College-aged Sample Research Articles

CO2 challenge-evoked hormonal changes predicting TSST changes in cortisol and subjective distress

The importance of stressor response in relation to the development of psychopathology has been recognized for decades, yet the relationship is not fully understood. The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is an established conditioned stressor and frequently used to assess cortisol response to acute stress in different psychopathologies. The 35 % CO2 Challenge is a biological stressor and has mostly been utilized to assess subjective responses in anxiety related disorders. In the current study (N=189), we assessed the hormonal effects (cortisol, testosterone) and subjective distress (stress, anxiety, and fear) of the 35 % CO2 Challenge, and several days later, assessed the hormonal and subjective distress effects of the TSST in a mixed-sex, college-aged sample, to test for predictive effects of the 35 % CO2 Challenge on TSST-evoked outcomes. No testosterone by cortisol interaction effects were found in females. In males, the 35 % CO2 Challenge-evoked interaction of testosterone and cortisol predicted TSST-evoked subjective stress, anxiety, and fear, with higher concentrations of testosterone predicting subjective distress, but only at (relatively) low concentrations of cortisol (one standard deviation below mean concentrations). This result – in line with the dual-hormone hypothesis – suggests the 35 % CO2 Challenge could be utilized in a wider array of laboratory stress response research.

Examining interactions between polygenic scores and interpersonal trauma exposure on alcohol consumption and use disorder in an ancestrally diverse college cohort.

Introduction: Genetic factors impact alcohol consumption and use disorder (AUD), with large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identifying numerous associated variants. Aggregate genetic methods in combination with important environmental factors (e.g., interpersonal trauma [IPT]) can be applied to expand our understanding of the ways by which genetic and environmental variables work together to influence alcohol consumption and disordered use. The present study aimed to detail the relationships between genome-wide polygenic scores (PGS) for alcohol phenotypes (i.e., alcohol consumption and AUD status) and IPT exposure as well as the interaction between them across ancestry. Methods: Data were drawn from the Spit for Science (S4S) study, a US college student population, where participants reported on IPT exposure prior to college and alcohol consumption and problems during college (N = 9,006; ancestry: 21.3% African [AFR], 12.5% Admixed Americas [AMR], 9.6% East Asian [EAS], 48.1% European [EUR], 8.6% South Asian [SAS]). Two trans-ancestry PGS were constructed, one for alcohol consumption and another for AUD, using large-scale GWAS summary statistics from multiple ancestries weighted using PRS-CSx. Regression models were applied to test for the presence of associations between alcohol-PGS and IPT main and interaction effects. Results: In the meta-analysis across ancestry groups, IPT exposure and PGS were significantly associated with alcohol consumption (βIPT = 0.31, P IPT = 0.0002; βPGS = 0.09, P PGS = 0.004) and AUD (ORIPT = 1.12, P IPT = 3.5 × 10-8; ORPGS = 1.02, P PGS = 0.002). No statistically significant interactions were detected between IPT and sex nor between IPT and PGS. When inspecting ancestry specific results, the alcohol consumption-PGS and AUD-PGS were only statistically significant in the EUR ancestry group (βPGS = 0.09, P PGS = 0.04; ORPGS = 1.02, P PGS = 0.022, respectively). Discussion: IPT exposure prior to college was strongly associated with alcohol outcomes in this college-age sample, which could be used as a preventative measure to identify students at high risk for problematic alcohol use. Additionally, results add to developing evidence of polygenic score association in meta-analyzed samples, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to increase ancestral representation in genetic studies and inclusive analytic approaches to increase the generalizability of results from genetic association studies.

Does early adversity predict executive functioning difficulties among undergraduates? Dissociations among self-report, performance, and EEG measures.

