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 244:104180. [PMID: 38335811 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A transition to a more sustainable society is occurring worldwide and necessitates a change in people's ways of consuming. Self-transcendence (ST) is recognized as a key predictor of green consumption. Thus, a multiple intermediary model was developed to clarify the psychological mechanisms underlying ST and its influence on consumption. The model was tested using data from a nationally representative sample of 428 Chinese participants. The results show that ST's overall positive effect on green consumption is realized via four indirect paths: (1) the simple mediating role of nature connectedness between ST and green consumption, (2) the simple mediating role of social connectedness between ST and green consumption; (3) the chain-mediating role of construction of meaning in life (CoMIL) and nature connectedness, and (4) the chain-mediating role of CoMIL and social connectedness. Among these paths, nature connectedness plays the most critical mediating role for the Chinese, accounting for the greatest proportion of the total indirect effect. The study advances understanding of the influence and path of ST on green consumption, and provides theoretical and practical support for guiding people toward sustainable lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Lian
- Xiamen University, School of Journalism and Communication, Siming South Road 422, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Xia Chen
- Fujian Business University, College of Business Administration, Fuzhou, Fujian 350012, PR China.
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Mansfield R, Henderson M, Richards M, Ploubidis GB, Patalay P. Lifecourse trajectories and cross-generational trends in social isolation: Findings from five successive British birth cohort studies. Adv Life Course Res 2024; 60:100613. [PMID: 38608375 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcr.2024.100613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Despite growing concerns in the UK about social isolation, there remains a lack of data on the extent and time trends of social isolation from longitudinal, population-based studies. There is also little research that assesses the multiple domains of social isolation across the lifecourse and between generations in a holistic way accounting for different contexts. By applying a multi-context, multi-domain framework of social isolation to 5 successive British birth cohorts, we provide conceptual and empirical understanding of social isolation trajectories across the lifecourse and identify potential generational and sex differences in trends. Where data were available, comparable social isolation indicators were generated to enable lifecourse trajectories and cross-generational trends to be explored. Information on isolation was available across the following relational contexts: household i.e., living alone; partnership, family and friends outside the household; education and employment networks; and community engagement. Trajectories were modelled stratified by sex using a multilevel growth curve framework. Data were analysed from 73,847 individuals (48.5% female), in 5 successive cohorts born in 1946 (N = 5,362), 1958 (N = 16,742), 1970 (N = 16,950), 1989-90 (N = 15,562), and 2000-01 (N = 19,231). Exploring a range of social isolation indicators across several contexts provided a nuanced picture of social isolation across the lifecourse and between generations in the UK, with no consistent pattern of increased or decreased isolation over time. For example, more people are living alone, less women are out of education and employment in midlife, more people are volunteering, but fewer people regularly engage in religious activity. It therefore highlights the need to focus on a range of social isolation indicators across contexts to understand how people compensate for specific types of isolation, and to understand structural differences in social configurations in the UK, which may not only define the timing and sequencing of life transitions but also social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Mansfield
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, University College London, UK.
| | - Morag Henderson
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, University College London, UK
| | - Marcus Richards
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, UK
| | | | - Praveetha Patalay
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, University College London, UK; MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, UK
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Kanchibhotla D, Harsora P, Subramanian S. Influence of yogic breathing in increasing social connectedness among Indian adults. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 243:104164. [PMID: 38309223 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is quickly becoming an enormous problem among individuals of all age groups. The onset of Covid-19 has worsened this situation. Therefore, there is urgent need for a practical intervention, which may improve the social well-being of an individual addressing the root cause of loneliness. AIM In this study we examine the benefits of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a yogic breathing practice to enhance social connectedness among individuals by reducing stress. METHODOLOGY 473 participants registering for the SKY program enrolled in the current open feasible trial. Assessment of social connectedness was done using Social Connectedness Scale (SCS). Stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) pre- and post- SKY intervention. Outcomes were measured at three different time points namely, baseline (pre-program), post-program, and day 40. Day 40 was 40 days after the completion of the Sudarshan Kriya program. RESULTS Significant increase in SCS scores (p value <0.001) was found immediately after the SKY intervention. The SCS scores improved positively with regular practice of the intervention with a large effect size (p value <0.001, measured on day 40). The Stress scores significantly reduced post-intervention (p value <0.001). CONCLUSION The study suggested a positive connection between the SKY practice and subsequent improvement in social connectedness. The reduction in stress levels post SKY program as indicated in the study may be a reason of enhanced social connectedness. Large scale studies with inclusion of control group can further affirm the study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Kanchibhotla
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, 21st Km Kanakapura Rd, Udaypura, Bangalore, Karnataka 560082, India.
| | - Prateek Harsora
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, 21st Km Kanakapura Rd, Udaypura, Bangalore, Karnataka 560082, India
| | - Saumya Subramanian
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, 21st Km Kanakapura Rd, Udaypura, Bangalore, Karnataka 560082, India
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Berny LM, Mojekwu F, Nichols LM, Tanner-Smith EE. Investigating the Interplay Between Mental Health Conditions and Social Connectedness on Suicide Risk: Findings from a Clinical Sample of Adolescents. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-023-01659-x. [PMID: 38308712 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01659-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
This study examined whether school and community connectedness buffer the relationships between mental health conditions and suicide risk in a clinical sample of adolescents with histories of substance use disorders. Data from 294 adolescents were examined, with approximately 58% reporting lifetime suicidal ideation and/or prior attempts. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine main and interaction effects on a three-category measure of suicide risk. Depression severity and panic disorder were associated with elevated suicidal ideation risk, whereas disordered eating was associated with elevated risk of attempts. Higher school-based positive peer interactions, school safety, and neighborhood social connection levels were associated with reduced suicide attempt risk. Moderation analyses revealed that high neighborhood social connection levels may partially mitigate the elevated likelihood of attempting suicide associated with disordered eating. Findings suggest clinical populations of adolescents may benefit from approaches aiming to promote social connectedness, further supporting a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Berny
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, 5251 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
| | - Frank Mojekwu
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, 5251 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Lindsey M Nichols
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, 5251 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Emily E Tanner-Smith
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, 5251 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
- Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, USA
- HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice, University of Oregon, Eugene, USA
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8
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Maenhout L, Melville CA. Unravelling the link between physical activity and peer social connectedness in young people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review of quantitative studies. J Intellect Disabil Res 2024; 68:95-112. [PMID: 37821423 DOI: 10.1111/jir.13095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited understanding of the context surrounding physical activity (PA) of young people with intellectual disabilities (ID), which has an impact on the development of PA promotion programmes. Peer social connectedness seems to be a vital correlate to focus on, but has not been included in current studies examining the correlates and determinants of PA levels of young people with ID. This study aims to synthesise the evidence on (1) the social constructs researchers have used to conceptualise peer social connectedness in a PA context among young people with ID, (2) the measurement tools that have been used and (3) the relationship between PA and peer social connectedness in young people with ID. METHODS The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, ERIC, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched from 1 January 1996 up to, and including, July 2023 to identify English-language studies, which examined associations between PA and peer social connectedness in adolescents and young adults (13-24 years) with ID. Study quality was assessed using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields. RESULTS Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Ten peer social connectedness constructs and 18 measurement instruments were identified. Studies were predominantly focused on Special Olympics participants and unified activity formats. Participation in PA can increase social connectedness, but there is a lack of studies examining whether PA can also be increased by focusing on peer social connectedness in young people with ID. CONCLUSIONS Results show that peer social connectedness is recognised as relevant to researchers developing and testing PA programmes for young people with ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Maenhout
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - C A Melville
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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9
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Adepoju OE, Ojinnaka CO, Pieratt J, Dobbins J. Racial and ethnic differences in predictors of participation in an intergenerational social connectedness intervention for older adults. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:70. [PMID: 38233782 PMCID: PMC10795227 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04679-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social connectedness is a key determinant of health and interventions have been developed to prevent social isolation in older adults. However, these interventions have historically had a low participation rate amongst minority populations. Given the sustained isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more important to understand what factors are associated with an individual's decision to participate in a social intervention. To achieve this, we used machine learning techniques to model the racial and ethnic differences in participation in social connectedness interventions. METHODS Data were obtained from a social connectedness intervention that paired college students with Houston-area community-dwelling older adults (> 65 yo) enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. Eligible participants were contacted telephonically and asked to complete the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. We used the following machine-learning methods to identify significant predictors of participation in the program: k-nearest neighbors, logistic regression, decision tree, gradient-boosted decision tree, and random forest. RESULTS The gradient-boosted decision tree models yielded the best parameters for all race/ethnicity groups (96.1% test accuracy, 0.739 AUROC). Among non-Hispanic White older adults, key features of the predictive model included Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI) score, Medicare prescription risk score, Medicare risk score, and depression and anxiety indicators within the FCI. Among non-Hispanic Black older adults, key features included disability, Medicare prescription risk score, FCI and Medicare risk scores. Among Hispanic older adults, key features included depression, FCI and Medicare risk scores. CONCLUSIONS These findings offer a substantial opportunity for the design of interventions that maximize engagement among minority groups at greater risk for adverse health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omolola E Adepoju
- Humana Integrated Health Systems Sciences Institute, University of Houston, Houston, USA.
