Emotional Well-being Outcomes Research Articles

The supervisory relationship as a predictor of mental health outcomes in doctoral students in the United Kingdom.

The process of a doctorate degree has been implicated in the onset and exacerbation of mental health problems among doctoral students. Previous studies have suggested that the student-supervisor relationship may predict emotional wellbeing and mental health outcomes in doctoral students in the UK. However, these studies were conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic and often used unstandardized measures to investigate supervisory styles. The present study was part of the Better Together project, a wellbeing initiative for doctoral students in the UK. It explored the predictive ability of aspects of the student-supervisor relationship with regards to doctoral students' mental health outcomes. The sample consisted of 141 students doing a research-based doctorate degree in the UK. The survey included demographic questions and questionnaires assessing supervisory styles, the discrepancy between actual and preferred supervisory relationship, depression, anxiety, and stress. A large proportion of participants fell in the severe and extremely severe categories in the depression, anxiety, and stress sub-scales. Multiple regression analyses indicated that both supervisory styles and discrepancy significantly predicted students' mental health outcomes. More specifically, higher scores in the uncertain supervisory style, which is characterized by indecisiveness and ambiguity, were linked with higher scores in depression, anxiety, and stress. The findings provided new insights concerning the aspects of the student-supervisor relationship that are related to the mental health issues of doctoral students in the UK. They have important implications for future research and supervision practice.

The Effect of 5Q Parental Education on Children's Emotion through Healing of Inner Child among Parents

The research aim of this study is to understand the relationship between parental emotional well-being and child outcome. This study delves into the profound impact of 5Q parental education on children's emotional well-being through the intricate process of healing the inner child among parents. The 5Q framework, encompassing Intelligence Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ), Adversity Quotient (AQ), Social Quotient (SQ), and the innovative "You Quotient" (UQ), serves as the cornerstone of this transformative educational program. By intertwining principles of personal growth, self-awareness, and effective communication, the 5Q approach aims to empower parents to navigate the complex landscape of parenthood with confidence and competence. Central to this study is the concept of the inner child, deeply rooted in psychological theory, which symbolizes unresolved emotions and experiences from childhood that continue to influence adult behaviours and familial dynamics. Through a qualitative research methodology, this study rigorously examines the experiences of a diverse sample of 100 participants engaged in a comprehensive 6-month 5Q parental education program. Results from the qualitative analysis revealed a profound impact of the 5Q parental education program on participants' emotional well-being and parenting practices. An overwhelming majority of 82 out of 100 participants reported significant enhancements in their emotional intelligence (EQ) following the healing of their inner child. This transformation was characterized by heightened self-awareness, improved emotional regulation, improved parenting skills and strategies, strengthened parent-child relationship that foster suitability relationship. This study underscores the transformative potential of 5Q parental education in fostering nurturing family environments conducive to holistic child development. The understanding of the relationship between parental emotional well-being and child outcome is emphasized. By addressing the emotional needs of parents and facilitating the healing of their inner child, this program not only empowers individuals but also lays the foundation for resilient, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent generations to come, laying the foundation for their optimal development.

Mixed Reality in Clinical Settings for Pediatric Patients and Their Families: A Literature Review.

In the post-pandemic context, there has been an increasing demand for technology-based interventions in education and healthcare systems, such as augmented and mixed reality technologies. Despite the promising outcomes of applying mixed reality (MR), there is limited aggregated evidence focusing on child-patient interventions in hospital-based or clinical settings. This literature review aimed to identify and synthesize existing knowledge on MR technologies applied to pediatric patients in healthcare settings. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search of the Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify articles published in the last 10 years that address the application of augmented and/or MR technologies in pediatric hospital settings or clinical environments to improve patient and family outcomes. A total of 45 articles were identified, and following a rigorous screening and eligibility process, 4 review articles were selected for qualitative synthesis. From these reviews, 10 studies with relevant interventions and measured effects were extracted. The extracted studies were analyzed based on eight key attributes: country of origin, study design, characteristics of the study population, primary clinical setting, type of MR device used, nature of the intervention, variables measured, and significant effects observed in the outcome variables. The analysis revealed diverse approaches across different clinical settings, with a common focus on improving both emotional well-being and learning outcomes in pediatric patients and their families. These findings suggest that MR-based pediatric interventions generally provide children and their parents with positive emotional experiences, enhancing both learning and treatment outcomes. However, the studies reviewed were heterogeneous and varied significantly in terms of clinical settings and MR applications. Future research should focus on developing more controlled study designs that specifically target the pediatric population to strengthen the evidence base for MR interventions in healthcare.

