The Impact of Military Service Exposures and Psychological Resilience on the Mental Health Trajectories of Older Male Veterans

2020 ◽  
pp. 089826432097523
Author(s):  
Stephanie Ureña ◽  
Miles G. Taylor ◽  
Dawn C. Carr

Objectives: We examine the impact of exposure to the dead, dying, and wounded (DDW) during military service on the later-life depressive symptom trajectories of male United States veterans, using psychological resilience as an internal resource that potentially moderates negative consequences. Methods: The Health and Retirement Study (2006–2014) and linked Veteran Mail Survey were used to estimate latent growth curve models of depressive symptom trajectories, beginning at respondents’ first report of resilience. Results: Veterans with higher levels of resilience do not have increased depressive symptoms in later life, despite previous exposure to DDW. Those with lower levels of resilience and previous exposure to DDW experience poorer mental health in later life. Discussion: Psychological resilience is important for later-life mental health, particularly for veterans who endured potentially traumatic experiences. We discuss the importance acknowledging the role individual resources play in shaping adaptation to adverse life events and implications for mental health service needs.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S320-S320
Author(s):  
Miles G Taylor ◽  
Stephanie Ureña ◽  
Dawn Carr ◽  
Stella N Min

Abstract Objectives Drawing on the life course framework and theoretical concept of resilience, we examine the impact of early-life service-related exposures (SREs) on later-life functional impairment trajectories among older U.S. male veterans. We conceptualize resilience as a psychological resource potentially moderating the lasting negative consequences of traumatic military exposures. Method Using the 2013 Veterans Mail Survey linked to the Health and Retirement Study 2006–2014 Leave Behind Questionnaire and RAND Data File (v.N), we estimate latent growth curve models of functional impairment trajectories. Results SRE to death has a persistent positive effect on functional limitations and activities of daily living limitations. Psychological resilience significantly moderates this association, such that veterans maintaining higher levels of resilience in the face of adverse exposures have considerably less functional impairment over time compared to their counterparts with low levels of resilience. Discussion Our findings point to the importance of psychological resilience in later life, especially within the realm of traumas occurring in early life. We discuss implications for current military training programs, stressing the importance of research considering individual resources and processes that promote adaptation in the face of adverse life events.


Author(s):  
Xingna Qin ◽  
Tessa Kaufman ◽  
Lydia Laninga-Wijnen ◽  
Ping Ren ◽  
Yunyun Zhang ◽  
...  

AbstractThough depressive symptoms tend to increase in early adolescence, the trajectories of these symptoms may vary strongly. This longitudinal study investigated the extent to which the distinct developmental trajectories of depressive symptoms were predicted by adolescents' academic achievement and perceived parental practices in a sample of Chinese young adolescents (N = 2,576). The results showed four trajectory profiles of depressive symptoms: low-stable (75%), low-increasing (11%), high-stable (9%), and high-decreasing (5%). Adolescents with high academic achievement were more likely to be classified into the low-stable, low-increasing, and high-decreasing profiles than into the high-stable depressive symptom profile. Moreover, students who perceived greater parental autonomy support were more likely to be in the low-stable and low-increasing profiles than the high-stable profile, whereas adolescents perceiving more parental psychological control had higher odds of being in the low-increasing rather than the low-stable profile. Parental educational involvement was unrelated to students' depressive symptom trajectories. In sum, Chinese adolescents with higher academic achievement and who perceived more parental autonomy support, and less psychological control, were at lower risk of experiencing depressive symptoms.


Author(s):  
Erwin Stolz ◽  
Hannes Mayerl ◽  
Wolfgang Freidl

Abstract Background To halt the spread of COVID-19, Austria implemented a 7-week ’lockdown’ in March/April 2020. We assess whether the ensuing reduction in social contacts led to increased loneliness among older adults (60+). Methods Three analyses were conducted: (1) A comparison between pre-pandemic (SHARE: 2013-2017) and pandemic (May 2020) levels of loneliness (UCLA-3 scale), (2) an assessment of the cross-sectional correlation between being affected by COVID-19 restriction measures and loneliness (May 2020), and (3) a longitudinal analysis of weekly changes (March-June 2020) in loneliness (Corona panel). Results We found (1) increased loneliness in 2020 compared with previous years, (2) a moderate positive association between the number of restriction measures older adults were affected from and their loneliness, and (3) that loneliness was higher during ’lockdown’ compared to the subsequent re-opening phase, particularly among those who live alone. Conclusion We provide evidence that COVID-19 restriction measures in Austria have indeed resulted in increased levels of loneliness among older adults. However, these effects seem to be short-lived, and thus no strong negative consequences for older adults’ mental health are expected. Nonetheless, the effects on loneliness, and subsequent mental health issues, might be both more long-lasting and severe if future restriction measures are enacted repeatedly and/or over longer time periods.


