The Mediating Role of Demographic Factors on the Psychological Wellbeing of Parents with Down Syndrome Children

Background and Objectives : Social support has a very important role in maintaining an optimum level of functioning in patients with psychosis. It is very widely believed that inadequate support from families and friends triggers the state of relapse in psychotic patients. This study is undertaken with an objective to determine if perceived social support acts as a risk factor for relapse in psychosis. Materials and Methods : Patients who are diagnosed with psychosis as per ICD-10 criteria have been included. A case control study design has been adopted to investigate the perceived social support among patients with relapse and without relapse. Convenience sampling technique is used to select 30 patients with psychosis, among which 15 subjects were in the relapse group and 15 subjects were in the non-relapse group. Results : The study results showed that, in the relapse group all the subjects (100%) had inadequate social support, where as in the non-relapse group, 80% and 20% of subjects had inadequate and adequate social support respectively. There was no statistically significant association between the perceived social support and the relapse in psychosis. Conclusion : It is evident form the present study that adequate social support especially from friends and family members are of utmost importance to prevent relapse in patients with psychosis. As indicated, almost all the subjects in the relapse group had an inadequate social support, which means that the occurrence of relapse is common in the absence of adequate social support.

Parents of children with Down syndrome in Riau, Indonesia, encounter distinct psychological challenges, and the influence of demographic factors warrants further exploration. This study investigates the mediating role of demographics in the psychological well-being of 351 parents, employing a cross-sectional, quantitative design with purposive sampling. Standardized scales assessed psychological well-being, self-acceptance, stigma, and social support, which were analyzed using Bayesian methods. Lower self-acceptance significantly and directly correlated with poorer psychological well-being (β = −.1491, p = .0016), while higher parental education significantly predicted greater self-acceptance (β = .0119, p < .001), which in turn positively impacted well-being. Notably, older children were significantly associated with reduced social support (β = −.0101, p = .0010), and lower social support directly linked to reduced psychological well-being (β = −.1526, p = .0015). In theoretical terms, the study contributes by elucidating the indirect pathways through which demographic factors shape parental well-being within the Indonesian context. Practically, the findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive interventions focused on enhancing self-acceptance, providing accessible educational resources, and strengthening adaptive social support networks tailored to the evolving needs of parents of children with Down syndrome in Indonesia.

This study investigated the under-researched area of psychological well-being among parents of children with Down syndrome, addressing a gap in existing literature that primarily focuses on factors like stigma and social support in isolation. Guided by self-stigma theory and social support theory, this research aimed to provide an integrated examination of the interplay between parental demographics, perceived stigma, social support, and psychological well-being. A cross-sectional quantitative approach was employed, surveying 351 parents from 11 inclusive schools and one special needs school. Questionnaires were used to assess demographics, stigma (Parent Self-Stigma Scale), social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), and psychological well-being (Six-Factor Model of Psychological Well-being). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, linear regression, and Bayesian analysis. The study's key findings indicated that parental demographics, particularly education and employment levels, significantly predicted psychological well-being. Higher education levels were found to correlate with increased resource access and better understanding of the child's condition. Whilst stigma and a paucity of social support do not directly impact income or well-being, age and family size have mediating effects, with parental and child age also playing significant mediating roles. Notably, social support mediates the relationship between the child's psychological well-being and overall parental well-being. The study emphasises the necessity of incorporating demographic context, age-related challenges, and the pivotal role of social support networks in promoting favourable outcomes for families raising children with Down syndrome. Future interventions should prioritise empowering parents through educational initiatives, resource provision, and the cultivation of robust support system.

