The relationship between conscientiousness and posttraumatic stress disorder among young Chinese firefighters: The mediating effect of perceived social support

Previous studies have showed that personality traits are associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study investigated the mediating effect of perceived social support between conscientiousness and PTSD in young Chinese firefighters. A total of four hundred and nine firefighters were recruited from a firefighter school in this study. The Chinese big five personality inventory, the PTSD checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and perceived social support scale were used to test personality traits, PTSD and perceived social support from family and from others. The results showed that conscientiousness has a significant positive correlation with perceived social support and has a significant negative correlation with PTSD. Moreover, support from others mediated the relationship between conscientiousness and PTSD, while support from family didn't. The results of this study suggest that support from others plays a key role in the relationship between conscientiousness and PTSD of young Chinese firefighters. Clinical implications for trauma interventions and limitations were discussed.

Social support moderates association between posttraumatic growth and trauma-related psychopathologies among victims of the Sewol Ferry Disaster

Disasters have numerous harmful effects on the mental health status of trauma-exposed people. We investigated the differences in the association between trauma-related psychopathologies and posttraumatic growth according to the perceived social support level among victims of the Sewol Ferry disaster on April 16, 2014, in South Korea. Data from 241 bereaved family members, survivors, and family members of survivors were used. The Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, PTSD Checklist-5, Posttraumatic Embitterment Disorder Self-Rating Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 were used to evaluate perceived social support, posttraumatic growth, and trauma-related psychopathologies. We found that the severity of depression and anxiety showed inverse correlations with posttraumatic growth only in the low-social support group, while they did not demonstrate significant correlations in the high-social support group. The social support level had correlations with posttraumatic growth and the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic embitterment disorder only in female respondents. Furthermore, there was a mediation pathway from social support level to posttraumatic growth through depressive symptoms. This study explored the complex relationship between social support, posttraumatic growth, trauma-related psychopathologies, and gender among trauma-exposed individuals in the aftermath of the Sewol Ferry disaster.

Do health and social support and personal autonomy have an influence on the health-related quality of life of individuals with intellectual disability?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the relation between perceived social support and personal autonomy of individuals with intellectual disabilities and Health-Related Quality of Life.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with a multicentre sample was carried out including 162 institutionalized individuals with intellectual disability. The measurement tool was a structured questionnaire with sociodemographic variables, and three scales: Functional Independence Measure(FIM) scale, Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, and SF-36 Health Survey, which were completed during an individual/family interview.

RESULTS

The perception of received social support is high on all 11 items of the Duke-UNC questionnaire, with an average of 3.45 for item-1 and 4.85 for item-11, which represents a total perceived support of an average 47.98 points (±SD7.30) (normal support). The Mental-Health component is rated worse than Physical-Health (67.41 vs. 71.74). The average rates for the different dimensions range from 57.34 points for Social-Functioning (the lowest rating) to 79.61 points for Bodily-Pain (highest rating). A multiple linear regression analysis reveals that the dimensions of Physical-Functioning (p < 0.001), Role-Physical (p = 0.016) and Bodily-Pain (p = 0.022), which are elements of the Physical-Health component, are independent predictive variables with the Degree of Autonomy (FIM) as a dependent variable. Social-Support (Duke-UNC) as a dependent variable is determined by the dimensions of Vitality (p = 0.014), Role-Emotional (p = 0.001) and Mental-Health (p < 0.001), which are part of the Mental-Health component and act as independent predictive variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with intellectual disability and a higher degree of personal autonomy determined by institutional and family support report better Health and Quality of Life.

Perceived Social Support Mediates the Longitudinal Relations between Ambivalence over Emotional Expression and Quality of Life among Chinese American Breast Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE

The present study examined perceived social support as a mediator of the longitudinal link between ambivalence over emotional expression (AEE) and quality of life among a sample of Chinese breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

Ninety-six Chinese breast cancer survivors recruited from Southern California completed four surveys in total: (1) a baseline survey (T1), 1-month follow-up (T2), 3-month follow-up (T3), and 6-month follow-up (T4). Participants filled out a paper-pen questionnaire containing the Ambivalence over Emotional Expression Questionnaire (AEQ), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), and the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS).

RESULTS

Higher T1 AEE was associated with lower T1 social support (B = -0.01, SE = 0.004, p < 0.01) which in turn was associated with lower quality of life at T2 (B = 2.98, SE = 0.64, p < 0.01), T3 (B = 2.14, SE = 0.54, p < 0.01), and T4 (B = 2.08, SE = 0.68, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the harmful effect of AEE on quality of life is explained by reduced social support. Given the detrimental effects of AEE on social support and quality of life, future research on interventions that facilitate emotional disclosure is needed. Implications for the effects of Chinese culture on AEE are discussed.

