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Zheng Y, Panayiotou M, Currie D, Yang K, Bagnall C, Qualter P, Inchley J. The Role of School Connectedness and Friend Contact in Adolescent Loneliness, and Implications for Physical Health. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:851-860. [PMID: 36260256 PMCID: PMC11060972 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01449-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The current study investigated how adolescents' loneliness relates to school connectedness, classmate support, teacher support, and offline and online communication with friends. We also examined the association between loneliness, physical health, and sleep. Data came from the Scottish Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC). The total sample was 2983 adolescents (F = 1479 [49.6%]) aged 14-17 years (M = 15.66, SD = 0.39) from 117 secondary schools in Scotland. Results showed that (1) higher teacher support, classmate support, and offline contact with friends predicted lower levels of loneliness, (2) online friendship engagement predicted higher levels of loneliness, and (3) poor health and sleep were positively associated with loneliness. The study offers new findings, highlighting the role played by classmates/peers and teachers in reducing loneliness. Supporting previous research, we also found associations between loneliness, poor sleep, and worse physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Zheng
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Margarita Panayiotou
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Dorothy Currie
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Keming Yang
- Department of Sociology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Charlotte Bagnall
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Joanna Inchley
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Hunter SC, Seth R, Houghton S, Lawrence D, Zadow C, Rosenberg M, Wood L, Qualter P, Shilton T. Trajectories of Loneliness During Adolescence Predict Subsequent Symptoms of Depression and Positive Wellbeing. J Youth Adolesc 2024; 53:1078-1090. [PMID: 38129340 PMCID: PMC10980621 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01925-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to identify the outcomes of changes in loneliness during adolescence, and to consider this within a multidimensional framework of loneliness. This study considered the effects of different trajectories of change in Isolation Loneliness and in Friendship Loneliness upon both positive wellbeing and symptoms of depression. To achieve this, 1782 (43% female; 12.92 years old at the start of the study, SD = 1.60) young people took part in a longitudinal study with four data points across 2 years. Four Isolation Loneliness trajectories and five Friendship Loneliness trajectories were identified. Youth who experienced low levels of Isolation Loneliness that subsequently increased appear to be at particular risk for poor outcomes. Similarly, initially high levels of Friendship Loneliness that decreased rapidly, or which began at a low level and only increased marginally, seem to also be a risk. Loneliness is a multi-dimensional construct and its development during adolescence impacts upon young people's depressive symptomatology and positive mental wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon C Hunter
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK.
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Seth
- Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Stephen Houghton
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia
- University of Strathclyde, 16 Richmond Street, Glasgow, G1 1XQ, Scotland, UK
| | - David Lawrence
- Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Corinne Zadow
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia
| | - Michael Rosenberg
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia
| | - Lisa Wood
- University of Notre Dame, 23 High Street, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Pamela Qualter
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, England, UK
| | - Trevor Shilton
- Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
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Goldman N, Khanna D, El Asmar ML, Qualter P, El-Osta A. Addressing loneliness and social isolation in 52 countries: a scoping review of National policies. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1207. [PMID: 38693471 PMCID: PMC11061917 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18370-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even prior to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was ample evidence that loneliness and social isolation negatively impacted physical and mental health, employability, and are a financial burden on the state. In response, there has been significant policy-level attention on tackling loneliness. The objective of this scoping review was to conduct a loneliness policy landscape analysis across 52 countries of the UN European country groups. Our policy analysis sought to highlight commonalities and differences between the different national approaches to manage loneliness, with the goal to provide actionable recommendations for the consideration of policymakers wishing to develop, expand or review existing loneliness policies. METHODS We searched governmental websites using the Google search engine for publicly available documents related to loneliness and social isolation. Seventy-eight documents were identified in total, from which 23 documents were retained. Exclusion of documents was based on predetermined criteria. A structured content analysis approach was used to capture key information from the policy documents. Contextual data were captured in a configuration matrix to highlight common and unique themes. RESULTS We could show that most policies describe loneliness as a phenomenon that was addressed to varying degrees in different domains such as social, health, geographical, economic and political. Limited evidence was found regarding funding for suggested interventions. We synthesised actionable recommendations for the consideration of policy makers focusing on the use of language, prioritisation of interventions, revisiting previous campaigns, sharing best practice across borders, setting out a vision, evaluating interventions, and the need for the rapid and sustainable scalability of interventions. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides the first overview of the national loneliness policy landscape, highlighting the increasing prioritisation of loneliness and social isolation as a major public health and societal issue. Our findings suggest that policymakers can sustain this momentum and strengthen their strategies by incorporating rigorous, evidence-based intervention evaluations and fostering international collaborations for knowledge sharing. We believe that policymakers can more effectively address loneliness by directing funds to develop and implement interventions that impact the individual, the community and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Goldman
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Ellen Wilkinson Building, Devas Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
- School of Public Heath, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, Reynolds Building, St Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RF, United Kingdom.
| | - Devi Khanna
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Ellen Wilkinson Building, Devas Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
| | - Marie Line El Asmar
- North Hampshire Hospital, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Ellen Wilkinson Building, Devas Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Austen El-Osta
- School of Public Heath, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, Reynolds Building, St Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RF, United Kingdom
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Eager S, Johnson S, Pitman A, Uribe M, Qualter P, Pearce E. Young people's views on the acceptability and feasibility of loneliness interventions for their age group. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:308. [PMID: 38654301 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05751-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is a frequently reported problem for young people aged 16 to 24 years old. A variety of interventions have been developed (but in most cases not extensively evaluated) to try and tackle loneliness in this age group. These include interpersonal, intrapersonal, and social approaches that vary in their content and mechanisms of action. The current study aimed to qualitatively examine young peoples' views on the acceptability and feasibility of different loneliness interventions. METHODS Young people from 16 to 24 years old living in the United Kingdom who self-identified as having experienced loneliness were recruited to participate in this study. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews to assess their views on the acceptability and feasibility of loneliness interventions for their age group. Interviews were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Our analysis of 23 individual interview transcripts identified six themes. These related to the appropriate stage for intervention and how different types of strategies may be best suited to particular contexts; the key facilitators and barriers to engaging young people in an intervention; considerations for optimising the delivery of an intervention; divergent views on technology use in strategies to manage loneliness; the scope of an intervention and whether it takes a targeted or general approach; and the idea of combining different options within an intervention to allow tailoring to individual preferences and nature of loneliness. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the need for continued development of individualised interventions designed to help manage loneliness in this age group. Future loneliness strategies should be co-produced with young people to ensure that they suit the varying needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Eager
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7NF, London, UK.
| | - Sonia Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7NF, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Pitman
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7NF, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Manuela Uribe
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7NF, London, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Eiluned Pearce
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7NF, London, UK
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Madsen KR, Damsgaard MT, Petersen K, Qualter P, Holstein BE. Bullying at School, Cyberbullying, and Loneliness: National Representative Study of Adolescents in Denmark. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2024; 21:414. [PMID: 38673326 PMCID: PMC11050631 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The aim was to examine how loneliness was associated with bullying victimization at school and online. METHODS We used data from the Danish arm of the international Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study from 2022. The study population was a nationally representative sample of 11-15-year-olds who completed the internationally standardized HBSC questionnaire at school, n = 5382. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to study the associations between bullying victimization and loneliness. RESULTS The prevalence of reporting loneliness often or very often was 9.0%; 6.3% of the sample experienced habitual bullying victimization at school, and 4.8% incurred cyberbullying. There was a strong and graded association between loneliness and bullying victimization at school and cyberbullying. The associations were significant for boys and girls, and the association between exposure to bullying at school and loneliness was steeper for boys than girls. The gradients were steeper for physical bullying than for cyberbullying. Students exposed to habitual bullying in both contexts had an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 11.21 (6.99-17.98) for loneliness. CONCLUSION Exposure to bullying at school and cyberbullying are strongly associated with loneliness. It is important to reduce bullying at school and on the internet and to promote effective interventions to reduce continuing loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Rich Madsen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.R.M.); (M.T.D.)
| | - Mogens Trab Damsgaard
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.R.M.); (M.T.D.)
| | | | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 5AN, UK;
| | - Bjørn E. Holstein
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.R.M.); (M.T.D.)
