The role of perceived social support on depression and sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic

Effect of partner presence on emotion regulation during parent-child interactions

Having people around, especially if they provide social support, often leads to positive outcomes both physically and mentally. Mere social presence is especially beneficial when it comes from a loved one or romantic partner. In these studies, we aim to expand the understanding of how the presence of one's romantic partner affects emotion regulation in parental situations. Specifically, we examined how partner presence influences the parent's emotional intensity, emotion regulation, and interpretation of their child's emotion regulation. We examined these questions in parents of both non-autistic children (Study 1) as well as autistic children (Study 2), which we hypothesize leads to more intense emotional interactions. The parents of autistic children were better able to regulate their emotions when their partners were present compared to when they were absent. Furthermore, in both studies, parents' ratings of their children's ability to regulate their emotions were higher when their parent's partner was present compared to when the partner was absent. However, in both studies, we found no significant difference in the parents' emotional intensity when their partners were present compared to when their partners were absent during the emotionally charged interaction with their child. Our findings help highlight the impact of partner presence on parent and child emotion regulation.

Level of perceived social support, and associated factors, in combat-exposed (ex-)military personnel: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Combat deployment increases exposure to potentially traumatic events. Perceived social support (PSS) may promote health and recovery from combat trauma. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize studies investigating the level of PSS and associated factors among (ex-)military personnel who served in the Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts.

METHODS

Five electronic databases were searched in August 2023 and searches were restricted to the beginning of the Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts in 2001. The search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A quality assessment was carried out, and a meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were performed.

RESULTS

In total, 35 papers consisting of 19,073 participants were included. Of these, 31 studies were conducted in the United States (US) and 23 were cross-sectional. The pooled mean PSS score was 54.40 (95% CI: 51.78 to 57.01). Samples with probable post-traumatic stress disorder had a lower mean PSS score (44.40, 95% CI: 39.10 to 49.70). Approximately half of the included studies (n = 19) investigated mental health in relation to PSS, whilst only four explored physical health. The most frequently reported risk factors for low PSS included post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, whilst post-traumatic growth and unit support were protective factors.

CONCLUSION

Higher levels of PSS were generally associated with more positive psychosocial and mental health-related outcomes following deployment. PSS should be targeted in psychosocial interventions and education programmes. Future research should investigate PSS in (ex-)military personnel across other countries and cultures, based on the lack of studies that focused on PSS in countries outside of the US.

A machine-learning approach to model risk and protective factors of vulnerability to depression

There are multiple risk and protective factors for depression. The association between these factors with vulnerability to depression is unclear. Such knowledge is an important insight into assessing risk for developing depression for precision interventions. Based on the behavioral data of 496 participants (all unmarried and not cohabiting, with a college education level or above), we applied machine-learning approaches to model risk and protective factors in estimating depression and its symptoms. Then, we employed Random Forest to identify important factors which were then used to differentiate participants who had high risk of depression from those who had low risk. Results revealed that risk and protective factors could significantly estimate depression and depressive symptoms. Feature selection revealed four key factors including three risk factors (brooding, perceived loneliness, and perceived stress) and one protective factor (resilience). The classification model built by the four factors achieved an ROC-AUC score of 75.50% to classify the high- and low-risk groups, which was comparable to the classification performance based on all risk and protective factors (ROC-AUC = 77.83%). Based on the selected four factors, we generated a mood vulnerability index useful for identifying people's risk for depression. Our findings provide potential clinical insights for developing quick screening tools for mood disorders and potential targets for intervention programs designed to improve depressive symptoms.

Influence of physical activity level and perceived social support on mental health and psychological distress in women with menopause problems

Perceived Social Support (PSS) and Physical Activity (PA) could have an important role in reducing psychological distress in women with problems in the menopausal period. The aim was to analyze the associations between a) Self-Perceived Health (SPH), prevalence of self-reported depression and anxiety, and mental health and its subscales, through the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) with b) the Physical Activity Level (PAL) and c) the PSS, through the Duke-UNC-11 functional social support questionnaire in Spanish women with problems in the menopausal period. This document uses data from the Spanish National Health Survey of 2017, focusing on women between 40 and 69 years of age with problems in the menopausal period. Dependency relationships were found between the prevalence of depression and PAL, anxiety and PAL, and SPH with PAL (p < 0.001). Weak inverse correlations were found between PAL and mental health, Coping Success, Self-confidence, and Stress (rho: - 0.214 to - 0.258; p < 0.001). Also, weak and very weak significant inverse correlations were found between PAL and all items of the GHQ-12. Weak inverse correlations were found between PSS scores and mental health, Coping, and Stress (r: -0.201 to - 0.304; p < 0.001). Likewise, weak and very weak inverse correlations, although statistically significant, were found between the PSS scores and the responses to the GHQ-12 items. Very active women with higher PSS have less psychological distress, higher self-esteem, and better prevalence of positive health.

Access to healthcare and depression severity in vulnerable groups the US: NHANES 2013-2018

BACKGROUND

Access to healthcare is essential for managing chronic diseases, yet it often poses a barrier, contributing to a significant burden of conditions like depression. This study aimed to investigate the association between healthcare access and depression severity in contemporary free-living adults in the US, with a focus on identifying vulnerable populations.

METHOD

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles 2013-2018 were utilized, involving 13,689 participants aged 20 years or older. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression models were conducted, adjusting for various confounding variables.

RESULTS

Approximately 17 % of US adults lacked access to healthcare, while 24 % experienced varying levels of depression severity, with 8 % having moderate-to-severe depression. More males faced challenges accessing healthcare, while more females reported diverse levels of depression. Both healthcare access and depression severity were associated with low educational attainment, low familial income, lacking spousal support, lacking health insurance coverage, and worse self-reported overall health. We found a higher vulnerability to moderate-to-severe depression among females (OR (95 % CI): 1.20 (0.91, 1.59)), individuals identifying as the Other ethnic group (1.69 (1.02, 2.79)), and those living without a spouse (1.57 (1.10, 2.26)).

LIMITATIONS

Our cross-sectional study cannot establish causality, and potential biases related to self-reported data exist.

CONCLUSIONS

Access to healthcare emerged as a crucial predictor of moderate-to-severe depression among females, individuals of the Other ethnic group, and those without a spouse. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm and enhance our understanding of factors that shape the relationship between healthcare access and depression in free-living US adults.

Exploring the Longitudinal Influence of Perceived Social Support, HIV Stigma, and Future Orientation on Depressive Symptoms Among People Living with HIV in China

Prior studies demonstrated that perceived social support is negatively associated with behavioral and mental health problems among people living with HIV (PLWH). However, longitudinal data regarding the associations between perceived social support, internalized HIV stigma, future orientation, and depressive symptoms are limited. The current study aimed to investigate the possible indirect relationship between these variables using four-wave follow-up data (6-month intervals) from a sample of 1,098 Chinese PLWH (Mage = 38.63, SD = 9.20, age range: 18-60 years; 63.9% men). All participants were asked to complete an adapted version of Perceived Social Support Scale, Internalized HIV Stigma Scale, Optimism About the Future Scale, and Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Results indicated that perceived social support at baseline was negatively related to depressive symptoms at wave 4. Internalized HIV stigma at wave 2 and future orientation at wave 3 indirectly affected the linkage between perceived social support at baseline and depressive symptoms serially over time. This study highlights the essential role of perceived social support in alleviating depressive symptoms among PLWH, and underscores the complex interplay in which internalized HIV stigma and future orientation serially mediated the relationship between perceived social support and depressive symptoms. These findings suggest the need for integrated interventions to enhance social support, address HIV-related stigma, and promote positive future orientation, which could potentially alleviate depressive symptoms and promote mental well-being among PLWH.

