Adverse Psychosocial Outcomes Research Articles

The impact of weight self-stigma on weight-loss treatment engagement and outcome.

Individuals with overweight or obesity often endure significant weight-based prejudice and discrimination in various settings. Experiencing weight-related stigma is linked to many adverse psychosocial outcomes. Weight self-stigma is when an individual internalizes and identifies with negative attributes ascribed to people with larger bodies and has self-devaluing thoughts because of their weight and is associated with poorer health outcomes. This study explored how weight self-stigma may impact weight management efforts and outcomes for adults participating in an onlight weight-loss intervention. 508 adults (86.2% female, 84.6% White) with overweight or obesity participated in an asynchronous 12-week online weight-loss intervention with computer-generated feedback. Weight and weight self-stigma were measured at baseline and 3 months later. Thirty-one point five percent of the sample reported high levels of stigma, which was associated with greater program dropout than those who did not report high stigma (32.5% vs. 21.6%). Program completers reporting high self-stigma showed better treatment engagement (77.0% vs. 69.7% lessons viewed) and weight loss (M = -6.31% vs. -5.08%); these differences were not observed when using intent-to-treat assumptions. When analyzed as a continuous variable, weight self-stigma showed no association with treatment engagement and outcome. These findings highlight the complexity of understanding how self-stigma affects treatment engagement and outcome in behavioral weight loss and the need for more targeted research in this understudied area. Results suggest that weight self-stigma plays a role in weight management during an online weight-loss intervention, affecting engagement and outcomes.

Impact of Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements on Pubertal Status of 9–13-Year Olds: A Follow-Up Study of the iLiNS-DYAD Ghana Trial

BackgroundEarly and delayed puberty are both associated with adverse health and psychosocial outcomes. ObjectivesWe assessed the impact of provision of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (SQ-LNS) to mothers during pregnancy and 6 mo postpartum and to their children aged 6–18 mo, on pubertal status. MethodsThis study was a follow-up to a partially double-blind randomized controlled trial. At ≤20 wk, 1320 females were randomly assigned to receive daily: iron and folic acid during pregnancy and placebo 0–6 mo postpartum; or multiple micronutrients during pregnancy and 0–6 mo postpartum; or SQ-LNS during pregnancy and 0–6 mo postpartum and to their children from 6 to 18 mo. We re-enrolled 966 and 919 children at 9–11 y and 11–13 y, respectively. We calculated a total pubertal status score based on the Petersen Pubertal Development Scale (PDS) to assess growth spurt, skin changes, body hair, facial hair, voice break, breast development, and menstruation. Pubertal status was regressed on child’s age to generate age-adjusted PDS z-scores (aPDSZ); we performed interaction and mediation analyses. ResultsMean ± standard deviation aPDSZ did not differ between the SQ-LNS and non-LNS groups at 9–11 y (0.01 ± 0.95 compared with –0.01 ± 0.98; P = 0.958) but was more advanced in the SQ-LNS group at 11–13 y (0.07 ± 1.04 compared with –0.04 ± 0.98; P = 0.049) in the adjusted model. The effect of SQ-LNS varied by sex (P-interaction = 0.003) and household asset index z-score (P-interaction = 0.002): Puberty was more advanced in the SQ-LNS compared with non-LNS group among females (P = 0.007) but not males (P = 0.877), and within lower (P = 0.002) than average (P = 0.436) and higher (P = 0.332) socioeconomic households. ConclusionProvision of SQ-LNS during the first 1000 d of life advanced pubertal status among females. Trial registration numberThis trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00970866 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT00970866).

