scholarly journals Are Impulsive Decisions Always Irrational? An Experimental Investigation of Impulsive Decisions in the Domains of Gains and Losses

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8518
Author(s):  
Renata M. Heilman ◽  
Petko Kusev ◽  
Mircea Miclea ◽  
Joseph Teal ◽  
Rose Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Health ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Gains And Losses ◽  
Mental And Physical Health ◽  
Intertemporal Choices

Intertemporal choices are very prevalent in daily life, ranging from simple, mundane decisions to highly consequential decisions. In this context, thinking about the future and making sound decisions are crucial to promoting mental and physical health, as well as a financially sustainable lifestyle. In the present study, we set out to investigate some of the possible underlying mechanisms, such as cognitive factors and emotional states, that promote future-oriented decisions. In a cross-sectional experimental study, we used a gain and a loss version of an intertemporal monetary choices task. Our main behavioural result indicated that people are substantially more impulsive over smaller and sooner monetary losses compared to equivalent gains. In addition, for both decisional domains, significant individual difference predictors emerged, indicating that intertemporal choices are sensitive to the affective and cognitive parameters. By focusing on the cognitive and emotional individual factors that influence impulsive decisions, our study could constitute a building block for successful future intervention programs targeted at mental and physical health issues, including gambling behaviour.

scholarly journals The cost of mental and physical health disability in childhood and adolescence to families in the UK: findings from a repeated cross-sectional survey using propensity score matching

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e018729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Solmi ◽  
Mariya Melnychuk ◽  
Stephen Morris
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Family ◽  
Additional Costs ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

ObjectiveIn the UK, families of disabled children are entitled to receive disability benefits to help meet costs associated with caring for their child. Evidence of actual costs incurred is scant, especially for mental health disability. In this study, we aimed to quantify the cost of mental and physical health disability in childhood and adolescence to families in the UK using the concept of compensating variation (CV).DesignRepeated cross-sectional survey.SettingThe UK general populationParticipants85 212 children drawn from 8 waves of the Family Resources Survey.OutcomesUsing propensity score matching we matched families with a disabled child to similar families without a disabled child and calculated the extra income the former require to achieve the same living standards as the latter, that is, their CV. We calculated the additional costs specifically associated with several definitions of mental health and physical health disability.ResultsFamilies of a child with any mental health disability, regardless of the presence of physical health comorbidity, needed an additional £49.31 (95% CI: 21.95 to 76.67) and, for more severe disabilities, an additional £57.56 (95% CI: 17.69 to 97.44) per week to achieve the same living standards of families without a disabled child. This difference was greater for more deprived families, who needed between £59.28 (95% CI: 41.38 to 77.18) and £81.26 (95% CI: 53.35 to 109.38) more per week depending on the extent of mental health disability. Families of children with physical health disabilities, with or without mental health disabilities, required an additional £35.86 (95% CI: 13.77 to 57.96) per week, with economically deprived families requiring an extra £42.18 (95% CI: 26.38 to 57.97) per week.ConclusionsMental and physical health disabilities among children and adolescents were associated with high additional costs for the family, especially for those from deprived economic backgrounds. Means testing could help achieve a more equitable redistribution of disability benefit.

scholarly journals Difficulties detaching psychologically from work among German teachers: prevalence, risk factors and health outcomes within a cross-sectional and national representative employee survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasemin Z. Varol ◽  
Gerald M. Weiher ◽  
Johannes Wendsche ◽  
Andrea Lohmann-Haislah
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Secondary School Teachers ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Impairment ◽  
Psychological Detachment ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Abstract Background Teachers often face high job demands that might elicit strong stress responses. This can increase risks of adverse strain outcomes such as mental and physical health impairment. Psychological detachment has been suggested as a recovery experience that counteracts the stressor-strain relationship. However, psychological detachment is often difficult when job demands are high. The aims of this study were, first, to gain information on the prevalence of difficulties detaching from work among German teachers, second, to identify potential person-related/individual (i.e., age, sex), occupational (e.g., tenure, leadership position), and work-related (e.g., overload, cognitive, emotional, and physical demands) risk factors and, third, to examine relationships with mental and physical health impairment and sickness absence. Methods A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from a national and representative survey of German employees was conducted (BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey 2018). For the analyses data from two groups of teachers (primary/secondary school teachers: n = 901, other teachers: n = 641) were used and compared with prevalence estimates of employees from other occupations (n = 16,266). Results Primary/secondary school teachers (41.5%) and other teachers (30.3%) reported more difficulties detaching from work than employees from other occupations (21.3%). Emotional demands and deadline/performance pressure were the most severe risk factors in both groups of teachers. In the group of primary/secondary school teachers multitasking demands were further risk factors for difficulties to detach from work whereas support from colleagues reduced risks. In both groups of teachers detachment difficulties can be linked to an increase in psychosomatic and musculoskeletal complaints and, additionally, to a higher risk of sickness absence among primary/secondary school teachers. Conclusions Difficulties detaching from work are highly prevalent among German teachers. In order to protect them from related risks of health impairment, interventions are needed which aim at optimizing job demands and contextual resources (i.e., work-directed approaches) or at improving coping strategies (i.e., person-directed approaches).