- Tilman J Fertitta Family College of Medicine, Department of Health Systems and Population Health Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, USA.
| | | | | | - Jessica Dobbins
- Tilman J Fertitta Family College of Medicine, Department of Health Systems and Population Health Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, USA
- Humana Inc, Louisville, USA
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Coll-Planas L, Carbó-Cardeña A, Jansson A, Dostálová V, Bartova A, Rautiainen L, Kolster A, Masó-Aguado M, Briones-Buixassa L, Blancafort-Alias S, Roqué-Figuls M, Sachs AL, Casajuana C, Siebert U, Rochau U, Puntscher S, Holmerová I, Pitkala KH, Litt JS. Nature-based social interventions to address loneliness among vulnerable populations: a common study protocol for three related randomized controlled trials in Barcelona, Helsinki, and Prague within the RECETAS European project. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:172. [PMID: 38218784 PMCID: PMC10787456 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17547-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The negative effects of loneliness on population health and wellbeing requires interventions that transcend the medical system and leverage social, cultural, and public health system resources. Group-based social interventions are a potential method to alleviate loneliness. Moreover, nature, as part of our social and health infrastructure, may be an important part of the solutions that are needed to address loneliness. The RECETAS European project H2020 (Re-imagining Environments for Connection and Engagement: Testing Actions for Social Prescribing in Natural Spaces) is an international research project aiming to develop and test the effectiveness of nature-based social interventions to reduce loneliness and increase health-related quality of life. METHODS This article describes the three related randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that will be implemented: the RECETAS-BCN Trial in Barcelona (Spain) is targeting people 18+ from low socio-economic urban areas; the RECETAS-PRG Trial in Prague (Czech Republic) is addressing community-dwelling older adults over 60 years of age, and the RECETAS-HLSNK trial is reaching older people in assisted living facilities. Each trial will recruit 316 adults suffering from loneliness at least sometimes and randomize them to nature-based social interventions called "Friends in Nature" or to the control group. "Friends in Nature" uses modifications of the "Circle of Friends" methodology based on group processes of peer support and empowerment but including activities in nature. Participants will be assessed at baseline, at post-intervention (3 months), and at 6- and 12-month follow-up after baseline. Primary outcomes are the health-related quality-of-life according to 15D measure and The De Jong Gierveld 11-item loneliness scale. Secondary outcomes are health and psychosocial variables tailored to the specific target population. Nature exposure will be collected throughout the intervention period. Process evaluation will explore context, implementation, and mechanism of impact. Additionally, health economic evaluations will be performed. DISCUSSION The three RECETAS trials will explore the effectiveness of nature-based social interventions among lonely people from various ages, social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. RECETAS meets the growing need of solid evidence for programs addressing loneliness by harnessing the beneficial impact of nature on enhancing wellbeing and social connections. TRIAL REGISTRATION Barcelona (Spain) trial: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT05488496. Registered 29 July 2022. Prague (Czech Republic) trial: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT05522140. Registered August 25, 2022. Helsinki (Finland) trial: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT05507684. Registered August 12, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Coll-Planas
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O). Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare. Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC). Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
| | - Aina Carbó-Cardeña
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O). Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare. Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC). Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
| | - Anu Jansson
- Department of General Practice, University of Helsinki, PO BOX 20, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vladimira Dostálová
- Charles University, Faculty of Humanities - Centre of Expertise in Longevity and Long-Term Care, Pátkova 2137/5, 182 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alzbeta Bartova
- Charles University, Faculty of Humanities - Centre of Expertise in Longevity and Long-Term Care, Pátkova 2137/5, 182 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Rautiainen
- Department of General Practice, University of Helsinki, PO BOX 20, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annika Kolster
- Department of General Practice, University of Helsinki, PO BOX 20, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services, Health Services, Espoo, Finland
| | - Montse Masó-Aguado
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O). Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare. Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC). Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
| | - Laia Briones-Buixassa
- Innovation in Mental Health and Social Wellbeing Research group (ISAMBES), Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare. Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC). Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
| | - Sergi Blancafort-Alias
- Fundació Salut i Envelliment UAB, Casa Convalescència UAB C/ Sant Antoni M. Claret, 171, 4a planta, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Roqué-Figuls
- Fundació Salut i Envelliment UAB, Casa Convalescència UAB C/ Sant Antoni M. Claret, 171, 4a planta, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ashby Lavelle Sachs
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) Doctor Aiguader, 88 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Casajuana
- Subdirecció General d'Addiccions, VIH, ITS i Hepatitis Víriques. Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, Carrer de Roc Boronat, 81-95, 08005, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Uwe Siebert
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT TIROL - University for Health Sciences and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
- Center for Health Decision Science, Departments of Epidemiology and Health Policy & Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ursula Rochau
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT TIROL - University for Health Sciences and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Sibylle Puntscher
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT TIROL - University for Health Sciences and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Iva Holmerová
- Charles University, Faculty of Humanities - Centre of Expertise in Longevity and Long-Term Care, Pátkova 2137/5, 182 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kaisu H Pitkala
- Department of General Practice, University of Helsinki, PO BOX 20, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital, Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jill S Litt
- Fundació Salut i Envelliment UAB, Casa Convalescència UAB C/ Sant Antoni M. Claret, 171, 4a planta, Barcelona, Spain.
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) Doctor Aiguader, 88 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
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11
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Dobler VB, Nestler J, Konzelmann M, Kennerley H. Mapping evidence-based interventions to the care of unaccompanied minor refugees using a group formulation approach. Behav Cogn Psychother 2024; 52:14-32. [PMID: 37974439 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465823000437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND How we adapt treatment algorithms to complex, clinically untested, difficult-to-engage patient groups without losing evidence base in everyday practice is a clinical challenge. Here we describe process and reasoning for fast, pragmatic, context-relevant and service-based adaptations of a group intervention for unaccompanied minor asylum seekers (UASC) arriving in Europe. We employed a distillation-matching model and deployment-focused process in a mixed-method, top-down (theory-driven) and bottom-up (participant-informed) approach. Prevalence of mental disorders amongst UASC is extremely high. They also represent a marginalised and hard-to-engage group with limited evidence for effective treatments. METHOD Content and process adaptations followed four steps: (1) descriptive local group characterisation and theoretical formulation of problems; (2) initial adaptation of evidenced treatment, based on problem-to-component grid; (3) iterative adaptation using triangulated feedback; and (4) small-scale pilot evaluation. RESULTS Based on evidence and participant feedback, adaptations included minimising verbal demands, facilitating in-session inductive learning, fostering social connectedness via games, enhancing problem-solving skills, accounting for multi-traumatisation, uncertainty and deportation. Quantitative evaluation suggested improved feasibility, with increased attendance, low drop-out and symptom improvement on depression and trauma scores. CONCLUSIONS By describing the principles under-pinning development of a group intervention for severely traumatised UASC, we contribute to the literature supporting dynamic adaptations of psychological interventions, without losing reference to evidence base. Complex and difficult-to-reach clinical groups are often those in most need of care, yet least researched and most affected by inequality of care. Pragmatic adaptations of proven programs are often necessary to increase feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- V B Dobler
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Fulbourn, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, D-89075Ulm, Germany
| | - Judith Nestler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, D-89075Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Helen Kennerley
- Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
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12
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Friedman E, Franks M, Teas E, Thomas PA. Social connectedness, functional capacity, and longevity: A focus on positive relations with others. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116419. [PMID: 37992615 PMCID: PMC10843814 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE A large literature links social connectedness to health, but there is growing recognition of considerable nuance in the ways social connectedness is defined, assessed, and associated with health. OBJECTIVE This study centers on positive relations with others - a measure derived from philosophical notions of the components of a "good life" - and the extent to which it predicts functional limitations and mortality using data from the national, longitudinal Mid-Life in the United States (MIDUS) study. We also assess whether these associations are independent of two common measures of social connectedness: social integration and social support. METHODS Data on social connectedness came from the first wave of MIDUS (1994-1996), self-reported functional limitations were from the first (MIDUS 1) and third (MIDUS 3; 2013-2014) waves, and mortality data through 2022 were obtained from the National Death Index. RESULTS Linear regression analyses showed that higher scores on positive relations with others predicted significantly less increase in functional limitations over time, and logistic regression models showed reduced probability of onset of functional limitations between MIDUS 1 and MIDUS 3 in those scoring higher on positive relations with others. Mortality was also significantly lower in those with higher scores on positive relations with others. All models adjusted for demographic and health characteristics, and all associations were robust to the inclusion of social integration and social support in the models. CONCLUSIONS These results show that positive relations with others, a component of a well-lived life that describes sustained investment in social relationships that are mutual and trusting, is associated with two key health outcomes in aging adults: functional limitations and longevity. That these associations are independent of social integration and social support suggests a unique role for this formulation of social connectedness in the health of aging adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Friedman
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Center for Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Melissa Franks
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Center for Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Elizabeth Teas
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Center for Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Patricia A Thomas
- Departments of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Center for Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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13
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Yook YS, Lee JH, Park I, Cho HY. Effects of Online Mindful Somatic Psychoeducation Program on Mental Health During the COVID-19. Psychiatry Investig 2024; 21:63-73. [PMID: 38198829 PMCID: PMC10822736 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2023.0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the effects of online mindful somatic psychoeducation program (o-MSP) on mental health in female university students during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). METHODS Thirty-eight female university students were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG, n=19) or a control group (CG, n=19). IG received o-MSP for 2-hours per session, twice weekly for 4-weeks; CG maintained their usual daily routine for 4-weeks. Measurements were performed pre- and post-intervention to assess stress, anxiety, and social connectedness using Perceived Stress Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Social Connectedness Scale. A qualitative analysis of changes in soma and social connectedness, subjectification of the soma, and mind-body integration was conducted through online interviews. RESULTS Regarding stress and social connectedness, there were no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). However, significant differences were observed in the main effect of time of measurement and time×group interaction, with IG showing significant improvement post-intervention, unlike CG (p<0.05). Regarding anxiety, there were significant differences in the main effect of time of measurement, time×group interaction, and group factor (p<0.05). Post-intervention, CG did not show a significant change, while IG showed a significant decrease (p<0.05). Qualitative analysis revealed that participants experienced "changes in soma and social connectedness," "subjectification of soma-body," and "embodiment of mind-body integration," and reported improved mental health. CONCLUSION The o-MSP effectively reduced stress and anxiety in female university students and improved social connectedness. This suggests that o-MSP can be used to manage the mental health of university students in various settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Sook Yook
