Aspects Of Mental Well-being Research Articles

Validation of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale for the Mental Health Surveillance (MHS) of German adults

BackgroundMental health encompasses more than just the absence of mental disorders. Thus, a Mental Health Surveillance (MHS) and reporting system for Germany should monitor mental well-being in addition to psychopathology to capture a more complete picture of population mental health. The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) is an internationally established inventory for the integrated assessment of different aspects of mental well-being (i.e., hedonic and eudaimonic) in population samples that has not yet been validated for Germany.MethodsUsing data from a cross-sectional online survey of a convenience sample of N = 1.048 adults aged 18–79 years (51% female) living in Germany, the factorial structure, measurement invariance (age, sex) and psychometric properties of the WEMWBS in its long (14 items) and short (7 items) versions were analyzed. Additionally, correlations to relevant factors (e.g., health-related quality of life, psychological distress) were investigated as indicators of criterion validity.ResultsMeans of model fit indices did not confirm a unidimensional factor structure for either version. The three-factor-correlative models showed moderate to good fit while the bifactor model with one general mental well-being factor and three grouping factors fitted the data best. The full range of possible responses was used for all items, and the distribution of both scales was approximately normal. Moreover, the results revealed measurement invariance across sex and age groups. Initial evidence of criterion validity was obtained. Internal consistencies were α = 0.95 and α = 0.89, respectively. Average mental well-being was comparable to that of other European countries at 3.74 for the long version and 3.84 for the short version. While there were no differences by sex, comparisons between age groups revealed higher mental well-being among the older age groups.ConclusionsBoth versions of the WEMWBS showed sound psychometric characteristics in the present German sample. The findings indicate that the instrument is suitable for measuring mental well-being at the population level due to its distributional properties. These results are promising, suggesting that the scale is suitable for use in a national MHS that aims to capture positive mental health in the population as a foundation for prevention and promotion efforts within public mental health.

Aversion to happiness mediates effects of meaning in life, perfectionism, and self-esteem on psychological distress in Turkish adults

ABSTRACT Objective Previous research has found a negative association between aversion to happiness and various aspects of mental well-being. In the present study, we hypothesised that aversion to happiness (as measured by the fear of happiness scale) would mediate the association between psychological distress and three predictors: Meaning in life, self-esteem, and perfectionism. We included five dimensions of perfectionism separately, and a composite of the five dimensions to measure overall perfectionism. Method We used a sample of 317 individuals from Turkey (mean age = 27.31) to test our hypotheses. We employed both ordinary least square regression analysis and path analysis to examine the mediation hypotheses. Results The results of mediation analyses showed that aversion to happiness was a significant mediator of the associations between psychological distress and self-esteem, meaning in life, the five aspects of perfectionism, and overall perfectionism. In a path model with meaning in life, self-esteem, and overall perfectionism, aversion to happiness was found to significantly mediate only the effects of meaning in life and perfectionism. Conclusions These results highlight the importance of meaning in life, self-esteem, and perfectionism as predictors of aversion to happiness and the role of aversion to happiness as a mediator for the links between these predictors and mental well-being.

Increased risk of hallucinations among people with cancer: Role of loneliness, job satisfaction, sleep and a moderated-mediated model of anxiety and life satisfaction

Being diagnosed with cancer and coping with fears about potential death might trigger acute distress. Previous research found that patients with cancer are 1.85 times more at risk of developing mental illness. Whereas previous studies investigated the risk of schizophrenia, no studies have investigated the risk of individual psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations. This was an analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing involving 7586 adults of whom 1082 have cancer. There were 19 (0.3%) who self-reported hallucinations, and logistic regression showed that cancer patients had higher odds of hallucinating. Loneliness, discrimination, poor job satisfaction, poor life satisfaction, anxiety, low level of autonomy/control and having restless sleep were also associated with hallucinations. Cancer patients had higher odds of poor life satisfaction, which was also predicted by loneliness, discrimination, job satisfaction, anxiety symptoms, autonomy/control and restless sleep. Further results of a moderated mediation model showed that cancer, loneliness, and job satisfaction were directly associated with hallucinations, and life satisfaction was a mediator. Anxiety symptoms also moderated the relationships with hallucinations. Cancer is associated with a higher risk of hallucinations, and other aspects of mental wellbeing (e.g., anxiety and life satisfaction) are also important. Interventions are needed which safeguard mental health after cancer diagnosis and during treatment.

