Longitudinal mediation effect of hassles between neuroticism and dimensions of the tripartite model in college students

This study addresses a gap in the literature by exploring the longitudinal effects of hassles in mediating the relationship between neuroticism and the tripartite model of depression and anxiety. The research investigates these associations in a large sample of university students, utilising baseline and 6-month follow-up data. Initial assessments involved participants completing measures for neuroticism, depression and anxiety symptoms, and the occurrence of stress, followed by monthly assessments of stress, anxiety symptom and mood symptoms over a 6-month period. Our results illuminate the mediating role of daily hassles in the relationship between neuroticism and various dimensions of anxiety and depression, including general distress, specific depression, and anxiety symptoms. These findings underscore the significant impact of neuroticism and hassles on a broad spectrum of mood symptoms, offering valuable insights for both research and clinical practice. Discussions around the implications of these findings are provided in the our paper, where we also outline potential directions for future research and clinical applications.

Validation of the Malay version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) among Malaysian undergraduates

The study's objective is to validate the Malay version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) among Malaysian undergraduates. A cross-sectional survey was distributed at three universities in Malaysia (N = 500; mean age = 21.66 ± 1.57). The internal consistency of the Malay PHQ-4 was acceptable (α = .78, 95 % CI [.74, .81]), while the test-retest reliability was good (ICC = .77, 95 % CI [.34, .91], p < .001). The one-factor structure showed the best fit in confirmatory factor analysis and was similar across sexes. The Malay PHQ-4 has acceptable psychometric properties and can be used for pre-clinical screening purposes among Malaysian undergraduate students.

Work-life balance as a predictor of college student anxiety and depression

Few studies have examined how work-life balance may influence college student mental health. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the process by which work-life balance may lead to college student anxiety and depressive symptoms. Participants: A total of 111 students from a private Midwestern college were sampled between October 2017 and November 2017. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used to assess work-life balance, perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Results: Work-life balance was negatively related to students' perceived stress, general anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Path analysis results indicate that perceived stress fully mediated the relationship between work-life balance and anxiety, as well as the relationship between work-life balance and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Work-life balance is an important antecedent of college students' mental health. Educational institutions should place more importance on assisting students with work-life balance in order to improve their college experience.

Social Networks Consumption and Addiction in College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Educational Approach to Responsible Use

Within the framework of digital sustainability, the increase in Internet consumption, and especially online social networks, offers social benefits, but is not without its drawbacks. For example, it can lead to psychological and/or psychiatric disorders in some people. Numerous researches are highlighting the similarities of these addictions with the consumption of toxic substances. University students are heavy users of the Internet and, in certain situations, addiction to online social networks can be the result of depression, harassment, and anxiety, among others, affecting their daily life, including their academic responsibilities. In recent months, an anomaly has occurred that may have contributed to intensifying this problem, namely the confinement produced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the whole world to a greater or lesser extent. In this cross-sectional study, with a descriptive and quantitative methodology, students from 14 Spanish universities were investigated in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to understand the effects of this situation on the problem described. The results show a high consumption of social networks during that time, with significant incidences of addiction. In parallel, the presence of comorbidity has been determined. In this scenario, it would be necessary to implement university educational programs to redirect these addictive behaviors, as well as preventative recommendations and actions to minimize negative impacts. This is a major problem that is growing, exacerbated by the global pandemic produced by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Situations of this gravity call for the development of preventive and educational measures for the responsible and sustainable use of ICT.