Discrimination and Sleep Impairment in American Indians and Alaska Natives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad Danyluck ◽  
Irene V Blair ◽  
Spero M Manson ◽  
Mark L Laudenslager ◽  
Stacie L Daugherty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
American Indians ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Alaska Natives ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Life Stressors ◽  
Sleep Impairment ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Sleep impairment may be a key pathway through which discrimination undermines health. Links between discrimination and sleep in American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) have not been established. Further, it is unclear if such links might depend on the timing of discrimination or if socioeconomic status (SES) might buffer the impact of discrimination. Purpose To investigate associations between interpersonal discrimination and sleep impairment in urban AI/AN, for both lifetime and recent discrimination, and controlling for other life stressors. Education and income, indices of SES, were tested as potential moderators. Methods A community sample of urban AI/AN (N = 303, 18–78 years old, 63% female) completed self-report measures of sleep impairment, lifetime and recent discrimination, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, other life stressors (childhood adversity and past year major events), and socio-demographic characteristics. Results Lifetime discrimination was associated with impaired sleep in AI/AN after adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics, recent depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and other life stressors. Past-week discrimination was associated with sleep in unadjusted but not adjusted models. Education, but not income, was found to buffer the effects of both lifetime and past-week discrimination on sleep in adjusted models. Conclusion Lifetime discrimination uniquely accounts for sleep impairment and may be especially harmful in those with less education. These findings suggest targeting interventions to those most in need. Limitations include the cross-sectional nature of the data. Longitudinal and qualitative work is needed to understand how education may buffer the effects of discrimination on sleep and perhaps other health problems in AI/AN.

Stress and Coping among American Indian and Alaska Natives in the Age of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-70
Author(s):  
Tristesse Burton ◽  
Johanna E. Adlam ◽  
Megan Murphy-Belcaster ◽  
Melva Thompson-Robinson ◽  
Carolee Dodge Francis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
American Indian ◽  
American Indians ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
Alaska Natives ◽  
Stress And Coping ◽  
Coping Processes ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic compounds stressors of daily life among American Indian/Alaska Natives. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 among American Indian/Alaska Natives and non-Hispanic whites by examining depressive symptoms, overall stress, resilience, and coping, utilizing the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. Of the 207 individuals participating in this study, 109 identified as American Indian/Alaska Native and 98 as non-Hispanic white. Despite demographic similarities, American Indian/Alaska Natives exhibited more stressors related to COVID-19 as well as higher depressive symptom scores compared to non-Hispanic whites. Furthermore, COVID-19 stressors were more positively correlated with depressive symptoms for American Indian/Alaska Natives than non-Hispanic whites. For American Indian/Alaska Natives, the predominant coping processes identified were planful problem solving, escape-avoidance, and self-controlling. This study provides data to support programs and policies centered on improving the psychosocial health for American Indians/Alaska Natives and decreasing COVID-19-related health disparities.

Older and Wiser? Age Moderates the Association Between Discrimination and Depressive Symptoms in American Indians and Alaska Natives

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (7-8_suppl) ◽  
pp. 10S-17S
Author(s):  
Chad Danyluck ◽  
Irene V. Blair ◽  
Spero M. Manson ◽  
Mark L. Laudenslager ◽  
Stacie L. Daugherty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Racial Discrimination ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
American Indians ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Alaska Natives ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Qualitative Work

Objectives: To examine age differences in the association between discrimination and depressive symptoms among urban American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Methods: A sample of 303 urban AI/AN (18–78 years old) reported on lifetime and past-week experiences of racial discrimination and depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were regressed on racial discrimination, age, and their interaction, adjusting for demographic factors and other life stressors. Results: Lifetime and past-week discrimination were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, and these associations were stronger among younger than older adult AI/AN. Discussion: The results are consistent with prior reports in other populations, but this is the first such study to focus on AI/AN, and it highlights the importance of considering life course perspectives. Conclusions are limited by the cross-sectional nature of the data. Longitudinal and qualitative work is needed to understand why discrimination may have a stronger effect on mental health for younger than older AI/AN.

scholarly journals Cultivating the compassionate self against depression: An exploration of processes of change