The continuum of recovery among Canadians with bipolar disorder: From remission to complete mental health

ObjectivesResearch on recovery from bipolar disorder focuses primarily on symptom remission and diagnostic criteria. Less attention, however, has been paid to other aspects of mental well-being and psychosocial functioning. The current study examines the prevalence of, and factors associated with, recovery from bipolar disorder through three levels: (1) remission from bipolar disorder; (2) the absence of psychiatric disorders (APD); and (3) complete mental health (CMH), which incorporates measures of happiness, life satisfaction, psychological flourishing, and absence of mental illness. MethodsData were drawn from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health. A subsample of 555 adults with bipolar disorder was analyzed using bivariate chi-square analyses and multivariate logistic regression models. ResultsApproximately 1 in 4 (23 %) participants with bipolar disorder achieved CMH, which was significantly lower than the 74 % of those without bipolar disorder who were in CMH. Factors associated with CMH among individuals with bipolar disorder included older age, higher household income, being married, having a confidant, utilizing religion or spirituality for coping, and being free from substance abuse or dependence and debilitating chronic pain. LimitationsAbsence of data on certain mental disorders, exclusion of hospitalized or unresponsive participants, and social desirability, may have biased the results. ConclusionBy identifying factors associated with CMH among those with bipolar disorder, this study provides insight into recovery from bipolar disorder beyond symptom remission, highlights subpopulations who may be at heightened risk of further adverse mental health outcomes, and helps inform interventions that support recovery for individuals affected by bipolar disorder.

Anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: role of the gut–brain axis

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profoundly negative impact on the general public's mental health. The crucial role of diet and nutrition in various aspects of mental wellbeing is now widely recognised. People in confinement or isolation may experience heightened tension, anger, panic attacks and anxiety. Psychosocial pressures, including interpersonal loss and social rejection, cause changes in mind–body interactions. An individual's physical health influences their physiological reaction (in terms of psychological stress) in COVID-19-afflicted patients. There is a growing body of research on the phenomenon termed the microbiome and the brain. According to preclinical data, this axis is essential for controlling both brain activity and behaviour. Given the strong connection between our dietary choices and our mental state, this review explores the relationship between diet and mental health. It also considers how food and the use of psychobiotics can alleviate psychological distress caused by stress, anxiety and depression, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Parental phubbing and mental well-being: Preliminary study in Indonesia

Parental phubbing is the latest phenomenon that raises concerns because of the changes in habits due to technological developments. It is a form of parental behavior that ignores children as they tend to focus more on activities on gadgets or smartphones. Current parental phubbing studies are limited; however, previous studies have showed the negative impact of parental phubbing on children in late childhood, adolescent, and emerging adulthood, especially on their mental well-being. Therefore, our study aims to determine the impact of parental phubbing on participants’ well-being using a quantitative approach of a comparative independent sample between participants experiencing high and low parental phubbing. The results showed that there were some differences in the effects of parental phubbing on mental well-being, especially mother's parental phubbing (PP-M), for both male and female. In general, parental phubbing affects 3 aspects of mental well-being: a sense of confidence, hope for the future, problem solving and decision-making abilities with a medium effect size. The results indicated that increasingly sophisticated technological developments have affected some changes in behavior and habits through parenting practices, which are not so realized to have negative consequences on the participants’ mental well-being. Our study can also be a reference for new knowledge for practitioners and parents to build an awareness to minimize the further negative impact of parental phubbing behavior on children's development and well-being (in the wide range of developmental stages).

