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Rada C, Faludi C, Lungu M. Emotional, coping factors and personality traits that influenced alcohol consumption in Romanian students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:733. [PMID: 38454357 PMCID: PMC10918990 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18247-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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, after 3 months from the installation of the state of emergency on the territory of Romania, data were collected from 677 students and master's students, to explore the problematic alcohol consumption (AC). METHODS The evaluation was done with: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales, Strategic Coping Approach Scale and The Freiburg Personality Inventory. The statistical methods used were linear regression with bootstrap procedure, Spearman's rank correlation, and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS More than half were affected by depression or anxiety of moderate to extremely severe intensity. The prevalence of problematic alcohol consumption was low: (Hazardous and Extremely Hazardous (2.3) and Medium Risk (10.2). Early onset increases the subsequent risk of problematic AC, compared to women, men recorded a higher AC (p <.01). Anxiety, antisocial action, personality traits Aggressiveness and Somatic complaints had the effect of increasing the alcohol consumption score (p <.01). Significant but weak positive correlations between AC on one hand, and depression, anxiety, stress and antisocial action on the other hand were found (p <.01). CONCLUSIONS Probably the prevalence of AC was low as a result of the fact that most respondents were studying in the field of health promotion and as a result of the closure of entertainment venues. This study advocates for the education of youngsters to clearly express their opinions without violating the boundaries of others' feelings (assertive action) and to act prudently in dangerous or uncertain situations (cautious action) since these coping mechanisms were not associated with problematic alcohol consumption. The promotion of positive, achievement-oriented, life attitudes is equally important, as these characteristics of the Life Satisfaction personality dimensions were also found as non-determinants of alcohol-induced problems. The association of problematic AC with antisocial actions as a coping mechanism and high scores on Aggressiveness calls for interventions to educate the younger generation how to acquire and adopt healthy mechanisms to control tensions without resorting to alcohol consumption, more so as the two variables reinforce each other. Drinking as a means of gaining courage must be carefully reconsidered since anxiety generally hits back, often in increased levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Rada
- Biomedical Department, Francisc I. Rainer Institute of Anthropology, Romanian Academy, Academy House 13 September Avenue, No. 13, 5th District, 050711, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Cristina Faludi
- Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Social Work Department, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Lungu
- Argeș County Centre for Educational Resources and Assistance, Pitești, Romania
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van den Houdt SCM, Wokke T, Mommersteeg PMC, Widdershoven J, Kupper N. The role of sex and gender in somatic complaints among patients with coronary heart disease: A longitudinal study on acute and long-term changes. J Psychosom Res 2024; 178:111601. [PMID: 38309128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111601] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somatic complaints are persistently reported in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Sex and gender influence health and well-being in a variety of ways, but it is unknown how they affect somatic complaints over time after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Therefore, we examined the association between sex and gender on somatic health complaints during the first month (acute) and the first two years (recovery) after PCI. METHODS 514 patients (Mage = 64.2 ± 8.9, 84.2% male) completed the somatic scale of the Health Complaints Scale (including the subscales: cardiopulmonary complaints, fatigue, sleep problems) at baseline, one, 12-, and 24-months post-PCI. In a follow-up study, they filled in additional questionnaires to gauge gender norms, traits, and identity. Linear mixed modeling analyses were used to assess the influence of sex, gender, their interaction, and covariates on somatic complaints for the acute and recovery phases separately. RESULTS A general decline in somatic complaints over time was observed during the acute phase, followed by a stabilization in the recovery phase. Females and individuals with more feminine traits, norms, and identities reported increased somatic complaints. Males with more pronounced feminine norms and females with more masculine norms likewise reported more somatic, cardiopulmonary, and fatigue complaints. Furthermore, age, cardiac history, and comorbid diseases partly explained the associations with somatic complaints. CONCLUSION While somatic complaints improve post-PCI, there are still conspicuous sex and gender differences that need to be considered. Future research should further elaborate upon these discrepancies and incorporate sex and gender in prevention and develop tailored interventions to diminish somatic complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C M van den Houdt
- Center of Research on Psychological disorders and Somatic diseases (CoRPS), Department of Medical & Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, PO box 90153, 5000LE Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Tessa Wokke
- Center of Research on Psychological disorders and Somatic diseases (CoRPS), Department of Medical & Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, PO box 90153, 5000LE Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Paula M C Mommersteeg
- Center of Research on Psychological disorders and Somatic diseases (CoRPS), Department of Medical & Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, PO box 90153, 5000LE Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Jos Widdershoven
- Center of Research on Psychological disorders and Somatic diseases (CoRPS), Department of Medical & Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, PO box 90153, 5000LE Tilburg, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, Elisabeth-TweeSteden hospital, Doctor Deelenlaan 5, 5042, AD, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Nina Kupper
- Center of Research on Psychological disorders and Somatic diseases (CoRPS), Department of Medical & Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, PO box 90153, 5000LE Tilburg, the Netherlands.
