A qualitative exploration of depressed female Iranian adolescents' attachment narratives

It is assumed that depressed and suicidal adolescents struggle with issues reflecting insecure attachment. However, less is known about which insecure attachment-related themes characterize depression and suicidality in adolescents. To explore this further, semi-structured in-depth interview were conducted with 18 Iranian female adolescents (Mage = 16.6 ± 0.70), with depression and/or suicidal ideation or suicide attempts, who self-reported being insecurely attached. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified from the data: (1) quality of parenting, (2) attachment representation, and (3) attachment behavior. The theme parenting quality included the subthemes "emotionally absent", "emotionally supportive", "psychologically controlling", "overprotective", "punitive", "aggressive", and "passive". The theme attachment representation comprised: "not accepting", "not feeling loved", "not feeling understood", "lack of intimacy", "unreliable", "reliable", "mixed emotions", "hatred", and "dismiss and devaluation". The theme attachment behavior included "aggression", "relational avoidance", and "emotional role reversal". Findings point to the possible usefulness of attachment-based interventions to treat suicidal adolescents and their families in Iran. However, the results also showed culture-specific themes, pointing at the father-daughter relationship's unique importance, which deserves special attention in attachment-based interventions.

The relationships between parental attachment, peer attachment, automatic thoughts, and mindfulness skills among Iranian adolescents

This study aimed to examine the relationship between parental attachment, peer attachments, and automatic thoughts with adolescent mindfulness skills in Iranian adolescents, drawing on internal working models and social cognitive theory. The data was collected from a sample of Iranian adolescents in Tehran using standardized measurement instruments previously developed by researchers. The collected data was analyzed using both simple and multiple regression analyses. The results revealed a positive and significant association between parental attachment and peer attachments with adolescent mindfulness skills. Conversely, automatic thoughts were found to have a negative impact on adolescent mindfulness skills. These findings suggest that strengthening attachments can contribute to the enhancement of mindfulness skills in adolescents, while addressing automatic thoughts is crucial in preventing the erosion of mindfulness skills. Consequently, experts can design interventions that focus on improving attachments and addressing automatic thoughts to promote adolescent mindfulness skills.

The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation in the Relationship Between Sexual Mindfulness and Relational Quality in a Sample of Iranian Women

Mindfulness during sex has shown many positive relational and sexual outcomes. However, little is known about the ways in which sexual mindfulness works to improve an individual's experience. This study investigated the mediating role of emotion regulation strategies in the relationship between sexual mindfulness and relational quality in a sample of Iranian women. Using a multi-stage cluster sampling method, we examined data from 265 women aged 19 to 50 years (M = 31.76, SD = 8.47). Results showed a significant positive relationship between relational quality and sexual mindfulness (p < .001, β = .13), sexual mindfulness and reappraisal strategy (p < .001, β = .65), and relational quality and reappraisal strategy (p < .001, β = .78). The reduction of the path coefficient in the full mediation model compared to the direct model indicating a partial mediation role of the reappraisal strategy was confirmed in relation to sexual mindfulness and relational quality. These findings may help identify one path, emotion regulation, through which sexual mindfulness works. This study provides psychologists and counselors evidence that both sexual mindfulness and emotion regulation are positive skills that likely improve the quality of their clients' relationships.

Development and validation of School Resilience Questionnaire (SRQ) in Iranian adolescents

BACKGROUND

School resilience, encompassing factors like teacher involvement and school supportiveness, is crucial for positive educational outcomes in adolescents. However, few validated scales measure school resilience. This study aimed to develop and validate the School Resilience Questionnaire (SRQ) for Iranian adolescents.

METHODS

The study used a cross-sectional design. The SRQ was developed through expert reviews, interviews with students, and evaluation of existing resilience measures. After expert feedback, the final 55-item questionnaire was used. Participants were high school adolescents from Tehran, Iran (2021-2022). A multi-stage cluster random sampling approach was used. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) involved 200 students, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) included 310 students to validate the factor structure. Convergent validity was assessed by examining correlations with academic support, while divergent validity was evaluated using academic burnout measures. Construct validity and reliability were also assessed.

RESULTS

EFA revealed six consistent factors across the sample. CFA confirmed significant and acceptable factor loadings for all SRQ items. Fit indices were RMSEA = 0.076; SRMR = 0.070, CFI = 0.94, NFI = 0.93, IFI = 0.94, RFI = 0.93. Convergent validity showed positive correlations between SRQ subscales and academic support. Divergent validity showed negative correlations between SRQ subscales and academic burnout (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study successfully developed and validated the 55-item SRQ for Iranian adolescents. The questionnaire demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties, making it a valuable tool for research and evaluation purposes in this context.

