scholarly journals Mental Health of Young Australians during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Roles of Employment Precarity, Screen Time, and Contact with Nature

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5630
Author(s):  
Tassia K. Oswald ◽  
Alice R. Rumbold ◽  
Sophie G. E. Kedzior ◽  
Mark Kohler ◽  
Vivienne M. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Young People ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Core Beliefs ◽  
Health States ◽  
Precarious Employment ◽  
Mental Well Being

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is widely understood to have contributed to mental health problems. In Australia, young people (18–24 years) have been disproportionately affected. To date, research has predominantly focused on the presence or absence of mental illness symptoms, while aspects of mental well-being have been overlooked. We aimed to explore associations between potential risk and protective factors and mental health more comprehensively, using the Complete State Model of Mental Health. An online survey of 1004 young Australians (55% female; M age = 21.23) was undertaken. Assessment of both mental illness and mental well-being enabled participants to be cross-classified into four mental health states. Those with ‘Floundering’ (13%) or ‘Struggling’ (47.5%) mental health reported symptoms of mental illness; a ‘Languishing’ group (25.5%) did not report symptoms of mental illness but mental well-being was compromised relative to those who were ‘Flourishing’ (14%) with high mental well-being. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine associations, adjusting for socio-demographic confounders. Protective factors associated with Flourishing mental health included being in secure employment, using screen time to connect with others, and reporting high levels of hope. Both incidental and purposive contact with nature were also associated with Flourishing, while a lack of green/bluespace within walking distance was associated with Languishing, absence of outdoor residential space was associated with Floundering, and lower neighbourhood greenness was associated with all three suboptimal mental health states. Precarious employment, financial stress, living alone, reporting decreased screen time during lockdowns, lower levels of hope, and high disruption of core beliefs were also associated with Struggling and Floundering mental health. Those who were Languishing reported somewhat less hardship and little disruption to core beliefs, but lower levels of hope compared to young people who were Flourishing. This study highlights that young adults require dedicated mental health services to deal with current burden, but should also be supported through a range of preventive strategies which target mental health risk factors, like precarious employment, and enhance protective factors, such as urban green infrastructure.

scholarly journals “What young people think matters; a qualitative approach to the study of protective factors for mental well-being”

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Trajectories Of Change ◽  
One Year ◽  
Mental Well Being

This blog shares findings from a new study comprising of two parts. Part one outlines a typology of profiles of adolescent reported protective factors in relation to mental well-being and the risk of mental disorder, using qualitative data. Part two applied the typology to identify trajectories of change in type membership occurring over one year, based on adolescent reports.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic gradients and mental health: implications for public health

2015 ◽  
Vol 206 (6) ◽  
pp. 461-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Stewart-Brown ◽  
Preshila Chandimali Samaraweera ◽  
Frances Taggart ◽  
Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala ◽  
Saverio Stranges
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Linear Trend ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
The Unemployed ◽  
Mental Well Being

BackgroundResearch on mental well-being is relatively new and studies of its determinants are rare.AimsTo investigate whether the socioeconomic correlates of mental well-being mirror those for mental illness.MethodUsing logistic regression analyses, the independent odds ratios of high and low mental well-being, compared with middle-range mental well-being, were estimated for a number of sociodemographic variables known to be associated with mental illness from 13 983 participants in the 2010 and 2011 Health Surveys for England.ResultsIndependent odds ratios for low mental well-being were as expected from studies of mental illness with increased odds for the unemployed (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.01–2.10) and those aged 35–54 years (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.35–1.84) and reduced odds for the married (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.62–0.97). A linear trend was observed with education and equivalised income. Odds ratios for high mental well-being differed from those for low mental well-being with regard to age (55+ years: OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.23–1.79); employment status where there was an association only with retirement (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.09–1.69); education where there was no association; and equivalised income for which the association was non-linear.ConclusionsOdds ratios for low mental well-being mirrored those for mental illness, but not those for high mental well-being, suggesting that the socioeconomic factors associated with positive mental health are different from those associated with mental illness.

