Friends Research Articles

Personal Testimony About Dealing with Loss and Self-Care.

As an interfaith hospital chaplain and a Christian, navigating the profound emotional terrain of grief and loss is both a professional duty and a deeply personal journey. Attending the funerals of two close friends has brought out the interplay between my role as a spiritual caregiver and my own vulnerability. In reflection, I realize the importance of self-care and the reminder that in offering comfort and empathy, I must first find it within myself.

The Relationship Between Bullying Victimization and Suicidal Ideation in Student Victims of Bullying in Yogyakarta

Suicidal ideation arises in individuals or groups who feel overwhelmed by pressure and a sense of hopelessness. Bullying is a significant factor that contributes to severe psychological and social impacts on both victims and perpetrators. The growing prevalence of bullying today requires special attention, as it not only harms the victims but also negatively affects the bullies themselves. This study uses the scale of the Relationship of Bullying Victimization to Suicidal Ideation (suicidal ideation) in students who are victims of bullying in Yogyakarta. The type of research used is correlational quantitative research. Quantitative research is a research method that aims to find out if the individual has experienced a victim of bullying that causes suicidal thoughts. Suicidal Ideation and Bullying are known to have a significance value of 0.736, where this value is greater than 0.05. So, it can be concluded that the two variables have a significant relationship or correlation with a strong correlation level. Victims of bullying can be open and seek help from their parents, close friends and family so that they do not experience the risk of suicidal ideation (suicidal ideation) or other effects of bullying. In addition, victims must have positive thoughts when they feel hurt so that they do not think badly to do suicidal ideation (suicidal ideation).

The cohort trends of social connectedness in secondary school students in Finland between 2017 and 2021.

The aim was to investigate the cohort trends of the experienced social connectedness in secondary school students between 2017 and 2021 and whether these trends vary by gender, school level and sociodemographic background. We used nationally representative Finnish data of 450,864 students in lower and upper secondary education. Social connectedness was measured by number of close friends, feelings of loneliness and sense of belonging at school. Adjusted regression analyses included year, gender, school level and sociodemographic factors (parental education, immigrant status of the student and urban-rural area of the school). The results showed that social connectedness declined from 2017 to 2021: 11% decline in having 3+ close friends, 15% increase in loneliness and 8% decline in belonging at school. The decline was especially large in girls and upper secondary school. Although some socio-demographically disadvantaged groups showed lower levels of social connectedness, there were differences by gender, school level and year. Many differences diminished because the more advantaged groups declined faster, i.e. moved towards the less advantaged groups. Declining social connectedness in young people is a worrying trend that requires a public health focus on the whole cohort while accommodating the variation by the individual and environmental context.

Labour migration and mental health of left-behind children in Georgia: a mixed methods study

Abstract Background Global migration is on the rise, and as a result, millions of children are left in their home countries while their parents migrate abroad. Little is known about the mental health of left-behind children (LBC) in Eastern Europe. The study addresses this research gap in Georgia, a leading migrant-sending country in the region. Methods Applying convergent parallel design, this mixed methods research integrates a qualitative study with schoolteachers from six public schools in Samegrelo and Guria regions (6 focus group discussions and 6 in-depth interviews) (i); a school survey with 933 adolescents (ii) from 18 public schools, (12-18 age group, internalizing and externalizing problems assessed with Aschenbach’s “Youth Self-Report” questionnaire), and a qualitative study using life-narrative interviews with 39 adolescents (iii). We analysed qualitative data using reflexive thematic analyses and applied multiple linear regression to analyse quantitative data. Results The Quantitative and qualitative findings converge in some respects while diverging in others. Schoolteachers perceive migratory separation as a traumatizing life event, making children vulnerable to mental health issues. Similarly, schoolchildren perceive separation from parents as a stressful life event; however, they also acknowledge positive aspects of migrant labour, such as material benefits. From the perception of LBC, close family ties, friendships, school support, and optimism help with coping. This study also revealed a gender disparity, with boys exhibiting more rule-breaking behaviour and girls performing worse on most Youth Self- Reported syndrome scales. Regression analysis showed associations between adolescents’ problem behaviours and relationships with family members, friendships, and school environment. Conclusions This research found that parental migration effects on children are complex and depend on individual and transnational family characteristics. Key messages • Left-behind children may need emotional and academic support. • Strengthening family ties, supportive school environment and friendships contribute to adolescents’ coping with parental migration.