Psychosocial resources and psychopathology among persons with neuromuscular disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic substantially affected the lives of persons with inherited neuromuscular disorders (INMD), causing disruption in clinical and support services. While several studies have investigated mental health, distress and psychosocial resources in the general population during the pandemic, little is known about the experience of persons with INMD.

METHODS

This study was aimed to fill this gap by jointly investigating both psychopathological symptoms and psychosocial resources - specifically, resilience and perceived social support - among persons with INMD during the pandemic, taking into account demographic and clinical factors. Between April and December 2020, 59 participants with INMD (aged 15-59, 71.2% M) completed a questionnaire collecting demographic and clinical data, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Resilience Scale for Adults, and the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment.

RESULTS

Overall, participants showed good levels of resilience and perceived social support. A minority of participants reported clinically relevant psychopathological symptoms, 28.81% for anxiety and depression. Most psychopathological symptoms were negatively correlated with resilience (-0.347 < r < - .420), but not significantly associated with social support. Consistent with previous studies, regression analyses highlighted that participants with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were more prone to report anxious and depressive symptoms (B = 1.748, p = .028, OR = 5.744), and participants with myotonic dystrophy, attention problems (B = 2.339, p = .006, OR = 10.376). Resilience emerged as a potential predictor of lower anxious-depressive symptoms (B=-1.264, p = .012, OR = 0.283).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest the importance to investigate psychosocial resources in addition to psychopathology among persons with INMD, and to design interventions supporting resilience as a protective factor for mental health promotion.

Perceived social support, perceived stress, and quality of sleep among COVID-19 patients in Iran: assessing measurement invariance of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support across gender and age

Background

Perceived social support (PSS) plays a considerable role in mental health. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is one of the most widely used scales, leading to much research evidence. The present study investigated its measurement model, equivalence across gender (male and female) and age groups (older patients= above 60 and non-older patients= below 60), and concurrent validity.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and October 2020, on patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Tehran, Iran. The scales were administered to 328 COVID-19 patients (54.6% male, aged 21 to 92) from two general hospitals; participants completed MSPSS (including friends, family, and significant others subscales), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI, include sleep latency, subjective sleep quality, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep duration, use of sleep medication, daytime dysfunction, and sleep disturbances subscales), and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10, to assess patients' appraisal of stressful conditions).

Results

The MSPSS three-factor structure was confirmed among COVID-19 patients by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The results support the MSPSS internal consistency and configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender and age groups. Nevertheless, small but significant differences were found across ages based on the latent factor mean of the MSPSS from friends, with a lower mean level in older patients. The coefficients of Cronbach's alpha (ranging from.92 to.96), the ordinal theta (ranging from.95 to.98), and Omega (ranging from.93 to.97) suggested high internal consistency of MSPSS. The concurrent validity of MSPSS was evidenced by its significant negative correlation with PSS-10 (τb = -.13, p <.01) and also subjective sleep quality (τb = -.22, p <.01), sleep disturbances (τb = -.26, p <.001), and daytime dysfunction (τb = -.26, p <.001).

Conclusions

The MSPSS was valid and reliable for measuring individuals' perception of social support between males and females and older and non-older COVID-19 patients.

Prevalence and correlates of sleep disturbance among adolescents in the eastern seaboard of China

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbances are serious public health issues that warrant increased attention, especially in adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with sleep disorders among urban adolescents in China.

METHODS

This study utilized an online survey to assess the demographic characteristics and mental health status of secondary school students in Lianyungang City. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to evaluate sleep disturbances in adolescents. The seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) assessed anxiety symptoms, and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) was used to measure perceived social support.

RESULTS

Among 3443 adolescents, the prevalence of sleep disorders were 10.8%, with significantly higher proportions of sleep disorders (13.7% VS 8.3%, P < 0.001) among female adolescents when compared to males. Binary regression analysis revealed that anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.305, 95% CI: 1.269-1.342, P < 0.001) was risk factor for sleep disturbances, and significant other support (OR = 0.944, 95% CI: 0.896-0.994, P = 0.028) and good annual household income (OR = 0.616, 95% CI: 0.394-0.963, P = 0.034) were protective factors. Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that age, sex, and anxiety symptoms were associated with an elevated risk of experiencing more frequent sleep disturbances (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We have found that 10.8% of adolescents experience sleep disorders, and it is evident that various factors can influence healthy sleeping. These results underscore the significance of addressing these factors to enhance sleep health among this population.

Network analysis of anxiety and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults in the United Kingdom

The health crisis caused by COVID-19 in the United Kingdom and the confinement measures that were subsequently implemented had unprecedented effects on the mental health of older adults, leading to the emergence and exacerbation of different comorbid symptoms including depression and anxiety. This study examined and compared depression and anxiety symptom networks in two specific quarantine periods (June-July and November-December) in the older adult population in the United Kingdom. We used the database of the English Longitudinal Study of Aging COVID-19 Substudy, consisting of 5797 participants in the first stage (54% women) and 6512 participants in the second stage (56% women), all over 50 years of age. The symptoms with the highest centrality in both times were: "Nervousness (A1)" and "Inability to relax (A4)" in expected influence and predictability, and "depressed mood (D1"; bridging expected influence). The latter measure along with "Irritability (A6)" overlapped in both depression and anxiety clusters in both networks. In addition, a the cross-lagged panel network model was examined in which a more significant influence on the direction of the symptom "Nervousness (A1)" by the depressive symptoms of "Anhedonia (D6)", "Hopelessness (D7)", and "Sleep problems (D3)" was observed; the latter measure has the highest predictive capability of the network. The results report which symptoms had a higher degree of centrality and transdiagnostic overlap in the cross-sectional networks (invariants) and the cross-lagged panel network model of anxious and depressive symptomatology.

Stacked artificial neural network to predict the mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic

The individual's mental health crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic lead to mental disorders. The transmission of the COVID-19 virus is associated with the levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in individuals, similar to other factors. Increases in mental illness cases and the prevalence of depression have peaked after the pandemic struck. The limited social intervention, reduced communication, peer support, and increased social isolation during the pandemic resulted in higher levels of depression, stress, and anxiety which leads to mental illness. Physiological distress is associated with the mental disorders, and its negative impact can be improved mainly by early detection and treatment. Early identification of mental illness is crucial for timely intervention to decelerate disorder severity and lessen individual health burdens. Laboratory tests for diagnosing mental illness depend on the self-reports of one's mental status, but it is labor intensive and time consuming. Traditional methods like linear or nonlinear regression cannot include many explanatory variables as they are prone to overfitting. The main challenge of the state-of-the-art models is the poor performance in detecting mental illnesses at early stages. Deep learning models can handle numerous variables. The current study focuses on demographic background, Kessler Psychological Distress, Happiness, and Health determinants of mental health during the pandemic to predict the mental health. This study's prediction can help rapid diagnosis and treatment and promote overall public mental health. Despite potential response bias, these proportions are exceptionally elevated, and it's plausible that certain individuals face an even higher level of risk. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, an investigation into mental health patients revealed a disproportionate representation of children and individuals with neurotic disorders among those articulating substantial or severe apprehensions.

Social Contact, Social Participation, and Emotional Well-Being Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Roles of Giving and Receiving Social Support

This study examined whether social contact, social participation, and social support during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with depression and anxiety. Data were taken from the 2020 COVID-19 Supplement of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (N = 2,778). Depression and anxiety were regressed on social contact frequency, social participation, and social support. Path analyses were also performed. The results showed that in-person contact was related to lower levels of depression, while in-person contact and attending religious services were related to lower levels of anxiety. Giving and receiving support were associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. Giving support mediated the link between virtual contact, volunteering, and depression, while receiving support mediated the link between virtual contact and depression. Receiving and giving support mediated the association between virtual social contact, volunteering, and anxiety. During the pandemic, being socially connected provided some benefits in terms of emotional well-being, but in some cases being socially connected did not provide salubrious effects.

