A randomized head to head trial of MoodSwings.net.au: An internet based self-help program for bipolar disorder
- Lauder, Sue, Chester, Andrea, Castle, David, Dodd, Seetal, Gliddon, Emma, Berk, Lesley, Chamberlain, James, Klein, Britt, Gilbert, Monica, Austin, David, Berk, Michael
- Authors: Lauder, Sue , Chester, Andrea , Castle, David , Dodd, Seetal , Gliddon, Emma , Berk, Lesley , Chamberlain, James , Klein, Britt , Gilbert, Monica , Austin, David , Berk, Michael
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Affective Disorders Vol. 171, no. (2014), p. 13-21
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- Description: Background Adjunctive psychosocial interventions are efficacious in bipolar disorder, but their incorporation into routine management plans are often confounded by cost and access constraints. We report here a comparative evaluation of two online programs hosted on a single website (www.moodswings.net.au). A basic version, called MoodSwings (MS), contains psychoeducation material and asynchronous discussion boards; and a more interactive program, MoodSwings Plus (MS-Plus), combined the basic psychoeducation material and discussion boards with elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These programs were evaluated in a head-to-head study design. Method Participants with Bipolar I or II disorder (n=156) were randomized to receive either MoodSwings or MoodSwings-Plus. Outcomes included mood symptoms, the occurrence of relapse, functionality, Locus of Control, social support, quality of life and medication adherence. Results Participants in both groups showed baseline to endpoint reductions in mood symptoms and improvements in functionality, quality of life and medication adherence. The MoodSwings-Plus group showed a greater number of within-group changes on symptoms and functioning in depression and mania, quality of life and social support, across both poles of the illness. MoodSwings-Plus was superior to MoodSwings in improvement on symptoms of mania scores at 12 months (p=0.02) but not on the incidence of recurrence. Limitations The study did not have an attention control group and therefore could not demonstrate efficacy of the two active arms. There was notable (81%) attrition by 12 months from baseline. Conclusion This study suggests that both CBT and psychoeducation delivered online may have utility in the management of bipolar disorder. They are feasible, readily accepted, and associated with improvement. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Lauder, Sue , Chester, Andrea , Castle, David , Dodd, Seetal , Gliddon, Emma , Berk, Lesley , Chamberlain, James , Klein, Britt , Gilbert, Monica , Austin, David , Berk, Michael
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Affective Disorders Vol. 171, no. (2014), p. 13-21
- Full Text:
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- Description: Background Adjunctive psychosocial interventions are efficacious in bipolar disorder, but their incorporation into routine management plans are often confounded by cost and access constraints. We report here a comparative evaluation of two online programs hosted on a single website (www.moodswings.net.au). A basic version, called MoodSwings (MS), contains psychoeducation material and asynchronous discussion boards; and a more interactive program, MoodSwings Plus (MS-Plus), combined the basic psychoeducation material and discussion boards with elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These programs were evaluated in a head-to-head study design. Method Participants with Bipolar I or II disorder (n=156) were randomized to receive either MoodSwings or MoodSwings-Plus. Outcomes included mood symptoms, the occurrence of relapse, functionality, Locus of Control, social support, quality of life and medication adherence. Results Participants in both groups showed baseline to endpoint reductions in mood symptoms and improvements in functionality, quality of life and medication adherence. The MoodSwings-Plus group showed a greater number of within-group changes on symptoms and functioning in depression and mania, quality of life and social support, across both poles of the illness. MoodSwings-Plus was superior to MoodSwings in improvement on symptoms of mania scores at 12 months (p=0.02) but not on the incidence of recurrence. Limitations The study did not have an attention control group and therefore could not demonstrate efficacy of the two active arms. There was notable (81%) attrition by 12 months from baseline. Conclusion This study suggests that both CBT and psychoeducation delivered online may have utility in the management of bipolar disorder. They are feasible, readily accepted, and associated with improvement. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
- Collins, Anna, Love, Anthony, Bloch, Sidney, Street, Annette, Duchesne, Gillian, Dunai, Judy, Couper, Jeremy
- Authors: Collins, Anna , Love, Anthony , Bloch, Sidney , Street, Annette , Duchesne, Gillian , Dunai, Judy , Couper, Jeremy
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Psycho-Oncology Vol.22, no.2 (2011), p. 465-469
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- Description: Objective: This paper aims to describe 'Cognitive Existential Couple Therapy' (CECT), a novel couples-based intervention for men with early stage prostate cancer (PCa) and their partners, and to report preliminary findings from a pilot study that investigated the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention and the measures to be used in a subsequent randomised controlled trial. Methods: A manualised CECT programme was delivered to 12 couples facing a diagnosis of PCa within the previous 12months by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. Participants completed measures of psychological distress, marital function and coping pattern before and after CECT. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine couples shortly after the completion of CECT. Results: The application of CECT was both feasible and acceptable as indicated by favourable participant compliance (10 of the 12 couples attended all six designated sessions), completion of measures before and after CECT and participation in semi-structured interviews by nine couples. Preliminary results included reduced levels of avoidance and hyperarousal after the programme, with this effect stronger in partners than in patients. Interviews demonstrated that couples valued the therapist's contribution to their overall care. Conclusions: Previous research suggests that a couple-focused psychological intervention is desirable in the context of early stage PCa. This pilot study has established that CECT is acceptable, feasible and valued by couples facing a recent PCa diagnosis and demonstrates a potential for reduced psychological distress following CECT. A randomised controlled trial is currently being undertaken to validate the efficacy of this novel approach. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- Razani, Jill, Corona, Roberto, Quilici, Jill, Matevosyan, Adelina, Funes, Cynthia, Larco, Andrea, Miloyan, Beyon, Avila, Justina, Chang, Julia, Goldberg, Hope, Lu, Po
- Authors: Razani, Jill , Corona, Roberto , Quilici, Jill , Matevosyan, Adelina , Funes, Cynthia , Larco, Andrea , Miloyan, Beyon , Avila, Justina , Chang, Julia , Goldberg, Hope , Lu, Po
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Clinical Gerontologist Vol. 37, no. 3 (2014), p. 235-252
- Full Text: false
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- Description: The degree to which changes in caregiver burden over a one-year period can be predicted by functioning of dementia patients and caregiver psychological stress was examined. The Direct Assessment of Functional Status (DAFS) was administered to 44 patients and the Caregiver Burden Inventory and the Brief Symptom Inventory were administered to their next-of-kin caregivers. All patients and caregivers were assessed at baseline and again in approximately one year with the same measures. Hierarchical regression revealed that baseline patient functioning predicted overall changes in caregiver burden, but that increases in psychological symptoms of caregivers such as depression, anxiety, and hostility were the best predictors for specific types of increased caregiver burden, such as social, developmental, or physical burden. These results suggest that interventions should target reduction of particular psychological symptoms in order to reduce caregiver burden over time.
