scholarly journals Loneliness among people with severe mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a linked UK population cohort study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0262363
Author(s):  
Paul Heron ◽  
Panagiotis Spanakis ◽  
Suzanne Crosland ◽  
Gordon Johnston ◽  
Elizabeth Newbronner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Substantial Problem ◽  
Support Employment ◽  
Severe Mental Ill Health ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Health Diagnosis

Aim/Goal/Purpose Population surveys underrepresent people with severe mental ill health. This paper aims to use multiple regression analyses to explore perceived social support, loneliness and factor associations from self-report survey data collected during the Covid-19 pandemic in a sample of individuals with severe mental ill health. Design/Methodology/Approach We sampled an already existing cohort of people with severe mental ill health. Researchers contacted participants by phone or by post to invite them to take part in a survey about how the pandemic restrictions had impacted health, Covid-19 experiences, perceived social support, employment and loneliness. Loneliness was measured by the three item UCLA loneliness scale. Findings In the pandemic sub-cohort, 367 adults with a severe mental ill health diagnosis completed a remote survey. 29–34% of participants reported being lonely. Loneliness was associated with being younger in age (adjusted OR = -.98, p = .02), living alone (adjusted OR = 2.04, p = .01), high levels of social and economic deprivation (adjusted OR = 2.49, p = .04), and lower perceived social support (B = -5.86, p < .001). Living alone was associated with lower perceived social support. Being lonely was associated with a self-reported deterioration in mental health during the pandemic (adjusted OR = 3.46, 95%CI 2.03–5.91). Practical implications Intervention strategies to tackle loneliness in the severe mental ill health population are needed. Further research is needed to follow-up the severe mental ill health population after pandemic restrictions are lifted to understand perceived social support and loneliness trends. Originality Loneliness was a substantial problem for the severe mental ill health population before the Covid-19 pandemic but there is limited evidence to understand perceived social support and loneliness trends during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Loneliness among people with severe mental ill health during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a linked UK population cohort study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul N Heron ◽  
Panagiotis Spanakis ◽  
Suzanne Crosland ◽  
Gordon Johnston ◽  
Elizabeth Newbronner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Substantial Problem ◽  
Support Employment ◽  
Severe Mental Ill Health ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Health Diagnosis

Purpose Population surveys underrepresent people with severe mental ill health. This paper aims to explore perceived social support and loneliness and factor associations during the Covid-19 pandemic in a sample of individuals with severe mental ill health. Design/methodology/approach We sampled an already existing cohort of people with severe mental ill health. Researchers contacted participants by phone or by post to invite them to take part in a survey about how the pandemic restrictions had impacted health, Covid-19 experiences, perceived social support, employment and loneliness. Loneliness was measured by the three item UCLA loneliness scale. Findings In the pandemic sub-cohort, 367 adults with a severe mental ill health diagnosis completed a remote survey. 29-34% of participants reported being lonely. Loneliness was associated with being younger in age (adjusted OR = -.98, p = .02), living alone (adjusted OR = 2.04, p = .01), high levels of social and economic deprivation (adjusted OR = 2.49, p = .04), and lower perceived social support (B = -5.86, p < .001). Living alone was associated with lower perceived social support. Being lonely was associated with a self-reported deterioration in mental health during the pandemic (adjusted OR = 3.46, 95%CI 2.03-5.91). Practical implications Intervention strategies to tackle loneliness in the severe mental ill health population are needed. Further research is needed to follow-up the severe mental ill health population after pandemic restrictions are lifted to understand perceived social support and loneliness trends. Originality Loneliness was a substantial problem for the severe mental ill health population before the Covid-19 pandemic but there is limited evidence to understand perceived social support and loneliness trends during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Depression Differentially Predicts Quality of Life at levels of Self-Efficacy and Social Support in Cardiovascular Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-06
Author(s):  
Shameem Fatima
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Poor Predictor ◽  
Government Sector ◽  
Cardiovascular Patients ◽  
Negative Predictor

Objective: The objectives of the study were twofold: i) to assess whether depression independently predicts four quality of life (QOL) domains in CVD patients; and ii) whether depression interacts with self-efficacy and perceived social support to predict QOL domains among cardiovascular diseases (CVD) patients. Methods: Participants were 174 CVD patients taken from three major government sector hospitals of Lahore who were assessed on self-report measures of depression, self-efficacy, social support and QOL. Results: It was found that depression was a significant negative predictor of all four QOL domains among CVD patients. Furthermore, results from regression analysis demonstrated that depression significantly interacted with self-efficacy to predict physical and environmental QOL. Additionally, depression interacted with social support to physical and social QOL. Specially, depression was a stronger negative predictor of QOL domains at lower levels of self-efficacy and social support while it was a poor predictor at higher levels of self-efficacy and support. Conclusion: It was concluded that social support and self-efficacy act as buffering factors against devastating effects of depression on QOL among CVD patients.

