scholarly journals Parental Sensitivity and Responsiveness as Mediators Between Postpartum Mental Health and Bonding in Mothers and Fathers

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Nakić Radoš
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Parental Mental Health ◽  
Parental Sensitivity ◽  
Mothers And Fathers ◽  
Parental Responsiveness ◽  
Postpartum Mental Health ◽  
Significant Mediator

Background: There is a lack of studies that examine the complex relationship between parental mental health, parental sensitivity and responsiveness, and parent-infant bonding. This study aimed to test whether parental sensitivity and responsiveness were mediators between postpartum mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress) and parent-infant bonding in mothers and fathers.Method: Mothers (n = 427) and fathers (n = 170) of infants aged up to 1-year-old participated in an online study. The parents completed questionnaires on depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS), anxiety and stress (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, DASS-21). Parent-infant bonding was measured by Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) that has three components: Impaired bonding (PBQ1), Anxiety about care and parental distress (PBQ2), and Lack of enjoyment and affection with infant (PB3Q). Parental sensitivity was measured as the number of correct recognitions of infant facial expressions (City Infant Faces Database, CIFD). Responsiveness was measured as a self-report with two subscales of responsiveness and non-responsiveness (Maternal Infant Responsiveness Instrument, MIRI).Results: The path analysis showed that the model had a good fit to the data. Parental sex was a significant moderator, indicating different paths in mothers and fathers. In mothers, responsiveness and non-responsiveness were significant mediators between depression symptoms and three dimensions of bonding. In fathers, only non-responsiveness was a significant mediator between anxiety and PBQ3. Although recognizing infant facial expressions directly affected PBQ3 in mothers (but not in fathers), it was not a significant mediator between mental health and bonding.Conclusion: Higher levels of parental mental health problems (depression and anxiety) were associated with lower levels of parental responsiveness, which is, in turn, related to poor parent-infant bonding. Prevention and intervention programs should be offered for both mothers and fathers, focusing on postpartum mental health promotion and enhancing responsiveness in infant care.

Prevalence of Self-Reported Depression Symptoms and Perceived Anxiety Among Community-Dwelling U.S. Adults Reporting Tinnitus

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 959-970
Author(s):  
Kelly M. Reavis ◽  
James A. Henry ◽  
Lynn M. Marshall ◽  
Kathleen F. Carlson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Health Distress ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Mental Health Distress

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between tinnitus and self-reported mental health distress, namely, depression symptoms and perceived anxiety, in adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examinations Survey between 2009 and 2012. A secondary aim was to determine if a history of serving in the military modified the associations between tinnitus and mental health distress. Method This was a cross-sectional study design of a national data set that included 5,550 U.S. community-dwelling adults ages 20 years and older, 12.7% of whom were military Veterans. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between tinnitus and mental health distress. All measures were based on self-report. Tinnitus and perceived anxiety were each assessed using a single question. Depression symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire, a validated questionnaire. Multivariable regression models were adjusted for key demographic and health factors, including self-reported hearing ability. Results Prevalence of tinnitus was 15%. Compared to adults without tinnitus, adults with tinnitus had a 1.8-fold increase in depression symptoms and a 1.5-fold increase in perceived anxiety after adjusting for potential confounders. Military Veteran status did not modify these observed associations. Conclusions Findings revealed an association between tinnitus and both depression symptoms and perceived anxiety, independent of potential confounders, among both Veterans and non-Veterans. These results suggest, on a population level, that individuals with tinnitus have a greater burden of perceived mental health distress and may benefit from interdisciplinary health care, self-help, and community-based interventions. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12568475

scholarly journals Influence of Spirituality on Depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Suicidality in Active Duty Military Personnel

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurel L. Hourani ◽  
Jason Williams ◽  
Valerie Forman-Hoffman ◽  
Marian E. Lane ◽  
Belinda Weimer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Active Duty ◽  
Combat Exposure ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Active Duty Military