- Corboy, Denise, Meier, Jasmine, McLaren, Suzanne
- Authors: Corboy, Denise , Meier, Jasmine , McLaren, Suzanne
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Psychology of Men & Masculinity Vol. 20, no. 4 (2019), p. 637-646
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- Description: A common form of treatment for Australian men with prostate cancer is a radical prostatectomy (RP). Although sociodemographic and medical factors have been found to be predictive of psychological distress following RP, the traditional masculine norms of self-reliance and stoicism are also implicated in poor psychological outcomes. The strength of the relationship between these masculine norms and distress may vary according to place of residence-specifically, living in regional/remote versus urban areas. The aim of the current study was to investigate these masculine norms as predictors of psychological distress among a sample of men who had received the same treatment for prostate cancer, in the context of place of residence. Participants were 447 men, aged between 42 and 77 years (M = 63.1, SD = 6.4), all of whom had undergone a RP within the previous 6 months. Participants completed self-report measures of psychological distress, physical functioning, self-reliance, and stoicism. As hypothesized, self-reliance and stoicism were independent and unique predictors of psychological distress, after controlling for sociodemographic and medical factors. Place of residence moderated the relationship between stoicism and distress, whereby the relationship was only significant for urban men. The relationship between self-reliance and distress was significant for all men regardless of place of residence. The current study takes an important step toward identifying potentially modifiable and context-specific factors that can impact the experience of psychological distress among men following RP.
COVID-19 distress and worries : the role of attitudes, social support, and positive coping during social isolation
- Moore, Kathleen, Lucas, James
- Authors: Moore, Kathleen , Lucas, James
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice Vol. 94, no. 2 (2021), p. 365-370
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- Description: As the COVID-19 pandemic accelerates, one public health response has been for governments to impose quarantine ‘lockdowns’ which require people to socially isolate. In this study, we explored the level of psychological distress that people experienced in social isolation and the factors which might ameliorate or exacerbate it. Two hundred and thirteen participants (69% female) with a mean age of 37.82 years participated in an online study. They completed a series of questions designed as part of a larger cross-national study. A positive attitude towards social isolation introduced by government as a strategy to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 was predictive of positive coping strategies, and both attitude and coping predicted reduced psychological distress. Participants’ worries about contagion of COVID-19, their financial status, and the economic and political impact of the COVID-19 pandemic predicted increases in their psychological distress. Social support from family and work colleagues was not significant in reducing worries or psychological distress but it did positively predict engagement in coping. The findings and recommendations are discussed. Practitioner points: Fostering a positive attitude towards social isolation in clients: reduces psychological distress, fosters engagement in positive coping behaviours. Enhancing clients’ level of social support received will serve to increase positive coping and indirectly reduce psychological distress during social isolation. Strategies to reduce clients’ COVID-19 worries are important as worry contributes to their overall level of psychological distress. © 2020 The British Psychological Society
- Authors: Moore, Kathleen , Lucas, James
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice Vol. 94, no. 2 (2021), p. 365-370
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- Description: As the COVID-19 pandemic accelerates, one public health response has been for governments to impose quarantine ‘lockdowns’ which require people to socially isolate. In this study, we explored the level of psychological distress that people experienced in social isolation and the factors which might ameliorate or exacerbate it. Two hundred and thirteen participants (69% female) with a mean age of 37.82 years participated in an online study. They completed a series of questions designed as part of a larger cross-national study. A positive attitude towards social isolation introduced by government as a strategy to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 was predictive of positive coping strategies, and both attitude and coping predicted reduced psychological distress. Participants’ worries about contagion of COVID-19, their financial status, and the economic and political impact of the COVID-19 pandemic predicted increases in their psychological distress. Social support from family and work colleagues was not significant in reducing worries or psychological distress but it did positively predict engagement in coping. The findings and recommendations are discussed. Practitioner points: Fostering a positive attitude towards social isolation in clients: reduces psychological distress, fosters engagement in positive coping behaviours. Enhancing clients’ level of social support received will serve to increase positive coping and indirectly reduce psychological distress during social isolation. Strategies to reduce clients’ COVID-19 worries are important as worry contributes to their overall level of psychological distress. © 2020 The British Psychological Society
Validation of the distress thermometer for caregivers of children and adolescents with schizophrenia
- Bai, Xiaoling, Wang, Anni, Cross, Wendy, Lam, Louisa, Plummer, Virginia, Guan, Ziyao, Sun, Mei, Tang, Siyuan
- Authors: Bai, Xiaoling , Wang, Anni , Cross, Wendy , Lam, Louisa , Plummer, Virginia , Guan, Ziyao , Sun, Mei , Tang, Siyuan
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Advanced Nursing Vol. 76, no. 2 (Feb 2020), p. 687-698
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- Description: Aim To develop and psychometrically test the distress thermometer for caregivers (DT-C) and document the distress level in primary caregivers of children and adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia. Design A validation diagnostic accuracy study and descriptive cross-sectional survey. Methods DT-C was adopted based on Harverman's distress thermometer for parents. The cut-off score was detected by using receiver operating characteristic analysis with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 as a reference standard in a sample of 324 caregivers of children and adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia in China collected between Jan 2017 and Feb 2018. Results One-item DT of DT-C indicated a good retest reliability (r = 0.86) and one-item DT and the Problem List (PL) indicated good convergent validity (r = 0.67-0.88). Overall and individual PL domains showed good internal consistency (KR 20 values ranged from 0.70-0.90). Setting seven as the cut-off score, the values of sensitivity (0.72-0.81), specificity (0.86-0.90), Youden's index (0.61-0.70), positive predictive value (0.67-0.74), and negative predictive value (0.84-0.92) were most satisfactory and area under curve values showed significantly excellent discrimination (0.88-0.90). The average DT score for the 324 participants was 6.34 (SD 2.49), with 46.9% of the participants above the cut-off. Caregivers above the cut-off score faced significant multiple problems in practical, family/social, cognitive, emotional, and parenting domains. Conclusion The DT-C, with six domains containing 35 items in Problem List and with the cut-off score at seven, can be a rapid screening tool to measure distress in these caregivers. The level of distress in caregivers was relatively high. Psychoeducation on specific needs and a solid mutual support network are recommended for mitigating caregivers' distress. Impact This study adapted a reliable DT-C to measure distress of caregivers, which has the potential to be introduced to caregivers of other types of child and adolescent mental disorders in research, assessments and care planning for health professionals.