Cannabis Use, Use Disorder, and Workplace Absenteeism in the U.S., 2021–2022

Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) are associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes, but their impact on workplace absenteeism remains poorly understood. Moreover, few studies have examined the role of CUD severity. This study aims to address these gaps by examining the associations between cannabis use recency, frequency, CUD severity, and workplace absenteeism. Cross-sectional data from a U.S. representative sample of full-time employed adults aged ≥18 from the 2021 to 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N=46,499) were analyzed. The associations between cannabis use recency, past-month cannabis use frequency, CUD severity, and workplace absenteeism (measured by self-reported number of missed days due to illness/injury and skipped work in the last 30 days) were evaluated using negative binomial regression, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and other substance use. Data were analyzed in 2023-2024. An estimated 15.9% of full-time employed adults used cannabis in the past month, with 6.5% meeting CUD criteria. Past-month cannabis use (compared to no lifetime use), more frequent past-month cannabis use (compared to no use in the past month), and each level of CUD (compared to no CUD) were associated with increased incidence of both missing work due to illness/injury and skipping work, with a dose-response relationship observed between CUD severity and skipping work (mild: adjusted incident rate ratio [aIRR]=1.60 [95% confidence interval [CI]=1.24, 2.08]; moderate: aIRR=1.98 [95% CI=1.50, 2.61]); severe (aIRR=2.87 [95% CI=2.12, 3.88]). Individuals with recent and frequent cannabis use and CUD are disproportionately prone to workplace absenteeism. Results support the enforcement of workplace drug prevention and treatment policies.

Psychosocial correlates in cases of marital discord: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundMarital discord is associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes not just for the couple but also for their children. Identifying psychosocial risk factors can help devise targeted interventions. This study aimed to determine the psychosocial correlates of marital discord through a cross-sectional design. MethodsFifty married couples presenting with marital discord were recruited through purposive sampling. Self-reported data were gathered using standardized questionnaires on marital adjustment, intimacy, psychological distress, alcohol abuse, and internet addiction. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine correlations between these psychosocial variables and the degree of marital discord. ResultsA higher number of females (90%) compared to men (72%) had poor marital adjustment. Couples valued emotional and recreational intimacy the most. There was a negative correlation between marital adjustment with psychological distress and alcohol abuse. ConclusionThe findings that highlight intimacy in all domains is essential for marital satisfaction, and a significantly positive correlation exists between the experience of intimacy and marital satisfaction. Clinicians need to screen for these psychosocial variables and address them through targeted marital counseling programs focusing on improving intimacy, addressing psychological distress, and dealing with alcohol abuse among discordant couples.

Virtual reality treatment could reduce anxiety for women undergoing cesarean section with spinal anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial.

Cesarean section may result in adverse psychosocial and behavioral outcomes because women put considerable emphasis on the process of birth. Virtual reality treatment has been shown by many studies to reduce anxiety and improve patient satisfaction. Therefore, we designed a randomized controlled trial to investigate whether the application of virtual reality technology during cesarean section can reduce maternal anxiety and improve satisfaction. We recruited 128 women undergoing elective cesarean delivery with proposed spinal anesthesia and randomly assigned them to either virtual reality or routine care. The virtual reality intervention was a virtual reality program tailored specifically for women undergoing cesarean section. Primary outcome was the change in anxiety score (change = preoperative-intraoperative score). Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction score, requirement of intraoperative sedative and analgesic drugs, and respiratory rate. The change in anxiety score in the virtual reality group was significantly higher than that in the routine care group (30 [20, 47.5] vs 10 [- 10, 23.8], respectively; P < 0.001, with Hodges-Lehmann median difference estimate of 20 (95% confidence interval CI, 15-30)). There were no significant differences between the two groups in patient satisfaction scores, the requirement of intraoperative sedative and analgesic drugs, and respiratory rate and side effects. Virtual reality treatment could reduce the anxiety of women undergoing elective cesarean section, which is beneficial to the mother and baby. Trial registration This study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200061936) on July 11, 2022, and can be reached at https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojEN.html?proj=173329.

