scholarly journals A longitudinal etiologic model for symptoms of anxiety and depression in women

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 2035-2045 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. S. Kendler ◽  
C. O. Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Early Environment ◽  
Causal Pathways ◽  
Monitor Treatment Response ◽  
Best Fit

BackgroundDesigned as state measures to monitor treatment response, symptoms of anxiety and depression (SxAnxDep) also have trait-like characteristics. No comprehensive etiologic model for SxAnxDep has illuminated the inter-relationship between their state- and trait-like characteristics, while including key predictor variables.MethodIn a prospective three-wave study of 2395 female twins from the Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders (VATSPSUD), we examined, using structural equation modeling, how genes, childhood and past-year environmental stressors, personality and episodes of major depression (MD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) influence SxAnxDep.ResultsThe best-fit model, which explained 68–74% of the variance in SxAnxDep, revealed two etiologic pathways. Stable levels of SxAnxDep resulted largely from neuroticism, which in turn was influenced by genetic and early environment risk factors. Occasion-specific influences resulted from stressful events mediated through episodes of MD or GAD. These two pathways, which had approximately equal influences on levels of SxAnxDep, were substantially correlated because the genetic, early environmental and personality factors that impacted on stable symptom levels also predisposed to event exposure and disorder onset. No significant interaction was seen between the two pathways.ConclusionsSxAnxDep in women in the general population arise from two inter-related causal pathways. The first, the ‘trait-like’ pathway, reflects genetic and early environmental risk factors, and is mediated largely through personality. The second pathway is mediated through episodes of MD and GAD, and is the result of both recent environmental adversities and trait-like factors that influence event exposure and the probability of disorder onset.

scholarly journals Increases in Stressors Prior to-Versus During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States Are Associated With Depression Among Middle-Aged Mothers

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany K. Taylor ◽  
Michaela R. Frenzel ◽  
Hallie J. Johnson ◽  
Madelyn P. Willett ◽  
Stuart F. White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
The United States ◽  
Change Score ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Anxiety And Depression

Working parents in are struggling to balance the demands of their occupation with those of childcare and homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, studies show that women are shouldering more of the burden and reporting greater levels of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression relative to men. However, research has yet to show that increases in psychological symptoms are linked to changes in stress during the pandemic. Herein, we conduct a small-N study to explore the associations between stress and psychological symptoms during the pandemic among mothers using structural equation modeling, namely latent change score models. Thirty-three mothers completed questionnaires reporting current anxious and depressive symptoms (Beck Anxiety and Depression Index, respectively), as well as stressful life experiences prior to-versus during the pandemic (Social Readjustment Rating Scale). Women endorsed significantly more stressful events during the pandemic, relative to the pre-pandemic period. Additionally, 58% of mothers scored as moderate-to-high risk for developing a stress-related physical illness in the near future because of their pandemic-level stress. Depressive symptoms were associated with the degree of change in life stress, whereas anxiety symptoms were more related to pre-pandemic levels of stress. The present study preliminarily sheds light on the nuanced antecedents to mothers’ experiences of anxious and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although further work is needed in larger, more diverse samples of mothers, this study highlights the potential need for appropriate policies, and prevention and intervention programs to ameliorate the effects of pandemics on mothers’ mental health.

How Community and Individual Risk Factors Mutually Impact Youth’s Perceived Safety: A Syndemic Analysis Using Structural Equation Modeling

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110283
Author(s):  
Yingwei Yang ◽  
Karen D. Liller ◽  
Martha Coulter ◽  
Abraham Salinas-Miranda ◽  
Dinorah Martinez Tyson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Community Safety ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Latent Factor ◽  
Community Factors ◽  
Individual Risk Factors ◽  
Syndemic Theory