2016 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie A. Cederbaum ◽  
Sherrie L. Wilcox ◽  
Kathrine Sullivan ◽  
Carrie Lucas ◽  
Ashley Schuyler

Objectives: Although many service members successfully cope with exposure to stress and traumatic experiences, others have symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety; contextual factors may account for the variability in outcomes from these experiences. This work sought to understand mechanisms through which social support influences the mental health of service members and whether dyadic functioning mediates this relationship. Methods: We collected cross-sectional data as part of a larger study conducted in 2013; 321 military personnel who had at least 1 deployment were included in these analyses. Surveys were completed online; we collected data on demographic characteristics, social support, mental health measures (depression, PTSD, and anxiety), and dyadic functioning. We performed process modeling through mediation analysis. Results: The direct effects of social support on the mental health of military personnel were limited; however, across all types of support networks, greater social support was significantly associated with better dyadic functioning. Dyadic functioning mediated the relationships between social support and depression/PTSD only when social support came from nonmilitary friends or family; dyadic functioning mediated social support and anxiety only when support came from family. We found no indirect effects of support from military peers or military leaders. Conclusion: Findings here highlight the need to continue to explore ways in which social support, particularly from family and nonmilitary-connected peers, can bolster healthy intimate partner relationships and, in turn, improve the well-being of military service members who are deployed.


2005 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Anissa Abi-Dargham ◽  
Christer Allgulander ◽  
O Gureje ◽  
Rachel Jenkins ◽  
R N Kalaria ◽  
...  

List of abstract titles and authors:1. Antipsychotics across the spectrum: An overview of their mechanisms of actionAnissa Abi-Dargham2. Recent advances in the treatment of common anxiety disordersChrister Allgulander3. Psychiatry in Africa: The myths, the realities and the exoticO Gureje4. Mental Health policy developmet in Kenya and Tanznia - A DFID funded projectRachel Jenkins, David Kima, Joseph Mbatia, Frank Njenga5. Vascular factors in Alzheimer's diseaseR N Kalaria6. Depression as an immunologically based Neurodegenerative disorderBrian Leonard7. Eight years of progress in Arican PsychiatryF Njenga8. Treatment of Depression: Present and futureDr R.M. Pinder9. Imaging the Serotinergic system in impulsive aggressive personality disorder patientsLarry J Siever, Antonia S. New, Mari Goodman, Monte Buchsbaum, Erin Hazlett, Karen O'Flynn, Anissa Abi-argham, Marc Lauelle10. Mode of action of Atypical antipsychotic rugs: Focus on A2 AdrnoceptorsT.H. SvenssonNeuroscience: Selected Abstracts11. Chemical odulato of Fronto-execuitive functions: Neropsychiatric implicationsTrevor W Robbins12. Neural mechanisms of recognition memory and of social atacntProf. G Horn13. Estrogen signling after estrogen receptor ß (ERß)Jan-Ake Gustafsson14. Getting Lost: Hippocampal contributions to agerelated memory dysfunctionCarol BarnesMetals and the brain: Selected abstracts15. Modeling the contributin of iron mismanagement to Neurological disordersProf. J R C Connor16. Aluminium-triggered fibrillogenesis of B-AmyloidsProf. PZ Zatta, Dr D Drago, Mr G Tognon, Dr F RicchelliPsychiatry in Africa:17. Psychosocal aspects of Khat use among the youth of NairobiMs T M Khamis18. PTSD among motor vehicle accident survivors, KenyaDr F A Ongecha19. Psychiatric relities within African context - The Kenyan case StudyProf. D M  N Ndetei20. Adolescent-parenta interactions from infancy, Nairobi KenyaDr L K Ksakhala, Prof. D M N Ndetei21. Alcohol use ong young persons: A focus group study in Southwest NigeriaO A Obeijide22. Personality disorders and personality traits among tyoe 2 Diabetic patientsProf. O El Rufaie, Dr M Sabosy, Dr M S Abuzeid23. Association of traumatic experiences with depression among Nigerian adolescentsDr O Omigbodun, Dr K BakareMs O B Yusuf, Dr O Esan24. Prevalence of depression among women attending outpatient clinics in MalawiDr  M Tugumisirize, Prof. Agn, Dr Musisi25. Non-fatal suicidalbehaviour at the Johannesburg General HospitalDr  M Y H Moosa, Prof. F Y Jeenah, Dr A Pillay, Pof. M Vorstere, Dr R Liebenberg26. Integrating mental health into general primary health care - Uganda's experienceDr N Kigozi27. Depression among Nigerian survivors of stroke:Prevalance and associated factorsDr F.O Fatoye Dr M A Komolafe, Dr A. O Adewuya, Dr B.A. Eegunranti Prof. M.A. Lawal28. NGO Involvement mental health care -The way forwardDr  Basangwa29. Prevalen of Attenton Deficit Hyperactivity sorder among African school childrenDr E KashalaProf. T Tylleskar, Dr I Elgen, Dr K Sommerfelt30. Barriers to effective mental health care in NigeriaMs L. Kola31. Quay of life evaluation in patients with HIV-I infection with respect to the impact of Phyttherapy (Traditional Herb in Zimbabwe)M B Sebit, S K Chandiwaa, A S Latif, E Gomo, S W Acuda, F Makoni, J Vushe