What Does ‘Having Close Friends from Abroad’ Mean for the Intercultural Competencies: A New View on the Antecedents of Cultural Intelligence

What Does ‘Having Close Friends from Abroad’ Mean for the Intercultural Competencies: A New View on the Antecedents of Cultural Intelligence

The adverse dyadic friendship (ADF): An exploratory retrospective view of female adolescents.

Friendships of adolescent girls play a significant role in providing socio-emotional support and enabling the attainment of developmental tasks. The present exploratory paper focuses on an aspect of close friendships that has yet to be widely examined, which we described as the Adverse Dyadic Friendship (ADF). This is a friendship whose negative elements are perceived from the distance of time as outweighing its positive ones. To examine the features of ADF, a qualitative study based on retrospective data obtained from 34 young adult females (Mage = 31.14, SD = 5.59) was conducted in Israel. Using a semi-structured online questionnaire, participants were asked to address a specific close same-sex friendship they had during their middle or high school years that has negatively affected them. The emerging themes (such as negative feelings and various coping strategies) suggest that ADF comprises an intense emotional condition, having implications on the development of individuals' self-perception. The consequences of ADF may be detrimental to adolescent girls' self-worth and friendship skills and extend into their adult life. Whereas the developmental literature emphasizes the positive aspects of friendship for adolescent girls, this study points out how ADF can also become a developmental challenge for them: on the one hand, ADF comprises a risk factor for their socio-emotional development, and on the other hand, presents an opportunity to learn and introduce changes in their lives. The main contribution of this paper is that ADF can stimulate further research on the complex aspects of friendship between adolescent girls.

Social connection in long-term care homes: a qualitative study of barriers and facilitators

BackgroundSocial connection is a basic human need and is essential to quality of life. It is associated with better mental and physical health outcomes for long-term care (LTC) home residents and is a key aspect of quality of care and person-centred care. There are considerations for LTC homes that may present obstacles to and opportunities for social connection. It is therefore important to understand what restricts or enables good social connection in LTC homes, to guide better quality care and future interventions in this population. This qualitative study aims to identify barriers and facilitators to social connection for LTC residents.MethodsWe used thematic analysis to describe themes derived from individual and group qualitative interviews from 67 participants (18 residents, 17 staff members and clinicians, 32 family members and friends) recruited from LTC homes in the United Kingdom and Canada.ResultsThemes were grouped into four categories: (1) becoming familiar with life in the LTC home to support social connection; (2) physical and virtual access beyond the LTC home as strategies to maintain contact; (3) getting to know residents to deepen relationships; (4) person-centred approaches to build social connection. ‘Becoming familiar with life in the LTC home to support social connection’ described the benefits of counteracting the institutionalized feel of LTC homes, enabling LTC residents to spend time in meaningful ways, and increasing freedom of mobility around the home. ‘Physical and virtual access beyond the LTC home as strategies to maintain contact’ related to the benefits of outings, providing support with technology, and involving family and friends in LTC home life. ‘Getting to know residents to deepen relationships’ related to the benefits of using routine care and interactions as opportunities for social contact, using family and friend knowledge as a resource, and fostering resident relationships. ‘Person-centred approaches to build social connection’ included considering physical, mental, cognitive, and sensory impairments, accounting for adjustment and sociability, using communal spaces well, and prioritizing psychosocial needs.ConclusionsThis study identifies barriers and facilitators to social connection for LTC residents which can be addressed in care policies, staff selection and training, and can inform policies and interventions to build and maintain social connection in LTC homes.Clinical trial numberclinicaltrials.gov ID NCT05315960.

The Effect of Depression and Hopelessness Level on Death Anxiety in Earthquake Survivor Students One Year After the Earthquake.

