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Wang X, Wu Y, Chen Y, Gao Q, Liu W, Xu J, Zang S. Network analysis for inter-relationships of the suboptimal health status with depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: A perspective of predictive, preventive, and personalized health. J Affect Disord 2024; 356:155-161. [PMID: 38604454 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound impact on suboptimal health status, depression, and anxiety, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their inter-relationships at the national level. This study aims to investigate the inter-relationships among suboptimal health status, depression, and anxiety using a network analysis approach. METHODS We conducted a national survey between June 20 and August 31, 2022. Three network models were constructed and analyzed to independently examine the inter-relationships among suboptimal health status, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS A total of 26,152 participants were included in this study. The study network analysis indicated that item 9 (i.e., Slow response) exhibited the highest node strength within the suboptimal health status questionnaire-short form (SHSQ-SF) network, followed by item 5 (i.e., Breathlessness at rest). Additionally, positive correlations were observed between depression and anxiety severity and most of the SHSO-SF items. CONCLUSIONS This study provided valuable insights into inter-relationships between suboptimal health status, depression, and anxiety, informing the development of comprehensive intervention strategies for the general population. These findings have important implications for promoting the well-being and mental health of individuals during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wang
- Department of Community Nursing, School of Nursing, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Gao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenting Liu
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayi Xu
- Department of Community Nursing, School of Nursing, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuang Zang
- Department of Community Nursing, School of Nursing, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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2
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Wu Y, Qu Z, Tang W, Zheng Y, Xiong X, Ye Z, Li Z. Reducing the risk of suicidal behaviors in medical graduate students: exploration of student-supervisor relationship and subjective family socioeconomic status. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1381291. [PMID: 38774432 PMCID: PMC11106388 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1381291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the association between the risk of suicidal behaviors and student-supervisor relationships and subjective family socioeconomic status (SFSS) in medical graduate students, and to propose preventive strategies to reduce the suicidal risk among medical graduate students. Materials and methods A total of 1,310 validated questionnaires were collected from medical graduate students, which included demographic information, study programs, the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) questionnaire, the Leader-Member Exchange 7 (LMX-7) questionnaire, and SFSS by MacArthur Scale. Multiple regression analysis was employed to examine the associations between variables and adjust for confounders. A moderation analysis, containing simple slope analysis and Johnson-Neyman interval plots were used to analyze the moderating effect of the SFSS in the association of SBQ-R and LMX-7 scores. Results A total of 88 participants (6.7%) were at risk of suicidal behaviors. In the high-quality student-supervisor relationship group (LMX-7 score ≥ 25), SFSS was significantly higher than in the low- and moderate-quality relationship group (p=0.002). The median SBQ-R score and proportion of suicide risk was significantly lower (p<0.001) in the high-quality student-supervisor relationship group. Multiple regression analysis indicated LMX-7 scores (β=-0.098, 95% CI [-0.118, -0.077], p<0.001) and SFSS (β=-0.073, 95% CI [-0.127, -0.019], p=0.008) were significantly negatively associated with SBQ-R, whereas the interaction term of SFSS with LMX-7 (β=0.018, 95% CI [0.007, 0.029], p=0.001) showed a significant positive association with SBQ-R. The Johnson-Neyman interval showed a significant association between LMX-7 and SBQ-R scores only when SFSS was less than 7.82 (p<0.05). Conclusion The risk of suicidal behaviors was associated with student-supervisor relationships and SFSS among medical graduate students. Poor relationships with supervisor were associated with an elevated risk of suicidality, and SFSS moderated this association. Educators should pay increased attention to the suicidal risk of medical graduate students with poor supervisor relationships, especially those from families with low SFSS, and provide timely preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- College of Marxism, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Postgraduate Students, West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zheng Qu
- School of Allied Health Sciences, West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wanjie Tang
- Center for Health and Psychology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunhao Zheng
- West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Xiong
- West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zheng Ye
- School of Allied Health Sciences, West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenlin Li
- School of Allied Health Sciences, West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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3
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Ferrajão P, Frias F, Elklit A. Exploring Independent and Cumulative Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on PTSD and CPTSD a Study in Ugandan Adolescents. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:517. [PMID: 38790512 PMCID: PMC11119836 DOI: 10.3390/children11050517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is related to higher morbidity and mortality among adolescents. The present study analyzed the independent and cumulative effects of ACE exposure on the likelihood of PTSD and a CPSTD diagnosis in Ugandan adolescents. A sample of 401 schoolchildren participated in the study. The primary aim was to collect information on ACEs, PTSD, CPTSD, and attachment styles among adolescents living in different countries. It was found that exposure to 2-3 ACEs and exposure to 4-5 ACEs were significantly associated with PTSD diagnosis, while exposure to sexual abuse, bullying, threats of violence, and near-drowning were significantly related to CPTSD diagnosis. Fearful attachment style was significantly associated with PTSD diagnosis. The results propose that biological, psychological, and social issues interact and contribute to the differential prevalence of ACE, attachment styles, and PTSD/CPTSD. This study underscores the importance of addressing childhood-averse and traumatic experiences as a public health priority in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Ferrajão
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Europeia, Quinta do Bom Nome, Estrada da Correia 53, 1500-210 Lisbon, Portugal;
- CIDESD—Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Francisco Frias
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Europeia, Quinta do Bom Nome, Estrada da Correia 53, 1500-210 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Ask Elklit
- National Center for Psychotraumatology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark;
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4
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Alexander S, Vue Z, Sevel L, Vang C, Neikirk K, Hinton A, Oliver KH. How to design a broad mindfulness program: One approach to introducing mindfulness to a STEM commumity within a university setting. J Cell Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38606793 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31252] [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] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Mindfulness has become popular in recent decades as a tool for psychological well-being. However, mindfulness has yet to find a solid footing as a routine practice within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field. Here, we discuss the design of an introductory mindfulness program that provides the STEM community with a broad overview of various mindfulness methods. We also discuss delivery implementation methods and other considerations when designing mindfulness programming. This article provides resources for those interested in incorporating mindfulness into the STEM field, especially within the university setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Landrew Sevel
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Chia Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kendra H Oliver
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Sciences School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- ArtLab Studio LLC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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5