scholarly journals When Love Hurts – Mental and Physical Health Among Recently Divorced Danes

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Søren Sander ◽  
Jenna Marie Strizzi ◽  
Camilla S. Øverup ◽  
Ana Cipric ◽  
Gert Martin Hald
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Partner Status ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
Background Population ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

The last decades of research have consistently found strong associations between divorce and adverse health outcomes among adults. However, limitations of a majority of this research include (a) lack of “real-time” research, i.e., research employing data collected very shortly after juridical divorce where little or no separation periods have been effectuated, (b) research employing thoroughly validated and population-normed measures against which study results can be compared, and (c) research including a comprehensive array of previously researched sociodemographic- and divorce-related variables. The current cross-sectional study, including 1,856 recently divorced Danes, was designed to bridge these important gaps in the literature. Mental and physical health were measured using the Short Form 36 (SF-36)-2. Analyses included correlational analyses, t-test comparisons, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses. The study found that the health-related quality of life of Danish divorcees was significantly worse than the comparative background population immediately following divorce. Across gender, higher levels of divorce conflict were found to predict worse mental health, and worse physical health for women, even when controlling for other socio-demographic variables and divorce characteristics. Among men, lower age and higher income predicted better physical health, while more children, more previous divorces, participant divorce initiation, new partner status, and lower levels of divorce conflict predicted better mental health. Among women, higher income, fewer previous divorces, new partner status, and lower levels of divorce conflict predicted better physical health while higher income, participant divorce initiation, new partner status, and lower levels of divorce conflict predicted better mental health. The findings underscore the relevance of providing assistance to divorcees who experience higher levels of divorce conflict immediately following divorce, in seeking to reduce potential long-term negative health effects of divorce.

The role of perceived loneliness and sociodemographic factors in association with subjective mental and physical health and well-being in Norwegian adolescents

2021 ◽  
pp. 140349482199721
Author(s):  
Unni K. Moksnes ◽  
Hanne N. Bjørnsen ◽  
Mary-Elizabeth B. Eilertsen ◽  
Geir Arild Espnes
Keyword(s):  
Physical Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Family Finances ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Mental And Physical Health ◽  
Health And Well Being

Aims: Adolescence is a particularly salient period for understanding the role of perceived loneliness for subjective health and well-being. This study investigated sociodemographic differences (sex, age, self-reported socio-economic status (SES)) in loneliness and associations between sociodemographic factors, loneliness and self-rated health (SRH), subjective health symptoms, symptoms of depression/anxiety and mental well-being (MWB) in a sample of Norwegian adolescents. Methods: The study was based on a cross-sectional sample of 1816 adolescents aged 15–21 years. The participants reported scores on an 11-item scale assessing subjective health complaints (SHC), one item each assessing SRH and loneliness, the 10-item version of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist and the seven-item version of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. SES was assessed using perceived family economy and parents’ education. Data were analysed with descriptive, comparative and multiple linear regression analyses. Results: The multivariate results showed that boys scored significantly higher on MWB than girls did, whereas girls scored significantly higher on loneliness, depression/anxiety and SHC. Perceptions of poorer family finances were significantly associated with higher levels of SHC and depression/anxiety, lower levels of MWB and more negative SRH. Loneliness showed significant positive associations with depression/anxiety and SHC, and significant negative associations with MWB and SRH. A significant moderation effect of sex by loneliness was found in association with depression/anxiety, with stronger associations for girls. Conclusions: The findings in this study support the significant roles of sex, perceptions of family finances and loneliness in association with adolescent’s subjective mental and physical health and well-being, especially mental health.

