A longitudinal model for psychological distress in the COVID-19 crisis among brazilian graduate students

As most evidence for mental health impacts of the COVID-19 crisis is cross-sectional, the present study aimed to analyze the longitudinal development of psychological suffering among 619 Brazilian adults by assessing mental health outcomes and individual factors in two periods: a year before and a month after the break of the pandemic. As major findings, pandemic psychological suffering was directly explained by previous-year suffering, conscientiousness, and pandemic perceived stress, and correlated with pandemic suicidal ideation. Pandemic perceived stress correlated with pandemic psychological distress, and was explained by previous-year suffering, neuroticism, and conscientiousness, as well as by pandemic life satisfaction and perceived pandemic impact. Finally, pandemic suicidal ideation variance was explained by prior ideation and pandemic life satisfaction. These findings are in line with current models of mental health and highlight the importance of integrating both more stable individual factors and more transient variables towards and explanation for mental health outcomes.

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Self-reassurance and self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts predict depression, anxiety, and perceived stress in help-seeking female family caregivers

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610219000565 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 229-240 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katherine Arenella ◽

Ann M. Steffen

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Contextual Factors ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Adult Women ◽

Cross Sectional

ABSTRACTObjectives:Providing care for an older family member is a common experience for women and has been linked with increased depression, anxiety, and stress for some caregivers. This study aimed to investigate the role of self-reassurance and self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts in mitigating the negative effects of caregiving stressors on mental health.Design:Measures were collected during a pre-intervention assessment for a larger study in the U.S.A. evaluating online interventions for intergenerational caregivers. Hierarchical linear regressions were used to examine the contribution of self-reassurance and self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts on mental health outcomes, after controlling for caregiving-related contextual variables and stressors.Setting:Participants completed online questionnaires on a computer or tablet at their convenience.Participants:Participants were 150 help-seeking adult women providing health-care assistance to older relatives living in the community.Measurements:Measures were completed for the mental health outcomes of depression, anxiety, and stress. Measures also included contextual factors of caregiving and demographics. Cognitive impairment, caregiver assistance, role overload, percentage of care provided, family conflict, self-reassurance, and self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts were also measured.Results:Regression models revealed that both self-reassurance and self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts predicted depression, anxiety, and perceived stress after controlling for caregiving contextual factors and stressors.Conclusions:The results indicate that self-reassurance and self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts are effective resources linked to mental health outcomes. Although results were obtained with cross-sectional data, these findings suggest the potential of targeting these resources in transdiagnostic interventions for family caregivers.

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Prevalence of Food Insecurity and Association with Mental Health in an Indigenous Population in Panamá

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021003554 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-22

Author(s):

Rebekah J. Walker ◽

Aprill Z. Dawson ◽

Jennifer A. Campbell ◽

Leonard E. Egede

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Indigenous Population ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Limited Information ◽

Serious Psychological Distress ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Objective: Understanding food insecurity and its health consequences is important for identifying strategies to best target support for individuals and communities. Given the limited information that exists for Indigenous groups in Latin America, this study aimed to understand the association between food insecurity and mental health in an Indigenous population in Panama. Design: Cross-sectional data were collected using a survey conducted with Kuna Indians residing off the coast of Panama. Data sources included measures from the Panamanian Prevalence of Risk Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Survey, and validated measures for psychosocial factors and standardized health outcome measures. Regression models with each of the mental health outcomes (depression, serious psychological distress, perceived stress) were used to examine the association between food insecurity and mental health outcomes. Setting: Indigenous Kuna community residing on the San Blas Islands of Panama Participants: 209 adults Results: Food insecurity was reported by 83% of the participants. Across demographic categories, the only significant difference was by age with higher prevalence in younger ages. After adjusting for demographics, higher food insecurity was significantly associated with higher number of depressive symptoms and more serious psychological distress, but not with levels of perceived stress. Conclusions: Based on these findings, treatment for mental health in the Kuna community may need to account for social determinants of health and be tailored to meet the needs of younger age groups in this population. In addition, interventions designed to decrease food insecurity should be considered as a possible means for improving mental health.

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Pubertal Suppression for Transgender Youth and Risk of Suicidal Ideation

10.1542/9781610025423-pubertal ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 91-98

Author(s):

Jack L. Turban ◽

Dana King ◽

Jeremi M. Carswell ◽

Alex S. Keuroghlian

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adult Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Benefits ◽

History Of

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues are commonly prescribed to suppress endogenous puberty for transgender adolescents. There are limited data regarding the mental health benefits of this treatment. Our objective for this study was to examine associations between access to pubertal suppression during adolescence and adult mental health outcomes. METHODS Using a cross-sectional survey of 20 619 transgender adults aged 18 to 36 years, we examined self-reported history of pubertal suppression during adolescence. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined associations between access to pubertal suppression and adult mental health outcomes, including multiple measures of suicidality. RESULTS Of the sample, 16.9% reported that they ever wanted pubertal suppression as part of their gender-related care. Their mean age was 23.4 years, and 45.2% were assigned male sex at birth. Of them, 2.5% received pubertal suppression. After adjustment for demographic variables and level of family support for gender identity, those who received treatment with pubertal suppression, when compared with those who wanted pubertal suppression but did not receive it, had lower odds of lifetime suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratio = 0.3; 95% confidence interval = 0.2–0.6). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study in which associations between access to pubertal suppression and suicidality are examined. There is a significant inverse association between treatment with pubertal suppression during adolescence and lifetime suicidal ideation among transgender adults who ever wanted this treatment. These results align with past literature, suggesting that pubertal suppression for transgender adolescents who want this treatment is associated with favorable mental health outcomes.