The Role of Physical Fitness in Emotional Well-Being and Distress during Pregnancy: The GESTAFIT Project.

Pregnancy involves various physiological, physical, and social changes that can impact the mental health of the woman, causing her to have a stressful experience. Physical fitness (PF) is postulated as a powerful marker of health in this population. Therefore, this longitudinal study examined the association of PF with maternal emotional well-being and ill-being outcomes at 16th and 34th gestational weeks (g.w.) in a sample of 158 pregnant women (32.9 ± 4.7 years old). Self-reported PF was assessed with the valid and feasible International Fitness Scale [i.e., overall PF, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength, speed-agility, and flexibility]; positive and negative affect, emotional intelligence, and resilience were measured using validated questionnaires specifically designed for this purpose. The results showed that women with greater overall PF and its components showed higher positive affect and lower negative affect (all, p < 0.05); greater emotional intelligence (all, p < 0.05); and greater resilience (all, p < 0.05), with similar results both in the 16th and the 34th g.w. These findings underscore the pivotal role of PF in promoting emotional health and resilience during pregnancy, thereby highlighting the need for integrating PF enhancement strategies in prenatal care programs.

Reactivity of Emotions in Adolescents - Caregivers' Tool (React): Development and Validation of a Novel Parent-Rated Measure for Assessing Emotional Dysregulation in Youth.

Emotional Dysregulation (ED) is characterized by the inability to manage emotions effectively, leading to maladaptive behaviors, and often co-occurs with psychiatric conditions carrying significant long-term consequences. Early diagnosis of ED is thus essential for targeted interventions. To address this need, we developed and validated the "Reactivity of Emotions in Adolescents: Caregivers' Tool" (REACT), a novel parent-rated questionnaire designed to assess ED in adolescents. The present study involved two samples, one drawn from the general population (n = 89 healthy controls from local schools) and the other composed of clinical patients (n = 76 adolescents with different psychiatric and/or neurodevelopmental conditions). Patients' diagnoses were confirmed through the clinical interview K-SADS-PL to explore the presence of any psychopathological conditions. Participants from both groups completed the RIPoSt-Y questionnaire, providing a measure of ED, while their parents filled out the ARI, measuring affective reactivity in youth. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were performed to refine the questionnaire's internal structure. The final REACT questionnaire consists of 55 items distributed across three subscales, namely Negative Emotionality, Irritability, and Excitability. Psychometric evaluation showed that these subscales demonstrated excellent internal consistency and strong construct validity, with clinical patients scoring higher on all subscales compared to healthy controls. The REACT questionnaire showed also high convergent validity by exhibiting significant positive correlations with established measures of ED. This novel tool represents a valuable improvement in the assessment of ED in adolescence as it may facilitate tailored interventions to provide emotional well-being and long-term outcomes.

EFFECTS OF SLOW-TEMPO MUSIC ON PAIN PERCEPTION AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

The research focuses on how slow-tempo music alleviates the pain perception in an individual. The study aimed to investigate the potentialinfluence of slow-tempo music on pain perception and emotional well-being. Its objectives were twofold: first, to examine the influence of slow- tempo music on pain perception using the Pain Catastrophizing Model, and second, to explore the emotional well-being outcomes associated with exposure to slow-tempo music in pain scenarios. The pain threshold for an individual is described using the pain catastrophizing model of pain by Sullivan et al. As the name suggests, the key concepts include pain catastrophizing and emotional well-being. This study will focus on understanding how music, especially slow-tempo music may influence measures of pain and emotional well-being. 72 individuals aged 18-25 years will participate. Data collection will involve the utilization of psychometric testing. The assessment tools include the Geneva Music Induced Affect Checklist to gauge emotional responses to music, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale to assess individuals' tendency to magnify pain-related experiences, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule to measure general emotional states. The study analyzed correlations between painperception, emotional well-being, and music preferences using Pearson correlation coefficients. It found weak positive correlations between pain perception (PCS) and emotional well-being (PANAS), and emotional well-being (PANAS) and music preferences (GEMIAC). However, these correlations were not statistically significant at the conventional 0.05 level. Additionally, a weak negative correlation was observed between pain perception (PCS) and music preferences (GEMIAC), which also lacked statistical significance. Therefore, the study couldn't confidently establish significant associations between these variables based on the sample data.

