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The relations between the positive and negative components of self-compassion and depressive symptoms among sexual minority women and men

  • Authors: Shakeshaft, Rhianydd , McLaren, Suzanne
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Mindfulness Vol. 13, no. 1 (2022), p. 57-65
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  • Description: Objectives: The experience of depression among sexual minority adults is a cause for concern. Research into protective factors is lacking. Self-compassion is considered to promote adaptive coping strategies and is associated with fewer depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether self-compassion and its components were associated with depressive symptoms among sexual minority adults and whether these relations were moderated by gender. Methods: A sample of 499 sexual minority women aged 18 to 77 years (M = 29.45, SD = 9.97) and 457 sexual minority men aged 18 to 79 years (M = 27.05, SD = 9.12) completed the Center for Epidemiology-Depression Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale. Results: Higher levels of self-compassion, self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness and lower levels of self-judgement, isolation, and over-identification were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. When all six components were entered simultaneously into a regression model, only the negative components predicted levels of depressive symptoms. Gender moderated the common humanity-depressive symptoms relation, with this relation being stronger for women than men. Conclusions: Results indicate that the negative components of self-compassion are associated with depressive symptoms among sexual minority adults and that the strength of the relations are not conditional on gender. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Resilience among trans and gender-diverse adults : the protective role of dispositional hope in the perceived burdensomeness-suicide relationship

  • Authors: Snooks, Matthew , McLaren, Suzanne
  • Date: 2021
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Vol. 8, no. 1 (2021), p. 57-67
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  • Description: Trans and gender-diverse (TGD) adults are at increased risk for suicide. A wealth of evidence supports perceived burdensomeness as an independent key risk factor for suicide. Few studies have investigated dispositional hope or its components (agency and pathways) as a psychological resilience factor within the TGD population. The present study investigated the role of dispositional hope as a moderator in the relationship between perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation and behaviors among TGD adults. An international sample of 848 TGD adults aged 18 to 80 years (Mage= 26.27, SD = 7.70), who identified as male (n = 197), female (n = 614), or gender nonbinary (n = 37), completed the online questionnaires. Results demonstrated that dispositional hope, agency, and pathways were significant moderators, strengthening the perceived burdensomeness-suicidal ideation and behaviors relationship. Closer examination of the moderation effects suggests that higher levels of dispositional hope and its components may be protective against suicidal ideation and behaviors among TGD adults experiencing lower, but not higher, levels of perceived burdensomeness. Future research is urgently warranted within this population to help inform specialized interventions that may protect TGD adults who experience higher levels of perceived burdensomeness and are at high risk for suicidal ideation and behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) Public Significance Statement—This study indicates that interventions which enhance hope may be related to lower levels of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among trans and gender-diverse adults with low, but not high, levels of perceived burdensomeness. It also highlights the urgent need for research aimed at identifying protective factors that may reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors among trans and gender-diverse adults with high levels of perceived burdensomeness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) © 2020 American Psychological Association

The relationships between self-compassion, rumination, and depressive symptoms among older adults : the moderating role of gender

  • Authors: Hodgetts, Jessica , McLaren, Suzanne , Bice, Bridget , Trezise, Alexandra
  • Date: 2021
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Aging and Mental Health Vol. 25, no. 12 (2021), p. 2337-2346
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  • Description: Objectives: Depression is a significant mental health issue for older adults. Rumination is a key risk factor for depressive symptoms, and self-compassion is a protective factor. The aim of the current study was to test the processes by which self-compassion might act as a protective factor among older adults by investigating a mediation model, and whether the model is conditional on gender. It was hypothesised that self-compassion and its six components (self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness, self-judgement, isolation, and over-identification) would be indirectly associated with depressive symptoms via rumination. Method: A sample of 135 older Australian women and 106 older Australian men aged between 65 and 89 years completed the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Ruminative Thought Style Questionnaire, and the Self-Compassion Scale. Results: Results supported the mediation models for self-compassion for both men and women, however, support for the models involving the individual components of self-compassion varied according to gender. The mediation effects were stronger for women than men. Conclusion: Interventions aimed at increasing self-compassion might have benefits for older adults. Future research investigating whether tailoring interventions according to gender of participants is efficacious is needed. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