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mutual impact of community and individual factors on youth’s perceptions of community safety, using structural equation modeling (SEM) conceptualized by syndemic theory. This study used survey data collected from a county wide sample of middle and high school students (N=25,147) in West Central Florida in 2015. The outcome variable was youth’s perceptions of community safety. Predictors were latent individual and community factors constructed from 14 observed variables including gun accessibility, substance use, depressive symptoms, and multiple neighborhood disadvantage questions. Three structural equation models were conceptualized based on syndemic theory and analyzed in Mplus 8 using weighted least squares (WLS) estimation. Each model’s goodness of fit was assessed. Approximately seven percent of youth reported feeling unsafe in their community. After model modifications, the final model showed a good fit of the data and adhered to the theoretical assumption. In the final SEM model, an individual latent factor was implied by individual predictors measuring gun accessibility without adult’s permission (β=0.70), sadness and hopelessness (β=0.52), alcohol use (β=0.79), marijuana use (β=0.94), and illegal drug use (β=0.77). Meanwhile, a community latent factor was indicated by multiple community problems including public drinking (β=0.88), drug addiction (β=0.96), drug selling (β=0.97), lack of money (β=0.83), gang activities (β=0.90), litter and trash (β=0.79), graffiti (β=0.91), deserted houses (β=0.86), and shootings (β=0.93). A second-order syndemic factor that represented the individual and community factors showed a very strong negative association with youth’s safe perception (β=-0.98). This study indicates that individual risk factors and disadvantaged community conditions interacted with each other and mutually affected youth’s perceptions of community safety. To reduce these co-occurring effects and improve safe perceptions among youth, researchers and practitioners should develop and implement comprehensive strategies targeting both individual and community factors.

On the Structure of Affect

2021 ◽  
Vol 229 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine Wedderhoff ◽  
Timo Gnambs ◽  
Oliver Wedderhoff ◽  
Tanja Burgard ◽  
Michael Bošnjak
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Positive And Negative Affect ◽  
Correlation Matrices ◽  
The World ◽  
Best Fit ◽  
Cross National

Abstract. The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS; Watson et al., 1988 ) is a popular self-report questionnaire that is administered all over the world. Though originally developed to measure two independent factors, different models have been proposed in the literature. Comparisons among alternative models as well as analyses concerning their robustness in cross-national research have left an inconclusive picture. Therefore, the present study evaluates the dimensionality of the PANAS and differences between English and translated versions of the PANAS using a meta-analytic structural equation modeling approach. Correlation matrices from 57 independent samples ( N = 54,043) were pooled across subsamples. For both English and non-English samples, a correlated two-factor model including correlated uniquenesses provided the best fit. However, measurement invariance analyses indicated differences in factor loadings between subsamples. Thus, cross-national application of the PANAS might only be justified if measurement equivalence was explicitly tested for the countries at hand.

scholarly journals Towards a Parsimonious Pathway Model of Modifiable and Mediating Risk Factors Leading to Diabetes Risk

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Ching Lynn Ho ◽  
Vivian Shu Yi Lee ◽  
Moon-Ho Ringo Ho ◽  
Gladis Jing Lin ◽  
Julian Thumboo
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Disease Prevention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Diabetes Risk ◽  
Risk Indicators ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Pathway Model ◽  
Physiological Load ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Lifestyle Risk

