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Brailovskaia J. The "Vicious Circle of addictive Social Media Use and Mental Health" Model. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 247:104306. [PMID: 38735249 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104306] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Social media use (SMU) is a significant part of many people's everyday life. Research around the globe describes an increase of addictive SMU tendencies since the COVID-19 outbreak. The present work combines available findings in the "Vicious Circle of addictive Social Media Use and Mental Health" model to explain how social media (SM) activity can contribute to the development of addictive tendencies, which consequences they have for mental health, and how to prevent them. Following the model, the interplay between the risk factors negative experiences caused by daily hassles and by unexpected global and traumatic events, SMU (dimension "quality"), and SM flow can directly contribute to addictive SMU through the "vicious circle". Time spent on SMU (dimension "quantity"), symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the personality trait narcissism contribute to the circle as moderators. Symptoms of stress, insomnia, and suicide-related outcomes are described as potential consequences of addictive SMU. Based on longitudinal intervention studies, a conscious reduction of SMU time and an increase of physical activity, as well as positive mental health and mindfulness are identified as protective factors that reduce the risk of addictive tendencies. The model contributes to a better understanding of addictive SMU. Implications of the model for future research and praxis, specifically for mental health programs and therapeutic treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brailovskaia
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany; DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), partner site Bochum/Marburg, Germany.
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Matiz A, Fabbro F, Crescentini C. Mindfulness Through Storytelling for Mental Health of Primary School Children: Impact on Acceptability and Its Associations with Personality. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:1757-1774. [PMID: 38686324 PMCID: PMC11057635 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s441494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Acceptability of mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) in primary school settings seems to represent a critical factor influencing the intervention effects on children's mental health. This study aims at assessing the acceptability of an MBP delivered through the technique of storytelling, as well as identifying which participants' personality characteristics can influence it. Participants and Methods Italian children in grades 3-to-5 (n = 147, 47.6% girls) participated in a 24-session MBP, which included 225 minutes of formal mindfulness practices and was delivered by the pupils' school teachers. Children's personality traits were assessed with the junior Temperament and Character Inventory (jTCI), while their subjective experiences and acceptability of the program were investigated using a survey containing open-ended and closed-ended questions. Results Program acceptability was 2.9 ± 0.7 on a 0-4 scale. Higher jTCI scores of persistence, cooperativeness, and self-transcendence were related to higher ratings in liking the program, finding it useful and engaging themselves in it. Moreover, 57.8% of the children generalized the mindfulness practices in daily life and 93.9% of them declared they would recommend the program to their friends/parents. Five main themes emerged from children's answers on what they learned: "help for difficulties (emotional, mental, and physical)", "calm, relax, tranquility", "resilience, positiveness, personal growth", "self-exploration, interoception", and "attention, concentration, and here-and-now". Conclusion Program acceptability was generally higher than in similar programs in the literature, and children reported personal gains in various areas related to psychological well-being. The study also suggests which children's personality traits should be considered when proposing an MBP in order to improve its acceptability and utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Matiz
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Fabbro
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, School of Advanced Studies Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristiano Crescentini
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, School of Advanced Studies Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
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Wirkner J, Brakemeier EL. The crisis is over, long live the crisis: mental health in emerging adulthood during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1283919. [PMID: 38356763 PMCID: PMC10864646 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1283919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction As a multidimensional stressor, the COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant threat to mental health, with studies showing younger age groups to be particularly vulnerable. Thus, this study aimed to monitor mental health, potential risk/protective factors, and pandemic-related variables among young university students during the pandemic. Methods Students of the University of Greifswald (M age = 23.0 years, 73.9% female) participated in five cross-sectional online surveys in December 2020 (N = 1,127), March 2021 (N = 760), June/July 2021 (N = 531), December 2021 (N = 1,226), and December 2022 (N = 814). Sociodemographic data, depression and anxiety severity, loneliness, quality of life, coping strategies, resilience, self-esteem, and emotion regulation were measured. First, results from December 2020 were compared to pre-pandemic normative data. Second, the time course during the pandemic was analyzed. Third, linear models were calculated to examine the influence of risk and protective factures on depression and anxiety severity. Results Higher levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, as well as lower levels of self-esteem, physical and mental health, social relationships and well-being were found in December 2020 compared to pre-pandemic. Levels of depression and anxiety severity peaked in December 2022. Female sex, loneliness, and previous mental treatment showed associations with higher depression and anxiety severity, while higher self-esteem, resilience and use of reappraisal strategies appeared to act as protective factors. Discussion The study indicates the pandemic's detrimental impact on students' mental health and quality of life. Identified risk and protective factors provide guidance for tailored prevention and treatment, as well as the design of measures for future pandemics and other crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva-Lotta Brakemeier
- Department for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute for Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Sarid M, Tutian R, Kalman-Halevi M, Gilat-Yihyie S, Sarid A. Resilience, Satisfaction with Life and Anxiety in the Israeli Population after Mass Vaccination for COVID-19. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:255. [PMID: 38275535 PMCID: PMC10815821 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020255] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to examine the relationships between resilience and personal characteristics such as socio-economic status, employment, satisfaction with life, and anxiety, during the period of returning to routine life after mass vaccination for COVID-19. METHOD 993 Israeli participants, 52% female and 48% male, with a mean age of 40 years (18 to 89 years old) responded to an online questionnaire during March 2021. We hypothesized that (1) unemployed individuals and those with a low SES would have lower resilience, lower satisfaction with life and higher anxiety, (2) individuals who were ill with COVID-19 would have lower resilience and satisfaction with life and a higher level of anxiety, and (3) a higher resilience would be related to a lower level of anxiety. RESULTS The findings showed that unemployed individuals had lower levels of resilience and satisfaction with life and higher levels of anxiety than employed individuals. Specifically, those who experience a large gap between their socio-economic and employment statuses are at a greater risk than others. In addition, differences were found between people who had experienced COVID-19 illness and those who had not, but only with their satisfaction with life. People who had been ill were more satisfied than those who had not been ill. Eventually, as expected, a higher resilience was related to a lower level of anxiety, specifically at the lower levels of resilience. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study can provide additional perspectives on the day after a crisis (COVID-19) and the need for the development of intervention programs to strengthen the resilience of individuals who experience a gap between their SES and employment statuses when returning to their routine life after a crisis. The study also shed light on the unique correlation between anxiety and resilience, implying that following a crisis, high-resilience individuals face their anxiety better than low-resilience individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Sarid
- Department of Education, Western Galilee College, Acre 2412101, Israel; (R.T.); (M.K.-H.); (S.G.-Y.)
| | - Rony Tutian
- Department of Education, Western Galilee College, Acre 2412101, Israel; (R.T.); (M.K.-H.); (S.G.-Y.)
| | - Maya Kalman-Halevi
- Department of Education, Western Galilee College, Acre 2412101, Israel; (R.T.); (M.K.-H.); (S.G.-Y.)
| | - Sharon Gilat-Yihyie
- Department of Education, Western Galilee College, Acre 2412101, Israel; (R.T.); (M.K.-H.); (S.G.-Y.)
