scholarly journals App-Based Delivery of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: Cross-Sectional Study of App User Self-Ratings

10.2196/18545 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e18545
Author(s):  
Dawson Church ◽  
Peta Stapleton ◽  
Debbie Sabot
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Emotional Intensity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Emotional Freedom Techniques ◽  
Distress Scale

Background The burgeoning area of mobile health (mHealth) has experienced rapid growth in mobile apps designed to address mental health issues. Although abundant apps offer strategies for managing symptoms of anxiety and stress, information regarding their efficacy is scarce. Objective This study aimed to assess the effect of an mHealth app on user self-ratings of psychological distress in a sample of 270,461 app users. The Tapping Solution App guides users through the therapeutic protocols of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), an evidence-based psychophysiological intervention that combines acupressure with elements of cognitive and exposure therapies. Methods App users provided self-ratings of emotional intensity before and after app sessions (termed “tapping meditations”) using an 11-point Subjective Units of Distress scale. App user data for 23 tapping meditations, which addressed psychological symptoms of anxiety and stress, were gathered between October 2018 and October 2019, totaling 380,034 completed app sessions. Results Across 12 anxiety-tapping meditations, the difference in emotional intensity ratings from presession (mean 6.66, SD 0.25) to postsession (mean 3.75, SD 0.30) was statistically significant (P<.001; 95% CI −2.92 to −2.91). Across 11 stress-tapping meditations, a statistically significant difference was also found from presession (mean 6.91, SD 0.48) to postsession (mean 3.83, SD 0.54; P<.001; 95% CI −3.08 to −3.07). The results are consistent with the literature on the efficacy of Clinical EFT for anxiety and stress when offered in conventional therapeutic formats. Conclusions The findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of the mHealth app in the immediate reduction of self-rated psychological distress. As an adjunct to professional mental health care, the app promises accessible and convenient therapeutic benefits.

scholarly journals App-Based Delivery of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: Cross-Sectional Study of App User Self-Ratings (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawson Church ◽  
Peta Stapleton ◽  
Debbie Sabot
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Emotional Intensity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Emotional Freedom Techniques ◽  
Distress Scale

BACKGROUND The burgeoning area of mobile health (mHealth) has experienced rapid growth in mobile apps designed to address mental health issues. Although abundant apps offer strategies for managing symptoms of anxiety and stress, information regarding their efficacy is scarce. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the effect of an mHealth app on user self-ratings of psychological distress in a sample of 270,461 app users. The Tapping Solution App guides users through the therapeutic protocols of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), an evidence-based psychophysiological intervention that combines acupressure with elements of cognitive and exposure therapies. METHODS App users provided self-ratings of emotional intensity before and after app sessions (termed “tapping meditations”) using an 11-point Subjective Units of Distress scale. App user data for 23 tapping meditations, which addressed psychological symptoms of anxiety and stress, were gathered between October 2018 and October 2019, totaling 380,034 completed app sessions. RESULTS Across 12 anxiety-tapping meditations, the difference in emotional intensity ratings from presession (mean 6.66, SD 0.25) to postsession (mean 3.75, SD 0.30) was statistically significant (<i>P</i>&lt;.001; 95% CI −2.92 to −2.91). Across 11 stress-tapping meditations, a statistically significant difference was also found from presession (mean 6.91, SD 0.48) to postsession (mean 3.83, SD 0.54; <i>P</i>&lt;.001; 95% CI −3.08 to −3.07). The results are consistent with the literature on the efficacy of Clinical EFT for anxiety and stress when offered in conventional therapeutic formats. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of the mHealth app in the immediate reduction of self-rated psychological distress. As an adjunct to professional mental health care, the app promises accessible and convenient therapeutic benefits.

scholarly journals Suicidal Ideation and Predictors of Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Eswatini: A Population-Based Household Telephone Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6700
Author(s):  
Mduduzi Colani Shongwe ◽  
Song-Lih Huang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Telephone Survey ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
The Government ◽  
Distress Scale

The unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic can induce psychological distress in individuals. We investigated perceived stressors, prevalence of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, and predictors of psychological distress among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini. This study was a cross-sectional, population-based household telephone survey of 993 conveniently sampled adults (18+ years) from all the four administrative regions of Eswatini. Data were collected between 9 June and 18 July 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country was under a partial lockdown. COVID-19-related psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6). We performed weighted modified Poisson regression analyses to identify significant predictors of moderate/severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥5). The weighted prevalences of moderate (K6 scores: 5–12) and severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥13) were 41.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Participants reported several perceived COVID-19-related stressors, including worries and fears of the contagion-specific death, serious need for food and money, and concerns about loss of income or business. The weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation was 1.5%. Statistically significant predictors of increased risk for moderate/severe psychological distress included living in the Hhohho and Manzini regions; feeling not well informed about COVID-19; feeling lonely; having received COVID-19 food or financial relief from the government; feeling burdened by the lockdown; being married; and being youth (18–24 years). The results call for the government to urgently augment the provision of mental health services during the pandemic. Mental health practitioners and programs may use several stressors and risk factors identified in this study to inform interventions and government policies aimed at reducing psychological distress induced by the pandemic.

scholarly journals Is it Just About Physical Health? An Internet -Based Cross-Sectional Study Exploring The Pyschological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic On University Students in Jordan Using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi ◽  
Amal Akour ◽  
Laith Alfalah
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
University Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

Abstract Background Since the spread of COVID-19 on a global scale, most of efforts at the local, national, and international levels were directed primarily to mitigate the spread of the disease. However, the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on global mental health were not thoroughly investigated yet, and studies that report the mental health risks of COVID-19 are still scarce.Objectives This study aimed to assess the level of psychological distress among university students in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated national measures.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire, The survey comprised of questions about (i) sociodemographic information, (ii) the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), (iii) coping activities , and (iv) the students’ greatest concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results A total of 381 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Female participants slightly predominated the sample (n=199, 52.2%). The respondents aged 18-38 years (mean 22.6 years, SD: 3.16). The total K10 distress scores had a mean of 34.2 (SD:9.4). However, the mean of total K10 distress scores had no significant association with gender (P=0.57). Age was negatively associated with total K10 distress score (P=0.0013). Concerning severity, most of respondents were regarded as having severe psychological distress (n=265, 69.5%), and females were found to have a statistically significant higher percentage in mild and severe psychological distress (P= 0.035), (P=0.016); respectively. 209 students (54.9%) reported that they had no motivation for distance learning. There was a statistically significant inverse relationship between severe psychological distress and motivation for distance learning (P<0.0001). The most common coping strategy among students was spending more time on social media (n=269, 70.6%). Besides, 49 students (12.9%) reported the use of medications to cope with COVID-10 related distress, and 209 students (54.9%) reported distance learning was their most serious concern.Conclusion The COVID-19 control measures resulted in a severe disruption of various human life activities, and this could impact the mental health of individuals, including students. A nationwide psychological support program should be incorporated into Jordan’s response strategy in combating the COVID-19, considering students and other vulnerable groups in Jordan.

scholarly journals Conspiracy beliefs and pandemic related behaviours: a study from India

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 3502
Author(s):  
Chahat Dubey ◽  
Noufal T. Hameed ◽  
Sisira C. Satheesan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The World ◽  
Conspiracy Beliefs ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Large Sections

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting large sections of populations all over the world. Thousands of deaths and damages to life that are indescribable, the pandemic has not yet come under control. Several studies show a significant impact of the same on mental health. The present study aimed at understanding conspiracy beliefs and pandemic related behaviors. It also aimed at documenting the level of distress reported.Methods: The cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among the public from India. The study assessed conspiracy beliefs, pandemic related behaviors, and psychological distress using standardized questionnaires. Basic demographic details were also collected. The questionnaires were converted to Google form, and the link was sent to the public along with a description of the study. Quantitative analysis was used, including frequency, mean, standard deviation, and student t-test.Results: Hundred and thirty individuals (49 males and 81 females) participated in the study (mean age=29 years). About half of the participants reported higher levels of distress. No significant gender difference was found on the endorsement of conspiracy beliefs or in engagement in pandemic related behaviors. Engagement in pandemic related behaviors was significantly higher among participants who reported high levels of distress. However, on the endorsement level of conspiracy beliefs, there was no significant difference between those who reported high or low levels of distress.Conclusions: Endorsement of conspiracy beliefs, engagement in pandemic related behaviors, and psychological distress are important variables that require attention at the present scenario.

