The Moderation of Middle-Generation Support on the Relation of Stress and Depression in Coresident Grandparents

Abstract Consistent with Cohen & Wills’ Buffering Hypothesis, social support has been found to moderate the relation between stress and depressive symptoms but has yet to be examined among coresident grandparents (CGPs), a population at risk of increased stress and depression. The current study sought to extend the model to this highly prevalent, vulnerable population. Participants were 180 grandparents across the USA living with their grandchildren. Measures included depression, stress, and satisfaction with support provided by the middle generation (MG) parent of the grandchild. After controlling for age, gender, income, and household type (skipped or multi-gen), MG support moderated the relation between perceived stress and depressive symptoms, accounting for 49% of variance. For CGPs least satisfied with support provided by the MG, the more stress, the higher their depressive symptoms. These findings indicate that improving relationships with grandchildren’s parents is an important avenue for interventions focused on grandparent caregivers’ mental health.

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Adverse and Benevolent Childhood Experiences Predict Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/vr5jd ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jenalee Doom ◽

Kathryn Fox

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Well Being ◽

Future Research ◽

Childhood Experiences ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Current Stress ◽

Adult Mental Health

Background. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with poorer adult mental health, and benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) are associated with better adult mental health. Objective. To test whether ACEs and BCEs predict adult mental health beyond current stress and social support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants and Setting. We analyzed data from undergraduate and graduate students (N = 502) at an urban private university in the western United States. Methods. An online survey was conducted to assess ACEs and BCEs, current stress and social support, depressive and anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, and loneliness in May 2020. Results. Higher levels of ACEs were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, β = 0.45, p = .002. Higher levels of BCEs were associated with lower depressive symptoms, β = -0.39, p = .03, lower perceived stress, β = -0.26, p = .002, and less loneliness, β = -0.12, p = .04. These associations held while controlling for current stress, social support, and socioeconomic status. Conclusions. Childhood experiences are associated with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. BCEs should be considered an important promotive factor, independent of ACEs, for psychological well-being during a global public health crisis. BCEs should be included along with ACEs in future research and screening with distressed and vulnerable populations.

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Mental Health, Social and Emotional Well-Being, and Perceived Burdens of University Students During COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Germany

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.643957 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Elisabeth Kohls ◽

Sabrina Baldofski ◽

Raiko Moeller ◽

Sarah-Lena Klemm ◽

Christine Rummel-Kluge

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Eating Disorder ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

University Students ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Well Being ◽

Social And Emotional ◽

Eating Disorder Symptoms ◽

Sum Score

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting everyone's daily life in unknown measures since its outbreak. Nearly all Universities around the globe were affected. Further, young people and University students in particular, are known to be vulnerable for developing mental disorders. This study aims to examine the mental health social and emotional well-being and perceived burdens of University students during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Germany.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and anonymous online survey among University students assessed mental health status with standardized measures (depressive symptoms, alcohol and drug consumption, and eating disorder symptoms), attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived burdens, and social and emotional aspects of the pandemic (social support, perceived stress, loneliness, and self-efficacy).Results: In total, N = 3,382 German University students participated. Nearly half of the students (49%) reported that they are worried or very much worried about the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority supports the governmental lockdown measures (85%). A Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) sum score of 10 or above, indicating clinically relevant depressive symptoms, was reported by 37% (n = 1,249). The PHQ-9 sum score was on average 8.66 (SD = 5.46). Suicidal thoughts were indicated by 14.5% of the participants. Levels of depressive symptoms differed significantly for the different self-rated income changes during the pandemic (increase, decrease, no change in income). Further, levels of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation differed significantly for students from different faculties. Multiple regression analyses revealed that not being a parent, having no indirect social contact one or two times a week, higher perceived stress, higher experienced loneliness, lower social support, and lower self-efficacy significantly predicted higher scores of depressive symptoms, also higher hazardous alcohol use, and higher levels of eating disorder symptoms. Other aspects of lifestyle such as social and cultural activities, dating, and hobbies were reported to be negatively affected during the pandemic.Conclusion: The present study implies that University students are vulnerable and due to elevated depressive symptoms at risk, being hit hard by the pandemic, but are in general coping adaptively. Low-threshold online interventions promoting help-seeking and also targeting various mental health conditions might bridge the gap the COVID-19 pandemic opened up recently.