Psychometric properties of persian version of escapism scale among Iranian adolescents

The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Escapism Scale among Iranian adolescents aged 14-18. Between January 2021 and August 2021, cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling method to select 566 participants (340 girls and 226 boys) to investigate the relationship between physical activity and mental health in adolescents. The participants completed several questionnaires, including the Escapism Scale, Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (EPSI), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Hope Scale (AHS), Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), and General Self-efficacy (GSE). Construct validity, reliability using Cronbach's alpha, and concurrent validity were used to evaluate the Escapism Scale's validity and reliability. Results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) indicated that a two-factor model provided a good fit for the data: sbX2 = 179.99 (p < 0.01); SRMR = 0.07; RMR = 0.56, CFI = 0.91; NFI = 0.89; IFI = 0.91; NFI = 0.89; GFI = 0.93; AGFI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.076). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for escapism was 0.73. The study found a significant positive relationship between escapism and smartphone addiction (r = 0.19). Additionally, a significant negative relationship was observed between escapism and hope (r=-0.31), satisfaction with life (r=-0.34), and general self-efficacy (r=-0.33). Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between escapism and gender. Lastly, the study found a significant relationship between escapism and identity confusion (r = 0.164, P < 0.01) and identity coherence (P < 0.01, r = 29). In conclusion, the Escapism Scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing escapism and psychological evaluations in Iranian adolescents. These results may inform future research and suggest re-testing in clinical populations.

The psychometrics of the Persian version of the perfectionistic self-presentation scale-junior form

INTRODUCTION

The perfectionistic self-presentation scale (PSPS)-junior form is a self-report questionnaire used to measure perfectionistic self-presentation in children and adolescents. It consists of 18 items and 3 subscales, including perfectionistic self-promotion, non-display of imperfection, and nondisclosure of imperfection.

METHODS

The present study aimed to determine the psychometrics of the Persian version of the PSPS. A descriptive study was conducted on 345 samples (269 girls) who responded to the questionnaire.

RESULTS

The findings confirmed the internal consistency and composite reliability (CR) of this scale (CR = 0.744). Further, the Persian PSPS has acceptable face and content validities. Construct and convergent validities were also measured and confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. The correlational analysis of the research variables showed that the PSPS is positively correlated with the Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale (0.566) and the children's and adolescents' dysfunctional attitudes scale (0.420).

CONCLUSION

Overall, the results indicated that the Persian version of the PSPS has acceptable psychometrics and can yield accurate results in Iranian samples.

Self-Escapism among Iranian Girl Adolescents: Validity and Reliability of Persian Translation Scale.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2037372/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

This research was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the self-escapism scale among Iranian girl adolescents aged 14–18. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2021 and August 2021 among Iranian girl adolescents. Five hundred sixty-six adolescents (340 girls and 226 boys) were selected using a convenience sampling method. The participants completed The Escapism Scale, Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (EPSI), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Hope Scale (AHS), Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SASSV), and General Self-efficacy (GSE). The Escapism Scale's validity and reliability were examined as construct validity based on the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability using Cronbach’s alpha, and divergent and convergent validity. Results of the CFA indicated that a two-factor model provides a good fit for the data: sbX2 = 179.99 (p < 0.01); SRMR = 0.07; RMR = 0.56, CFI = 0.91; NFI = 0.89; IFI = 0.91; NFI = 0.89; GFI = 0.93; AGFI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.076). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the self-escapism was 0.73. There was a significant relationship between self-escapism with identity confusion (r = 0.164, P < 0.01) and identity coherence (P < 0.01, r = 29). The finding showed a significant negative relationship between self-escapism with AHS (r=-0.31), SWLS (r=-0.34), and GHS (r=-0.33). There was a significant positive relationship between self-escapism and SAS-SV (r = 0.19). Also, the findings have shown a relationship between self-escapism and gender. This scale has been recommended to assess self-escapism in Iranian adolescents and psychological evaluations.

