scholarly journals Associations of Social and Psychological Resources with Different Facets of Chronic Stress: A Study with Employed and Unemployed Adolescents

Author(s):  
Laura M. Wade-Bohleber ◽  
Carmen Duss ◽  
Aureliano Crameri ◽  
Agnes von Wyl

Adolescents navigate many psychosocial changes. A critical transition in adolescence is the one from school to work life. Both taking the first steps in work life and the failure to achieve this transition and being unemployed can engender elevated levels of stress during adolescence. Stress, especially when experienced chronically, is an important risk factor for mental health problems. Social and psychological resources may mitigate the experience of chronic stress. This study explored associations of social and family support, self-esteem, and self-efficacy with different dimensions of chronic stress in a sample of 1405 employed and unemployed adolescents (M(age) = 17.84, SD = 1.63, range: 14.05–26.12) in Switzerland. Unemployed adolescents showed higher stress levels overall. Higher levels of social and psychological resources were generally linked to lower stress levels. Social support and self-esteem predicted stress levels most consistently and strongly. On several stress dimensions, the association between higher self-esteem and lower stress levels was more pronounced in employed youth whereas the association between higher social support and lower stress levels was stronger in unemployed youth. Our findings provide insights on the differential associations of social and psychological resources with various facets of chronic stress in the context of employment and unemployment during adolescence.

Author(s):  
Vera Van Es ◽  
Els Rommes ◽  
Leontien De Kwaadsteniet

Abstract Due to the traumatic events they may have experienced, refugee youth are vulnerable to mental health problems. Social Circus is a psycho-social intervention that aims to enhance resilience by promoting self-esteem, interpersonal trust and social support through classes in circus arts. To explore these effects on refugee youth, a qualitative study was conducted in south-east Turkey. Semi-structured interviews and participative observations revealed that circus classes offered participants structure and a new purpose in life. Participating youth became more active, while impulsive behaviour decreased. Experiencing success through visible progress and holding the positively valued position of a circus artist seemed to contribute to the children’s self-esteem. In addition, the mental and physical support received during circus classes could increase interpersonal trust. By creating opportunities for social interaction and building relationships, Social Circus may also promote social support. This study provides preliminary evidence that Social Circus may enhance resilience in refugee youth.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2859
Author(s):  
M. Pilar Matud ◽  
Amelia Díaz ◽  
Juan Manuel Bethencourt ◽  
Ignacio Ibáñez

Emerging adulthood is a critical period of life that entails many life transitions in living arrangements, relationships, education and employment, which can generate stress and psychological distress in the emerging adult. The aim of the present study was to assess the relevance of stress, coping styles, self-esteem and perceived social support in the distress of emerging adult women and men. The sample consists of 4816 people (50% females) from the Spanish general population, ranging in age from 18 to 29 years old. All participants were assessed through questionnaires and scales that assess psychological distress, stress, coping styles, self-esteem and social support. Women scored higher than men in psychological distress, chronic stress, minor daily hassles, emotional coping style and social support, whereas men scored higher than women in rational and detachment coping styles and in self-esteem. Psychological distress was significantly predicted in women and men by high emotional coping style, lower self-esteem, high number of life events, and less social support. Another statistically significant predictor in men was less detachment coping style, whereas in women it was high chronic stress. The results of this research are relevant to healthcare professionals interested in improving the mental health of the emerging adult.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 854-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis A. Parra ◽  
Timothy S. Bell ◽  
Michael Benibgui ◽  
Jonathan L. Helm ◽  
Paul D. Hastings

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) emerging adults often seek support from their peers if they lack support from their family of origin. We predicted that peer social support would moderate the link between negative family relationships and psychosocial adjustment, such that in the context of family rejection, experiencing more peer support would predict lower levels of anxiety, depression, and internalized homonegativity (IH) and higher self-esteem. Sixty-two (27 females) LGB individuals (ages 17–27, M = 21.34 years, SD = 2.65) reported on their families’ attitudes toward homosexuality, experiences of family victimization, peer social support, anxiety and depression symptoms, IH, and self-esteem. Results showed that peer social support moderated the link between negative family attitudes and anxiety and also moderated the link between family victimization and depression. The moderating effects suggest that having a supportive peer group may protect against mental health problems for LGB emerging adults who lack support from their family of origin.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuming Shen ◽  
Yue Shi ◽  
Shuxian Zhang ◽  
Lhakpa Tsamlag ◽  
Huwen Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In China, young migrants are at elevated risk of mental health problems, such as depression. The influence of self-esteem on depression is well acknowledged. We examined correlates of depression and their mediating and moderating role in the association between self-esteem and depression to promote a better understanding of depression prevention among young migrants. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among young Chinese migrants. A moderated mediation model was used to test the combined effect of involuntary subordination and social support on the association between self-esteem and depression. The Johnson–Neyman method was used to identify the range of scores for which social support acted as a moderator. Results A total of 572 participants completed questionnaires. The median depression score was 19 (interquartile range: 14). Self-esteem had a negative effect on involuntary subordination (β = − 2.1440, p < 0.001). Involuntary subordination (β = 0.2406, p < 0.001), self-esteem (β = − 0.3870, p < 0.01), and social support (β = − 0.1221, p < 0.01) all had significant effects on depression. The effect of involuntary subordination on depression was moderated by social support (β = − 0.0041, p < 0.05), and the effect decreased as social support scores increased. Conclusions Our results indicated a mediating role of involuntary subordination and a moderating role of social support in the association between self-esteem and depression among young Chinese migrants. Future intervention strategies should focus on these factors to reduce depressive symptoms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-105
Author(s):  
Shishir Paudel ◽  
Chiranjivi Adhikari ◽  
Anisha Chalise ◽  
Himlal Gautam