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Riddleston L, Shukla M, Lavi I, Saglio E, Fuhrmann D, Pandey R, Singh T, Qualter P, Lau JYF. Identifying characteristics of adolescents with persistent loneliness during COVID-19: A multi-country eight-wave longitudinal study. JCPP Adv 2024; 4:e12206. [PMID: 38486960 PMCID: PMC10933679 DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Elevated loneliness experiences characterise young people. While loneliness at this developmental juncture may emerge from age-typical upheaval in social relationships, there is little data on the extent to which young people experience high and persistent levels of loneliness, and importantly, who is most vulnerable to these experiences. Using the widespread social restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, which precipitated loneliness in many, we aimed to examine adolescents' loneliness profiles across time and the demographic predictors (age, sex, and country) of more severe trajectories. Methods Participants aged 12-18 years, recruited into a multi-wave study (N = 1039) across three sites (UK, Israel, and India) completed a 3-item loneliness measure fortnightly across 8 timepoints during the pandemic. Results Latent class growth analysis suggested 5 distinct trajectories: (1) low stable (33%), (2) low increasing (19%), (3) moderate decreasing (17%), (4) moderate stable (23%), and (5) high increasing (8%). Females and older adolescents were more likely to experience persistently high loneliness. Conclusions These findings indicate a need for interventions to reduce loneliness in adolescents as we emerge from the pandemic, particularly for those groups identified as being at highest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Riddleston
- Department of PsychologyKing’s College LondonInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN)LondonUK
| | | | - Iris Lavi
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of BathBathUK
- School of Social WorkUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
| | - Eloise Saglio
- Department of PsychologyKing’s College LondonInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN)LondonUK
| | - Delia Fuhrmann
- Department of PsychologyKing’s College LondonInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN)LondonUK
| | - Rakesh Pandey
- Department of PsychologyBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
| | - Tushar Singh
- Department of PsychologyBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of EducationThe University of ManchesterSchool of Environment, Education and DevelopmentManchesterUK
| | - Jennifer Y. F. Lau
- Youth Resilience UnitCentre for Psychiatry and Mental HealthWolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
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7
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Owen KB, Foley BC, Smith BJ, Manera KE, Corbett L, Lim M, Phongsavan P, Qualter P, Ding D, Clare PJ. Sport Participation for Academic Success: Evidence From the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. J Phys Act Health 2024; 21:238-246. [PMID: 38141604 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2023-0506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to identify long-term patterns of sport participation (overall, team, and individual sport) from childhood into adolescence, and to examine the association between these patterns and academic outcomes. METHODS This cohort study used data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children in wave 3 (4-5 y) to wave 9 (20-21 y). The participants were a nationally representative sample of 4241 children. We conducted latent class analyses to identify sport participation trajectories and assessed the association between these trajectories and academic outcomes. RESULTS Continued sport participation was associated with lower odds of being absent from school (OR = 0.44; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 0.26 to 0.74), better performance on attention (B = -0.010; 95% CIs, -0.019 to -0.002) and working memory (B = -0.013; 95% CIs, -0.023 to -0.003), higher numeracy (B = 20.21; 95% CIs, 14.56 to 25.86) and literacy scores (B = 9.42; 95% CIs, 2.82 to 16.02), higher end of school academic performance (B = 3.28; 95% CIs, 1.47 to 5.09), and higher odds of studying at university (OR = 1.78; 95% CIs, 1.32 to 2.40). Team sport participation was associated with reduced absenteeism, better performance on attention and working memory, and being awarded the Higher School Certificate. Whereas individual sport participation was associated with higher literacy scores and end of school academic performance. CONCLUSIONS Team and individual sport participation both benefit academic outcomes, but differently. Given the decline in sport participation during adolescence, these findings highlight the need to develop educational policies to establish an environment that promotes sport participation, which in turn could improve academic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine B Owen
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bridget C Foley
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ben J Smith
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Karine E Manera
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lucy Corbett
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Lim
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philayrath Phongsavan
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ding Ding
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip J Clare
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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O'Brien A, Hamilton S, Humphrey N, Qualter P, Boehnke JR, Santos J, Demkowicz O, Panayiotou M, Thompson A, Lau J, Burke L, Lu Y. Correction: Examining the impact of a universal social and emotional learning intervention (Passport) on internalising symptoms and other outcomes among children, compared to the usual school curriculum: study protocol for a school-based cluster randomised trial. Trials 2024; 25:36. [PMID: 38195650 PMCID: PMC10775547 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07895-9] [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: 01/11/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Annie O'Brien
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Suzanne Hamilton
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Neil Humphrey
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jan R Boehnke
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Joao Santos
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ola Demkowicz
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Alex Thompson
- The Manchester Centre for Health Economics, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jennifer Lau
- Youth Resilience Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, University of London, London, Queen Mary, UK
| | - Lauren Burke
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Yizhuo Lu
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Bryan BT, Andrews G, Thompson KN, Qualter P, Matthews T, Arseneault L. Loneliness in the workplace: a mixed-method systematic review and meta-analysis. Occup Med (Lond) 2023; 73:557-567. [PMID: 38285544 PMCID: PMC10824263 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is a risk factor for a range of mental and physical health problems and has gained increasing interest from policy-makers and researchers in recent years. However, little attention has been paid to loneliness at work and its implications for workers and employers. AIMS Identify workplace, health and personal factors associated with workplace loneliness. METHODS We searched five databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and EBSCO Business Source Complete) for relevant articles published from 1 January 2000 to 23 February 2023. Quantitative data were synthesized using narrative synthesis and random-effects meta-analysis of correlation coefficients. Qualitative data were synthesized using thematic synthesis. Evidence quality was appraised using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS We identified 49 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Pooled results indicate that workplace loneliness was associated with lower job performance (r = -0.35, 95% CI -0.49, -0.21), reduced job satisfaction (r = -0.34, 95% CI -0.44, -0.24), worse worker-manager relationship (r = -0.31, 95% CI -0.38, -0.24) and elevated burnout (r = 0.39, 95% CI 0.25, 0.51). Qualitative results suggest links between loneliness and inadequate workplace social interactions and mental health problems. As most studies used cross-sectional data and few adjusted for potential confounders, the direction and robustness of the associations remain untested. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that loneliness is associated with poor occupational functioning and well-being among workers. Results also show that loneliness is associated with modifiable aspects of the work environment, suggesting that the workplace may offer a fruitful avenue for interventions targeting loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- B T Bryan
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - G Andrews
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - K N Thompson
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - P Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - T Matthews
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - L Arseneault
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
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10
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Jefferson R, Barreto M, Jones F, Conway J, Chohan A, Madsen KR, Verity L, Petersen KJ, Qualter P. Adolescent loneliness across the world and its relation to school climate, national culture and academic performance. Br J Educ Psychol 2023; 93:997-1016. [PMID: 37248510 DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness during adolescence has adverse consequences for mental health, education and employment outcomes. Yet, we know little about common correlates of loneliness among adolescents, making intervention work difficult. AIMS In this study, we (1) explore individual-, school- and country-level correlates of loneliness to help identify potential intervention targets, and (2) examine the influence of loneliness on academic performance. SAMPLE A total of 518,210 students aged 15 years from 75 countries provided self-reported loneliness data. RESULTS Using multilevel modelling, we found individual-, school- and country-level correlates of self-reported school-based loneliness, and showed that loneliness negatively influenced academic performance. CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings, interventions that focus on enhancing social and emotional skills, increasing trust between teachers and students and changing school climate to be more inclusive are likely to be the most effective for adolescents; they should also be culturally sensitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jefferson
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Frederick Jones
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jasmine Conway
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Aishwarya Chohan
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Katrine Rich Madsen
- The National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lily Verity
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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11
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O'Brien A, Hamilton S, Humphrey N, Qualter P, Boehnke JR, Santos J, Demkowicz O, Panayiotou M, Thompson A, Lau J, Burke L, Lu Y. Examining the impact of a universal social and emotional learning intervention (Passport) on internalising symptoms and other outcomes among children, compared to the usual school curriculum: study protocol for a school-based cluster randomised trial. Trials 2023; 24:703. [PMID: 37915094 PMCID: PMC10621084 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07688-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND School-based universal social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions implemented during the transition to adolescence may be efficacious in preventing the development of mental health difficulties. This protocol describes a two-arm parallel cluster randomised controlled trial to investigate the impact of a universal SEL intervention (Passport, compared to usual provision) on internalising symptoms (primary outcome), emotion regulation, well-being, loneliness, social support, bullying, academic attainment, and health-related quality of life in English primary school pupils aged 9-11 years. A developer-led trial demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of Passport; this will be the first independent trial. METHODS Sixty primary schools will be recruited across the Greater Manchester city region and surrounding areas, involving 2400 pupils aged 8-9 at baseline. Schools will be allocated to the intervention arm to implement Passport over 18 weekly sessions or to the control arm to implement the usual school curriculum. Random allocation will be at school level following completion of baseline measures, with minimisation to ensure balance across trial arms in school size and free school meal eligibility. Measures will be collected at baseline, post-intervention (12 months post-baseline), and at 12 months follow-up (24 months post-baseline). The primary outcome analysis (intervention effects on internalising symptoms at post-intervention) will comprise a two-level (school, child) hierarchical linear model, following the intention-to-treat principle. Additional analyses will be undertaken to assess intervention effects on secondary outcomes, maintenance effects for all outcomes, intervention compliance moderator effects, subgroup moderator effects, and mechanisms underpinning intervention effects on the primary outcome. A mixed-methods implementation and process evaluation will examine factors that influence implementation, and a health economic evaluation will assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. DISCUSSION Findings will provide educators with crucial knowledge of whether and how increasing emotion regulation through a universal intervention impacts internalising symptoms and a range of related outcomes. Findings will also inform policy related to the promotion of mental health among children and young people. If the intervention is found to be efficacious in reducing internalising symptoms and is also cost-effective, it may offer high potential as a preventative intervention for widespread implementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN12875599; registered on 24 November 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie O'Brien
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Suzanne Hamilton
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Neil Humphrey
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jan R Boehnke
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Joao Santos
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ola Demkowicz
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Alex Thompson
- The Manchester Centre for Health Economics, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jennifer Lau
- Youth Resilience Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
| | - Lauren Burke
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Yizhuo Lu
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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12
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Lasgaard M, Bo AF, Nielsen LA, Swane CE, Qualter P, Christiansen J. Reducing loneliness in the community. More Together ('Flere i Fællesskaber')-a complex intervention in Denmark. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad105. [PMID: 37715939 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The mounting evidence that loneliness is a determinant of poor health and well-being underpins the need for effective interventions and community action. 'More Together' (MoTo) is a large-scale, complex, multi-component and multi-level intervention for community change that addresses loneliness among young people and older adults in Silkeborg Municipality, Denmark. The intervention is inspired by the Collective Impact framework, and it is practice driven and rooted in an extensive cross-sector partnership. This article outlines (i) the organization of the cross-sector partnership, (ii) the structure of the intervention programme, (iii) the key components and activities of the programme and, finally, (iv) the intervention setting and target population. MoTo aims to create new ways to develop, implement and evaluate loneliness interventions. Experiences gained from MoTo hold the potential to transform our understanding of loneliness interventions and may inform and guide future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Lasgaard
- Defactum -Public Health Research, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne F Bo