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Barreira P, Bolotnyy V. A blueprint for measuring and improving graduate student mental health. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:812-818. [PMID: 35380928 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2057804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We provide a step-by-step guide for developing, administering, evaluating, and acting on a survey-based study of graduate student mental health. Methods: Blueprint focuses on forging student-faculty collaboration and is based on Harvard University's Graduate Student Mental Health Initiative (GSMHI). The survey tool we use includes validated screening instruments for depression, anxiety, imposter phenomenon, self-esteem, alcohol consumption, exercise and sleep habits, and loneliness. It also includes environmental questions that collect epidemiologic data, as well as ratings of advising relationships and student dynamics. Results: After 6 years, GSMHI has analyzed data from 30 different PhD programs and 4,866 students, overseen the implementation of more than 60 departmental action plans, and performed 9 follow-up surveys to assess progress. It has achieved high response rates (60-90%), discovered wide variation in mental health and environmental factors across departments, and supported experiments with interventions. Conclusion: We hope this blueprint helps other universities run similar initiatives. Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2057804 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Barreira
- Office of the Provost and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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6
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De Peuter S, Dierickx K, Meganck M, Lerouge I, Vandevelde W, Storms G. Mismatch in perceptions of the quality of supervision and research data management as an area of concern: Results from a university-wide survey of the research integrity culture at a Belgian university. Account Res 2024:1-32. [PMID: 38374543 DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2024.2318245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Researchers of KU Leuven, a large Belgian university, were invited to complete a bespoke questionnaire assessing their attitudes toward research integrity and the local research culture, with specific emphasis on the supervision of junior researchers. A total of 7,353 invitations were sent via e-mail and 1,866 responses were collected (25.3% response rate), of which 1,723 responses are reported upon here. Some of the findings are relevant to the broader research community. Whereas supervisors evaluated their supervision of junior researchers almost unanimously as positive, fewer supervisees evaluated it as such. Data management emerged as an area of concern, both in terms of reviewing raw data and of data storage. More female than male professors emphasized open communication and supported their supervisees' professional development and personal well-being. At the same time, fewer female professors felt safe to speak up than male professors. Finally, researchers who obtained their master's degree outside Europe evaluated their supervision and KU Leuven's research culture more positively than researchers with a master's degree from KU Leuven. The results of the survey were fed back to the university's board and several bodies and served as input to update the university's research policy. Faculties and departments received a detailed report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven De Peuter
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - K Dierickx
- Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Meganck
- Faculty of Engineering Technology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - I Lerouge
- Research Coordination Office, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - W Vandevelde
- Research Coordination Office, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G Storms
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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7
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Bernstein EE, Shingleton RM, Finch EF, LeBlanc NJ, Bentley KH, Barreira P, McNally RJ. A roadmap to address stress in graduate students: How to develop and disseminate a student-led single-session evidence based intervention. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38227928 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2299427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Objective: This manuscript describes an evidence-based, student-led, single-session group intervention to support emotional wellbeing among graduate students. The present objective is to provide a roadmap for other universities. Participants: Key participants include clinical psychology graduate students (leader and workshop facilitators), faculty supervisor, representatives from receiving departments or schools, and institutional advocates. Methods: The two-hour workshop was based on four core transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral skills, including psychoeducation about emotions, mindful emotional awareness, cognitive flexibility, and behavior change. The workshop was designed and continues to be led by trained graduate students. Results: Key steps and lessons learned are presented for the exploration, preparation, implementation, and sustainment phases. Conclusions: This program has the potential to be flexibly replicated at other universities to assist with graduate student mental health. It provides unique supports for recipients and unique training opportunities for student facilitators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Bernstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Ellen F Finch
- Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicole J LeBlanc
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kate H Bentley
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul Barreira
- Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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8
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Amanvermez Y, Karyotaki E, Cuijpers P, Ciharova M, Bruffaerts R, Kessler RC, Klein AM, Wiers RW, de Wit LM. Sources of stress among domestic and international students: a cross-sectional study of university students in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2023:1-18. [PMID: 38047318 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2023.2280701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
High perceived stress is associated with psychological and academic difficulties among college students. In this study, we aimed to investigate associations of student status (international vs domestic student in the Netherlands) with eight common sources of stress (i.e., financial, health, love life, relationship with family, relationship with people at work/ school, the health of loved ones, other problems of loved ones, and life in general). Participants were 2,196 college students (domestic: n = 1,642, international: n = 554) from two universities in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were used to estimate associations of student status with all eight sources of stress. Student status was significantly associated with higher levels of perceived stress in almost all life domains. International student status was significantly associated with higher perceived stress in the domains of financial situation and health of loved ones after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and other sources of stress. Findings highlight that several differences exist in the magnitude of perceived stress in certain areas between international and domestic students in the Netherlands. Consequently, it is essential to uncover the different needs of college students and develop specific strategies to deliver the most suitable services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Amanvermez
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Eirini Karyotaki
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marketa Ciharova
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ronny Bruffaerts
- Universitair Psychiatrisch Centrum - Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (UPC-KUL), Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anke M Klein
- Developmental and Educational Psychology of the Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Reinout W Wiers
- Addiction, Development, and Psychopathology (ADAPT) Lab, Department of Psychology, and Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonore M de Wit
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Lubega N, Anderson A, Nelson NC. Experience of irreproducibility as a risk factor for poor mental health in biomedical science doctoral students: A survey and interview-based study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293584. [PMID: 37967083 PMCID: PMC10651026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
High rates of irreproducibility and of poor mental health in graduate students have been reported in the biomedical sciences in the past ten years, but to date, little research has investigated whether these two trends interact. In this study, we ask whether the experience of failing to replicate an expected finding impacts graduate students' mental health. Using an online survey paired with semi-structured qualitative interviews, we examined how often biomedical science doctoral students at a large American public university experienced events that could be interpreted as failures to replicate and how they responded to these experiences. We found that almost all participants had experience with irreproducibility: 84% had failed to replicate their own results, 70% had failed to replicate a colleague's finding, and 58% had failed to replicate a result from the published literature. Participants reported feelings of self-doubt, frustration, and depression while experiencing irreproducibility, and in 24% of cases, these emotional responses were strong enough to interfere with participants' eating, sleeping, or ability to work. A majority (82%) of participants initially believed that the anomalous results could be attributed to their own error. However, after further experimentation, most participants concluded that the original result was wrong (38%), that there was a key difference between the original experiment and their own (17%), or that there was a problem with the protocol (17%). These results suggest that biomedical science graduate students may be biased towards initially interpreting failures to replicate as indicative of a lack of skill, which may trigger or perpetuate feelings of anxiety, depression, or impostorism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser Lubega