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Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on mental health in Germany: longitudinal observation of different mental health trajectories and protective factors

Translational Psychiatry ◽

10.1038/s41398-021-01508-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

K. F. Ahrens ◽

R. J. Neumann ◽

B. Kollmann ◽

J. Brokelmann ◽

N. M. von Werthern ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Multilevel Models ◽

Daily Hassles ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Psychological State ◽

Cognitive Emotion Regulation ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic and resulting measures can be regarded as a global stressor. Cross-sectional studies showed rather negative impacts on people’s mental health, while longitudinal studies considering pre-lockdown data are still scarce. The present study investigated the impact of COVID-19 related lockdown measures in a longitudinal German sample, assessed since 2017. During lockdown, 523 participants completed additional weekly online questionnaires on e.g., mental health, COVID-19-related and general stressor exposure. Predictors for and distinct trajectories of mental health outcomes were determined, using multilevel models and latent growth mixture models, respectively. Positive pandemic appraisal, social support, and adaptive cognitive emotion regulation were positively, whereas perceived stress, daily hassles, and feeling lonely negatively related to mental health outcomes in the entire sample. Three subgroups (“recovered,” 9.0%; “resilient,” 82.6%; “delayed dysfunction,” 8.4%) with different mental health responses to initial lockdown measures were identified. Subgroups differed in perceived stress and COVID-19-specific positive appraisal. Although most participants remained mentally healthy, as observed in the resilient group, we also observed inter-individual differences. Participants’ psychological state deteriorated over time in the delayed dysfunction group, putting them at risk for mental disorder development. Consequently, health services should especially identify and allocate resources to vulnerable individuals.

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Sexual Assault, Campus Resource Use, and Psychological Distress in Undergraduate Women

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260519884689 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 088626051988468

Author(s):

Amy C. Graham ◽

R. Kevin Mallinson ◽

Jenna R. Krall ◽

Sandra L. Annan

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Sexual Assault ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Resource Use ◽

Sexual Victimization ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Sexual Assaults ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Undergraduate Women

Undergraduate women are at high risk of experiencing sexual assault during their college years. Research has established a strong link between sexual victimization and psychological distress. Although the relationship between sexual victimization and distress has been established, little is known about how the use of university-affiliated sexual assault resources influences mental health outcomes for survivors. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to describe the characteristics of women who used campus survivor resources following a sexual assault during college, examine correlates of campus resource use, and examine correlates and predictors of mental health of women who have been sexually assaulted during college. An online anonymous survey was sent to undergraduate women at two public universities in a mid-Atlantic state. Participants were female, undergraduate students ( N = 362) who had been sexually assaulted during their time at college. Few women ( n = 98, 27.1%) used campus resources following a sexual assault. We found significant relationships between participants’ use of campus survivor resources and experiencing a sexual assault prior to entering college, experiencing more severe sexual assaults, acknowledging the assault as a rape, feeling more self-blame, and experiencing more psychological distress. Campus resource use was significantly associated with poorer mental health outcomes. The cross-sectional nature of this study limited our ability to explore the reason for this. Further research is needed to explore the role campus resources play in supporting survivors during the recovery process. Given the high rate of sexual assaults on college campuses and the known negative psychological impact of sexual assault, it is imperative that campuses offer resources that are effective in meeting the needs of survivors.

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Risk factors for workplace bullying, severe psychological distress, and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide internet survey for the general working population in Japan

10.1101/2021.11.18.21266501 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kanami Tsuno ◽

Takahiro Tabuchi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Workplace Bullying ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Internet Survey ◽

Prior History

Abstract Objectives: The pandemic of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created a challenging environment for workers. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for workplace bullying and mental health outcomes during the pandemic among workers. Methods: We conducted a nationwide online cross-sectional survey from August to September 2020 in Japan (N = 16,384). Workplace bullying was measured by one item from the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire; severe psychological distress (SPD) by K6 (≥13); and suicidal ideation by one item. Prevalence ratios were calculated by Poisson regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders such as gender, age, occupational characteristics, and a prior history of depression. Results: Overall, 15% of workers experienced workplace bullying, 9% had SPD, and 12% had suicidal ideation during the second and third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. The results of this study showed men, executives, managers, and permanent employees had a higher risk of bullying compared to women or part-time workers. Increased physical and psychological demands were common risk factors for bullying, SPD, and suicidal ideation. Newly starting working from home was a significant predictor for adverse mental health outcomes, however, it was found to be a preventive factor against workplace bullying. Conclusions: The results of this study found different high-risk groups for bullying or mental health during the pandemic. When intervening to decrease workplace bullying or mental health problems, we should focus on not only previously reported vulnerable workers but also workers who experienced a change of their working styles or job demands.