- Defactum -Public Health Research, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lise A Nielsen
- Defactum -Public Health Research, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Julie Christiansen
- Defactum -Public Health Research, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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13
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Lim MH, Qualter P, Ding D, Holt-Lunstad J, Mikton C, Smith BJ. Advancing loneliness and social isolation as global health challenges: taking three priority actions. Public Health Res Pract 2023; 33:3332320. [PMID: 37699761 DOI: 10.17061/phrp3332320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness and social isolation have been identified as critical global health issues in the aftermath of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. While there is robust scientific evidence demonstrating the impact of loneliness and social isolation on health outcomes and mortality, there are fundamental issues to resolve so that health authorities, decision makers, and practitioners worldwide are informed and aligned with the latest evidence. Three priority actions are posited to achieve a wider and more substantial impact on loneliness and social isolation. They are 1) strengthening the evidence base; 2) adopting a whole-of-systems approach; 3) developing policy support for governments worldwide. These priority actions are essential to reduce the pervasive impact of loneliness and social isolation as social determinants of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle H Lim
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia;
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Department of Education, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ding Ding
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julianne Holt-Lunstad
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia; Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States
| | | | - Ben J Smith
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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14
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Lim MH, Qualter P, Ding D, Holt-Lunstad J, Mikton C, Smith BJ. Advancing loneliness and social isolation as global health challenges: taking three priority actions. Public Health Res Pract 2023; 33:3332320. [PMID: 37699761 DOI: 10.17061/phrpp3332320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness and social isolation have been identified as critical global health issues in the aftermath of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. While there is robust scientific evidence demonstrating the impact of loneliness and social isolation on health outcomes and mortality, there are fundamental issues to resolve so that health authorities, decision makers, and practitioners worldwide are informed and aligned with the latest evidence. Three priority actions are posited to achieve a wider and more substantial impact on loneliness and social isolation. They are 1) strengthening the evidence base; 2) adopting a whole-of-systems approach; 3) developing policy support for governments worldwide. These priority actions are essential to reduce the pervasive impact of loneliness and social isolation as social determinants of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle H Lim
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia;
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Department of Education, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ding Ding
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julianne Holt-Lunstad
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia; Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States
| | | | - Ben J Smith
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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15
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Riddleston L, Bangura E, Gibson O, Qualter P, Lau JYF. Developing an interpretation bias modification training task for alleviating loneliness in young people. Behav Res Ther 2023; 168:104380. [PMID: 37541156 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Loneliness is common among young people and is associated with negative health outcomes. Because loneliness is associated with a bias for interpreting social situations as threatening, cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM-I) training is a potential early intervention tool. We developed and delivered a single session of mental imagery enhanced digital CBM-I training, assessing feasibility, acceptability, and magnitude of change in interpretational style and loneliness. METHOD CBM-I training materials were developed using a co-creation approach with 18-25-year-olds with experience of loneliness. Another group of 18-25-year-olds with high loneliness received either online CBM-I (n = 29) or control (n = 27) training. RESULTS CBM-I training uptake and retention rates were 88% and 92%, respectively. Participants found the training acceptable. The CBM-I group showed a reduction in social threat interpretations (d = 0.77), an increase in social benign interpretations (d = 0.84), and a decrease in loneliness (d = 0.56). The control group showed a small reduction in social threat interpretations (d = 0.21), no change in social benign interpretations (d = 0.04), and an increase in loneliness (d = 0.41). CONCLUSIONS Interpretation biases relevant to youth loneliness may be modifiable, and CBM-I training could reduce feelings of loneliness. This informs psychological models of loneliness, and the development of CBM-I interventions targeting loneliness in young people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olivia Gibson
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, UK.
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, UK.
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16
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Welch V, Tanjong Ghogomu E, Dowling S, Choo WY, Yunus RM, Mohd TAMT, Haitas N, Bomze S, Dahrouge S, Garcia E, Holt‐Lunstad J, Lasgaard M, Lim MH, Mulligan K, Salzwedel DM, Qualter P, Hébert PC, Mikton C. PROTOCOL: In-person interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness: An evidence and gap map. Campbell Syst Rev 2023; 19:e1340. [PMID: 37361556 PMCID: PMC10286723 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
This is the protocol for an evidence and gap map. The objectives are as follows: This EGM aims to map available evidence on the effects of in-person interventions to reduce social isolation and/or loneliness across all age groups in all settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wan Yuen Choo
- Department of Social & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of MalayaKuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Raudah M. Yunus
- Public Health MedicineUniversiti Teknologi MARASungai BulohMalaysia
| | | | | | - Sivan Bomze
- Canadian Red CrossMississaugaCanada
- Canadian Red CrossMississaugaCanada
| | | | - Edward Garcia
- Foundation for Social ConnectionWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | | | - Mathias Lasgaard
- DEFACTUM ‐ Public Health and Health Services ResearchCentral Denmark RegionAarhus NDenmark
| | - Michelle H. Lim
- University of Sydney, School of Public HealthSydneyAustralia
- Ending Loneliness TogetherMelbourneAustralia
| | - Kate Mulligan
- University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public HealthTorontoCanada
| | - Douglas M. Salzwedel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and TherapeuticsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Pamela Qualter
- University of Manchester, Mancehster Institute of EducationManchesterUK
| | - Paul C. Hébert
- Bruyere Research InstitutePalliative Care University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Christopher Mikton
- World Health Organization, Department of Social Determinants of HealthGenevaSwitzerland
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17
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Marquez J, Qualter P, Petersen K, Humphrey N, Black L. Neighbourhood effects on loneliness among adolescents. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023; 45:663-675. [PMID: 37170940 PMCID: PMC10470482 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is a growing public health concern, but little is known about how place affects loneliness, especially during adolescence. This is the first study to examine the influence of neighbourhoods on loneliness in early-to-mid adolescence. METHODS Baseline data from the #BeeWell cohort study in Greater Manchester (England), including 36 141 adolescents (aged 12-15 years) across 1590 neighbourhoods, were linked to neighbourhood characteristics using administrative data at the level of lower super output areas and analysed using multilevel regression. RESULTS Neighbourhood differences explained 1.18% of the variation in loneliness. Ethnic, gender and sexual orientation inequalities in loneliness varied across neighbourhoods. Several neighbourhood characteristics predicted loneliness at the individual level, including skills deprivation among children and young people, lower population density and perceptions of the local area (feeling safe; trust in local people; feeling supported by local people; seeing neighbours as helpful; the availability of good places to spend free time). Finally, a longer distance from home to school was associated with significantly higher loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Neighbourhoods account for a small but significant proportion of the variation in adolescent loneliness, with some neighbourhood characteristics predicting loneliness at the individual level, and loneliness disparities for some groups differing across neighbourhoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Marquez
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | | | - Neil Humphrey
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Louise Black
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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18
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Carter B, Jordan A, Forgeron P, Qualter P, Saron H. A shared love: reciprocity and hopefulness in romantic relationships of young adults with chronic pain. Front Pain Res (Lausanne) 2023; 4:1179516. [PMID: 37389227 PMCID: PMC10303136 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1179516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic pain (≥3 months) creates pain-related challenges that may negatively affect how young adults perceive themselves, and, indeed, they often report feeling different compared to peers and prospective romantic partners. Most studies of romantic relationships in young adults living with a long-term condition (including pain), do not consider the perspective of their partner. We present the findings of a qualitative, exploratory interview study (Phase 2 of a mixed methods study). This qualitative phase aimed to explore how young adults with chronic pain and their partners navigate romantic relationships. We focused on how young adults perceive and experience their romantic relationships and the impact, challenges, and benefits associated with living with chronic pain. Methods This study used remote (videoconferencing) photo-elicitation interviews with a convenience sample of young adults with chronic pain (aged 18-25 years, UK and Canada) and their partners. Recruitment occurred via social media, pain-related websites and organizations, and professional networks. Five young adults with chronic pain from the UK and Canada formed the e-Advisory Group and provided detailed advice throughout the study. Data analysis used the principles of inductive reflexive thematic analysis to explore the dimensions and meaning of romantic relationships from the views of young adults with chronic pain and their romantic partners. Findings Sixteen young adults participated (seven couples plus two young adults with pain who were interviewed without their partner). The young adults with chronic pain were ages 18-24 years (mean 21.88 years, SD 2.23). Four major interpretive themes were generated: Kindred spirits-we just sort of work; Loving in everyday acts-it's not above and beyond, it's concerned supportiveness; It's OK to be vulnerable with each other-we can talk it through; and You can't see over the horizon-hopes and fears for the future. Discussion Hopefulness and reciprocity were key to the stories shared by the young adults in the current study. Despite the challenges and limitations imposed by chronic pain, their relationships were characterized by partnership and reciprocity, and they were able to be vulnerable with each other and offer each other support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernie Carter
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom
| | - Abbie Jordan
- Centre for Pain Research and Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Forgeron
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Holly Saron
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom
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Goodfellow C, Willis M, Inchley J, Kharicha K, Leyland AH, Qualter P, Simpson S, Long E. Mental health and loneliness in Scottish schools: A multilevel analysis of data from the health behaviour in school-aged children study. Br J Educ Psychol 2023; 93:608-625. [PMID: 36683467 PMCID: PMC10952245 DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent loneliness and poor mental health represent dual public health concerns. Yet, associations between loneliness and mental health, and critically, how these associations vary in school settings are less understood. AIMS Framed by social-ecological theory, we aimed to identify key predictors of adolescent mental health and examine school-level variation in the relationship between loneliness and mental health. SAMPLE Cross-sectional data on adolescents from the 2018 wave of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (HBSC) in Scotland were used (N = 5286). METHODS Mental health was measured as a composite variable containing items assessing nervousness, irritability, sleep difficulties and feeling low. Loneliness was measured via a single item assessing how often adolescents felt 'left out'. Multilevel models were used to identify social-ecological predictors of mental health, associations with loneliness and between-school variation. RESULTS Loneliness, as well as demographic, social and school factors, was found to be associated with mental health. Mental health varied across schools, with the between-school difference greater among adolescents with high levels of loneliness. Additionally, the negative effect of loneliness on mental health was stronger in schools with lower average mental health scores. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that schools can play an important role in shaping adolescent mental health. Our study uniquely identifies that school-based interventions targeting mental health may be especially necessary among lonely adolescents, and programmes aimed at tackling loneliness may be more beneficial in schools with poorer mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Goodfellow
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Malachi Willis
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Joanna Inchley
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Kalpa Kharicha
- Campaign to End Loneliness part of What Works Centre for WellbeingLondonUK
| | - Alastair H. Leyland
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of EducationUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Sharon Simpson
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Emily Long
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
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20
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Wigelsworth M, Mason C, Verity L, Humphrey N, Qualter P. A Rose by any Other Name? Using Core Components to Categorize Social and Emotional Learning Provision. School Ment Health 2023; 15:1-12. [PMID: 37359160 PMCID: PMC10174615 DOI: 10.1007/s12310-023-09585-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Although social and emotional learning (SEL) benefits children and youth worldwide, classifying a program as SEL is insufficient to capture its variability of content. There is currently little to aid in identifying specific program content so that foci may be identified (e.g., self-management skills vs. social skills). This gap poses a difficulty for researchers attempting to address heterogeneity in SEL research and practitioners who want to select programs best suited for their contexts. This paper begins to address these concerns by extracting and contrasting 'core components' of interventions within an identified shortlist of 13 universal, elementary evidence-based programs through a distillation method using the often cited 'five core competency' model from CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning). Results showed that CASEL's core competencies are represented across short-listed programs. However, almost all programs had identifiable foci, targeting a subset of skills. Accordingly, the use of 'core components' is recommended as a method for offering more nuance in SEL classification for programs beyond the current study, with implications for program implementation and the design of future research in SEL evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wigelsworth