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Perceived stress and suicidal behaviors in college students: Conditional indirect effects of depressive symptoms and mental health stigma.

Stigma and Health ◽

10.1037/sah0000125 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 98-106 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Jameson K. Hirsch ◽

Jessica Kelliher Rabon ◽

Esther E. Reynolds ◽

Alison L. Barton ◽

Edward C. Chang

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

College Students ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Indirect Effects ◽

Mental Health Stigma ◽

Suicidal Behaviors ◽

Conditional Indirect Effects

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Maternal stress and depressive symptoms and adolescents’ body mass index: a prospective study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10721-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maaike Koning ◽

Jacqueline Vink ◽

Tommy L. S. Visscher ◽

Junilla Larsen

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Prospective Study ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Maternal Stress ◽

Maternal Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Domain Specific ◽

General Stress ◽

Adolescent Offspring

Abstract Background Growing evidence suggests that maternal mental health issues are associated with (young) children’s weight outcomes. However, most studies have been limited by cross-sectional designs and have been aimed at (younger) children. The current prospective study focuses on the link between maternal mental health (i.e., psychological stress and depressive symptoms) and adolescents’ zBMI development. Methods The participants in the present study were part of wave 1 and 2 of a longitudinal study on Dutch adolescents’ and their parents’ health behavior. Adolescents (aged 10–14) and their parents were recruited through six secondary schools in the South and the East of the Netherlands. For this study, we only included biological mothers and their adolescent children who participated in both waves, with data on the main measures in both waves, leaving a final sample of 336 biological mother-child dyads. Adolescents height and weight were measured, and both parents and adolescents filled in validated questionnaires on perceived stress and depressive symptoms and answered additional questions concerning domain-specific stress. Regression analyses were performed in R to examine longitudinal links between maternal stress and depressive symptoms at baseline (T1) and adolescents’ BMI standard deviation scores (zBMI) 6 months later (T2), corrected for baseline zBMI and covariates. Results Maternal general perceived stress (β = .20, p = .002) at T1 preceded higher adolescents’ zBMI at T2, after controlling for baseline zBMI and other covariates, whereas maternal depressive symptoms at T1 (β = −.05, p = .44) and other domain-specific stress did not (maternal financial stress, maternal stress at work, maternal stress at home). Additionally, lower educational level among adolescents (β = .16, p = .001) and adolescent depressive symptoms (β = .16, p = .001) was associated with a higher zBMI at T2. Conclusions Results suggest that maternal general stress, but not depressive symptoms, may influence adolescents’ weight development. Our findings warrant future investigation on whether and how general stress among mothers may predict weight increases of their adolescent offspring.

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Do Racial Differences in Coping Resources Explain the Black–White Paradox in Mental Health? A Test of Multiple Mechanisms

Journal of Health and Social Behavior ◽

10.1177/00221465211041031 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 002214652110410

Author(s):

Patricia Louie ◽

Laura Upenieks ◽

Christy L. Erving ◽

Courtney S. Thomas Tobin

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Racial Differences ◽

Black Americans ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Coping Resources ◽

Religious Attendance ◽

Health Study ◽

White Americans

A central paradox in the mental health literature is the tendency for black Americans to report similar or better mental health than white Americans despite experiencing greater stress exposure. However, black Americans’ higher levels of certain coping resources may explain this finding. Using data from the Nashville Stress and Health Study (n = 1,186), we examine whether black Americans have higher levels of self-esteem, social support, religious attendance, and divine control than white Americans and whether these resources, in turn, explain the black–white paradox in mental health. In adjusted models, the black–white paradox holds for depressive symptoms and any DSM-IV disorder. Findings indicate that black Americans have higher levels of self-esteem, family social support, and religiosity than white Americans. Causal mediation techniques reveal that self-esteem has the largest effect in explaining black–white differences in depressive symptoms, whereas divine control has the largest effect in explaining differences in disorder.