A qualitative analysis and evaluation of social support received after experiencing a broken marriage engagement and impacts on holistic health

This study provides new insights into the role of social support in the largely unexplored field of broken marriage engagements and an individual's wellbeing. The study extends the optimal matching theory (OMT) and the research surrounding helpful, unhelpful, and mixed social support. It uses constant comparison to examine the social support messages individuals received after telling others their engagement ended, as described in 43, in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Six types of helpful support messengers, six types of unhelpful support messengers, and four mixed messenger types were found. Receiver-centric messengers were found to be more helpful than messengers who centered on their own feelings and needs, sometimes to the detriment of the receiver's own wellbeing. Being present, thoughtful, and intentional with words, can have a positive impact on a person's holistic health, regardless of whether the relationship is a weak-tie or strong-tie. Using study findings, the broken engagement message stoplight is proposed, detailing messages that are generally helpful to a person's overall wellbeing, messages that should likely be avoided, and messages that should be said cautiously when interacting with someone experiencing a broken engagement.

Development and Validation of the Subjective Well-Being Resources Scale

Subjective well-being (SWB) is an important construct of positive psychology and it is known that these resources should be supported to prevent mental health disorders. However, there is no measurement tool to assess individual differences concerning SWB resources. The present study aims to develop a valid and reliable scale to measure SWB resources. For this aim, two studies were conducted. As a result, the five-factor (personal, religious, health, social, and external resources) construct explaining 45.3% of the variance was derived and validated with both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The factors were related to mental health indicators and personality as expected. The internal consistency coefficient of the scale was .83), and the test re-test reliability was .88. As a result of the analysis, it is concluded that the Subjective Well-Being Resources Scale is valid and reliable and can be used to measure SWB resources.

Identity Fusion and Aggressive Behavior Among Chinese Freshmen: The Chain Mediating Role of Depressive Mood and Sleep Quality

Aggressive behavior is considered one of the indicators of maladjustment and increases during the transition to college. Previous studies have demonstrated that having identity fusion with particular social groups significantly predicts college adjustment among freshmen. However, the relationship between identity fusion and aggressive behavior in college freshmen has rarely been studied. Thus, guided by the frustration-aggression theory, this study aimed to explore the association between identity fusion with class and aggressive behavior among Chinese college freshmen and examine the potential mediating roles of depressive mood and sleep quality. A cross-sectional survey study was carried out among 1,037 Chinese college freshmen (Mage = 19.56, SD = 1.068, 29.12% males). Class identity fusion, depressive mood, sleep quality, and aggressive behavior were measured via four self-reported questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was used to test the mediation model. Analyses showed that identity fusion was negatively related to depressive mood and aggressive behavior and positively correlated with sleep quality. The results also revealed that the direct effect of identity fusion on aggressive behavior was significant, and identity fusion can indirectly affect aggressive behavior not only through the mediation effect of depressive mood but also through the chain mediation effect of depressive mood and sleep quality. Moreover, the mediating effect of depressive mood varied by gender. These findings suggest that strategies that help freshmen promote identity fusion and those that alleviate depressive mood and sleep problem may help reduce aggressive behavior.

The role of social support in the relation between chronotype and mental health in a cohort of women from the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network

Women are disproportionally affected by psychological distress and lack of social support and are more vulnerable to the negative impact of chronotype on mental health. This study evaluates cross-sectional associations between chronotype and mental health, while assessing the mediating role of social support among women from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds. Women from the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Research Network were included (N = 506, mean age = 37 ± 15.7, 61% racial/ethnic minority). Chronotype, depression, perceived stress, health-related quality of life, and social support were assessed at baseline using validated self-reported questionnaires. Linear regression and causal mediation analyses were performed. Depression and negative emotionality were higher among women with evening vs. morning/intermediate chronotypes (all p < 0.05). Multivariable analyses adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical confounders showed associations between evening chronotype and higher depression (p = 0.004) and negative emotionality (p = 0.010). However, these associations were no longer significant after adjusting for social support (depression: p = 0.12; negative emotionality: p = 0.18). Social support significantly mediated 44.6% and 45.8% of the total effect of chronotype on depression and negative emotionality, respectively. Social support represents a potential mechanism underlying the associations between eveningness and poor mental health. Chronotype and social support should be considered in interventions for the promotion of mental health in women.

The influence of attachment style on support and feedback seeking and depression severity among mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVES

The ways that people seek support during times of stress influence their mental health outcomes, including depression. Insecure attachment is a risk factor for depression and may also interfere with adaptive support and feedback-seeking behaviour during stress. The purpose of the present study was to test theorized associations between insecure attachment, support and feedback seeking, and changes in depression symptoms over 1 year, in a sample of mothers of school-age children in the context of stress elicited by the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Participants (N = 70 mothers) completed self-report measures of anxious and avoidant attachment and depression severity at baseline in spring 2020 and then completed measures of past-year engagement in direct and indirect support seeking and excessive reassurance seeking (ERS), preference for negative feedback, and depression severity at a follow-up assessment in summer 2021.

RESULTS

Greater attachment anxiety at baseline predicted more frequent direct support seeking, indirect support seeking, and ERS during the 1-year follow-up period. In turn, greater indirect support seeking predicted greater increases in depression from baseline to follow-up. Greater attachment avoidance at baseline predicted less direct support seeking during the 1-year follow-up period. Greater attachment avoidance at baseline also predicted depression severity at follow-up, particularly among mothers with moderate to high levels of attachment anxiety, although none of the examined support and feedback-seeking behaviours mediated this association.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide support for the role of activated attachment systems in determining support and feedback-seeking behaviour during stress, as well as the role of support and feedback-seeking behaviour in the maintenance and exacerbation of depression.

Exploring the Link between Social Support and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Primary Care

We aimed to explore the link between social support and various patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in primary care patients with COPD. This was a cross-sectional study with 168 patients with COPD from six primary care centers in Crete, Greece. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, disease-specific quality of life, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), fatigue, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), phycological parameters, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7, sleep complaints, the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, the Athens Insomnia scale (AIS), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Social support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Out of 168 patients with COPD, 114 (68.9%) exhibited low levels of social support. Low social support (MSPSS total ≤ 5) was positively associated with COPD symptoms (CAT score ≥ 10) (OR = 3.97, 95%CI:1.86-8.44; p < 0.01), fatigue (FSS ≥ 36) (OR = 2.74, 95%CI:1.31-5.74; p = 0.01), and insomnia symptoms (AIS ≥ 6) (OR = 5.17 95%CI:2.23-12.01; p < 0.01), while the association with depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) was marginally significant (OR = 3.1, 95%CI:0.93-10.36; p = 0.07). Our results suggest that lower levels of social support are positively associated with PROMs in patients with COPD. Therefore, our findings show an additional way to improve the overall health of patients with COPD in primary care by putting social support at the epicenter of actions.

Social support and mental health: the mediating role of perceived stress

Social support has been associated with improved mental health; however, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. This study aimed to explore whether perceived stress mediate the relationship between social support and positive affect, anxiety, and depression. Drawing from Lazarus and Folkman's stress and coping theory, the study emphasized the influential role of social support in appraising stressful events. A cross-sectional survey was conducted online among 426 Filipino adults during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed measures including the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), the Positive Affect subscale of PANAS, and the Depression and Anxiety subscales of DASS-21. The hypotheses of the study were tested using mediation analysis. Consistent with the hypotheses, perceived stress significantly mediated the relationship between family and significant other support with positive affect, anxiety, and depression. Family and significant other support decreased perceived stress, increasing positive affect, and decreasing anxiety and depression. On the other hand, perceived stress did not mediate the relationship between friend support and positive affect, anxiety, and depression. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

The effect of social support on home isolation anxiety and depression among college students in the post-pandemic era: the mediating effect of perceived loss of control and the moderating role of family socioeconomic status

Background

There is an escalating concern about the rising levels of anxiety and depression among college students, especially during the post-pandemic era. A thorough examination of the various dimensions of social support and their impact on these negative emotions in college students is imperative.

