Better mental health through identifying with locals and country of origin among foreign-born people

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Seppänen ◽  
E Lilja ◽  
H Kuusio ◽  
A Castaneda
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Country Of Origin ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Local Identity ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Psychological Strain ◽  
Identity Group ◽  
Local Municipality ◽  
Origin Identity

Abstract Background Sense of belonging (SoB) is an important determinant of health among foreign-born population and it has previously been found to be associated with perceived health. In this study we examined: 1) which types of SoB are associated with psychological strain (PS), and 2) whether this varies between different country groups. Methods The data were gathered from the cross-sectional Survey on Well-Being among Foreign-Born Population (FinMonik, n = 6 836), conducted in Finland in 2018-19. SoB was assessed by the question “Which of the following areas or groups you feel you belong to?”, classified into 1) both Finns/local municipality and citizens of country of origin CCO (acculturation identity), 2) only Finns/local municipality (local identity), 3) only CCO (origin identity), 4) only Europeans, world citizens, religious, work-related or political group (other identity), and 5) none of the previous. PS was measured by using the MHI-5 (psychological strain: yes; no). Logistic regression was used to test the association between SoB and PS, with age, sex and country of origin as confounding variables. In the analyses, weights were used to reduce non-response bias. Results Compared to the acculturation identity group, PS was more common among those with local identity (OR = 1.60, p < 0.01), origin identity (OR = 1.99, p < 0.001) or other identity (OR = 3.33, p < 0.001) and those with no belonging to any of the groups presented (OR = 5.40, p < 0.001). The last group was more likely to experience PS than the acculturation identity group in all five country groups included in the analysis. Acculturation identity was associated with less PS especially for those born in EU-, EFTA- and North American countries. Conclusions Acculturation identity was strongly associated with less psychological strain, especially when compared with the group reporting no belonging to any of the groups presented. Key messages Sense of belonging is associated with mental health and should be studied more extensively among different foreign-born population groups. Identification with both the local people and one’s own country of origin should be supported.

scholarly journals Sense of belonging and years lived in Finland: associations among foreign-born population

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Seppänen ◽  
E Lilja ◽  
H Kuusio
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Country Of Origin ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Local People ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Spiritual Community ◽  
Local Municipality ◽  
One Year

Abstract Background Belonging to different groups is associated with migrants' health. In this study, we examined the associations between sense of belonging (SoB) and years lived in Finland. Methods The data from the cross-sectional Survey on Well-Being among Foreign-Born Population (FinMonik, n = 6 836), conducted in Finland in 2018-19, was used. SoB was assessed by the question “Which of the following areas or groups you feel you belong to?” with options: local municipality; Finns; Europeans, country of origin; world citizens; religious or spiritual community; professional group or colleagues; political or ideological group. The data of years lived in Finland were linked from the National Population register and classified into three categories: less than five years; five to 10 years; over 10 years. Those who had lived less than one year in Finland were not included in the survey. Logistic regression was used to test the association between SoB and years lived in Finland, with age, sex and country of origin as confounding variables. In the analyses, weights were used to reduce non-response bias. Results Those who had lived in Finland over 10 years had higher odds for SoB towards Finns (OR = 1.74, p = <0.001), local municipality (OR = 2.41, p = <0.001) and Europeans (OR = 1.54, p = 0.001) and lower odds for SoB towards country of origin (OR = 0.68, p = 0.003) and religious or spiritual community (0.73, p = 0.043) when compared to those who had lived in Finland less than five years. No significant differences in SoB were found between less than five years in Finland and five to ten years in Finland. Conclusions SoB varied considerably when comparing those who had lived less than five years in Finland and those who had lived more than 10 years in Finland. Belonging to local people is more likely when one has lived in Finland more than ten years. Belonging to country of origin and religious or spiritual community is less likely when lived more than ten years in Finland. Key messages Sense of belonging seems to change over the course of stay in the new home country, but first after 10 years of stay. Identifying with local people and even with Europeans becomes more prominent after 10 or more years in Finland.

