scholarly journals Building Resilience by Becoming a Circus Artist

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Van Es ◽  
Els Rommes ◽  
Leontien De Kwaadsteniet
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Interpersonal Trust ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Refugee Youth ◽  
Building Relationships ◽  
Physical Support ◽  
Impulsive Behaviour

Abstract Due to the traumatic events they may have experienced, refugee youth are vulnerable to mental health problems. Social Circus is a psycho-social intervention that aims to enhance resilience by promoting self-esteem, interpersonal trust and social support through classes in circus arts. To explore these effects on refugee youth, a qualitative study was conducted in south-east Turkey. Semi-structured interviews and participative observations revealed that circus classes offered participants structure and a new purpose in life. Participating youth became more active, while impulsive behaviour decreased. Experiencing success through visible progress and holding the positively valued position of a circus artist seemed to contribute to the children’s self-esteem. In addition, the mental and physical support received during circus classes could increase interpersonal trust. By creating opportunities for social interaction and building relationships, Social Circus may also promote social support. This study provides preliminary evidence that Social Circus may enhance resilience in refugee youth.

Safe but isolated – an interview study with Iraqi refugees in Sweden about social networks, social support, and mental health

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402095425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Sundvall ◽  
David Titelman ◽  
Valerie DeMarinis ◽  
Liubov Borisova ◽  
Önver Çetrez
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Iraqi Refugees ◽  
Structured Interviews

Background: Problems with social networks and social support are known to be associated with mental ill-health in refugees. Social support after migration promotes resilience. Aim: To study how Iraqi refugees who arrived in Sweden after the year 2000 perceived their social networks and social support, and to relate the observed network characteristics and changes to the refugees’ mental health and well-being. Method: Semi-structured interviews with 31 refugees, including questions on background and migration experiences, a biographical network map, and three health assessment scales. The findings were analysed with descriptive statistics and content thematic analysis. Results: The respondents’ networks were diminished. Social support was continued to be provided mainly by family members and supplemented by support from authorities. The main themes of the refugee experience of post-migration challenges were weakened social networks, barriers to integration and challenges to cultural and religious belonging. Failed reunion and worrying about relatives was described as particularly painful. Negative contacts with authority persons were often seen as humiliating or discriminating. Acquiring a new cultural belonging was described as challenging. At the same time, changing family and gender roles made it more difficult to preserve and develop the culture of origin. Traumatic experiences and mental health problems were common in this group. Family issues were more often than integration difficulties associated with mental health problems. Conclusion: In order to strengthen post-migration well-being and adaptation, authorities should support the refugees’ social networks. Clinicians need to address post-migration problems and challenges, including the meaning and function of social networks.

scholarly journals Understanding University Students’ Experiences, Perceptions, and Attitudes Toward Peers Displaying Mental Health-related Problems on Social Network Sites (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taewan Kim ◽  
Hwajung Hong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
College Students ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Design Guideline ◽  
Perceptions And Attitudes ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND College students are at a vulnerable age; among those with serious mental health problems, this period is frequently when the first episodes appear. As a result, college students are increasingly disclosing their vulnerable, stigmatized experiences on social networking sites (SNSs). Understanding students’ perceptions and attitudes toward their peers who are dealing with mental health problems is vital to the efforts to eliminate peer exclusion and foster social support. OBJECTIVE This work aims to provide a better understanding of how college perceive and react to their fellow students’ mental health related activities on SNSs. We investigate how students recognize, perceive, and react to peers who display mental health related challenges on SNSs. METHODS Survey with 226 students, and semi structured interviews with 20 students were conducted at six universities in South Korea. RESULTS We revealed that a considerable number of college students did not proactively provide support even when they identified at-risk peers because of stigmatized content, unusual online activities, or a gap between online and offline identities. We found that the students’ lack of knowledge, confidence, and expectations as well as their desire to maintain distance from at-risk peers hindered social support. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of this study’s finding, we discuss SNS design guideline that would help these platforms facilitate support exchanges among peers while minimizing potential risks.

The buffering effect of peer support on the links between family rejection and psychosocial adjustment in LGB emerging adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 854-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis A. Parra ◽  
Timothy S. Bell ◽  
Michael Benibgui ◽  
Jonathan L. Helm ◽  
Paul D. Hastings
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Psychosocial Adjustment ◽  
Family Of Origin ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Peer Group ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Peer Social Support

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) emerging adults often seek support from their peers if they lack support from their family of origin. We predicted that peer social support would moderate the link between negative family relationships and psychosocial adjustment, such that in the context of family rejection, experiencing more peer support would predict lower levels of anxiety, depression, and internalized homonegativity (IH) and higher self-esteem. Sixty-two (27 females) LGB individuals (ages 17–27, M = 21.34 years, SD = 2.65) reported on their families’ attitudes toward homosexuality, experiences of family victimization, peer social support, anxiety and depression symptoms, IH, and self-esteem. Results showed that peer social support moderated the link between negative family attitudes and anxiety and also moderated the link between family victimization and depression. The moderating effects suggest that having a supportive peer group may protect against mental health problems for LGB emerging adults who lack support from their family of origin.

