Australian Sample Research Articles

Psychometric properties of the DSM-5 Panic Disorder Dimensional Scale in an Australian community sample

ABSTRACT Objective The Panic Disorder Dimensional Scale (PD-D) was developed to provide a dimensional rating of panic disorder (PD) symptom severity alongside the traditional categorical Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PD-D in an Australian community sample. Method Two-hundred and eighty-eight participants (72.9% female) aged 18–76 years (M = 28.28; SD = 12.08) completed the study. Results Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that PD-D demonstrates a unidimensional factor (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.95; Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.94; standardised root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.04). The scale also demonstrated excellent internal consistency [α = .96 (95% CI: .95–.97); ω = 0.96 (95% CI: .95–.97)], and evidence of convergent and divergent validity. A good test–retest reliability was evident for the total PD-D score (ICC = .76, p < .001). Conclusions The PD-D appears to be a reliable and valid measure which can be used to support diagnosis of PD in Australia. Limitations are discussed, including the use of a predominantly female sample and lack of clinician-informed data regarding current diagnoses.

Leading Volunteers Effectively: Development and Preliminary Validation of the Volunteer Leader Behavior Scale

Volunteers are integral to civic and social life, and leadership is integral to keeping volunteers satisfied and committed. However, volunteer leadership research is hindered by the dispersion of leadership theories and the absence of a specialized leader behavior assessment tool. To address this, we developed and validated a four-dimensional scale for evaluating the behaviors of leaders of volunteers. Using confirmatory factor analyses, we confirmed a four-factor, hierarchical model in an Australian emergency volunteer sample. Concurrent validity was confirmed in relation to satisfaction with leadership, overall satisfaction with volunteering experience, and affective organizational commitment. Further details of quantitative studies for scale evaluation are provided. This study provides researchers and practitioners with a valid and reliable instrument to assess different aspects of effective leader behaviors within the volunteering context. Implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.

“We don't show everything”: Queer identity concealment in rural Australia

AbstractRural communities can be perceived as conservative and, therefore, hostile towards queer people who depart from heteronormative renditions of sexual orientation and gender identity. Such perceptions can force rural queer people to conceal their identity, fostering an environment of invisibility and displacement. This study consequently explores why queer people conceal their identity in rural communities. Drawing on a sample of rural queer Australians, this study examines why those who are out (public about their orientation) adopt identity‐concealing strategies. Using semi‐structured in‐depth interviews, the study draws on the experiences of 9 participants from rural towns varying in population size from 50,000 to under 3000. The findings highlight how perceptions of prejudice were based on historical experiences and still emerged through the people, systems and institutions. Such prejudice serves to stigmatise queer identities and motivates the adoption of concealment strategies as a coping mechanism. Four reasons for identity concealment were reported: to avoid exclusion, to avoid accusations of inappropriate behaviour, to avoid confrontation and to enhance perceptions of the queer communities. The findings highlight that there remain beliefs that concealing identity to various extents is necessary within certain rural contexts.

Factors associated with vaccination intention and uptake over time in a sample of older Australians

