The Relationship Between Cognitive Anxiety and Physical Symptoms in University Students During Exams

We examined the relationships between eating disorders symptoms (EDs), suicidal ideation, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and perceived family functioning in a sample of university students aged 18-25 years (N=397). Assessment of symptoms was carried out with the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory, among others. We explored the associations between the domains using network analysis. We found that physical anxiety symptoms, followed by cognitive and physical depressive symptoms showed the greatest centrality in the current network. Perceived family functioning was negatively related to eating disorder symptoms. We provide evidence regarding the relevant role of anxiety and depression symptoms in the presentation of ED symptoms in university students. These findings provide new insights to improve preventive interventions to timely reduce symptoms and risk factors associated with EDs. Using a network approach, we found specific associations between physical anxiety symptoms, cognitive and physical depressive symptoms, eating disorders symptoms, suicidal ideation and perceived family functioning in university students. These variables can be potential targets to develop evidence-based preventive strategies in this population. A better understanding of these complex associations and the role of family variables could enhance the effectiveness of interventions in both clinical and educational settings.

Objective To explore the mediating pathway of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms among university students. Methods A cross-sectional design was used to survey 2,537 university students using the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3, Patients′ Health Questionnaire, and Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. Data analysis was conducted using independent samples t-test, chi-square test, correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA, and mediation analysis. Results There was a significant negative correlation between physical activity levels and depressive symptoms scores (r = 0.063, P < 0.059), a significant positive correlation between physical activity levels and controllability scores (r = 0.064, P < 0.05), and a significant negative correlation between depressive symptoms and controllability scores (r=-0.367, P < 0.01). The total effect of physical activity intensity on depressive symptoms was − 0.3542, 95% CI: -0.5439~-0.1645, the direct effect of physical activity intensity on depressive symptoms was − 0.3542, 95% CI: -0.5439~-0.1645, and the mediating effect of controllability was − 0.1343, 95% CI: -0.2145~-0.0630. Conclusion The more physical activity university students engage in, the lower their depressive symptoms scores. Controllability mediates the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms in university students.

Digital mental health interventions for anxiety and depressive symptoms in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

In the present study we aimed to develop a German version of the State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety (STICSA) and evaluate the psychometric properties. Associations of cognitive and somatic anxiety with other measures of anxiety, depression, and stress, elucidating possible underlying functional connections, were also examined, as symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress often overlap. Two samples (n1 = 301; n2 = 303) were collected online and in the lab, respectively. Dynamic connections between somatic and cognitive anxiety, other measures of anxiety, depression, and stress, were analyzed using a network approach. Psychometric analyses were conducted using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. We replicated and validated the two-factorial structure of the STICSA with the German translation. Network analyses revealed cognitive trait anxiety as the most central node, bridging anxiety and depression. Somatic trait anxiety exhibited the highest discriminant validity for distinguishing anxiety from depression. The central role of cognitive symptoms in these dynamic interactions suggests an overlap of these symptoms between anxiety and depression and that differential diagnostics should focus more on anxious somatic symptoms than on cognitive symptoms. The STICSA could therefore be useful in delineating differences between anxiety and depression and for differential assessment of mood and anxiety symptoms. Additional understanding of both cognitive and somatic aspects of anxiety might prove useful for therapeutic interventions.

This descriptive cross sectional study was designed to investigate the level of risk-behavior to increase exposure toward endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and examine relationship among risk-behavior, depression and physical symptoms in University students. A self-reported questionnaire included items on risk-behavior to increase exposure toward EDCs, CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression) Scale and, PHQ-15 (Physical Health Questionnaire-15). In this study, gender affected the level of risk-behavior to increase exposure toward EDCs, depression and physical symptom, so higher in women than men. There were significant difference in risk-behavior to increase exposure toward EDCs, depression and physical symptom between women and men. Also, there were significant relationship among risk-behavior to increase exposure toward EDCs, depression, physical symptom. These results suggest that riskbehavior to increase exposure toward EDCs is be an another contributing factor to increase depression and physical symptom. Therefore strategies that reduce risk-behavior related to EDCs should be developed for preventing health problems.

