Correlates Of Psychological Distress Research Articles

Association between life satisfaction, problem behaviours and psychological distress in orphaned adolescents: Exploring gender and orphanhood type discrepancies

AbstractBereavement of one or both parents is known to cause many kinds of internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescents. However, less is known about factors that are protective of the mental health of orphaned adolescents and differences by their gender and orphanhood type. To fill these gaps, the current study used a sample from southwestern China to test the association between types of orphans, life satisfaction, adolescents' psychological distress and problem behaviours. The results showed that orphan girls were prone to have lower levels of problem behaviours but higher levels of psychological distress than orphan boys. Female paternal orphans tended to have the highest psychological distress, while male paternal orphans tended to have the lowest psychological distress. In addition, school satisfaction had a stronger association with problem behaviour, and self‐satisfaction had a stronger association with psychological distress. Interventions and preventive measures aimed at reducing the psychological distress of orphans could benefit from the findings regarding the correlates of psychological distress and the most vulnerable group among orphans.

Psychological Distress in Women With Abnormal Pap Smear Results Attending Cervical Cancer Screening.

Women often experience psychological distress upon receipt of an abnormal Pap test result. This study aimed to evaluate psychological distress and its correlates among women who received an abnormal Pap screening test result. A cross-sectional study was performed in a cohort of 172 consecutive women who had attended screening for cervical cancer and who received abnormal Pap smear results and underwent additional diagnostic procedures (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage). The participants filled out a questionnaire on sociodemographic variables and the Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression was used for the analysis of the data. For multiple comparisons, the Bonferroni correction was applied to adjust the level of significance. In women who received an abnormal Pap smear result, the independent correlate of higher psychological distress (by Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire score) before diagnostic procedures was lower satisfaction with information/support received from other people ( p = .002). Correlates of psychological distress in women older than 40 years with abnormal Pap smear were anxiety ( p = .042) and worry about having cervical cancer, general health and having sex ( p = .044). The authors' findings could enable control of factors predictive of psychological distress in women who received a positive Pap smear screening test before undergoing diagnostic procedures, primarily via active provision of targeted information.

Perfectionism, locus of control, and academic stress among college students

Two forms of perfectionism—perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns—have been examined as correlates of psychological distress, but very little research has examined how these relate to academic stress of college students. We examined these dimensions of perfectionism as predictors of anticipated stress in response to simulated instances of academic failure, and we examined whether locus of control of the stressor played a moderating role. College students (N = 432) completed online measures of perfectionism, global appraisals of academic stress, and anticipated stress and locus of control in response to six hypothetical examples of academic failure. Perfectionistic concerns was associated with appraisals of greater academic stress, whereas perfectionistic strivings was associated with appraisals of lower academic stress. Yet perfectionistic strivings was positively related to anticipated stress in response to simulated failure; this association was stronger when locus of control was more internal than when it was more external. These findings have implications for understanding the contexts in which perfectionistic strivings is and is not associated with college-level academic stress.

Prevalence and Correlates of Mental Health Symptoms and Well-Being Among Elite Sport Coaches and High-Performance Support Staff

BackgroundThere is growing understanding of mental health needs in elite athletes, but less is known about the mental health of coaches and support staff who work within elite sport settings. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of mental health symptoms in elite-level coaches and high-performance support staff (HPSS) and compared rates against published elite athlete samples. A cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey was administered to coaches and HPSS working in Australia’s high-performance sports system. Main outcomes were scores on validated measures of psychological distress, probable ‘caseness’ for a diagnosable psychological condition, alcohol consumption and sleep disturbance.ResultsData were provided by 78 coaches (mean age = 46.4 years, 23.8% female) and 174 HPSS (mean age = 40.0 years, 56.7% female). Overall, 41.2% of the sample met probable caseness criteria, 13.9% reported high to very high psychological distress, 41.8% reported potential risky alcohol consumption and 17.7% reported moderate to severe sleep disturbance, with no statistically significant differences between coaches and HPSS. The most robust correlates of psychological distress and probable caseness were dissatisfaction with social support and dissatisfaction with life balance, while poor life balance was also associated with increased alcohol consumption and poor social support with sleep disturbance. Coaches and HPSS reported similar prevalence of mental health outcomes compared to rates previously observed in elite athletes, with the exception of higher reporting of alcohol consumption among coaches and HPSS.ConclusionsElite-level coaches and HPSS reported levels of psychological distress and probable caseness similar to those previously reported among elite-level athletes, suggesting that these groups are also susceptible to the pressures of high-performance sporting environments. Screening for mental health symptoms in elite sport should be extended from athletes to all key stakeholders in the daily training environment, as should access to programs to support mental health and well-being.

