Differences in Sleep Quality and Health-Related Quality of Life in Young Adults With Allergies and Asthma and Their Healthy Peers

Abstract

Objective: The current study examined the relationship between sleep quality and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Participants: Participants were 501 undergraduate students with allergies (167), asthma + allergies (167), or with no history of a chronic illness (167) completed study measures from August 2011 to April 2012. Methods: The undergraduate students completed questionnaires online as part of a larger study of psychosocial adjustment of young adults. Results: Young adults with allergies and asthma + allergies reported significantly worse sleep quality and HRQOL than healthy peers. Additionally, those with allergies and asthma + allergies had significantly more sleep disturbances and used sleeping medication significantly more often in the previous month than healthy peers. Conclusions: These results highlight concerns regarding quality of life and sleep problems in an often-overlooked population. Importantly, sleep difficulties can result in difficulties in daily living and impairment in academic functioning.     

A Comparative Study of Campus Experiences of College Students With Mental Illnesses Versus a General College Sample

Abstract

Objective: Examine campus experiences and relationships of college students with mental illnesses compared to general student norms using the College Student Experiences Questionnaire to understand potential sources of distress and retention issues. Participants: Responses were obtained from 449 former and current students with mental illnesses from more than 300 colleges and universities around the country. Methods: Participants completed an online survey available from July 2005 to July 2006. Results: Multivariate analysis of variance and t test results indicate that college students with mental illnesses report less engagement on campus and poorer relationships, and that these factors were associated with lower graduation rates. Students reporting they were treated differently “most of the time” because of a mental illness had the lowest levels of engagement and poorest relationships. Conclusions: More attention is needed to developing interventions that enhance social functioning and engagement and address stigma on campus in order to reduce distress and enhance retention.     

The Association Between Mental Health and Acute Infectious Illness Among a National Sample of 18- to 24-Year-Old College Students

Poor mental health is associated with physical illness, but this association is poorly characterized among college students. Objective and Participants: Using American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment data, the authors characterized poor mental health (depression, anxiety, negative affect) and examined the relationship between poor mental health and acute infectious illnesses (bronchitis, ear infection, sinusitis, strep throat) among 47,202 US college students. Methods: The authors used frequency and cross-tabulation analyses to characterize mental health and determine univariate associations among variables. They used binary logistic regression to determine the association between poor mental health and acute infectious illness, controlling for research-derived covariates. Results: The prevalence of acute infectious illness ranged from 8% to 29%. The prevalence of anxiety and depression ranged from 12% to 20%, respectively. Depression, anxiety, and exhaustion were associated with acute infectious illness across all dependent measures, with odds ratios ranging from .56 to .91. Conclusions: Poor mental health is associated with acute infectious illness among college students.     

The relationship between sleep and autonomic health

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship between sleep and resting autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning in college students. Participants: Participants were 141 undergraduate students (52 males) recruited from a large southeastern university during September–October 2017. Methods: Participants completed self-report inventories (demographic and sleep characteristics). Resting state skin conductance (SC) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured in a laboratory setting for ANS functioning. Results: SC was positively associated with sleep quality (p?=?0.027), sleep latency (p?=?0.040), and use of sleep medication (p?<?0.001). Analyses yielded a negative association between the standard deviation of the normal-normal interval of heart beats (SDNN) and the self-reported amount of time to fall asleep each night (p?=?0.041). Sleep efficiency was negatively correlated with low frequency HRV (p?=?0.002). Conclusions: Sleep components are associated with resting ANS activity, and targeted interventions focused on improved ANS functioning may benefit sleep quality in college students.     

A pilot study of a preventive program for depressive and anxious symptoms during the postsecondary transition

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effects of the indicated level of the prevention program Zenétudes: making a healthy transition to college on anxious and depressive symptoms. Participants: 65 college students participated in the study, from September 2014 to August 2016. From that initial sample, 53 students (ages 16–34) were included in analyses. Methods: First-year students were screened for anxious and depressive symptoms at the beginning of their semester. Students who scored higher than the cutoff score were invited to be part of the study. Both treatment and comparison groups completed pretest, post-test, and follow-up questionnaires. Results: Results show significant differences between treatment and comparison groups in both depressive and anxious symptoms at follow-up. Conclusion: The results of this pilot study support the positive effects of Zenétudes on anxious and depressive symptoms. Larger studies should be conducted to identify which components of the program mediate its efficacy.     