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL England
| | - Carla Mason
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL England
| | - Lily Verity
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL England
| | - Neil Humphrey
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL England
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL England
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21
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Jefferson R, Barreto M, Verity L, Qualter P. Loneliness During the School Years: How It Affects Learning and How Schools Can Help . J Sch Health 2023; 93:428-435. [PMID: 36861756 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substantial evidence links loneliness to poor academic outcomes and poor employment prospects. Schools have been shown to be places that mitigate or aggravate loneliness, suggesting a need to consider how schools can better support youth experiencing loneliness. METHODS We conducted a narrative review on loneliness in childhood and adolescence to examine the literature on how loneliness changes over the school years and how it influences learning. We also examined whether there were increases in loneliness because of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated school closures, and whether schools can be places for loneliness interventions/prevention. FINDINGS Studies describe how loneliness becomes more prevalent during the adolescent years and why that is the case. Loneliness is associated with poor academic outcomes and poor health behaviors that impact learning or turn students away from education. Research shows that loneliness increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence suggests that creating positive social classroom environments, where teacher and classmate support are available, is crucial in combatting youth loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Adaptations to the school climate can be made to meet the needs of all students, reducing loneliness. Investigation of the impacts of school-based loneliness prevention/intervention is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jefferson
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Lily Verity
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
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22
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Matthews T, Qualter P, Bryan BT, Caspi A, Danese A, Moffitt TE, Odgers CL, Strange L, Arseneault L. The developmental course of loneliness in adolescence: Implications for mental health, educational attainment, and psychosocial functioning. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:537-546. [PMID: 35109947 PMCID: PMC9346093 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421001632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined patterns of stability and change in loneliness across adolescence. Data were drawn from the Environmental Risk (E-Risk) Longitudinal Twin Study, a UK population-representative cohort of 2,232 individuals born in 1994 and 1995. Loneliness was assessed when participants were aged 12 and 18. Loneliness showed modest stability across these ages (r = .25). Behavioral genetic modeling indicated that stability in loneliness was explained largely by genetic influences (66%), while change was explained by nonshared environmental effects (58%). Individuals who reported loneliness at both ages were broadly similar to individuals who only reported it at age 18, with both groups at elevated risk of mental health problems, physical health risk behaviors, and education and employment difficulties. Individuals who were lonely only at age 12 generally fared better; however, they were still more likely to finish school with lower qualifications. Positive family influences in childhood predicted reduced risk of loneliness at age 12, while negative peer experiences increased the risk. Together, the findings show that while early adolescent loneliness does not appear to exert a cumulative burden when it persists, it is nonetheless a risk for a range of concomitant impairments, some of which can endure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Matthews
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Bridget T. Bryan
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Avshalom Caspi
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrea Danese
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- National and Specialist CAMHS Trauma and Anxiety Clinic, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Terrie E. Moffitt
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Candice L. Odgers
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University and Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Lily Strange
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Louise Arseneault
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
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23
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Banwell E, Qualter P, Humphrey N. Barriers and facilitators to training delivery and subsequent implementation of a localised child and adolescent mental health initiative: a qualitative content analysis. BMC Med Educ 2023; 23:264. [PMID: 37076849 PMCID: PMC10113980 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04238-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ensuring that children and young people (CYP) can obtain mental health support from a broad variety of sources is of upmost importance. This is especially true given the increasing prevalence of mental health difficulties in this population, and the associated challenges with receiving support from specialised healthcare services. Equipping professionals, from a wide range of sectors, with the skills needed to provide this support is a vital starting point. This study explored the experiences of professionals who had participated in CYP mental health training modules that related directly to the local implementation of the THRIVE Framework for System Change in Greater Manchester, UK (GM i-THRIVE) to establish the perceived barriers and facilitators behind the implementation of this training programme. METHODS Directed qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interview data from nine CYP-facing professionals was conducted. Both the interview schedule and initial deductive coding strategy were developed using the findings of a systematic literature review by the authors, that was conducted to explore wider CYP mental health training experiences. This methodology was used to establish the presence or absence of these findings within GM i-THRIVE, before generating tailored recommendations for their training programme. RESULTS When the interview data were coded and analysed, a strong level of thematic similarity with the authors' review was found. However, we deduced that the emergence of additional themes might reflect the contextual uniqueness of GM i-THRIVE, that is likely to be further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Six recommendations were made for further improvement. These included the facilitation of unstructured peer interaction during training, and ensuring that jargon and key words are fully clarified. CONCLUSIONS Methodological limitations, guidance for usage, and potential applications of the study's findings are explored. Whilst the findings were largely akin to those of the review, subtle yet important differences were found. These are likely to reflect the nuances of the training programme discussed, however, we tentatively suggest that our findings are transferable to similar training interventions. This study provides a valuable example of how qualitative evidence syntheses can be used to aid study design and analysis: an underused approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Banwell
- Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Ellen Wilkinson Building, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Ellen Wilkinson Building, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Neil Humphrey
- Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Ellen Wilkinson Building, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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Banwell E, Humphrey N, Qualter P. Child and adolescent mental health services in a devolved healthcare system: a qualitative exploration of sustainable practices. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:27. [PMID: 37020214 PMCID: PMC10075492 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-00970-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transference of research evidence into routine healthcare practice remains poorly understood. This includes understanding the prerequisites of longer-term viability. The present study investigated the sustainable practices of GM i-THRIVE, a programme which reconceptualizes mental health services for children and young people (CYP) in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. We aimed to establish whether a sustainable future was likely, and to identify areas of focus to improve that likelihood. METHODS The NHS Sustainability Model, typically completed as a questionnaire measure, was converted into interview questions. The responses of nine professionals, from a variety of roles across the CYP mental health workforce, were explored using inductive thematic framework analysis. Selected participants completed the original questionnaire. RESULTS Five themes (communication; support; barriers to implementation; past, present, and future: the implementation journey; and the nuances of GM i-THRIVE) and 21 subthemes formed the final thematic framework. Relationships with senior leaders and with colleagues across the workforce were seen as important. Leaders' roles in providing meaning and fit were emphasized. Whilst training delivered the programme's aims well, monitoring its dissemination was challenging. Widespread issues with dedicating sufficient time to implementation were raised. The flexibility of the programme, which can be applied in multiple ways, was discussed positively. This flexibility links to the idea of GM i-THRIVE as a mindset change, and the uniqueness of this style of intervention was discussed. To varying degrees, themes were supported by responses to the quantitative measure, although several limitations to the use of the questionnaire were discovered. Consequently, they were used to infer conclusions to a lesser degree than originally intended. CONCLUSIONS Professionals involved with GM i-THRIVE reported many elements that indicate a positive future for the programme. However, they suggested that more attention should be given to embedding the core concepts of the model at the current stage of implementation. Limitations relating to its use within our study are discussed, but we conclude that the NHS Sustainability Model is a suitable way of guiding qualitative implementation research. It is especially valuable for localized interventions. The constraints of our small sample size on transferability are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Banwell
- Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Ellen Wilkinson Building, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
| | - Neil Humphrey
- Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Ellen Wilkinson Building, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Ellen Wilkinson Building, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
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Lowe NM, Qualter P, Sinclair JK, Gupta S, Zaman M. School Feeding to Improve Cognitive Performance in Disadvantaged Children: A 3-Arm Parallel Controlled Trial in Northwest Pakistan. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071768. [PMID: 37049608 PMCID: PMC10097018 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Malnutrition is associated with reduced learning aptitude and growth during childhood. We examined the impact of providing two school lunch variants, a standard school meal (school feeding, n = 70), or the standard meal with additional micronutrients (school feeding + micronutrient powder (MNP), n = 70), in children attending two schools in northwest Pakistan. A third local government school, where no lunch was provided (no school feeding, n = 70), served as the control. The primary outcome, cognitive function, was assessed using the Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test, alongside haemoglobin, at three-time points: T1 (baseline, before the initiation of the school lunch programme), T2 and T3 (5 and 12 months, respectively, after the introduction of the school lunch). Data were analysed using linear mixed-effects models to contrast between trial groups, the changes from T1 to T2 and T3. Adjusted for T1 and other co-variates, improvements in the RCPM scores were significantly greater in the school feeding group at T2 (b = 1.61, (95% CI = 0.71–2.52), t = 3.52, p = 0.001) and T3 (b = 1.28, (95% CI = 0.22–2.35), t = 2.38, p = 0.019) compared with no school feeding. In addition, at T2 (b = 1.63, (95% CI = −0.10–3.37), t = 1.86, p = 0.065), there were no significant differences between school feeding + MNP and no school feeding groups. However, improvements in the RCPM scores were significantly greater in the school feeding + MNP group at T3 (b = 2.35, (95% CI = 0.51–4.20), t = 2.53, p = 0.013) compared with no school feeding. The findings indicate an improvement in cognitive performance in children who received a school meal with and without MNP, over a 12-month period. Currently there is no operational school feeding programme at the national or provincial level in Pakistan. Our findings, therefore, highlight the need for school feeding programmes to improve learning opportunities for children from underprivileged communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola M. Lowe
- Centre for Global Development, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Institute of Education, School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jonathan K. Sinclair
- Centre for Global Development, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Swarnim Gupta
- Centre for Global Development, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
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Stepanous J, Munford L, Qualter P, Nees F, Elliott R. Longitudinal Associations between Peer and Family Relationships, Emotional Symptoms, and Regional Brain Volume across Adolescence. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:734-753. [PMID: 36807228 PMCID: PMC9957881 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01740-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The period of adolescence brings with it a dynamic interaction between social context and behaviour, structural brain development, and anxiety and depressive symptoms. The rate of volumetric change in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and amygdala have been implicated in socioemotional development in adolescence; typically, there is thinning of grey matter volume (GMV) in the vmPFC and growth in the amygdala during this time. The directionality of the associations between social, emotional, and neuroanatomical factors has yet to be untangled, such as the degree to which social variables impact regional brain development, and vice versa. To add, the differences between sexes are still up for debate. In this study, longitudinal associations between peer problems, family support, socioeconomic stress, emotional symptoms, amygdala volume, and vmPFC GMV were investigated for both sexes using latent change score models. Data from a multi-site European study at baseline (mean (SD) age = 14.40 (0.38) years; % female = 53.19) and follow-up 2 (mean (SD) age = 18.90 (0.69) years, % female = 53.19) were used. Results revealed that peer problems did not predict emotional symptoms, rather they changed together over time. For males only, there was positive correlated change between vmPFC GMV, peer problems and emotional symptoms, indicating that slower vmPFC GMV thinning was associated with poorer social and emotional functioning. Additionally, greater family support at age 14 years was associated with slower growth of amygdala volume between ages 14 and 19 years for males; previous research has related slower amygdala growth to resilience to mental health disorders. The findings have extended understanding of mutual social, emotional and brain development, and avenues to protect mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stepanous
- Department of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK.
