A pathway to negative acculturation: marital maladjustment mediates the relationship between the length of residency and depressive symptoms in immigrant women in Taiwan

Abstract Background Immigrant women in Taiwan experience a variety of acculturative and marital problems that result in a mental-health problems. We examined the mediational effect of marital adjustment on the relationship between acculturation and depressive symptoms in immigrant women in Taiwan. Methods All participants (N = 127) were interviewed to collect data regarding their basic sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, acculturation (using language proficiency and years in Taiwan as indicators), and marital adjustment. We used a Sobel test to examine how marital adjustment mediates the relationship between acculturation and depressive symptoms. Results Our results indicated that an increased length of residency exacerbated depressive symptoms (β = 0.62, p = 0.03) and that this relationship contributed, in part, to the mediational effect of marital adjustment. That is, marital adjustment deteriorated with the length of residency (β = − 0.26, p = 0.0013), resulting in the development of depressive symptoms (β = − 0.95, p = 0.0013). Conclusion Although the duration of residency may be useful as a proxy for acculturation in the assessment of some health outcomes, our findings imply that it is better to conceptualize it as a cumulative stress when considering the mental health of immigrant women. Marital maladjustment acts as a mediator in this relationship. As such, it is important to provide immigrant families with programs and resources to assist them in adapting to their marriages and to improve the mental health of immigrant women.

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Marital Adjustment Mediated Acculturation on Depressive Symptoms Among Immigrant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taiwan

10.21203/rs.3.rs-54780/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mei-Huei Lien ◽

Sheng-Shiung Huang ◽

Hao-Jan Yang

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Language Proficiency ◽

Marital Adjustment ◽

Immigrant Women ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background: Immigrant women in Taiwan experience a variety of acculturative and marital problems that result in an inequity of mental health. This study examined the mediational role of marital adjustment on the relationship between the acculturation and depressive symptoms of immigrant women in Taiwan.Methods: All the participants (N = 127) were interviewed to collect data regarding their basic sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, acculturation (using language proficiency and years in Taiwan as indicators), and marital adjustment. The correlation between the various variables was calculated by Pearson correlation coefficients and a Sobel test was used to examine the mediational effect of marital adjustment between acculturation and depressive symptoms.Results: Results from the Sobel test indicated that the length of residency alleviated depressive symptoms (β = -0.62, p = 0.03) and marital adjustments have a mediational effect on the relationship between years in Taiwan and depressive symptoms.Conclusion: Marital adjustment deteriorates with the length of residency, thereby causing the occurrence of depressive symptoms. Findings suggest providing immigrant families with programs and resources to assist them in adapting to their marriages and enhance the mental health of immigrant women.

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The Moderating Effect of Comfort from Companion Animals and Social Support on the Relationship between Microaggressions and Mental Health in LGBTQ+ Emerging Adults

Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.3390/bs11010001 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Angela Matijczak ◽

Shelby E. McDonald ◽

Camie A. Tomlinson ◽

Jennifer L. Murphy ◽

Kelly O’Connor

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Emerging Adults ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

The Relationship

LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual/gender minority identities) individuals frequently report exposure to microaggressions, which are associated with deleterious mental health outcomes. Social support from humans has been found to be an important protective factor for LGBTQ+ emerging adults. However, an underexplored area of research is the protective role of interactions with companion animals for this population. We conducted simple and multiple moderation analyses to explore whether and to what extent emotional comfort from companion animals and human social support moderated the relationship between LGBTQ-related microaggressions and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Our sample included 134 LGBTQ+ emerging adults (mean age of 19.31). We found that social support moderated the relationship between microaggressions and depressive symptoms. The relationship between microaggressions and depressive symptoms was not significant at high levels of social support, indicating the protective nature of human social support. Comfort from companion animals also moderated the relationship between interpersonal microaggressions and depressive symptoms. For participants with high or medium levels of emotional comfort from companion animals, interpersonal microaggressions were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Our results highlight the need to further investigate the complex role of relationships with companion animals on mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ emerging adults.

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Mindfulness, Stress Reactivity, and Depressive Symptoms Among “Third Culture Kids” in the United Arab Emirates

Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology ◽

10.1177/0022022120987620 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (2) ◽

pp. 192-208

Author(s):

Justin Thomas ◽

Majeda Humeidan ◽

Carmen Barrack ◽

Kelly L. Huffman

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

United Arab Emirates ◽

Stress Reactivity ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Third Culture Kids ◽

Trait Mindfulness ◽

Third Culture ◽

The Relationship

So called third culture kids (TCKs), the children and adolescents who accompany their parents on long-term overseas work assignments, often have to face life changes, cultural challenges and threats to social identity. The frequency, intensity and nature of these challenges arguably places some TCKs at heightened risk of stress-related mental health problems. Trait mindfulness, an attribute that can be enhanced through intervention, has been found to buffer against stress reactivity and common mental health problems. This study aims to explore the relationship between stress reactivity, trait mindfulness and depressive symptomatology among expatriate adolescents (TCKs) attending an international school in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Participants included 230 high school students (57% female) from 45 different nations, with a mean age of 15.5 (±1.3, 12–19). Forty one percent had lived in the UAE for 7+ years. Participants completed measures of trait mindfulness, daily life stress reactivity, and depressive symptoms (CES-D). Mean depression score was high with 68.7% of TCK participants presenting as at risk of clinical depression. Lower stress-reactivity and greater trait mindfulness were associated with lower levels of depression; furthermore, low levels of trait mindfulness partially mediated the relationship between stress reactivity and depression. Efforts that aim to reduce stress reactivity and increase mindfulness might prove especially beneficial among the TCK population.