Hardiness and Psychological Distress among University Students Studying In Madhya Pradesh

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaya Jotwani
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
University Students ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Madhya Pradesh ◽  
Transitional Period ◽  
Psychological Disorder ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Distress Scale

Mental health has become an increasingly important concern in our society with more and more psychological disorders affecting the younger population. Moreover, the prevalence and seriousness of psychological disorder have been found to be on the rise among university students and their level of mental distress has also been found to be higher compared to the general population. Therefore, mental health of the student population deserves our special attention because not only the university students have to deal with the academic demands and heavy workloads associated with pursuing a higher education but they also have to face a wide myriad of personal, academic and social challenges in this critical and often transitional period of one’s life. This co-relational study examines the relationship between hardiness and psychosocial distress among 100 university students studying in Madhya Pradesh. The sample was selected on purposive basis. These dimensions with reference to demographic factors are included for analyses and their relationships with the levels of psychological distress measured by Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) (2003) and hardiness measured by Bartone’s Dispositional Resilience Scale (DRS-15) (1993) are investigated. In addition, possible domicile and gender differences in the pattern of associations are explored. The data were compiled using self-administered questionnaires, and the collected data were processed and interpreted using comparative statistics and correlation analyses. The results indicate that there is a significant negative correlation between hardiness and psychological distress among university students. Furthermore, students belonging to rural areas showed higher levels of psychological distress than urban students In contrast, there is no significant difference in the levels of hardiness as well as in psychological distress between male and female university students.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Factors Associated with Psychological Distress among Older Adults Admitted to Hospitals After Fall Injuries in Vietnam

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (22) ◽  
pp. 4518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Long Hoang Nguyen ◽  
Hai Minh Vu ◽  
Giang Thu Vu ◽  
Tung Hoang Tran ◽  
Kiet Tuan Huy Pham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Aging Populations ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Social Engagements ◽  
Distress Scale

Although psychological distress is one of the major health issues among aging populations, little is known about how this challenge affects older patients after falls. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Thai Binh province, Vietnam, to explore the prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among 405 older patients after falls. The 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) was used to measure psychological distress. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate Tobit and Logistic regressions were used to determine factors associated with psychological distress. The prevalence of psychological distress among participants was 26.2%. Patients who were alone or older had a higher likelihood of psychological distress. Patients with a history of falls in the past 12 months were more likely to suffer from psychological distress (OR = 2.87, 95%CI = 1.74; 4.72). Having two and three comorbidities was significantly associated with greater K6 scores and a higher risk of psychological distress. This study underlined a significantly high prevalence of psychological distress among older patients after falls. Providing frequent mental health monitoring, screening, treatment, and facilitating social engagements are important implications to improve the mental health of this population.

scholarly journals Is it Just About Physical Health? An Online Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Psychological Distress Among University Students in Jordan in the midst of COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ala’a B. Al-Tammemi ◽  
Amal Akour ◽  
Laith Alfalah
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
University Students ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Response Strategy ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Distress Scale

AbstractBackgroundSince the spread of COVID-19 on a global scale, most of efforts at national and international levels were directed to mitigate the spread of the disease and its physical harm, paying less attention to the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on global mental health especially at early stages of the pandemic.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess and explore (i) The levels of psychological distress and its correlates (ii) Motivation for distance learning (iii) Coping activities and pandemic related concerns, among university students in Jordan in the midst of COVID-19 pandemicMethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire. The measure of psychological distress was obtained using the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale,while other questions have explored our study’s second and third aims.ResultsA total of 381 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Female participants slightly predominated the sample (n=199, 52.2%). The respondents aged 18-38 years (mean 22.6 years, SD: 3.16). Concerning distress severity, most of respondents were regarded as having severe psychological distress (n=265, 69.5%). 209 students (54.9%) reported that they had no motivation for distance learning. Ordinal logistic regression revealed a significant correlation between distress severity and many predictors. Among the predictors that were found to act as a protective factors against higher levels of distress included older age (aOR=0.64, P=0.022; 95% CI: 0.44 - 0.94), and having a strong motivation for distance learning (aOR=0.10, P=0.048 ; 95% CI: 0.01 - 0.96). In contrary, being a current smoker (aOR=1.99, P=0.049 ; 95% CI: 1.10 - 3.39), and having no motivation for distance learning (aOR=2.49, P=0.007; 95% CI: 1.29 - 4.80) acted as risk factors for having higher levels of psychological distress among the students. The most common coping activity reported was spending more time on social media platforms (n=269, 70.6%), and 209 students (54.9%) reported distance learning was their most distressing concern.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic and related control measures could impact the mental health of individuals, including students. We recommend a nationwide psychological support program to be incorporated into Jordan’s preparedness plan and response strategy in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Is it Just About Physical Health? An Online Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Psychological Distress Among University Students in Jordan in the midst of COVID-19 Pandemic 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi ◽  
Amal Akour ◽  
Laith Alfalah
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
University Students ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Response Strategy ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Distress Scale

