Poverty,Psychological Resources And Subjective Well-Being

This study was carried out for the purpose of explaining the mediating effects of a number of psychological variables (strategies for coping with stress, competitiveness, mastery, locus of control, depression and self-esteem) in the relationship between poverty and the well-being of individuals. To carry out the study, a non-probabilistic, stratified sample was used, with the participation of 918 inhabitants of Mexico City from three socioeconomic levels: extremely poor, moderately poor and not poor. A structural model was used for the analysis and treatment of data, and on the basis of that model, it was proven that there are different trajectories (mediations) through which poverty influences subjective well-being. The findings are discussed in light of the literature.     

Relocation Stress, Coping, and Sense of Control Among Resettlers Resulting from China’s Three Gorges Dam Project

The involuntary relocation of people for development purposes has become prevalent across the world in recent decades. Depression is one of the documented negative outcomes of involuntary relocation among resettlers. Viewing the affected population simply as passive victims, past studies have largely ignored the coping strategies employed by individual resettlers in dealing with stress they experienced in the relocation process. Focusing on Three Gorges Project-induced relocation in China, this study examines coping strategies employed by resettlers using panel data collected before and after relocation. We found that emotion-focused coping was more effective than problem-focused coping in combating relocation-related depression. Unsuccessful problem-focused coping was found to elevate, rather than reduce depression. Emotion-focused coping reduces depression not only directly but also indirectly by restoring resettlers’ sense of control. This study contributes to the literature by identifying coping strategies, as well as their mechanisms, that are effective in combating relocation-induced distress.     

Health of Grandmothers as Caregivers: A Ten Month Follow-Up

ABSTRACT

This study examined changes, over 10 months, in self-assessed health, depression, anxiety, stress, coping and support in a convenience sample of 74 grandmothers living in the same home as grandchild(ren) and to compare them with grandmothers who had either primary (n = 49) or partial/supplemental (n = 25) responsibility for their grandchildren's care. Grandmothers showed high stability over ten months time, with many reporting elevated depression and parenting stress at both time points. Depression was associated with greater parenting stress, primary responsibility for caregiving, and with avoidant and minimizing coping. Better self-assessed health was linked with less parenting stress, and less formal and instrumental support. Study findings are discussed.     

The Mediating Role of Secular Coping Strategies in the Relationship Between Religious Appraisals and Adjustment to Chronic Pain: The Middle Road to Damascus

Despite an outgrowth in research examining associations between religiosity and health outcomes, there has been a lack of empirical focus on the relationship between religiosity and adjustment to chronic pain. This study investigated specific secular coping strategies that mediate the proposed relationship between religious appraisals and pain-related outcomes. Twenty-nine chronic pain patients completed measures assessing pain-related coping strategies, pain severity, disability, depression, positive and negative affect, trait anger and three types of religious appraisals- benevolent God appraisals, punishing God appraisals, and demonic appraisals. A significant positive relationship was found between punishing God appraisals and depression, with catastrophizing mediating this relationship. Demonic appraisals were significantly related to disability. Benevolent religious appraisals were related to positive affect. Benevolent religious appraisals were significantly related to the secular coping strategies of diverting attention, ignoring pain sensations, reinterpreting pain sensations and using coping self-statements, but these coping strategies did not mediate the relationship between benevolent religious appraisals and positive affect. While this study provides no evidence that religious appraisals influence pain perception, data suggest that both positive and negative religious appraisals are related to mental health outcomes in a chronic pain population.     

Health of grandmothers as caregivers: a ten month follow-up

This study examined changes, over 10 months, in self-assessed health, depression, anxiety, stress, coping and support in a convenience sample of 74 grandmothers living in the same home as grandchild(ren) and to compare them with grandmothers who had either primary (n = 49) or partial/supplemental (n = 25) responsibility for their grandchildren's care. Grandmothers showed high stability over ten months time, with many reporting elevated depression and parenting stress at both time points. Depression was associated with greater parenting stress, primary responsibility for caregiving, and with avoidant and minimizing coping. Better self-assessed health was linked with less parenting stress, and less formal and instrumental support. Study findings are discussed.     