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

The relationship between a sense of belonging to the LGBTIQ + community, internalized heterosexism, and depressive symptoms among bisexual and lesbian women

  • Authors: McLaren, Suzanne , Castillo, Paola
  • Date: 2020
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Bisexuality Vol. 21, no. 1 (2020), p. 1-23
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  • Description: Depressive symptoms are a significant health concern among sexual minority women, with bisexual women at a higher risk than lesbian women. Internalized heterosexism is a key risk factor for depression among sexual minority women. Sense of belonging to the LGBTIQ + community is protective for lesbian women, but the limited research among bisexual women has shown inconsistent results. The current study investigated whether a sense of belonging to the LGBTIQ + community was directly related to fewer depressive symptoms and indirectly related via lower levels of internalized heterosexism, and whether the indirect effect was similar for bisexual and lesbian women. A sample of 175 self-identified bisexual women and 311 self-identified lesbian women aged 18 to 61 years (M = 31.91, SD = 11.38) completed the Psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument, the Internalized Homophobia Scale, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Bisexual women reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and internalized heterosexism, and lower levels of a sense of belonging to the LGBTIQ + community, than lesbian women. A sense of belonging to the LGBTIQ + community was directly associated with lower depressive symptoms and indirectly related via lower internalized heterosexism. However, sexual orientation moderated the indirect relationship. The indirect effect of a sense of belonging to the LGBTIQ + community on depressive symptoms was significant for lesbian women but not bisexual women. Results imply that increasing a sense of belonging to the LGBTIQ + community may be beneficial for bisexual and lesbian women, but the pathways by which protection is afforded will differ. © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

The relationship between living alone, sense of belonging, and depressive symptoms among older men: the moderating role of sexual orientation

  • Authors: McLaren, Suzanne
  • Date: 2020
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Aging & Mental Health Vol. 24, no. 1 (Jan 2020), p. 103-109
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  • Description: Objectives: Living alone is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among older men, and is likely to occur due to belongingness needs being unmet. It is proposed the living alone-sense of belonging and living alone-depressive symptoms relations are stronger for gay men than heterosexual men, due to different family circumstances. This research tested a moderated mediation model, specifically whether the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms is mediated by sense of belonging, and whether the living alone-sense of belonging and living alone-depressive symptoms relationships are moderated by sexual orientation. Method: A community sample of 169 Australian gay men aged 65 to 93 years and 187 Australian heterosexual men aged 65 to 94 years completed the Psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results: Results supported the simple mediation model, with living alone being associated directly and indirectly with depressive symptoms via sense of belonging. The conditional indirect effect of living alone on depressive symptoms via sense of belonging was not significant, and therefore the moderated mediation model was not supported. Conclusion: Results imply that older men who live alone are at increased risk of depressive symptoms directly and indirectly via lower levels of sense of belonging.

What about me? Sense of belonging and depressive symptoms among bisexual women

  • Authors: McLaren, Suzanne , Castillo, Paolo
  • Date: 2020
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Bisexuality Vol. 20, no. 2 (2020), p. 166-182
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  • Description: Depression is a significant mental health issue for bisexual women. While theory and research indicates that sense of belonging is important for mental health, limited research has investigated this in relation to bisexual women belonging to the LGBTQ + community. Existing research indicates that identification and involvement with the LGBTQ + community is not protective for the mental health of bisexual women. The protective nature of the extent to which bisexual women feel valued and needed within the lesbian community has not been examined. The current study examined the relationships between sense of belonging to the lesbian and heterosexual communities and depressive symptoms among bisexual women. A sample of 306 Australian self-identified bisexual women completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument. Results indicated that sense of belonging to each community was related to lower levels of depressive symptoms. Further, levels of belonging to each community interacted, indicating that sense of belonging to the lesbian community was protective for bisexual women with lower, but not higher, levels of sense of belonging to the heterosexual community. Results imply that increasing belonging to the lesbian community is important for bisexual women who do not feel they belong in the heterosexual community. The challenge is how to increase sense of belonging of bisexual women in the lesbian community, where they are exposed to negative attitudes about their sexuality. © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Exercise, mood, self-efficacy, and social support as predictors of depressive symptoms in older adults : Direct and interaction effects

