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Laifer LM, Tomaso CC, Chang OD, Phillips EM, James TD, Nelson JM, Espy KA, Alex Mason W, Nelson TD. Early executive control buffers risk for adolescent psychopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Adolesc 2023; 95:1205-1219. [PMID: 37211897 PMCID: PMC10526894 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a global impact on youth mental health, and there is a critical need for research examining individual factors that contribute to increased psychopathology during the pandemic. The current study explored whether executive control (EC) abilities in early childhood interact with COVID-related stress to attenuate risk for adolescent psychopathology during the first 6 months of the pandemic. METHODS Participants were 337 youth (49% female) living in a small midwestern city in the United States. Participants completed EC tasks when they were approximately 4.5 years old as part of a longitudinal study investigating cognitive development. At annual laboratory visits during adolescence and before the pandemic, participants (Mage = 14.57) reported on mental health symptoms. In July and August of 2020, participants (Mage = 16.57) reported on COVID-related stress and depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms. RESULTS COVID-related stress was associated with increased internalizing problems after controlling for prepandemic symptom levels. Further, the impact of COVID-related stress on adolescent internalizing problems was moderated by preschool EC, with higher levels of EC buffering the effects of COVID-related stress on adolescent internalizing problems. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the importance of promoting EC early in development, as well as screening for EC deficits and implementing targeted intervention strategies across the lifespan to help reduce the impact of stress on adolescent internalizing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Laifer
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Cara C Tomaso
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Olivia D Chang
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Eric M Phillips
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Tiffany D James
- Office of Research and Economic Development, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jennifer Mize Nelson
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Office of Research and Economic Development, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kimberly Andrews Espy
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - W Alex Mason
- Department of Child, Youth, & Family Studies, Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Timothy D Nelson
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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2
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Baby M, Ilkowitz J, Cheema Brar P. Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis of idiopathic central precocious puberty in pediatric females in New York City. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2023:jpem-2022-0628. [PMID: 37114861 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2022-0628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic had profound effect on physical and mental health. Stress was due physical inactivity, increased screen time, social isolation, fear of illness/death, as well as relative lack of resources including healthy food and finances. These stressors may be associated with an increase in idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP). OBJECTIVES To assess the incidence of ICPP in females during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare biochemical and radiological parameters of females diagnosed in the previous two years, looking at associations among BMI, screen time, isolation, and stress in relation to the development of early puberty. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed of females diagnosed with ICPP. We divided subjects into a pandemic group and pre-pandemic group based on time of diagnosis. We compared anthropometric, serologic and radiologic data between the two groups. To assess psychosocial stress, we reviewed a COVID-19 impact survey which was administered to families at our endocrine clinic. RESULTS There were a total of 56 subjects in the study; 23 subjects in the pre-pandemic group and 33 in the pandemic group. The pandemic cohort had significantly higher estradiol and LH levels and larger ovarian volumes. Survey results showed parental report of stress was moderate in 38 % of subjects and severe in 25 % of parents. In children, reported stress was moderate in 46 % of subjects. CONCLUSIONS As puberty is influenced by exogenous factors including weight gain and psychosocial stress, we suspect that the environmental stress surrounding the pandemic influenced the increase in ICPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merilyn Baby
- Pediatric Endocrine Fellow, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, NYU, New York, USA
| | - Jeniece Ilkowitz
- Clinical Research Nurse, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, NYU, New York, USA
| | - Preneet Cheema Brar
- Pediatric Endocrine Attending, Associate Professor, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, NYU, New York, USA
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3
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Oblath R, Oh A, Herrera CN, Duncan A, Zhen-Duan J. Psychiatric emergencies among urban youth during COVID-19: Volume and acuity in a multi-channel program for the publicly insured. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 160:71-77. [PMID: 36774833 PMCID: PMC9893801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to characterize changes in the utilization of psychiatric emergency services among children and adolescents during distinct phases of 2020, as compared with prior years. We conducted a retrospective review of electronic health records from January 2018 through December 2020 that included all encounters made by patients under age 21. We then analyzed data for the 15,045 youth psychiatric encounters during the study period. Encounter volume in 2020 was significantly lower than prior years in March through May (IRR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.40-0.49), May through July (IRR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.56-0.71), and October through December (IRR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.70-0.83). Encounters for youth with primary psychotic disorders remained at typical levels throughout 2020. Among older adolescents and youth with anxiety disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, and substance use disorders, encounter volume was significantly lower than prior years only during the initial lockdown period. There were significantly more encounters than normal conducted by mobile crisis units, including via telehealth, in July through October (IRR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.06-1.62) and October through December (IRR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05-1.55) of 2020. Differences in patterns of encounter volume based on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics highlight subgroups of youth who may have been particularly vulnerable to acute mental health problems during periods of social distancing and isolation. Proactive efforts to engage vulnerable youth in outpatient treatment during periods of increased infectivity may help prevent increasing symptoms from reaching the point of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Oblath
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, USA; BEST Partnership for Behavioral Health, Racial, and Social Justice, Boston Medical Center, Boston, USA.