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The longitudinal association between objectively measured physical activity and mental health among Norwegian adolescents

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s12966-021-01211-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ingeborg Barth Vedøy ◽

Knut Ragnvald Skulberg ◽

Sigmund Alfred Anderssen ◽

Morten Wang Fagerland ◽

Hege Eikeland Tjomsland ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Positive Association ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Future Research ◽

Objectively Measured ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background Mental health among young people in many countries, including Norway, seems to be deteriorating. Physical activity (PA) has been positively associated with mental health. However, methodological issues related to study design and measurement of PA and mental health outcomes currently limits our understanding of the relationship. The purpose of the present study is to explore the prospective relationship between objectively measured PA and mental health outcomes. More specifically, volume (total PA), intensity (moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA]) and sedentary behaviour (SED) were explored in relation to mental health problems (MHP) and mental wellbeing (MWB). Methods Data from 599 adolescents (54.4% female, mean age at baseline ±SD 13.3 ± 0.3 years) were collected annually during their 3 years (T1, T2 and T3) at lower secondary school. PA was measured using accelerometry. MWB was measured using the ‘Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale’ and MHP by the ‘Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire’. Multiple linear regression was performed to explore relationships between changes in PA/SED (between T1-T3) and MWB/MHP (at T3). The term ‘movement categories’ was used to refer to components on the movement continuum and includes volume (total PA), intensity (MVPA) and SED. Results Among boys, any increase in SED was positively associated with MWB (β = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.10), whereas a small positive association between an increase in total PA (volume) and MWB was found among girls (β = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.05 to 2.21). There were no associations between changes in any movement categories [total PA (volume), MVPA, SED] and score on MHP at T3, neither for girls nor boys. Conclusion This study provided no clear evidence of any association between change in volume or intensity of PA and MHP among an overall healthy adolescent study sample. There was, however, evidence of a relationship between increased SED and MWB among boys and increased volume of PA and MWB among girls. The relationship between movement categories and mental health may depend on the measurement used to assess both PA/SED and variables of mental health. Future research would be strengthened by researchers clarifying what construct of mental health is being used and measured.

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Does Antenatal Social Support Affect the Relationships Between Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy And Perinatal Mental Health?

Violence Against Women ◽

10.1177/1077801219835052 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (6-7) ◽

pp. 573-589 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Sachiko Kita ◽

Megumi Haruna ◽

Masayo Matsuzaki ◽

Kiyoko Kamibeppu

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Antenatal Depressive Symptoms ◽

The Relationship

Intimate partner violence (IPV) causes adverse perinatal mental health outcomes; however, few studies have identified why. We focused on antenatal social support to reveal how it affects the relationship between IPV during pregnancy and mental health outcomes. A prospective cohort study was conducted during the third trimester and 1-month postnatal. The relationship between IPV during pregnancy and antenatal depressive symptoms, which were associated with mother–infant bonding failure and postnatal depressive symptoms, was affected by mother’s satisfaction with antenatal social support. Perceived social support for abused women must be increased to prevent antenatal depressive symptoms and adverse postnatal mental health outcomes.

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Poverty and mental health: policy, practice and research implications

BJPsych Bulletin ◽

10.1192/bjb.2020.78 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 44 (5) ◽

pp. 193-196

Author(s):

Lee Knifton ◽

Greig Inglis

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Policy ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Health Inequalities ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Mental Health Policy ◽

Health Problems ◽

Policy Practice ◽

Concentrated Poverty ◽

The Relationship

SummaryThis article examines the relationship between poverty and mental health problems. We draw on the experience of Glasgow, our home city, which contains some of Western Europe's areas of greatest concentrated poverty and poorest health outcomes. We highlight how mental health problems are related directly to poverty, which in turn underlies wider health inequalities. We then outline implications for psychiatry.

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The Association of Mental Health Problems With Preventive Behavior and Caregivers' Anxiety About COVID-19 in Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.713834 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Kota Suzuki ◽

Michio Hiratani

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Preventive Behavior ◽

Public System ◽

The Public ◽

The Relationship ◽

Children's Activities

We examined the association of mental health problems with preventive behavior and caregivers' anxiety in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and their caregivers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Data were obtained from 227 pairs of children with NDD and their caregivers in a clinic in Fukui Prefecture, Japan, from October 1 to December 31, 2020. During this period, the activities of children and caregivers were not strongly restricted by the public system. Caregivers' anxiety about children's activities was positively associated with caregivers' and children's fears of COVID-19 and children's depressive symptoms. Children's preventive behavior was negatively associated with children's depressive symptoms. These findings suggested that caregivers' fear of COVID-19 stemmed from worry about the relationship between children's activity and COVID-19 infection, and children might have reflected caregivers' expressions of concern. In schools and clinics, practitioners educate children on how to engage in preventive behavior against COVID-19. Our results support the effectiveness of such practices in mitigating mental health problems in children with NDD.