Effectiveness of complex behaviour change interventions tested in randomised controlled trials for people with multiple long-term conditions (M-LTCs): systematic review with meta-analysis

IntroductionThe prevalence of multiple long-term conditions (M-LTCs) increases as adults age and impacts quality of life and health outcomes. To help people manage these conditions, complex behaviour change interventions are...

Assessing the Acceptability and Potential Emotional Well-Being Outcomes of a Digital, Intergenerational Music Program for Older Adults Living with Dementia

ABSTRACT Cases of Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia are expected to triple in the next thirty years. Consequences of the disease include a decline in emotional well-being, which was exacerbated by the isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the acceptability and potential effects of a digital, intergenerational music intervention delivered by adolescent musicians on the affect and emotions of older adults living with dementia. The study was exploratory, followed a pre- post- test design, and had 14 participants. Affect was examined using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and emotion was observed using the Observed Emotion Rating Scale. Additionally, this study assessed acceptability by asking participants about their willingness to continue and gathering qualitative feedback in focus groups. Results showed an increase in positive affect and positive trends in duration of sustained pleasure and alertness, as well as a high percentage of willingness to continue and positive feedback. Digital, intergenerational music is a promising intervention to continue examining in future studies.

The importance of recovery and staffing on midwives’ emotional wellbeing: A UK national survey

BackgroundThere is currently a gap in the evidence on how working practices, such as the ability to take rest breaks, finish on time or intershift recovery influence outcomes. AimThe aim of this study was to explore the association of individual characteristics, work-related factors and working practices on emotional wellbeing outcomes of UK midwives. MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey collated data between September and October 2020. Outcomes explored were work-related stress, burnout, being pleased with their standard of care, job satisfaction and thoughts about leaving midwifery. Univariate analysis identified the explanatory variables to be investigated using multivariable logistic regression. FindingsA total of 2347 midwives from the four UK nations completed the survey. No standard approach in monitoring safe staffing or in-shift or intershift recovery was found. There were high levels of work-related stress, burnout and thoughts about leaving midwifery, and low levels of job satisfaction, with just half of midwives reporting they were satisfied with the standard of care they could provide. Multivariable regression revealed that working practices variables, generally related to impeded recovery or compounded by staffing issues, had a significant association with poorer emotional wellbeing outcomes. ConclusionThis research has demonstrated an association between impeded recovery, including a lack of formal methods to monitor this, and poorer emotional wellbeing outcomes, and that staffing levels are highly influential in determining outcomes. There is a need to re-evaluate current approaches to job design and how midwives are expected to work.

Vytváranie prostredia pre emocionálnu a sociálnu pohodu – dôležitá zodpovednosť školy

There is a growing recognition that creating an environment for pupils' emotional and social well-being and educational outcomes are inextricably linked, and that schools can be important environments within which both can be pursued. This paper discusses the possibility of profiling the psychosocial environment and how it might be used in a school setting.

