238 Adolescent Sleep Variability, Social Jetlag, and Mental Health during COVID-19: Findings from a Large Nationwide Study

Abstract Introduction Adolescents are vulnerable to short, insufficient sleep stemming from a combined preference for late bedtimes and early school start times, and also circadian disruptions from frequent shifts in sleep schedules (i.e., social jetlag). These sleep disruptions are associated with poor mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted education nationwide, including changes in instructional formats and school schedules. With data from the Nationwide Education and Sleep in TEens During COVID (NESTED) study, we examined whether sleep variability and social jetlag (SJL) during the pandemic associate with mental health. Methods Analyses included online survey data from 4767 students (grades 6-12, 46% female, 36% non-White, 87% high school). For each weekday, participants identified if they attended school in person (IP), online-scheduled synchronous classes (O/S), online-no scheduled classes (asynchronous, O/A), or no school. Students reported bedtimes (BT) and wake times (WT) for each instructional format and for weekends/no school days. Sleep opportunity (SlpOpp) was calculated from BT and WT. Weekday night-to-night SlpOpp variability was calculated with mean square successive differences. SJL was calculated as the difference between the average sleep midpoint on free days (O/A, no school, weekends) versus scheduled days (IP, O/S). Participants also completed the PROMIS Pediatric Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms Short Form. Data were analyzed with hierarchical linear regressions controlling for average SlpOpp, gender, and school-level (middle vs high school). Results Mean reported symptoms of anxiety (60.0 ±9.1; 14%≧70) and depression (63.4 ±10.2; 22%≧70) fell in the at-risk range. Shorter average SlpOpp (mean=8.3±1.2hrs) was correlated with higher anxiety (r=-.10) and depression (r=-.11; p’s<.001) T-scores. Greater SlpOpp variability was associated with higher anxiety (B=.71 [95%CI=.41-1.01, p<.001) and depression (B=.67 [.33-1.00], p<.001) T-scores. Greater SJL (mean=1.8±1.2hrs; 94% showed a delay in midpoint) was associated with higher anxiety (B=.36 [.12-.60], p<.001) and depression (B=.77 [.50-1.03], p<.001) T-scores. Conclusion In the context of system-wide education changes during COVID-19, students on average reported at-risk levels of anxiety and depression symptoms which were associated with greater variability in sleep opportunity across school days and greater social jetlag. Our findings suggest educators and policymakers should consider these sleep-mental health associations when developing instructional formats and school schedules during and post-pandemic. Support (if any) T32MH019927(P.W.)

Download Full-text

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on wellbeing and cognitive functioning of older adults

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-84127-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sarah De Pue ◽

Céline Gillebert ◽

Eva Dierckx ◽

Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt ◽

Rudi De Raedt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

At Risk ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Online Survey ◽

Activity Level ◽

The Impact

AbstractCOVID-19 took a heavy toll on older adults. In Belgium, by the end of August, 93% of deaths due to COVID-19 were aged 65 or older. Similar trends were observed in other countries. As a consequence, older adults were identified as a group at risk, and strict governmental restrictions were imposed on them. This has caused concerns about their mental health. Using an online survey, this study established the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults aged 65 years or older, and which factors moderate this impact. Participants reported a significant decrease in activity level, sleep quality and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression was strongly related to reported declines in activity level, sleep quality, wellbeing and cognitive functioning. Our study shows that the COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on the mental health of older adults. This implies that this group at risk requires attention of governments and healthcare.

Download Full-text

Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes

Journal of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1108/jpmh-08-2020-0110 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Annika McGivern ◽

Stephen Shannon ◽

Gavin Breslin

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

History Of

Purpose This paper aims to conduct the first cross-sectional survey on depression, Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes and to assess whether past concussion rates were associated with depression, resilience and well-being. Design/methodology/approach In total, 511 participants from Canada, Republic of Ireland, UK, Australia and USA took part in an international cross-sectional, online survey evaluating concussion history, depression symptoms, resilience and well-being. Findings In total, 27.1% of athletes met clinically relevant symptoms of major depressive disorder. Significant differences were shown in the well-being and resilience scores between countries. Significant relationships were observed between reported history of concussion and both high depression scores and low well-being scores. Practical implications Findings highlight the need for mental health promotion and support in equestrian sport. Social implications Results support previous research suggesting a need for enhanced mental health support for equestrians. There is reason to believe that mental illness could still be present in riders with normal levels of resilience and well-being. Originality/value This study examined an understudied athlete group: equestrian athletes and presents important findings with implications for the physical and mental health of this population.