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF RETIREMENT TIMING ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF HISPANICS COMPARED TO NON-HISPANIC WHITES LIVING IN THE U.S.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S130-S130
Author(s):  
Antonia E Diaz-Valdes Iriarte
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cultural Sensitivity ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Productive Aging ◽  
Retirement Age ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Retirement Timing ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract In the context of an aging society, where the proportion of older adults is rapidly increasing, ensuring healthier longer lives is key for individuals, families, policy makers and the population as a whole. In this context the productive aging framework has gained increased importance. There is evidence showing that engagement is related to late-life well-being and health (i.e., Hinterlong, 2006; Everard et al, 2000; Rozario et al, 2004; Matz-Costa et al, 2012). However, the productive aging framework lacks cultural sensitivity and evidence about the association between the effect of retirement on health and well-being in late-life is mixed. The current study seeks to contribute to this gap by exploring the consequences of the discrepancies between planned and actual retirement age on subjective health and well-being, comparing Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites. A series of regression models were conducted to explore the effect of the discrepancy between planned and actual retirement age on retirement satisfaction, self-rated health and mental health (CESD). Results indicates that native born Hispanics presented more differences when compared to foreign born Hispanic than non-Hispanic Whites, which could indicate the effect of acculturation and its fading effect on cultural attitudes, such as familismo. Hispanic tend to have higher retirement satisfaction than non-Hispanics which is aligned with the happiness paradox found by Calvo and collagues (2017). Additionally, SES has a significant effect on health for non-Hispanic Whites but not among Hispanics. Finally, retirement timing predicted mental health among foreign born Hispanic but among native born Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites.

scholarly journals Validating a Japanese Version of the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasutaka Ojio ◽  
Asami Matsunaga ◽  
Shin Kawamura ◽  
Masanori Horiguchi ◽  
Goro Yoshitani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Japanese Version ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Strain ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

Abstract Background There is increasing international interest in clinical practice and research related to mental health in the international sports society. The athlete-specific psychological distress assessment tool that addresses potential mental health needs can help promote early detection and recovery of mental illness, as well as physical illnesses. Currently, little is known about the applicability of the useful assessment tool for Japanese elite athletes. The Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ) is a brief, effective and reliable screening tool to identify early signs of athlete-specific distress and potential mental health symptoms. We examined the applicability and reliability of a Japanese version of the APSQ (APSQ-J) in a Japanese elite athlete context. Further, we examined the construct validity of the APSQ-J. Methods We collected web-based anonymous self-report data from 219 currently competing Japanese professional male rugby players. A two-stage process was conducted to validate the factor structure of the APSQ-J using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in a randomly partitioned calibration sample and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in a separate validation sample. Cronbach’s alpha is used to assess internal consistency. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were calculated to determine if the APSQ-J was significantly associated with measures of psychological distress and well-being using Kessler-6 (K6) and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, respectively. Results We identified a one-factor structure for the APSQ-J. Confirmatory factor analysis supports this one-factor model, revealing good model fit indices. The standardized path coefficients for each of the items were β = 0.41–0.83 (p < 0.001). A Cronbach’s alpha of 0.84 was obtained for the APSQ-J. The APSQ-J demonstrated significant correlations with the K-6 (r = 0.80, p < 0.001) and WHO-5 (r = −0.58, p < 0.001). Conclusion The APSQ-J can be an appropriate and psychometrically robust measure for identifying athlete-specific distress in elite athletes in Japan. Widely disseminating and utilizing this scale in Japanese sports society may support athletes' mental health via early detection of symptoms of psychological distress.

scholarly journals “We’re All in the Same Boat” – The Experience of People With Mental Health Conditions and Non-clinical Community Members in Integrated Arts-Based Groups

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aya Nitzan ◽  
Hod Orkibi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Personal Recovery ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Integrated Arts ◽  
Clinical Community ◽  
The Arts

In recent decades there has been a significant increase in community rehabilitation programs for people with mental health conditions. One such nationwide programs is Amitim in Israel whose mission is to foster the psychosocial rehabilitation of people with mental health conditions in the community. Amitim’s flagship program consists of arts-based groups that integrate participants with mental health conditions and non-clinical community members. To better understand the experiences of participants in these arts-based groups, five focus groups were conducted with participants from 15 integrated arts-based groups. In total, 17 people with mental health conditions and 21 non-clinical community members were interviewed for this qualitative study. Three main themes emerged from the thematic analysis: creation and expression through the arts promote well-being, self-disclosure in a safe space encourages a sense of belonging, and “we are all in the same boat.” The participants underscored the role of creation and expression through the arts in facilitating emotional expression, self-discovery, interpersonal communication, and spiritual elevation. The findings suggest that the facilitators should instill a sense of equality by enabling intergroup acquaintances without labeling participants’ mental health status. Integrated arts-based groups should be accompanied by a mental health professional who can contain and work through complex emotional situations when needed. Arts therapists who specialize in both arts and mental health are particularly suitable for this role. Overall, the interviewees reported that participation in the integrated arts-based groups positively impacted their personal recovery processes by providing a corrective experience of equality as well as enhancing a sense of belonging to the community and social relationships. The participants also reported being empowered by the final artistic event that not only enhanced their sense of visibility, competence, and aspirations for future development in personal, interpersonal, and artistic realms, but also helped to combat both self- and public stigma.

scholarly journals Mental health screening: severity and cut-off point sensitivity of the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire in male and female elite athletes

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Rice ◽  
Lisa Olive ◽  
Vincent Gouttebarge ◽  
Alexandra G Parker ◽  
Patrick Clifton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Roc Curve Analysis ◽  
Psychological Strain ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Cut Points ◽  
Injury Status

