Family factors and depressive symptoms among college students: Understanding the role of self-compassion

The Association of Family Incivility with Adolescent Depression: A Moderated Mediation Model

Negative family interactions have an adverse impact on adolescent mental health. The present study focused on the influence of family incivility on adolescent depression. In order to examine the association of family incivility with depression, an integrated framework was constructed to explore the mediating role of self-compassion and the moderating role of sex differences. Two waves of data were collected from 999 Chinese senior high school students (43.6% males and 56.4% females), with a mean age of 16.58 ± 0.54 years. Time 1 family incivility was positively associated with depression at Time 2 (r = 0.40, p < 0.001). Sex differences moderated the link between family incivility and self-compassion, with their association being significant in females (B = -0.07, SE = 0.03, p = 0.013) but not in males (B = 0.03, SE = 0.03, p = 0.376). Regarding the effect of family incivility on depression, the direct effect was significant only in males (B = 0.13, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001), whereas the indirect effect via self-compassion was significant only in females (B = 0.01, SE = 0.01, 95% CI [0.0010, 0.0232]). The present findings revealed a positive association between family incivility and adolescent depression. Moreover, family incivility has a direct impact on depression in male adolescents and an indirect impact through self-compassion in female adolescents. These findings underscore the important role of adolescent sex differences in the impact of family incivility on adolescent depression and highlight the practical importance of developing interventions to reduce family incivility.

The Long-Term Effect of Early-Life Uncertainty on Mental Health in Adolescence and Adulthood: A Meta-Analysis

Turbulent changes in early life are a hidden source of childhood trauma, increasing potential risks for mental illness. Many studies have identified the link between childhood uncertainty and mental health. However, research on the long-term effect of early-life uncertainty (EU) on mental health has not been systematically synthesized. This meta-analysis aims to provide a quantitative estimate of the association between EU and subsequent mental health outcomes. Eight electronic databases and gray literature were searched. Twenty-eight studies met our inclusion criteria: samples of non-clinical adolescents or adults and clear and valid assessments. Random-effect models were used to calculate the pooled effect sizes of EU on internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and well-being. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used to explore potential moderators. Results indicated small to moderate associations involving EU and internalizing problem (r = .28; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.228, 0.326]) and externalizing problem (r = .16; 95% CI [0.102, 0.220]). EU was not significantly associated with well-being (r = -.41; 95% CI [-0.738, 0.071]). Furthermore, moderator analyses found that composite uncertain experiences in childhood had a stronger negative effect than single experiences. EU was a stronger predictor of mental health problems in adults than in adolescents. Cross-sectional studies would amplify the correlation between EU and mental illness compared to longitudinal studies. In the future, childhood uncertain and unpredictable risks should receive more attention. More research needs to focus on positive psychological indicators and samples from non-Western countries.

Past-year counseling and therapy use and severity of depression among university students with depression: The Healthy Minds Study

Background: This exploratory study examined the associations between sociodemographic factors and past-year counseling or therapy use by depression severity among college students with depression. Participants: This cross-sectional analysis included n = 8090 participants from the Healthy Minds Study Winter 2021 Survey. Methods: Main effects and stratified multivariable logistic regression models assessed the relationship between sociodemographic factors and counseling/therapy independently and by depression severity. Results: Depression severity and counseling or therapy use were not independently associated (χ2 = 1.34, p = 0.77). Fourth + year students showed a graded response for past-year counseling/therapy use across depression severity (aOR range: 0.57-0.78, 95% CI range: 0.49-1.24). Males and students living with relatives, and those with stressful financial situations also showed lower odds of past-year counseling/therapy use. Conclusion: Findings indicate vulnerable subpopulations of college students that need support. Future interventions should identify barriers to treatment and pathways to support these students.

The Relationship between Maladaptive Perfectionism and Anxiety in First-Year Undergraduate Students: A Moderated Mediation Model

To clarify the underlying mechanism of first-year undergraduate students' maladaptive perfectionism in relation to their anxiety, this study constructs a mediating model with moderation, focusing on the investigation of the mediating role of self-compassion and the moderating role of family support. A total of 924 university students were involved in the investigation, responding to questionnaires on their maladaptive perfectionism, anxiety, self-compassion, and family support. The results showed that (1) after controlling for gender and Hukou, maladaptive perfectionism had a significant positive predictive effect on anxiety; (2) self-compassion can play a role in mediating the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and anxiety; and (3) the mediating effect of self-compassion on anxiety in terms of maladaptive perfectionism was moderated by family support. The results of this study have important theoretical value and practical significance for improving first-year undergraduate students' anxiety.