It is important to reveal the long-term psychological effects of the earthquake in earthquake-exposed individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of depression, hopelessness and death anxiety in students who experienced the earthquake one year after the earthquake and to examine the effects of depression and hopelessness on death anxiety. This is a descriptive and correlational study. Data were collected from 155 Emergency Relief and Disaster Management students who experienced the Kahramanmaras earthquake in Türkiye in 2023. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, Beck Depression Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Thorson-Powell Death Anxiety Scale. In the study, a moderate positive correlation was found, indicating that as levels of depression and hopelessness increased, so did death anxiety (p < .05). Depression and hopelessness explained 18.1% of the variance in death anxiety. Death anxiety was found to be higher in males and in students whose relatives or close friends died.

Sex differences in close friendships and social style

Friendships play a central role in human sociality, and are a major influence, both directly and indirectly, on our fitness. The two most important forms of friendship are the support clique and the best friend. Although the basis on which we choose friends and romantic partners have been studied in considerable detail, we know a great deal less about how individuals' own psychological traits affect whom they form relationships with. Here, we use an ethnically homogenous UK sample of 757 adults (aged 18–75 years; 56 % female) attending national science festivals to show that there are striking differences between men and women in both the structure of friendship groups and the psychological mechanisms that underpin their capacity to hold and maintain close friendships. Individual differences in the size and structure of women's cliques, and their likelihood of having a best friend, are underpinned mainly by prosocial tendencies, whereas in men they correlate negatively with anti-social, rather than prosocial, tendencies. These findings add to the evidence that male and female social worlds are organised in very different ways. This begs the evolutionary question as to why this is so.

The Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviors of People Who Have Experienced Stroke: Qualitative Interview Study.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. As health resources become digitized, it is important to understand how people who have experienced stroke engage with online health information. This understanding will aid in guiding the development and dissemination of online resources to support people after stroke. This study aims to explore the online health information-seeking behaviors of people who have experienced stroke and any related barriers or navigational needs. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants via email between March and November 2022. The sampling was done from an existing cohort of Australian stroke survivors who had previously participated in a randomized controlled trial of an online secondary prevention program. The cohort consisted of people with low levels of disability. Semistructured one-on-one interviews were conducted via phone or video calls. These calls were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed by 2 independent coders using a combined inductive-deductive approach. In the deductive analysis, responses were mapped to an online health information-seeking behavior framework. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze the remaining raw data that did not fit within the deductive theoretical framework. A sample of 15 relatively independent, high-functioning people who had experienced stroke from 4 Australian states, aged between 29 and 80 years, completed the interview. A broad range of online health information-seeking behaviors were identified, with most relating to participants wanting to be more informed about medical conditions and symptoms of their own or of a family member or a friend. Barriers included limited eHealth literacy and too much generalization of online information. Online resources were described to be more appealing and more accessible if they were high-quality, trustworthy, easy to use, and suggested by health care providers or trusted family members and friends. Across the interviews, there was an underlying theme of disconnection that appeared to impact not only the participants' online health information seeking, but their overall experience after stroke. These responses were grouped into 3 interrelated subthemes: disconnection from conventional stroke narratives and resources, disconnection from the continuing significance of stroke, and disconnection from long-term supports. People who have experienced stroke actively engage with the internet to search for health information with varying levels of confidence. The underlying theme of disconnection identified in the interviews highlights the need for a more comprehensive and sustained framework for support after stroke beyond the initial recovery phase. Future research should explore the development of tailored and relatable internet-based resources, improved communication and education about the diversity of stroke experiences and ongoing risks, and increased opportunities for long-term support.

Prenatal weight stigma can affect relationship quality and maternal health outcomes