The present research aimed to determine whether self-reports of early adversity predicted individual differences in self-reported and laboratory-measured executive functioning in college-aged samples. Two studies with young adult samples (n = 231 and n = 61) measured endorsement of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), self-reported executive functioning difficulties on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), and self-report measures of depression and emotion regulation. The second sample also completed laboratory performance tasks of working memory, inhibitory control, and selective attention while electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded. In both samples, greater self-reported ACEs predicted greater reports of executive functioning difficulties on the BRIEF (rs = 0.378 and 0.322), relationships of medium effect size that remained significant when controlling for depression and emotion regulation variables. In the second sample, despite robust EEG/event-related potential (ERP) task findings in the group as a whole, neither lab task performance nor EEG/ERP measures were reliably correlated with individual differences in ACEs. We consider multiple alternative explanations for why early adversity predicted self-reported executive functioning difficulties but not lab task performance or neural measures in the same sample. These findings may reflect a propensity for negative self-evaluation among those with early adverse experiences, leading to inflated estimates of their own executive function problems. Alternatively, the findings may indicate that the lab tasks are insufficient in tapping aspects of executive functions that are relevant outside the lab context. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Past-Year Mental Illness Diagnosis and E-cigarette Use Status Among a College-Aged Sample: Findings From the National College Health Assessment (2017-2019).

To examine associations between past-year mental illness (MI) diagnoses and e-cigarette use status. Data were obtained from the National College Health Assessment, a nationally recognized cross-sectional survey of university students. Participants were recruited from 2-year and 4-year public and private universities across the United States from 2017-2019. The analytic sample included 277291 university students. Self-reported past-year MI diagnosis, binarily coded, served as the primary predictor. The outcome was e-cigarette use status (never, noncurrent, and current user). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate relative risk ratios (RRR) of e-cigarette use, as predicted by past-year MI diagnoses, age, race/ethnicity, sex and gender, sexual identity, geographic region, and other combustible tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use. Compared to those who had never received any MI diagnosis in the past year, those who did had a 16% higher relative risk (RRR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.20) of being a noncurrent e-cigarette user and a 33% higher relative risk (RRR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.38) of being a current e-cigarette user. Schizophrenia, substance use or addiction, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses demonstrated the strongest associations with noncurrent and current e-cigarette use. Results suggest the need to screen young adults for e-cigarette use and mental health indicators to facilitate early detection and timely intervention for at-risk university students.

Reduction in genital sexual arousal varies by type of oral contraceptive pill.

Although oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) have been associated with decrements in self-reported genital arousal and vaginal lubrication, 1,2 little is known about how these outcomes vary across types of OCPs. The present study examined differences in physiological lubrication and vaginal blood flow, as well as rates of self-reported vulvovaginal atrophy and female sexual arousal disorder, among women using OCPs with varying androgenic properties. Participants in this study were 130 women: 59 naturally cycling control women, 50 women taking androgenic OCPs, and 21 women taking antiandrogenic OCPs. Participants watched sexual films while their sexual arousal responses were measured, completed questionnaires, and participated in a clinical interview. Vaginal blood flow, vaginal lubrication, self-reported vulvovaginal atrophy, and female sexual arousal disorder were assessed. Results indicated deficits in vaginal pulse amplitude and lubrication for women taking either form of OCP, with marked inhibitory effects found in women taking antiandrogenic OCPs. Rates of self-reported vulvovaginal atrophy and female sexual arousal disorder were also significantly greater in the antiandrogenic group compared with the control group. It is recommended that prescribing clinicians consult patients on such physiological effects of OCPs. To our knowledge, this was the first study to compare multiple measures of physiological sexual arousal across groups of women taking OCPs with varying hormonal profiles. Because all OCPs included in this study contained low doses of ethinylestradiol, we were able to identify the specific effects of the androgenic properties on women's sexual arousal responses. However, the self-administered lubrication test strip was subject to user error. Additionally, the generalizability of findings is limited by the largely heterosexual and college-aged sample. Compared with naturally cycling women, women taking OCPs that contain antiandrogenic progestins experienced decreased vaginal blood flow and lubrication as well as higher rates of self-reported vaginal bleeding and female sexual arousal disorder.