scholarly journals How involuntary subordination and social support influence the association between self-esteem and depression: a moderated mediation model

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuming Shen ◽  
Yue Shi ◽  
Shuxian Zhang ◽  
Lhakpa Tsamlag ◽  
Huwen Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Moderated Mediation ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chinese Migrants ◽  
Moderated Mediation Model ◽  
Moderating Role

Abstract Background In China, young migrants are at elevated risk of mental health problems, such as depression. The influence of self-esteem on depression is well acknowledged. We examined correlates of depression and their mediating and moderating role in the association between self-esteem and depression to promote a better understanding of depression prevention among young migrants. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among young Chinese migrants. A moderated mediation model was used to test the combined effect of involuntary subordination and social support on the association between self-esteem and depression. The Johnson–Neyman method was used to identify the range of scores for which social support acted as a moderator. Results A total of 572 participants completed questionnaires. The median depression score was 19 (interquartile range: 14). Self-esteem had a negative effect on involuntary subordination (β = − 2.1440, p < 0.001). Involuntary subordination (β = 0.2406, p < 0.001), self-esteem (β = − 0.3870, p < 0.01), and social support (β = − 0.1221, p < 0.01) all had significant effects on depression. The effect of involuntary subordination on depression was moderated by social support (β = − 0.0041, p < 0.05), and the effect decreased as social support scores increased. Conclusions Our results indicated a mediating role of involuntary subordination and a moderating role of social support in the association between self-esteem and depression among young Chinese migrants. Future intervention strategies should focus on these factors to reduce depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals Associations of Social and Psychological Resources with Different Facets of Chronic Stress: A Study with Employed and Unemployed Adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 5032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M. Wade-Bohleber ◽  
Carmen Duss ◽  
Aureliano Crameri ◽  
Agnes von Wyl
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Psychological Resources ◽  
Lower Stress ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
The One ◽  
Unemployed Youth

Adolescents navigate many psychosocial changes. A critical transition in adolescence is the one from school to work life. Both taking the first steps in work life and the failure to achieve this transition and being unemployed can engender elevated levels of stress during adolescence. Stress, especially when experienced chronically, is an important risk factor for mental health problems. Social and psychological resources may mitigate the experience of chronic stress. This study explored associations of social and family support, self-esteem, and self-efficacy with different dimensions of chronic stress in a sample of 1405 employed and unemployed adolescents (M(age) = 17.84, SD = 1.63, range: 14.05–26.12) in Switzerland. Unemployed adolescents showed higher stress levels overall. Higher levels of social and psychological resources were generally linked to lower stress levels. Social support and self-esteem predicted stress levels most consistently and strongly. On several stress dimensions, the association between higher self-esteem and lower stress levels was more pronounced in employed youth whereas the association between higher social support and lower stress levels was stronger in unemployed youth. Our findings provide insights on the differential associations of social and psychological resources with various facets of chronic stress in the context of employment and unemployment during adolescence.

scholarly journals Do Parental and Peer Support Protect Adjustment in the Face of Ethnic Discrimination? A Comparison between Refugee Youth and Youth of Immigrant Descent

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 12016
Author(s):  
Julia Marie Christina Wenzing ◽  
Nadya Gharaei ◽  
Zeynep Demir ◽  
Maja Katharina Schachner
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Ethnic Minority ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Parental Support ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Ethnic Discrimination ◽  
Minority Youth ◽  
Ethnic Minority Youth ◽  
Refugee Youth ◽  
The Face

Applying a risk and protection perspective, this study paid special attention to the protective roles of parental and peer support in the face of perceived ethnic discrimination (PED) at school. Responding to the inconsistent findings of previous research, the survey study provides greater clarity regarding the interactions between PED at school, social support and positive adjustment (self-esteem, self-efficacy, optimism and school integration). The sample comprised 104 ethnic-minority youth (Mage = 17.73, SD = 3.29, 61% female), including refugee youth (n = 55) and second- and third-generation youth of immigrant descent (n = 49). Structural equation models across the whole sample confirmed peer support as a significant moderator, indicating that ethnic-minority youth who received low peer support were less optimistic when facing PED. In multi-group models, we tested whether results differ across refugee youth and youth of immigrant descent. Results revealed between-group differences concerning the moderating roles of parental and peer support: For youth of immigrant descent, while more PED was associated with lower self-esteem when receiving low parental support, we found a positive association between PED and optimism when receiving high parental support. Based on the findings that refugee youth were shown to be less optimistic when obtaining low peer support, the main interaction effect for peer support on optimism seemed to be driven by refugee youth. The results of our cross-sectional study highlight the importance of identifying specific social support factors for specific adjustment outcomes and also the importance of differentiating between minority groups. Further, the findings offer practical implications for the educational sector in terms of programs focusing on the development of peer-support networks to especially promote refugee youth resilience and resettlement in Germany.

