scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms, Perceived Stress, Self-Compassion and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Emerging Adults: An Examination of the Between and Within-Person Associations Over Time

2021 ◽  
pp. 216769682110297
Author(s):  
Holly Boyne ◽  
Chloe A. Hamza
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Self Injury ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Mental Health Challenges ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Nonsuicidal Self Injury

Many emerging adults report experiencing mental health challenges (e.g., depressive symptoms and perceived stress) during the transition to university. These mental health challenges often coincide with increased engagement in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI; e.g., self-cutting or burning without lethal intent), but longitudinal research exploring the nature of the associations among depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and NSSI are lacking. In the present study, it was examined whether depressive symptoms and perceived stress predicted increased risk for NSSI over time (or the reverse), and whether these effects were mediated or moderated by self-compassion. The sample consisted of 1,125 university students ( Mage = 17.96 years, 74% female), who completed an online survey three times in first year university. A random intercept cross-lagged panel model revealed that higher depressive symptoms, perceived stress, NSSI, and lower self-compassion often co-occurred, but only NSSI predicted increased perceived stress over time. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Do Depressive Symptoms Shape Blacks’ Perceptions of Stress Over Time?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
DeAnnah R Byrd ◽  
Roland J Thorpe ◽  
Keith E Whitfield
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Age Group ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

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.

scholarly journals Evidence on Resilient Initial Response to COVID-19 Pandemic Among Youth: Findings From the Prospective Study of Mental Health in Two European Countries

2021 ◽  
pp. 216769682110311
Author(s):  
Inga Truskauskaite-Kuneviciene ◽  
Julia Brailovskaia ◽  
Jürgen Margraf ◽  
Evaldas Kazlauskas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Initial Response ◽  
Change Analysis ◽  
Latent Change Analysis ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Over Time

The current two-wave longitudinal study aimed to investigate changes in stress, anxiety, depression, and positive mental health (PMH) during the first COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in the sample of emerging adults. Data were collected before the COVID-19 and within the first month of the outbreak. The study sample consisted of 775 university students from Lithuania ( n = 450, M age( SD age) = 19.45 (0.93), 79.3% female) and Germany ( n = 325, M age( SD age) = 23.08 (2.94), 78.2% female). The results of multivariate Latent Change Analysis revealed that Lithuanian and German emerging adults demonstrated a decrease in stress and anxiety at the COVID-19 outbreak. Lithuanians also showed a decrease in depressive symptoms and an increase in PMH. Three groups with different change patterns were identified: resilient (82%) demonstrating positive changes, high-symptom (8%) with stable high rates of stress and depression and stable low rates of PMH, and vulnerable (10%) with an increase in depressive symptoms as well as a decrease in PMH over time.

scholarly journals Change in Perceived Stress and Health Behaviors of Emerging Adults in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara J LaCaille ◽  
Stephanie A Hooker ◽  
Elaine Marshall ◽  
Rick A LaCaille ◽  
Rhea Owens
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
First Year ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
First Year Of College ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented disruptions, restrictions, and concerns about physical and mental health. Emerging adulthood, including the first year of college, is associated with declines in healthy eating and physical activity, as well as possible heightened distress. The impact of COVID-19 may exacerbate these concerns. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine changes in health behaviors and perceived stress in emerging adults over the first year of college and to determine whether prepandemic health behaviors were protective for mental health and stress during the initial changes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods First-year college students (N = 234, 58.6% female) completed three surveys during their first year of school, the third being after the onset of COVID-19 and during a stay-at-home order. At Time 3, we also assessed symptoms of anxiety and depression. Results Using linear mixed modeling, sedentary time increased and physical activity decreased over time, but 20%–35% of students reported improvements in these behaviors. Dietary changes appeared mixed, with some improvements noted early during COVID-19. Perceived stress increased over time. Multiple regression indicated that of the health behaviors examined for protective effects on mental health and stress during the pandemic, only diet quality emerged as a significant predictor. Conclusions Although notable declines in some health habits were observed over time, including following COVID-19 disruptions, some students reported improved health behaviors. Efforts should be directed at identifying and intervening with students most at risk for poor functioning.

Perceived stress and suicidal behaviors in college students: Conditional indirect effects of depressive symptoms and mental health stigma.