  • Authors: Miller, Kyle , Mesagno, Christopher , McLaren, Suzanne , Grace, Fergal , Yates, Mark , Gomez, Rapson
  • Date: 2019
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Frontiers in Psychology Vol. 10, no. (2019), p. 1-11
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  • Description: Background: Depression is a chronic condition that affects up to 15% of older adults. The healthogenic effects of regular exercise are well established, but it is still unclear which exercise-related variables characterise the antidepressant effects of exercise. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which exercise-related variables (exercise behaviour, exercise-induced mood, exercise self-efficacy, and social support) can predict depressive symptoms in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional analysis of questionnaire data from a sample of 586 community-dwelling older Australians aged 65 to 96 years old. Participants completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, modified CHAMPS Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults, Four-Dimension Mood Scale, Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale, and Social Provisions Scale - Short Form. Bivariate correlations were performed, and hierarchical multiple regression was subsequently used to test the regression model. Results: Exercise behaviour, exercise-induced mood, exercise self-efficacy, and social support were all negatively associated with depressive symptoms (r = -0.20 to -0.56). When the variables were entered as predictors into the hierarchical multiple regression model, social support was the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms (beta = -0.42), followed by exercise-induced mood (beta = -0.23), and exercise self-efficacy (beta = -0.07). Exercise behaviour did not explain any additional variance in depressive symptoms. A modest interaction effect was also observed between exercise-induced mood and social support. Conclusion: These findings indicate that social support is the strongest predictor of depressive symptomology in community-dwelling older adults, particularly when combined with positive exercise-induced mood states. When addressing the needs of older adults at risk of depression, healthcare professionals should consider the implementation of exercise programmes that are likely to benefit older adults by improving mood, enhancing self-efficacy, and building social support.

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.

Self-reliance and stoicism as predictors of distress following radical prostatectomy in the context of place of residence

  • 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.

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.

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.

Resiliency among older adults : Dispositional hope as a protective factor in the insomnia–depressive symptoms relation

  • Authors: Trezise, Alexandra , McLaren, Suzanne , Gomez, Rapson , Bice, Bridget , Hodgetts, Jessica
  • Date: 2018
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Aging and Mental Health Vol. 22, no. 8 (2018), p. 1088-1096
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  • Description: Objectives: Depression is a significant mental health issue among older Australian adults. Research has indicated that insomnia is a key risk factor for the development of depressive symptoms in older adults, and that dispositional hope may be protective against the development of depressive symptoms in this population. This study examined whether dispositional hope and its dimensions, agency and pathways, moderated the relationship between insomnia symptoms and depressive symptoms among older Australian adults. Method: A community sample of 88 men (Mage = 71.11, SDage = 5.54) and 111 women (Mage = 70.25, SDage = 4.64), aged 65–94 years, completed the Insomnia Severity Index, Adult Dispositional Hope Scale, and Centre of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results: After controlling for gender, age, relationship status, education level, method of participation, and perceived physical health, results supported the moderation models. The insomnia–depressive symptoms relation was significant for older adults with low and average (but not high) levels of dispositional hope, agency, and pathways. The Johnson–Neyman analyses indicated that the insomnia–depressive symptoms relation was significant for older adults who scored below 27.10 on dispositional hope, below 13.73 on agency, and below 13.49 and above 15.64 on pathways. Conclusion: The results of this study imply that interventions aimed at increasing dispositional hope, agency, and pathways among older adults who experience symptoms of insomnia may reduce their depressive symptoms. A cautionary note, however, is that very high scores on pathways among older adults who experience insomnia symptoms may be detrimental to their mental health.