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S356-S356 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Matos ◽  
J. Duarte ◽  
C. Duarte ◽  
J. Pinto-Gouveia ◽  
P. Gilbert
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Processes Of Change ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Compassion Focused Therapy ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionCompassion and self-compassion can be protective factors against mental health difficulties, in particular depression. The cultivation of the compassionate self, associated with a range of practices such as slow and deeper breathing, compassionate voice tones and facial expressions, and compassionate focusing, is central to compassion focused therapy (Gilbert, 2010). However, no study has examined the processes of change that mediate the impact of compassionate self-cultivation practices on depressive symptoms.AimsThe aim of this study is to investigate the impact of a brief compassionate self training (CST) intervention on depressive symptoms, and explore the psychological processes that mediate the change at post intervention.MethodsUsing a longitudinal design, participants (general population and college students) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: Compassionate self training (n = 56) and wait-list control (n = 37). Participants in the CST condition were instructed to practice CST exercises for 15 minutes everyday or in moments of stress during two weeks. Self-report measures of depression, self-criticism, shame and compassion, were completed at pre and post in both conditions.ResultsResults showed that, at post-intervention, participants in the CST condition decreased depression, self-criticism and shame, and increased self-compassion and openness to receive compassion from others. Mediation analyses revealed that changes in depression from pre to post intervention were mediated by decreases in self-criticism and shame, and increases in self-compassion and openness to the compassion from others.ConclusionsThese findings support the efficacy of compassionate self training components on lessening depressive symptoms and promoting mental health.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Do Depressive Symptoms Shape Blacks’ Perceptions of Stress Over Time?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
DeAnnah R Byrd ◽  
Roland J Thorpe ◽  
Keith E Whitfield
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Age Group ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background and Objectives Previous studies have linked stress to multiple negative mental health outcomes, including depression. This established stress–depression association is typically examined in one direction and cross-sectionally. This study examined the bidirectional relationships between depressive symptoms and changes in perceived stress over time in Blacks. Research Design and Methods The present study uses a community-dwelling sample of 450 Black adults, aged 51–96 years old, who participated in the Baltimore Study of Black Aging—Patterns of Cognitive Aging. Perceived stress—measured by the Perceived Stress Scale—and depressive symptoms—measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale—were both assessed at baseline and follow-up 33 months later. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine 2 bidirectional longitudinal relationships between (1) stress–depression and (2) depression–stress, and whether these associations are modified by age. Results Initial analyses testing the typical stress–depression relationship showed an effect in the expected direction, that is stress leading to more depressive symptoms over time, adjusting for model covariates, but the effect was not statistically significant (b = 0.014, p = .642). After accounting for baseline perceived stress level, age, sex, education, and chronic health conditions, depressive symptoms were positively associated with follow-up stress (b = 0.210, p < .000). The depression–stress association further varied by age group such that the impact of baseline depression on changes in perceived stress was greatest in Blacks in their 60s versus those in their 50s (b = 0.267, p = .001), controlling for model covariates. Discussion and Implications Contrary to previous work, the results suggest that an individual’s mental health shapes his/her perception of stressful events and this relationship varies by age group. While the typical finding (stress impacting depression) was not significant, the findings reported here highlight the importance of considering the possible bidirectional nature of the relationships between psychosocial measures of stress and mental health in later life among Blacks.

scholarly journals A Prospective Investigation of the Impact of Distinct Posttraumatic (PTSD) Symptom Clusters on Suicidal Ideation

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 645-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Panagioti ◽  
Ioannis Angelakis ◽  
Nicholas Tarrier ◽  
Patricia Gooding
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Ptsd Symptom ◽  
Symptom Clusters ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

AbstractInconsistent findings have been reported by previous cross-sectional studies regarding the association between specific posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters and suicidality. To advance the understanding of the role of specific PTSD symptoms in the development of suicidality, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the predictive effects of the three specific PTSD symptom clusters on suicidal ideation prospectively. Fifty-six individuals diagnosed with PTSD completed a two-stage research design, at baseline and 13–15 months follow-up. The clinician administered PTSD scale (CAPS) was used to assess the severity of the PTSD symptom clusters and validated self-report measures were used to assess suicidal ideation, severity of depressive symptoms and perceptions of defeat entrapment. The results showed that only the hyperarousal symptom cluster significantly predicted suicidal ideation at follow-up after controlling for baseline suicidal ideation, severity of depressive symptoms and perceptions of defeat and entrapment. These findings suggest that both disorder-specific and transdiagnostic factors are implicated in the development of suicidal ideation in PTSD. Important clinical implications are discussed in terms of predicting and treating suicidality in those with PTSD.

scholarly journals Examining associations between internalizing behaviour, cortisol reactivity, and physiological coordination, in two differentially potent challenges

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Khoury
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽  
Internalizing Problems ◽  
Allostatic Load ◽  
Child Behavior Checklist ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Trier Social Stress Test ◽  
Cortisol Reactivity ◽  
The Impact

