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Hynes KC, Russell BS, Tambling RR, Park CL, Fendrich M. Subjective Stress Appraisals Over Time: the Evolving Structure of the COVID-19 Stressor Scale. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2024:10.1007/s11121-024-01694-7. [PMID: 38862829 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-024-01694-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 Stressors Scale measures individuals' appraisals of stressors related to the pandemic. Measurement of perceptions of stressors is necessary to understand the socioemotional impacts of not only the COVID-19 pandemic, but other disasters. The study examined the factor structure of the scale among adults in the U.S. over six time points. A shortened version was used, and the fit was examined over time. The results of the study show contextual appraisals change over time and offer important implications for the measurement of stressfulness of disasters, a critical step in designing and assessing impacts of social programs aimed to reduce the deleterious effects of disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Hynes
- Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Human Services, University of Wisconsin-Stout, 221 10th Avenue E, Menomonie, WI, 54751, USA.
| | - Beth S Russell
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd. U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269-1058, USA
| | - Rachel R Tambling
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd. U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269-1058, USA
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Rd, U-1020, Storrs, CT, 06269-1020, USA
| | - Michael Fendrich
- School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, 38 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT, 06103, USA
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Patwary MM, Bardhan M, Haque MA, Moniruzzaman S, Gustavsson J, Khan MMH, Koivisto J, Salwa M, Mashreky SR, Rahman AKMF, Tasnim A, Islam MR, Alam MA, Hasan M, Harun MAYA, Nyberg L, Islam MA. Impact of extreme weather events on mental health in South and Southeast Asia: A two decades of systematic review of observational studies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118436. [PMID: 38354890 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Extreme weather events in South and Southeast Asia exert profound psychosocial impacts, amplifying the prevalence of mental illness. Despite their substantial consequences, there is a dearth of research and representation in the current literature. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies published between January 1, 2000, and January 20, 2024, to examine the impact of extreme weather events on the mental health of the South and Southeast Asian population. Quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) quality appraisal checklist. The search retrieved 70 studies that met the inclusion criteria and were included in our review. Most were from India (n = 22), and most used a cross-sectional study design (n = 55). Poor mental health outcomes were associated with six types of extreme weather events: floods, storm surges, typhoons, cyclones, extreme heat, and riverbank erosion. Most studies (n = 41) reported short-term outcome measurements. Findings included outcomes with predictable symptomatology, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, general psychological distress, emotional distress and suicide. Limited studies on long-term effects showed higher mental disorders after floods and typhoons, while cyclone-exposed individuals had more short-term distress. Notably, the review identified over 50 risk factors influencing mental health outcomes, categorized into six classes: demographic, economic, health, disaster exposure, psychological, and community factors. However, the quantitative evidence linking extreme weather events to mental health was limited due to a lack of longitudinal data, lack of control groups, and the absence of objective exposure measurements. The review found some compelling evidence linking extreme weather events to adverse mental health in the South and Southeast Asia region. Future research should focus on longitudinal study design to identify the specific stressors and climatic factors influencing the relationship between climate extremes and mental health in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mondira Bardhan
- Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh; Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, USA
| | - Md Atiqul Haque
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Center for Societal Risk Research (CSR), Karlstad University, Sweden.
| | - Syed Moniruzzaman
- Department of Political, Historical and Cultural Studies, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden; Center for Societal Risk Research (CSR), Karlstad University, Sweden.
| | - Johanna Gustavsson
- Department of Political, Historical and Cultural Studies, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden; Center for Societal Risk Research (CSR), Karlstad University, Sweden
| | - Md Maruf Haque Khan
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jenni Koivisto
- Department of Political, Historical and Cultural Studies, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden; Center for Societal Risk Research (CSR), Karlstad University, Sweden; Centre of Natural Hazards and Disaster Science (CNDS), c/o Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, UPPSALA, Sweden
| | - Marium Salwa
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Saidur Rahman Mashreky
- Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, (CIPRB), Bangladesh; Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - A K M Fazlur Rahman
- Center for Societal Risk Research (CSR), Karlstad University, Sweden; Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, (CIPRB), Bangladesh
| | - Anika Tasnim
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Redwanul Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ashraful Alam
- Department of Computational Diagnostic Radiology and Preventive, Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mahadi Hasan
- Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
| | | | - Lars Nyberg
- Department of Political, Historical and Cultural Studies, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden; Center for Societal Risk Research (CSR), Karlstad University, Sweden; Centre of Natural Hazards and Disaster Science (CNDS), c/o Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, UPPSALA, Sweden
| | - Md Atikul Islam
- Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh; Center for Societal Risk Research (CSR), Karlstad University, Sweden.
