Anxiety In Adults Research Articles

Death Anxiety and Resilience in Older Adults: The Moderating Role of Attachment Patterns

The unique human awareness of the fact that life is finite, and that death is unavoidable has been shown to elicit negative psychological consequences across the life cycle. However, research has demonstrated that the ability to seek, maintain, and gain comfort from close relationships mitigates the adverse psychological effects of death awareness/anxiety. Moreover, relatively little is known about how death anxiety and social relationships in old age are associated with resilience, an important personal protective factor for dealing with general and age-related difficulties. Accordingly, the current work examined the links between death anxiety and resilience in older adults and explored the potential moderating role of attachment patterns for this link. Data were collected from 369 older Israeli adults (Mage = 73.15, SD = 6.31, range = 60–94), who completed scales examining death anxiety, attachment patterns, and resilience, as well as sociodemographic scales. The results demonstrated that death anxiety, attachment anxiety, and attachment avoidance were associated with reduced resilience. Moreover, the death anxiety-resilience link was not significant for individuals reporting high or low levels of both attachment anxiety and avoidance. The findings are discussed through the prism of Terror Management Theory, and practical implications are suggested.

Factors related to preoperative anxiety in older patients with sensory impairment: A cross-sectional study.

To identify the factors related to preoperative anxiety in older adults with sensory impairment. Descriptive quantitative research design. Study participants were 120 older adults admitted to a tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea to undergo eye or ear surgery. Data were collected from 11 February to 30 April 2023. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS 28.0. The study was reported following the STROBE checklist. Preoperative anxiety differed significantly according to gender (p = .002), average monthly household income (p < .001), subjective health status (p = .003), subjective vision loss (p = .004), one-sided or both-sided eye discomfort (p = .002), use of glasses (p = .010), subjective hearing loss (p = .022) and anxiety coping mechanisms (p < .001). The results of a multiple regression analysis on the significant variables identified that gender (β = .178, p = .036) and anxiety coping mechanisms (β = .336, p < .001) had the most significant effect on preoperative anxiety, with an explanatory power of 34.5%. The development and practical application of tailored nursing interventions catering to specific genders and anxiety coping mechanisms would contribute to reducing preoperative anxiety and providing efficient nursing care for older adults with sensory impairment.

Psychometric properties of the Child Anxiety and Depression Life Interference Scale - Young Adult version.

A life interference measure specifically designed for young adults with anxiety and depressive symptoms does not currently exist. This paper describes the development and psychometric evaluation of a brief self-report measure of life interference associated with young adult anxiety and depression, the Child Anxiety and Depression Life Interference Scale - Young Adult version (CADLIS-YA). Cross-sectional, correlational and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Five-hundred and thirty-two participants aged 18-24 years recruited from an undergraduate and community sample completed the CADLIS-YA. An EFA supported a three-factor model describing the impact of young adult anxiety and depression on social life, family and daily life interference. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were good to excellent. Convergent validity was demonstrated, and the scale differentiated between young adults with and without elevated anxiety and depressive symptoms. Support for divergent validity was limited. The CADLIS-YA is a reliable and valid life interference measure for young adults with symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is potentially suitable for administration in low-resource research settings and it has promise for use in clinical settings; however, it needs validation in a clinical sample.

Psychometric Properties of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) in Older Adults With Advanced Cancer.

Over half of new cancer diagnoses occur in patients aged 65 or older, with up to 40% experiencing anxiety. The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) for anxiety screening, but the GAD-7 psychometric properties in this population are unknown. This study examined the GAD-7's reliability, validity, and item parameters, comparing its utility with the GAD-2 in older adults with cancer. This cross-sectional secondary analysis of a nationwide multi-site two-arm cluster randomized trial in older adults (≥70)with advanced cancer. The GAD-7 was administered at baseline. Properties were evaluated with Cronbach's α, Pearson correlation coefficients, and a 2-parameter logistic model. Logistic regression models compared the GAD-2 and GAD-7. The sample included 718 participants (Mean age=77, SD=5) with mild anxiety (M=3.74, SD=4.74). Internal consistency was strong (Cronbach's alpha=0.89) and item-total correlations ranged 0.53 to 0.78. Item 2 (Not being able to stop or control worrying) was the most discriminating and item 5 (Being so restless that it is hard to sit still) was least discriminating. Area Under the Curve (AUC) analyses demonstrated the GAD-2 had a 0.93-0.96 AUC. Establishing the psychometric properties of anxiety screening measures is crucial in the older adults with cancer to maximize referral efficiency and accuracy. This study indicates that the GAD-7 is reliable and valid for older adults with cancer. Analyses suggest the GAD-2 may be as sufficient as the GAD-7 in identifying anxiety in older adults with cancer, thereby reducing assessment burden.