ADHD,depression, and substance abuse risk among beginning college students

Abstract

Objective: This study examined differences in substance use, depression, and academic functioning among ADHD and non-ADHD college students. Participants: Included 1,748 students (ages 18–25; women 68.4%; Caucasian 71.3%) with and without history of ADHD. Methods: We assessed the relationship of ADHD to substance use variables, controlling for depressive symptoms and examined relationships with GPA. Results: ADHD students were more likely to have engaged in frequent alcohol use, binge drinking, regular marijuana use and to have used other drugs in the last year. They reported higher depression symptoms than non-ADHD students, although substance abuse risk remained high even when controlling for depressive symptoms. ADHD students had lower overall GPA than those without ADHD. However, this difference was no longer significant when controlling for depression and marijuana use. Conclusions: College campuses should consider programing aimed at identifying ADHD students at risk for developing substance abuse problems and emotional difficulties.     

Predictors of suicidal ideation among college students: A prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT

This prospective cohort study investigated longitudinal predictors of suicidal ideation among college students. A non-clinical cohort of college students (N = 171) completed baseline and 3-month follow-up surveys. Depressive symptoms, worst-point suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt history significantly predicted follow-up suicidal ideation severity after adjusting covariates. Similarly, depressive symptoms and worst-point suicidal ideation (but not attempt history) were significant predictors of follow-up suicidal ideation intensity in an adjusted model. The results suggest that current depressive symptoms and lifetime worst-point suicidal ideation are independently valuable constructs that may provide relatively short-term predictive information when screening for suicidal ideation among college students.     

Disability and Chronic Illness Identity: Interviews with Lesbians and Bisexual Women and Their Partners

Disability rights activists and cultural workers are articulating disability identity and culture. Through interviews with lesbians and bisexual women with disabilities or chronic illnesses and their partners, the present study examined disability/chronic illness identity on the level of individual, couple, and community. Participants shared differing perspectives about how disability/chronic illness identity relates to other aspects of identity, and about whether disability/chronic illness identity is fluid or constant. They described several challenges they have encountered in developing disability/chronic illness identity. Couples talked about developing boundaries and balance in their relationships, and about how disability or chronic illness has strengthened their relationships. A number of participants spoke about identity as intimately linked with community. Implications for community building are discussed.     

Social Networks,Substance Use,and Mental Health in College Students

Abstract

Objectives: The relationship between social network risk (alcohol-using close friends), perceived peer closeness, substance use, and psychiatric symptoms was examined to identify risk and protective features of college students’ social context. Participants: Six hundred and seventy undergraduate students enrolled in a large southeastern university. Methods: An online survey was administered to consenting students. Results: Students with risky networks were at a 10-fold increase of hazardous drinking, 6-fold increase for weekly marijuana use, and 3-fold increase for weekly tobacco use. College students’ who feel very close to their peers were protected against psychiatric symptoms yet were at increased risk for marijuana use. Perceived closeness of peers was highly protective against psychiatric symptoms, adding a natural preventive effect for a population at great risk for mental illness. Conclusions: Results support targeting college students through network-oriented preventive interventions to address substance use as well as mental health.     

Depressive Symptoms,Stress, and Social Support Among Dental Students at a Historically Black College and University

Objective: The authors measured the prevalence of depressive symptoms among dental students at a historically black college in the United States to determine how depressive symptoms, stress, and social support influence each other within this student population. Participants: Dental students (n = 143) completed a self-administered survey to assess depressive symptoms, stress, and social support, using validated and reliable instruments. Participants also reported demographic variables. Methods: The authors used multivariable linear regression controlling for potential confounding. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 16.7%. There were significantly higher levels of stress for students with depressive symptoms compared with those without such symptoms (p < .01), and students with depressive symptoms had significantly lower levels of social support (p < .01). Results show higher levels of depressive symptomatology to be related to decreased social support at both high and low stress levels (p < .01). Conclusions: Stress and social support are associated with depressive symptoms among dental students.     

Positive Social Support,Negative Social Exchanges,and Suicidal Behavior in College Students

Abstract

Objective: Risk for suicide is often higher among college students, compared to same-age noncollegiate peers, and may be exacerbated by quality of social support and interactions. The authors examined the independent contributions of positive social support and negative social exchanges to suicide ideation and attempts in college students. Participants: Participants were 439 volunteer undergraduate students, who were primarily female (71%). Methods: Cross-sectional, survey design. Participants completed measures assessing positive social support, including emotional, informational, and tangible support; negative social exchanges; and suicidal behavior, including ideation and attempts. Results: Positive social support, particularly tangible support, and negative social exchanges were significantly predictive of greater suicidal behavior. Conclusions: Practical manifestations of support may buffer against suicide risk for college students, whereas conflict-based interactions may contribute to increased risk. At the institutional, parental, and peer levels, promotion of supportive relationships may be an important suicide prevention strategy.     

