Virtual connection, real support? A study of loneliness, time on social media and psychological distress among men

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402098383
Author(s):  
Zac E Seidler ◽  
Michael J Wilson ◽  
Simon M Rice ◽  
David Kealy ◽  
John L Oliffe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Masculine Norms ◽  
Younger Men

Background: In an age of increasing loneliness and associated poor mental health, research uncovering the extent to which social connection can be achieved digitally is paramount. This is particularly important among men, who experience unique barriers to achieving meaningful social connections due to masculine norms including independence and self-reliance. Loneliness is a known determinant of both psychological distress and greater time on social media, however relationships among these constructs are yet to be studied specifically among men. Aims: This study aimed to examine a novel mediation model to uncover whether time on social media mediates the association between loneliness and psychological distress, alongside a moderating effect of age. Method: A community sample of 979 men of mean age 36.0 years (range = 18–78, SD = 13.11) took part via an online survey involving measures of study constructs. Results: Results highlighted a novel moderated mediation effect: for younger men only, loneliness predicts psychological distress via time spent on social media. Conclusion: Men experiencing loneliness appear to turn to social media in attempt at digital connection, however for younger men in particular, often this fails to ameliorate links between loneliness and psychological distress. Implications for public health messaging, clinical work with men and future interventional studies are discussed.

scholarly journals Perception of social media behaviour among medical students, residents and medical specialists

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastiaan A. Pronk ◽  
Simone L. Gorter ◽  
Scheltus J. van Luijk ◽  
Pieter C. Barnhoorn ◽  
Beer Binkhorst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Medical Specialists

Abstract Introduction Behaviour is visible in real-life events, but also on social media. While some national medical organizations have published social media guidelines, the number of studies on professional social media use in medical education is limited. This study aims to explore social media use among medical students, residents and medical specialists. Methods An anonymous, online survey was sent to 3844 medical students at two Dutch medical schools, 828 residents and 426 medical specialists. Quantitative, descriptive data analysis regarding demographic data, yes/no questions and Likert scale questions were performed using SPSS. Qualitative data analysis was performed iteratively, independently by two researchers applying the principles of constant comparison, open and axial coding until consensus was reached. Results Overall response rate was 24.8%. Facebook was most popular among medical students and residents; LinkedIn was most popular among medical specialists. Personal pictures and/or information about themselves on social media that were perceived as unprofessional were reported by 31.3% of students, 19.7% of residents and 4.1% of medical specialists. Information and pictures related to alcohol abuse, partying, clinical work or of a sexually suggestive character were considered inappropriate. Addressing colleagues about their unprofessional posts was perceived to be mainly dependent on the nature and hierarchy of the interprofessional relation. Discussion There is a widespread perception that the presence of unprofessional information on social media among the participants and their colleagues is a common occurrence. Medical educators should create awareness of the risks of unprofessional (online) behaviour among healthcare professionals, as well as the necessity and ways of addressing colleagues in case of such lapses.

scholarly journals Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale amongst Indian Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Kumar Sharma ◽  
David John Hallford ◽  
Nitin Anand
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
General Psychological Distress

Background: The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) is a widely used measure of negative emotional states. While the DASS is increasingly used in mental health research in India, to date no study has examined the factor structure among Indian adults. Methods: A large community sample of English-speaking Indian adults completed the DASS 21-item version, and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. Results: The results indicated a good fit for a three factor (depression, anxiety, and stress) and a one-factor model (general psychological distress). There was no substantial difference between the fit of the models, and the DASS subscales were very strongly correlated with one another (r ≥ .80). Conclusion: The findings from this sample suggest that the DASS-21 items appear to assess general psychological distress, with little evidence that the items assess three distinct subscales.

scholarly journals Self-reported psychological distress during the COVID-19 outbreak in Nepal: findings from an online survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamal Gautam ◽  
Ramesh P. Adhikari ◽  
Aman Sen Gupta ◽  
Rajan Kumar Shrestha ◽  
Pitambar Koirala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
The Past ◽  
Psychological Impacts ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background A lower respiratory tract infection caused by novel coronavirus termed as Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) was first identified in China and subsequently took the form of pandemic. Studies on disease outbreak in the past and recent COVID-19 outbreak have demonstrated increased psychological distress and adverse impacts on mental health and psychological wellbeing of people. However, the impact of COVID-19 on psychological wellbeing of people in Nepal hasn't been studied adequately. So, this paper aims to report the findings from a social media survey on psychological impacts of COVID-19 in Nepal. Methods Data were collected through social media from 2082 Nepalese respondents between 23rd April, 2020 and 3rd May, 2020. A total of 2014 respondents who were currently residing in Nepal were included in the analysis. Results The study suggested that half of the respondents suffered from at least one symptom of psychological distress whereas 32% suffered from two or more symptoms of psychological distress such as restlessness, fearfulness, anxiety and worry and sadness in the past 2 weeks preceding the survey date. The findings further suggested that respondents having lower family income, residing in rented room, and participants from province 2 were more likely to suffer from both single and multiple symptoms of psychological distress. Conclusion The study has shown high prevalence of psychological distress amongst the Nepalese respondents following COVID-19 outbreak. Appropriate mental health and psychosocial support response needs to be instituted to adequately respond to psychological impacts of the epidemic.

