Coping Styles Research Articles

Career Related Stress among Adolescents

Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and mental development that occurs between childhood and adulthood. This transitional involves biological, social and psychological change . Choosing a right career during adolescence is very important. Career development and career plans in adolescence are related to both mental and physical health and can have long-term outcomes. The study Career Related Stress among Adolescent was undertaken purposively in Faizabad city of Uttar Pradesh state. The study was conducted on a sample of 100 adolescent, which are randomly selected for the study. The major objectives were :- . To Check and analyze level of career related stress among adolescent. . To Check and analyze the factors responsible for career related stress among adolescent. . To analyze various stress reducing strategies adapted by adolescent. In the process of investigation, a Scale of Vocational Stress( SVC, from Bisht Battery of Stress Scale ), and a stress coping strategy scale were used. Results highlight that most of the adolescent respondents experienced moderate stress followed by low level of stress and high level of stress. Most of the adolescents adopted moderate to low level of negative coping styles and moderate to high levels of positive coping strategies.

The Experience of Patients with Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer: A Patient Journey Map Based on Qualitative Research.

(1) Background: While there is extensive documentation on the medical experience of breast cancer, a thorough understanding of the various stages of endocrine therapy remains insufficient. The aim of this study was to map the experiences and coping styles of breast cancer patients during endocrine therapy. (2) Methods: Qualitative research was conducted to gather insights into the experiences of breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy. The themes were organized through content analysis and induction. Subsequently, patients were invited for face-to-face interviews at a top-three hospital in Guangzhou to supplement and validate the findings from the literature review. The patient journey was then mapped based on both the literature review and the semi-structured interviews. (3) Results: A total of 24 studies were included that described patients' experiences and behaviors during the early, middle, and late stages of treatment, leading to the formation of a preliminary framework. Interviews were conducted with 20 patients, which confirmed and enriched the findings from the literature review. Based on these results, a stage trajectory for endocrine therapy in breast cancer was established. (4) Conclusions: The patient journey map developed in this study clearly and intuitively illustrates the thought and emotion matrix, as well as the behavior matrix, of breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy. This provides a theoretical foundation for enhancing clinical services tailored to the needs of these patients.

Investigating the Association between Coping Styles and Social Identity in Adolescents of Marginal and Non-Marginal Areas

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between coping styles and social identity among adolescents residing in marginal and non-marginal areas. Method: A cross-sectional study design with a descriptive-analytic approach was utilized. The study population consisted of adolescents aged 12 to 19 from Kermanshah city, with 222 participants evenly distributed between marginal and non-marginal areas. Adolescents were enrolled in the study using a multi-stage sampling method (stratified cluster, simple randomized method). Data were collected using the Standard Social Identity questionnaire and Lazarus and Folkman's Coping Styles questionnaire. The data were analyzed statistically in the SPSS software environment (version 25) using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The results of the study showed that there is a significant relationship between the components of social identity and coping styles in adolescents (P < 0.05). Emotion-focused and problem-focused coping styles had the ability to explain social identity in the adolescents of Kermanshah city. Also, in comparing the coping styles and social identity between adolescents from marginalized and non-marginalized areas in the city of Kermanshah, there was no significant difference (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of understanding how coping strategies influence social identity among adolescents across different socio-environmental contexts. The findings highlight the need for further research to explore the mechanisms underlying these relationships and consider the role of contextual factors in shaping adolescent development.

Experiences and attitudes of psychiatric nurses in caring for patients with repeated non-suicidal self-injury in China: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe incidence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is high and often occurs repeatedly. Psychiatric nurses play a vital role in the care and treatment of NSSI patients, as they have the most frequent contact with patients. The experiences and attitudes of nurses has a direct affect on the quality of care they provide to patients. Negative care experiences and attitudes of patient aversion on behalf of nurses may delay the observation and treatment of changes in the patient’s condition, leading to irreversible risks. Although cross-sectional studies have investigated the attitudes of medical staff toward NSSI patients, quantitative research results cannot comprehensively reflect the emotional experiences and complex psychological changes of the study subjects. A few studies have focused on the psychiatric nurses’ care experiences and attitudes toward patients with repeated NSSI.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore psychiatric nurses’ care experiences and attitudes toward patients during repeated NSSI.MethodsA thematic analysis qualitative study was used. Using purposive sampling, 18 psychiatric nurses were recruited from a mental health center in Chengdu, China. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and audio-recorded. Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using six-phase thematic analysis.ResultsFour themes emerged from the analysis: psychiatric nurses’ care experiences, perceptions, care attitudes and coping style toward repeated NSSI patients. Psychiatric nurses have experienced negative care experiences and severe career burnout during the patient’s repeated NSSI. Nurses’ attitudes toward NSSI patients changed during repeated NSSI, from understanding to indifference to anger and resentment. At the same time, it was found that nurses’ coping style with NSSI patients could be divided into three stages, namely, active coping, neglect and perfunctory, and criticism and punishment.ConclusionsThe findings have implications for health care systems regarding interventions to improve nurses’ care experiences and attitudes toward repeated NSSI patients. These findings suggest that enhancing nurses’ understanding of NSSI, establishing standardized emergency response and intervention programs, guiding positive professional values and responsibility, and improving nurses’ caring attitudes can promote the early detection and timely intervention of NSSI.