Problem gambling and family violence : findings from a population-representative study
- Dowling, Nicki, Ewin, Carrie, Youssef, George, Merkouris, Stephanie, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Dowling, Nicki , Ewin, Carrie , Youssef, George , Merkouris, Stephanie , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Behavioral Addictions Vol. 7, no. 3 (2018), p. 806-813
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- Description: Background and aims: Few studies have investigated the association between problem gambling (PG) and violence extending into the family beyond intimate partners. This study aimed to explore the association between PG and family violence (FV) in a population-representative sample. It was hypothesized that: (a) PG would be positively associated with FV, even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and comorbidities and (b) these relationships would be significantly exacerbated by substance use and psychological distress. A secondary aim was to explore whether gender moderated these relationships. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted with a population-representative sample of 4,153 Australian adults. Results: Moderate-risk (MR)/problem gamblers had a 2.73-fold increase in the odds of experiencing FV victimization (21.3%; 95% CI: 13.1-29.4) relative to nonproblem gamblers (9.4%; 95% CI: 8.5-10.4). They also had a 2.56-fold increase in the odds of experiencing FV perpetration (19.7%; 95% CI: 11.8-27.7) relative to non-problem gamblers (9.0%; 95% CI: 8.0-10.0). Low-risk gamblers also had over a twofold increase in the odds of experiencing FV victimization (20.0%; 95% CI: 14.0-26.0) and perpetration (19.3%; 95% CI: 13.5-25.1). These relationships remained robust for low-risk gamblers, but were attenuated for MR/problem gamblers, after adjustment for substance use and psychological distress. MR/problem gamblers had a greater probability of FV victimization, if they reported hazardous alcohol use; and low-risk gamblers had a greater probability of FV perpetration if they were female. Discussion and conclusion: These findings provide further support for routine screening, highlight the need for prevention and intervention programs, and suggest that reducing alcohol use may be important in these efforts. © 2018 The Author(s). **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Shane Thomas” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Dowling, Nicki , Ewin, Carrie , Youssef, George , Merkouris, Stephanie , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Behavioral Addictions Vol. 7, no. 3 (2018), p. 806-813
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Background and aims: Few studies have investigated the association between problem gambling (PG) and violence extending into the family beyond intimate partners. This study aimed to explore the association between PG and family violence (FV) in a population-representative sample. It was hypothesized that: (a) PG would be positively associated with FV, even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and comorbidities and (b) these relationships would be significantly exacerbated by substance use and psychological distress. A secondary aim was to explore whether gender moderated these relationships. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted with a population-representative sample of 4,153 Australian adults. Results: Moderate-risk (MR)/problem gamblers had a 2.73-fold increase in the odds of experiencing FV victimization (21.3%; 95% CI: 13.1-29.4) relative to nonproblem gamblers (9.4%; 95% CI: 8.5-10.4). They also had a 2.56-fold increase in the odds of experiencing FV perpetration (19.7%; 95% CI: 11.8-27.7) relative to non-problem gamblers (9.0%; 95% CI: 8.0-10.0). Low-risk gamblers also had over a twofold increase in the odds of experiencing FV victimization (20.0%; 95% CI: 14.0-26.0) and perpetration (19.3%; 95% CI: 13.5-25.1). These relationships remained robust for low-risk gamblers, but were attenuated for MR/problem gamblers, after adjustment for substance use and psychological distress. MR/problem gamblers had a greater probability of FV victimization, if they reported hazardous alcohol use; and low-risk gamblers had a greater probability of FV perpetration if they were female. Discussion and conclusion: These findings provide further support for routine screening, highlight the need for prevention and intervention programs, and suggest that reducing alcohol use may be important in these efforts. © 2018 The Author(s). **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Shane Thomas” is provided in this record**
COVID-19 : factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies among community members across 17 countries
- Rahman, Muhammad Aziz, Banik, Biswajit, Salehin, Masudus, Joseph, Bindu, Lam, Louisa, Watts, Mimmie, Cross, Wendy
- Authors: Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Banik, Biswajit , Salehin, Masudus , Joseph, Bindu , Lam, Louisa , Watts, Mimmie , Cross, Wendy
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Globalization and Health Vol. 17, no. 1 (2021), p.
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- Description: Background: The current pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the psychological wellbeing of populations globally. Objectives: We aimed to examine the extent and identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study across 17 countries during Jun-2020 to Jan-2021. Levels of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale), and coping (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) were assessed. Results: A total of 8,559 people participated; mean age (±SD) was 33(±13) years, 64% were females and 40% self-identified as frontline workers. More than two-thirds (69%) experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, which was 46% in Thailand and 91% in Egypt. A quarter (24%) had high levels of fear of COVID-19, which was as low as 9% in Libya and as high as 38% in Bangladesh. More than half (57%) exhibited medium to high resilient coping; the lowest prevalence (3%) was reported in Australia and the highest (72%) in Syria. Being female (AOR 1.31 [95% CIs 1.09-1.57]), perceived distress due to change of employment status (1.56 [1.29-1.90]), comorbidity with mental health conditions (3.02 [1.20-7.60]) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and fear. Doctors had higher psychological distress (1.43 [1.04-1.97]), but low levels of fear of COVID-19 (0.55 [0.41-0.76]); nurses had medium to high resilient coping (1.30 [1.03-1.65]). Conclusions: The extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping varied by country; however, we identified few higher risk groups who were more vulnerable than others. There is an urgent need to prioritise health and well-being of those people through well-designed intervention that may need to be tailored to meet country specific requirements. © 2021, The Author(s). **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the Federation University Australia affiliates are named “Muhammad Aziz Rahman, Biswajit Banik, Masudus Salehin, Joseph Bindu, Louisa Lam, Mimmie Watts and Wendy Cross” are provided in this record**
- Authors: Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Banik, Biswajit , Salehin, Masudus , Joseph, Bindu , Lam, Louisa , Watts, Mimmie , Cross, Wendy
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Globalization and Health Vol. 17, no. 1 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The current pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the psychological wellbeing of populations globally. Objectives: We aimed to examine the extent and identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study across 17 countries during Jun-2020 to Jan-2021. Levels of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale), and coping (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) were assessed. Results: A total of 8,559 people participated; mean age (±SD) was 33(±13) years, 64% were females and 40% self-identified as frontline workers. More than two-thirds (69%) experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, which was 46% in Thailand and 91% in Egypt. A quarter (24%) had high levels of fear of COVID-19, which was as low as 9% in Libya and as high as 38% in Bangladesh. More than half (57%) exhibited medium to high resilient coping; the lowest prevalence (3%) was reported in Australia and the highest (72%) in Syria. Being female (AOR 1.31 [95% CIs 1.09-1.57]), perceived distress due to change of employment status (1.56 [1.29-1.90]), comorbidity with mental health conditions (3.02 [1.20-7.60]) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and fear. Doctors had higher psychological distress (1.43 [1.04-1.97]), but low levels of fear of COVID-19 (0.55 [0.41-0.76]); nurses had medium to high resilient coping (1.30 [1.03-1.65]). Conclusions: The extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping varied by country; however, we identified few higher risk groups who were more vulnerable than others. There is an urgent need to prioritise health and well-being of those people through well-designed intervention that may need to be tailored to meet country specific requirements. © 2021, The Author(s). **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the Federation University Australia affiliates are named “Muhammad Aziz Rahman, Biswajit Banik, Masudus Salehin, Joseph Bindu, Louisa Lam, Mimmie Watts and Wendy Cross” are provided in this record**