| | - Alice Oh
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, USA
| | - Carolina N Herrera
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, USA; BEST Partnership for Behavioral Health, Racial, and Social Justice, Boston Medical Center, Boston, USA; Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Alison Duncan
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, USA; BEST Partnership for Behavioral Health, Racial, and Social Justice, Boston Medical Center, Boston, USA
| | - Jenny Zhen-Duan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
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4
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Green KH, Becht AI, van de Groep S, van der Cruijsen R, Sweijen SW, Crone EA. Socioeconomic hardship, uncertainty about the future, and adolescent mental wellbeing over a year during the COVID‐19 pandemic. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/sode.12674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kayla H. Green
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences Erasmus University Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Andrik I. Becht
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences Erasmus University Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
- Research Center Adolescent Development Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne van de Groep
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences Erasmus University Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Renske van der Cruijsen
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences Erasmus University Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Sophie W. Sweijen
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences Erasmus University Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Eveline A. Crone
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences Erasmus University Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
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5
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Aizza A, Porter BM, Church JA. Youth pre-pandemic executive function relates to year one COVID-19 difficulties. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1033282. [PMID: 37151319 PMCID: PMC10156991 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1033282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic presented a series of stressors that could relate to psychological difficulties in children and adolescents. Executive functioning (EF) supports goal achievement and is associated with life success, and better outcomes following early life adversity. EF is also strongly related to processing speed, another predictor of life outcomes. Methods This longitudinal study examined 149 youths' pre-pandemic EF and processing speed abilities as predictors of self-reported emotional, cognitive, and social experiences during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. EF and processing speed were measured with a total of 11 behavioral tasks. The COVID-era data was collected during two timepoints, during early (May-July 2020) and mid- (January-March of 2021) pandemic. Results Better pre-pandemic EF skills and processing speed abilities predicted more mid-COVID-19 pandemic emotional and cognitive difficulties. On the other hand, better switching (a subcomponent of EF) and processing speed abilities predicted more mid-pandemic social interactions. EF and processing speed abilities did not relate to the well-being reports from the initial months of the pandemic. Our EF - but not processing speed - results were largely maintained when controlling for pre-pandemic mental health burden, socioeconomic status (SES), and gender. Discussion Better cognitive abilities may have contributed to worse mid-pandemic functioning by supporting the meta-cognition needed for attending to the chaotic and ever-changing pandemic news and advice, leading to higher stress-induced worry and rumination. Our study highlights a potential downside of higher EF - often largely viewed as a protective factor - in youth.