| | - Adi Sarid
- Sarid Institute, Haifa 2626047, Israel;
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Carlson AS, Stegall MS, Sirotiak Z, Herrmann F, Thomas EBK. Just as Essential: The Mental Health of Educators During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2024; 18:e6. [PMID: 38234124 PMCID: PMC10904175 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic deleteriously impacted physical and mental health. In the summer of 2020, return-to-learn plans were enacted, including virtual, hybrid, and in-person plans, impacting educators and students. We examined (1) how return-to-learn plan was related to depressive and social anxiety symptoms among educators and (2) how psychological flexibility related to symptoms. METHODS Educators (N = 853) completed a survey via Qualtrics that assessed internalizing symptoms, psychological flexibility, and occupational characteristics. Two one-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) examined between-group differences in return-to-learn plans across depression and social anxiety. Two hierarchical linear regressions examined the relation between psychological flexibility components and depressive and social anxiety symptoms. RESULTS Median T-scores were well above the national normative means for General Depression (median T-score: 81) and Social Anxiety (median T-score: 67). There were no significant differences between reopening plans in general depression nor social anxiety T-scores. Psychological flexibility accounted for 33% of the variance in depressive symptoms and 24% of the variance in social anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Results indicated high levels of psychiatric symptoms among educators during COVID-19, and psychological flexibility was associated with lower symptoms. Addressing educator mental health is of utmost importance in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manny S Stegall
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Zoe Sirotiak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Felipe Herrmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Emily B K Thomas
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Luo X, Zhang Z, Shi X, He C, Wang J, Wu Q, Huang G. Arts therapies for mental disorders in COVID-19 patients: a comprehensive review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1289545. [PMID: 38111478 PMCID: PMC10726037 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1289545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective The COVID-19 global pandemic has necessitated the urgency for innovative mental health interventions. We performed a comprehensive review of the available literature on the utility and efficacy of arts therapies in treating mental health problems, with special emphasis on their deployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to provide some evidence for the application of this therapy. Methods The potential studies were systematically sourced from five authoritative databases: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and the CNKI database. The evaluation of these studies was conducted based on stringent criteria, including validity, suitability, therapeutic potential, and consistency. Each piece of included literature was meticulously scored in accordance with these criteria, thus ensuring the inclusion of only the most robust studies in this review. The data from these Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were carefully extracted using the PICO(S) framework, ensuring a comprehensive and systemic approach to data collection. In order to emphasize the variability in the effects of differing arts therapies on COVID-19-induced psychiatric disturbances, the sourced literature was systematically categorized and scrutinized based on distinct modalities. Results Out of the 7,250 sourced articles, 16 satisfied the inclusion conditions. The therapies were predominantly meditation (n = 7), supplemented by individual studies on color therapy (n = 3), music therapy (n = 2), and single studies on horticultural therapy, dance therapy, mindfulness and music therapy, and yoga and music therapy (n = 4 collectively). These various forms of arts therapies had a positive short to medium-term impact on the mental health of COVID-19 patients. Besides improving patients' physical and mental health, these therapies can also be employed to mitigate mental health issues among healthcare professionals. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has profound and long-lasting implications for public mental health. Diverse forms of arts therapies are potentially effective in addressing related psychiatric symptoms. The integration of artificial intelligence might further enhance the efficacy and scalability of arts therapies in future implementations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexing Luo
- Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Zheyu Zhang
- Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xiaojun Shi
- Department of Hepatology, The 4th People's Hospital of Qinghai Province, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Caihong He
- Operation Management Centre, Guangzhou Wanqu Cooperative Institute of Design, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qibiao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanghui Huang
- Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
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Lee YR, Park SN, Lee MR, Nam E. Influencing factors of early childhood teachers' disaster preparedness. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1249736. [PMID: 38089018 PMCID: PMC10713831 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1249736] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The risk of disasters and infectious diseases continues to persist in modern times. Children are a vulnerable group in disaster prevention and management due to their limited ability to cope on their own. Hence, the role and disaster preparedness capacity of early childhood teachers (ECTs) is vital for children's protection. Objectives This study aims to explore how ECTs can improve their personal resilience to adapt to and overcome disasters as part of early childhood education and care (ECEC). To this end, this study examined the effects of ECTs' self-efficacy, resilience, disaster awareness, COVID-19 stress, and work-related stress on their disaster preparedness. Results According to the outcomes of disaster preparedness of ECTs based on their general and job characteristics, full-time employees and principals scored significantly higher in work-related disaster preparedness (WrDP) compared to part-time workers and general and assistant teachers, respectively. Resilience and WrDP were identified as influencing factors of general disaster preparedness (GdP), with an explanatory power of 26.4%. GdP and self-efficacy were identified as influencing factors of WrDP, with an explanatory power of 25.7%. Discussion According to the findings, ECTs' self-efficacy and GdP must be improved, followed by developing strategies to strengthen their resilience and WrDP. Doing so would ensure the safety and disaster preparedness of ECTs and infants who have low self-care capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Ran Lee
- Seoul Women's College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Nam Park
- Seoul Women's College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Ran Lee
- Yaedasom Childcare Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjeong Nam
- Seoul Women's College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Liebmann C, Konrad AC, Singer T, Kanske P. Differential reduction of psychological distress by three different types of meditation-based mental training programs: A randomized clinical trial. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2023; 23:100388. [PMID: 37214346 PMCID: PMC10199252 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2023.100388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective There is little knowledge about which types of meditation-based training are effective for alleviating which facets of psychological distress. We investigated shared and specific effects of three meditation-based training programs on distress. Method 332 healthy adults were assigned to a retest control cohort or to one of three 3-month mental training cohorts including: the cultivation of mindfulness-based attention (Presence), socio-affective skills such as compassion (Affect), or metacognitive skills such as perspective taking (Perspective). A battery of 68 self-reported distress measures was collected. Data were analyzed using machine learning methods, identifying the cohort allocation based on distress change scores. Results Supporting only specific and not shared alleviation effects, the classifiers identified significantly above chance Presence from Affect and Affect from Perspective, but they did not identify the training cohorts from the retest cohorts. Conclusions The classifiers revealed stable module-associated distress change profiles, which could help to precisely choose meditation-based interventions to target individuals' specific distress patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Liebmann
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Straße 46, 01187 Dresden, Germany
| | - Annika C. Konrad
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Straße 46, 01187 Dresden, Germany
| | - Tania Singer
- Max Planck Society, Social Neuroscience Lab, Bertha-Benz-Str. 3, 10557 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Kanske
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Straße 46, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstraße 1a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Meng QT, Song WQ, Churilov LP, Zhang FM, Wang YF. Psychophysical therapy and underlying neuroendocrine mechanisms for the rehabilitation of long COVID-19. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1120475. [PMID: 37842301 PMCID: PMC10570751 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1120475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
With the global epidemic and prevention of the COVID-19, long COVID-19 sequelae and its comprehensive prevention have attracted widespread attention. Long COVID-19 sequelae refer to that three months after acute COVID-19, the test of SARS-CoV-2 is negative, but some symptoms still exist, such as cough, prolonged dyspnea and fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations and insomnia. Its pathological mechanism is related to direct viral damage, immunopathological response, endocrine and metabolism disorders. Although there are more effective methods for treating COVID-19, the treatment options available for patients with long COVID-19 remain quite limited. Psychophysical therapies, such as exercise, oxygen therapy, photobiomodulation, and meditation, have been attempted as treatment modalities for long COVID-19, which have the potential to promote recovery through immune regulation, antioxidant effects, and neuroendocrine regulation. Neuroendocrine regulation plays a significant role in repairing damage after viral infection, regulating immune homeostasis, and improving metabolic activity in patients with long COVID-19. This review uses oxytocin as an example to examine the neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in the psychophysical therapies of long COVID-19 syndrome and proposes a psychophysical strategy for the treatment of long COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Tai Meng
- WU Lien-Teh Institute, Department of Microbiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wu-Qi Song
- WU Lien-Teh Institute, Department of Microbiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Leonid P. Churilov
- Department of Experimental Tuberculosis, St. Petersburg State Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Feng-Min Zhang
- WU Lien-Teh Institute, Department of Microbiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- International Translational Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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O'Donnell K, Dunbar M, Speelman D. Effectiveness of Daily Mindfulness Meditation App Usage to Reduce Anxiety and Improve Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Cureus 2023; 15:e42432. [PMID: 37637657 PMCID: PMC10448000 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study examined the effect of 10-minute daily meditation app usage for 30 days on adult anxiety and mental well-being during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Participants were randomized into intervention (10 minutes of daily usage of the Insight Timer app) or control groups. Participants completed surveys to assess anxiety and well-being pre- and post-study. Data were analyzed using t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), or nonparametric equivalents. Results Pre-study results were comparable between groups. The pre- vs. post-study General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores for anxiety decreased in the intervention group (n=18, median 5.5 vs. 3.0 (pre vs. post), p=0.0233, d=0.50), but not in the control group (n=28). The intervention group had a lower median GAD-7 score than the control group post-study (3.0 vs. 8.0, p=0.0223, d=0.35). Pre- vs. post-study mean 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) scores were improved in both the control (11.6 vs. 12.9 (pre vs. post), p=0.0408, d=0.36) and intervention groups (12.0 vs. 16.3 (pre vs. post), p=0.0001, d=0.77), although it was higher in the intervention group (16.3 vs. 12.9, p=0.0056, d=0.88). Conclusion Ten minutes of daily meditation app usage for 30 days may reduce anxiety and improve well-being in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie O'Donnell
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA
| | - Melanie Dunbar
- Behavioral Health, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA
| | - Diana Speelman
- Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA
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Valizadeh L, Zamanzadeh V, Namdar Areshtanab H, Avazeh M, Babaei N. Stress management protocol for nurses working in the COVID-19 wards. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15770. [PMID: 37124336 PMCID: PMC10125915 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Due to necessity of immediate support strategies for nurses during COVID-19 pandemic and lack of comprehensive and applied standard guidelines, the present study was conducted to develop stress management protocol for nurses working in COVID-19 wards with an approach based on the best scientific evidences. Methods This descriptive methodological and validation study was conducted with evidence-based approach based on Stetler model in two hospitals of Iran in 2020. In order to identify the resources of stress and the solutions provided to deal with it to design the protocol, a comprehensive literature review was performed. After extracting evidence, they were ranked based on the levels of evidence and designed as a protocol. Quality appraisal of guideline was done using AGREEII instrument by an expert panel. The applicability of the protocol was assessed by a group of nurses through focus group discussion. Results Out of 184 studies, 28 articles related to the topic were selected. According to the expert panel, in the AGREEII domains, Scope and Purpose (87.5%) and Applicability (70.5%) were the highest and the lowest scores respectively. The "Stress Management Protocol for Nurses Working in COVID-19 Wards" was designed in six sections, which was elaborated relative to each stress resources. Members of the focus group mostly considered the evidence-based recommendations feasible by making suggestions to some items. Conclusion This study emphasized the important role of proper planning by health care system officials according to the designed protocol to manage stress and increase the self-efficacy of nurses in critical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Valizadeh
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Zamanzadeh
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Namdar Areshtanab
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Avazeh
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nasib Babaei
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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The relationship between mindfulness and mental health among Chinese college students during the closed-loop management of the COVID-19 pandemic: A moderated mediation model. J Affect Disord 2023; 327:137-144. [PMID: 36754090 PMCID: PMC9899704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.012] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic on campus, universities in outbreak areas in China can implement closed-loop management. OBJECTS This study aimed to explore the relationship between mindfulness and mental health of college students under closed-loop management. MEASURES 11,939 college students from a university in Changsha, China participated in the online survey during the closed-loop management period. The Chinese version of Perceived Stress Scale, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Cognitive Reappraisal, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, the 7-item General Anxiety Disorder questionnaire, and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire were administered to the college students. RESULTS We found that mindfulness was negative association with mental health during the closed-loop management period. Perceived stress mediated the relationship between mindfulness and mental health. Cognitive reappraisal moderated the relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress. Specifically, when the level of mindfulness is the same, individuals with more cognitive reappraisal tend to experience a less perceived stress. CONCLUSION The results of this study are of great significance to improve the mental health of college students during closed-loop management period.