Geocultural variation in correlates of psychological distress among refugees resettled in the United States.

Attention to cultural variability in mental health symptoms could inform intervention targets; however, this is currently a neglected area of study. This study examined whether the associations between common mental health disorder (CMD) symptoms and predictors of CMDs varied cross-culturally. Participants were 290 refugees from three geocultural regions (Afghanistan, Great Lakes region of Africa, and Iraq and Syria) who recently resettled in the United States and completed assessments of CMD symptoms and predictors. Multilevel generalized linear modeling was used to examine the interactions between correlates of depressive, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and each of the three cultural reference groups. Relative to refugees from other regions, Iraqi and Syrian participants demonstrated stronger associations between the number of reported traumatic experiences and both depressive, B = 0.01, SE = .003, p = .003, and anxiety symptoms, B = 0.01, SE = .003, p < .001; Afghan participants showed a stronger association between physical quality of life and PTSD symptoms, B = 0.02, SE = .011, p = .037; and African participants demonstrated stronger associations between gender and symptoms of all three CMDs, Bs = 0.11-.020, SEs = .04-.06, ps = .005-.008, and weaker associations between traumatic event exposure and CMD symptoms, Bs = -0.01--0.02, SEs = .003-.006, ps = .000-.002. CMD symptoms likely present differently across cultures, with various predictors more salient depending on cultural backgrounds and differential experiences that vary based on context. These findings have implications for cross-cultural assessment research and mental health.

Psychological distress, exhaustion, and work-related correlates among interpreters working in refugee care: results of a nationwide online survey in Germany

ABSTRACT Background Due to language barriers, interpreters are crucial for refugee care in the countries of resettlement. However, interpreters are often faced with distressing working conditions, such as precarious work circumstances, lack of supervision, or exposure to their clients’ traumatic experiences. Recent studies examining interpreters’ mental health focussed primarily on secondary traumatic stress. The present study aimed to gain a better understanding of psychological distress and exhaustion among interpreters in refugee care by examining these factors in the work context as well as their possible work-related correlates. Method: An online survey was carried out in Germany, which included several standardized questionnaires regarding distress, work- and client-related exhaustion, job satisfaction, and trauma exposure (BSI-18, CBI, JSS, HTQ, PCL-5). Interpreters were recruited primarily through psychosocial treatment centres and interpreter pools in Germany. Results: In total, 164 interpreters were included in the analyses. The participants showed increased psychological distress, and around 7% screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In an exploratory regression analysis, younger age (β = −.25, p = .004) emerged as correlate of psychological distress, whereas dissatisfaction with payment (β = −.21, p = .04) and a higher amount of traumatic content (β = .22, p = .001) were associated with work-related exhaustion, and dissatisfaction with recognition was associated with client-related exhaustion (β = −.35, p = .001). Conclusion: The results point to increased stress levels among interpreters for refugees. Moreover, they indicate that interpreters’ distress is primarily correlated with work-related circumstances, thus suggesting the need for a greater work-related support structure for interpreters.

Prevalence and Sociodemographic and Behavioral Correlates of Psychological Distress among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in the United States, 2013-2018

