scholarly journals Linguistic analysis of online domestic violence testimonies in the context of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentin Buchner ◽  
Sharina Hamm ◽  
Barbara Medenica ◽  
Marc L. Molendijk
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Negative Emotion ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Linguistic Analysis ◽  
Emotion Words ◽  
The Impact

Worldwide, an increase in cases and severity of domestic violence (DV) has been reported as a result of the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. As one’s language can provide insight in one’s mental health, this study analyzed word use in a DV online support group, aiming to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on DV victims. Words reflecting social support and leisure activities were investigated as protective factors against linguistic indicators of depression. 5856 posts were collected from the r/domesticviolence subreddit and two neutral comparison subreddits (r/changemyview & r/femalefashionadvice). In the DV support group, the average number of daily posts increased significantly by 22% from pre-pandemic to mid-pandemic. Confirmatory analysis was conducted following a registered pre-analysis plan. DV victims used significantly more linguistic indicators of depression than individuals in the comparison groups. These linguistic indicators did not change with the onset of COVID-19. The use of negative emotion words was negatively related to the use of social support words (Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient [rho] = -.110) and words referring to leisure activities (rho = -.137). Pre-occupation with COVID-19 was associated with the use of negative emotion words (rho = .148).We conclude that language of DV victims is characterized by indicators of depression and this characteristic is stable over time. Concerns with COVID-19 could contribute to negative emotions, whereas social support and leisure activities could function to some degree as protective factors. A potential weakness of this study could be the limited ability of word count methods to assess the impact of stressors such as COVID-19. Future studies could make use of natural language processing and other advanced methods of linguistic analysis to learn about the mental health of DV victims.

scholarly journals Linguistic analysis of online domestic violence testimonies in the context of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentin Buchner ◽  
Sharina Hamm ◽  
Barbara Medenica ◽  
Marc L. Molendijk
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Negative Emotion ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Linguistic Analysis ◽  
Emotion Words ◽  
The Impact

Worldwide, an increase in cases and severity of domestic violence (DV) has been reported as a result of the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. As one’s language can provide insight in one’s mental health, this study analyzed word use in a DV online support group, aiming to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on DV victims. Words reflecting social support and leisure activities were investigated as protective factors against linguistic indicators of depression. 5856 posts were collected from the r/domesticviolence subreddit and two neutral comparison subreddits (r/changemyview & r/femalefashionadvice). In the DV support group, the average number of daily posts increased significantly by 22% from pre-pandemic to mid-pandemic. Confirmatory analysis was conducted following a registered pre-analysis plan. DV victims used significantly more linguistic indicators of depression than individuals in the comparison groups. These linguistic indicators did not change with the onset of COVID-19. The use of negative emotion words was negatively related to the use of social support words (Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient [rho] = -.110) and words referring to leisure activities (rho = -.137). Pre-occupation with COVID-19 was associated with the use of negative emotion words (rho = .148).We conclude that language of DV victims is characterized by indicators of depression and this characteristic is stable over time. Concerns with COVID-19 could contribute to negative emotions, whereas social support and leisure activities could function to some degree as protective factors. A potential weakness of this study could be the limited ability of word count methods to assess the impact of stressors such as COVID-19. Future studies could make use of natural language processing and other advanced methods of linguistic analysis to learn about the mental health of DV victims.

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.

scholarly journals Associations of exercise and social support with mental health during quarantine and social-distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey in Germany

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonie Louisa Bauer ◽  
Britta Seiffer ◽  
Clara Deinhart ◽  
Beatrice Atrott ◽  
Gorden Sudeck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
German Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sleeping Disorder