A Broken Connection: A Screenplay about Psychosocial Problem Effects on People Living with HIV/AIDS

This paper examines the impact of environmental behavior on individuals living with HIV/AIDS and its association with Psychosocial Problems. It focuses on the negative behavior which is exhibited by the environment towards individuals with HIV/AIDS, which can lead to adverse psychosocial outcomes. Psychosocial problems encompass the interaction between an individual's psychological well-being, social environment, and daily functioning, influenced by their environment and life events. The study acknowledges that external behavior plays a significant role in shaping internal behavior, and stressful events arising from negative external behavior can affect a person's internal well-being. The research centers on people who experience Psychosocial Problems as a result of rejection from family, friends, and society due to their HIV status. This work uses Social Cognitive theory to analyze the link of the effect of Psychosocial Problems with People Living with HIV/AIDS. As a result, this work highlights the profound impact of negative environmental behavior on individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Also, emphasize the need for supportive and accepting environments to mitigate psychosocial challenges in both psychological states in PLHIV.

Risk factors for homelessness and housing instability in the first episode of mental illness: Initial findings from the AMONT study.

People living with mental illness are more likely than the general population to experience adverse housing outcomes, including homelessness. The aim of the current study is to examine residential status when participants have their first contact with mental health services, and the correlates of residential status at that moment. First-time mental health service users were recruited from seven clinical sites across Québec. Data on residential status at entry in the project, as well as demographic, clinical and social variables, were collected using self-report and interviewer-rated questionnaires. Participants were classified as 'Homeless', 'At risk of homelessness' and 'Stably Housed', and correlates of residential status were identified through multivariate logistic regression and unbiased recursive partitioning. Among the 478 participants, 206 (43.1%) were in stable housing, 171 (35.8%) were at risk of homelessness and 101 (21.1%) were classified as homeless. Placement in a youth protection facility was strongly associated with adverse housing outcomes, while having a high school diploma and more social support were associated with more stable housing situations. First-time mental health service users are likely to experience a range of adverse housing situations, indicating the potential for clinical sites to implement homelessness primary prevention strategies. Factors related to family, foster care and schooling seem to be particularly salient in understanding risk of homelessness in first-time mental health service users, calling for intersectoral action to prevent adverse psychosocial outcomes in this population.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and quality of life in people living with and beyond breast, prostate and colorectal cancer – a qualitative study

BackgroundIndividuals living with and beyond cancer are at heightened risk of adverse psychological and social outcomes and experiences. In March 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic presented a unique set of social circumstances with the potential to exacerbate the challenges faced by this population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of people living with and beyond cancer during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and assess the impact on psychological and social aspects of their lives.MethodsFrom a pool of participants from a larger health behaviours study thirty participants were purposively sampled for characteristics including: diagnostic group (breast, prostate and colorectal cancers), gender, time since diagnosis and age. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone to discuss their experience of living through the pandemic. A thematic analysis was conducted using a needs-based approach to detail the fundamental needs expressed by this population in relation to their mental health and quality of life during the pandemic.ResultsThree fundamental needs underpinned the experiences expressed by participants: the need to feel safe; particularly in relation to risk of contracting COVID-19 and their ongoing cancer monitoring; the need to feel connected; to the people, places, activities and practices of everyday life; and the need to make the most out of life; specifically in context of having already endured cancer and cancer treatment. Participant experiences are described in relation to how they impacted each of these three needs.ConclusionsPeople living with and beyond cancer have past and ongoing experiences that make them vulnerable to adverse psychosocial reactions and outcomes. Support for this population needs to provide greater clarity of risk, clearer guidelines specific to their personal circumstances, and regular updates on scheduling of important follow up care and monitoring.

A Systematic Review of the Association between Psychological Resilience and Improved Psychosocial Outcomes in Prostate Cancer Patients. Could Resilience Training Have a Potential Role?