- University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, United States of America
| | - Abigail Anderson
- Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago IL, United States of America
| | - Nicole C. Nelson
- University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, United States of America
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10
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SenthilKumar G, Mathieu NM, Freed JK, Sigmund CD, Gutterman DD. Addressing the decline in graduate students' mental well-being. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H882-H887. [PMID: 37624099 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00466.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
At the American Physiology Summit 2023 session entitled, "Mental Health for Graduate Students," numerous students expressed struggling with poor mental well-being primarily because of negative experiences during their graduate training. In fact, studies show that up to 50% of graduate students report symptoms of depression, anxiety, or burnout during their training, and poor mental well-being is a major contributor to students' decision to leave academia. Most of the current solutions focus on treatment or wellness strategies; while these are important and necessary, the training environment or culture that often contributes to worsening well-being continues to persist. In this collaborative article between trainees and mentors across various career stages, we discuss how the pace of scientific advancements and the associated competition, lack of sufficient support for students from diverse backgrounds, and mentor-mentee relationships crucially influence graduate students' mental well-being. We then offer specific solutions at the individual, institutional, and national levels that can serve as a starting point for improving graduate students' mental health and overall training experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopika SenthilKumar
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Natalia M Mathieu
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Julie K Freed
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Curt D Sigmund
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - David D Gutterman
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
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11
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Wu Y, Luo M, Zhang Y. The power of (surreptitiously) mentioning your mentor's name: Subliminal priming of mentor's name modulates N170 responses to blurred faces. Biol Psychol 2023; 182:108649. [PMID: 37495070 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Using the event-related potentials (ERPs) technique and subliminal priming paradigm, the present study examined the influence of mentioning a mentor's name on graduate students. Fifty-eight graduate students were subliminally primed by mentor and stranger names before making pressure judgments of a series of unrelated blurred facial photos with neutral emotion. The face-sensitive N170 components were analyzed according to the pressure judgment × name prime conditions. The results showed that relative to stranger names, subliminal priming of mentor's name could modulate students' N170 reactions during facial processing. Specifically, the mentor-name priming attenuated N170 amplitudes for high-pressure judgment trials on the right hemisphere but heightened the overall N170 responses on the left hemisphere. Behavioral results also showed that the mentor-name priming slowed students' reaction time during pressure judgments; in addition, students' attitudes towards mentors were correlated with N170 amplitudes on high-pressure judgment conditions. These findings provided neuroscientific evidence demonstrating the psychological significance of mentors to graduate students. Theoretical and practical implications were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- School of Marxism, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Research Center for Educational Neuroscience, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingyan Luo
- School of Educational Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Research Center for Educational Neuroscience, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; School of Educational Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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12
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Friedrich J, Bareis A, Bross M, Bürger Z, Cortés Rodríguez Á, Effenberger N, Kleinhansl M, Kremer F, Schröder C. "How is your thesis going?"-Ph.D. students' perspectives on mental health and stress in academia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288103. [PMID: 37399184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental health issues among Ph.D. students are prevalent and on the rise, with multiple studies showing that Ph.D. students are more likely to experience symptoms of mental health-related issues than the general population. However, the data is still sparse. This study aims to investigate the mental health of 589 Ph.D. students at a public university in Germany using a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach. We administered a web-based self-report questionnaire to gather data on the mental health status, investigated mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and potential areas for improvement of the mental health and well-being of Ph.D. students. Our results revealed that one-third of the participants were above the cut-off for depression and that factors such as perceived stress and self-doubt were prominent predictors of the mental health status of Ph.D. students. Additionally, we found job insecurity and low job satisfaction to be predictors of stress and anxiety. Many participants in our study reported working more than full-time while being employed part-time. Importantly, deficient supervision was found to have a negative effect on Ph.D. students' mental health. The study's results are in line with those of earlier investigations of mental health in academia, which likewise reveal significant levels of depression and anxiety among Ph.D. students. Overall, the findings provide a greater knowledge of the underlying reasons and potential interventions required for advancing the mental health problems experienced by Ph.D. students. The results of this research can guide the development of effective strategies to support the mental health of Ph.D. students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Friedrich
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- sustainAbility Ph.D. Initiative at the Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anna Bareis
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- sustainAbility Ph.D. Initiative at the Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Moritz Bross
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- sustainAbility Ph.D. Initiative at the Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Zoé Bürger
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- sustainAbility Ph.D. Initiative at the Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Álvaro Cortés Rodríguez
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- sustainAbility Ph.D. Initiative at the Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nina Effenberger
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- sustainAbility Ph.D. Initiative at the Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus Kleinhansl
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- sustainAbility Ph.D. Initiative at the Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fabienne Kremer
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- sustainAbility Ph.D. Initiative at the Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Cornelius Schröder
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- sustainAbility Ph.D. Initiative at the Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
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13
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Peng B, Hu N, Guan L, Chen C, Chen Z, Yu H. Family functioning and suicidal ideation in college students: a moderated mediation model of depression and acceptance. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1137921. [PMID: 37457254 PMCID: PMC10347377 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1137921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the mediating role of depression in the relationship between family functioning and suicidal ideation (SI) in college students, and to explore whether acceptance (It is one of the core components of psychological flexibility) plays a moderating role in this mediating model. Methods In a cross-sectional study, questionnaires were distributed to college students during November and December 2022. The sample of Chinese college students (n = 592, 43.07% male, 56.93% female, mean age 19.40 years, SD = 1.24 years) completed the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES III), the Center for Epidemiological Depression Scale (CES-D), the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Inventory (PANSI), and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Second Edition (AAQ II). SPSS 25.0 for Windows and PROCESS 2.15 macros were used for data analysis. Results There was a significant negative correlation between family functioning and SI, and depression played a mediating role in this relationship. Acceptance moderated the indirect effects of depression and SI in college students. In college students with a lower acceptance level (i.e., higher experiential avoidance level), depression had more influence on SI, while the influence of depression on SI was less in college students with a higher acceptance level (i.e., lower experiential avoidance level). Family functioning indirectly influenced SI through the moderation of acceptance. Conclusion Mental health educators in colleges and universities should pay more attention to identifying and relieving depression in college students, thereby dealing with suicide risk more effectively. At the same time, college students should be discouraged from excessive use of experiential avoidance strategies, and instead taught to master effective emotional regulation strategies such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and radical acceptance skills to improve their acceptance level and alleviate the influence of depression on SI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Peng