Current status and influencing factors of fear disease progression in Chinese primary brain tumor patients: A mixed methods study

ObjectiveIn this study, we investigated the fear of disease progression in Chinese PBT patients and examined the correlation between sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables of patients with the fear of progression (FoP). Additionally, the study also evaluated the subjective experience of FoP in patients with primary brain tumors (PBT). MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted between March 2022 and December 2023, consisting of two phases: a quantitative approach in phase I, and a qualitative approach in phase II. In phase I, 305 patients with PBT filled in several questionnaires. An analysis was performed to identify potential predictors associated with FoP. In phase II, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants whose FoP scores were ≥ 34 in phase I to obtain information on their personal experiences with FoP. ResultsThe results of the quantitative study showed that 192 (63 %) patients experienced high levels of FoP. The mean score of fear of progression was (34.02±6.78). Young age, high disease uncertainty, low social support, high negative coping and low positive coping are important factors affecting FoP in PBT patients. Qualitative research focused on three themes: triggers, coping styles, and the help needed. ConclusionEnhanced screening and assessment of FoP is essential to identify dysfunctionin PBT. Meanwhile, the implications of these predictors for enhanced healthcare professional education and patient self-management may help healthcare providers implement relevant interventions promptly and help patients reduce their FoP. However, due to limitations such as sample, reporting bias, and specific mechanisms between predictors and FOPs that have not yet been explored in depth, further exploration is needed in the future.

Association between Type D personality, illness perception, and coping strategies in patients undergoing open-heart surgery.

A combination of social inhibition and negative affectivity characterizes Type D personality. Type D, or distressed personality, is an established risk factor for the development and prognosis of coronary heart disease. It occurs in approximately 1 in 4 patients with coronary heart disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Type D personality, illness perception, and coping strategies in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. This retrospective and cross-sectional study was conducted in a university hospital psychiatry and cardiovascular surgery clinics between February 2022 and April 2022. Seventy-one volunteered patients over the age of 18 who underwent open-heart surgery in the cardiovascular surgery clinic were included in the study. Cardiovascular surgeons recorded the sociodemographic and clinical data of the patients and referred them to the psychiatry clinic for further evaluation. Subsequently, patients underwent psychiatric evaluation and were assessed using the Type D Personality Scale, Coping Attitudes Assessment Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Illness Perception Questionnaire. According to this study, individuals with Type D personality tended to have higher scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Analysis of the subdimensions of the Stress Coping Styles Scale revealed that individuals with Type D personalities showed a significantly lower optimistic approach and a considerably higher helpless approach. In terms of the subdimensions of the Illness Perception Questionnaire, it was found that individuals with Type D personality had a statistically lower treatment control approach and a statistically higher emotional representations approach. Identifying Type D personality traits in patients undergoing open-heart surgery can help manage negative illness perceptions through effective coping mechanisms.