A high incidence of psychosocial problems in prostate cancer patients has been reported including anxiety, depression and distress. These can add to the patients' disease burden and have been associated with unfavorable cancer treatment outcomes. Interventions designed to address them have found limited success, but psychological resilience (PR) training has never been formally tested. The measurement of PR in prostate cancer patients has been described and has been associated with more favorable psychosocial outcomes in these patients but it has never been systematically reviewed. The aim of this study was to conduct the first systematic review of those studies that have measured it using standardized scales and to determine the potential for resilience training to help overcome the significant psychosocial problems faced by prostate cancer patients. We searched the literature to identify articles that measured PR among prostate cancer patients. Of 384 articles identified by the search criteria, there were 19 studies suitable for inclusion regarding 5,417 patients. The most commonly-used scale was the original Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, or an abbreviated version of it. Possible scores range from 0 to 100, mean scores from these studies ranged from 72.9 to 87.1 (standard deviations varied between 13.2 and 16.3). PR was consistently associated with improved psychological outcomes including depression, anxiety and distress, although these were measured with a wide variety of methods making it difficult to quantify the effects. There was also evidence of PR mediating the physical effects of prostate cancer and treatment including urinary symptoms, fatigue and insomnia. As resilience training has been successful in other cancer settings, it seems likely that it could improve the significant adverse psychosocial outcomes that have been reported in prostate cancer patients and trials designed to objectively test it should be encouraged.

Psychosocial wellbeing, parental concerns, and familial impact of children with developmental coordination disorder

BackgroundDevelopmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting motor skill acquisition and competence. While previous studies have identified adverse psychosocial outcomes in DCD, they are limited by small or population-screened, community-based samples. AimsTo understand the psychosocial difficulties, parental concerns, and familial impacts of childhood DCD in a large population-based sample. Methods and proceduresParents of 310 children aged 4 – 18 years with a diagnosis of DCD (or synonymous term) completed the Impact for DCD survey. Parent-rated measures of emotional problems, peer problems, and prosocial behaviour were compared to normative data. Parental concerns for the impact of DCD on participation, interaction, emotional well-being, and the family system were examined. Outcomes and resultsCompared to typically developing children, children with DCD were rated significantly higher for emotional and peer problems, and significantly lower for prosocial behaviours. Parents most commonly reported concerns for their child’s future and withdrawal from physical activity. The presence of one or more co-occurring disorders did not significantly influence outcomes. Conclusion and implicationsFindings highlight the poor psychosocial outcomes for children with DCD. Crucially, poor psychosocial outcomes were just as likely in those with a single diagnosis of DCD as those with DCD and multiple co-occurring diagnoses. Parents reported concerns for their child (i.e., non-participation and social withdrawal) that are not targeted in existing DCD intervention modalities and emphasised the impact of DCD on the whole family unit. What this paper addsThis paper presents data from the largest parent-reported survey of children with a known diagnosis of DCD (or synonymous labels). It highlights the significant impact of DCD on psychosocial outcomes in children across age groups. The children in this study were rated by their parents to have significantly higher levels of emotional and peer problems, and lower prosocial behaviours, than similarly aged Australian children without DCD. It also challenges the misconception that poor psychosocial outcomes in DCD are the result of co-occurring disorders, with outcomes observed to be as poor in children with a sole diagnosis of DCD in this sample. Furthermore, findings highlighted the significant worry and concern that parents with DCD face, particularly around their child’s participation and their emotional health. Finally, parents reported on the considerable impact that DCD had on their family unit, regularly causing worry and concern, influencing their choice of activities, and causing financial strain. These concerns and impacts are not addressed in current intervention models for DCD and highlight the need for support mechanisms moving forward.

