Child development and family mental health in war and military violence: The Palestinian experience

2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 310-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samir Qouta ◽  
Raija-Leena Punamäki ◽  
Eyad El Sarraj
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Child Development ◽  
Peer Relations ◽  
Cognitive Capacity ◽  
Palestinian Authority ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Developmental Issues ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Military Violence

The article reviews developmental research among Palestinians living in Gaza. The aims are, first, to analyze how exposure to traumatic events associates with children's mental health and their cognitive, emotional and social development. Second, we aimed to model familial and symbolic processes that can either harm or protect the mental health of children. Third, we wanted to learn who the resilient children are in conditions of war and military violence. The reviewed research has been conducted in the context of a Palestinian non-governmental organization, the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, during the political upheavals involving hopes for peace and intensive war and violence: the First Intifada (1987—1993), the Palestinian Authority rule (1994— ) and the Second Al Aqsa Intifada (2001— ). The results show that life threat, violence and losses form a risk for increased psychological distress. There are, however, a myriad of child, family and society related factors and psycho-socio-physiological processes that protect child development and mental health. They include, e.g. loving and wisely guiding parenting, children's flexible and high cognitive capacity, flexible and multiple coping strategies and narrative and symbolic nocturnal dreaming, as well as social support and good peer relations. Different models explain psychological distress and positive resources, including child resilience. Exposure to trauma is crucial in predicting distress, while familial and developmental issues are important in building resilience. Children's conscious and unconscious cognitive-emotional processes are crucial for underlying mental health and knowledge about them is important in tailoring evidence-based preventive interventions among war victims.

scholarly journals Trauma in the Kashmir Valley and the mediating effect of stressors of daily life on symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tambri Housen ◽  
Annick Lenglet ◽  
Showkat Shah ◽  
Helal Sha ◽  
Shabnum Ara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Daily Stressors ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Protracted Conflict ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract Background The negative psychological impact of living in a setting of protracted conflict has been well studied, however there is a recognized need to understand the role that non-conflict related factors have on mediating exposure to trauma and signs of psychological distress. Methods We used data from the 2015 Kashmir Mental Health Survey and conducted mediation analysis to assess the extent to which daily stressors mediated the effect of traumatic experiences on poor mental health outcomes. Outcomes of interest were probable diagnosis of anxiety, depression, or PTSD; measured using the pre-validated Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). Results Total effect mediated were statistically significant but the proportions of effect mediated were found to be small in practical terms. Financial stress mediated 6.8% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 6∙0–8∙4], 6.7% [CI 6.2–7∙7] and 3.6% [CI 3∙4–4∙0] of the effect of experiencing multiple traumaticogenic events on symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD, respectively. Family stress mediated 11.3% [CI 10.3–13.8], 10.3% [CI 9.5–11.9] and 6.1% [CI 5.7–6.7] of the effect of experiencing multiple traumatogenic events on symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD, respectively. Poor physical health mediated 10.0% [CI 9.1–12∙0], 7.2% [CI 6.6–8.2] and 4.0% [CI 3.8,4.4] of the effect of experiencing more than seven traumatic events on symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD, respectively. Conclusion Our findings highlight that not only do we need to move beyond a trauma-focussed approach to addressing psychological distress in populations affected by protracted conflict but we must also move beyond focussing on daily stressors as explanatory mediators.

Psychological distress among Bhutanese refugees living in the northeast region of the United States

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramraj Gautam ◽  
Jason Rydberg ◽  
Ivy Ho ◽  
Bhola Siwakoti ◽  
William Chadbourne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Bhutanese Refugees ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of psychological distress among adult Bhutanese refugees living in the United States. We recruited 376 adult Bhutanese refugees living in the northeast US region, the majority of whom were employed, married men in their 40 s who were US citizens. Using Bayesian Negative Binomial Regression modelling, we examined the impact of sociodemographic measures, health status and refugee integration measures on psychological distress outcomes. The most common predictors of depression, stress and anxiety were social connection deficits and self-reported health conditions. Other associated factors included: health access deficits, number of years living in the US, paid employment, citizenship and living in more than one US city. The findings of our study revealed that mental health outcomes in this subset of the population of Bhutanese refugees are impacted by a variety of social and health related factors. Public policy makers and practitioners need to recognize the complex issues affecting mental health of Bhutanese refugees. Advocacy for expanded culturally congruent policies and evidence based mental health services are recommended. Future research needs to examine culturally relevant concepts and measures related to mental health and integration in this population.