With universities increasingly offering mindfulness-based interventions to enhance students’ mental health conditions and alleviate the strain on overwhelmed psychological services, this study aimed to investigate the potential effectiveness of a brief VR-based mindfulness intervention for university students with depression and anxiety symptoms. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the present study assessed whether the intervention could enhance students’ mindfulness, olfactory perception, and chemosensory while reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. Forty-nine university students (M = 22.06, 10 males) participated in this quasi-experimental study and were tested at three time points: T1 (pre-intervention), T2 (post-intervention), and T3 (follow-up). The intervention immersed participants in virtual environments featuring natural elements and integrated mindfulness practices. The Eligible participants displayed anxiety symptoms while engaged in the study. We also conducted person-to-person interviews and performed a thematic analysis to understand the participants’ insights and feedback regarding the intervention, aiming to inform and improve the design of subsequent interventions. The findings indicated that the intervention showed an immediate and significant impact on reducing anxiety and depression symptoms while improving mindfulness, olfactory perception, chemosensory, and sensory image. Notably, this reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms persisted for one week. Furthermore, the intervention showed the potential to enhance mindfulness and sensory imagery, with these substantial effects also enduring for one week. Qualitative results further supported the findings from the interviews. This study provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of brief VR-based mindfulness interventions in alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms among university students.

Cyberbullying victimization and depressive symptoms in Vietnamese university students: Examining social support as a mediator

The effects of acute yoga on anxiety symptoms in response to a carbon dioxide inhalation task in women

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused increased psychological problems in Group-living people, such as university students. The current epidemic of COVID-19 has become the new normal. The more tailored approach focused on Triggers and key points of emotion regulation may be helpful for the mental health of group-living people. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Anhedonia, and Perceived Stress. Further analyses were used to find their risk factors and their inter-relationships. An online, cross-sectional survey was undertaken with university students from five universities in China by The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze differences between male and female students. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to examine the related factors of anhedonia. Additionally, multigroup mediation models were used to analyze the relationship between perceived stress, anhedonia, stress, and depression. A total of 3,568 valid questionnaires were returned, and 814 (22.81%) with mild to moderate depressive symptoms, 114 (3.20%) with severe depressive symptoms; 840 (23.54%) with mild to moderate anxiety, and 235 (6.59%) with severe anxiety; 366 (10.26%) with mild to moderate stress, and 80 (2.24%) with severe stress. Interestingly, the levels of stress, anxiety, and anhedonia were higher in female students than in male students. The Multiple linear regression showed that anhedonia scores were correlated with PSS scores, DASS-depression scores, and females. Perceived Stress plays a negative mediating role between DASS-stress and anhedonia. Furthermore, Perceived Stress also plays a negative mediating role between stress and depression, but this effect was present only in individuals with mild to moderate depression. The finding of this cross-sectional study suggested that there were high prevalence rates of depression and anxiety symptoms in university students from China during the COVID-19 new normal. Early perceived stress was associated with the progress of depression and anhedonia.

Why physically active people report lower anxiety than those who are inactive is not well understood. This study examined whether physical self-concept and self-esteem would mediate associations of self-reported physical activity with anxiety disorder symptoms in young women, a population with elevated risk for developing an anxiety disorder. College women (N = 1036, mean ± SD = 19.7 ± 2.9 yr) completed a physical activity recall, the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire, and the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses. Physical activity had inverse, indirect associations with symptoms of social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder that were expressed through its positive association with specific and global physical self-concept and self-esteem. The results were independent of similar relations with symptoms of major depressive disorder as well as the estimates of body fatness and use of psychotropic medications. These correlational findings provide initial evidence to warrant experimental efficacy trials of whether physical activity will reduce the risk of anxiety disorders in young women by positive influences on physical self-concept and self-esteem.

Background:Mental health disorders are highly prevalent among university students. Mental health is important in the healthy growth and overall development of university students. Many studies have indicated that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exercise therapies can alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms in university students. However, their definite efficacy and the optimal choice of TCM exercise therapy remain controversial. In this study, we aim to assess and compare the effects of different TCM exercise therapies on anxiety and depression symptoms in university students by network meta-analysis.Methods:Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining TCM exercise therapies for the anxiety and depression in university students published before January 2022 will be searched in online databases, including the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, China Scientific Journal Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Wanfang Database. Two researchers will be independently responsible for literature screening, data extraction, and assessment of their quality. Standard pairwise and network meta-analysis will be performed to compare the efficacy of different TCM exercise therapies on anxiety and depression symptoms in university students using Stata14.0 and GeMTC0.14.3.Results:The results of this meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.Conclusion:This meta-analysis will provide the evidence for supporting the intervention strategies of TCM exercise therapy for improving negative emotions such as anxiety and depression among university students.OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/VTGBE.

Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience a variety of physical, cognitive, and affective symptoms. However, the evolution of symptoms, especially during the 3- to 12-month convalescence period (when recovery of function is still possible), is understudied. This study aims to identify symptoms and the relationships with functional outcomes that occur during the 3- to 12-month period after a TBI. Participants who were 3 to 12months post-TBI were recruited from a South Florida TBI clinic from May 2022 to June 2023. Clinical data were obtained from the electronic health record. Participants completed the Brain Injury Association of Virginia Symptom Checklist, Neuro-Quality of Life Cognitive Function, Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep Disturbance assessments to report symptoms, and the Disability Rating Scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize demographics and symptoms. Linear regression was performed to analyze the relationships between symptoms and outcomes. A total of N =39 patients participated in the study. Memory problems and difficulty concentrating were the most common symptoms. Hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, cognitive, and physical symptoms were significantly associated with the Disability Rating Scale score. Physical, cognitive, depressive, and anxiety symptoms had significant associations with the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Cognitive symptoms should be integrated into the clinical care of rehabilitating TBI patients. Nurses should monitor for physical, affective, and cognitive symptoms during the recovery phase of TBI.

Although social support has been studied extensively in terms of its role in the relationship between stress and health, less attention has been devoted to the impact of negative social interactions. In this investigation, the authors examined the unique contributions of positive social support and negative social exchange in the relationship between stress and health symptoms, using data from 206 undergraduates at a large state university. Negative social exchange accounted for more variance in physical health symptoms than did life-event stress, daily hassles, or social support. The relationship between negative social interaction and physical symptoms was not the result of variance shared with psychological well-being. The importance of attending to negative aspects of social interaction among university students in terms of their health and well-being is discussed.

To explore the mediating pathway of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms among university students. A cross-sectional design was used to survey 2537 university students using the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3, Patients' Health Questionnaire, and Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. Data analysis was conducted using independent samples t-test, chi-square test, correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA, and mediation analysis. A statistically significant negative correlation exists between the intensity of physical activity and depression symptom scores (r=-0.104, p<0.01). The intensity of physical activity demonstrates a statistically significant positive correlation with controllability (r=0.109, p<0.01). A marked negative correlation is observed between depressive symptoms and controllability scores (r=-0.367, p<0.01). The total effect of physical activity intensity on depressive symptoms was quantified as -0.3542 (95% CI: -0.5439 to -0.1645). The direct effect was found to be -0.2199 (95% CI: -0.3981, -0.0417), while the mediating effect of controllability was calculated to be -0.1343 (95% CI: -0.2145 to -0.0630). Increased engagement in physical activity among university students is associated with a reduction in their depressive symptom scores. Controllability serves as a mediating factor in the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms among university students.

Decreased sleep quality and physical activity among university students have become important concerns, while depressive symptoms are on the rise, especially in rural areas. Previous studies have confirmed the association between sleep quality and physical activity and depressive symptoms, but the effect of their interaction on depressive symptoms has been less studied. For this reason, the present study analyzed the interaction between sleep quality and physical activity on depressive symptoms to provide reference and assistance for mental health promotion and intervention for university students in rural areas of China. In this study, we investigated sleep quality, physical activity, and depressive symptoms in 11,423 university students in rural areas of China. The association of sleep quality and physical activity with depressive symptoms was analyzed by using univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis. And further analyzed the association between the interaction effect of sleep quality and physical activity and depressive symptoms. The proportion of university students with depressive symptoms in rural China was 33.3%, with a higher proportion of girls students (36.7%) having depressive symptoms than boys students (28.8%). Logistic regression analysis of the interaction between sleep quality and physical activity and depressive symptoms in university students showed that university students with poor sleep quality and MVPA>60 min/d (OR = 4.40,95% CI: 3.75-5.05) had the highest risk of depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). University students with moderate sleep quality and MVPA of 30-60 min/d (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.75-1.61) had the lowest risk of depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). Moreover, there was no gender difference in this result. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher among university students in rural areas of China. There was an interaction between sleep quality and MVPA on depressive symptoms, maintaining a good quality of sleep and an appropriate length of MVPA has a contributory effect on mental health, and the same trend was found for both boys and girls students. It is recommended that university students in rural areas of China should first maintain proper sleep quality while maintaining 30-60 min of MVPA per day, which may reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.