Perceived social support and psychological wellbeing of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Southwestern Uganda

Evidence points to a correlation between perceived social support and children's psychological well-being globally. However, only a few studies have examined the relationship between perceived social support (PSS) from multiple sources and children's psychological outcomes. Even fewer studies have examined the relationship between perceived social support from multiple sources and the psychological outcomes of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study examines whether PSS from multiple sources (parents/caregivers, teachers, friends and classmates) and family cohesion are independently and collectively associated with the psychological well-being of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Uganda. This study used baseline data from a National Institute of Health (NIH)-funded Suubi-Maka (Hope for families) study, conducted in Southwestern Uganda. A total of 346 child-caregiver dyads from 10 comparable primary schools participated in the study. Multivariate and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to examine: (1) variations in PSS from multiple sources and family cohesion, and (2) the relationship between PSS, family cohesion and children's psychological outcomes, measured by depression, hopelessness, and self-concept. Controlling for participants' demographic and household characteristics, the combined measure of PSS from multiple sources was positively associated with self-concept (b = .32, 95% CI = .23, .41, p ≤ .001) and negatively associated with hopelessness (b = -.19, 95% CI = -.29, -.09, p ≤ .001) and depressive symptoms (b = -.13, 95% CI = -.23, -.03, p ≤ .01). PSS from parents/guardians and teachers was a significant predictor. In addition, family cohesion was positively associated with self-concept (b = .37, 95% CI = .15, .58, p ≤ .001) and negatively associated with depressive symptoms (b = -.36, 95%CI = -.59, -.13, p≤ = .01). Findings indicate that family cohesion and perceived social support, especially from parent/caregivers and teachers were associated with better children's psychological outcomes. In HIV-impacted communities, interventions designed to strengthen family relationships and social support are essential to offset children's psychological well-being.

Anxiety and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis: The mediating effects of perceived social support

BACKGROUND

Social support has been identified as a buffering or intervening variable in stressful life events. Research has demonstrated that greater social support is associated with better mental health in multiple sclerosis (MS), but little is known about its links to specific aspects of mental health. We therefore investigated if and how perceived social support modulates depression, anxiety and fatigue in patients with MS.

METHODS

We recruited 112 patients with MS from three French hospitals and administered a demographic and clinic interview, and self-report measures of perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale). We then analyzed the relationships between these domains using path analysis.

RESULTS

The causal path model provided an excellent fit for the data (χ² = 9.8, p = .778, standardized root mean square residual = 0.043, comparative fit index = 1.00). Results indicated that the level of social support from friends is a predictor of anxiety symptomatology. Thus, anxiety may have both a direct and an indirect impact on fatigue and depression levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the important roles played by perceived social support and anxiety in MS. These should be key pharmacological and non-pharmacological targets for optimizing patient care. (NCT 02-880-553).

Perceived social support, coping, and stigma on the quality of life of people living with HIV in Nepal: a moderated mediation analysis

Perceived social support, coping strategy, and internalized stigma have been linked with the quality of life (QOL) among people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, little is known about how these psychosocial factors interact with each other and affect QOL. This study incorporated a moderated mediation model to investigate whether coping strategy mediates the relationship between perceived social support and QOL, and to examine whether this mediating effect varies with the level of internalized stigma among PLHIV. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 599 PLHIV in Nepal. The multidimensional scale of perceived social support, World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, Brief COPE, and AIDS-related stigma scales were used to measure perceived social support, QOL, coping strategy, and internalized stigma, respectively. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, and moderated mediation analysis was conducted with multi-group approach. The relationship between perceived social support and QOL was significantly and partially mediated by problem-focused coping strategy. Internalized stigma significantly moderated the mediating effect of coping strategies on the association between perceived social support and QOL. For high internalized stigma group (total stigma score > 2), the effects of perceived social support on QOL were indirect (β = 1.48; 61.0% of total effects) through the mediating effect of coping strategy, especially problem-focused coping one. For low internalized stigma group (total stigma score ≤ 2), problem-focused coping strategy did not significantly affect the QOL, and most of the effects of perceived social support were direct (β = 1.24; 99.2% of total effects). Internalized stigma was found to moderate the mediating effect of problem-focused coping on the relationship between perceived social support and QOL. Enhancing the problem-focused coping and social support may be helpful to improve QOL among PLHIV reporting high stigma.