Relationship Between Hardiness and Stress of COVID-19 Through the Mediating Role of Mindfulness in Iranian Students

Objective: Some stressors, such as COVID-19, can cause anxiety and health concerns. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between hardiness and stress of COVID-19 by mediating the role of mindfulness in Iranian students. Methods: We conducted cross-sectional research for this study. Data were gathered from the student populations of 2020-2021, which comprised the statistical population. A convenience sampling method was used to select the participants based on the information obtained from online self-report tools. Students from Iranian universities were asked to participate in an online survey using Internet advertisements, e-mails, forums, social networks, and short message services. Participants were 414 university students. All respondents completed the mindful attention awareness scale, the COVID-19 stress scale, and the personal views survey. We carried out an analysis of the data based on independent t-tests, Pearson correlations, as well as regression tests. Results: It was found that there was a significant correlation between all variables and COVID-19 stress levels. It is worth noting that most of these correlations were in a moderate range. Structural equation modeling showed the overall effects of hardiness on the stress of COVID-19 (β=-0.536, P=0.001), the indirect effects (β=-0.177, P=0.002), and the direct effects of hardiness on the stress of COVID-19 (β=-0.365, P=0.009) were significant. Conclusion: Considering these findings, we have clarified the role of mindfulness in affecting the hardiness and stress of COVID-19 among Iranian students. This study recommends implementing virtual and electronic mindfulness training workshops to reduce the stress associated with COVID-19 and increase psychological hardiness using these tools.

Validity of the Persian translation of the differentiation of self inventory (DSI) among Iranian adults

Because of the importance of self-differentiation in couple therapy and premarital counseling, it is essential to have a suitable tool to measure it. The present study investigates the validity of the Persian translation of Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI) among Iranian adults. The participants involved 273 people who chose availability (202 males and 82 females). The DSI scale had good enough validity and satisfactory reliability according to face, content, and construct validity test. According to the results of confirmatory factor analysis, 26 items removed because their factor loadings did not meet the criteria and the DSI scale remained as a 17 items questionnaire. Due to the disintegration of factors, exploratory factor (EFA) analysis is used to determine the factors of DSI. The results of EFA supported the four-factor questionnaire, including emotional reactivity, emotional cutoff, I position, and fusion with others.

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The CFA results showed that the factor loadings of more than half of the items did not meet the criteria, and 26 items removed.

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The results of EFA in 17 items questionnaire illustrated the four-factor questionnaire, including emotional reactivity, emotional cutoff, I position, and fusion with others.

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The DSI scale can utilize as a valid and reliable tool by psychologists and counselors, especially in couple therapy and premarital counseling.

Validation of Persian Version of Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) in Iranian Women with Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer is now the most significant health issue in women, threatening diverse aspects of human health, including mental health and cognitive function. This research aimed to validate the Persian version of Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) in Iranian women with breast cancer. Methods: We gathered data on 229 women with breast cancer in Tehran through convenience sampling. They completed a demographic questionnaire, the Persian version of MAAS, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and DASS-21. SPSS-22 analyzed the Pearson correlation between the Persian version of MAAS, general self-efficacy, and DASS-21. Also, LISREL 8.8 was used to analyze the internal structure of the MAAS. Results: Findings from the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that the model with one factor fits well with the data (sbχ2=4.29 (P=0.36); SRMR=0.058; CFI=1.0; NFI=0.91; IFI=0.95; RFI=0.97; GFI=0.90; RMSEA=0.069). Significant negative correlations were found between MAAS and DASS-21 scores for anxiety (r=-0.51), depression (r=-0.48) and stress (r=-0.49), indicating an acceptable divergent validity. There was also a positive relationship between MAAS and general self-efficacy (r=0.37; P<0.01). Conclusion: The Persian version of MAAS seems to be a valid scale for evaluating the extent of mindfulness of Iranian women with breast cancer.

Investigating the Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument (MAYSI-2)

This study was done to prepare a Persian version of the MAYSI-2 and investigate its psychometric properties among the adolescents of the Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center in Mashhad. By available study sample 329 male adolescents were selected. The findings showed that the Cronbach's alpha values for subscales were from .74 to .91. Compound reliability was also obtained in different scales between .72 and .98 indicating the optimal reliability of the scale. The CVR and CVI indicating the appropriate content validity. The results of CFA showed that the factor loading of the items was more than .5. The scale had good structural validity. The GFI of .90, IFI of .91, and RMSEA of .072 were all within the acceptable limits. Convergent and divergent validity indicators showed that the subscales benefited from the convergent validity. Our results showed that the Persian version of the MAYSI-2 had desirable psychometric properties. Therefore, it can be used for assessing mental health problems of juvenile delinquent and upcoming research.