- School of Marxism, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ningning Hu
- Nursing School of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Li Guan
- Hainan Women and Children’s Medical Center, Haikou, China
| | - Chao Chen
- School of Marxism, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhu Chen
- Zunyi Medical University, Guiyang Hospital of Stomatology, Guiyang, China
| | - Huiying Yu
- School of Marxism, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Health Development Research Center, Guiyang, China
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14
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Kılıç C, Karahan FŞ. Mental Health Problems Among Graduate Students in Turkey: a Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COUNSELLING 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37359032 PMCID: PMC10238247 DOI: 10.1007/s10447-023-09514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
In this study, depression/anxiety and academic distress were investigated among graduate students in Turkey. The study sample comprised 459 graduate students who voluntarily completed an online survey (294 women, 64%). Independent t-tests and multivariate analyses were performed to examine group differences. The results confirmed that depression/anxiety and academic distress scores varied according to sociodemographic variables. Whereas depression/anxiety and academic distress did not show significant differences in terms of gender and place of residence, students who had previously sought psychological help had higher levels of depression/anxiety and academic distress. Younger age, being a master's student, and being single increased the risk of having higher levels of depression/anxiety and academic distress. University counseling centers may benefit from these findings in efforts to identify graduate students at risk and apply appropriate prevention and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cafer Kılıç
- Department of Guidance and Psychological Counseling, Faculty of Education, Uşak University, 1 Eylül Kampüsü, Eğitim Fakültesi, 64200 Uşak, Turkey
| | - Faika Şanal Karahan
- Department of Guidance and Psychological Counseling, Faculty of Education, Uşak University, 1 Eylül Kampüsü, Eğitim Fakültesi, 64200 Uşak, Turkey
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15
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Jachim SK, Bowles BS, Panicker AJ, Yousaf I, Brown AD, Zoroufy AJ, Boehmer KR, Stonnington CM, Vadeboncoeur TF, Lujan JL, Ehlers SL, Schulze AJ. A single-center assessment of mental health and well-being in a biomedical sciences graduate program. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:728-733. [PMID: 37193845 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01778-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Jachim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Bradley S Bowles
- Department of Clinical and Translational Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Iris Yousaf
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alyssa D Brown
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Kasey R Boehmer
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Health Care Delivery Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - J Luis Lujan
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shawna L Ehlers
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Autumn J Schulze
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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16
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Liu J, Ran G, Zhang Q, Li Y, Zhang Q. The association between callous-unemotional traits and suicide ideation among youth: A conditional process analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 328:245-254. [PMID: 36806662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between callous-unemotional (CU) traits (the affective facet of psychopathy and the psychopathy that occurs during childhood and adolescence) and suicide ideation (SI) remains unclear. The mechanisms underlying this association still have a gap in the literature. The aims of this study were to determine whether and how callous-unemotional traits were associated with suicide ideation, and to evaluate the mediating effect of negative affect (includes irritability, depression, and anxiety) and the moderating effect of future orientation on the association. METHODS Data were extracted from a longitudinal study involving middle and high school students, with 1,913 students (55.3% girls) aged 11 to 19 years (14.9 ± 1.6 years) completing a self-reported online survey. The conditional process analysis was examined using Mplus 8.3. RESULTS We found that callous-unemotional traits positively predicted youths' current suicide ideation, with the observed positive relationship partly mediated by negative affect. However, callous-unemotional traits did not predict the worst-point suicide ideation, which indicated the connection fully mediated by negative affect. Furthermore, future orientation moderated these indirect effects. LIMITATIONS Use of self-report measures and cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS These findings provided evidence for current debates and conflicting conclusions, and set the foundation for future research, as well as implied the important intervention goals for reducing suicide ideation in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncai Liu
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China
| | - Guangming Ran
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Preschool and Primary Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China
| | - Yinglun Li
- Sichuan Jianmenguan High School, Guangyuan 628317, China
| | - Qiongzhi Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China
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17
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Tu AK, Restivo Haney J, O'Neill K, Swaminathan A, Choi KW, Lee H, Smoller JW, Patel V, Barreira PJ, Liu CH, Naslund JA. Post-traumatic growth in PhD students during the COVID-19 pandemic. PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:100104. [PMID: 36743383 PMCID: PMC9886426 DOI: 10.1016/j.psycom.2023.100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, graduate students have faced increased risk of mental health challenges. Research suggests that experiencing adversity may induce positive psychological changes, called post-traumatic growth (PTG). These changes can include improved relationships with others, perceptions of oneself, and enjoyment of life. Few existing studies have explored this phenomenon among graduate students. This secondary data analysis of a survey conducted in November 2020 among graduate students at a private R1 University in the northeast United States examined graduate students' levels and correlates of PTG during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students had a low level of PTG, with a mean score of 10.31 out of 50. Linear regression models showed significant positive relationships between anxiety and PTG and between a measure of self-reported impact of the pandemic and PTG. Non-White minorities also had significantly greater PTG than White participants. Experiencing more negative impact due to the pandemic and ruminating about the pandemic were correlated with greater PTG. These findings advance research on the patterns of PTG during the COVID-19 pandemic and can inform future studies of graduate students' coping mechanisms and support efforts to promote pandemic recovery and resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K. Tu
- Harvard College, 86 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Juliana Restivo Haney
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Kathryn O'Neill
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Akshay Swaminathan
- Stanford University, School of Medicine, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Karmel W. Choi
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hyunjoon Lee
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jordan W. Smoller
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Vikram Patel
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Paul J. Barreira
- Office of the Provost and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Cindy H. Liu
- Departments of Pediatric Newborn Medicine and Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - John A. Naslund
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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18