Anger and worry are related to problematic smartphone use: A cross-sectional examination of novel psychopathological constructs in a college-aged sample in the United Arab Emirates

IntroductionProblematic smartphone use (PSU) has consistently been shown to be associated with depression and anxiety. However, the association of PSU and psychological constructs beyond these two have rarely been subjected to examination. Worry and anger are transdiagnostic constructs that, given their conceptual similarity with depression and anxiety, may similarly evidence significant relationships with PSU. MethodsTo test these hypotheses, a sample of 264 college-aged students were recruited from a university in the United Arab Emirates. The sample ranged in age from 18 to 36 years (M = 21.51, SD = 2.99). Self-report measures of PSU, worry and anger were administered. ResultsResults revealed statistically significant associations with PSU, anger, and worry – these results were evident following correlational as well as regression analyses. Moreover, using a recommended cut-off score from the literature to identify participants scoring beyond the clinical threshold indicative of PSU, worry and anger scores were significantly higher in the clinical sub-group. ConclusionsThis study's results lend additional credibility to uses and gratifications theory and compensatory internet use theory as it appears that the excessive use of technologies may indeed serve the purpose of compensating for the management of emotional distress. Results are discussed within the context of these two theories.

Socio-Demographic and Attitudinal Correlates of Problematic Social Media Use: Analysis of Ithra's 30-Nation Digital Wellbeing Survey

Time spent on social media continues to rise globally. For some individuals, social media use can become maladaptive and associated with clinically significant social and occupational impairments. This problematic social media use (PSMU) is also linked with poorer health and wellbeing. Much of our existing PSMU knowledge comes from single nation studies, heavily focused on adolescent and college-age samples. This study uses data from Ithra's 2021 global digital wellbeing survey to explore rates of PSMU and identify socio-demographic and attitudinal correlates. Participants (N = 15,000) were representative adult samples (N = 500) drawn from 30 nations. All participants provided socio-demographic data and completed a measure of PSMU, along with questions assessing attitudes toward social media and general usage patterns. PSMU prevalence was 6.82%, varying from 1.7 to 18.4% between nations. Multivariate logistical regression identified several correlates, including national culture, age, parenthood and frequency of use. These findings can help inform public policy and public health initiatives to reduce PSMU prevalence.

School psychologists’ supporting American Indian students on the path to academic success: a community cultural wealth approach

PurposeThis study involves a content analysis of research published from 2000 to 2018 about American Indian students with the principal aim to identify investigations addressing the supportive factors that contribute to student academic success. Secondary aims involved better understanding the parameters of the investigations, such as sample tribal affiliations and journal outlets.Design/methodology/approachOut of 6,341 total articles published in PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO and Education Resources Information Center over the time period, 86 articles covering the pre-school to college age years were identified, almost evenly distributed between pre-college (n = 42, 48.8%); and college age samples (n = 44, 51.2%). The 86 articles account for a mere 1.4% of all published articles over the 19 year period. A community cultural wealth approach (Yosso, 2005) was used as a framework for understanding the myriad of strengths students bring to their school experiences and was used as a lens for interpreting the study findings.FindingsWhen disaggregated, the most common supports for pre-college age youth were culturally-sensitive schooling, personal/intrinsic qualities along with family and social support. For college age students, the most common supports were university personnel, community-based supports and student intrinsic factors. Further results, study limitations and implications are discussed.Originality/valueThis research is original.

Diagnosis of Eating Disorders Among College Students: A Comparison of Military and Civilian Students.

