School functioning and internalizing problems in young schoolchildren

Abstract Background Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common mental health problems in children and are often referred to as internalizing symptoms. Youth with such symptoms are at greater risk for poor academic achievement, school non-completion, and future mental health problems, all of which, lead to public health consequences and costs to society. The aim of the current study was to investigate associations between young school children’s internalizing symptoms and school functioning, as assessed separately by the teachers and the children. Methods This study is a cross-sectional study including children (N = 750. 58% girls) from the ages of 8–12 years with elevated levels of self-reported symptoms of anxiety (MASC-C) and/or depression (SMFQ). Teachers reported the academic achievement, school adaptation (TRF) and internalizing symptoms (BPM-T) of the children. Associations were analyzed using linear regression analyses. Results Both teacher-reported internalizing symptoms and children’s self-reported depressive symptoms were associated with poor academic achievement and school adaptation, while self-reported symptoms of anxiety were not. Symptoms of depression as assessed by the children were associated with teacher-rated internalizing symptoms, while self-reported symptoms of anxiety were not. Conclusion We found negative associations between school functioning and internalizing symptoms, as assessed by both the teachers and the children. The dual findings strengthen the validity of these relationships. Thus, prevention of depressive and anxiety symptoms in children may lead to positive changes in school domains such as academic achievement and school adaptation. The weak and non-significant associations between teacher-rated internalizing problems and children`s self-report on depression- and anxiety symptoms respectively, indicate that teachers may have difficulties recognizing children with these symptoms. Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT02340637, Registered on June 12, 2014, Retrospectively registered.

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Religiosity and mental health of pre-adolescents with psychiatric problems and their parents: The TRAILS study

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2015.07.006 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 30 (7) ◽

pp. 845-851 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

W. van der Jagt-Jelsma ◽

M.R. de Vries-Schot ◽

Rint de Jong ◽

C.A. Hartman ◽

F.C. Verhulst ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Internalizing Problems ◽

Externalizing Problems ◽

Internalizing Symptoms ◽

Child Behavior Checklist ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Self Report ◽

Adolescent Religiosity ◽

And Gender ◽

Psychiatric Problems

AbstractBackground:This study investigated the association between the religiosity of parents and pre-adolescents, and pre-adolescents’ psychiatric problems.Method:In a clinic-referred cohort of 543 pre-adolescents at least once referred to a mental health outpatient clinic mental health problems were assessed using self-reports (Youth Self-Report; YSR), parent reports (Child Behavior Checklist; CBCL), and teacher reports (Teacher's Report Form; TRF) of child behavioral and emotional problems. Paternal, maternal, and pre-adolescent religiosity were assessed by self-report. MANCOVAs were performed for internalizing and externalizing problems as dependent variables, with maternal religiosity, paternal religiosity, pre-adolescent religiosity, parental religious harmony, and gender as independent variables, and socioeconomic status and divorce as covariates.Results:Internalizing problems. Pre-adolescents of actively religious mothers had more internalizing symptoms than pre-adolescents of nonreligious mothers. Harmony and gender did not significantly affect the association between maternal religiosity and internalizing problems. Externalizing problems. No associations between religiosity of pre-adolescents, religiosity of mothers, religiosity of fathers and/or harmony of parents and externalizing problem behavior have been found.Discussion and conclusions:Overall, associations between mental health and religiosity were modest to absent. Results are discussed in the context of a clinic-referred cohort, the quest phase of internalizing religious beliefs and role modeling of parents.

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Mental Health Problems and Help-Seeking among Adolescents

Sibirskiy psikhologicheskiy zhurnal ◽

10.17223/17267080/79/11 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 189-202

Author(s):