COVID-19 related psychological distress, fear and coping : identification of high-risk groups in Bangladesh
- Rahman, Muhammad Aziz, Rahman, Shaila, Wazib, Amit, Salehin, Masudus, Cross, Wendy
- Authors: Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Rahman, Shaila , Wazib, Amit , Salehin, Masudus , Cross, Wendy
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychiatry Vol. 12, no. (2021), p. 718654
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- Description: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed psychological distress and fear across the globe; however, factors associated with those issues or the ways people cope may vary by country or context. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies for people living in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in August-September 2020 using online platforms in Bangladesh. People residing in Bangladesh, aged ≥18 years, who were proficient in English and able to respond to online questionnaire. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to assess the psychological stress. Level of fear was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and strategies to cope were assessed using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Results: Of the 962 participants, half of them were aged between 30 and 59 years. Being born in Bangladesh, having graduate education, perceived distress due to employment change, effect of COVID-19 on financial situation, having multiple comorbidities, and visiting a healthcare provider in the last 4 weeks were associated with higher levels of both psychological distress and fear of COVID-19. Furthermore, higher psychological distress was associated with being a female (AOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.33–2.47, p < 0.001), being a frontline worker (AOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.04–2.15, p < 0.05), having pre-existing psychiatric problems (AOR 4.03, 95% CI 1.19–13.7, p < 0.05), being a smoker (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.32–3.09, p < 0.01), providing care to a known/suspected COVID-19 patient (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.40–2.72, p < 0.001), having a recent overseas travel history and being in self-quarantine (AOR 4.59, 95% CI 1.23–17.2, p < 0.05), self-isolation without COVID-19 (AOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.68–4.13, p < 0.001) or being COVID-19 positive (AOR 2.53, 95% CI 1.19–5.34, p < 0.05), and having high levels of fear of COVID-19 (AOR 3.27, 95% CI 2.29–4.66, p < 0.001). A higher level of fear was associated with moderate to high levels of psychological distress (AOR 3.29, 95% CI 2.31–4.69, p < 0.001). People with pre-existing mental health problems were less likely to be resilient (AOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.11–0.54, p < 0.01), whereas those with having an income were more likely to be resilient (AOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.02–2.11, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Effective interventions to support the vulnerable groups including improved access to mental health services are of utmost importance during the pandemic. © Copyright © 2021 Rahman, Rahman, Wazib, Arafat, Chowdhury, Uddin, Rahman, Bahar Moni, Alif, Sultana, Salehin, Islam, Cross and Bahar. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman, Masudus Salehin, Wendy Cross" is provided in this record**
- Authors: Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Rahman, Shaila , Wazib, Amit , Salehin, Masudus , Cross, Wendy
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychiatry Vol. 12, no. (2021), p. 718654
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed psychological distress and fear across the globe; however, factors associated with those issues or the ways people cope may vary by country or context. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies for people living in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in August-September 2020 using online platforms in Bangladesh. People residing in Bangladesh, aged ≥18 years, who were proficient in English and able to respond to online questionnaire. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to assess the psychological stress. Level of fear was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and strategies to cope were assessed using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Results: Of the 962 participants, half of them were aged between 30 and 59 years. Being born in Bangladesh, having graduate education, perceived distress due to employment change, effect of COVID-19 on financial situation, having multiple comorbidities, and visiting a healthcare provider in the last 4 weeks were associated with higher levels of both psychological distress and fear of COVID-19. Furthermore, higher psychological distress was associated with being a female (AOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.33–2.47, p < 0.001), being a frontline worker (AOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.04–2.15, p < 0.05), having pre-existing psychiatric problems (AOR 4.03, 95% CI 1.19–13.7, p < 0.05), being a smoker (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.32–3.09, p < 0.01), providing care to a known/suspected COVID-19 patient (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.40–2.72, p < 0.001), having a recent overseas travel history and being in self-quarantine (AOR 4.59, 95% CI 1.23–17.2, p < 0.05), self-isolation without COVID-19 (AOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.68–4.13, p < 0.001) or being COVID-19 positive (AOR 2.53, 95% CI 1.19–5.34, p < 0.05), and having high levels of fear of COVID-19 (AOR 3.27, 95% CI 2.29–4.66, p < 0.001). A higher level of fear was associated with moderate to high levels of psychological distress (AOR 3.29, 95% CI 2.31–4.69, p < 0.001). People with pre-existing mental health problems were less likely to be resilient (AOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.11–0.54, p < 0.01), whereas those with having an income were more likely to be resilient (AOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.02–2.11, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Effective interventions to support the vulnerable groups including improved access to mental health services are of utmost importance during the pandemic. © Copyright © 2021 Rahman, Rahman, Wazib, Arafat, Chowdhury, Uddin, Rahman, Bahar Moni, Alif, Sultana, Salehin, Islam, Cross and Bahar. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman, Masudus Salehin, Wendy Cross" is provided in this record**
- O'Donohue, Katelyn, Berger, Emily, McLean, Louise, Gao, Caroline, Broder, Jonathan, Abramson, Michael, Sim, Malcolm, Ikin, Jillian, Brown, David, Dimitriadis, Christina, Walker, Judi, Carroll, Matthew
- Authors: O'Donohue, Katelyn , Berger, Emily , McLean, Louise , Gao, Caroline , Broder, Jonathan , Abramson, Michael , Sim, Malcolm , Ikin, Jillian , Brown, David , Dimitriadis, Christina , Walker, Judi , Carroll, Matthew
