Decrease In Psychological Well-being Research Articles

Effectiveness of Self-Management Training, “EDUDARA”, on Psychological Wellbeing and Cortisol Levels in Breast Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Women diagnosed with breast cancer often experience emotional distress, leading to a decrease in psychological well-being. Online self-management training during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial for maintaining psychological well-being, as it is closely related to stress hormone cortisol levels, which play a vital role in boosting the body’s immune system. However, research on self-management strategies for breast cancer patients, particularly regarding psychological aspect and its relationship to cortisol levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains limited.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of self-management training on psychological well-being and salivary cortisol levels in breast cancer patients.Methods: This study used a pre-post-test quasi-experimental design with a control group. The participants included 70 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at a hospital in Malang City, East Java, Indonesia, recruited using simple random sampling. Self-management training using the EDUDARA (Edukasi Kanker Payudara) was administered to the participants in the intervention group for six weeks. Data on wellbeing were collected using the Ryff Psychological Wellbeing Questionnaire, while salivary cortisol levels were measured with the DBD cortisol kit using the competitive ELISA method. SPSS with t-tests was used to analyze the data.Results: The average post-test psychological well-being score in the intervention group was 90.3, while in the control group, it was 82.69. The results of statistical tests showed a significant difference in psychological well-being between the two groups, with the intervention group showing greater improvement after the training. Additionally, the mean salivary cortisol level post-training was 4.531 in the intervention group and 6.169 in the control group (p=0.001). This indicates a greater reduction in cortisol levels in the intervention group after training, showing that participants’ psychological condition following the “EDUDARA” training was better than that of the control group.Conclusion: Self-management training had a positive effect on increasing psychological well-being and decreasing salivary cortisol levels among breast cancer patients. Therefore, structured self-management training for these patients can be used for nursing intervention

Psychiatric risks for worsened mental health after psychedelic use.

Resurgent psychedelic research has largely supported the safety and efficacy of psychedelic therapy for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. As psychedelic use and therapy increase in prevalence, so does the importance of understanding associated risks. Cases of prolonged negative psychological responses to psychedelic therapy seem to be rare; however, studies are limited by biases and small sample sizes. The current analytical approach was motivated by the question of whether rare but significant adverse effects have been under-sampled in psychedelic research studies. A "bottom margin analysis" approach was taken to focus on negative responders to psychedelic use in a pool of naturalistic, observational prospective studies (N = 807). We define "negative response" by a clinically meaningful decline in a generic index of mental health, that is, one standard error from the mean decrease in psychological well-being 4 weeks post-psychedelic use (vs pre-use baseline). We then assessed whether a history of diagnosed mental illness can predict negative responses. We find that 16% of the cohort falls into the "negative responder" subset. Parsing the sample by self-reported history of psychiatric diagnoses, results revealed a disproportionate prevalence of negative responses among those reporting a prior personality disorder diagnosis (31%). One multivariate regression model indicated a greater than four-fold elevated risk of adverse psychological responses to psychedelics in the personality disorder subsample (b = 1.425, p < 0.05). We infer that the presence of a personality disorder may represent an elevated risk for psychedelic use and hypothesize that the importance of psychological support and good therapeutic alliance may be increased in this population.

Introduction Economic and Psychological Well-Being During COVID-19 Pandemic in Albania, A Need for Sustainability

This research studies economic and psychological well-being sustainzbility through comparative data from two research studies, which the authors conducted in two different time logs. The research question arises as to whether economic and psychological well-being perceptions through the years are affected by age, gender, and monthly revenues for Albanian adults. Thus, a dataset of 493 individuals was analyzed. Crosstabulation analysis and descriptive data demonstrated that the perceptions related to more economic difficulties were reported in both studies despite the level of monthly revenues. The findings of this research are that females report more optimism in 2023, both related to economic and psychological well-being, but further investigation is needed. Moreover, the young population reports a general decrease in psychological well-being, not considering life enjoyable. Despite monthly revenues, participants’ perception of economic problems is very high, even after the COVID-19 waves. These findings, in line with the SDG’s agenda in Albania, require attention and continuous observation to achieve economic and well-being Sustainability. Theoretical and practical implications of results and recommendations for future research are discussed. Future research should develop research findings theories incorporating the economic environments into relevance to the individuals of families’ financial stress and well-being. Moreover, the effects of the post-pandemic recession on psychological well-being must be investigated further.