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Holt-Gosselin B, Cohodes EM, McCauley S, Foster JC, Odriozola P, Zacharek SJ, Kribakaran S, Haberman JT, Hodges HR, Gee DG. Lack of robust associations between prepandemic coping strategies and frontolimbic circuitry with depression and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: A preregistered longitudinal study. Behav Neurosci 2022; 136:528-540. [PMID: 36395014 PMCID: PMC9884515 DOI: 10.1037/bne0000534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing stressor that has resulted in the exacerbation of mental health problems worldwide. However, longitudinal studies that identify preexisting behavioral and neurobiological factors associated with mental health outcomes during the pandemic are lacking. Here, we examined associations between prepandemic coping strategy engagement and frontolimbic circuitry with internalizing symptoms during the pandemic. In 85 adults (71.8% female; age 18-30 years), we assessed prototypically adaptive coping strategies (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging functional connectivity (FC) of frontolimbic circuitry, and depression and anxiety symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders-Adult, respectively). We conducted general linear models to test preregistered hypotheses that (1) lower coping engagement prepandemic and (2) weaker frontolimbic FC prepandemic would predict elevated symptoms during the pandemic; and (3) coping would interact with FC to predict symptoms during the pandemic. Depression and anxiety symptoms worsened during the pandemic (ps < .001). Prepandemic adaptive coping engagement and frontolimbic FC were not associated with depression or anxiety symptoms during the pandemic (uncorrected ps > .05). Coping interacted with insula-rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) FC (p = .003, pFDR = .014) and with insula-ventral ACC FC (p < .001, pFDR < .001) to predict depression symptoms, but these findings did not survive FDR correction after removal of outliers. Findings from our preregistered study suggest that specific prepandemic factors, particularly adaptive coping and frontolimbic circuitry, are not robustly associated with emotional responses to the pandemic. Additional studies that identify preexisting neurobehavioral factors implicated in mental health outcomes during global health crises are needed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey Holt-Gosselin
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Graduate Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Emily M. Cohodes
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Sarah McCauley
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Jordan C. Foster
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Paola Odriozola
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Sadie J. Zacharek
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Sahana Kribakaran
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Graduate Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Jason T. Haberman
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - H. R. Hodges
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Dylan G. Gee
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
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Chmiel A, Kiernan F, Garrido S, Lensen S, Hickey M, Davidson JW. Creativity in lockdown: Understanding how music and the arts supported mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic by age group. Front Psychol 2022; 13:993259. [PMID: 36275233 PMCID: PMC9583145 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.993259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research has indicated that many people around the world turned to artistic creative activities (ACAs) to support their mental health during COVID-19 lockdowns. However, studies have also shown that the negative psychosocial impacts of the pandemic have disproportionately affected young people, suggesting that the use of ACAs to support mental health in lockdown may have varied across age groups. This study investigated how Australians in four different age groups (18–24, 25–34, 35–54, and 55+) engaged in ACAs to support their mental health during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns. Participants (N = 653) recruited from the general public completed an online survey between May and October 2020, in which they reported which ACAs they had undertaken during the pandemic using an established list. Participants subsequently ranked undertaken ACAs in terms of effectiveness at making them “feel better,” and those who had engaged in musical ACAs also completed the Musical Engagement Questionnaire (MusEQ). Additionally, ratings of anxiety (GAD7) and depression (PHQ9) symptoms were obtained and examined for potential variations across four diverse variables: age, exercise, gender and state/territory of residence. ACA rankings showed that younger participants overwhelmingly rated musical activities as most effective, while, with the exception of singing, those aged 55+ rated non-musical activities as being most effective. These differences were further supported by ratings for all six MusEQ subscales, with responses strongly indicating that the youngest participants (aged 18–24) used music in significantly different ways during the pandemic than participants in all other age groups. Specifically, these youngest participants were more likely to integrate music into daily life, use music for emotion regulation, respond to music in embodied ways, and use music to perform a social identity. In line with prior research, further analyses indicated that symptoms of anxiety and depression were lessened for older participants, as well for those who reported exercising more during the lockdowns. These findings provide insight into how ACAs can support mental health during a pandemic crisis for specific age groups, which may inform future policy directions, and suggestions for how this can be done are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Chmiel
- Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Creativity and Wellbeing Hallmark Research Initiative (CAWRI), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Anthony Chmiel,
| | - Frederic Kiernan
- Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sandra Garrido
- Creativity and Wellbeing Hallmark Research Initiative (CAWRI), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Lensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Martha Hickey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jane W. Davidson
- Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Creativity and Wellbeing Hallmark Research Initiative (CAWRI), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Suo X, Zuo C, Lan H, Pan N, Zhang X, Kemp GJ, Wang S, Gong Q. COVID-19 vicarious traumatization links functional connectome to general distress. Neuroimage 2022; 255:119185. [PMID: 35398284 PMCID: PMC8986542 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As characterized by repeated exposure of others' trauma, vicarious traumatization is a common negative psychological reaction during the COVID-19 pandemic and plays a crucial role in the development of general mental distress. This study aims to identify functional connectome that encodes individual variations of pandemic-related vicarious traumatization and reveal the underlying brain-vicarious traumatization mechanism in predicting general distress. The eligible subjects were 105 general university students (60 females, aged from 19 to 27 years) undergoing brain MRI scanning and baseline behavioral tests (October 2019 to January 2020), whom were re-contacted for COVID-related vicarious traumatization measurement (February to April 2020) and follow-up general distress evaluation (March to April 2021). We applied a connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) approach to identify the functional connectome supporting vicarious traumatization based on a 268-region-parcellation assigned to network memberships. The CPM analyses showed that only the negative network model stably predicted individuals' vicarious traumatization scores (q2 = -0.18, MSE = 617, r [predicted, actual] = 0.18, p = 0.024), with the contributing functional connectivity primarily distributed in the fronto-parietal, default mode, medial frontal, salience, and motor network. Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed that vicarious traumatization mediated the influence of brain functional connectome on general distress. Importantly, our results were independent of baseline family socioeconomic status, other stressful life events and general mental health as well as age, sex and head motion. Our study is the first to provide evidence for the functional neural markers of vicarious traumatization and reveal an underlying neuropsychological pathway to predict distress symptoms in which brain functional connectome affects general distress via vicarious traumatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Suo
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China,Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Chao Zuo
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China,Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Huan Lan
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China,Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Nanfang Pan
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China,Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China,Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Graham J. Kemp
- Liverpool Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre (LiMRIC) and Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Song Wang
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China,Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, PR China,Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China,Corresponding authors at: Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China,Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, PR China,Corresponding authors at: Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, PR China
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Cerniglia L, Cimino S. Eating Disorders and Internalizing/Externalizing Symptoms in Adolescents before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN NUTRITION ASSOCIATION 2022; 42:445-451. [PMID: 35579970 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2022.2063206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of eating disorders and symptoms of dieting, food preoccupation, and oral control and internalizing/externalizing problems in a group of adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A sample of N = 813 adolescents (age range = 14-15 years) was recruited in the general population and administered the SCOFF, EAT-26 and YSR questionnaires at two assessment points: before the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and during it. RESULTS In males and females, the YSR scores at T1 were significantly lower than T2, especially for the subscales of Withdrawn, Somatic complaints, Anxious/depressed, Social problems. As for the EAT-26 scores, adolescents scored significantly lower at T1 for all four subscales of dieting, food preoccupation and oral control. The prevalence of eating disorders among males and females increased respectively from 13.2% to 18.4% and from 17.5 to 25.3 from T1 to T2. CONCLUSION This study confirms previous research showing an increase in eating disorders prevalence and higher psychopathological symptoms both in males and females adolescents during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Paechter M, Phan-Lesti H, Ertl B, Macher D, Malkoc S, Papousek I. Learning in Adverse Circumstances: Impaired by Learning With Anxiety, Maladaptive Cognitions, and Emotions, but Supported by Self-Concept and Motivation. Front Psychol 2022; 13:850578. [PMID: 35496215 PMCID: PMC9046842 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.850578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 summer semester 2020 posed many challenges and uncertainties, quite unexpectedly and suddenly. In a sample of 314 psychology students, it was investigated how they experienced learning and preparing for an end-of-semester exam, which emotions and strain they experienced, how academic performance was affected, and how personal antecedents of learning as important facets of a learner’s identity could support or prevent overcoming adverse circumstances of learning. The participants of the study filled in a questionnaire about their achievement emotions and strain they experienced during learning and exam preparation as well as academic self-concept, motivation, gender, proneness to anxiety. Points achieved in the exam were also recorded. The interaction between the variables was investigated by a structural equation model. It showed that the investigated variables can be distinguished into two groups, variables that contribute mainly negatively to performance and variables with a positive contribution. Strain experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and unpleasant emotions “belong together” in the sense that they inhibit academic performance directly or indirectly. Proneness to anxiety in academic situations was related with higher levels of mental, emotional, and physical disturbances due to the COVID-19 situation. In contrast, motivation and a high academic self-concept acted as support for learning and performance. Both contribute to pleasant achievement emotions in the learning situation; moreover, motivation had a direct relationship to academic performance. The results from the present study do not only provide insight into important students’ personal dispositions and their role for learning in adverse circumstances but also give advice how to strengthen students for successful learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Paechter
