Perceived Stress Moderates the Impact of Internalizing Symptoms on Family Functioning in Early Adolescence

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 1291-1317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily G. Simpson ◽  
Anna Vannucci ◽  
Courtney R. Lincoln ◽  
Christine McCauley Ohannessian

This study investigates the impact of early adolescent internalizing symptoms on family functioning for girls and boys, as moderated by perceived stress. Surveys were administered to 1,344 middle school students (11-14 years; 51% girls; 51% non-Hispanic White) in the fall of 2016 (T1) and 6 months later in the spring of 2017 (T2). For boys, depressive symptoms predicted less family conflict only among those with low stress. For girls, depressive symptoms predicted less adolescent-mother communication among those with low stress, but more communication among those with high stress. Also for girls, anxiety predicted more family cohesion in girls with low stress, but less cohesion among those with high stress. Finally, anxiety predicted less adolescent-father communication only among girls with low stress. Findings underscore the complex role that perceived stress plays when considering the impact of internalizing symptoms on family functioning in early adolescent girls and boys.

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 504-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth S. Russell ◽  
Emily Simpson ◽  
Kaitlin M. Flannery ◽  
Christine M. Ohannessian

This longitudinal study sought to investigate associations between adolescent substance use and family functioning and whether internalizing symptoms play a mediating role in this relationship; based on growing evidence from the literature, we also explored gender differences. Participants ( N = 1,036) completed surveys in school during 2007, 2008, and 2009. Path analysis results indicated that boys’ alcohol use negatively predicted family functioning while marijuana use results indicate both significant impacts on family functioning. Further results show that boys’ depressive symptoms mediated the relationships between alcohol use and family cohesion and adaptability. For girls, depressive symptoms negatively predicted family functioning (cohesion, adaptability, communication with mother/father), whereas anxiety symptoms positively predicted this same set of family functioning outcomes with the exception of communication with father.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
DeAnnah R Byrd ◽  
Roland J Thorpe ◽  
Keith E Whitfield

Abstract Background and Objectives Previous studies have linked stress to multiple negative mental health outcomes, including depression. This established stress–depression association is typically examined in one direction and cross-sectionally. This study examined the bidirectional relationships between depressive symptoms and changes in perceived stress over time in Blacks. Research Design and Methods The present study uses a community-dwelling sample of 450 Black adults, aged 51–96 years old, who participated in the Baltimore Study of Black Aging—Patterns of Cognitive Aging. Perceived stress—measured by the Perceived Stress Scale—and depressive symptoms—measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale—were both assessed at baseline and follow-up 33 months later. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine 2 bidirectional longitudinal relationships between (1) stress–depression and (2) depression–stress, and whether these associations are modified by age. Results Initial analyses testing the typical stress–depression relationship showed an effect in the expected direction, that is stress leading to more depressive symptoms over time, adjusting for model covariates, but the effect was not statistically significant (b = 0.014, p = .642). After accounting for baseline perceived stress level, age, sex, education, and chronic health conditions, depressive symptoms were positively associated with follow-up stress (b = 0.210, p < .000). The depression–stress association further varied by age group such that the impact of baseline depression on changes in perceived stress was greatest in Blacks in their 60s versus those in their 50s (b = 0.267, p = .001), controlling for model covariates. Discussion and Implications Contrary to previous work, the results suggest that an individual’s mental health shapes his/her perception of stressful events and this relationship varies by age group. While the typical finding (stress impacting depression) was not significant, the findings reported here highlight the importance of considering the possible bidirectional nature of the relationships between psychosocial measures of stress and mental health in later life among Blacks.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 409-429
Author(s):  
Junmei Xiong ◽  
Man Hai ◽  
Jintao Wang ◽  
Ye Li ◽  
Guangrong Jiang

The current study examined the associations among cumulative risk, psychological capital and adolescents’ anxiety/depression and life satisfaction. Chinese adolescents ( N = 1473, grades 7 to 12, ages 12 to 18, 52.1% female) completed self-report cumulative risk, psychological capital, anxiety/depressive symptoms and life satisfaction questionnaires. Cumulative risk was associated with anxiety/depression and life satisfaction. Psychological capital demonstrated a compensatory effect on youth adjustment. Furthermore, a cost of resilience was observed in high-school students with high psychological capital, who showed compromised life satisfaction in conjunction with reduced anxiety/depression under circumstances of severe adversity. Psychological capital also buffered the impact of cumulative risk on anxiety/depressive symptoms in middle-school students; however, it did not moderate the relationship between cumulative risk and life satisfaction. Therefore, psychological capital cannot protect adolescents exposed to cumulative risk from the exacerbation of psychopathology and declining life satisfaction simultaneously, and a ‘toll’ exists as a byproduct of resilience in high-school students. Suggestions for school health practices were provided accordingly.


Author(s):  
Diana M. Doumas ◽  
Aida Midgett

Cyberbullying is a significant problem among school-aged youth. Cyberbullying peaks in middle school with 33% of middle school students reporting cyberbullying victimization and more than 50% reporting witnessing cyberbullying as bystanders. Although the association between cyberbullying victimization and internalizing symptoms is well documented, there is limited research examining the impact of witnessing cyberbullying on bystanders. To assess differences in internalizing symptoms between cyberbullying bystanders and non-bystanders, a school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among middle school students (6th–8th grade) in the United States (N = 130; 57.4% female; 42.6% male). Questionnaire data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of co-variance (MANCOVA) with three outcome variables (depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms) and the between-subject factor bystander status (bystander, non-bystander). We controlled for witnessing school bullying to examine the unique effect of witnessing cyberbullying on internalizing symptoms. Results of the MANCOVA indicated a significant effect for cyberbullying bystander status (p < 0.04). Post hoc analyses demonstrated that bystanders reported significantly higher levels of depression (p < 0.05), anxiety (p < 0.02), and somatic symptoms (p < 0.01) than non-bystanders. Findings suggest that programs to support students who witness cyberbullying are needed to reduce the mental health risks associated with being a cyberbullying bystander.