Measuring digital well-being in everyday life among Slovenian adolescents: The Perceived Digital Well-Being in Adolescence Scale

ABSTRACT Previous research has mostly correlated screen time with adolescents’ social, cognitive, and emotional well-being outcomes, while overlooking adolescents’ subjective experiences of smartphone use. The present research filled this gap by developing and validating the Perceived Digital Well-Being in Adolescence Scale (PDWBA). This semantic differential scale was developed by conducting a literature review and five cognitive interviews with Slovenian adolescents and then tested in two cross-sectional studies. A total of 161 Slovenian adolescents participated in Study 1 (M age = 17.87, SD age = 1.23), and 1,040 Slovenian adolescents (M age = 15.28, SD age = 1.79) participated in Study 2. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated a stable three-factor model consisting of perceived digital well-being subscales in the social, cognitive, and emotional domains. Construct validity tests were performed and metric invariance across sex was established. The descriptive results showed that adolescents’ perceived digital well-being differed according to sex, age, and educational track. We discuss the scale’s theoretical and practical relevance and formulate suggestions for future research.

Investigating the efficacy of a Dialectical behaviour therapy-based universal intervention on adolescent social and emotional well-being outcomes

There is increasing research interest as to whether Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), specifically the group skills training component, is an effective early intervention approach when delivered universally in schools. The current study aimed to provide the first large-scale examination of a universal DBT-based intervention and to also determine the extent to which home practice of DBT skills predicted changes in social and emotional outcomes over time. A non-randomised controlled trial design was employed whereby 1071 participants (51.30% Male; M age = 13.48 years) completed either an adapted eight-session DBT skills-training intervention (‘WISE Teens) (n = 563) or class-as-per-usual (n = 508). On average, the ‘WISE Teens’ intervention did not improve outcomes with significant deteriorations or null effects observed across outcomes relative to class-as-per-usual immediately post-intervention. The largest deteriorations were observed for depressive (d = −0.22; 95% CI = −0.35, −0.08) and anxiety symptoms (d = −0.28; 95%CI - = −0.41, −0.14). Applying Bonferroni corrections, most group differences in outcomes had dissipated at follow-up, however, ‘WISE Teens’ participants continued to report significantly poorer quality of parent-child relationships relative to control (d = .16 for mother (95% CI = 0.01, 0.31); d = 0.17 for father (95% CI = 0.02, 0.33). While home practice was modest on average, further exploratory analyses nevertheless revealed that greater home practice was generally associated with more positive outcomes both immediately post-intervention and at follow-up. Based on these findings, the DBT-based ‘WISE Teens’ intervention is not recommended in its current format for universal dissemination amongst early adolescents in schools. Further research is needed to determine how to improve engagement and feasibility of delivery of DBT-based interventions universally in this context.

The relationship between early adolescent cyberbullying victimization and later emotional wellbeing and academic achievement

AbstractThis study addresses a knowledge gap in the literature about early adolescent cyberbullying victimization and the related positive and negative emotional wellbeing and academic achievement outcomes experienced over time. The study examines 9139 South Australian students (aged 10–13 years) who reported on cyberbullying status in Grade 6, and explores the relationship with emotional wellbeing and academic achievement outcomes measured in Grade 7 and Grade 9, while accounting for range of child, peer, school, and community covariates. Using mixed effects modeling, the results show that cyberbullying victimization is associated with significantly lower levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and higher levels of sadness, and worries over the shorter term (Grade 7), and significantly lower levels of reading and numeracy sustained across the longer term (Grades 7 and 9), compared to non‐victimization. The results indicate that early adolescent cyberbullying may be associated with poor emotional wellbeing and academic achievement as one progresses through formal school and highlights the importance of considering the outcomes of bullying victimization beyond the immediate instance.