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Låftman SB, Magnusson C, Olsson G, Wahlström J, Modin B. Perceived problematic alcohol use in the family and adolescents' stress-related complaints: examining the buffering role of the school's degree of student focus as rated by its teachers. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1754. [PMID: 37684584 PMCID: PMC10492349 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16505-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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A non-negligible proportion of children grow up with problematic alcohol use in the family. Problematic familial drinking can be regarded as a stressor, and prior studies have consistently reported poorer mental health among adolescents who are exposed. However, it is also of relevance to identify modifiable protective factors which may buffer against stress-related ill-health in this group of adolescents. One context where such factors may be present is the school. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived problematic familial alcohol use and students' stress-related complaints, and specifically to explore if the school's degree of student focus can buffer against any such negative health consequences of problem drinking at home. METHODS Data were drawn from four separate surveys, the Stockholm School Survey (SSS) and the Stockholm Teacher Survey (STS) conducted in 2014 and 2016 among 7,944 students (~ 15-16 years) and 2,024 teachers in 147 Stockholm senior-level school units. Perceived problematic familial alcohol use was measured by one item in the SSS. Stress-related complaints were captured by co-occurring somatic complaints and psychological distress, and reported by students in the SSS. The school's student focus was measured by an index based on teachers' ratings of four items in the STS. A set of covariates at the student and the school level were also included. Two-level binary logistic and linear regression models were performed. RESULTS Perceived problematic familial alcohol use was linked with an increased likelihood of reporting co-occurring somatic complaints as well as psychological distress. Cross-level interactions revealed that the association between perceived problematic familial alcohol use and co-occurring somatic complaints was weaker among students attending schools with stronger teacher-rated student focus. Regarding psychological distress, the association was weaker for students attending schools with intermediate or strong teacher-rated student focus, compared with those attending schools with weaker teacher-rated student focus. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide support for the assumption that favourable conditions in schools can buffer against negative health consequences of problematic conditions in the family, thus serving a compensatory role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Brolin Låftman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Magnusson
- Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI), Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriella Olsson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joakim Wahlström
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bitte Modin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
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Wahlström J, Magnusson C, Låftman SB, Svensson J. Parents' drinking, childhood hangover? Parental alcohol use, subjective health complaints and perceived stress among Swedish adolescents aged 10-18 years. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:162. [PMID: 36694162 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15097-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol abuse is not only harmful to the consumer but may also negatively impact individuals in the drinker's social environment. Alcohol's harm to others is vital to consider when calculating the true societal cost of alcohol use. Children of parents who have alcohol use disorder tend to have an elevated risk of negative outcomes regarding, e.g., health, education, and social relationships. Research on the general youth population has established a link between parental drinking and offspring alcohol use. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding other outcomes, such as health. The current study aimed to investigate the associations between parental drinking and children's psychological and somatic complaints, and perceived stress. METHODS Data were derived from a nationally representative sample, obtained from the 2010 Swedish Level-of-Living survey (LNU). Parents and adolescents (ages 10-18) living in the same households were interviewed independently. The final study sample included 909 adolescents from 629 households. The three outcomes, psychological and somatic complaints and perceived stress, were derived from adolescents' self-reports. Parents' self-reports of alcohol use, both frequency and quantity, were used to categorise adolescents as having abstaining, low-consuming, moderate-drinking, or heavy-drinking parents. Control variables included adolescents' gender, age, family structure, and household socioeconomic status. Linear and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Parental heavy drinking was more common among adolescents living in more socioeconomically advantaged households and among adolescents living with two custodial parents or in reconstituted families. Adolescents with heavy-drinking parents reported higher levels of psychological and somatic complaints and had an increased likelihood of reporting stress, compared with those having moderate-drinking parents. These associations remained statistically significant when adjusting for all control variables. CONCLUSION The current study's results show that parental alcohol consumption is associated with poorer offspring adolescent health. Public health policies that aim to reduce parental drinking or provide support to these adolescents may be beneficial. Further studies investigating the health-related outcomes among young people living with heavy-drinking parents in the general population are needed to gain more knowledge about these individuals and to implement adequate public health measures.
