Promoting youth mental health during COVID-19: A Longitudinal Study spanning pre- and post-pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maya L. Rosen ◽  
Alexandra M Rodman ◽  
Steven William Kasparek ◽  
Makeda Mayes ◽  
Malila M. Freeman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
News Media ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Internalizing Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Face ◽  
Internalizing And Externalizing ◽  
At Home

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced many novel stressors into the lives of youth. Identifying factors that protect against the onset of psychopathology in the face of these pandemic-related stressors is critical. We examine a wide range of factors that may protect youth from developing psychopathology during the pandemic. We assessed pandemic-related stressors, internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, and potentially protective factors in a longitudinal sample of children and adolescents (N=224, 7-15 years) assessed prior to the pandemic, during the stay-at-home orders, and six months later. We evaluate how family behaviors during the stay-at-home orders are related to changes in psychopathology relative to the assessment prior to the pandemic, identify factors that moderate the association of pandemic-related stressors with psychopathology, and determine whether these associations vary by age. Higher exposure to pandemic-related stressors was associated with increases in both internalizing and externalizing symptoms and this association persisted six months later. Greater engagement in exercise, a structured routine, greater time spent in nature, and less screen time, were associated with reduced internalizing and externalizing problems. The association between pandemic-related stressors and increases in psychopathology was significantly lower for youths with limited passive screen time, and marginally so for those with more time outdoors. The strong association between pandemic-related stressors and internalizing symptoms was absent among children, but not adolescents, with lower news media consumption related to the pandemic both concurrently and prospectively. We provide insight into simple and practical steps that families can take that may promote resilience against mental health problems in youth during the COVID-19 pandemic and protect against psychopathology following pandemic-related stressors.

scholarly journals Promoting youth mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0255294
Author(s):  
Maya L. Rosen ◽  
Alexandra M. Rodman ◽  
Steven W. Kasparek ◽  
Makeda Mayes ◽  
Malila M. Freeman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
News Media ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Externalizing Psychopathology ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Face ◽  
Internalizing And Externalizing ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
At Home

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced novel stressors into the lives of youth. Identifying factors that protect against the onset of psychopathology in the face of these stressors is critical. We examine a wide range of factors that may protect youth from developing psychopathology during the pandemic. We assessed pandemic-related stressors, internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, and potential protective factors by combining two longitudinal samples of children and adolescents (N = 224, 7–10 and 13–15 years) assessed prior to the pandemic, during the stay-at-home orders, and six months later. We evaluated how family behaviors during the stay-at-home orders were related to changes in psychopathology during the pandemic, identified factors that moderate the association of pandemic-related stressors with psychopathology, and determined whether associations varied by age. Internalizing and externalizing psychopathology increased substantially during the pandemic. Higher exposure to pandemic-related stressors was associated with increases in internalizing and externalizing symptoms early in the pandemic and six months later. Having a structured routine, less passive screen time, lower exposure to news media about the pandemic, and to a lesser extent more time in nature and getting adequate sleep were associated with reduced psychopathology. The association between pandemic-related stressors and psychopathology was reduced for youths with limited passive screen time and was absent for children, but not adolescents, with lower news media consumption related to the pandemic. We provide insight into simple, practical steps families can take to promote resilience against mental health problems in youth during the COVID-19 pandemic and protect against psychopathology following pandemic-related stressors.

The Self and Mental Health: Self-Salience and the Emergence of Internalizing and Externalizing Problems

2005 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Rosenfield ◽  
Mary Clare Lennon ◽  
Helene Raskin White
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Externalizing Problems ◽  
Internalizing Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Externalizing Behaviors ◽  
The Self ◽  
Internalizing And Externalizing Problems ◽  
Internalizing And Externalizing

How do schemas about self-salience—the importance of the self versus the collective in social relations—affect mental health? We propose that self-salience shapes the likelihood of experiencing internalizing or externalizing problems. Schemas that privilege others over the self increase the risk of internalizing symptoms, including depressive symptoms and anxiety, whereas those that privilege the self over others predispose individuals to externalizing behaviors of antisocial behavior and substance abuse. Furthermore, we propose that these schemas contribute to the gender differences that exist in these problems. We test these predictions with data from adolescents, the stage at which these problems and the gender differences in them arise. Results show that self-salience underlies both internalizing and externalizing problems. In addition, schemas about self-salience help explain the gender differences found in mental health problems.