Understanding the role of spirituality as a potential coping mechanism for military personnel is important given growing concern about the mental health issues of personnel returning from war. This study seeks to determine the extent to which spirituality is associated with selected mental health problems among active duty military personnel and whether it moderates the relationship between combat exposure/deployment and (a) depression, (b) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and (c) suicidality in active duty military personnel. Data were drawn from the 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel. Over 24,000 randomly selected active duty personnel worldwide completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire. High spirituality had a significant protective effect only for depression symptoms. Medium, as opposed to high or low, levels of spirituality buffered each of the mental health outcomes to some degree. Medium and low spirituality levels predicted depression symptoms but only among those with moderate combat exposure. Medium spirituality levels also predicted PTSD symptoms among those with moderate levels of combat exposure and predicted self-reported suicidal ideation/attempt among those never deployed. These results point to the complex relationship between spirituality and mental health, particularly among military personnel and the need for further research.

Correspondence Between Self-Report Measures and Clinician Assessments of Psychopathology in Female Intimate Partner Violence Survivors

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 1501-1523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan W. Cody ◽  
Judiann M. Jones ◽  
Matthew J. Woodward ◽  
Catherine A. Simmons ◽  
J. Gayle Beck
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Event Scale

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has potentially severe and long-lasting mental health consequences for survivors, including elevated symptoms and diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The current study examined the relationship between three self-report measures of psychological distress and ratings obtained from the corresponding clinician-administered measures in women seeking assessment for mental health problems following IPV ( N = 185). PTSD symptoms were assessed using the self-report Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R) and the interview-based Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Depression symptoms were assessed using the self-report Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI-II) and the depressive disorders sections from the clinician-administered Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule–IV (ADIS-IV). Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the self-report Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the clinician-administered GAD section from the ADIS-IV. Results indicated that psychological distress was prevalent in the sample, with 27% receiving a PTSD diagnosis, 40% diagnosed with a depressive disorder, and 55% meeting criteria for GAD. Although each self-report measure was significantly and positively correlated with its corresponding clinician-administered measure, rates of diagnostic concordance were mixed. The BDI-II showed a high degree of agreement with the ADIS-IV depression section, but the IES-R and the CAPS were discordant at classifying PTSD. The BAI had acceptable sensitivity but poor specificity in relation to the ADIS-IV GAD section. These findings suggest that multiple assessment modalities should be considered when rating symptoms and estimating the prevalence of diagnoses among survivors of IPV.

scholarly journals What Family Circumstances, During COVID-19, Impact on Parental Mental Health in an Inner City Community in London?

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia Whitaker ◽  
Claire Cameron ◽  
Hanan Hauari ◽  
Katie Hollingworth ◽  
Margaret O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Inner City ◽  
Linguistic Diversity ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Parental Mental Health ◽  
City Community ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties

The introduction of lockdown due to a public health emergency in March 2020 marked the beginning of substantial changes to daily life for all families with young children. Here we report the experience of families from London Borough of Tower Hamlets with high rates of poverty and ethnic and linguistic diversity. This inner city community, like communities worldwide, has experienced a reduction or closure in access to education, support services, and in some cases, a change in or loss of income, job, and food security. Using quantitative survey items (N = 992), we examined what differences in family circumstances, for mothers and fathers of young children aged 0–5 living in Tower Hamlets, during March 2020 to November 2020, were associated with their mental health status. We measure parental mental health using symptoms of depression (self-report: Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale: PHQ-8), symptoms of anxiety levels (self-report: General Anxiety Disorder: GAD-7), and perceptions of direct loneliness. We find parental mental health difficulties are associated with low material assets (financial security, food security, and children having access to outside space), familial assets (parents time for themselves and parent status: lone vs. cohabiting), and community assets (receiving support from friends and family outside the household). South Asian parents and fathers across ethnicities were significantly more likely to experience mental health difficulties, once all other predictors were accounted for. These contributing factors should be considered for future pandemics, where restrictions on people's lives are put in place, and speak to the importance of reducing financial insecurity and food insecurity as a means of improving the mental health of parents.