E.V. Rezun ◽

◽

H.R. Slobodskaya ◽

N.B. Semenova ◽

T.O. Rippinen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Self Report ◽

Emotional And Behavioral Problems ◽

Seeking Help

The mental health problems among adolescents have long-lasting effects throughout life. However, research evidence indicates that only 10–30% of adolescents who needed mental health care had received specialized help. The present study reports the prevalence of mental health problems and help-seeking among adolescents, taking into account gender and age differences. The sample included 1752 adolescents (47 % boys,) aged 12-17 years. Data were collected on in two Siberian cities (Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk) using an international self-report questionnaire developed for the school-based Eurasian Child Mental Health Study. Participants were recruited from 18 schools, students completed questionnaires anonymously during school lessons. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple regression analysis, and crosstabs using a chi-squared test. The level of emotional and behavioral problems in Siberian adolescents was slightly higher than that found in European and Asian countries. Twenty three percent of adolescents reported frequent headaches (at least once a week), 11 % reported frequent abdominal pain and 14% suffered from frequent sleep disturbances (3–5 times a week or more). Girls reported a significantly higher level of problems than boys, with the largest gender differences for emotional problems, recurrent pains and sleep disturbances. Weekly consumption of alcohol and daily use of nicotine among boys was more common than among girls (3 % and 6 %, respectively), whereas less frequent use of alcohol and nicotine was commoner in girls (16 %) than in boys (10 %); 7 % of boys and girls had tried drugs at least once. Suicidal thoughts were reported by 22 % of adolescents, 6 % reported suicide attempts and 6 % reported repeated self-harm. One third of adolescents considered seeking outside help and 9 % had actually done so. Girls reported more help-seeking than boys; older girls sought help more often than younger and middle-aged ones. Around one third of adolescents sought help from their relatives; 26 % from friends, the Internet or other non-professional sources; 5 % reported seeking help from a doctor or nurse, and 3 % from a psychologist. The most important independent predictors of seeking help were emotional symptoms, suicidal ideation and hyperactivity/inattention. The results suggest a need for future investigation of the factors associated with help-seeking behavior among adolescents. It is also necessary to develop mental health promotion programs for adolescents, interventions to improve mental health literacy and access to mental health care.

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Online Mental Health Assessments of COVID-19 Patients in South Korea

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.685445 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Jung Hyun Lee ◽

Dayoung Lee ◽

Soyoen Hyun ◽

Ji Sun Hong ◽

Chang-Hoon Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

High Risk ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Self Report ◽

Patient Health Questionnaire ◽

Health Questionnaire ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Patient Health ◽

Post Traumatic

Experiences of infectious diseases cause stressful and traumatic life events, hence, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients could suffer from various mental health problems requiring psychological support services. This study investigates the severity of mental health problems among confirmed COVID-19 patients. From March to November 2020, we collected the data from 118 COVID-19 patients who voluntarily participated in the National Center for Disaster Trauma's online mental health assessment consisting of self-report scales like Primary Care of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder screen (PC-PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and P4 Suicidality Screener. For control, 116 other disaster-experienced and 386 non-COVID-19-experienced participants were recruited. The COVID-19 patients showed more severe symptoms including post-traumatic symptoms, depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms than control groups across all four screening scales (p < 0.001). Regarding high-risk, COVID-19 patients had an increased association with high-risk compared to the comparison groups (PC-PTSD: OR = 24.16, 95% CI = 13.52–43.16 p < 0.001; PHQ-9: OR = 14.45, 95% CI = 8.29–25.19, p < 0.001; GAD-7: OR=20.71, 95% CI = 10.74–39.96, p < 0.001; PHQ-15: OR = 5.65, 95% CI = 3.44–9.25, p < 0.001; P4: OR = 14.67, 95% CI = 8.95–25.07, p < 0.001). This study's results imply that there is a high-risk of overall mental health problems, especially stronger associations of post-traumatic stress symptoms, in COVID-19 patients. These findings help inform practitioners about the psychological responses to COVID-19 experiences and to prepare appropriate interventions and services for the incremental number of confirmed cases.

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Job Dissatisfaction Mediated the Associations Between Work Stress and Mental Health Problems

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.711263 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Dan Qiu ◽

Ruiqi Li ◽

Yilu Li ◽

Jun He ◽

Feiyun Ouyang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Path Analysis ◽

Work Stress ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Job Dissatisfaction ◽

Working Adults

Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationships and the underlying mechanisms between work stress and mental health problems, and potential mediation effects through job dissatisfaction in a working population.Methods: A large population-based study among workers in China was conducted. The self-reported scales of assessing job dissatisfaction and work stress were included in the questionnaire. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 were used for assessment of mental health. Univariate logistic regression was conducted to test the associations between work stress and mental health. Path analysis was conducted to test the proposed mediation model.Results: Of the 6,190 included employees, 27.72% reported that they perceived work stress, 14.84% of them reported that they were not satisfied with their work, 5.01% of the employees reported depressive symptoms, and 3.75% of the employees reported anxiety symptoms. The results of univariate logistic regression showed that employees who perceived work stress were more likely to report anxiety symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.78; 95% CI: 2.03–3.79) or depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.22–2.12). The path analysis showed that work stress was positively associated with job dissatisfaction. Job dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between work stress and mental health problems among Chinese working adults.Conclusion: This study suggests the importance of psychosocial work environment for mental health among Chinese working adults. Work dissatisfaction is a stressor that may induce negative consequences on the mental health among Chinese workers. Interventions to help workers with stress management may be beneficial for their mental health.