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Diebig M, Li J, Forthmann B, Schmidtke J, Muth T, Angerer P. A three-wave longitudinal study on the relation between commuting strain and somatic symptoms in university students: exploring the role of learning-family conflicts. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:199. [PMID: 34930482 PMCID: PMC8685824 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00702-7] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We examine the role of learning-family conflicts for the relation between commuting strain and health in a sample of medical university students. The first goal of the study was to investigate the mediating role of learning-family conflicts. The second goal was to extend the temporal view on relations between study variables. Therefore, we differentiated long-term systematic change among variables over a period of two-years from a dynamic perspective with repeated commuting events on the individual level of analyses. Methods We applied a multilevel research design and collected survey data from 128 medical students on three points in time (N = 339 measurement points). Participants informed about commuting strain, learning-family conflicts, somatic symptoms, as well as commuting distance and time. Results Bayesian multilevel analyses showed that results differed with regard to level of analysis: while learning-family conflicts mediated the relation between commuting strain and somatic symptoms on a systematic aggregation-level perspective of analysis (indirect effect estimatebetween = 0.13, SE = .05, 95% CI [0.05; ∞), Evidence Ratio = 250.57), this was not the case on the dynamic event perspective (indirect effect estimatewithin = 0.00, SE = 0.00, 95% CI [− 0.01; ∞), Evidence Ratio = 0.84). Conclusions We demonstrated that learning-family conflicts explain why commuting may have unfavorable effects on health for medical students. We also showed that it is the long-term commuting experience that is related to health complaints and not the single commuting event. This means that short-term deviations from general levels of commuting strain do not cause somatic symptoms, but general high levels of commuting strain do instead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Diebig
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Boris Forthmann
- Institute of Psychology in Education, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan Schmidtke
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Muth
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Angerer
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Seiffge-Krenke I, Sattel H, Cavdar D, Öncü B. Adolescents' somatic complaints in eight countries: what influence do parental rearing styles have? Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 30:1533-1545. [PMID: 32894350 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01628-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Medically unexplained physical symptoms are frequently named by adolescents in both clinical and normative samples. This study analyzed the associations between parental rearing styles and adolescents' body complaints in diverse cultural contexts. In a cross-cultural study of 2415 adolescents from eight countries (Argentina, France, Germany, Greece, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, and Turkey), the associations of maternal and paternal support, psychological control, and an anxious parental monitoring style with youth body complaints were tested. Girls reported more somatic complaints than boys, the level of complaints differed between countries, and gender differences varied significantly between countries. Hierarchic multilevel models revealed that the expression of distress via body complaints, after controlling for country, gender, and sociodemographic status, was significantly associated with parental rearing styles. The negative impact of mothers' psychological control on body complaints generalize across countries. In addition, mothers' anxious monitoring had a negative impact on the offspring's health, whereas higher levels of paternal support and lower levels of paternal psychological control contributed to lower levels of somatic complaints. Sociodemographic variables such as family structure, standard of living, and employment status of the parents, did not turn out as significant in the final model. The findings point to the different roles of fathers and mothers play in adolescents' health and their complex interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heribert Sattel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Duygu Cavdar
- University of Bristol School of Education, Bristol, UK
| | - Bedriye Öncü
- Department of Psychiatry, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Madjar N, Mansbach-Kleinfeld I, Daeem R, Farbstein I, Apter A, Fennig S, Elias R, Shoval G. Discrepancies in adolescent-mother dyads' reports of core depression symptoms: Association with adolescents' help-seeking in school and their somatic complaints. J Psychosom Res 2020; 137:110222. [PMID: 32841758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parents of adolescents with mental problems do not always recognize the symptoms in their children, particularly regarding depression, and therefore do not seek professional help. Adolescents themselves tend to seek help from school personnel for their emotional or social difficulties. In contrast, adolescents do report somatic complaints and parents are likely to seek help for these problems. The current study explored whether the divergence between maternal and child reports of depression symptoms is associated with child's help-seeking in school and patterns of somatic complaints. METHOD A sample of 9th grade students (N = 693; 56% girls; mean age = 15.1) and their mothers representing the Muslim and Druze populations in northern Israel were interviewed simultaneously and independently. Maternal reports were classified either as underestimating, matching, or overestimating their own child self-report of three core symptoms of depression (depressed mood, anhedonia, and irritability). Adolescents reported whether they had consulted school staff and were classified into clusters based on self-reported somatic complaints. RESULTS Maternal misidentification of their child's depression symptoms was associated with increased help-seeking in school, particularly by boys if depressed mood or irritability were misidentified and particularly by girls if anhedonia was misidentified. Hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that the number and severity of somatic complaints was higher among adolescents whose depression symptoms were not identified, regardless of gender. CONCLUSION Mental health professionals, educators and parents should be aware that adolescents may attempt to communicate their emotional difficulties through somatic complaints and by seeking help in school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Madjar
