Ethnic identity and paranoid thinking: Implicit out-group preference and language dominance predict paranoia in Emirati women

Lost in translation? Deciphering the role of language differences in the excess risk of psychosis among migrant groups

BACKGROUND

Migration is a well-established risk factor for psychotic disorders, and migrant language has been proposed as a novel factor that may improve our understanding of this relationship. Our objective was to explore the association between indicators of linguistic distance and the risk of psychotic disorders among first-generation migrant groups.

METHODS

Using linked health administrative data, we constructed a retrospective cohort of first-generation migrants to Ontario over a 20-year period (1992-2011). Linguistic distance of the first language was categorized using several approaches, including language family classifications, estimated acquisition time, syntax-based distance scores, and lexical-based distance scores. Incident cases of non-affective psychotic disorder were identified over a 5- to 25-year period. We used Poisson regression to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) for each language variable, after adjustment for knowledge of English at arrival and other factors.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 1 863 803 first-generation migrants. Migrants whose first language was in a different language family than English had higher rates of psychotic disorders (IRR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.16), relative to those whose first language was English. Similarly, migrants in the highest quintile of linguistic distance based on lexical similarity had an elevated risk of psychotic disorder (IRR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.06-1.24). Adjustment for knowledge of English at arrival had minimal effect on observed estimates.

CONCLUSION

We found some evidence that linguistic factors that impair comprehension may play a role in the excess risk of psychosis among migrant groups; however, the magnitude of effect is small and unlikely to fully explain the elevated rates of psychotic disorder across migrant groups.

Acculturation and eating disorders: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Acculturation, or the dual process of cultural change that takes place due to the interaction between two or more cultural identities, may contribute to the susceptibility of developing an eating disorder (ED). We conducted a systematic review exploring the relationship between acculturation-related constructs and ED pathology.

METHODS

We searched the PsychINFO and Pubmed/Medline databases up to December 2022. Inclusion criteria were: (1) having a measure of acculturation or related constructs; (2) having a measure of ED symptoms; and (3) experiencing cultural change to a different culture with Western ideals. 22 articles were included in the review. Outcome data were synthesized by narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

There was variability in the definition and measure of acculturation in the literature. Overall, acculturation, culture change, acculturative stress, and intergenerational conflict were associated with ED behavioral and/or cognitive symptoms. However, the nature of the specific associations differed depending on the specific acculturation constructs and ED cognitions and behaviors measured. Furthermore, cultural factors (e.g., in-group vs. out-group preferences, generational status, ethnic group, gender) impacted the relationship between acculturation and ED pathology.

DISCUSSION

Overall, this review highlights the need for more precise definitions of the different domains of acculturation and a more nuanced understanding of the specific relationship between various acculturation domains and specific ED cognitions and behaviors. Most of the studies were conducted in undergraduate women and in Hispanic/Latino samples, limiting generalizability of results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, Opinions of respected authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.

A psychosocial pathway to paranoia: The interplay between social connectedness and self-esteem

The quantity and quality of social contacts have been related to self-esteem, and both social relationships and self-esteem have been implicated in the pathways to paranoia. However, how social relationships interplay with self-esteem to trigger paranoia is not well understood. This study aims to investigate whether different measures of social connectedness (social support, loneliness, and desired friendship), as well as the frequency of social contact, impact paranoia and other positive and negative psychotic-like experiences (PLE) through the indirect effect of self-esteem. Data from a sample of 169 nonclinically ascertained participants oversampled for schizotypy scores were analyzed using two different approaches: retrospective trait-like and ecological momentary measures of social connectedness. Results showed that self-esteem mediates the pathways from poor social support and social longing, but not from loneliness, to paranoia and other cognitive PLE. In contrast, pathways from social connectedness to perceptual PLE and negative PLE were not mediated by self-esteem. Results were consistent across trait-like and momentary measures. Finally, self-esteem was not implicated in the pathways from the frequency of social contact and paranoia or other forms of PLE. These results provide a comprehensive picture of how social connectedness drives specific symptoms of psychosis through self-esteem. Findings underscore the need to explore separately the quality and quantity of social relationships and suggest that the subjective experience of meaningful social bonds is key social determinants of mental health. Therefore, addressing inadequacies of social connectedness could substantially improve symptomatic and functional outcomes of psychosis.

Social Identity, Core Self-Evaluation, School Adaptation, and Mental Health Problems in Migrant Children in China: A Chain Mediation Model

(1) Background: The present study investigated the relationships between social identity, core self-evaluation, school adaptation, and mental health problems in migrant children, and the mechanism underlying these relationships; (2) Methods: The participants were migrant middle school students in China. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. A survey comprising the social identity scale, core self-evaluation scale, school adaptation scale, and mental health scale MMHI-60 was deployed; (3) Results: Findings indicated a significant and negative association between social identity and mental health problems, and such an association was sequentially mediated by core self-evaluation and school adaptation. Furthermore, core self-evaluation and school adaptation played a chain mediation role between social identity and migrant children's mental health problems; (4) Conclusions: It is crucial to improve social identity, core self-evaluation, and school adaptation to reduce mental health problems among this population. Therefore, the research results provide a new direction for promoting the development of mental health education for migrant workers and their children in China.