scholarly journals Parental Mental Health, Fathers’ Involvement and Bedtime Resistance in Infants

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benedetta Ragni ◽  
Simona De Stasio ◽  
Daniela Barni ◽  
Simonetta Gentile ◽  
Rosaria Giampaolo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Relative Weight ◽  
Paternal Involvement ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Parental Mental Health ◽  
Parental Factors

Abstract Background Around the age of 6 months, difficulties in settling to sleep and frequent night awakenings are generally occurring in 20 to 30% of infants. According to the transactional model parental factors can play a significant role in influencing infant sleep development. The purpose of the current study was to explore the combined effect of infants’ factors (temperament and sleep onset problems), and parental factors (parental mental health in terms of post-partum affective disorders, consistent bedtime routines and fathers’ involvement at bedtime), on infant bedtime difficulties (e.g. fussing, crying or protesting), including both maternal and paternal perspectives. Methods Sixty Italian intact two-parent families of infants (34 boys and 26 girls) ageing from 8 to 12 months (M = 10.73, SD = 2.54) were enrolled in the study. The parents filled out self-report questionnaires to measure the aforementioned variables. To investigate which infant and parental factors predicted infants’ bedtime difficulties, two multiple linear regressions (MR), one for fathers and one for mothers, and relative weight analyses (RWA) were conducted. Results With regard to infants’ bedtime difficulties reported by fathers (R2 = .35) they were explained by infant involvement in constant bedtime routines (β = −.35, p = .030) and paternal involvement at bedtime (β = −.45, p = .007). Instead infants’ bedtime difficulties reported by mothers (R2 = .32) were explained by minutes the child taken to fall asleep (β = .24, p = .04), infant involvement in constant bedtime routines (β = −.31, p = .01) and bedtime paternal involvement (β = −.27, p = .05). Conclusions The main results of this study emphasized the protective role of consistent bedtime routines and bedtime paternal involvement in reducing infants’ bedtime difficulties perceived both from mothers and fathers. Future research could help to raise awareness and improve understanding of the familial influences on children’s sleep, providing recommendations for educating families, school professionals, healthcare providers, and the general public on risk and protective factors that could play a meaningful role in infants and children’s developing sleep patterns.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19-like symptoms on occurrence of anxiety/depression during lockdown among the French general population

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0255158
Author(s):  
Murielle Mary-Krause ◽  
Joel José Herranz Bustamante ◽  
Mégane Héron ◽  
Astrid Juhl Andersen ◽  
Tarik El Aarbaoui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Generalized Estimation Equation ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Background The outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic lead to high levels of morbidity and mortality around the globe. Consequences of this outbreak and possible associated infection are an increase in mental health disorders and an increased likelihood of internalizing problems, particularly depression. However, to date few studies have tested this hypothesis while taking into account individuals’ preexisting mental health difficulties. Methods We used longitudinal data collected among 729 persons in the context of the French TEMPO cohort between March and June 2020 (7 waves of data collection). COVID-19-like symptoms as well as anxiety/depression (assessed by the Adult Self Report), were reported at each wave of data collection. To study the relationship between COVID-19-like symptoms and anxiety/depression, we used generalized estimation equation (GEE) models controlled for socio-demographic and health-related characteristics, including anxiety/depression prior to 2020. Results Overall, 27.2% of study participants reported anxiety/depression during lockdown. 17.1% of participants reported COVID-19-like symptoms during the course of follow-up, 7.3% after the beginning of lockdown, with an average number of 2.7 symptoms, and 3.6% reported respiratory distress. In multivariate analyses, nearly all the considered indicators of COVID-19-like symptoms were associated with higher odds of symptoms of anxiety/depression (symptoms Yes/No: OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.08–2.55; symptoms after the beginning of lockdown: OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.03–3.52; number of symptoms: OR for each additional symptom = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02–1.39. This relationship exists after taking into account prior symptoms of anxiety/depression, which are associated with a 5-fold increased likelihood of psychological distress. And this impact is stronger among men than women. Conclusions Our study shows higher risk of anxiety/depression among persons who experienced COVID-19-like symptoms, even after accounting for prior mental health difficulties. COVID-19 infection could have both a direct and indirect impact on the occurrence of psychological difficulties, and this association should be studied in greater detail.