- School of Education, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
| | | | | | | | - Alan Apter
- Schneider Medical Center for Children in Israel, Petach Tikvah, Israel; Ruppin Academic Center, Netanya, Israel; Inter-Disciplinary Center, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Silvana Fennig
- Schneider Medical Center for Children in Israel, Petach Tikvah, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Gal Shoval
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Geha Mental Health Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
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Duffield TC, Lim MM, Novak M, Lin A, Luther M, Williams CN, Piantino J. The relationship between depressive symptoms, somatic complaints, and concussion history with poor sleep in collegiate athletes. Sleep Health 2020; 7:43-48. [PMID: 32758413 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ongoing exploration of factors related to poor sleep in collegiate athletes is important as understanding of the risks and consequences of poor sleep in this specific population increases. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING University in the Pacific Northwest. PARTICIPANTS One-hundred thirty-seven male and female collegiate athletes across 5 collision, contact, and limited contact team sports. MEASUREMENTS Depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire 9; PHQ-9), anxiety symptoms (General Anxiety Disorder 7; GAD-7), and somatic complaints (Patient Health Questionnaire 15; PHQ-15). Sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; PSQI) used both a cutoff score ≥6 and a cutoff score of ≥8, indicating "poor sleep quality" to reduce threats to divergent validity. RESULTS Poor sleep quality as defined by PSQI ≥ 6 was present in 53% of athletes, and as defined by PSQI ≥ 8 was identified in 33.5% of the cohort. There were no differences in the incidence of poor sleepers between sport, race/ethnicity, or sex. Multiple regression analysis revealed that depressive symptoms, somatic complaints, Caucasian race, male sex, and number of concussions were significant predictors of poor sleep (P < .05). The model accounted for 43% of the variance in PSQI and primarily by depressive symptoms explaining 9% of reported sleep quality variability. Anxiety symptoms, sport category, and history of migraines were not significant predictors of poor sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS A high incidence of poor sleep among collegiate athletes was observed regardless of sport, and may be related to depressive symptoms, somatic complaints, Caucasian race, male sex, and historical number of concussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C Duffield
- Department of Family Medicine, Division of Sports Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
| | - Miranda M Lim
- Department of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Melissa Novak
- Department of Family Medicine, Division of Sports Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Amber Lin
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Madison Luther
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Cydni N Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Critical Care and Neurotrauma Recovery Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Juan Piantino
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Critical Care and Neurotrauma Recovery Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Rey L, Neto F, Extremera N. Cyberbullying victimization and somatic complaints: A prospective examination of cognitive emotion regulation strategies as mediators. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2020; 20:135-139. [PMID: 32550853 PMCID: PMC7296244 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective: The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among cybervictimization, maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and somatic complaints in a 4-month follow-up study. Method: A total of 1,024 high school students (456 male and 568 female, M (SD) = 13.69 years (1.3 years), range 12–18 years, voluntarily participated in this study. Measures of cybervictimization and cognitive strategies were obtained at Time 1. Four months later (Time 2), measures of somatic complaints were obtained. Results: Multiple mediation analyses were conducted to determine the mediating roles of maladaptive strategies in the link between cybervictimization and somatic complaints. As expected, path-analytic results showed that cybervictimization predicted somatic symptoms. Furthermore, some maladaptive regulation strategies, namely self-blame and rumination, partially mediated the link between cybervictimization and somatic symptoms evaluated 4-months later. Conclusions: The findings are discussed in terms of the role that maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies might play with regards to physical health in cyberbullying episodes. In general, these findings have important implications for developing an understanding about the affective determinants of somatic health problem initiation and maintenance after a victimization and for developing intervention programs specifically for cybervictimized adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Rey
- University of Malaga, Spain
- Corresponding author at: Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain.