PSYCHOSOCIAL PHENOTYPES OF OLDER ADULTS WITH PAIN AND THEIR ASSOCIATED CLINICAL OUTCOMES

Abstract Older adults experience higher rates of pain than any other age group, with a domino effect on quality of life and well-being. Existing literature reveals associations between pain and adverse psychosocial, physical, and cognitive outcomes, with psychosocial variables linking all other aspects of well-being in older adults. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the associations of psychosocial variables with clinical outcomes in older adults with pain is needed. Grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model of Chronic Pain for Older Adults, we analyzed cross-sectional 2021 data from the nationally representative survey conducted by the National Health and Aging Trends Study. We performed latent class analysis to identify psychosocial clusters (including anxiety, depression, affect, self-realization, resilience, and social participation) of older adults with pain and then used multiple regression analyses to compare pain characteristics, physical health, and cognition among different clusters. We identified four clusters: “Intermediate Psychosocial Phenotype,” “Favorable Psychosocial Phenotype,” “Adverse Psychosocial Phenotype,” and “Compensated Psychosocial Adversity.” Clusters with more psychosocial adversity had worse pain, physical, and cognitive outcomes while controlling for race/ethnicity, gender, and age. Increased self-realization and resilience were seen in clusters with better clinical outcomes. Our findings provide important information for precision pain management interventions for older adults based on their psychosocial phenotypes. Further research should analyze longitudinal trajectories of psychosocial phenotypes as older adults’ pain experience progresses. Clinically, pain treatment decisions should include a comprehensive evaluation of psychosocial factors, with associated health policy initiatives aimed at assessing differences in care utilization and cost among older adults based on phenotype.

Managing Your Own Wellness (MYOW): Intervention for improving wellness through dementia care partner’s self‐care

AbstractBackgroundCaring for a person living with dementia (PLWD) can be a stressful and straining experience for family/friend care partners (CP), often leading to an increased risk for adverse psychosocial and health outcomes (e.g., depression, anxiety, mortality). Engaging in self‐care can reduce these risks and improve health. Yet, comprehensive tools that measure self‐care as a dynamic concept in the context of dementia caregiving do not exist. “Managing Your Own Wellness” [MYOW] checklist was created and validated to capture dementia CP self‐care behaviors and to inform the development of a brief, tailored person‐centered intervention. The study’s objective was to pilot test this intervention, with the ultimate goal of informing a new generation of CP interventions that address the complex and wide range of self‐care needs.MethodNineteen primary dementia CPs completed the study and participated in the baseline visit to establish a self‐care goal, three weekly check‐in coaching visits with the interventionist, and a final exit interview at week four. Measures at baseline, week four, and week 12 included MYOW, well‐being scale, single item tool for perceived strain and stress, and screening tools for depression and anxiety. Participants completed daily tracking forms to report their engagement and perception of progress in their selected self‐care activity. All interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic content analysis. Study measures were evaluated using correlation analyses.ResultsCP’s increased engagement in self‐care activities and improved sense of well‐being were captured by quantitative measures. Qualitative analysis revealed themes involving a change in relationship dynamics, evolution of the sense of self, shift in internal personal perspective (acceptance) and its effects on CP behaviors (increased patience, less frustration), and perception of PLWD interactions (more cooperative).ConclusionMYOW intervention had high acceptability and demonstrated high potential for broad dissemination. CP engaged in developing and following through on personalized self‐care goals and in tracking their progress. The impact of self‐care is dynamic and multi‐faceted. Focusing on brief daily wellness‐related activities has mutual benefits for CP and PLWD. Future research should be focused on further simplifying intervention protocols and measures and evaluating the intervention with a larger diverse sample of CP.

Pre-pandemic Executive Function Protects Against Pandemic Anxiety in Children with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated depression, anxiety, and executive function (EF) difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). EF skills have been positively associated with mental health outcomes. Here, we probed the psychosocial impacts of pandemic responses in children with and without ASD by relating pre-pandemic EF assessments with anxiety and depression symptoms several months into the pandemic. We found that pre-pandemic inhibition and shifting difficulties, measured by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, predicted higher risk of anxiety symptoms. These findings are critical for promoting community recovery and maximizing clinical preparedness to support children at increased risk for adverse psychosocial outcomes.