This study sought to identify the behavioural and social drivers of vaccination in 16,745 older Australians. We analysed and compared influences on COVID-19 vaccination intention and uptake using prospectively collected survey data from the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study. Vaccination intention increased with older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:1.03; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.04; p = .002), a belief that the vaccine is important for the person’s own health (aOR: 5.17; 95 % CI: 4.23–6.24; p < .001), is safe (aOR:2.64; 95 % CI: 2.19–3.2; p < .001), and trusted by the person (aOR:6.79; 95 % CI: 5.59–8.26 p < .001); concern about contracting COVID-19 (aOR:1.78; 95 % CI: 1.47–2.17; p < .001); having enough information about COVID-19 vaccines (aOR:1.99; 95 % CI: 1.65–2.29; p < .001); a belief that most adults will receive a COVID-19 vaccine (aOR:2.31; 95 % CI: 1.93–2.77; p < .001); and a belief that family and friends wanted the person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (aOR:6.07; 95 % CI: 5.06–7.27; p < .001). The same factors contributed to increased vaccine uptake, with the exception of age and the belief that the person had enough information about the vaccine. Concern that the vaccine will cause a serious reaction was associated with both lower intention (aOR:0.35; 95 % CI: 0.29–0.43; p < .001) and lower uptake (aOR:0.61; 95 % CI: 0.46–0.81; p < .001) while lower intention was also associated with low decisional autonomy (aOR:0.37; 95 % CI: 0.22–0.62; p < .001). Intentions changed over time and a change towards vaccination was associated with perceptions of vaccine safety. Access barriers played a role in the non-vaccination of otherwise intending older Australians. Messaging that is adaptive to safety concerns, emphasises vaccine benefits, leverages social norms, and targets people who make decisions for older Australians may be helpful for influencing vaccination intentions and increasing vaccine uptake.

Allied health professionals knowledge and clinical practice in telehealth exercise behavioural change for multiple sclerosis

BackgroundThe growing importance of telehealth in multiple sclerosis (MS) necessitates an understanding of current practices and training needs of health professionals. We aimed to evaluate the knowledge, preparedness, and training preferences of Australian allied health professionals (AHPs) in telehealth exercise therapy and exercise behavioural change for MS patients to inform the development of educational training. MethodsAn online survey was completed by 58 Australian AHPs, including 34 physiotherapists, 14 exercise physiologists, and 10 occupational therapists, focusing on their current practices, preparedness, and training preferences in telehealth exercise and behavioural change for MS. The survey included multiple-choice, Likert scale, and free-text response questions. Data were analysed using binary and multinomial logistic regressions. ResultsNot all AHPs were aware of MS exercise guidelines (67% awareness), with exercise physiologists showing the highest familiarity. There was a significant understanding of the difference between physical activity and exercise, though definitions often lacked clarity. Most AHPs (91%) employed behavioural change strategies in their practice, especially goal-setting (95%), identifying facilitators (67%), and reinforcing progress (66%). While most (72%) felt prepared in promoting exercise to MS clients, there were differences in confidence levels concerning the prescription, modification, and teaching of telehealth exercise programs, with occupational therapists have significant less confidence in those domains compared to other AHPs. Most AHPs expressed interest in additional training, with a preference for online workshops focusing on exercise prescription for MS, behaviour change, and telehealth delivery methods. ConclusionIn our Australian AHP sample we identified that a quarter to a third of AHPs in MS care may not be confident or prepared to promote telehealth exercise and behavioural change to people with MS. Moreover, the findings highlight some disparity in knowledge and confidence levels amongst different AHPs concerning exercise therapy for MS, indicating the need for tailored multidisciplinary training programs. Such programs should address profession-specific educational gaps and training preferences, ensuring effective and safe telehealth exercise prescription in MS care.

Reliability, Validity and Acceptability of the PEDI-CAT with ASD Scales for Australian Children and Youth on the Autism Spectrum.

The PEDI-CAT (ASD) is used to assess functioning of children and youth on the autism spectrum; however, current psychometric evidence is limited. This study aimed to explore the reliability, validity and acceptability of the PEDI-CAT (ASD) using a large Australian sample. Caregivers of 134 children and youth on the spectrum participated in clinical assessments involving the administration of the PEDI-CAT (ASD), Vineland-3, PEDI-CAT (Original) and a feedback instrument. The PEDI-CAT (ASD) content was compared to the ICF Core Sets for ASD to summarize areas of functioning assessed and relevance to autism. The PEDI-CAT (ASD) demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency and test-re-test reliability. Parallel forms reliability with the PEDI-CAT (Original) included significant correlations (good to excellent), however, t-tests showed significantly higher Social/Cognitive scores for the ASD version. Convergent validity results demonstrated that most PEDI-CAT (ASD) and Vineland-3 core domains were significantly correlated (poor to good). Content analysis revealed that the PEDI-CAT (ASD) covered less than half of the ICF Core Sets for ASD (mostly Activities and Participation codes). Just over half the codes assigned to the PEDI-CAT (ASD) were represented in the ICF Core Sets for ASD. Feedback on the acceptability of the measure was mixed, but overall was it was considered user-friendly and efficient. The PEDI-CAT (ASD) had adequate psychometric properties and acceptability as a measure of Activities and Participation codes. However, it lacks comprehensiveness and relevance when compared to the ICF Core Sets for ASD and has the potential to overestimate functioning.