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jameson K. Hirsch ◽  
Jessica Kelliher Rabon ◽  
Esther E. Reynolds ◽  
Alison L. Barton ◽  
Edward C. Chang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Mental Health Stigma ◽  
Suicidal Behaviors ◽  
Conditional Indirect Effects

scholarly journals Self-Rated Health and Psychological Distress among Emerging Adults in Italy: A Comparison between Data on University Students, Young Workers and Working Students Collected through the 2005 and 2013 National Health Surveys

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6403
Author(s):  
Isabella Giulia Franzoi ◽  
Fabrizio D’Ovidio ◽  
Giuseppe Costa ◽  
Angelo d’Errico ◽  
Antonella Granieri
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Health Surveys ◽  
Poor General Health ◽  
Working Students ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
National Health Surveys

Background. The present study aimed at comparing self-reported physical health and mental health among university students, workers, and working students aged between 19 years and 29 years. Method. Using data from National Health Surveys held in 2005 and 2013, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 18,612 Italian emerging adults grouped into three groups: university students, workers, and working students. The odds ratios of self-reported anxiety or depression, poor general health, and poor mental health and physical health (as assessed through SF-12) were estimated through logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Results. Compared with workers, students showed an increased risk of anxiety or depression and a lower risk of poor general health. Students and working students showed an increased risk of reporting weak mental health compared with that in workers, while students displayed a lower risk of poor physical health. Significant differences were not found between the 2005 and 2013 surveys. Conclusions. These results are of considerable importance for psychologists as well as educational and occupation-based institutions for planning prevention programs and clinical interventions.

scholarly journals “Smartphone Apps Are Cool, but Do They Help Me?”: A Qualitative Interview Study of Adolescents’ Perspectives on Using Smartphone Interventions to Manage Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3289
Author(s):  
Anja Čuš ◽  
Julian Edbrooke-Childs ◽  
Susanne Ohmann ◽  
Paul L. Plener ◽  
Türkan Akkaya-Kalayci
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Self Injury ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Nonsuicidal Self Injury

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a major mental health problem associated with negative psychosocial outcomes and it most often starts in early adolescence. Despite this, adolescents are rarely involved in informing the development of interventions designed to address their mental health problems. This study aimed to (1) assess adolescents’ needs and preferences about future interventions that are delivered through smartphones and (2) develop a framework with implications for designing engaging digital mental health interventions. Fifteen adolescent girls, aged 12–18 years, who met diagnostic criteria for a current NSSI disorder and were in contact with mental health services, participated in semi-structured interviews. Following a reflexive thematic analysis approach, this study identified two main themes: (1) Experiences of NSSI (depicts the needs of young people related to their everyday experiences of managing NSSI) and (2) App in Context (portrays preferences of young people about smartphone interventions and reflects adolescents’ views on how technology itself can improve or hinder engaging with these interventions). Adolescent patients expressed interest in using smartphone mental health interventions if they recognize them as helpful, relevant for their life situation and easy to use. The developed framework suggests that digital mental health interventions are embedded in three contexts (i.e., person using the intervention, mental health condition, and technology-related factors) which together need to inform the development of engaging digital resources. To achieve this, the cooperation among people with lived experience, mental health experts, and human computer interaction professionals is vital.

scholarly journals Maternal stress and depressive symptoms and adolescents’ body mass index: a prospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maaike Koning ◽  
Jacqueline Vink ◽  
Tommy L. S. Visscher ◽  
Junilla Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Maternal Stress ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
General Stress ◽  
Adolescent Offspring

Abstract Background Growing evidence suggests that maternal mental health issues are associated with (young) children’s weight outcomes. However, most studies have been limited by cross-sectional designs and have been aimed at (younger) children. The current prospective study focuses on the link between maternal mental health (i.e., psychological stress and depressive symptoms) and adolescents’ zBMI development. Methods The participants in the present study were part of wave 1 and 2 of a longitudinal study on Dutch adolescents’ and their parents’ health behavior. Adolescents (aged 10–14) and their parents were recruited through six secondary schools in the South and the East of the Netherlands. For this study, we only included biological mothers and their adolescent children who participated in both waves, with data on the main measures in both waves, leaving a final sample of 336 biological mother-child dyads. Adolescents height and weight were measured, and both parents and adolescents filled in validated questionnaires on perceived stress and depressive symptoms and answered additional questions concerning domain-specific stress. Regression analyses were performed in R to examine longitudinal links between maternal stress and depressive symptoms at baseline (T1) and adolescents’ BMI standard deviation scores (zBMI) 6 months later (T2), corrected for baseline zBMI and covariates. Results Maternal general perceived stress (β = .20, p = .002) at T1 preceded higher adolescents’ zBMI at T2, after controlling for baseline zBMI and other covariates, whereas maternal depressive symptoms at T1 (β = −.05, p = .44) and other domain-specific stress did not (maternal financial stress, maternal stress at work, maternal stress at home). Additionally, lower educational level among adolescents (β = .16, p = .001) and adolescent depressive symptoms (β = .16, p = .001) was associated with a higher zBMI at T2. Conclusions Results suggest that maternal general stress, but not depressive symptoms, may influence adolescents’ weight development. Our findings warrant future investigation on whether and how general stress among mothers may predict weight increases of their adolescent offspring.