- Department of Exercise Rehabilitation Welfare, Sungshin Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Inkyoung Park
- Department of Sport Science, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwi-young Cho
- Department of Physical Therapy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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14
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Fenn NQ, Rogers BG, Chan PA, Paradis-Burnett A, Napoleon S, Holcomb R, Berganza D, Lane Smith S, Daley Ndoye C, Pinkston MM. Characterizing Social Connectedness and Associated Mental Health Symptoms among Sexual Minority Men Enrolled in a Substance Use Recovery Support Program. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 59:258-262. [PMID: 37818846 PMCID: PMC10843502 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2267641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual minority men (SMM; gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men) report higher rates of substance use compared to other populations. Social connectedness is a critical component for promoting and maintaining recovery from substance use disorders. However, the degree of social connectedness among SMM who report substance use is largely unknown. OBJECTIVES We examined substance use, social connectedness (past 30-d participation in formal recovery support, past 30-d interaction with supportive family/friends, relationship satisfaction, and types of support) and mental health among SMM at the time of their enrollment in a behavioral substance use program from September 2019 to October 2021. RESULTS Of the107 SMM, 80% of the sample reported past 30-d illicit substance use, with methamphetamine representing the most commonly reported drug used (53%). Participants used a variety of social connections for support, including self-help groups (44% voluntary; 5% religious-affiliated; 20% other) and family/friends (81%). Importantly, 15% reported they had no one to turn to when having trouble and 36% were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their relationships. Participants who endorsed significant depressive (58%) and anxiety (70%) symptoms were more likely to endorse relationship dissatisfaction than participants who did not endorse symptoms (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS One-third of SMM enrolled in a substance use recovery program expressed relationship dissatisfaction, particularly those struggling with depression or anxiety. Future research and programming should examine ways of leveraging existing social connectedness or forging new social supports to enhance mental health and substance use recovery for SMM using substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Q Fenn
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Brooke G Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Philip A Chan
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Annaka Paradis-Burnett
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Siena Napoleon
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Megan M Pinkston
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Lifespan Physicians Group, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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15
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Park C, Tsujimoto KC, Cost KT, Anagnostou E, Birken CS, Charach A, Monga S, Kelley E, Nicolson R, Georgiadis S, Burton C, Crosbie J, Korczak DJ. The Distinction Between Social Connectedness and Support When Examining Depressive Symptoms Among Children and Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01616-8. [PMID: 37934336 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01616-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Childhood depression is associated with significant social and functional impairment, suicide risk, and persistence throughout adulthood. Recent evidence demonstrates that social connectedness and social support may serve as protective factors against the development of depression. The current study aimed to examine the effect of change in social connectedness and social support on depressive symptoms among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hierarchical regression was performed. Results indicated that parent-reported measures of change in social connectedness were inversely associated with depressive symptom severity, and could significantly predict future depressive symptom severity. In contrast, parent-reported measures of social support (i.e., from family and friends) did not significantly predict future depressive symptom severity. The presence of a pre-COVID psychiatric and/or neurodevelopmental diagnosis and baseline depressive symptom severity were also important factors associated with future depressive symptom severity. The findings suggest that an awareness of the presence of social supports (i.e., family or friends) is not sufficient for children to feel connected, but rather the mechanisms of social relationships are crucial. As our approach to public health restrictions evolves, the risk transmission of COVID-19 should be carefully balanced with the risks associated with decreased connectedness among youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Park
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Holland Bloorview Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Catherine S Birken
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alice Charach
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Suneeta Monga
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Kelley
- Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, Queens University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Rob Nicolson
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Western, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stelios Georgiadis
- Department of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Christie Burton
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Crosbie
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daphne J Korczak
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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16
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Ng HKY, Chen SX, Lam BCP. Does Religious Worldview Benefit Life Satisfaction? Examination of the Incremental Predictive Power, Underlying Mechanism, and Temporal Relationship in Hong Kong and the USA. J Relig Health 2023:10.1007/s10943-023-01934-0. [PMID: 37917242 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01934-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The benefits of religion have predominantly focused on personal religious identities and experiences, while the broader context of religious worldviews remains understudied. Across two quantitative studies, we showed the incremental predictive power of religious worldview and its mechanism among young adults in two societies-the USA (N = 179) and Hong Kong (N = 164). The mediation mechanism with social connectedness was further inferred from a 12-month study among Hong Kong Chinese (N = 133). This research has laid important groundwork for a deeper understanding of how religion shapes our perception of the world and its impact on our well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary K Y Ng
- School of Education and Languages, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong.
| | - Sylvia Xiaohua Chen
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Ben C P Lam
- Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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17
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S De Main A, Powers DA, Xie B, Choi N. Longitudinal associations between mental health and social environment in older adults: a multilevel growth modeling. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:2278-2288. [PMID: 37293783 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2220304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess longitudinal relationships between social environment indicators (social connectedness, social engagement, social contribution) and mental health indicators (depression and anxiety) among community-dwelling adults age 55 years and older. METHODS Data were drawn from 3-waves of the national longitudinal survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) (N = 2,020; age range = 55-94 years). We developed multilevel growth models to ascertain the relationships of interest, controlling for sociodemographic and physical health factors. RESULTS Over the 20-year period of study, lower levels of emotional social support, social integration and social contribution significantly predicted depression and anxiety, whereas social network and social engagement were not significant predictors of these mental health outcomes in older adults. The models also indicated a moderation effect of the number of chronic conditions on the slopes of depression and anxiety. DISCUSSION Considering our findings, interventions to enhance social contribution and social connectedness could be effective to help older adults maintain positive mental health, as well as programs that facilitate older adults' connections with their families, communities and health care providers. These interventions must also account for multiple chronic conditions since functional limitations drive declining integration in the community and participation in social activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atami S De Main
- Weill Cornell Medicine Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel A Powers
- Department of Sociology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Bo Xie
- Department of Sociology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- School of Information, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Namkee Choi
- School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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18
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Gill PR, Arena M, Rainbow C, Hosking W, Shearson KM, Ivey G, Sharples J. Social connectedness and suicidal ideation: the roles of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness in the distress to suicidal ideation pathway. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:312. [PMID: 37803474 PMCID: PMC10557190 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01338-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a serious public health issue. Distress has been identified as a common risk factor, with research also suggesting that a lack of social connectedness is involved. METHODS This quantitative, cross-sectional study investigated the role of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness in the psychological distress/suicidal ideation pathway in a community sample of 480 Australian adults. RESULTS As expected, distress was found to be a strong predictor of suicidal ideation. Perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness both moderated and mediated the relationship between distress and suicidal ideation. Specifically, distress was more strongly linked to suicide ideation when burdensomeness or thwarted belongingness were also high. This moderating effect was stronger for thwarted belongingness than it was for burdensomeness. These variables also mediated the pathway, in that higher distress related to higher burdensomeness and thwarted belonging, which in turn related to higher suicide ideation. This mediating effect was stronger for burdensomeness than for thwarted belonging. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the findings confirm the importance of our social relatedness in suicide. Increasing belongingness and reducing the perception of being a burden on others may be an important intervention strategy for weakening the link between distress and suicide ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Richard Gill
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Michael Arena
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher Rainbow
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development (SEED), School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Warwick Hosking
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kim M Shearson
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gavin Ivey
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jenny Sharples
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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19
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Liao Y, Wei W, Fang S, Wu L, Gao J, Wu X, Huang L, Li C, Li Y. Work immersion and perceived stress among clinical nurses: a latent profile analysis and moderated mediation analysis. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:346. [PMID: 37784078 PMCID: PMC10546695 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01467-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exploration of the relationship between individual work immersion and perceived stress is critical for clinical nurses' effective psychological interventions and human resource management, as well as to alleviate nursing staff shortages. In order to further dissect the influencing factors of perceived stress among nursing staff, our study introduces the concepts of perfectionism and social connectedness to analyze the specific pathways that influence perceived stress in terms of an individual's intrinsic and external personality traits. This study provides relevant recommendations for the development of stress management measures for nursing staff. METHODS This was a cross-sectional survey. 993 registered clinical nurses were included from four hospitals in Guangzhou through a convenience sampling method. Clinical nurses' work immersion, perceived stress, perfectionism, and social connectedness were investigated using questionnaires based on latent profile analysis. The relationships between variables were analyzed using t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis, latent profile analysis, and moderated mediation analysis. RESULTS The results showed that (1) general influences on nurses' perceived stress included only child, labor relationship, labor allowance, and family support; (2) nurses' work immersion contained four subgroups: lowest (12.6%), medium-low (39.8%), medium-high (39.9%), and highest (7.7%); (3) positive and negative perfectionism played a mediating role between the association of work immersion and perceived stress; (4) social connectedness played a moderating role in the mediation model of perceived stress. CONCLUSIONS Work immersion, perfectionism, and social connectedness have an important impact on clinical nurses' perceived stress. Nursing managers or leaders should pay attention to the differences of individual work immersion status, adopt reasonable stress management strategies, accurately identify positive perfectionist groups and strengthen the relationship between groups, so as to ensure the quality of nursing care, and reduce nursing turnover and alleviate the problem of staff shortage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liao
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510006, China
| | - Wanting Wei
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510006, China
| | - Sujuan Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China
| | - Lihua Wu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510006, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510006, China
| | - Xinyu Wu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510006, China
| | - Lijun Huang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510006, China
| | - Chun Li
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510006, China.
| | - Yu Li
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510006, China.