Emotion Based Music Recommendation System

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1674-1680
Author(s):  
Dhruv Piyush Parikh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Facial Expression ◽  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Recommendation System ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Expression Recognition ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Face

Abstract: Our world today is driven by machines of various complexities. From a basic one like a computer to a highly complex humanoid robot, everything is a product of human intelligence. A lot of industries are being benefited from such new technologies. Facial Expression Recognition is one of these technologies. It has a wide range of applications and is an area that is constantly evolving. The analogy behind it is, when we gaze at someone, the eyes send signals to the brain. The face patterns of that specific person are carried by these messages. These patterns are then compared to those stored in the brain's memory. Inspired by such innovations, our research collects human expressions and analyses their emotions using our vast dataset, offering some necessary strategies to change their facial expressions. Due to the competitive environment, the youth of our generation has been inclined to a lot of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Our generation's youth has been predisposed to a variety of mental health issues. Our idea attempts to provide a relaxing atmosphere to a person based on his or her facial expressions. Keywords: Facial Expression, Face Recognition, Python, PyWhatkit, OpenCV.

scholarly journals Social behavior and youth psychopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra M Rodman ◽  
Maya L. Rosen ◽  
Steven William Kasparek ◽  
Makeda Mayes ◽  
Liliana Lengua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Behavior ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Internalizing Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Internalizing And Externalizing ◽  
At Home

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to the lives of youth, including social distancing measures and stay-at-home orders resulting in a sudden and stark reduction in daily social interactions for children and adolescents. Given that peer relationships are especially important during this developmental stage, it is crucial to understand the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on social behavior and risk for mental health problems in children and adolescents. Method: In a longitudinal sample (N=224, aged 7-15 years old) assessed at three strategic time points (prior to the pandemic, during the stay-at-home order period, and again six months later), we examine the social lives of children and adolescents and whether certain social behaviors may protect against increases in internalizing and externalizing problems during the pandemic. Results: Youth who reported lower levels of in-person and digital socialization, greater social isolation, and less peer and parent support had heightened internalizing and externalizing symptoms during the pandemic, controlling for pre-pandemic symptoms. Youth who reported more social connectedness and increased use of digital socialization during the pandemic were less likely to develop psychopathology after experiencing pandemic-related stressors. In addition, children, but not adolescents, who maintained some socialization in-person were less likely to develop internalizing symptoms following exposure to pandemic-related stressors. Conclusion: Using a longitudinal design, we identify social factors that promote well-being and resilience in children and adolescents during this societal event. We provide practical recommendations to mitigate risk of psychopathology resulting from the dramatic changes in youths’ social experiences during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Engaging with and Shaping Nature: A Nature-Based Intervention for Those with Mental Health and Behavioural Problems at the Westonbirt Arboretum in England

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liz O’Brien
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Behavioural Problems ◽  
Supportive Environment ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Causes Of Disease ◽  
Repeat Visits

Mental health problems have become one of the leading causes of disease burden worldwide. This study used qualitative mixed methods including in-situ ‘being and doing’ activities with participants, interviews, and participant observations to explore participant’s experiences of a multi-visit nature-based intervention at Westonbirt Arboretum in England. The research found that three engagement types: (1) social, (2) woodland craft, and (3) creative and sensory, provided a meaningful programme to engage those with mental health, addiction, autism and behavioural problems. These types of engagement conferred a wide range of well-being benefits on participants. The study highlights key elements of the programme that were effective including the importance of repeat visits to nature to enable familiarity, using creative, sensory and craft activities, creating a supportive environment, involving the volunteers, and understanding the needs of participants and the organisations that work with them. The research suggests that nature-based programmes can be designed to be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of participants with mental health and behavioural problems. Small numbers of participants can be involved in an intensive and immersive way that encourages an emotional affinity with nature. Inclusive and supportive programmes are particularly important for those who are vulnerable, as they are less likely to engage with nature than the wider population.

Do Prostitution and Social Vulnerability Go Hand in Hand? Examining the Association Between Social Background and Prostitution Using Register Data

2020 ◽  
pp. 136078042096598
Author(s):  
Theresa Dyrvig Henriksen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Vulnerability ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Social Background ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Register Data ◽  
Childhood Environment ◽  
The Social ◽  
Drug Problems

This article provides new knowledge on the social background of women involved in indoor prostitution by integrating a novel data source in terms of administrative register data. Questions concerning dynamics of entry and whether sex-sellers have a more socially marginalised position than others have long been debated in research. Based on register data on 1128 female sex-sellers, the article takes an important step towards answering such questions by analysing and comparing the social background of sex-sellers and of a matched sample of Danish women (n = 73,320). The study includes descriptive insights into a number of indicators, including demographics, out-of-home placement, mental health problems, drug problems, incarceration, educational attainment and labour market attachment. Multivariate regression models are used to examine potential predictors of involvement in prostitution. The findings show that indoor sex-sellers often come from a socially marginalised background and experience multiple social vulnerabilities in both childhood and adulthood. Furthermore, the study shows strong associations between indicators of social vulnerability and selling sex. Especially indicators of an unstable childhood environment (e.g. out-of-home placements and mothers’ incarceration) and indicators of social marginalisation in adulthood (e.g. incarceration and mental health problems) have proven to have a strong association with involvement in prostitution as an adult.