Associations between mindfulness and mental health after collective trauma: results from a longitudinal, representative, probability-based survey

ABSTRACT Background/objectives Trait mindfulness (TM) may protect against post-trauma mental health ailments and related impairment. Few studies have evaluated this association in the context of collective traumas using representative samples or longitudinal designs. Design/method We explored relationships between TM and collective trauma-related outcomes in a prospective, representative, probability-based sample of 1846 U.S. Gulf Coast residents repeatedly exposed to catastrophic hurricanes, assessed twice during the COVID-19 outbreak (Wave 1: 5/14/20–5/27/20; Wave 2: 12/21/21–1/11/22). Generalized estimating equations examined longitudinal relationships between TM, COVID-19-related fear/worry, hurricane-related fear/worry, global distress, and functional impairment; ordinary least squares regression analyses examined the cross-sectional association between TM and COVID-19-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) at Wave 1. Event-related stressor exposure was explored as a moderator. Results In covariate-adjusted models including pre-event mental health ailments and demographics, TM was negatively associated with COVID-19-related fear/worry, hurricane-related fear/worry, global distress, and functional impairment over time; in cross-sectional analyses, TM was negatively associated with COVID-19-related PTSS. TM moderated the relationship between COVID-19 secondary stressor exposure (e.g., lost job/wages) and both global distress and functional impairment over time. Conclusions Results suggest TM may buffer adverse psychosocial outcomes following collective trauma, with some evidence TM may protect against negative effects of secondary stressor exposure.

Child Life Services for Siblings of Chronically Ill Children

Objective: Siblings of children with chronic illnesses are at high risk of adverse psychosocial and developmental outcomes, yet limited sibling-specific services are available at most pediatric healthcare facilities. Child life specialists are often the professionals most focused on and available to provide education, emotional support, and therapeutic play to support sibling coping needs in this context; however, little is known about the scope and availability of child life services for siblings of children with chronic illnesses. Therefore, the purpose of this survey-based study was to examine the type and frequency of child life services available to siblings in pediatric healthcare settings in North America, and to identify barriers to sibling support provision. Method: Survey-based study, across the 76 participants. Results: A variety of sibling support frequencies and service types were identified, as well as barriers related to lack of clinical staffing, hospital-imposed visitation restrictions, and limited sibling support referrals from multidisciplinary team members. Conclusion: Noting these opportunities and limitations, it is crucial that healthcare administrators and institutions invest monetary and staffing resource to better meet the needs of siblings of hospitalized children. Disclosure Statement: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s). Funding Statement: No funding sources were provided by the author(s).

Promoting attachment security during the transition to college: A pilot study of emotionally focused mentoring.

Attachment insecurity is a transdiagnostic marker of risk associated with interpersonal emotion dysregulation and adverse psychosocial outcomes across the lifespan. Few interventions target the enhancement of attachment security in late adolescence. Most programs focus on strengthening the adolescent-caregiver relationship; meanwhile, youth increasingly spend less time with their families and look to peer relationships as a source of connection, particularly as they transition to college. Drawing from the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy, we developed a psychotherapeutic peer mentorship program to enhance attachment security for insecurely attached youth during the transition to college. We tested the preliminary efficacy of Emotionally Focused Mentorship (EFM) in an open pilot trial by pairing (N = 82) insecurely attached first-year college students (i.e., "mentees") with securely attached mentors. Across five weekly sessions, mentors helped mentees identify and express their emotions in close relationships by working through different relational scenarios. Attachment and mental health trajectories were self-reported three times over five weeks and analyzed using Bayesian growth curve models. Across five weeks, participants reported improvements in attachment anxiety and avoidance, emotion regulation difficulties, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and self-esteem. Participants who completed the intervention (n = 55) noted improvements in their psychological wellbeing and interpersonal relationships. Results are promising and highlight the need to conduct a randomized clinical trial to test if these effects are causal. Given rising mental health demands, trained peer mentors may be a cost-effective way to improve attachment and psychological outcomes for insecurely attached participants during the transition to college.