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20
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Williams C, Dedeo M. Digital communication use before and during COVID among residential older adults. Geriatr Nurs 2023; 53:116-121. [PMID: 37536002 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Many older adults living in residential care facilities do not use digital communication technologies. The study was a retrospective pre-post study testing the impact of a digital communication program instituted at two Continuing Care Retirement Communities. We distributed a survey between March 2021 and April 2021 to examine study objectives. Data analyses were performed using JMP Pro 16.1 and SAS 9.4. One hundred twenty-six people started the survey, with 120 completing the survey and included in the analysis. The mean age was 84 years, 67.5% were female, 95.8% were White, 64.2% were widowed, and 35.3% reported at least a bachelor's degree level of education. There were minimal increases in digital communication behavior and communication frequency. Older adults most notably reported privacy concerns and have mixed responses about the utility of digital communication for social engagement. We apply the results to the Stage of Change model and provide recommendations to promote behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Williams
- School of Global Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA.
| | - Michelle Dedeo
- Department of Mathematics, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, USA
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21
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Eichengreen A, Tsou YT, Nasri M, van Klaveren LM, Li B, Koutamanis A, Baratchi M, Blijd-Hoogewys E, Kok J, Rieffe C. Social connectedness at the playground before and after COVID-19 school closure. J Appl Dev Psychol 2023; 87:101562. [PMID: 37396499 PMCID: PMC10305783 DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2023.101562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Social connectedness at school is crucial to children's development, yet very little is known about the way it has been affected by school closures during COVID-19 pandemic. We compared pre-post lockdown levels of social connectedness at a school playground in forty-three primary school-aged children, using wearable sensors, observations, peer nominations and self-reports. Upon school reopening, findings from sensors and peer nominations indicated increases in children's interaction time, network diversity and network centrality. Group observations indicated a decrease in no-play social interactions and an increase in children's involvement in social play. Explorative analyses did not reveal relations between changes in peer connectedness and pre-lockdown levels of peer connectedness or social contact during the lockdown period. Findings pointed at the role of recess in contributing to children's social well-being and the importance of attending to their social needs upon reopening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adva Eichengreen
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yung-Ting Tsou
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maedeh Nasri
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Boya Li
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Koutamanis
- Department of Management in the Built environment, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Mitra Baratchi
- Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Els Blijd-Hoogewys
- INTER-PSY, Autism Team, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Kok
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Carolien Rieffe
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Media Interaction, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
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22
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Carpenter RW, Acuff SF, Meshesha LZ. The Role of Environmental Context and Physical Activity in Prescribed Opioid Use and Pain in Daily Life among Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain. Ann Behav Med 2023; 57:541-550. [PMID: 37000178 PMCID: PMC10465080 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaac080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescription opioids remain a primary treatment option for patients with chronic low back pain. However, little research has examined how patients take opioids in daily life. Behavioral economics suggest that the environmental context may contribute to patients' decisions around opioid use. PURPOSE This study examined the association of self-reported environmental factors and physical activity with likelihood of taking opioids, opioid dosage, and physical pain. METHOD Patients with chronic low back pain on long-term opioid therapy (n = 34) without significant past-year opioid-related problems completed a two-week ecological momentary assessment protocol (nobservations = 1,714). RESULTS Initial multilevel models revealed multiple associations for different specific contexts with opioid use and pain. In models that collapsed specific contexts into categories (where, with whom, doing what), greater occasion-level physical activity was associated with a greater likelihood of taking opioids and greater pain, and being somewhere (v. at home) was associated with taking a smaller opioid dose. At any given occasion, being with someone (v. alone) was associated with taking a larger opioid dose, but patients who spent more time with others over the entire study took fewer opioids overall. Multilevel mediation found that pain did not mediate the association of physical activity and opioid use. CONCLUSION Results suggest that prescribed opioid use in patients with chronic low back pain is not solely determined by pain, but influenced by environmental factors, including physical activity. Psychoeducation regarding environmental factors, including how factors may be associated with both increased and decreased use of opioids, may help patients take fewer opioids more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan W Carpenter
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri - St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Samuel F Acuff
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lidia Z Meshesha
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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23
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Perkins R, Spiro N, Waddell G. Online songwriting reduces loneliness and postnatal depression and enhances social connectedness in women with young babies: randomised controlled trial. Public Health 2023; 220:72-79. [PMID: 37270855 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Loneliness is a public health challenge associated with postnatal depression (PND). This study developed and tested an online songwriting intervention, with the aim of reducing loneliness and symptoms of PND and enhancing social connectedness among women with young babies. STUDY DESIGN This was a two-armed non-blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT, ISRCTN17647261). METHODS Randomisation was conducted in Excel using a 1:1 allocation, with participants (N = 89) allocated to an online 6-week songwriting intervention (Songs from Home) or to waitlist control. Inclusion criteria were women aged ≥18 years, with a baby ≤9 months old, reporting loneliness (4+ on UCLA 3-Item Loneliness Scale) and symptoms of PND (10+ on Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS]). Loneliness (UCLA-3) was measured at baseline, after each intervention session and at 4-week follow-up. The secondary measures of PND (EPDS) and social connectedness (Social Connectedness Revised 15-item Scale [SC-15]) were measured at baseline, postintervention and at 4-week follow-up (Week 10). Factorial mixed analyses of variance with planned custom contrasts were conducted for each outcome variable comparing the intervention and control groups over time and across baseline, Weeks 1-6 and the follow-up at Week 10 for each outcome variable. RESULTS Compared with waitlist control, the intervention group reported significantly lower scores postintervention and at follow-up for loneliness (P < 0.001, η2P = 0.098) and PND (P < 0.001, η2P = 0.174) and significantly higher scores at follow-up for social connectedness (P < 0.001, η2P = 0.173). CONCLUSIONS A 6-week online songwriting intervention for women with young babies can reduce loneliness and symptoms of PND and increase social connectedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Perkins
- Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BS, UK; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - N Spiro
- Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BS, UK; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - G Waddell
- Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BS, UK; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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24
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Gizdic A, Baxter T, Barrantes-Vidal N, Park S. Social connectedness and resilience post COVID-19 pandemic: Buffering against trauma, stress, and psychosis. Psychiatry Res Commun 2023; 3:100126. [PMID: 37168290 PMCID: PMC10156379 DOI: 10.1016/j.psycom.2023.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated psychosocial predictors of psychosis-risk, depression, anxiety, and stress in Croatia two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the existing transgenerational war trauma and associated psychiatric consequences in Croatian population, a significant pandemic-related deterioration of mental health was expected. Recent studies suggest that after an initial increase in psychiatric disorders during the pandemic in Croatia, depression, stress, and anxiety rapidly declined. These findings highlight the role of social connectedness and resilience in the face of the global pandemic. We examined resilience and psychiatric disorder risk in 377 Croatian adults using an anonymous online mental health survey. Results indicate that there was an exacerbation of all mental ill health variables, including depression, anxiety, stress, and a doubled risk for psychosis outcome post-COVID pandemic. Stress decreased levels of resilience, however, those exposed to previous traumatic experience and greater social connectedness had higher resilience levels. These findings suggest that individual differences in underlying stress sensitization of Croatian population due to past trauma may continue to influence mental health consequences two years after COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to promote the importance of social connectedness and resilience in preventing the development of variety of mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Gizdic
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tatiana Baxter
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Sant Pere Claver - Fundació Sanitària, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sohee Park
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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25
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Zeytinoglu S, Morales S, Henderson HA, Fox NA. A Developmental Pathway from Early Inhibitory Control to Social Connectedness. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:805-817. [PMID: 36708411 PMCID: PMC10625848 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-023-01023-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Social connections are critical for mental and physical health; however, the developmental pathways to children's social connectedness outcomes are not well understood. This study examined the pathways from children's inhibitory control at 4 years to two social connectedness outcomes - loneliness and friendship quality at age 10 - through behavioral problems at age 7. As part of a longitudinal study (N = 291, 54% girls), children's inhibitory control was assessed via a Go/No-Go task when children were 4 years old. Mothers reported on children's behavioral problems at ages 4 and 7 years. Children reported on their friendship quality and loneliness at ages 7 and 10 years. Greater inhibitory control at 4 years predicted lower behavioral problems at 7 years, which in turn predicted better friendship quality and lower loneliness at 10 years. Indirect effects from inhibitory control at 4 years to loneliness and friendship quality at 10 years via behavioral problems at 7 years were significant. Findings suggest that inhibitory control in early childhood may play a key role for the development of social connectedness in middle childhood via its impact on children's behavioral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selin Zeytinoglu