| | - Luke Munford
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Square J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Square J5, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Rebecca Elliott
- Department of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
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Dutton B, Humphrey N, Qualter P. Getting the pieces to fit: NHS and third sector collaboration to enhance crisis mental health service provision for young people. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:307. [PMID: 36997929 PMCID: PMC10061406 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09198-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increase in demand for young people's mental health services has been met by a growth of co-located mental health service provision in the NHS and third sector. This research explores the benefits and challenges of the NHS collaborating with a charity to provide a step-down crisis mental health service for young people in Greater Manchester, and suggests how the collaboration between the NHS and third sector may be improved for future projects. METHODS Working from a critical realist paradigm, this qualitative case study utilised thematic analysis of 9 in-depth interviews with operational stakeholders from 3 operational layers, to explore insiders' perspectives of the benefits and challenges of collaboration between the NHS and third sector in the context of the 'Safe Zones' initiative. RESULTS Themes relating to perceived benefits of collaboration were: doing things differently, flexibility, a hybrid approach, shared expertise, and shared learning. These were counterbalanced by perceived challenges: getting the pieces to fit, obtaining a shared vision, geography, lack of referrals, and timing. The importance of effective communication (e.g. of shared vision, standard operating procedures, key performance indicators) was noted as central to addressing challenges and reaping benefits. CONCLUSIONS NHS and third sector collaboration can yield a range of benefits, some of which can mitigate against the perceived inflexibility and restrictive nature of usual mental health service provision, thereby providing a vehicle for innovation in step-down crisis care for young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobbie Dutton
- The University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, Manchester, England.
| | - Neil Humphrey
- The University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, Manchester, England
| | - Pamela Qualter
- The University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, Manchester, England
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Marquez J, Goodfellow C, Hardoon D, Inchley J, Leyland AH, Qualter P, Simpson SA, Long E. Loneliness in young people: a multilevel exploration of social ecological influences and geographic variation. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023; 45:109-117. [PMID: 34999845 PMCID: PMC10017088 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is a growing public health concern, yet little is known about loneliness in young people. The current study aimed to identify social ecological factors related to loneliness and examine the extent to which geographic region may account for differences in loneliness. METHODS The data come from a cross-sectional sample of 6503 young people living in the UK. Loneliness was measured using the UCLA 3-item scale. Bivariate analyses were used to test associations between each predictor and loneliness. Multilevel models were used to identify key social ecological factors related to loneliness, and the extent to which loneliness may vary across geographic regions (local authority districts). RESULTS Sociodemographic, social, health and well-being, and community factors were found to be associated with loneliness. Geographic region was associated with 5-8% of the variation in loneliness. The effect of gender, sexual orientation and minority ethnic background on loneliness differed across regions. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to highlight modifiable social and community factors related to youth loneliness, and individual vulnerabilities, such as poor mental well-being. Results related to geographic differences suggest that local-level initiatives may be most appropriate in tackling loneliness, rather than wider, less contextualized national efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Marquez
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G3 7HR UK
| | - C Goodfellow
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G3 7HR UK
| | - D Hardoon
- What Works Centre for Wellbeing, London SW1H 9EA, UK
| | - J Inchley
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G3 7HR UK
| | - A H Leyland
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G3 7HR UK
| | - P Qualter
- University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Education, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - S A Simpson
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G3 7HR UK
| | - E Long
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G3 7HR UK
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Pan H, Qualter P, Barreto M, Stegen H, Dury S. Loneliness in Older Migrants: Exploring the Role of Cultural Differences in Their Loneliness Experience. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:2785. [PMID: 36833479 PMCID: PMC9957511 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The scientific literature suggests the necessity of studying loneliness from a broader social perspective. This article aims to broaden the research on loneliness in older migrants by exploring the role of cultural differences through the lens of the social environment (as measured in social capital, discrimination, and ageism) and social situation (as measured in relational mobility, childness, and marital status). Based on Hofstede's Individualism Index, older migrants involved in the BBC Loneliness Experiment (N = 2164) were classified into three groups: cultural migrants (i.e., from a collectivist to individualist culture) (N = 239), migrants with a similar culture (i.e., within an individualist culture) (N = 841), and ageing non-migrants (N = 1084). OBJECTIVES The two main objectives were (1) to compare the levels of loneliness among these three groups, and (2) to unravel how different influencing factors, such as the social environment, social situation, coping strategies, and personal characteristics, are related to loneliness. METHODS Bivariate analyses were performed to determine the differences in the loneliness, social environment, social situation, and personal characteristic variables between the groups, with adjusted p-values according to the Bonferroni correction to limit the potential for type I errors (α = 0.005). Multiple linear regressions were performed to unravel the relationships between loneliness and the different influencing factors, namely the social environment, social situation, coping strategies, and personal characteristics. RESULTS The bivariate analyses show no significant difference in loneliness across the three groups. The multiple linear regressions demonstrate that the social environment (i.e., social capital, discrimination, and ageism) is significantly associated with loneliness. Social capital acts as a protective factor for cultural migrants (β = -0.27, p < 0.005, 95% CI [-0.48, -0.05]), similar-culture migrants (β = -0.13, p < 0.005, 95% CI [-0.25, -0.03]), and non-migrants (β = -0.21, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.28, -0.12]). Discrimination and ageism are both risk factors for loneliness across the three groups. Social situation, as measured in married/cohabitation status and relational mobility, shows a significant association with loneliness in the non-migrants and similar-culture migrants but not the cultural migrants. In terms of individual resources for coping strategies, engagement in active coping is protective for all three groups. Non-coping, the unawareness of any coping strategies, is a risk factor, while passive coping shows no significant association. DISCUSSION The results show that the structural factor of the social environment in which older migrants' find themselves, rather than their culture of origin, is more important for older migrants' feelings of loneliness in later life. A favorable social environment with high social capital and low levels of discrimination and ageism protects against loneliness in the ageing population across cultures. Practical implications for loneliness interventions for older migrants are put forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghui Pan
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Adult Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Migration and Minorities (BIRMM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Society and Ageing Research Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Manuela Barreto
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK
| | - Hannelore Stegen
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Adult Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Society and Ageing Research Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Dury
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Adult Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Society and Ageing Research Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Demkowicz O, Panayiotou M, Qualter P, Humphrey N. Longitudinal relationships across emotional distress, perceived emotion regulation, and social connections during early adolescence: A developmental cascades investigation. Dev Psychopathol 2023:1-16. [PMID: 36734229 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422001407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Early adolescence is a vulnerable period for emotional distress. Both emotion regulation and social connection to peers and family adults are understood to be associated with distress. However, existing longitudinal work has not explored these constructs jointly in a way that estimates their reciprocal relationships over adolescence. We present a three-wave random-intercepts cross-lagged panel model of reciprocal relationships between emotional distress, perceived emotion regulation, and social connections during early adolescence, among 15,864 participants from education settings in disadvantaged areas of England, over three annual waves (at ages 11/12, 12/13, and 13/14 years). Findings showed that emotional distress and perceived emotion regulation share a negative relationship over time, and that higher perceived emotion regulation predicts greater family connection in the initial stages of early adolescence (from age 11-12 to 12-13 years). Findings also indicated that connection to peers is positively associated with family connection, but also positively predicts slightly greater distress in the later stages of early adolescence (from age 12-13 to 13-14 years). Findings indicate a risk of negative spiral between emotional distress and perceived emotion regulation in early adolescence, and that social connection may not necessarily play the role we might expect in reducing distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola Demkowicz
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, UK
| | | | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Neil Humphrey
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, UK