Weibo friends with benefits for people live with HIV/AIDS? The implications of Weibo use for enacted social support, perceived social support and health outcomes

With the increasing popularity of social media, many people who live with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) seek social support via Weibo in China. The question arises here as to whether PLWHA perceive higher levels of social support via Weibo than in offline relationships, whether perceived online social support (PSS-ON) is associated with enacted social support, and whether it is effective in predicting better health outcomes. Based on self-reported data from 432 Chinese PLWHA, the authors investigated perceived offline social support (PSS-OFF), PSS-ON, enacted social support, and health outcomes. The empirical results indicate that PSS-ON is significantly associated with employment status, CD4 cell counts, and PSS-OFF. PSS-ON is higher than PSS-OFF for PLWHA, and close Weibo friends are the main source of PSS-ON. Enacted receiving social support and giving social support are relevant, and they contribute as individual predictors of PSS-ON. PSS-ON and PSS-OFF are distinct constructs in predicting the subjective well-being of PLWHA, while PSS-ON is not related to adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and risky sexual behavior in this study. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Associations between loneliness and perceived social support and outcomes of mental health problems: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The adverse effects of loneliness and of poor perceived social support on physical health and mortality are established, but no systematic synthesis is available of their relationship with the outcomes of mental health problems over time. In this systematic review, we aim to examine the evidence on whether loneliness and closely related concepts predict poor outcomes among adults with mental health problems.

METHODS

We searched six databases and reference lists for longitudinal quantitative studies that examined the relationship between baseline measures of loneliness and poor perceived social support and outcomes at follow up. Thirty-four eligible papers were retrieved. Due to heterogeneity among included studies in clinical populations, predictor measures and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was conducted.

RESULTS

We found substantial evidence from prospective studies that people with depression who perceive their social support as poorer have worse outcomes in terms of symptoms, recovery and social functioning. Loneliness has been investigated much less than perceived social support, but there is some evidence that greater loneliness predicts poorer depression outcome. There is also some preliminary evidence of associations between perceived social support and outcomes in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Loneliness and quality of social support in depression are potential targets for development and testing of interventions, while for other conditions further evidence is needed regarding relationships with outcomes.

The impact of perceived social support, loneliness, and physical activity on quality of life in South Korean older adults

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to propose and test a conceptual model that explains the interrelationships among perceived social support, loneliness, physical activity (PA), and quality of life (QoL) among active older adults in South Korea.

METHODS

Data were collected from 332 individuals over the age of 65 using a systematic stratified convenience sampling method. Survey data were collected and analyzed using a structural equation model (SEM).

RESULTS

Perceived social support had a significantly positive effect on PA (β = 0.14, p < 0.01) and QoL (β = 0.28, p < 0.001) while decreasing loneliness (β = -0.55, p < 0.001). PA had a significant positive effect on QoL (β = 0.12, p < 0.01), and loneliness had a negative effect on QoL (β = -0.37, p < 0.001). Loneliness mediated the relationship between perceived social support and QoL.

CONCLUSION

The SEM results of the current study support the proposed model that explained the interrelationships among perceived social support, loneliness, PA, and QoL among active older adults in South Korea. These findings suggest the importance of incorporating social support mechanisms for PA interventions in order to enhance QoL. The findings of this study can help create more effective health and physical education programs for the older generations in South Korea to enhance their QoL.

Perceived social support in pregnant adolescents in Mersin area in Turkey

Objective:

The study examines the level and source of perceived social support in pregnant adolescents and the factors related to their perception of social support.

Methods:

This descriptive study was conducted with the voluntary participation of 127 adolescent pregnant females who visited the Gynecology and Pediatric Hospital in Mersin, Turkey. The data were collected based on the participants' self-expression, using the Socio-demographic Information Form and Multidimensional Scale of the Perceived Social Support.

Results:

The average age of the pregnant adolescents was 18 years. Approximately one-fifth of all participant females were either illiterate or had dropped out of the primary school. All pregnant adolescents were housewives with a low economic status. Findings pertaining to the participants'fertility showed that 69.3% were primiparous, 24.4% had at least one living child. The mean score for pregnant adolescents' perception of social support was 50.79±8.72. The mean score on the subscales was 23.32±3.23 for family support; 16.17±4.35 for friend support; and 12.29 ± 5.54 for special person support.

Conclusion:

Pregnant adolescents had a low perception of social support. Families were found to be the most common source of social support available to pregnant adolescents, and they lacked the support from their friends and other special people.

