List of Titles

Meaning matters : self-perceived meaning in life, its predictors and psychological stressors associated with the covid-19 pandemic

- Humphrey, Ashley, Vari, Olivia

Authors: Humphrey, Ashley , Vari, Olivia
Date: 2021
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Behavioral Sciences Vol. 11, no. 4 (2021), p.
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Description: Past research has found that a perceived meaning in life can act as a protective factor against adverse mental health symptomology, while also providing coping resources to buffer against the impact of negative life events. The current research investigated how the impact of self-perceived meaning in life as well as its predictors interact with stressors and worry related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected survey based data (n = 260) from Australian participants during the pandemic, measuring their meaning in life, orientation to differing life goals and COVID-19 related stressors via the impact of events scale. We found that meaning in life predicted less stress and worry associated with COVID-19. We also found that intrinsic based aspirations related positively to meaning in life within this context whereas extrinsic based goals related negatively to it, although these aspirations were not significant in reducing the stressors associated with COVID-19. These results reinforce past findings that meaning in life can effectively buffer against the impact of negative life events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. They also suggest that intrinsic based aspirations centred on relationships and self-acceptance may be an important mechanism in how people choose to pursue life meaning during uncertain life events. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Trajectories of ageing well among older Australians : a 16-year longitudinal study

- Browning, Colette, Enticott, Joanne, Thomas, Shane, Kendig, Hal

Authors: Browning, Colette , Enticott, Joanne , Thomas, Shane , Kendig, Hal
Date: 2018
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Ageing and Society Vol. 38, no. 8 (2018), p. 1581-1602
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Description: In this study we used individual differences concepts and analyses to examine whether older people achieve different ageing-well states universally or whether there are identifiable key groups that achieve them to different extents. The data used in the modelling were from a prospective 16-year longitudinal study of 1,000 older Australians. We examined predictors of trajectories for ageing well using self-rated health, psychological wellbeing and independence in daily living as joint indicators of ageing well in people aged over 65 years at baseline. We used group-trajectory modelling and multivariate regression to identify characteristics predicting 'ageing well'. The results showed three distinct and sizeable ageing trajectory groups: (a) 'stable-good ageing well' (classified as ageing well in all longitudinal study waves; which was achieved by 30.2% of women and 28.0% of men); (b) 'initially ageing well then deteriorating' (50.5% women and 47.6% men); and (c) 'stable-poor' (not ageing well in any wave; 19.3% women and 24.4% men). Significant gender differences were found in membership in different ageing-well states. In the stable-poor groups there were 103/533 females which was significantly lower than 114/467 men (z-statistic = -2.6, p = 0.005); women had a 'zero' probability of progressing to a better ageing-well classification in later years, whilst males had a one-in-five probability of actually improving. Robust final state outcome predictors at baseline were lower age and fewer medical conditions for both genders; restful sleep and Australian-born for women; and good nutrition, decreased strain, non-smoker and good social support for men. These results support that ageing-well trajectories are influenced by modifiable factors. Findings will assist better targeting of health-promoting activities for older people. © Cambridge University Press 2017.

“I Just want to be happy” : an exploration of the aspirations, values, and psychological wellbeing of Australian young people

- Humphrey, Ashley, Forbes-Mewett, Helen, Bliuc, Ana-Maria

Authors: Humphrey, Ashley , Forbes-Mewett, Helen , Bliuc, Ana-Maria
Date: 2023
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Emerging Adulthood Vol. 11, no. 3 (2023), p. 572-580
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Description: Western cultural environments present an increasingly challenging landscape for young people’s mental health. To better understand how this cultural environment may be influencing the lives of young people, we conducted 50 semi-structured interviews with young Australians, discussing participants’ values, life goals, social attitudes and behaviours, and life stressors. We find that while participants tended to see factors such as maintaining strong relationships and personal growth as important to them, their ambitions, attitudes, and social behaviours were often driven by self-centred and materialistic aims. Participants also perceived outcomes specific to these drivers, including poor social support, feelings of competitiveness, and uncertainties around their future, as significant contributors to the stress they experienced in their lives. These findings help us better understand how prevailing Western cultural norms, including individualistic and materialistic practices, may influence young people’s psychological wellbeing. © 2022 Society for the Study of Emerging Adulthood and SAGE Publishing.