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Christiansen J, Pedersen SS, Andersen CM, Qualter P, Lund R, Lasgaard M. Loneliness, social isolation, and healthcare utilization in the general population. Health Psychol 2023; 42:63-72. [PMID: 36802361 DOI: 10.1037/hea0001247] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Due to increasing pressure on healthcare resources, knowledge of factors that affect healthcare utilization (HCU) is important. However, the evidence of a longitudinal association between loneliness and social isolation respectively, and HCU is limited. The present prospective cohort study investigated the association of loneliness and social isolation with HCU in the general population over time. METHOD Data from the 2013 Danish "How are you?" survey (n = 27.501) were combined with individual-level register data with almost complete follow-up over a 6-year follow-up period (2013-2018). Negative binomial regression analyses were performed while adjusting for baseline demographics and preexisting chronic disease. RESULTS Loneliness measured was significantly associated with more general practice contacts (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.02, 1.04]), more emergency treatments (IRR = 1.06, [1.03, 1.10]), more emergency admissions (IRR = 1.06, [1.03, 1.10]), and hospital admission days (IRR = 1.05, [1.00, 1.11]) across the 6-year follow-up period. No significant associations were found between social isolation and HCU with one minor exception, in which social isolation was associated with fewer planned outpatient treatments (IRR = 0.97, [0.94, 0.99]). Wald test demonstrated that the association of loneliness with emergency admissions and hospital admissions days was not significantly different from the effects of social isolation on those outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that loneliness slightly increased the number of general practice contacts and emergency room treatments. Overall, the effects of loneliness and social isolation on HCU were small. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester
| | - Rikke Lund
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen
| | - Mathias Lasgaard
- DEFACTUM - Public Health and Health Service Research, Aarhus, Central Denmark Region
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Lea R, Davis SK, Mahoney B, Qualter P. Do emotionally intelligent adolescents flourish or flounder under pressure? Linking emotional intelligence to stress regulation mechanisms. Personality and Individual Differences 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111943] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Fletcher M, Bond C, Qualter P. User perspectives of robotic telepresence technology in schools: A systematic literature review. Educational Psychology in Practice 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/02667363.2022.2155932] [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: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Fletcher
- Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology, School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Caroline Bond
- Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology, School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology, School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Stepanous J, Munford L, Qualter P, Banaschewski T, Nees F, Elliott R. Social environment and brain structure in adolescent mental health: A cross-sectional structural equation modelling study using IMAGEN data. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280062. [PMID: 36603003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescent mental health is impacted by a myriad of factors, including the developing brain, socioeconomic conditions and changing social relationships. Studies to date have neglected investigating those factors simultaneously, despite evidence of their interacting effects and distinct profiles for males and females. The current study addressed that gap by applying structural equation modelling to IMAGEN data from adolescents aged 14 years (n = 1950). A multi-group model split by sex was tested with the variables of socioeconomic stress, family support, peer problems, and brain structure as predictors, and emotional symptoms as the main outcome. Findings indicated that, for both sexes, peer problems were positively associated with emotional symptoms, and socioeconomic stress was negatively associated with family support. Additionally, there were sex-specific findings within the full models: ventromedial prefrontal cortex grey matter volume was negatively associated with emotional symptoms for males when corrected for whole brain volume, and socioeconomic stress was negatively associated with whole brain volume for females. This study underscores the importance of the peer environment for early adolescent emotional symptoms in both boys and girls, but goes further to suggest distinct gender associations with socioeconomic factors and brain structure which provides a multi-level view of risk and resilience. Future research could exploit existing IMAGEN longitudinal data to strengthen causal claims and to determine the potential longstanding impact of social environment and brain development on adolescent mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stepanous
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Munford
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Rebecca Elliott
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
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Banwell E, Humphrey N, Qualter P. Reformed child and adolescent mental health services in a devolved healthcare system: a mixed-methods case study of an implementation site. Front Health Serv 2023; 3:1112544. [PMID: 37213205 PMCID: PMC10196272 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1112544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Background Efforts are being made to reform and reconceptualise children and young people's (CYP) mental health services. This is in response to a rapid increase in mental health difficulties in this population, and the shortcomings of current service provision. The present study seeks to comprehensively evaluate the local implementation of the THRIVE Framework for System Change in Greater Manchester, UK (GM i-THRIVE) from 2018 to 2021. The framework was designed to change the way mental health is perceived, and subsequently how support is allocated. The current study focusses on the implementation of the framework's principles into CYP mental health support in the region. Methods The study comprised three methodological components, beginning with examination of the GM i-THRIVE implementation plan and self-assessment questionnaire measure using the Quality Implementation Tool. This was to provide a wider backdrop of implementation method adequacy to the rest of the study's findings. Subsequently, evaluation measures completed by professionals across Greater Manchester were examined to establish implementation progress, before corroborating key items from this measure with thematically analysed interview data from six CYP (13-22 years) who recently received mental health support in the region. Levels of agreement between staff and CYP were examined. Results GM i-THRIVE's implementation plan and self-assessment measure were respectively deemed a strong guiding foundation, and a suitable way of evaluating implementation progress. Every principle within the self-assessment measure demonstrated closer alignment with the THRIVE Framework as time progressed. Two themes were developed from the qualitative interview data, each overarching four subthemes: (1) Qualities of the service: information and decision sharing; communication and continuity; needs-based support; compassion and trust, and (2) The mental health journey: beginnings; endings; waiting; satisfaction with support. A good level of agreement between CYP testimony and staff progress reports was found. Conclusions Findings suggested that the experiences of the CYP in the sample, who were interviewed in the spring to summer period of 2022, were overwhelmingly positive. The rich insights into mental health support offered by the young participants lead us to recommend continued qualitative research with service-users as GM i-THRIVE's embedding period continues, with focus on representing a wide range of experiences in future research samples. Methodological limitations were explored, including the extent to which true cross-references could be made between professional and CYP accounts.
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Victor C, Barreto M, Qualter P. HOW DO LONELY OLDER PEOPLE TALK ABOUT LONELINESS? PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF THE BBC LONELINESS EXPERIMENT. Innov Aging 2022. [PMCID: PMC9765208 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac059.615] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Three types of loneliness, social, emotional and existential, are identified in research, policy and practice. Do these categories reflect the language used by older adults to describe their experiences of loneliness? We use data from the 2018 BBC Loneliness Experiment and focus upon lonely adults aged 60 and older, living in the UK and with a maximum score of 9 on the UCLA loneliness scale. 1619 participants meet these criteria, 1480 provided a response to the question ‘’What does loneliness mean to you?" Participants ages ranged from 60-94; 90% aged 60-74 and 38% male. Free text answers ranged from 1-189 words, included both subjective (feeling alone) or objective (being alone) words and described social (no one to talk to), emotional (lack of closeness) and existential (lack of purpose) loneliness. Lonely older adults ‘talk’ about the three different types of loneliness singly or in combinations when explaining what loneliness means to them. We conclude that:- (a) existential loneliness merits more attention as it is less prominent in research compared with other types of loneliness and (b) lonely older adults describe different types of loneliness in the same answer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pamela Qualter
- University of Manchester, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
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Lasgaard M, Løvschall C, Qualter P, Laustsen LM, Lim MH, Maindal HT, Hargaard AS, Christensen J. Are loneliness interventions effective in reducing loneliness? A meta-analytic review of 128 studies. Eur J Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac129.266] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Loneliness is widely acknowledged as a growing public health concern, accelerated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, our knowledge about the effectiveness of interventions to reduce loneliness across the lifespan, including knowledge of different intervention strategies, is limited. This preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of interventions to reduce loneliness. The systematic review identified 136 studies. The meta-analysis included 128 studies comprising 54 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 6,379), 23 multi-cohort studies (n = 2,882) and 48 single-cohort studies (n = 3,009). A small to moderate statistically significant effect was detected (RCTs; SMD = -0.47, multi-cohort studies; SMD = -0.24, single cohort-studies; SMD = -0.42). Using the GRADE system, confidence in the estimates was assessed as low or very low, implying that the estimates may potentially be higher or lower. No statistically significant differences were found between age groups. Psychological treatment, social support interventions, and social and emotional skills training appeared to be the most effective intervention strategies in reducing loneliness but there is currently no strong reason to prefer one intervention strategy over another. Further analyses demonstrated that the long-term effects (i.e., one to six months after the intervention) were comparable to the short-term effects (i.e., up to four weeks after the intervention). Findings from the current meta-analyses provide overall evidence of the effectiveness of loneliness interventions. Given methodological limitations, including the heterogeneity of the reviewed studies, it remains unclear who the interventions would help the most. Overall, there is a need for rigorous and high-quality development and evaluations of interventions for loneliness.
Key messages
• The findings of this meta-analytic review suggest that interventions designed to reduce loneliness are effective.