- Educational Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hellen Phan-Lesti
- Department of Education, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Ertl
- Department of Education, Universität der Bundeswehr München, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Macher
- Educational Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Smirna Malkoc
- Educational Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Institute for Practical Education and Action Research, University College of Teacher Education Styria, Graz, Austria
| | - Ilona Papousek
- Biological Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Samji H, Wu J, Ladak A, Vossen C, Stewart E, Dove N, Long D, Snell G. Review: Mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and youth - a systematic review. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2022; 27:173-189. [PMID: 34455683 PMCID: PMC8653204 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 326] [Impact Index Per Article: 163.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented threat to global mental health. Children and adolescents may be more susceptible to mental health impacts related to their vulnerable developmental stage, fear of infection, home confinement, suspension of regular school and extracurricular activities, physical distancing mandates, and larger scale threats such as global financial recessions and associated impacts. Our objective was to review existing evidence of the COVID-19 pandemic's global impact on the mental health of children and adolescents <19 years of age and to identify personal and contextual factors that may enhance risk or confer protection in relation to mental health outcomes. METHODS We conducted a search of peer-reviewed and preprint research published in English from January 1, 2020, to February 22, 2021. We included studies collecting primary data on COVID-19-related mental health impacts on children and adolescents. We graded the strength of included articles using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine rating scheme. RESULTS Our search and review yielded 116 articles presenting data on a total of 127,923 children and adolescents; 50,984 child and adolescent proxy reports (e.g., parents, healthcare practitioners); and >3,000 chart reviews. A high prevalence of COVID-19-related fear was noted among children and adolescents, as well as more depressive and anxious symptoms compared with prepandemic estimates. Older adolescents, girls, and children and adolescents living with neurodiversities and/or chronic physical conditions were more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes. Many studies reported mental health deterioration among children and adolescents due to COVID-19 pandemic control measures. Physical exercise, access to entertainment, positive familial relationships, and social support were associated with better mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the urgent need for practitioners and policymakers to attend to and collaborate with children and adolescents, especially those in higher risk subgroups, to mitigate short- and long-term pandemic-associated mental health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasina Samji
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Judy Wu
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amilya Ladak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Caralyn Vossen
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Evelyn Stewart
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Division of Clinical and Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Naomi Dove
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David Long
- Division of Clinical and Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gaelen Snell
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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12
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Chahal R, Ho TC, Miller JG, Borchers LR, Gotlib IH. Sex-specific vulnerability to depressive symptoms across adolescence and during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of the cingulum bundle. JCPP ADVANCES 2022; 2:e12061. [PMID: 35572852 PMCID: PMC9088357 DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Females are at higher risk for developing depression during adolescence than are males, particularly during exposure to stressors like the COVID-19 pandemic. Examining structural connections between brain regions involved in executive functioning may advance our understanding of sex biases in stress and depression. Here, we examined the role of the cingulum bundle in differentiating trajectories of depressive symptoms in males and females across adolescence and during the pandemic. Methods In a longitudinal study of 214 youth (121 females; ages 9-13 years at baseline), we examined whether fixel-based properties of the cingulum bundle at baseline predict changes in females' and males' severity of depressive symptoms across four timepoints (4-7 years) in adolescence, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also tested whether cingulum properties predict self-reported resilience and stress during the pandemic. Results Females had lower fiber density and cross-section (FDC) of the cingulum than did males, a neural pattern that predicted greater increases in depressive symptoms, lower resilience, and higher stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cingulum morphometry predicted changes in depressive trajectories in females, but not in males; specifically, females with lower FDC had significant increases in symptoms throughout adolescence, whereas females with higher cingulum FDC did not. Conversely, males had low, stable depressive symptoms throughout adolescence and higher resilience and lower stress during the pandemic compared to females. Higher cingulum FDC predicted higher resilience and lower stress in both sexes. Conclusions In adults, the cingulum has been implicated in sex differences in stress reactivity. We show that in adolescents, the cingulum reflects sex differences in reports of stress and resilience that might contribute to the increased risk of stress-related mood disorders in females. Adolescent females might benefit from cognitive interventions that strengthen the structural properties of the cingulum and increase their perceived resilience during periods of adversity and disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajpreet Chahal