The non-specific nature of mental health and structural brain outcomes following childhood trauma

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Theresa K. Haidl ◽  
Dennis M. Hedderich ◽  
Marlene Rosen ◽  
Nathalie Kaiser ◽  
Mauro Seves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Brain Structure ◽  
Mental Health Disorders ◽  
Recent Onset ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Disorders ◽  
Structural Brain

Abstract Background Childhood trauma (CT) is associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders; however, it is unknown whether this represents a diagnosis-specific risk factor for specific psychopathology mediated by structural brain changes. Our aim was to explore whether (i) a predictive CT pattern for transdiagnostic psychopathology exists, and whether (ii) CT can differentiate between distinct diagnosis-dependent psychopathology. Furthermore, we aimed to identify the association between CT, psychopathology and brain structure. Methods We used multivariate pattern analysis in data from 643 participants of the Personalised Prognostic Tools for Early Psychosis Management study (PRONIA), including healthy controls (HC), recent onset psychosis (ROP), recent onset depression (ROD), and patients clinically at high-risk for psychosis (CHR). Participants completed structured interviews and self-report measures including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, SCID diagnostic interview, BDI-II, PANSS, Schizophrenia Proneness Instrument, Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms and structural MRI, analyzed by voxel-based morphometry. Results (i) Patients and HC could be distinguished by their CT pattern with a reasonable precision [balanced accuracy of 71.2% (sensitivity = 72.1%, specificity = 70.4%, p ≤ 0.001]. (ii) Subdomains ‘emotional neglect’ and ‘emotional abuse’ were most predictive for CHR and ROP, while in ROD ‘physical abuse’ and ‘sexual abuse’ were most important. The CT pattern was significantly associated with the severity of depressive symptoms in ROD, ROP, and CHR, as well as with the PANSS total and negative domain scores in the CHR patients. No associations between group-separating CT patterns and brain structure were found. Conclusions These results indicate that CT poses a transdiagnostic risk factor for mental health disorders, possibly related to depressive symptoms. While differences in the quality of CT exposure exist, diagnostic differentiation was not possible suggesting a multi-factorial pathogenesis.

The influence of workplace stress and coping on depressive symptoms among registered nurses in Bangladesh

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reva Mondal ◽  
Yajai Sitthimongkol ◽  
Nopporn Vongsirimas ◽  
Natkamol Chansatitporn ◽  
Kathy Hegadoren
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Registered Nurses ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Workplace Stress ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Workplace Stressors ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Nurses report high levels of workplace stress, which has been linked to an increased risk for experiencing depressive symptoms.Nurses’ workplace stress is also linked to increased absenteeism and decreased job satisfaction. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to examine: (1) the incidence of depressive symptoms among hospital-based registered nurses in Bangladesh; (2) common sources of workplace stress and their relationships to individual characteristics and depressive symptom scores; and (3) the potential mediating roles of coping strategies in the relationship between workplace stress and depressive symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional study design involved three hundred and fifty-two registered nurses. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and three standardized tools measuring sources of nurses’ workplace stress, coping strategies, and depressive symptoms. Results: More than half of the participants scored ≥ 16 on the CES-D, which was associated with a major depression episode. Total NSS scores had a small but significant influence on scores on the depression scale. Coping strategies had no mediated effect on the relationship between workplace stress and scores on the depression scale. Low-reliability coefficients for subscales of two of the standardized tools highlight the challenge for researchers in developing countries to address contextual differences that may influence the meanings attached to individual items.  Conclusion: Findings suggest that the mental health of registered nurses in Bangladesh requires immediate attention in part by attending to workplace stressors. Further research should focus on a deeper understanding of Bangladeshi registered nurses’ work experiences and the unique contribution that workplace stressors have on their physical and mental health.

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