Sociodemographic factors and its correlation with schema modes and PTSD among orthopedic trauma survivors

ObjectiveThe study aimed to examine the correlation between sociodemographic factors, schema modes, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in individual who have experienced trauma. MethodA total of 137 patients participated in the study, including 104 men, and 33 women. The Urdu- translated Schema Mode Inventory and the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS for DSM-5) were used. ResultsThe study found significant positive correlation between demographic factors such as age, gender, education, economic status, and type of injury with PTSD symptoms in orthopedic trauma survivors. The results further indicated, that gender (both male and female), level of education, and socio-economic status were significantly positive associated with PTSD symptoms. While, 50.7 % of patients with closed fractures and 62.1 % of those with open fractures showed PTSD symptoms, no clear association was found between PTSD symptoms and the type of trauma experienced. Additionally, female patients showed significantly higher PTSD symptoms than male. The finding also revealed that child mode, and maladaptive punitive parents had significant impact on PTSD development, whereas, maladaptive coping styles and adaptive schemas had no influence on PTSD symptoms.Moreover, patients with grade-I fractures and intentional injuries showed significantly higher maladaptive schema modes. ConclusionThe study concluded that demographic characteristics, such as gender, education and socioeconomic status play an important role in development of PTSD symptoms in orthopaedic trauma survivors. In addition, maladaptive schema modes significantly contribute to PTSD symptoms, while coping styles and adaptive schema modes have no impact.

Identificación de Indicadores de TEPT y su Relación con el Sexo y las Estrategias de Afrontamiento en Estudiantes de Psicología

Abstract Coping strategies play a role in protecting well-being, which is why the presence of indicators of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the use of coping strategies were identified in psychology students. The study follows a non-experimental cross-sectional observational design with intentional, non-probabilistic quota sampling, involving 60 psychology students. 40% of the evaluated population presents PTSD, and the coping styles employed most frequently are religion, emotional avoidance, aggressive reaction, and social support. No significant relationship is found between PTSD diagnosis and the variables of gender and coping style. It is concluded that student gender and coping style do not exhibit an association with PTSD diagnosis.

The chain mediating role of social support and positive coping between neuroticism and depressive symptoms among graduate students.

Graduate students face unprecedented levels of neuroticism and pressure compared to their peers. Despite existing research examining the connection between neuroticism and depressive symptoms, a gap in the current understanding of the mediating mechanisms that act on this relationship, especially among this specific student population. This study investigated the potential chain-mediating roles of social support and positive coping in the relationship between neuroticism and depressive symptoms among graduate students. The participants were 1845 graduate students who provided demographic information and complete assessments including the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Depression Rating Scale (BDI-II), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ). The analysis involved correlational analysis and a chain mediation model was used to investigate the associations among neuroticism, social support, positive coping mechanisms, and depressive symptoms. The results show significant correlations among neuroticism, depressive symptoms, social support, and positive coping. Moreover, our findings verify that neuroticism affects depressive symptoms in graduate students through three pathways: the mediating effect of social support, the mediating effect of positive coping, and the chain-mediating effect of social support and positive coping. Overall, the hypothesized chain model conclusively fits the data: Neuroticism directly affects depressive symptoms among graduate students and influences depressive symptoms through the mediating effects of social support and positive coping, as well as the chain mediating effects of these two variables.

A prefrontal-periaqueductal gray pathway differentially engages autonomic, hormonal, and behavioral features of the stress coping response.

Activation of autonomic and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) systems occur interdependently with behavioral adjustments under varying environmental demands. Nevertheless, laboratory rodent studies examining the neural bases of stress responses have generally attributed increments in these systems to be monolithic, regardless of whether an active or passive coping strategy is employed. Using the shock probe defensive burying test (SPDB) to measure stress-coping features naturalistically in male and female rats, we identify a neural pathway whereby activity changes may promote distinctive response patterns of hemodynamic and HPA indices typifying active and passive coping phenotypes. Optogenetic excitation of the rostral medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) input to the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) decreased passive behavior (immobility), attenuated the glucocorticoid hormone response, but did not prevent arterial pressure and heart rate increases associated with rats' active behavioral (defensive burying) engagement during the SPDB. By contrast, inhibition of the same pathway increased behavioral immobility and attenuated hemodynamic output but did not affect glucocorticoid increases. Correlational analyses confirmed that hemodynamic increments occurred preferentially during active behaviors, and decrements during immobility epochs, whereas pathway manipulations, regardless of the directionality of effect, weakened the correlational relationship. Finally, neuroanatomical evidence indicated that the influence of the rostral mPFC-vlPAG pathway on coping response patterns are mediated predominantly through GABAergic neurons within vlPAG. These data highlight the importance of this prefrontal-midbrain connection in organizing stress-coping responses, and in coordinating bodily systems with behavioral output for adaptation to aversive experiences.Significance statement Organisms maximize fitness by exhibiting distinct stress-coping responses that are specific to a particular challenge. However, the neurobiology underlying cortical control over coping styles is poorly understood. We reveal a novel role for a prefrontal-to-ventrolateral periaqueductal gray pathway in regulating active versus passive stress-coping response patterns in rats. Optogenetic excitation of this pathway decreased behavioral passivity, attenuated stress-induced glucocorticoid increases, but did not prevent associated increases in autonomic output. Pathway inhibition increased behavioral passivity, attenuated autonomic output, but did not affect glucocorticoid increases. These data highlight the importance of this prefrontal-midbrain connection in organizing stress-coping responses, and in coordinating bodily systems with behavioral output for adaptation to aversive experiences.