Aim

This study aimed to determine if a perceived loss of control mediates the relationship between social support and levels of anxiety and depression among college students during the post-pandemic era. Additionally, it examined whether family socioeconomic status moderates this mediated relationship.

Methods

We administered an online cross-sectional survey in China, securing responses from 502 participants. The sample comprised home-isolated college students impacted by COVID-19. Established scales were employed to assess social support, anxiety, depression, perceived loss of control, and family socioeconomic status. Analytical techniques included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and a bootstrap method to investigate mediating and moderating effects.

Results

Social support was found to negatively affect anxiety and depression in college students, with perceived loss of control partially mediating this relationship. In addition, family socio-economic status was shown to moderate this moderating process. Furthermore, family socioeconomic status influenced this mediation, with higher socioeconomic families exhibiting a stronger moderating effect on perceived loss of control across different dimensions of social support.

Conclusion

This study may help to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of anxiety and depression in the lives and studies of university students during unexpected public health crises, and to promote better mental health among college students.

The Links Among Cumulative Ecological Risk and Smartphone Addiction, Sleep Quality in Chinese University Freshmen: A Two-Wave Study

Purpose

While previous research has highlighted the influence of family, school, and peer factors on smartphone addiction and sleep quality, the cumulative effects of these risk factors and their underlying causal relationships remain poorly understood. Therefore, based on the cumulative risk model and the bioecological model of human development, this study examined the longitudinal associations between cumulative ecological risk and smartphone addiction and sleep quality.

Methods

A survey was conducted among 653 Chinese university freshmen (mean age 18.56) at two distinct time points, with a 6-month interval. The initial assessment focused on family, school, and peer risk factors, while the subsequent assessment focused on smartphone addiction and sleep quality.

Results

Approximately 63.71% of university freshmen were found to be at risk of exposure. Compared to other risk-exposure groups, the group with no-risk exposure exhibited the lowest scores for smartphone addiction and sleep quality. The relationships between cumulative ecological risk and smartphone addiction and sleep quality displayed a linear pattern and a discernible "gradient effect". Smartphone addiction was identified as a fully mediating factor in the link between cumulative ecological risk and sleep quality, with a mediating effect value of 0.08 (representing 44.44% of the total effect).

Conclusion

University freshmen face various risks associated with their families, schools, and peers. The cumulative ecological risk can, directly and indirectly, impact sleep quality by influencing smartphone addiction. Given the observed "gradient effect" of cumulative ecological risk on smartphone addiction and sleep quality, it is imperative to adopt comprehensive risk prevention strategies to mitigate the impact of each risk factor.

The Link between the Nature of the Human-Companion Animal Relationship and Well-Being Outcomes in Companion Animal Owners

Research into the impact of companion animals on well-being has been both extensive and inconclusive, with studies finding both positive and negative relationships. The present research explored three previously unexamined relationship science concepts that may help clarify whether companion animals provide well-being benefits: self-expansion (the process of adding positive content to the self through incorporating new resources and perspectives into one's identity or engaging in novel, exciting activities), perceived pet responsiveness, and perceived pet insensitivity; as well as attachment. We focused on dog and cat owners' depression, anxiety, positive and negative affect, and loneliness through an online survey with a large sample population (N = 1359). We found that perceived pet insensitivity is a significant positive predictor of depression, anxiety, negative affect, and loneliness; that attachment is a significant positive predictor of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, and a significant negative predictor of positive affect; and that self-expansion is a significant positive predictor of positive affect, and a significant negative predictor of loneliness. Loneliness emerged as a mediator in the relationship between perceived pet insensitivity, attachment, self-expansion, and all mental well-being outcome variables. These findings indicate that perceived pet insensitivity, attachment, and self-expansion may play an important yet neglected role in well-being outcomes.

Just as Essential: The Mental Health of Educators During the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic deleteriously impacted physical and mental health. In the summer of 2020, return-to-learn plans were enacted, including virtual, hybrid, and in-person plans, impacting educators and students. We examined (1) how return-to-learn plan was related to depressive and social anxiety symptoms among educators and (2) how psychological flexibility related to symptoms.

METHODS

Educators (N = 853) completed a survey via Qualtrics that assessed internalizing symptoms, psychological flexibility, and occupational characteristics. Two one-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) examined between-group differences in return-to-learn plans across depression and social anxiety. Two hierarchical linear regressions examined the relation between psychological flexibility components and depressive and social anxiety symptoms.

RESULTS

Median T-scores were well above the national normative means for General Depression (median T-score: 81) and Social Anxiety (median T-score: 67). There were no significant differences between reopening plans in general depression nor social anxiety T-scores. Psychological flexibility accounted for 33% of the variance in depressive symptoms and 24% of the variance in social anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicated high levels of psychiatric symptoms among educators during COVID-19, and psychological flexibility was associated with lower symptoms. Addressing educator mental health is of utmost importance in future research.

The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Depression and Sleep Problems for Climacteric Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: Women in their middle years undergoing perimenopause encounter a range of physical and psychological alterations attributed to hormonal changes. The prominent symptoms among menopausal women are depressive symptoms and sleep-related problems. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis examining the effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on women going through menopause, specifically focusing on depressive symptoms and sleep problems. We analyzed studies conducted both within the country and across international settings over the last decade. (2) Methods: A search of the literature was conducted-a targeted search, exclusively considering randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that were published within the timeframe spanning from 15 June 2013 to 15 June 2023. (3) Findings: Upon reviewing nine studies that satisfied our inclusion criteria and involved a total of 923 participants, it was noted that four of these studies incorporated diverse cognitive-behavioral strategies. Among the nine studies, a total of four were included in the meta-analysis: two measured depressive symptoms, and two measured sleep quality. The combined effect size for depressive symptoms was found to be 3.55 (95% confidence interval: -5.48, -1.61; p < 0.05), and for sleep quality, it was 0.78 (95% confidence interval: -1.32, -0.25; p = 0.004). (4) Conclusions: Our review emphasizes the necessity for conducting larger-scale studies focused on the application of CBT for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Additionally, it is recommended to approach the interpretation of these results with caution due to discrepancies in methodology and the overall quality of the studies. Further clinical trials are necessary to establish the ideal number of CBT sessions needed for the effective treatment of depression in menopausal women. Future studies should cover a wider range of geographical locations, including more countries, and focus on various outcomes such as depressive symptoms and sleep quality.

Impact of Cohabitation during Confinement on Older Adults' Negative Affect: What Specificity of Life as a Couple?

BACKGROUND

Social isolation is a risk factor for older adults' physical and psychological health. The beneficial effect of social connections in times of major health events is undeniable. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether the positive effect of social support depends on the relationship type.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the influence of older adults' living conditions on the risk of experiencing negative affect during the first lockdown and post-lockdown.

DESIGN

An epidemiological study conducted during the COVID-19 crisis, at the time of the first lockdown, and 2 to 3 months following the lockdown.

SETTING

A subset sample of the PACOVID survey, a population-based survey of older adults.

PARTICIPANTS

Altogether, 277 participants were included into three groups depending on their living conditions: Group 1 "living alone" (n = 141); Group 2 "living with their spouse" (n = 106); Group 3 "living in cohabitation with relatives" (n = 30).

MEASUREMENTS

Mixed logistic regression analyses were used to study the change in the risk of experiencing negative affects over time according to the living conditions. The presence of negative affects during lockdown was assessed using three items from the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale : «Do you feel sad?»; «Do you feel depressed?; «Do you feel lonely?