Abstract Background Since the spread of COVID-19 on a global scale, most of efforts at national and international levels were directed to mitigate the spread of the disease and its physical harm , paying less attention to the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on global mental health especially at early stages of the pandemic. Objectives This study aimed to assess and explore (i) The levels of psychological distress and its correlates (ii) Motivation for distance learning (iii) Coping activities and pandemic related concerns, among university students in Jordan in the midst of COVID-19 pandemicMethods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire. The measure of psychological distress was obtained using the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, while other questions have explored our study’s second and third aims.Results A total of 381 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Female participants slightly predominated the sample (n=199, 52.2%). The respondents aged 18-38 years (mean 22.6 years, SD: 3.16). Concerning distress severity, most of respondents were regarded as having severe psychological distress (n=265, 69.5%). 209 students (54.9%) reported that they had no motivation for distance learning. Ordinal logistic regression revealed a significant correlation between distress severity and many predictors. Among the predictors that were found to act as a protective factors against higher levels of distress included older age (aOR=0.64, P=0.022; 95% CI: 0.44 - 0.94) , and having a strong motivation for distance learning (aOR=0.10, P=0.048 ; 95% CI: 0.01 - 0.96).In contrary, being a current smoker (aOR=1.99, P=0.049 ; 95% CI: 1.10 - 3.39), and having no motivation for distance learning (aOR=2.49, P=0.007; 95% CI: 1.29 - 4.80) acted as risk factors for having higher levels of psychological distress among the students .The most common coping activity reported was spending more time on social media platforms (n=269, 70.6%), and 209 students (54.9%) reported distance learning was their most distressing concern.Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic and related control measures could impact the mental health of individuals, including students. We recommend a nationwide psychological support program to be incorporated into Jordan’s preparedness plan and response strategy in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals A Cross-sectional Examination of the Association Between Parental Distress and the Well-being of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Mendoza Diaz ◽  
Lucy Tully ◽  
Anne Masi ◽  
Ping-I Lin ◽  
Daryl Efron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Child Outcomes ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Parental Distress ◽  
Parental Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Distress Scale

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its concomitant impacts have been unevenly shared across society, this is particularly true for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), who often rely on a network of services and social connections for their well-being. Children with NDD during the COVID-19 pandemic have had worrying trends regarding their worsening well-being and poorer parental mental health. This study’s aim was to test whether these two factors were associated in a survey of Australian parents.Methods: This cross-sectional study of Australian parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (n = 304, ages 2 – 17, 63.8% male) sought to test the association between parental distress (as captured by the Kessler-6 distress scale) and two child outcomes, worsening NDD symptoms and worsening health behaviours (i.e., sleep, diet, exercise, and media use).Results: Parent distress was significantly associated with a worsening of symptoms of NDD and associated mental health comorbidities, and poorer child well-being. These results were significant even when including other variables of interest such as the families’ sociodemographic characteristics, indicating parental distress is a key factor for the well-being of children and parents.Conclusions: Overall, this study found relatively high levels of parental psychological distress, anxiety and poor well-being and demonstrated that parental psychological distress was significantly associated with parent-reported worsening of child diagnostic symptoms as well as poorer child well-being in relation to sleep, diet, exercise, and use of electronics. Together these findings suggest that deteriorating parental mental health (distress) due to COVID-19 is associated with adverse child mental health symptoms and well-being, as indexed by the behaviours described above.

The mental health of Australian medical practitioners during Covid-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 103985622110108
Author(s):  
Michelle Anne Adams ◽  
Matthew Brazel ◽  
Richard Thomson ◽  
Hannah Lake
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Junior Doctor ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Mental Health Diagnosis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
Health Diagnosis

Objectives: To ascertain whether doctors were experiencing higher rates of distress during Covid-19 and whether this was impacted by demographic factors. Our hypotheses were that being a junior doctor, having a previous mental health diagnosis and treating Covid-19 positive patients would predict higher rates of distress. Methods: Cross-sectional survey conducted via Survey Monkey. Voluntary participants were recruited from the mailing list of a national-based referral service for doctors to psychiatrists. Distress was measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Demographic factors were analysed for predictive value of a higher rating on the K10. Areas of concern in relation to Covid-19 and preference for support services were measured on a Likert scale and compared to levels of distress. Results: The rate of very high distress was 15%. Being a junior doctor and having a previous mental health diagnosis were predictive factors of a higher K10 score. K10 was not affected by likelihood of contact with Covid-19-positive patients. Social isolation had a larger impact on mental health in the context of a previous psychiatric diagnosis. Face-to-face assessments were preferred. Conclusions: Rates of distress in doctors have been higher than baseline during Covid-19. Some groups have been particularly vulnerable.

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