Pathway linking attachment styles to post-traumatic growth among recovered COVID-19 patients: testing the mediating role of coping styles

ABSTRACT Background: Research on post-disaster mental health shows that people have unique resources to undergo positive changes like posttraumatic growth (PTG) after facing adversities. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between attachment styles and PTG in COVID-19 survivors, with a focus on exploring the mediating role of coping strategies. Through examining these dynamics, the study seeks to contribute to deeper understanding of the psychological processes underlying growth in individuals recovering from the pandemic. Method: A total of 210 participants were enrolled from the hospitals in Tabriz, Iran, in January 2021, and completed self-report questionnaires. PTG, attachment styles, and coping strategies were assessed using Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to assess the mediation models. Results: The direct effects of secure (β = 0.22, p < .001), and ambivalent-anxious attachment (β = −0.22, p < .001) on PTG were significant. Also, task-oriented coping significantly predicted PTG (β = .60, p < .001). The direct path from secure (β = 0.16, p < .05) and ambivalent-anxious attachment (β = −0.38, p < .001) to task-oriented coping was significant, as was direct impact of secure (β = −0.18, p < .01) and ambivalent-anxious attachment (β = 0.37, p < .001) to emotion-oriented coping. The association between secure attachment and PTG is significantly mediated by task-oriented coping (β = 0.1, (95% CI: 0.01–0.18)). Also, task-oriented coping was a significant negative mediator between ambivalent-anxious attachment and PTG (β = −0.24, (95% CI: −0.33 – −0.15)). Conclusions: Results support the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between attachment styles and PTG. It emphasizes the importance of interventions for improving coping resources in individuals with life-threatening illnesses, focusing on improving problem-focused coping and reducing maladaptive strategies.

Coping with climate anxiety: impacts on functioning in Australian adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective Being aware of climatic threats can evoke climate anxiety in youth, wherein young people may draw on coping strategies to manage this experience. To further understand the helpfulness of climate anxiety and coping, this study explored whether these experiences in adolescence are related to adaptive functioning or impairment. Method Australian adolescents aged 12–20 years (n = 261), recruited through social media or school-based participation, completed an online survey. Various cognitive styles of coping and behavioural coping strategies were assessed. Results Several styles of coping were found to be differentially related to functioning. Positive reappraisal of climate change was associated with reduced personal and occupational functional impairment. Meaning-focused reappraisal and pro-environmental coping were positively associated with adaptive functioning (e.g. higher motivation, greater connection to others). In contrast, catastrophising was inversely associated with adaptive functioning. De-emphasising the threat of climate change was related to social functional impairment, but also adaptive functioning. Finally, the more a young person experienced physiological symptoms of climate anxiety, they more they reported personal, occupational and social functional impairment. Conclusions Supporting adolescents as they learn to navigate and cope with climate anxiety, as well as climate change more broadly, may help protect youth wellbeing and functioning long-term.

The relationship between self-efficacy level and stress coping style in nurses living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: descriptive research

The relationship between self-efficacy level and stress coping style in nurses living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: descriptive research

