The relationship of negative life events, trait-anxiety and depression among Chinese university students: A moderated effect of self-esteem

Longitudinal relation between negative life events and non-suicidal self-injury among Chinese college students: a moderated mediation model

BACKGROUND

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) poses a significant public health concern, characterized by its high prevalence, recurrence, and association with suicide. While prior research has identified a connection between negative life events (NLEs) and NSSI, only a few studies have longitudinally explored this relation and its underlying mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE

Our study investigated the longitudinal association between NLEs and NSSI among Chinese college students. We also examined the mediating role of rumination and emotional regulation difficulties, as well as the moderating role of sex.

METHODS

We recruited 4892 students from six colleges in northern China. We assessed NLEs, NSSI, rumination, and emotional regulation difficulties at baseline (T1) and after a 1-year follow-up (T2).

RESULT

The longitudinal moderated mediation model revealed that early NLEs exerted significant direct predictive effects on later NSSI and indirect predictive effects on NSSI through the independent mediation of rumination and emotional regulation difficulties, as well as a chain mediating effect through them. The first stage (predicting the effect of NLEs on NSSI) and second stage (predicting the effect of NLEs on rumination) were moderated by sex.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underscore the importance of considering recent stressors in assessing risks and implementing interventions for college students involved in NSSI. Mental health professionals should prioritize helping students develop emotional regulation skills and reduce rumination while being mindful of sex differences.

Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Physical Activity in University Students. Gender Differences: Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The university period generally involves dropping out of sporting activities and higher levels of stress. However, studies addressing the consequences of these changes in the self-esteem of university students are very scarce.

AIM

To determine the relationship between physical activity (PA), sedentary lifestyle and self-esteem levels in university students, and to analyse the differences according to gender.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional online survey of 314 spanish university students.

METHODS

Global self-esteem was assessed with the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. PA was measured using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was used to evaluate differences between total self-esteem values by PA categories (low-moderate-high). Pearson's correlation was used to analyse the association of global self-esteem with the level of total PA and with a sedentary lifestyle.

RESULTS

Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and self-esteem scores were higher in men than in women. High levels of PA were positively correlated to self-esteem in the total sample; and sedentary behaviour was inversely correlated to self-esteem in the total sample and women. The differences between men and women in self-esteem were not significant in participants that engaged in vigorous PA.

CONCLUSIONS

Engaging in PA was related to better self-esteem. A sedentary lifestyle had a greater impact on women's self-esteem. When women engage in vigorous physical activity, their self-esteem equals that of men. These findings could serve as a basis for developing strategies to promote mental health through physical activity.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE

Our findings could help Mental Health Nurses, Community Health Nurses and university policymakers take steps to promote physical activity, with a gender perspective, within university curriculum enhancement strategies, with the goal of improving self-esteem and mental health in young people during a critical period of transition to adulthood.

IMPACT (ADDRESSING)

What problem did the study address? This study addressed the relationship between the self-esteem of university students and their physical activity levels, emphasising the role of sedentary behaviour and gender differences. What were the main findings? The practice of PA was associated with higher self-esteem. The differences in self-esteem between men and women were not significant among those who participated in vigorous physical activity. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle had a greater negative impact on women's self-esteem. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? The implementation of physical activity programs in the university setting is a key factor in improving students' self-esteem. These programs should be designed from a gender perspective to better address students' specific needs. Additionally, nurses, particularly those working in mental health and community health, play a critical role in promoting physical activity as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for mental health issues. Integrating physical activity recommendations into routine health assessments and university-based interventions could facilitate the early identification of students at risk of low self-esteem and associated mental health challenges. From a nursing perspective, structured exercise programmes, active breaks during classes and active learning methodologies that incorporate physical movement with academic content could contribute to creating a healthier university environment and improving students' psychological well-being.

REPORTING METHOD

This study adhered to the reporting guidelines for observational studies according to the STROBE (Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) statement.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution.