The relationship between self-compassion, coping style, sleep quality, and depression among college students

Background

The prevalence of sleep quality problems and depression in the college student population has attracted widespread attention. However, the factors influencing this are still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between self-compassion (S-C), sleep quality (SQ), and depression (DEP) among college students and examine the mediating effects of coping style (CS) between the variables.

Methods

A total of 1,038 Chinese university students were recruited for the study. The study used the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to conduct the survey.

Results

The self-compassion and coping style showed significant negative correlations with sleep quality and depression. Coping style partially mediated the relationship between self-compassion and sleep quality. The coping style also fully mediated the relationship between self-compassion and depression.

Conclusion

This study reveals the associations between self-compassion and sleep quality and depression, and the mediating role of coping style among college students. This study provides valuable insights for improving sleep quality and alleviating depression problems among college students. It emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and positive coping style.

Perceived Social Support, Depressive Symptoms, Self-Compassion, and Mobile Phone Addiction: A Moderated Mediation Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationships between perceived social support and mobile phone addiction, as well as the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and the moderating effect of self-compassion.

METHODS

A total of 874 college students completed questionnaires, including the perceived social support scale, depression-anxiety-stress scale, mobile phone addiction index, and the short form of the self-compassion scale. The participants included 202 males and 672 females, with an average age of 19.54 (SD = 2.16).

RESULTS

A moderated mediation analysis was conducted. The results revealed that perceived social support fully mediated the negative relationship between perceived social support and mobile phone addiction. Self-compassion attenuated the mediating effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicated that insufficient perceived social support may increase the risk of mobile phone addiction among college students because of the impact of depressive symptoms. However, self-compassion could buffer this adverse effect.

Distress, Social Support, and Self-Compassion: Relationships With Mental Health Among College Students

This study investigated how distress, conceptualized as an interaction between hassles and stress perceptions, related to mental health, whether the type of distress (social or nonsocial) was consequential, and whether perceived support and self-compassion attenuated these relationships. Students (N = 185) from a mid-sized university in the southeast completed a survey. Survey questions pertained to hassles and stress perceptions, mental health (i.e., anxiety, depression, happiness, and love of life), perceived social support, and self-compassion. As predicted, students reporting more hassles and stress (both social and nonsocial) as well as those reporting less support and self-compassion, were worse off regarding mental illness and mental wellness. This was observed for both social and nonsocial distress. Although we did not support our hypotheses regarding buffering effects, we found perceived support and self-compassion are beneficial, regardless of hassles and stress levels. We discuss implications for students' mental health and ideas for future research.

Family support and psychological distress among commuter college students

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess how perceptions of family support (instrumental and relational-emotional) are related to psychological distress among commuter students and whether household income, gender, year in college and first-generation status moderate this association. Participants: Undergraduate students at a suburban commuter college in the Northeast during October/November 2019. Methods: Students completed an online survey comprised of measures of psychological distress, family support and sociodemographic information. Data were analyzed using independent t tests, bivariate correlations, and regressions. Results: On average, participants exhibited "high distress," mean = 23.29 (SD = 8.93). Distress scores differed by income background and gender. Lower income students and females exhibited significantly higher levels of distress. Increased relational-emotional support was associated with decreased distress for lower income and female students. Instrumental support was not associated distress. Conclusion: A family component to mental health counseling could be beneficial for commuter students.

Family Unpredictability and Sense of Coherence: Relationships With Anxiety and Depression in Two Samples

Sense of coherence (SOC) refers to beliefs about how comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful one's life is. We investigated how SOC relates to family of origin unpredictability and psychological functioning in two samples. College students (N=172, 78% female; M=18.9 years old; 78% white/Caucasian) who recalled more family unpredictability while growing up also reported weaker SOC beliefs and poorer mental health. Furthermore, SOC mediated the negative impact of family unpredictability on anxiety but not on depression. Among adults (N=220, 47% female, 50% male, 3% gender nonconforming; M=40.2 years old; 60% Caucasian), correlations among family chaos, SOC, and psychological functioning were even stronger, overall. One mediation was detected: the relationship between family unpredictability and anxiety was partially explained by adults' perceptions regarding the manageability of their life. This is the first study to explore the relationships among SOC, family chaos, and psychological functioning.