Predicting Fear of COVID-19 Based on Spiritual Well-being and Self-efficacy in Iranian University Students by Emphasizing the Mediating Role of Mindfulness

Objective: Given the importance of COVID-19 consequences and students’ health, this study aimed to predict the fear of COVID-19 based on spiritual well-being and self-efficacy among Iranian university students by focusing on the mediating role of mindfulness. Methods: This study was a descriptive correlational study. An online sampling method was used, and the sample included 396 university students in Tehran City, Iran. Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), general self-efficacy scale, fear of COVID-19 scale, and Paloutzian and Ellison’s spiritual well-being scale were used for data collection. An independent t test, the Pearson correlation, and the regression test were used to analyze the obtained data. Results: The results show that the overall effects of religious well-being (β=-0.192, P=0.001), existential well-being (β=-0.227, P=0.001), and self-efficacy (β=-0.093, P=0.013) were significant. The indirect effects of religious well-being (β=-0.026, P=0.001), existential well-being (β=-0.013, P=0.016), and self-efficacy (β=-0.04, P=0.001) were significant, too. The direct effects of religious well-being (β=-0.253,P=0.001), existential well-being (β=-0.205, P=0.016), and self-efficacy (β=-0.133, P=0.013) were significant, as well. Conclusion: Spiritual well-being, self-efficacy, and mindfulness are associated with a reduction in perceived fear of COVID 19 in Iranian students, and mindfulness has a role in these relationships.

Consequences of teleworking using the internet among married working women: Educational careers investigation

Nowadays, women constitute a considerable part of employees in the society that according to the multiple roles that they play (mother, wife, employee), more flexibility is needed in their career affairs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of teleworking using the Internet on married working women working in educational settings (advantages and disadvantages of teleworking). For this purpose, this study includes qualitative and quantitative parts with samples including 16 and 404 married women working in educational settings (i.e. school and university). In the qualitative part that interviews were conducted with 16 married women who were selected as experts in educational occupations, the findings showed that teleworking brings six major advantages for women. These six advantages are economic, psychological, health, family, organizational, and educational. Moreover, when the qualitative part was ended, the researchers prepared a questionnaire according to the findings and selected 404 married and working women in educational settings to rate advantages and disadvantages of teleworking during Covid-19 pandemic and according to qualitative results, teleworking has disadvantages such as role conflict, lack of face-to-face position, and reworking. The quantitative results showed that participants' feedback was positive in six advantages and two variables of family and psychological were the most important variables among teleworking advantages (p < .05). According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that teleworking has a considerable effect on family cohesion and psychological security of women. Therefore, according to the current status of the society (covid-19), facilities should be considered for married women.

Online career counseling success: the role of hardiness and psychological capital

Online career counseling is an important new horizon for vocational guidance. The present study investigates the role of online career counseling and of psychological capital and hardiness on career decision making. The research population included all Tehran students in 2019. After random selection, 30 students each were assigned into either the online counseling group or the control group. After online counseling, intervention students had higher scores than the control group on career decision-making. In the intervention group (but not the control group), students with higher hardiness and psychological capital had higher scores on career decision-making.

Moral Disengagement: Mediator Between Moral Perfectionism and Machiavellian Behavior Among Undergraduates?

To better understand Machiavellian behavior among undergraduate students, the current study examines moral disengagement as a mediator in the relationship between Machiavellian behavior and two dimensions of moral perfectionism (concern over moral mistakes perfectionism and personal moral standards perfectionism). Participants were 210 undergraduate students (64% female) from three universities in Tehran, Iran, aged between 18 and 27 years old. Structural equation modeling revealed that Machiavellian behavior was negatively associated with personal moral standards perfectionism and positively associated with moral disengagement. The results of the structural model showed a non-significant relationship between concern over moral mistakes perfectionism and Machiavellian behavior. However, multi-model analysis provided evidence that moral disengagement partially mediated the relationship between personal moral standards perfectionism and Machiavellian behavior. The findings also showed that there was a relationship between concern over moral mistakes perfectionism and Machiavellian behavior through moral disengagement. The results suggest that while moral perfectionism is often accompanied with moral disengagement, Machiavellian behavior may be an explanation for individuals with these traits.