Stress, Anxiety and Coping in Adults With Down Syndrome: An Exploratory Co-Research Study.

At least half of children and adults with Down syndrome have a major mental health concern during their life but few studies ask people with Down syndrome directly about their experience. We used a co-research model to explore anxiety, stress, and coping in adults with Down syndrome. Our group of researchers and adults with Down syndrome conducted an online survey on mental health for adults with Down syndrome. We analysed quantitative data and thematically grouped coping mechanisms. Sixty adults with Down syndrome completed the survey, mean age was 30 years, and 55% of respondents had some employment. Approximately 80% of respondents reported experiencing stress and 75% reported experiencing anxiety. Employed respondents were more likely to use social coping mechanisms. Soliciting responses from adults with Down syndrome about their mental health can provide valuable insights. Mental health is a concern for people with Down syndrome that should be addressed.

Greenspace use and anxiety in young adults: The role of interoception

ObjectiveGreenspace is linked to prevention and management of anxiety, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the association between greenspace use and anxiety in Chinese young adults, focusing on the mediating role of interoception. MethodsThis population-based study was conducted between September and October 2023 in four local universities in China. A total of 27,755 young adults were included. Greenspace use was assessed by self-report, anxiety by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) assessment, and interoception by the Body Perception Questionnaire (BPQ). Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and mediation models were utilized to analyze associations. ResultsThe mean age of participants was 19.39 ± 1.64 years, with 10,944 (39.4%) being female. A total of 10,273 (37.01%) participants suffered from anxiety. GLMMs indicated that compared to their counterparts who did not visit green spaces at all in the past four weeks, those who visited once or twice, once a week, or several times a week had lower odds of anxiety. A lower level of interoception was associated with reduced odds of anxiety. Furthermore, interoception mediated much of the association between greenspace use and anxiety. These associations were robust in a series of sensitivity analyses. ConclusionsThese results suggest the crucial role of green spaces on interoception and anxiety and point to the importance of promoting student well-being through interaction with greenspace and nature. Further research is needed to better understand how interoception mediates the connection of greenspace and other aspects of the built environment with anxiety.

Cognitive processing biases of social anxiety in adults who do and do not stutter

PurposeAdults who stutter are at risk of developing high levels of social anxiety, leading to negative outcomes and contributing towards stuttering relapse post treatment. To ensure that psychological treatments for social anxiety in stuttering adults are relevant and effective, a broader empirical understanding of the mechanisms of social anxiety in stuttering populations is required. Four key cognitive processing biases identified as maintenance factors in cognitive behavioral models of social anxiety were examined: self-focused attention, safety behavior use, negative self-imagery, and interpretation bias. MethodsAdults who stutter and non-stuttering adults (N = 186) were assessed via an online survey. Participants were categorised into two groups based on stuttering: formally diagnosed stuttering and non-stuttering. Within those groups, participants were further categorised as having low or high levels of social anxiety. Cognitive processing bias was assessed in response to two hypothetical social scenarios (i.e., social interaction and social performance). ResultsAs predicted, in both adults who stutter and who are non-stuttering, high social anxiety was related to greater self-focused attention, safety behavior use and negative self-imagery compared to low social anxiety. No significant effect of social anxiety or stuttering was found in relation to interpretation bias. A significant effect of social anxiety upon negative self-imagery was observed in formally-diagnosed adults who stutter compared to non-stuttering adults. ConclusionThe results support the use of cognitive behavioral models of social anxiety as a framework for research and treatment development within stuttering populations.