ObjectivesTo examine the sensitivity/specificity of the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ) in both male and female elite athletes, and also assess internal consistency and convergent/divergent validity, and determine discriminative validity relative to current injury status.MethodsData were provided by 1093 elite athletes (males n=1007; females n=84). Scale validity and reliability values were benchmarked against validated measures of general psychological distress and well-being. ROC curve analysis determined a range of optimal severity cut-points.ResultsBias-corrected area under curve (AUC) values supported three APSQ cut-points for moderate (AUC=0.901), high (AUC=0.944) and very high (AUC=0.951) categories. APSQ total score Cronbach coefficients exceeded those observed for the Kessler 10 (K-10). Gender ×injury status interactions were observed for the APSQ total score and K-10, whereby injured female athletes reported higher scores relative to males and non-injured female counterparts.ConclusionBy providing a range of cut-off scores identifying those scoring in the marginal and elevated ranges, the APSQ may better facilitate earlier identification for male and female elite athletes vulnerable to mental health symptoms and developing syndromes. Use of the APSQ may support sports medicine practitioners and allied health professionals to detect early mental ill health manifestations and facilitate timely management and ideally, remediation of symptoms.

Meaningful work and well-being: a study of the positive side of veterinary work

2019 ◽  
Vol 185 (18) ◽  
pp. 571-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean E Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Veterinary Medicine ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Meaningful Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Job Characteristics ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Research Attention

ObjectivesMental health is a growing concern in many healthcare professions, including veterinary medicine, as research suggests that veterinarians report higher levels of distress, burnout and suicidal ideation than other healthcare occupations and the general public. A recent literature review found that about twice as many articles published on veterinary wellness refer to the negative aspects of mental health (eg, stress and depression) compared with the positive aspects of well-being. Little attention has been devoted to examining the positive aspects of veterinarians’ work, and few models have been developed to explain their well-being. This paper empirically assesses a veterinary model of work-derived well-being based on the theory of eudaimonia. Eudaimonic well-being reflects having fulfilling work that contributes to the greater good. Three core clusters of job characteristics are hypothesised relevant to veterinarian well-being that include: actualising self, helping others (animals or people) and a sense of belonging (to team or profession). In addition, meaningful work is proposed as the mechanism through which situational job characteristics may exert a positive influence on well-being.MethodsSurvey data from 376 veterinarians in clinical practice were analysed using path analysis.DiscussionMeaningful work is important in understanding the well-being of veterinarians. Job characteristics (self-actualising work, helping animals and people and a sense of belonging) contribute to a sense of meaningful work, which in turn is related to eudaimonic well-being. Excessive job demands (work overload, financial demands and physical health risks) appear less relevant in understanding meaningful work but are clearly important in having negative consequences for veterinarians’ well-being.While strategies that cultivate meaningful work may be effective in nurturing veterinarians’ well being, several limitations of this study should be noted. First, due to the cross-sectional data, definitive statements about the causal ordering of variables cannot be made. Second, the data were derived from a single source such that monomethod bias may be an issue. Third, the data rely on self-report measures and the responses may be influenced by social desirability or response biases. Lastly, while the sample may be representative of the veterinarians throughout a large geographic area in Canada, it may not represent the work arrangements of veterinarians in other countries.ConclusionsThe significance of these findings is that they may shift research attention from focusing on the harmful, demanding aspects of veterinary work to better understanding the deeply meaningful aspects that improve veterinarians’ well-being. In addition, the results may stimulate consideration of strategies that move beyond individual-level interventions that focus on veterinarians adopting better coping strategies and becoming more resilient. This may lead to adopting organisational and occupational-level strategies that can involve promoting more positive and supportive workplace cultures and developing more professional resources for promoting wellness and meaning in the profession of veterinary medicine.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Well-Being, Mental Health, and Available Supports in an Arab Enclave: Exploring Outcomes for Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilana Seff ◽  
Alli Gillespie ◽  
Cyril Bennouna ◽  
Wafa Hassan ◽  
Mackenzie V. Robinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
School Context ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Newcomer Students ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The U.S