• Psychological treatment, social support interventions, and social and emotional skills training are the most promising interventions, albeit the magnitude of the effects is moderate.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lasgaard
- Public Health and Health Services Research, Defactum, Central Denmark Region , Aarhus, Denmark
| | - C Løvschall
- Public Health and Health Services Research, Defactum, Central Denmark Region , Aarhus, Denmark
| | - P Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester , Manchester, UK
| | - LM Laustsen
- Public Health and Health Services Research, Defactum, Central Denmark Region , Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus, Denmark
| | - MH Lim
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology , Melbourne, Australia
| | - HT Maindal
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University , Aarhus, Denmark
| | - AS Hargaard
- Public Health and Health Services Research, Defactum, Central Denmark Region , Aarhus, Denmark
| | - J Christensen
- Public Health and Health Services Research, Defactum, Central Denmark Region , Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark , Odense, Denmark
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Doyle DM, Qualter P, Victor C, Barreto M. The impact of country-level structural stigma on loneliness and social capital in older and younger LGB individuals in 113 countries. Eur J Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac129.193] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The mental health gap between sexual minorities and heterosexuals remains a pressing issue for policy makers and scholars. In past years, numerous studies from the US found support for the vast impact structural stigma on a state level can have on the lives of LGB individuals. However, most research has been conducted within a US context and research capturing structural stigma on a country level remains scarce. In the current study we aim to close this gap by examining whether country-level structural stigma can explain loneliness and social capital among sexual minorities across the world and testing whether these relationships are different for LGB individuals from different age groups.
Methods
The current study analysed a sample of over 7000 LGB people from across 113 European and non-European countries to examine the influence of country-level structural stigma on individual level loneliness and social capital.
Results
Multilevel models showed that the greater structural stigma present in a country, the lower social capital was experienced by LGB respondents (b = -0.05, 95% CI: -0.07, -0.02, p < 0.001). This relationship was unaffected by respondent age. Further, multilevel models showed the following for loneliness as an outcome: The greater structural stigma present in a country, the more loneliness was experienced by LGB individuals (b = .01, 95% CI: .01, .21, p = .048). Furthermore, this relationship was moderated by respondent age (b = -.03, 95% CI: -.06, -.01, p = .01), in the sense that younger LGB people showed significantly higher levels of loneliness than older LGB people in countries with greater, but not lesser, levels of structural stigma. These effects remained robust to adjustment for demographics as well as adding country-level covariates.
Conclusions
The findings of this study demonstrate the impact structural stigma on a country level can have on LGB individuals’ loneliness and social capital, differing for older and younger individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- DM Doyle
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter , Exeter, UK
| | - P Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester , Manchester, UK
| | - C Victor
- Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University , London, UK
| | - M Barreto
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter , Exeter, UK
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Christensen J, Pedersen SS, Andersen CM, Qualter P, Lund R, Lasgaard M. The association of loneliness and social isolation with healthcare utilization in Denmark. Eur J Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac130.186] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The present prospective cohort study investigated the association of loneliness and social isolation (SI) with healthcare utilization (HCU) in the general population over time.
Methods
Data from the 2013 Danish “How are you?’ survey (n = 29,472) were combined with individual-level register data from the National Danish Patient Registry and the Danish National Health Service Registry over a 6-year follow-up period (2013-2018). Negative binomial regression analyses were performed while adjusting for baseline demographics and chronic disease.
Results
Loneliness measured at baseline was significantly associated with more GP contacts (incident-rate ratio (IRR) = 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.02, 1.04]), more emergency treatments (IRR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.03, 1.10]), more emergency admissions (IRR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.03, 1.06]), and hospital admission days (IRR=1.05, 95% CI [1.00, 1.11]) across the 6-year follow-up period. No significant associations were found between social isolation and HCU with one minor exception, in which SI was associated with fewer planned outpatient treatments (IRR = .97, 95% CI [.94, .99]).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that loneliness is a risk factor for certain types of HCU, independent of social isolation, baseline demographics, and chronic disease.
Key messages
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Affiliation(s)
- J Christensen
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark , Odense, Denmark
- Public Health and Health Services Research, Defactum, Central Denmark Region , Aarhus, Denmark
| | - SS Pedersen
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark , Odense, Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital , Odense, Denmark
| | - CM Andersen
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark , Odense, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital , Odense, Denmark
| | - P Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester , Manchester, UK
| | - R Lund
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Lasgaard
- Public Health and Health Services Research, Defactum, Central Denmark Region , Aarhus, Denmark
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Barreto M, van Breen J, Victor C, Hammond C, Eccles A, Richins MT, Qualter P. Exploring the nature and variation of the stigma associated with loneliness. J Soc Pers Relat 2022; 39:2658-2679. [PMID: 35991527 PMCID: PMC9386761 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221087190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The current study uses data from The British Broadcasting Corporation Loneliness Experiment to explore the social stigma of loneliness and how it varies by gender, age and cultural individualism. We examined stigmatizing judgements of people who are lonely (impressions of those who feel lonely and attributions for loneliness), perceived stigma in the community and self-stigma (shame for being lonely and inclination to conceal loneliness), while controlling for participants' own feelings of loneliness. The scores on most measures fell near the mid-point of the scales, but stigmatizing perceptions depended on the measure of stigmatization that was used and on age, gender and country-level individualism. Multilevel analyses revealed that men had more stigmatizing perceptions, more perceived community stigma, but less self-stigma than women; young people had higher scores than older people on all indicators except for internal versus external attributions and people living in collectivist countries perceived loneliness as more controllable and perceived more stigma in the community than people living in individualistic countries. Finally, young men living in individualistic countries made the most internal (vs. external) attributions for loneliness. We discuss the implications of these findings for understandings of loneliness stigma and interventions to address loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Claudia Hammond
- Radio Science Unit, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), London, UK
| | - Alice Eccles
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, UK
| | | | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, UK
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Maes M, Qualter P, Lodder GMA, Mund M. How (Not) to Measure Loneliness: A Review of the Eight Most Commonly Used Scales. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph191710816. [PMID: 36078540 PMCID: PMC9518421 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness affects well-being and has long-term negative impacts on physical and mental health, educational outcomes, and employability. Because of those current and long-term impacts, loneliness is a significant issue for which we need reliable and appropriate measurement scales. In the current paper, psychometric properties of the eight most commonly used loneliness scales are reviewed both descriptively and meta-analytically. Results suggest that for many of the scales, the psychometric properties are promising. However, for some psychometric features, especially test-retest reliability and measurement invariance, evidence is rather scarce. Most striking, however, is the fact that all of the scales included items that do not measure loneliness. Surprisingly, for many (sub)scales, this was even the case for about half of the items. Because our measures are the foundation of our research work, it is crucial to improve the way loneliness is being measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Maes
- Interdisciplinary Social Science: Youth Studies, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Gerine M. A. Lodder
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Tilburg University, 5037 AB Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Marcus Mund
- Personality Psychology and Psychological Assessment, Klagenfurt University, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria
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Panayiotou M, Badcock JC, Lim MH, Banissy MJ, Qualter P. Measuring Loneliness in Different Age Groups: The Measurement Invariance of the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Assessment 2022:10731911221119533. [PMID: 36031881 DOI: 10.1177/10731911221119533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Age differences in the prevalence of loneliness have been a key focus among researchers, practitioners, and policy makers. However, the degree to which those reflect genuine differences in the experience of loneliness or the way individuals understand and respond to loneliness measures is yet to be examined. The current study explored the age measurement invariance of the 20-item Revised University of California Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LSR) and its shorter forms in a U.K. sample of adults aged 18 to 99 years (M = 50.6, SD = 19.7). The fit of different structures/versions was explored through multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; N = 4,375) and local structural equation modeling (N = 19,521). Results indicated a poor and/or inconsistent structure for the 20-item UCLA-LSR and many of its shorter forms. Of the structures considered, 12 showed acceptable model fit and received age measurement invariance testing through multigroup CFA and alignment; 10 of these achieved full, partial, or approximate measurement invariance. Our findings suggest that the age measurement invariance of loneliness measures should not be assumed, and crucially, this must be explored before accurate and meaningful age comparisons can be made. Implications for measurement research, and clinical and community practice, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michelle H Lim
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Verity L, Yang K, Nowland R, Shankar A, Turnbull M, Qualter P. Loneliness From the Adolescent Perspective: A Qualitative Analysis of Conversations About Loneliness Between Adolescents and Childline Counselors. Journal of Adolescent Research 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/07435584221111121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
There is limited qualitative research on the experience of loneliness in adolescence, meaning key facets of the loneliness experience that are important in adolescence may have been overlooked. The current study addresses that gap in the literature and explores how loneliness is experienced in the context of adolescence from the perspective of adolescents. About 67 online counseling conversations between Childline counselors and adolescents (ages 12–18 years; 70% females) who had contacted Childline to talk about loneliness were analyzed using Thematic Framework Analysis to establish commonalities and salient issues involved in adolescent experiences of loneliness. Young people considered loneliness to be an intense experience that negatively impacted their daily lives. Experiences of loneliness revolved around difficulties with peer relationships, but turmoil at home worsened those experiences. Young people often employed short-term coping strategies that distracted them from loneliness. Issues with trusting others and self-worth acted as barriers to seeking long-term help. Recommendations include (1) the training of teachers and parents to recognize and support young people experiencing loneliness and (2) further research to establish the coping strategies that are used by adolescents who successfully overcome loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michelle Turnbull
- NSPCC, National Services Information Manager Responsible for Disseminating Statistics and Learning From Contacts to Childline and the NSPCC Helpline, London, UK