scholarly journals Examining temporal interactions between loneliness and depressive symptoms and the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties among UK residents during the COVID-19 lockdown: Longitudinal results from the COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Groarke ◽  
Emily McGlinchey ◽  
Phoebe McKenna-Plumley ◽  
Emma Berry ◽  
Lisa Graham-Wisener ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Temporal Association ◽  
Depression Symptoms

BackgroundLongitudinal studies examining the temporal association between mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 outbreak are needed. It is important to determine how relationships between mental health outcomes, specifically loneliness and depressive symptoms, manifest over a brief timeframe and in a pandemic context.Method Data was gathered over 4 months (March – June 2020) using an online survey with three repeated measures at monthly intervals (N = 1958; 69.8% females; Age 18-87 years, M = 37.01, SD = 12.81). Associations between loneliness, depression symptoms, and emotion regulation difficulty were tested using Pearson’s product moment correlations, and descriptive statistics were calculated for all study variables. Cross-lagged structural equation modelling was used to examine the temporal relationships between variables. Results The longitudinal association between loneliness and depressive symptoms was reciprocal. Loneliness predicted higher depressive symptoms one month later, and depressive symptoms predicted higher loneliness one month later. The relationship was not mediated by emotion regulation difficulties. Emotion regulation difficulties and depressive symptoms were also reciprocally related over time.Limitations Limitations include the reliance on self-report data and the non-representative sample. There was no pre-pandemic assessment limiting the conclusions that can be drawn regarding the mental health impact of the COVID-19 crisis.ConclusionsLoneliness should be considered an important feature of case conceptualisation for depression during this time. Clinical efforts to improve mental health during the pandemic could focus on interventions that target either loneliness, depression, or both. Potential approaches include increasing physical activity or low-intensity cognitive therapies delivered remotely.

scholarly journals Acceptability and Perceived Effectiveness of Approaches to Support Biomedical Doctoral Student Wellness: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

10.28945/4669 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 653-684
Author(s):  
Alexander J. Hish ◽  
Gabriela A. Nagy ◽  
Caitlin M. Fang ◽  
Lisalynn Kelley ◽  
Christopher V. Nicchitta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Doctoral Student ◽  
Individual Therapy ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Student Wellness ◽  
History Of ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers

Aim/Purpose: National and international survey studies have begun to identify heightened levels of depression, anxiety, and burnout among doctoral students. Nevertheless, little research has been done to evaluate which interventions may support doctoral student wellness. Background: To guide future interventions research, this study evaluated perceptions of the acceptability and effectiveness of wellness approaches among biomedical doctoral students. Methodology: In this study, 69 biomedical doctoral students were sampled from a research institution in the southeastern United States. Participants completed a structured psychiatric diagnostic interview and self-report questionnaires. Questionnaires assessed participants’ beliefs about the acceptability and effectiveness of 36 wellness approaches in reducing burnout symptoms and depression symptoms, and the participants’ attitudes towards psychological services. Contribution: This study demonstrates that approaches to support biomedical doctoral student wellness should be tailored according to a student’s history of problems with mental health. Findings: Among candidate approaches, those involving spending time socializing with friends and family were rated most favorably by the entire sample. However, participants with high burnout or depression symptoms negatively evaluated approaches involving social engagement. Participants with high burnout symptoms or a history of psychological diagnoses or treatment rated individual therapy more favorably. Recommendations for Practitioners: Social engagement is highly valued by biomedical doctoral students, above and beyond institution-based wellness resources. University administrators should prioritize interventions favored by students struggling with symptoms of burnout and mental health problems, especially individual therapy. Recommendation for Researchers: Randomized trials should be conducted to assess the effectiveness in reducing problems with mental health of the approaches rated favorably, particularly those involving social engagement. Studies should investigate facilitators and barriers to approaches rated highly likely to be effective, but not acceptable, including peer support groups and individual therapy. Impact on Society: In the interest of preventing attrition from biomedical doctoral programs and promoting the wellness and success of future scientists, it is important to develop training programs sensitive to the mental health needs of their students. This study provides important insights guiding next steps in intervention testing and implementation to support biomedical doctoral students. Future Research: Future studies should validate the findings in this study with large internationally representative samples of students across various fields of doctoral study. Future intervention studies should include rigorous evaluation of facilitators and barriers for approaches rated favorably in this study.

scholarly journals Associations Between HIV Stigma and Mental Health Among Older Hispanics and Whites Living With HIV

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 970-970
Author(s):  
Kayle Karcher ◽  
Lily Kamalyan ◽  
Veronica Gonzalez ◽  
Lilla Brody ◽  
Robert Heaton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Hispanics/Latinos/as/x (henceforth Hispanics) have higher rates of HIV infection than non-Hispanic (NH) Whites, particularly in older age. People living with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk of stigma and poor mental health, but these associations have not been thoroughly examined in older PWH. We investigated ethnic differences in HIV stigma and its association with mental health in older Hispanic and NH White PWH. Participants included 116 PWH ages 50-75 (58 Hispanic and 58 NH White) from southern California (for the overall cohort: 82.7% male; 57.7% AIDS, 93.9% on antiretroviral therapy). Participants completed self-report measures of HIV-stigma, depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II; BDI-II), and cumulative alcohol use (i.e., lifetime total quantity/total days). Covariates examined included sociodemographic and HIV-disease characteristics. An independent sample t-test showed no significant ethnic differences in HIV stigma (p=.82). Separate multivariable linear regression models on mental health outcomes (adjusting for significant covariates) showed no significant interaction between HIV stigma and ethnicity on BDI-II scores (p=.83) or cumulative alcohol use (p=.51). Follow up models removing the interaction term, showed that increased HIV stigma was associated with higher BDI-II scores (B=0.34, 95% Cl=0.21-0.48; p<.001), but not with cumulative alcohol use (p=.49) in the overall sample. Findings indicate a significant link between HIV stigma and depression symptoms in older PWH, with comparable associations among Hispanics and NH Whites. Future studies examining factors that may moderate the link between HIV stigma and depression in diverse older PWH would help guide the development of interventions aimed at improving mental health in this population.

scholarly journals An exploration of mental health literacy in relation to depression in secondary school pupils

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Ericka Doyle ◽  
Shaunagh O’Sullivan ◽  
Finiki Nearchou ◽  
Eilis Hennessy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Knowledge Of Depression

Mental Health Literacy (MHL) refers to knowledge and beliefs about mental health problems. Although mostly studied in adult samples, it has been associated with help-seeking intentions and health service use in adolescents. The aim of the present study was to explore depression MHL and its association with help seeking intentions in a sample of adolescent participants (n = 235, 135 males) from the final three years of secondary school (mean = 16.6 years, SD = .65) in Ireland. Knowledge of depression and help-seeking intentions were measured using vignettes and self-report instruments. Findings show that the majority of adolescents recognised that a combination of depression symptoms constituted a serious mental health problem. However, they demonstrated very low MHL levels on specific symptoms such as somatic pains.The finding of restricted knowledge of depression symptoms, indicates a need for targeted interventions to improve MHL, and specifically of symptoms of depression.

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