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Rometsch C, Denkinger JK, Engelhardt M, Windthorst P, Graf J, Gibbons N, Pham P, Zipfel S, Junne F. Pain, somatic complaints, and subjective concepts of illness in traumatized female refugees who experienced extreme violence by the "Islamic State" (IS). J Psychosom Res 2020; 130:109931. [PMID: 31981895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.109931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refugees with a history of war or sexual violence often experience somatic symptoms along with mental disorders. After being held in captivity by the so-called "Islamic State" (IS), 1100 especially vulnerable Yazidi women and children (around 400 women) received special medical and psychological support. We report on their (psycho-) somatic complaints and concepts of illness. METHODS Female refugees (N = 116) were surveyed regarding their somatic complaints and concepts of illness. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and self-developed questionnaire items with ratings on a five-point Likert scale from 0 ("not at all") to 4 ("extremely") were used. Subgroup analyses and a multiple linear regression model were computed. RESULTS Pain (M = 2.43, SD = 1.70) is the main somatic complaint with a moderate rated severity, followed by feelings of suffocation (M = 2.37, SD = 1.53), and movement disorders (M = 1.62, SD = 1.70). In a linear regression model, pain explains variance (R2 = 0.325) in the refugees' self-reported health-related wellbeing. Somatic symptoms are mainly attributed to psychological causes, followed by physical (e.g., physical origin of symptoms), religious, and supernatural causes. Women with pain symptoms attributed their symptoms more to physical causes (M = 1.90, SD = 1.78) than did women without pain symptoms (M = 1.07, SD = 1.59). CONCLUSION Female Yazidi refugees being kept in IS captivity mainly suffer from pain, which is attributed to an explanatory psychological model. The study results show the specific psychosomatic and psychotherapeutic needs and demands for specifically tailored psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Rometsch
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Jana Katharina Denkinger
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Martha Engelhardt
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Petra Windthorst
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johanna Graf
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Niamh Gibbons
- Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Phuong Pham
- Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Stephan Zipfel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Florian Junne
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Saarinen AIL, Keltikangas-Järvinen L, Lehtimäki T, Jula A, Cloninger CR, Hintsanen M. Somatic complaints in early adulthood predict the developmental course of compassion into middle age. J Psychosom Res 2020; 131:109942. [PMID: 32014638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.109942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate (i) whether somatic complaints predict the developmental course of compassion in adulthood, and (ii) whether this association depends on alexithymic features. METHODS The participants came from the population-based Young Finns study (N = 471-1037). Somatic complaints (headache, stomachache, chest pain, backache, fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, heartburn, heartbeat, and tension) were evaluated with a self-rating questionnaire in 1986 when participants were aged between 18 and 24 years. Compassion was assessed with the Compassion Scale of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) in 1997, 2001, and 2012. The data were analyzed using growth curve models. RESULTS We obtained a significant compassion-age interaction (B = -0.137, p = .02) and a compassion-age squared interaction (B = 0.007, p = .006), when predicting the course of somatic complaints. Specifically, in participants without frequent somatic complaints, compassion steadily increased with age in adulthood. In participants with frequent somatic complaints, however, compassion remained at a lower level until the age of 40 years, then started to increase, and achieved the normal level of compassion approximately at the age of 50 years. The association between somatic complaints and compassion over age was found to be independent of alexithymic features. The analyses were adjusted for a variety of covariates (age, gender, use of health care in childhood, depression in childhood, parental socioeconomic factors, parental care-giving practices, stressful life events, parental alcohol intoxication, and participants' socioeconomic factors in adulthood). CONCLUSION Frequent somatic complaints may predict delayed development of compassion in adulthood. This association was found to be independent of alexithymic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aino I L Saarinen
- Research Unit of Psychology, University of Oulu, Finland; Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | - Terho Lehtimäki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories and Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Antti Jula
- Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - C Robert Cloninger
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, United States of America
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Jensen TK, Skar AS, Andersson ES, Birkeland MS. Long-term mental health in unaccompanied refugee minors: pre- and post-flight predictors. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2019; 28:1671-82. [PMID: 31004294 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-019-01340-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Unaccompanied refugee minors are a particularly vulnerable group. The aim of this study is to increase our knowledge about possible pathways to well-being and integration for unaccompanied refugee minors as they strive to establish new lives in a host county. The present study followed a group of youth who fled to Norway without their caregivers at three time points; 6 months (n = 95; M age = 13.8, 80% boys), 2 years (n = 78; M age = 16.5, 83% boys), and 5 years (n = 47; M age 20.0, 83% boys) after arrival. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess whether age, gender, and trauma exposure prior to arrival were associated with levels and changes in symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTS), depression, anxiety, and externalizing symptoms over time. Regression analyses were conducted to examine whether daily hassles, perceived social support, and new trauma experiences predict PTS, internalization, externalization, and somatization. The mean levels of depression had decreased significantly at 5 years, but mean levels of anxiety, PTS, and externalizing symptoms did not. Females and severely trauma exposed had higher levels of symptoms. Higher age was associated with less change in symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress over time. Five years after arrival, many still experienced clinical levels of mental health problems, and level of daily hassles was an important predictor. Support may be needed not only at arrival to handle mental health problems in general and posttraumatic stress in particular, but also after resettlement. Help to manage daily hassles may be especially important to ensure well-being and integration.