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Talarowska M, Rucka K, Kowalczyk M, Chodkiewicz J, Kowalczyk E, Karbownik MS, Sienkiewicz M. Mental Health of Students at Polish Universities after Two Years of the Outbreak of COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1921. [PMID: 36767287 PMCID: PMC9915401 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031921] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health deterioration in young adults in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic is being increasingly studied. It is clear that the psychological consequences of the pandemic will be evident for many years, especially among the younger generation, who did not have time to acquire adaptive coping strategies before the outbreak of COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to assess the condition of the mental health of students at Polish universities after two years of the pandemic. The types of coping strategies used by the respondents to deal with stress were also evaluated in order to establish which of them could have a beneficial effect on the psyche of young people. METHODS This study included 721 participants (age [years]: M = 25.7, SD = 5.3; 269 (37.2%) males) recruited using snowball sampling from students at two universities in Lodz, Poland, and full-time doctoral students from across Poland (phase I of the study was conducted in March 2019 (N = 352); phase II of the study was conducted in April 2022 (N = 369)). The following tools were used in this study: The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) by D. Goldberg, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the Inventory for Measuring Coping with Stress (Mini-COPE) by Carver et al. Pearson's chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS The results detailing the condition of the mental health of the subjects, as measured using GHQ-28, were significantly worse in the group surveyed after two years of the pandemic than the results of the survey conducted in March 2019 (adjusted odds ratio for GHQ-28 ≥ 5: 3.66, 95%CI 2.12-6.30, p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences were seen for each of the subscales of the GHQ-28 questionnaire. Most often, the subjects complained of anxiety symptoms and sleep disorders, in addition to somatic symptoms. The risk factors for worsening mental health included female (odds ratio 1.70, 95%CI 1.20-2.40, p = 0.003) and professional inactivity (odds ratio 1.55, 95%CI 1.04-2.31, p = 0.031). On the other hand, the ages of the people surveyed, their relationship status, whether they had children, or the type of university they attended all proved to be insignificant. The following coping strategies had a positive impact on the mental health of the respondents: positive reframing (Z = -2.951; p = 0.003) and seeking emotional support (Z = -2.351; p = 0.019). In contrast, strategies such as self-distraction (Z = 2.785; p = 0.005), denial (Z = 2.948; p = 0.003), venting (Z = 2.337; p = 0.019), self-blame (Z = 5.511; p < 0.001) and behavioral disengagement (Z = 4.004; p < 0.001) were associated with poorer mental health among the respondents. CONCLUSIONS 1. Of the students surveyed, 33% reported elevated stress levels after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. The overall mental health of students at Polish universities, as measured by GHQ-28, was significantly worse in the group evaluated after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly in respect of anxiety symptoms and sleep disorders. 3. Female gender and professional inactivity appeared to be risk factors for the students' worsening mental health, which may be an indication of the need for further research and planning of psychotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Talarowska
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology, Institute of Psychology, University of Lodz, al. Rodziny Scheiblerów 2, 90-128 Lodz, Poland
| | - Kinga Rucka
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology, Institute of Psychology, University of Lodz, al. Rodziny Scheiblerów 2, 90-128 Lodz, Poland
| | - Mateusz Kowalczyk
- Babinski Memorial Hospital, ul. Aleksandrowska 159, 91-229 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jan Chodkiewicz
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology, Institute of Psychology, University of Lodz, al. Rodziny Scheiblerów 2, 90-128 Lodz, Poland
| | - Edward Kowalczyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Michał Seweryn Karbownik
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Monika Sienkiewicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostic, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
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19
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Naumann S, Matyjek M, Bögl K, Dziobek I. Doctoral researchers' mental health and PhD training satisfaction during the German COVID-19 lockdown: results from an international research sample. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22176. [PMID: 36550297 PMCID: PMC9778465 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26601-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Academia has been facing a mental health crisis particularly affecting early career researchers (ECRs). Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented burden on the mental health of many individuals. Therefore, we cross-sectionally investigated how doctoral researchers (N = 222) evaluate their mental health status and satisfaction with their PhD training before and during the pandemic. As compared to self-reported, retrospective evaluations about the pre-pandemic state, we found decreased satisfaction with PhD training and overall well-being. The whole sample exhibited high levels of personal and work-related burnout, a fifth indicated clinically meaningful levels of depressive symptoms and almost 25% experienced severe loneliness. When exploring predictors of depression, anxiety, and burnout, we identified low satisfaction with PhD training as the most prominent predictor for poor mental health, suggesting a link between the doctoral work and their mental health status. Females vs. males and doctoral researchers in individual doctorate vs. structured PhD programs reported higher symptoms of burnout. Our study replicates previous findings of poor mental health in doctoral researchers and indicates further decreases of mental wellbeing under the influence of the pandemic. Systematic adjustments in academia are required to improve the mental health of ECRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Naumann
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Psychology, Institute of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Matyjek
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany ,grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Department of Psychology, Institute of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Bögl
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany ,grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Department of Psychology, Institute of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabel Dziobek
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany ,grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Department of Psychology, Institute of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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20
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Kaggwa MM, Najjuka SM, Favina A, Griffiths MD, Mamun MA. Suicidal behaviors and associated factors among medical students in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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21
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Hawke LD, Sheikhan NY, Jones N, Slade M, Soklaridis S, Wells S, Castle D. Embedding lived experience into mental health academic research organizations: Critical reflections. Health Expect 2022; 25:2299-2305. [PMID: 35999670 PMCID: PMC9615091 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As part of a growing emphasis on engaging people with lived experience of mental health conditions in mental health research, there are increasing calls to consider and embed lived experience throughout academic research institutes. This extends beyond the engagement of lay patients and also considers the potential roles of academic researchers with lived experience. When the lived experience of academic researchers is applied to academic work, there is the potential to improve the relevance of the research, while destigmatizing mental illness within academia. However, there are different and often contrasting perspectives on the way a lived experience academic researcher initiative should be implemented. Objectives This article describes some of the key issues to be considered when planning an initiative that leverages and values the lived experience of academic researchers, including the advantages and disadvantages of each potential approach. Discussion & Recommendations Institutions are encouraged to reflect on the ways that they might support and value lived experience among academic researchers. In developing any such initiative, institutions are encouraged to be transparent about their objectives and values, undertake a careful planning process, involve researchers with lived experience from the outset and consistently challenge the stigma experienced by academic researchers with lived experience. Patient or Public Contribution Multiple authors are academic researchers with lived experience of mental health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Hawke
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natasha Y Sheikhan
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nev Jones
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mike Slade
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Nord University, Namsos, Norway