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Low-Income, African American, Adolescent Mothers’ Depressive Symptoms, Perceived Stress, and Social Support

Journal of Child and Family Studies ◽

10.1007/s10826-016-0386-9 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 25 (7) ◽

pp. 2306-2314 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Christie Campbell-Grossman ◽

Diane Brage Hudson ◽

Kevin A. Kupzyk ◽

Sara E. Brown ◽

Kathleen M. Hanna ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

African American ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Adolescent Mothers ◽

Low Income ◽

African American Adolescent

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Abstract 14087: Psychosocial Determinants of Health Predict Depressive Symptoms and Anxiety in Rural Caregivers

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.14087 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Jennifer L Smith ◽

Misook L Chung ◽

Jennifer Miller ◽

Martha J Biddle ◽

Donna Schuman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Caregiver Burden ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Brief Symptom Inventory ◽

Determinants Of Health ◽

Future Research ◽

Cvd Risk ◽

Rural Caregivers ◽

Increased Risk

Introduction: Caregivers have an 82% increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to non-caregivers. Depressive symptoms (DS) and anxiety increase CVD risk, and these are worse in rural dwellers. Knowing predictors of DS and anxiety in rural caregivers of patients with chronic illness is important to reduce CVD risk. Purpose: To identify predictors of DS and anxiety in rural caregivers at risk for CVD using a social determinants of health (SDH) model. Method: In this cross-sectional study we measured multiple SDH. These variables included sociodemographic (i.e., age, gender, race, marital status, health insurance, education, financial status), behavioral (i.e., smoking and body mass index [BMI]), and psychosocial (i.e., caregiver burden measured by the Zarit Burden Interview, perceived stress by the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, and social support by the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey) factors. The outcomes of DS were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and anxiety by the Brief Symptom Inventory – Anxiety subscale. Data were analyzed using two separate multiple regression models, one for DS and one for anxiety. As depression and anxiety are often comorbid, they were considered predictors in the appropriate models. Results: In the 262 participants (mean age 53±13, 78% female, 96% Caucasian, 70% were married), mean years of education were 14±2, 56.1% had enough money to make ends meet, and 55% had no insurance or Medicaid only. Significant predictors of worse DS were higher caregiver burden (β=0.05, p=0.004), higher perceived stress (β=2.04, p=0.001), and higher anxiety (β=3.79, p= <0.001). Predictors of worse anxiety, were younger age (β=-0.006, p=0.03), higher caregiver burden (β=0.006, p=0.009), lower social support (β=-0.004, p=0.05), and higher DS (β=0.08, p=<0.001). Conclusion: Predictors of DS and anxiety in these rural caregivers were psychosocial variables. Caregiver CVD Interventions could be optimized by including stress management, education about the psychological effects of caregiving, and social support components. Future research is needed on the role of DS and anxiety in CVD to better support rural caregivers at highest risk.

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Psychosocial Risk Factors for Food Insecurity in Puerto Ricans Living in the USA from Baseline to 5-Year Follow-Up

Journal of Nutrition ◽

10.1093/jn/nxaa177 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 150 (8) ◽

pp. 2199-2203

Author(s):

Nan Dou ◽

Dixin Xie ◽

Xiang Gao ◽

Natalia Palacios ◽

Luis M Falcon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Depressive Symptom ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Puerto Rican ◽

Symptom Score ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Psychosocial Risk ◽

Unit Increase ◽

The Usa

ABSTRACT Background Food insecurity is prevalent among Puerto Rican adults in the USA and is associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes. However, the direction of this association has not been established in this understudied population. Objectives In this study, we aimed to examine the longitudinal association between a group of psychosocial risk factors and subsequent food insecurity in a cohort of Puerto Rican adults. Methods Secondary analysis was conducted using data from the prospective Boston Puerto Rican Health Study. A total of 517 Puerto Rican participants aged 45–75 y in the Boston area who were food secure at baseline, and who completed food security surveys at baseline and 5 y were included. Psychosocial factors, including depressive symptoms, stress, tangible social support, and acculturation were assessed with validated instruments. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the risk of food insecurity at 5 y, as a function of psychosocial factors at baseline and their changes over 5 y, adjusting for age, sex, education, baseline and change in total annual household income, and in family size. Results The cumulative incidence of food insecurity at 5 y was 12.6%. The odds of incident food insecurity was significantly associated with baseline depressive symptom score [OR = 1.78 (1.16, 2.76) per each 10 score units], with change in depressive symptom score [OR = 1.50 (1.07, 2.09) per each 10-unit increase], and with change in perceived stress [OR = 1.59 (1.01, 2.51) per each 10-unit increase], after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusion In this cohort of Puerto Rican adults, depressive symptoms at baseline, and increases in depressive symptoms and perceived stress over 5 y were associated with a higher risk of food insecurity. Psychosocial health and environment appear to play important roles in predicting risk of food insecurity in the Puerto Rican community.