Development and Initial Validation of the Children's Hardiness Scale

Several measures have been developed in the past decades to assess the dimensions of hardiness in adult populations, whereas the same for children has remained relatively understudied. The present research has sought to develop and validate children's hardiness scale (CHS) to assess hardiness attitudes in the respondents with age categories ranging between 10 and 12. Relying on a mixed-method approach, the research has been conducted in two studies. In the first, using both deductive and inductive methods, items were generated. The Content and face validity of the items was explored. To determine factor structure afterward, the exploratory factor analysis was conducted. In the course of the second study, confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the scale's dimensionality and factor structure. The significant correlation between CHS, academic hardiness, and perceived stress, demonstrated the construct validity of the scale. Using the convenience sampling method, a total sample of 641 children participated in both studies. The results demonstrated that the final scale in line with the hardiness theory comprised three subscales: "commitment", "control", and "challenge". The scale revealed acceptable internal consistency, reliability, and construct validity. Overall, the results of the current research indicated that a 20-item CHS can be applied in evaluating children's hardiness attitudes. Further studies are required, however, to assess the applicability of the scale in different cultural populations.

Effects of Death Anxiety on Perceived Stress in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis and the Role of Self-Transcendence

Stress is a commonly reported concern of individuals with chronical diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). This study sought to investigate the relationships between self-transcendence, death anxiety, and perceived stress among individuals with MS from Iran. A second aim of the study was to assess the buffering effect of self-transcendence in the relationship between death anxiety and perceived stress. Two hundred and fifteen participants with MS from four hospitals completed measures assessing self-transcendence, death anxiety, and perceived stress. Using structural equation modeling, death anxiety was found to be positively related to perceived stress. In addition, there was a negative relationship between self-transcendence and perceived stress. Results of the study suggest that self-transcendence is a buffer in the link between death anxiety and perceived stress for individuals with MS. The findings demonstrate the importance of self-transcendence in decreasing the effects of death anxiety on perceived stress and have clinical implications for health professionals.

The effects of perceived stress on hope in women with breast cancer and the role of psychological hardiness

OBJECTIVE

Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are psychologically stressful events, and hope and hardiness have been found to be important constructs for women with breast cancer. Therefore, this research sought to examine the relationships of perceived stress and hardiness with hope, and the buffering role of hardiness in the link between perceived stress and hope among Iranian women with breast cancer.

METHODS

Two hundred and twenty Iranian women with breast cancer from three hospitals completed online measures evaluating perceived stress, hardiness, and hope.

RESULTS

Using structural equation modelling, perceived stress was found to be negatively related to hope. Additionally, there was a positive relationship between hardiness and hope. The findings indicate that hardiness is a buffer in the link between perceived stress and hope for women with breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate the importance of hardiness in reducing the effects of perceived stress on hope and have clinical implications for health professionals.

Emotional Intelligence Moderates Anhedonia and Suicidal Ideation in Depressed Patients

The rising rate of suicidal ideation in adults is a growing concern in the world. In an effort to understand the prevalence of suicidal ideation, and what can be done to prevent it, this study was designed to examine the associations among anhedonia, emotional intelligence, and suicidal ideation. Emotional intelligence was evaluated as a moderator in the relationship between anhedonia and suicidal ideation among Iranian depressed adults. The participants were 217 depressed inpatients at five hospitals in Tehran, Iran, ranging age from 45 to 79 years. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that adult patients suffering from depression that exhibited higher levels of anhedonia and lower levels of emotional intelligence were predisposed to suicidal ideation. Multigroup analysis indicated emotional intelligence as a moderator in the relationship between anhedonia and suicidal ideation. The results emphasize the role of emotional intelligence in mitigating the devastating effects of anhedonia on suicidal ideation.

Emotional intelligence as a moderator between perfectionism and happiness

Happiness plays a key role in influencing adolescent performance in a variety of contexts. The present study was designed to investigate the relationships between perfectionism, emotional intelligence, and happiness and to test the moderating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between perfectionism and happiness among Malaysian adolescents. The participants were 412 Malaysian high-school students from Selangor, all of whom completed self-report questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine whether students with high levels of personal standards perfectionism, low levels of evaluative concerns perfectionism, and high levels of emotional intelligence reported higher levels of happiness. Multigroup analyses showed that emotional intelligence emerged as a significant moderator in the link between evaluative concerns perfectionism and happiness. These findings highlight the importance of emotional intelligence in mitigating the devastating effects of evaluative concerns perfectionism on happiness.