Loneliness and Subjective Well-Being Among Chinese Undergraduates: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy

Previous studies have shown a negative relationship between loneliness and one’s subjective well-being. However, it has not been fully examined within the Chinese context which highlights the importance of social relationship and interpersonal harmony for one’s life, and the mechanism between them has not been thoroughly explored. Based on social cognitive theory, this study examined the main effects of loneliness on individuals’ stress, depression, and life satisfaction, as well as the mediating effect of self-efficacy between them. Survey data were obtained from 444 Chinese undergraduates. The results of multiple regressions revealed that loneliness was negatively correlated with life satisfaction and positively correlated with stress and depression. Moreover, self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and stress, as well as depression, and fully mediated the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

     

The effects of maternal depression,anxiety, and perceived stress during pregnancy on preterm birth: A systematic review

BackgroundExperiencing psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, and/or perceived stress during pregnancy may increase the risk for adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth. Clarifying the association between exposure and outcome may improve the understanding of risk factors for prematurity and guide future clinical and research practices.AimThe aims of the present review were to outline the evidence on the risk of preterm associated with antenatal depression, anxiety, and stress.MethodsFour electronic database searches were conducted to identify quantitative population-based, multi-centre, cohort studies and randomised-controlled trial studies focusing on the association between antenatal depression, anxiety, and stress, and preterm birth published in English between 1980 and 2013.FindingsOf 1469 electronically retrieved articles, 39 peer-reviewed studies met the final selection criteria and were included in this review following the PRISMA and MOOSE review guidelines. Information was extracted on study characteristics; depression, anxiety and perceived stress were examined as separate and combined exposures. There is strong evidence that antenatal distress during the pregnancy increases the likelihood of preterm birth.ConclusionComplex paths of significant interactions between depression, anxiety and stress, risk factors and preterm birth were indicated in both direct and indirect ways. The effects of pregnancy distress were associated with spontaneous but not with medically indicated preterm birth. Health practitioners engaged in providing perinatal care to women, such as obstetricians, midwives, nurses, and mental health specialists need to provide appropriate support to women experiencing psychological distress in order to improve outcomes for both mothers and infants.     

Psychosocial risk factors for excessive gestational weight gain: A systematic review

BackgroundExcessive weight gain during pregnancy can have adverse health outcomes for mother and infant throughout pregnancy. However, few studies have identified the psychosocial factors that contribute to women gaining excessive weight during pregnancy.AimTo review the existing literature that explores the impact of psychosocial risk factors (psychological distress, body image dissatisfaction, social support, self-efficacy and self-esteem) on excessive gestational weight gain.MethodsA systematic review of peer-reviewed English articles using Academic Search Complete, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, Informit, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted. Quantitative studies that investigated psychosocial factors of excessive GWG, published between 2000 and 2014 were included. Studies investigating mothers with a low risk of mental health issues and normally-developing foetuses were eligible for inclusion. From the total of 474 articles located, 12 articles were identified as relevant and were subsequently reviewed in full.FindingsSignificant associations were found between depression, body image dissatisfaction, and social support with excessive gestational weight gain. No significant relationships were reported between anxiety, stress, self-efficacy, or self-esteem and excessive gestational weight gain.ConclusionThe relationship between psychosocial factors and weight gain in pregnancy is complex; however depression, body dissatisfaction and social support appear to have a direct relationship with excessive gestational weight gain. Further research is needed to identify how screening for, and responding to, psychosocial risk factors for excessive gestational weight gain can be successfully incorporated into current antenatal care.     

Psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors for Depression Among Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual,and Queer Youth: A Systematic Review

Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer (LGBQ) youth suffer from depression. Identifying modifiable risk and protective factors for depression can inform the development of psychosocial interventions. The aim of this review is to evaluate the methodological characteristics and summarize the substantive findings of studies examining psychosocial risk and protective factors for depression among LGBQ youth. Eight bibliographic databases were searched, and 35 studies that met all inclusion criteria were included for review. Results show that prominent risk factors for depression include internalized LGBQ-related oppression, stress from hiding and managing a socially stigmatized identity, maladaptive coping, parental rejection, abuse and other traumatic events, negative interpersonal interactions, negative religious experiences, school bullying victimization, and violence victimization in community settings. Prominent protective factors include a positive LGBQ identity, self-esteem, social support from friends, and family support. LGBQ youth may face an array of threats to their mental health originating from multiple socioecological levels.     

老年人心理压力、应对方式与心理健康关系的研究

为了探讨心理压力和应对方式对老年人心理健康的影响,本研究采用社会再适应量表、应对方式量表和心理健康症状自评量表,对武汉市随机抽取的442位60岁以上老年人进行了问卷调查。研究结果表明:心理压力对老年人心理健康有直接影响,心理压力越大,老年人心理健康水平越低;解决问题、自责和幻想三种应对方式在心理压力与心理健康之间起中介作用,采用解决问题的应对方式,有利于调节压力对老年人心理健康的影响;反之,采用自责和幻想的应对方式则不利于老年人心理健康。     

Linking Metatraits of the Big Five to Well-Being and Ill-Being: Do Basic Psychological Needs Matter?

There is considerable evidence that two higher order factors underlie the Big-Five dimensions and that these two factors provide a parsimonious taxonomy. However, not much empirical evidence has been documented as to the extent to which these traits relate to certain psychological constructs. In this study, we tested a structural model to investigate the individual differences in well-being and ill-being by examining the mediating effects of autonomy, relatedness, and competence on the extent to which two higher order factors of personality, namely Stability and Plasticity, are linked to life satisfaction and depression. In testing the model, we controlled for the effects of current affect. A large community sample participated and responded to self-measures of The Big-Five personality, basic psychological needs satisfaction, satisfaction with life, depressive symptoms, and positive and negative affect. The results revealed that satisfaction of basic psychological needs fully mediated the relationship between Plasticity and life satisfaction, as well as depression. It also fully mediated the relationship between Stability and life satisfaction, and partially mediated the relationship between Stability and depression.     

Internalized Homophobia,Coping, and Quality of Life Among Nigerian Gay and Bisexual Men

ABSTRACT

Despite high levels of homophobia in Nigeria, no studies have investigated the quality of life (QOL) of Nigerian gay and bisexual (GB) men. The associations between QOL and minority stress may differ from those reported in developed countries and may indicate alternative interventions. This study investigated internalized homophobia (IH) and coping strategies among gay and bisexual men in Nigeria and the relationships with overall QOL. Eighty-nine GB men were recruited with a snowball sampling technique. QOL (outcome), IH (predictor) and coping strategies (covariates) were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Relationships were investigated using linear regression analyses. Participants used adaptive more frequently than maladaptive coping strategies. The relationship between IH and QOL was nonlinear (β = ?0.27, 95% CI = ?0.48, ?0.06), and the positive component was attenuated by adaptive coping strategies. Adaptive strategies can be reinforced as a therapeutic intervention to improve wellbeing among gay and bisexual men in Nigeria.     

Level of parenting stress in mothers of singletons and mothers of twins until one year postpartum: A cross-sectional study

Problem

To date, it is unclear which factors are associated with parenting stress.