RESULTS

Participants living with their relatives or partner were significantly less likely to experience negative affect than those living alone during lockdown. Moreover, over time, only those living with their spouse had this lesser risk compared to those living alone.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the protective effect of social support over time and more specifically of that provided by the spouse. Couple functioning ought to be given consideration when studying the impact of health crisis situation on the mental health of older adults.

Social Health and Its Influence on Metabolic Health Among a Rural Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a Spanish rural population and assess differences in prevalence according to loneliness level, social isolation, and social support. This is a cross-sectional study of 310 patients. MetS was defined by National Cholesterol Education Program-Third Adult Treatment Panel. The UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) Loneliness Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Social Support, and Lubben Social Network Scale were used to assess loneliness, perceived social support, and social isolation. Almost half of the participants fulfilled MetS diagnosis criteria. Subjects with MetS showed significantly higher levels of loneliness, less social support, and greater social isolation. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in socially isolated rural adults. Environmental factors may play a key role in the prevalence of MetS, so specific screening and prevention programs could help health professionals prevent the increasing rates of MetS in rural populations under these socially specific conditions of vulnerability.

Relevance of spirituality and perceived social support to mental health of people with pre-existing mental health disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal investigation

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic and related measures have negatively impacted mental health worldwide. The main objective of the present longitudinal study was to investigate mental health in people living in Tyrol (Austria) and South Tyrol (Italy) during the COVID-19 pandemic and to report the prevalence of psychological distress among individuals with versus those without pre-existing mental health disorders (MHD) in the long-term (summer 2020-winter 2022). Here, we specifically focus on the relevance of spirituality and perceived social support in this regard.

METHODS

161 individuals who had been diagnosed with MHD and 446 reference subjects participated in this online survey. Electronic data capture was conducted using the Computer-based Health Evaluation System and included both sociodemographic and clinical aspects as well as standardized questionnaires on psychological distress, spirituality, and the perception of social support.

RESULTS

The prevalence of psychological distress was significantly higher in individuals with MHD (36.6% vs. 12.3%) and remained unchanged among both groups over time. At baseline, the perception of social support was significantly higher in healthy control subjects, whereas the two groups were comparable in regards of the subjective relevance of faith. Reference subjects indicated significantly higher spiritual well-being in terms of the sense of meaning in life and peacefulness, which mediated in large part the between-group difference of psychological distress at follow-up. Notably, both faith and the perception of social support did not prove to be relevant in this context.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings point to a consistently high prevalence of psychological distress among people suffering from MHD and underscore the prominent role of meaning in life and peacefulness as a protective factor in times of crisis. Therapeutic strategies that specifically target spirituality may have a beneficial impact on mental health.

Social Support and Depression among Stroke Patients: A Topical Review

Research has shown a protective association between social support and depression, depression among stroke patients, and health impacts of depression. Despite this, not much is known about the effect of social support on depression among stroke patients. This review aims to summarize the current research examining the association between social support and depression among stroke patients. A literature search was performed in PubMed to find original peer-reviewed journal articles from 2016 to 12 March 2023 that examined the association between social support and depression among stroke patients. The search terms were depression and "social support" and stroke, which lead to 172 articles. After abstract review, seven observational studies that studied the target association among stroke patients were selected. One additional study was found using PsycINFO as a complementary source with the same search strategy and criteria. Overall, a negative association was found between social support and depression among stroke patients in eight studies, with more social support leading to lower rates of depression post-stroke. The other study did not find a statistically significant association. Overall, the results of recent studies suggest that social support is negatively associated with depression among stroke patients. In most studies, this association was statistically significant. The findings suggest the importance of improving social support perceived by stroke patients in the prevention of depression after the occurrence of stroke.

The impact of social support, physical and psychological performance on sleep outcomes in Iranian older adults: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Sleep quality is one of the most important factors to improve the quality of life in older adults and physical and mental health plays an essential role in better sleep quality. This study aimed to determine the impact of social support, and physical and psychological performance on sleep outcomes in Iranian older adults.

METHODS

In this case-control study, 400 elder people, who were exposed to sleep problems, and 400 people without sleep problems were randomly selected during 2016-2017 in Amirkola, Iran. Subjects in the case and control groups were matched in terms of gender and age. The demographic characteristics, Duke Social Support Questionnaire (DSSI), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire (PSQI) questionnaires were used to collect data. T-test, Chi-square, Pearson Correlation coefficient, and multiple Logistic regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The mean score of DSSI and its domains including social interaction (DSSI.Int) and social satisfaction (DSSI.Sat) were 28.15 ± 3.55, 9.31 ± 1.23, and 18.84 ± 2.88 in the case group and 28.87 ± 3.20, 9.48 ± 1.10, and 19.83 ± 2.44 in the control group, respectively. In this study, the mean scores of MMSE, PASE, ADL, and IADL were 25.36 ± 3.95, 101.71 ± 56.99, 13/97 ± 0.37, 20.59 ± 2/79; respectively. There was a significant inverse correlation between poor sleep quality with DSSI score (rho = -0.165, P < 0.0001), DSSI.Int (rho = -0.113, P < 0.001), DSSI.Sat (rho = -0.160, P < 0.0001), PASE (rho=-0.160, P < 0.0001), and IADL (rho = -0.112, P < 0.001) score. Therefore, more social support and physical activity improved the quality of sleep. There was a significant negative relationship between DSSI, and its domains with sleep quality in terms of gender. DSSI (rho = 0.25, P < 0.0001), DSSI.Int (P < 0.0001, rho=-0.18), and DSSI.Sat (P < 0.0001, rho=-0.22) was significant in men but not in women. The results of the adjusted logistic regression revealed a significant association between sleep quality problems and DSSI (p < 0.045, OR = 1.40), the use of hypnotic drugs (p < 0.0001, OR = 7.56), and occupation (p <0.03, OR= 12.66).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest that low social support and all its domains, PASE, IADL, and using hypnotic drugs may play a role in the development of sleep problems. It can be used as an effective, safe, and low-cost strategy for promoting sleep quality in older adults.

Heterogeneity in the trajectories of psychological distress among late adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has constrained opportunities in social, educational and professional domains, leading to developmental challenges for adolescents initiating their transition to adulthood. Meta-analysis indicated that there was a small increase in psychological distress during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, significant heterogeneity in the psychological response to the COVID-19 pandemic was noted. Developmental antecedents as well as social processes may account for such heterogeneity. The goal of this study was to characterize trajectories of psychological distress in late adolescence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

5014 late adolescents born between 2000 and 2002 from the UK Millennium Cohort Study completed online self-reported assessments at three occasions during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (May 2020, September/October 2020 and February/March 2021). These surveys assessed psychological distress, loneliness, social support, family conflict, as well as other pandemic stressors. Information on developmental antecedents were obtained when cohort members were 17 years of age.

Results

Four distinct trajectories class were identified. Normative class (52.13%) experienced low and decreasing levels of psychological distress, while moderately increasing class (31.84%) experienced a small, but significant increase in distress over time and increasing class (8.75%) exhibited a larger increase in distress after the first wave of the pandemic. Inverted U-shaped class (7.29%) experienced elevated psychological distress during the first wave of the pandemic, followed by a decrease in distress in subsequent waves of the pandemic. Larger longitudinal increases in loneliness were noted among individuals in the elevated distress trajectory, compared to other trajectories. Pre-pandemic psychopathology was associated with elevated distress early in the pandemic.

Conclusions

The largest trajectory showed low and declining psychological distress, highlighting the resilience of the majority of late adolescents. However, a subgroup of adolescents experienced large increases in psychological distress, identifying a group of individuals more vulnerable to pandemic-related stress.