scholarly journals Barriers and facilitators to recognize and discuss depression and anxiety experienced by adults with vision impairment or blindness: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edine P. J. van Munster ◽  
Hilde P. A. van der Aa ◽  
Peter Verstraten ◽  
Ruth M. A. van Nispen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Structured Interviews

Abstract Background Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent, but often unrecognized in adults with vision impairment (VI) or blindness. The purpose of this study was to explore visually impaired and blind adults’ views on facilitators and barriers in recognizing and discussing mental health problems. Methods Semi-structured interviews, based on the Integrated Model for Change, were conducted with 16 visually impaired or blind adults receiving support from three Dutch low vision service organizations. Interview data was analyzed using the framework approach. Results Participants perceived their focus on practical support with regard to their VI, lack of mental health literacy, and misattribution of symptoms of depression or anxiety as barriers for recognizing mental health problems. With regard to discussing mental health problems, they perceived difficulties in acknowledging their VI and mental health problems due to feelings of vulnerability and inequality. Participants mentioned that their social support system and healthcare providers (could) facilitate them in recognizing and discussing mental health problems. However, participants thought that healthcare providers currently often lacked the knowledge, skills and attitude to recognize and discuss this topic with their clients. Conclusion Our findings suggest that visually impaired and blind adults may experience several barriers to recognize, acknowledge and discuss mental health. Healthcare providers and social support systems seem essential for them in reducing these barriers. However, there might be a mismatch between the needs of visually impaired and blind adults and healthcare providers’ knowledge, skills and attitude. Training healthcare providers may improve detection of depression and anxiety in adults with VI or blindness, and enhance clinician-patient communication on mental health.

scholarly journals Self-Esteem among Undergraduate Students and Its Correlation with Depression, Anxiety and Stress: A Cross-sectional Study of Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-105
Author(s):  
Shishir Paudel ◽  
Chiranjivi Adhikari ◽  
Anisha Chalise ◽  
Himlal Gautam
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pearson Correlation Analysis

Background: Self-esteem is an overall subjective evaluation of one’s worth or value which encompasses the positive or negative orientation or beliefs towards oneself. Self-esteem has established itself as an important psychological factor contributing to health and quality of life. Thus, this study aimed at understanding the factors influencing the level of self-esteem among the undergraduate students and its correlation with depression, anxiety and stress symptoms experienced by the students.   Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 618 randomly sampled undergraduates from different academic institutions of Pokhara Metropolitan using Rosenberg self-esteem scale to assess the level of self-esteem and DASS-21 to assess the level of depression, anxiety, and stress. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software. The chi-squire test, binary logistic regression and Pearson correlation analysis were performed to establish the relationship between variables at the level of significance, p<0.05. Results: More than three-forth (75.7%) of the students were found to have a normal level of self-esteem while around one-fifth (21.4%) of the students had low self-esteem. There was no statistical relationship established between students’ academic discipline and their self-esteem. However, students’ academic performance, family history of any psychological distress and their perceived level of social support were the major influencing factors associated with their self-esteem at p<0.001. Based on Pearson correlation analysis, self-esteem was negatively correlated with depression, anxiety and stress at p<0.01. Conclusion: The prevalence of low self-esteem was relatively lower in this students' group and there existed a negative correlation between self-esteem and depression, anxiety and stress experienced by the students. Thus, strategies aimed to increase students' level of perceived social support and self-esteem can reduce their risks of acquiring any mental health problems in near future.

The Moderating Impact of Social Support Following Childhood Sexual Abuse

1992 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Testa ◽  
Brenda A. Miller ◽  
William R. Downs ◽  
Denise Panek
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
The Impact

The role of social support in moderating the impact of childhood sexual abuse on adult psychological adjustment was examined. Subjects included 475 women, age 18-45, some of whom were currently receiving treatment, others who were not. Women in the treatment group were receiving therapy for either alcoholism, for being battered, or for mental health problems. The comparison group was drawn from two sources: a random household sample and a sample of women attending drinking driver classes. Among both groups, women who had been sexually abused exhibited more psychological symptoms and lower self-esteem compared to those who were not abused. Latency of disclosure of childhood sexual abuse had no impact on long-term consequences of the abuse for either the treatment or the comparison group. However, among women in the comparison group, those who experienced supportive reactions following disclosure of sexual abuse had fewer psychological symptoms and somewhat higher self-esteem relative to those who did not receive support. Social support had no apparent effect on the long-term adjustment of women in the treatment group. Possible explanations for this pattern and directions for future research are discussed.

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