Eating disorders are often under-detected, which poses a serious threat to the health of individuals with eating disorder symptoms. There is evidence to suggest that the military represents a subpopulation that may be susceptible to high prevalence of eating disorders and vulnerable to their underdiagnosis. Underreporting of eating disorder symptoms in the military could lead to this underdiagnosis of individuals with eating disorder symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between military affiliation and eating disorder symptoms among college students and the likelihood of eating disorder diagnosis among those with eating disorder symptoms using a large, diverse college-aged sample of both military-involved and civilian students. Participants for this study were from the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, and 2017-2018 Healthy Minds Study (HMS). Healthy Minds Study is a large, cross-sectional cohort study of both undergraduate and graduate students from universities and colleges across the United States and Canada. The Healthy Minds Study survey questions include assessment of demographic information, military status, self-reported eating disorder symptoms using the SCOFF questionnaire, and self-reported eating disorder diagnosis. Univariate analysis, chi-square analysis, and logistic regression with an unadjusted and covariate adjusted model were used to examine the association between eating disorder symptoms and military affiliation. These analyses were also used to examine the association between eating disorder diagnosis among those with eating disorder symptoms and military affiliation. All analyses were conducted using SPSS. The prevalence of eating disorder symptoms was high among both the civilian (20.4%) and military-involved (14.4%) students. Among females, there was a significantly higher (P value = .041) prevalence of eating disorder symptoms among civilian college students (24.7%) compared to military-involved students (21.3%). Among those with eating disorder symptoms, the prevalence of diagnosis was low in both military and civilian students. Specifically, the prevalence of diagnosis was significantly lower (P value = .032) among military-involved college students (10.8%) compared to civilian college students (16.4%). Differences in sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, and age) among military-involved and civilian college students appear to explain this association. The underdiagnosis of eating disorders is far too common, and this represents a threat to the health of military and civilian populations alike. Underdiagnosis of eating disorders within military environments may be due to underreporting, particularly among men and racial/ethnic minority groups.

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Intimate Partner Violence, and Communication Quality in a College-Aged Sample

Previous adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) research focused on the future effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) among adult men, as well as victimization patterns. Continuing evidence is needed informing how ACEs, communication, and IPV may emerge within the intimate partnerships of 18–24 year olds. The present study addresses a literature gap by investigating ACEs in relation to relationship communication quality and IPV, considering not only victimization but also perpetration. An online survey was distributed through social media outlets targeting college-aged adults ( n = 228). Men were more likely to perpetrate and be victimized by IPV than women in the sample. However, both sexes had moderate associations between ACES and victimization as well as perpetration of physical, emotional, sexual, and cyber abuse. Poor communication quality was associated with ACEs and most forms of abuse experienced in the last year. Continued investigation of this topic is warranted to understand mechanisms for effective treatment and skill development.

Who benefits from computerized cognitive training? Lower processing speed predicts greater cognitive improvement

• How does baseline cognition influence gains from computerized cognitive training? • Depressed young adults with lower processing speed show greater cognitive gains. • Gains were significantly greater in processing speed tasks. • Training type did not affect the relationship between baseline cognition and gains. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) is an intervention used to target cognitive deficits associated with depression, and has been found to improve mood, cognition, and everyday functioning. The aim of the present study is to determine if baseline cognitive presentation predicts improvement in cognition from CCT, and if this improvement varies based on the type of training received. Forty-six young adults with depressive symptoms were recruited as part of a randomized controlled trial studying the effects of CCT on mood, cognition, and everyday functioning. Participants completed training on their mobile devices for 15 min/day, 5 days/week, for 8 weeks. Clinical and neuropsychological assessments were completed at baseline and 8 weeks. Individuals with below average processing speed (PS) scores showed greater improvement in 2 out of 4 PS tasks (Cohen's d range > 1) compared to above average performers. The high and low performers did not differ in change in performance in non-PS tasks. Type of training had no effect. Small college-aged sample. CCT has differential effects on PS depending on baseline cognitive presentation. Individuals with an initial relative PS weakness improve more from CCT than those with higher baseline functioning. This study highlights the importance of identifying individual differences in cognition that may factor into CCT response.

The Role of Anhedonia in Predicting Risk-Taking Behavior in University Students

Anhedonia, a decrease in the experience of pleasure in response to a previously rewarding stimulus, varies across individuals. While it has been well-studied in psychological disorders, it has been less investigated in healthy populations. The current study used a non-clinical, college-aged sample to investigate variability in this transdiagnostic symptom during a period marked by social and environmental changes, cognitive and social development (particularly as related to risk-taking), and increased vulnerability to psychological disorders.