Association Between Social Support, and Depressive Symptoms Among Firefighters: The Mediating Role of Negative Coping

Background

Depressive symptoms (DS) can erode physical and mental health; social support (SS) is considered a buffer for DS and a promoter for improving coping and recovery abilities. However, there is almost no research on the mediating role of negative coping (NC) in SS and DS, especially among firefighters.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among firefighters in Chongqing, China, and the valid data of 407 firefighters were collected through questionnaires distributed on the WeChat platform in 2020. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) 26.0 is used for descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Structural equation modeling was adopted to analyze the association among SS, NC, and DS. The mediation effect is also evaluated.

Results

Firefighters' detection rate of DS is 23.3%, and when they receive more SS were less likely to develop DS. NC was positively correlated with DS (β = 0.54, p < 0.001) after controlling for SS. Besides, the results of structural equation modeling showed that NC partially mediates the relationship between SS and DS (standard error = 0.039, indirect effects = 0.109, 95% confidence interval: 0.047-0.200 p < 0.001).

Conclusion

NC has a partial indirect effect between SS and DS among firefighters. SS could not only affect DS directly but also indirect work on it by affecting NC. This discovery will be a novel and meaningful part of the research on the firefighter population.

Can Resilience Buffer the Effects of Loneliness on Mental Distress Among Working-Age Adults in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Latent Moderated Structural Modeling Analysis

BACKGROUND

The profound health consequences of loneliness are well-established. However, less is known about the protective factors which may alleviate the effects of loneliness on mental health especially among working-age adults amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We draw on the social ecology of resilience and examine whether resilience factors can buffer the effects of loneliness on mental distress.

METHODS

Data came from the National Well-being Survey-a national study of a demographically representative sample of U.S. working-age adults (N = 4014). We used (a) structural equation models with latent variables to examine the main effects of loneliness, psychological resilience, and perceived social support on mental distress, and (b) latent moderated structural equations to estimate the latent interaction effects.

RESULTS

Results revealed that (a) loneliness was positively associated with mental distress and psychological resilience was negatively related to mental distress, and (b) psychological resilience and perceived social support moderated the strength of the relationship between loneliness and mental distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights the importance of psychological resilience and perceived social support as two protective factors in the relationship between loneliness and mental distress. Given that loneliness significantly predicts worse mental and physical health and higher mortality, identifying protective factors that might disrupt these connections is vital. As such, public health efforts to strengthen and expand familial and community social support networks and foster psychological resilience are urgently needed to support mental health among working-age adults during additional waves of the pandemic or future similar stressors.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression among Adults Suffering from Migraine in Spain

Considering the significance of migraine and the limited amount of research conducted on its association with depression in population-based studies in Spain, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and change of depression from 2017 to 2020 among adults with migraine in Spain and to analyze the sociodemographic and health-related variables linked to depression in migraine sufferers. A cross-sectional study on 5329 adults with migraine from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 and the European Health Survey in Spain 2020 was performed. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the factors related to depression. A total of 26.32% of people with migraine suffered from depression. No significant changes in that prevalence between 2017 and 2020 were observed. The risk factors associated with depression included being between the ages of 25 and 44 (p = 0.018), being separated or divorced (p = 0.033), being unemployed (p < 0.001), not engaging in recreational physical activity (p = 0.016), perceiving one's health as average, poor, or very poor (p < 0.001), experiencing moderate to severe pain in daily activities (p = 0.011, p = 0.004, p < 0.001, respectively), and having 1-2 or ≥3 chronic conditions (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively). Conversely, being married (p = 0.001) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.007) were identified as protective factors.

Resilience mediates the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in a sample of adults in Panama

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by global increases in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Previous studies have shown that resilience mitigates these symptoms, however there is limited research exploring the link between resilience and mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic in Central America.

Objective

To examine the role of resilience as it relates to the perceived effect of the pandemic on mental health symptoms.

Methods

A sample of 480 adults in Panama were recruited from March to May 2021 to complete an online survey. The online survey consisted of sociodemographic questions and scale measures assessing depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, resilience, and social support.

Results

Results indicated that resilience mediated the relationship between the perceived effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health symptoms; participants who felt more personally affected by the pandemic reported more depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms via decreased resilience. Further analyses revealed that resilience was moderated by sex and social support, showing that the indirect effect of resilience was greater for women and individuals who perceived low social support.

Discussion

These findings contribute to a growing body of research documenting the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and reveal potential mechanisms through which pandemic-related distress decreases resilience, thereby increasing symptoms of mental illness.

Higher physical activity level and perceived social support is associated with less psychological distress in people with anxiety

Introduction

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in first world societies, generating discomfort in the people who suffer from it, and high expenses and economic losses in the society. The physical activity (PA) performed, together with the perceived social support (PSS) by people with anxiety could be related to the psychological distress of people with anxiety.

Objectives

To study the relationships between mental health and its dimensions, through Golberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12), and the level of PA (PAL) and the PSS in the Spanish adult population with anxiety.

Hypothesis

A higher PAL, and a higher PSS, is related to a lower psychological distress in this population.

Design and Methodology

This study included 1,661 adults with anxiety, residents in Spain. It was a cross-sectional study with data obtained from the Spanish National Health Survey. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to examine the data distribution of the variables. The median and interquartile range were used to characterize the sample for continuous variables, and absolute and relative frequencies were used for categorical variables. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to examine the differences between sexes. Dependence between PAL and sex was studied using the chi-square statistic. A Krustal-Wallis test was used to evaluate the existence of differences in the baseline medians on the GHQ-12, according to PAL level. Finally, the correlations between mental health and its dimensions with PAL and the Duke-UNC-11 scores were analysed, obtaining Spearman's rho and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

Moderate inverse correlations were found between the GHQ-12 and: PAL (rho: -0.219); PSS (r: -0.347). PAL and PSS presented moderate inverse correlations with successful coping (rho: -0.206 and r: -0.325), self-esteem (rho: -0.222 and r: -0.333) and stress (rho: -0.158 and r: -0.288).

Conclusions

Greater PAL and social support are associated with reduced psychological distress in people with anxiety.

The role of values in coping with health and economic threats of COVID-19

The current research examined the role of values in guiding people's responses to COVID-19. Results from an international study involving 115 countries (N = 61,490) suggest that health and economic threats of COVID-19 evoke different values, with implications for controlling and coping with the pandemic. Specifically, health threats predicted prioritization of communal values related to caring for others and belonging, whereas economic threats predicted prioritization of agentic values focused on competition and achievement. Concurrently and over time, prioritizing communal values over agentic values was associated with enactment of prevention behaviors that reduce virus transmission, motivations to help others suffering from the pandemic, and positive attitudes toward outgroup members. These results, which were generally consistent across individual and national levels of analysis, suggest that COVID-19 threats may indirectly shape important responses to the pandemic through their influence on people's prioritization of communion and agency. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Attitudes and practices toward COVID-19 precautionary measures: A comparative study of health professionals and public

BACKGROUND

Containment of the COVID-19 pandemic has been impaired by the denial and defiance of preventive recommendations.

AIMS

We aimed to study the attitudes toward COVID-19 social measures among laypersons and healthcare professionals.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study in the United Arab Emirates using a self-administered online questionnaire. Both healthcare workers and laypersons were actively recruited. In addition to sociodemographic variables, the questionnaire included questions on anxiety, knowledge, and defiance related to COVID-19.

RESULTS

A total of 615 individuals with a mean age of 32 years (SD, 12) participated. Females comprised 69% and healthcare workers constituted 60% of the study sample. Among laypersons, over 42% reported having social gatherings at home, and 44% admitted to visiting crowded places. More than half of the respondents felt increased anxiety. Previous COVID-19 infection did not affect attitudes or anxiety levels. Knowledge about COVID-19 was higher among those who were more educated (r = .21). Healthcare workers had lower anxiety than laypersons (p = .002). COVID-19 anxiety was higher among older persons and did not decrease with more knowledge. COVID-19 defiance was higher among younger male respondents from larger households and did not correlate with knowledge. Multivariate analysis showed more defiant attitudes at younger ages.

