scholarly journals PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS, RELATIONSHIP QUALITY AND WELL-BEING IN TIME OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC MOVEMENT CONTROL ORDER ENACTMENT AMONG COUPLES IN MALAYSIA

Author(s):  
Chua Bee Seok ◽  
◽  
Ching Sin Siau ◽  
Low Wah Yun ◽  
Mimi Fitriana ◽  
...  

"With the imposition of the Movement Control Order (MCO) or lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are drastic changes in the movement and activity among Malaysians: increased psychological distress due to perception of the COVID-19 as a health threat, increased time spent with families, and decreased time away from home could either intensity relationship problems or draw families closer to each other. This study aimed to examine the perceived psychological distress and relationship quality among couples before and during MCO in Malaysia and factors predictive of participants' well-being. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, Perceived Relationship Quality Component Inventory, and the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale were disseminated through the snowball sampling technique. The study found that the participants (N=124) perceived significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress during MCO compared to before MCO. However, no significant differences between the couples were found before and during MCO in relationship quality, except in the trust sub-scale. Trust in the couple was higher during MCO. Multiple regression results showed that depression and stress predicted participants' well-being negatively during MCO. In contrast, total relationship quality, sexual relationship quality, satisfaction and couple’s trust predicted participants' well-being positively."

2021 ◽  
pp. 101053952110143
Author(s):  
Bee Seok Chua ◽  
Ching Sin Siau ◽  
Mimi Fitriana ◽  
Wah-Yun Low ◽  
Rahmattullah Khan bin Abdul Wahab Khan

With the imposition of the Movement Control Order (MCO) or lockdown due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there are drastic changes in the movement and activity among Malaysians: increased psychological distress due to perception of COVID-19 as a health threat, increased time spent with families, and decreased time away from home could either intensify relationship problems or draw families closer to each other. This study aimed to examine the perceived psychological distress and relationship quality among couples before and during MCO in Malaysia and factors predictive of participants’ well-being. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, Perceived Relationship Quality Component Inventory, and the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale were disseminated through the snowball sampling technique. The study found that the participants (N = 124) perceived significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress during MCO compared with before MCO. However, no significant differences between the couples were found before and during MCO in relationship quality, except in the trust subscale. Trust on the couple was higher during MCO. Multiple regression results showed that depression and stress predicted participants’ well-being negatively during MCO. In contrast, total relationship quality, sexual relationship quality, satisfaction, and trust predicted participants’ well-being positively.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anushree M. Karani ◽  
Revati Chandrashekhar Deshpande ◽  
Mitesh Jayswal

Purpose This paper aims to explore the content of the psychological contract (PC), i.e. work-family conflict (WFC), family-work conflict (FWC), work overload (WO) and work autonomy (WA) and its impact on well-being (WB), i.e. job satisfaction (JS), family satisfaction (FS), life satisfaction (LS), through the mediation of psychological distress (PD). Design/methodology/approach The current study has adopted a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional research design with a snowball sampling technique. The sample size consists of 400 employees from the banking sector. SPSS and AMOS 20v has been used for structural equation modelling to give empirical findings from the responses collected. Findings The current study has checked the relationship between PC and WB through the mediation analysis of PD. WA was not affecting the WB of banking employees. The study found that there was partial mediation. It was also proven that the lower the breach of PC lower the PD, and the higher the WB. Originality/value The current study has tried to explain the content of PC among the employees of the banking sector and how that is associated with WB. There was limited work from which showcase the WFC, FWC and WO from the view of PC theory, and it affects different WB, i.e. JS, LS and FS.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Rosa Linde ◽  
Carlos Eduardo Siqueira

Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of congenital brain abnormalities. Its consequences to pregnancies has made governments, national and international agencies issue advices and recommendations to women. There is a clear need to investigate how the Zika outbreak affects the decisions that women take concerning their lives and the life of their families, as well as how women are psychologically and emotionally dealing with the outbreak. We conducted a qualitative study to address the impact of the Zika epidemic on the family life of women living in Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the US, who were affected by it to shed light on the social repercussions of Zika. Women were recruited through the snowball sampling technique and data was collected through semi-structured interviews. We describe the effects in mental health and the coping strategies that women use to deal with the Zika epidemic. Zika is taking a heavy toll on women’s emotional well-being. They are coping with feelings of fear, helplessness, and uncertainty by taking drastic precautions to avoid infection that affect all areas of their lives. Coping strategies pose obstacles in professional life, lead to social isolation, including from family and partner, and threaten the emotional and physical well-being of women. Our findings suggest that the impacts of the Zika epidemic on women may be universal and global. Zika infection is a silent and heavy burden on women’s shoulders.