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Deng CZ, Lee HC, Chen LYA, Chen SH. The Impact of Relocation Patterns on Psychological Stress. Psychol Sci 2024:9567976241239915. [PMID: 38648277 DOI: 10.1177/09567976241239915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated how relocation patterns affect disaster survivors' psychological stress on the diverse durations and spaces of relocation. It analyzed a 10-year data set of 1,236 families affected by 2009's Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan, identifying six relocation patterns through dynamic time warping (DTW). A hierarchical linear model was utilized, revealing the discernible impacts of environmental factors, sociocultural factors, and family-level socioeconomic factors on psychological stress. The study revealed that survivors who quickly found stable residences after the disaster initially experienced lower stress levels, but in the long term, their stress increased. Conversely, those with unstable residences experienced higher initial stress but lower long-term stress. Comparing similar patterns, we found that survivors who had more time for preparation and who sought opportunities, coped, or adapted to secondary stressors before long-distance relocation faced lower stress levels. These findings suggest that relocation patterns have a greater impact on the psychosocial stress of disaster survivors than time or relocation distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Zhong Deng
- National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Chieh Lee
- National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction, Taiwan
| | - Lu-Yen A Chen
- Institute of Clinical Nursing, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
| | - Sue-Huei Chen
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University
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Tambling RR, Russell BS, Fendrich M, Park CL. Predictors of Mental Health Help-Seeking During COVID-19: Social Support, Emotion Regulation, and Mental Health Symptoms. J Behav Health Serv Res 2023; 50:68-79. [PMID: 35426011 PMCID: PMC9009282 DOI: 10.1007/s11414-022-09796-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about factors that contribute to mental health help-seeking during disasters beyond attitudes toward counseling. The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) global pandemic dramatically impacted individuals, families, and communities worldwide. The pandemic led to significant disruptions to family routines, and evidence suggests an increase in instances of mental health symptoms, like depression and anxiety, and poor utilization of mental health services. To better understand psychological factors associated with help-seeking during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers surveyed respondents (n = 1,533 at time 1) about their mental health and help-seeking using Amazon's MTurk platform. The results indicated that individuals with higher levels of anxiety rate their likelihood of help-seeking as higher and those who do seek psychological help report higher levels of depression. Further, those who began new treatment for behavioral health difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic reported lower social support and less clarity about how they felt (specifically, emotional clarity when upset). Implications for clinical researchers and public health are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R Tambling
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Beth S Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Michael Fendrich
- School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
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Alonzo D, Popescu M, Zubaroglu Ioannides P. Mental health impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on parents in high-risk, low income communities. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:575-581. [PMID: 33517821 PMCID: PMC7862916 DOI: 10.1177/0020764021991896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has spread across the globe, resulting in significant changes in virtually every aspect of life. Mitigation efforts, like shelter-in-place orders, have taken a particular toll on parents who have had to navigate disruptions in work and/or school schedules. Research from high-income countries demonstrates increased parental anxiety, stress, depression, and burnout resulting from the pandemic. It is unclear if these outcomes are the same for parents in high-risk communities in low-income countries where pre-pandemic conditions were deleterious. This study addresses this gap and examines the mental health impact of the pandemic on parents in high-risk communities in Guatemala. METHODS A total of 330 individuals from 11 districts in Guatemala participated in the study and were assessed for sociodemographic characteristics and mental health impairment. Chi-squares were conducted for bivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was conducted using binary logistic regression. RESULTS Bivariate analysis revealed differences between groups on burnout, with parents more often reporting feelings of burnout than nonparents (p < .001). Binary regression demonstrated that non-parents were 70% less likely to endorse feelings of stress as compared to parents (OR = .285; p = .014). CONCLUSION Our findings underscore the importance of identifying the unique mental health impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on parents in high-risk communities. In high-risk communities, parental stress is a pressing problem that, if unaddressed, has the potential to result in even greater psychological distress and child maltreatment. Training community healthcare providers to assess and address parental stress can lead to increased community capacity and the development of a community-based network to serve as a first line of support for parents and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Alonzo
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, West Harrison, NY, USA
| | - Marciana Popescu
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, West Harrison, NY, USA