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, 4716 Pontiac St., Suite 2104, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Santiago Morales
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Nathan A Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, 4716 Pontiac St., Suite 2104, College Park, MD, USA
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26
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Feng N. Social disadvantage, context and network dynamics in later life. Eur J Ageing 2023; 20:19. [PMID: 37243805 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-023-00767-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
How do personal networks evolve as individuals age? To what degree do social disadvantage and contextual factors matter for network dynamics in later life? This paper answers these two questions based on egocentric network data of older adults over a ten-year period. Specifically, I use longitudinal and nationally representative data on 1,168 older adults from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. I use between-within models to separate the within- and between-individual effects of sociodemographic characteristics and contextual factors on three aspects of social connectedness in later life: network size, frequency of contact, and proportion of kin. Patterns of network change vary among people of different races and ethnicities as well as educational levels. Black and Hispanic respondents have a significantly smaller network size and a higher average frequency of contact with confidants. Moreover, Hispanic respondents have a higher proportion of kin in the network, compared to White respondents. Similarly, older adults with less education have a smaller network size, higher frequency of contact and higher proportion of kin in their confidant networks compared to those who attended college. Older adults who have better mental health are more likely to have a higher frequency of contact and higher proportion of kin. When an older adult starts to work for pay, their frequency of contact with confidants tends to increase. Older adults living in neighborhoods with stronger social ties are more likely to have a larger network size, higher frequency of contact, and lower proportion of kin in their confidant network. The above results show that disadvantaged backgrounds and contextual factors are associated with certain less favorable network characteristics, which helps to explain the concentration of social disadvantage on certain populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Feng
- Department of Sociology, Cornell University, 347 Uris Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
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27
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Puplampu VA, Silversides HP, Phillips KLR. A Scoping Review on Older Adults from Africa Social Connectedness Experiences in North America. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2023:10.1007/s10823-023-09479-1. [PMID: 37209245 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-023-09479-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The percentage of older adult immigrants in Canada and the United States is increasing with older adult immigrants from Africa forming a small proportion of the population, but one of the fastest growing groups in the area. Depending on the circumstances leading to the move, migration can be very stressful, especially for older adults. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize the evidence on the social connectedness of older African immigrants in Canada and the United States. The researchers searched databases including Cochrane Library, BMJ Online, CINAHL, Medline (Ovid), PsycInfo (Ovid), PsycArticles (Ovid), Web of Science, SpringerLINK, CBCA Canadian Business and Current Affairs Database, Academic Search Complete, Sage Journals Online, ABI/Inform, Emerald Fulltext, Expanded Academic ASAP, General OneFile, Joanna Briggs Institute EBP Database, Journals@Ovid, JSTOR, Oxford Journals Online, Taylor & Francis Journals, Wiley Online Library, ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis Global, and Google Scholar from 2000-2020. Four manuscripts met the search inclusion criteria of published peer-reviewed and unpublished research studies in the English language on aging, older adult, social connectedness, African immigrants, Canada, and the United States. The authors found limited studies on African older adult immigrants' social connectedness in Canada and the United States with dearth of research on the older adults' access to health care, use of smart technology and social media to promote their health and social connectedness which are gaps in the literature that should be researched in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian A Puplampu
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, Saskatoon Campus, 111-116 Research Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3R3, Canada.
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28
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Lee J, Kim J. Social Connectedness and Cognitive Function Before and During COVID-19: A Longitudinal Study of Korean Older Adults With an Instrumental Variable Regression. Psychiatry Investig 2023; 20:325-333. [PMID: 37005385 PMCID: PMC10151657 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2022.0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We estimate the causal effect of social connectedness (i.e., the frequencies of meeting with friends, relatives, or neighbors) on cognitive function (the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Exam) among Korean older adults. METHODS We used longitudinal panel data collected before and during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) to set up the fixed (FE) or random effect (RE) models. To overcome omitted variable bias or reverse causality, we used COVID-19 pandemic period as an instrumental variable to estimate the causal effect of social connectedness on cognitive function. RESULTS Social distancing measures during the COVID-19 period decreased social interaction. The results showed that an increase in the frequency of social interaction led an increase in cognitive scores. Specifically, an increase of one unit in the frequency of meeting familiar people increased cognitive scores by 0.1470 and 0.5035 in the RE and FE models, respectively. CONCLUSION Social distancing policies due to the global pandemic may have increased the risk of social isolation and cognitive decline among older adults. The government and local communities need to increase their effort to develop way to connect adults through the remainder of the pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungtaek Lee
- Department of Economics, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyeon Kim
- Department of Urban Sociology, University of Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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29
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Monsonet M, Amedy A, Kwapil TR, Barrantes-Vidal N. A psychosocial pathway to paranoia: The interplay between social connectedness and self-esteem. Schizophr Res 2023; 254:199-207. [PMID: 36931182 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
The quantity and quality of social contacts have been related to self-esteem, and both social relationships and self-esteem have been implicated in the pathways to paranoia. However, how social relationships interplay with self-esteem to trigger paranoia is not well understood. This study aims to investigate whether different measures of social connectedness (social support, loneliness, and desired friendship), as well as the frequency of social contact, impact paranoia and other positive and negative psychotic-like experiences (PLE) through the indirect effect of self-esteem. Data from a sample of 169 nonclinically ascertained participants oversampled for schizotypy scores were analyzed using two different approaches: retrospective trait-like and ecological momentary measures of social connectedness. Results showed that self-esteem mediates the pathways from poor social support and social longing, but not from loneliness, to paranoia and other cognitive PLE. In contrast, pathways from social connectedness to perceptual PLE and negative PLE were not mediated by self-esteem. Results were consistent across trait-like and momentary measures. Finally, self-esteem was not implicated in the pathways from the frequency of social contact and paranoia or other forms of PLE. These results provide a comprehensive picture of how social connectedness drives specific symptoms of psychosis through self-esteem. Findings underscore the need to explore separately the quality and quantity of social relationships and suggest that the subjective experience of meaningful social bonds is key social determinants of mental health. Therefore, addressing inadequacies of social connectedness could substantially improve symptomatic and functional outcomes of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manel Monsonet
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Amad Amedy
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, United States of America
| | - Thomas R Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.
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30
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Shioya R, Nakagomi A, Ide K, Kondo K. Video call and depression among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: The JAGES one-year longitudinal study. Soc Sci Med 2023; 321:115777. [PMID: 36841222 PMCID: PMC9933485 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Evidence of video call on preventing late-life depression during the COVID-19 pandemic is limited. We examined the associations of social contact (in-person, voice call, and video call) with incidence of depressive symptoms and evaluated whether specific factors (particularly, age and change in the frequency of in-person contact) affect these associations. We used longitudinal data from the 2019 and 2020 waves of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study, including 10,523 participants aged ≥65 years in 10 municipalities. Depressive symptoms were measured by the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) score ≥5 in main analysis, and GDS-15 score ≥4, 10, or continuous variable in sensitivity analyses. Social contact represented frequency changes before and during the pandemic: non-contact (reference), decreased-contact, maintained-contact, and increased-contact. We employed modified Poisson regression analysis. Compared to non-contact of video call, the association of increased-contact of video call with depressive symptoms was insignificant in main analysis (GDS-15 ≥ 5: risk ratio (RR) = 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-1.01), whereas significant in sensitivity analyses (GDS-15 ≥ 4: RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82-0.98; GDS-15 ≥ 10: RR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53-0.97; GDS-15 = continuous variable: Β = -0.17, 95% CI: -0.33 to -0.002). In-person contact was significantly associated with lower incidence of depressive symptoms (non-contact: reference; maintained-contact: RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85-0.99; increased-contact: RR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.77-0.91), whereas voice call was not. Age and change in the frequency of in-person contact did not show significant effect modifications on the associations of video call with incidence of depressive symptoms after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. In conclusion, this study suggests that the evidence supporting video call as a way to protect against depressive symptoms among older adults during the pandemic appears weak compared to the evidence for in-person contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryunosuke Shioya
- Department of Social Preventive Medical Sciences, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoi-Cho, Inage-Ku, Chiba-Shi, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakagomi
- Department of Social Preventive Medical Sciences, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoi-Cho, Inage-Ku, Chiba-Shi, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan.