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THE INFLUENCE OF CUSTODIAL STATUS ON MARITAL AFFECTUAL SOLIDARITY AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG GRANDPARENTS.

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3433 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S944-S945

Author(s):

Eunbea Kim ◽

Danielle K Nadorff ◽

Rachel Scott ◽

Ian T McKay

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Relationship Quality ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Marital Relationship ◽

Well Being ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Custodial Grandparents ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Targeted Interventions

Abstract Increased life expectancy and the diversity of family structure have resulted in a substantial rise in the number of families with grandparents as the main caregivers (e.g. custodial grandparents). The structures of these families affect the well-being of all family members. After middle age, psychological well-being is associated with marital relationship quality, and raising one’s grandchildren is a known source of strain to relationships. The current study examined adults aged 40 and older (M age = 57.6 yr, 53% female) using a nationwide sample from MIDUS to assess the extent to which custodial grandparenting status influences marital affectual solidarity, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and perceived stress. Measures included the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Index, Spousal Affectual Solidarity, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale. Marital affectual solidarity was significantly related to custodial status and psychological well-being, and there were significant differences in marital relationship quality and psychological well-being between custodial grandparents and non-custodial grandparents. However, custodial status failed to moderate the relation between marital affectual solidarity and mental health. Although other factors surrounding custodial grandparents likely affect their marital relationship and mental health, these results suggest that grandparents raising grandchildren are under particular strain in their marriages and are in need of targeted interventions to ameliorate stress and depressive symptoms. These findings will inform the need for more research and supportive educational programs on family relationships and the psychological health of custodial grandparents.

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Differences in well-being and fear of death among female hospice employees and volunteers in Hungary

BMC Palliative Care ◽

10.1186/s12904-020-00550-z ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ágnes Zana ◽

Adrienne Kegye ◽

Edit Czeglédi ◽

Katalin Hegedűs

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Hospice Care ◽

Well Being ◽

Fear Of Death ◽

Care Providers ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Vital Exhaustion ◽

Hospice Volunteers

Abstract Background Voluntary work plays a significant role in hospice care, but international research has mainly been conducted on the mental health and fear of death of paid hospice staff. The aim of the present study was to compare the Hungarian hospice volunteers with paid employees with regard to attitudes and fear of death, as well as mental health in order to see their role in hospice work and their psychological well-being more clearly. Methods The target population of the cross-sectional questionnaire study was hospice care providers in Hungary (N = 1255). The response rate was 15.5% (N = 195); 91.8% (N = 179) of them were women. The mean age of female hospice workers was 45.8 years (SD = 10.46 years, range: 23–73 years). One-quarter (27.9%, N = 50) of the female respondents were volunteers. The instruments were: the Multidimensional Fear of Death Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and a shortened versions of the Beck Depression Inventory and the Maastricht Vital Exhaustion Questionnaire. Results Volunteers scored significantly lower on 5 dimensions of fear of death than paid employees, and showed significantly lower levels of vital exhaustion and significantly higher levels of psychological well-being than paid employees. Fear of the dying process was associated with an increased perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and vital exhaustion in both groups. Psychological well-being showed a significant negative, moderate correlation with four aspects of fear of death among paid staff; this pattern did not appear in the volunteer group. In addition, the association between fear of premature death and perceived stress, vital exhaustion, and depressive symptoms was more pronounced is case of paid workers. Conclusion Higher levels of psychological well-being and lower levels of fear of death among hospice volunteers suggest that they are less exhausted than paid employees. Increasing the recruitment of volunteers in hospices may help reduce the overload and exhaustion of paid employees.

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