Author(s):  
Rida Muhammad Akbar ◽  
Muhammad Naveed Riaz

Objective The study also examined the moderating impact of proactive coping strategies in the relationship of psychological place attachment and mental health related outcomes in sojourners. Methods The study was based upon self-report measures including Psychological Place Attachment Scale, Proactive Coping Inventory, Warwick Edinburg Mental Well-being Scale and Kasler Psychological Distress Scale. Total 300 sojourners participated in the study.  Participants Academic sojourners are students who stay in a place for a limited period of time. Data of sojourners (N = 300) was collected from Sargodha using four self-report measures. Results Data analysis through PROCSS 3.2 revealed that Proactive coping, preventive coping and reflective coping were significantly moderated the relationship between affective and psychological distress. Proactive coping and reflective coping were significantly moderated the relationship between affective bonding and mental wells-being. Proactive coping preventive coping and avoidance coping significantly moderated the relationship home meaning and psychological distress. Proactive coping was moderated the relationship between home meaning and psychological distress. Proactive coping and reflective coping were moderated the relationship between place identity and psychological distress. Proactive coping was moderated the relationship between place identity and mental well-being. Instrumental support seeking was moderating the relationship between place dependence and psychological distress. Preventive coping and reflective coping were moderated the relationship between psychological place attachment and psychological distress. Reflective coping, strategic planning and preventive coping were significantly moderated the relationship between psychological place attachment and mental well-being. Continuous...


Young ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-216
Author(s):  
Katarina Alanko ◽  
Heidi Lund

Positive gender-supportive relationships have been found to promote well-being of transgender youth. The present study investigates how the quality of relationships to parents, friends and partners affects the mental well-being of transgender youth. An online survey was used for data collection. The sample consisted of 1,613 Finnish youth between 15 and 25 years of age. Youths who were identified as a transgender ( n = 370) were compared to cisgender (= no gender conflict, n = 1,243, mostly sexual minority youth) on measures of relationship quality and positive well-being. Transgender youth reported poorer well-being and relationships to parents than the control group did. Relationship quality predicted well-being of all participants, and there were no significant interactions between gender identity and relationship quality. Social support is important for transgender youth and has an impact on the well-being of youth regardless of gender identification.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Hachemi ◽  
M Dimitrijević ◽  
J Stojanović ◽  
S Cvjetković

Abstract Background The greater academic mobility and globalization have introduced a substantial number of foreign students to more universities. The lack of recent studies about their adaptation and signs of psychological distress arose an interest about this relevant issue. Recognizing the factors involved in the adaptation process are vital for international students, especially medical, as they are considered the future health-care workforce. Ensuring their well-being is essential for consumers safety, satisfaction and raising quality at lower costs. Thus, the aim of this research was to explore the predictors of psychological distress including socio-demographic variables and socio-cultural adaptation Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Belgrade School of Medicine, where 124 (65 males and 59 females) international students from 32 countries were interviewed using a socio-demographic questionnaire and psychometric tools such as Revised Socio-cultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS-R) and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21). Statistical analysis included prevalence data and multiple linear regression. Results The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was found to be 39%, 55% and 41%, respectively. Maladaptation to a new environment by lack of participation in the community and focus on own interests were significant predictors of depression (β = −.39, p< .01) and stress (β = −.36, p< .05), while anxiety was associated with both female gender (β = −.30, p<.05), self-centration and absence of community involvement (β = −.37, p< .01). Conclusions There is a high prevalence of anxiety followed by stress and depression among international medical students. The results highlighted the importance of cultural adaptation for psychological distress. This shows a requirement for developing an adequate, accessible professional counselling and peer support services for foreign students that are necessary to achieve sustainable development goals. Key messages Encouraging researchers to further investigate the needs of international medical students. The development and implementation of health policies addressing student’s mental health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 213-222
Author(s):  
Nur Liyana Yasmin Mohd Razalli ◽  
Mohd Ali Bahari Abdul Kadir