Pengaruh Caregiver Burden Terhadap Psychological Well-Being Dimoderatori Oleh Resiliensi Pada Ibu Generasi Sandwich

This study aims to determine the moderating effect of resilience on the relationship between caregiver burden and psychological well-being in mothers of the sandwich generation. Providing care for two generations simultaneously leads to a decrease in psychological well-being triggered by the caregiver burden experienced by mothers of the sandwich generation. The presence of resilience in individuals can enhance psychological well-being even when they are still experiencing caregiver burden. This quantitative study utilized a survey method with questionnaires, including the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers short scale, Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Resilience Scale, which were administered to 130 Indonesian married housewives aged 30 to 55 years old, who were simultaneously taking care of and living with both their parents/in-laws and children. Data analysis was performed using moderator analysis techniques with the assistance of the statistical software Jamovi for Windows version 3.2.28. The results of the study indicate that caregiver burden has a negative impact on the psychological well-being of mothers in the sandwich generation. Furthermore, the resilience of mothers in the sandwich generation has a positive influence on psychological well-being, but resilience does not moderate the influence of caregiver burden and psychological well-being

Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Musculoskeletal Complaints and Psychological Well-Being of Employees in Public Services-A Cohort Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented restrictions on public and private life. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental health of employees in the public sector, especially patient-related professions. For the data collection in summer 2021, an online questionnaire was used. Compared to a pre-pandemic point of time, the prevalence, frequency, and intensity of musculoskeletal pain, mental well-being, health status, and quality of life were recorded. The questionnaire was completed by 1678 employees (f: 1045, m: 617). A total of 1504 employees (89.6%) were affected by complaints. Compared to before the pandemic, the prevalence and intensity of musculoskeletal complaints and psychological distress increased significantly. Patient-related professions (n = 204) showed significantly higher levels of stress and discomfort in several aspects (p < 0.05). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in musculoskeletal complaints and a decrease in psychological well-being. Preventive factors related to mental health were identified as male gender, a middle- to older-age group, employees with children, and working from home. Attention should be drawn to these findings and prevention strategies should be brought into focus to strengthen the employees' health. Special focus should be drawn to patient-related professions who are particularly confronted with pandemic-associated challenges.

Longitudinal changes in children's and adolescents' mental health and well-being and associated protective factors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened children's and adolescents' risk of experiencing long-term mental health problems and a decline in subjective well-being. To better understand the longitudinal impact of COVID-19, this study explored the role of demographic variables and the potential moderating effects of social support and daily routines as resilience factors. A nationally representative, longitudinal cohort of 5,217 Israeli children and adolescents aged 10-15 at baseline completed measures of mental health symptoms, life satisfaction, positive and negative emotions, gratitude, social support, and daily routines. Data were collected in school at four measurement points: September 2019 (before the outbreak of COVID-19; N = 5,127), May 2020 (after the first lockdown; N = 4,698), May 2021 (after the third wave lockdown; N = 4,813), and May 2022 (after the fourth and fifth waves of the pandemic; N = 4,897). The data were analyzed using multilevel mixed models. Significant increases in depression, anxiety, and panic along with decreases in psychological well-being were found as a function of time. These effects were moderated by age and gender. Participants with high social support and structured daily routines reported smaller increases in mental health symptoms than students with low social support or irregular daily routines. There is a critical need for clinical and educational interventions for young people during this period to promote the resilience factors that can moderate well-being and counter the decline in mental health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Basic Psychological Needs and Psychological Well-being: The Mediating Role of Instagram Addiction