Perceived social support as a moderator between negative life events and depression in adolescence: implications for prediction and targeted prevention

AIM AND BACKGROUND

The role of the perceived social support in prevention of depression in adolescence still remains an insufficiently explored problem. By integrating the results of the previous studies of moderator role of perceived social support between negative life events and depression in adolescence we set up two goals. One is to determine whether perceived social support has moderator role in the sample consisted of clinical, subclinical, and control respondents. Another goal is to identify in which group the interaction effect is significant, i.e. the perceived social support acts as moderator.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 412 adolescents (61.7% female and 38.3% male) aged 13-17 years (mean = 15.70, SD = 1.22). We applied: Data sheet for all respondents; Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview; Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support; Adolescent Life Events Questionnaire; Centre for Epidemiological Depression Scale.

RESULTS

We have shown that the association between levels of depressive symptoms and negative life events changes as the value of the moderator variable perceived social support changes. The finding that the moderating interaction effect was significant only in the subclinical group is particularly interesting.

CONCLUSIONS

Taking into account that perceived social support moderates the association between negative stress events and levels of depression, we can propose a model for the prevention of depression, which will include perceived social support. However, future research with longitudinal design is required to verify the results.

The effects of temperament and character traits on perceived social support and quality of life in patients with epilepsy

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the effect of temperament and character traits on perceived social support and quality of life in patients with epilepsy (PWE).

METHODS

Fifty-two PWE and 54 healthy controls were included in this study. Demographics and clinical data were recorded. Temperament and Character traits were investigated using Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Perceived Social Support was evaluated by Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS), and quality of life was assessed using a 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Participants also completed the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS).

RESULTS

TCI and MSPSS scores showed no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). Mental and physical subscales of SF-36 were significantly lower in PWE than the controls (p=0.012, p=0.020, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that Reward Dependence and Cooperativeness were independent predictors for perceived social support, and Persistence score was an independent predictor for the physical subscale of SF-36 even after adjustment for confounding background variables (p<0.05, for all).

CONCLUSION

Temperament and character traits may affect perceived social support and quality of life in PWE. Thus, an evaluation of temperament and character traits may play a significant role in preventing negative effects on perceived social support and quality of life in PWE.

Somatic Symptoms as Mediating Factors between the Perceived Social Support and the Health-Related Quality of Life in North Korean Defectors

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to examine the mediating effect of somatic symptoms between perceived social support and health-related quality of life among North Korean defectors living in South Korea.

METHODS

A total of 200 North Korean defectors were assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Short-Form 8-Item Health Survey, the Patient Health Questionnaire 15, the PTSD Checklist Civilian Version and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9.

RESULTS

Somatic symptoms accounted for physical health-related quality of life after controlling for PTSD and depressive symptoms, but did not for mental health-related quality of life. Moreover, somatic symptoms mediated the relationship between perceived social support and physical and mental health-related quality of life, indicating that perceived social support indirectly affects physical and mental health-related quality of life through somatic symptoms in North Korean defectors.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that not only intervention for PTSD or depressive symptoms but also for somatic symptoms might be effective to improve physical and mental health-related quality of life for North Korean defectors, especially those who have a lack of perceived social support.

Perceived social support as a moderator between perceived discrimination and subjective well-being among people with physical disabilities in Israel

PURPOSE

Perceived social support has gained importance as a significant preventive factor of depressive symptoms and as helpful for rebuilding feelings of self-worth and subjective well-being among people with physical disabilities. The current study examined whether perceived social support moderates the association between perceived discrimination and subjective well-being among people with physical disabilities in Israel.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected by means of structured questionnaires among a convenience sample of 433 people with physical disabilities in Israel and hierarchical multiple regression was performed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The findings reveal that perceived social support has a moderating role in the association between perceived discrimination and subjective well-being among people with physical disabilities, such that those with low and moderate levels of perceived social support showed a negative association between perceived discrimination and subjective well-being, while those with high levels of perceived social support showed no association between perceived discrimination and subjective well-being. Findings are discussed in light of the social model of disability, and practical implications are suggested. Implications for Rehabilitation A negative association was found between perceived discrimination and subjective well-being among people with physical disabilities with low and moderate levels of perceived social support. Professionals working with people with physical disabilities must acknowledge the importance of social support for people with physical disabilities and for their families. Professionals working with people with physical disabilities should take a proactive approach to locating disabled people who do not receive or do not have adequate social support and offer them assistance. Professionals working with people with physical disabilities should engage in wide social activities aimed at providing resources and opportunities to service beneficiaries. Society bears the collective responsibility to act in order to reduce the social problem of discrimination against people with disabilities, as well as to raise public awareness of this issue.

The Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Suicidal Ideation: Role of Maltreatment and Potential Mediators

OBJECTIVE

Childhood trauma is recognized as an important risk factor in suicidal ideation, however it is not fully understood how the different types of childhood maltreatment influence suicidal ideation nor what variables mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and suicidal ideation. This study examined the path from childhood trauma to suicidal ideation, including potential mediators.

METHODS

A sample of 211 healthy adults completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Beck scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSI), Functional Social Support Questionnaire (FSSQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Path analysis was used to investigate the relationship among study variables.

RESULTS

Of the several types of childhood maltreatment we considered, only childhood sexual abuse directly predicted suicidal ideation (β=0.215, p=0.001). Childhood physical abuse (β=0.049, 95% confidence interval: 0.011-0.109) and childhood emotional abuse (β=0.042, 95% confidence interval: 0.001-0.107) indirectly predicted suicidal ideation through their association with anxiety. Childhood neglect indirectly predicted suicidal ideation through association with perceived social support (β=0.085, 95% confidence interval: 0.041-0.154).

CONCLUSION

Our results confirmed that childhood sexual abuse is a strong predictor of suicidal ideation. Perceived social support mediated the relationship between suicidal ideation and neglect. Anxiety fully mediated the relationship between suicidal ideation and both physical abuse and emotional abuse. Interventions to reduce suicidal ideation among survivors of childhood trauma should focus on anxiety symptoms and attempt to increase their social support.

Perceived Social Support and Mental Health Problems Among Pakistani University Students

Despite the growing number of cross-cultural studies focusing on psychological problems, little is known about social support outside of western civilization, particularly among people in South Asian cultures. This study examined the cultural orientation regarding perceived social support and psychological problems among 912 undergraduate students (age 19-26) studying at COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore, Pakistan. The present study supported variance in cultural values regarding the relative prominence of sources of support in collectivist culture indicating that low levels of family support were related to various psychological problems. Further, low levels of peer support were related to depression, anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity. While familial support played a bigger role than peer support in affecting psychological problems, peer support also had a role to play. The results may help counsellors and researchers to identify more effectively the population of students at high risk for mental illness and develop culturally effective interventions to address this significant and growing public health issue.

Factors Associated with the Social Support of Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND

Support has been gradually acknowledged as a significant factor that exerts a positive influence on hemodialysis patients' lives as well as on the outcome of the disease. The purpose was to explore factors associated with social support of hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

The sample studied consisted of 258 patients undergoing hemodialysis in public hospitals in Athens, Greece during 2015. Data collection was performed by the method of the interview using a specially designed questionnaire, which included the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support for the assessment of social support from significant others, family and friends as well as patients' socio-demographic, clinical and other characteristics.

RESULTS

Of the 258 participants, 53.9% were male and 65% were over 60 yr. Regard to social support, patients felt highly supported by their significant others and their family (median 6 for both subscales) and less by their friends (median 4.5 neutral support levels). In terms of patients' characteristics, statistically significant association of support from significant others and family was observed with marital status (P<0.001 and P<0.001 respectively), place of residence (P<0.001 and P<0.001 respectively) and the number of children (P=0.002 and P=0.007 respectively). Furthermore, statistically significant association of support from friends was observed with age (P <0.001), marital status (P=0.002), and place of residence (P=0.017).

CONCLUSION

Socio-demographic, clinical characteristics and patients' perceptions are associated with perceived Social Support. Provision of holistic individualized care to hemodialysis patients demands assessment of social support in the daily clinical practice.

The mediating role of general self-efficacy in the association between perceived social support and oral health-related quality of life after initial periodontal therapy

BACKGROUND

Although initial periodontal therapy can ease some physical and psychological discomforts from periodontitis and improve patients' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), it is also vital to find positive resources from psychological and social aspects to promote the overall OHRQoL. This study aims to explore the associations of perceived social support (PSS) and general self-efficacy with OHRQoL and the mediating role of general self-efficacy in PSS-OHRQoL association after initial periodontal therapy.

METHODS

A prospective case series study was conducted among consecutive outpatients with chronic periodontitis during the period of July 2014-April 2015. A total of 145 eligible patients responded to OHRQoL questionnaire and periodontal examination at baseline. About 4 to 5 weeks after initial periodontal therapy, 120 patients completed the second OHRQoL measurement and periodontal examination, along with PSS and general self-efficacy measurement. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test was used to determine the difference between baseline and post-treatment OHRQoL scores and periodontal parameters. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to explore the associations of PSS and general self-efficacy with post-treatment OHRQoL after adjusting for some demographic and periodontal variables. Asymptotic and resampling strategies were performed to explore the mediating role of general self-efficacy.