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Mental Health Among Adolescents from Returned Portuguese Immigrant Families

Swiss Journal of Psychology ◽

10.1024/1421-0185/a000015 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 69 (3) ◽

pp. 131-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Félix Neto

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Immigrant Families ◽

Health Problems ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Control Group ◽

Older Adolescents ◽

The Mean ◽

Portuguese Adolescents

This study investigated mental health problems and their predictors among adolescents from returned immigrant families. The sample consisted of 360 returned adolescents (mean age = 16.8 years; SD = 1.9). The mean duration of a sojourn in Portugal for the sample was 8.2 years (SD = 4.5). A control group of 217 Portuguese youths were also included in the study. Adolescents from immigrant families reported mental health levels similar to those of Portuguese adolescents who have never migrated. Girls showed more mental health problems than boys. Younger adolescents showed fewer mental health problems than older adolescents. Adaptation variables contributed to mental health outcomes even after acculturation variables were accounted for. Implications of the study for counselors are discussed.

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African American Women and Depression: Promoting the Need for Culturally Competent Treatment

10.35455/brk123456 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Bernice Kennedy ◽

Chalice Jenkins ◽

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

African American ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

African American Women ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

American Woman ◽

Stressful Events ◽

Mental Illnesses ◽

Diagnostic Process ◽

American Women

Abstract Depression is gradually increasing in African American women. These women are experiencing role changes and additional life stressors. Depressed African American women may perceive themselves as being devalued by society with fewer support systems to buffer stressful events. Depressive symptoms may develop into clinical depression and a further decrease in the quality of life for the African American woman. The assumption that all women share similar experiences does not allow for differences to emerge regarding the diagnostic process, measuring tools, and successful treatment strategies for various cultures. The authors developed a Multifaceted Model of Depression in African American Women for improving treatment of African American women with depression and future research needs. Cultural background plays a vital role in how the symptoms of mental illnesses are developed, reported, interpreted, and how women are treated. African Americans who subscribed to the Strong Black Women Archetype (SBWA) are naturally strong, resilient, self-contained, and self-sacrificing. This self-reliance prevents them from reaching out for social support. This, in turn, can contribute to depressive symptoms with negative health outcomes. The African American women are more apt to have less access to routine medical care where early diagnosis and interventions can be done, so their mental health problems (e.g., depression, stress, etc.) are often more developed, complicated, and their social supports more depleted when they do access treatment. When African American women do have access to mental health care, they receive poor quality care compared to Whites.

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An intervention for depressive symptoms using a commercial game in a mental health impatient setting. (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.13890 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Pablo Rodrigo Guzman Cortez ◽

Matias Marzocchi ◽

Neus Freixa Fontanals ◽

Mercedes Balcells-Olivero

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Serious Games ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Depressive Symptomatology ◽

Pilot Test ◽

Potential Health ◽

Depressive Episodes ◽

Hamilton Rating Scale

BACKGROUND Computerized mental health interventions have shown evidence of their potential benefit for mental health outcomes in young users. All of the studied interventions available in the review and scientific literature can be classified as "serious games". Serious games are computerized interventions designed from the start with the objective of improving specific desired health outcomes. Moreover, there are reports of users experiencing subjective benefits in mental health after playing specific commercial games. These were games not intentionally made with a therapeutic objective in the design process. An example is the videogame "Journey", first released for the Playstation 3 console in 2012 which won "Game of the Year" in the 2013 D.I.C.E awards. The creator of the game describes the game as a short, 2-3-hour narrative experience in which the player goes through the "Hero's Journey" following a classic 3-part structure. There were more than 100 testimonials from players describing how the game helped them cope with psychological or personal issues. Some of them explicitly described recovering from depressive episodes through playing the game. OBJECTIVE To conduct a pilot test of the efficacy of the videogame Journey in reducing depressive symptoms in an acute impatient setting METHODS Depressive symptomatology was measured before and after the intervention using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) The intervention was conducted in an isolated room using a Playstation 3 console with the videogame "Journey" developed by Thatgamecompany. No internet access was allowed. The game was played over the course of 4 30-45 min sessions in a two week period. RESULTS The initial score in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) was 30, indicating a very severe depression. After the intervention the HRSD score was 10, showing a mild depression. CONCLUSIONS The Videogame Journey, a commercial game first available for the Playstation 3 console in 2012, was not created as a serious game with potential health benefits. Our pilot test is the first case report of a commercial game showing a potential effect in reducing depressive symptoms, which is consistent with the previous informal reports of users online.

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