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety-related to the COVID-19 pandemic is more common in older individuals, whereas younger persons were more likely to deny and defy prevention recommendations despite having knowledge of viral transmission. Voluntary compliance by young individuals requires an engaging communication strategy to generate more compassionate attitudes.

Financial strain and the health and well-being of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: This study examined the associations between COVID-19-related financial strain and the stress, mental health, physical health symptoms, and health behaviors of American university students. Participants: Online data were collected from 485 participants between May 2020 and March 2021. Participants were majority female and majority white. Methods: Participants reported on stress (COVID-19 health stress and work stress), mental health (depression, anxiety, loneliness, social support, and subjective well-being), physical health symptoms, and health behaviors (sleep latency, alcohol consumption, alcohol coping, other substance use, exercise, COVID-19 health behaviors). Results: Both Pearson's correlations and Bayesian correlation indicated more stress and worse mental health, health symptoms, and health behaviors for students who experienced more financial strain. Conclusion: Pandemic-related financial strain could have enduring negative effects for students, many of whom already experience financial challenges. This work highlights a need to allocate resources to promote college student health during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Symptoms of depression and anxiety in young people in El Salvador: Associations with peer and family relationships, artistic activities and health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Little is known regarding the correlates of mental health, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in lower income countries. Using data from almost the entire population of graduating high school students in El Salvador, we examine the associations between depression and anxiety symptoms and potentially protective factors including peer and family relationships, health behaviours and artistic leisure activities.

METHODS

Data comes from the AVANZO survey conducted in El Salvador with 42,314 graduating high school students aged 15-21 in November 2020. Participants completed the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale and Socioemotional Skills Scale. Using a structural equation modelling framework, we tested the associations between these variables and whether these associations varied by sex.

RESULTS

Participants who experienced more positive family relationships reported fewer symptoms of depression (β = -0.304, p < .001) and anxiety (β = -0.103, p < .001). Similar results were found between health behaviours and symptoms of depression (β = -0.398, p < .001), and anxiety (β = -0.312, p < .001). Peer relationships were non-significantly associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. Associations were similar for boys and girls.

LIMITATIONS

Students undertook the mental health survey as part of an academic test, which might have increased mental stress. The Socioemotional Skills Scales is newly developed, and results are cross-sectional.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide insight into the experiences of an understudied population during the pandemic and identify positive family relationships and health behaviours as important correlates of mental health during this time.

Give until It Hurts: An Exploratory Analysis of Mental Health Workers' Wellness

BACKGROUND

The well-being of mental health professionals has been of growing concern due to the increasing rates of reported stress and burnout. Previous research suggests that the quality of life for mental health workers (MHWs) is at an increased risk due to clinical load, salary concerns, and lack of time for self-care activities outside of work. There is a lack of research regarding the wellness of MHWs (i.e., psychology graduate students, academic faculty, psychiatrists, and mental health counselors) and its relation to the workplace environment. This study examined job-related factors that impacted participants' social, emotional, and professional well-being.

METHODS

Participants were recruited via professional organization listservs and answered questions about their psychological health (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9), support systems (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), and three qualitative questions about what they enjoy or find challenging about their work and any barriers to engaging in self-care activities.

RESULTS

An inductive qualitative analysis of the qualitative questions and descriptive statistics are presented to provide context for their qualitative responses.

CONCLUSIONS

Institutions can better support their workers by creating outlets to teach their staff self-care strategies and practice these strategies at work.

Association between Social Support and Depressive Symptoms in Informal Caregivers of Adult and Older Dependents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Social support is an important determinant of a carer's mental health. In recent decades, despite many studies reporting on the relationship between social support and depressive symptoms in informal caregivers of adult and older dependents, there are no systematic reviews synthesizing the available evidence. The purpose of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between social support and depressive symptoms in informal caregivers of adults and older dependent people. We searched PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycINFO (ProQuest), and Scopus, up to 15 January 2023 for studies. We applied no date or language limits to our search. A random-effects model was used to pool effect estimates. The included studies were also independently assessed for quality. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots, Egger's regression test, and the Trim and Fill method. Ninety-three studies were included in the review, reporting on a total of 15,431 informal caregivers. We found a moderate negative association between perceived social support and caregiver depressive symptoms (78 studies; r = -0.35, 95% CI = -0.39, -0.31; low heterogeneity and low risk of publications bias) and a small negative association between received social support and caregiver self-reported depressive symptoms (12 studies; r = -0.14, 95% CI = -0.20, -0.07; low heterogeneity and low risk of publications bias). Our results indicate that social support is a clinically relevant construct for carer well-being and an important protective factor for depressive symptoms in informal caregivers of adult and older dependents.

Social Support and Daytime Sleepiness Among Chinese Medical Students: Mediating Roles of Loneliness and Problematic Smartphone Use

Background

Sleep problems have become a serious threat to public health worldwide. Daytime sleepiness is an important indicator of many sleep problems, which have a significant impact on academic performance, physical and mental health, and wellbeing among medical students. We aimed to explore the factors associated with daytime sleepiness among medical students.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 466 medical students recruited via convenience sampling. Self-rated psychometric scales, including the Social Support Rate Scale, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Chinese version of the UCLA loneliness scale, and the Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI), were utilized to evaluate social support, daytime sleepiness, loneliness, and problematic smartphone use. A sequential mediation model was constructed with daytime sleepiness as the dependent variable, social support as the independent variable, and loneliness and problematic smartphone use as mediating variables. Age, gender, and grade were taken as covariates.

Results

Social support among medical students was negatively associated with loneliness, problematic smartphone use, and daytime sleepiness (p < 0.01). A sequential mediation analysis showed that loneliness (the first mediator) and problematic smartphone use (the second mediator) sequentially mediated the path from social support to daytime sleepiness among medical students (β = -0.008; 95% CI = -0.016, -0.002). Moreover, there were also significant mediating roles observed in the relationship between social support and daytime sleepiness via loneliness only (β = -0.037; 95% CI = -0.062, -0.015) and problematic smartphone use only (β = -0.022; 95% CI = -0.041, -0.008).

Conclusion

Social support, loneliness, and problematic smartphone use among medical students influenced their daytime sleepiness. Interventions targeting medical student loneliness and problematic smartphone use behaviors might attenuate the effects from low levels of social support and further improve daytime sleepiness.

Generalized Anxiety Mediates the Relationship Between Loneliness and Sleep Quality Amongst Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, restrictions to minimize its spread have had a profound effect. Government instigated restrictions, such as social isolation, have affected millions worldwide, and the downstream consequences of perceived loneliness upon mental health and sleep are largely unknown. A total of 1662 individuals participated in an online survey. Loneliness, anxiety, and sleep quality were assessed using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorders scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Higher levels of perceived loneliness, as well as each one-unit increase in anxiety, were independent predictors of poor sleep quality, where OR = 1.16 (95% CI: 1.03-1.31) and 1.16 (1.11-1.21), respectively, and after adjustment. In our path analysis, we revealed significant direct effects between loneliness and sleep quality (β = 0.25, p < .001), as well as generalized anxiety and sleep quality (β = 0.28, p < .001), and generalized anxiety mediated the relationship between loneliness and sleep quality (β = 0.33, p < .001). Heightened anxiety and perceived loneliness appear to be significant drivers of poor sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital media platforms that encourage support groups for those experiencing social isolation are encouraged, along with self-help and meditative practices, which may minimize an increase of mental health and sleep disorder diagnoses post COVID-19.