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Switsers L, Qualter P, Pan H, Barreto M, De Donder L, Victor C, Dury S, Hammond C, Dierckx E. Exploring the demographic and situational characteristics of older British people experiencing loneliness as positive within the BBC loneliness experiment. Aging Ment Health 2022:1-7. [PMID: 35770797 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2088692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to increase the understanding of loneliness experienced as positive, by exploring the demographic and situational characteristics of older people who experience loneliness as positive. METHOD Two binary logistic regressions were conducted using data from those aged 60+ from the BBC Loneliness Experiment (N = 5250). RESULTS The first binary logistic regression compared participants who experience loneliness always as positive (N = 219) to those participants who never experience loneliness as positive (N = 3004). Spending time alone did not emerge as relevant to experiencing loneliness as positive, but enjoying time alone was important (OR = 1.561 (95% CI = 1.313 - 1.856)). The lonelier older people were, the less likely they experienced loneliness as positive (OR = 0.708 (95% CI =0.644 - 0.779)). Men were more likely to experience loneliness as positive compared to women (OR = 1.734 (95% CI = 1.269 - 2.370)). Lastly, the experience of loneliness as positive was likely to decrease when older people had more years of education (OR = 0.887 (95% CI = 0.853 - 0.921)) but increased with age (OR = 1.067 (95% CI = 1.037 - 1.098)). The results of the second binary logistic regression comparing participants who indicated loneliness purely as positive with those participants indicate to experience loneliness sometimes as positive (N = 2027), are in line with the first regression analyses. CONCLUSION The results are critically discussed by emphasizing the role of norms and cultures, gerotranscendence, and severity of loneliness, which might influence the experiences of loneliness. Further qualitative research is needed to elucidate the meanings of these positive experiences of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Switsers
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.,Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Honghui Pan
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Liesbeth De Donder
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christina Victor
- Department of Health Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Dury
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claudia Hammond
- Radio Science Unit, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), London, UK
| | - Eva Dierckx
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.,Psychiatric Hospital Alexianen Zorggroep Tienen, Tienen, Belgium
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Goodfellow C, Hardoon D, Inchley J, Leyland AH, Qualter P, Simpson SA, Long E. Loneliness and personal well-being in young people: Moderating effects of individual, interpersonal, and community factors. J Adolesc 2022; 94:554-568. [PMID: 35403218 PMCID: PMC9320932 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Loneliness is prevalent among young people. But, there is little work exploring the association between loneliness with well-being among this age group. Framed by social-ecological theory, we examined demographic, interpersonal, and community factors associated with personal wellbeing and, critically, identified malleable moderators of the relationship between loneliness and well-being that could be targeted in intervention efforts. METHODS We used cross-sectional, secondary data from 965 young people (aged 16-24) from the Community Life Survey in England. Loneliness was measured using a single-item direct measure; personal wellbeing was measured through a composite measure containing items assessing happiness, life satisfaction, and a sense that life is worthwhile (α = 0.88). Regression techniques were used to assess associations between individual, interpersonal, and community factors and well-being, and to identify moderators of the relationship between loneliness and well-being. RESULTS Loneliness was negatively associated with well-being. Chatting with neighbors and having people to provide help moderated the relationship between loneliness and well-being. Full-time students and those with good physical health had higher well-being while being a carer was predictive of lower well-being. All community variables were strongly associated with increased well-being. Of all interpersonal variables investigated, only having people to count on was associated with increased well-being. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that supportive relationships and close community ties are important for reducing the negative impact of loneliness on youth well-being. Interventions to improve well-being could benefit from targeting these aspects of young people's social and community lives, while acknowledging individual vulnerabilities, such as poor physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Goodfellow
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | | | - Joanna Inchley
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Alastair H. Leyland
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of EducationUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Sharon A. Simpson
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Emily Long
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
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Milicev J, Qualter P, Goodfellow C, Inchley J, Simpson SA, Leyland AH, Kharicha K, Long E. The prospective relationship between loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Z Gesundh Wiss 2022; 31:1-15. [PMID: 35668719 PMCID: PMC9136554 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-022-01719-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aim Mental wellbeing in the UK seems to have deteriorated significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the rates of loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress taking longer to return to the pre-pandemic levels than elsewhere. Nevertheless, there is little knowledge about the interactions between these outcomes, or the factors that played a role in the rates of change. The current study aims to address this gap by simultaneously investigating changes in loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress in the UK from pre-pandemic levels to those between April and November 2020, while critically assessing the role of a range of social ecological influencing factors. Subject and Methods Longitudinal data from Understanding Society (N=3475) were used to explore the changes in loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress from pre-pandemic levels (2017-2019) through November 2020, the interactions between these outcomes, and the role of individual, social, community and geographic factors in the rates of change, using multivariate latent growth curve model. Results Loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress deteriorated minimally between April and November 2020, compared to the pre-pandemic levels (2017-2019), while the rate of change in each outcome influenced the rates of change in the other two. Key individual (age, gender, physical health), social (number of friends and similarity to them), and environmental (neighbourhood quality) variables influenced baseline scores and the rates of change. Conclusion Considering significant dynamic associations between loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress, we argue that interventions to tackle any one of the outcomes may have beneficial effects on others, while highlighting malleable factors and individual and community-level interventions to tackle loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Milicev
- MRC / CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G3 7HR UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - Claire Goodfellow
- MRC / CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G3 7HR UK
| | - Joanna Inchley
- MRC / CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G3 7HR UK
| | - Sharon Anne Simpson
- MRC / CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G3 7HR UK
| | - Alastair H. Leyland
- MRC / CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G3 7HR UK
| | - Kalpa Kharicha
- Campaign to End Loneliness part of What Works Centre for Wellbeing, London, SW1H 9EA UK
| | - Emily Long
- MRC / CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G3 7HR UK
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Lim MH, Qualter P, Thurston L, Eres R, Hennessey A, Holt-Lunstad J, Lambert GW. A Global Longitudinal Study Examining Social Restrictions Severity on Loneliness, Social Anxiety, and Depression. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:818030. [PMID: 35418888 PMCID: PMC8995965 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.818030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Social restrictions and government-mandated lockdowns implemented worldwide to kerb the SARS-CoV-2 virus disrupted our social interactions, behaviours, and routines. While many studies have examined how the pandemic influenced loneliness and poor mental health, such as depression, almost none have focussed on social anxiety. Further, how the change in social restrictions affected change in mental-health and well-being has not yet been explored. Methods This is a longitudinal cohort study in community dwellers who were surveyed across three timepoints in the first six months of the pandemic. We measured loneliness, social anxiety, depression, and social restrictions severity that were objectively coded in a sample from Australia, United States, and United Kingdom (n = 1562) at each time point. Longitudinal data were analysed using a multivariate latent growth curve model. Results Loneliness reduced, depression marginally reduced, and social anxiety symptoms increased as social restrictions eased. Specific demographic factors (e.g., younger age, unemployment, lower wealth, and living alone) all influenced loneliness, depression, and social anxiety at baseline. No demographic factors influenced changes for loneliness; we found that those aged over 25 years reduced faster on depression, while those younger than 25 years and unemployed increased faster on social anxiety over time. Conclusion We found evidence that easing social restrictions brought about additional burden to people who experienced higher social anxiety symptoms. As country-mandated lockdown and social restrictions eased, people are more likely report higher social anxiety as they readjust into their social environment. Mental health practitioners are likely to see higher levels of social anxiety in vulnerable communities even as social restrictions ease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle H. Lim
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lily Thurston
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Orygen Research Centre, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert Eres
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Children Research Institute, Centre of Research Excellence: CP-Achieve, Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexandra Hennessey
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Julianne Holt-Lunstad
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Gavin W. Lambert
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
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Mund M, Maes M, Drewke PM, Gutzeit A, Jaki I, Qualter P. Would the Real Loneliness Please Stand Up? The Validity of Loneliness Scores and the Reliability of Single-Item Scores. Assessment 2022; 30:1226-1248. [PMID: 35246009 PMCID: PMC10149889 DOI: 10.1177/10731911221077227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Several measures that assess loneliness have been developed for adults. Across three studies, we investigated psychometric features of scores of different versions of the Rasch-Type Loneliness Scale, the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, and three single-item measures. In Study 1 (N = 697 self-ratings, N = 282 informant-ratings of 160 targets) and Study 2 (N = 1,216 individuals from 608 couples), we investigated convergent validity, self-informant agreement, and nomological nets of the item scores using correlates related to demographic aspects, personality, satisfaction, and network characteristics. In Study 3 (N = 411), we estimated a reliability of rxx>.70 for scores of three single-item measures of loneliness. Overall, scores of all measures and their nomological nets were highly correlated within and across studies, indicating that the scores of the included measures are all reliable and valid. Recommendations for choosing a loneliness measure are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Mund
- University of Klagenfurt, Austria.,Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Germany
| | - Marlies Maes
- KU Leuven, Belgium.,Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium.,Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Pia M Drewke
- University of Klagenfurt, Austria.,Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Germany
| | | | - Isabel Jaki
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Germany
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Wigelsworth M, Mason C, Verity L, Qualter P, Humphrey N. Making a Case for Core Components: New Frontiers in SEL Theory, Research, and Practice. School Psychology Review 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/2372966x.2021.2004863] [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: 10/19/2022]
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Pearce E, Barreto M, Victor C, Hammond C, Eccles AM, Richins MT, O'Neil A, Knowles ML, Qualter P. Choking under pressure: Does it get easier with age? How loneliness affects social monitoring across the life span. Int J Behav Dev 2022; 46:50-62. [PMID: 35001994 PMCID: PMC8727830 DOI: 10.1177/0165025420979369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous experimental work showed that young adults reporting loneliness performed less well on emotion recognition tasks (Diagnostic Analysis of Nonverbal Accuracy [DANVA-2]) if they were framed as indicators of social aptitude, but not when the same tasks were framed as indexing academic aptitude. Such findings suggested that undergraduates reporting loneliness possessed the social monitoring skills necessary to read the emotions underlying others’ facial expressions, but that they choked under social pressure. It has also been found that undergraduates reporting loneliness have better recall for both positive and negative social information than their non-lonely counterparts. Whether those effects are evident across different age groups has not been examined. Using data from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Loneliness Experiment that included participants aged 16–99 years (N = 54,060), we (i) test for replication in a larger worldwide sample and (ii) extend those linear model analyses to other age groups. We found only effects for participants aged 25–34 years: In this age group, loneliness was associated with increased recall of negative individual information, and with choking under social pressure during the emotion recognition task; those effects were small. We did not find any such effects among participants in other age groups. Our findings suggest that different cognitive processes may be associated with loneliness in different age groups, highlighting the importance of life-course approaches in this area.
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