scholarly journals Coping With Health Threats: The Costs and Benefits of Managing Emotions

2021 ◽  
pp. 095679762110242
Author(s):  
Angela M. Smith ◽  
Emily C. Willroth ◽  
Arasteh Gatchpazian ◽  
Amanda J. Shallcross ◽  
Matthew Feinberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Cognitive Strategies ◽  
Costs And Benefits ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Health Threats ◽  
Mediation Models

How people respond to health threats can influence their own health and, when people are facing communal risks, even their community’s health. We propose that people commonly respond to health threats by managing their emotions with cognitive strategies such as reappraisal, which can reduce fear and protect mental health. However, because fear can also motivate health behaviors, reducing fear may also jeopardize health behaviors. In two diverse U.S. samples ( N = 1,241) tracked across 3 months, sequential and cross-lagged panel mediation models indicated that reappraisal predicted lower fear about an ongoing health threat (COVID-19) and, in turn, better mental health but fewer recommended physical health behaviors. This trade-off was not inevitable, however: The use of reappraisal to increase socially oriented positive emotions predicted better mental health without jeopardizing physical health behaviors. Examining the costs and benefits of how people cope with health threats is essential for promoting better health outcomes for individuals and communities.

scholarly journals Coping with Health Threats: The costs and benefits of managing emotions.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Moriah Smith ◽  
Emily C Willroth ◽  
Arasteh Gatchpazian ◽  
amanda shallcross ◽  
Matthew Feinberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Cognitive Strategies ◽  
Costs And Benefits ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Health Threats ◽  
Mediation Models

How people respond to health threats can influence their own health and, when facing communal risks, even their community's health. We propose that people commonly respond to health threats by managing their emotions with cognitive strategies like reappraisal, which can reduce fear and protect mental health. However, because fear can also motivate health behaviors, reducing fear may also jeopardize health behaviors. In two diverse U.S. samples (N=1,241) tracked across three months, sequential and cross-lag panel mediation models indicated that reappraisal predicted lower fear about an ongoing health threat (COVID-19), and in turn, better mental health, but fewer recommended physical health behaviors. This trade-off was not inevitable, however: using reappraisal to increase socially-oriented positive emotions predicted better mental health without jeopardizing physical health behaviors. Examining the costs and benefits of how people cope with health threats is essential for promoting better health outcomes for individuals and communities.

scholarly journals Forgiveness of others and subsequent health and well-being in mid-life: a longitudinal study on female nurses

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katelyn N. G. Long ◽  
Everett L. Worthington ◽  
Tyler J. VanderWeele ◽  
Ying Chen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Physical Health Outcomes ◽  
Female Nurses ◽  
Forgiveness Of Others

Abstract Background Forgiveness is a concept of growing interest within psychology and of potential relevance to public health. While there has been increasing evidence suggesting positive associations between forgiveness of others and a range of psychosocial well-being and mental health outcomes, its associations with health behaviors and physical health are less clear. Methods This study used longitudinal data from the Nurses’ Health Study II (2008 Trauma Exposure and Post-traumatic Stress Supplementary Survey to 2015 questionnaire wave, N = 54,703), to conduct an outcome-wide analysis among a cohort of female nurses in the United States (age range: 43–64 years). The study prospectively examines the association between spiritually motivated forgiveness of others and a number of of subsequent psychosocial well-being, mental health, health behavior, and physical health outcomes in midlife. A set of linear, logistic, and Poisson regression models were used to regress each outcome on forgiveness in separate models. Sociodemographic factors, prior religious service attendance, and prior values of all outcome variables were controlled for wherever data were available. To account for multiple testing, we performed Bonferroni correction. Results Forgiveness was associated with subsequent improved psychosocial well-being and reduced psychological distress outcomes in a monotonic pattern. For instance, the top versus bottom level of forgiveness was associated with substantially higher levels of subsequent positive affect (β = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.21) and social integration (β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.17), and was inversely associated with several indicators of subsequent psychological distress such as depressive symptoms (β = − 0.16, 95% CI: − 0.19, − 0.14). However, in this sample, there was little evidence that forgiveness was associated with health behaviors or physical health outcomes. Discussion This study suggests that forgiveness may be a health asset for promoting population mental health and psychosocial well-being, and moreover may also be understood as a good in itself. Further investigation on the dynamics between forgiveness and physical health is warranted to explore the discrepancy between the results here and some past research.