Emotion regulation strategies as moderators of the relationship between negative life events and trait anxiety

BackgroundAnxiety commonly occurs after experiencing negative life events. However, the role of emotion regulation strategies in moderating the relationship between negative life events and anxiety remains unclear. The current study 1) examines the associations between emotion regulation strategies and trait anxiety, and 2) explores whether the relationship between negative life events and trait anxiety is moderated by emotion regulation strategies, in particular, adaptative strategies such as cognitive reappraisal. MethodsWe used data from 1384 adolescents and young adults (ages 12–27) who completed measures of negative life events, emotion regulation strategies, and trait anxiety. Emotion regulation was measured using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale – Short Form. ResultsMultiple regression analyses showed that limited access to emotion regulation strategies, difficulty engaging in goal-directed behavior, lack of emotional awareness, lack of emotional clarity, nonacceptance of emotional responses, and use of cognitive reappraisal were associated with trait anxiety. Additionally, the positive association between negative life events and trait anxiety was moderated by difficulty engaging in goal-directed behavior and use of cognitive reappraisal. Sex differences were apparent for difficulty engaging in goal-directed behavior. Age-based analyses revealed that these interactions were specific to young adults. LimitationsLimitations include a cross-sectional design and reliance on self-report measures. ConclusionsLess use of adaptive emotion regulation strategies was associated with greater trait anxiety. Further, the relationship between negative life events and trait anxiety in young adults may depend on one's ability to engage in goal-directed behavior and use cognitive reappraisal.

THE EFFECT OF SPIRITUALITY ON DEATH-RELATED DEPRESSION, DEATH ANXIETY, AND LONELINESS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

There has been a significant increase in research focusing on the healing role of spirituality in recent years. In this context, the purpose of the current study is to examine the effect of spirituality on death-related depression, death anxiety, and loneliness in young adults. A total of 539 young adults, 315 (58.4%) women and 224 (41.6%) men, participated in the study. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 32 (M = 28.23, SD = 2.63). Personal Information Form, Spirituality Scale, Death Distress, and Loneliness Scale were used in the study. The data of the study were analyzed with SPSS 24. The results of the study show that there is a significant and negative relationship between spirituality and death related depression, death anxiety, and loneliness. The simple linear regression analysis revealed that spirituality explained 7% of the variance in death related depression, 12% of the variance in death anxiety, and 6% of the variance in loneliness. These results can be concluded that spirituality has a protective function against destructive factors such as death related depression, death anxiety, and loneliness. This study once again reveals the importance of carrying out studies to strengthen the spirituality of young adults in particular.

City lights or countryside nights? Rurality, anxiety, and sleep in aging adults.

City lights or countryside nights? Rurality, anxiety, and sleep in aging adults.

Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood.

Children and adolescents with language problems have poorer mental health compared with their non-language impaired peers. Less is known about mental health in adults with a history of language problems. This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis that addresses this gap in the literature. Specifically, it summarisesthe results from studies examining anxiety and depression in adults (aged 18 years and over) who were identified with language impairments or problems earlier in development. Five electronic databases (PsycINFO, ERIC, CINAHL, EMBASE and PubMed) were searched for studies comparing anxiety and/or depression in a sample of adults with and without a history of language problems. Nine studies were found that met the inclusion criteria. From each, an odds ratio (OR) was computed measuring the relationship between childhood language problems and anxiety or depression in adulthood. The OR was computed so values > 1 which indicated anxiety/depression were associated with a history of language problems. ORs were averaged using multilevel random effects meta-analysis. Averaging the study's findings across both anxiety and depression outcomes, we found that a history of childhood language problems was associated with poorer mental health in adulthood (OR = 1.79, p = 0.004). The association for anxiety was also significant (OR = 1.80, p = 0.012) and close to statistical significance for depression (OR = 1.60, p = 0.054). This review reveals that adults with a history of language problems are more likely to experience poorer mental health outcomes compared with controls. These findings demonstrate childhood language problems affect not only communication but also mental health and well-being in the long term. What is already known on the subject Prior research examining mental health in children and adolescents with language problems reveals a twofold increased risk of internalisingproblems, including anxiety and depression. However, little is known about mental health outcomes in adults with a history of language problems. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge The main finding was that childhood language problems are associated with increased risk of anxiety and depression in adulthood. What are the practical and clinical implications of this work? First, the study demonstrates childhood language problems increase the risk of poor mental health in adulthood. Second, in adult mental health settings there is a need to screen for language problems and, where applicable, adjust interventions to accommodate communicative needs for patients/clients. Solving these issues requires integration and recognition of the importance of speech-language therapy in the adult mental health system.