Infertility could be a life crisis with a wide range of socio-cultural and emotional problems. These social consequences are usually not voluntarily disclosed by the affected women and consequently do not receive adequate attention so the women continue to suffer in silence. The study aimed to determine the impact of family social support on psychological well-being of infertile women attending Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital (YDMH), Kaduna. The study was a cross sectional study conducted at the YDMH, T/Wada, Kaduna. Two hundred and fifty-four women who presented to the gynecology clinic during the study period and consented to participate in the study were recruited consecutively. Data on socio-demographics and family social support were determined using a self-structured questionnaire. Psychological wellbeing was assessed using a General Health Questioner. Data was analyzed using EPI-INFO statistical package. Majority of the participants were Northerners (70.1%), Muslims (91.7%), and Unemployed (52.8%) with an average monthly income of less than N 20,000 (73.6%). Most were within the age group of 25–30 years (40.2%) and from monogamous families (70.1%) with most families having 0–5 children (89.4%). 67.7% of the participants had adequate social support from their husbands as against 32.3% who had inadequate support (such as availability of financial, support encouragement, concern and sense of social belonging). Only 33.5% had adequate social support from their in-laws while majority of them (66.5%) had inadequate social support. A total of 203 (79.9%) of the participants had psychological distress (self-administered questioner) while 51 (20.1%) had no psychological distress. Husbands and in-laws support were significantly related to psychological wellbeing of the infertile women. Adequate social support provided by family members reduces stress, improves psychological wellbeing and quality of life of infertile women.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Parents of children with ASD often experience significant psychological distress due to the unique challenges associated with raising a child with special needs. This study aims to investigate the relationship among self-compassion, social support, and psychological well-being in parents of autistic children. A cross-sectional correlational research design and purposive sampling technique was used to recruit sample of (N=100) parents who have children with ASD. Three instruments were utilized to collect data i.e., psychological well-being scale, multidimensional scale of perceived support, and self-compassion scale. The results show significant positive correlations among self-compassion, social support, and psychological well-being, with both self-compassion and social support emerging as strong predictors of well-being. Additionally, fathers reported significantly higher psychological well-being than mothers, indicating notable gender differences in adjustment to parenting a child with autism. This study emphasizes the need for self-compassion training and social support programs to enhance parents' well-being, especially for mothers facing greater challenges.

BackgroundHospitalization of newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) exposes parents to considerable stress. This study aimed to determine the predictive role of parental stress and intolerance of uncertainty on the psychological well-being of parents with a newborn in NICU using hierarchical linear regression analysis.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 130 parents of newborns hospitalized in the NICU. Data were collected using Parental Stress Scale, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, and Psychological Wellbeing Scale. The data were analyzed in SPSS v.26 using hierarchical linear regression analysis.ResultsThe mean scores of the parents’ psychological well-being, parental stress, and intolerance of uncertainty were 79.08 (SD = 11.70), 63.06 (SD = 26.71), and 75.38 (SD = 19.40), respectively. The result of the hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed that, in step 1, academic education had a significant proportion of the variance of parents’ psychological well-being (β = 0.26, P = 0.005). In step 2, it was shown that academic education (β=-0.25, P = 0.006) and parental stress (β=-0.25, P = 0.006) had a significant proportion of the variance of parents’ psychological well-being. According to step 2, education levels, parental stress, and intolerance of uncertainty explained 22% of the changes in parents’ psychological well-being.ConclusionThere was a significant association between the parents’ psychological well-being and education levels, intolerance of uncertainty, and parental stress. Academic education and parental stress were the predictors of parents’ psychological well-being. Based on these findings, early detection of parents’ education and stress are important for their psychological well-being.

