Families Matter: A Cross-Sectional Study of Parent and Child Mental Health During COVID-19 (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elsa Friis ◽  
Savannah R. Erwin ◽  
Jasmine Daniel ◽  
Rebecca Egger ◽  
Helen Egger

BACKGROUND Background: The pandemic has disrupted all aspects of children’s lives and has increased children’s exposure to adversity and traumas known to increase the risk of mental health challenges. Recent studies have reported increased rates of mental health challenges in youth during the pandemic, yet few studies have examined the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school-age children. The pandemic has also adversely impacted caregiver mental health and other indirect factors, including economic instability, known to increase children’s risk for impairing mental health challenges. OBJECTIVE Objective: This study aimed to characterize the social-emotional challenges of children ages 2 to 12 years old during the pandemic and identify modifiable child, caregiver, and family-related risk factors that contribute to risk and are additional targets for intervention. METHODS Methods: Caregivers (N = 676) of children ages 2-12 completed an online survey in early fall 2021 using standardized screening tools to assess child social-emotional challenges and caregiver anxiety and depression. We used a new 16 scale to assess the impact of the pandemic at the child, caregiver, and family levels. We used hierarchical linear regression and logistic regression to explore the relationship between children’s mental health and caregivers’ mental health. We used path analysis to explore direct and indirect effects of the impact of pandemic stress on child emotional and peer challenges, mediated by caregiver anxiety and depression. RESULTS Results: Eighty-seven percent of the children were ages 2-8 years old (n=588) with 13% (n=88) between 9-12 years old. Caregivers endorsed significant child emotional and peer challenges with 80% (n = 536) of children at risk for clinically-significant emotional challenges and 57% (n = 388) at risk for clinically-significant peer social challenges. Emotional challenges increased with age (r = .20, P <.001). 50% (n=330) of caregivers screened positive for generalized anxiety and 24% (n=160) screened positive for depression. Cumulative COVID-19 impact was directly associated with increased child emotional challenges (r=.29, P<.001), peer challenges (r=.29, P<.001), caregiver anxiety (r = .32, P<.001), and caregiver depression (r = .42, P<.001). Caregiver anxiety accounted for 31% of the total effect of COVID-19 impact on child emotional challenges and 18% of the total effect on peer challenges. CONCLUSIONS Conclusions: The results of our study show that the COVID-19 pandemic is having direct and indirect adverse impacts on the social-emotional health of children ages 2 to 12 years old with impacts on very young children similar to impacts for older children. Only with an integrated, family-focused approach that includes young children will we be able to mitigate the current pediatric mental health crisis. CLINICALTRIAL n/a

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weam Fageera ◽  
Fawzi Babtain ◽  
Ahmad S. Alzahrani ◽  
Hussain M. Khrad

Background: The psychological impact that outbreaks and pandemics could inflict on healthcare workers has been widely studied; yet, little is known about the impact of the lockdown measures.Objectives: To assess the magnitude of depression and anxiety among healthcare professionals before and after lifting of the lockdown restrictions in Saudi Arabia.Methods: Surveys targeting healthcare workers were circulated twice: during the lockdown, and 8 weeks after lifting of lockdown. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales.Results: A total of 947 healthcare workers, with the mean age of (37 ± 8.9) responded to the surveys. Among these, 23–27% respondents reported clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression. Whereas, easing of the lockdown restrictions was shown to be associated with decreasing mean scores of PHQ-9 and GAD-7. The noted burden fell heavily on female workers, those with a current or a history of psychiatric disorders, suffering from chronic diseases, being in workplaces with high exposure to COVID-19 or in contact with COVID-19 patients, nurses, as well as those who were living with elderly and perceived their physical and mental health as “much worse” compared to the time before the pandemic.Conclusion: Our findings identified several predictors for anxiety and depression at different time-points of the pandemic. Thus, priority to psychological support measures might be needed for these groups.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K. Sharma ◽  
V. P. Shrotriya ◽  
D. Imtiaz ◽  
S. B. Gupta

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Perceived Health is a subjective assessment of the physical as well as mental health and includes so many aspects as mentioned in SF-36 form that are difficult to capture clinically such as incipient disease, physiological, psychological reserves and social functions. To assess the impact of Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension and other socio-demographic factors on the Social Functioning component of mental health of the patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Bareilly. <bold>Material and Methods:</bold> Perceived health status of the patients was assessed by the Social Functioning dimension of the Mental Component Summary (MCS) using the SF-36 form. <bold>Results:</bold> The presence of both Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension was associated with lower Social Functioning scores compared to those with diabetes (p = 0.013) and hypertension alone. Age was negatively related with Social Functioning scores (p<0.001) but male gender (p>0.000) and higher income (p<0.424) were all associated with higher Social Functioning scores. Rural subjects were found to have better SF score compared to urban. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Age, gender and morbidity was found to have profound influence on Social Functioning scoring of the subjects. However, the results should be interpreted in terms of the study’s limitations.