| | - Kazushige Ide
- Department of Social Preventive Medical Sciences, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoi-Cho, Inage-Ku, Chiba-Shi, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan
| | - Katsunori Kondo
- Department of Social Preventive Medical Sciences, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoi-Cho, Inage-Ku, Chiba-Shi, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan; Department of Gerontological Evaluation, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 7-430, Morioka-Cho, Obu-Shi, Aichi, 474-8511, Japan
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31
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Ransome Y, Hayashi K, Gamble-George JC, Dean LT, Villalonga-Olives E. Racial and ethnic differences in the association of social cohesion and social capital with HIV testing. SSM Popul Health 2023; 21:101327. [PMID: 36618543 PMCID: PMC9811247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV testing rates vary by race and ethnicity. Whether social capital indicators are related to HIV testing and whether these associations differ by race or ethnicity is unknown. Multivariable analysis was used to examine whether social capital (collective engagement and civic and social participation), including social cohesion (trust in neighbors, neighbors willing to help, feelings of belongingness) were associated with testing for HIV in the past 12 months. Participants were white, Black or African American, and Hispanic/Latino adults ages 18 to 44 (N = 2823) from the general population, in Philadelphia, PA who participated in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Surveys 2010 and 2012. Overall HIV testing in this sample was 42%, and was higher among women, and Black compared to white people. Mean social capital scores were significantly highest among whites. Greater trust in neighbors was associated with lower odds of testing for HIV (adjusted Odds Ratio[aOR]:0.61, 95% CI = 0.49-0.74), and this relationship varied by race/ethnicity, with stronger inverse associations among Hispanic/Latino (aOR = 0.43, p < 0.001) and white adults (aOR = 0.50, p < -0.001) than among Black adults (aOR = 0.75, p < 0.05). Greater neighborhood belongingness (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.11-1.54) and working together to improve the neighborhood (aOR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.03-1.73) were associated with higher odds of testing for HIV. Different indicators of social capital were associated with higher as well as lower odds of testing for HIV. These patterns did not vary statistically by race or ethnicity. HIV testing prevention interventions will need to address social capital in design and implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Ransome
- Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University, School of Public Health, 60 College Street, LEPH 4th Floor, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Corresponding author. Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, LEPH 4 th Floor, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Kamden Hayashi
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Joyonna C. Gamble-George
- Behavioral Science Training in Drug Abuse Research, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, 380 2nd Avenue, Suite 306, NY, 10010, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, School of Public Health, 135 College Street, Suite 200, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Lorraine T. Dean
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E6650, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Ester Villalonga-Olives
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 220 Arch Street, 12th Floor, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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32
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Driver C, Moore L, Mohamed A, Boyes A, Sacks DD, Mills L, McLoughlin LT, Lagopoulos J, Hermens DF. Structural connectivity and its association with social connectedness in early adolescence. Behav Brain Res 2023; 440:114259. [PMID: 36528168 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period of social and neural development. Brain regions which process social information develop throughout adolescence as young people learn to navigate social environments. Studies investigating brain structural connectivity (indexed by white matter (WM) integrity), and social connectedness in adolescents have been limited until recently, with literature stemming mostly from adult samples, broad age ranges within adolescence or based on social network characteristics as opposed to social connectedness. This cross-sectional study of 12-year-olds (N = 73) explored the relationship between social connectedness (SCS) and structural connectivity in early adolescence, to gauge how this snapshot of WM development is associated with social behaviour. Whole brain voxel-wise diffusion tensor imaging was undertaken to determine correlations between SCS and fractional anisotropy (FA), radial (RD) and axial (AD) diffusivity of clusters within WM tracts. Significant negative relationships between FA and SCS scores were found in clusters within 11 WM tracts, with significant positive correlations between SCS and both RD and AD across clusters within 13 and 8 clusters, respectively. Clusters within the genu of the corpus callosum (CCgn) showed strong correlations for all three metrics, and regression models that included gender, age, and psychological distress, revealed SCS to be the only significant predictor of CCgn FA, RD and AD values. Overall, these findings suggest that those with lower social connectedness had a WM profile suggestive of reduced axonal density and/or coherence. Longitudinal research is needed to track such WM profiles during adolescent development and determine the associations with mental health and well-being outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Driver
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, Australia.
| | - Lisa Moore
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Abdalla Mohamed
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Amanda Boyes
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Dashiell D Sacks
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Lia Mills
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Larisa T McLoughlin
- Behaviour-Brain-Body Research Centre, University of South Australia, Australia
| | - Jim Lagopoulos
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel F Hermens
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
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33
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Wang C, Havewala M, Fan Q, Wang Q, Bali D. The relations between COVID-19 stress, social connectedness, and mental health: a longitudinal investigation comparing Chinese and American college students. Curr Psychol 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37359656 PMCID: PMC9958322 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04290-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
College students in the U.S. and China have faced significant challenges during COVID-19. Data were collected from 120 Amerian students (Mage = 19.48, SDage = 1.30) and 119 Chinese students (Mage = 18.61, SDage = 0.91) in November, 2019 and March, 2020 to examine risk and protective factors for mental health (depression, anxiety, life satisfaction) during the pandemic, and potential cultural and gender differences. Results indicated that the frequency and impact of COVID-19-related stressful life events predicted deterioration of mental health over time, while social connectedness before the pandemic buffered the negative impact of COVID-19 stressful life events on life satisfaction. Chinese students reported higher levels of social connectedness and larger impact of COVID-19-related stressful life events, but lower frequency of stressful life events than American students. Stressful life events and social connectedness predicted mental health outcomes similarly for Chinese and American students. Gender differences were identified. Females reported more stressful life events, higher levels of depression, anxiety and less life satisfaction during COVID-19 than males. In addition, the frequency of stressful life events had a stronger impact on depression and anxiety for females compared with males. It is important to implement prevention and intervention programs to promote social connections and wellbeing among college students, especially among female students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cixin Wang
- Department of Counseling, Higher Education, & Special Education, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
| | - Mazneen Havewala
- Department of Counseling, Higher Education, & Special Education, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
| | - Qingyue Fan
- Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Diksha Bali
- Department of Counseling, Higher Education, & Special Education, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
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Li LW, Hu RX, Luo MS, McLaughlin SJ. Prepandemic Social Integration: Protection or Risk for Older Adults in the Time of COVID-19? J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2023; 78:330-340. [PMID: 36371802 PMCID: PMC9938925 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbac177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the association between prepandemic social integration and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and test whether the association is mediated by social support received and social events missed during the pandemic. We also explored age, race, gender, and socioeconomic differences in the association. METHODS We adopted a prospective design. Path analysis was conducted using data from the COVID-19 supplement (2020) and the 2019 wave of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). The sample represents Medicare beneficiaries aged 70 years and older (N = 2,694). Social integration was measured using a six-item index. A standardized scale assessed PTSD symptoms. Both social support received and social events missed were single-item measures. The analysis controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, prepandemic physical and mental health, and coronavirus exposure during the pandemic. RESULTS Prepandemic social integration was positively associated with PTSD symptoms during the pandemic. The association was primarily mediated by social events missed-high levels of prepandemic social integration were associated with missing more social events during the pandemic resulting in more PTSD symptoms. Social support received was also a mediator-social integration was positively associated with social support received during the pandemic, with more received support associated with greater PTSD symptoms. Prepandemic social integration had no significant direct effect on PTSD symptoms. The direct, indirect, and total effects of social integration on PTSD symptoms did not significantly differ by age, race, gender, education, or poverty status. DISCUSSION Social integration may carry mental health risks in times of infectious disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia W Li
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rita Xiaochen Hu
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Meng Sha Luo
- Department of Sociology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zheijiang, China
| | - Sara J McLaughlin
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
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Garg N, Sharma N, Burgess J. Three-item loneliness scale: Exploring the psychometric properties in the Indian context. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 80:103323. [PMID: 36434983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the psychometric properties of the three-item loneliness scale (TILS) in the Indian context using two studies. Based on a sample of 570 respondents, the first study recommended the scale's factorial validity. Based on a sample of 534 respondents, the second study confirmed reliability, composite and criterion validity following rigorous statistical processes. The results suggest adequate reliability and validity of the TILS in the Indian context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naval Garg
- Delhi Technological University, New Delhi, India.
| | - Nidhi Sharma
- Department of Commerce, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
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Halmdienst N, Pruckner GJ, Winter-Ebmer R. Complexities of health and acceptance of electronic health records for the Austrian elderly population. Eur J Health Econ 2023; 24:53-66. [PMID: 35287235 PMCID: PMC8918597 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-022-01451-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We examine the personal health situation and how the complexities thereof affect the elderly Austrians' willingness to accept electronic health records (EHR). Using data from the sixth wave of the SHARE survey in Austria, we find the complexity of individual health problems and the social integration of individuals influencing the acceptance of EHR. The higher the degree of multimorbidity, the more medication is prescribed, and the higher the number of hospital admissions, the higher is the acceptance of EHR. Having a chronical illness has a positive effect on EHR acceptance, whereas a pessimistic attitude and lack of joy in life, as indicators of depressive mood, have a negative impact. The results are mainly driven by women and younger patients aged between 50 and 70. People with poor social connection express lower acceptance of EHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Halmdienst
- Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Department of Economics, Altenberger Straße 69, 4040, Linz, Austria
| | - Gerald J Pruckner
- Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Department of Economics, Altenberger Straße 69, 4040, Linz, Austria.
- Christian Doppler Laboratory Aging, Health and the Labor Market, Linz, Austria.
| | - Rudolf Winter-Ebmer
- Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Department of Economics, Altenberger Straße 69, 4040, Linz, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory Aging, Health and the Labor Market, Linz, Austria
- Linz Institute of Technology, Linz, Austria
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Vienna, Austria
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Weingarten E, Wei Z. Nostalgia and consumer behavior. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 49:101555. [PMID: 36709745 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The present review examines how and when nostalgia, a social emotion with a rich history in marketing, affects consumption-relevant outcomes. It comments that in recent years, nostalgia's role within consumer behavior, including advertising, consumption, and product choice operates through feelings of social connectedness, and thus research must consider boundary conditions based on social parameters. Moreover, it discusses the role of nostalgia in buffering the self from threats, how these threats may elicit nostalgia, and the impact on downstream consumption. It finally examines whether nostalgia always does or does not have a positive impact on consumption-relevant outcomes. Across these areas, the review suggests potential future research directions on potential discrepancies that operate through social boundary conditions.