Background: The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population comprises approximately 5.6% of the total US population. Levels and patterns of psychological distress in the LGBT population are less well known compared with the general population. This study examines the prevalence and sociodemographic and behavioral correlates of psychological distress among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults in the United States. Methods: Using the pooled cross-sectional data from the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Surveys (N=183,020), differentials in serious psychological distress (SPD) and factor-based psychological distress scores were analyzed by multivariate linear and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of SPD was 8.0% for the LGB population aged ≥18, 7.0% for gay and bisexual males, and 8.9% for LGB females, compared with 3.4% for the total straight/heterosexual population, 2.7% for straight males, and 4.0% for straight females. Mean psychological distress index scores were highest among LGB females (109.8), followed by gay and bisexual males (105.8), straight females (100.6), and straight males (97.7). Compared with the straight population, LGB adults had higher education, unemployment, and poverty levels and were more likely to be non-Hispanic White and single. LGB adults were more likely to smoke and drink alcohol and more likely to be physically active than straight adults. LGB females had higher obesity but gay and bisexual males had lower obesity rates than their straight counterparts. After controlling for covariates, LGB adults had 89% higher odds of SPD and significantly higher distress levels than straight adults. Younger age, lower-income, divorce/separation, lack of health insurance, functional limitation, smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity were significant predictors of SPD and higher psychological distress levels in LGB adults. Conclusion and Implications for Translation: Significant disparities in mental health exist, with LGB adults at substantially increased risk of psychological distress and likely in greater need of appropriate social and mental health services. Health policies aimed at improving the material conditions and social environments may lead to improved mental health outcomes among LGB adults and the general population. Copyright © 2022 Singh, et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.

304 The relationship between basic personality, subjective sleep duration, and psychological distress during a military deployment

Abstract Introduction Extended, overseas operations (deployments) increase the likelihood that military personnel will experience psychological distress. Reduced sleep during deployments is a key correlate of psychological distress. Thus, it is imperative to identify mechanisms that adaptively modulate the relationship between insufficient sleep and psychological distress. Research has recently connected basic personality traits (i.e., the Big Five: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness) to more sleep. The current project aimed to examine the relationship between basic personality traits, subjective sleep duration (SSD), and psychological distress during an operational deployment. Methods 488 soldiers took surveys both prior to and half-way through a nine-month deployment. The pre-deployment survey included the Big Five Index, and three standardized measures of psychological distress commonly used to screen military personnel for anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder; GAD-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-8), and post-traumatic stress (Posttraumatic Symptom Disorder Checklist; PCL-4). The mid-deployment survey included an item from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index measuring SSD and the same psychological distress measures from the pre-deployment survey. General linear models were used to test the interaction between SSD and each basic personality trait on each measure of psychological distress at mid-deployment while accounting for psychological distress at pre-deployment. Results Of the Big Five, conscientiousness was the only trait to significantly moderate the relationship between SSD and anxiety, t = 2.11, p = .035, where higher conscientiousness weakened the relationship. Further only agreeableness attenuated the relationship between depression and SSD, t = 2.10, p = .036. Interestingly, the only Big Five trait that moderated the relationship between SSD and PTS was openness, insomuch that openness strengthened the relationship, t = -1.92, p = .055. Conclusion The relationship between SSD and psychological distress was uniquely impacted by different personality traits. These results reinforce the age-old concept that behavior is the product of a complex, nuanced, and puzzling interaction between the individual and the environment. The current research motivates further research into personality as an adaptive mechanism for optimizing military wellbeing. Support (if any) Support for this study came from the Military Operational Medicine Research Program (MOMRP) of the United States Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC).

Guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden in healthy older adults. Associated factors

Introduction. Negative self-perceptions of aging can trigger self-perception as a burden and guilt associated with perceiving oneself as a burden in older adults who do not have physical or cognitive limitations. The main objective of this study was to analyze the role of negative subjective perception of aging, perceived control, self-perceived burden and depressive symptomatology in the explanation of guilt associated with perceiving oneself as a burden to others in older adults who do not show physical or cognitive limitations. Methods Participants were 317 community-dwelling people over 60 years without cognitive or functional limitations. A path model that explores the role of self-perceived burden in the relationship between negative self-perception of aging, perceived control, depressive symptoms and guilt associated with self-perception as a burden was analyzed. Results The model presented excellent fit to the data, explaining 41% of the depressive symptomatology and 45% of guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden. Negative self-perceptions of aging, lower sense of control, and a perception of being a burden were significantly associated with depressive symptoms and guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden. Discussion This study documents potential correlates of psychological distress in older adults with no explicit physical or cognitive problems, suggesting paths through which feelings of guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden may be reported by this population.

A Mixed-method Study of Individual, Couple, and Parental Functioning During the State-regulated COVID-19 Lockdown in Spain.

