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Schuttenberg EM, Sneider JT, Rosmarin DH, Cohen-Gilbert JE, Oot EN, Seraikas AM, Stein ER, Maksimovskiy AL, Harris SK, Silveri MM. Forgiveness Mediates the Relationship Between Middle Frontal Gyrus Volume and Clinical Symptoms in Adolescents. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:782893. [PMID: 35295882 PMCID: PMC8918469 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.782893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dispositional forgiveness is positively associated with many facets of wellbeing and has protective implications against depression and anxiety in adolescents. However, little work has been done to examine neurobiological aspects of forgiveness as they relate to clinical symptoms. In order to better understand the neural mechanisms supporting the protective role of forgiveness in adolescents, the current study examined the middle frontal gyrus (MFG), which comprises the majority of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and is associated with cognitive regulation, and its relationship to forgiveness and clinical symptoms in a sample of healthy adolescents. In this cross-sectional study (n = 64), larger MFG volume was significantly associated with higher self-reported dispositional forgiveness scores and lower levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Forgiveness mediated the relationship between MFG volume and both depressive and anxiety symptom levels. The mediating role of forgiveness in the relationship between MFG volume and clinical symptoms suggests that one way that cognitive regulation strategies supported by this brain region may improve adolescent mental health is via increasing a capacity for forgiveness. The present study highlights the relevance of forgiveness to neurobiology and their relevance to emotional health in adolescents. Future longitudinal studies should focus on the predictive quality of the relationship between forgiveness, brain volume and clinical symptoms and the effects of forgiveness interventions on these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor M. Schuttenberg
- Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Jennifer T. Sneider
- Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David H. Rosmarin
- Department of Psychiatry and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- Spirituality and Mental Health Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Julia E. Cohen-Gilbert
- Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emily N. Oot
- Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
- School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Anna M. Seraikas
- Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Elena R. Stein
- Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Arkadiy L. Maksimovskiy
- Brain Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Sion K. Harris
- Center for Adolescent Behavioral Health Research, Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marisa M. Silveri
- Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Marisa M. Silveri,
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Barr AB, Simons RL, Beach SR, Simons LG. Racial discrimination and health among two generations of African American couples. Soc Sci Med 2022; 296:114768. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Balkin RS, Mendoza SM, Hendricks L, Harris NA, Flores S, Casillas C, Wood A. Evaluation of Trauma, Forgiveness, and Well‐Being Among African Americans. Journal of Counseling & Development 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jcad.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard S. Balkin
- Department of Leadership and Counselor Education The University of Mississippi
| | | | | | | | - Serena Flores
- School of Education University of St. Thomas–Houston
| | | | - Alyssa Wood
- Department of Leadership and Counselor Education The University of Mississippi
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Tian HM, Wang P. The role of perceived social support and depressive symptoms in the relationship between forgiveness and life satisfaction among older people. Aging Ment Health 2021; 25:1042-1048. [PMID: 32242739 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1746738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Forgiveness carries a different significance for individuals, especially older people. Few studies have focused on the effect of forgiveness on life satisfaction among older people and the mediating role of perceived social support and depressive symptoms. The current study tested the relationship between forgiveness and life satisfaction, and the mediating effects of perceived social support and depressive symptoms in the relationship. METHOD The sample of the study consisted of 713 older people (>56 years, M=64.89, SD=1.31)were recruited from Jiangsu province in China. Bootstrap estimation of multiple mediation analysis was used to examine the mediating effects of perceived social support and depressive symptoms in the relationship between forgiveness and life satisfaction. RESULTS Forgiveness of others and oneself have positively associated with life satisfaction, and multiple mediation analyses indicated that perceived social support and depressive symptoms mediate the relationship between forgiveness of others and oneself and life satisfaction. CONCLUSION Forgiveness of others and self is linked with life satisfaction not only through perceived social support but also depressive symptoms. Forgiveness can enhance life satisfaction of older people. It can also enhance the effects of social support on their social relationships and reduce depressive symptoms, which lead to higher life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Mei Tian
- Department of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Psychology, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian, China
| | - Pei Wang
- Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
Suicide has remained a leading cause of death among African American males, yet empirical investigations that focus on the experiences of this group are limited. Therefore, we aim to interrogate the impact of everyday discrimination as a risk factor for depressive symptoms and suicide ideation among African American men. Data were drawn from the African American male subsample of the National Survey of American Life (n = 1,271). Path analysis and tests for indirect effects were used to examine relationships between everyday discrimination, depressive symptoms, and suicide ideation. Three sources of everyday discrimination were examined (any everyday discrimination, race-based everyday discrimination, and other everyday discrimination). Study findings revealed that race-based everyday discrimination was the only type of discrimination that was significantly associated with both increased rates of depressive symptoms and suicide ideation. Further, the indirect effect from race-based everyday discrimination to suicide ideation via depressive symptoms was also statistically significant. Thus, the impact of daily encounters with discrimination extends beyond depressive symptoms and is related to higher rates of suicide ideation. Moreover, experiences with discrimination do not have to be overt to be harmful toward African American men's mental health. Culturally relevant suicide prevention interventions are needed to account for the role of discrimination in the lives of African American men.
