scholarly journals There is no evidence that associations between adolescents’ digital technology engagement and mental health problems have increased

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matti Vuorre ◽  
Amy Orben ◽  
Andrew K Przybylski
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
The Past ◽  
Mental Health Information ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Representative Samples

Digital technology is ubiquitous in modern adolescence, and researchers are concerned that it has negative impacts on mental health that, furthermore, increase over time. To investigate if technology is becoming more harmful, we examined changes in associations between technology engagement and mental health in three nationally representative samples. Results were mixed across types of technology and mental health outcomes: Technology engagement had become less strongly associated with depression in the past decade, but social media use more strongly associated with emotional problems. We detected no changes in five other associations, or differential associations by gender. There is therefore little evidence for increases in the associations between adolescents’ technology engagement and mental health. Information about new digital media has been collected for a relatively short time; drawing firm conclusions about changes in their associations with mental health may be premature. We urge transparent and credible collaborations between scientists and technology companies.

scholarly journals There Is No Evidence That Associations Between Adolescents’ Digital Technology Engagement and Mental Health Problems Have Increased

2021 ◽  
pp. 216770262199454
Author(s):  
Matti Vuorre ◽  
Amy Orben ◽  
Andrew K. Przybylski
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
The Past ◽  
Mental Health Information ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Representative Samples

Digital technology is ubiquitous in modern adolescence, and researchers are concerned that it has negative impacts on mental health that, furthermore, increase over time. To investigate whether technology is becoming more harmful, we examined changes in associations between technology engagement and mental health in three nationally representative samples. Results were mixed across types of technology and mental health outcomes: Technology engagement had become less strongly associated with depression in the past decade, but social-media use had become more strongly associated with emotional problems. We detected no changes in five other associations or differential associations by sex. There is therefore little evidence for increases in the associations between adolescents’ technology engagement and mental health. Information about new digital media has been collected for a relatively short time; drawing firm conclusions about changes in their associations with mental health may be premature. We urge transparent and credible collaborations between scientists and technology companies.

scholarly journals Going digital: how technology use may influence human brains and behavior

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-97
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Human Brains

The digital revolution has changed, and continues to change, our world and our lives. Currently, major aspects of our lives have moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic, and social distancing has necessitated virtual togetherness. In a synopsis of 10 articles we present ample evidence that the use of digital technology may influence human brains and behavior in both negative and positive ways. For instance, brain imaging techniques show concrete morphological alterations in early childhood and during adolescence that are associated with intensive digital media use. Technology use apparently affects brain functions, for example visual perception, language, and cognition. Extensive studies could not confirm common concerns that excessive screen time is linked to mental health problems, or the deterioration of wellbeing. Nevertheless, it is important to use digital technology consciously, creatively, and sensibly to improve personal and professional relationships. Digital technology has great potential for mental health assessment and treatment, and the improvement of personal mental performance.

Concussion, neuroethics, and sport: Policies of the past do not suffice for the future

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad Partridge ◽  
Wayne Hall
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Head Trauma ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Concussion Management ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
The Past ◽  
Management Policies

Concussion management policies have become a major priority worldwide for sports that involve frequent collisions between participants because repeated head trauma has been associated with long-term cognitive impairments, mental health problems, and some forms of neurological degeneration. A number of concussion management policies have been developed by professional bodies and subsequently adopted by various sporting leagues. These have offered little guidance on how to navigate ethical issues in identifying and managing concussion. This chapter discusses ethical issues that arise in the diagnosis of concussion, debates about the longer-term consequences of repeated concussion injuries, and the design and implementation of policies that aim to prevent and manage concussion injuries in sporting matches.

The impact of COVID-19 quarantine measures on the mental health of families

2021 ◽  
pp. 146801732110117
Author(s):  
Fakir Al Gharaibeh ◽  
Laura Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Strong Shock ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
The Impact

Summary COVID-19 is shaping all aspects of life throughout the world. The unexpected number of people who have been infected with and died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is evidence that the pandemic has affected families and societies. The strong shock wave that has resulted in the international response has focused more on medical rather than psychosocial interventions. Little has been written or studied about the impact of COVID-19 on families. This article explores the impact of the COVID-19 quarantine on the mental health of families. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews with Jordanian families through snowball sampling. Findings The results show that 20 interviewees described varied and new experiences. Many of the families we interviewed displayed symptoms of mental health problems, including disrupted sleep patterns, changes in eating habits, excessive digital media use, anxiety, depression, excessive smoking, stomach aches, bedwetting among children, and persistent headaches. The study also demonstrated the psychological stress partners felt during the lockdown due to their worries about job security. They also communicated their hope that renewed family commitments might bring more stability to their relationships. During the lockdown, family members spent more time together, and it became harder to conceal any issues from each other. Applications The findings of this research demonstrate a critical need for social workers, and it is hoped that future legislation will include a role for social workers in various fields of crisis. Moreover, social workers should encourage families to ask for intervention to overcome the long-term effects that may result from COVID-19.