Family Cohesion and Stress Consequences Among Chinese College Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Moderated Mediation Model

Family plays a pivotal role in individuals' mental health. During the COVID-19 epidemic, people were being quarantined at home to prevent the further spread of the virus. Therefore, the influence of family on individuals is more significant than usual. It is reasonable to assume that family cohesion can effectively alleviate the stress consequences during the COVID-19 epidemic. In the present study, a moderated mediation model was constructed to examine the mechanisms underlying the association between family cohesion and stress consequences among Chinese college students. A large sample of Chinese college students (N = 1,254, Mage = 19.85, SDage = 1.29) participated in the study. Results indicated that family cohesion was negatively related to stress consequences. Fear of COVID-19 partially mediated the link between family cohesion and stress consequences. Excessive affective empathy reported by participants served to aggravate the relation between fear of COVID-19 and stress consequences. The study helps us understand how internal and external factors affect individual mental health that provides meaningful implications for promoting mental health.

Analysis of the correlation between students' self-compassion and external pressure under chronic stress response

BACKGROUND

Although the environment of college students is relatively safe, they are faced with the pressure of study, interpersonal relationship, and even future employment, which leads to a variety of psychological disorders, among which stress response is the most common one. As a new concept of healthy self, it is not clear how self - compassion affects students' stress response.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the role of students' self-compassion based on chronic stress response in negative emotional regulation and coping style selection caused by external pressure, and to provide a theoretical basis for the application of self-compassion in regulating individual emotions in the future.

METHODS

The 427 students from many universities in China who have applied for the 2020 postgraduate entrance examination and were preparing for the examination were classified into S1 group (preparation time < 2 months), S2 group (2 months < 5 months), and S3 group (preparation time > 5 months). The students who didn't apply for the examination were set as D0 control group. The total stress response score, learning pressure, and positive and negative emotional scores of each group were compared. The Bootstrapping sampling method was used to examine the mediating effect of self - compassion. The students applying for the examination were classified into high-level self-compassion group (G1) and low-level self-compassion group (G2).

RESULTS

The scores of learning stress and negative emotion in S1, S2, and S3 groups were significantly higher than those in D0 group, and S1 > S2 > S3 (P < 0.05). The proportion of students in G1 group who responded to review setbacks in a mature way was significantly higher than that in G2 group, and the proportion of immature type was significantly lower than that of G2 group (P < 0.05). There was a very significant positive correlation between self-compassion and problem solving and asking for help (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-compassion concept can reduce students' negative emotions facing external pressure and protect individual positive emotions. In conclusion, faced at external pressure and stress, individuals with high self-esteem would not escape from their own negative emotions, and were more inclined to choose a positive way to solve problems and seek help from others.

Self-Compassion and Current Close Interpersonal Relationships: A Scoping Literature Review

Objectives

In order to provide a broad overview of the body of peer-reviewed literature on self-compassion and close relationships, this scoping review describes how self-compassion relates to thoughts, feelings and behaviors within the context of current personal relationships between family members, romantic partners, friends, or others referred to as "close".

Methods

Two reviewers independently screened peer-reviewed articles retrieved based on a defined search strategy within three online databases, extracted data from 72 articles that met inclusion criteria by consensus, and summarized findings thematically. Results: With few exceptions, self-compassion is positively associated with secure attachment, adaptive parenting behaviors, healthy family, romantic and friendship functioning, and constructive conflict and transgression repair behavior. In families, evidence suggests parent self-compassion is linked to supportive parenting behavior, which is in turn linked to higher levels of child self-compassion.

Conclusions

Self-compassion is associated with a wide variety of close interpersonal relationship benefits. These associations may be complex and bidirectional, such that positive social relationships promote self-compassion, while self-compassion promotes relational and emotional well-being. For a deeper understanding of these nuances and to establish causality, future research should include heterogeneous samples, longitudinal designs, observational and multi-informant methodologies, and consider attachment style and personality trait covariates. The potential implications for interventional research are discussed.

Parent Self-Compassion and Supportive Responses to Child Difficult Emotion: An Intergenerational Theoretical Model Rooted in Attachment

Self-compassion is an adaptive way of self-relating that entails tending to one's emotional pain with understanding and care. In this paper, we propose an intergenerational model explaining how self-compassion develops within the context of the parent-child relationship. Specifically, we posit that parents who have had supportive experiences with their own childhood caregivers develop a secure attachment and a high level of self-compassion. In turn, we propose that high self-compassion in parents promotes the parents' capacity to support their child when he or she experiences difficult emotions (e.g., anger, sadness). These responses promote the child's secure attachment, high self-compassion development and positive behavioral outcomes. A key area for future research is examining the potential link between parent self-compassion and responses to difficult emotions in the child. Given self-compassion can be enhanced through intervention, support for this model will have broad implications for interrupting intergenerational cycles of dysfunction caused by insecure attachment.