scholarly journals Adolescent Social Media User Types and their Mental Health and Well-being: results from a longitudinal survey of 13–14-year-olds in the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizzy Winstone ◽  
Becky Mars ◽  
CMA Haworth ◽  
Jon Heron ◽  
Judi Kidger
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Health And Well Being

Background There is mixed evidence as to the effects of different types of social media use on mental health, but previous research has been platform-specific and has focused on an oversimplified distinction between active and passive use. This study aimed to identify different underlying subgroups of adolescent social media user based on their pattern of social media activities and test associations between user type and future mental health. Methods Students from nineteen schools (N=2,456) in south-west England completed an online survey measuring thirteen social media activities and four psychosocial outcomes (past year self-harm, depression, anxiety and poor well-being) at age 13 years (October 2019) and repeated a year later (October 2020; aged 14 years). Latent class analysis using Mplus identified distinct classes of social media user. A bias-adjusted three-step model was used to test associations between class membership at baseline and mental health at follow-up. Analyses were adjusted for gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, disability, social media screen-time and baseline mental health.Results A four-class model of social media user at baseline was selected based on fit statistics and interpretability. User types were labelled High Communicators; Moderate Communicators; Broadcasters; and Minimal users. Broadcasters at age 13 had the poorest mental health outcomes at age 14, with mental health and well-being generally better in the two Communicator groups. Conclusions Findings suggest that adolescents with high levels of content sharing – in addition to socialising and browsing online – are most likely to be experiencing poor mental health a year later. Recommendations regarding social media use should move beyond screen-time to consider different user types, and mental health implications of their engagement with different online activities.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Masculinity and Internalized Homophobia amongst Australian Gay Men

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5475
Author(s):  
Jack Thepsourinthone ◽  
Tinashe Dune ◽  
Pranee Liamputtong ◽  
Amit Arora
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Internalized Homophobia ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Multiple Regressions ◽  
Conformity To Masculine Norms ◽  
Masculine Norms ◽  
The Relationship

Due to the heterosexist ideals associated with gender norms, gay men often experience negative attitudes towards their own sexuality—internalized homophobia. As a result, gay men often feel compelled to compensate for their perceived lack of masculinity. The study aimed to investigate the relationship and predictive power of masculinity on gay men’s experiences of internalized homophobia. A sample of 489 self-identified Australian gay men 18–72 years old participated in an online survey on masculinity and homosexuality. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and sequential multiple regressions were used to test the study’s aims. Sequential multiple regressions revealed that conformity to masculine norms and threats to masculinity contingency were stronger predictors of internalized homophobia over and above demographic and other factors. Given the already known psychological risks associated with social isolation, internalized homophobia, and the poor mental health outcomes associated with sexual minority groups, it is suggested that gay men who are experiencing high degrees of internalized homophobia should not be distancing themselves from other gay men but, conversely, seek a strong relationship with the LGBTI community.

Role stress and psychological distress among Chinese nurses: a moderated mediation model of social support and burnout in a cross-sectional online survey (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuting Xiao ◽  
Honghui Zhang ◽  
Qian Li ◽  
Shan Xiao ◽  
Ting Dai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Role Stress ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Hunan Province ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Survey Tool

BACKGROUND Nurses are at high risk of psychological distress including stress, depression, and anxiety due to low personnel density and high work demand. Despite mounting evidence showing that role stress is a risk factor for nurses’ psychological distress, the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship are less known. OBJECTIVE This study tests the mediation effect of burnout in the association between role stress and psychological distress, and whether this mediation is moderated by social support. METHODS A sample of 623 Chinese nurses was recruited from all hepatological surgery departments in Hunan Province and filled out online questionnaire through Sojum (a most commonly used professional online survey tool) to collect data on socio-demographics, role stress, burnout, psychological distress, and social support. Mediation and moderation analyses were carried out in SPSS macro-PROCESS. RESULTS Burnout partially mediated the positive association between role stress and psychological distress. Social support moderated the indirect effect of role stress on psychological distress via burnout, with the effect being stronger for nurses with low social support than those with high social support. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrated how role stress contributed to nurses’ psychological distress both directly and indirectly through burnout, and how this indirect effect was moderated by social support. The results provide important practical implications for future prevention and intervention programs to improve nurses’ mental health from multiple aspects such as decreasing role stress and burnout while increasing social support.

scholarly journals Risk of psychological distress, pervasiveness of stigma and utilisation of support services: Exploring paramedic perceptions

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Mackinnon ◽  
Timothy Everett ◽  
Lisa Holmes ◽  
Erin Smith ◽  
Brennen Mills
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Distress Scale