scholarly journals Sex Difference in the Association between Electronic Cigarette Use and Subsequent Cigarette Smoking among U.S. Adolescents: Findings from the PATH Study Waves 1–4

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1695
Author(s):  
Zongshuan Duan ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Jidong Huang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Estimation Equations ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Prospective Association

E-cigarettes are the most-used tobacco products among U.S. adolescents. Emerging evidence suggests that adolescents using e-cigarettes are at elevated risk for initiating cigarette smoking. However, whether this risk may differ by sex remains unknown. This study analyzed data from Wave 1 to 4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, a nationally representative longitudinal survey. Generalized estimation equations (GEE) were performed to estimate the associations between baseline e-cigarette use and subsequent cigarette smoking, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, mental health conditions, and other tobacco use. Effect modifications by sex were examined. Multivariate analyses showed that, among baseline never cigarette smokers, past-30-day e-cigarette use at baseline waves was significantly associated with past-30-day cigarette smoking at follow-up waves (aOR = 3.90, 95% CI: 2.51–6.08). This association was significantly stronger for boys (aOR = 6.17, 95% CI: 2.43–15.68) than for girls (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.14–8.33). Additionally, using other tobacco products, older age, and having severe externalizing mental health problems at baseline were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of cigarette smoking at follow-up. The prospective association between e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking differs by sex among U.S. adolescents. Sex-specific tobacco control interventions may be warranted to curb the youth tobacco use epidemic.

Socioeconomic disparities in psychological distress in a nationally representative sample of Japanese adolescents: A time trend study

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuko Kachi ◽  
Aya Abe ◽  
Emiko Ando ◽  
Tomoyuki Kawada
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Japanese Adolescents ◽  
Nationally Representative

Objective: Socioeconomic status as a determinant of mental health problems has received scant attention in Japan, which has long been considered an egalitarian society. This study examined the association between socioeconomic status and psychological distress and its trends over 6 years among Japanese adolescents. Methods: We used data from a nationally representative sample of 9491 adolescents aged 12–18 years who participated in three repeated cross-sectional surveys between 2007 and 2013. The K6 scale was used to assess psychological distress. Socioeconomic status indicators included household income, parental education, parental working status and household structure. Results: Psychological distress prevalence decreased significantly from 2007 (10.7%) to 2013 (7.6%). However, the socioeconomic status patterns of psychological distress were consistent through the study period. Adolescents living in both lower (odds ratio = 1.61; 95% confidence interval = [1.27, 2.05]) and higher income households (odds ratio = 1.30; 95% confidence interval = [1.03, 1.62]) were more likely to report psychological distress than their middle-income counterparts. Adolescents with low household income were more likely to feel stress from interpersonal relationships and less likely to have help-seeking behaviors, while those with high household income were more likely to feel stress about school achievement. Psychological distress was also associated with parental poor education and single parenthood. Conclusions: Socioeconomic status disparities in adolescent psychological distress were evident and consistent during the 6-year period. There is a unique U-shaped relationship between household income and psychological distress among adolescents in Japan, unlike those from other countries. However, the underlying mechanisms may differ by income status. Future prevention efforts should consider socioeconomic status as a determinant of adolescent mental health problems.

scholarly journals Residential transience among US adolescents: association with depression and mental health treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 682-691 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Glasheen ◽  
V. Forman-Hoffman ◽  
S. Hedden ◽  
T. Ridenour ◽  
J. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
The Past ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
To Receive