Download Full-text

Narrative Therapy in Practice: A “storied” approach to building mental health resiliency in adolescents

Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling ◽

10.1017/s103729110000399x ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 147-162 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Miguel R. Fernandez

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

High School ◽

At Risk ◽

Narrative Therapy ◽

Key Words And Phrases ◽

Risk Behaviours ◽

Comprehensive Description ◽

Theory To Practice ◽

Counselling Approach

This paper investigates the use of Narrative Therapy in a high school. The focus is on demonstrating the use of Narrative Therapy in working with students who demonstrate at-risk behaviours especially with a view to building resiliency. It is proposed that to fully understand the value of Narrative Therapy, theory supporting this approach should be discussed. Underlying this approach is the recognition that a better understanding of theory will extend the practice of Narrative Therapy. To that end this paper approaches the use of Narrative Therapy on two levels, (a) a description of the theory that supports the practice of Narrative Therapy. This description focuses on the language and practices associated with Narrative Therapy. Specifically, issues around stories are discussed at length, and (b) a case study is presented attempting to bind theory to practice. It takes the reader on a journey by a student who was at-risk to her developing resilient behaviour. Initially, several key words and phrases are introduced as direct representations of the theory of Narrative Therapy. As the case study unfolds additional descriptions of theory impacting on practice are presented. The final outcome is a comprehensive description of a counselling approach that has relevancy in dealing with the complex issues of mental health resiliency in schools.

Download Full-text

Longitudinal increases in childhood depression symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown

Archives of Disease in Childhood ◽

10.1136/archdischild-2020-320372 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. archdischild-2020-320372

Author(s):

Giacomo Bignardi ◽

Edwin S Dalmaijer ◽

Alexander L Anwyl-Irvine ◽

Tess A Smith ◽

Roma Siugzdaite ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Linear Models ◽

Short Form ◽

Child Anxiety ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

School Closures ◽

Children’S Depression ◽

The Uk

ObjectiveThere has been widespread concern that so-called lockdown measures, including social distancing and school closures, could negatively impact children’s mental health. However, there has been little direct evidence of any association due to the paucity of longitudinal studies reporting mental health before and during the lockdown. This present study provides the first longitudinal examination of changes in childhood mental health, a key component of an urgently needed evidence base that can inform policy and practice surrounding the continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsMental health assessments on 168 children (aged 7.6–11.6 years) were taken before and during the UK lockdown (April–June 2020). Assessments included self-reports, caregiver reports, and teacher reports. Mean mental health scores before and during the UK lockdown were compared using mixed linear models.ResultsA significant increase in depression symptoms during the UK lockdown was observed, as measured by the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) short form. CIs suggest a medium-to-large effect size. There were no significant changes in the RCADS anxiety subscale and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire emotional problems subscale.ConclusionsDuring the UK lockdown, children’s depression symptoms have increased substantially, relative to before lockdown. The scale of this effect has direct relevance for the continuation of different elements of lockdown policy, such as complete or partial school closures. This early evidence for the direct impact of lockdown must now be combined with larger scale epidemiological studies that establish which children are most at risk and tracks their future recovery.

Download Full-text

Mental Health, Sense of Coherence, and Interpersonal Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Germany

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9113708 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 3708

Author(s):

Stefanie Jung ◽

Jonas Kneer ◽

Tillmann H. C. Krüger

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Sense Of Coherence ◽

Interpersonal Violence ◽

Online Survey ◽

Short Form ◽

Well Being ◽

Western Country ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Substantial Impact ◽

Patient Health

Preliminary data indicates that the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) pandemic may have a substantial impact on mental health and well-being. We assessed mental health in response to the lockdown in Germany between 1 April 2020 and 15 April 2020 using a cross-sectional online survey (n = 3545) with a mixed-methods approach. We found increased levels of psychosocial distress (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) stress module), anxiety, depressive symptoms (PHQ-4), irritability, and a decrease in overall well-being (WHO-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5)), sense of coherence (Short Form of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-L9)), sexual contentment, and sleep quality. The four-week-prevalence of interpersonal violence was yet at 5% and included verbal, physical, and sexual violence. Participants reported finding comfort in family, friends, conversation, exercise, and activity. Findings are also in line with research showing that women seem to have more trouble coping with the pandemic and lockdown measures. Our observations demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic and related measures lead to a mental health burden even in a highly developed Western country and should, therefore, be taken seriously. The findings for interpersonal violence are alarming. Thus, we should sharpen our focus on the matter and activate and enhance supporting systems to help protect those affected.