Introduction: Few studies have assessed the impact of displacement, resettlement, and discrimination on well-being outcomes for adolescent refugees resettled within the U.S. Conducted in three charter schools in the intergenerational Arab enclave of the Detroit Metropolitan Area, this mixed-methods study assessed the mental health and psychosocial support for both U.S.- and foreign-born adolescents from the Middle East and North Africa region.Methods: A quantitative survey was used to collect data on 176 students. Key outcomes included hope, prosocial behaviors, resilience, depressive, anxiety, externalizing symptoms, stressful life events, perceived social support, and sense of school belonging. Differences in outcomes between U.S.- and foreign-born students were compared using T-tests. Regression analysis explored whether outcomes were gendered and correlated with years in the U.S. for foreign-born students. Qualitative data collection included key informant interviews with school staff and community service providers, student focus group discussions, and caregiver interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis and the constant comparative method.Results: No statistically significant differences between the foreign-born and U.S.-born groups were observed. However, analysis revealed that resilience decreased for male students with time spent in the U.S. Qualitative themes illuminated these results; shared cultural heritage allowed newcomer students to access relevant language and psychosocial support, while inter- and intra-group peer relationships strengthened students' dual language skills and identity formation. However, shifting gender expectations and role hierarchies for newcomer students revealed boys' increased stressors in the family domain and girls' better accessed support in the school context.Conclusion: The existence of an immigrant paradox in this enclave setting was not supported. Instead, findings highlight the reciprocal value of peer-based mentorships and friendships between U.S.- and foreign-born students with similar cultural backgrounds, the importance of social and emotional curricula and cultural competency training within schools, and the gendered effects of acculturation.

Work-integrated learning and the importance of peer support and sense of belonging

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret McBeath ◽  
Maureen T.B. Drysdale ◽  
Nicholas Bohn
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Labor Market ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Integrated Learning

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between peer support and sense of belonging on the mental health and overall well-being, with a specific focus on comparing the perceptions of students in a work-integrated learning (WIL) program to those in a traditional non-WIL program. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured group interviews were conducted with 25 participants, selected from a university with a WIL program. Interview data captured perceptions of peer support, sense of belonging, and how these influenced mental health, overall well-being, and confidence in making school-to-work transitions. Analysis followed the grounded theory approach of Glaser. Findings The analysis revealed that peer support and sense of belonging were essential protective factors for university student’s mental health and well-being, particularly during off-campus work terms or when transitioning to the labor market after graduation. Data suggested that participating in a WIL program can exacerbate students’ perceived barriers to accessing peer support resources and, in turn, lead to poor mental health. Originality/value The findings provide evidence for the importance of peer support and sense of belonging on mental health and help-seeking behaviors. Findings are important for the development of health programs, initiatives, and policies, particularly in light of the increase in mental illness amongst university students during their studies and as they prepare for the competitive labor market after graduation.

scholarly journals Sense of belonging and its association with health among people of foreign background in Finland

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Seppänen ◽  
E Lilja ◽  
S Rask ◽  
H Kuusio
Keyword(s):  
Host Country ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Country Of Origin ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Bicultural Identity ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Response Options ◽  
Local Municipality

Abstract Background Sense of belonging is recognized as an important determinant of health. There is little research on the association between sense of belonging and health of people of foreign background (PFB) in Finland. In this study we examined: 1) to which extent PFB feel they belong to the Finnish society and citizens of their country of origin (CCO) and 2) if sense of belonging is associated with self-perceived health. Methods Data from a cross-sectional survey FinMONIK conducted in Finland 2018 was used. The random sample consisted of PFB (N = 12 877, response rate 53%). Identity was assessed by using the question “Which of the following areas or groups you feel you belong to?” with response options “My local municipality”, “Finns”, “the citizens of my country of birth or origin”. Based on this, we constructed a variable to group respondents belonging 1) only to the Finnish society, 2) only to CCO and 3) to both Finnish society and CCO (bicultural identity). Self-perceived health was measured by using a 5-point-scale and merging good and fairly good as a good perceived health factor. Logistic regression was used to test the association between perceived health and sense of belonging, adjusted for age, sex and country of origin. Results Majority of the respondents (39%) reported a bicultural identity, whereas 21% felt they belonged only to the Finnish society and 23% only to CCO. Self-perceived health was significantly associated with sense of belonging (p &lt; 0.001). Good perceived health was more common among those with bicultural identity (73%) than among those who felt belonging only to the Finnish society (66%) and CCO (63%). Conclusions Bicultural identity was most common and also associated with better perceived health. Key messages Sense of belonging to both host country citizens and CCO is likely to benefit individual’s health. Identifying with host country citizens and maintaining sense of self as a member of CCO should be supported.

‘Good for Kids’: Children Who have been Homeless Talk about School

2011 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Moore ◽  
Morag McArthur
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Parental Mental Health ◽  
Family Breakdown ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Health And Well Being

Children who experience homelessness are at risk of poor health and well-being, and negative social outcomes. They are often exposed to stressful life events, such as domestic violence, parental mental health difficulties and family breakdown. Although many experience difficulties in remaining engaged in school, children report that schools can provide them with a sense of belonging and can help them and their families to link with supports to assist them through their homeless experience. This article reports on a study with children who had experienced homelessness with their families and discusses their thoughts on homelessness and school. It highlights some of their difficulties and worries, but identifies some opportunities for support.

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