scholarly journals Sleep and Mental Health Among Older Adults in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Rodrigues ◽  
K Nicholson ◽  
P Wilk ◽  
G Guaiana ◽  
S Stranges ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background Global studies have demonstrated consistent associations between sleep problems and mental health and well-being in older adults, however Canadian data are lacking. We investigated associations between sleep quantity and quality with both mental illness symptoms and well-being among older adults in Canada. Methods We used cross-sectional baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a national survey of 30,097 community-dwelling adults aged 45 years and older. Self-reported sleep measures included average past-week sleep duration (short [<6h], normal [6-8h], long [>8h]), and sleep quality (satisfied or dissatisfied vs neutral). Mental illness outcomes included depressive symptoms and psychological distress. Mental well-being outcomes included self-rated mental health and satisfaction with life. We used modified Poisson regression models with adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioural, and clinical factors, and stratification by sex and age to explore effect modification. Results In the unadjusted analysis, short and long sleep duration and sleep dissatisfaction were associated with higher mental illness symptoms and lower well-being across all outcomes. Sleep satisfaction was associated with a lower likelihood of mental illness symptoms and better well-being. Short sleep duration was associated with the largest effects on mental health outcomes. Self-rated mental health and depressive symptoms had the largest associations with sleep measures. Effects were larger in males and the 45 to 54 year age group. Conclusions Preliminary evidence suggests sleep duration and quality are associated with symptoms of depression, psychological distress, and poor mental well-being among older adults. We are unable to determine whether sleep problems are a cause or consequence of poor mental health. Nonetheless, sleep may be an important target for public health initiatives to improve mental health and well-being among older adults. Key messages Our findings contribute further evidence that sleep difficulties are associated with adverse health outcomes including higher mental illness symptoms and lower well-being among older adults. Sleep disturbances are an unmet public health problem, and may be an important target for public health initiatives to improve mental health and well-being among older adults.

scholarly journals Lifestyle and mental health 1 year into COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Nicola Barbieri ◽  
Osea Giuntella ◽  
Silvia Saccardo ◽  
Sally Sadoff
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sleep Time ◽  
The United States ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
One Year ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Roll Out

AbstractIn previous work, Giuntella et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci 118:e2016632118, 2021), we documented large disruptions to physical activity, sleep, time use and mental health among young adults at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020. This study explores the trends 1 year into COVID-19, as vaccines began to roll out, COVID-19 deaths declined, and social distancing measures eased in the United States. We combine biometric and survey data from multiple cohorts of college students spanning Spring 2019 through Spring 2021 (N = 1179). Our results show persistent impacts of the pandemic on physical activity and mental health. One year into the pandemic, daily steps averaged about 6300 per day compared to about 9800 per day prior to the pandemic, a 35% decline. Almost half of participants were at risk of clinical depression compared to a little over one-third prior to the pandemic, a 36% increase. The impacts on screen time, social interactions and sleep duration at the onset of COVID-19 largely dissipated over the course of the pandemic, though screen time remained significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. In contrast to the sharp changes in lifestyle and mental health documented as the pandemic emerged in March 2020, we do not find evidence of behavioral changes or improvements in mental well-being over the course of Spring 2021 as the pandemic eased.

scholarly journals The impact of the initial and 2nd national COVID-19 lockdown on mental health in young people with and without pre-existing depressive symptoms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Joensen ◽  
Stine Danielsen ◽  
Per Kragh Andersen ◽  
Jonathan Groot ◽  
Katrine Strandberg-Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Young People ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Linear Regressions

Background The evidence on mental well-being and loneliness among young people during the initial lockdown is mixed, and little is known about the long-lasting impact of the sequential lockdowns. We examine changes in young peoples mental health from before to during the initial and second more prolonged lockdown, and whether women and those with pre-existing depressive symptoms were disproportionally impacted. Methods Participants reported on mental health indicators in an ongoing 18-year data collection in the Danish National Birth Cohort and in a COVID-19 survey, including 8 data points: 7 in the initial lockdown, and 1 year post. Changes in quality of life (QoL), mental well-being, and loneliness were estimated with random effect linear regressions on longitudinal data (N=32,985), and linear regressions on repeated cross-sections (N=28,579). Findings Interim deterioration in mental well-being and loneliness was observed during the initial lockdown, and only in those without pre-existing depressive symptoms. During the second lockdown, a modest deterioration was again observed for mental well-being and loneliness. QoL likewise only declined among those without pre-existing symptoms, where women showed a greater decline than men. QoL did not normalise during the initial lockdown and remained at lower levels during the second lockdown. These findings were not replicated in the repeated cross-sections. Interpretation Except for an interim decrease in mental health during lockdown, and only in those without pre-existing depressive symptoms, this studys findings do not suggest a substantial detrimental impact of the lockdowns. Potential methodological differences in-between studies are a possible explanation for the mixed evidence. Funding The Velux Foundation