BackgroundWeight stigma is defined as negative misconception and stereotypes associated with weight, and it is commonly experienced during pregnancy. Weight stigma during pregnancy may be sourced from trusted close relationships including family members, partners, and friends. Social support is a necessary psychosocial factor for optimal health and wellbeing throughout pregnancy, and weight stigma sourced from these integral relationships may negatively affect health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of weight stigma from close others on maternal health outcomes.MethodsA survey was administered via Qualtrics to pregnant women (≥ 13 weeks, residence within the United States or Canada, ≥ 18 years old, singleton pregnancy). During pregnancy, participants completed questionnaires identifying whether they had experienced weight stigma from a close relationship (i.e., family, partners, or friends), how often, and relationship quality scales for each source. At three months postpartum, they were surveyed about their pregnancy outcomes including gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, chronic pain, anxiety/depression. They also completed the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and a linear regression was performed with frequency of weight stigma. Logistic regressions were performed between frequency of weight stigma and health outcomes. If significant, relationship quality was tested as a potential mediator. Significance was accepted as p < 0.05.Results463 participants completed both surveys of which 86% had experienced weight stigma from close others. Frequency of weight stigma was significantly associated with chronic pain (β = 0.689, p < 0.001), and anxiety/depression (β = 0.404, p = 0.005). The relationship between frequency of weight stigma in pregnancy and chronic pain was mediated by quality of all relationships. Family relationship quality mediated between frequency of weights stigma and anxiety/depression. Frequency of weight stigma was significantly associated with depression symptom severity measured by the EPDS (β = 0.634, p < 0.001).ConclusionThese findings underscore the issue of weight stigma and show that experiencing this from trusted close others is associated with poor health outcomes like chronic pain. Advocacy efforts to mitigate weight stigma in pregnancy and strengthen close relationships to improve maternal health and wellbeing is warranted.

Network analysis of correlations between suicide exposure, depression, and anxiety symptoms in adolescents.

Adolescents with a history of suicide exposure, defined as experiencing the suicide death of a family member, friend, or other acquaintances, are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. This study aimed to explore prevalence rates and the network of adolescents' suicide exposure, depression, and anxiety symptoms, and to clarify the correlations between suicide exposure and symptoms of depression and anxiety. A total of 8,957 adolescents were included in this cross-sectional study. Data regarding general information, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and suicide exposure were collected from mid-September to early October 2021. Network analysis was employed to assess relationships between suicide exposure and individual symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Central symptoms were identified by strength; the flow network was visualized to identify symptoms directly related to suicide exposure. The prevalence rates of suicide exposure, depression, and anxiety were 5.28%, 12.87%, and 10.48%. Results indicated that suicide exposure was associated with both depression and anxiety, and had the strongest positive association with suicidal ideation. Central symptoms of the network were sad mood, nervousness, fatigue, irritability, and uncontrollable worry. Bridge symptoms were suicidal ideation and irritability. Appetite changes, suicidal ideation, uncontrollable worry, sleep difficulties, and irritability were symptoms directly related to suicide exposure. There were significant inter-symptom associations between suicide exposure, depression, and anxiety in adolescents. It is recommended that future studies explore whether targeted interventions and long-term monitoring concerning these inter-symptom associations can protect adolescents with suicide exposure.

Natural Course and Predictors of Sustained Exergaming in Young Adults.

Objective: To describe the natural course of exergaming among young adults and identify predictors of sustained exergaming. Methods: To describe the natural course, we retained 592 participants from an ongoing longitudinal study with complete data on exergaming at four time points over 12-13 years between 2010-12 and 2023 (i.e., T1-T4 at mean ages 24.0, 30.6, 33.6, and 35.2, respectively). To identify predictors of sustained exergaming, we retained 228 participants with data on 27 potential predictors at T2 and data on exergaming at T2 and T3. The association between each potential predictor and sustained exergaming was examined as an independent study using multivariable logistic regression controlling for age, sex, and educational attainment. Results: Of 592 participants, 41.3%, 34.1%, and 38.5% sustained exergaming from T1 to T2, from T2 to T3, and from T3 to T4, respectively. Only 3% of participants sustained exergaming from T1 to T4. Most participants reported light- or moderate-intensity exergaming at all time points. Higher levels of external pressure to engage in physical activity, encouragement from close friends to exercise, and taking breaks from sitting during a typical workday were each associated with lower odds of sustained exergaming. Conclusion: Although exergaming is a popular activity among young adults, long-term sustained exergaming was rare. This may link to time constraints related to life transitions, evolving interests, changes in social circles, and shifting fitness goals among young adults. Research is needed to inform strategies that promote sustained exergaming and maximize its potential for positive impact among young adults.

Trends in socioeconomic inequality in e-cigarette use among adolescents in South Korea.