| | - Sophie Soklaridis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Education Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samantha Wells
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Castle
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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22
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Madore MR, Byrd D. Optimizing mentoring relationships with persons from historically marginalized communities through the use of difficult dialogues. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2022; 44:441-449. [PMID: 35924945 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2022.2108770] [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: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychology has struggled to recruit and retain trainees and early career professionals from historically marginalized communities (HMC). One of the primary strategies for retaining these individuals, and ensuring their success, is quality mentorship. Effective mentorship for trainees from HMC requires responsive attention to the unique training experiences that emerge from societal forces, such as structural racism and classism. Although not often discussed with mentors, trainees from these groups experience discrimination at substantial rates, which contributes to dissatisfaction, stress, and ultimately elevated attrition. One strategy to reduce attrition involves developing relational mentorship dynamics to encourage explicit conversations about instances of discrimination during training. However, a barrier to nurturing these types of dynamics is the difference in power and privilege across multiple axes in the dyad. Infusing techniques from the Difficult Dialogues framework offers mentors of HMC trainees a tangible route to reducing the impact of differential power, enhancing relational dynamics, and increasing the likelihood of retention in neuropsychology. The objectives of this manuscript are to elucidate the necessity of understanding one's power and privilege in the mentorship dyad by understanding barriers experienced by persons from HMC. This manuscript also outlines specific strategies through the lens of the Difficult Dialogues framework to ameliorate the negative impact of unaddressed differentials of power and privilege in the mentoring of training experiences in clinical neuropsychology. Finally, through the use of anonymized case examples, the manuscript offers effective strategies for responsive, professional development of trainees from HMC to facilitate supportive neuropsychological training experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R Madore
- Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research Education Clinical Centers (MIRECC), Palo Alto, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Desiree Byrd
- Department of Psychology, Queens College and The Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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23
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A study in University of Ruhuna for investigating prevalence, risk factors and remedies for psychiatric illnesses among students. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12763. [PMID: 35896566 PMCID: PMC9326135 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16838-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no comprehensive study on the mental health of Sri Lankan undergraduate in higher education, as most existing studies have been done for medical students only. It is unknown how academic and environmental factors contribute for the prevalence of psychiatric illnesses. Further, there is no sufficient information on the student/university based remedies to reduce the psychological distress of students. This research is carried out to find the overall psychological distress, well-being, prevalence percentages of psychiatric illnesses, associated risk factors, and student/university remedies to overcome them. We use standard questionnaires to screen for psychiatric illnesses, and we analyze the responses for our own questionnaire using Binary logistic regression analysis to identify demographic factors, academic factors, and environmental factors causing each mental disorder. We use Pearson correlation coefficient to identify correlation between prevalence of each psychiatric illnesses. All 13 psychiatric illnesses were found with a moderate correlation among diseases having a mean prevalence percentage of 28 and a standard deviation of 14.36, despite the prevalence of well-being factors among students and only 8% are clinically diagnosed. 89% of the students were suffering from at least one psychiatric illness and 68% were found to be psychologically distressed. Sets of overall and individual demographic, academic, and environmental risk factors contributing for the prevalence of a psychiatric illness in general and in particular were identified respectively after a binary logistic regression analysis. 61% of the students don’t receive psychiatric help from the university and are using their own remedies. The universities must consider the environmental and academic risk factors associated with psychiatric illnesses and design curriculum, expand resources, and provide counseling services to reduce the impact of risk factors.
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24
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Tancredi S, Burton-Jeangros C, Ruegg R, Righi E, Kagstrom A, Quesnel Vallee A, Chiolero A, Bracke P, Buffel V, Van De Velde S, Cullati S. Financial Loss and Depressive Symptoms in University Students During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparison Between 23 Countries. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604468. [PMID: 35910427 PMCID: PMC9328628 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To assess the association between students’ financial loss and depressive symptoms during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and whether this association varied by countries having different levels of lockdown measures. Methods: This cross-sectional survey, conducted in spring 2020, included 91,871 students from 23 countries. Depressive symptoms were measured using the shortened Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and information on lockdowns retrieved from the COVID-19 government response tracker. The association between financial loss and depressive symptoms was investigated estimating prevalence ratios (PR) with multilevel Poisson models. Results: Some 13% of students suffered financial loss during the lockdown and 52% had a relatively high depression score, with large between-countries differences. Minimally and maximally adjusted models showed a 35% (PR = 1.35, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.29–1.42) and 31% (PR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.26–1.37) higher prevalence of depressive symptoms in students who lost economic resources compared to students with stable economic resources. No substantial differences in the association were found across countries. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms were more frequent among students who suffered financial loss during the pandemic. Policy makers should consider this issue in the implementation of COVID-19 mitigating measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tancredi
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- *Correspondence: Stefano Tancredi,
| | - Claudine Burton-Jeangros
- Institute of Sociological Research, Geneva School of Social Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - René Ruegg
- Department of Social Work, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elena Righi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anna Kagstrom
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- National Institute of Mental Health, Prague, Czechia
| | - Amelie Quesnel Vallee
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Arnaud Chiolero
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Piet Bracke
- Health & Demographic Research Group, Department of Sociology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Veerle Buffel
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sarah Van De Velde
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stéphane Cullati
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Readaptation and Geriatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
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Ahalli S, Fort E, Bridai Y, Baborier N, Charbotel B. Mental health and working constraints of first-year PhD students in health and science in a French university: a cross-sectional study in the context of occupational health monitoring. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057679. [PMID: 35772821 PMCID: PMC9247661 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the mental health and working constraints perception of first-year PhD in France. DESIGN It is a cross-sectional study. SETTING The study was conducted by the team of the Lyon 1 University's Occupational Health and Medical Service for Staff, from October 2019 to February 2020. First-year PhD students employed by the university were seen during the routine occupational health medical check-up. PARTICIPANTS A total of 161 PhD students in science from the 2019 intake were included in the study (participation rate 98%). OUTCOME MEASURES Data were collected using a self-questionnaire on psychosocial constraints at work (Job Content Questionnaire), the quality of the professional relationship with the supervisor (Advisory Working Alliance Inventory, Student perspective (AWAI-S)), medical conditions, anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). RESULTS A total of 161 PhD students from the 2019 intake were included in the study (participation rate 98%). Most of the PhD students reported high psychological demands (58%), high decision latitude (53%), high social support (55%) and good professional relationships with their supervisor (mean of global score of AWAI-S=114.5). However, 34% showed signs of at least mild depression, 19% showed signs of anxiety and 20% were referred to a mental health professional after the survey. Bivariate analyses showed that history of psychiatric disorders, their relationship with their supervisor, having complementary teaching activities and stressful working conditions contributed to anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS Even in the first year of their PhD, some students had mental health issues. It seems relevant to generalise the medical follow-up of all PhD students as soon as they enter the doctoral programme in order to detect and treat their health problems and psychological disorders at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saloua Ahalli