Interagency Collaboration to Improve School Outcomes for Students With Mental Health Challenges

2018 ◽  
pp. 140-155
Author(s):  
Kristina Bixler ◽  
Jeffrey Alvin Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Agencies ◽  
Failing School ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
Behavioral Concerns ◽  
Mental Health Challenges ◽  
Mental Well Being

Students with significant emotional-behavioral concerns and mental illness tend to experience poor educational and social outcomes. This chapter describes some of the challenges facing schools that are responsible for educating students with and at-risk for mental health challenges. Although some students encounter numerous risks, thereby increasing the chances of developing mental illness and failing school, there are also protective factors that can be identified and harnessed to counterbalance such risks and promote higher levels of resilience. By examining relationships among factors such as poverty, mental well-being, family engagement, resiliency, and school performance, a school-focused, community-based framework is suggested for responding to and overcoming these challenges. This chapter provides practical guidelines for schools, community agencies, and families to work together to support and engage young people who are at-risk for school failure due to emotional-behavioral concerns and mental health challenges.

scholarly journals Sports participation for mental health promotion among socially vulnerable youth: a study protocol

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Haavanlammi ◽  
K Appelqvist-Schmidlechner ◽  
M Kekkonen ◽  
A Ruiz-Ariza ◽  
S Fröjd
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Young People ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Vulnerable Children ◽  
Vulnerable Youth ◽  
Organized Sports ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract The benefits of participation in organized sports on mental well-being of young people are well-known. However, there is lacking evidence on the relationship between participation in organized sports and positive mental health among socially vulnerable young people. Also, little is known about the mechanisms of sports-based programmes that may promote positive mental health among socially vulnerable young people. The aim of this PhD study is to investigate the association between participation in organized sports and positive mental health among socially vulnerable children (7-12 years) and adolescents (13-15 years) using multiple methods and several databases. I will present the study protocol of a PhD study focusing on use of sports participation as a tool for mental health promotion. Article 1 will be a systematic literature review and the data will be gathered from multiple databases. Article 2 is based on the School Health Promotion Study carried out in 2017 (ages 14-15; n = 73 680). Article 3 is based on Icehearts longitudinal study (n = 46 children participating Icehearts programme and n = 180 controls) and article 4 is based on observations (n = 5 Icehearts teams including 50 children and 5 coaches) and interviews (25 Iceheartś children and their 50 parents). Preliminary findings of the systematic literature review indicate that there is a lack of evidence how to promote mental well-being through sports participation among socially vulnerable young people. The study will provide valuable knowledge which can be utilized to prevent mental health problems and to promote positive mental health. This knowledge can be used both in municipal and political decision-making, and in developing targeted, sport-based interventions for socially vulnerable children and adolescents in order to reduce health inequalities. Key messages Observational data on interventions including perspectives of children is rare but crucial to develop effective programmes for promoting positive mental health among socially vulnerable youth. Knowledge obtained from this study can be used to develop targeted, sport-based interventions for socially vulnerable children and adolescents in order to reduce health inequalities.