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Goodwill JR, Johnson NC, Watkins DC. Adherence to Masculine Norms and Depressive Symptoms in Young Black Men. Soc Work 2020; 65:235-244. [PMID: 32710114 DOI: 10.1093/sw/swaa029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent reports have highlighted disparities in representation of Black men within research, calling for more work to be done with this group. The authors take up this call by exploring whether adherence to masculine norms influences mental health outcomes among young Black men. The sample included survey responses from 18- to 30-year-old Black men (N = 273) enrolled at five colleges and universities in the midwestern United States. Two theoretically relevant subscales from the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (that is, self-reliance and emotional control) were used to measure adherence to masculine norms, and depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicate that the model fit the data well. Furthermore, self-reliance was associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms (β = .358, p < .001), but emotional control was not (β = .137, p = .099). Study findings suggest that depression treatment interventions should be tailored to incorporate aspects of masculinity that are most salient to young Black men. In addition, social work researchers, clinicians, and service providers are uniquely positioned to contribute to the promotion of mental wellness among this underserved population and should be prepared to attend to young Black men's mental health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle R Goodwill
- are PhD candidates in social work and psychology, and is professor of social work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Natasha C Johnson
- are PhD candidates in social work and psychology, and is professor of social work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Daphne C Watkins
- are PhD candidates in social work and psychology, and is professor of social work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Watkins DC, Goodwill JR, Johnson NC, Casanova A, Wei T, Allen JO, Williams EDG, Anyiwo N, Jackson ZA, Talley LM, Abelson JM. An Online Behavioral Health Intervention Promoting Mental Health, Manhood, and Social Support for Young Black Men: The YBMen Project. Am J Mens Health 2020; 14:1557988320937215. [PMID: 32618489 PMCID: PMC7492864 DOI: 10.1177/1557988320937215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional definitions of mental health, manhood, and social support create barriers to accessing behavioral health care for Black men ages 18 to 30. Targeted behavioral health interventions sensitive to culture, social norms, and gender that circumvent these barriers are desperately needed to improve access and integrated care for this group. This article reports mixed methods findings from the 2017 iteration of the Young Black Men, Masculinities, and Mental Health (YBMen) project, a social media-based, psychoeducational program that promotes mental health, progressive definitions of manhood, and sustainable social support for Black men. Young Black men (n = 350) across two universities in the Midwest completed baseline surveys on their mental health, definitions of manhood, and social support. Forty of the men participated in the YBMen intervention and at postintervention reported experiencing fewer depressive symptoms on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, Z = -2.05, p < .01) and the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS; Z = -1.76, p < .05). There were also changes on the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI) for Self-Reliance (Z = -0.34, p = .26) and Heterosexual Self-Presentation (Z = -0.18, p = .59), though these changes were not statistically significant. A qualitative review of postintervention interviews revealed participants' appreciation of the YBMen project and its influence on their mental health, manhood, and social support. Programmatic efforts that support the behavioral health, positive development, and social relationships of Black men translate into positive families, communities, and experiences as they live, learn, love, and work over the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne C. Watkins
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
MI, USA
- Institute for Social Research, Ann
Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | - Tao Wei
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jamie M. Abelson
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
MI, USA
- Institute for Social Research, Ann
Arbor, MI, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Lynn Gall
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Cynthia Bilodeau
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada
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Khahra A, Thomas A, Caffrey S, Taylor E, Stull M, Beasley C, Hudson Banks K, Kohn-Wood L. Hope Springs: Moderating the Link Between Racial Discrimination and Depressive Symptoms for African American Emerging Adults. Journal of Black Psychology 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0095798419868874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
To better understand the moderating effect of coping mechanisms (distraction and rumination) and internal assets (hope) on the relationship between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms, a sample of 363 African American students (65.3% female; mean age = 20.25 years; SD = 2.39) from two large Midwestern universities were surveyed using self-report measures. Hierarchical multiple regressions were used to explore the relationships among the variables and depressive symptoms. Results indicated that discrimination (B = 0.10, p < .001) and ruminative coping (B = 1.05, p < .001) were positively related to depressive symptoms, while hope was negatively related to depression (B = −0.33, p < .001). Further, the relationship between discrimination and depressive symptoms was moderated by hope (B = 0.01, p = .02). The interaction between discrimination and depressive symptoms suggested that participants who reported low levels of hope also reported more depressive symptoms regardless of level of discrimination, compared with those who reported high hope. For these African American emerging adults, the results bring to light the potential of an internal asset that aids in reduction of depressive symptoms in response to constant, potential harm such as racial discrimination.
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Christie-Mizell CA, Talbert RD, Hope AR, Frazier CG, Hearne BN. Depression and African Americans in the First Decade of Midlife: The Consequences of Social Roles and Gender. J Natl Med Assoc 2019; 111:285-295. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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