‘Interesting’ or ‘boring’: Modifying the implicit association task to measure implicit fire interest in an adolescent community sample

The efficacy of explicit measures in assessing fire interest is often compromised by social desirability biases, presenting a challenge for early intervention programs aimed at preventing firesetting behaviour. The current study aimed to validate a novel fire interest Implicit Association Task (IAT), as a more reliable measure of implicit fire interest in adolescents. An Australian community adolescent sample of 85 participants, aged 10–17 (M = 13.65, SD = 1.81), completed a series of questionnaires, and the novel fire interest IAT. Based on self-reports, participants were classified as firelighters (n = 52) or non-firelighters (n = 33). IAT outcomes revealed an inclination towards associating “fire” with “interesting.” Notably, firelighters, compared to non-firelighters, performed significantly quicker during hypothesis-consistent trials of the IAT where fire-images were paired with interesting-words. Moreover, a weak correlation emerged between the speed of responses in these hypothesis-consistent IAT trials and self-reported fire interest. This investigation is one of the few that examined the efficacy of implicit measures of fire interest and is the first to do so using a modified IAT. With continued refinement, the fire interest IAT could be successfully used to assist with early intervention programs aimed at preventing child firesetting behaviour.PsychINFO Code: 3230

The Unified Narcissism Scale-Revised: Testing Incremental Validity and Shortening the Measure

Narcissism has had a long history of conceptual and measurement confusion. In this paper, we aimed to assess the incremental and external validity of the Unified Narcissism Scale-Revised (UNS-R), and to determine a prototype short form of the measure that is invariant across cultures. In Study 1, we constructed a 15-item short form prototype that was scalar invariant across four countries (United States, China, Sri Lanka, and Australia). Using this short form, we found the Australian sample to be the most different from the other samples. We speculate this is due to Australia having a more horizontal culture, demonstrating resistance to hierarchy and a stronger endorsement of equality. In Study 2, we assessed the incremental and external validity of the UNS-R long and short form and found it to be a superior measure of grandiose narcissism in terms of strength and cogence of external correlations compared to existing measures, but the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory-Short Form (FFNI-SF) was a better measure of vulnerable narcissism. In conclusion, we have illustrated the robustness of the UNS-R, and its short form, as a measure of narcissism and, in the process, highlighted important cross-cultural differences.

Disordered gaming: the interplay between user-avatar bond and sexual minority status

ABSTRACT Online gamers represent themselves virtually through their in-game avatar, providing opportunities for connection and self-expression. Prior research indicates associations between aspects of the user-avatar bond (UAB) and more intensive gaming involvement. However, experiences may vary based on individual differences like sexual minority status (i.e. LGBTIQ+), warranting further investigation. Thus, the present study examined whether UAB profiles varied for heterosexual versus non-heterosexual gamers, to elucidate potential discrepancies in avatar engagement and gaming experiences related to sexual orientation. The study comprised an Australian community sample of 488 players (48.2% women, 73.3% heterosexual, Mage = 31.6 years) of Massive Multiplayer Online games. An online survey assessed demographic characteristics, user-avatar bond (UAB), and disordered gaming – which was additionally measured after six months (n = 270). Latent profile analysis revealed the presence of four UAB profiles: Compensated, Differentiated, Identified, and Moderate gamers. There was no association between one’s UAB profile and their sexual orientation. No interaction was observed between sexual orientation, UAB profile, and disordered gaming behaviour. However, differentiated gamers (characterised by weaker UAB connection) displayed significantly lower disordered gaming scores cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Findings highlight variations in how heterosexual and non-heterosexual identifying gamers connect with their gaming avatar, cautioning definitive and stereotypical assumptions.