Author(s):  
VR Kuchma ◽  
AYu Makarova ◽  
OV Tikashkina

Background: Transition to machine learning, personalized medicine, and high-tech healthcare requires up-todate medical personnel. The higher medical school is transforming the system of training specialists using modern digital technologies and is starting education in the associated pre-universities, thus necessitating research into effects of current technologies on the functional state of high school students. Materials and methods: In April 2019, based on voluntary informed consent, we examined 181 healthy Moscow medical pre-university students (15–17 years of age) and assessed the impact of learning on the central nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and visual analyzer. Results: Traditional lessons in the pre-university are combined with project activities and development of practical skills. Phantom and simulation technologies along with modular construction of the curriculum are used to form practical knowledge and skills. The study load of 38–40 hours a week exceeds hygienic standards. Individual project activities in small groups (up to five students) with teachers last 20 hours a week. Simulation classes are held once a week after the main classes and last 90 minutes with a 5-minute break. Classes using simulation technologies are not always hygienically rational. Study loads, specifics of the timetable and teaching techniques approximated to university ones are adequate to functional capabilities of the body of medical pre-university students. Simulation classes cause no pronounced deviations in the neuromuscular apparatus of students. Most students demonstrate high stress tolerance and a greater motivational readiness for simulation exercises. Emotional tension and high anxiety rates are almost similar during traditional lessons and simulation activities on phantoms. Conclusions: It is advisable to make wider use of modern digital (simulation, phantom, virtual) and design and research teaching technologies including in medical classes of educational institutions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-72
Author(s):  
Miranda Yendrembam ◽  
Arundhati Devi Maibam ◽  
Sanjenbam Yaiphaba Meitei ◽  
Henry Konjengbam

Background - Perceived stress experiences differ amongst individuals due to psychological, physical and socio-economic factors and with the outbreak of COVID-19, the impact on mental health has been unavoidable. Another dimension of understanding stress is also put forth by Ayurveda, an ancient medicine system of India. Aim – Aims to find the association of bio-social parameters including prakriti body types with perceived stress levels amidst COVID -19 pandemic. Material and Methods – Data were collected from 390 individuals aged ranging from 18 – 45 years through an online survey. Prakriti were determined by prakriti assessment questionnaire. Stress level was assessed by using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS 10) and relevant statistical analysis were carried out. Results - Significant association (p < 0.05) is found in body mass index (BMI), prakriti body types, sex, and effects of COVID–19 on mental and physical well – being with perceived stress levels. Vata prakriti (19.71%), underweight individuals (12.65%), and females (11.44%) are significantly more prone to develop high stress. Salaried individuals are significantly less likely to be affected by moderate stress. VIF is less than 5 and Tolerance is greater than 0.2. And, Nagelkerke value is found to be 29.3%.  Conclusion – The study concludes that there is a significant association of biosocial parameters including prakriti body types with perceived stress levels amidst COVID–19 pandemic. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver W.A. Wilson ◽  
Kelsey E. Holland ◽  
Lucas D. Elliott ◽  
Michele Duffey ◽  
Melissa Bopp

Background: Investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both physical activity (PA) and mental health is important to demonstrate the need for interventions. This study examined the apparent impact of the pandemic on college students’ PA, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Methods: From 2015 through 2020, data were collected at the beginning and end of the spring semester at a large Northeastern US university via an online survey assessing student demographics, PA, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Mixed ANOVA examined differences in PA and mental health changes over the spring semester between “normal” and COVID-19 circumstances. Two-way ANOVA examined the interaction between circumstance and changes in PA in relation to changes in mental health. Results: Participants (n = 1019) were predominately women and non-Hispanic white. There was a significant decline in PA and an increase in perceived stress under COVID-19, but not normal, circumstances and a significant increase in depressive symptoms under COVID-19, but not normal, circumstances among women. Conclusions: A significant decline in PA and mental health among college students occurred under COVID-19 circumstances, and PA did not appear to protect against deterioration in mental health. Proactive and innovative policies, programs, and practices to promote student health and well-being must be explored immediately.


2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Clear ◽  
Melanie J. Zimmer-Gembeck ◽  
Amanda L. Duffy ◽  
Bonnie L. Barber

Drawing from dispositional mindfulness research and stress and coping theories, we tested whether adolescents’ dispositional mindfulness was associated with perceptions of peer victimization and exclusion and internalizing symptoms. We further explored the role of dispositional mindfulness as a protective factor buffering the impact of peer victimization and exclusion (PVE) on internalizing symptoms. Participants were 361 (40% boys) adolescents aged between 11 and 18 years ( M = 14.9, SD = 1.4) who completed a questionnaire to assess dispositional mindfulness, perceptions of PVE, social anxiety and depressive symptoms, and loneliness. As expected, more frequent experience of PVE was associated with reporting more symptoms of social anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Further, adolescents who reported higher dispositional mindfulness also reported fewer symptoms of social anxiety, depression, and loneliness, even after controlling for gender and experiences of PVE. Dispositional mindfulness was not protective against (i.e., did not buffer) the effects of PVE on internalizing symptoms. Instead, we found that PVE had a stronger association with symptoms of social anxiety, depression, and loneliness when mindfulness was high relative to when it was medium or low. Yet, victimization was associated with greater social anxiety, depressive symptoms, and loneliness at all levels of mindfulness.


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