Greenspace to facilitate the positive physical activity and mental health outcomes of older adults in Canada

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam G Gavarkovs
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Current System ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

The link between physical inactivity and poor health outcomes is well established. Older adults are especially at risk for many health conditions, and are one of the most inactive populations in Canada. Increasing levels of neighbourhood greenness has shown a positive relationship with walking and exercise behaviours, which in turn affects both mental and physical health. Currently in Ontario, the provincial Planning Act outlines the process of parkland dedication that individual municipalities are responsible for carrying out. This policy brief will discuss the inadequacies of the current system in effectively creating greenspace for older adults, and will propose several recommendations to resolve these issues.

scholarly journals “This Too shall Pass”: Age-Based Perceptions of Changes in Routine, Coping and Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Mamta Saxena ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Death Rate ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Medical Complications ◽  
Physical Health Outcomes

The spread of COVID-19 mandated several restrictions, mediated changes in routines, and impacted coping abilities and mental health outcomes. In terms of physical health outcomes, undoubtedly, adults 50 years and older were more severely affected by a higher death rate, medical complications and hospitalization. Nevertheless, how do older adults respond to the uncertainty and scare for life compared to other age groups within the context of COVID-19 remains partially unexplored.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults: Changes in Health Access, Health, Socialization and Adaptive Coping Activities

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 731-731
Author(s):  
Judith Scott ◽  
Sara Qualls ◽  
Stacy Yun
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Service Access ◽  
Adaptive Coping ◽  
Health Service Access ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Abstract Indirect effects of stay-at-home guidelines may negatively affect mental health by reducing health self-care behaviors and engagement in social participation. This study reports on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community-dwelling older adults’ perceived physical and mental health and everyday health behaviors. 126 older adults participated in a county-wide telephone survey during June-July of 2020, asking about changes in mental and physical health, and adaptations in health behaviors. We investigated the effects of three negative everyday health behavior changes during the pandemic (changes in health services access, perceived changes in health, and increased social isolation) as well as two positive everyday health behaviors (adherence to stay-at-home guidelines to reduce risk, and adaptive coping activities) on mental health and COVID-related distress. Examples of active coping strategies were stockpiling resources, spiritual practices, or outreach to others. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and multiple regressions characterized the impact of COVID-19 on perceived mental health. Descriptive data included changes in health service access, changes in mental and physical health, reduced social engagement, increased adherence to guidelines, and increased adaptive coping activities. Significant predictors of mental health impact of the pandemic were changes in health service access (β = .18, p < .05), health changes (β = .25, p < .01), and adaptive coping activities (β = .21, p < .05). Findings suggest COVID-19 distress may be alleviated with improved health care access and increased social contact. Mental health challenges may also benefit from increased engagement in adaptive coping activities.

scholarly journals The Role of Aging Anxiety, Ageism, and Health Locus of Control on Middle-Aged Adults Health Outcomes and Behaviors