Strategic planning, budget monitoring and growth optimism: evidence from Australian SMEs

PurposeGrowth optimism, which describes the expected future growth of a firm, is an important but underexplored construct in strategy. This paper aims to assess the planning antecedents of such growth optimism by using a large Australian sample of small enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a secondary data set, gathered among Australian small to medium enterprises (SMEs), by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The analysis adopts a regression approach including a mediated and a non-mediated path to explore the direct and indirect effects of strategic planning and budgetary planning and management on expected future revenues.FindingsThis paper assesses the implications of concurrent strategic planning and financial management dynamic capabilities on anticipated future revenue growth, an important predisposition dynamic capability. The authors note that this configuration of actions and predisposition aligns closely with the necessary requirements for growth. The findings suggest that firms that use strategic planning and robust budget planning and monitoring processes exhibit higher optimism about future sales growth and firms that effectively configure these planning activities with market development tend to exhibit higher growth and more growth optimism.Research limitations/implicationsIn terms of theoretical contributions, the paper strongly supports the formality view in the formal/informal debates associated with effectuation strategies. The authors suggest that appropriate strategic and budgetary planning and control systems act as a counterbalance to organisational confusion and managerial capriciousness, leading to improved confidence among managers and their employees regarding future resource commitments and plans.Practical implicationsThe findings of the paper are potentially important for both managers and policy makers. For managers seeking to grow their future sales, planning is shown to be an important antecedent activity. The presence of financial and strategic planning may predispose firms to make important investment decisions that drive future growth. Also, a better understanding of the firm’s current and future strategic and financial position may be evidence of effective firm management, a situation that, in turn, drives growth.Social implicationsIn terms of social and policy implications, the data gathered for the survey by the ABS forms a valuable collection of information in relation to business practices. Australian firms are required by law to regularly report budget plans and outcomes. The research suggests that this data can inform policy initiatives, particularly in relation to programmes that may assist small and young firms to undertake prospective strategic and budgetary planning.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to investigate the particular configuration of strategic and financial planning and anticipated sales growth in the SME context.

Pride and prejudice: What influences Australians’ attitudes toward changing the date of Australia Day?

AbstractAustralia Day, celebrated on January 26, is rooted in Australia's colonial history and causes pain for many of Australia's First Peoples. This study was the first to investigate predictors of Australians’ attitudes toward the date, while exploring whether intervention may improve attitudes toward a date‐change. An Australian community sample (N = 559) were recruited through social media for an anonymous survey. Participants indicated their support for date‐change, and responded to a variety of demographic (e.g., Age) and sociodemographic (e.g., Racism) questions, then being randomly allocated to an intervention statement, indicating their final attitudes post‐intervention. Findings suggest sociodemographic factors were more important predictors than demographics, with Racism (b*** = .50), Traditionalism (b** = .18), Patriotism (b* = .13), and Age (b* = .10) significantly predicting participants’ date‐change resistance. Racism demonstrated the most predictive strength, underscoring the importance of a date‐change, with those open to change often identifying any alternative date should not offend First Peoples. In addition, intervention produced significant improvement in participants’ date‐change attitudes, among those who were able to become more open to a date‐change; however, differences were not present between intervention conditions. This illuminates the factors predicting Australians’ attitudes toward Australia Day, while demonstrating a potential path toward date‐change through intervention.