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Bursky M, Kosuri M, Walsh Carson K, Babad S, Iskhakova A, Nikulina V. The Utility of Meditation and Mindfulness-Based Interventions in the Time of COVID-19: A Theoretical Proposition and Systematic Review of the Relevant Prison, Quarantine and Lockdown Literature. Psychol Rep 2023; 126:557-600. [PMID: 34889700 PMCID: PMC10037136 DOI: 10.1177/00332941211048734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As of July 20, 2021, Covid-19 has killed 4,086,000 people, infected at least 190,169,833 others, and devastated the world's economy. To slow the spread of the virus, numerous governments instituted "lockdown" policies and quarantines, limiting social interactions to the immediate household. The experience of isolation and uncertainty have contributed to increased fear, anxiety, and loneliness; with limited options of research-supported interventions. Although different in nature, the experiences of quarantine and lockdown have been likened to incarceration. Past research has found meditation and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to be effective psychological treatments for prisoners and may therefore translate well into effective methods for the maintenance of psychological well-being for individuals quarantined during the pandemic. More recently, research investigating the effects of meditation and MBIs during the pandemic have demonstrated preliminary evidence for beneficial psychological improvements. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), the current narrative review paper: 1) examines the parallels and differences between the experience of quarantine and imprisonment, 2) investigates the mechanisms through which meditation and mindfulness enact their effects, and 3) systematically reviews literature on the benefits of various types of meditation and MBIs for inmates and individuals in lockdown or quarantine. With this knowledge, the public can garner applicable insight into the potential use of meditation and MBIs for individuals forced to cope with pandemic lockdowns and quarantines. Two hundred and twenty one (221) articles were identified through Pubmed and Google Scholar, and 24 articles were ultimately included in the manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikell Bursky
- Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University
of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of
New York, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Mahathi Kosuri
- Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University
of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of
New York, Queens, NY, USA
- Psychology Department, John Jay College of Criminal Justice,
City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kaitlin Walsh Carson
- Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University
of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of
New York, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Sara Babad
- Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University
of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of
New York, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Alexandra Iskhakova
- Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of
New York, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Valentina Nikulina
- Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University
of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of
New York, Queens, NY, USA
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14
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Zhu C, Zhang T, Li Q, Chen X, Wang K. Depression and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Epidemiology, Mechanism, and Treatment. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:675-684. [PMID: 36411394 PMCID: PMC9685018 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00970-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an adverse impact on the physical and mental health of the public worldwide. In addition to illness in patients with COVID-19, isolated people and the general population have experienced mental health problems due to social distancing policies, mandatory lockdown, and other psychosocial factors, and the prevalence of depression and anxiety significantly increased during the pandemic. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the epidemiology, contributing factors, and pathogenesis of depression and anxiety. during the pandemic. These findings indicate that physicians and psychiatrists should pay more attention to and identify those with a high risk for mental problems, such as females, younger people, unmarried people, and those with a low educational level. In addition, researchers should focus on identifying the neural and neuroimmune mechanisms involved in depression and anxiety, and assess the intestinal microbiome to identify effective biomarkers. We also provide an overview of various intervention methods, including pharmacological treatment, psychological therapy, and physiotherapy, to provide a reference for different populations to guide the development of optimized intervention methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Zhu
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, 230032, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xingui Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, 230032, China.
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15
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Chung EKH, Ho AKK, Lam AHK, Yeung DYL. Maintaining psychological well-being amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: The beneficial effects of health-promoting behaviors and sense of control. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37359655 PMCID: PMC10028320 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
The present research reports the findings of three studies, with objectives to demonstrate the impacts of health-promoting behaviors on psychological well-being as well as the mediating roles of sense of control (SOC) and perceived severity of COVID-19 in these relationships. Study 1 was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 473 middle-aged and older Chinese adults before the COVID-19 pandemic to assess their health-promoting behaviors, personal mastery and perceived constraints, life satisfaction, and depressive symptoms. Study 2 was conducted during the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong (between March to April 2020), in which 292 participants from Study 1 were successfully contacted to report their emotional responses to the pandemic. Using a different sample, Study 3 was a longitudinal study that measured 495 participants' health-promoting behaviors, personal mastery and perceived constraints at baseline, and their perceived severity and mental health outcomes during the outbreak of omicron cases in Hong Kong (i.e., the fifth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak) in March 2022. All three studies demonstrate that the beneficial effects of health behaviors can be extended to psychological well-being and reveal possible underlying mechanisms through enhancing one's SOC and lowering perceived severity of the COVID-19 outbreak. These results provide important insights to future health promotion programs for improving psychological resources and psychological well-being of middle-aged and older adults in face of disease-related threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Ka Hung Chung
- Psychology Laboratories, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Alvin Ka Kin Ho
- Psychology Laboratories, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Alfred Hiu Ki Lam
- Psychology Laboratories, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Dannii Yuen-lan Yeung
- Psychology Laboratories, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
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16
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Rossi MF, Gualano MR, Magnavita N, Moscato U, Santoro PE, Borrelli I. Coping with burnout and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers' mental health: A systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1139260. [PMID: 37009102 PMCID: PMC10060559 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1139260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the psychological wellbeing of workers worldwide. Certain coping styles may increase burnout risk. To investigate the relationship between burnout and coping styles, a systematic review was performed. Methods Following the PRISMA statements, three databases were screened up until October 2022, including research articles written in English language and investigating the relationship between burnout and coping strategies in workers. The quality of articles was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results The initial search resulted in 3,413 records, 15 of which were included in this review. Most studies were performed on healthcare workers (n = 13, 86.6%) and included a majority of female workers (n = 13, 86.7%). The most used burnout assessment questionnaire was the Maslach Burnout Inventory (n = 8, 53.3%), and the most used coping assessment tool was the Brief-COPE (n = 6, 40.0%). Task-related coping was a protective factor for burnout in all four studies investigating its correlation with burnout dimensions. Two of the four studies investigating emotion-oriented coping found that it was protective while the other two found that it was predictive of burnout. All five studies investigating avoidance-oriented coping and burnout dimensions found that this coping style was predictive of burnout. Discussion Task-oriented and adaptive coping were protective for burnout, avoidance-oriented, and maladaptive coping were predictive factors of burnout. Mixed results were highlighted concerning emotion-oriented coping, suggesting that different outcomes of this coping style may depend on gender, with women relying more on it than men. In conclusion, further research is needed to investigate the effect of coping styles in individuals, and how these correlates with their unique characteristics. Training workers about appropriate coping styles to adopt may be essential to enact prevention strategies to reduce burnout incidence in workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francesca Rossi
- Section of Occupational Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Gualano
- School of Medicine, UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
- Leadership in Medicine Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Center for Global Health Research and Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Magnavita
- Section of Occupational Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Moscato
- Section of Occupational Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Emilio Santoro
- Section of Occupational Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Borrelli
- Section of Occupational Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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17
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Effectiveness of Drama-Based Intervention in Improving Mental Health and Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Period. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060839. [PMID: 36981496 PMCID: PMC10048456 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As a creative form of psychotherapy, drama appears to assist individuals in the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic period in altering crisis conditions and challenging negative perspectives. Drama-based intervention is presented as an option for addressing mental health issues in clinical and general populations by utilising various multidisciplinary sources, such as psychodrama and role playing. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis were employed to assess the impact of drama on mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) were extensively searched from December 2019 to October 2022. Quality assessment and Risk of Bias tool of the Cochrane Collaboration were performed. Using a random effect model, standardised mean difference (SMD) values and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. In the final analysis, 25 studies involving 797 participants were included. The study revealed that drama-based interventions have the potential to improve mental health (e.g., trauma-related disorders) and well-being (e.g., psychological well-being), which could position drama as an adjunctive method of mental health care. This original review offered the newer, more comprehensive recommendations for drama-based intervention based on evidence.