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction Vol. 70, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: A cross-sectional survey of 3090 Morwell adults, including 446 young adults (18–34) was administered approximately 2.5 years following the 2014 Hazelwood smoke event in Morwell, Victoria. Young adults with higher smoke exposure tended to experience greater psychological distress than other ages. For every 10 (μg/m3) increase in exposure there was a 2.08 point increase in event related psychological distress for young adults (95% CI: 0.11 to 4.10) compared to no increase for adults aged 65 and over (−0.04; 95% CI: -0.75 to 0.67). A similar non-significant trend was identified for general psychological distress. Prior mental health conditions and prior traumatic event exposures also tended to place young adults at higher risk of general psychological distress. These findings have critical implications for intervening with young adults following prolonged smoke events. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Psychological distress, fear and coping strategies during the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Germany
- Elsayed, Mohamed, Schönfeldt-Lecuona, Carlos, Welte, Xenia, Dardeer, Khaled, Kamal, Manar, Abdelnaby, Ramy, Rudek, Markus, Riedel, Evelyne, Denkinger, Michael, Gahr, Maximilian, Connemann, Bernhard, Alif, Sheikh, Banik, Biswajit, Cross, Wendy, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Elsayed, Mohamed , Schönfeldt-Lecuona, Carlos , Welte, Xenia , Dardeer, Khaled , Kamal, Manar , Abdelnaby, Ramy , Rudek, Markus , Riedel, Evelyne , Denkinger, Michael , Gahr, Maximilian , Connemann, Bernhard , Alif, Sheikh , Banik, Biswajit , Cross, Wendy , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychiatry Vol. 13, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed enormous psychological discomfort and fear across the globe, including Germany. Objectives: To assess the levels of COVID-19 associated psychological distress and fear amongst Southern German population, and to identify their coping strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted in healthcare and community settings in the region of Ulm, Southern Germany. Assessment inventories were the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS), and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), which were valid and reliable tools. Results: A total of 474 Individuals participated in the study. The mean age was 33.6 years, and 327 (69%) were females. Most participants (n = 381, 80.4%) had high levels of psychological distress, whereas only 5.1% had high levels of fear, and two-thirds of participants showed higher levels of coping. Moderate to very high levels of psychological distress were associated with being female, living alone, distress due to employment changes, experiencing financial impact, having multiple co-morbidities, being a smoker, increased alcohol use over the previous 6 months, contact with COVID-19 cases and healthcare providers for COVID-19-related stress. Individuals who were
- Authors: Elsayed, Mohamed , Schönfeldt-Lecuona, Carlos , Welte, Xenia , Dardeer, Khaled , Kamal, Manar , Abdelnaby, Ramy , Rudek, Markus , Riedel, Evelyne , Denkinger, Michael , Gahr, Maximilian , Connemann, Bernhard , Alif, Sheikh , Banik, Biswajit , Cross, Wendy , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychiatry Vol. 13, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed enormous psychological discomfort and fear across the globe, including Germany. Objectives: To assess the levels of COVID-19 associated psychological distress and fear amongst Southern German population, and to identify their coping strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted in healthcare and community settings in the region of Ulm, Southern Germany. Assessment inventories were the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS), and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), which were valid and reliable tools. Results: A total of 474 Individuals participated in the study. The mean age was 33.6 years, and 327 (69%) were females. Most participants (n = 381, 80.4%) had high levels of psychological distress, whereas only 5.1% had high levels of fear, and two-thirds of participants showed higher levels of coping. Moderate to very high levels of psychological distress were associated with being female, living alone, distress due to employment changes, experiencing financial impact, having multiple co-morbidities, being a smoker, increased alcohol use over the previous 6 months, contact with COVID-19 cases and healthcare providers for COVID-19-related stress. Individuals who were
- Burn, Michele, Lewis, Andrew, McDonald, Louise, Toumbourou, John
- Authors: Burn, Michele , Lewis, Andrew , McDonald, Louise , Toumbourou, John
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian psychologist Vol. 54, no. 4 (2019), p. 261-271
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This is the first pilot study to examine the Australian adaptation of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP), a manualised family intervention recommended internationally in evidence reviews to improve family functioning and child mental health. The study compared two versions (8 vs. 14-session) and longitudinally evaluated outcomes for child emotional and behavioural difficulties, and parental psychological distress. Fifty-eight families from disadvantaged primary schools in regional Victoria with children 8-12-years (80.6% of initially enrolled families, 62 parents and 74 children) completed the program and evaluation measures. Measures were repeated at pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up and included the Kessler 6, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and subscales adapted from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and Communities that Care Youth Survey. The program showed significant reductions in child difficulties and parental psychological distress from pre- to post-measurements that were sustained at follow-up. Reductions in parental psychological distress were significantly associated with reductions in child difficulties at follow-up. The 8- and 14-session formats were not found to be significantly different in reducing child difficulties or parental psychological distress. Effect sizes for the Australian version were similar to those reported in previous U.S. trials. Findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of an Australian adaptation of the SFP. The current study is unique in identifying similar outcomes for shorter and longer versions of the intervention. It is recommended that the 8-session Australian version is examined in a larger randomised controlled trial where children present with behavioural and emotional problems.
- Linardon, Jake, Shatte, Adrian, Rosato, John, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew
- Authors: Linardon, Jake , Shatte, Adrian , Rosato, John , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Psychological Medicine Vol. 52, no. 9 (2022), p. 1679-1690
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Abstract Background Although effective treatments exist for diagnostic and subthreshold-level eating disorders (EDs), a significant proportion of affected individuals do not receive help. Interventions translated for delivery through smartphone apps may be one solution towards reducing this treatment gap. However, evidence for the efficacy of smartphones apps for EDs is lacking. We developed a smartphone app based on the principles and techniques of transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy for EDs and evaluated it through a pre-registered randomized controlled trial. Methods Symptomatic individuals (those who reported the presence of binge eating) were randomly assigned to the app ( n = 197) or waiting list ( n = 195). Of the total sample, 42 and 31% exhibited diagnostic-level bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder symptoms, respectively. Assessments took place at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks post-randomization. Analyses were intention-to-treat. The primary outcome was global levels of ED psychopathology. Secondary outcomes were other ED symptoms, impairment, and distress. Results Intervention participants reported greater reductions in global ED psychopathology than the control group at post-test ( d = −0.80). Significant effects were also observed for secondary outcomes ( d 's = −0.30 to −0.74), except compensatory behavior frequency. Symptom levels remained stable at follow-up. Participants were largely satisfied with the app, although the overall post-test attrition rate was 35%. Conclusion Findings highlight the potential for this app to serve as a cost-effective and easily accessible intervention for those who cannot receive standard treatment. The capacity for apps to be flexibly integrated within current models of mental health care delivery may prove vital for addressing the unmet needs of people with EDs.