The Impact of Unemployment Anxiety of Young Adults on Their Hopelessness Level: Mediating Role of Future Anxiety

This study examines the effect of the unemployment anxiety experienced by young adults on their hopelessness through anxiety concerning the future in Türkiye. The study proposes that unemployment influences job hopelessness through future anxiety. Using the survey method, 720 responses were solicited from young adults. A structural equation model was constructed to test the reliability and validity of the measurement, as well as the structural model. The study results showed that unemployment and future anxiety influence hopelessness. However, at the same time, future anxiety is found to mediate the relationship between unemployment and hopelessness.

Group training based on acceptance and commitment therapy for death anxiety and mental health in the older adults: A randomized clinical trial

Group training based on acceptance and commitment therapy for death anxiety and mental health in the older adults: A randomized clinical trial

Exploring the Effects of Qigong, Tai Chi, and Yoga on Fatigue, Mental Health, and Sleep Quality in Chronic Fatigue and Post-COVID Syndromes: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Background/Objectives: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and post-COVID syndrome (PCS) pose a substantial socioeconomic burden. The aim of this systematic review was to assess current evidence regarding the effect of the most popular forms of movement-based mindful exercises, i.e., qigong, tai chi, and yoga, on fatigue and associated symptoms in CFS and PCS. Methods: CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to October 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where qigong, tai chi, or yoga were compared with waitlist, no intervention, or active controls were included. Independent reviewers participated in data extraction, and evaluated risk of bias, spin of information, completeness of intervention description, and certainty of the evidence (GRADE). Meta-analyses were conducted. The primary outcome was the level of fatigue. Secondary measures were the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms and sleep quality. Results were expressed as mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Thirteen RCTs with 661 participants were included, with most studies presenting a moderate or high risk of bias. Mindful exercises were more effective than control interventions to alleviate fatigue: SMD (95%CI) = -0.44 (-0.63 to -0.25), I2 = 48%, p < 0.0001. Positive effects were also observed for secondary outcomes. The certainty of the evidence was low or very low. Conclusions: Qigong, tai chi, and yoga may be effective to reduce fatigue and improve anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in adults with CFS or PCS. However, serious methodological concerns limit the clinical applicability of these findings.

Supplementation with whey peptide rich in β-lactolin improves trait anxiety and subjective stress in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Mental disorders have become one of the most burdensome health concerns. We have previously demonstrated that whey-derived β-lactolin (glycine-thereonine-tryptophan-tyrosine tetrapeptide) activates dopaminergic systems and improves psychiatric function in rodents. However, the effects of β-lactolin on human mood states have not been investigated. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with β-lactolin-rich whey peptide on human mood states. Sixty healthy adults (aged 45-64 years) with relatively low psychological health were randomly allocated to receive either whey peptide (containing β-lactolin 1.6mg/day) or placebo for 6 weeks. Mood states (primary outcomes) were evaluated using self-reporting questionnaires. Health-related quality of life (QOL), salivary stress marker and lipid mediator levels were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Compared with placebo, supplementation with β-lactolin improved changes in trait anxiety (p = 0.046), as assessed using the state-trait anxiety inventory, and in subjective stress (p = 0.043), as assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale. In the assessment of QOL, changes in the vitality subscale and mental health summary score of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey were improved in the β-lactolin group. The levels of salivary immunoglobulin A were significantly higher in the β-lactolin group. In a subgroup analysis by median age (54.5 years), subjective stress and salivary prostaglandin levels were significantly decreased by β-lactolin supplementation in the 45-54 -year-old subgroup. In conclusion, supplementation with β-lactolin improves trait anxiety, subjective stress, and psychological QOL, which may be associated with immunologic responses detected via salivary analysis.

Number of Chronic Conditions and Death Anxiety Among Older Adults in Rural China: A Longitudinal Study in Anhui Province.

