A psychological pathway from insomnia to depression among older adults
- Authors: Sadler, Paul , McLaren, Suzanne , Jenkins, Megan
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Psychogeriatrics Vol. 25, no. 8 (2013), p. 1375-1383
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- Description: Background: Higher levels of insomnia predict greater depression severity among older adults; however. The psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear. This study tested a path model that explored whether dysfunctional beliefs about sleep and hopelessness mediate. The relationship from insomnia to depression. It was hypothesized that insomnia would predict depression, both directly and indirectly, via dysfunctional beliefs about sleep and hopelessness. Methods: A community sample of 218 independent-living Australian older adults aged from 65 to 96 years completed a self-report questionnaire package. From the initial 218 participants, 171 completed a measure of depression three months later. Results: Path analysis demonstrated that maladaptive sleep beliefs and hopelessness partly explained how insomnia influenced depression, irrespective of the presence of obstructive sleep apnea and/or restless legs syndrome. Conclusions: An older adult's beliefs about sleep and sense of hopelessness were important psychological factors that helped explain how insomnia related to depression. © 2013 International Psychogeriatric Association.
- Description: 2003011128
Advancing cognitive behaviour therapy for older adults with comorbid insomnia and depression
- Authors: Sadler, Paul , McLaren, Suzanne , Klein, Britt , Jenkins, Megan
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Vol. 47, no. 2 (2018), p. 139-154
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- Description: Insomnia and depression are two of the most common mental health problems that negatively impact older adults. The burden associated with these highly comorbid conditions requires an innovative approach to treatment. There have been significant advancements in the field of cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) over recent years. CBT-I has evolved from targeting homogenous insomnia samples to now showing promising results for comorbid insomnia. CBT-I is not only effective at treating comorbid insomnia, but can also have a positive impact on depression severity. Despite these important clinical developments, limited research has explored whether modifying CBT-I programmes to specifically target comorbid depression could improve outcomes for older populations. This paper reviews recent literature and provides therapeutic recommendations to advance CBT-I for older adults with comorbid insomnia and depression. © 2017 Swedish Association for Behaviour Therapy.
Age, gender, and reasons for living among Australian adults
- Authors: McLaren, Suzanne
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior Vol. 41, no. 6 (2011), p. 650-660
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- Description: Reasons for living have been identified as protective factors in relation to suicide, and much research has documented gender differences in reasons for living. In contrast, little research has investigated age differences in reasons for living. In the current study, the relationship of age to reasons for living was investigated, as was whether age and gender interact to influence reasons for living. A community sample of Australian adults (N = 970) aged 18 to 95 years (M = 48.40, SD = 20.85) completed the Reasons for Living Inventory. Results for the main effects indicated that being female was associated with higher total, child-related concerns and fear of suicide (FS) scores, whereas increasing age was associated with higher total, responsibility to family (RF), FS, and moral objections scores. Age and gender interacted to influence RF, FS, and fear of social disapproval. For each of these reasons for living, increasing age was associated with higher scores for men; however, there was no association between age and these reasons for living scores among women. Overall, the results indicate that the influence of age, gender, or the combination of the two varies according to the reason for living being investigated. © 2011 The American Association of Suicidology.
Attitudes toward parenting in a lesbian and gay community convenience sample
- Authors: Riggs, Damien , McLaren, Suzanne , Mayes, Alys
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health Vol. 13, no. 1 (2009), p. 51 - 61
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- Description: This study sought to measure attitudes of lesbians and gay men toward lesbian and gay parents. Participants (126 gay men and 139 lesbians from 5 Australian states) were given one vignette featuring either a lesbian, gay, or heterosexual couple parenting a 16-year-old child. They rated the vignette parents in terms of their parenting competencies and suitability as parents. Findings suggest that overall, lesbian and gay parents were rated more positively than heterosexual parents, with lesbian participants being more likely to rate parents overall in more positive ways. Regression analysis did not find that the parent status of participants predicted their ratings of gay or lesbian parents per se, but a correlation was found between the number of children that participants had and their rating of the vignettes. This suggests the importance of future research including not only larger and more diverse sample sizes, but also research that examines the interaction of parenting status, gender, and number of children upon attitudes toward heterosexual, lesbian, and gay parents.