0759 Multidimensional Sleep Health is Associated with Emotional Well-being in Adolescents

Abstract Introduction Multidimensional sleep health (MSH) is a population-based approach to capture the 24-hour experience of sleep by incorporating measures of nighttime sleep and daytime functioning that promote physical and mental well-being. We have updated the existing adolescent MSH model to incorporate objective and subjective sleep measures and, in the present study, examined its utility in identifying associations between MSH and behavioral and emotional well-being. Methods We studied 377 adolescents (16.4 ± 2.3 yr; 46.4% female; 21.5% racial/ethnic minority) from the Penn State Child Cohort, a randomly-selected population-based sample. Using the RU-SATED framework – regularity, satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency, and duration – we derived an MSH composite score based on actigraphy-measured and self-reported sleep data. We examined the associations between MSH and scores on both the adolescent version of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and on the Pediatric Behavior Scale (PBS). CBCL’s internalizing, externalizing, thought and attention problems scores were self-reported, while similar behavioral and emotional cluster scores on the PBS were parent-reported. Results Higher MSH scores were associated with lower thought (r=-0.21, p&amp;lt; 0.001), externalizing (r=-0.18, p&amp;lt; 0.001), attention (r=-0.16, p&amp;lt; 0.01) or internalizing (r=-0.12, p&amp;lt; 0.05) problems. Higher MSH scores were associated with lower scores on the rule-breaking (r=-0.27, p&amp;lt; 0.001) and aggressive (r=-0.21, p&amp;lt; 0.001) externalizing subscales. For the internalizing subscales, higher MSH scores were associated with lower anxious-depressed (r = -0.17, p&amp;lt; 0.01), withdrawn-depressed (r=-0.14, p&amp;lt; 0.01), and somatic complaints (r=-0.12, p&amp;lt; 0.05) scores. Analyses based on parent reports on the more fine-grained PBS cluster scores replicated CBCL’s associations; for example, higher MSH scores were associated with lower depression (r=-0.19, p&amp;lt; 0.01) and inattention (r=-0.12, p&amp;lt; 0.05) as observed by parents. Conclusion Optimal sleep health, when considered as a multidimensional construct, is associated with emotional well-being and better behavioral outcomes in adolescents. Our MSH model, derived from objective and subjective sleep metrics, is able to capture similar trends from self-report and parent-report measures of emotion and behavior. Support (if any) National Institutes of Health (R01HL136587, UL1TR000127)

Older adult communication types and emotional well-being outcomes during COVID-19 pandemic

Background:The rationale for the present study is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as there are fewer opportunities available for older adults to engage in face-to-face interaction and social activities, which may result in changes in the communication methods with their social contacts. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between methods of social connectedness and emotional well-being outcomes among older adults at the start of the pandemic.Methods:Two thousand five hundred and fifty-eight older adults Medicare beneficiaries (65 + years of age) in the National Health and Aging Trends Study at wave 10 (June 2020 to January 2021) were selected for cross-sectional analysis. Participants were measured on brief questionnaires regarding forms of communication with family and friends before and during the pandemic. Emotional well-being outcomes were measured on single items of sadness/depressed and loneliness; as well as a 6-item Likert scale of anxiety during the pandemic. Paired sample t-tests were utilized to examine the forms of communication between before and during pandemic. Hierarchical regressions were conducted to assess the relationship between forms of communication and emotional well-being outcomes.Results:We found that there were overall decreases in communication frequency during pandemic. Findings from regression analyses indicated information communication technology (ICT) are associated with negative emotional well-being outcomes, whereas in-person social contact are associated with lower levels of negative affect.Conclusion:These findings suggest utilizing higher levels of ICT has negative implications for older adults’ emotional well-being, contrasting with the positive implication of in-person contacts. These findings highlight the role of ICT in emotional well-being among older adults during pandemic.

A narrative inquiry into the emotional effects of English medium instruction, language learning, and career opportunities

The decision to introduce or expand EMI programs is often accompanied by neoliberal discourses without considering emotional effects of this on the individual. Through the lens of linguistic entrepreneurship, this study investigates the emotional impact of EMI on graduates from engineering programs in Turkey. Using a narrative inquiry design, we collected stories from four EMI graduates about their experiences regarding their academic studies and professional careers during and after EMI study. The results revealed that, although participants experienced different emotional reactions to EMI, including frustration over teaching practices, anxiety about the quality of their learning, and pride at their accomplishments, the interviews were characterized by feelings of obligation to develop English skills to secure a job in the sector. The findings contribute new understandings to the role of EMI on students’ emotional wellbeing and graduate outcomes. Results are discussed with respect to English language learning, neoliberalism, and higher education policy.