Minority Stress,Parenting Styles,and Mental Health in Brazilian Homosexual Men

ABSTRACT

Homosexual men are constantly exposed to prejudice and violence in Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between minority stress, parenting styles, and indicators of mental health problems in a sample of homosexual men. Method: quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational, and retrospective design. Participants were 101 Brazilian men who selfidentified as homosexuals, aged between 18 and 55 years. Results: concealing sexual identity was a predictor of depression and stress. Parental responsiveness was associated with a lower incidence of enacted stigma and depression. Conclusions: the mental health of homosexual men can be negatively affected by the need to conceal their sexual orientation. Parental responsiveness is a protective factor in terms of experiencing enacted stigma and depression. The results found in the study may be useful for counselors and social workers who are working with LGBT people and their families.     

Perceived social support and prenatal wellbeing; The mediating effects of loneliness and repetitive negative thinking on anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic

ProblemPrenatal depression and anxiety are linked to poor maternal and infant outcomes. We need to understand predictors of poor mental health to identify at-risk women, and targets for support.BackgroundPrevious research has demonstrated a relationship between low levels of perceived social support, and depression and anxiety in pregnant women. However, there is a lack of research into the factors that may mediate this relationship.AimAs social distancing measures (e.g., lockdown) are likely to negatively affect women’s perceived support in the prenatal period, we investigated the relationship between perceived social support and both anxiety and depression in UK-based pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, we examined two potential mediators that may contribute to psychological symptoms: repetitive negative thinking and loneliness.MethodsWe administered a battery of online measures to a sample of pregnant women (N = 205) between May-June 2020, during the first peak of the pandemic in the UK, when perceived social support was likely to be low.ResultsConsistent with predictions, perceived social support was significantly negatively related to depression, anxiety, loneliness and repetitive negative thinking. Furthermore, repetitive negative thinking and loneliness mediated the relationship between perceived social support and both depression and anxiety. Moreover, perceived social support and loneliness were associated with specific types of online behaviours.ConclusionsTaken together, the findings shed light on the processes through which social support may exert its effects on depression and anxiety and highlight potential therapeutic targets for interventions which aim to prevent and treat mood disorders in perinatal cohorts.     

When lesbians aren't gay: factors affecting depression among lesbians

Research on women and depression has neglected to explore how the factors that put women at risk for depression apply to lesbians. The present study examined four of the risk factors consistently cited in the women and depression literature (relationship status, relationship satisfaction, social support from friends, and social support from family), and two unique factors (outness and relationship status satisfaction), to determine their ability to predict depression among lesbians. Data were collected from 167 lesbians between the ages of 20 and 60. Perceived social support from friends, relationship status satisfaction, and perceived social support from family, were found to be significant predictors, accounting for 17.8% of the variance in depression, as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Study Depression Scale (CES-D). A second multiple regression equation focused on the 110 lesbians who were in committed relationships, using the variables relationship satisfaction, perceived social support from friends, perceived social support from family, and outness, to determine if relationship satisfaction added to the amount of variance which could be predicted in depression. Social support from friends was the only significant predictor in this equation, accounting for 5.8% of the variance in depression scores.     

Coping With Sexual Orientation–Related Minority Stress

Little is known about how adolescents cope with minority stressors related to sexual orientation. This study examined 245 lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) young adult’s (ages 21–25) retrospective reports of coping in response to LGB minority stress during adolescence (ages 13–19) to test the reliability and validity of a measure of minority stress coping. Further, the study examined associations between LGB minority stress coping and young adult psychosocial adjustment and high school attainment. Validation and reliability was found for three minority stress coping strategies: LGB-specific strategies (e.g., involvement with LGBT organizations), alternative-seeking strategies (e.g., finding new friends), and cognitive strategies (e.g., imagining a better future). LGB-specific strategies were associated with better psychosocial adjustment and greater likelihood of high school attainment in young adulthood, whereas alternative-seeking and cognitive-based strategies were associated with poorer adjustment and less likelihood of high school attainment.     