Psychological distress, fear and coping strategies among hong kong people during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Chair, Sek, Chien, Wai, Liu, Ting, Lam, Louisa, Cross, Wendy, Banik, Biswajit, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Chair, Sek , Chien, Wai , Liu, Ting , Lam, Louisa , Cross, Wendy , Banik, Biswajit , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Current Psychology Vol. 42, no. 3 (2023), p. 2538-2557
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to potential adverse effects on the mental health status of a wide range of people. This study aimed to identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among general population in Hong Kong. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale; level of fear was evaluated using the Fear of COVID-19 scale; and coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify key factors associated with these mental health variables. Of the 555 participants, 53.9% experienced moderate to very high levels of psychological distress, 31.2% experienced a high level of fear of COVID-19, and 58.6% showed moderate to high resilient coping. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that living with family members, current alcohol consumption, and higher level of fear were associated with higher levels of psychological distress; perceived stress due to a change in employment condition, being a frontline worker, experiencing ‘moderate to very high’ distress, and healthcare service use to overcome the COVID-19 related stress in past 6 months were associated with a higher level of fear; and perceived better mental health status was associated with a moderate to high resilient coping. This study identified key factors associated with distress, fear and coping strategies during the pandemic in Hong Kong. Mental health support strategies should be provided continuously to prevent the mental impact of the pandemic from turning into long-term illness. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
- Authors: Chair, Sek , Chien, Wai , Liu, Ting , Lam, Louisa , Cross, Wendy , Banik, Biswajit , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Current Psychology Vol. 42, no. 3 (2023), p. 2538-2557
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to potential adverse effects on the mental health status of a wide range of people. This study aimed to identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among general population in Hong Kong. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale; level of fear was evaluated using the Fear of COVID-19 scale; and coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify key factors associated with these mental health variables. Of the 555 participants, 53.9% experienced moderate to very high levels of psychological distress, 31.2% experienced a high level of fear of COVID-19, and 58.6% showed moderate to high resilient coping. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that living with family members, current alcohol consumption, and higher level of fear were associated with higher levels of psychological distress; perceived stress due to a change in employment condition, being a frontline worker, experiencing ‘moderate to very high’ distress, and healthcare service use to overcome the COVID-19 related stress in past 6 months were associated with a higher level of fear; and perceived better mental health status was associated with a moderate to high resilient coping. This study identified key factors associated with distress, fear and coping strategies during the pandemic in Hong Kong. Mental health support strategies should be provided continuously to prevent the mental impact of the pandemic from turning into long-term illness. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
COVID-19 : factors associated with the psychological distress, fear and resilient coping strategies among community members in Saudi Arabia
- Alharbi, Talal, Alqurashi, Alaa, Mahmud, Ilias, Alharbi, Rayan, Islam, Sheikh, Almustanyir, Sami, Maklad, Ahmed, AlSarraj, Ahmad, Mughaiss, Lujain, Al-Tawfiq, Jaffar, Ahmed, Ahmed, Barry, Mazin, Ghozy, Sherief, Alabdan, Lulwah, Alif, Sheikh, Sultana, Farhana, Salehin, Masudus, Banik, Biswajit, Cross, Wendy, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Alharbi, Talal , Alqurashi, Alaa , Mahmud, Ilias , Alharbi, Rayan , Islam, Sheikh , Almustanyir, Sami , Maklad, Ahmed , AlSarraj, Ahmad , Mughaiss, Lujain , Al-Tawfiq, Jaffar , Ahmed, Ahmed , Barry, Mazin , Ghozy, Sherief , Alabdan, Lulwah , Alif, Sheikh , Sultana, Farhana , Salehin, Masudus , Banik, Biswajit , Cross, Wendy , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Healthcare (Switzerland) Vol. 11, no. 8 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: (1) Background: COVID-19 caused the worst international public health crisis, accompanied by major global economic downturns and mass-scale job losses, which impacted the psychosocial wellbeing of the worldwide population, including Saudi Arabia. Evidence of the high-risk groups impacted by the pandemic has been non-existent in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study examined factors associated with psychosocial distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping strategies among the general population in Saudi Arabia. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in healthcare and community settings in the Saudi Arabia using an anonymous online questionnaire. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) were used to assess psychological distress, fear and coping strategies, respectively. Multivariate logistic regressions were used, and an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) was reported. (3) Results: Among 803 participants, 70% (n = 556) were females, and the median age was 27 years; 35% (n = 278) were frontline or essential service workers; and 24% (n = 195) reported comorbid conditions including mental health illness. Of the respondents, 175 (21.8%) and 207 (25.8%) reported high and very high psychological distress, respectively. Factors associated with moderate to high levels of psychological distress were: youth, females, non-Saudi nationals, those experiencing a change in employment or a negative financial impact, having comorbidities, and current smoking. A high level of fear was reported by 89 participants (11.1%), and this was associated with being ex-smokers (3.72, 1.14–12.14, 0.029) and changes in employment (3.42, 1.91–6.11, 0.000). A high resilience was reported by 115 participants (14.3%), and 333 participants (41.5%) had medium resilience. Financial impact and contact with known/suspected cases (1.63, 1.12–2.38, 0.011) were associated with low, medium, to high resilient coping. (4) Conclusions: People in Saudi Arabia were at a higher risk of psychosocial distress along with medium-high resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, warranting urgent attention from healthcare providers and policymakers to provide specific mental health support strategies for their current wellbeing and to avoid a post-pandemic mental health crisis. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Alharbi, Talal , Alqurashi, Alaa , Mahmud, Ilias , Alharbi, Rayan , Islam, Sheikh , Almustanyir, Sami , Maklad, Ahmed , AlSarraj, Ahmad , Mughaiss, Lujain , Al-Tawfiq, Jaffar , Ahmed, Ahmed , Barry, Mazin , Ghozy, Sherief , Alabdan, Lulwah , Alif, Sheikh , Sultana, Farhana , Salehin, Masudus , Banik, Biswajit , Cross, Wendy , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Healthcare (Switzerland) Vol. 11, no. 8 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: (1) Background: COVID-19 caused the worst international public health crisis, accompanied by major global economic downturns and mass-scale job losses, which impacted the psychosocial wellbeing of the worldwide population, including Saudi Arabia. Evidence of the high-risk groups impacted by the pandemic has been non-existent in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study examined factors associated with psychosocial distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping strategies among the general population in Saudi Arabia. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in healthcare and community settings in the Saudi Arabia using an anonymous online questionnaire. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) were used to assess psychological distress, fear and coping strategies, respectively. Multivariate logistic regressions were used, and an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) was reported. (3) Results: Among 803 participants, 70% (n = 556) were females, and the median age was 27 years; 35% (n = 278) were frontline or essential service workers; and 24% (n = 195) reported comorbid conditions including mental health illness. Of the respondents, 175 (21.8%) and 207 (25.8%) reported high and very high psychological distress, respectively. Factors associated with moderate to high levels of psychological distress were: youth, females, non-Saudi nationals, those experiencing a change in employment or a negative financial impact, having comorbidities, and current smoking. A high level of fear was reported by 89 participants (11.1%), and this was associated with being ex-smokers (3.72, 1.14–12.14, 0.029) and changes in employment (3.42, 1.91–6.11, 0.000). A high resilience was reported by 115 participants (14.3%), and 333 participants (41.5%) had medium resilience. Financial impact and contact with known/suspected cases (1.63, 1.12–2.38, 0.011) were associated with low, medium, to high resilient coping. (4) Conclusions: People in Saudi Arabia were at a higher risk of psychosocial distress along with medium-high resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, warranting urgent attention from healthcare providers and policymakers to provide specific mental health support strategies for their current wellbeing and to avoid a post-pandemic mental health crisis. © 2023 by the authors.