Psychological Distress in Bullied Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adolescents

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 366-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
An-Wen Cheng ◽  
Yu-Ching Chou ◽  
Fu-Gong Lin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Hard Of Hearing ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Bullying Victimization ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Psychological Well Being

AbstractBullying victimization at school is an important concern in terms of mental health, in particular, for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) adolescents who may be more vulnerable than hearing peers. This study determined the prevalence of bullying victimization among DHH adolescents in Taiwan and ascertained the relation of bullying victimization experiences and family and school variables with their psychological well-being. Data were collected from the 2011 Special Needs Education Longitudinal Study database. Multivariate regression analysis was performed on variables comprising seven items measuring psychological distress; four types of bullying victimizations; and family-, school-, and peer-related factors. Approximately 65% of DHH adolescents experienced at least one type of bullying victimization. Factors such as exclusion bullying, female gender, delayed bedtime, conflicts with parents, unfavorable relationship with parents, inability to get along with friends, dislike for school, and bullying victimization experiences increased psychological distress in the DHH adolescents. Bullying victimization of DHH adolescents is a risk factor for poor mental health. However, a good relationship of these adolescents with their parents and peers could be protective for their psychological well-being. Therefore, parents and teachers should understand the needs of DHH adolescents and establish antibullying strategies to diminish their mental health problems.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress and Well-Being among Students of Health Disciplines: The Importance of Academic Satisfaction

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2151
Author(s):  
Jessica Franzen ◽  
Françoise Jermann ◽  
Paolo Ghisletta ◽  
Serge Rudaz ◽  
Guido Bondolfi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Academic Satisfaction

Background: Research on the mental health of students in health disciplines mainly focuses on psychological distress and nursing and medical students. This study aimed to investigate the psychological well-being and distress and related factors among undergraduate students training in eight different health-related tracks in Geneva, Switzerland. Methods: This cross-sectional study used established self-filled scales for anxiety, depression, stress, psychological well-being, and study satisfaction. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression analyses were applied. Results: In October 2019, out of 2835 invited students, 915 (32%) completed the survey. Lower academic satisfaction scores were strongly associated with depression (β = −0.26, p < 0.001), anxiety (β = −0.27, p < 0.001), and stress (β = −0.70, p < 0.001), while higher scores were associated with psychological well-being (β = 0.70, p < 0.001). Being female was strongly associated with anxiety and stress but not with depression or psychological well-being. Increased age was associated with enhanced psychological well-being. The nature of the academic training had a lesser impact on mental health and the academic year had none. Conclusion: Academic satisfaction strongly predicts depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological well-being. Training institutions should address the underlying factors that can improve students’ satisfaction with their studies while ensuring that they have access to psychosocial services that help them cope with mental distress and enhance their psychological well-being.

Mental Health Status of Iranian Migrants in Sydney

1997 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 828-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Freidoon Khavarpour ◽  
Chris Rissel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Health Programs ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Health Questionnaire ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Mental Health Programs ◽  
Sydney Australia

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the levels and predictors of psychological distress within the Iranian community in Sydney, Australia. Method: Participants (n = 161) were identified using snowball sampling, and a questionnaire incorporating the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-20) and other migration-related factors was mailed to their preferred address. Results: A relatively high proportion of respondents (37%) had GHQ-20 scores above the recommended threshold (4+). Students were significantly more likely to report psychological distress compared with respondents who worked full-time. A feeling that migration had contributed to their distress was also found to be significantly associated with above-threshold GHQ-20 scores. Conclusions: Iranian migrants in Sydney may need mental health programs to address migration-related distress.

scholarly journals Factors related to adverse mental health condition of demented family caregivers: A study in West Bengal, India

2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 373-388
Author(s):  
Ipsita Basu ◽  
Susmita Mukhopadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Caregiving ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Mental Health Condition ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Care Recipients

Abstract Dementia caregiving is a unique and the caregivers faces extreme challenges which affect care-giver’s mental health adversely. Family caregiving towards elderly individuals with dementia is becoming widespread. The study aims to evaluate the mental health status of dementia family caregivers and some related factors that affect their mental health condition. Present cross sectional study includes a total of 134 family caregivers. Socio-demographic and caregiving related data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data on caregivers’ mental health traits (measured in terms of level of stress and anxiety), level of psychosocial distress, support they provided and the care recipient’s behavioural symptoms associated with dementia. Mean age of the caregivers was 61.64 years (SD 13.89) while the care recipients were above 70 years of age. Mean age of care recipients was 75.46±7.26 years. Alzheimer’s type of dementia was the most common type found among them. Higher level of stress and anxiety was prevalent among the caregivers. Level of education, being a spouse, psychological distress has strong relationship with caregivers’ mental health condition. Behavioural abnormalities of care recipients were also responsible for poor mental health conditions of caregivers. Family caregiving is becoming the most suitable option nowadays and it associated with caregivers’ psychological distress and other health issues. Present study also revealed distressed mental health conditions of caregivers. Since care recipients remain dependent mostly on their family care-givers, it is necessary that caregivers should be fit mentally as well as physically. Therefore, proper support and management is needed for caregivers in near future.

