Associations between Adolescents’ Prosocial Experiences and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Natural disasters and times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are extremely stressful events, with mental health consequences. But, such events also provide opportunities for prosocial support between citizens, which may be related to mental health symptoms and interpersonal needs. We examined adolescents’ prosocial experiences as both actors and recipients during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and assessed whether these experiences were associated with indicators of mental health. Adolescents (N = 437; 78% female) aged 13 to 20 years (Mage = 16.43, SD = 1.10; 63.6% White, 12.9% Hispanic/Latinx, 8.5% Asian, 4.2% Black, 2.8% Native American) were recruited across the US in early April of 2020. Participants reported on their COVID-19 prosocial experiences (helping others, receiving help) and mental health (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, burdensomeness, belongingness). Multiple regression models indicated greater engagement in COVID-19 prosocial behavior was associated with greater anxiety symptoms and greater burdensomeness. Receiving more COVID-19 help was associated with lower depressive symptoms and higher belongingness. Findings highlight the importance of furthering our understanding of the nuanced connections between prosocial experiences and adolescents' mental health to help inform post-pandemic recovery and relief efforts.

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Measuring More Than Exposure: Does Stress Appraisal Matter for Black–White Differences in Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults?

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa040 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (5) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lauren L Brown ◽

Leah R Abrams ◽

Uchechi A Mitchell ◽

Jennifer A Ailshire

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Disparities ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Race Differences ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Stressful Events ◽

Stress Exposure ◽

Mental Health Disparities ◽

Stress Appraisal ◽

Chronic Stressors

Abstract Background and Objectives Prior research and theory suggest that exposure to objectively stressful events contributes to mental health disparities. Yet, blacks report higher cumulative stress exposure than whites but lower levels of common psychiatric disorders. In order to understand why blacks bear disproportionate stress exposure but similar or better mental health relative to whites, we need to consider race differences in not only stress exposure, but also stress appraisal—how upsetting stress exposures are perceived to be. Research Design and Methods We examine whether race differences in the number of reported chronic stressors across 5 domains (health, financial, residential, relationship, and caregiving) and their appraised stressfulness explain black–white differences in anxiety and depressive symptoms. Data come from 6019 adults aged older than 52 from the 2006 Health and Retirement Study. Results Older blacks in this sample experience greater exposure to chronic stressors but appraise stressors as less upsetting relative to whites. In fully adjusted models, stress exposure is related to higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and perceiving stress as upsetting is associated with higher symptomology for whites and blacks. We also find that blacks report greater anxiety symptoms but fewer depressive symptoms with more stress exposure relative to whites. Stress appraisal partially explains race differences in the association between stress exposure and anxiety symptoms and fully explains race differences in the association between exposure and depressive symptoms. Discussion and Implications The relationship between race, chronic stress exposure, and mental health is mediated by stress appraisal. Stress appraisal provides insight on important pathways contributing to black–white mental health disparities in older adulthood.

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African American Women and Depression: Promoting the Need for Culturally Competent Treatment

10.35455/brk123456 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Bernice Kennedy ◽

Chalice Jenkins ◽

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

African American ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

African American Women ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

American Woman ◽

Stressful Events ◽

Mental Illnesses ◽

Diagnostic Process ◽

American Women

Abstract Depression is gradually increasing in African American women. These women are experiencing role changes and additional life stressors. Depressed African American women may perceive themselves as being devalued by society with fewer support systems to buffer stressful events. Depressive symptoms may develop into clinical depression and a further decrease in the quality of life for the African American woman. The assumption that all women share similar experiences does not allow for differences to emerge regarding the diagnostic process, measuring tools, and successful treatment strategies for various cultures. The authors developed a Multifaceted Model of Depression in African American Women for improving treatment of African American women with depression and future research needs. Cultural background plays a vital role in how the symptoms of mental illnesses are developed, reported, interpreted, and how women are treated. African Americans who subscribed to the Strong Black Women Archetype (SBWA) are naturally strong, resilient, self-contained, and self-sacrificing. This self-reliance prevents them from reaching out for social support. This, in turn, can contribute to depressive symptoms with negative health outcomes. The African American women are more apt to have less access to routine medical care where early diagnosis and interventions can be done, so their mental health problems (e.g., depression, stress, etc.) are often more developed, complicated, and their social supports more depleted when they do access treatment. When African American women do have access to mental health care, they receive poor quality care compared to Whites.