Instagram is a popular social network platform that brings benefits to many. However, for a small minority, problematic use may be an issue of concern (i.e., Instagram addiction). This addiction appears to originate from various contexts and can also have psychosocial consequences. The present study investigated the basic psychological needs and psychological well-being and the mediating role of Instagram addiction. The sample comprised 660 participants who completed a number of psychometric scales including the: Instagram Addiction Scale (15 questions), Basic Psychological Needs Scale (21 questions), and Psychological Well-being Scale (18 questions). The results confirmed the fit of the model, and showed the direct adverse and significant effects of basic psychological needs on Instagram addiction, Instagram addiction on psychological well-being, and the positive and significant direct impact of basic needs on psychological well-being. There were also significant indirect effects of basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) in well-being via Instagram addiction. The failure to satisfy basic psychological needs appears to play an important role in the addictive use of Instagram, leading to a decrease in psychological well-being.

Staying at home in the COVID-19 period: Effects on well-being and physical activity in women living with overweight or obesity

Background: Between March and May 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led governments to take specific lockdown measures. Investigations have defined obesity as a risk factor for disease severity, but none has addressed the effects of lockdown on psychological well-being and physical activity in this population. The objective of the study was to analyze the evolution (before vs. during lockdown) of well-being and physical activity among French adult women living with overweight or obesity. Methods: 250 women, divided into 5 Body Mass Index (BMI) categories (healthy weight, overweight, obesity I, II or III), provided online information concerning their self-perceived psychological well-being and level of physical activity before and after one month (± 1 week) of lockdown. Results: This study shows that BMI is a factor that is associated with well-being and physical activity. Compared to women with a healthy weight who significantly increased their level of physical activity, those living with overweight or obesity perceived a significant decrease in psychological well-being, positive affect, and physical exercise. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of taking into account the well-being and active behavior of women living with overweight or obesity during any lockdown period that could occur in future pandemics.

우울과 심리적 안녕감의 관계

Objectives To explore the path through which depression contribute to the decrease in psychological well-being, this study examined the validity of a path model that depression leads to psychological well-being through experiential avoidance, nonacceptance of positive emotion, prioritizing of positivity. Methods Depression, avoidance of experience, nonacceptance of positive emotions, prioritizing of positivity, and psychological well-being were measured for 366 undergraduate students. The correlation between variables was analyzed. After item parcel, model fit and significance of paths between latent variables were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results First, there was no significant correlation between experiential avoidance and prioritizing of positivity, but there were significant correlations between depression, experiential avoidance, nonacceptance of positive emotion, prioritizing of positivity, and psychological well-being. Second, the indirect pathways from depression to experiential avoidance, nonacceptance of positive emotion, prioritizing of positivity, and psychological well-being were found to be significant. Conclusions These results suggest that acceptance of positive emotions and pursuit of positive experiences are necessary to prevent a decrease in psychological well-being due to depression. Finally, the implications and suggestions of this study are discussed.

Mental Health Benefits of a Traditional Vegetative Biofeedback Therapy Online Program during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Controlled Trial.

Mandatory lockdown resulting from a pandemic may be effective against the physical impact of the virus; however, the resulting mental strains can lead to the development of several mental disturbances. Taijiquan and Qigong are considered traditional vegetative biofeedback therapies that allow the practitioner to control the functions and processes of the body through specific movements or stances, breathing techniques, and meditative exercises. This study aims to understand if these techniques can be applied as an online distance therapeutic option to reduce the psychological impact of home confinement and social distancing. Sixty-four participants were recruited and allocated to three groups. The experienced and novice Taijiquan and Qigong participants’ groups received the intervention for 8 weeks while the control group did not receive any intervention. The outcomes were psychological well-being and psychological distress levels and were assessed by the Mental Health Inventory and a written interview. The experienced Taijiquan and Qigong participants achieved significant improvements in psychological well-being and psychological distress. Novice Taijiquan and Qigong participants achieved a significant improvement in anxiety levels. Additionally, the control group showed a significant decrease in psychological well-being. This study suggests that this distance online program of Taijiquan and Qigong is feasible and may benefit the mental health of participants during a lockdown.

Computer passwords as a timely booster for writing-based psychological interventions

Writing-based psychological interventions have been widely implemented to produce adaptive change, e.g., through self-affirmation (reminding people of their most important values). To maintain the long-term effects of these interventions, we developed a form of intervention boosters—using user-customized computer passwords to convey the therapeutic messages. We examined whether computer passwords could enhance the effect of a self-affirmation intervention on the psychological well-being of sexual minority undergraduate students as they begin university. Participants were randomly assigned to either complete a self-affirmation writing exercise and create a self-affirming computer password to use for 6 weeks or complete a control writing exercise and create a control computer password. We found that frequency of password usage moderated the intervention effect, such that frequent use of self-affirming passwords buffered decreases in psychological well-being over the study period. These findings suggest that passwords can serve as a low-cost, low-burden, and timely booster for writing-based psychological interventions.

The Impact of Education Based on New Internet Media Technology on College Students' Mental Health and Biomedical Diagnosis.

There has been an upsurge in signs of gloom, tension, dietary problems, and other dysfunctional behaviors in undergrad populaces lately. At the same time, the need for advisory services is constantly increasing. Some have interpreted these patterns as mental health emergencies that require immediate investigation and the development of possible treatments to meet the needs of students. Later, other studies have linked the observed increase in side effects to shape individual shape enhancement, especially the widespread use of web-based entertainment, and the time spent on such development is clearly a decrease in psychological well-being. Showed to be related while the use of personalized computing innovations has drastically changed the scene in which undergrads interact with one another and appears to have a significant impact on emotional wellness. Similar advances also offer various opportunities for psychological well-being improvement and dysfunctional behaviour treatment. In this segment, we examine the hardships and open doors for undergrad psychological wellness that PC gadgets give. We accentuate potential for extra examination in this field, as well as ways for people and associations to draw in more benefits with these advances in valuable and health-advancing ways.

Clinical-psychopathological and psychometric features of maladaptive disorders which are a characteristic of students who have experienced psycho-emotional stress

The purpose of this study is to discover the most relevant psychopathological features of maladaptive disorders arising under the influence of psycho-emotional stress in the student community and associated with consequences of military conflict, and identify potential diagnostic and treatment-rehabilitation measures for improving effectiveness of their primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in future. The study was conducted in 4 stages on the basis of an adapted questionnaire and a set of psychometric methods, involving 249 adult students (over 18 years), including a group of respondents at greatest risk – and namely students who are internally displaced persons and students children of anti-terrorist operation participants. The studies have shown a decrease in psychological well-being, the predominance of leading psychopathological symptoms of anxiety, lack of interest in life, lack of motivation, loss of vital energy, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, somatic symptoms in the form of disorders of the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal systems, higher medium severity levels of asthenic manifestations; worse than the general indicator of quality of life among the respondents of the main group. Inverse correlation between a high level of state anxiety (r= -0.6) and trait anxiety (r= -0.45) and a low level of mental well-being has been proved. The obtained results can be used to substantiate and continue transformation of the system of social and medical support in health care, in particular when developing measures aimed at preventing development of non-psychotic mental disorders among students in Ukraine, which will optimize human resources and further health improvement of student youths.

Wellbeing and Stress Coping among Healthcare and Pharmacy Workers: Experiences during the First COVID-19 Lockdown in Lithuania.

(1) Background. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals faced psychological and social challenges in addition to a sharp increase in workload. The aim of this work was to reveal how healthcare and pharmacy workers assessed their wellbeing and the methods of coping they employed to overcome stress during quarantine. (2) Methods. The mixed-method study was conducted between August and October 2020, integrating quantitative (n = 967) and qualitative (n = 27) strategies. Doctors, nurses, healthcare administrative staff, pharmacy specialists, and other employees of the healthcare system were interviewed retrospectively about their experiences during and following lockdown (March–June 2020). (3) Results. Overall, 38.7% of the respondents reported a decrease in psychological wellbeing, while 23.4% of the respondents reported a decrease in physical wellbeing during quarantine. The healthcare professionals’ narratives identified a shift from nonspecific fears at the beginning of the pandemic to the more concrete fear of contracting COVID-19, of infecting others, and about their loved ones, as well as undifferentiated fear. Multivariate analysis revealed that a subjective decrease in wellbeing was typical in professionals who had had direct contact with patients infected with COVID-19, as well as those with stronger fears, and those who were more likely to employ compulsive distancing and substance use as ways to cope with stress. (3) Conclusions. The results suggest that lockdown had a negative impact on healthcare workers’ wellbeing during the first pandemic wave in 2020.