scholarly journals Suboptimal diabetic control and psychological burden after the triple disaster in Japan: the Fukushima Health Management Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e002007
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Hirai ◽  
Kanako Okazaki ◽  
Tetsuya Ohira ◽  
Masaharu Maeda ◽  
Akira Sakai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Logistic Models ◽  
Diabetic Control ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Health Distress ◽  
Mental Health Distress

IntroductionA triple disaster struck eastern Japan in March 2011. We investigated the psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms caused by the disaster in people without or with diabetes mellitus.Research design and methodsThis cross-sectional analysis examined the 16 097 evacuees (1820 (11.3%) with and 14 277 (88.7%) without diabetes mellitus) included in the Fukushima Health Management Survey. Non-specific mental health distress was assessed using the Kessler-6 Scale, and traumatic symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Checklist. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the OR and 95% CI associated with symptoms, adjusted for diabetes-related and disaster-related factors.ResultsIn the age-adjusted and sex-adjusted logistic models, suboptimal diabetic control (hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥7%) was associated with both psychological distress and possible PTSD. In the same models, current smoking, evacuation, and sleep dissatisfaction were associated with psychological distress and possible PTSD. In the multivariate-adjusted logistic models, HbA1c ≥7% was associated with psychological distress, independent of job change, evacuation, or sleep dissatisfaction.ConclusionAfter the triple disaster, non-specific mental health distress was associated with suboptimal diabetic control. Thus, patients with diabetes, especially those with suboptimal diabetic control, may be vulnerable to postdisaster psychological burden.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress and Well-Being Among Students of Health Disciplines: The Importance of Academic Satisfaction

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Franzen ◽  
Francoise Jermann ◽  
Paolo Ghisletta ◽  
Serge Rudaz ◽  
Guido Bondolfi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Academic Satisfaction

Background Research on the mental health of students in health disciplines mainly focuses on psychological distress and nursing and medical students. This study aimed to investigate the psychological well-being and distress and related factors among undergraduate students training in eight different health-related tracks in Geneva, Switzerland. Methods This cross-sectional study used established self-filled scales for anxiety, depression, stress, psychological well-being, and study satisfaction. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression analyses were applied. Results In October 2019, out of 2835 invited students, 915 (32%) completed the survey. Lower academic satisfaction scores were strongly associated with depression (&beta;=-.26, p&lt;.001), anxiety (&beta;=-.27, p&lt;.001), and stress (&beta;=-.70, p&lt;.001), while higher scores with psychological well-being (&beta;=.70, p&lt;.001). Being female was strongly associated with anxiety and stress but not with depression or psychological well-being. Increased age was associated with enhanced psychological well-being. The nature of the academic training had a lesser impact on mental health and the academic year none. Conclusion Academic satisfaction strongly predicts depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological well-being. Training institutions should address the underlying factors that can improve students&rsquo; satisfaction with their studies while ensuring that they have access to psychosocial services that help them cope with mental distress and enhance their psychological well-being.

Root Cause Analyses of Suicides of Mental Health Clients

Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 316-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Gillies ◽  
David Chicop ◽  
Paul O'Halloran
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Data Collection Tool ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Communication Problems ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Mental Health Clients ◽  
Imminent Risk

Abstract. Background: The ability to predict imminent risk of suicide is limited, particularly among mental health clients. Root cause analysis (RCA) can be used by health services to identify service-wide approaches to suicide prevention. Aims: To (a) develop a standardized taxonomy for RCAs; (b) to quantitate service-related factors associated with suicides; and (c) to identify service-related suicide prevention strategies. Method: The RCAs of all people who died by suicide within 1 week of contact with the mental health service over 5 years were thematically analyzed using a data collection tool. Results: Data were derived from RCAs of all 64 people who died by suicide between 2008 and 2012. Major themes were categorized as individual, situational, and care-related factors. The most common factor was that clients had recently denied suicidality. Reliance on carers, recent changes in medication, communication problems, and problems in follow-through were also commonly identified. Conclusion: Given the difficulty in predicting suicide in people whose expressions of suicidal ideation change so rapidly, services may consider the use of strategies aimed at improving the individual, stressor, support, and care factors identified in this study.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document