Download Full-text

Unplanned in-game purchases and loot boxes associated with online gaming problems and mental health among adolescents

10.31234/osf.io/s95dj ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tomonari Irie ◽

Hiroki Shinkawa ◽

Masanori Tanaka ◽

Kengo Yokomitsu

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

High School ◽

High School Students ◽

Psychosocial Problems ◽

Online Gaming ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Game Playing ◽

Online Game ◽

School Students ◽

Problematic Gaming

Studies have found that adolescents’ in-game purchases are related to psychosocial problems. In-game purchases, including loot boxes, are relatively new systems; therefore, the associated problems have not been fully examined. This study considered whether adolescents plan for in-game purchases and examined the issues related to the purchasing style. We surveyed 1,052 Japanese high school students (591 females, 443 males, and 18 unknowns, aged 15–18) on their online game-playing status, in-game purchases, gaming problems, and depression symptoms. The results revealed that adolescents who made unplanned purchases users had a greater degree of problems than those who planned their purchases. Among the non-planners, loot box users had poorer mental health than non-users of loot boxes. These results suggest that to prevent psychosocial problems associated with problematic gaming among adolescents, it is important to pay attention to unplanned purchases and loot boxes.

Download Full-text

Do Mental Health and Vitality Mediate the Relationship between Perceived Control over Time and Fear of COVID-19? A Survey in an Italian Sample

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10163516 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (16) ◽

pp. 3516

Author(s):

Silvana Miceli ◽

Barbara Caci ◽

Michele Roccella ◽

Luigi Vetri ◽

Giuseppe Quatrosi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Perceived Control ◽

Online Survey ◽

Short Form ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Treatment Programs ◽

Effective Control ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Over Time

Several studies evidenced increased elevated symptomatology levels in anxiety, general stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress related to COVID-19. Real difficulties in the effective control of time that could be responsible for mental health issues and loss of vitality were also reported. Prior literature highlighted how perceived control over time significantly modulates anxiety disorders and promotes psychological well-being. To verify the hypothesis that perceived control over time predicts fear of COVID-19 and mental health and vitality mediate this relationship, we performed an online survey on a sample of 301 subjects (female = 68%; Mage = 22.12, SD = 6.29; age range = 18–57 years), testing a parallel mediation model using PROCESS macro (model 4). All participants responded to self-report measures of perceived control over time, COVID-19 fear, mental health, and vitality subscales of the Short-Form-36 Health Survey. Results corroborate the hypotheses of direct relationships between all the study variables and partially validate the mediation’s indirect effect. Indeed, mental health (a1b1 = −0.06; CI: LL = −0.11; UL = −0.01; p < 0.001) rather than vitality (a2b2 = −0.06; CI: LL = −0.09; UL = 0.03; n.s.) emerges as a significant mediator between perceived control over time and fear of COVID-19. Practical implications of the study about treatment programs based on perceived control over time and emotional coping to prevent fear and anxiety toward the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed.

Download Full-text

The effect of COVID-19 on mental well-being in Switzerland: a cross-sectional survey of the adult Swiss general population

BMC Family Practice ◽

10.1186/s12875-021-01532-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Laura Diaz Hernandez ◽