- Galbally, Megan, Watson, Stuart, Boyce, Philip, Lewis, Andrew
- Authors: Galbally, Megan , Watson, Stuart , Boyce, Philip , Lewis, Andrew
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Social Psychiatry Vol. 65, no. 3 (2019), p. 225-234
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Improving our understanding of the relationship between maternal depression and parenting stress is likely to lie in the range of additional factors that are associated with vulnerability to depression and also to parenting stress. Objectives: To examine the role of trauma and partner support, in understanding the relationship between perinatal depression and parenting stress. Methods: This study utilises data from 246 women in a pregnancy cohort study that followed women from early pregnancy until their infant was 12 months. Included were both women with a diagnosis of depression and those without depression. The measures included Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Social Support Effectiveness Questionnaire and the Parenting Stress Index. Results: We found women with depression were more likely to report a history of childhood trauma. Depressive symptoms were positively associated with parenting stress while partner support was negatively associated with parenting stress. The protective role of partner support for parenting distress was observed in those with no history of childhood abuse and low depressive symptoms, but not in those with a trauma history and high depressive symptoms. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of early trauma in understanding the protective role of support on the relationship between parenting and depression. These findings can inform future studies and the refinement of future interventions aimed at both perinatal depression and parenting.
Risk factors for paternal perinatal depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Chhabra, Jasleen, McDermott, Brett, Li, Wendy
- Authors: Chhabra, Jasleen , McDermott, Brett , Li, Wendy
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Psychology of men & masculinity Vol. 21, no. 4 (2020), p. 593-611
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article aims to identify the risk factors associated with paternal perinatal depression and anxiety. Studies published between January 1950 and December 2017 that report paternal depression and anxiety in the perinatal period were obtained from 5 different databases. In total, 84 studies were included in the systematic review, and 31,310 participants from 45 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. Risk factors obtained were classified based on the frequency of distribution of factors. Maternal depression is an important risk factor for fathers in the postnatal period (odds ratio [OR] = 3.34, 95% confidence interval [CI 2.51, 4.46]). Marital distress was also linked to a twofold increase in the likelihood of paternal depression in the postnatal period (OR = 2.16, 95% CI [1.47, 3.19]). Parenting stress as a risk factor was strongly and significantly associated with paternal anxiety in perinatal period (OR = 14.38, 95% CI [7.39, 27.97]). The findings suggest that maternal depression, marital distress, and parental stress are important risk factors for fathers' mental health in the perinatal period. The current meta-analysis also identifies gender role stress, domestic violence, and mismatched expectancies from pregnancy and childbirth as the risk factors that are unique to fathers only in the perinatal period. Future intervention programs should screen and target fathers with no previous children, or a depressed partner, and aim to enhance relationship satisfaction. Public Significance Statement Like women, men also show signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety in the perinatal period. Meta-analysis revealed that partner's depression, marital distress, and parenting stress are significant risk factors to fathers' mental health in perinatal period. Counteracting these risk factors may reduce the risk of depression and anxiety in fathers in the perinatal period.
Classifying excessive exercise : examining the relationship between compulsive exercise with obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms and disordered eating symptoms
- Cosh, Suzanne, Eshkevari, Ertimiss, McNeil, Dominic, Tully, Phillip
- Authors: Cosh, Suzanne , Eshkevari, Ertimiss , McNeil, Dominic , Tully, Phillip
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: European Eating Disorders Review Vol. 31, no. 6 (2023), p. 769-780
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: There remains a lack of consensus around nosology for compulsive exercise (CE). Although widely observed in eating disorders (ED), CE shares theoretical overlap with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where exercise compulsions occur in response to obsessions. Yet, there is limited and mixed evidence of a relationship between CE with OCD. This study aims to explore the appropriate diagnostic classification of CE through examination of CE in relation to OCD, obsessional thinking, and ED symptoms. Method: Two hundred and eighty one adults with mental health symptoms, dieting, and exercise behaviour completed measures of OCD, CE, and disordered eating symptoms. Regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses examined relationships between dimensions of CE with OCD and ED symptoms, and the predictive ability of CE assessment for detecting threshold OCD and ED symptoms. Results: CE assessment was poor at predicting threshold OCD symptoms, probable Anorexia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder and moderate at detecting probable disordered eating and Bulimia Nervosa. Associations between CE and OCD symptoms were not significant after adjustment for ED symptoms. Obsessional thinking was associated only with lack of exercise enjoyment. Conclusions: Results indicate that excessive exercise might represent a distinct disorder, with some shared traits across CE, OCD and ED symptoms. Findings question the utility of adaptation of OCD diagnostic criteria for CE. Assessment and treatment implications are considered. © 2023 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Authors: Cosh, Suzanne , Eshkevari, Ertimiss , McNeil, Dominic , Tully, Phillip
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: European Eating Disorders Review Vol. 31, no. 6 (2023), p. 769-780
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: There remains a lack of consensus around nosology for compulsive exercise (CE). Although widely observed in eating disorders (ED), CE shares theoretical overlap with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where exercise compulsions occur in response to obsessions. Yet, there is limited and mixed evidence of a relationship between CE with OCD. This study aims to explore the appropriate diagnostic classification of CE through examination of CE in relation to OCD, obsessional thinking, and ED symptoms. Method: Two hundred and eighty one adults with mental health symptoms, dieting, and exercise behaviour completed measures of OCD, CE, and disordered eating symptoms. Regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses examined relationships between dimensions of CE with OCD and ED symptoms, and the predictive ability of CE assessment for detecting threshold OCD and ED symptoms. Results: CE assessment was poor at predicting threshold OCD symptoms, probable Anorexia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder and moderate at detecting probable disordered eating and Bulimia Nervosa. Associations between CE and OCD symptoms were not significant after adjustment for ED symptoms. Obsessional thinking was associated only with lack of exercise enjoyment. Conclusions: Results indicate that excessive exercise might represent a distinct disorder, with some shared traits across CE, OCD and ED symptoms. Findings question the utility of adaptation of OCD diagnostic criteria for CE. Assessment and treatment implications are considered. © 2023 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The cardiac distress inventory : a new measure of psychosocial distress associated with an acute cardiac event