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Job Dissatisfaction Mediated the Associations Between Work Stress and Mental Health Problems

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.711263 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Dan Qiu ◽

Ruiqi Li ◽

Yilu Li ◽

Jun He ◽

Feiyun Ouyang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Path Analysis ◽

Work Stress ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Job Dissatisfaction ◽

Working Adults

Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationships and the underlying mechanisms between work stress and mental health problems, and potential mediation effects through job dissatisfaction in a working population.Methods: A large population-based study among workers in China was conducted. The self-reported scales of assessing job dissatisfaction and work stress were included in the questionnaire. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 were used for assessment of mental health. Univariate logistic regression was conducted to test the associations between work stress and mental health. Path analysis was conducted to test the proposed mediation model.Results: Of the 6,190 included employees, 27.72% reported that they perceived work stress, 14.84% of them reported that they were not satisfied with their work, 5.01% of the employees reported depressive symptoms, and 3.75% of the employees reported anxiety symptoms. The results of univariate logistic regression showed that employees who perceived work stress were more likely to report anxiety symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.78; 95% CI: 2.03–3.79) or depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.22–2.12). The path analysis showed that work stress was positively associated with job dissatisfaction. Job dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between work stress and mental health problems among Chinese working adults.Conclusion: This study suggests the importance of psychosocial work environment for mental health among Chinese working adults. Work dissatisfaction is a stressor that may induce negative consequences on the mental health among Chinese workers. Interventions to help workers with stress management may be beneficial for their mental health.

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Examining Children’s Mental Health and Parenting Quality before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/b3t5e ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Heather Yarger ◽

Deena Shariq ◽

Alexandra Hickey ◽

Elizabeth Giacobbe ◽

Sarah Louise Dziura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Children’S Mental Health ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Children's Mental Health ◽

Parental Mental Health ◽

Parenting Quality ◽

Permissive Parenting ◽

Children’S Anxiety ◽

At Home

Background: The goal of the current study was to characterize the impact of COVID-19 mitigation efforts (i.e., stay-at-home orders) on children’s mental health and parenting quality, as well as to assess predictors of children’s mental health during the pandemic. Methods: Seventy-nine children (18 with autism, 61 without) and their parents who participated in a previous study and were at least 10 years old (M = 13.8, SD = 1.7) were invited to participate in three online follow-up surveys post initiation of the stay-at-home-order (during May through November 2020). Children were predominantly White (49.4%) and not Hispanic or Latino (78.5%). Parents reported on children’s anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as their own parenting practices. Family togetherness, conflict, financial problems, and parental mental health during the pandemic were also collected. Results: Children without autism experienced a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms across the beginning of the pandemic and a significant increase in depressive symptoms from pre- to post-stay-at-home-order. Children with autism experienced a significant decrease in depressive symptoms from pre- to post- stay-at-home-order. Parents of children without autism reported a significant decrease in positive parenting from pre- to post stay-at-home-order. Higher levels of permissive parenting and financial problems were associated with children’s depressive symptoms. Higher levels of parent mental health difficulties and permissive parenting were associated with higher levels of children’s anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: Children are experiencing both improvements and declines in mental health relative to pre-pandemic. Parenting quality and parental mental health have direct impacts on children’s functioning during the pandemic.

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Screening for Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Type 2 Diabetes Using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: Comparative Performance of the EQ-5D-5L and SF-12v2

MDM Policy & Practice ◽

10.1177/2381468318799361 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 238146831879936 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Fatima Al Sayah ◽

Arto Ohinmaa ◽

Jeffrey A. Johnson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Short Form ◽

Outcome Measurement ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Receiver Operating Curve ◽

Comparative Performance ◽

Patient Reported

Objective. To evaluate the performance of EQ-5D-5L (EuroQol Five-Dimension, Five-Level Questionnaire) and SF-12-v2 (12-item Medical Outcomes Health Survey–Short Form, Version 2) in screening for anxiety and depressive symptoms in adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods. Cross-sectional data from a population-based study of type 2 diabetes in Alberta, Canada, were used. Anxiety symptoms (using the 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire) were categorized into absent (<3) versus present (≥3). Depressive symptoms (using the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire) were categorized according to two severity cut-points: absent (<10) versus mild (≥10), and absent (<15) versus moderate-severe (≥15). The performance of the measures in screening for anxiety and depressive symptoms was evaluated using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. Results. Average age of participants ( N = 1,391) was 66.8 years (SD 10.2), and 47% were female. Seventeen percent of participants screened positive for mild and 5.9% for moderate-severe depressive symptoms, and 11.3% for anxiety symptoms. For comorbid symptoms, 8.6% screened positive for anxiety and any depressive symptoms, and 4.6% for anxiety and moderate-severe depressive symptoms. The EQ-5D-5L anxiety/depression dimension and the SF-12 mental composite summary score had the best performance in screening for anxiety (area under ROC: 0.89, 0.89, respectively), depressive symptoms (any: 0.88, 0.92; moderate-severe: 0.90, 0.90), and comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms (any: 0.92, 0.91; moderate-severe: 0.92, 0.90). These were followed by SF-12 feeling downhearted/depressed item (range = 0.83–0.85), while the lowest performance was for the EQ-5D-5L index score (0.80–0.84) and the SF-12 mental health domain (0.81–0.82). Conclusion. The EQ-5D-5L and the SF-12 are suitable tools for screening for anxiety and depressive symptoms in adults with type 2 diabetes. These tools present a unique opportunity for a standardized approach for routine mental health screening within the context of routine outcome measurement initiatives, where screening is recommended.