AbstractAimsResidential instability, including transience (i.e. unusually frequent mobility), is associated with higher risk for emotional and behavioural problems in children and young adults. However, most studies have not compared the effect of recent v. more distal moves on mental health or on mental health treatment. This study examined associations between recent (past year) and distal (past 2–4 years) residential transience and past year major depressive episode (MDE) and mental health treatment in a nationally representative sample of US adolescents aged 12–17.MethodsData are from the 2010–2014 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (n = ~107 300 adolescents). T-tests were used to examine the prevalence of MDE by number of moves in the past 5 years among a nationally representative sample of adolescents. Additionally, multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the adjusted association between recent (⩾2 moves in the past year) and distal (⩾4 moves in the past 5 years, but no recent transience) and (1) past year MDE and (2) past year mental health treatment among adolescents with MDE.ResultsMDE prevalence increased linearly with number of moves in the past 5 years (p < 0.001). The adjusted odds of MDE were greater among youths with distal transience (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09–1.44) and among those with proximal transience (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.17–1.46), compared with those without transience in the past 5 years. The MDE prevalence did not differ between those with distal and proximal transience (p = 0.163). In youths with past year MDE, the prevalence of past year mental health treatment was greater among those with proximal transience compared with those without transience (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.15–1.70), but there was no significant difference in treatment among those with distal v. no transience.ConclusionsDistal and recent transience are associated with past year MDE among adolescents. Adolescents with MDE who had recent transience were more likely to receive past year mental health treatment compared with those without transience. However, those with only distal transience were not more likely to receive treatment. Parents, school officials and health care providers should be aware that residential mobility in the past 5 years may indicate increased odds of depression among adolescents even among adolescents whose housing stability has improved in the past year.

scholarly journals Severe and enduring mental health problems within an established substance misuse treatment partnership

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 216-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Walsh ◽  
Alex Copello
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
The Past ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Effective Service

Aims and methodThe study reports findings of an investigation into the presence of severe and enduring mental health problems within the four statutory and non-statutory teams of an established substance misuse treatment partnership.ResultsOf a total of 772 clients in the four teams surveyed, 69 (8.9%) were identified as having severe and enduring mental health problems and problem substance use in the past 12 months. Alcohol was the most prevalent substance used by this predominantly male group. Different rates were found across the four teams, with higher numbers in the non-statutory teams. The clients displayed significant levels of self-harm and suicide risk and were responsible for 131 acute service contacts over the past 12 months.Clinical implicationsClients with severe and enduring mental health problems engaged with substance misuse services display high levels of complex need. It is important to identify the best and most effective service response to this group.

How prevalent is mental ill-health in the workplace – and how can employers help workers who are suffering?

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Author(s):  
Zain Sikafi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Common Knowledge ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Uk

Purpose This research was commissioned by Mynurva in October 2018. The independent, nationally representative survey was conducted among more than 2,000 UK adults to uncover the number of full-time workers who suffer from mental health problems, how many of them seek help for their issues, and the main barriers that hold them back from doing so. Design/methodology/approach A nationally representative sample of 2,003 adults in employment were surveyed about their mental health. Via an online survey, employees responding that they had experienced mental health problems were asked to respond further to a series of statements. Contingency tables were then produced, revealing what percentage of respondents agreed or disagreed with each statement that was presented to them. Findings Almost a third (32 per cent) of full-time employees have suffered from mental health problems in the workplace. More than one in three workers suffering from mental health symptoms have never sought any professional help, and at 42 per cent, male workers were more likely than female workers (32 per cent) not to seek help. In total, 44 per cent have never disclosed their issues to a manager at work. Of those struggling with their mental health, the authors found that 55 per cent of workers fear admitting their problems to a manager would hinder their chances of a promotion. A majority (59 per cent) also believe that if their mental health problems became common knowledge in the office, then it would negatively affect their relationships with colleagues. This figure rises to 71 per cent among workers of age 18-34. Confidentiality was cited as a key obstacle for employees, with 58 per cent worrying that their mental health problems would not remain confidential if they were to discuss them in the workplace. There was a significant rise among millennials, 68 per cent of which shared these sentiments. Originality/value The authors commissioned Opinium to conduct independent research in the UK.

scholarly journals Diversion from custody: An update

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 375-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Birmingham ◽  
Olusola Awonogun ◽  
Howard Ryland
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
List Type ◽  
Mentally Disordered ◽  
The Past ◽  
Important Landmark ◽  
Justice Process ◽  
Criminal Justice Process ◽  
The Impact

SummaryLiaison and diversion services are concerned with ensuring that individuals with mental health problems and related vulnerabilities who come into contact with the criminal justice system receive appropriate support and treatment. In the past 15 years there have been significant changes in policy, legislation and the broader landscape in community, custodial and hospital settings which have shaped these services. The Bradley Report, published in 2009, represents an important landmark in this field. Bradley made 82 recommendations, from interventions to improve identification of mental illness and vulnerable individuals at risk of offending to effecting speedier transfers of mentally disordered prisoners to hospital. Some progress has been made in achieving these recommendations, and further investment is promised, but at present only half of England is covered by liaison and diversion services.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Appreciate how services have developed over the past 15 years to provide support and treatment and divert mentally disordered people from custody at all stages in the criminal justice process•Recognise how government policy has shaped the development of liaison and diversion services over the past 15 years•Understand the impact of the 2007 amendments to the Mental Health Act on the diversion of mentally disordered people from custody

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