Stéphanie Giezendanner ◽

Roland Fischer ◽

Andreas Zeller

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

At Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Concerns ◽

Mental Health Concerns ◽

Mental Well Being

Abstract Background In addition to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic to physical health, mental health is challenged by the emotional response to the situation and the official measures taken to stop the pandemic. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of impaired mental well-being due to COVID-19 and explore associated factors. Methods The study was an observational, population-based, nationwide, cross-sectional online survey of a representative sample of the general Swiss population performed between March and April 2020. Participants reported on mental well-being, self-isolation/quarantine, their risk for developing severe COVID-19, and their work situation. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed risk factors for impaired mental well-being due to the pandemic. Results Data from 1022 individuals were analysed. The median age was 44 years (range 18 to 78) and 49% were women. A third of respondents reported that the COVID-19 pandemic impaired their mental well-being and almost half reported specific mental health concerns. Impaired mental well-being was associated with having health problems (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.29–2.74, vs no problems), being or living with someone at risk for severe COVID-19 (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1–1.9,), smoking (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.24–2.61), living in urban residential environments (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.13–2.32, vs rural), not being able to work due to closed workplace (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.04–2.67), aged between 18 and 29 years old (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.32–3.01, vs 45 to 59 years old), and living in a single household (living with someone, OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44–0.97,vs single household). Overall, the most significant covariates of impaired mental well-being were specific mental health concerns: feeling depressed (OR = 7.21, 95% CI: 4.5–11.55), feeling less pleasure in doing things than before (OR = 6.28, 95% CI: 4.1–9.62), feeling anxious (OR = 6.13, 95% CI: 3.91–9.59) and feeling lonely (OR = 4.08, 95% CI: 2.53–6.58). Conclusion Impaired mental well-being can carry long-term consequences. We encourage policymakers to implement strategies to promote mental health during this pandemic situation. Special attention should be addressed to the youngest, those at risk for severe COVID-19 and those with government-imposed work restrictions.

Download Full-text

Longitudinal increases in childhood depression during the COVID-19 lockdown in a UK cohort

10.31219/osf.io/v7f3q ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Giacomo Bignardi ◽

Edwin S. Dalmaijer ◽

Alexander Leslie Anwyl-Irvine ◽

Tess A. Smith ◽

Roma Siugzdaite ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Linear Models ◽

Short Form ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Policy And Practice ◽

School Closures ◽

Children’S Depression ◽

The Uk

BackgroundThere has been widespread concern that so-called ‘lockdown’ measures, including social distancing and school closures, could negatively impact children’s mental health. However, there has been little direct evidence of this impact due to the paucity of longitudinal studies reporting mental health before and during lockdown. This present study provides the first longitudinal examination of changes in childhood mental health, a key component of an urgently needed evidence base that can inform policy and practice surrounding the continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsMental health assessments on 168 children (aged 7.5-11.6 years) were taken before and during the UK lockdown. Assessments included self-reports, parent-reports, and teacher-reports. Mean mental health scores before and during the UK lockdown were compared using mixed linear models. FindingsA significant increase in depression symptoms during the UK lockdown was observed, as measured by the RCADS short form. Confidence intervals suggest a medium-to-large effect size. There were no significant changes in RCADS anxiety subscale and SDQ emotional problems subscale.InterpretationDuring the UK lockdown children’s depression symptoms have increased substantially, relative to before lockdown. The scale of this effect has direct relevance for the continuation of different elements of lockdown policy, such as complete or partial school closures. This early evidence for the direct impact of lockdown must now be combined with larger-scale epidemiological studies that establish which children are most at risk, and tracks their future recovery.FundingThis study was supported by grant TWCF0159 from the Templeton World Charity Foundation to DEA, and by the UK Medical Research Council. SU was supported by the Gates Cambridge Trust.

Download Full-text

Strength and conditioning practices of high school rugby coaches: A South African context

South African Journal of Science ◽

10.17159/sajs.2019/5837 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 115 (9/10) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bradley Robinson ◽

Lee Pote ◽

Candice Christie

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

High School ◽

Public Schools ◽

South African ◽

Online Survey ◽

Rugby Union ◽

Weight Lifting ◽

School Level ◽

High School Level ◽

Strength And Conditioning

Although rugby union as a sport is well established, the strength and conditioning practices of high school level players are not well known. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to examine the current strength and conditioning practices that coaches implement at South African high school level rugby. A secondary purpose was to compare practices between high schools of different socio-economic status in South Africa. An online survey or in person interview (depending on the school) was conducted and 43 responses were received: from 28 coaches at schools among the top 100 rugby schools in South Africa for 2016 and from 15 coaches at no-fee public schools in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Most coaches (72%) performed some form of physical testing, with the most common parameter tested being ‘speed’. The most common strength and conditioning practices utilised included flexibility (stretching), speed (free sprinting), agility (cone drills), plyometric (box drills) and resistance (weight lifting) training. Unlike the no-fee schools, the top 100 rugby schools implemented conditioning practices similar to best-known international practices. Furthermore, no-fee school coaches did not have the qualifications necessary to administer the correct training techniques. Education and upskilling on the best strength and conditioning practices for school level coaches need to be improved, particularly in less privileged schools. Such improvement is crucial to the transformation goals set out by the South African Rugby Union, which would benefit from player development in lower socio-economic schools.

Download Full-text