Fewer Symptoms Of Depression Research Articles

Cancer Bereavement and Depression Symptoms in Older Spouses: The Possible Modifying Role of the Circadian Rest-Activity Rhythm

ABSTRACT Objectives This study examines the associations of cancer death and aspects of the 24-h circadian rest-activity rhythm (RAR) on depression symptoms in older spouses. Methods Participants included 46 adults aged 60–94 years (M = 73 years) who experienced the death of a spouse. We tested a multivariate model using cancer death (vs. non-cancer death) and RAR variables as correlates of depression symptoms while controlling for age, sex, physical illness burden, and preparedness for death. We also present a case example to describe the behavioral activity patterns of a participant bereaved by cancer. Results Cancer death was associated with elevated levels of depression symptoms. However, the timing of the RAR moderated this association. Cancer bereavement was associated with depression symptoms when participants “settled-down” after 11:00 PM. The case example illustrates how intrusive thoughts about death quality impacts a widower’s drive to stay busy with daily activities. Conclusions Settling down earlier in the evening is important for older spouses bereaved by cancer, in terms of fewer symptoms of depression. Clinical implications Objectively specifying the activity patterns of older spouses bereaved by cancer is a promising avenue for interventions that aim to reduce depression symptoms.

A-47 Resting-State Functional Connectivity Associated with Contact Level in Female Varsity Athletes

Abstract Objective The effects of participation in contact sports on brain functioning is a growing area of concern in the athlete population. This pilot study examined differences in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) associated with level of contact in female varsity student athletes. Method Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were collected from 29 female university athletes. Level of contact was characterized by active participation in collision sports (n = 13) and contact sports (n = 16). Athletes completed baseline testing including self-reported psychological measures. RsFC was compared between groups using Independent Component Analysis (ICA) within the default mode (DMN), frontoparietal (FPN), dorsal attention (DAN), salience (SN), and sensorimotor (SMN) networks. Results Collision sport athletes reported younger age at first sport (M = 4.7, SD = 1.2) and fewer past concussions (Md = 0, Range = 0–3) compared to contact sport athletes (M = 7.5, SD = 3.4; Md = 7.5, Range = 0–6; ps < .05). Collision sport athletes also reported fewer symptoms of depression on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (p = 0.03). Collision sport athletes had decreased rsFC between the SMN and the left inferior frontal gyrus (T = −5.6, pFDR = 0.008) compared to the contact sport athletes. This difference in rsFC was not associated with age at first sport or prior concussion history. Conclusions Consistent with prior studies of varsity athletes, altered patterns of rsFC were observed in areas supporting somatomotor function in female athletes with suspected greater contact exposure. Further research is necessary to examine whether these neural changes are attributable to greater exposure to sub-concussive hits or other factors, such as differences in visuomotor abilities.

0185 Sleep Behaviors and Thoughts as Links Between Social Rhythmicity and Depressive Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Disturbances in social circadian rhythms (e.g. regularity of meals and social interactions) and poor sleep are two potential factors that may contribute to the development of mood disorders. To date, no studies have investigated sleep behaviors (e.g. sleep health) and sleep thoughts (e.g. sleep self-efficacy) as potential links between social rhythmicity and mental health outcomes. The current study explored whether (1) higher social rhythmicity predicted fewer symptoms of depression and whether (2) sleep health and sleep self-efficacy act as mechanisms underlying this association. Methods An archival analysis was performed using data from an online study, Investigating Sleep Across Normal Development (ISLAND Study). The sample consisted of 4,261 adults aged 18+. Measures of social rhythmicity (SRM-10), sleep self-efficacy (SES), sleep health (RU SATED), and depressive symptoms (PHQ-2) were utilized. Age and gender were included as covariates in mediation analyses. Results The overall model was significant, p < .0001 and 26.4% of the total variance was accounted for by social rhythmicity. Controlling for covariates, higher social rhythmicity was directly associated with fewer depressive symptoms (95% CI [.0326, .0420]). Additionally, both sleep health 95% CI [.0034, .0078] and sleep self-efficacy [.0119, .0169] significantly mediated the association between social rhythmicity and depressive symptoms. Conclusion Individuals who have higher levels of daily routine regularity experienced less depressive symptoms than those who are more irregular in their daily routines. Furthermore, individuals who had more regular lifestyle habits were more likely to engage in healthy sleep behaviors and thoughts. Thoughts and behaviors are common factors that may have an impact on mental health given their daily reoccurrence. Also, as these factors are modifiable they could be targeted to potentially reduce depressive symptoms. Future research should continue to examine the link between social rhythmicity and sleep behaviors and thoughts on various health outcomes. Support This work was supported by the National Institute on Aging (K23AG049955, PI: Dzierzewski).