A study on improving cancer-related fatigue and disease-related psychological variables in patients with cervical cancer based on online mindfulness-based stress reduction: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe persistent destructive power of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) has been regarded as the biggest influencing factor affecting the postoperative physical and mental health of patients with cervical cancer. During this process, patients might also experience different feelings of disease-related psychological. Therefore, this study aimed to adopt mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to intervene in patients with cervical cancer, and conducted follow-up for 3 and 6 months to observe the effects of changes in CRF, uncertainty in illness, coping styles, sense of coherence (SOC), and perceived social support (PSS).MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted in ShengJing Hospital of China Medical University. A total of 102 patients were selected, and 78 patients completed the whole process, including 40 in the experimental group and 38 in the control group. Data were collected according to Cancer Fatigue Scale, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Sense of Coherence-13. The change trend and difference of the two groups of research data were compared by repeated measurement analysis of variance. Bonferroni test was used for multiple tests between groups.ResultsThe CRF, SOC, and coping styles of the MBSR group showed a decreasing trend (P < 0.001) at after MBSR, 3 months follow-up, and 6 months follow-up compared to the before MBSR. However, the uncertainty in illness of the MBSR group showed a decreasing trend (P < 0.001) at after MBSR compared to the before MBSR, and it rose in 3 months follow-up and 6 months follow-up.ConclusionMBSR can effectively alleviate the fatigue of CRF after treatment, while improving their psychological environment. Medical workers can consider implementing online MBSR for patients with cervical cancer in their daily rehabilitation nursing, which is beneficial for their recovery.Trial registrationChina Clinical Trial Registration Center ChiCTR2000040122 (https//www.chictr.org.cn/). Registered on November 21, 2020.

The correlation between social support, coping style, advance care planning readiness, and quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a cross-sectional study

Objective The primary goal for clinical healthcare professionals is to enhance the quality of life (QOL) of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to explore the correlation between social support, coping style, advance care planning (ACP) readiness, and QOL in patients with ALS. We also sought to analyze the mediating effect of coping style and ACP readiness between social support and QOL, and to provide insights for developing targeted interventions to improve patients’ QOL. Methods A cross-sectional design was used, with participants recruited through convenience sampling in Tianjin, China. Statistical analysis included the t-test, analysis of variance, correlation analysis, and mediating effect analysis. Results The study included 215 participants. The QOL of patients with ALS was at a medium level, with significant correlations between social support, coping style, ACP readiness, and QOL (all p < 0.01). The direct effect of social support on QOL was 0.403 (p = 0.018), accounting for 41.85% of the total effect. The total indirect effect of social support on QOL through coping style and ACP readiness was 0.560 (p < 0.001), accounting for 58.15% of the total effect. The chain mediating effect involving facing, avoiding, and ACP readiness accounted for 16.72%. Conclusion Social support directly influenced QOL and had an indirect impact through coping style and ACP readiness. Healthcare professionals can improve the QOL of patients with ALS by enhancing social support, disease-coping ability, and ACP readiness in clinical practice.

Qualitative study on health self-management of patients with metabolic syndrome among bereaved population after earthquake

The study explore the influencing factors and healthy self-management of MS patients with bereaved relatives after Wenchuan and Yushu Earthquake of their real life; explore difficulties and challenges in the process of self-management; and supply information that could not be sought in quantitative studies. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 36 MS patients who are bereavement population in two earthquakes, and those patients met the inclusion criteria for semi-structured focus group interview. The Nvivo11 software was used to collate and analyze the transcribed data. The main influencing factors of health self-management behavior for MS patients are as follows: the degree of understanding of disease prevention knowledge, emotion management induced by earthquake trauma, the source of disease-related information, access and identification are very limited; ethnic traditional culture, religious beliefs, and production activities and routines before and after the earthquake is an important factor in their healthy self-management behavior. The lack of health beliefs and self-efficacy of MS patients among bereaved families after Wenchuan and Yushu earthquake are key obstacle in their self-management. The overall level of the knowledge of patients’ MS prevention, self-efficacy and self-management behaviors are still low. Some positive factors that can be changed including MS prevention knowledge, self-efficacy, social support, and family function. Some negative factors which can be improved afterwards, including negative coping style, traumatic life experiences from earthquake and smoking.

Death Anxiety and Its Influencing Factors Among Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In China, caregiving for cancer patients is primarily the responsibility of family members. This role often exposes family caregivers to the contemplation of mortality. Death anxiety among family caregivers may influence the care they offer to cancer patients. This study aims to evaluate the prevailing level of death anxiety among Chinese family caregivers of cancer patients and identify its influencing factors. This cross-sectional study followed the STROBE statement. A total of 220 family caregivers of cancer patients were recruited from a prominent tertiary hospital in southern China. The survey included a general information questionnaire, the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale, the Social Support Rating Scale and the Simple Coping Style Questionnaire. In addition to descriptive statistics, ANOVA, mean differences, correlations and regression analyses were computed. The average score for death anxiety among family caregivers of cancer patients was 104.27 ± 21.02. Death anxiety was negatively correlated with a positive coping style and social support. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that marital status, death education, patients' fear of death and coping style accounted for 41.0% of the variance in death anxiety among family caregivers. Family caregivers of cancer patients experienced a moderate level of death anxiety. Individuals who were unmarried or divorced, lacked death education, had negative coping styles or cared for patients with fear of death tended to have high levels of death anxiety. Healthcare providers should act as credible educators to reduce caregivers' death anxiety by imparting positive coping styles and accurate knowledge and values about death so caregivers can provide high-quality care to patients.