TDCS as a treatment for anxiety and related cognitive deficits

IntroductionAnxiety is characterized by psychological, physiological, and cognitive complaints. Current treatments have significant limitations, and often overlook any potential benefits to common cognitive symptoms, notably attention and executive function issues. The current study aimed to investigate the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on both common anxiety symptoms and executive function abilities in a college aged sample. MethodAs this is one of the first large scale anxiety studies utilizing tDCS, participants were given a single session of tDCS (anodal, cathodal, or sham) for 20 min at 2 mA over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC). Participants also completed a series of self-reported anxiety measures and measures of executive functioning (Rey-O Copy and Wisconsin Card Sorting Task). ResultsWhile there were no differences in anxiety between tDCS groups, a trend was noted demonstrating better performance on Rey-O Copy for the cathodal group. Anxiety increased pre to post for all groups. ConclusionOverall, results suggest that while anodal stimulation of the lDLPFC may benefit cognitive abilities for this population, targeting psychological symptoms of anxiety likely requires stimulation over other cortex, possibly right DLPFC. Further, the use of tDCS, whether active or sham, may be distressing to patients.

Flipping a Classroom for Academically Talented Students

In flipped classrooms, students learn course content by watching flipped lessons (videos) outside of class time. During class, instructors guide learning by answering questions, facilitating projects, and fostering relationships with students. Although flipped classrooms are gaining popularity in secondary school settings, most research is performed with college-age samples. In this study, we compared two sections of a summer-based cognitive neuroscience course for academically talented youth: a flipped class and a class with traditional face-to-face instruction. Measures of academic achievement did not differ between the classes. The flipped class spent more time watching and re-watching lessons than the traditional class spent reading texts. Students rated organization, clarity, and enjoyment significantly higher in the traditional class. Despite these findings, the majority of students in both classes requested flipped lessons in the future. These results can inform how to flip classrooms for highly motivated secondary school students.

Effects of exercise on symptoms, vestibular/ocular motor screening and postural stability in a college-aged sample.

Aim:To examine the effects of maximal exercise on symptoms, vestibular/ocular motor screening (VOMS) and postural stability.Methodology:A total of 17 college-aged individuals completed a symptom scale, VOMS and the modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction and Balance (m-CTSIB), followed by a graded maximal exercise treadmill test. Assessments were repeated post exercise, 20 and 40 min post-exercise.Results:Significant increases in total symptoms, symptom severity scores and m-CTSIB scores from baseline to immediate post exercise were reported. Following 20-min recovery, improvements were noted on symptoms, visual motion sensitivity on VOMS and m-CTSIB.Conclusion:Symptoms and postural stability are influenced by exercise and following 20 min of rest, returned to baseline, indicating that a period of 20 min following a suspected concussion may be needed to negate exercise effects.

Self-objectification and eating disorder pathology in an ethnically diverse sample of adult women: cross-sectional and short-term longitudinal associations

BackgroundExtensive support exists for objectification theory’s original aim of explaining patterns of women’s mental health risk through a sociocultural lens. One pathway in objectification theory proposes a mediational role of body shame in the relationship between self-objectification and eating disorder (ED) pathology. Robust past cross-sectional research supports this proposed pathway, but largely in non-Hispanic Caucasian, college-aged samples; this pathway has yet to be empirically demonstrated longitudinally. Given previously documented concerns regarding direct measurement of body shame, we tested two measures of body shame as mediators in both cross-sectional and longitudinal models in a diverse sample of adult women.MethodUtilizing snowball sampling via email, we recruited age and racially/ethnically diverse women predominantly within the United States. Participants completed online surveys assessing self-objectification (operationalized as body surveillance), body shame, and ED pathology at baseline, 3-months and 6-months.ResultsRacial/ethnic minority (n = 139) and non-Hispanic Caucasian (n = 181) adult women completed the measures. Cross-sectional moderated mediation models indicated that racial/ethnic status did not moderate relationships, and that body shame significantly mediated the relation between body surveillance and ED pathology at each time point. The longitudinal model, analyzed using cross-lagged panel analyses, was nonsignificant, as body surveillance failed to predict future body shame when controlling for past body shame.ConclusionsRacial/ethnic status did not moderate relations at any time point. Cross-sectional findings replicated past research; the longitudinal model did not support a core mediation pathway linking self-objectification to ED pathology through body shame. Because self-objectification putatively develops earlier in life, future research also should examine these relations in younger diverse samples over a longer time period.