Exploring the relationship between mental health status and life events in children and adolescents: the role of mediating factors

Background

The mental health status of children and adolescents is significantly influenced by negative life events, yet there is a lack of comprehensive analysis on mediating factors. This study aims to examine the relationship between negative life events and symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents, as well as to identify potential mediating factors.

Methods

In May 2022, cluster-randomized sampling was used to select 8041 primary, middle, and high school students in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, for the final analysis. The Adolescent Life Events Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and Self-Rating Depression Scale were employed to assess negative life events, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were utilized to identify risk factors, and the Bootstrap method was applied for mediation analysis.

Results

The study revealed that 80.52% of children and adolescents experienced negative life events, with 23.38% reporting anxiety symptoms and 42.57% reporting depressive symptoms. Significant positive correlations were observed between negative life events and anxiety symptoms (r = 0.32, p < 0.001), as well as depressive symptoms (r = 0.44, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis further demonstrated that anxiety and depressive symptoms acted as mutual mediators in the relationship between negative life events and each other.

Conclusions

This study underscores the complex interplay between anxiety, depression, and negative life events in children and adolescents. These findings can inform strategies to help mitigate the emotional impact of negative life events, enhance mental health, and provide a scientific basis for developing effective interventions.

Impact of Learning Adjustment Dimensions on Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Nursing Freshmen: The Mediating Role of Psychological Capital

Purpose

To examine the influence of learning adjustment dimensions (motivation, attitude, ability, teaching pattern, and environment) on depressive symptoms in Chinese nursing freshmen, and the mediating role of psychological capital.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 471 nursing freshmen at a university in May 2024. The anonymous self-reported questionnaire included the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Learning Adjustment Questionnaire, and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0 and PROCESS v4.1 macro, including correlation and mediation analysis.

Results

Learning adjustment had a significant direct effect on depressive symptoms among nursing freshmen (β = -0.565, p <0.001), and psychological capital partially mediated this relationship (β= -0.156, 95% Boot CI [-0.107, -0.135]), suggesting psychological capital explains part of the link between poor learning adjustment and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

More attention should be paid to the mental health issues of freshmen. Addressing learning adjustment issues and fostering psychological capital among nursing freshmen may alleviate depressive symptoms, which will require relevant educational interventions and mental health support from university educators and counselors.

The Association Study on Physical Activity Intensity, Sleep Quality, and Depression among College Students in the Central Plains Region

This investigation sought to understand how physical activity, sleep quality, and depression interrelate among university students in a particular region of China. It involved a diverse group of 2363 students from three institutions, using a cross-sectional approach with well-established measurement tools. These tools demonstrated strong reliability and validity, with Cronbach's alpha values indicating robust internal consistency. The data revealed that higher levels of physical activity were inversely related to depression and directly related to better sleep quality, highlighting the potential of exercise and sleep improvement to reduce depressive symptoms among this demographic.

Current Psychotic-Like Experiences Among Chinese College Students: Prevalence, Correlates, and Its Relationship with Suicidal Ideation

Background

Current psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are prevalent among adolescents. However, epidemiological data on the prevalence rate of current PLEs among college students and its clinical correlates are scarce and limited. To address this study gap, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of current PLEs among Chinese college students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was designed with a sample of 18,578 college students in China. Each participant completed a survey on social-demographic characteristics variables, PLEs, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the influential factors for PLEs among all participants and suicidal ideation among those with PLEs.

Results

Among Chinese college students, 40.3% of the participants reported having at least one PLE in the past month, while 7.5% had frequent PLEs. Males, age, residence location in town, left-behind experiences, poor family economic status, chronic physical illness, family history of mental disorder, BMI ≥ 28 [obesity], sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation were independent correlates for frequent PLEs. Furthermore, the prevalence of suicidal ideation among participants with frequent PLEs was 32.1%. Lower grades, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety were independent predictors of suicidal ideation among college students who experience PLEs frequently.

Conclusion

Current PLEs are widespread among Chinese college students. Suicidal ideation is largely prevalent among individuals who suffer frequent PLEs, suggesting that special measures and attention should be provided to these students based on relevant factors to prevent their suicidal ideation and behavior.