Barriers to accessing psychosocial support services among men with cancer living in rural Australia : Perceptions of men and health professionals
- Authors: Corboy, Denise , McDonald, John , McLaren, Suzanne
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Men's Health Vol. 10, no. 2 (2011), p. 163-183
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- Description: Little research has investigated formal psychosocial support use among men with cancer living in rural areas. The current study investigated perceived barriers to support service use among such men, within the framework of the Behavioral Model of Health Service Use. In a mixed methodology study, 82 men with cancer living in rural Australia were surveyed, and nine of these men, plus three health professionals, participated in semi-structured interviews. Reasons for not participating in formal support were sufficient informal support and subjective judgements about perceived need. Service availability was rarely endorsed by the men as a reason for non-participation, but was emphasised by health professionals. Identifying factors that impede or facilitate service use might enable rural men experiencing cancer-related distress to seek the extra psychosocial support they need. © 2011 by the Men's Studies Press, LLC. All rights reserved.
Cognitive behavior therapy for older adults with insomnia and depression : A randomized controlled trial in community mental health services
- Authors: Sadler, Paul , McLaren, Suzanne , Klein, Britt , Harvey, Jack , Jenkins, Megan
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sleep Vol. 41, no. 8 (2018), p. 1-12
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- Description: Study Objectives: To investigate whether cognitive behavior therapy was effective for older adults with comorbid insomnia and depression in a community mental health setting, and explore whether an advanced form of cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia produced better outcomes compared to a standard form of cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia. Methods: An 8-week randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted within community mental health services, Victoria, Australia. Seventy-two older adults (56% female, M age 75 ± 7 years) with diagnosed comorbid insomnia and depression participated. Three conditions were tested using a group therapy format: cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I, standard), cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia plus positive mood strategies (CBT-I+, advanced), psychoeducation control group (PCG, control). The primary outcomes were insomnia severity (Insomnia Severity Index) and depression severity (Geriatric Depression Scale). Primary and secondary measures were collected at pre (week 0), post (week 8), and follow-up (week 20). Results: CBT-I and CBT-I+ both generated significantly greater reductions in insomnia and depression severity compared to PCG from pre to post (p < .001), which were maintained at follow-up. Although the differences between outcomes of the two treatment conditions were not statistically significant, the study was not sufficiently powered to detect either superiority of one treatment or equivalence of the two treatment conditions. Conclusion: CBT-I and CBT-I+ were both effective at reducing insomnia and depression severity for older adults. Mental health services that deliver treatment for comorbid insomnia with cognitive behavior therapy may improve recovery outcomes for older adults with depression. Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR); URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au; Trial ID: ACTRN12615000067572; Date Registered: December 12, 2014.
Cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia and depression : qualitative reflections from older adults who participated in a randomised controlled trial
- Authors: Sadler, Paul , McLaren, Suzanne , Klein, Britt , Jenkins, Megan
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aging and Mental Health Vol. 24, no. 6 (2020), p. 932-938
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- Description: Objectives: To explore the experiences of older adults who participated in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) that tested cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia and depression. Methods: Focus groups were conducted post treatment for older adults (M age = 75 years; 61% female) who participated in a RCT that tested two experiential interventions targeting comorbid insomnia and depression (cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia, CBT-I; cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia plus positive mood strategies, CBT-I+). Six semi-structured focus group interviews (N = 31) were analysed using a qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Interview data were transcribed into 424 sentences and 60 codes were extracted. Thirty-four initial themes emerged, which were transformed into 3 themes and 10 subthemes. The three primary themes were (1) positive experiences, (2) negative experiences, and (3) suggested modifications. The positive subthemes were (1a) therapists, (1b) togetherness, (1c) use of strategies reduced symptoms, and (1d) acceptance. The negative subthemes were (2a) persistent symptoms, (2b) program too condensed, and (2c) attendance obstacles. The suggested modifications were (3a) lengthen program, (3b) multi-dimensional learning, and (3c) multi-modal delivery options. Conclusion: The experiences and suggestions identified in this study strengthen the foundation to advance therapeutic program development for older adults with comorbid insomnia and depression. Future CBT-I programs for older adults may be improved by increasing the length of therapy (e.g. 8 sessions to 12 sessions), adding multi-dimensional learning opportunities (e.g. visual/audio/mentorship), and offering various modes of treatment delivery (e.g. group, individual, internet, telephone). © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Description: Federation University Australia and the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship
Do I belong? Sense of belonging and mental health among older and younger Australian men
- Authors: Morris, Simon , McLaren, Suzanne
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Psychology Vol. 57, no. (2005), p. 234
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Evaluation of the bifactor structure of the dispositional hope scale
- Authors: Gomez, Rapson , McLaren, Suzanne , Sharp, Mersey , Smith, Cara , Hearn, Kate , Turner, Leah
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Personality Assessment Vol. 97, no. 2 (2015), p. 191-9
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- Description: The Dispositional Hope Scale (DHS; Snyder et al., 1991) is composed of items assessing an individual's perception of his or her agency and pathways. This study examined support for the bifactor structure and relation of the factors in this model with depressive symptoms. It also examined cross-gender measurement invariance for the bifactor model. A community sample of 413 women and 257 men completed the DHS. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated more support for the bifactor model than the 1- and 2-factor models. Results also indicated full measurement invariance across gender for the bifactor and the 2-factor models. The general and the specific agency factors, but not the specific pathways factor, correlated with depressive symptoms. The better support for the bifactor model suggests that ideally hope has to be measured and examined by factors reflecting high covariance for agency and pathways, and also factors reflecting unique variances for agency and pathways. The support for full cross-gender measurement invariance indicated that there are no differences in measurement and scaling properties for the DHS across ratings provided by women and men, and therefore the DHS ratings can be scored in the same way for women and men.