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Access to gender-affirming hormones during adolescence and mental health outcomes among transgender adults

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0261039 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. e0261039

Author(s):

Jack L. Turban ◽

Dana King ◽

Julia Kobe ◽

Sari L. Reisner ◽

Alex S. Keuroghlian

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Early Adolescence ◽

Reference Group ◽

Late Adolescence ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lower Odds ◽

The U.S

Objective To examine associations between recalled access to gender-affirming hormones (GAH) during adolescence and mental health outcomes among transgender adults in the U.S. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, a cross-sectional non-probability sample of 27,715 transgender adults in the U.S. Using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders, we examined associations between access to GAH during early adolescence (age 14–15), late adolescence (age 16–17), or adulthood (age ≥18) and adult mental health outcomes, with participants who desired but never accessed GAH as the reference group. Results 21,598 participants (77.9%) reported ever desiring GAH. Of these, 8,860 (41.0%) never accessed GAH, 119 (0.6%) accessed GAH in early adolescence, 362 (1.7%) accessed GAH in late adolescence, and 12,257 (56.8%) accessed GAH in adulthood. After adjusting for potential confounders, accessing GAH during early adolescence (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2–0.6, p < .0001), late adolescence (aOR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.4–0.7, p < .0001), or adulthood (aOR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.7–0.8, p < .0001) was associated with lower odds of past-year suicidal ideation when compared to desiring but never accessing GAH. In post hoc analyses, access to GAH during adolescence (ages 14–17) was associated with lower odds of past-year suicidal ideation (aOR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.6–0.9, p = .0007) when compared to accessing GAH during adulthood. Conclusion Access to GAH during adolescence and adulthood is associated with favorable mental health outcomes compared to desiring but not accessing GAH.

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Well-Being and Perceived Stress of Adolescent Young Carers: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

Journal of Child and Family Studies ◽

10.1007/s10826-021-02097-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hannah Wepf ◽

Agnes Leu

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Problems ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Young Carers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

AbstractAdolescent young carers have been described as a hidden group at risk of mental health problems. However, research has not yet clarified the effect of caring when considering the related family situation. We aimed to examine the impact of a caring role on adolescents’ mental health and to gain knowledge about adolescent young carers’ specific needs. We collected cross-sectional data from adolescents (15–21 years, N = 2525) recruited through educational institutions in German-speaking Switzerland. Based on self-reported answers regarding the presence or absence of a family member with health problems and youth’s caring activities, the participants were grouped into three subsamples. We compared mental health outcomes (well-being and perceived stress) in current carers and their peers, and we conducted multiple regression analyses for predicting these outcomes among all adolescents and the subsample of carers. Adolescent young carers had lower levels of well-being and higher levels of perceived stress than their peers. However, when controlling for background variables, well-being levels were lower only when carers were compared to adolescents from a healthy family background. Indicators of family instability predicted mental health outcomes independently of being a carer. More recognition for the caring role predicted better well-being and perceived stress outcomes, and more support in caring predicted better well-being but not perceived stress outcomes. The findings suggest that a caring role is not necessarily related to decreased well-being in adolescents, but it is associated with higher levels of perceived stress. The way professionals and services respond to young carers’ specific needs should be improved.

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Association between parental divorce and mental health outcomes among Lebanese adolescents: results of a national study

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-021-02926-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sahar Obeid ◽

Gloria Al Karaki ◽

Chadia Haddad ◽

Hala Sacre ◽

Michel Soufia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Behavioral Problems ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

National Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Fear ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background In Lebanon, divorce rates have jumped from nearly 7000 in recent years to 8580 in 2017, an increase of 22.5%, with North Lebanon recording the highest number, followed by Beirut, likely resulting in increased behavioral problems in the offspring of divorced parents. Furthermore, one out of two Lebanese adolescents whose biological parents were divorced, separated, or deceased has a psychiatric disorder. More information regarding the impact of divorce on the mental health of Lebanese adolescents is still missing. The objective of this study was to explore the association between divorce and mental health outcomes, particularly depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among Lebanese adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted between January and May 2019 enrolled 1810 adolescents aged 14 to 17 years, using a simple randomization method to choose schools. A proportionate number of schools was selected from each of the five Lebanese Mohafazat (Beirut, Mount Lebanon, North, South, and Beqaa), based on the list of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. A total of 18 private schools were approached; two declined, and 16 accepted to participate. Results The mean age of participants was 15.42 ± 1.14 years, with 53.3% females. After adjustment for the covariates (age, sex, and house crowding index), the results showed that adolescents whose parents are separated compared to living together had more social fear (Standardized Beta (SB = 0.270) and avoidance (SB = 0.188), higher depression (SB = 0.045), and higher suicidal ideation (SB = 0.370). Conclusion Our findings reveal that teens with divorced parents had higher social fear and avoidance, depression, and suicidal ideation, highlighting the need for adequate prevention programs to support both children and parents during this emotionally difficult period.

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