- Department of PsychologyStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Tiffany C. Ho
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral ScienceWeil Institute for NeuroscienceUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jonas G. Miller
- Department of PsychologyStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Ian H. Gotlib
- Department of PsychologyStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
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13
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Miller JG, Chahal R, Gotlib IH. Early Life Stress and Neurodevelopment in Adolescence: Implications for Risk and Adaptation. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 54:313-339. [PMID: 35290658 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
An alarming high proportion of youth experience at least one kind of stressor in childhood and/or adolescence. Exposure to early life stress is associated with increased risk for psychopathology, accelerated biological aging, and poor physical health; however, it is important to recognize that not all youth who experience such stress go on to develop difficulties. In fact, resilience, or positive adaptation in the face of adversity, is relatively common. Individual differences in vulnerability or resilience to the effects of early stress may be represented in the brain as specific patterns, profiles, or signatures of neural activation, structure, and connectivity (i.e., neurophenotypes). Whereas neurophenotypes of risk that reflect the deleterious effects of early stress on the developing brain are likely to exacerbate negative outcomes in youth, neurophenotypes of resilience may reduce the risk of experiencing these negative outcomes and instead promote positive functioning. In this chapter we describe our perspective concerning the neurobiological mechanisms and moderators of risk and resilience in adolescence following early life stress and integrate our own work into this framework. We present findings suggesting that exposure to stress in childhood and adolescence is associated with functional and structural alterations in neurobiological systems that are important for social-affective processing and for cognitive control. While some of these neurobiological alterations increase risk for psychopathology, they may also help to limit adolescents' sensitivity to subsequent negative experiences. We also discuss person-centered strategies that we believe can advance our understanding of risk and resilience to early stress in adolescents. Finally, we describe ways in which the field can broaden its focus to include a consideration of other types of environmental factors, such as environmental pollutants, in affecting both risk and resilience to stress-related health difficulties in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas G Miller
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rajpreet Chahal
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ian H Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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14
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Xiao M, Chen X, Yi H, Luo Y, Yan Q, Feng T, He Q, Lei X, Qiu J, Chen H. Stronger functional network connectivity and social support buffer against negative affect during the COVID-19 outbreak and after the pandemic peak. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100418. [PMID: 34805450 PMCID: PMC8592855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Health and financial uncertainties, as well as enforced social distancing, during the COVID-19 pandemic have adversely affected the mental health of people. These impacts are expected to continue even after the pandemic, particularly for those who lack support from family and friends. The salience network (SN), default mode network (DMN), and frontoparietal network (FPN) function in an interconnected manner to support information processing and emotional regulation processes in stressful contexts. In this study, we examined whether functional connectivity of the SN, DMN, and FPN, measured using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging before the pandemic, is a neurobiological marker of negative affect (NA) during the COVID-19 pandemic and after its peak in a large sample (N = 496, 360 females); the moderating role of social support in the brain-NA association was also investigated. We found that participants reported an increase in NA during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic, and the NA did not decrease, even after the peak period. People with higher connectivity within the SN and between the SN and the other two networks reported less NA during and after the COVID-19 outbreak peak, and the buffer effect was stronger if their social support was greater. These findings suggest that the functional networks that are responsible for affective processing and executive functioning, as well as the social support from family and friends, play an important role in protecting against NA under stressful and uncontrollable situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China.,Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ximei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China.,Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haijing Yi
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China.,Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yijun Luo
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China.,Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiaoling Yan
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China.,Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingyong Feng
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China.,Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qinghua He
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China.,Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xu Lei
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China.,Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China.,Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China.,Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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15