During the recent COVID‐19 outbreak in Spain, we explored the individual and relational well‐being of people confined together with their partners and/or children during the first 3 weeks of state‐regulated lockdown. Adults 18 years or older (N = 407) completed an online survey that included demographic, household, and employment information along with standardized measures of psychological distress (State‐Trait Anxiety and Beck Depression) and relationship functioning—either the Dyadic Adjustment Scale if there were no children in the household or a Basic Family Relations Evaluation Questionnaire (CERFB) measuring conjugal, parental, and coparental functions. Qualitative analyses of responses to an open‐ended question about perceived changes in couple or family dynamics during lockdown revealed nine specific themes comprising two overarching categories: relational improvement and deterioration. The overall prevalence of improvement themes (61.7%) exceeded deterioration themes (41.0%), with increased (re)connection and conflict atmosphere cited most often. Quantitative analyses found elevated levels of state anxiety but not trait anxiety or depression during lockdown. Consistent with the qualitative results, couples having no children at home reported high levels of dyadic adjustment, but with children present CERFB parental functioning exceeded conjugal functioning, a pattern sometimes associated with child triangulation into adult conflicts. Although correlates of psychological distress (e.g., unemployment, perceived economic risk) were relatively stable across subgroups, predictors of relationship functioning varied substantially with household/parental status (e.g., telecommuting and employment facilitated conjugal functioning only for couples with children).

Racial/ethnic differences in correlates of psychological distress among five Asian-American subgroups and non-Hispanic Whites

ABSTRACT Objective: Despite their vastly different historical backgrounds, unique languages and variable pre- and post-immigration experiences, Asian-Americans are considered to share stressors surrounding immigration, but there is a gap in describing manifestations of possible mental distress. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore and compare differences in factors associated with psychological distress among Asian subgroups including Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and non-Hispanic Whites. Design: Using a cross-sectional study design, California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2011/2012 data were analyzed. The sample consisted of 29,142 participants: 25,645 non-Hispanic Whites, 3497 non-Hispanic Asian-Americans, 1156 Chinese, 471 Filipinos, 864 Vietnamese, 704 Koreans, and 302 Japanese. Sociodemographic characteristics included gender, age group, marital status, education, poverty level, working status, health insurance, level of acculturation, social cohesion, neighborhood safety, and civic engagement. Physical health status included disability and chronic illness. Psychological distress was evaluated using the Kessler 6 (K6) scale. Results: Results showed that psychological distress levels ranged between 1.96 and 4.52 (p < .05) out of 24 and associated factors were significantly different among the five Asian subgroups and non-Hispanic Whites. Conclusions: The current study highlights the differences in characteristics of psychological distress among Asian subgroups. It underscores the significance of understanding individualized cultural and historical background in each Asian subgroup and subsequently developing and applying appropriate interventions for those groups. In addition, different influencing factors should be applied to assess and prioritize the needs of Asian subgroups to improve psychological distress. The study also warrants further investigation and careful description of each Asian subgroups.

Psychological distress of rural-to-urban migrants in two Chinese cities: Shenzhen and Shanghai

ABSTRACTUsing survey data collected from Shanghai and Shenzhen, two popular destinations for rural-to-urban migration in China, this study found a significantly higher level of psychological distress among rural migrants in Shenzhen compared to those in Shanghai, which are partly attributable to the lower earnings and longer work hours among rural migrants in Shenzhen. In addition, a range of structural (e.g., socioeconomic status and work hours), social (i.e., frequency of home visits, perceived social support, and neighbourhood social cohesion), and personality (i.e., optimism) factors were found to be important correlates of psychological distress. Compared to those in Shanghai, rural migrants in Shenzhen were socioeconomically disadvantaged but psychosocially advantaged. A significant and negative interaction effect between optimism and long work hours was also found. Without the presence of the observed psychosocial advantages among rural migrants in Shenzhen, the Shenzhen-Shanghai gap in rural migrant’s mental health would have been even greater.

The prevalence, severity, and correlates of psychological distress and impaired health-related quality of life following treatment for testicular cancer: a survivorship study.