The global rise in e-cigarette use among adolescents is alarming, with associated socioeconomic inequalities posing potential public health risks. This study examined trends in the socioeconomic inequality in e-cigarette use among South Korean adolescents to inform future regulatory directions. Socioeconomic inequalities in e-cigarette use among Korean adolescents were assessed using data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) from 2011 to 2023. The Concentration Index, a well-established method for measuring health inequalities, was employed. Additionally, this study investigated how the smoking behaviors of family members and friends influence socioeconomic inequality in e-cigarette use among Korean adolescents, using a decomposition analysis. The Concentration Index values showed a clear, fluctuating downward trend over 13 years, from -0.12 (95% CI: -0.13 - -0.10) in 2011 to -0.24 (95% CI: -0.26 - -0.21) in 2023. Decomposition analysis revealed that smoking among peer groups, including friends and siblings, was the primary contributor to socioeconomic inequality in e-cigarette use, followed by maternal smoking. Socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent e-cigarette use in South Korea are widening, particularly among low socioeconomic status groups. The impact of peer groups on socioeconomic inequalities in e-cigarette use among adolescents is concerning.

The questions on violence (FOV) tool for interpersonal violence inquiry in Swedish healthcare settings – evaluation of content validity, face validity and test-retest reliability

BackgroundPrevious research indicates that routine inquiry or screening conducted by healthcare providers may significantly increase the identification of interpersonal violence. There is a lack of comprehensive instruments to routinely assess patients about interpersonal violence and violence against children in the household. The purpose of this study was to assess the content validity, face validity and reliability of the Questions on Violence (FOV) tool, an instrument specifically designed for routine inquiries about interpersonal violence in healthcare settings within the Swedish context.MethodsThe content validity, face validity and reliability of the FOV instrument was assessed through (1) a content validity index with six experts in the field of intimate partner violence, (2) cognitive interviews with nine patients recruited from a primary healthcare facility, and (3) an evaluation of the test-retest reliability based on responses from 37(50.0%) university students. The intraclass correlation coefficient, model 2.1, was calculated to assess the degree of correlation and agreement between the two measurements.ResultsCalculations based on the content validity index indicated that five out of seven items had excellent content validity (≥ 0.78). The average content validity index of included items was 0.88, which is slightly below the recommended threshold for excellent content validity. The results based on the cognitive interviews revealed that participants found the seven items to be relevant and easy to understand. Overall, the participants agreed that the concept of ‘close relationships’ primarily encompassed intimate partners, family members, and close friends. The value of the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.85 (0.77–0.91; CI 95%), indicating good reliability with an interval of good to excellent test-retest reliability.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that the seven-item FOV instrument has good content and face validity as well as good to excellent test-retest reliability. The current study provides healthcare professionals with a short yet comprehensive instrument for identifying patients who have experienced or perpetrated different forms of interpersonal violence.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Emotional Reactions, Coping Strategies, and Realizations among Employees in a University

This study was conducted to determine the emotional reactions, coping strategies, and realizations of university employees during the pandemic as a basis for enhancing a mental health program. Descriptive qualitative research design was used in the study. Data were gathered online through an interactive activity called “Kumustahan”. Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents felt scared, anxious, and worried about getting infected; sad about their limited mobility; stressed with online classes and technology-related concerns; and depressed about being quarantined and the untimely death of a family member, relative, or friend. Employees’ coping strategies include relaxation like gardening, watching Netflix, and playing cyber games; doing household chores; performing spiritual activities; maintaining an active social life via social media; and minimizing online working hours. Despite the negative emotions, the majority were happy with the “work-from-home” and “online classes” of their children. Employees realized the importance of prayers and family; acceptance of events beyond man’s control; feeling of equality regardless of social status; and the need to adapt to change and follow health protocols. In conclusion, employees experienced both negative and positive emotions and coped through problem-based, emotion-based, and religious-based strategies. By finding positive meaning to the situation, they gained positive insights that helped them sustain sound mental health.