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
Vijeta Singh ◽  
Taruna Gera ◽  
Rakesh Kumar Behmani

Adolescence is a developmental phase marked with a heightened risk of inception of mental health disorders. The neglect in addressing mental health issues during childhood and adolescence could lead to the development of mental health problems in later life. The perspective with which children perceive their parent's parenting influences the children's mental health. Furthermore, the gender of the parent has its impacts on the shaping of a child's personality under the patriarchal society. The present research attempted to investigate the impact of different parenting styles (paternal) on adolescents' mental health. The study sample comprised 150 adolescents of 14-17 years in age from different schools located in the state of Haryana, India. Parenting Authority Questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used to assess parenting styles and mental health. The present study's findings suggest that adolescents with a permissive parenting style have poor mental health compared with authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles. The study recommends incorporating healthy practices in parenting styles to prevent mental health issues among adolescents.


2000 ◽  
Vol 165 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C. O'Donnell

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S215-S215
Author(s):  
Maria Monserud

Abstract Studies in developed countries indicate that social activities can make a difference in mental health in later life. Yet, research on potential benefits of social activities for older adults in developing countries, including Mexico, has been scarce. This study uses the two most recent waves (2012, 2015) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study to investigate the impact of social activities on depressive symptoms among older men (n = 4, 749) and women (n = 6,527), aged 50+, in Mexico. The results of Ordinary Least Squares regressions indicate that it is important to differentiate among specific social activities in later life. Particularly, not only group-based but also solitary social activities were predictive of better mental health. Moreover, the findings demonstrate several gender differences and similarities. Participation in clubs, communication with relatives and friends, physical exercise, and watching television were beneficial for mental health among men, whereas volunteering, playing games, and making crafts were associated with fewer depressive symptoms among women. At the same time, reading as well as doing household chores were related to better mental health among older Mexicans, regardless of gender. Furthermore, this study shows that self-reported health, functional limitations, chronic conditions, and frequent pain might shape the implications of social activities for depressive symptoms among older adults in Mexico. The insights from this study can be helpful for intervention programs that are being developed to promote benefits of group-based and solitary social activities for mental health among older men and women with different levels of physical health.


BJPsych Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamelia Harris ◽  
Patricia Gooding ◽  
Gillian Haddock ◽  
Sarah Peters

Background Suicide is a leading cause of premature death in people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Although exposure to stressors can play a part in the pathways to death by suicide, there is evidence that some people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia can be resilient to the impact of suicide triggers. Aims To investigate factors that contribute to psychological resilience to suicidal thoughts and behaviours from the perspectives of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Method A qualitative design was used, involving semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Twenty individuals with non-affective psychosis or schizophrenia diagnoses who had experience of suicide thoughts and behaviours participated in the study. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and examined using inductive thematic analysis. Results Participants reported that psychological resilience to suicidal thoughts and behaviours involved ongoing effort. This ongoing effort encompassed: (a) understanding experiences (including reconciliation to mental health experiences and seeking reasons to live), (b) active behaviours (including talking to people and keeping occupied), and (c) relationship dynamics (including feeling supported by significant others and mental health professionals). Conclusions Psychological resilience was described as a dynamic process that developed over time through the experiences of psychosis and the concomitant suicidal experiences. Psychological resilience can be understood using a multicomponential, dynamic approach that integrates buffering, recovery and maintenance resilience models. In order to nurture psychological resilience, interventions should focus on supporting the understanding and management of psychosis symptoms and concomitant suicidal experiences. Declaration of interest None.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-55
Author(s):  
Petra Mlakar ◽  
Janez Stare

Presenteeism, or the act of attending work while sick or despite feeling unwell, is a relatively new concept in the sphere of work. It is a phenomenon that has begun to be monitored more intensively around the world in the last decade. Presenteeism can affect an employee’s work in various ways and its consequences mean that it is already a problem in itself. Employers devote too little attention to it or are frequently not even aware of it. The majority of employers are in fact too often focused on the growing problem of absence from work because of sickness (absenteeism) and on eliminating the negative consequences of absenteeism, and do not (yet) see presenteeism as a problem. The research presented in this article deals with the question of the impact of employee characteristics on the phenomenon of presenteeism. The characteristics considered included ambition, financial worries, job security, sick leave and the physical and mental health of employees.


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