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Abstract
Nostalgia (a sentimental longing for one's past) is a highly social emotion. We provide an evidence-based argument that nostalgia's sociality is one of its most defining and impactful characteristics. First, we review evidence that has established the highly social content of nostalgic reflection. Second, we summarize research that has demonstrated nostalgia's capacity to provide a sense of connectedness with others, and that this social connectedness, in turn, conveys intrapersonal psychological benefits (i.e., meaning in life, self-continuity, optimism, inspiration). Third, we outline research that has documented the interpersonal consequences of nostalgia (e.g., greater physical closeness, strengthened relational goals, increased help seeking, intensified empathy, elevated prosocial behavior). Finally, we call for applied research to investigate how the social character of nostalgia can be harnessed to improve people's social lives.
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Poghosyan H, Margaryan Y, Jeon S, Edelman EJ, Yu JB. Association between social connectedness and stress or anxiety among older cancer survivors during the 2020-2021 winter surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. J Geriatr Oncol 2023; 14:101390. [PMID: 36274031 PMCID: PMC9554341 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our goal was to estimate a relative decreased rate of social connectedness to family and friends, increased rate of stress or anxiety during the 2020-2021 winter surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, and investigate the association between social connectedness and stress or anxiety among a nationally representative sample of older adults with cancer history. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used population-based, nationally representative cross-sectional data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey COVID-19 Winter 2021 Community Supplement. The study cohort included community-living Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older who self-reported cancer history (other than skin cancer) (n = 1650). Sample weights were applied to account for the complex survey design, with results generalizable to 8.5 million Medicare beneficiaries with cancer history. The outcome was self-reported feelings of stress or anxiety during the 2020-2021 winter surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. The independent variable was social connectedness, defined as feeling less socially connected to family and friends during the 2020-2021 winter surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted weighted descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Overall, 42.5% of beneficiaries reported decreased social connectedness to family and friends, and 37.8% reported increased feelings of stress or anxiety during the 2020-2021 winter surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. After adjusting for all covariates, participants who reported decreased social connectedness had 154% higher odds of increased feelings of stress or anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [AOD] = 2.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.00-3.20, p ≤0.001) compared to those who reported more or about the same social connectedness to family and friends. The odds of increased feelings of stress or anxiety were also higher for those who self-reported as Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic White beneficiaries (AOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.10-1.73, p = .016), women vs. men (AOR = 1.85, 95%CI = 1.43-2.38, p ≤0.001), and those who reported depression history vs. not reporting depression history (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.86-3.48, p ≤0.000). DISCUSSION An estimated 3.6 million older adults with cancer history reported decreased social connectedness to family and friends, and 3.2 million reported increased feelings of stress or anxiety during the 2020-2021 winter surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying these adults and referring them to appropriate supportive care resources and services are essential to help them cope with negative feelings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermine Poghosyan
- Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; COPPER Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | | | - Sangchoon Jeon
- Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - E Jennifer Edelman
- Yale Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James B Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
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Fuller D, Bell S, Firth CL, Muhajarine N, Nelson T, Stanley K, Sones M, Smith J, Thierry B, Laberee K, Stephens ZP, Phillips K, Kestens Y, Winters M. Wave 1 results of the INTerventions, Research, and Action in Cities Team (INTERACT) cohort study: Examining spatio-temporal measures for urban environments and health. Health Place 2023; 79:102646. [PMID: 34366232 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Built environment interventions have the potential to improve population health and reduce health inequities. The objective of this paper is to present the first wave of the INTErventions, Research, and Action in Cities Team (INTERACT) cohort studies in Victoria, Vancouver, Saskatoon, and Montreal, Canada. We examine how our cohorts compared to Canadian census data and present summary data for our outcomes of interest (physical activity, well-being, and social connectedness). We also compare location data and activity spaces from survey data, research-grade GPS and accelerometer devices, and a smartphone app, and compile measures of proximity to select built environment interventions.
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Mendonca CJ, Newton-John TRO, Alperstein DM, Begley K, Hennessy RM, Bulsara SM. Quality of Life of People Living with HIV in Australia: The Role of Stigma, Social Disconnection and Mental Health. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:545-57. [PMID: 35831492 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03790-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
HIV is a manageable chronic illness, due to advances in biomedical management. However, many people living with HIV (PLHIV) continue to experience psychosocial challenges, which have been associated with poorer quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to explore how psychosocial factors contributed to the QoL of PLHIV in Australia; specifically, the relationship between HIV-related stigma, social connectedness, mental health, and QoL. Participants were 122 PLHIV attending The Albion Centre (a tertiary HIV clinic in Sydney, Australia), who completed questionnaires which measured HIV-related stigma, social support, mental health symptomology and QoL. Results indicated that HIV-related stigma predicted poorer QoL, as did mental health symptomology. Conversely, social connectedness improved QoL. Additionally, social connectedness was found to mediate the relationship between HIV-related stigma and QoL, whereas the hypothesized moderating role of mental health symptomology on this model was not significant. These findings provide insight into the impact of psychosocial factors on QoL, offering practitioners various points of clinical intervention.
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Ndambo MK, Munyaneza F, Aron M, Makungwa H, Nhlema B, Connolly E. The role of community health workers in influencing social connectedness using the household model: a qualitative case study from Malawi. Glob Health Action 2022; 15:2090123. [PMID: 35960168 PMCID: PMC9377265 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2090123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community health workers (CHWs) play a vital role in facilitating social connectedness, building trust, decrease stigma, and link communities to essential healthcare and social support services. More studies are needed to understand the factors facilitating these interactions among CHWs, clients, and community members. OBJECTIVE This study examined the CHW role and relationships between CHWs, communities, and health facilities that promote trust, positive relationships, and social connectedness. METHODS In 2016, the CHW program in Neno District, Malawi, was transitioned to a household-level assignment of CHWs to provide screening, linkage to care, and psychosocial and chronic disease support from a disease-based program. We employed an exploratory qualitative study with thematic analysis linked to Fredrickson's broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions through focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) to understand the impact of the household assignment. We purposively sampled community stakeholders, CHWs, health service providers, and clients (total N = 180) from October 2018 through March 2020. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, translated, coded, and analyzed. RESULTS Participants reported decreased stigma and discrimination with increased trust and confidence in CHWs with household-level assignment. Positive relationships between CHWs in their households, community members, and health facility staff fostered health knowledge, individual agency, and personal resources for the community members to access health services. Community members' personal resources of increased health knowledge, trust, gratitude, and social support improved social connectedness and subjective wellbeing. Areas to improve positive relationships include CHWs maintaining confidentiality and caring for pregnant women. CONCLUSION Our study findings demonstrate that by building solid relationships as a community chosen, well informed, and household-level workforce, CHWs can develop positive relationships with communities and the health-care facility staff through building knowledge, trust, gratitude, and hope. Further work is needed in maintaining CHW confidentiality and new ways to approach culturally sensitive health areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabien Munyaneza
- Community Health Department, Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi
| | - Moses Aron
- Community Health Department, Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi
| | - Henry Makungwa
- Community Health Department, Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi
| | - Basimenye Nhlema
- Community Health Department, Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi
| | - Emilia Connolly
- Community Health Department, Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi
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Crandall CJ, Larson J, Wiley Cene C, Bellettiere J, Laddu D, Jackson RD, Schumacher BT, Stefanick ML. Relationship of Social Connectedness With Decreasing Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Women Participating in the Women's Health Initiative Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022; 77:S22-S30. [PMID: 35596268 PMCID: PMC9129221 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glac108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging is generally accompanied by decreasing physical activity (PA), which is associated with a decline in many health parameters, leading to recommendations for older adults to increase or at least maintain PA. METHODS We determined relationships between social connectedness and decreasing or increasing PA levels during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic among 41 443 participants of the Women's Health Initiative Extension Study. Outcomes of logistic regression models were decreasing PA activity (reference: maintaining or increasing) and increasing PA activity (reference: maintaining or decreasing). The main predictor was social connectedness as a combined variable: not living alone (reference: living alone) and communicating with others outside the home more than once/week (reference: once/week or less). We adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, body mass index, physical function level, and education. RESULTS Compared with participants who were not socially connected, socially connected participants had lower odds of decreasing PA (adjusted odds ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.87-0.95). Odds of increasing PA (vs decreasing or maintaining PA) were not significantly different among socially connected and not socially connected participants. Associations between social connectedness and decreasing PA did not significantly differ by age (<85 vs ≥85 years), race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White vs other races/ethnicity), education (college vs 75). CONCLUSION Social connectedness was associated with lower odds of decreasing PA among older women during the pandemic. These findings could inform the development of future interventions to help older women avoid decreasing PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Crandall
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joseph Larson
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Crystal Wiley Cene
- Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - John Bellettiere
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Deepika Laddu
- Department of Physical Therapy, The University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois,USA
| | - Rebecca D Jackson
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Benjamin T Schumacher
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Marcia L Stefanick
- Department of Medicine (Stanford Prevention Research Center), Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Ang S. Internet use and cohort change in social connectedness among older adults. Adv Life Course Res 2022; 54:100514. [PMID: 36651618 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcr.2022.100514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Social connections are an integral part of living in society, and trends in social connectedness are thus closely scrutinized. The phenomenon of networked individualism argues that densely knit communities organized around formal social groups such as households and workplaces are becoming less common. Due to advances in technology, individuals are able to develop personalized communities that are more diverse and less geographically-bound. The objective of this study was to determine how both average levels and the variability of social connectedness have changed across cohorts, and how much of this is due to increased internet use. Data from 2006, 2008, 2016, and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study were used to investigate cohort changes in various indicators of social connectedness. The analytical sample consisted of older adults aged 58-69 from the Silent Generation (born 1920-1947) and Baby Boomers (born 1948-1965). Heteroscedastic regression models and decomposition methods were used to investigate the role of increased internet use in driving some of these changes. Findings suggest that increases in internet use was associated with increases in the variance of social participation (i.e., contact with friends and family) in the United States. However, evidence around more subjective measures of social connectedness (i.e., social support, loneliness) was less clear. Future research should seek to understand how cohort change in technological use may affect objective and subjective aspects of social connectedness in different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Ang
- Sociology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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Roche S, Spring A, Moore A. Childhood neighborhoods and health: Census-based neighborhood measures versus residential lived experiences. Health Place 2022; 78:102902. [PMID: 36108357 PMCID: PMC9712274 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the impact of neighborhood disadvantage and neighborhood social connectedness during childhood on subsequent health status during early adulthood. We link longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics with Census data on children's surrounding neighborhoods. We estimate results with conventional linear regression and novel methods that better adjust for neighborhood selection processes. We find that neighborhood connectedness in childhood is protective against psychological distress in early adulthood, net of selection effects. However, greater connectedness exacerbates the risk of obesity within disadvantaged contexts for Black youth. Our results highlight a potential pathway for improving population health by investing in the social connectedness of neighborhoods alongside reducing structural inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Roche
- Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, 38 Peachtree Center Ave SE, Atlanta, USA.