Sports person psychological behaviour signal analysis during Thfeir activity session

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Priyan Malarvizhi Kumar ◽  
Adhiyaman Manickam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Great Difficulty ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
Sports Activity ◽  
Sport And Exercise ◽  
Mental Well Being

Mental well-being is a significant resource for athletes about their success and growth. Athletes are now facing additional risk factors in mental health in the sporting community, such as heavy workout loads, rough races, and demanding lifestyles. The great difficulty is to diagnose conditions and acquire sport and exercise features that contribute to daily or long-term practice to detrimental emotional reactions. In this paper, the sports activity session monitoring system (SASMS) has been proposed using wearable devices and EEG signal by monitoring the sports person’s heart rate and psychological behaviour. The proposed SASMS mental-health analysis focused on model spectrum forms representing the best results, mental illness, and mental health. The paper’s key conclusions concerned with the athletes’ performance, occupational and personal advancement of athletes in mental health problems, strategies intended to track and sustain athletes’ mental health, and outflow of different mental illness types. This research’s findings provide the basis for implementing actions that promote a healthy emotional state in the sport to enhance activity and fitness.

scholarly journals A Pragmatic Plan for the Mental Health Consequences During Covid-19 Pandemic Through Ayurveda

2021 ◽  
pp. 86-90
Author(s):  
Harshitha K.S ◽  
Shankar Gautam ◽  
Ram Kishor Joshi ◽  
Ajay Kumar Sahu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Complete Health ◽  
The Times ◽  
Mental Well Being

Introduction: Beyond infection, the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected individuals through associated mental illnesses like anxiety and stress and has caused a collateral damage. Ayurveda has described 3 main factors which are responsible for the occurrence of diseases, one of them is Prajnaparadha, which is stated as the main cause for all the mental illness. The threefold treatment principles of Daivavyapashraya, Yuktivyapashraya and Satvavajaya targeting the Ahara, Achara and Chesta is an ideal plan to deal with stress built up in this pandemic. Materials and methods: The Ayurvedic classical textbooks and the peer reviewed articles focusing mental health researches were reviewed. This plan involves the implementation of Daivavyapashraya, Yuktivyapashaya and Satvavajaya based on the exposure and exhibition of symptoms of COVID-19. Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa is employed by Vishnusahasranama recitation/listening, Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa is employed by the various drugs like Bramhi, Shankapushpi, Ashwagandha etc. and formulations which have psycho-neuro-immune-response, Satvavajaya Chikitsa by the process of counseling. Results and Discussion: The interdependent nature of immunity and psychological state is already well established and it decides the outcome of disorders. An immune response can be largely affected by mental well-being and mental illness can negatively affect its outcome. Conclusion: The three fold treatment plan centering the pshycho-neuro-immune action is a complete health promotive, preventive and curative plan and will certainly help in the revival of mental health in the times and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Bounce Forward: A School-Based Prevention Programme for Building Resilience in a Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Context

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buket Kara ◽  
Rochelle Morris ◽  
Alice Brown ◽  
Pauline Wigglesworth ◽  
Joshua Kania ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Prevention Programme ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged ◽  
School Based ◽  
Building Resilience

Socioeconomic status is a strong predictor of normative development and well-being in young people. It is well-known that growing up in a socioeconomically disadvantaged context may lead to negative outcomes, both in childhood and in adulthood. Early intervention and prevention programmes are crucial for building resilience and improving health, well-being and equity. Bounce Forward is a school-based prevention programme implemented in Blackpool, a town in the United Kingdom facing multiple challenges. It was part of a whole town resilience approach and nascent global social movement known as the “Resilience Revolution.” Between 2017 and 2019, the programme was delivered in all Year 5 classes at every primary school in Blackpool (nschool = 36), reaching out to 3,134 students (ages 9–10; 50.4% male). The programme aimed to increase resilience in young people by building knowledge and skills about mental health and resilience through 10 sessions. In the current study, we longitudinally examined a range of protective factors, which are relevant to young people's resilience, as well as their mental health outcomes at three time points: before they participated in Bounce Forward, at the end of the programme, and 3–5 months later, when they started Year 6. The current sample included 441 Year 5 students (54.2% male) from 11 primary schools in Blackpool. Nineteen teaching staff also participated in the study and provided qualitative data regarding the impact of the programme on their students. Results showed improvement in some areas of young people's resilience after taking part in Bounce Forward. We also identified gender differences in several protective factors, indicating that boys may need further support. Teaching staff highlighted improvements in various areas; and also observed that their students have been using the strategies that they learnt from the programme. Altogether, findings suggested that young people benefitted from Bounce Forward. The programme is sustainable, offering a free to download teacher resource pack that allows schools to self-deliver it.

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