Author(s):  
Guoliang Yang ◽  
Zhihua Wang ◽  
Weijiong Wu

Little is known about the relationship between social comparison orientation and mental health, especially in the psychological capital context. We proposed a theoretical model to examine the impact of ability- and opinion-based social comparison orientation on mental health using data from 304 undergraduates. We also examined the mediating effect of the four psychological capital components of hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism in the relationship between social comparison orientation and mental health. Results show that an ability (vs. opinion) social comparison orientation was negatively (vs. positively) related to the psychological capital components. Further, the resilience and optimism components of psychological capital fully mediated the social comparison orientation–mental health relationship. Our findings indicate that psychological capital should be considered in the promotion of mental health, and that the two social comparison orientation types have opposite effects on psychological capital.


Author(s):  
Tina Vilovic ◽  
Josko Bozic ◽  
Marino Vilovic ◽  
Doris Rusic ◽  
Sanja Zuzic Furlan ◽  
...  

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, family physicians (FPs) are the backbone of the healthcare system with considerable impact on the general population, and their well-being is of great importance. The aim of this investigation was to assess FPs mental health, as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) regarding the pandemic, and opinions on non-communicable disease (NCD) health care provided to patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 613 FPs. Anxiety and depression levels were estimated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, subjective perceived stress with the Perceived Stress Scale, while trauma-related symptoms were assessed using the Impact on Event Scale-COVID19. KAPs toward the pandemic and opinions regarding NCD patients were evaluated with questionnaires accordingly. Results have shown that age (β = −0.02, p = 0.013) and personal risk of COVID‑19 (β = 1.05, p < 0.001) were significant independent correlates of the knowledge score. A total of 87.7% FPs expressed moderate/high perceived stress, 45.2% moderate/severe trauma-related symptoms, 60.4% borderline/abnormal anxiety levels, and 52.4% borderline/abnormal depression levels. Knowledge score was an independent predictor of perceived stress (β = −0.33, p = 0.023) and anxiety (β = −0.31, p = 0.006) levels. Limited accessibility to healthcare services and decreased number of newly-diagnosed NCD cases were mostly agreed on. The pandemic puts a considerable strain on FPs mental health, as well as on public health measures, due to the decreased overall quality of NCD patient health care. Educational programs may bridge the gaps between FPs’ knowledge. Thus lowering anxiety and improving patient care.


2021 ◽  
pp. 002581722098181
Author(s):  
Shweta Sunil ◽  
Manoj Kumar Sharma ◽  
Nitin Anand

Online gaming has become a concern for health professionals due to its dysfunctional effects. This study aimed to conceptualise and summarise the impact that gaming platforms like PUBG can have on an individual’s mental health. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA model. A total of five papers were shortlisted and reviewed for the purpose of this study. The results indicated the use of gaming platforms like PUBG by players to address and cope with anxiety and depression, and it also highly influences the presence of other concerns like ADHD and suicidality, self-harm and aggressive behaviours. While the literature points to the detrimental effects of PUBG, this study highlights the importance of undertaking more research to establish the causal patterns in PUBG use and how to address the issues posed from both psychological and legal perspectives.


Author(s):  
Argyroula Kalaitzaki

Cyberstalking is becoming more common among young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate (1) the prevalence, behaviours, and tactics of both victims and perpetrators of cyberstalking among a sample of Greek undergraduate students; (2) the correlates of victimization and perpetration of cyberstalking to personality, attachment style, and relating to others; and (3) the impact of cyberstalking on victims' mental health. Results showed that 23.9% of the students were victims and 9% were perpetrators, with females, disproportionately experiencing and inflicting cyberstalking. Negatively close relating (i.e., intrusive and possessive relating) increased the risk of perpetration, whereas relating to others distantly (suspicious and avoidant relating) decreased the risk of victimization. Agreeableness decreased the risk of perpetration. Mother's affectionless control increased the risk of both perpetration and victimization, and mother's neglectful parenting increased the risk of perpetrating cyberstalking. Fear, anxiety, and depression were reported by the victims.