Abstract Background: The development of diabetes mellitus has been closely linked to multiple risk factors, of which modifiable factors are of particular interest for disease prevention. Yet few studies have assessed the system of pathways though which risk factors lead to diabetes, and how the different groups of risk factors may interact,both as independent or mediating factors. Methods: We aimed to develop a broad pathway model for diabetes risk with modifiable lifestyle risk factors as the start point, hypothesising that Lifestyle Risk (physical inactivity, smoking, poor diet and insufficient sleep) would impact Diabetes Risk (HbA1c) through the mediating factor of Physiological Load (BMI, resting pulse rate, CRP, systolic and diastolic blood pressure). The lifestyle and physiological factors were grouped via principal components analysis and a summary index respectively. Non modifiable risk factors, such as sociodemographics were specified as covariates. We used structural equation modeling to test this model, first using Wave 5 data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS), as this was the only wave that collected all indicators of interest. To fit in longitudinal data from an earlier wave (IFLS4), we further tested a smaller model with the two Lifestyle Risk indicators available. Results: Both models showed indirect effects of Lifestyle Risk on Diabetes Risk via Physiological Load, with the cross-sectional model also showing a direct effect. The effect sizes were within the range of other studies that assessed the variables separately. Conclusion: Taken together, the results support the model of an indirect effect of Lifestyle Risk on Diabetes through Physiological Load. Specifying Lifestyle Risk as an observable, composite variable incorporates the cumulative effect of risk behaviour and differentiates this study from previous studies assessing it as a latent construct. We were able to assess causality with retrospective cohort data. Finally, the parsimonious model groups and summarises the multifarious risk factors and illustrates parsimonious and modifiable pathways that could be applied in chronic disease prevention efforts.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Risk Factors, Economic Factors, and Epidemiological Factors nexus on Economic Impact: Machine Learning and Structural Equation Modelling Approaches

2021 ◽  
pp. 395-405
Author(s):  
David Opeoluwa Oyewola ◽  
Emmanuel Gbenga Dada ◽  
Juliana Ngozi Ndunagu ◽  
Terrang Abubakar Umar ◽  
Akinwunmi S.A
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
The Impact

Since the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, it has been transmitted to more than 200 nations of the world. The harmful impact of the pandemic on the economy of nations is far greater than anything suffered in almost a century. The main objective of this paper is to apply Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Machine Learning (ML) to determine the relationships among COVID-19 risk factors, epidemiology factors and economic factors. Structural equation modeling is a statistical technique for calculating and evaluating the relationships of manifest and latent variables. It explores the causal relationship between variables and at the same time taking measurement error into account. Bagging (BAG), Boosting (BST), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT) and Random Forest (RF) Machine Learning techniques was applied to predict the impact of COVID-19 risk factors. Data from patients who came into contact with coronavirus disease were collected from Kaggle database between 23 January 2020 and 24 June 2020. Results indicate that COVID-19 risk factors have negative effects on epidemiology factors. It also has negative effects on economic factors.

Distress after a Single Violent Crime: How Shame-Proneness and Event-Related Shame Work Together as Risk Factors for Post-Victimization Symptoms

2011 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olof Semb ◽  
Lotta M.J. Strömsten ◽  
Elisabet Sundbom ◽  
Per Fransson ◽  
Mikael Henningsson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Violent Crime ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Shame Proneness ◽  
Shame And Guilt ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
Guilt Proneness

To increase understanding of post-victimization symptom development, the present study investigated the role of shame- and guilt-proneness and event-related shame and guilt as potential risk factors. 35 individuals ( M age = 31.7 yr.; 48.5% women), recently victimized by a single event of severe violent crime, were assessed regarding shame- and guilt-proneness, event-related shame and guilt, and post-victimization symptoms. The mediating role of event-related shame was investigated with structural equation modeling (SEM), using bootstrapping. The guilt measures were unrelated to each other and to post-victimization symptoms. The shame measures were highly intercorrelated and were both positively correlated to more severe post-victimization symptom levels. Event-related shame as mediator between shame-proneness and post-victimization symptoms was demonstrated by prevalent significant indirect effects. Both shame measures are potent risk factors for distress after victimization, whereby part of the effect of shame-proneness on post-victimization symptoms is explained by event-related shame.