AbstractIntroductionSocial distancing and quarantine measures applied during the COVID-19 pandemic might result in mental health problems. In this cross-sectional study we examined if perceived social support, exercise in minutes per week and change in exercise are protective factors regarding symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleeping disorders.MethodIn April 2020, n = 4271 German adults completed an online survey including mental health questionnaires regarding depression (PHQ-D), anxiety (PHQ-D) and sleep (PSQI), as well as questionnaires related to protective factors such as exercise (BSA-F), physical activity-related health competence (PAHCO) and social support (F-SozU).ResultsComplete case analysis (n = 3700; mean age 33.13 ± 11.73 years, 78.6 % females) resulted in elevated prevalence of depressive disorder (31.4%), panic disorder (5.7%) and other anxiety disorders (7.4%). 58.3% reported symptoms of insomnia. Three separate models of multiple regression were conducted. Perceived social support was associated with lower values of anxiety (beta = −0.10; t(19) = −6.46; p >0.001), lower values of depressive symptoms (beta = −0.22; t(19) = −15.71; p < .001) and lower values of sleeping disorder symptoms (beta = −0.15; t(19) = −9.55; p < .001). Change towards less exercise compared to the time before Covid-19 was associated with and higher values of anxiety (beta = −0.05; t(19) = −2.85; p= .004), higher values of depressive symptoms (beta = −0.08; t(19) = - 5.69; p < .001), and higher values of sleeping disorder symptoms (beta = −0.07; t(19) = −4.54; p < .000). Post-hoc analysis (ANOVAs) revealed that a change towards less exercise was significantly associated with more depressive, anxiety and sleeping disorder symptoms whereas a positive change was not. No significant association was found for exercise in minutes per week for all outcomes.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic seems to have a negative impact on mental health in the German population. Social Support and a stable amount of exercise might attenuate these negative mental health consequences. Ongoing monitoring of the impact of the pandemic on mental health and possible protective factors is needed in order to create a basis for the development of appropriate prevention and intervention measures.

scholarly journals The Impact of Leisure Activities on the Mental Health of Older Adults: The Mediating Effect of Social Support and Perceived Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Chi Zhang ◽  
Niu Qing ◽  
Sifeng Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Shaanxi Province ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Impact

As the aging continues, China has become the country with the largest older population. In order to ensure the well-being of older adults in their later years, the whole society is increasingly concerned about the mental health of older adults. In 2019, we conduct a questionnaire survey in Shaanxi Province. Stratified random sampling is used to select three representative cities, and 677 samples are selected from the survey results for research. By using the structural equation model, we aim to reveal the mechanism of leisure activities’ influence on mental health of the older adults and verify whether social support and perceived stress play a mediating role. The study finds that the older adults’ leisure activities have no significant direct impact on mental health. Social support has a significant mediating effect between leisure activities and mental health of the older adults. Leisure activities indirectly affect the mental health of the older adults through social support, and participation in leisure activities can improve the social support of the older adults, thus improving the mental health level of the older adults. Perceived stress plays a significant mediating role between leisure activities and mental health of the older adults. By participating in leisure activities, the perceived stress of the older adults will be reduced, thus improving their mental health. Social support and perceived stress play a sufficient mediating role in the influence of leisure activities on mental health.

Suicide Attempters, Suicide Ideators, and Non-Ideators

Crisis ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 294-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Teismann ◽  
Laura Paashaus ◽  
Paula Siegmann ◽  
Peter Nyhuis ◽  
Marcus Wolter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reasons For Living ◽  
Suicide Attempters

Abstract. Background: Suicide ideation is a prerequisite for suicide attempts. However, the majority of ideators will never act on their thoughts. It is therefore crucial to understand factors that differentiate those who consider suicide from those who make suicide attempts. Aim: Our aim was to investigate the role of protective factors in differentiating non-ideators, suicide ideators, and suicide attempters. Method: Inpatients without suicide ideation ( n = 32) were compared with inpatients with current suicide ideation ( n = 37) and with inpatients with current suicide ideation and a lifetime history of suicide attempts ( n = 26) regarding positive mental health, self-esteem, trust in higher guidance, social support, and reasons for living. Results: Non-ideators reported more positive mental health, social support, reasons for living, and self-esteem than suicide ideators and suicide attempters did. No group differences were found regarding trust in higher guidance. Suicide ideators and suicide attempters did not differ regarding any of the study variables. Limitations: Results stem from a cross-sectional study of suicide attempts; thus, neither directionality nor generalizability to fatal suicide attempts can be determined. Conclusion: Various protective factors are best characterized to distinguish ideators from nonsuicidal inpatients. However, the same variables seem to offer no information about the difference between ideators and attempters.

scholarly journals Exploring the impact of COVID-19 and restrictions to daily living as a result of social distancing within veterans with pre-existing mental health difficulties

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Murphy ◽  
C Williamson ◽  
J Baumann ◽  
W Busuttil ◽  
N T Fear
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionData are emerging showing the adverse consequences on mental health of the general public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about the needs of veterans with pre-existing mental health difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsData were collected through a cross-sectional online survey from a randomly selected sample (n=1092) of military veterans who have sought help for mental health difficulties from a veteran-specific UK-based charity. The response rate was 25.2% (n=275). Participants were asked to complete a range of standardised mental health outcomes (post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, common mental health difficulties (CMDs): 12-Item General Health Questionnaire, difficulties with anger: 5-Item Dimensions of Anger Reactions—Revised and alcohol misuse: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and endorse a list of potential stressors related to changes to daily life resulting from COVID-19. Regression analyses were fitted to explore predictors of mental health severity.ResultsIt was observed that symptoms of common mental disorder and PTSD (69.3% and 65.0%, respectively) were the most commonly reported to have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Lack of social support and reporting increasing numbers of stressors related to COVID-19 were consistently associated with increasing severity of a range of mental health difficulties.ConclusionsOur findings suggest veterans who had pre-existing mental health difficulties prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 may be at increased risk of experiencing CMDs as a result of the pandemic. Intervening to improve levels of social support and offering practical guidance to better manage any additional stressors relating to the pandemic may provide strategies to help reduce the burden of mental health symptoms.