This study aimed to establish the prevalence, severity, and correlates of psychological distress and impaired generic health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in testicular cancer (TC) survivors. Men who had completed active anti-cancer treatment for TC between 6 months and 5 years previously showing no evidence of recurrence were recruited from 14 Australian cancer centers from September 2009 to February 2011. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire measuring demographic, disease, and treatment information, psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress; DASS21), generic health-related quality of life (HRQOL; SF-36v2), TC-specific HRQOL (EORTC QLQ-TC26), coping (MAC), social support (DUFSS), and unmet needs (CaSUN). Of 486 eligible TC survivors, 244 (50.2%) completed the questionnaire. Compared with normative data, TC survivors reported: small but statistically significant increases in mean levels of anxiety and depression; a greater prevalence of moderate to extremely severe anxiety (19%) and depression (20%); and significant deficits to mostly mental aspects of generic HRQOL. The most problematic TC-specific HRQOL issues (e.g., fear of recurrence) were also more mental than physical. In multiple regression analyses, the strongest correlates of psychological distress and impaired generic HRQOL were psychosocial (e.g., helpless/hopeless coping and lower social support) rather than disease or treatment factors. Generally, TC survivors appear to experience mild psychological distress and HRQOL impairments, while a vulnerable subgroup experience more severe morbidity. There is a need to identify TC survivors at risk of poorer outcomes and for interventions to target the areas of greatest impairment (i.e., psychological distress and mental HRQOL).

Psychological distress and its relationship with non-adherence to TB treatment: a multicentre study.

BackgroundThe successful cure of tuberculosis (TB) is dependent on adherence to treatment. Various factors influence adherence, however, few are easily modifiable. There are limited data regarding correlates of psychological distress and their association with non-adherence to anti-TB treatment.MethodsIn a trial of a new TB test, we measured psychological distress (K-10 score), TB-related health literacy, and morbidity (TBscore), prior to diagnosis in 1502 patients with symptoms of pulmonary TB recruited from clinics in Cape Town (n = 419), Harare (n = 400), Lusaka (n = 400), Durban (n = 200), and Mbeya (n = 83). Socioeconomic, demographic, and alcohol usage-related data were captured. Patients initiated on treatment had their DOTS cards reviewed at two-and six-months.Results22 %(95 % CI: 20 %, 25 %) of patients had severe psychological distress (K-10 ≥ 30). In a multivariable linear regression model, increased K-10 score was independently associated with previous TB [estimate (95 % CI) 0.98(0.09-1.87); p = 0.0304], increased TBscore [1(0.80, 1.20); p <0.0001], and heavy alcohol use [3.08(1.26, 4.91); p = 0.0010], whereas male gender was protective [-1.47(−2.28, −0.62); p = 0.0007]. 26 % (95 % CI: 21 %, 32 %) of 261 patients with culture-confirmed TB were non-adherent. In a multivariable logistic regression model for non-adherence, reduced TBscore [OR (95 % CI) 0.639 (0.497, 0.797); p = 0.0001], health literacy score [0.798(0.696, 0.906); p = 0.0008], and increased K-10 [1.082(1.033, 1.137); p = 0.0012], and heavy alcohol usage [14.83(2.083, 122.9); p = 0.0002], were independently associated. Culture-positive patients with a K-10 score ≥ 30 were more-likely to be non-adherent (OR = 2.290(1.033-5.126); p = 0.0416].ConclusionSevere psychological distress is frequent amongst TB patients in Southern Africa. Targeted interventions to alleviate psychological distress, alcohol use, and improve health literacy in newly-diagnosed TB patients could reduce non-adherence to treatment.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-015-0964-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The “model minority myth”: Internalized racialism of positive stereotypes as correlates of psychological distress, and attitudes toward help-seeking.

The “model minority myth”: Internalized racialism of positive stereotypes as correlates of psychological distress, and attitudes toward help-seeking.

Factors Associated with Psychological Distress in the Canadian Population: A Comparison of Low-Income and Non Low-Income Sub-Groups

This study presents a comparison of the level of psychological distress between low-income and non low-income populations in Canada. It describes the factors associate with distress identified for each population and presents the differences found with the models used in predicting distress. Data were collected through the Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 1.2 including 36,984 individuals aged 15 or over. Of this sample, 17.9% (N = 7,940) was identified as being within the low-income population. In the low-income population, the percentage of high psychological distress was as high as 28%, compared to 19% in the non low-income population. Variables related to social support, stress and coping abilities were the stronger sets of variables related to distress in both populations. The results provided evidence that although economically disadvantaged and more affluent populations share many variables associated with psychological distress, they have a different profile on the correlates of psychological distress.