RESULTS

Initial periodontal therapy resulted in a significant improvement in the mean total score and all domains of OHRQoL and all periodontal parameters measured. In hierarchical linear regression analysis, clinical attachment loss (CAL) was significantly and positively associated with post-treatment OHRQoL score (β = 0.265, p < 0.01), while PSS (β = -0.303, p < 0.01) and general self-efficacy (β = -0.221, p < 0.01) were significantly and negatively associated with post-treatment OHRQL score, respectively. A significant mediating role of general self-efficacy (a*b = -0.139, BCa 95 % CI: -0.298, -0.011) in the association between PSS and post-treatment OHRQoL was revealed, and the proportion of the mediating role of general self-efficacy was 31.4 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial periodontal therapy could significantly improve all aspects of OHRQoL. PSS and general self-efficacy could be the positive resources for improving OHRQoL after initial periodontal therapy among patients with periodontitis. General self-efficacy partly mediated the association between PSS and post-treatment OHRQoL.

Individuals' quality of life linked to major life events, perceived social support, and personality traits

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between major recent life events that occurred during the last 5 years, social and personal resources, and subjective quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

A total of 1801 participants from the general population (CoLaus/PsyCoLaus study) completed the Life Events Questionnaire, the Social Support Questionnaire, the NEO Five-Factor Inventory Revised, and the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life.

RESULTS

Major life events were modestly associated with the QoL (about 5 % of the explained variance). However, QoL was significantly related to perceived social support and personality traits (about 37 % of the explained variance). Particularly, perceived social support, extraversion and conscientiousness personality dimensions were positively linked to life satisfaction, whereas a high level of neuroticism was negatively associated with QoL.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the negative but temporary association between critical events and QoL. However, a combination of high conscientiousness and extraversion, and positive social support may explain better variances for a high-perceived QoL.

The association between perceived social support and amygdala structure

The subjective perception of social support plays a crucial role in human well-being. However, its structural neural substrates remain unknown. We hypothesized that the amygdala, specifically its laterobasal and superficial subregions, which have been suggested to serve social functions, could be associated with the level of perceived social support. To test this hypothesis, we assessed perceived social support using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. In addition, we measured the volume and shape of the amygdala using structural magnetic resonance imaging in 49 healthy participants. Global amygdala volume in the left hemisphere was positively associated with the perceived social support score after adjusting for total cerebral volume, sex, age, intelligence, and five-factor personality domains. The local shape of the laterobasal and superficial subregions of the left amygdala showed the same association with perceived social support. These data suggest that the social subregions of the left amygdala are associated with the implementation of perceived social support.

Influence of neighborhood-level factors on social support in early-stage breast cancer patients and controls

RATIONALE

Low social support has been linked to negative health outcomes in breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE

We examined associations between perceived social support, neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation, and neighborhood-level social support in early-stage breast cancer patients and controls.

METHODS

This two-year longitudinal study in the United States included information collected from telephone interviews and clinical records of 541 early-stage patients and 542 controls recruited from 2003 to 2007. Social support was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SS). Residential addresses were geocoded and used to develop measures including neighborhood social support (based on MOS-SS scores from nearby controls) and neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation (a composite index of census tract characteristics). Latent trajectory models were used to determine effects of neighborhood conditions on the stable (intercept) and changing (slope) aspects of social support.

RESULTS

In a model with only neighborhood variables, greater socioeconomic deprivation was associated with patients' lower stable social support (standardized estimate = -0.12, p = 0.027); neighborhood-level social support was associated with social support change (standardized estimate = 0.17, p = 0.046). After adding individual-level covariates, there were no direct neighborhood effects on social support. In patients, neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation was associated with support indirectly through marriage, insurance status, negative affect, and general health. In controls, neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation was associated with support indirectly through marriage (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Indirect effects of neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation on social support differed in patients and controls. Psychosocial and neighborhood interventions may help patients with low social support, particularly patients without partnered relationships in deprived areas.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Young Adults' Relationship Status on Life Satisfaction through Loneliness and Perceived Social Support

This study examined the indirect effects of relationship status (single vs. in a relationship) on life satisfaction through social and emotional (romantic and family) loneliness and perceived social support from significant others, family, and friends. Five hundred and fifty three Polish young adults (335 females and 218 males), ranging in age from 20–30 years (M = 23.42), completed the Polish versions of the Satisfaction With Life Scale, the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The results indicated that single individuals reported significantly lower satisfaction with life and social support from a significant other, but higher romantic and social loneliness, and higher family support compared to participants in a relationship. A path analysis revealed no direct effect of relationship status on satisfaction with life. However, there were significant indirect effects from relationship status to life satisfaction though romantic, family, and social loneliness, and through perceived social support from significant others and from family. Therefore, singlehood may be deleterious to life satisfaction because of the higher loneliness and lower social support from a significant other.