Everyday discrimination in the workplace, job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing: age differences and moderating variables

- Taylor, Philip, McLoughlin, Christopher, Meyer, Denny, Brooke, Elizabeth

Authors: Taylor, Philip , McLoughlin, Christopher , Meyer, Denny , Brooke, Elizabeth
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Ageing & Society Vol. 33, no. 7 (2013), p. 1105-1138
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Description: In this article we explore the importance of ‘everyday discrimination’ and other psycho-social variables for psychological wellbeing, considering differences according to age, gender and socio-economic position. Using employee survey data collected within Australian organisations we explore a statistically reliable model of the relationship between aspects of the psycho-social work environment, psychological wellbeing and job satisfaction. The employee survey was carried out in two phases during mid-2007 and mid-2008 in a national university, two international freight terminals of a large international airline, a national manufacturing company and the roadside assistance division of a motoring organisation. Structural Equation Modelling was used to configure a model including psycho-social factors: respect, support, training, job insecurity and personally meaningful work. Everyday discrimination and consultation with supervisor were considered in terms of their direct effect on psychological wellbeing and job satisfaction and their indirect effect via the psycho-social factors enumerated above. Importantly, this generalised model attempts to describe the interrelations of these factors effectively for various age groups, gender and socio-economic position. We identify age, gender and socio-economic differences in the strength and relative importance of these relationships. A further validation study with an independent sample will be required to verify the model proposed in this article. The implications for the design of workplace interventions concerned with age discrimination are discussed.

Social value systems and the mental health of international students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

- Humphrey, Ashley, Forbes-Mewett, Helen

Authors: Humphrey, Ashley , Forbes-Mewett, Helen
Date: 2021
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of international students Vol. 11, no. S2 (2021), p.
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Description: Australian universities are understood to have the highest number of international students per capita worldwide. The sector contributes over $40 billion to the national economy and sustains many thousands of jobs. Despite their importance to the Australian economy and society, international students are often overlooked in mainstream health promotion and support services. Of the many difficulties and hardships international students experience, mental health presents a significant problem. Evidence indicates that the mental health of international students was declining before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in Australia. The impact of the pandemic appears to have exacerbated this issue. Our findings from an online survey (n=135) and semi-structured interviews (n=20) reinforce the importance of international students maintaining close social connections for optimizing their mental health. They also bring clarity to the challenges students from highly socially engaged (collectivistic) cultures face, when studying in individualistic environments like Australia amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychological effects of unemployment across the lifespan : a synthesis of relevant literature

- Taylor, Philip, Gringart, Eyal, Adams, Claire

Authors: Taylor, Philip , Gringart, Eyal , Adams, Claire
Date: 2023
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of Aging and Social Policy Vol. 35, no. 2 (2023), p. 154-178
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Description: Amid ongoing global economic uncertainty and long-standing efforts to tackle age discrimination and increase older workers’ labor force engagement, it is pertinent to consider age differences in the individual effects of joblessness. This is paramount for informing support services, policy formulation, and research. This article is based on a literature review of international peer reviewed quantitative research that has examined the relationship between age, psychological wellbeing and unemployment. Two hundred and twenty-six studies were screened and 36 were included. No relevant qualitative studies were identified. Among the studies, there was a broad consensus that there are age differences in terms of the psychological consequences of unemployment. However, they showed mixed evidence, and critical conceptual and methodological deficiencies were identified. We conclude that the body of evidence is weak and that drawing from it for the development of practice and policy in support of jobless individuals is to be cautioned against. © 2022 Taylor & Francis.

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A systematic review of the wellbeing benefits of being active through leisure and fitness centres

- Heckel, Leila, Eime, Rochelle, Karg, Adam, McDonald, Heath, Yeomans, Carleigh, O’Boyle, Ian

Authors: Heckel, Leila , Eime, Rochelle , Karg, Adam , McDonald, Heath , Yeomans, Carleigh , O’Boyle, Ian
Date: 2024
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Leisure Studies Vol. 43, no. 4 (2024), p. 545-561
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Description: The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the scientific evidence for psychosocial wellbeing benefits for individuals who are active through settings like leisure centres, gymnasiums or swimming pools. The level of physical activity required to achieve wellbeing outcomes through centre usage was a focal point. Nine electronic databases (AUSPORT, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL complete, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus) were systematically searched to identify relevant literature, including all articles published in English from January 2011 to December 2021. A total of 1667 manuscripts were identified of which 31 articles were included in this review. Mental health was the most investigated psychological outcome, followed by stress reduction and relaxation; bonding with family/friends was the most frequently studied social outcome. Regular physical activity at leisure/fitness centres may be associated with increased social and psychological wellbeing. Participation in group programmes seems to be superior to individual activities in achieving health benefits due to its social nature. Findings from this review confirm that outcomes of being active through leisure/fitness centres go beyond physical benefits. However, scientific evidence is limited and more longitudinal studies with larger samples, and a focus on the dose–response relationship issue are recommended. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

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