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Herr RM, Bosch JA, Loerbroks A, Genser B, Almer C, van Vianen AEM, Fischer JE. Organizational justice, justice climate, and somatic complaints: A multilevel investigation. J Psychosom Res 2018; 111:15-21. [PMID: 29935749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Organizational justice refers to perceived fairness at the workplace. Individual perceptions of injustice have been linked to reduced mental and physical health. However, perceptions of injustice also exist at the aggregate level of departments, reflecting a shared perception, denoted as justice climate. There is evidence that this shared perception independently predicts individual distress levels (e.g., anxiety, depression), which might negatively affect somatic symptom perception and reporting. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine whether individual perceptions of poor justice as well as a poor justice climate are related to elevated somatic complaints. In addition, this study examined if justice climate moderates the relationship between individual-level justice perceptions and somatic symptom reporting. METHODS Cross-sectional data from a large industrial manufacturing company was used, involving 1,102 employees in 31 departments. A validated scale covering interactional and procedural justice assessed individual-level organizational justice. A 19-item symptom checklist measured somatic complaints. Multilevel analyses estimated individual-level associations (within-department effects) with somatic complaints, department-level associations (between-department effects), and the cross-level interaction of both. RESULTS Individual-level justice perceptions were negatively associated with somatic complaints. Collective justice climate was likewise significantly associated with somatic complaints. There was no indication for a moderation effect of justice climate. CONCLUSION A poor justice climate correlated positively with individual somatic complaints while controlling for individual perceptions, i.e., above and beyond individual justice perceptions. These findings may imply that interventions targeting department-level perceptions of justice may have the potential to reduce individual somatic complaints beyond the effects of individual-level interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael M Herr
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Jos A Bosch
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Adrian Loerbroks
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Bernd Genser
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.
| | - Christian Almer
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Annelies E M van Vianen
- Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Joachim E Fischer
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
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Garnefski N, van Rood Y, de Roos C, Kraaij V. Relationships Between Traumatic Life Events, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies, and Somatic Complaints. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2017; 24:144-51. [PMID: 28508141 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-017-9494-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between traumatic life events, specific cognitive emotion regulation strategies, and present somatic complaints. The sample consisted of 465 adults from the general population. The participants filled in online self-report questionnaires with regard to somatic complaints (SCL-90), cognitive emotion regulation strategies (CERQ) and traumatic life events. Multiple regression analysis was performed to study the relationships. The results showed that present somatic complaints were significantly related to the reporting of past negative events (such as loss and maltreatment) that still produce strong and negative feelings in the present. Somatic complaints were also significantly related to a more frequent use of maladaptive cognitive coping strategies, such as blaming oneself, ruminating, and catastrophizing about negative life events. Inquiring about unresolved traumatic memories and coping strategies can help guide a clinicians’ approach to managing patients with somatic complaints that have no clear medical explanation.
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Defazio G, Pastore A, Pellicciari R, Pierri G, Gigante AF, Fabio G, Superbo M, Margari F. Personality disorders and somatization in functional and organic movement disorders. Psychiatry Res 2017; 257:227-229. [PMID: 28780279 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.07.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric disturbances and somatizations are both criteria which support the diagnosis of functional movement disorders. It is unclear, however, whether these factors are helpful in differentiating functional and organic movement disorders. To address this issue, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I and II psychiatric disorders, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and the "somatization section" of the Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule were administered to 31 functional movement disorder patients diagnosed, according to Fahn and Williams criteria and 31 sex- and age-matched control outpatients, with adult-onset dystonia. Axis I psychiatric diagnoses were similarly frequent in patients with functional and organic movement disorders. There was a trend to a greater frequency of personality disorders overall; when looking at individual personality disorders, there was no significant between-group difference. Depression and anxiety scores and mean number of somatizations per patient were also greater in the functional group. The number of somatic complaints significantly correlated with depression and anxiety scores. However, the presence of these disturbances in a proportion of patients with organic dystonia indicates that personality disorders and somatizations do not aid in distinguishing functional and organic movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Defazio
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, "Aldo Moro", University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Adriana Pastore
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, "Aldo Moro", University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Pellicciari
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, "Aldo Moro", University of Bari, Bari, Italy; Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Grazia Pierri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, "Aldo Moro", University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo F Gigante
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, "Aldo Moro", University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giada Fabio
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, "Aldo Moro", University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Superbo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, "Aldo Moro", University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Margari
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, "Aldo Moro", University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Abstract
The paper reviews and summarizes the history and the development of somatosensory amplification, a construct that plays a substantial role in symptom reports. Although the association with negative affect has been supported by empirical findings, another key elements of the original concept (i.e. body hypervigilance and the tendency of focusing on mild body sensations) have never been appropriately addressed. Recent findings indicate that somatosensory amplification is connected with phenomena that do not necessarily include symptoms (e.g. modern health worries, or expectations of symptoms and medication side effects), and also with the perception of external threats. In conclusion, somatosensory amplification appears to refer to the intensification of perceived external and internal threats to the integrity of the body ("somatic threat amplification") rather than amplification of perceived or actual bodily events only. Practical implications of this new approach are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Köteles
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Bogdánfy Ödön u. 10, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary.