IntroductionSleep disorders, particularly sleep disordered breathing (SDB), are common in children with Down syndrome (DS). We investigated the relationship between SDB severity and parental psychological wellbeing and their perception of social support. Methods44 children with DS (3–19 years) underwent overnight polysomnography and were categorised into three groups: primary snoring, Mild and Moderate/Severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Parents completed questionnaires about their child's behaviour (Child Behavior Checklist), sleep symptoms (Pediatric Sleep Survey Instrument) and SDB-related quality of life (OSA-18), together with the DUKE-UNC Functional Social Support (DUKE) and Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) questionnaires for themselves. 34 children completed a follow-up study after 2 years. ResultsThere were no significant differences between SDB severity groups for parental perceived social support or psychological wellbeing. Total scores on the DUKE were below average and PGWBI scores were indicative of moderate psychological distress in all three groups. Reduced perceived levels of social support were significantly correlated with externalising child behaviour and sleep disturbance. Diminished parental psychological wellbeing was also significantly correlated with increased sleep disturbances and reduced quality of life in children. At follow-up there were no significant changes in any questionnaire outcome, however parents of children with improved SDB severity had improved PGWBI vitality scores. ConclusionThe degree of parent-reported sleep disturbance in children with DS was linked to suboptimal perceived parental social support and poor psychological wellbeing. Our results emphasise the need for enhanced awareness of the detrimental effects of sleep problems in children with DS on parental wellbeing.

Background Family caregivers of patients with chronic mental illness experience psychological stresses. Such stresses affect the psychological well-being of relatives, who have moderately high levels of burden and frequently get inadequate support from mental health professionals. Aim The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between burden, psychological well-being, and social support among caregivers of mentally ill patients. Research design A descriptive correlational design was used in this study. Setting This study was conducted at the psychiatric outpatient clinic in Azzazi Psychiatric Mental Health Hospital at Abu Hammad in Sharkia Governorate. Patients A purposive sample of 150 mentally ill patients’ caregivers, who accompany their patients to the psychiatric outpatient clinics, was recruited. Tools of data collection Four tools were utilized for data collection: sociodemographic data sheets, family burden scale, psychological well-being scale, and multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Results More than half of the caregivers aged from 40 to 60 years. Most of the patients were diagnosed as having schizophrenia. More than two-fifths of the caregivers were parents and had high level of burden. Nearly two-thirds had moderate level of psychological well-being, and approximately half of the caregivers had moderate level of social support. Conclusion There were negative statistically significant correlations among family burden, psychological well-being, and social support. However, a positive statistically significant correlation was detected between social support and psychological well-being. Recommendations It is recommended that training programs should be designed for caregivers to enhance psychological well-being and social support and decrease the level of burden among caregivers of mentally ill patients.

Association of inadequate social support and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – A cross-sectional study

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between academic stress, parental social support and gratitude for psychological well-being in college students during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study used a correlational quantitative approach with the population of undergraduate students at Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta. The sampling technique used is Proportional Random Sampling. The research instrument used a psychological well-being scale (Ryff's Psychological Well-Being scale), the Educational Stress for adolescents (ESSA) scale, the Parental Social Support Scale, and the Gratitude Scale. Analysis of the data obtained using multiple regression analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program. (1) there was a significant relationship between academic stress, parental social support, gratitude and psychological well-being, (2) there was a negative and significant relationship between academic stress and psychological well-being with an effective contribution of 5.98 %, (3) there is a positive and significant relationship between parental social support and psychological well-being with an effective contribution of 9.93%, (4) there is a positive and significant relationship between gratitude and psychological well-being with an effective contribution of 25.73%. It was concluded that the gratitude variable had a more dominant influence on the psychological well-being variable. In other words, the psychological well-being of students is spiritual in nature which shows closeness to Allah SWT. This is in accordance with one of the recommendations in Islam that being grateful makes it easier for a person to feel happy and psychologically wellbeing.

Inadequate social support decreases survival in decompensated liver cirrhosis patients

Introduction: Adolescence is amongst the most rapid stage of human development. It is the period to create knowledge and skills, learn to mange emotions, obtain attributes and capacities and relationships with parents and peers. All these aspects are important for enjoying these years and assuming the roles of adults. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between parental attachment, self-esteem and psychological wellbeing of adolescents. Methods: The participants were 292 adolescents with age ranging from 13 to 18 years. Inventory for parent and peer attachment (IPPA) by Armsden and Greenberg self-esteem scale by Rosenberg and psychological wellbeing scale by Ryff were used to measure the parental attachment, self-esteem, and psychological wellbeing in adolescents. Result: Results indicated that the the correlation value of parental attachment and psychological wellbeing was found be 0.306. The value of correlation value for self-esteem and psychological wellbeing was found to be 0.342. Conclusion: Significant positive relationship was found between parental attachment, self-esteem, and psychological wellbeing. The mediation analysis has shown that self-esteem partially mediates the relationship between parental attachment and psychological wellbeing among adolescents.