scholarly journals Role of Hope and Perceived Social Support in Predicting Posttraumatic Growth among Half- Widows in Kashmir

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadaf Anjum ◽  
Shahina Maqbool
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Total Growth ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
Report Measure

Purpose: The study investigates the role of hope and perceived social support in predicting posttraumatic growth among half-widows in Kashmir. Method: A correlational design was applied. The sample consists of 150 half widows with age ranging between (35-65) yrs, taken from Srinagar, Kupwara and Kulgam districts in Kashmir. Purposive sampling was the technique used for collection of data. Tools used: The Posttraumatic growth inventory developed by Tedeschi and Calhoun in 1996 is a 21-item, 6-point scale self-report measure. The summation of all 21 items yielded a total growth score which can range from 0 to 105. Higher scores were indicative of greater growth. In the present study, internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) of the total score was .96 and item-total correlations ranged from .59 to .82. The Trait Hope Scale (Snyder et al., 1991), comprising the 4-item Agency subscale and the 4-item Pathways subscale. Items are scored on an 8-point Likert scale, anchors ranging from ‘1 = Definitely False’ to ‘8 = Definitely True’. Both subscales have adequate internal reliability, with Cronbach’s alphas ranging from .70 to .84 for the Agency subscale, and from .63 to .86 for the Pathways subscale (Snyder et al., 1991). Perceived Social Support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The MSPSS was developed by Zimet et al. (1988). The scale is a 12-item self-report measure for subjective assessment of experienced social support from three sources: Family, Friends, and Significant Other. Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert-type scale ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”. The total score ranges from 12 to 84 for the entire 12-item questionnaire and from 4 to 28 for each of the three subscales. For these three subscales higher scores indicate greater perceived social support. In the current study reliability coefficient of the scale is 0.89.

Impact of Perceived Social Support on Mental Health, Quality of Life, and Disability in Post–9/11 U.S. Military Veterans

2020 ◽  
pp. 0095327X2091992
Author(s):  
Eric Proescher ◽  
Darrin M. Aase ◽  
Holly M. Passi ◽  
Justin E. Greenstein ◽  
Christopher Schroth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
The Impact

This study examined the impact of perceived social support on mental health and psychosocial functioning in combat veterans after military deployment, including veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and veterans with comorbid PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Veterans ( n = 139; female = 23) completed self-report and clinician-administered measures of social support, mental and physical health, functional impairment, and quality of life. The cohort was divided into high, medium, and low perceived social support based on averages of the total score from the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Relative to the low perceived social support group, the high perceived social support group reported fewer symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The high perceived social support group also reported a more diverse and embedded social network, less disability, and better quality of life. Of note, the high and low perceived social support groups did not differ on age, gender, education, race ethnicity, or combat trauma exposure. These findings highlight that perceived social support may play an important role in the treatment of postwar veterans as they transition back to civilian life.

Online Support Group Participation and Social Support: Incorporating Identification and Interpersonal Bonds

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 593-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaguang Zhu ◽  
Keri K. Stephens
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Group Communication ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Online Support Group ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

An increasing number of people with chronic diseases exchange social support using online support groups (OSGs). However, there is little understanding of group communication mechanisms that underpin the relationship between OSG participation and social support. Drawing on Prentice, Miller, and Lightdale’s common-identity and common-bond framework, we propose and test a theoretical model that explains group communication mechanisms through which members’ participation influences their perceived social support. In the process, we identified and empirically validated a three-factor solution for an OSG participation scale. Based on 356 users across 12 popular OSGs, we find that two group communication mechanisms—identification with the community and interpersonal bonds with other members—mediate the relationship between OSG participation and perceived social support. Specifically, identification has a stronger mediating effect than interpersonal bonds in the relationship between OSG participation and perceived social support. We also discuss theoretical and practical implications.

Development of the Goal Setting Support Scale GSSS: Subordinate Assessment of Supervisory Support in the Goal-Setting Process

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 208-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Ballantine ◽  
Christopher G. Nunns ◽  
Sarah Brown
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Work Motivation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Supervisory Support ◽  
Setting Process ◽  
Effective Theories ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Report Measure

Goal setting has been described as one of the most valid and effective theories of work motivation. In this study the authors report on the development of the Goal Setting Support Scale (GSSS), a self-report measure of supervisory support received, designed specifically for the goal-setting process. Supervisory support is identified as an important element of the goal-setting process, yet existing measures are criticized for being inadequate. To address this, the proposed scale is based conceptually on House's typology of social support. Based on the findings across four managerial samples ( N = 369), the measure evidenced favourable psychometric properties. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Religiosity and Perceived Social Support Enhance Older Adults’ Resilience after the 2016 Flood