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Stavropoulos I, Pervanidou P, Gnardellis C, Loli N, Theodorou V, Mantzou A, Soukou F, Sinani O, Chrousos GP. Increased hair cortisol and antecedent somatic complaints in children with a first epileptic seizure. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 68:146-152. [PMID: 28189919 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stress is the most frequent seizure-precipitating factor reported by patients with epilepsy, while stressful life events may increase seizure susceptibility in humans. In this study, we investigated the relations between both biological and behavioral measures of stress in children with a first epileptic seizure (hereafter called seizure). We hypothesized that hair cortisol, a biomarker of chronic stress reflecting approximately 3months of preceding exposure, might be increased in children with a first seizure. We also employed standardized questionnaires to examine presence of stress-related behavioral markers. METHODS This was a cross-sectional clinical study investigating stress-related parameters in children with a first seizure (First Epileptic Seizure Group (FESG), n=22) in comparison to healthy children without seizures (Control Group, n=29). Within 24h after a first seizure, hair samples were collected from children for the determination of cortisol. In parallel, perceived stress and anxiety and depressive symptoms were examined with appropriate self- and parent-completed questionnaires, and history of stressful life events during the past year was recorded. Emotional and behavioral problems were also assessed by parent-reported validated and widely-used questionnaires. RESULTS Higher hair cortisol measurements were observed in the FESG than control children (7.5 versus 5.0pg/mg respectively, p=0.001). The former were more likely to complain of somatic problems than the latter (59.8 vs. 55.4 according to DSM-oriented Scale, p=0.021); however, there were no differences in perceived stress and anxiety or depressive symptoms between the two groups. Using ROC analysis of hair cortisol measurements for predicting disease status, the maximum sensitivity and specificity were observed for a cut-off point of 5.25pg/mg. SIGNIFICANCE Increased hair cortisol indicates chronic hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis prior to the first seizure. This might have contributed to the epileptogenesis process and may help explain the higher incidence of antecedent somatic complaints in the first seizure group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Stavropoulos
- The Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Soranou Ephessiou Str. 4, 11527 Athens, Greece; Department of Pediatric Neurology, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece.
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Nomiki Loli
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Virginia Theodorou
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Aimilia Mantzou
- Unit on Clinical and Translational Research in Endocrinology, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Faye Soukou
- Unit on Clinical and Translational Research in Endocrinology, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Sinani
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- The Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Soranou Ephessiou Str. 4, 11527 Athens, Greece; Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece; Unit on Clinical and Translational Research in Endocrinology, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Sperlich S, Geyer S. The mediating effect of effort-reward imbalance in household and family work on the relationship between education and women's health. Soc Sci Med 2015; 131:58-65. [PMID: 25753286 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Occupational stress as a key determinant for explaining health inequalities has been well established while the impact of stress related to family work has rarely been considered. This study investigates whether stress in household and family work may contribute to health inequalities in women. We used a population-based sample of German mothers (n = 3129) to determine the total, direct and indirect effects of education on somatic complaints by means of OLS regression-based mediation models. Inference about indirect effects was determined by 95% bias corrected bootstrap confidence intervals. Education was assessed by a measure combining school education and vocational training. Stress was measured using the adopted effort-reward-imbalance (ERI) questionnaire for household and family work. The von Zerssen list of somatic complaints was used as measure of subjective health. We found a significant total effect of education on somatic complaints (p ≤ 0.001) as well as significant indirect effects through 'effort' (p = 0.006) and 'reward' in household and family work (p ≤ 0.001). However, the subscales of ERI pointed into different directions: while levels of 'effort' increased with women's educational attainment, levels of distress related to low 'reward' decreased with higher levels of education. Our findings suggest that the effect of women's education on somatic complaints is mediated through stress related to low reward for household and family work. In particular, lack of 'societal esteem' for household and family work contributed to health disadvantages in lower educated mothers. We conclude that research on health inequality would benefit from taking stressful experiences in household and family work greater into account.
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Fazio RL, Wunderlich T, Wilson N, Akeson S. MMPI-2-RF characteristics of individuals with interstitial cystitis. J Psychosom Res 2014; 77:359-62. [PMID: 25294780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the psychological functioning of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome patients utilizing MMPI-2-RF scoring. METHODS The MMPI-2 was administered to 60 individuals who reported a diagnosis of IC. Responses were scored in the MMPI-2-RF format. Fifty-one protocols were deemed valid. RESULTS Elevations were discovered on scales FBS-r (symptom validity), RC1 (somatic complaints), and MLS (malaise). Participants were split into two groups based on extreme elevations on RC1; the high RC1 group produced higher scores on 39 scales including clinically significant elevations on 17 scales. CONCLUSION Over 25% of this sample had an emotional component to their physical concerns. This knowledge about the psychological characteristics of IC patients may have clinical utility for physicians and other treatment providers. The results argue strongly for psychological evaluation as a component of IC diagnosis and treatment. Those with significant emotional overlay to their somatic complaints may be best managed through psychological interventions and minimally invasive treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Fazio
- School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute, United States.