In 2020, 202,400 from 5.36 million graduates in Malaysia were unemployed. Although the unemployment may have happened mainly because of the COVID-19 pandemic and various Movement Control Order (MCO), 16,000 of them were already unemployed for more than a year. The situation has raised a question as to why they did not become entrepreneurs. Hence, the researcher interviewed seven Bumiputera graduate entrepreneurs to understand the sociological aspects impacting the business endeavours among the graduates. The sampling techniques used were purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The researcher found that the ultimate reason for getting into universities is to be employed, not to do business. Bumiputera also does not have entrepreneurial culture. Instead, they have a culture of working for others. Although most participants were aware that social status is important for social networks that are crucial for business development, some thought that it is not essential for them because they only want to do business just to survive. Their past working experience also played a vital role in leading them to become entrepreneurs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Haapala ◽  
H Peltomäki ◽  
T Jääskeläinen ◽  
P Koponen ◽  
P Mäntymaa ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Limited research exists on the differences in the wellbeing of adults with young children and those without. The aim of this study was to compare the well-being of adults with and without young children. Methods The study is based on the FinHealth 2017 Study of a nationally representative sample on adults aged 18-50-years (n = 4764, 58% participated). Information on wellbeing was collected through self-administered questionnaires. Adults living in a household with young children (under 7-years old, n = 762) were compared to adults living in a household without young children (n = 1864). Inverse probability weights were used in the analysis to correct for the effects of non-response and different sampling probabilities. Results Nearly 90 % of adults with young children rated their quality of life as good or very good and were more satisfied with their family life (women 84% vs. 76%, men 87 % vs. 78%) and life achievements (women 82% vs. 69%, men 78% vs. 58%) compared to other adults. No difference was observed in satisfaction with the financial situation. Differences in the experience of psychological distress (Mental Health Inventory, MHI-5 score ≤52) were statistically insignificant. 6% of women and 7% of men with young children experienced psychological distress while the equivalent percentage of other adults was 9% in both sexes. Differences in symptoms of depression (Beck Depression Inventory, 6 item score >4) were also statistically insignificant, although the prevalence was somewhat lower for those with children (women 12% vs. 15%, men 6% vs. 12%). Adults with young children reported sufficient sleep less often compared to other adults (women 64% vs. 76%, men 67% vs. 77%). Conclusions Most parents of young children have a good quality of life and are satisfied with their life. Getting sufficient sleep is one of the main challenges of adults with young children. Key messages Adults with young children are more satisfied with their life compared to other adults. There is still a need for holistic lifestyle guidance, especially to promote mental well-being and sufficient sleep of adults with young children.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Else Bisseling ◽  
Linda Cillessen ◽  
Philip Spinhoven ◽  
Melanie Schellekens ◽  
Félix Compen ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based group-based psychological treatment in oncology, resulting in reduction of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Internet-based Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (eMBCT) has been found to be an effective alternative for MBCT. The therapeutic alliance, i.e. the bond between therapist and patient, is known to have a significant impact on psychological treatment outcomes, including MBCT. A primary concern in the practice of eMBCT is whether a good therapeutic alliance can develop. Although evidence for the beneficial effect of therapist-assistance on treatment outcome in internet-based interventions (IBIs) is accumulating, it is still unclear whether the therapeutic alliance is related to outcome in IBIs. OBJECTIVE The objectives of the present study were: (1) to explore whether early therapeutic alliance predicts treatment dropout in (e)MBCT; (2) to compare the development of the therapeutic alliance during eMBCT and MBCT; and (3) to examine whether early therapeutic alliance is a predictor of the reduction of psychological distress and the increase of mental well-being at post-treatment in both conditions. METHODS The present study was part of a multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT; n=245) on the effectiveness of (e)MBCT for distressed cancer patients. The therapeutic alliance was measured at the start of week 2 (i.e. early therapeutic alliance), week 5 and week 9. Outcome measures were psychological distress, measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and mental-wellbeing, measured with the Mental Health Coninuum-short form (MHC-SF). RESULTS The strength of early therapeutic alliance did not predict treatment dropout in (e)MBCT (B=-0.39, p=.21). Therapeutic alliance increased over time in both conditions (F=16.46,Wilks’ λ=.732, p<.001). This increase did not differ between eMBCT and MBCT (F=0.114, p=.74). Therapeutic alliance at week 2 predicted a reduction of psychological distress (B=-.126, t=-2.656, p=.01) and an increase of in mental well-being (B=.234, t=2.651, p=.01) at post-treatment. The relationship with reduction of psychological distress differed between treatments: a weaker early therapeutic alliance predicted higher psychological distress at post-treatment in MBCT but not in eMBCT(B=.217, t=2.261, p=.03). CONCLUSIONS A therapeutic alliance can develop in both eMBCT and MBCT. Findings revealed that the strength of early alliance did not predict treatment dropout. Furthermore, the level of therapeutic alliance predicted reduced psychological distress and increased mental well-being at post-treatment in both conditions. Interestingly, the strength of therapeutic alliance is appeared to be more related to treatment outcome in group-based MBCT than in eMBCT. CLINICALTRIAL NCT02138513 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02138513


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