High self-control protects the link between social support and positivity ratio for Israeli students exposed to contextual risk

This study examined how Israeli students, despite exposure to contextual risk factors, may experience a high ratio of self-reported positive to negative emotions (i.e., positivity ratio). Self-control skills and perceived social support were tested as protective factors, where each was posited to moderate the relation between risk status and positivity ratio. The participants were 460 Israeli students (51% girls) in grades 8-10. Contrary to expectations, students attending a school with high contextual risks did not differ from students attending a school with low contextual risks in their scores on self-control skills, perceived social support, or positivity ratio. However, an exploratory follow-up moderation analysis revealed a significant three-way interaction, indicating that while low self-control skills eliminate the link between social support and positivity ratio for students attending the school defined as at-risk, high self-control protects this link. These results suggest that neither contextual risk in itself nor initial differences in self-control or social support account for differences in students' positivity ratio. Rather, it is the way these factors interact with each other that matters. Study limitations and implications are discussed.

An Investigation of Loneliness and Perceived Social Support Among Single and Partnered Young Adults

This study investigated the possible differences between single individuals and individuals in nonmarital romantic relationships in the domains of emotional (romantic and family) and social loneliness, and of perceived social support from family, friends and significant others. Based on a Polish university-student sample of 315 participants (167 women and 148 men) aged 19 to 25 years (M = 21.90, SD = 2.15), single relationship status was related to greater romantic and family loneliness, and to less perceived social support from significant others and family. Women reported a lower level of social loneliness and a higher level of perceived social support in comparison to men. Relationship status interacted with gender in predicting perceived social support from significant others and friends. Finally, the duration of remaining single and significant others’ support were found to be predictive of single young adults’ romantic loneliness. In addition, perceived social support from family and significant others were found to moderate the relationship between the duration of remaining single and romantic loneliness. In particular, high family support and medium-high support from significant others mitigated the negative impact of being single for a long time on romantic loneliness.

Gender differences in social support in persons with epilepsy

The present study focused on social support as a key feature of the enhancement and maintenance of mental health. So far, literature on gender differences in social support and its effects on the experience of stress in individuals with epilepsy is scarce. We hypothesized that in individuals with epilepsy, social support buffers detrimental effects of stressors (e.g., unpredictable occurrence of seizures) on mental health. Additionally, we explored the role of gender in this process. In 299 individuals with epilepsy, data from validated questionnaires on seizures in the last 3months, perceived support, social network size, and depressive symptoms were analyzed. Women reported higher depressive symptoms (t=2.51, p<.01) and higher perceived support (t=2.50, p<.01) than men. Women and men did not differ in social network size (t=-0.46, p=64), nor in experiencing seizures (χ(2)=0.07, p=.82). Regression analyses revealed no buffer effects. Perceived support was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (B=-0.49, p<.001, 95% CI [-0.67; -0.32]). With regard to depressive symptoms, social integration was slightly more beneficial for women (Bcond.=-0.06, p<.001; 95% CI [-0.09; -0.03]) than for men (Bcond.=-0.02, p=.09; 95% CI [-0.04; 0.01]). Findings present perceived support and social integration as general health resources in individuals with epilepsy regardless of previously experienced seizures. They also encourage further research on gender-specific effects in individuals with epilepsy and move towards recommendations for practitioners and gender-specific interventions. Future aims will be to enhance social integration in order to support adjustment to the chronic condition of epilepsy and to improve individuals' confidence in support interactions.

Partnered Polish Young Adults

The aim of this study was to examine whether young adults in nonmarital romantic relationships experience better mental health and lower levels of mental health problems compared to single young adults. In addition, the current study also tested the hypothesis that perceived social support mediates the association between relationship status (single vs. partnered) and mental health, and mental health problems. Five hundred fifty three participants (335 females and 218 males) aged 20-30 completed the Polish versions of General Health Questionnaire-28, Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults-Short Form, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results indicated that single individuals reported lower emotional well-being than partnered individuals. No differences emerged between single and partnered individuals in regard to social and psychological well-being, as well in total well-being. Results also revealed no differences between single and partnered individuals in regard to somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, severe depression, and total mental health problems. Mediational analyses indicated the perceived social support mediates the association between partner status and mental health problems.