Determinants and effects of perceived walkability: a literature review, conceptual model and research agenda

ABSTRACT For decades, accessibility – i.e. the ease of reaching destinations – has been an important concept in transport planning, resulting in many studies trying to measure it and put it into practice. Also walkability, a mode-specific type of accessibility referring to how easy it is to walk (to destinations) received increased attention in the last two decades. In recent years, a new focus has been on how people perceive their accessibility as this may be a stronger predictor of travel behaviour than objective elements of accessibility (such as built environment characteristics). Perceived walkability, i.e. how walk-friendly people experience a certain area, however, has only been explored by a limited number of studies. In this review paper, we give an overview of existing studies analysing perceived walkability, which mostly have focused on its effects on walking frequency/duration, physical activity and various aspects of mental well-being. Based on this literature review, a conceptual model is created, emphasising the determinants and effects of perceived walkability and how it is related to objective walkability. We end this paper by providing avenues for further research, including the introduction of a Short Perceived Walkability Scale (SPWS) and recommendations for data collection and analysis. Doing so can create new insights into perceived walkability and links with related elements, and therefore can contribute to stimulating walking trips and improving the experience of these trips.

Our children then and now: Changes in mental health symptoms among Singaporean children from 2003 to 2017

In recent years, there appears to be a rise in the diagnosis and treatment of child mental health disorders in many countries, including Singapore. While this increase may be alarming, it could possibly be attributed to factors such as changes in diagnostic criteria, improved screening in schools and primary health settings, changes in clinical practices, and an increase in help-seeking behaviour. Hence, an examination of community-level trends in mental health symptoms can elucidate how child psychopathology has changed over the years. This study aimed to investigate differences in symptoms of mental health between two cohorts of young Asian children aged six to eight living in Singapore. Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) scores from a sample in 2003 (Cohort 1; n = 524) were compared to another sample taken in 2017 (Cohort 2; n = 655). Cohort 2 had lower externalizing scale scores as compared to Cohort 1, but there were no significant differences in total problem scores or internalizing scale scores. Among the CBCL subscales, Cohort 2 had comparatively lower levels of aggressive behaviour and withdrawn/depressed symptoms, but higher levels of thought problems and somatic complaints as compared to Cohort 1. Our findings suggest that children in Singapore are progressing as well as, or even better than, children 14 years ago on most aspects of mental well-being.

Mental Health of Young Australians during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Roles of Employment Precarity, Screen Time, and Contact with Nature.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is widely understood to have contributed to mental health problems. In Australia, young people (18–24 years) have been disproportionately affected. To date, research has predominantly focused on the presence or absence of mental illness symptoms, while aspects of mental well-being have been overlooked. We aimed to explore associations between potential risk and protective factors and mental health more comprehensively, using the Complete State Model of Mental Health. An online survey of 1004 young Australians (55% female; M age = 21.23) was undertaken. Assessment of both mental illness and mental well-being enabled participants to be cross-classified into four mental health states. Those with ‘Floundering’ (13%) or ‘Struggling’ (47.5%) mental health reported symptoms of mental illness; a ‘Languishing’ group (25.5%) did not report symptoms of mental illness but mental well-being was compromised relative to those who were ‘Flourishing’ (14%) with high mental well-being. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine associations, adjusting for socio-demographic confounders. Protective factors associated with Flourishing mental health included being in secure employment, using screen time to connect with others, and reporting high levels of hope. Both incidental and purposive contact with nature were also associated with Flourishing, while a lack of green/bluespace within walking distance was associated with Languishing, absence of outdoor residential space was associated with Floundering, and lower neighbourhood greenness was associated with all three suboptimal mental health states. Precarious employment, financial stress, living alone, reporting decreased screen time during lockdowns, lower levels of hope, and high disruption of core beliefs were also associated with Struggling and Floundering mental health. Those who were Languishing reported somewhat less hardship and little disruption to core beliefs, but lower levels of hope compared to young people who were Flourishing. This study highlights that young adults require dedicated mental health services to deal with current burden, but should also be supported through a range of preventive strategies which target mental health risk factors, like precarious employment, and enhance protective factors, such as urban green infrastructure.