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Gadassi Polack R, Sened H, Aubé S, Zhang A, Joormann J, Kober H. Connections during crisis: Adolescents' social dynamics and mental health during COVID-19. Dev Psychol 2021; 57:1633-1647. [PMID: 34807686 DOI: 10.1037/dev0001211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period for social development, which COVID-19 has dramatically altered. Quarantined youths had limited in-person interactions with peers. The present study used an intensive longitudinal design to investigate changes in interpersonal dynamics and mental health during COVID-19. Specifically, we investigated whether the associations between different social contexts-that is, "spillover"-changed during COVID-19 and whether changes in social interactions during COVID-19 was associated with changes in depressive symptoms. Approximately 1 year prior to the onset of COVID-19, 139 youths reported depressive symptoms and daily interactions with parents, siblings, and friends, every day for 21 days via online questionnaires. Shortly after schools closed due to COVID-19, 115 of these youths completed a similar 28-day diary. Analyses included 112 youths (62 girls; 73% Caucasian; Mage = 11.77, range = 8 to 15 in Wave 1) who completed at least 13 diary days in each data wave. Our results show that younger adolescents experienced significant decreases in negative and positive interactions with friends, whereas older adolescents showed significant decreases in negative interactions with friends and significant increases in positive interactions with siblings. As predicted, within-day spillover of positive interactions and person-level association of negative interactions increased within the family during COVID-19, whereas within-day spillover of positive interactions between family and friends decreased. We also found a dramatic increase in depressive symptoms. More negative interactions and fewer positive interactions with family members were associated with changes in depressive symptoms. Our study sheds light on how youths' social development may be impacted by COVID-19. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haran Sened
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University
| | - Samantha Aubé
- Department of Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Boston College
| | - Adam Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Yale University
| | | | - Hedy Kober
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University
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16
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Jordan TL, Bartholomay KL, Lee CHY, Miller JG, Lightbody AA, Reiss AL. COVID-19 Pandemic: Mental Health in Girls With and Without Fragile X Syndrome. J Pediatr Psychol 2021; 47:25-36. [PMID: 34718672 PMCID: PMC8574337 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsab106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Children and adolescents, who have less developed coping skills, are affected by natural disasters and other traumatic events differently than adults. Emotional and behavioral effects are particularly pronounced during a pandemic-related disaster, when support networks that typically promote healthy coping, such as friends, teachers, and family members, may be less available. Children and adolescents with fragile X syndrome (FXS), who are at increased risk for developing anxiety and depression, may be particularly vulnerable to behavioral or emotional difficulties during a pandemic. This study examined the mental health outcomes of school-aged girls with FXS during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders. Methods Participants included 47 school-aged girls with FXS and 33 age- and developmentally matched comparison girls. Associations between COVID-19 behavioral and emotional outcomes and prior academic, adaptive, behavioral, and emotional functioning as well as prior maternal mental health and characteristics of the mother–child relationship were examined. Qualitative data from the parental report of emotional and behavioral responses to the pandemic were also obtained. Results Results indicate that school-aged girls with FXS demonstrate a distinct profile of COVID-19 related associations compared to the comparison group, such that pandemic-related worries and emotional impact of pandemic restrictions were predicted by prior mental health factors for the comparison group but by prior social, behavioral, and relational factors for the FXS group. Conclusions Findings provide insight into factors that may confer risk or resilience for youth with special needs, suggesting potential therapeutic targets and informing public health initiatives in response to the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy L Jordan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Kristi L Bartholomay
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Cindy Hsin-Yu Lee
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Jonas G Miller
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Amy A Lightbody
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Allan L Reiss
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA.,Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
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17
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Promoting youth mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255294. [PMID: 34379656 PMCID: PMC8357139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced novel stressors into the lives of youth. Identifying factors that protect against the onset of psychopathology in the face of these stressors is critical. We examine a wide range of factors that may protect youth from developing psychopathology during the pandemic. We assessed pandemic-related stressors, internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, and potential protective factors by combining two longitudinal samples of children and adolescents (N = 224, 7-10 and 13-15 years) assessed prior to the pandemic, during the stay-at-home orders, and six months later. We evaluated how family behaviors during the stay-at-home orders were related to changes in psychopathology during the pandemic, identified factors that moderate the association of pandemic-related stressors with psychopathology, and determined whether associations varied by age. Internalizing and externalizing psychopathology increased substantially during the pandemic. Higher exposure to pandemic-related stressors was associated with increases in internalizing and externalizing symptoms early in the pandemic and six months later. Having a structured routine, less passive screen time, lower exposure to news media about the pandemic, and to a lesser extent more time in nature and getting adequate sleep were associated with reduced psychopathology. The association between pandemic-related stressors and psychopathology was reduced for youths with limited passive screen time and was absent for children, but not adolescents, with lower news media consumption related to the pandemic. We provide insight into simple, practical steps families can take to promote resilience against mental health problems in youth during the COVID-19 pandemic and protect against psychopathology following pandemic-related stressors.