Socio-demographic Differences in Self-reported Psychological Distress Among 25- to 64-Year-Old Finns

Background Mental health problems are a major public health issue worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the relative importance of socio-demographic characteristics associated with different domains of psychological distress in Finland. Methods Data source was a nationwide survey “Health Behaviour and Health among the Finnish Adult Population” (AVTK), from years 2002 to 2003 (N = 5425; response rate 66%). Psychological distress was measured by self-reported questions of general mental health (MHI-5), depression, insomnia and stress. Socio-demographic factors included education, employment status, partnership and children living in the household. Main analyses were conducted by multivariate logistic regression. Results Education, employment and partnership were associated with most of the psychological distress outcomes. Respondents with a lower educational level had poor mental health in both genders but less insomnia and stress in men. Those with an intermediate education had the least stress in women. The unemployed and retired were at a higher risk for poor mental health and depression. Moreover, employment status was associated with insomnia and stress in men. Respondents not having a partner showed a higher risk of psychological distress according to all measures. Not having children living in the household was associated with insomnia in women and with less stress in men. Conclusions Socio-demographic factors, such as having a partner and employment status, are associated with several measures of psychological distress indicating the importance of social and economic factors to psychological well-being. The association of education and of having children living at home varies by the domain of psychological distress measure.     

A prospective examination of depression,anxiety and stress throughout pregnancy

BackgroundPerinatal distress has largely been conceptualised as the experience of depression and/or anxiety. Recent research has shown that the affective state of stress is also present during the perinatal period and thus may add to a broader understanding of perinatal distress.AimThe aims of the present study were to investigate the changes in depression, anxiety and stress symptoms across pregnancy, and to explore the prospective relationships between these symptoms.MethodsTwo-hundred and fourteen pregnant women were recruited when they were less than 16 weeks gestation. Women completed depression, anxiety and stress measures on a monthly basis, from 16 weeks gestation through to 36 weeks gestation. The covariate measures of sleep quality and social support were assessed bi-monthly at 16, 24 and 32 weeks gestation.FindingsLevels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms were all shown to change over time, with women experiencing fewer symptoms during the middle of their pregnancy. Higher symptoms early in pregnancy predicted higher symptom levels throughout the rest of pregnancy. Higher depression scores early in pregnancy were also shown to predict higher anxiety and higher stress scores in late pregnancy. Increased stress scores during mid pregnancy also predicted higher anxiety scores in late pregnancy.ConclusionCurrent findings indicate that symptom levels of depression, anxiety and stress vary over the course of pregnancy. Increased depression in early pregnancy seemed to be particularly pertinent as it not only predicted later depression symptoms, but also increased anxiety and stress in late pregnancy. Collectively, these results further highlight the importance of emotional health screening early in pregnancy.     

Maternal mental health and partner-delivered massage: A pilot study

BackgroundAnxiety and depression affects many pregnant women. Massage may be beneficial for supporting mental wellbeing during this time. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a partner-delivered relaxation massage program for pregnant women, and its impact on symptoms of antenatal anxiety, stress and depression.MethodsA feasibility randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare partner-delivered relaxation massage (intervention) with self-directed stress management (control). Women attended an initial workshop at 28–32 weeks gestation followed by completion of a self-directed massage or stress management program. Qualitative data about the feasibility and acceptability (primary outcomes) were collected via online participant diaries and post-birth interviews. Anxiety, depression and stress symptoms (secondary outcomes) were assessed using the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Birth outcomes were collected at the post- birth interview.ResultsA total of 14 women/partner dyads in the massage group and 13 women in the self-directed stress management group, attended the initial workshops. When interviewed, participants from both groups reported that the programs were feasible and acceptable. Women’s mean scores on all subscales of the DASS-21significantly decreased over time in both the intervention and the control group.ConclusionPregnant women found the partner-delivered massage program to be feasible and acceptable. Both programs decreased women’s symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress with no significant differences identified between the two groups. An adequately powered experimental study with a large representative sample is needed to determine whether partner-delivered relaxation massage reduces pregnant women’s symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress.