scholarly journals Loneliness and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study Among Dutch Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theo G van Tilburg ◽  
Stephanie Steinmetz ◽  
Elske Stolte ◽  
Henriëtte van der Roest ◽  
Daniel H de Vries
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Emotional Loneliness ◽  
Consequent Reduction ◽  
Policy Measures

Abstract Objectives With the spread of COVID-19, the Netherlands implemented a policy to keep citizens physically distanced. We hypothesize that consequent reduction in the frequency of social contacts, personal losses, and the experience of general threats in society reduced well-being. Methods Data were collected from 1,679 Dutch community-dwelling participants aged 65–102 years comprising a longitudinal online panel. Social and emotional loneliness and mental health were measured in May 2020, that is, 2 months after the implementation of the measures, and earlier in October and November 2019. Results In this pandemic, the loneliness of older people increased, but mental health remained roughly stable. The policy measures for physical distancing did not cause much social isolation but personal losses, worries about the pandemic, and a decline in trust in societal institutions were associated with increased mental health problems and especially emotional loneliness. Discussion The consequences of long-term social isolation and well-being must be closely monitored.

Comparing the social networks of service users with long term mental health needs living in community with those in a general adult in-patient unit

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110175
Author(s):  
Roberto Rusca ◽  
Ike-Foster Onwuchekwa ◽  
Catherine Kinane ◽  
Douglas MacInnes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Practical Support ◽  
The Social

Background: Relationships are vital to recovery however, there is uncertainty whether users have different types of social networks in different mental health settings and how these networks may impact on users’ wellbeing. Aims: To compare the social networks of people with long-term mental illness in the community with those of people in a general adult in-patient unit. Method: A sample of general adult in-patients with enduring mental health problems, aged between 18 and 65, was compared with a similar sample attending a general adult psychiatric clinic. A cross-sectional survey collected demographic data and information about participants’ social networks. Participants also completed the Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale to examine well-being and the Significant Others Scale to explore their social network support. Results: The study recruited 53 participants (25 living in the community and 28 current in-patients) with 339 named as important members of their social networks. Both groups recorded low numbers in their social networks though the community sample had a significantly greater number of social contacts (7.4 vs. 5.4), more monthly contacts with members of their network and significantly higher levels of social media use. The in-patient group reported greater levels of emotional and practical support from their network. Conclusions: People with serious and enduring mental health problems living in the community had a significantly greater number of people in their social network than those who were in-patients while the in-patient group reported greater levels of emotional and practical support from their network. Recommendations for future work have been made.

scholarly journals Strategies for Delivering Mental Health Services in Response to Global Climate Change: A Narrative Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8562
Author(s):  
Lawrence A. Palinkas ◽  
Meaghan L. O’Donnell ◽  
Winnie Lau ◽  
Marleen Wong
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Civil Conflict ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Environmental Conservation ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Extreme Weather Events

This narrative review examined strategies for preparedness and response to mental health impacts of three forms of climate change from a services perspective: (1) acute and extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, (2) sub-acute or long-term events such as droughts and heatwaves; and (3) the prospect of long-term and permanent changes, including higher temperatures, rising sea levels, and an uninhabitable physical environment. Strategies for acute events included development and implementation of programs and practices for monitoring and treating mental health problems and strengthening individual and community resilience, training of community health workers to deliver services, and conducting inventories of available resources and assessments of at-risk populations. Additional strategies for sub-acute changes included advocacy for mitigation policies and programs and adaptation of guidelines and interventions to address the secondary impacts of sub-acute events, such as threats to livelihood, health and well-being, population displacement, environmental degradation, and civil conflict. Strategies for long-lasting changes included the implementation of evidence-based risk communication interventions that address the existing and potential threat of climate change, promoting the mental health benefits of environmental conservation, and promoting psychological growth and resilience.

scholarly journals Regulatory Flexibility of Sustaining Daily Routines and Mental Health in Adaptation to Financial Strain: A Vignette Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3103
Author(s):  
Wai Kai Hou ◽  
Li Liang ◽  
Clint Hougen ◽  
George A. Bonanno
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Context Sensitivity ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Response Options ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Regulatory Flexibility

 A vignette approach was adopted to investigate flexibility of sustaining daily routines and whether and how this ability was related to mental health at different levels of financial strain. Three separate studies were conducted with community-dwelling adults (N = 1685) in the USA. In Study 1, we drafted, tested, and modified vignettes with reference to pilot data on the relevance of the scenarios and response options. In Study 2, regulatory flexibility of sustaining daily routines, as calculated in term of context sensitivity and responsiveness to feedback, was formulated correlations with self-reported instruments to demonstrate its concurrent validity, discriminant validity, and criterion-related validity. In Study 3, path analysis examined the associations of regulatory flexibility of sustaining daily routines with psychological distress and well-being, and the moderating effects of subjective financial strain on the associations. Results showed that the inverse associations of context sensitivity and responsiveness to feedback with depressive symptoms were stronger at medium/high levels relative to lower levels of perceived financial strain. The inverse association between context sensitivity and positive affect was significant only at higher levels of strain. Our findings could provide a feasible direction for developing scalable behavioral interventions for potential mental health problems, especially among those with a lower socioeconomic status.

scholarly journals “I Couldn’t Have Asked for a Better Quarantine Partner!”: Experiences with Companion Dogs during Covid-19

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 330
Author(s):  
Cori Bussolari ◽  
Jennifer Currin-McCulloch ◽  
Wendy Packman ◽  
Lori Kogan ◽  
Phyllis Erdman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

The Covid-19 pandemic has been found to negatively impact the psychological well-being of significant numbers of people globally. Many individuals have been challenged by social distancing mandates and the resultant social isolation. Humans, in our modern world, have rarely been as isolated and socially restricted. Social connectedness and support are critical protective factors for human survival and well-being. Social isolation can lead to loneliness, boredom, and can become a risk factor for physical and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The attachments formed with dogs, however, can be as strong or even stronger than human connections, and has been shown to relate to fewer physical health and mental health problems, as well as decrease isolation and loneliness. The purpose of this qualitative research was to examine the thoughts, experiences and concerns of 4105 adults regarding their companion dog during the initial months of Covid-19. Data were collected between March 31st–April 19th, 2020 via online survey and themes were coded by the researchers using directed content analysis. Results highlighted a strong human–animal appreciation, and that dog ownership during this pandemic diminished participants’ sense of isolation and loneliness, as well as supported their mental/physical health.

Sports person psychological behaviour signal analysis during Thfeir activity session

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Priyan Malarvizhi Kumar ◽  
Adhiyaman Manickam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Great Difficulty ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
Sports Activity ◽  
Sport And Exercise ◽  
Mental Well Being

Mental well-being is a significant resource for athletes about their success and growth. Athletes are now facing additional risk factors in mental health in the sporting community, such as heavy workout loads, rough races, and demanding lifestyles. The great difficulty is to diagnose conditions and acquire sport and exercise features that contribute to daily or long-term practice to detrimental emotional reactions. In this paper, the sports activity session monitoring system (SASMS) has been proposed using wearable devices and EEG signal by monitoring the sports person’s heart rate and psychological behaviour. The proposed SASMS mental-health analysis focused on model spectrum forms representing the best results, mental illness, and mental health. The paper’s key conclusions concerned with the athletes’ performance, occupational and personal advancement of athletes in mental health problems, strategies intended to track and sustain athletes’ mental health, and outflow of different mental illness types. This research’s findings provide the basis for implementing actions that promote a healthy emotional state in the sport to enhance activity and fitness.

scholarly journals Maternal Psychological Distress & Mental Health Service Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily E Cameron ◽  
Kayla M. Joyce ◽  
Chantal P Delaquis ◽  
Kristin Reynolds ◽  
Jennifer Protudjer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Service Use ◽  
Health Service Use ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Child Age

Background: Mental health problems are increasingly recognized as a significant and concerning secondary effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research on previous epidemics/pandemics suggest that families, particularly mothers, may be at increased risk, but this population has yet to be examined. The current study (1) described prevalence rates of maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms from an online convenience sample during the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) identified risk and protective factors for elevated symptoms, and (3) described current mental health service use and barriers. Methods: Participants (N = 641) were mothers of children age 0-8 years, including expectant mothers. Mothers completed an online survey assessing mental health, sociodemographic information, and COVID-19-related variables. Results: Clinically-relevant depression was indicated in 33.16%, 42.55%, and 43.37% of mothers of children age 0-18 months, 18 months to 4 years, and 5 to 8 years, respectively. Prevalence of anxiety was 36.27%, 32.62%, and 29.59% for mothers across age groups, respectively. Binary logistic regressions indicated significant associations between risk factors and depression/anxiety across child age groups. Limitations: Cross-sectional data was used to describe maternal mental health problems during COVID-19 limiting the ability to make inferences about the long-term impact of maternal depression and anxiety on family well-being. Conclusions: Maternal depression and anxiety appear to be elevated in the context of COVID-19 compared to previously reported population norms. Identified risk factors for depression and anxiety across different child age ranges can inform targeted early intervention strategies to prevent long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on family well-being and child development.