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18
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Zhong B, Xie L. Making "Joy Pie" to Stay Joyful: Self-Care Interventions Alleviate College Students' Mental Health Challenges. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3823. [PMID: 36900839 PMCID: PMC10001250 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As more college students are facing mental health challenges, it is imperative to explore innovative ways of improving their mental health, including developing self-care interventions that help mitigate their stressors. Based on the Response Styles Theory and self-care conceptions, this study creates the "Joy Pie" project that consists of five self-care strategies, aiming to regulate negative emotions and increase self-care efficacy. Using an experimental design and two-wave data collected from a representative sample of Beijing college students (n1 = 316, n2 = 127), this study assesses the effects of the five proposed interventions on the students' self-care efficacy and mental health management. The results show that self-care efficacy helped improve mental health through emotion regulation, which is mediated by age, gender, and family income. The promising results support the effectiveness of the "Joy Pie" interventions in strengthening self-care efficacy and improving mental health. This study offers insights into building back better mental health security among college students at this critical time when the world is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu Zhong
- Department of Interactive Media, School of Communication, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lola Xie
- Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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19
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Kwon CY. Research and Public Interest in Mindfulness in the COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Era: A Bibliometric and Google Trends Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3807. [PMID: 36900815 PMCID: PMC10000852 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Public and research interest in mindfulness has been growing, and the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic seems to have accelerated this growth. This study was conducted to investigate the public and research interest in mindfulness in the context of COVID-19. The term 'Mindfulness' was searched in Google Trends, and data were collected from December 2004 to November 2022. The relationship between the relative search volume (RSV) of 'Mindfulness' and that of related topics was analyzed, and 'Top related topics and queries' for the search term 'Mindfulness' were investigated. For bibliometric analysis, a search was conducted in the Web of Science database. Keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted, and a two-dimensional keyword map was constructed using VOSviewer software. Overall, the RSV of 'Mindfulness' increased slightly. The RSVs of 'Mindfulness' and 'Antidepressants' showed an overall significant positive correlation (r = 0.485) but a statistically significant negative correlation during the COVID-19 era (-0.470). Articles on mindfulness in the context of COVID-19 were closely related to depression, anxiety, stress, and mental health. Four clusters of articles were identified, including 'mindfulness', 'COVID-19', 'anxiety and depression', and 'mental health'. These findings may provide insights into potential areas of interest and identify ongoing trends in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Dong-Eui University College of Korean Medicine, 52-57, Yangjeong-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea
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20
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Ash TL, Helminen EC, Yamashita S, Felver JC. Teachers' anti-black biases in disciplinary decisions: The role of mindfulness. J Sch Psychol 2023; 96:75-87. [PMID: 36641226 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsp.2022.11.003] [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: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Research suggests that disparities in exclusionary discipline can be explained, in part, by teachers' anti-Black biases in disciplinary decision-making. An emerging body of literature also speaks to the benefits of cultivating mindfulness for bias reduction. The present study adds to the literature by assessing whether mindfulness is associated with differences in teachers' responses to student disciplinary infractions as a function of student signaled race, which was manipulated as a between-subjects factor. We predicted that teachers with lower levels of mindfulness, as measured via self-report, would demonstrate greater anti-Black bias in response to students' disciplinary files than teachers with higher levels of mindfulness. Teachers (N = 179) completed the study via an online research participant platform. Consistent with hypothesis, we found that participants' self-reported mindfulness in teaching moderated their responses to a disciplinary file as a function of student signaled race, b = -1.05, F(1, 175) = 4.50, p = 0.035, ηp2 = 0.03, 95% CI [-2.03, -0.07]. Specifically, participants with lower levels of mindfulness rated the disciplinary infraction as more severe if it was enacted by a Black boy compared to a White boy. At higher levels of mindfulness, however, the opposite pattern emerged; participants demonstrated more leniency if the infraction was perpetrated by a Black boy, relative to a White boy. Our research adds to the literature and suggests that improving teachers' ability to remain present in the classroom may improve their ability to make more equitable decisions in managing students' misbehavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tory L Ash
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, United States of America; Department of Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States of America.
| | - Emily C Helminen
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, United States of America
| | - Shiharu Yamashita
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, United States of America
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21
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Garro A, Janal M, Kondroski K, Stillo G, Vega V. Mindfulness Initiatives for Students, Teachers, and Parents: a Review of Literature and Implications for Practice During COVID-19 and Beyond. CONTEMPORARY SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 27:152-169. [PMID: 36741424 PMCID: PMC9885932 DOI: 10.1007/s40688-022-00446-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The use of mindfulness in schools has greatly expanded over the past 10 years. Research has demonstrated positive psychological effects of mindfulness for students as well as teachers (Emerson et al., Mindfulness 8:1136-1149, 2017; Semple et al., Psychology in the Schools 54:29-52, 2017). Similarly, studies focusing on mindfulness interventions for parents of children with disabilities and/or psychosocial difficulties have also yielded a variety of positive outcomes, including reduced parenting stress, increases in quality of life, and improved parent-child interactions (Bögels et al., 2016; Rayan and Ahmad, Research in Developmental Disabilities 55:185-196, 2016). Although there has been a proliferation of mindfulness research, and mindfulness has become a buzzword in popular culture, it has not been systematically examined or applied as an approach to improving psychosocial functioning in children, school personnel, and families during COVID-19 and in online settings. This article provides a preliminary framework for this examination by reviewing relevant research and providing practical strategies and resources for school psychologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Garro
- Department of Advanced Studies in Psychology, East Campus, Kean University, 215 North Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205 USA
| | - Mikela Janal
- Department of Advanced Studies in Psychology, East Campus, Kean University, 215 North Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205 USA
| | - Kelly Kondroski
- Department of Advanced Studies in Psychology, East Campus, Kean University, 215 North Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205 USA
| | - Giuliana Stillo
- Department of Advanced Studies in Psychology, East Campus, Kean University, 215 North Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205 USA
| | - Vanessa Vega
- Department of Advanced Studies in Psychology, East Campus, Kean University, 215 North Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205 USA
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22
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Davis L, Aylward A, Scott BG, Jacobs J. "Following the Breath:" A Trauma-Informed Intervention for Educator Wellness in Rural Montana. EDUCATION SCIENCES 2023; 13:23. [PMID: 38116307 PMCID: PMC10730112 DOI: 10.3390/educsci13010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Given the prevalence of mental health issues for both educators and adolescents in rural Montana, this project is designed to help mitigate the impact of stressors by providing coping strategies linked to improvements in overall mental health outcomes for teachers, which may ultimately lead to improved co-regulation of students and classroom climate. The immediate goal of this pilot study was to measure physical and mental health outcomes of educators resulting from a remotely-delivered trauma-informed yoga intervention. Findings suggest improvements in participants' depression and anxiety levels, trauma symptoms, sleep quality, and non-significant changes in heart rate variability and cortisol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Davis
- Montana State University, College of Education, Health, and Human Development and Department of Psychology, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Alexandra Aylward
- University of Texas-Austin, College of Education, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Brandon G. Scott
- Montana State University, College of Education, Health, and Human Development and Department of Psychology, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Jonathan Jacobs
- Montana State University, College of Education, Health, and Human Development and Department of Psychology, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
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23
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Palma EMS, Reis de Sousa A, Aguiar CVN, Nilo NG, dos Santos TM. Mindfulness and psychological distress in men during the COVID-19 pandemic: The mediating role of environmental mastery and purpose in life. COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH 2022; 24:CAPR12606. [PMID: 36721644 PMCID: PMC9880643 DOI: 10.1002/capr.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Men's mental health has been severely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many studies focussing on the determinants of men's psychological distress. This study aimed at examining the relationships between mindfulness, environmental mastery (EM), purpose in life (PL) and indicators of psychological distress (i.e., common mental disorders and perceived stress). This was a cross-sectional online study in which participants were 1,006 men aged between 29 and 39 years (45.1%), residing in Brazil during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A parallel multiple mediator model was used to test the study variables' relationships, using mindfulness as the independent variable and indicators of psychological distress as the dependent variables. Results indicated that EM and PL significantly mediated the effects of mindfulness on men's psychological distress, lowering its levels and accounting for 31% of common mental disorders and 51% of perceived stress. Implications for public health policies and clinical practice are discussed.
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24
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Micheli N, Porcelli P, Barrault-Couchouron M, Dantzer C. Does the practice of mindfulness reduce somatic symptoms and COVID-19-related anxiety? A community-based survey. Front Psychol 2022; 13:996559. [PMID: 36571039 PMCID: PMC9784913 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.996559] [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: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have shown an increase of psychological distress in the general population. Previous research demonstrated that high levels of anxiety are associated with reporting more somatic symptoms. The ability to adaptively regulate emotions is essential to deal with stressful situations, and it is one of the main components of mindfulness practice. The aim of the present study was to document the effect of mindfulness practice on somatic symptoms and psychological distress in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The study has a descriptive cross-sectional design. During the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, between November 2020 and January 2021 participants living in France responded to an online survey on the impact of COVID-19 on psychological distress and physical health. The questionnaire included the assessment of COVID-19-related anxiety, mindfulness practice and experience, dispositional mindfulness, somatization, depression, generalized anxiety, and emotion regulation. Results A total of 569 people (mean age = 39.8 years, 90% women) were included in the study. COVID-19 related anxiety was associated with higher levels of somatic symptoms, generalized anxiety, and depression. About half of the sample (n = 318, 56%) reported moderate to severe somatic symptoms that were associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety, lower levels of dispositional mindfulness and to the use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. Overall, 164 subjects (28.8%) reported practicing meditation. No differences were found in dispositional mindfulness (MAAS score) between beginners and advanced practitioners, regardless of the type, years, frequency, and length of practice. Participants with less experience in mindfulness practice reported a significant higher number of somatic symptoms than non-practitioners and a higher use of rumination. Moreover, mindfulness experience was associated with the use of more adaptive emotion regulation strategies. Conclusion Mindfulness meditation has been promoted as a practice enhancing well-being and helping to cope with the psychological impact of stressful events. However, in a distressing situation as COVID-19 pandemic, a limited experience in mindfulness practices might result in the development or endurance of somatic symptoms. Adequate training and a focus on mindful acceptance, may contribute to enhance the effectiveness of mindfulness practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Micheli
- Univertité de Bordeaux, LabPsy UR 4139, Bordeaux, France,*Correspondence: Noemi Micheli,
| | - Piero Porcelli
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Cécile Dantzer
- Univertité de Bordeaux, LabPsy UR 4139, Bordeaux, France
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25
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Are some interoceptive sensibility components more central than others? Using item pool visualisation to understand the psychometric representation of interoception. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277894. [PMID: 36455037 PMCID: PMC9714805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Interoception refers to the processing of stimuli originating within the body and is widely considered a multidimensional construct. However, there remains a lack of consensus regarding the definition and measurement of the subjective, self-reported component, referred to here as interoceptive sensibility. As a contribution to knowledge on the topic, we sought to examine the construct commonality and distinguishability of seven self-report measures of interoceptive sensibility using Item Pool Visualisation (IPV), an illustrative method that locates item pools from within the same dataset and illustrates these in the form of nested radar charts. Adults from the United Kingdom (N = 802) completed seven measures of interoceptive sensibility, and the data were subjected to IPV. Results demonstrated that, of the included measures, the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness-2 provided the closest and most precise measurement of the core interoceptive sensibility construct (i.e., core of the entire investigated item pool). The Body Awareness Questionnaire and the Private Body Consciousness Scale were also centrally located measures, while the Body Perception Questionnaire and the Body Responsiveness Scale appear to tap more distal aspects of the core construct. We discuss implications for interpreting complicated data patterns using measures of interoceptive sensibility and, more generally, for measuring the construct of interoceptive sensibility.