Symptoms of Paranoia Experienced by Students of Pakistani Heritage in England: The Role of Explicit and Implicit Identities and Perceived Discrimination

ABSTRACT

Individuals belonging to ethnic minority groups are less likely to experience symptoms of psychosis, such as paranoia, if they live in areas with high proportions of people from the same ethnic background. This effect may be due to processes associated with group belonging (social identification). We examined whether the relationship between perceived discrimination and paranoia was moderated by explicit and implicit Pakistani/English identification among students of Pakistani heritage (N = 119). Participants completed measures of explicit and implicit Pakistani and English identity, a measure of perceived discrimination, and a measure of paranoia. Perceived discrimination was the strongest predictor of paranoia (0.31). Implicit identities moderated the relationship between perceived discrimination and paranoia (-0.17). The findings suggest that higher levels of implicit Pakistani identity were most protective against high levels of paranoia (0.26, with low implicit English identity; 0.78, with medium English identity; 1.46, with high English identity). Overall, a complex relationship between identity and paranoia was apparent.

Are “they” out to get me? A social identity model of paranoia

This research tests a social identity model of paranoia, building on work showing that identification with social groups is associated with less paranoid thinking. Studies 1 ( N = 800) and 2 ( N = 779) supported this model, showing that national group identification is associated with lower paranoia. Study 3 ( N = 784) added to the literature by probing the mechanisms underlying these relationships, and found that it is through enhanced control and trust that identification is associated with better mental health. Studies 4 ( N = 390) and 5 ( N = 904) manipulated identification to provide evidence of causality. A minimeta analysis revealed a robust association between national identification and paranoia across the studies, although no association emerged between political identification and paranoia. The results point to the role that lack of social connections can play in underpinning paranoid thinking, and suggest that, as with other mental health issues, the problems caused by paranoia may have a social cure.

Sun Exposure and Behavioral Activation for Hypovitaminosis D and Depression: A Controlled Pilot Study

Several independent meta-analytic reviews suggest a relationship between vitamin D (VTD) deficiency and depressive symptoms. Theoretically, behavioural withdrawal (staying home, discontinuing outdoor activities etc.) is likely to exacerbate VTD deficiency. This pilot study assessed the efficacy of a modified form of behavioral therapy designed to simultaneously target VTD deficiency and depressive symptoms. College women (N = 114), all citizens of the United Arab Emirates, were screened for depressive symptoms and VTD deficiency. Those participants who were severely VTD deficient and experiencing clinically significant depressive symptoms, were randomly allocated to either a 12-week program of behavioral activation, emphasizing safe-sun exposure (N = 10), or a waiting list control group (N = 10). At time 2 the sun exposure and behavioral activation (SEBA) group showed a significant increases in 25-hydroxyvitamin D and were, on average, no longer VTD deficient, whereas the control group deteriorated in terms of VTD. Similarly positive results were observed for depressive symptoms. Sun exposure and behavioral activation (SEBA) may be an effective approach to improving VTD status and alleviating depressive symptoms.

Social Identity and Psychosis: Associations and Psychological Mechanisms

Humans possess a basic need to belong and will join groups even when they provide no practical benefit. Paranoid symptoms imply a disruption of the processes involved in belonging and social trust. Past research suggests that joining social groups and incorporating those groups into one's identity (social identification) promotes positive self-views and better physical and mental health. However, no research has investigated whether social identity is associated with paranoia, nor the mechanisms by which this effect may emerge. Here, we examined the relationship between social identity and mental health (paranoia, auditory verbal hallucinations [AVHs], and depression), and tested the mediating role of self-esteem. In study 1, we analyzed data collected from 4319 UK residents as part of the NIHR CLAHRC NWC Household Health Survey. Study 2 comprised data collected from 1167 students attending a large UK university. The studies provided convergent evidence that social identification reduces symptoms of paranoia and depression by furnishing people with self-esteem. There was no consistent effect of social identification on AVHs. People developing mental health assessments, treatments, and policies are encouraged to consider the notion that joining and identifying with social groups may reduce people's risk of paranoia and depression.

Academic and non-academic predictors of student psychological distress: the role of social identity and loneliness

BACKGROUND

University students experience high rates of stress and mental illness; however, few studies have comprehensively examined the impact of academic and non-academic stressors on student mental health. Similarly, there has been little focus on the role of social groups in protecting against mental distress in this young adult group.

AIM

To identify the key social determinants of mental health symptoms in a student population.

METHODS

Using an online survey, we administered measures of social connectedness and mental health symptoms alongside academic and non-academic stressors to a large sample of UK university students.

RESULTS

Loneliness was the strongest overall predictor of mental distress, while assessment stress was the most important academic predictor. Strong identification with university friendship groups was most protective against distress relative to other social identities, and the beneficial impact of identification on symptoms was mediated by reduced loneliness.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the benefits of establishing strong social connections at university and the importance of minimising stress associated with assessment tasks.

An examination of the relationships between acculturative stress, perceived discrimination, and eating disorder symptoms among ethnic minority college students

Empirical evidence suggests the importance of considering acculturative stress and perceived discrimination in understanding the mental health of ethnic minority groups, including their eating behaviors and associated psychopathology. The current study examined the effect of acculturative stress and perceived discrimination on eating disorder symptoms among ethnic minority undergraduate students. A total of 187 ethnic minority undergraduate students (41.2% men) completed this cross-sectional study by completing self-report questionnaires on a secure online system. Regression analyses revealed a main effect of acculturative stress on eating concern, shape concern, weight concern, drive for thinness, and bulimia but not restraint or body dissatisfaction. Gender moderated the effect of acculturative stress on drive for muscularity, suggesting that this effect was only significant in women, but not men. The main effect of perceived discrimination was significant for restraint, eating concern, shape concern, weight concern, and drive for muscularity but not drive for thinness, bulimia, or body dissatisfaction. Acculturative stress and perceived discrimination are important factors to consider in understanding the development and maintenance of eating disorder symptoms among ethnic minority populations. Targeting these two factors may improve the effectiveness of intervention programs for eating disorder symptoms among ethnic minority undergraduate students.