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A digital mental health intervention to reduce depressive symptoms among overseas Filipino workers: protocol for a pilot hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial

Implementation Science Communications ◽

10.1186/s43058-020-00072-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Andrian Liem ◽

Melissa R. Garabiles ◽

Karmia A. Pakingan ◽

Wen Chen ◽

Agnes Iok Fong Lam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Health Intervention ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Mental Health Intervention ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Hybrid Type

Abstract Background The current pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol will comprehensively describe the implementation of a culturally adapted Filipino version of the World Health Organization Step-by-Step (SbS-F) program, unguided online psychological intervention for people with depression based on behavioral activation, among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Macao (Special Administrative Region). The main objective of this pilot study is to explore the preliminary effectiveness of the SbS-F program to decrease participant-reported depressive symptoms compared to enhanced care as usual (ECAU); and the secondary objectives are to explore the preliminary effectiveness of the SbS-F to decrease participant-reported anxiety symptoms and improve wellbeing, and to evaluate the potential for SbS-F implementation in real-world settings. Methods This trial will follow an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type 1 trial design and utilize the Reach, Efficacy/Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to accelerate the translation of clinical research into more effective implementation strategies and policies. Participants will be randomized 1:1 to control and treatment groups. Control group participants will receive ECAU that consists of brief depression psychoeducation and referral to local community partners. Treatment group participants will receive a 5-session of digital intervention through a mobile phone application. The primary outcome (depression) and psychological secondary outcomes (anxiety symptoms and wellbeing) will be measured using validated instruments. To evaluate study implementation, an embedded mixed-methods design will be used to collect data from various stakeholders. Data then will be analyzed using intention to treat principle and reported following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guideline. Discussion This study will provide important new knowledge about the preliminary effectiveness of SbS-F, a mobile application, as a digital mental health intervention and its scalability. If SbS-F shows positive results among OFWs in Macao, it has strong potential to be used by OFWs in other countries that may also experience depression and difficulty accessing mental health services. Trial registration Prospective registration, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000034959) on 26/07/2020.

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Do Depressive Symptoms Shape Blacks’ Perceptions of Stress Over Time?

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa022 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (5) ◽

Author(s):

DeAnnah R Byrd ◽

Roland J Thorpe ◽

Keith E Whitfield

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Ordinary Least Squares ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Stressful Events ◽

Age Group ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time

Abstract Background and Objectives Previous studies have linked stress to multiple negative mental health outcomes, including depression. This established stress–depression association is typically examined in one direction and cross-sectionally. This study examined the bidirectional relationships between depressive symptoms and changes in perceived stress over time in Blacks. Research Design and Methods The present study uses a community-dwelling sample of 450 Black adults, aged 51–96 years old, who participated in the Baltimore Study of Black Aging—Patterns of Cognitive Aging. Perceived stress—measured by the Perceived Stress Scale—and depressive symptoms—measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale—were both assessed at baseline and follow-up 33 months later. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine 2 bidirectional longitudinal relationships between (1) stress–depression and (2) depression–stress, and whether these associations are modified by age. Results Initial analyses testing the typical stress–depression relationship showed an effect in the expected direction, that is stress leading to more depressive symptoms over time, adjusting for model covariates, but the effect was not statistically significant (b = 0.014, p = .642). After accounting for baseline perceived stress level, age, sex, education, and chronic health conditions, depressive symptoms were positively associated with follow-up stress (b = 0.210, p < .000). The depression–stress association further varied by age group such that the impact of baseline depression on changes in perceived stress was greatest in Blacks in their 60s versus those in their 50s (b = 0.267, p = .001), controlling for model covariates. Discussion and Implications Contrary to previous work, the results suggest that an individual’s mental health shapes his/her perception of stressful events and this relationship varies by age group. While the typical finding (stress impacting depression) was not significant, the findings reported here highlight the importance of considering the possible bidirectional nature of the relationships between psychosocial measures of stress and mental health in later life among Blacks.

