Buffering the fear of COVID-19 : social connectedness mediates the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and psychological wellbeing
- Humphrey, Ashley, March, Evita, Lavender, Andrew, Miller, Kyle, Alvarenga, Marlies, Mesagno, Christopher
- Authors: Humphrey, Ashley , March, Evita , Lavender, Andrew , Miller, Kyle , Alvarenga, Marlies , Mesagno, Christopher
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Behavioral Sciences Vol. 12, no. 3 (2022), p.
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- Description: Social connections are crucial for an individual’s health, wellbeing, and overall effective functioning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, one major preventative effort for reducing the spread of COVID-19 involved restricting people’s typical social interactions through physical distancing and isolation. The current cross-sectional study, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, explored the relationship among fear of COVID-19, social connectedness, resilience, depressive symptomologies, and self-perceived stress. Participants (N = 174) completed an anonymous, online questionnaire, and results indicated that social connectedness mediated the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and psychological wellbeing. In contrast, the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and psychological wellbeing was not mediated by resilience. These findings highlight the important role that social connections and resilience play in buffering against negative psychological wellbeing outcomes, especially during a pandemic. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Humphrey, Ashley , March, Evita , Lavender, Andrew , Miller, Kyle , Alvarenga, Marlies , Mesagno, Christopher
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Behavioral Sciences Vol. 12, no. 3 (2022), p.
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- Description: Social connections are crucial for an individual’s health, wellbeing, and overall effective functioning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, one major preventative effort for reducing the spread of COVID-19 involved restricting people’s typical social interactions through physical distancing and isolation. The current cross-sectional study, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, explored the relationship among fear of COVID-19, social connectedness, resilience, depressive symptomologies, and self-perceived stress. Participants (N = 174) completed an anonymous, online questionnaire, and results indicated that social connectedness mediated the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and psychological wellbeing. In contrast, the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and psychological wellbeing was not mediated by resilience. These findings highlight the important role that social connections and resilience play in buffering against negative psychological wellbeing outcomes, especially during a pandemic. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Unraveling the complexity of cardiac distress : a study of prevalence and severity
- Jackson, Alun, Rogerson, Michelle, Amerena, John, Smith, Julian, Hoover, Valerie, Alvarenga, Marlies, Higgins, Rosemary, Grande, Michael, Ski, Chantal, Thompson, David, Murphy, Barbara
- Authors: Jackson, Alun , Rogerson, Michelle , Amerena, John , Smith, Julian , Hoover, Valerie , Alvarenga, Marlies , Higgins, Rosemary , Grande, Michael , Ski, Chantal , Thompson, David , Murphy, Barbara
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychiatry Vol. 13, no. (2022), p.
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- Description: Introduction: While much research attention has been paid to anxiety and depression in people who have had a recent cardiac event, relatively little has focused on the broader concept of cardiac distress. Cardiac distress is a multidimensional construct that incorporates but extends beyond common mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. In the present study we assessed the prevalence, severity and predictors of a broad range of physical, affective, cognitive, behavioral and social symptoms of cardiac distress. This is the first study to investigate cardiac distress in this comprehensive way. Method: A sample of 194 patients was recruited from two hospitals in Australia. Eligible participants were those who had recently been hospitalized for an acute cardiac event. Data were collected at patients' outpatient clinic appointment ~8 weeks after their hospital discharge. Using a questionnaire developed through a protocol-driven 3-step process, participants reported on whether they had experienced each of 74 issues and concerns in the past 4 weeks, and the associated level of distress. They also provided sociodemographic and medical information. Regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for elevated distress. Results: Across the 74 issues and concerns, prevalence ratings ranged from a high of 66% to a low of 6%. The most commonly endorsed items were within the domains of dealing with symptoms, fear of the future, negative affect, and social isolation. Common experiences were “being physically restricted” (66%), “lacking energy” (60%), “being short of breath” (60%), “thinking I will never be the same again” (57%), and “not sleeping well” (51%). While less prevalent, “not having access to the health care I need,” “being concerned about my capacity for sexual activity,” and “being unsupported by family and friends” were reported as highly distressing (74, 64, and 62%) for those experiencing these issues. Having a mental health history and current financial strain were key risk factors for elevated distress. Conclusion and Implications: Specific experiences of distress appear to be highly prevalent in people who have had a recent cardiac event. Understanding these specific fears, worries and stressors has important implications for the identification and management of post-event mental health and, in turn, for supporting patients in their post-event cardiac recovery. Copyright © 2022 Jackson, Rogerson, Amerena, Smith, Hoover, Alvarenga, Higgins, Grande, Ski, Thompson and Murphy.