From Mardi Gras to Manangatang : Sense of belonging and mental health in Australian men as a function of sexual orientation
- Authors: Jude, Belinda , McLaren, Suzanne , McLachlan, Angus
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Psychology Vol. 55, no. (2003), p. 187
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Housing type and depressive symptoms among older adults: a test of sense of belonging as a mediating and moderating variable
- Authors: McLaren, Suzanne , Turner, Jayne , Gomez, Rapson , McLachlan, Angus , Gibbs, Petah
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aging & Mental Health Vol. 17, no. 8 (November 2013), p. 1023-1029
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- Description: Objectives: Higher levels of depression have been documented among older adults who reside in an assisted living facility, compared with those who remain in their own homes. The aims of the current study were to test whether the relationship between housing type and depressive symptoms was mediated by a sense of belonging and whether housing type and sense of belonging interact to influence the depressive symptoms among older adults (moderation model).Method: A sample of 257 older adults who lived in their own homes and 166 older adults who lived in an assisted living facility completed the psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.Results: Results showed that a sense of belonging partially mediated the relationship between housing type and depressive symptoms, such that living in a nursing home was associated with lower levels of belonging, and lower levels of belonging were, in turn, associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Residing in an assisted living facility was associated with depressive symptoms at low and average levels of belonging.Conclusion: Results highlight the need for more research on the role of sense of belonging as an influencing factor on depressive symptoms among institutionalised older adults for both theoretical and treatment goals.
- Description: C1
Intentions to use telephone and face-to-face support services: Attitudes of Australian men following prostatectomy
- Authors: Corboy, Denise , McLaren, Suzanne , McDonald, John , Jenkins, Megan
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology Vol. 8, no. (November 2012), p. 225-226
- Full Text: false
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- Description: C1
Internalized homonegativity, sense of belonging, and depressive symptoms among Australian gay men
- Authors: Davidson, Kenneth , McLaren, Suzanne , Jenkins, Megan , Corboy, Denise , Gibbs, Petah , Molloy, Mari
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Homosexuality Vol. 64, no. 4 (2017), p. 450-465
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Internalized homonegativity has been directly linked to depression among gay men. The aim of the study was to test whether internalized homonegativity is indirectly related to depressive symptoms via a sense of belonging to the broad gay community, gay groups, gay friends, and the general community. A sample of 246 self-identified Australian gay men, aged 18–82 years, completed the Internalized Homophobia Scale, the Psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument, the Sense of Belonging Within Gay Communities Scale, and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Results indicated that the final model was an excellent fit to the data. Internalized homonegativity was indirectly related to depressive symptoms via sense of belonging to gay groups, with gay friends, and to the general community. Interventions aimed at reducing internalized homonegativity among gay men have the potential to enhance sense of belonging and, in turn, decrease depressive symptoms. © 2017 Taylor & Francis.
Lesbians living in Australia : Sense of belonging and mental health
- Authors: McLaren, Suzanne
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Psychology Vol. 55, no. (2003), p. 197
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Marital status and problem gambling among Australian older adults : The mediating role of loneliness
- Authors: Botterill, Emma , Gill, Peter , McLaren, Suzanne , Gomez, Rapson
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Gambling Studies Vol. 32, no. 3 (2016), p. 1027-1038
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- Description: Problem gambling rates in older adults have risen dramatically in recent years and require further investigation. Limited available research has suggested that social needs may motivate gambling and hence problem gambling in older adults. Un-partnered older adults may be at greater risk of problem gambling than those with a partner. The current study explored whether loneliness mediated the marital status-problem gambling relationship, and whether gender moderated the mediation model. It was hypothesised that the relationship between being un-partnered and higher levels of loneliness would be stronger for older men than older women. A community sample of Australian men (n = 92) and women (n = 91) gamblers aged from 60 to 90 years (M = 69.75, SD = 7.28) completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Problem Gambling Severity Index. The results supported the moderated mediation model, with loneliness mediating the relationship between marital status and problem gambling for older men but not for older women. It appears that felt loneliness is an important predictor of problem gambling in older adults, and that meeting the social and emotional needs of un-partnered men is important.