A Systematic Review on the Impact of the Social Confinement on People with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic had imposed a variety of containment measures on the general population for prolonged periods. Confinement has had, and still has, social, economic, educational, health, and psychological consequences on the entire population. Objective: In this article, a systematic search has been performed based on studies carried out since the beginning of the pandemic, regarding the impact of these containment measures on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population and their caregivers. Method: We consulted six databases (i.e., PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct) and selected ten studies that met the inclusion criteria. The chosen studies have been classified according to their theoretical focus, methodology, and target population. Results: We found an increase in stress and a decrease in psychological well-being among individuals diagnosed with ASD (i.e., parents and caregivers). Additionally, in studies focused on children, youth, and adults with ASD diagnosis, the results are contradictory depending on variables such as age, ASD severity, or type of family structure. Conclusions: The results show that the consequences of quarantine and social confinement are quite contradictory and depend on variables such as age, ASD severity, and family features.

Mediator Effect of Affinity for E-Learning on Mental Health: Buffering Strategy for the Resilience of University Students.

The pandemic affected the quality of life and wellness of the population, changing living habits through restriction measures. This study aimed to analyze the psychological impact of the fear of the COVID-19 pandemic and the adoption of e-learning for university students. The study was articulated in two research applications: the first application was a rapid review on the psychological effects of the pandemic on the emotional dimension of undergraduate students; the second application was an observational study on the effect of e-learning adoption in the pandemic emergency. In the first step, we performed a systematic search of MEDLINE through PubMed and the Web of Science [Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI); Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI)] of all scientific literature published from May 2020 to February 2021. The reviewed articles suggest the impact of the pandemic and lockdown measures on university students due to several mental symptoms, including anxiety, stress, depression, event-specific distress, and a decrease in psychological well-being. Psychological symptoms were related to the experience of several stressors, such as the risk for a reduction of academic perspectives, massive e-learning adoption, economic issues, social restrictions, and implications for daily life related to the COVID-19 outbreak. The second scientific application was conducted to evaluate the affinity for e-learning on a sample composed of Italian undergraduates exposed to massive e-learning adoption. The results evidence the positive influence of e-learning in academic programs for the wellbeing of undergraduates. The mediator effect of the affinity of youth for e-learning can be considered to have had a buffering effect for professional advancement and for the mental health of university students in a public health emergency.

Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Mental Health Outcomes among Youth: A Rapid Narrative Review.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has affected not only physical health but also mental health and psychological wellbeing. This narrative review aimed to map the literature on the psychological impact on the young generation of the COVID-19 pandemic, social restrictions, and extraordinary measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE through PubMed and Web of Science [Science Citation Index Expanded, SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), and Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI)] of all scientific literature published from May 2020 until 15 March 2021. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 15 articles were included. We conducted a narrative review. The reviewed articles suggested the impact of the pandemic and lockdown measures on young persons for several mental symptoms as well as anxiety, stress, depression, event-specific distress, decrease in psychological wellbeing, and changes in sleep habits. Psychological symptoms were related to the experience of several stressors, such as risk for reduction of academic perspectives, massive e-learning adoption, economic issues, social restrictions, and implications for daily life related to the COVID-19 outbreak. This narrative review points out the negative psychological impact of the pandemic outbreak and the high vulnerability of the young in the development of psychological distress, highlighting the relevant focus on the mental health of young people during the pandemic and the need for structured and tailored psychological support and interventions focused to the improvement of Quality of Life of university students after the pandemic experience.