Gender Affirmation Is Associated with Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Youth Mental Health Improvement.

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of each domain of gender affirmation (social, legal, and medical/surgical) on the mental health of transgender and gender nonbinary youth. Methods: Three hundred fifty transgender boys, transgender girls, and gender nonbinary Brazilian youth, from 16 to 24 years old, answered an online survey. Results: The final sample consisted of 350 youth who participated in this study. A total of 149 (42.64%) youth identified as transgender boys, 85 (24.28%) identified as transgender girls, and 116 (33.14%) identified as gender nonbinary youth. The mean age was 18.61 (95% confidence interval 18.34-18.88) years. Having accessed multiple steps of gender affirmation (social, legal, and medical/surgical) was associated with fewer symptoms of depression and less anxiety. Furthermore, engaging in gender affirmation processes helped youth to develop a sense of pride and positivity about their gender identity and a feeling of being socially accepted. Conclusion: Enabling transgender and gender nonbinary youth to access gender affirmation processes more easily should be considered as a strategy to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as to improve gender positivity.

Is It Time to Replace the Oswestry Index With PROMIS Physical Function Computer Adaptive Test?

ObjectiveTo address the relative influence of psychological factors on variation in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index (ODI) scores. DesignCross-sectional. SettingWe enrolled patients with low back pain, presenting to clinicians specializing in the treatment of spine conditions in a large urban area. ParticipantsNew and return English-speaking patients (N=116). Main Outcome MeasuresThe PF CAT and ODI. MethodsPatients completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale short form, Patient Health Questionnaire short form (PHQ-2), Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire short form (PSEQ-2), PROMIS PF CAT and ODI on a secure tablet. ResultsThe 95% CI for the amount of variation in PROMIS PF CAT scores (95% CI, 0.06-0.31) accounted for by psychological measures overlapped with the 95% CI for the amount of variation in ODI scores (CI, 0.26-0.53). PROMIS PF CAT had a strong correlation with ODI (r=−0.69; P<.001). Greater PROMIS PF CAT scores were independently associated with fewer symptoms of depression (β=−1.6; 95% CI, −2.7 to −0.58; P=.003). Higher ODI scores were independently associated with more catastrophic thinking (β=1.2; 95% CI, 0.60-1.88; P<.001) and less self-efficacy (β=−2.4; 95% CI, −3.2 to −1.5; P<.001). PSEQ-2 accounted for the largest proportion of variation in ODI. PHQ-2 accounted for the largest proportion of variation in PROMIS PF CAT. Psychological measures explained more variation in ODI (semipartial R2=0.48 for psychological measures; adjusted R2 full model=0.49) than in PROMIS PF CAT (semipartial R2=0.17 for psychological measures; adjusted R2 full model=0.31). ConclusionsThe ODI and PROMIS PF CAT are comparably sensitive to psychological factors in patients with persistent lower back pain. Given that the PROMIS PF CAT is more efficient to administer, clinicians might consider using PROMIS PF CAT when assessing physical limitations in patients with persistent lower back pain.

Equivalent PROMIS Scores after Nonoperative or Operative Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores can quantify symptoms and limitations after upper extremity surgery. Our objective was to determine how these scores compare amongst patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis treated either nonoperatively or operatively. In this retrospective comparative study, we compared PROMIS scores (upper extremity function [UEF], pain interference, and depression) between 43 patients who underwent nonoperative treatment (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/splinting/injections) and 33 patients who underwent trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (minimum 6-month recovery period) by 4 surgeons from 2014-2018. PROMIS scores were compared across all patients by Eaton-Littler staging. We used linear regression to assess correlations between time-since-surgery and each PROMIS domain. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify patient and disease factors independently associated with PROMIS scores. Surgery was not associated with better UEF (37 vs. 40, P=0.23), less pain interference (58 vs. 56, P=0.42), or fewer symptoms of depression (47 vs. 46, P=0.59). Similarly, no differences were observed across all patient by Eaton-Littler stage for UEF (P=0.49), pain (P=0.48), or depression (P=0.90). For the operative group, greater time-since-surgery, or patient recovery period, correlated moderately with worse UEF (R=0.41) and increased pain (R=0.37). In small retrospective comparative cohorts, surgery was not associated with better UEF, pain, or depression scores compared with nonoperative treatment for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.