Differences in COVID-19 Vaccination and Experiences among Patients with Hypertension in Colombia and Jamaica during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hypertensive patients had increased infection and healthcare disruption in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with limited vaccine access. The objective of this report is to describe COVID-19 experiences and vaccination uptake among hypertensive patients in Colombia and Jamaica. A cross-sectional study of patients with hypertension was conducted in primary care clinics in both countries between 2021 and 2022. Trained interviewers used a telephone-administered questionnaire to assess COVID-19 experiences (infection, vaccination, and healthcare access). A total of 576 patients (68.5% female, mean age: 67.5 years) participated. Health service disruption affecting access to care was low (<10%). Compared to Jamaica, more participants from Colombia reported testing positive for COVID-19, having family members or friends testing positive, losing family members or friends due to COVID-19, and being vaccinated. In logistic regression models, adjusted for age, sex, education, and rural/urban clinic status, fear of COVID-19 (OR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2-6.1) and residence in Colombia (OR 5.9, 95% CI: 2.4-14.6) were associated with higher vaccination uptake. Disparities in access to COVID-19 testing and diagnosis may have influenced these country differences including fear of COVID-19 and vaccine uptake. Other factors need to be better understood to prepare for future pandemic responses.

Exploring Research on the Coping Strategies of Black Survivors of Homicide Victims: A Scoping Review

Black communities are disproportionately impacted by homicide, yet research on how surviving family members and friends of murdered victims cope with their violent, traumatic death is limited. This scoping review examines current literature on how Black communities cope with homicide, identifies key concepts, reviews study methods, summarizes findings, and offers implications for future research. A scoping review of empirical studies (2000–2024) consisting of majority Black participants coping with homicide was conducted. Out of 2,932 articles, 35 met the inclusion criteria. An inductive thematic analysis was used to synthesize results. Findings from these studies revealed two domains: the sociocultural context of coping and coping strategies, consisting of eight themes (e.g., racism and social stigma, the impact of homicide, support, spiritual coping, activism, maintaining a connection to the deceased, substance use, avoidance, and concealment). These findings emphasize social and cultural factors that shape Black experiences with homicide, which consequently impact the coping resources and strategies they use to manage the violent, traumatic death of loved ones. Implications for future research should focus on standardized collection of homicide data, contextualization of homicide experiences, and diverse research methods.

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior for Explaining Mobile Phone Recycling: The Role of Subjective Norms

This study examines the extent to which standard Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) predictors (Attitude; Subjective Norms; and Perceived Behavioral Control) explain the intention to recycle an end-of-use mobile phone. Our data originate from empirical research on Greek citizens conducted in the summer of 2022 (N = 258). Through ordinal regression modeling, we found that all the TPB predictors positively influence one’s intention to recycle. In contrast to most previous studies, we found that Subjective Norms is the most influential predictor. However, its influence is dependent on the type of norm (descriptive vs. injunctive), the type of social referent (family vs. close friends), and, most importantly, one’s level of identification with the social referent.

Adolescent close friendships, self-perceived social acceptance, and peer-rated likeability as predictors of wellbeing in young adulthood

IntroductionLinks between interpersonal relationships and physical and psychological functioning have been well-established in the literature. During adolescence, success or distress in peer relationships may have distinct effects on different aspects of wellbeing. The present study aims to examine the ways in which different adolescent peer relationship contexts (i.e., close friendship quality, social acceptance, and likability from peers) can predict outcomes relevant to adult wellbeing (i.e., social anxiety, depression, aggression, social integration, romantic insecurity, job satisfaction, and physical health). Further, the study considers how different developmental stages of adolescence may impact links between peer relationships and wellbeing outcomes.MethodPeer relationship contexts were assessed in early (ages 13–14) and late (ages 17–18) adolescence. Markers of wellbeing were measured in young adulthood (ages 28–30). A path analysis was used to examine whether the developmental timing of adolescent peer relationship contexts could predict wellbeing in young adulthood.ResultsResults suggest that, across adolescence, broader perceived social acceptance may be a more robust predictor of adult wellbeing compared to close friendship quality and peer likability. When examined at early and late adolescence separately, early adolescent social acceptance and late adolescent close friendship quality best predicted outcomes of adult wellbeing.DiscussionImplications and considerations for future research are discussed.