Supporting regional aged care nursing staff to manage residents’ behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, in real time, using the nurses’ behavioural assistant (NBA) : A pilot site 'end-user attitudes’ trial

The fatigue and depressive symptom relationship in mothers of young children : The moderating role of mindfulness

  • Authors: Riley, Kym , Gent, Angela , McLaren, Suzanne , Caunt, Jeremy , Stavropoulos, Vasileios
  • Date: 2018
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Mindfulness Vol. 9, no. 6 (2018), p. 1955-1965
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  • Description: Previous studies have demonstrated that fatigue is a risk factor for depressive symptoms in mothers of young children. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the five facets of mindfulness moderated the relationship between fatigue and depressive symptoms in mothers of young children. A sample of 723 mothers of children aged 1–5 years completed the Fatigue Assessment Scale, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form. Results showed that four out of the five mindfulness facets (non-judging of inner experience, non-reactivity to inner experience, acting with awareness, and describing) weakened the relationship between fatigue and depressive symptoms. Interaction effects were found to be small. Further investigation of the unique roles of the five mindfulness facets as well as other possible protective factors and interventions that may weaken the fatigue-depressive symptom relationship in mothers of young children is warranted.

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
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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.

The center for epidemiologic studies depression scale : Invariance across heterosexual men, heterosexual women, gay men, and lesbians

  • Authors: Gomez, Rapson , McLaren, Suzanne
  • Date: 2017
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Psychological Assessment Vol. 29, no. 4 (2017), p. 361-371
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  • Description: The present study examined measurement invariance of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) in community groups of Australian heterosexual men (N = 1106), heterosexual women (N = 2111), gay men (N = 527), and lesbians (N = 712). Confirmatory factor analysis of CES-D item scores supported the theorized oblique 4-factor model. There was support for full measurement invariance across the 4 groups, based on differences in approximate fit indices. In contrast there was support for only partial invariance when the chi-square difference test was applied. Lack of invariance was mostly for depressed affect and somatic symptom items, with noninvariant somatic symptom items showing consistently high factor loadings and thresholds among lesbians compared with the other groups. The findings are discussed in relation to the use of the CES-D, the relevance of different depression symptoms to how depressions is experienced by the different gender and sexual orientation groups, and gender role socialization and minority sexual orientation theories. (PsycINFO Database Record

Improving the understanding of psychological factors contributing to horse-related accident and injury : Context, loss of focus, cognitive errors and rigidity

  • Authors: DeAraugo, Jodi , McLaren, Suzanne , McManus, Phil , McGreevy, Paul
  • Date: 2016
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Animals Vol. 6, no. 2 (2016), p. 1-10
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  • Description: While the role of the horse in riding hazards is well recognised, little attention has been paid to the role of specific theoretical psychological processes of humans in contributing to and mitigating risk. The injury, mortality or compensation claim rates for participants in the horse-racing industry, veterinary medicine and equestrian disciplines provide compelling evidence for improving risk mitigation models. There is a paucity of theoretical principles regarding the risk of injury and mortality associated with human-horse interactions. In this paper we introduce and apply the four psychological principles of context, loss of focus, global cognitive style and the application of self as the frame of reference as a potential approach for assessing and managing human-horse risks. When these principles produce errors that are combined with a rigid self-referenced point, it becomes clear how rapidly risk emerges and how other people and animals may repeatedly become at risk over time. Here, with a focus on the thoroughbred racing industry, veterinary practice and equestrian disciplines, we review the merits of contextually applied strategies, an evolving reappraisal of risk, flexibility, and focused specifics of situations that may serve to modify human behaviour and mitigate risk.

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.

The interrelations between internalized homophobia, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation among Australian gay men, lesbians, and bisexual women

  • Authors: McLaren, Suzanne
  • Date: 2016
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Homosexuality Vol. 63, no. 2 (2016), p. 156-168
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  • Description: Internalized homophobia has been linked to depression among gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals. Relatively little research has investigated the link between internalized homophobia and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The current research investigated the interrelations among internalized homophobia, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation by testing additive, mediation, and moderation models. Self-identified Australian gay men (n = 360), lesbians (n = 444), and bisexual women (n = 114) completed the Internalized Homophobia Scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the suicide subscale of the General Health Questionnaire. Results supported the additive and partial mediation models for gay men and the mediation and moderation models for lesbians. None of the models were supported for bisexual women. The findings imply that clinicians should focus on reducing internalized homophobia and depressive symptoms among gay men and lesbians, and depressive symptoms among bisexual women, to reduce suicidal ideation. © 2016 Taylor & Francis.