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Validation of the Strengths and Difficulties Self-Report in Norwegian Sign Language

The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education ◽

10.1093/deafed/enz026 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 91-104 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Chris Margaret Aanondsen ◽

Thomas Jozefiak ◽

Kerstin Heiling ◽

Tormod Rimehaug

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Sign Language ◽

Internal Consistency ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Self Report ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Strengths And Difficulties ◽

Test Retest Reliability

Abstract The majority of studies on mental health in deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children report a higher level of mental health problems. Inconsistencies in reports of prevalence of mental health problems have been found to be related to a number of factors such as language skills, cognitive ability, heterogeneous samples as well as validity problems caused by using written measures designed for typically hearing children. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the self-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in Norwegian Sign Language (NSL; SDQ-NSL) and in written Norwegian (SDQ-NOR). Forty-nine DHH children completed the SDQ-NSL as well as the SDQ-NOR in randomized order and their parents completed the parent version of the SDQ-NOR and a questionnaire on hearing and language-related information. Internal consistency was examined using Dillon–Goldstein’s rho, test–retest reliability using intraclass correlations, construct validity by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and partial least squares structural equation modeling. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were established as acceptable to good. CFA resulted in a best fit for the proposed five-factor model for both versions, although not all fit indices reached acceptable levels. The reliability and validity of the SDQ-NSL seem promising even though the validation was based on a small sample size.

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Revising the self-report strengths and difficulties questionnaire for cross-country comparisons of adolescent mental health problems: the SDQ-R

Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences ◽

10.1017/s2045796019000246 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

E. L. Duinhof ◽

K. M. Lek ◽

M. E. de Looze ◽

A. Cosma ◽

J. Mazur ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Measurement Invariance ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Adolescent Mental Health ◽

Measurement Model ◽

Health Problems ◽

The Self ◽

Self Report ◽

Emotional Symptoms ◽

Cross Country

Abstract Aims The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) has been used in many epidemiological studies to assess adolescent mental health problems, but cross-country comparisons of the self-report SDQ are scarce and so far failed to find a good-fitting, common, invariant measurement model across countries. The present study aims to evaluate and establish a version of the self-report SDQ that allows for a valid cross-country comparison of adolescent self-reported mental health problems. Methods Using the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, the measurement model and measurement invariance of the 20 items of the self-report SDQ measuring adolescent mental health problems were evaluated. Nationally representative samples of 11-, 13- and 15-year old adolescents (n = 33 233) from seven countries of different regions in Europe (Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovenia) were used. Results In order to establish a good-fitting and common measurement model, the five reverse worded items of the self-report SDQ had to be removed. Using this revised version of the self-report SDQ, the SDQ-R, partial measurement invariance was established, indicating that latent factor means assessing conduct problems, emotional symptoms, peer relationships problems and hyperactivity-inattention problems could be validly compared across the countries in this study. Results showed that adolescents in Greece scored relatively low on almost all problem subscales, whereas adolescents in Poland scored relatively high on almost all problem subscales. Adolescents in the Netherlands reported the most divergent profile of mental health problems with the lowest levels of conduct problems, low levels of emotional symptoms and peer relationship problems, but the highest levels of hyperactivity-inattention problems. Conclusions With six factor loadings being non-invariant, partial measurement invariance was established, indicating that the 15-item SDQ-R could be used in our cross-country comparison of adolescent mental health problems. To move the field of internationally comparative research on adolescent mental health forward, studies should test the applicability of the SDQ-R in other countries in- and outside Europe, continue to develop the SDQ-R as a cross-country invariant measure of adolescent mental health, and examine explanations for the found country differences in adolescent mental health problems.

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Young Adults Victimized as Children or Adolescents: Relationships Between Perpetrator Patterns, Poly-Victimization, and Mental Health Problems

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260517701452 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (11-12) ◽

pp. 2335-2357 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Åsa Källström ◽

Karin Hellfeldt ◽

Kathryn H. Howell ◽

Laura E. Miller-Graff ◽

Sandra A. Graham-Bermann

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young Adults ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Self Report ◽

Dysfunctional Family ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Victims Of Violence ◽

Forms Of Violence

Child and adolescent victims of violence are often exposed to more than one kind of physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment. Both individually and cumulatively, such victimizations have significant ramifications on mental health. Yet little is known about the relationships in which these different kinds of victimizations occur and how the relationship between the victim and perpetrators may influence later mental health. This retrospective, self-report study of a nationally representative sample of 2,500 young adults in Sweden examines associations between different types of victimization (including poly-victimization), the victim’s relationship to the perpetrator, and how these factors are related to current mental health. Results indicate differential patterns of abuse based on the perpetrator; parents were most likely to use physical aggression, whereas siblings typically perpetrated property crimes and partners committed sexual assault. Peers were the most likely perpetrator of both physical and verbal victimizations and also most often committed poly-victimization by subjecting youth to multiple forms of violence. While males were more likely to be victimized by peers, females were more likely to be victimized by parents, siblings, and partners. Significant positive relations were found for the amount of victimization by peers and mental health problems among both males and females. In addition, for females, higher amounts of youth victimization by parents and partners related to higher levels of mental health problems during young adulthood. Taken together, these results suggest that peer victimization presents the greatest risk for males, whereas dysfunctional family relationships are most detrimental to victimized females.