Is Mental Well-Being in the Oldest Old Different from That in Younger Age Groups? Exploring the Mental Well-Being of the Oldest-Old Population in Europe

The oldest-old population is increasing in Europe, and greater focus is placed on promoting mental well-being (MWB) in this population. The European Welfare Models and Mental Wellbeing in Final Years of Life project aims to develop a better understanding of how best to promote positive MWB in the oldest-old population. Using a resources approach, the present study aimed to provide empirical evidence about the structure of MWB in the 80 + year age group and to compare this with the structure of MWB in the old (65–79 years) and adult (18–64 years) population. Twenty-eight items reflecting a focus on positive aspects of MWB were selected from the European Social Survey data (24 countries). After application of an exploratory approach using Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling, five- and six-factor model solutions were found to be statistically appropriate, and the results are consistent with the most widely studied dimensions of MWB. Despite specific differences in the factor models and item loadings, evaluation of formal invariance showed that dimensions built in the same way are comparable across age groups. Although explorative and not conclusive, the results of this study contribute insights into the multidimensional structure of MWB in the oldest-old population and provide a starting point for further research on promoting MWB in the later stages of life.

Using Bayesian methodology to explore the profile of mental health and well-being in 646 mothers of children with 13 rare genetic syndromes in relation to mothers of children with autism

BackgroundIt is well documented that mothers of children with intellectual disabilities or autism experience elevated stress, with mental health compromised. However, comparatively little is known about mothers of children with rare genetic syndromes. This study describes mental health and well-being in mothers of children with 13 rare genetic syndromes and contrasts the results with mothers of children with autism.MethodsMothers of children with 13 genetic syndromes (n = 646; Angelman, Cornelia de Lange, Down, Fragile-X, Phelan McDermid, Prader-Willi, Rett, Rubenstein Taybi, Smith Magenis, Soto, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, 1p36 deletion and 8p23 deletion syndromes) and mothers of children with autism (n = 66) completed measures of positive mental health, stress and depression. Using Bayesian methodology, the influence of syndrome, child ability, and mother and child age were explored in relation to each outcome. Bayesian Model Averaging was used to explore maternal depression, positive gain and positive affect, and maternal stress was tested using an ordinal probit regression model.ResultsDifferent child and mother factors influenced different aspects of mental well-being, and critically, the importance of these factors differed between syndromes. Maternal depression was influenced by child ability in only four syndromes, with the other syndromes reporting elevated or lower levels of maternal depression regardless of child factors. Maternal stress showed a more complex pattern of interaction with child ability, and for some groups, child age. Within positive mental health, mother and child age were more influential than child ability. Some syndromes reported comparable levels of depression (SMS, 1p36, CdLS) and stress (SMS, AS) to mothers of children with autism.ConclusionsBayesian methodology was used in a novel manner to explore factors that explain variability in mental health amongst mothers of children with rare genetic disorders. Significant proportions of mothers of children with specific genetic syndromes experienced levels of depression and stress similar to those reported by mothers of children with autism. Identifying such high-risk mothers allows for potential early intervention and the implementation of support structures.

Promoting mental wellbeing among older people: technology-based interventions.

This systematic review explored the effectiveness of technology-based interventions in promoting the mental health and wellbeing of people aged 65 and over. Data were collected as part of a wider review commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England on the effectiveness of different actions to promote the mental wellbeing and independence of older people. All studies identified through this review were subject to a detailed critical appraisal of quality, looking at internal and external validity. Twenty-one papers covering evaluations of technological interventions were identified. They examined the psychosocial effects of technologies for education, exposure to, and/or training to use, computers and the internet, telephone/internet communication and computer gaming. Few studies took the form of randomized controlled trials, with little comparability in outcome measures, resulting in an inconsistent evidence base with moderate strength and quality. However, three out of six studies with high or moderate quality ratings (all focused on computer/internet training) reported statistically significant positive effects on psychosocial outcomes, including increased life satisfaction and experienced social support, as well as reduced depression levels among intervention recipients. The review results highlight the need for more methodologically rigorous studies evaluating the effects of technology-based interventions on mental wellbeing. Well-performed technology-based interventions to promote various aspects of mental wellbeing, as identified in this review, can serve as best practice examples in this emerging field.

Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour among Young People Leaving Care: Case-file Survey

Self-harming and suicide amongst adolescents are reported to be increasing in Europe and internationally. For young people in state care, this aspect of mental well-being is of particular concern. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of suicidal ideation and behaviour amongst young people (age 16–21 years) leaving state care in one health and social care trust in Northern Ireland, and to explore the correlation between this and client risk factors that might inform professional practice. Data were gathered from 164 case files of the total 215 (response rate 76%) in relation to all open cases as of 30 April 2012 extracted by the relevant social workers through the use of a standard data collection tool. Twenty-seven per cent of young people known to the 16+ Teams engaged in self-harm or suicidal behaviour. There was a strong correlation between the number of self-harm incidents and the number of suicide attempts. The risk factors identified were consistent with the research base: “male”, “unemployed”, “alcohol and drug misuse”, “adverse childhood experiences”, “higher number of placement moves” “placement type” and “older age when entering care”. Young people in more isolated placements seemed particularly at risk. The results of this study are of particular relevance to social workers and other professionals working with young people leaving state care.

A Tricky Question: Spirituality and Mental Health Social Work Practice in Northern Ireland

The social work profession in the United Kingdom is criticized for its reluctance to engage with spirituality. Its absence in Northern Ireland is particularly significant given the role of religion in its political conflict. Drawing upon qualitative research with mental health service users and social workers about religion, spirituality, and mental distress, this article explores the ambivalence that exists around this subject in mental health social work practice. It appears that the political conflict continues to impact social work provision. Support is needed for practitioners and service users to give voice to this aspect of mental well-being. This study comprised one-to-one interviews with 12 mental health social workers and 12 mental health service users. Half of the participants from each group were invited to take part in a telephone interview. All of the participants were invited to bring an object which signified what religion and/or spirituality meant to them, to the interview.

Social capital as a resource for mental well-being in older people: A systematic review

Social capital has previously been reviewed in relation to mental health. However, none have focused specifically on positive aspects of mental health such as mental well-being. This review aimed to explore the relationship between social capital and mental well-being in older people. Ten relevant databases were systematically searched using an extensive search strategy for studies, analyzing the link between social capital and mental well-being. Criteria for inclusion in the systematic review were: the study sample included older people (≥50 years); the study reported a mental well-being outcome; social capital was an exposure variable; and empirical research using quantitative methods and published in English, between January 1990 and September 2011. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Each study was assessed against seven possible exposure measures (structural, cognitive; bonding, bridging, linking; individual, collective). The results showed that all included studies found positive associations between parts of social capital and aspects of mental well-being. Typically, the relationship between social capital and mental well-being differed within as well as between studies. Our results highlight that there is no ‘gold standard’ of how to measure social capital or mental well-being. Social capital is generated in the interaction between individual and collective life. A possibility for future research is therefore to follow Bronfenbrenner's classical division into macro, meso, and micro levels. We consider family and friends at the micro level to be the key factors in generating social capital and well-being in older people.

Ethnic Variation in Emotion Regulation

Emotion regulation (ER) via cognitive reappraisal has been shown to be superior to the use of expressive suppression regarding several aspects of mental well-being. However, a cultural perspective suggests that the consequences of emotional suppression may be moderated by cultural values. In order to examine whether this also applies to clinical samples, we investigated healthy and depressed German women and healthy and depressed Turkish immigrants living in Germany. Groups were compared in terms of frequency of ER strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) and with which different aspects of mental well-being the same are associated. Healthy Turkish immigrants exhibited a greater ER balance (frequent use of suppression plus frequent use of reappraisal), which was associated with more positive outcomes of expressive suppression in Turkish than in German women. None of these differences were found in patient samples, both of which showed a greater use of emotional suppression than cognitive reappraisal. Results suggest that the cultural moderation of the link between emotional suppression and well-being is associated with a greater ER balance in healthy Turkish individuals. Depressed Turkish patients may not profit from suppression due to their more rigid use of it.