Author(s):  
Ron Hertel ◽  
Mona M. Johnson

The impact of trauma resonates in schools and can impair learning as well as cause challenging classroom behaviors. This chapter defines trauma as a response to adverse life experiences that can negatively affect physical, emotional, academic, and intellectual functioning. Specifically, it describes the impact of trauma on neurobiology and brain development, as well as academic, cognitive, behavioral, and social/emotional functioning. It also outlines practical, applicable strategies for addressing classroom management as well as six specific principles for educators who seek to support the social/emotional and academic development of students impacted by trauma. Professional self-care is also outlined as a vital core practice necessary to assist teachers in consistently approaching students from a strength-based perspective.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 2156759X2094063
Author(s):  
Jane E. Bleasdale ◽  
Margaret C. Peterson ◽  
Sanford Nidich

This study explored the impact of a meditation program on stress, anxiety, and depression in a high-performing high school. Using a randomized controlled design with 52 students, the study took place over 4 months. Students participated in Transcendental Meditation (treatment) or silent reading (active control) twice daily. We observed significant reductions in perceived stress ( p = .040), anxiety ( p = .028), anger ( p = .047), depression ( p = .024), and fatigue ( p = .075), and improvement in self-esteem ( p = .054). The program has important implications for school counselors because of the impact on social/emotional well-being.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuriy Nesterko ◽  
Michael Friedrich ◽  
Elmar Brähler ◽  
Andreas Hinz ◽  
Heide Glaesmer

Abstract Background In Germany, the term ‘migration background’ has been established to differentiate between immigrants and natives. In the present study post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression were analysed in immigrant populations in Germany by considering self-attribution as well as attribution by others on one’s own ‘migration background’. Methods In a population-based survey (N = 2317), socio-demographic characteristics, migration background (official statistics definition vs. self-attribution as well as the anticipated attribution by others), PTSD (PCL-5), and symptoms of anxiety and depression (PHQ-4) were assessed. Logistic regression models were applied to predict mental health outcomes by considering socio-demographic and immigration-related factors. Results A total of 10.7% of respondents (N = 248) had a ‘migration background’. Immigrants of the 2nd generation compared to 1st generation immigrants are less likely to see themselves as immigrants. Attribution as an immigrant (self and/or by others) was found as significant predictor for PTSD and depression, but not anxiety. Conclusions It seems useful to focus on immigration-related factors considering subjective perspectives and not only comparing immigrants and natives using a federal statistics definition. Our findings suggest that research on the association between immigration-related factors such as attribution as an immigrant and mental health outcomes might be a promising approach to better identify subgroups at higher risk of mental distress.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 184-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Borstelmann ◽  
Shoshana M. Rosenberg ◽  
Shari I. Gelber ◽  
Meghan E Meyer ◽  
Kathryn Jean Ruddy ◽  
...  

184 Background: While evidence of the challenges of cancer caregiving has been growing, scant research addresses the experience of partners of young adults with cancer. These individuals and their relationships may be particularly vulnerable to stress, especially when managing the complexity of cancer care and survivorship with their partner. We sought to evaluate psychosocial concerns and mental health in the partners of young survivors of early stage breast cancer (BC). Methods: We invited partners of young women w/BC diagnosed at age ≤ 40 yrs enrolled in a prospective cohort study to participate in a one-time survey evaluating psychosocial concerns including quality of life, coping, social support, financial insecurity, partnership concerns, parenting concerns, anxiety and depression. Logistic regression was used to explore predictors of anxiety (score > 8 on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)). Results: Most respondents (284/289) were male, with median age 43 yrs (range 27-65). The median time of survey completion was 62 months (range 16 -114) after their partner’s dx. Respondents were mostly white (93%), working full time (94%), and college educated (78%); 29% reported some financial stress, 74% were parenting children < 18 yrs, and 32% reported at least a fair amount of relationship concern. 42% (106/250) had anxiety (39/289 respondents (13%) had incomplete/missing HADS). In univariable analyses, lower education, working full time, parenting concerns, insufficient social support and maladaptive coping were associated (p < .05) with anxiety. In the multivariable model, only maladaptive coping remained significantly associated with anxiety (p < .01, OR = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.22, 4.39)). Conclusions: Partners of young BC survivors who used less constructive/more maladaptive coping strategies experience negative mental health outcomes after tx has ended. Caregivers’ anxiety may have implications for both their own and survivors’ health and QOL. Future interventions might focus on the development of constructive coping strategies to enhance adjustment and role effectiveness in dealing with the impact of cancer.


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