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School-based strategies to prevent violence, trauma, and psychopathology: The challenges of going to scale

Development and Psychopathology ◽

10.1017/s0954579411000149 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 411-421 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Lawrence Aber ◽

Joshua L. Brown ◽

Stephanie M. Jones ◽

Juliette Berg ◽

Catalina Torrente

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Academic Achievement ◽

Translational Research ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Prevention Strategies ◽

School Based ◽

School Based Interventions ◽

Population Scale ◽

Positive Impacts

AbstractChildren's trauma-related mental health problems are widespread, largely untreated and constitute significant barriers to academic achievement and attainment. Translational research has begun to identify school-based interventions to prevent violence, trauma and psychopathology. We describe in detail the findings to date on research evaluating one such intervention, the Reading, Writing, Respect, and Resolution (4Rs) Program. The 4Rs Program has led to modest positive impacts on both classrooms and children after 1 year that appear to cascade to more impacts in other domains of children's development after 2 years. This research strives not only to translate research into practice but also translate practice into research. However, considerable challenges must be met for such research to inform prevention strategies at population scale.

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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep Problems Among Caregivers of People Living With Neurocognitive Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2020.590343 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Qiuxuan Li ◽

Haifeng Zhang ◽

Ming Zhang ◽

Tao Li ◽

Wanxin Ma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Prevalence Rate ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Neurocognitive Disorders ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Anxiety Depression

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems among caregivers of persons living with neurocognitive disorders (PLWND) during the COVID-19 pandemic in China and investigate whether the COVID-19-related experiences were associated with the presence of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.Methods: From March 1 to 31, 2020, 160 caregivers of PLWND participated in an online cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. The 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) was administered to measure anxiety symptoms, and the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Questions on sleep duration and sleep quality enquired about sleep problems. Six items were used to explore the COVID-19-related experiences, including community-level infection contact and the level of exposure to media information. We computed the prevalence rate of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep problems. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with these mental health problems.Results: The prevalence rate of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems were 46.9%, 36.3%, and 9.4%. Approximately 55 participants (34.4%) presented with two or more mental health problems. Women had a higher risk of developing anxiety symptoms (OR, 5.284; 95% CI, 2.068–13.503; p = 0.001). Having a mental disorder (OR, 5.104; 95% CI, 1.522–17.114; p = 0.008) was associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Caregivers who preferred to access positive information (OR, 0.215; 95% CI, 0.058–0.793; p = 0.021) was associated with decreased risk of sleep problems.Conclusion: Anxiety and depressive symptoms were common among caregivers of older adults with dementia or mild cognitive impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being female was an independent risk factor for experiencing anxiety symptoms. Preexisting mental disorders increased the risk of depressive symptoms among caregivers, while caregivers who prefer to access positive media information decreased sleep problems.

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Mental Health Problems and Related Factors in Chinese University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-58137/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shuang-Jiang Zhou ◽

Meng Qi ◽

Lei-Lei Wang ◽

Xing-Jie Yang ◽

Li-Gang Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Graduate Students ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

University Students ◽

Protective Factors ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Related Factors ◽

Chinese University

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a serious threat to global public health, including a wide range of metal health problems. Current research focuses mainly on mental health status and related factors among Chinese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Data from 11133 participants was obtained through an online survey of university students in mainland China. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively.Results: In total, 37.0% of the subjects were experiencing depressive symptoms, 24.9% anxiety symptoms, 20.9% comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms, and 7.3% suicidal ideation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed an increased presence of mental health problems in female students, graduate students, and those with personal COVID-19 exposure. Living with family and awareness of COVID-19 were protective factors against depressive and anxiety symptoms. In addition, male, depressive and anxiety symptoms were risk factors for suicidal ideation. Living with family, graduate students, prevention and control measures and projections of COVID-19 trends were protective factors against suicidal ideation.Conclusions: The findings underlined that the mental health of university students should be monitored, and provided important information for healthcare planning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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