Depression as a mediator in the relationship between perceived familial criticism and college adaptation

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study examined relationships among emerging adults' perceived familial criticism, their depressive symptoms, and their college adaptation. Participants: The current study examined the responses of 412 emerging adults (300 females and 112 males) who were college students at a large southeastern university. The majority of these emerging adults were Caucasian, but the remainder were from a broad range of racial backgrounds. Methods: Participants completed the Family Emotional Involvement and Criticism Scale as a measure of their familial criticism, the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire as a measure of their college adaptation, and the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition as a measure of their depression. Results: Results were examined using correlational and regression analyses in the context of Baron and Kenny's (J Pers Soc Psychol. 1986;51:1173–1182) method for determining mediation. Results suggested that for female emerging adults, the relationship between perceived familial criticism and college adaptation was mediated significantly by depressive symptoms. In contrast, this pattern of results did not hold for male emerging adults. Conclusions: Given these findings, emerging adults' depressive symptoms may serve as a useful proximal target for psychotherapeutic interventions meant to improve adaptation to college (particularly for female emerging adults), even in the context of high levels of perceived familial criticism from emerging adults' family of origin.     

Transitioning Through College With Diabetes: Themes Found in Online Forums

Abstract

Objective: Content analysis of Internet-based diabetes forum text was used to examine the experiences encountered by students with diabetes transitioning into and through college. Participants: Forum posts (N = 238) regarding attending college with diabetes were collected and analyzed. Methods: Thematic coding was used to identify prominent topics, followed by analysis of theme distribution across college transitional stages. Three students with diabetes were recruited to review results and corroborate findings. Results: Twenty thematic categories were identified. Preparation for college involved efforts to move toward autonomous diabetes management. Transitioning in was marked by adjusting to a college lifestyle, then working to manage issues such as busy schedules and alcohol use as continuing students, and turning attention toward future career options and finances while transitioning out. Conclusions: As they move into and through college, students with diabetes negotiate developmental and diabetes-specific tasks within an environment that presents unique logistical, lifestyle, and psychological challenges.     

Parental Depression and Anxiety and Early Childhood Behavior Problems Across Family Types

Using the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, we examine the association between parental major depressive and generalized anxiety disorders and child behavior problems across family types: married, cohabiting, involved nonresident father, and noninvolved nonresident father. Among 3‐year‐olds in all families, maternal anxiety/depression is associated with increased odds of anxious/depressed, attention deficit, and oppositional defiant disorders (N = 2,120). Paternal anxiety/depression has no significant association with these problem behaviors; father’s illness, however, exacerbates anxious/depressed behaviors in young children if both parents are ill and he is coresident. The findings underscore the importance of maternal mental health for child well‐being and suggest that a negative interaction between parent illnesses is most likely when parents and children share the same disorder.     

Primary Care Screening of Depression and Treatment Engagement in a University Health Center: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: This retrospective study analyzed a primary care depression screening initiative in a large urban university health center. Depression detection, treatment status, and engagement data are presented. Participants: Participants were 3,713 graduate and undergraduate students who presented consecutively for primary care services between January and April 2006. Methods: A standardized 2-tiered screening approach for an inception cohort of students utilizing primary services. Primary care providers were trained to triage students with depressive symptoms. Results: Six percent of participants had clinically significant depressive symptoms (CSD). Severe depressive symptoms were found in less than 1.0% of participants. Male rates of severe depressive symptoms were more than double that of females. Only 35.7% of untreated depressed participants started treatment within 30 days following identification. Conclusions: Systematic primary care depression screening in a college health center is a promising approach to identify untreated students with depression. More study is needed to improve rates of treatment engagement.     

Event-related clinical distress in college students: Responses to the 2016 U.S. Presidential election

Abstract

Objectives: College students have cited the 2016?U.S. presidential election as a significant source of stress. The current study examined the prevalence and demographic correlates of clinically significant election-related avoidance and intrusion symptoms among college students 2–3?months after the election. Participants: College students attending a large public university (N?=?769; M_age?=?19.19; 48.2% female; 58.4% White) were surveyed in January and February 2017. Methods: Participants completed a validated measure of clinically significant event-related distress symptoms (eg, intrusive thoughts, avoidance) and demographic questions. Results: One out of four students met criteria for clinically significant symptoms related to the election. Regression analyses suggested that sex, political party, religion, and perceived impact of the election on relationships were more useful predictors of stress symptoms than race or social class. Conclusions: The high level of event-related distress is concerning because elevated symptoms of event-related stress are predictive of future distress and subsequent PTSD diagnoses.     