IntroductionParamedics are exposed to significant and cumulative stressors that contribute to poor mental health. The provision of effective and engaging mental health support is essential in improving overall wellbeing. Many ambulance services have adapted their available support services to reflect this need. However, there remains limited research into the perceived efficacy of these services and barriers that limit uptake from paramedics.MethodsParamedics and ambulance volunteers from Australia and New Zealand were invited to complete an online survey consisting of a series of Likert-scale and open-ended response questions. The well-validated Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was also incorporated into the online survey.ResultsA total of 184 participants completed the survey. A total of 50 (27%) participants reported high/very high levels of psychological distress. Participants exposed to at least one adverse event while working reported higher psychological distress scores than those that had not. Just over half (51%) of all participants disagreed/strongly disagreed there was no stigma associated with seeking mental health support from paramedic colleagues and 54% of participants disagreed/strongly disagreed there was no stigma from managerial staff.ConclusionThese findings suggest paramedics are at a greater risk of psychological distress than the general population. This is particularly problematic given there is a clear perception of ongoing stigma among paramedics associated with the utilisation of mental health support services. Future research should explore methods for reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behaviours in this vulnerable population throughout all phases of an emergency service workers career.

scholarly journals Psychological distress and internet-related behaviors between schoolchildren with and without overweight during the COVID-19 outbreak

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao-Ying Chen ◽  
I-Hua Chen ◽  
Kerry O’Brien ◽  
Janet D Latner ◽  
Chung-Ying Lin
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Weight Stigma ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Perceived Weight ◽  
Problematic Social Media Use

Abstract Objective: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and its resulting social policy changes, may result in psychological distress among schoolchildren with overweight. This study thus aimed to (1) compare psychological distress (including fear of COVID-19 infection, stress, anxiety, and depression), perceived weight stigma, and problematic internet-related behaviors between schoolchildren with and without overweight; (2) assess whether perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors explained psychological distress.Methods: Schoolchildren (n=1 357; mean age=10.7 years) with overweight (n=236) and without overweight (n=1 121) completed an online survey assessing their fear of COVID-19 infection, stress, anxiety, depression, perceived weight stigma, problematic smartphone application use, problematic social media use, and problematic gaming.Results: Schoolchildren with overweight had significantly higher levels of COVID-19 infection fear, stress, depression, perceived weight stigma, and problematic social media use than those without overweight. Regression models showed that perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors were significant predictors of psychological distress among schoolchildren with overweight.Conclusion: Strategies to manage perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors may have a positive influence on mental health among schoolchildren with overweight under health-threatening circumstances, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Media Exposure and Anxiety during COVID-19: The Mediation Effect of Media Vicarious Traumatization

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (13) ◽  
pp. 4720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cong Liu ◽  
Yi Liu
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Vicarious Traumatization ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Media Exposure ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Mediation Effects ◽  
Commercial Media ◽  
The Impact

The rapid spread and high death rates of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in massive panic and anxiety all over the world. People rely heavily on media for information-seeking during the period of social isolation. This study aimed to explore the relationship between media exposure and anxiety, and highlighted the underlying mechanisms mediated by the media vicarious traumatization effect. A total of 1118 Chinese citizens participated in the online survey, who were from 30 provinces in mainland China. Results showed that all four types of media (official media, commercial media, social media, and overseas media) cause vicarious traumatization to their audiences to different degrees. It was also found that the impact of media exposure on anxiety was mediated by media vicarious traumatization: there were full mediation effects for commercial media exposure and overseas media exposure, while there were indirect-only mediation effects for official media exposure and social media exposure. Audiences staying in cities with a relatively severe pandemic were more susceptible to the vicarious traumatization caused by commercial media compared to those staying in Hubei. This study expanded the concept and application of vicarious traumatization to the mediated context, and the findings provided insightful advice to media practitioners in the face of major crisis.

scholarly journals The relationship between social media context awareness and active coping during COVID-19: the mediation effect of positive reframing

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 534-543
Author(s):  
Dana Rad ◽  
Gavril Rad
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Context Awareness ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Active Coping ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Stressful Situation ◽  
Brief Cope ◽  
Positive Reframing ◽  
The Impact

Awareness of the context of social media is identified as an emerging technical capacity relating to the awareness of the social digital community in which a particular experience takes place, realizing the impact on the observer of the perceived social media context, rationalizing the process of social media information undergoing and owning trust for acting on social media. This investigation is an explorative research, analyzing data form 403 Romanian respondents in an online survey, regarding the psychological effect of the imposed social isolation, over respondent’s coping mechanisms. We used the Brief-COPE to determine efficient and inadequate ways to deal with adverse situations and the 4 items SMCA social media context awareness scale. The hypothesis is that the association between social media context awareness (SMCA) and active coping (AC) is mediated by positive reframing (PR), as a potential enhancer of active coping under prolonged social isolation periods over the general population. The standardized indirect effect found was (.11) × (.37) =.04, supporting the mediation hypothesis, suggesting that rather than a direct causal relationship be-tween the SMCA and the AC, our mediation model proposes that SMCA influences the PF mediator variable, which in turn influences the dependent variable AC. Social media context awareness along with positive reframing as a mediator, in a stressful situation, are enhancers of an active coping mechanism.

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