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Satici B, Satici SA. Mindfulness and subjective happiness during the pandemic: Longitudinal mediation effect of hope. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111781] [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: 10/18/2022]
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27
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Pan B, Fan S, Wang Y, Li Y. The relationship between trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing of kindergarten teachers: The sequential mediating role of emotional intelligence and self-efficacy. Front Psychol 2022; 13:973103. [PMID: 36248556 PMCID: PMC9553996 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.973103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored the relationship between emotional intelligence and self-efficacy in trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing. In this study, 323 Chinese kindergarten teachers were measured using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Emotional Intelligence Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, and Subjective Wellbeing Scale. The study found that subjective wellbeing can be predicted directly from trait mindfulness (β = 0.257, p < 0.001). Emotional intelligence could mediate the relationship between trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing (β = 0.165, p = 0.006). Self-efficacy could mediate the relationship between trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing (β = 0.078, p = 0.032). In addition, emotional intelligence and self-efficacy played a sequential mediating role between trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing (β = 0.072, p = 0.005). This study revealed the relationship between kindergarten teachers’ trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing through structural equation modeling and understood its role path, enriching the research on the Chinese preschool teachers in the field, and providing a literature reference for the international community to understand the Chinese kindergarten teachers. At the same time, the study also has some limitations, such as the use of a cross-sectional design method, a relatively single method, and the impact of COVID-19. However, we believe that this study will further enrich the research literature on the relationship between trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing of Chinese kindergarten teachers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baocheng Pan
- College of Education, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shiyi Fan
- College of Education, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Youli Wang
- College of Education, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - You Li
- Suzhou Early Childhood Education College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: You Li,
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Lan Y, Han C, Liu X, Cao Q, Chen S, Xia Y. How and when perceived COVID-19 crisis strength impacts individuals' life satisfaction and sleep quality: A moderated mediation model. Front Public Health 2022; 10:944942. [PMID: 36117609 PMCID: PMC9470827 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.944942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused millions of deaths, seriously hampering people's lives and their productivity. Drawing on social information processing theory, this research developed a moderated mediation model to investigate the influence of perceived COVID-19 crisis strength on individuals' well-being. The results from a sample of 441 suggest that individuals' perceived COVID-19 crisis strength indirectly affects their life satisfaction and sleep quality via their perceived risk of being infected. Moreover, both individuals' trust in local government and mindfulness trait can buffer the positive effect of perceived COVID-19 crisis strength on their perceived risk of being infected. At the same time, they also buffer the indirect impact of individuals' perceived COVID-19 crisis strength on life satisfaction and sleep quality through perceived risk of being infected. This research provides several practical implications for governments and individuals to mitigate the negative influences of the COVID-19 pandemic and help individuals boost life satisfaction and sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Lan
- School of Business, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Changlin Han
- School of Business, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaotong Liu
- School of Business, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qinqin Cao
- School of Business, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhuan Xia
- School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Shandong University, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Yuhuan Xia
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Kraft J, Kaltwasser V, Kohls N. Achtsamkeit in der Schule (AISCHU) – Evaluation der Weiterbildung für Lehrkräfte zur Stressreduktion. PRÄVENTION UND GESUNDHEITSFÖRDERUNG 2022. [PMCID: PMC8256641 DOI: 10.1007/s11553-021-00870-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund Positive Effekte von achtsamkeitsbasierten Programmen im Kontext Schule wurden bereits vielfältig belegt. Das in dieser Studie evaluierte Konzept Achtsamkeit in der Schule (AISCHU) richtet sich an Lehrkräfte und SchülerInnen und soll deren Stresswahrnehmung und Selbstregulationsfähigkeit schulen. Im Fokus dieser explorativen Studie steht erstmals der präventive Nutzen der AISCHU-Weiterbildung für Lehrkräfte und deren psychische Gesundheit. Methodik Etablierte Messinstrumente bezüglich Stresserleben (PSQ), Burn-out-Gefährdung („Tedium measure“ (TM)), Wohlbefinden (WHO-5) und Achtsamkeit (FFA, MAAS) wurden im Prä-Post-Vergleich eingesetzt. Die Daten beziehen sich auf 36 Lehrkräfte unterschiedlicher Schulformen. Ergebnisse Es ergaben sich hinsichtlich aller untersuchten Messgrößen signifikante Verbesserungen mit z. T. großen Effektstärken. Schlussfolgerung In dieser explorativen Pilotstudie zu AISCHU für Lehrkräfte konnten erstmals vielversprechende Hinweise auf die Wirksamkeit im Sinne von Stressreduzierung, Burn-out-Risikominimierung sowie Verbesserung der Lebensqualität bei belasteten LehrerInnen beobachtet werden. Zusatzmaterial online Zusätzliche Informationen sind in der Online-Version dieses Artikels (10.1007/s11553-021-00870-9) enthalten.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Niko Kohls
- Hochschule Coburg, Friedrich-Streib-Str. 2, 96450 Coburg, Deutschland
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Lekagul A, Piancharoen P, Chattong A, Suradom C, Tangcharoensathien V. Living through the psychological consequences of COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review of effective mitigating interventions. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060804. [PMID: 35882462 PMCID: PMC9329730 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-060804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review assesses interventions and their effectiveness in mitigating psychological consequences from pandemic. METHOD Published English literatures were searched from four databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO) from January 2020 and September 2021. A total of 27 papers with 29 studies (one paper reported three studies) met inclusion criteria. Cochrane risk-of-bias tool is applied to assess the quality of all randomised controlled trials (RCT). RESULTS All studies were recently conducted in 2020. Publications were from high-income (13, 44.8%), upper middle-income (12, 41.4%) and lower middle-income countries (3, 10.3%) and global (1, 3.5%). Half of the studies conducted for general population (51.7%). One-third of studies (8, 27.6%) provided interventions to patients with COVID-19 and 20.7% to healthcare workers. Of the 29 studies, 14 (48.3%) were RCT. All RCTs were assessed for risk of biases; five studies (15, 35.7%) had low risk as measured against all six dimensions reflecting high-quality study.Of these 29 studies, 26 diagnostic or screening measures were applied; 8 (30.9%) for anxiety, 7 (26.9%) for depression, 5 (19.2%) for stress, 5 (19.2%) for insomnia and 1 (3.8%) for suicide. Measures used to assess the baseline and outcomes of interventions were standardised and widely applied by other studies with high level of reliability and validity. Of 11 RCT studies, 10 (90.9%) showed that anxiety interventions significantly lowered anxiety in intervention groups. Five of the six RCT studies (83.3%) had significantly reduced the level of depression. Most interventions for anxiety and stress were mindfulness and meditation based. CONCLUSIONS Results from RCT studies (11%, 78.6%) were effective in mitigating psychological consequences from COVID-19 pandemic when applied to healthcare workers, patients with COVID-19 and general population. These effective interventions can be applied and scaled up in other country settings through adaptation of modes of delivery suitable to country resources, pandemic and health system context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angkana Lekagul
- International Health Policy Program, Amphur Muang, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | | | - Anamika Chattong
- International Health Policy Program, Amphur Muang, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Chawisa Suradom
- Psychiatry, Chiang Mai University Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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31
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Devillers-Réolon L, Mascret N, Sleimen-Malkoun R. Online Mindfulness Intervention, Mental Health and Attentional Abilities: A Randomized Controlled Trial in University Students During COVID-19 Lockdown. Front Psychol 2022; 13:889807. [PMID: 35874414 PMCID: PMC9301203 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.889807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to worldwide restrictive measures, raising concerns about mental health in young adults who were not particularly vulnerable to the virus itself. This study investigated the impact of these restrictions on mental and cognitive health of university students, and tested the efficacy of a brief online mindfulness meditation intervention in countering psychological distress and improving attentional abilities. Ninety-six university students forced into remote learning due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and with no experience in meditation were randomly assigned to either a passive control group (n = 48) or to an experimental group (n = 48) following daily, for 17 days, an online mindfulness intervention (10–20 min per day). Due to drop-out, 38 participants in each group were finally analyzed. Pre- and post-tests assessed participants’ mental health (psychological well-being, depression, anxiety, stress) and attentional abilities. The analysis of baseline data in comparison with normative scores and pre-pandemic statistics confirmed the expected psychological distress, but it did not reveal any attentional deficits in our participants. Pre-post change scores analyses showed a reduction in stress (p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.10), anxiety (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.13), and depression (p = 0.025, ηp2 = 0.07), and an improvement in well-being (p = 0.013, ηp2 = 0.12) in the experimental group, but not in the control group. In both groups, no significant effect was found on attentional abilities. Our results confirmed the psychological vulnerability of higher education students in the midst of the remote learning period during the second COVID-19 lockdown in France, while suggesting preservation of attentional functioning. Although the tested mindfulness intervention did not enhance the attentional abilities in already good performing students, it did promote their mental health. This study offers additional evidence on the feasibility and efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in students during psychologically straining periods, like the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Fazia T, Bubbico F, Nova A, Riggi E, Caimi G, Calgan B, Salvato G, Bruno S, Bottini G, Bernardinelli L. Online Short-Term Mindfulness-Based Intervention During COVID-19 Quarantine in Italy: Effects on Wellbeing, Stress, and Anxiety. Front Psychol 2022; 13:914183. [PMID: 35859847 PMCID: PMC9289612 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.914183] [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: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To limit the first spread of COVID-19 in March 2020, the Italian government imposed strict lockdown measures to the population. Despite necessary to reduce the virus transmission and the burden to the hospitals, social isolation has caused detrimental effects on psychological wellbeing and mental health. Moreover, during this period, it was also difficult to deliver psychological treatments and psychiatric assistance. A short (a weekly session for 9 weeks) mindfulness-based meditation program, named Integral Meditation (IM), was administered entirely online to healthy adults from Italy. This is a two-groups pre–post-quasi-experimental study in which the two groups, treated and control, were not randomized. Through matching procedures aimed at overcoming the absence of randomization, we analyzed a sample of 84 subjects (42 for each group). By applying linear mixed effect models, we tested the hypothesis of a beneficial effect of IM on wellbeing, perceived stress, and state anxiety, as measured by three self-reported questionnaires (WEMWBS, PSS, and STAI-X1, respectively), assuming that this effect could be different according to the level of baseline trait anxiety, as measured by STAI-X2. The results showed a statistically significant effect of STAI-X1 (β = −8.24 [95%CI −15.39; −1.09], p = 0.02) and WEMWBS (β = 4.61 [95%CI 0.94; 8.29], p = 0.01) in the higher trait anxiety subgroup only. No statistically significant effect of IM was observed for PSS. These results suggest that our IM, delivered online, may increase mental wellbeing and decrease anxiety specifically in subjects with higher trait anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Fazia