scholarly journals Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Following COVID-19 Public Health Measures on People Living With Dementia and Carers

2021 ◽  
pp. 089198872199681
Author(s):  
Kerry Hanna ◽  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Hilary Tetlow ◽  
Kym Ward ◽  
Justine Shenton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Social Support Services ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Background: To date, there appears to be no evidence on the longer-term impacts caused by COVID-19 and its related public health restrictions on some of the most vulnerable in our societies. The aim of this research was to explore the change in impact of COVID-19 public health measures on the mental wellbeing of people living with dementia (PLWD) and unpaid carers. Method: Semi-structured, follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with PLWD and unpaid carers between June and July 2020. Participants were asked about their experiences of accessing social support services during the pandemic, and the impact of restrictions on their daily lives. Results: 20 interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed, which produced 3 primary themes concerning emotional responses and impact to mental health and wellbeing during the course of the pandemic: 1) Impact on mental health during lockdown, 2) Changes to mental health following easing of public health, and 3) The long-term effect of public health measures. Conclusions: The findings from this research shed light on the longer-term psychological impacts of the UK Government’s public health measures on PLWD and their carers. The loss of social support services was key in impacting this cohort mentally and emotionally, displaying a need for better psychological support, for both carers and PLWD.

Impact of perceived social support and parental bonding in predicting suicidal intent among self-harm patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Naila Yaqoob ◽  
Sadaf Ahsan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Demographic Variable ◽  
Parental Bonding ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Suicidal Intent ◽  
Suicide Intent ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
The Impact

Objective: The present study investigated the impact of perceived social-support and parental-bonding in predicting suicidal intent among self-harm patients.Methods: Cross-sectional research design was used in current study. Study was conducted at Foundation University, Rawalpindi from February, 2019 to September, 2019. A purposive sample of 50 self-harm patients was collected from different mental health departments of hospitals of Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Peshawar. Participants were administered Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Parental-Bonding Instrument (PBI) and Beck Suicide Intention Scale (BSIS). Data was analyzed through SPSS using correlation, t test and regression. Differences on the basis of demographic variable were also studied.Results: The main results of the study specified that social support and parental bonding’ factor ‘care’ had significant negative correlation with suicide intent. Moreover, it negatively predicted suicide intent. Whereas, parental boding’ factor ‘overprotectiveness’ had significant positive correlation with suicide intent and significantly positively predicted suicide intent. Conclusion: The outcomes of present study emphasized that social-support and parental bonding both can play substantial roles in saving lives. Researchers and mental health experts will be able to start examine about the factors that distinguish deliberate self-harm from attempted suicide as well as the characteristics common to both conducts. Continuous...

scholarly journals THE SOCIOCULTURAL STRESS PROCESS MODEL APPLIED TO LONG-DISTANCE CAREGIVING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S557-S557
Author(s):  
Verena R Cimarolli ◽  
Amy Horowitz ◽  
Danielle Jimenez ◽  
Xiaomei Shi ◽  
Francesca Falzarano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Stress Process ◽  
Stress Process Model ◽  
Sociocultural Stress ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This study investigated the impact of LDC on mental health utilizing the Sociocultural Stress Process Model as a conceptual framework. A path analytic model tested the impact of caregiving stressors (i.e. distance, frequencies of visits, hours spent helping, burden) and sociocultural values (i.e. familialism) on LDCs’ mental health outcomes (i.e. depression, anxiety), and resources (i.e. coping strategies, social support) which can mediate the association between stressors and mental health outcomes while controlling for socio-demographics. Results show that resources did not mediate the effects of stressors on the mental health outcomes. However, both higher depression and anxiety were associated with living closer to the care recipient (CR), less frequent visits, higher burden, being younger, being female, and less optimal income adequacy. In addition, higher depression was associated with lower use of coping strategies and higher education. Higher anxiety was also associated with lower levels of social support and higher familialism.

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