The effects of familial acculturative stress and hopelessness on suicidal ideation by immigration status among college students

Objectives: Based on acculturative family distancing theory, we examined whether familial acculturative stress interacted with hopelessness to predict suicidal ideation differentially among emerging adult immigrant versus nonimmigrant college students. Participants: We recruited 152 generationally and racially/ethnically diverse college students (42 immigrants) from 2012 to 2013. Methods: Participants completed measures of hopelessness, depressive symptoms, ethnic identity, familial acculturative stress, and suicidal ideation. Results: Immigrant status interacted with hopelessness and familial acculturative stress. Hopelessness was associated with less suicidal ideation among immigrants than among nonimmigrants at a familial acculturative stress score below the 11th percentile, but greater suicidal ideation among immigrants than among nonimmigrants at a familial acculturative stress score above the 72nd percentile. Conclusions: Familial acculturative stress may exacerbate the effect of hopelessness on suicidal ideation among immigrant college students, and should be monitored during suicide risk assessment and treatment.     

Evaluative concerns and personal standards perfectionism as predictors of body dissatisfaction in Asian and European American female college students

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The present study examined perfectionism (viz, evaluative concerns and personal standards) and ethnicity as predictors of body dissatisfaction in female college students. Participants: Participants were 298 female college students sampled by December of 2013. Methods: A self-report survey with measures of body dissatisfaction, perfectionism, and demographics was conducted. Results: Regression analyses indicated that evaluative concerns perfectionism (ECP) was a significant predictor of body dissatisfaction. The inclusion of ethnicity was found to further augment the prediction model. Moreover, we found support for an ECP × Ethnicity interaction effect in predicting body dissatisfaction. Specifically, among high-ECP female students, European Americans, compared with Asian Americans, reported the highest level of body dissatisfaction. Conclusion: High ECP represents a potential marker of body dissatisfaction in female college students. However, the presence of high ECP is a more critical predictor of body dissatisfaction in European American female students, compared with Asian American female students.     

Family Functioning and Mental Health of Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Youth in the Trans Teen and Family Narratives Project

Transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGN) youth are at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes, but better family functioning may be protective. This study describes TGN youth’s mental health and associations with family functioning in a community-based sample. Participants were from 33 families (96 family members) and included 33 TGN youth, ages 13 to 17 years; 48 cisgender (non-transgender) caregivers; and 15 cisgender siblings. Participants completed a survey with measures of family functioning (family communication, family satisfaction) and mental health of TGN youth (suicidality, self-harm, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, resilience). TGN youth reported a high risk of mental health concerns: suicidality (15% to 30%), self-harm (49%), clinically significant depressive symptoms (61%); and moderate self-esteem (M = 27.55, SD = 7.15) and resiliency (M = 3.67, SD = 0.53). In adjusted models, better family functioning from the TGN youth’s perspective was associated with better mental health outcomes among TGN youth (β ranged from ?0.40 to ?0.65 for self-harm, depressive symptoms, and anxious symptoms, and 0.58 to 0.70 for self-esteem and resiliency). Findings from this study highlight the importance of considering TGN youth’s perspectives on the family to inform interventions to improve family functioning in families with TGN youth.     

A person-centered analysis of sleep and emotion dysregulation: Short- and long-term links with depression and alcohol use

Objective: Our objective was to examine the co-occurrence of sleep problems and emotion dysregulation and its short- and long-term links to depressive symptoms and alcohol use in a sample of university students. Method: Participants included 1132 first-year university students from Southern Ontario (70.5% women). Time 1 data were collected in February/March, 2010, and Time 2 data (n?=?746) were collected in February/March, 2014. Participants were surveyed about sleep problems and emotion dysregulation (Time 1), and depressive symptoms and alcohol use (Times 1 and 2). Results: A latent class analysis revealed four groups: (1) Low Co-Occurrence, (2) Sleep Problems Only, (3) Emotion Dysregulation Only, and (4) High Co-occurrence. Group 4 had more depressive symptoms than all other groups in both the short- and long-term. Conclusions: First year university students with high co-occurrence of sleep problems and emotion dysregulation may be a target group for programs focused on reducing adjustment difficulties.