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Aruta JJBR, Crisostomo KA, Canlas NF, Almazan JU, Peñaranda G. Measurement and community antecedents of positive mental health among the survivors of typhoons Vamco and Goni during the COVID-19 crisis in the Philippines. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION : IJDRR 2022; 72:102853. [PMID: 36568021 PMCID: PMC9766873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.102853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined the measurement and antecedents of positive mental health in people who concurrently experienced two disasters of different nature (i.e., typhoons and COVID-19 crisis), focusing on the survivors of typhoons Vamco and Goni that hit the Philippines in November 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, we investigated the psychometric properties of Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF), a well-validated measure of positive mental health dimensions (i.e., emotional, social, and psychological well-being) by: 1) comparing the structural validity of three measurement models including a single-factor, bifactor, and three-factor solutions of positive mental health; 2) looking into the criterion validity through correlating the MHC-SF subscales with relevant measures; and 3) calculating for item reliability. Second, we examined the mediating role of social responsibility in the positive influence of community resilience on the three dimensions of positive mental health. Using 447 participants, with ages ranging from 18 to 70 years old, confirmatory factor analysis showed that compared to the single-factor and the bifactor models, the intercorrelated three-factor model of MHC-SF has the best model fit and most stable factor loadings. MHC-SF subscales correlated with relevant measures indicating criterion validity and yielded excellent internal consistency for all subscales. Additionally, results showed that social responsibility mediated the positive impact of community resilience on emotional, social, and psychological well-being of Filipinos in times of great adversities. The findings were discussed within the context of extreme weather events and the COVID-19 crisis in the Philippines, highlighting implications on disaster preparedness and mental health policies at the community level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nenuca Fe Canlas
- De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004, Manila, Philippines
| | - Joseph U Almazan
- School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Nursultan, 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Gerald Peñaranda
- De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004, Manila, Philippines
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Russell BS, Tomkunas AJ, Hutchison M, Tambling RR, Horton AL. The Protective Role of Parent Resilience on Mental Health and the Parent-Child Relationship During COVID-19. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2022; 53:183-196. [PMID: 34533667 PMCID: PMC8447807 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-021-01243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is linked to particularly potent psychological effects for children and their caregivers while families adjust to new daily routines for work, education, and self-care. Longitudinal associations are presented from a national sample of 271 parents (mean age = 35.29 years, 48.5% female) on resilience, mental health and stress indicators, and parenting outcomes. Multigroup path model results indicate significant associations between resilience and parent stress or parent perceived child stress initiates a sequence of significant linkages to parent depression, followed by caregiver burden and parent-child relationship quality. This final set of linkages between depression and both parenting outcomes were significantly stronger for men, who also reported higher rates of perceived child stress. Results suggest that fathers' depression symptoms and associated spill-over to perceived child stress is producing stronger effects on their parenting experiences than effects reported by mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth S Russell
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd. U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Alexandria J Tomkunas
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd. U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Morica Hutchison
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd. U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Rachel R Tambling
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd. U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Abagail L Horton
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd. U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
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Tambling RR, D’Aniello C, Russell BS. Mental Health Literacy: a Critical Target for Narrowing Racial Disparities in Behavioral Health. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021; 21:1-15. [PMID: 34785992 PMCID: PMC8582339 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00694-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most persistent and troubling health disparities is the underutilization of mental health services, particularly for depression and anxiety, commonly occurring behavioral health concerns. The gap between individuals who need mental health care and those who receive care is large, and identified barriers to treatment include poor mental health and insurance literacy, as well as stigmatizing attitudes toward mental health disorders. The present study presents the results of an inquiry into the mental health literacy, insurance literacy, internalized stigma, and mental health symptoms. Results suggest that mental health literacy is poor and associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, stress, internalized stigma, and caregiver burden. Implications of poor mental health literacy, as well as demographic disparities in literacy, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. R. Tambling
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, Unit 1058, Storrs, CT 06269-1058 USA
| | - C. D’Aniello
- Department of Community, Family, and Addiction Services, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX USA
| | - B. S. Russell
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, Unit 1058, Storrs, CT 06269-1058 USA