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 929-929
Author(s):  
Katie Cherry ◽  
Matthew Calamia ◽  
Emily Elliott ◽  
Angelina Cantelli
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Severe Weather ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Age Related

Abstract In 2016, catastrophic flooding destroyed homes and property across south Louisiana. This study is part of a larger program of research that addresses the role of prior hurricane and flood experiences on current health and well-being in later life. Participants were predominately middle-aged and older adults who varied in current and prior severe weather experiences (M age=49.6 years, age range 18-88 years). All were tested during the immediate aftermath of the 2016 flood (Wave 1; N=223) and most participated in a follow-up assessment 9 (+/- 3) months later (Wave 2; N=202). Cherry et al. (2021) reported that greater flood stressors at Wave 1, such as displacement, flood-related losses, and damage to homes and property, were associated with more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that age, religiosity, and perceived social support would be positively associated with post-flood resilience at the Wave 2 follow-up. Results indicated that age was positively associated with religiosity and resilience, and negatively correlated with symptoms of PTSD. Additionally, faith community involvement, non-organizational religiosity, and religious beliefs and practices were all significantly correlated with post-flood resilience. Perceived social support was positively associated with resilience, and inversely correlated with PTSD symptoms. These data suggest that religiosity and perceived social support are valuable resources that foster post-disaster resilience among middle aged and older adults. Implications of these data for current views on age-related strengths and vulnerabilities after severe weather events are discussed.

scholarly journals Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and later-life depression: perceived social support as a potential protective factor

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. e013228 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Von Cheong ◽  
Carol Sinnott ◽  
Darren Dahly ◽  
Patricia M Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

ObjectiveTo investigate associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and later-life depressive symptoms; and to explore whether perceived social support (PSS) moderates these.MethodWe analysed baseline data from the Mitchelstown (Ireland) 2010–2011 cohort of 2047 men and women aged 50–69 years. Self-reported measures included ACEs (Centre for Disease Control ACE questionnaire), PSS (Oslo Social Support Scale) and depressive symptoms (CES-D). The primary exposure was self-report of at least one ACE. We also investigated the effects of ACE exposure by ACE scores and ACE subtypes abuse, neglect and household dysfunction. Associations between each of these exposures and depressive symptoms were estimated using logistic regression, adjusted for socio-demographic factors. We tested whether the estimated associations varied across levels of PSS (poor, moderate and strong).Results23.7% of participants reported at least one ACE (95% CI 21.9% to 25.6%). ACE exposures (overall, subtype or ACE scores) were associated with a higher odds of depressive symptoms, but only among individuals with poor PSS. Exposure to any ACE (vs none) was associated with almost three times the odds of depressive symptoms (adjusted OR 2.85; 95% CI 1.64 to 4.95) among individuals reporting poor PSS, while among those reporting moderate and strong PSS, the adjusted ORs were 2.21 (95% CI 1.52 to 3.22) and 1.39 (95% CI 0.85 to 2.29), respectively. This pattern of results was similar when exposures were based on ACE subtype and ACE scores, though the interaction was clearly strongest among those reporting abuse.ConclusionsACEs are common among older adults in Ireland and are associated with higher odds of later-life depressive symptoms, particularly among those with poor PSS. Interventions that enhance social support, or possibly perceptions of social support, may help reduce the burden of depression in older populations with ACE exposure, particularly in those reporting abuse.

Moral Injury and Suicide Ideation Among Israeli Combat Veterans: The Contribution of Self-Forgiveness and Perceived Social Support

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052092086
Author(s):  
Yossi Levi-Belz ◽  
Neta Dichter ◽  
Gadi Zerach
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Combat Veterans ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Moral Injury ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Forgiveness ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Modern warfare within a civilian setting may expose combatants to severe moral challenges. Whereas most of these challenges are handled effectively, some potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) may have deleterious psychological, spiritual, and interpersonal effects among them, which may increase the risk for suicide ideation and behaviors (SIB). In this study, we aimed to examine the protective role of self-forgiveness and perceived social support on the relationship between exposure to PMIEs and SIB among combat veterans. A sample of 191 Israeli combat veterans completed validated self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional design study, tapping moral injury, SIB, perceived social support, and self-forgiveness. Veterans with a history of SIB revealed higher levels of exposure to PMIEs and lower levels of self-forgiveness and perceived social support than veterans with no SIB history. Moreover, beyond the contributions of the PMIE dimensions, significant contributions of self-forgiveness and perceived social support to current suicide ideation (SI) were found. Importantly, the moderating model indicated that higher social support moderated the link between PMIEs and current SI. Based on the current findings, it can be suggested that self-forgiveness and perceived social support are important contributors to lower SI levels among veterans with PMIEs. It can be further suggested that interpersonal support may help veterans develop a sense of belongingness and bonding, which is a plausible basis for diminishing the risk of SI following PMIE exposure.

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