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Teresa Fazia
| | - Francesco Bubbico
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Nova
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emilia Riggi
- SSD Epidemiologia e Screening CPO, Universital Hospital “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, Torino, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Caimi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Beril Calgan
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gerardo Salvato
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Cognitive Neuropsychology Centre, ASST “Grande Ospedale Metropolitano” Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Bottini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Cognitive Neuropsychology Centre, ASST “Grande Ospedale Metropolitano” Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Bernardinelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Capurso M, De Stasio S, Ragni B. Universal crisis psychoeducational interventions in schools: A scoping review. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/01430343221104986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In times of crisis, schools are expected to help students deal with the situation and any help offered should consider the social and emotional problems arising from the critical event. Therefore, school-based activities enabling children to recognize the experience and work through it are essential to sustain their normal development and prevent academic and mental health problems. This paper provides an overview of the literature on universal school crisis interventions. We performed a scoping literature search in Scopus, ERIC, and Psych Info for articles published between January 2000 and May 2021 and identified 32 universal school-based crisis interventions based on three main crisis types (armed conflict, natural disaster, and Covid-19). Analysis of the methodologies and theoretical backgrounds generated six key psychoeducational factors commonly adopted. Comparing the different programmes in terms of topics, course content, duration, and methodology can help administrators and educators select the most appropriate crisis intervention for their school and situation. We also discuss the collaboration between mental health care specialists, school teams, and other important factors needed to implement these programmes and ensure their effectiveness under real-life conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Capurso
- Department of Philosophy, Social & Human Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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How Much Do We Care about Teacher Burnout during the Pandemic: A Bibliometric Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127134. [PMID: 35742381 PMCID: PMC9222778 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a descriptive bibliometric analysis of the scientific production was performed in the Web of Science on burnout and/or stress in teachers in pandemic situations. The aim of the study was to analyse the scientific production on stress and burnout in teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 75 documents from 33 journals with 3947 cited references were considered, with 307 researchers from 35 countries publishing at least one article. The country with the most publications was the USA, followed by China and Spain. The USA was the country with the most collaborations. A total of 184 institutions published documents, and the universities with the most records were Christopher Newport and Columbia, although the American University of Sharjah and Cape Breton University had a higher overall citation coefficient. Of the 33 journals that have published on the subject, Frontiers in Psychology and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health stood out in terms of the number of articles, and they were also listed in this order with regard to their impact factor.
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35
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Marotta M, Gorini F, Parlanti A, Berti S, Vassalle C. Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the Well-Being, Burnout and Stress of Italian Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11113136. [PMID: 35683520 PMCID: PMC9180958 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11113136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has overwhelmed healthcare systems and increased workload and distress in healthcare professionals (HCPs). The objective of this study was to evaluate baseline distress before and after the pandemic, and the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training on well-being (PGWBI), stress (PSS) and burnout (MBI) in Italian HCPs. Moreover, the “fear of COVID-19” (FCV-19S) questionnaire was administered to HCPs participating in the post-emergency MBSR program. Baseline distress results were moderate in all groups. No differences between baseline distress were observed between the groups of HCPs beginning the MBSR courses in the pre or post pandemic period. Total PGWBI lowered with aging. Additionally, FCV-19S positively correlated with age. MBSR was able to lower distress levels, except for depersonalization, which increased, while emotional exhaustion decreased in the group enrolled in the last post-pandemic MBSR course. Levels of fear of COVID-19 in HCPs significantly decreased after MBSR training. The lack of change in baseline distress over time indicates that it is more influenced by work-related distress than by the pandemic in our HCPs. In view of its beneficial effects on psycho-emotional status, MBSR training may represent an effective strategy to reduce distress in emergency periods as well as an essential part of HCPs’ general training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Marotta
- Fondazione CNR-Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, 54100 Massa, Italy; (M.M.); (A.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Francesca Gorini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Parlanti
- Fondazione CNR-Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, 54100 Massa, Italy; (M.M.); (A.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Sergio Berti
- Fondazione CNR-Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, 54100 Massa, Italy; (M.M.); (A.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Cristina Vassalle
- Fondazione CNR-Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Reyes-Bossio M, Zapparigli EL, Caycho-Rodríguez T, Carbajal-León C, Castaman LAO, Pino GLH, Sanchez RC, Barbosa-Granados S. Cross-cultural validity of the five items Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS-5) in Peru and Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic. PSICOLOGIA-REFLEXAO E CRITICA 2022; 35:12. [PMID: 35579764 PMCID: PMC9111951 DOI: 10.1186/s41155-022-00218-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Spanish version of the 5-item Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS-5) is a brief measure of the general tendency to be attentive and aware of experiences in the present moment during daily life. The MAAS-5 has been used in different countries; however, an assessment of its cross-cultural measurement invariance (MI) has not been conducted. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the cross-cultural measurement invariance of the MAAS-5 in university students from two countries: Peru and Mexico. A total of 1144 university students from Peru (N = 822) and Mexico (N = 322) responded online to the Spanish version of the 5-item Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS-5). A multigroup confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Measurement invariance tests the hypothesis that the model behind a set of scores is comparable between groups. The results showed that the unidimensional structure of the MAAS-5 is the same between Peruvian and Mexican university students. Therefore, it is suggested that university students from both countries conceptualize the mindfulness in a similar way. As a result, the MAAS-5 can be used to compare differences between countries. No significant differences were observed in the MAAS-5 score between Peruvian and Mexican university students. The present study contributes to a better understanding of the psychometric properties of the MAAS-5 by presenting MI results in two Latin American countries. Implications of the findings are discussed, which will facilitate a more solid and reliable use of the MAAS-5 in future cross-cultural studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Reyes-Bossio
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Perú
| | | | - Tomás Caycho-Rodríguez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada del Norte, Av. Alfredo Mendiola 6062, Los Olivos, Lima, Perú.
| | - Carlos Carbajal-León
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada del Norte, Av. Alfredo Mendiola 6062, Los Olivos, Lima, Perú
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Ma K, Liang L, Chutiyami M, Nicoll S, Khaerudin T, Ha XV. COVID-19 pandemic-related anxiety, stress, and depression among teachers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Work 2022; 73:3-27. [PMID: 35527618 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As millions of teachers have been forced to rely upon remote teaching due to the closure of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is particularly important to understand the extent to which teacher's psychological wellbeing has been affected by this global health crisis. OBJECTIVE The aim of this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis was twofold: 1) ascertain the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression among teachers during the COVID-19 outbreak; 2) identify the associated factors of these psychological wellbeing domains of the teachers. METHODS Academic Search Premier, Eric, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for articles published from December 2019 and July 2021, using search terms including "COVID-19" "anxiety" "depression" "stress", and "teachers". RESULTS This study included 54 studies synthesising data from 256,896 teachers across 22 countries. The meta-analysis showed higher prevalence of stress (62.6%, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 46.1-76.6), compared to anxiety (36.3%, 95% CI: 28.5-44.9) and depression (59.9%, 95% CI: 43.4-74.4) among teachers. Teachers' experiences of these psychological issues were associated with various socio-demographic and institutional factors, including gender, nature of online teaching, job satisfaction, teaching experience, and the volume of workload. Additionally, several protective factors, such as regular exercises and provision of technical support for online teaching, reduced teachers' negative psychological experiences. CONCLUSION There is a need for authorities to formulate educational policies to improve teachers' wellbeing at the time of global crisis. Special attention should be paid to assist female teachers in overcoming physical and mental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Ma
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Constructive Laboratory for Big Data of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Luyao Liang
- School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Muhammad Chutiyami
- School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,School of Nursing, Institute of Health & Management, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sandy Nicoll
- School of Education, Excelsia College, Sydney, Australia
| | - Teguh Khaerudin
- School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Education, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Xuan Van Ha
- Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Foreign Languages, Ha Tinh University, Ha Tinh, Vietnam
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Li JM, Wu R, Zhang T, Zhong SY, Hu T, Wang D, Jiang CL, Liu YZ. Psychological responses of medical staff during COVID-19 and the adjustment effect of brief mindfulness meditation. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2022; 48:101600. [PMID: 35580535 PMCID: PMC9074297 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented threat to public health and remains a critical challenge for medical staff, especially those who have been fighting against the virus in Wuhan, China. Limited data have been reported regarding the psychological status of these medical staff members. Therefore, we conducted this study to explore the mental health status of medical staff and the efficacy of brief mindfulness meditation (BMM) in improving their mental health. Methods A survey was conducted between April 18 and May 3, 2020. Upon completing the pre-test, participants in the treatment group received a 15-min BMM intervention every day at 8 p.m. Post-test questionnaires were completed after 16 days of therapy. The questionnaire comprised demographic data and psychological measurement scales. The levels of pre and post-test depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia were assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Athens Insomnia Scale, respectively. Results A total of 134 completed questionnaires were received. Of the medical staff, 6.7%, 1.5%, and 26.7% reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia, respectively. Public officials from military hospitals reported experiencing greater pressure than private officials (t = 2.39, p = 0.018, d = 0.50). Additionally, BMM treatment appeared to effectively alleviate insomnia (t = 2.27, p = 0.027, d = 0.28). Conclusions The medical staff suffered negative psychological effects during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMM interventions are advantageous in supporting the mental health of medical staff.