Mental health and protective strategies among community-based health workers in region 3, Philippines during COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 crisis in the Philippines posed both physical and psychological threats to health workers. It is vital to determine practices to protect them. This study determined the prevalence of mental health outcomes among community-based health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and examined the association of protective strategies with symptoms of mental health outcomes. A cross-sectional study design was applied to the records of community-based health workers conducted through online psychological assessment by Department of Health - Central Luzon between September 1-30, 2020. Respondents' age, sex, mental health status, and protective strategies were extracted using Abstraction Form, and analyses were done using OpenEpi. A total of 324 records of community-based health workers were included in the analysis. Ten percent of the respondents present symptoms of stress, 26% anxiety symptoms, and 18% depressive symptoms. The majority of the respondents were using deep breathing techniques, having a constant social connection with family and friends, and engaging in their regular spiritual/religious activities as protective strategies during the pandemic. Engagement in regular spiritual/religious practices was found associated with symptoms of stress through Fisher's exact test. Participants who engaged in religious/spiritual practices were less likely to report symptoms of stress. Community-based health workers showed evident rates of symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. The majority of the participants engaged in various protective strategies but only engagement in regular religious/spiritual practices was found associated with symptoms of stress.

The Influence of Multiple Community Level Traumatic Event Types on Mental Health Outcomes

Lebanon witnessed three large-scale negative community level events in 2020; a severe economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and an explosion in the port of the capital city, Beirut, which resulted in the deaths of 218 individuals and several thousand injured. The current study examined the relationship between the number of community level events individuals identified as personally impactful and corresponding levels of anxiety, depression, and symptoms of PTSD. The study also examined the roles of specific protective factors including perceived social support, resilience, and religious coping. A total of 406 participants aged between 18 to 64 years completed validated self-report measures online in February 2021. Results indicated elevated levels of mental health difficulties within the sample with over half of the participants reporting moderate to severe anxiety and moderate to severe depression and meeting the cut-off for probable PTSD. Females had significantly higher scores on measures of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Individuals reporting all three events as negatively impactful were 47% more likely to meet the cut-off for PTSD than individuals identifying a single event. Resilience appeared to be the strongest protective factor against elevated scores on all three mental health outcomes. Higher scores on negative religious coping were also associated with elevated PTSD scores. Low levels of resilience, higher negative religious coping, and being a female were identified as significant predictors of reaching the PTSD cut-off using binary logistic regression analysis.

Acculturative Stress, Mental Health, and Well-Being among Deaf Adults

Acculturative stress is associated with negative mental health among culturally diverse individuals. Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) individuals experience acculturative stress as they navigate within and between the Hearing and Deaf communities, yet, research has not examined the relationship between deaf acculturative stress and psychological functioning. This study examined the relationships between deaf acculturative stress, well-being, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. One hundred and ten DHH adults (71.6% female, 82.7% White, median age = 30-39) completed an online survey including the Multidimensional Inventory of Deaf Acculturative Stress (MIDAS), demographic questions, and measures of psychological functioning. After controlling for relevant sociodemographic factors, the MIDAS Stress from the Deaf and Hearing Community scales emerged as significant predictors of well-being and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Findings are discussed within the context of DHH sociocultural experiences, and suggestions for future research are offered to inform clinical work with DHH individuals.

Green Social Prescribing in Practice: A Case Study of Walsall, UK

This paper presents a case study of Green Social Prescribing (GSP) in Walsall, a medium-sized urban area located in the West Midlands, UK. GSP is a means of enabling health professionals to refer people to a range of local non-clinical nature-based activities, e.g., community gardening and conservation volunteering. As a new practice to address multiple challenges in health and sustainability, GSP has been promoted by the UK government and the NHS in the past few years. There is as yet limited evidence and knowledge about how this approach is implemented at a local level. This paper addresses this gap of knowledge, by exploring how GSP is implemented in Walsall as a case study. Based on extensive engagement and research activities with the local partners to collect data, this paper reveals the local contexts of GSP, the referral pathways, and people's lived experience, discussing the challenges, barriers, and opportunities in delivering GSP at the local level. This study suggests that a more collaborative and genuine place-based approach is essential, and alongside GSP, investment into infrastructure is needed to move the health paradigm further from 'prevention' to 'promotion' so that more people can benefit from what nature can offer.

The associations between academic stress and depression among college students: A moderated chain mediation model of negative affect, sleep quality, and social support

BACKGROUND

Growing competition in tight job market and academic excellence as a social norm in Asian culture have made Chinese college students burdened with immense academic stress.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the associations between academic stress and depression, and the mediating roles of negative affect and sleep quality, as well as the moderating role of social support in the relationship between negative affect and sleep quality.

METHODOLOGY

A convenience sample of 221 male and 479 female college students aged between 17 and 25 completed questionnaires on academic stress, depression, negative affect, sleep quality and social support.

RESULTS

Results indicated that academic stress could not only directly affect depression (b = 0.31, p < 001), but also affect depression through the mediation role of negative affect and sleep quality. The chain mediating effects includes three paths, namely, the mediating role of negative affect (indirect effect = 0.21, percentage of total effect = 69.58 %), the mediating role of sleep quality (indirect effect = 0.06, percentage of total effect = 21.03 %), and the chain mediating role of negative affect and sleep quality (indirect effect = 0.06, percentage of total effect = 19.86 %). Social support moderated the adverse influence of negative affect on sleep quality. Social support decreases the impact of negative affect on sleep quality. Specifically, the association between negative affect and sleep quality was stronger for college students with low (bsimple = 0.44, p < 0.001) social support than those with high (bsimple = 0.32, p < 0.001) social support.

IMPLICATIONS

The results advanced our understanding of how academic stress affects college students' depression. These findings provide implications on the cultivation of stress coping strategies, promotion of emotion regulation skills, exaltation of sleep quality, and improvement of the social support level aiming for future depression preventions and interventions. Specific measures include setting up psychological health courses, teaching emotion management strategies, and establishing web-based programme steming from acceptance and commitment therapy. It should be noted that the cross-sectional design means the causal associations among the variables could not be determined.

Depression mediates the relationship between social capital and health-related quality of life among Chinese older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

AIM

To explore the association between social capital and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to determine whether depression mediates the association among Chinese older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

A descriptive cross-sectional research design.

METHODS

The Geriatric Depression Scale-15, Social Capital Questionnaire and 12-item Short-Form Health Survey were used to investigate 1201 older adults selected from Jinan, Shandong Province, China, using a multistage stratified cluster random sampling method.

RESULTS

Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between social capital and HRQoL (r = 0.269, p < 0.01). Multivariate linear regression analyses demonstrated that social capital was significantly negatively associated with depression (β = -0.072, p < 0.001) and that depression was associated with HRQoL (β = -1.031, p < 0.001). The mediation analyses showed that depression mediated the association between social capital and HRQoL, and the indirect effect size was 0.073 (95% confidence interval: 0.050, 0.100).

The impact of social support and emotion dysregulation on COVID-19 depressive symptoms

Introduction

Stress resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to psychological consequences, such as depressive symptoms, for individuals worldwide. Outbreaks and pandemics are known to accentuate stressors or generate new ones owing to health-related worries, reduced mobility, and social activity due to quarantine, and sudden life changes. Although post-lockdown U.S. research findings suggest a greater risk of depression among 18- to 25-year-olds, familiarity with technology and virtual socializing may offer college students some protective effect, warranting research with such groups.

Methods

The current study thus explored emotion dysregulation (ED) and perceived social support (PSS) as potential mechanisms for the relationship between COVID-19 stress and depressive symptoms among students at a southern university in the United States. Participants (N = 489) completed a cross-sectional survey assessing their current levels of COVID-19 stress, ED, PSS, and depressive symptoms.

Results

Path analysis showed that PSS buffered the effect of ED on depressive symptoms. The results support the explanatory role of ED in the relationship between COVID-19 stress and depressive symptoms.

Discussion

The perceived social connection may be an essential factor for psychological outcomes during periods of stress and isolation, particularly for those reporting high ED.