| | - Ted Wunderlich
- School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute, United States
| | - Nicolas Wilson
- School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute, United States
| | - Steven Akeson
- School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute, United States
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Ordóñez A, Maganto C, González R. [ Somatic complaints, emotional awareness and maladjustment in schoolchildren]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2015; 82:308-15. [PMID: 24785446 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2014.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Somatic complaints are common in childhood. Research has shown their relationship with emotional awareness and maladjustment. The study had three objectives: 1) to analyze the prevalence of somatic complaints; 2) To explore the relationships between the variables evaluated: somatic complaints, differentiating emotions, verbal sharing of emotions, not hiding emotions, body awareness, attending to others' emotions, analysis of emotions, and personal, social, family, and school maladjustments; and 3) To identify predictors of somatic complaints. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included a total of 1,134 randomly selected schoolchildren of both sexes between 10-12 years old (M=10.99; SD=0.88). The Somatic Complaint List, Emotional Awareness Questionnaire, and Self-reported Multifactor Test of Childhood Adaptation were used to gather information. RESULTS The results showed that the prevalence of somatic complaints was 90.2%, with fatigue, headache and stomachache being the most frequently. Dizziness and headache were more common in girls, and the frequency of complaints decreases with age. Somatic complaints are negatively related to emotional awareness, and positively related to maladjustment. The variables that contribute the most to the prediction of somatic complaints are personal maladjustment (25.1%) and differentiating emotions (2.5%). CONCLUSIONS The study shows that personal maladjustment is the best predictor of somatic complaints; the more emotional awareness and better adapted the child, the fewer somatic complaints they lodge. Childhood is a stage with significant physical discomfort.
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Apter G, Devouche E, Garez V, Valente M, Genet MC, Gratier M, Belaisch-Allart J. Pregnancy, somatic complaints and depression: a French population-based study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2013; 171:35-9. [PMID: 23993449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Depression during pregnancy is today one of the greatest medical risks for expectant mothers and newborns. It is associated with numerous morbid conditions and with postnatal depression. Identifying depression during pregnancy is therefore a major public health concern, but screening for depression is not routinely carried out in somatic settings. We hypothesized that the presence of numerous somatic complaints contributes to the detection of an increased risk of depression during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1000 consecutive pregnant women approached during OB/GYN visits at a general maternity hospital. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire, which contained the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and a checklist of 18 somatic complaints. RESULTS The median number of somatic complaints was 5 (interquartile range 3-7). The risk of depression during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters was 18.3% (EPDS score > 10.5). Logistic regression revealed that when the somatic complaints total score moved from 3 to 7, the odds of moving from not-at-risk to at-risk for antenatal depression were multiplied by 2.91. CONCLUSION Our results call for further research exploring somatic complaints and their link to depression during pregnancy. Until more knowledge is available, we suggest considering that women with a high number of somatic complaints during pregnancy are at high risk for depression and should be referred for further diagnostic clinical assessment and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisèle Apter
- Erasme Hospital, Psychiatry and Psychopathology Research Institute, France
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Serra R, Claustre Jané M, Bonillo A. [Functional somatic symptoms in a Spanish sample: psychopathology and educational styles]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2013; 79:101-7. [PMID: 23182598 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2012.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although there are many studies on functional somatic symptoms (FSS), there are few conducted with Spanish samples. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of frequent functional somatic symptoms in a Spanish sample, and to look for relationships with psychopathology and parenting styles. PATIENTS AND METHODS The sample consisted of 672 participants from 6 to 8 years-old attending primary school in the region of Osona (Catalonia, Spain). The parents reported on the presence of FSS in children, school absence, paediatric visits; psychiatric symptoms, and parenting styles. Children who complained of frequent somatic symptoms (four or more in the previous fortnight) were compared with children who did not complain. RESULTS A total of 429 of the 672 (63.8%) children had at least one physical complaint during the two weeks prior to the study. Almost one quarter (162, 24.1%) of the participants had frequent FSS. Significant relationships were found with, separation anxiety, social phobia, and visits to the paediatrician. A small effect of overprotection/control parenting style on FSS was observed. CONCLUSIONS Functional somatic symptoms are common in a Spanish sample of children between 6 to 8 years-old. These children may be considered a risk group for future emotional distress. It is also important for future research to clarify the nature of the relationship between overprotection and FSS.
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