Asthma patients experience increased symptoms of anxiety, depression and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Population studies showed a decrease in psychological wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Asthma is associated with a negative effect on anxiety and depression, which might worsen during the COVID-19 lockdown. The aim of the study was to compare fear, anxiety and depression between asthma patients and patients wit hout asthma pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 pandemic.This study compares fear, anxiety and depression in asthma patients and controls between pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 lockdown with a cross-sectional online survey. Participants were invited to fill out several questionnaires pertaining to fear, anxiety, depression, asthma control and quality of life.Asthma patients (N = 37) displayed, during the course of the pandemic, a clinically relevant increase in anxiety (3.32 ± 2.95 vs. 6.68 ± 3.78; p < 0.001) and depression (1.30 ± 1.15 vs. 3.65 ± 3.31; p < 0.001), according to the hospital anxiety and depression levels (HADS) compared to pre-COVID-19 assessment. This was not seen in controls. Also, asthma patients displayed more anxiety about acquiring COVID-19 disease compared to controls ((5.11 ± 1.99 vs. 3.50 ± 2.79), p = 0.006).Patients with asthma experienced an increase in anxiety and depression levels and were more afraid of acquiring COVID-19 disease compared to controls. Also, patients with asthma were more likely to avoid healthcare facilities due to fear of acquiring COVID-19 disease compared to controls. Therefore, we advise health care workers to address these possible negative effects on mental health by phone or e-consults.

«ТРЕВОЖНАЯ ОЦЕНКА ПЕРСПЕКТИВ» И ПСИХОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ БЛАГОПОЛУЧИЕ ОДАРЕННЫХ ПОДРОСТКОВ

The article addresses subjective factors of psychological well-being of gifted adolescents. This work was focused on the relationship between psychological well-being of gifted adoles-cents and their anxiety level in assessment of future prospects. To achieve this goal, we used the Integrative test of anxiety, which approaches anxiety as a multidimensional mental phenomenon, and the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being, which has an integral scale of psychological well-being, as well as six subscales aimed at studying its structure. The study involved 422 adolescents aged 15-17 who passed the expert selection for spe-cialized educational programs in St. Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod. To compare the data, we used the results of a control group survey that consisted of adolescents with standard level of abilities enrolled in secondary schools in St. Petersburg and Smolensk. The results of this study suggest that anxious assessment of prospects, as a structural component of anxiety, in gifted adolescents and adolescents with standard level of abilities has a common trend: an increase in anxiety in predicting the possibility of an unfavorable outcome is associated with a decrease in psychological well-being. In gifted adolescents, it is associated with a decrease in the sense of self-acceptance, autonomy and competence. At the same time, an increase in anxious assessment of prospects (in the range of standard values) in gifted adolescents is associated with an increase in personal growth - a desire to cognize and improve oneself and one's own behavior, to realize one's own potential and increase one's effectiveness. In gifted adolescents, the values of the scale "Anxious assessment of prospects" were much more variable than in the control group, while the highest values on this scale were found in adolescents with intellectual giftedness and the smallest - in adolescents with sports giftedness. The obtained results might be applied in primary prevention of the gifted teenagers’ maladaptation during age and social crises, as well as in secondary prevention, when rates of overall anxiety and its structural components can serve as markers of early (latent) maladjustment phases.

Intra-and Interpersonal Factors Buffer the Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Mental Well-Being Among Middle Schoolers.

Food insecurity (FI) is a significant predictor of feelings of isolation in children, as well as suicide ideation and depression. Using a census of public middle school-aged children, we seek to determine whether FI is associated with suicide ideation and feelings of hopelessness and how individual and school community factors can alleviate or exacerbate this relationship. We analyzed data from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey, conducted statewide by the Vermont Department of Health and administered to all public middle schoolers (N=13,648). Questions were asked about FI, suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, perceptions of teaching and community care, physical activity, breakfast consumption, and demographics. Bivariate and cross-tabular analyses were conducted in SPSS, and regressions and Sobel tests were conducted in STATA. Results show that FI is associated with decreases in psychological well-being as measured by suicide ideation and feelings of hopelessness in students. However, students who reported eating breakfast regularly, feeling connected to their community or having a positive relationship with a teacher had significantly lower instances of suicide ideation and hopelessness. Suicide prevention programs should focus on enhancing community connection and student-teacher relationships and increasing funding for breakfast programs in schools.