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18
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Bardeen JR, Gorday JY, Clauss K. The Moderating Effect of Attentional Control on the Relationship Between COVID Stress and Generalized Anxiety Symptoms. Psychol Rep 2021; 125:2517-2530. [PMID: 34120535 DOI: 10.1177/00332941211025260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The recent global pandemic (i.e., COVID-19) has had a serious impact on psychological health, as the stress associated with the pandemic increases the likelihood of developing clinically significant anxiety. Evidence suggests that attentional control may protect those individuals with outcome-specific vulnerabilities from developing maladaptive psychological outcomes. In the present study, attentional control was examined as a moderator of the relation between COVID-19 stress and generalized anxiety symptoms in a community sample (N = 359 adults). As predicted, the relationship between COVID-19 stress and anxiety was moderated by attentional control. Specifically, as attentional control decreased, the strength of the association between COVID-19 stress and anxiety increased. The results suggest that, among those with higher levels of COVID-19 stress, attentional control may act as a protective factor against developing anxiety. It may be beneficial as a matter of standard public health guidance to recommend that the general public engages in activities that are known to improve attentional control and alleviate emotional distress (e.g., mindfulness-based techniques) at the outset of a pandemic or other global catastrophe to reduce the likelihood that prolonged event-related stress will lead to impairing anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Bardeen
- Department of Psychological Sciences, 1383Auburn University, USA
| | - Julia Y Gorday
- Department of Psychological Sciences, 1383Auburn University, USA
| | - Kate Clauss
- Department of Psychological Sciences, 1383Auburn University, USA
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19
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Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents pre- and post- COVID-19: A historical chart review and examination of contextual correlates. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2021; 4:100100. [PMID: 33558865 PMCID: PMC7845535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Psychiatrically vulnerable adolescents may be at heightened risk for suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study characterizes suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SA) in a sample of adolescents psychiatrically hospitalized during COVID-19. Rates of SI and SA are compared to a historical hospital sample from a matched period in the year prior. Associations between specific stressors and COVID-related SI are also explored. Methods: This cross-sectional chart review utilizes hospital intake data, including self-reports of SA, SI (general and COVID-related), and COVID-specific stressors. Results: SA and SI ratings were higher in the COVID-19 sample compared to the historical sample. Stressors related to missing special events, financial problems, in-home conflict, and changes in living circumstances were associated with COVID-related SI. Among first-time admissions, several interpersonal stressors were linked to COVID-related SI. Limitations: Analyses were cross-sectional, limiting our ability to draw conclusions about causality. Conclusions: This study offers preliminary evidence that COVID-19 may be contributing to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in high-risk adolescents.
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20
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Rajmil L, Hjern A, Boran P, Gunnlaugsson G, Kraus de Camargo O, Raman S. Impact of lockdown and school closure on children's health and well-being during the first wave of COVID-19: a narrative review. BMJ Paediatr Open 2021; 5:e001043. [PMID: 34192198 PMCID: PMC8154298 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of containment measures against the COVID-19 pandemic, the aims were to examine the impact of lockdown and school closures on childs' and adolescents' health and well-being and social inequalities in health. METHODS Literature review by searching five databases until November 2020. We included quantitative peer-reviewed studies reporting health and well-being outcomes in children (0-18 years) related to closure measures' impact due to COVID-19. A pair of authors assessed the risk of bias of included studies. A descriptive and narrative synthesis was carried out. FINDINGS Twenty-two studies, including high-income, middle-income and low-income countries, fulfilled our search criteria and were judged not to have an increased risk of bias. Studies from Australia, Spain and China showed an increase in depressive symptoms and decrease in life satisfaction. A decrease in physical activity and increase in unhealthy food consumption were shown in studies from two countries. There was a decrease in the number of visits to the emergency department in four countries, an increase in child mortality in Cameroon and a decrease by over 50% of immunisations administered in Pakistan. A significant drop of 39% in child protection medical examination referrals during 2020 compared with the previous years was found in the UK, a decrease in allegations of child abuse and neglect by almost one-third due to school closures in Florida, and an increase in the number of children with physical child abuse trauma was found in one centre in the USA. INTERPRETATION From available reports, pandemic school closure and lockdown have adverse effects on child health and well-being in the short and probably long term. We urge governments to take the negative public health consequences into account before adopting restrictive measures in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Rajmil
- Pediatric and Public Health Specialist, Retired, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anders Hjern
- Centre for Health Equity Studies, Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Perran Boran
- Department of Pediatrics, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Geir Gunnlaugsson
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | | | - Shanti Raman
- Department of Community Paediatrics, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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