Many university students encounter academic challenges that may lead to elevated levels of stress and anxiety, potentially indicating low psychological well-being. This study aims to examine the relationship between gratitude and social support with psychological well-being among university students. A total of 120 participants were selected using a cluster random sampling technique. The study employed a correlational quantitative research design, utilizing three standardized instruments: the Gratitude Scale, the Social Support Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with SPSS version 27.0. The primary hypothesis testing revealed a significant correlation, with a coefficient of determination R = 0.795 and p = 0.000 (p < 0.01), indicating a strong and statistically significant relationship between gratitude, social support, and psychological well-being. For the first sub-hypothesis, the partial correlation coefficient was 0.327 with a significance level of p = 0.000 (p < 0.01) and a beta value of 0.380, suggesting a significant positive relationship between gratitude and psychological well-being. The second sub-hypothesis showed a partial correlation coefficient of 0.380, a significance level of p = 0.000 (p < 0.01), and a beta value of 0.451, indicating a significant positive relationship between social support and psychological well-being. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that gratitude and social support collectively contribute to 63.2% of the variance in psychological well-being. These results underscore the importance of fostering gratitude and enhancing social support among university students to promote greater psychological well-being.

This study aims to empirically test a theoretical model explaining how grit and social support influence university students’ psychological well-being through problem-focused coping. The novelty of this study lies in integrating grit (as a personal resource) and social support (as a conditional resource) within the framework of the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory to explain the mechanisms that sustain psychological well-being in the context of higher education in Indonesia. A quantitative correlational design was employed, involving 1,019 students from private universities in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, selected using cluster random sampling. Four validated instruments were used: the Psychological Well-Being Scale, Problem-Focused Coping Scale, Grit-S Scale, and Social Support Scale. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings demonstrate positive relationships among all variables: psychological well-being, grit, social support, and problem-focused coping. Moreover, problem-focused coping partially mediates the effects of grit and social support on psychological well-being. These results provide empirical support for the COR theory by showing that internal (grit) and external (social support) resources jointly enhance students’ capacity to maintain psychological well-being through adaptive coping strategies. The study contributes to the literature by clarifying the psychological mechanisms underlying student resilience and offering evidence-based insights for developing interventions to foster well-being in academic settings.

Subjective health and well-being are closely linked with quality of life (QoL) in older adults. Self-reported health, happiness, satisfaction with life and interpersonal relationships, social support, loneliness, and social isolation make robust indicators for the psychological well-being of older adults. This study aimed to explore subjective health, psychological well-being and associated factors, and their relationship with QoL in older adults. This was a cross-sectional, community-based survey that included adults aged 60 years and above (n = 260) who were living in selected communities. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on self-reported health, happiness, satisfaction with family and marital relationships, and felt loneliness and isolation. The relationship between psychological well-being and QoL was identified. Data analysis was carried out by descriptive and analytical statistical applications using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 at P ≤ 0.05. Study findings showed that a significant number of older adults (56%) reported poor general health; 56.4% of men and 59.2% of women were "not at all happy" with their family and interpersonal relationships, and 13.5% of respondents were not at all happy in general. Self-reported health (0.277**) and happiness (0.506**) were positively correlated with the psychological domain of QoL (P ≤ 0.01). The study findings identified the interrelationship between changing family and social relationships and psychological well-being of older adults, which is an immediate public health concern. Inadequate social support and deficient quality of interpersonal relationships predispose loneliness and isolation in later life. Strategies to promote social support and age-friendly social and healthcare resources are urgent needs for healthy aging.