Cyberbullying in Sport

Despite over 30 years of scholarly attention devoted to bullying and cyberbullying behaviors in school settings, research related to these experiences in the sport context remains limited. Yet, numerous anecdotal examples and preliminary evidence suggests cyberbullying exists in the sport domain and must be addressed given the potential adverse psychosocial outcomes for athletes. This commentary reviews research related to bullying and cyberbullying in the sport literature. To advance our understanding of cyberbullying in sport, recommendations are made to clarify conceptual issues around the central defining features (i.e., power, repetition, intent) commonly used to operationalize these experiences. Further, methodological issues to be addressed are discussed, including, the use of more diverse methods; adoption of an intersectional lens to all research; and the development, implementation, and evaluation of interdisciplinary evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies. Only through a research base that addresses these conceptual and methodological challenges, will empirically-informed prevention and intervention strategies be developed to advance safe, healthy, and inclusive sport environments.

Cannabis Use Associations with Adverse Psychosocial Functioning among North American College Students

Introduction: Adolescent-onset cannabis use (CU) (before age 18) is associated with multiple adverse psychosocial outcomes, but rates of CU peak between the ages of 18 and 22, coinciding with college matriculation. Whether CU among college-enrolled young adults is associated with similar psychosocial outcomes is poorly understood. In the present study, we examined relationships between CU and multiple psychosocial outcomes in North American college students. Methods: Data for this report come from N = 40,250 North American college students ages 18-to-25 years (mean age = 20.7 years, 69% female, 66% Caucasian) who participated in the Healthy Minds Study (HMS) 2016-17. HMS is a web-based annual survey querying multiple mental health, substance use, and psychosocial variables in representative student populations from 53 universities across North America. Student respondents were stratified in two groups based upon their self-report of past 30-day CU and compared on psychosocial variables. Results: Approximately 20% (n = 8,327) of student respondents reported past 30-day CU. After adjusting for socio-demographics, knowledge of campus services, and use of other drugs, the odds of depression (aOR = 1.3), suicidal thoughts and behaviors (aORs ∼1.4–1.7), anxiety (aOR = 1.2), eating disorders (aOR = 1.2), and violence victimization (aOR = 1.4) were all higher for CU students. Additionally, CU students had higher rates of other drug use and lower rates of perceived supportive relationships. Conclusion: Our results indicated that CU is common among North American college students and associated with adverse psychosocial consequences across multiple domains. Based upon these findings, colleges should consider expanding educational, prevention, and early-intervention programs for students who use cannabis.

Psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on front-line healthcare workers in Sierra Leone: an explorative qualitative study

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has wide-reaching health and non-health consequences, especially on mental health and psychosocial well-being. Healthcare workers involved in COVID-19 patient care are particularly vulnerable to psychosocial distress due...

Patterns of adverse childhood experiences and social isolation in young adulthood: Evidence from South Korea

Social isolation has emerged as an increasingly important social risk among young South Koreans. Prior research has suggested that social isolation in young people can be the result of the accumulation of negative experiences during childhood. Negative events that occur in childhood leave psychological scars. Although previous studies have explored associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and psychosocial outcomes, there has been a lack of research into how different patterns of ACEs are associated with social isolation. Therefore, this study aims to (a) examine latent classes of ACEs among South Korean young adults and (b) investigate associations of each latent group of ACEs with social isolation. Data from the 2021 Youth Socio-Economic Reality Survey of Korean National Youth Policy Institute was used, and a total sample of 1,940 individuals aged 19–34 years old was included. For analyses, latent class analysis was conducted to identify the types of classes, and a set of regressions was performed to find the association between classes of ACEs and the sub-dimensions of social isolation (social support, loneliness, social contact). The LCA found four classes of membership within ACEs: High ACEs, High abuse and household mental illness, Moderate economic hardship and loss of close one, and Low ACEs. Unexpectedly, High abuse and household mental illness class showed the most prominent result, followed by High ACEs class. The class of Moderate economic hardship and loss of close one was only significantly associated with the social contact, and it had similar levels of social support and loneliness with the Low ACEs class. The results imply that ACEs involving violence and ACEs without violence could result in different psychosocial outcomes in young adulthood.