- UMRESTTE, UMR T_9405, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
- Service de Médecine et Santé au Travail, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Emmanuel Fort
- UMRESTTE, UMR T_9405, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Yamina Bridai
- Service de Médecine et Santé au Travail, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Nicole Baborier
- Service de Médecine et Santé au Travail, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Barbara Charbotel
- UMRESTTE, UMR T_9405, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
- Service des Maladies Professionnelles, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre Bénite, France
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Deng Y, Cherian J, Khan NUN, Kumari K, Sial MS, Comite U, Gavurova B, Popp J. Family and Academic Stress and Their Impact on Students' Depression Level and Academic Performance. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:869337. [PMID: 35782431 PMCID: PMC9243415 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.869337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current research examines the impact of academic and familial stress on students' depression levels and the subsequent impact on their academic performance based on Lazarus' cognitive appraisal theory of stress. The non-probability convenience sampling technique has been used to collect data from undergraduate and postgraduate students using a modified questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. This study used the SEM method to examine the link between stress, depression, and academic performance. It was confirmed that academic and family stress leads to depression among students, negatively affecting their academic performance and learning outcomes. This research provides valuable information to parents, educators, and other stakeholders concerned about their childrens' education and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Deng
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Daqing Normal University, Daqing, China
- School of Marxism, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, China
| | - Jacob Cherian
- College of Business, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noor Un Nisa Khan
- Faculty of Business Administration, Iqra University Karachi Pakistan, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Kalpina Kumari
- Faculty of Department of Business Administration, Greenwich University Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Safdar Sial
- Department of Management Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ubaldo Comite
- Department of Business Sciences, University Giustino Fortunato, Benevento, Italy
| | - Beata Gavurova
- Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - József Popp
- Hungarian National Bank–Research Center, John von Neumann University, Kecskemét, Hungary
- College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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27
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Busch CA, Mohammed TF, Nadile EM, Cooper KM. Aspects of online college science courses that alleviate and exacerbate undergraduate depression. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269201. [PMID: 35648764 PMCID: PMC9159593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a top mental health concern among college students, yet there is a lack of research exploring how online college science courses can exacerbate or alleviate their depression. We surveyed 2,175 undergraduates at a large research-intensive institution about the severity of their depression in large-enrollment online science courses. The survey also explored aspects of online science courses that exacerbate or alleviate depression and we used regression analyses to assess whether demographics predicted responses. Over 50% of undergraduates reported experiencing depression and LGBTQ+ students, financially unstable students, and lower division students were more likely to experience severe rather than mild depression compared to their counterparts. Students reported difficulty building relationships and struggling to perform well online as aspects of online science courses that exacerbated their depression and the flexible nature of online courses and caring instructors as aspects of online courses that alleviated their depression. This study provides insight into how instructors can create more inclusive online learning environments for students with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly A. Busch
- Research for Inclusive STEM Education Center, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Tasneem F. Mohammed
- Research for Inclusive STEM Education Center, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Erika M. Nadile
- Research for Inclusive STEM Education Center, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Katelyn M. Cooper
- Research for Inclusive STEM Education Center, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
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Nicholls H, Nicholls M, Tekin S, Lamb D, Billings J. The impact of working in academia on researchers' mental health and well-being: A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268890. [PMID: 35613147 PMCID: PMC9132292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand how researchers experience working in academia and the effects these experiences have on their mental health and well-being, through synthesizing published qualitative data. METHOD A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to gain a comprehensive overview of what is currently known about academic researchers' mental health and well-being. Relevant papers were identified through searching electronic databases, Google Scholar, and citation tracking. The quality of the included studies was assessed and the data was synthesised using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS 26 papers were identified and included in this review. Academic researchers' experiences were captured under seven key themes. Job insecurity coupled with the high expectations set by the academic system left researchers at risk of poor mental health and well-being. Access to peer support networks, opportunities for career progression, and mentorship can help mitigate the stress associated with the academic job role, however, under-represented groups in academia are at risk of unequal access to resources, support, and opportunities. CONCLUSION To improve researchers' well-being at work, scientific/academic practice and the system's concept of what a successful researcher should look like, needs to change. Further high-quality qualitative research is needed to better understand how systemic change, including tackling inequality and introducing better support systems, can be brought about more immediately and effectively. Further research is also needed to better understand the experiences and support needs of post-doctoral and more senior researchers, as there is a paucity of literature in this area. TRIAL REGISTRATION The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021232480).
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Nicholls
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Nicholls
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sahra Tekin
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle Lamb
- Department of Applied Health Research, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jo Billings
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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29
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Organizational Well-Being of Italian Doctoral Students: Is Academia Sustainable When It Comes to Gender Equality? SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14116425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the fact that there are several researchers reporting the risks of doctoral students in terms of mental health, there is still a lack of studies exploring their well-being at an organizational level, looking at the difference between male and female PhD students. This work aims at describing gender differences in the organizational well-being of doctoral students in an Italian context. A sample of 121 Italian PhD students filled an adaption of the ANAC questionnaire (National Authority for Anti-Corruption) for an organizational well-being assessment between June and July 2021. The results show that there are a number of well-being indicators for which female PhD students have statistically lower scores than men regarding: (1) the perception of health and safety at work; (2) career development; and (3) job autonomy. Practical suggestions to improve the academic system in terms of sustainability for preventing PhD students’ organizational malaise with a particular focus on gender equality are provided.