Benevolent ageism: Attitudes of overaccommodative behavior toward older women

ABSTRACT Stereotypes of older adults fit a paternalistic pattern, including elevated warmth and lowered competence, yet little effort has been made to elucidate this in an everyday context. This phenomenon was examined with an experimental vignette, in which a woman was offered unnecessary help; specifically, the age (young vs. old) and the independence (accepting vs. declining assistance) of the woman were manipulated. Attributions from a college-age sample toward the woman were examined. In the older conditions, hypotheses were confirmed that participants approved overaccommodative behaviors, endorsed higher warmth and lower competence, and attitudes were modified when the older women contradicted the paternalistic stereotype by declining assistance. That is, competence was modifiable for older women, whereas warmth was not. Implications of these findings as possible evidence of benevolent ageism and the malleability of the Stereotype Content Model are discussed.

Polyvictimization and Cybervictimization Among College Students From France: The Mediation Role of Psychological Distress and Resilience.

Few studies have explored potential associations between polyvictimization and cybervictimization and even fewer have involved in college-age sample. As it has been shown in the literature, polyvictimization is associated with higher psychological distress and lower resilience. This study is aimed to model the association between polyvictimization and cybervictimization by testing the mediating role of psychological distress and resilience. The sample included 4,626 undergraduates from France. Participants completed questionnaires assessing cybervictimization, polyvictimization (emotional abuse from parents, exposure to interparental violence, parental neglect, unwanted sexual touching, and unwanted sexual intercourse), psychological distress, and resilience. Results show that each form of victimization considered was significantly associated with cybervictimization. Also, polyvictimized participants presented higher prevalence of cybervictimization. The association between polyvictimization and cybervictimization was partially mediated positively by psychological distress and negatively by resilience. In fact, more cybervictimization was observed among polyvictimized participants with a high score of psychological distress, whereas fewer cybervictimization was observed in those with a high score of resilience. This study provides a new understanding of the mechanisms involved in cybervictimization that can help to better prevent and intervene with victims. Our results suggest that mental health professionals should assess childhood experiences of victimization when they are working with cybervictims. They also suggest the need for mental health professionals to help both polyvictimized and cybervictimized youth to develop resilience skills and coping strategies.

Religious/spiritual struggles and perceived parenting style in a religious college-aged sample

ABSTRACTParent–child interactions shape children’s internal working models (IWMs) i.e., their understanding of themselves, others, and close relationships, including with the Divine. Positive IWM are related to less interpersonal and intrapersonal distress. The quality of a child’s IWM is also related to various aspects of religion/spirituality (r/s). While r/s benefit many people, some experience struggle around r/s issues. Our study explores the relationship between perceived parenting style and r/s struggles among Catholic college students (n = 464). Results suggest that increased parental warmth, involvement, and autonomy support are related to decreases in overall r/s struggle. Regression analyses found that maternal warmth was the strongest unique predictor of overall r/s struggle as well as each subscale, except Demonic. Subsequent analyses regrading Moral struggles found that increases in both subscales of scrupulosity (Fear of God’s Punishment and Fear of Having Sinned) independently predicted more Moral struggle. Clinical implications are discussed and parenting considerations are proposed.

An examination of problematic mobile phone use in the United Arab Emirates: Prevalence, correlates, and predictors in a college-aged sample of young adults

Despite a number of benefits, mobile phones can carry many deleterious effects. We aimed to determine the extent of problematic mobile phone use in a sample of college-aged young adults in the United Arab Emirates. We also examined whether a number of factors were correlated with and predicted problematic use. We conducted a cross-sectional, correlational study in which a sample of 350 young adults (M = 20.70, SD = 2.14, range: 18–33 years) completed a survey that included socio-demographic variables, and measures of problematic mobile phone use (MPPUS-10), depression, and low self-esteem. One third of the sample evidenced scores indicative of problematic mobile phone use (M = 47.14, SD = 19.98). Logistic regression identified female gender, increasing daily time using the mobile phone, and elevated depressive symptomology predicted higher MPPUS-10 scores. The MPPUS-10 evidenced acceptable reliability and validity in this sample. The prevalence of problematic mobile phone use was considerable in this sample, higher in comparison to previous reports from Europe and the Far East.