Parents? You are kidding!
- Authors: Marchesani, Charmaine , McLaren, Suzanne , McLachlan, Angus
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Psychology Vol. 55, no. (2003), p. 194
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Physical activity alone and with others as predictors of sense of belonging and mental health in retirees
- Authors: Bailey, Maria , McLaren, Suzanne
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aging and Mental Health Vol. 9, no. 1 (2005), p. 82-90
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- Description: A high sense of belonging to the community and physical activity are associated with improved mental health in older people. The present study tested a model incorporating physical activities performed alone and with others as predictors of sense of belonging, depression and suicide ideation. One hundred and ninety four retired adults (87 males, 107 females, mean age 68 years) completed the Yale Physical Activity Survey, the Sense of Belonging Instrument, the Suicide Subscale of the General Health Questionnaire and the Zung Depression Inventory. Within the context of the model, neither participating in physical activities alone, nor with at least one other person, predicted sense of belonging, depression or suicide ideation. Having the abilities and motivation to belong was a predictor of participating in physical activities with others and actual feelings of belonging and contributed to predicting mental health in retirees. It was concluded that simply performing activities with others was not associated with a sense of belonging or mental health. Rather, sense of belonging may need to be facilitated in order for mental health to be enhanced.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001229
Predictors of support service use by rural and regional men with cancer
- Authors: Corboy, Denise , McLaren, Suzanne , McDonald, John
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 19, no. 4 (2011), p. 185-190
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- Description: Objective: The current study examined how sociodemographic, psychological, physical and social support variables predict participation in formal support services. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Participants were recruited from oncology clinics, cancer specialist clinics and cancer support groups. Participants: Seventy-six men living outside major Australian cities, the majority with prostate cancer (n=55). Main outcome measures: Participants completed the Brief Symptom Inventory, the List of Physical Complaints, the Social Support Subscale of the Coping Resources Inventory and questionnaires related to levels of awareness of, and participation in support services. Results: Most (82%) of the men were aware of at least one formal service offering emotional support, and 49% of the men had used such a service. Telephone- and Internet-based services were the most used type of support. The only predictor of participation in a formal service was lower age. Conclusions: Use of a support service was not predicted by psychological or physical symptoms, levels of social support or distance from service centres. Attitudes to different types of services, and support services in general, might be more predictive of actual use. The current findings point to the potential of telephone- and Internet-based support as an acceptable means of formal support for rural and regional men who experience cancer-related distress. © 2011 The Authors. Australian Journal of Rural Health © National Rural Health Alliance Inc.
Relationship Status and Suicidal Behavior in Gay Men: The Role of Thwarted Belongingness and Hope
- Authors: Riley, Kym , McLaren, Suzanne
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior Vol. 49, no. 5 (Oct 2019), p. 1452-1462
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- Description: ObjectiveLevels of suicidal behavior among gay men are a significant concern. The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide proposes that being unpartnered is a risk factor for suicidal behavior due to thwarted belongingness; however, this has yet to be tested empirically. Recent studies also indicate that the two components of hope, agency and pathways, may be protective against suicidal behavior. The first aim of the current study was to investigate whether thwarted belongingness mediates the relationship between relationship status and suicidal behavior in gay men. The study also examined whether agency and pathways weaken the association between relationship status and thwarted belongingness, and whether agency weakens the relation between thwarted belongingness and suicidal behavior. MethodA sample of 370 self-identified gay men aged from 18 to 66 years old (M = 26.13, SD = 8.02) completed the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire-Revised, and the Adult Dispositional Hope Scale. ResultsResults showed that thwarted belongingness mediated the relationship between relationship status and suicidal behavior. The hypothesized moderated-mediation models were not supported. ConclusionsThese findings have implications for the development of interventions that aim to reduce suicidal behaviors in gay men.
Resilience among men farmers : The protective roles of social support and sense of belonging in the depression-suicidal ideation relation
- Authors: McLaren, Suzanne , Challis, Chantal
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Death Studies Vol. 33, no. 3 (2009), p. 262-276
- Full Text: false
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- Description: This study investigated the applicability of 3 models of resiliency for the prediction of suicidal ideation from depression (the risk factor) and social support and sense of belonging (the protective factors). A sample of 99 Australian men farmers completed measures of depression, suicidal ideas, social support, and sense of belonging. Sense of belonging compensated for high levels of depression, and social support, sense of belonging, and an increasing number of protective factors each weakened the depression-suicidal ideation relation. The findings are limited because of the small sample and reliance on self-report measures, but suggest that increasing social support and sense of belonging may benefit the mental health of men farmers.
- Description: 2003008021