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30
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Gee DG, DeYoung KA, McLaughlin KA, Tillman RM, Barch DM, Forbes EE, Krueger RF, Strauman TJ, Weierich MR, Shackman AJ. Training the Next Generation of Clinical Psychological Scientists: A Data-Driven Call to Action. Annu Rev Clin Psychol 2022; 18:43-70. [PMID: 35216523 PMCID: PMC9086080 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081219-092500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The central goal of clinical psychology is to reduce the suffering caused by mental health conditions. Anxiety, mood, psychosis, substance use, personality, and other mental disorders impose an immense burden on global public health and the economy. Tackling this burden will require the development and dissemination of intervention strategies that are more effective, sustainable, and equitable. Clinical psychology is uniquely poised to serve as a transdisciplinary hub for this work. But rising to this challengerequires an honest reckoning with the strengths and weaknesses of current training practices. Building on new data, we identify the most important challenges to training the next generation of clinical scientists. We provide specific recommendations for the full spectrum of stakeholders-from funders, accreditors, and universities to program directors, faculty, and students-with an emphasis on sustainable solutions that promote scientific rigor and discovery and enhance the mental health of clinical scientists and the public alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan G Gee
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
| | - Kathryn A DeYoung
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, and Maryland Neuroimaging Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Katie A McLaughlin
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachael M Tillman
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, and Maryland Neuroimaging Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Deanna M Barch
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Erika E Forbes
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert F Krueger
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Timothy J Strauman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Alexander J Shackman
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, and Maryland Neuroimaging Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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31
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Murguía Burton ZF, Cao XE. Navigating mental health challenges in graduate school. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2022; 7:421-423. [PMID: 35502227 PMCID: PMC9045467 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-022-00444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many graduate students experience mental health struggles that lead them to question their place in academia. Two scientists who experienced extreme lows in graduate school reflect on what helped them during their low points, and suggest strategies for everyone to contribute to mentally healthier workplaces in academia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiangkun Elvis Cao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA USA
- MIT Climate & Sustainability Consortium, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA USA
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32
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Okoro C, Owojori OM, Umeokafor N. The Developmental Trajectory of a Decade of Research on Mental Health and Well-Being amongst Graduate Students: A Bibliometric Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19094929. [PMID: 35564324 PMCID: PMC9102193 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19094929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The journey of graduate students through academia can be a difficult road plagued with several roadblocks due to several intersectional factors. These difficulties often impact the students’ mental health with severe consequences on their well-being and personal and academic achievements. There is a critical need for researchers to conduct studies in response to the positive mental well-being for this group of trainees, considering their peculiar role in the scholarly environment. This study aimed to explore the scientific research on the health and well-being of graduate students; typify the scientific landscape and development trajectory, cooperation networks, and fundamental research areas; and identify areas of needed research in this field. A bibliometric analysis of articles indexed in Scopus and published in the past decade (2012 to 2021) was undertaken. The results revealed that the research on graduate students’ mental health and well-being has increased over the years, significantly in the past two years, probably owing to the incidence of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns around remote learning. The highest number of publications was from the United Kingdom (U.K.) and United States (U.S.), while the organizational affiliations were mainly from universities. The most prominent source type of publications was journal articles. The result also shows a weak collaboration across countries and organizations. The study identifies other areas of useful research, collaboration, intervention strategies, and policy review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chioma Okoro
- Finance and Investment Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 526, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa;
- Correspondence: (C.O.); (N.U.)
| | - Oluwatobi Mary Owojori
- Finance and Investment Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 526, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa;
| | - Nnedinma Umeokafor
- School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
- Correspondence: (C.O.); (N.U.)
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33
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Limas JC, Corcoran LC, Baker AN, Cartaya AE, Ayres ZJ. The Impact of Research Culture on Mental Health & Diversity in STEM. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202102957. [PMID: 35075707 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202102957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The onset of COVID-19, coupled with the finer lens placed on systemic racial disparities within our society, has resulted in increased discussions around mental health. Despite this, mental health struggles in research are still often viewed as individual weaknesses and not the result of a larger dysfunctional research culture. Mental health interventions in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) academic community often focus on what individuals can do to improve their mental health instead of focusing on improving the research environment. In this paper, we present four aspects of research that may heavily impact mental health based on our experiences as research scientists: bullying and harassment; precarity of contracts; diversity, inclusion, and accessibility; and the competitive research landscape. Based on these aspects, we propose systemic changes that institutions must adopt to ensure their research culture is supportive and allows everyone to thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita C Limas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Ana E Cartaya
- Department of Surgery, Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Department of Pharmacology, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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34
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Sun G, Liu Z, Ma Z, Lew B, Jia C. The Relationship Between Negative Focused Disposition and Suicidal Ideation Among College Students: The Mediating Effects of Somatic Anxiety, General Distress, and Depression. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:928666. [PMID: 35836665 PMCID: PMC9275592 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.928666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Suicide among college students is a major public health problem. Research has confirmed that negative focused disposition had a significant effect on suicidal ideation. This study aims to evaluate somatic anxiety, general distress and depression as mediators of the relationship between negative focused disposition and suicidal ideation. METHODS A total of 1798 college students (942 males) were recruited to complete measures of negative focused disposition, somatic anxiety, general distress, positive affect and suicidal ideation. The mediation models were conducted to assess the mediating effects of somatic anxiety, general distress and depression. RESULTS There was a significant and positive correlation between negative focused disposition and suicidal ideation in Chinese college students. On mediation analysis, somatic anxiety, general distress and depression mediated the relationship between negative focused disposition and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS Negative focused disposition appears to directedly associate with suicidal ideation and can indirectly relate to suicidal ideation through the relation with somatic anxiety, general distress and depression. College students with few positive expectations of the future may benefit from interventions focusing on somatic anxiety, general distress and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxiao Sun
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zongyu Liu
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiyao Ma
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bob Lew
- Griffith University, School of Applied Psychology, Australian Inst Suicide Res & Prevent, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Cunxian Jia
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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36
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Abstract
Laboratories are the central workplace for academic scientists and can play a key role in supporting psychological safety, mental health, and well-being. We provide strategies to build inclusive structures within laboratories and support mental health for all members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan A Duffy
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Natalie C Tronson
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Daniel Eisenberg
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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37
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Tracy DK, Joyce DW, Albertson DN, Shergill SS. Kaleidoscope. Br J Psychiatry 2021; 219:573-574. [PMID: 35048883 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2021.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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