Background: Self-esteem is an overall subjective evaluation of one’s worth or value which encompasses the positive or negative orientation or beliefs towards oneself. Self-esteem has established itself as an important psychological factor contributing to health and quality of life. Thus, this study aimed at understanding the factors influencing the level of self-esteem among the undergraduate students and its correlation with depression, anxiety and stress symptoms experienced by the students.   Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 618 randomly sampled undergraduates from different academic institutions of Pokhara Metropolitan using Rosenberg self-esteem scale to assess the level of self-esteem and DASS-21 to assess the level of depression, anxiety, and stress. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software. The chi-squire test, binary logistic regression and Pearson correlation analysis were performed to establish the relationship between variables at the level of significance, p<0.05. Results: More than three-forth (75.7%) of the students were found to have a normal level of self-esteem while around one-fifth (21.4%) of the students had low self-esteem. There was no statistical relationship established between students’ academic discipline and their self-esteem. However, students’ academic performance, family history of any psychological distress and their perceived level of social support were the major influencing factors associated with their self-esteem at p<0.001. Based on Pearson correlation analysis, self-esteem was negatively correlated with depression, anxiety and stress at p<0.01. Conclusion: The prevalence of low self-esteem was relatively lower in this students' group and there existed a negative correlation between self-esteem and depression, anxiety and stress experienced by the students. Thus, strategies aimed to increase students' level of perceived social support and self-esteem can reduce their risks of acquiring any mental health problems in near future.


1992 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Testa ◽  
Brenda A. Miller ◽  
William R. Downs ◽  
Denise Panek

The role of social support in moderating the impact of childhood sexual abuse on adult psychological adjustment was examined. Subjects included 475 women, age 18-45, some of whom were currently receiving treatment, others who were not. Women in the treatment group were receiving therapy for either alcoholism, for being battered, or for mental health problems. The comparison group was drawn from two sources: a random household sample and a sample of women attending drinking driver classes. Among both groups, women who had been sexually abused exhibited more psychological symptoms and lower self-esteem compared to those who were not abused. Latency of disclosure of childhood sexual abuse had no impact on long-term consequences of the abuse for either the treatment or the comparison group. However, among women in the comparison group, those who experienced supportive reactions following disclosure of sexual abuse had fewer psychological symptoms and somewhat higher self-esteem relative to those who did not receive support. Social support had no apparent effect on the long-term adjustment of women in the treatment group. Possible explanations for this pattern and directions for future research are discussed.


Author(s):  
Maria-Victoria Zunzunegui ◽  
Alicia LlácerCentro ◽  
François Béland

ABSTRACTThis article discusses a longitudinal study of caregivers (n = 195) from a representative sample of caregivers pf Spanish, ADL-disabled persons, aged 65 and over carried out to assess the role of social support and religiosity in the development of depression. Depressive symptomatology was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. One year later, 119 of the caregivers were contacted again. Stability of depression over 1 year was observed in most participants. Poor physical health and low self-esteem, as well as incontinence in the care recipients, were significant predictors of the development of depressive symptoms. Social support had a differential effect on the development of depression, depending on how much assistance with activities of daily living the caregivers had to provide. Religiosity seemed to have no effect. Depression in caregivers is related more to their health and psychosocial resources than to the amount of care they provide. Poor health status, low self-esteem, and lack of emotional support may be useful indicators in identifying caregivers at high risk for depression.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. e45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Bohleber ◽  
Aureliano Crameri ◽  
Brigitte Eich-Stierli ◽  
Rainer Telesko ◽  
Agnes von Wyl

Background Adolescence with its many transitions is a vulnerable period for the development of mental illnesses. Establishing effective mental health promotion programs for this age group is a challenge crucial to societal health. Programs must account for the specific developmental tasks that adolescents face. Considering peer influence and fostering adolescent autonomy strivings is essential. Participation in a program should be compelling to young people, and their affinity to new technologies offers unprecedented opportunities in this respect. Objective The Companion App was developed as a Web-based app giving adolescents access to a peer mentoring system and interactive, health-relevant content to foster a positive peer culture among adolescents and thereby strengthen social support and reduce stress. Methods In a control group study design, a group of employed (n=546) and unemployed (n=73) adolescents had access to the Companion App during a 10-month period. The intervention was evaluated using a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Linear mixed effects models were used to analyze changes in chronic stress levels and perception of social support. Monthly feedback on the app and qualitative interviews at the end of the study allowed for an in-depth exploration of the adolescents’ perception of the intervention. Results Adolescents in the intervention group did not use the Companion App consistently. The intervention had no significant effect on chronic stress levels or the perception of social support. Adolescents reported endorsing the concept of the app and the implementation of a peer mentoring system in particular. However, technical difficulties and insufficiently obvious benefits of using the app impeded more frequent usage. Conclusions The Companion Project implemented a theory-driven and innovative approach to mental health promotion in adolescence, taking into account the specifics of this developmental phase. Particularities of the implementation context, technical aspects of the app, and insufficient incentives may have played considerable roles concerning the difficulties of the Companion Project to establish commitment. However, adopting peer mentoring as a strategy and using an app still seems to us a promising approach in mental health promotion in adolescents. Future projects should be careful to invest enough resources into the technical development of an app and consider a large use of incentives to establish commitment. When targeting risk groups, such as unemployed adolescents, it may be expedient to use more structured approaches including face-to-face support.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document