scholarly journals Posttraumatic Symptoms in 3–7 Year Old Trauma-Exposed Children: Links to Impairment, Other Mental Health Symptoms, Caregiver PTSD, and Caregiver Stress

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matti Cervin ◽  
Alison Salloum ◽  
Leigh J. Ruth ◽  
Eric A. Storch
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Internalizing Symptoms ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Symptom Domains ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Childhood Ptsd ◽  
Child Ptsd

AbstractFew studies have examined how PTSD symptoms in young children are associated with other mental health symptoms and mood and functioning in caregivers. This is an important gap in the literature as such knowledge may be important for assessment and treatment. This study used network analysis to identify how the major symptom domains of PTSD in young trauma-exposed children were related to impairment, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, caregiver PTSD, and caregiver stress. Caregivers of 75 trauma-exposed 3–7 year old children reported on their child’s symptoms and impairment and their own PTSD symptoms and caregiver stress. A strong association between the child PTSD domains of intrusions and avoidance emerged, which is in line with theoretical notions of how PTSD onsets and is maintained in adolescents and adults. Externalizing child symptoms were strongly linked to PTSD-related impairment and caregiver stress, highlighting the need to carefully assess and address such symptoms when working with young trauma-exposed children. Internalizing symptoms were uniquely associated with all three of the major childhood PTSD symptom domains with further implications for assessment and treatment.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Co-Occurrence of Internalizing and Externalizing Depression Symptoms in a Community Sample of Australian Male Truck Drivers

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon M. Rice ◽  
Helen M. Aucote ◽  
Dina Eleftheriadis ◽  
Anne Maria Möller-Leimkühler
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Internalizing Symptoms ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Externalizing Symptoms ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
Symptom Ratings ◽  
Internalizing And Externalizing

Trucking industry employees are known to be at risk of elevated levels of stress and a range of behaviors that may compromise their mental health. Clinical reports indicate that in response to negative emotional states, men tend to engage in a cluster of externalizing behaviors including irritability, anger and aggression, risk taking, and substance misuse. However, as such symptoms fall outside standard diagnostic depression criteria, the diagnosis and treatment of depression in men may be impeded. The present exploratory study reports retrospective symptom ratings of internalizing and externalizing depression symptoms from 91 Australian male truck drivers. Moderate correlation between externalizing and internalizing symptoms was reported across the sample, though internalizing symptoms were reported more frequently. However, consistent with prediction, those meeting probable depression caseness ( n = 20) reported three times the number of externalizing symptoms relative to those in the nonclinical group (Cohen’s d = 1.31). Externalizing symptoms may be a particular phenotypic feature of depression in men, and assessment of such symptoms may assist in the detection of those unwilling to disclose typical internalizing symptoms (i.e., sadness, hopelessness). Results also highlight the need for targeted research into stress-related and mental health outcomes of men in high health risk occupations such as truck driving.

scholarly journals Mental health and psychosocial characteristics of breast augmentation patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1270-1284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tilmann von Soest ◽  
Leila Torgersen ◽  
Ingela Lundin Kvalem
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Breast Augmentation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Breast Surgery ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Psychosocial Characteristics ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Mother And Child

Cosmetic breast surgery experience and a wide range of mental health, psychosocial, and sociodemographic variables were assessed in the population-based Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study ( N = 78,252). Breast augmentation patients reported elevated mental health problems. Factors in the domains of physical appearance, drug use, relationships, and exposure to abuse were all related to breast augmentation. Adjusting for such factors reduced the relationships between breast augmentation surgery and all mental health problems to non-significance. Results indicate that the increased prevalence of mental health problems among breast augmentation patients has to be understood from multiple perspectives involving several psychosocial domains.

scholarly journals How psychiatrists can engage with the media

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Bithell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New Media ◽  
News Media ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Daily News ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Time Frames

SummaryThe media offers opportunities for psychiatrists to communicate with a wide and varied audience, thereby influencing the views of the public and policy makers on mental health issues. There are many different types of media outlet, including daily news media, documentary makers, specialist media, features and comment, and new media. The Science Media Centre is an independent press office that aims to help ensure that the views of scientists, clinicians and researchers are heard in the UK national news media when their area of expertise hits the headlines. In the news media, journalists work to tight time frames and often focus on sensational and controversial topics, presenting challenges for those wanting to engage. For experts to work effectively with the news media it helps to understand more about the way the media works and how to develop necessary skills. Psychiatrists who do work successfully with the media can help ensure that the public receive accurate information about mental health problems, and gain an appreciation of the importance of research in the field and a better understanding of the role of the psychiatrist.

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