- Jackson, Alun, Grande, Michael, Rogerson, Michelle, Ski, Chantal, Amerena, John, Smith, Julian, Hoover, Valerie, Alvarenga, Marlies, Higgins, Rosemary, Thompson, David, Murphy, Barbara
- Authors: Jackson, Alun , Grande, Michael , Rogerson, Michelle , Ski, Chantal , Amerena, John , Smith, Julian , Hoover, Valerie , Alvarenga, Marlies , Higgins, Rosemary , Thompson, David , Murphy, Barbara
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders Vol. 22, no. 1 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Many challenges are posed by the experience of a heart attack or heart surgery which can be characterised as ‘cardiac distress’. It spans multiple psychosocial domains incorporating patients’ responses to physical, affective, cognitive, behavioural and social symptoms and experiences related to their cardiac event and their recovery. Although some measures of the psychological and emotional impacts of a cardiac event exist, none provides a comprehensive assessment of cardiac distress. To address this gap, the study aimed to develop a Cardiac Distress Inventory (CDI) using best practice in instrument design. Method: An item pool was generated through analysis of cognate measures, mostly in relation to other health conditions and through focus group and individual review by a multidisciplinary development team, cardiac patients, and end-users including cardiac rehabilitation co-ordinators. The resulting 144 items were reduced through further reviews to 74 for testing. The testing was carried out with 405 people recruited from three hospitals, through social media and by direct enrolment on the study website. A two-stage psychometric evaluation of the 74 items used exploratory factor analysis to extract the factors followed by Rasch analysis to confirm dimensionality within factors. Results: Psychometric analysis resulted in the identification of 55 items comprising eight subscales, to form the CDI. The subscales assess fear and uncertainty, disconnection and hopelessness, changes to roles and relationships, overwhelm and depletion, cognitive challenges, physical challenges, health system challenges, and death concerns. Validation against the Kessler 6 supports the criterion validity of the CDI. Conclusion: The CDI reflects a nuanced understanding of cardiac distress and should prove to be a useful clinical assessment tool, as well as a research instrument. Individual subscales or the complete CDI could be used to assess or monitor specific areas of distress in clinical practice. Development of a short form screening version for use in primary care, cardiac rehabilitation and counselling services is warranted. © 2022, The Author(s).
- Authors: Jackson, Alun , Grande, Michael , Rogerson, Michelle , Ski, Chantal , Amerena, John , Smith, Julian , Hoover, Valerie , Alvarenga, Marlies , Higgins, Rosemary , Thompson, David , Murphy, Barbara
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders Vol. 22, no. 1 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Many challenges are posed by the experience of a heart attack or heart surgery which can be characterised as ‘cardiac distress’. It spans multiple psychosocial domains incorporating patients’ responses to physical, affective, cognitive, behavioural and social symptoms and experiences related to their cardiac event and their recovery. Although some measures of the psychological and emotional impacts of a cardiac event exist, none provides a comprehensive assessment of cardiac distress. To address this gap, the study aimed to develop a Cardiac Distress Inventory (CDI) using best practice in instrument design. Method: An item pool was generated through analysis of cognate measures, mostly in relation to other health conditions and through focus group and individual review by a multidisciplinary development team, cardiac patients, and end-users including cardiac rehabilitation co-ordinators. The resulting 144 items were reduced through further reviews to 74 for testing. The testing was carried out with 405 people recruited from three hospitals, through social media and by direct enrolment on the study website. A two-stage psychometric evaluation of the 74 items used exploratory factor analysis to extract the factors followed by Rasch analysis to confirm dimensionality within factors. Results: Psychometric analysis resulted in the identification of 55 items comprising eight subscales, to form the CDI. The subscales assess fear and uncertainty, disconnection and hopelessness, changes to roles and relationships, overwhelm and depletion, cognitive challenges, physical challenges, health system challenges, and death concerns. Validation against the Kessler 6 supports the criterion validity of the CDI. Conclusion: The CDI reflects a nuanced understanding of cardiac distress and should prove to be a useful clinical assessment tool, as well as a research instrument. Individual subscales or the complete CDI could be used to assess or monitor specific areas of distress in clinical practice. Development of a short form screening version for use in primary care, cardiac rehabilitation and counselling services is warranted. © 2022, The Author(s).
- Cosh, Suzanne, McNeil, Dominic, Tully, Phillip
- Authors: Cosh, Suzanne , McNeil, Dominic , Tully, Phillip
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Qualitative research in sport, exercise and health Vol. 13, no. 4 (2021), p. 604-623
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Up to 20% of retiring athletes continue to experience crisis transitions, characterised by a lack of adjustment, ongoing psychological distress, depression and low self-esteem. Crisis transitions remain under researched compared with transition difficulties, especially within cultural sport psychology. This study aims to explore crisis transitions and related psychological distress within a cultural context. The media is a site of cultural exploration, thus this study examines data from the Australian media: specifically, a two-part special of a current affairs programme (120 minutes of footage) that examined the crisis transitions of nine former elite Australian athletes. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis, located within a constructionist epistemology. The focus of analysis was on the broad repeated patterns of representation around experiences of and reasons for crisis transitions. Athletes depicted transitions predominately as difficult, invoking diagnostic language, including depression and substance abuse, to further constructions of transition distress. However, transition was also presented as a relief and an ongoing process, using varying constructions of choice in order to produce different versions of retirement. A range of themes were identified in accounting for these experiences during crisis transitions: sport was constructed as an addiction, inactivity partly related to lack of activities and self-worth was invoked, as well as constructions of abandonment by sporting organisations. The findings contribute to the cultural praxis of transitions and crisis transition literature by extending understanding around these experiences and resultant poor athlete mental health. Implications for career assistance programs and supporting retiring athletes are outlined.