A brief form of the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire (F-SozU) was developed, validated, and standardized

OBJECTIVES

Development of a brief instrument (F-SozU K-6) for the measurement of perceived social support in epidemiologic contexts by shortening a well-established German questionnaire (F-SozU K-14).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

The development of the F-SozU K-6 consisted of two phases; phase 1: the F-SozU K-14 was presented to a general population sample representative for the Federal Republic of Germany (N = 2,007; age: 14-92 years). Six items for the short form were selected based on the maximization of coefficient alpha. Phase 2: the new short form (F-SozU K-6) was evaluated and standardized in an independent second population survey (N = 2,508, age: 14-92 years).

RESULTS

The F-SozU K-6 showed very good reliability and excellent model fit indices for the one-dimensional factorial structure of the scale. Furthermore, strict measurement invariance was detected allowing unbiased comparison of means and correlation coefficients and path coefficients between both sexes across the full lifespan from adolescence (14-92 years). Well-established associations of perceived social support with depression and somatic symptoms could be replicated using the short form.

CONCLUSION

The F-SozU K-6 presents a reliable, valid, and economical instrument to assess perceived social support and can thus be effectively applied within the frameworks of clinical epidemiologic studies or related areas.

The influence of coping response and health-related quality of life on perceived social support during cancer treatment

OBJECTIVE

In the biopsychosocial approach, perceived social support has served as a protective factor for psychological adjustment to cancer. This study aimed to determine the influence of different coping responses and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) domains on perceived social support during cancer treatment.

METHOD

A cross-sectional analysis was carried out in a sample of 757 cancer outpatients. The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) was employed to assess perceived social support. The Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) Scale measured coping response, and HRQoL was tested with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36). Multivariate analyses were carried out to examine the extent to which coping and HRQoL were associated with perceived social support.

RESULTS

Coping response explained only 2% of the variance in perceived social support, but Hopelessness had a significant influence on perceived social support (p ≤ 0.01). HRQoL, physical, and mental domains made a significant contribution toward perceived social support, accounting for around 10% of total variance. More than coping response, HRQoL's physical and mental domains had an important influence on perceived social support during cancer treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

The findings of the current study report the importance of HRQoL domains in predicting perceived social support during cancer treatment, emphasizing the holistic and multidisciplinary approach to facilitate adjustment to cancer.

Relationship between Structural and Intermediary Determinants of Health and Preterm Delivery

BACKGROUND

Preterm birth is a major health problem that leads to infant morbidity and mortality. The main goal of this study was to find the relationship between social determinants of health and preterm delivery.

METHODS

A prospective longitudinal cohort study was carried out on 500 pregnant women in their 24th to 28th gestational weeks in 2012. The pregnant women filled out a self-report questionnaire on the structural determinant, perceived stress, and perceived social support. The participants were followed up until labor and the data about mother and the newborn were collected after labor. The data were analyzed by SPSS 21 and Lisrel 8.8 software programs using pathway analysis.

RESULTS

The final path model fit well (CFI=0.96; RMSEA=0.060). Path analysis showed that among structural factors, income had a direct effect (β=0.06) and the factors of income (β=0.00594), number of children (family size) (β=-0.024), as well as mother's education (β=-0.0084) had the greatest overall effect on gestational age at birth respectively. Also, the results showed that among intermediate factors of social determinants of health, stress in the direct path (β=-0.12) and among the overall effects, the perceived stress (β=-0.12) and perceived social support (β=0.0396) affected the gestational age at birth.

CONCLUSION

The current study showed that some structural and intermediary determinants such as income and perceived stress had an effect on preterm labor.

Factorial validity and reliability of the Tamil version of multidimensional scale of perceived social support among a group of participants in university malaya medical centre, malaysia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study was done to validate the Tamil version of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS-TV) among a group of Indian participants in University Malaya.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-four people who took part in this study were given MSPSS-TV, Medical Outcome Study (MOS) social support survey, Malay version of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Malay version of General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and English version of MSPSS. After a week, these participants were again required to complete the MSPSS-TV, but with the item sequences shuffled.

RESULTS

Internal consistency of this scale was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.924), and both test-retest reliability (0.71) and parallel form reliability (0.92) were high (Spearman's rho, P<0.01). MSPSS-TV was negatively correlated with GHQ and BDI.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS

The MSPSS-TV demonstrated sound psychometric properties in gauging the social support among a group of participants. It could therefore be used as a simple screening tool among the young educated Malaysians.