Psychological vulnerability and coping among management students during COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 454-467
Author(s):  
Bijaya Kumar Sundaray ◽  
Pragyan Sarangi ◽  
Soumendra Kumar Patra
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Professional Students ◽  
Professional Career ◽  
Psychological Vulnerability ◽  
Management Students ◽  
The Impact

Purpose In light of growing concerns related to the psychological vulnerability during the pandemic, this study aims to examine the impact of fear or trauma of COVID-19 on stress, anxiety and depression among management students. Additionally, the study also explores the possible strategies adopted by professional students to cope with the pandemic situation. Design/methodology/approach With an approach to establish a probable concrete relationship between fear with the level of stress, anxiety and depression, the data for the study was collected from 1,408 management students through a structured questionnaire designed in Google Form and administered through WhatsApp. The survey was carried out in the month of July and August 2020 during the lockdown period. Correlation and structural equation modeling have been used to examine the relationship among the test attributes. Findings The results from the study discovered that “fear of COVID-19” has a significant and considerable impact on the increased level of anxiety and stress among the professional students, but the observations did not demonstrate a significant influence of the “fear” on “depression.” The responses reveal that students have developed anxiety and felt stressed mostly due to uncertainty in the upcoming academic plans, disturbances in their regular academic routines and concerns about their future careers. Further, the findings have portrayed that students have adopted both protective and avoidance coping strategies to overcome the adverse consequences of the pandemic. Research limitations/implications The study gives an insight on the psychological vulnerability of the management students and their capability to overcome such sudden disruptions due to pandemics. This research could thus, serve as a reference to the policymakers, universities and institutions while planning out programs and schemes, which would encourage the aspiring managers to overcome the crisis and prepare themselves to befit the vibrant corporate world. Originality/value Several studies exist on the impact of the pandemic on undergraduate students in different universities. However, there are a dearth of literature, which reflects the psychological vulnerability of professional graduates especially management students who are on the verge of starting their professional career.

Influence of perceived risks on the decision to invest in equity crowdfunding: a study of Malaysian investors

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaista Wasiuzzaman ◽  
Lee Lee Chong ◽  
Hway Boon Ong
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Investment Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Risk ◽  
Equity Crowdfunding ◽  
Start Ups ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to investigate the influence of various risk factors, specifically investment risk, legal risk and technology risk, on the decision of investors to invest in equity crowdfunding ventures in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A total of 169 valid responses out of a total of 195 questionnaires were distributed to individuals with prior knowledge of equity crowdfunding. The data from the responses are used to test the relationships using structural equation modeling partial least squares (SEM-PLS). Findings Investigation into the influence of risk factors on the willingness to support equity crowdfunding shows that investment risk and legal risk significantly influence the decision to support equity crowdfunding ventures, but technology risk does not. However, while the influence of investment risk is negative, legal risk is found to have a positive influence. Originality/value This study is important as, to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to empirically test the relationship between the various risks inherent in equity crowdfunding investments and the decision to invest. The study is also important to entrepreneurs and start-ups as it provides evidence that while the equity crowdfunding investment community follows the norms of investment, i.e. lower risk is preferred, stricter laws and regulations governing equity crowdfunding may not be needed or may only be relevant in countries where there are more retail, unsophisticated investors.

Coping, multicultural personality, acculturative stress and psychological adjustment among Chinese international students

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Ran Zhao
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Psychological Adjustment ◽  
Acculturative Stress ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
Chinese International Students ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Multicultural Personality ◽  
The Relationship

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] The present study examined coping appraisal as a mediator, collectivistic coping styles, and multicultural personality as moderators, between perceived acculturative stress and psychological adjustment among a sample of 178 Chinese international students in United States. Structural Equation Modeling analyses indicated that coping appraisal partially mediated the relationship between acculturative stress and psychological adjustment, and multicultural personality moderated the relationship between acculturative stress and psychological adjustment. Hierarchical regression analyses cross-verified the moderating effects and specifically indicated that the association between acculturative stress and psychological adjustment was weaker as Emotional Stability (one of the multicultural personality factors) increased. None of the collectivist coping styles serve as significant moderators for acculturative stress and psychological adjustment. Implications of this study's findings among Chinese international students were discussed.

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