- Authors: Jackson, Alun , Rogerson, Michelle , Amerena, John , Smith, Julian , Hoover, Valerie , Alvarenga, Marlies , Higgins, Rosemary , Grande, Michael , Ski, Chantal , Thompson, David , Murphy, Barbara
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychiatry Vol. 13, no. (2022), p.
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- Description: Introduction: While much research attention has been paid to anxiety and depression in people who have had a recent cardiac event, relatively little has focused on the broader concept of cardiac distress. Cardiac distress is a multidimensional construct that incorporates but extends beyond common mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. In the present study we assessed the prevalence, severity and predictors of a broad range of physical, affective, cognitive, behavioral and social symptoms of cardiac distress. This is the first study to investigate cardiac distress in this comprehensive way. Method: A sample of 194 patients was recruited from two hospitals in Australia. Eligible participants were those who had recently been hospitalized for an acute cardiac event. Data were collected at patients' outpatient clinic appointment ~8 weeks after their hospital discharge. Using a questionnaire developed through a protocol-driven 3-step process, participants reported on whether they had experienced each of 74 issues and concerns in the past 4 weeks, and the associated level of distress. They also provided sociodemographic and medical information. Regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for elevated distress. Results: Across the 74 issues and concerns, prevalence ratings ranged from a high of 66% to a low of 6%. The most commonly endorsed items were within the domains of dealing with symptoms, fear of the future, negative affect, and social isolation. Common experiences were “being physically restricted” (66%), “lacking energy” (60%), “being short of breath” (60%), “thinking I will never be the same again” (57%), and “not sleeping well” (51%). While less prevalent, “not having access to the health care I need,” “being concerned about my capacity for sexual activity,” and “being unsupported by family and friends” were reported as highly distressing (74, 64, and 62%) for those experiencing these issues. Having a mental health history and current financial strain were key risk factors for elevated distress. Conclusion and Implications: Specific experiences of distress appear to be highly prevalent in people who have had a recent cardiac event. Understanding these specific fears, worries and stressors has important implications for the identification and management of post-event mental health and, in turn, for supporting patients in their post-event cardiac recovery. Copyright © 2022 Jackson, Rogerson, Amerena, Smith, Hoover, Alvarenga, Higgins, Grande, Ski, Thompson and Murphy.
Disordered social media use during COVID-19 predicts perceived stress and depression through indirect effects via fear of COVID-19
- Tillman, Gabriel, March, Evita, Lavender, Andrew, Braund, Taylor, Mesagno, Christopher
- Authors: Tillman, Gabriel , March, Evita , Lavender, Andrew , Braund, Taylor , Mesagno, Christopher
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Behavioral Sciences Vol. 13, no. 9 (2023), p.
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- Description: The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global threat that can have an adverse effect on an individuals’ physical and mental health. Here, we investigate if disordered social media use predicts user stress and depression symptoms indirectly via fear of COVID-19. A total of 359 (timepoint 1 = 171, timepoint 2 = 188) participants were recruited via social media and snowball sampling. They completed an online survey that measured disordered social media use, fear of COVID-19, perceived stress, and depression symptomatology at two cross-sectional timepoints. We found that disordered social media use predicts depression indirectly through fear of COVID-19 at both timepoints. We also found that disordered social media use predicts perceived stress indirectly through fear of COVID-19, but only at timepoint 1. Taken together with previous research, our findings indicate that disordered social media use may lead to increased fear of COVID-19, which in turn may lead to poorer psychological wellbeing outcomes. Overall, there is evidence that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the physical, psychological, and emotional health of individuals worldwide. Moreover, this impact may be exacerbated by disordered use of social media. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Tillman, Gabriel , March, Evita , Lavender, Andrew , Braund, Taylor , Mesagno, Christopher
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Behavioral Sciences Vol. 13, no. 9 (2023), p.
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- Description: The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global threat that can have an adverse effect on an individuals’ physical and mental health. Here, we investigate if disordered social media use predicts user stress and depression symptoms indirectly via fear of COVID-19. A total of 359 (timepoint 1 = 171, timepoint 2 = 188) participants were recruited via social media and snowball sampling. They completed an online survey that measured disordered social media use, fear of COVID-19, perceived stress, and depression symptomatology at two cross-sectional timepoints. We found that disordered social media use predicts depression indirectly through fear of COVID-19 at both timepoints. We also found that disordered social media use predicts perceived stress indirectly through fear of COVID-19, but only at timepoint 1. Taken together with previous research, our findings indicate that disordered social media use may lead to increased fear of COVID-19, which in turn may lead to poorer psychological wellbeing outcomes. Overall, there is evidence that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the physical, psychological, and emotional health of individuals worldwide. Moreover, this impact may be exacerbated by disordered use of social media. © 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
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- 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.
Psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers : cross-sectional analyses from 14 countries
- Ghozy, Sherief, Cross, Wendy, Islam, Shariful, Al-Mawali, Adhra Hilal, AlQurashi, Alaa Ashraf, Hamza, Amr, Joseph, Bindu, Banik, Biswajit, Elsori, Deena H., Sultana, Farhana, Yasmin, Farhana, Mahmud, Ilias, Lam, Louisa, Hammoud, Majeda, Salehin, Masudus, Keblawi, Mohammed Ali, Eltewacy, Nael Kamel, Al Laham, Nahed, El-Khazragy, Nashwa, Oli, Natalia, Tungpunkom, Patraporn, Almustanyir, Sami, Chair, Sek, Alif, Sheikh, Al-Madhoun, Sondos, Chien, Wai Tong, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Ghozy, Sherief , Cross, Wendy , Islam, Shariful , Al-Mawali, Adhra Hilal , AlQurashi, Alaa Ashraf , Hamza, Amr , Joseph, Bindu , Banik, Biswajit , Elsori, Deena H. , Sultana, Farhana , Yasmin, Farhana , Mahmud, Ilias , Lam, Louisa , Hammoud, Majeda , Salehin, Masudus , Keblawi, Mohammed Ali , Eltewacy, Nael Kamel , Al Laham, Nahed , El-Khazragy, Nashwa , Oli, Natalia , Tungpunkom, Patraporn , Almustanyir, Sami , Chair, Sek , Alif, Sheikh , Al-Madhoun, Sondos , Chien, Wai Tong , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Glob. Ment. Health Vol. 9, no. (2022), p. 328-338
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- Description: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been impacted psychologically due to their professional responsibilities over the prolonged era of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study aimed to identify the predictors of psychological distress, fear, and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic among HCWs. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among self-identified HCWs across 14 countries (12 from Asia and two from Africa). The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and the Brief Resilient Coping Scale were used to assess the psychological distress, fear, and coping of HCWs, respectively. A total of 2447 HCWs participated 36% were doctors, and 42% were nurses, with a mean age of 36 (±12) years, and 70% were females. Moderate to very-high psychological distress was prevalent in 67% of the HCWs the lowest rate was reported in the United Arab Emirates (1%) and the highest in Indonesia (16%). The prevalence of high levels of fear was 20% the lowest rate was reported in Libya (9%) and the highest in Egypt (32%). The prevalence of medium-to-high resilient coping was 63% the lowest rate was reported in Libya (28%) and the highest in Syria (76%). COVID-19 has augmented the psychological distress among HCWs. Factors identified in this study should be considered in managing the wellbeing of HCWs, who had been serving as the frontline drivers in managing the crisis successfully across all participating countries. Furthermore, interventions to address their psychological distress should be considered.
- Authors: Ghozy, Sherief , Cross, Wendy , Islam, Shariful , Al-Mawali, Adhra Hilal , AlQurashi, Alaa Ashraf , Hamza, Amr , Joseph, Bindu , Banik, Biswajit , Elsori, Deena H. , Sultana, Farhana , Yasmin, Farhana , Mahmud, Ilias , Lam, Louisa , Hammoud, Majeda , Salehin, Masudus , Keblawi, Mohammed Ali , Eltewacy, Nael Kamel , Al Laham, Nahed , El-Khazragy, Nashwa , Oli, Natalia , Tungpunkom, Patraporn , Almustanyir, Sami , Chair, Sek , Alif, Sheikh , Al-Madhoun, Sondos , Chien, Wai Tong , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Glob. Ment. Health Vol. 9, no. (2022), p. 328-338
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been impacted psychologically due to their professional responsibilities over the prolonged era of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study aimed to identify the predictors of psychological distress, fear, and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic among HCWs. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among self-identified HCWs across 14 countries (12 from Asia and two from Africa). The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and the Brief Resilient Coping Scale were used to assess the psychological distress, fear, and coping of HCWs, respectively. A total of 2447 HCWs participated 36% were doctors, and 42% were nurses, with a mean age of 36 (±12) years, and 70% were females. Moderate to very-high psychological distress was prevalent in 67% of the HCWs the lowest rate was reported in the United Arab Emirates (1%) and the highest in Indonesia (16%). The prevalence of high levels of fear was 20% the lowest rate was reported in Libya (9%) and the highest in Egypt (32%). The prevalence of medium-to-high resilient coping was 63% the lowest rate was reported in Libya (28%) and the highest in Syria (76%). COVID-19 has augmented the psychological distress among HCWs. Factors identified in this study should be considered in managing the wellbeing of HCWs, who had been serving as the frontline drivers in managing the crisis successfully across all participating countries. Furthermore, interventions to address their psychological distress should be considered.
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