scholarly journals Relation between Attachment and Obesity in Preschool Years: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3572
Author(s):  
Ana F. Santos ◽  
Mariana C. Martins ◽  
Carla Fernandes ◽  
Kelly K. Bost ◽  
Manuela Veríssimo
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Attachment Quality ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Relationship

Increasing evidence suggests that attachment plays an important role in obesity. However, few studies examined this relationship in preschool children. This study aimed to systematically examine the empirical, peer-reviewed evidence regarding the relationship between attachment quality and obesity in the preschool years. Using established guidelines, relevant peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and July 2021 was searched through EBSCO. This yielded a total of 1124 records for review. Established inclusion criteria comprised: empirical studies published in peer-review journals; include at least one anthropometric measure and/or food consumption measure. Exclusion criteria comprised: attachment measures not following Bowlby-Ainsworth conceptualization of the construct; children in institutionalized settings; context of severe mental illness, documented substance use disorders, or eating disorders; include only a measure of the psychological aspects of eating; intervention programs. After exclusions, eight studies with a total of 9225 participants met the inclusion criteria. Results support the role of attachment in weight-related outcomes, suggesting that considering attachment in the risk of obesity could contribute to the elaboration of effective prevention and intervention programs. Limitations included the small number of studies, predominately cross-sectional designs, the diversity of methodologies, most samples not including fathers, and lack of evidence about the developmental mechanisms underlying the association between attachment and obesity. More evidence is needed to determine how attachment and obesity are linked, and the potential underlying mechanisms accounting for this relationship.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and Mental Stress among the Urban Youths of Dhaka City

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Farheen Khan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Dhaka City ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Negative Affects ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed threats on both physical and mental health since its outbreak. This paper aims to highlight the mental and physical health challenges amongst the home-quarantined youths of Dhaka city. A total of 150 young adults were surveyed, within the age range of (12-30). The participation was voluntary and was completed online.The findings suggest, many youngsters are currently suffering a wide range of mental health issues related to anxiety, fear, isolation, depression, feeling lonely, emotional outburst, insomnia, and other sleeping/ eating habit disturbances during COVID 19 pandemic. Many are emotionally vulnerable after losing their close ones, losing jobs, uncertain education or by staying indoors for months. Many get agitated wearing protective gear like masks or using sanitizers. The panic caused by the infection from physical proximity has reached such a level that everything now is shifted from physically going out to virtual conferences and many other significant shifts in people's behavior. But, in spite of all the trauma and negative affects the pandemic has put us through, there is some hope that the new focus on mental health issues may reduce stigma and increase availability of support services. Finally the paper recommends some way forward for effective mitigation against the harmful effects of limited or indoor physical activity on mental and physical health due to social distancing and quarantine based on the collected data.

scholarly journals MusicCohort: Cross-sectional feasibility study of an assessment protocol for student musicians

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julius Bruder ◽  
Nikolaus Ballenberger ◽  
Bethany Villas ◽  
Charlotte Haugan ◽  
Kimiko McKenzie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Health ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Music Performance ◽  
Music Students ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Abstract This study examined the feasibility of employing an assessment battery developed in Germany, investigating mental and physical health of university music students, in Canada. Using a cross sectional design, first-semester music and control students were recruited at two university campuses. Eligibility criteria were: 1) first-semester, full-time undergraduate music major (case) or in another university program (control), 2) over the age of 16. Exclusion criteria were: 1) diagnosis of neurological, orthopaedic or psychological condition, 2) diagnosis of infection or systemic disease, 3) regular consumption of medication for pain or mental health diagnosis, 4) varsity athlete, 5) for controls only, enrollment in music courses where a grade is assigned for music performance (e.g. studio lessons). Both groups completed questionnaires and physical testing, including range of motion, core strength and pressure pain threshold. Data for 19 music and 50 control students were analysed. Musician participants demonstrated tendencies towards poorer mental and physical health. This German protocol is feasible in a Canadian university setting. Canadian music students demonstrate similar mental and physical health outcomes to those in the literature and in the parent study. The results of this feasibility study should be confirmed in a larger study.

scholarly journals Mental and Physical Health Correlates of Pain Treatment Utilization Among Veterans With Chronic Pain: A Cross-sectional Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 184 (3-4) ◽  
pp. e127-e134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitlin Harding ◽  
Melissa A Day ◽  
Dawn M Ehde ◽  
Amanda E Wood ◽  
Alisha McCall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Treatment Utilization ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental And Physical Health
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