Degree of acculturation and adherence to Asian values as correlates of psychological distress among Korean immigrants

Background: Although psychological distress among Asian immigrants adjusting to a Western society has been reported in the clinical literature, empirical research support for this phenomenon is lacking. This is particularly true regarding Korean immigrants, an Asian population that is currently immigrating to non-Asian countries in large numbers.Aims: This study investigated how degree of acculturation and adherence to Asian values correlate with psychological distress among Korean immigrants (N = 118) in the United States.Method: Participants from the Midwestern United States (N = 118) completed survey packets including a demographic questionnaire, the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale, the Asian Values Scale, and the Brief Symptom Inventory 18.Results: A multiple regression analysis revealed that less acculturation, stronger adherence to Asian values, and fewer years of living or being educated in the host country cumulatively predicted heightened psychological distress in this population. However, no single variable alone significantly predicted psychological distress, indicating that additional factors not studied here may influence distress symptoms among Korean immigrants.Conclusion: Psychological distress among Korean immigrants living in a Western culture can be identified, and it is associated with a combination of lifestyle factors that impact mental health.

Psychological distress in migrants in Australia over 50 years old: A longitudinal investigation

Background Although it is a well-known fact that migration is a risk factor contributing to psychopathology, little is known in migrants who migrated in their old age. The present study examined whether origin of countries and visa types predicted psychological distress over a period of 1 year and whether their association changed after factors in health, social roles, cohort effect and social support were adjusted. Methods A nationwide representative sample of 431 migrants who aged 50 and above were interviewed in 2000–2001 and 359 of them were re-interviewed 1 year after the baseline assessment. 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used measure psychological distress and a series of questions regarding socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, living alone), days in Australia, origin of countries, visa types, health, social role, cohort effect, and social support were also included. Results GHQ-12 scores did deteriorate over a period of 1 year among older migrants to Australia. In multiple regression analyses, origin of countries and visa types were significant predictors of future GHQ-12 scores. Baseline GHQ-12 scores, age, gender, living alone, days in Australia, poor self-rated health, the presence of heart disease, diabetes, and asthma, being a student or economically inactive, widowhood or divorce, as well as education were also significant predictors of GHQ-12 scores at 1-year follow-up. Conclusions The status of refugees predicts future psychological distress in older migrants even when other known correlates of psychological distress are controlled.

Correlates of psychological distress among Mexican, Cuban, and Puerto Rican elders living in the USA

Little is known about the impact of coping resources and health-related and family stresses on the well-being of Hispanic elders, or the extent to which these factors operate differentially for various Hispanic nationality groups. The present study examined the correlates of psychological distress of three groups of Hispanic elders. The researcher analyzed the Mexican American (n = 773) Cuban American (n = 714), and Puerto Rican (n = 368) elderly individuals drawn from the 1988 National Survey of Hispanic Elderly People in the USA. Multivariate analyses results indicated that activities of daily living impairments, poor perceived health, and unmet needs in formal social service were common predictors of psychological distress for all three groups. Older Mexican American women and Puerto Rican women reported higher levels of psychological distress than their male counterparts, other things being equal. For Cuban American elders, fear of depending too much on others, conflicts in the family, and living alone were unique predictors of their psychological distress. jg]Key words gw]Stress gw]Coping gw]Psychological well-being gw]Mexican Americans gw]Cuban Americans gw]Puerto Rican Americans gw]USA.

Correlates of psychological distress in involuntary job loss.

This study estimated correlates of psychological distress with a heterogeneous sample of American subjects (N = 122; M age = 33.5 yr.) who were involuntarily displaced from work. Expectation of finding a new job is a significant source of psychological distress in job loss after taking into account length of unemployment and economic dependence. Psychological distress also showed significant negative association with self-esteem and significant positive relationship with job-seeking effort. Other important findings are discussed.