| | - Amy Spring
- Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, 38 Peachtree Center Ave SE, Atlanta, USA.
| | - Alexus Moore
- Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, 38 Peachtree Center Ave SE, Atlanta, USA.
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Gorman JA, Chamberlin ES, Stevenson BJ, Calixte R, Crossman DM, Ahern ME, Mack J, Russo A, Federman EJ. Using Veterans Socials to Build a Community: Feasibility of the VOICES Intervention. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:1544-53. [PMID: 35524906 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-00969-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Increasing social connection and access to care has been found to decrease the rate of suicide in U.S. veterans. The Veteran Outreach Into the Community to Expand Social Support (VOICES) is an intervention developed by Department Veteran Affairs (VA) staff to improve social connection and provide information about services by implementing community-based Veterans Socials. Seventy veterans at eight locations completed an anonymous cross-sectional survey. This evaluation examined three domains, acceptability (i.e., perceived value), demand (i.e., estimated or actual use), and expansion (i.e., sustainability and increase of Veterans Socials across time and locations). Findings indicated considerable levels of acceptability, demand for, and expansion of this intervention. Additionally, data suggested this intervention may increase social connection and utilization of VA services among attendees.
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Wang Q, Wen Y, Quek CL. Engaging learners in synchronous online learning. Educ Inf Technol (Dordr) 2022; 28:4429-4452. [PMID: 36277511 PMCID: PMC9574801 DOI: 10.1007/s10639-022-11393-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Engagement is positively correlated with many educational outcomes. However, engaging learners in online learning is often challenging. In this study, a conceptual framework comprising five interrelated factors (instructors, learners, content, technology, and environments) was proposed. The purpose of the study was to explore how learners could be engaged by following the conceptual framework in synchronous online learning. Fifty-five adult learners took part in the study. Specific strategies were applied in four classes. A survey with 38 five-point Likert scale items and an open-ended question was administered. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. Results showed that instructors, learners, and content were the core factors affecting learners' engagement. Comparatively, the learners' engagement was less affected by the factors of technology and environments. Results further showed that useful strategies to engage learners included providing opportunities for instructors and peers to interact frequently; having relevant content that could apply to practice; involving interactive activities like group discussions and peer feedback; and having informal conversations with individual learners. This study suggests that future studies can investigate facilitating synchronous online discussions, establishing social connectedness, and using technology to monitor learners' engagement automatically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyun Wang
- Learning Sciences and Assessment Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, 637616 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yun Wen
- Learning Sciences and Assessment Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, 637616 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Choon Lang Quek
- Learning Sciences and Assessment Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, 637616 Singapore, Singapore
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Donaldson CD, Stupplebeen DA, Fecho CL, Ta T, Zhang X, Williams RJ. Nicotine vaping for relaxation and coping: Race/ethnicity differences and social connectedness mechanisms. Addict Behav 2022; 132:107365. [PMID: 35605411 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The current study examined race- and ethnicity-based differences in the reasons that youth report for vaping, with an emphasis on understanding the relationship between race/ethnicity and vaping for relaxation and stress/anxiety coping. This work also sought to go beyond examining race-based differences as a cause of tobacco-use disparities by assessing social connectedness factors that mediate relationships between race/ethnicity and vaping for relaxation and coping. Research questions were tested using data from the 2019-2020 California Student Tobacco Survey, a representative school-based survey of 10th and 12th grade public school students throughout schools in California. Overall, 7.78% of the sample reported using nicotine vapes in the past 30 days. The final sample included 11,112 high school student current vape users. The most important reason that youth vaped was for relaxation and stress/anxiety coping, with racial and ethnic minorities most likely to report this vaping motivation. Analyses of the structural mechanisms underlying the relationship between race/ethnicity and vaping reasons showed that minority youth reported lower school, peer, and family connectedness when compared to White youth. Lower school and family connectedness were in turn correlated with being motivated to vape to relax or relieve stress and anxiety, and lower overall mental health. Findings imply that future intervention efforts might profitably focus on reducing stressors associated with relaxation and stress/anxiety coping motivations and highlight the importance of connectedness for indirectly decreasing vape use risk by improving negative mood and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice D Donaldson
- California Tobacco Control Program, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA, United States.
| | - David A Stupplebeen
- California Tobacco Control Program, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Cassandra L Fecho
- California Tobacco Control Program, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA, United States; Cal-EIS Program, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Tiffany Ta
- California Tobacco Control Program, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Xueying Zhang
- California Tobacco Control Program, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Rebecca J Williams
- California Tobacco Control Program, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA, United States
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Lapane KL, Dubé CE, Jesdale BM, Bova C. Social Connectedness among Long-Stay Nursing Home Residents with Alzheimer's and Dementia: Exploring Individual and Facility-Level Variation. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2022; 51:249-261. [PMID: 35785759 PMCID: PMC9501789 DOI: 10.1159/000525343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study sought to explore individual and facility-level variation in social connectedness among long-stay nursing home residents with Alzheimer's or other dementias (ADRD). METHODS We identified 721,074 long-stay residents with ADRD using 2016 Minimum Data Set 3.0 data. Social connectedness was defined using the social connectedness index (SCI) (high: SCI = 5, lower: 0 < SCI ≤ 4). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) provided estimates of the associations between resident-level and facility-level characteristics, and high SCI was derived from logistic models. RESULTS The SCI Cronbach's alpha was 0.69; 78.6% had high SCI scores. Men were less likely than women to have higher SCI scores (aOR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.97-0.98). Increasing age was associated with higher SCI scores (e.g., aOR [85-94 vs. 40-64 years]: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.06-1.07). Those with moderate cognitive impairment (aOR: 0.87) and severe cognitive impairment (aOR: 0.85) had reduced odds of SCI = 5 relative to those with mild/intact cognitive function. Residents living in homes with special care dementia units and with higher percentage of residents with dementia had decreased odds of high social connectedness. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Understanding resident- and nursing home-level variation in social connectedness may be important for targeting interventions that reduce isolation among residents with ADRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L. Lapane
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA,*Kate L. Lapane,
| | - Catherine E. Dubé
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bill M. Jesdale
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carol Bova
- Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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McMahon G, Douglas A, Casey K, Ahern E. Disruption to well-being activities and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: The mediational role of social connectedness and rumination. J Affect Disord 2022; 309:274-281. [PMID: 35489558 PMCID: PMC9044653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruption to everyday routine during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in considerable implications for global mental health. The inter- and intra-personal mechanisms by which disrupted routine can contribute to elevated depressive symptoms has not been well-explored. The present study aimed to examine how feelings of social (dis)connectedness and rumination, as a maladaptive coping strategy, could explain the association between disrupted well-being activities and depressive symptoms. METHODS Participants (N = 496) ranging in age from 18 to 73 years (M = 28.73, SD = 10.93) completed an online survey within the first 3 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, which included measures of disruption to usual psychological and physical well-being activities, social connectedness, rumination, and depressive symptoms. Social connectedness and rumination were investigated as serial mediators of the association between disrupted well-being activities and depression using Hayes' PROCESS macro. RESULTS 39.5% of the sample reported clinically significant levels of depression. Disruption to well-being activities predicted higher depressive symptoms, and this was partially explained by feelings of social disconnectedness and subsequent rumination. Rumination, alone, was not a significant mediator between disrupted routine and depressive symptoms. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional survey design does not preclude the possibility of bidirectional effects. CONCLUSION The social distancing public health measures to combat COVID-19 have contributed to widespread disrupted routine, and in turn, elevated symptoms of depression. Social disconnectedness plays a particularly important role in this association. Intervention strategies should consider social factors as a 'social cure' for mass, positive mental health promotion during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace McMahon
- Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | | | - Kevin Casey
- Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Elayne Ahern
- Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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