청소년의 일상스트레스 요인이 행복감에 미치는 영향: 분노대처방식의 매개효과

Objectives This study aimed to examine the relationships between daily stress factors (parents, economy, grades, school, peers, and appearance) perceived by adolescents and verify the mediating effect of anger coping styles in the relationship between daily stress factors and happiness. Methods The participants were 468 adolescents attending middle and high schools in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions. This study conducted frequency analysis, reliability test, and correlation analysis using the SPSS WIN 23.0 program and examined the mediating effect using Process Macro Model 4. Results The findings revealed that daily stress factors (parents, grades, school, peers, appearance, and economy) affected adolescents’ happiness. Secondly, parental, academic, school, and economy-related stress influenced anger coping styles. Thirdly, anger coping styles mediated the relationship between daily stress and happiness. Specifically, economic stress showed a full mediating effect, while parentak, academic, and school-related stress had a partial mediating effect. However, peer and appearance-related stress had no mediating effect. Conclusions These results confirm that daily stress factors influence both happiness and anger coping styles among adolescents, with economic, parental, academic, and school-related stress factors showing mediating effects. Thus, this study emphasized the importance of addressing and intervening in stress factors affecting adolescents and discussed suggestions for future studies.

Psychological distress, social media use, and academic performance of medical students: the mediating role of coping style

BackgroundGiven that social media use (SMU) is an increasingly widespread activity among university students, more information is needed to evaluate its relationship with students’ mental health, particularly medical students.ObjectiveThe present study assessed the relationships between SMU and coping style with psychological distress and academic performance of medical students.MethodsAn offline cross-sectional survey conducted with 398 undergraduate medical students. The survey collected data on demographics, psychological distress (DASS-21), coping strategies (Brief COPE Scale), academic performance (grade point average) and estimated average time spent on social media per day. Structural equation modeling was used to clarify relationships between the main study variables. The study also examined the mediating effect of maladaptive coping between SMU and psychological distress.ResultsStudents with higher levels of psychological distress were more likely to be engaged in frequent social media use. Spending more than two hours a day on social media use had a positive association with maladaptive coping (p < 0.001), particularly with substance use and behavioral disengagement both of which could negatively affect academic performance. Maladaptive coping mediated the relationship between students’ SMU and psychological distress.ConclusionThe findings suggest that medical students commonly use social media as a maladaptive coping tool to deal with psychological distress. Empowering students to adopt and foster appropriate coping strategies could help them to enhance resilience against life stresses and ameliorate potential long-term mental health consequences associated with maladaptive behaviors.

Investigation of Psychosocial, Clinical Outcomes of Individuals with Limb Loss After Earthquakes

The purpose of this study is to investigate the severity of symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, psychache, and coping styles in individuals who have experienced limb loss or have not sustained any permanent injuries while trapped under rubble following an earthquake. Furthermore, the study aims to explore the differences between groups in terms of sociodemographic and event characteristics. The study included individuals who were trapped under rubble during the earthquake and had a limb amputated, as well as those who were trapped under rubble but did not experience any permanent physical function loss. Semi-structured sociodemographic form, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Psychache Scale, Coping with Earthquake Stress Scale (CESS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) assessment tools were used. A total of 64 participants, 32 with and 32 without limb loss, were included in the study. It was found that the severities of traumatic stress and depressive symptoms and psychache were significantly higher in the earthquake survivors with limb loss than those without limb loss (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.005, respectively). It was found that earthquake survivors with limb loss made fewer positive reappraisals than those without limb loss (p = 0.012). According to the multiple linear regression analysis, having limb loss predicted BDI and PCL-5 scores (β = -12,239, p < 0,001; β = -10,105, p = 0,008, respectively). Additionally, suicidal ideation exacerbates the severity of psychache in individuals who are were trapped under rubble. Identifying the factors related to the mental state of these individuals is useful for determining those who are most likely to need psychological support.