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Mindfulness-based online intervention increases well-being and decreases stress after Covid-19 lockdown. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6483. [PMID: 35444198 PMCID: PMC9019542 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10361-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness interventions were shown to be effective in improving well-being and reducing perceived stress in several conditions. These effects were also found in online mindfulness-based training, especially in employees in organizational environments. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of an online mindfulness intervention on healthy employees, especially after the first Italian Covid-19 lockdown. Participants in the intervention group underwent an 8-week mindfulness online training program based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) protocol compared to a control (no-intervention) group. All participants filled in weekly surveys for the whole intervention duration via online questionnaires to measure their habits, mindfulness (FFMQ-15), emotion regulation (ERQ), positive and negative affect (PANAS), depression, anxiety and stress (DASS-21), resilience (RSA) and insomnia (ISI). 69 participants in the intervention group and 63 in the no-treatment control group were considered in the longitudinal analyses. We found significant differences between the intervention and control groups over time in the measures of mindfulness (in particular the nonreactivity subscale), positive affect, depression, and insomnia. Moreover, we found that the frequency of practice and ease perceived in practicing were positively correlated to several indices of well-being (mindfulness, positive affect, cognitive reappraisal) and negatively correlated to several indices of stress (negative affect, depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, expressive suppression). These results show the importance and effectiveness of online mindfulness training programs to cope with stress among employees, especially after the Covid-19 lockdown.
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Lathabhavan R. COVID-19 and Mental Health Concerns Among Business Owners: a Cross-Sectional Study from India. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022; 21:1-11. [PMID: 35465028 PMCID: PMC9017730 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00824-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The study examines the relationship between pandemic-induced financial distress and mental health of entrepreneurs in India. A cross-sectional research design was used, and a survey was conducted among 816 small-scale entrepreneurs of diverse business entities. Structural equation modeling was performed to analyze the data. Both economic hardship and financial threat reported significant positive relationships with depression, anxiety, and stress. Financial wellbeing was found to be negatively related with depression, anxiety, and stress. The study stands among pioneers who have investigated the mental health issues among entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study provides holistic implications by recommending a collective mechanism that involves individuals, governments, and institutions, for helping small business entrepreneurs cope with the situation, avoid trauma, and have a positive mental health. Future studies can focus on longitudinal data collection to provide better accuracy and consistency.
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Changes in audiologists' mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: the supportive role of professional associations, workplaces and hearing device manufacturers. Int J Audiol 2022:1-8. [PMID: 35439082 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2058626] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore whether self-reported mental wellbeing (anxiety, depression and loneliness) in audiologists has changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine possible factors contributing to audiologists' current state of mental wellbeing.Design: Two cross-sectional surveys were distributed at two different time points during the COVID-19 pandemic screening for psychological distress (PHQ-4: anxiety and depression) and loneliness (UCLA-3).Study sample: 117 audiologists from around the world.Results: Findings demonstrated that over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic audiologists' levels of depression decreased, levels of anxiety were low and stable, whilst levels of loneliness were stable and high. Younger age was associated with lower levels of mental well-being. Responses to open text questions suggests that audiologists could be supported through development of clear and consistent guidelines on COVID-19 workplace restrictions, allowing for more workplace flexibility and providing mental health support through employee assistance programs.Conclusions: The rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness observed highlight the continued need for mental health and workplace interventions to support audiologists throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery period.
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Brailovskaia J, Truskauskaite-Kuneviciene I, Kazlauskas E, Gelezelyte O, Teismann T, Margraf J. Physical activity, mental and physical health during the Covid-19 outbreak: longitudinal predictors of suicide ideation in Germany. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 31:1-11. [PMID: 35369671 PMCID: PMC8956329 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-022-01708-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aim Suicide ideation has increased since the outbreak of Covid-19 in many countries. The present longitudinal study investigated potential predictors of suicide ideation. Subject and methods Data of 406 participants from Germany (age M = 27.69, SD = 6.88) were assessed via online surveys in spring 2020 (baseline, BL) and in spring 2021 (follow-up, FU). Results The current results reveal a significant increase in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress between 2020 and 2021. Positive mental health (PMH), sense of control, and physical health significantly decreased. Depression symptoms (BL), PMH (BL), and consciously enhanced physical activity since the pandemic outbreak (FU) significantly predicted 12-month suicide ideation (FU). In a moderated mediation analysis, the positive relationship between depression and suicide ideation was significantly mediated by PMH. Consciously enhanced physical activity significantly moderated the negative association between PMH and suicide ideation. Conclusion The context of Covid-19 could negatively impact mental health and physical health. This might increase the risk for suicide ideation. However, PMH and physical activity might serve as protective factors. The protective effect of physical activity could be especially important in people with high depression symptoms and low PMH, such as clinical patients. Potential ways of how PMH and physical activity could be enhanced in the Covid-19 context to prevent suicide ideation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brailovskaia
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787 Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Evaldas Kazlauskas
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Odeta Gelezelyte
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tobias Teismann
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787 Bochum, Germany
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Berger E, Quinones G, Barnes M, Reupert A. Early childhood educators' psychological distress and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. EARLY CHILDHOOD RESEARCH QUARTERLY 2022; 60:298-306. [PMID: 35317528 PMCID: PMC8930429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecresq.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There is growing awareness of the impacts of COVID-19 on children, families, and more recently, early childhood educators. This study aimed to add to this research and explore Australian early childhood educators' psychological distress and wellbeing in relation to COVID-19. Accordingly, 205 educators (117 early childhood educators, 86 leaders and 2 others) completed the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, measuring levels of post-traumatic distress, and an open-ended question on wellbeing, both in relation to COVID-19. Educators' responses to the open-ended question were matched to those who scored high, medium, and low on the Impact of Events Scale-Revised. Results demonstrated 66.8% of educators scored in the low range for post-traumatic distress, 11.7% scored in the moderate range, and 21.5% scored in the high range for post-traumatic distress on the Impact of Events Scale-Revised. Participants scoring in the low range on the Impact of Events Scale-Revised provided fewer comments regarding the emotional impacts of COVID-19. There were no differences between the groups in terms of fear of COVID-19 infection, challenges related to increased workload during the pandemic, and frustration with the Australian government response to COVID-19. Educators and early childhood leaders reported comparable wellbeing challenges during the pandemic. This research has implications for the types of support provided to educators during future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Berger
- Faculty of Education, Monash University, 19 Ancora Imparo Way, Victoria, Australia 3800
| | - Gloria Quinones
- Faculty of Education, Monash University, 19 Ancora Imparo Way, Victoria, Australia 3800
| | - Melissa Barnes
- Faculty of Education, Monash University, 19 Ancora Imparo Way, Victoria, Australia 3800
| | - Andrea Reupert
- Faculty of Education, Monash University, 19 Ancora Imparo Way, Victoria, Australia 3800
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Randomized Trial on the Effects of a Mindfulness Intervention on Temperament, Anxiety, and Depression: A Multi-Arm Psychometric Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12030074. [PMID: 35323393 PMCID: PMC8945710 DOI: 10.3390/bs12030074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness is a mental state that can be achieved through meditation. So far, studies have shown that practicing mindfulness on a consistent and regular basis can improve attentional functions and emotional well-being. Mindfulness has recently begun to be used in the field of child development. The goal of this study is to assess if a mindfulness program may help primary school students in reducing anxiety and depression while also improving their temperamental characteristics. This multi-arm pre-post study included 41 subjects recruited in the fifth year of two primary school classes. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group, but not the control group, underwent an eight-week mindfulness training. Every week, the program included 60-min group sessions. QUIT (Italian Questionnaires of Temperament) and TAD (Test for Anxiety and Depression in Childhood and Adolescence) were used to assess temperament, and anxiety and depression, respectively. Both groups were administered both instruments before and after mindfulness intervention. The mindfulness program lowered anxiety levels and was effective in changing temperament dimensions: there was an increase in social orientation (SO), positive emotionality (PE), and attention (AT), as well as a decrease in inhibition to novelty (IN) and negative emotionality. Path analysis revealed that AT may promote the improvement of both SO and IN. Similarly, PE may be promoted by the decrease of IN. Clinical implications are discussed.