THE EFFECT OF MELATONIN AGAINST GASTRIC OXIDATIVE STRESS AND DYSLIPIDEMIA IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of MT against gastric oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in streptozotocin (STZ) - induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, diabetic, MT 5 mg/kg+ STZ, MT 10 mg/kg+ STZ and MT 20 mg/kg+ STZ. STZ (60 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally (ip) injected as a single dose for diabetes induction. One week after STZ administration, MT was injected daily as ip for 14 days. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol and glutathione, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were measured in gastric tissue. Serum concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were also determined.

RESULTS

Serum glucose significantly increased in diabetic group compared to control group. STZ induced a significant decrease in gastric tissue levels of total thiol, glutathione, catalase and SOD activities and a significant increase in MDA concentration. In diabetic rats, serum TG, LDL and TC were significantly higher and HDL was significantly lower than in the control group. Treatment of diabetic rats with MT caused a significant increase in gastric total thiol content and glutathione concentration as well as SOD and catalase activities. Gastric MDA concentration and serum LDL, TG and TC were significantly lower in MT-treated groups when compared with diabetic group.

CONCLUSION

These data suggested that MT has a therapeutic effect on gastric oxidative damage and dyslipidemia induced by diabetes that possibly may be due to its antioxidant effects.

Coping Styles Mediate Perfectionism Associations with Depression Among Undergraduate Students

To better understand depression among adolescent university students, this study was designed to examine coping style as a potential mediator between perfectionism and depression. Participants comprised 510 undergraduate students from Malaysia. Structural Equation Modelling demonstrated that personal standards perfectionism and task-focused coping style were negatively associated with depression, while emotion-focused coping style, avoidant coping style, and evaluative concerns perfectionism were positively associated with depression. Multiple mediator modelling provided evidence that coping styles partially mediated the relationship between perfectionism and depression. These findings advance current knowledge by suggesting how perfectionism may contribute to depression and may inform the development of more effective prevention and intervention programs for depression.

Self-Concealment Mediates the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help Among Adolescents

One of the biggest barriers in treating adolescents with mental health problems is their refusing to seek psychological help. This study was designed to examine the relationships between two forms of perfectionism, self-concealment and attitudes toward seeking psychological help and to test the mediating role of self-concealment in the relationship between perfectionism and attitudes toward seeking psychological help among Malaysian high school students. The participants were 475 Malaysian high school students from four high schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Structural equation modelling results indicated that high school students with high levels of socially prescribed perfectionism, high levels of self-concealment, and low levels of self-oriented perfectionism reported negative attitudes toward seeking psychological help. Bootstrapping analysis showed that self-concealment emerged as a significant, full mediator in the link between socially prescribed perfectionism and attitudes toward seeking psychological help. Moderated mediation analysis also examined whether the results generalized across men and women. The results revealed that male students with socially prescribed perfectionism are more likely to engage in self-concealment, which in turn, leads to negative attitudes toward seeking psychological help more than their female counterparts. The results suggested that students high in socially prescribed perfectionism were more likely to engage in self-concealment and be less inclined to seek psychological help.

A novel gene expression signature in peripheral blood mononuclear cells for early detection of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Early detection and treatment of colorectal adenomatous polyps (AP) and colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with decreased mortality for CRC. However, accurate, non-invasive and compliant tests to screen for AP and early stages of CRC are not yet available. A blood-based screening test is highly attractive due to limited invasiveness and high acceptance rate among patients.

AIM

To demonstrate whether gene expression signatures in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were able to detect the presence of AP and early stages CRC.

METHODS

A total of 85 PBMC samples derived from colonoscopy-verified subjects without lesion (controls) (n = 41), with AP (n = 21) or with CRC (n = 23) were used as training sets. A 42-gene panel for CRC and AP discrimination, including genes identified by Digital Gene Expression-tag profiling of PBMC, and genes previously characterised and reported in the literature, was validated on the training set by qPCR. Logistic regression analysis followed by bootstrap validation determined CRC- and AP-specific classifiers, which discriminate patients with CRC and AP from controls.

RESULTS

The CRC and AP classifiers were able to detect CRC with a sensitivity of 78% and AP with a sensitivity of 46% respectively. Both classifiers had a specificity of 92% with very low false-positive detection when applied on subjects with inflammatory bowel disease (n = 23) or tumours other than CRC (n = 14).

CONCLUSION

This pilot study demonstrates the potential of developing a minimally invasive, accurate test to screen patients at average risk for colorectal cancer, based on gene expression analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from a simple blood sample.