Background: Research examining associations between child internalizing behaviours and cortisol reactivity is equivocal, with studies suggesting positive, negative and non-significant associations. The present study assessed three primary confounds that contribute to these inconsistencies: 1) the differential effectiveness of laboratory challenges in eliciting cortisol reactivity; 2) the impact of coordination between the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis and the Sympathetic-Adrenal-Medullary system (assessed via salivary alpha-amylase (sAA)); and 3) variation in the measurement of internalizing behaviour, specifically, parent versus child ratings. The primary aims of this study were to assess internalizing behaviours in relation to both cortisol reactivity and coordination between cortisol and sAA, measured in two distinct challenges. Method: A community sample of 8-10 year olds (N= 52) participated in two laboratory challenges, across two study sessions: 1) the Trier Social Stress Test-Child Version (TSST-C), a potent social-evaluative challenge, and 2) a less-potent competition challenge, composed of a puzzle and mirror-tracing task. Saliva was collected at several time points before and after each challenge. Saliva was later assayed to extract cortisol and sAA. Child-reported depressive symptoms were assessed using the Child Depression Inventory, and maternal-reported internalizing problems were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist. Multilevel modelling was conducted using Hierarchical Linear Modeling. Results: In the TSST-C, child-reported depressive symptoms were significantly associated with a declining cortisol trajectory. Maternal-reported internalizing problems were not associated with cortisol and internalizing behaviour did not moderate the impact of sAA levels on cortisol levels (i.e., coordination) in the TSST-C. With regards to the competition challenge, maternal-reported internalizing behaviours predicted cortisol-sAA coordination, such that children with more internalizing behaviours who experienced higher sAA levels also had higher cortisol reactivity. However, there were no significant associations between child-reported depressive symptoms, cortisol reactivity, or coordination between sAA and cortisol reactivity in the competition challenge. Conclusions: Results are discussed in the context of allostatic load and in relation to theories of physiological coordination. These findings underscore the importance of differential stressor contexts, physiological coordination, and the informant of internalizing behaviours moderating associations between internalizing behaviour and cortisol reactivity. Future research should integrate these factors in models of physiological stress and developmental psychopathology.

scholarly journals Converging evidence for enduring perceptions of low social status in individuals in remission from depression.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Gillard ◽  
Siobhan Gormley ◽  
Kirsty Griffiths ◽  
Caitlin Hitchcock ◽  
Jason Stretton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Status ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Depressive Episodes

BackgroundThe risk of depressive relapse and recurrence is amplified by social risk factors including the perception of low social status. MethodsWe aimed to identify enduring difficulties with the perception of social status in a community sample with a self-reported history of mental health difficulties (Study 1) and, more specifically, in individuals in clinical remission from depression, relative to a never-depressed control group, and relative to a group experiencing a current depressive episode (Study 2). ResultsIn Study 1, elevated depressive symptoms were associated with perceptions of low social status which significantly differed between individuals with and without a self-reported history of mental health difficulties. Study 2 found enduring deficits in perceptions of social status in remitted depressed individuals, in the absence of current symptoms. LimitationsWe were unable to discern between historical or current clinical diagnosis in the community sample of Study 1, as we were reliant on self-report. We were unable to explore the effects of medication or causal relationships between depressive symptoms and social status as the studies were cross-sectional in nature. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that disrupted socio-cognitive profiles across a range of affiliative processes may confer increased vulnerability to future depressive episodes in those in remission.

scholarly journals Does rumination function as a longitudinal mediator between mindfulness and depressive symptoms?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Tasmin Jury
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Dispositional Mindfulness ◽  
Longitudinal Mediation ◽  
Acting With Awareness

<p>The present study was designed to longitudinally examine the relationships among dispositional mindfulness, rumination, and depressive symptoms in adults and determine whether rumination mediated the expected negative association between mindfulness and depressive symptoms across time. A community sample of 483 New Zealand adults completed self-report measures of mindfulness, rumination and depressive symptoms initially and again after three months and a third time a further three months later. The predicted cross-lag associations were found, and in consequence, the predicted longitudinal mediation was supported in the data as well. That is, rumination mediated the negative association between mindfulness and depressive symptoms. In addition, three of the five facets of mindfulness (acting with awareness, non-judging, and non-reacting) exhibited the longitudinal mediation through rumination to depressive symptoms. The findings of this research suggest that certain aspects of mindfulness function to reduce rumination, which then serve to diminish depressive symptoms.</p>

scholarly journals Self-blame Regret, Fear of COVID-19 and Mental Health During Post-Peak Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 186-194
Author(s):  
Hacer BELEN
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Multiple Mediation ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Self Blame ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Relationship

The novel Coronavirus pandemic caused strong negative emotions including fear, and stress and impacted the mental health of individuals worldwide. One of the emotions linked with mental health and infectious disease is self-blame regret. Thus, the current study investigated the role of fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress in the relationship between self-blame regret and depression. As a means of such investigation, the current research was conducted based on quantitative data and the research sample was recruited via a convenient sampling method. A community sample of 352 individuals in Turkey (71 % female and 29 % males), ranged between in age 18 and 63 (M= 28.90±8.90), completed Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and responded to one item concerning the self-blame regret. Results demonstrated that self-blame regret is positively correlated with fear of COVID-19, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Moreover, serial multiple mediation analyses demonstrated that both fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress mediated the relationship between self-blame regret and depression. The findings showed that self-blame regret, fear of COVID-19, and perceived stress are determinants of depressive symptoms, suggesting that such factors are important in understanding these issues.

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