scholarly journals Impacts of therapeutic horticulture on happiness and loneliness in institutionalized clients with mental health conditions

2021 ◽  
pp. 030802262110087
Author(s):  
Isabel Mourão ◽  
Cláudia V Mouro ◽  
Luís Miguel Brito ◽  
Sofia R Costa ◽  
Telma C Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Chronic Schizophrenia ◽  
Outcome Evaluation ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Emotional Loneliness ◽  
The Social ◽  
Therapeutic Horticulture

Introduction Therapeutic horticulture (TH) can be considered a non-pharmacological approach to support psychiatric treatments for the improvement of physical and mental health, but information is lacking on whether it has advantages as compared to more conventional occupational therapies (OTs). Method The study focused on institutionalized 25 clients attending TH among other OTs and 15 clients attending OT other than TH. The measures used were the ‘Subjective Happiness Scale’ (SHS) and the ‘Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults’ (SELSA-S), along with sociodemographic and clinical data. The study design was descriptive, observational and cross-sectional. Results Scores obtained from the SHS and SELSA-S were generally similar for both groups, although 40% of clients in the TH group perceived relaxation. These are in agreement with previous studies performed with chronic schizophrenia clients reporting that TH might effectively decrease depression/anxiety symptoms, but the feeling of hopelessness and quality of life did not change, probably due to long-term institutionalization and required medication that may limit other effects. Within the TH group, clients preferred specific horticultural tasks and more days/week attending activities decreased loneliness and increased happiness. Conclusion TH interventions as an integrative treatment option merits further study on both process and outcome evaluation, to maximize its effectiveness.

scholarly journals Mental health from childhood to adulthood: Results of the 11-year follow-up of the BELLA study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Wüstner ◽  
C Otto ◽  
F Reiss ◽  
C Voss ◽  
A-K Meyrose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Bella Study ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background Mental health problems in children, adolescents and young adults are highly prevalent and cause a significant burden for both individuals and society, resulting in a high relevance to public health. Longitudinal studies are needed to provide profound population-based data on mental health and well-being. In the present study, first results of the 11-year follow-up of the German BELLA study are presented. These include age- and gender-specific courses of general health and well-being, long-term health outcomes of mental health problems, and the utilisation of mental health services. Methods The longitudinal BELLA study is the module on mental health and well-being within the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS). The BELLA study has gathered data since 2003 at five measurement points using standardised measures. In the most recent 11-year follow-up, N = 3,492 young people aged 7 to 31 years participated. Individual growth modeling, linear regression and descriptive analyses were conducted. Results Self-reported general health and well-being were both better in younger than older and in male compared to female participants using data from all five measurement points. Mental health problems in childhood and adolescence (measured at baseline) were associated with adverse general, mental and physical health outcomes at 6-year and 11-year follow-ups. About 75 % of children and adolescents with a diagnosed mental disorder were under mental health treatment. Conclusions With its 11-year follow-up, the longitudinal BELLA study provides new data on mental health and well-being in German children, adolescents and young adults. Our findings are important for the development of targeted mental health promotion and early prevention strategies. Promising future analyses are planned. Key messages The BELLA study provides data on developmental trajectories of mental health from childhood to adulthood, on long-term health outcomes of mental health problems and on mental health care use. The findings of the present study are of great relevance for the development of targeted health promotion and prevention programs.

Psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the Spanish version of the 11-item De Jong Gierveld loneliness scale

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 1553-1564 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Buz ◽  
Diana Pérez-Arechaederra
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Loneliness Scale

ABSTRACTBackground:Loneliness has been associated with physical and mental health problems. It has also been considered a serious social problem that increases the use and costs of health services. The most widely used instrument in Europe for measuring loneliness is the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS). The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the 11-item DJGLS by means of the Rasch model, and its convergent and discriminant validity.Methods:Participants were a representative sample of Spanish community-dwelling adults aged 60 and older. We evaluated sociodemographic variables, health, social support, social activity, and subjective well-being measures.Results:Person and item fit statistics, and standardized residual principal component analysis revealed that the DJGLS was essentially unidimensional. However, we found DIF across marital status and living arrangements. Moderate to high associations were found between loneliness and depression, self-rated loneliness, positive and negative emotions, and satisfaction with life. The DJGLS differentiated between well known-groups according to gender, marital status, living arrangements, health, structural and functional aspects of social networks, and social activity.Conclusions:The DJGLS is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring loneliness in Spanish older adults. The addition of a few items in order to improve the measurement range is strongly recommended. Our findings are consistent with previous research indicating that loneliness is an important aspect of mental health and subjective well-being, and support the use of the scale to detect vulnerable population in old age.

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