Objectives: Death anxiety is feelings of worry and fear regarding death. This study explored the effect of number of chronic conditions on death anxiety in older adults and the moderating effect of age. Methods: This study used the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth waves of longitudinal data (2012-2021) collected in Anhui, China (5014 person-year observations). A mixed linear model was used to examine the effect of number of chronic conditions on death anxiety and the moderating effect of age. Results: The number of chronic conditions showed an inverted U-shaped relationship with death anxiety, with death anxiety being lower in older adults with older age. As age increased, the U-shaped curve became flatter, and the extremes shifted to the right. Discussion: Particular attention should be given to younger older adults with chronic conditions to help them recover earlier from the negative impact by providing information and counseling about their chronic conditions.

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Perceived Discrimination, and Mental Health in Sexual and Gender Minoritized Adults: Comparing Stress Accumulation and Stress Sensitization Models.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) exposure, perceived discrimination, and anxiety and depressive symptoms in sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) adults in the United States. Methods: Respondents (n = 4445) from a national Qualtrics research panel completed a web-based survey. Guided by the stress proliferation (mediation model) and stress sensitization (moderation model) models, we examined the relationships between ACEs and perceived discrimination and the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms in adulthood. Results: Cumulative ACEs exposure was positively associated with everyday discrimination scale (EDS) scores. ACEs and EDS scores had a significant direct association with anxiety and depressive symptoms. We found support for EDS as a mediator for anxiety (β = 0.12, p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (β = 0.14, p < 0.001) and for ACEs as a moderator of the relationship between EDS and anxiety (β = -0.04, p = 0.004) and depressive (β = -0.05, p = 0.001) symptoms. Conclusions: These findings suggest that both stress proliferation and stress sensitization likely contribute to disparities in anxiety and depressive symptoms in SGM adults. This finding supports the integration of social safety and minority stress perspectives regarding health disparities in SGM populations. Exposure to early life adversity likely alters neurodevelopment, which in turn increases awareness of the lack of social safety in adulthood, reduces capacity to cope with minority stress exposure, and ultimately contributes to increased anxiety and depressive symptoms. Prevention efforts should focus on building positive and compensatory childhood experiences.

Exploring the interconnectedness of depression, anxiety, diabetes distress, and related psychosocial factors in adults with type 2 diabetes: A network analysis

Background and objectiveAnxiety, depression, and diabetes distress are three common psychological distresses among people with type 2 diabetes. Although previous research has explored factors associated with them, most studies have viewed these factors as independent constructs, overlooking the complex interactions between these factors, which can limit our understanding of psychological symptoms and associated factors from an integrated perspective. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between psychological distress outcomes and related psychological factors in people with diabetes from a network analysis perspective and further provide evidence for the selection of specific psychological intervention targets. Design and settingA cross-sectional study was conducted in person at diabetes centers of three tertiary hospitals in China. Participants481 adults with type 2 diabetes (62% male; mean age 51.91 ± 13.64 years; mean HbA1c 9.34 ± 2.23%) were recruited between December 2022 and April 2023. MethodsPsychological distress outcomes and related factors analyzed included depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), diabetes distress (DDS), acceptance level (AADQ), cognitive fusion (CFQ), social support (PSSS), and self-efficacy (DMSES). Correlation analyses and network analyses were used to explore complex associations among these variables. ResultsThe network included ten nodes, diabetes-related interpersonal distress, anxiety, and regimen-related distress were the most influential in the network. Significant relationships emerged in networks with five nodes, with both acceptance level and cognitive fusion associated with the general psychological distress and diabetes distress; social support demonstrated stable associations with all three psychological outcomes in each network. ConclusionAfter controlling for other factors, psychological flexibility and social support could still be significantly associated with psychological distress outcomes, indicating the potential to integrate them as transdiagnostic processes into psychological interventions for this population. However, the results of this study are based on the group level, and the dynamic networks of individuals need to be further explored in order to meet the needs of individuals in different contexts.

Nutritional frailty and risk of depression and anxiety in middle-aged and older adults: a prospective cohort study of 176,987 UK Biobank participants

Nutritional frailty and risk of depression and anxiety in middle-aged and older adults: a prospective cohort study of 176,987 UK Biobank participants

Accelerometer-Derived Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and the Risk of Depression and Anxiety in Middle-aged and Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study of 71,556 UK Biobank Participants

Accelerometer-Derived Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and the Risk of Depression and Anxiety in Middle-aged and Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study of 71,556 UK Biobank Participants