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Russell BS, Hutchison M, Park CL, Fendrich M, Finkelstein-Fox L. Short-term impacts of COVID-19 on family caregivers: Emotion regulation, coping, and mental health. J Clin Psychol 2021; 78:357-374. [PMID: 34331773 PMCID: PMC8427037 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background The negative mental health impact of coronavirus disease 2019‐related stressors may be heightened for those caring for children, who bear responsibity for their welfare during disasters. Aim Based on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, we inquired whether caregivers' emotion regulation and coping behavior were associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Materials & Methods Data were collected through a national online survey in April 2020, and again 60 days later. Results:Of the 801 longitudinal cases, 176 (63.6% female; mean age = 33.5) reported caring for minors in their homes during the pandemic. Over 20% of caregivers experienced clinically concerning PTSS, rates higher than their noncaregiving counterparts. Regression analysis indicates caregivers' baseline mental health symptoms and emotion regulation predicted PTSS 60 days later. Discussion Implications for needed parenting supports among families experiencing traumatic stress are provided. Conclusion Anxiety symptoms at baseline were the most significant and consistent contributor to all models and were significantly higher among those with clinically concerning levels of PTSS suggesting a clear intervention target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth S Russell
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Morica Hutchison
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael Fendrich
- School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lucy Finkelstein-Fox
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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10
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PTSD symptoms, emotion regulation difficulties, and family functioning among trauma-exposed college students. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01896-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Chen S, Bagrodia R, Pfeffer CC, Meli L, Bonanno GA. Anxiety and resilience in the face of natural disasters associated with climate change: A review and methodological critique. J Anxiety Disord 2020; 76:102297. [PMID: 32957002 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In the past two decades, climate change-related natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts have become increasingly frequent and severe, impacting the emotional and psychological well-being of those who are directly or indirectly exposed to them. Despite great interest in understanding differences in anxiety and resilience in response to natural disasters, enthusiasm appears to outstrip empirical clarity, as there remains considerable ambiguity as to determinants of resilient or pathological outcomes following exposure to natural disasters. In addition, there are several major methodological limitations in climate change and related natural disaster research, including the use of univariate analyses, cross-sectional design, and retrospective measures. Keeping these limitations in mind, we first review literature examining the mental health outcomes of natural disasters. Findings suggest that, overall, resilience is more common than pathological outcomes. Second, we use a multi-dimensional framework of resilience to selectively review factors at the event, individual, as well as family and community levels that could help inform resilient or pathological outcomes. Finally, we consider key limitations and future directions for research and practice in the field of anxiety and resilience in response to climate disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuquan Chen
- Department of Clinical and Counseling Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, United States.
| | - Rohini Bagrodia
- Department of Clinical and Counseling Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, United States
| | - Charlotte C Pfeffer
- Department of Clinical and Counseling Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, United States
| | - Laura Meli
- Department of Clinical and Counseling Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, United States
| | - George A Bonanno
- Department of Clinical and Counseling Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, United States.
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Russell BS, Hutchison M, Tambling R, Tomkunas AJ, Horton AL. Initial Challenges of Caregiving During COVID-19: Caregiver Burden, Mental Health, and the Parent-Child Relationship. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2020; 51:671-682. [PMID: 32749568 PMCID: PMC7398861 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-01037-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Research confirms that the mental health burdens following community-wide disasters are extensive, with pervasive impacts noted in individuals and families. It is clear that child disaster outcomes are worst among children of highly distressed caregivers, or those caregivers who experience their own negative mental health outcomes from the disaster. The current study used path analysis to examine concurrent patterns of parents' (n = 420) experience from a national sample during the early months of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic. The results of a multi-group path analysis, organized by parent gender, indicate good fit to the data [X2(10) = 159.04, p < .01]. Results indicate significant linkages between parents' caregiver burden, mental health, and perceptions of children's stress; these in turn are significantly linked to child-parent closeness and conflict, indicating possible spillover effects for depressed parents and compensatory effects for anxious parents. The impact of millions of families sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic for an undefined period of time may lead to unprecedented impacts on individuals' mental health with unknown impacts on child-parent relationships. These impacts may be heightened for families whose caregivers experience increased mental health symptoms, as was the case for fathers in the current sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Russell
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, Unit 1058, Storrs, CT, 06269-1058, USA.
| | - M Hutchison
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, Unit 1058, Storrs, CT, 06269-1058, USA
| | - R Tambling
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, Unit 1058, Storrs, CT, 06269-1058, USA
| | - A J Tomkunas
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, Unit 1058, Storrs, CT, 06269-1058, USA
| | - A L Horton
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, Unit 1058, Storrs, CT, 06269-1058, USA
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