The Impact of a Short-Term Iyengar Yoga Program on the Health and Well-Being of Physically Inactive Older Adults

With the current challenge of rapidly aging populations, practices such as yoga may help older adults stay physically active, healthy, and fulfilled. The impact of an 8-week Iyengar yoga program on the holistic health and well-being of physically inactive people aged 55 years and over was assessed. Thirty-eight older adults (mean age 73.21±8.38 years; 19 intervention, 19 control) engaged in either twice-weekly yoga classes or continued their usual daily routines. Physical health measures were muscle strength, active range of motion, respiratory function (FEV1), resting blood pressure, and immune function (salivary IgA and lysozyme). Self-perceived general, physical, mental, spiritual, and social health and well-being were assessed with the Life's Odyssey Questionnaire and the SF12v2™ Health Survey. Muscle strength, active range of motion, physical well-being, and aspects of mental well-being (emotional well-being and self-care) improved significantly in the yoga group (p<.05). Median changes in most of these variables were also significantly different from those in the control group. Participation in Iyengar yoga programs by older people is beneficial for health and well-being, and greater availability of such programs could improve quality of life.

P01-441 - Ethnic variation in emotion regulation: do cultural differences end where psychopathology begins?

IntroductionEmotion regulation (ER) via cognitive reappraisal (CR) has been shown to be superior to the use of expressive suppression (ES) in terms of several aspects of mental well-being. However, a cultural perspective suggests that the consequences of ES may be moderated by cultural values (Western/individualistic vs. Eastern/collectivistic values).ObjectiveTo test this hypothesis that ES may be associated with better outcomes in collectivistic cultures (e.g. Turkey) than in individualistic cultures (e.g. Germany) not only in healthy individuals but also in patients with mental disorders.AimThis study aims to gather knowledge to what extent associations of ER strategies and mental health are universal or rather culturally specific.MethodsWe investigated healthy (n = 30) and depressed (n = 30) German women and healthy (n = 30) and depressed (n = 30) Turkish immigrants living in Germany. Groups were compared in terms of frequency of ER strategies (CR and ES) and their consequences for different aspects of mental well-being.ResultsHealthy Turkish immigrants exhibited a greater ER flexibility (frequent use of ES plus frequent use of CR) what was associated with more positive outcomes of ES in Turkish than in German women. None of these differences were found between patient samples, both of which showed a greater use of ES than CR.ConclusionsResults suggest that cultural moderation of ES consequences are associated with a greater ER flexibility in healthy Turkish individuals. Depressed Turkish patients may not profit from ES due to their more rigid use of ES.

Mental well-being in alcohol withdrawal: relationship to alpha2-adrenoceptor function.

The possible relationship between postsynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptor function, as assessed by the growth hormone (GH) response to clonidine (CLON) and aspects of mental well-being by self-report of mood using the Swedish Mood Adjective Check List, was investigated in alcohol-dependent patients in the early withdrawal period. Patients had blunted GH responses to CLON and worse mental well-being than control subjects immediately after the end of alcohol intake. No relation was found between mental well-being and postsynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptor function. After 1 week, the GH responses to CLON remained blunted, whereas the state of mental well-being had improved to levels similar to those of control subjects. The results further support a downregulated alpha2-adrenoceptor function during 1 week of alcohol withdrawal. Furthermore, even if subsensitive postsynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptor function was not generally related to state of mood, patients with the lowest postsynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptor function reported the highest levels in the dimensions pleasantness/unpleasantness and activation/deactivation when sober.