How should artificial intelligence be used in Australian health care? Recommendations from a citizens’ jury

AbstractObjectiveTo support a diverse sample of Australians to make recommendations about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in health care.Study designCitizens’ jury, deliberating the question: “Under which circumstances, if any, should artificial intelligence be used in Australian health systems to detect or diagnose disease?”Setting, participantsThirty Australian adults recruited by Sortition Foundation using random invitation and stratified selection to reflect population proportions by gender, age, ancestry, highest level of education, and residential location (state/territory; urban, regional, rural). The jury process took 18 days (16 March – 2 April 2023): fifteen days online and three days face‐to‐face in Sydney, where the jurors, both in small groups and together, were informed about and discussed the question, and developed recommendations with reasons. Jurors received extensive information: a printed handbook, online documents, and recorded presentations by four expert speakers. Jurors asked questions and received answers from the experts during the online period of the process, and during the first day of the face‐to‐face meeting.Main outcome measuresJury recommendations, with reasons.ResultsThe jurors recommended an overarching, independently governed charter and framework for health care AI. The other nine recommendation categories concerned balancing benefits and harms; fairness and bias; patients’ rights and choices; clinical governance and training; technical governance and standards; data governance and use; open source software; AI evaluation and assessment; and education and communication.ConclusionsThe deliberative process supported a nationally representative sample of citizens to construct recommendations about how AI in health care should be developed, used, and governed. Recommendations derived using such methods could guide clinicians, policy makers, AI researchers and developers, and health service users to develop approaches that ensure trustworthy and responsible use of this technology.

Consumer Preferences for a Healthcare Appointment Reminder in Australia: A Discrete Choice Experiment.

It is essential to consider the evidence of consumer preferences and their specific needs when determining which strategies to use to improve patient attendance at scheduled healthcare appointments. This study aimed to identify key attributes and elicit healthcare consumer preferences for a healthcare appointment reminder system. A discrete choice experiment was conducted in a general Australian population sample. The respondents were asked to choose between three options: their preferred reminder (A or B) or a 'neither' option. Attributes were developed through a literature review and an expert panel discussion. Reminder options were defined by four attributes: modality, timing, content and interactivity. Multinomial logit and mixed multinomial logit models were estimated to approximate individual preferences for these attributes. A scenario analysis was performed to estimate the likelihood of choosing different reminder systems. Respondents (n = 361) indicated a significant preference for an appointment reminder to be delivered via a text message (β = 2.42, p < 0.001) less than 3 days before the appointment (β = 0.99, p < 0.001), with basic details including the appointment cost (β = 0.13, p < 0.10), and where there is the ability to cancel or modify the appointment (β = 1.36, p < 0.001). A scenario analysis showed that the likelihood of choosing an appointment reminder system with these characteristics would be 97%. Our findings provide evidence on how healthcare consumers trade-off between different characteristics of reminder systems, which may be valuable to inform current or future systems. Future studies may focus on exploring the effectiveness of using patient-preferred reminders alongside other mitigation strategies used by providers.

Longitudinal gambling risk transitions: evidence from a nationally representative Australian sample

Aims Problem gambling has downstream consequences on individuals, families and the community. While a strong research base now exists on predictors and outcomes of problem gambling risk and severity, few studies have examined the transitions in gambling risk status over time, and factors associated with these transitions. Methods The current study addresses this knowledge gap by examining gambling transitions using two waves of longitudinal, population-representative Australian data (N = 12,364) collected in 2015 and 2018. Focal to our approach is the assessment of predictors of gambling risk status including demographics, and key psychosocial factors that might attenuate the risk of transition into more severe gambling. Results The results show significant stability in gambling risk over time, particularly among individuals who reported no or low gambling risk. Gambling risk transitions were more likely to occur toward less severe than more severe levels of gambling. Furthermore, gambling problems tended to persist in more severe levels of gambling risk. Financial hardship, younger age, male gender, experience of hardship, lower levels of educational attainment, chronic health conditions, risky levels of alcohol consumption, living in low SES areas, and low sense of mastery were associated with transitions from low to more severe gambling over the three-year period. There were no significant predictors of transitions to lower levels of gambling risk in the current data. Conclusions Our findings can help inform public health interventions by better targeting individuals at elevated risk for more severe gambling over time, and we outline a method for analyzing transitions in longitudinal datasets that can be applied in future studies in addiction.