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 607-607
Author(s):  
Hannah Bashian ◽  
Grace Caskie
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Health Locus Of Control ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Aging Anxiety ◽  
Middle Aged Adults ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Abstract Older adults with more ageist attitudes and aging anxiety and who endorse an external health locus of control (HLOC) have poorer mental and physical health and less engagement in healthy behaviors than those who report less ageist attitudes, aging anxiety, and endorse an internal HLOC. However, middle-aged adults have not been examined in this literature. Using Terror Management Theory as a framework, this study examined the relationship of middle-aged adults’ aging anxiety, ageist attitudes, and HLOC with health behaviors and mental and physical health outcomes. 391 middle-aged participants (40-55 years) completed measures of ageist attitudes, aging anxiety, HLOC (Internal, External, and Powerful Other), engagement in health behaviors, mental health, and physical health. The path analysis model demonstrated acceptable fit, χ2(2)=7.794, p=.02, CFI=.99, TLI=.92, RMSEA=.09). For health behaviors, eight of the 10 paths were significant; higher aging anxiety, higher ageist attitudes, and less endorsement of internal HLOC were related to less engagement in healthy behaviors. For mental health and physical health, five of the 10 paths were significant; in general, higher aging anxiety, higher ageist attitudes, and less endorsement of internal HLOC were related to poorer mental and physical health. This study demonstrated that middle-aged adults’ aging anxiety, ageist attitudes, and health locus of control are related to their health behaviors and mental and physical health. Furthermore, higher endorsement of specific forms of ageist attitudes and aging anxiety were related to worse reported mental and physical health and to less engagement in health behaviors. Implications of these findings will be discussed.

scholarly journals Childhood Physical Abuse Casts a Very Long Shadow: Physical and Mental Illness Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 313-313
Author(s):  
Esme Fuller-Thomson ◽  
Anna S Buhrmann
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Physical Abuse ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Canadian Community Health Survey ◽  
Childhood Physical Abuse ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract A burgeoning literature indicates adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with chronic illness. Most research, to date, has not focused on health outcomes among older adults. The objectives of the current study were to identify the prevalence and adjusted odds of two mental health and six physical health conditions among survivors of childhood physical abuse (CPA) who were aged 60 and older (n=409) in comparison to their peers who had not been physically abused (n=4,659). Data were drawn from a representative sample of older British Columbians in the Canadian Community Health Survey. Logistic regression analyses took into account sex, race, age, immigration status, marital status, education, income, smoking, obesity, binge drinking and number of other ACEs. For 3 health outcomes, CPA survivors had adjusted odds ratio more than twice that of their peers (Anxiety OR=2.22; 95% CI=1.46, 3.38; Depression OR=2.17; 95% CI=1.57, 3.01; COPD OR=2.03; 95% CI=1.40, 2.94). For CPA survivors, the adjusted odds ratios were more than 50% higher for cancer (OR=1.71; 95% CI=1.31, 2.24), migraine (OR=1.67; 95% CI=1.15, 2.45) and debilitating chronic pain (OR=1.58; 95% CI=1.22, 2.03), and 33% higher for arthritis (OR=1.33; 95% CI=1.05, 1.69). CPA was not significantly associated with either heart disease or diabetes (p>.05). The association between CPA and two mental health and four physical health outcomes remained significant, even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors and other ACEs. Further research is needed to investigate potential pathways through which childhood physical abuse is linked to a wide range of chronic later-life health problems.

Systematic Review of Displacement and Health Impact From Natural Disasters in Southeast Asia

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Subin Jang ◽  
Yuko Ekyalongo ◽  
Hyun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
2004 Tsunami

ABSTRACT Disaster-induced displacement is associated with an increased risk of physical and mental health disorders. We aim to understand (1) the magnitude and pattern of natural disasters, affected-population, and deaths by analyzing the surveillance data by the Emergency Events Database and (2) health outcomes by a systematic review of previous studies (1975–2017), which reported physical or mental health outcomes and epidemiological measure of association among population displaced by natural disasters in Southeast Asia. A total of 674 disasters, mainly floods, storms, and earthquakes, occurred between 2004 and 2017. From the systematic review, among 6 studies met inclusion criteria, which focused on mental health (n = 5) and physical health (n = 1). All studies describing mental health resulted from the 2004 tsunami in Ache, Indonesia. We found over 7 times more publications for the disasters in Far East Asia. Selected studies revealed significantly worse mental health outcomes and poor physical health among displaced population compared with nondisplaced population. Despite the alarmingly large population displaced by natural disasters in Southeast Asia, very few studies investigate physical and mental health outcomes of such crisis. Following the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, researcher and policy-makers have to present more resources toward preventing and mitigating health outcomes.

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