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Sudom KA, Lee JEC. Well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members during the COVID-19 pandemic: the influence of positive health behaviours. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can 2022; 42:113-121. [PMID: 35262313 PMCID: PMC9022951 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.42.3.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to increased depression, anxiety and other adverse mental health outcomes. Understanding the behaviours that positively influence health is important for the development of strategies to maintain andimprove well-being during the pandemic. METHODS This study focussed on Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force members (N = 13 668) who participated in the COVID-19 Defence Team Survey, administered between April and May 2020. The use of positive health behaviours and the extent to which such behaviours were associated with anxiety, depression and self-reported change in health and stress levels compared to before the pandemic were examined. RESULTS Depression and anxiety were experienced by 14% and 15% of the sample, respectively, while 36% reported that their mental health had gotten worse since the pandemic started, and close to half reported worse physical health and stress levels. The most common behaviours respondents reported engaging in to maintain or improve their health were exercising outdoors, healthy eating and connecting with loved ones. Although most behaviours were associated with better health outcomes, meditation and connecting with loved ones showed associations with worse health. CONCLUSION Engaging in behaviours such as exercise and healthy eating was generally associated with better health outcomes. Unexpected relationships of meditation and connecting with loved ones are discussed in terms of their use in stressful times among those with mental health issues, past research on coping strategies and impacts of the pandemic and physical distancing on social connections. The findings may have implications for strategies to promote healthy behaviours during the remainder of the pandemic and similar crises in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry A Sudom
- Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer E C Lee
- Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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“Growing as a Stronger Clinician in Adverse Conditions”—A Snapshot of Clinical Training during COVID-19. EDUCATION SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/educsci12030156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Transformative learning theory has been recommended as a pedagogy of uncertainty for accommodating new beliefs that enable humans to thrive amid the challenges and complexity of our world. As higher education institutions embrace new roles and responsibilities, few studies have focused on how the disruptions caused by COVID-19 may facilitate formative learning experiences. This study explored how registrars responded to the challenges facing clinical training during the first wave of COVID-19, and how the impact of these disruptions prompted personal and professional development. Registrars completed an online qualitative SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of their training experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were thematically analysed. Four hundred and five responses were received from 54 registrars. Themes related to challenges included mental distress, resource constraints, and compromised and inadequate training. Themes related to strengths and opportunities included new learning experiences, resilience, coping strategies, and enhanced graduate competencies related to leadership, collaboration, communication, and health advocacy. The disruptive and disorienting elements of COVID-19, although situated in chaos, aggravating the constraints of training in under-resourced settings, also provided unexpected learning opportunities. These findings highlight the transformative potential of disrupted learning contexts and the need for responsive curricular to enhance graduate competencies, adaptability, and resilience.
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Kotowski SE, Davis KG, Barratt CL. Teachers feeling the burden of COVID-19: Impact on well-being, stress, and burnout. Work 2022; 71:407-415. [PMID: 35068412 DOI: 10.3233/wor-210994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teachers have had to deal with many of the negative aspects of COVID-19 over the past year. The demands associated with the sudden requirement to teach remotely, and later having to manage hybrid (both in person and online) learning may be having adverse effects on the mental and physical health of teachers. OBJECTIVE To determine whether COVID-19 continued to impact teacher stress, burnout, and well-being a year into the pandemic. METHODS An online survey was sent out to 5300 teachers in public and private schools, and 703 completed the survey. RESULTS Stress and burnout continue to be high for teachers, with 72% of teachers feeling very or extremely stressed, and 57% feel very or extremely burned out. Many teachers struggled to have a satisfactory work-family balance (37% never or almost never; 20% only has sometimes). CONCLUSION School systems must start to deal with the mental and physical health of teachers before a large number of them leave the profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Kotowski
- Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kermit G Davis
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Science, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Clare L Barratt
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Science, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
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Matiz A, Fabbro F, Paschetto A, Urgesi C, Ciucci E, Baroncelli A, Crescentini C. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Affect, Fear, and Personality of Primary School Children Measured During the Second Wave of Infections in 2020. Front Psychiatry 2022; 12:803270. [PMID: 35111088 PMCID: PMC8801446 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.803270] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In relation to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, a large body of research has identified a negative impact on individuals' affectivity, frequently documented by increased prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms. For children, this research was less extensive, was mainly based on caregivers' reports and neglected personality assessment. In order to measure the impact of the pandemic, and the fears it caused, on primary school children's affect and personality, 323 (180 boys and 143 girls) Italian third, fourth and fifth graders were assessed between October and November 2020, namely during the second wave of COVID-19 infections in Italy, with validated self-reports of affect (Positive and Negative Affect Scale for Children, PANAS-C), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale, FCV-19S) and personality (junior Temperament and Character Inventory, jTCI). In comparison with PANAS-C and jTCI normative scores collected prior to the pandemic, data obtained from children in 2020 showed unchanged affect scores in the overall sample, a decrease of Positive Affect in girls, and a decrease in the Harm Avoidance and an increase in the Self-Transcendence scales of personality. Fear of COVID-19 scores were positively correlated with Negative Affect scores and negatively predicted by children's personality profile of resilience (calculated using scores on the Harm Avoidance and the Self-Directedness scales of personality). These results suggested that Italian primary school children, especially boys, maintained their pre-pandemic levels of affect (or restored them after the first COVID-19 wave) and partially diverged from the typical development of personality in an apparently positive sense, namely toward more courageous/optimistic and spiritual profiles. This sort of children's post-traumatic growth might also be attributed to children's family and education systems, which should continue to be supported to promote and maintain community mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Matiz
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Fabbro
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Paschetto
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Cosimo Urgesi
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Lecco, Italy
| | - Enrica Ciucci
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Baroncelli
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristiano Crescentini
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Li J, Zhang YY, Cong XY, Ren SR, Tu XM, Wu JF. 5-min mindfulness audio induction alleviates psychological distress and sleep disorders in patients with COVID-19. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:576-584. [PMID: 35097083 PMCID: PMC8771375 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i2.576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mindfulness meditation is beneficial to mitigate the negative effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the general population, but no study examined such meditation in the COVID-19 patients themselves.
AIM To explore the short-term efficacy of mindfulness meditation in alleviating psychological distress and sleep disorders in patients with COVID-19.
METHODS This prospective study enrolled patients with mild COVID-19 treated at Wuhan Fangcang Hospital in February 2020. The patients were voluntarily divided into either a mindfulness or a conventional intervention group. The patients were evaluated before/after the intervention using the Short Inventory of Mindfulness Capability (SMI-C), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
RESULTS Seventy-five participants were enrolled in this study, with 43 and 32 in the mindfulness and conventional groups, respectively. Before the intervention, there were no differences in SMI-C, HADS, or PSQI scores between the two groups. After the 2-wk intervention, the mindfulness level (from 30.16 ± 5.58 to 35.23 ± 5.95, P < 0.001) and sleep quality (from 12.85 ± 3.06 to 9.44 ± 3.86, P < 0.001) were significantly increased in the mindfulness group. There were no differences in the conventional group. After the intervention, the mindfulness level (35.23 ± 5.95 vs 31.17 ± 6.50, P = 0.006) and sleep quality (9.44 ± 3.86 vs 11.87 ± 4.06, P = 0.011) were significantly higher in the mindfulness group than in the conventional group. Depression decreased in the mindfulness group (from 14.15 ± 3.21 to 12.50 ± 4.01, P = 0.038), but there was no difference between the two groups.
CONCLUSION Short-term mindfulness meditation can increase the mindfulness level, improve the sleep quality, and decrease the depression of patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yun-Yun Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Yin Cong
- Department of Psychology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shu-Rong Ren
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Tu
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jin-Feng Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
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Qiu Y, Zhang Y, Liu M. Dual process model of farmers' mindfulness and sustainable economic behavior: Mediating role of mental health and emotional labor. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:979979. [PMID: 36186879 PMCID: PMC9521486 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.979979] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindful awareness of our interconnection with the natural environment could help to redeem our lost environmentally entrenched identity and help us to act more sustainably, concluding the predictable gaps between mindfulness and sustainable behavior. We propose more precisely that mindful attentiveness may be essential to establishing sustainable economic behavior through understanding emotional labor and enhanced mental health. Likewise, with an ever-rising concern related to mental health and emotional labor, recent industrialization and commoditization of agricultural products have stressed the need for mindfulness, and causing sustainable economic behavior of farmers that is imminent. Hence, the study will not only explore the connection between mindfulness and sustainable economic behavior, but there is a need to examine the mediating role of emotional labor and the mental health of farmers in China. The study selected the farmers because mindful awareness, emotional labor, and mental health of a farmer can significantly contribute to sustainable economic behavior and bring a connection with the natural environment. The data of 358 responses were analyzed using SPSS-AMOS. The results revealed that mindfulness, mental health, and emotional labor have a significant connection with the sustainable economic behavior of farmers in China. The results also indicated that mental health and emotional labor mediate between mindfulness and sustainable economic behavior. The results set the tone for the policy-makers to create awareness among all the stakeholders about the importance of mindfulness to help farmers manage their emotional labor and mental health for better, sustainable performance outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Qiu
- Department of Education, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun, China
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- Department of Education, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun, China
| | - Meihang Liu
- Department of Education, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun, China
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