Perceived Workplace Discrimination on the Basis of Parent Status in Australia: Who Is Vulnerable and How Does It Link to Mothers' and Fathers' Mental Health?

This study focused on employees' perceived discrimination due to parenthood; and mental health, occupational stress and turnover intention. Methods: Survey (2016) of an Australian convenience sample of employed parents: women ( n = 2950) and men ( n = 1318). Results: Forty-two percent of all mothers reported missing out on promotion ( n = 1234/2950); one-third reported negative comments from managers ( n = 805/2950, 27%) or colleagues ( n = 832/2950, 28%). One in five fathers reported these forms of discrimination. In adjusted analyses, perceived discrimination was associated with poorer mental health (β = 0.23, P < 0.001); higher occupational stress (β = 0.30, P < 0.001); and increased odds of turnover intention (adjusted odds ratio = 1.5, P < 0.001) for mothers; and poorer mental health (β = 0.34, P < 0.001); stress (β = 0.35, P < 0.001); and increased odds of turnover intention (adjusted odds ratio = 1.7, P < 0.001) for fathers. Conclusions: Experiences of negativity and hostility at work are common and link to employee health and well-being.

The power of good corporate governance in activating the impact of internal information quality on tax savings

PurposeThis paper examines the moderating effect of good corporate governance on the association between internal information quality and tax savings.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a quantitative approach. It employs an Australian sample of analysis composed of 1,295 firm-year observations from the period 2017 to 2021. Data relating to corporate governance are hand-collected from the annual reports.FindingsBased on the result of the analysis, this study demonstrates that the interaction between corporate governance and quality of internal information is positively associated with tax savings. Superior corporate governance is critical in activating the effect of internal information quality on tax savings. This finding is robust to a battery of robustness checks and additional tests.Research limitations/implicationsThis examination utilizes only publicly traded companies from one developed country.Practical implicationsFor the company management, an effective governance structure must be at the top because it will determine the development of all other areas. This study emphasizes the need to continuously improve the effectiveness of corporate governance practices. For long-term investors, an important indicator that can be considered in assessing the “safety” of a company’s tax strategy is its corporate governance aspects. For regulators, this study is expected to assist regulators in creating a more adequate corporate governance implementation and disclosure package to be implemented by corporations in the future.Originality/valueThis study provides new evidence on a crucial construct that can strengthen the relationship between internal information quality and tax savings.

Impact of coordinated care on adherence to antihypertensive medicines among adults experiencing polypharmacy in Australia.

Adherence to antihypertensives is key for blood pressure control. Most people with hypertension have several comorbidities and require multiple medicines, leading to complex care pathways. Strategies for coordinating medicine use can improve adherence, but cumulative benefits of multiple strategies are unknown. Using dispensing claims for a 10% sample of eligible Australians, we identified adult users of antihypertensives during July 2018-June 2019 who experienced polypharmacy (≥5 unique medicines). We measured medicine use reflecting coordinated medicine management in 3 months before and including first observed dispensing, including: use of simple regimens for each cardiovascular medicine; prescriber continuity; and coordination of dispensings at the pharmacy. We measured adherence (proportion of days covered) to antihypertensive medicines in the following 12 months, and used logistic regression to assess independent associations and interactions of adherence with these measures of care. We identified 202 708 people, of which two-thirds (66.6%) had simple cardiovascular medicine regimens (one tablet per day for each medicine), two-thirds (63.3%) were prescribed >75% of medicines from the same prescriber, and two-thirds (65.5%) filled >50% of their medicine on the same day. One-third (28.4%) of people experienced all three measures of coordinated care. Although all measures were significantly associated with higher adherence, adherence was greatest among people experiencing all three measures (odds ratio = 1.63; 95% confidence interval: 1.55-1.72). This interaction was driven primarily by effects of prescriber continuity and dispensing coordination. Coordinating both prescribing and dispensing of medicines can improve adherence to antihypertensives, which supports strategies consolidating both prescribing and supply of patients' medicines.

