Mental health promotion of Iranian university students: the effect of self-esteem and health locus of control

Universal and Selective Interventions to Prevent Poor Mental Health Outcomes in Young People: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Much is not known about the efficacy of interventions to prevent poor mental health outcomes in young people by targeting either the general population (universal prevention) or asymptomatic individuals with high risk of developing a mental disorder (selective prevention).

METHODS

We conducted a PRISMA/MOOSE-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of Web of Science to identify studies comparing post-test efficacy (effect size [ES]; Hedges' g) of universal or selective interventions for poor mental health outcomes versus control groups, in samples with mean age <35 years (PROSPERO: CRD42018102143). Measurements included random-effects models, I2 statistics, publication bias, meta-regression, sensitivity analyses, quality assessments, number needed to treat, and population impact number.

RESULTS

295 articles (447,206 individuals; mean age = 15.4) appraising 17 poor mental health outcomes were included. Compared to control conditions, universal and selective interventions improved (in descending magnitude order) interpersonal violence, general psychological distress, alcohol use, anxiety features, affective symptoms, other emotional and behavioral problems, consequences of alcohol use, posttraumatic stress disorder features, conduct problems, tobacco use, externalizing behaviors, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder features, and cannabis use, but not eating-related problems, impaired functioning, internalizing behavior, or sleep-related problems. Psychoeducation had the highest effect size for ADHD features, affective symptoms, and interpersonal violence. Psychotherapy had the highest effect size for anxiety features.

CONCLUSION

Universal and selective preventive interventions for young individuals are feasible and can improve poor mental health outcomes.

Role of Coping Responses in the Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Psychological Well-Being in a Sample of Spanish Educational Teacher Students

Stress in teacher education students is a key issue, due to its physical and social impact and its relevance to students' future as professionals. This study uses the Perceived Stress Scale, the Coping Responses Inventory-Adult Form, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale to analyze how coping strategies mediate the relationship between stress and well-being in a sample of Spanish teacher education students (n = 334). The results show that the students had a good general level of psychological well-being, although with little personal growth and autonomy. Their level of stress meant that they could offer active, engaged responses, although the coping strategies that were used tended to be avoidance type, which could lead to certain adaptive difficulties. Our results also indicate that coping has a partial mediating role. Finally, organizational actions are proposed for universities that could help to enhance students' personal resources for dealing with stress.

Profiles of Psychological Well-being and Coping Strategies among University Students

In the transactional model of stress, coping responses are the key to preventing the stress response. In this study, the possible role of psychological well-being as a personal determinant of coping strategies in the academic context was analyzed. Specifically, the study has two objectives: (a) to identify different profiles of students according to their level of psychological well-being; and (b) to analyze the differences between these profiles in the use of three coping strategies (positive reappraisal, support-seeking, and planning). Age, gender, and degree were estimated as covariables. A total of 1,072 university students participated in the study. Latent profile analysis was applied to four indices of psychological well-being: self-acceptance, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth. An optimal four-profile solution, reflecting significant incremental shifts from low to very high psychological well-being, was obtained. As predicted, the profile membership distinguished between participants in positive reappraisal, support-seeking, and planning. Importantly, the higher the profile of psychological well-being was, the higher the use of the three coping strategies. Gender differences in coping strategies were observed, but no interaction effects with psychological well-being were found. Age and degree were not relevant in explaining the use of coping strategies. These results suggest that psychological well-being stands as an important personal resource to favor adaptive coping strategies for academic stress.

A comparative study of health locus of control in patients with schizophrenia and their first degree relatives

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

An individual's behaviour may be predicted from their beliefs about their locus of control (attribution). A person's "locus" can be internal or external. The present study aimed at comparing the locus of control as measured by Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) in patients with schizophrenia and their healthy first degree relatives. We hypothesized that persons with schizophrenia have different locus of control than their first degree relatives.

METHOD

Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) was first translated and validated in Hindi by bilingual students (N = 71). Consecutive patients affected with schizophrenia (SZ) (N = 125) and their siblings/offsprings (N = 119) were recruited. Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies and MHLC Scale were administered after written informed consent.

RESULTS

There was moderate intra-class correlation between Hindi and English versions of MHLC Scale. Schizophrenia patients were found to have more of 'chance' locus of control (F 6.625, p = 0.011) whereas their first degree relatives have more of 'internal' locus of control (F 6.760, p = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

Patients with SZ attributed their health to external factors which has been found to be associated with poor or late recovery. These findings may provide a theoretical base for developing intervention strategies to promote behavioural changes in patients.