Longitudinal Relationships Between Social Connection, Agency, and Emotional Well-Being: A 13-Year Study

ABSTRACT Social connection and agency are typically conceptualized as antecedents of well-being, yet the relative contributions of each for well-being are not yet well known. Moreover, whether or not well-being can lead to social connection and agency has not received sufficient research attention. In the present study, we test longitudinal effects of social connection, agency, and emotional well-being over a time span encompassing 13-years and four quadrennial measurement waves (total N = 22,980). Controlling for age and gender, random-intercept cross-lagged structural equation modelling suggested that earlier emotional well-being significantly predicted future agency and social connection. Similarly, earlier agency predicted future emotional well-being and social connection. However, contrary to previous findings, earlier social connection did not significantly predict emotional well-being or agency in the future. These results suggest that building emotional well-being, in addition to agency, may lead to the best social, emotional and cognitive well-being outcomes.

Effects and mechanisms of mindfulness training and physical exercise on cognition, emotional wellbeing, and brain outcomes in chronic stroke patients: Study protocol of the MindFit project randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundPost-stroke cognitive and emotional complications are frequent in the chronic stages of stroke and have important implications for the functionality and quality of life of those affected and their caregivers. Strategies such as mindfulness meditation, physical exercise (PE), or computerized cognitive training (CCT) may benefit stroke patients by impacting neuroplasticity and brain health.Materials and methodsOne hundred and forty-one chronic stroke patients are randomly allocated to receive mindfulness-based stress reduction + CCT (n = 47), multicomponent PE program + CCT (n = 47), or CCT alone (n = 47). Interventions consist of 12-week home-based programs five days per week. Before and after the interventions, we collect data from cognitive, psychological, and physical tests, blood and stool samples, and structural and functional brain scans.ResultsThe effects of the interventions on cognitive and emotional outcomes will be described in intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. We will also explore potential mediators and moderators, such as genetic, molecular, brain, demographic, and clinical factors in our per-protocol sample.DiscussionThe MindFit Project is a randomized clinical trial that aims to assess the impact of mindfulness and PE combined with CCT on chronic stroke patients’ cognitive and emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, our design takes a multimodal biopsychosocial approach that will generate new knowledge at multiple levels of evidence, from molecular bases to behavioral changes.Clinical trial registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04759950.

Evolving norms: social media data analysis on parks and greenspaces perception changes before and after the COVID 19 pandemic using a machine learning approach

This study provides a novel approach to understand human perception changes in their experiences of and interactions with public greenspaces during the early months of COVID-19. Using social media data and machine learning techniques, the study delivers new understandings of how people began to feel differently about their experiences compared to pre-COVID times. The study illuminates a renewed appreciation of nature as well as an emerging but prominent pattern of emotional and spiritual experiences expressed through a social media platform. Given that most park and recreational studies have almost exclusively examined whether park use increased or decreased during the pandemic, this research provides meaningful implications beyond the simple extensional visit pattern and lends weight to the growing evidences on changing perceptions over and the positive psychological impacts of nature. The study highlights the preeminent roles parks and greenspaces play during the pandemic and guides a new direction in future park development to support more natural elements and nature-oriented experiences from which emotional and spiritual well-being outcomes can be drawn.

Coping with COVID-19: the efficacy of disengagement for coping with the chronic stress of a pandemic

ABSTRACT Background The COVID-19 pandemic was a novel chronic stressor that necessitated figuring out how to cope with it. We hypothesized that disengagement coping – coping with a stressor by disengaging from it – would be effective because the pandemic featured heightened uncertainty and enduring intensity. Design We assessed the disengagement strategies of distraction – taking a break from a stressor – and avoidance – avoiding thoughts and feelings associated with a stressor – and emotional well-being outcomes (positive/negative emotions, stress) in three waves one week apart (305 participants completed all three waves). Results Distraction was one of the most frequently endorsed coping strategies. The results of multi-level models and cross-lagged panel models showed that participants who used distraction habitually experienced better emotional well-being overall and that using distraction led to better emotional well-being that week, but did not predict increases in well-being from one week to the next. Those who used avoidance also experienced better emotional well-being that week, but habitual use of avoidance was associated with worse emotional well-being overall. Conclusions These findings suggest that in the midst of chronic stressors like this pandemic, the disengagement coping strategy of distraction is popular and effective for temporarily improving people’s well-being.