Contribution Of Psychological Distress Research Articles

Cognitive Distortions Associated with Alcohol and Marijuana Use in Uruguayan Citizens

Background: Psychological distress (i.e., incipient symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression) may promote substance use through increased emission of cognitive distortions. These are automatic irrational thoughts that can promote distress, which in turn increases substance use. Aim: This study analyzed, in a sample of Uruguayan citizens, the unique contribution of cognitive distortions on the frequency and quantity of alcohol or marijuana use, over and above the contribution of psychological distress or the use of emotion regulation strategies. We also assessed whether these variables were associated with having initiated or resumed the use of a substance. Methods: A survey asked about alcohol and marijuana use, psychological distress, emotion regulation strategies, and cognitive distortions. The study comprised a convenience sample of 1132 participants (Mean age = 29.07 ± 8.19 years, 72.26% women). Separate hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted on the frequency and quantity of alcohol or marijuana use, whereas a logistic regression was applied on having initiated or resumed the use of a substance. Results: Several cognitive distortions were significant predictors of frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption or frequency of marijuana use, over and above psychological distress. Differential emission of automatic thoughts was also associated, along with higher scores of psychological distress, with a significantly higher probability of having initiated the use of a new substance or having resumed the use of a substance. Conclusions: Cognitive distortions may promote alcohol and marijuana use. Interventions aimed at modifying these distortions should be considered to reduce the emission of these behaviors.

Alexithymia, fibromyalgia, and psychological distress among adolescents: literature review

The purpose of this article is to review the literature regarding the relationships between alexithymia, fibromyalgia (FM), and psychological distress among adolescents. Google Scholar and databases were searched using alexithymia, fibromyalgia, psychological distress, and adolescent keywords. Studies that examine the relationship between alexithymia and fibromyalgia and the contribution of psychological distress on this relationship among adolescents are lacking. However, based on previous studies on adult samples and theoretical background, there are possible relationship between alexithymia and fibromyalgia as well as possible mediating effect of psychological distress on this relationship in adolescents. Further studies are recommended to examine the relationships between alexithymia, fibromyalgia, and psychological distress among adolescents.

Quality of life across medical conditions and psychological factors: implications for population health management

To identify the contributions of medical conditions and psychological distress to well-being within a non-clinical sample, stratified by age. It was predicted that medical conditions and psychological distress would be negatively associated with well-being. It was also predicted that psychological distress and medical conditions would account for significant variance in well-being. It was further predicted that psychological distress would mediate the relationship between medical conditions and well-being across the life span. 1,424,307 employees/health plan members that completed an HRA. SEM was used to characterize relationships among medical conditions and psychological distress in predicting well-being (QoL, HRQoL, and impairments in ADLs) in five adult age groups. Medical conditions and psychological distress were negatively associated with well-being. As age increased, psychological distress was less associated with well-being. However, in those >75years old, psychological distress had the largest association with well-being. All medical conditions, except cancer, were negatively associated with well-being. There were decreasing effects of medical conditions across the life span, with the exception of pulmonary disease which increased. Psychological distress mediated the relationship between medical conditions and well-being, with chronic pain having the greatest mediation across the life span. The analysis revealed differences in the contribution of psychological distress and medical conditions to well-being by age group. Additionally, the contribution of psychological distress was equitable to that of medical conditions, thus highlighting the importance of addressing psychological distress in medical populations for well-being. Findings suggest the relevance of age in well-being and the need for further longitudinal investigation.