Correlates of mental disorder and harmful substance use in an indigenous Australian urban sample: an analysis of data from the Queensland Urban Indigenous Mental Health Survey.

Limited data exists on the relationship between sociodemographic and cultural variables and the prevalence of specific mental and substance use disorders (MSDs) among Indigenous Australians, using diagnostic prevalence data. This paper utilises data from the Queensland Urban Indigenous Mental Health Survey (QUIMHS), a population-level diagnostic mental health survey, to identify socioeconomic and cultural correlates of psychological distress and specific MSDs in an urban Indigenous Australian sample. Using a mixture of household sampling (door-knocking) and snowball sampling (promotion of the survey in the community), 406 participants aged 18 to 89 were recruited across key locations in Southeast Queensland. The study investigated various demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors as predictors of psychological distress (measured by the Kessler-5) and MSD diagnoses (utilising the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, CIDI 3.0) using a series of univariate logistic regressions. Individuals in unstable housing (homeless, sleeping rough) and those reporting financial distress were more likely to experience an MSD in the past 12 months and throughout their lifetime. Individuals reporting lower levels of connection and belonging, limited participation in cultural events, and lower empowerment were more likely to have a lifetime mental disorder. This data emphasises the importance of addressing systemic and social determinants of health when designing and delivering community mental health services and underscores the need for holistic approaches when working with Indigenous communities.

Psychological mechanisms of the development of suicidal ideation: Longitudinal cohort study.

This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of the development of suicidal ideation and its moderating and protective factors. Drawing on the Interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide, we proposed that disruptions to belongingness, in conjunction with tolerance of health risk, may influence the development of suicidal ideation above and beyond psychosocial changes such as disruptions to finances and work. The study involved a longitudinal investigation of an Australian representative sample reporting suicidal ideation fortnightly for 12 weeks between March and June 2020. The results indicated that participants who reported higher levels of belongingness, mastery, and intolerance of health risk were less likely to experience suicidal ideation and had lower severity of suicidal ideation. Mastery significantly strengthened the negative link between belongingness and the incidence of suicidal ideation, while agreeableness significantly strengthened the negative link between belongingness and the severity of suicidal ideation over time. The findings suggest that supporting effective social connectedness during times of isolation and promoting self-efficacy, mastery, and regulation of risk tolerance, may be crucial for suicide prevention and therapeutic intervention.

Social associations and alcohol consumption in an Australian community sample: An egocentric social network analysis.

This study examined how social associations from a person's social network may be associated with their own alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption behavior was examined among the social networks of 784 survey respondents (54% female, Mage = 35.3 years), using egocentric social network analysis. Participants (egos) were recruited via a panel aggregator and completed an online survey about the frequency of their alcohol consumption and that of the 20 most influential people in their lives (alters). The survey also explored who these alters were (family, friends, work colleagues) and the interrelationships among these alters. Egos who consumed alcohol, or consumed alcohol more frequently, were surrounded by more alters who also drank alcohol and felt closer (had stronger ties) to these alters. These relationships remained statistically significant when controlling for demographic and other variables. The social networks of those who consumed alcohol more frequently were more densely intertwined. Alcohol may serve to initiate social connections and be a "social glue" that reinforces relationships. These strong social associations present a potential barrier to individuals who wish to reduce their alcohol consumption because they have few close social connections who do not drink alcohol (or who do so infrequently), and their highly interconnected social networks make it difficult to socialize only with those who do not drink frequently. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).