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Life review therapy for older adults with depressive symptoms in general practice: results of a pilot evaluation

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610219000218 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (12) ◽

pp. 1801-1808 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lotte Hendriks ◽

Marjolein A. Veerbeek ◽

Daniëlle Volker ◽

Lindsay Veenendaal ◽

Bernadette M. Willemse

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

General Practice ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Well Being ◽

Life Review ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Life Review Therapy ◽

General Practices

ABSTRACTObjective:General practices play an important role in the detection and treatment of depressive symptoms in older adults. An adapted version of the indicated preventive life review therapy group intervention called Looking for Meaning (LFM) was developed for general practice and a pilot evaluation was conducted.Design:A pretest-posttest design was used. One week before and one week after the intervention participants filled out questionnaires.Setting:In six general practices in the Netherlands the adapted intervention was given.Participants:Inclusion criteria were > 60 years and a score of 5 or higher on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).Intervention:The length and number of LFM sessions were shortened and the intervention was given by one mental health care nurse practitioner (MHCNP).Measurements:The impact on mental health was analyzed by depressive symptoms (CES-D) as the primary outcome and anxiety symptoms (HADS-A), psychological well-being (PGCMS) and mastery (PMS) as secondary outcomes. An evaluative questionnaire was included to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability.Results:Most participants were satisfied with the adaptations of the number (72%) and length (72%) of sessions. The overall sample showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms after the intervention. No impact was found on psychological well-being, anxiety symptoms and mastery.Conclusions:The intervention is feasible and acceptable for older adults with depressive symptoms and has an impact on their depressive symptoms.

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Depression and Anxiety Symptoms of British Adoptive Parents: A Prospective Four-Wave Longitudinal Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16245153 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (24) ◽

pp. 5153 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Rebecca E. Anthony ◽

Amy L. Paine ◽

Katherine H. Shelton

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Adoptive Parents ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Parental Anxiety ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Adoptive Families ◽

Prospective Longitudinal

The mental health of birth parents has gained attention due to the serious negative consequences for personal, family, and child outcomes, but depression and anxiety in adoptive parents remains under-recognized. Using a prospective, longitudinal design, we investigated anxiety and depression symptoms in 96 British adoptive parents over four time points in the first four years of an adoptive placement. Depression and anxiety symptom scores were relatively stable across time. Growth curve analysis showed that higher child internalizing scores and lower parental sense of competency at five months post-placement were associated with higher initial levels of parental depressive symptoms. Lower parental sense of competency was also associated with higher initial levels of parental anxiety symptoms. Parents of older children and those with higher levels of parental anxiety and sense of competency at five months post-placement had a steeper decrease in depressive symptoms over time. Support for adoptive families primarily focuses on child adjustment. Our findings suggest that professional awareness of parental mental health post-placement may be necessary, and interventions aimed at improving parents’ sense of competency may be beneficial.

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Gender Minority Stress and Depressive Symptoms in Transitioned Swiss Transpersons

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2018/8639263 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Tiziana Jäggi ◽

Lena Jellestad ◽

Salvatore Corbisiero ◽

Dirk J. Schaefer ◽

Josef Jenewein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Minority Stress ◽

Regression Models ◽

Multivariate Analyses ◽

Gender Minority ◽

Prevalence Of Depression ◽

Multiple Regression Models ◽

Resilience Factors ◽

Minority Stress Model

Compared to the general population, transpersons are exposed to higher levels of discrimination and violence. The stigmatization of transpersons can lead to physical and psychological problems. In particular, transindividuals exhibit a higher prevalence of depression compared to the cispopulation. The gender minority stress model (GMSM) provides a comprehensive theoretical basis to interpret these biopsychosocial interactions. Using the GMSM, this study aimed to identify associations between experience of stigmatization and the mental health of transitioned transpersons using correlational analyses and multiple regression models. In total, 143 transpersons were recruited. Multivariate analyses identified three variables (i.e., unemployment, nonaffirmation of gender identity, and internalized transphobia) to explain variance of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, a mediation of the proximal factors between distal factors and depressive symptoms was found. However, the moderating effect of resilience factors was not demonstrated. The results confirmed the importance of distal and proximal minority stressors for the mental health of transpersons. At the same time, the protective influence of resilience factors seemed to be surprisingly minor. In the treatment of transpersons, practitioners should not only focus on somatic aspects, but also consider the person’s previous experiences of stigmatization.

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