Evidence for skin-deep resilience using a co-twin control design: Effects on low-grade inflammation in a longitudinal study of youth

This study tested the skin-deep resilience hypothesis – that low socioeconomic status (SES) youth who are working hard to succeed in life experience good psychological and educational outcomes but at a cost to their physical health – in a sample of monozygotic (MZ) twins. The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) contained a sample of 226 MZ twin pairs at Wave 1 (M age = 16 years), of whom 141 pairs completed the Wave 4 assessment 13 years later (M age = 29 years). Family SES was measured at Wave 1 via income, education, and occupation. Conscientiousness was measured at Wave 4 as an indicator of those who were working hard to succeed in life. Outcomes measured at Wave 4 included low-grade inflammation (C-reactive protein, CRP), mental health (depression, problematic alcohol use), and academic success (educational attainment). A co-twin control design was utilized which directly compared within-twin differences in the association between conscientiousness and life outcomes. Main effects of between-twin conscientiousness were found such that higher levels of conscientiousness were associated with higher educational attainment, fewer symptoms of depression, and less problematic alcohol use, across all SES groups. An interaction between family SES and within-twin difference in conscientiousness was found for CRP, such that, among twins growing up in lower SES households, the twin with higher levels of conscientiousness had higher levels of CRP. These patterns provide support for the phenomenon of skin-deep resilience using a twin methodology that reduces the possibility of confounding by shared genetic and environmental factors.

Association Between Resilience and Psychological Morbidity in Parents of Critically Ill Children.

To determine whether parental resilience, measured at ICU admission, is associated with parent-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and satisfaction with ICU care 3-5 weeks following ICU discharge. Planned prospective, observational study nested in a randomized comparative trial. PICUs and cardiac ICUs in two, free-standing metropolitan area children's hospitals. English- and Spanish-speaking parents whose children were younger than 18 years old and had anticipated ICU stay of greater than 24 hours or Pediatric Index of Mortality score of greater than or equal to 4 at the time of consent. All ICU admissions were screened for inclusion. Of 4,251 admissions reviewed, 1,360 were eligible. Five hundred families were approached and 382 enrolled. Two hundred thirty-two parents from 210 families with complete data were included in analysis. All participating parents completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale at the time of consent and outcome measures 3-5 weeks after ICU discharge. All parents completed the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Short Forms 8a for Depression and Anxiety, Impact of Event Scale-Revised for posttraumatic stress, and Pediatric Family Satisfaction-ICU 24 for parental satisfaction 3-5 weeks after ICU discharge. Higher parental resilience was associated with fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress in the final model (all p < 0.0001). Shorter length of stay, early mechanical ventilation, Latino ethnicity, and lower illness severity (both objective and parental perceptions) were associated with less morbidity in some or all measured mental health outcomes. Higher parental resilience is associated with fewer reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress 3-5 weeks after ICU discharge. Parental resilience may impact parental post-ICU psychological morbidity. Measuring parental resilience could be one approach to identify parents at risk for post-ICU psychological morbidity. Future research into the impact of interventions designed to boost parental resilience is warranted.

Striving While Black: Race and the Psychophysiology of Goal Pursuit

Population health scientists have largely overlooked anticipatory stressors and how different groups of people experience and cope with anticipatory stress. I address these gaps by examining black-white differences in the associations between an important anticipatory stressor-goal-striving stress (GSS)-and several measures of psychophysiology. Hypotheses focusing on racial differences in GSS and psychophysiology are tested using self-report and biomarker data from the Nashville Stress and Health Study (2011-2014), a cross-sectional probability survey of black and white working-age adults from Davidson County, Tennessee (n = 1,252). Compared to their white peers, blacks with higher GSS report greater self-esteem and fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, increased GSS also predicts elevated levels of high-effort coping (i.e., John Henryism), neuroendocrine stress hormones, and blood pressure for blacks but not whites. I discuss the implications of these findings for scholars interested in the stress process and broader black-white health inequalities in the United States.

Effect of Frequency of Exercise on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Serial Mediation of Depression and Quality of Sleep.

Background: Sleep quality and depression are two reciprocal causation socioemotional factors and their roles in the relationship between physical exercise and cognition are still unclear. Methods: A face-to-face survey of 3230 older adults aged 60+ was conducted in Xiamen, China, in 2016. Frequency of exercise (FOE) referred to the number of days of exercise per week. Quality of sleep (QOS) was categorized into five levels: very poor/poor/fair/good/excellent. The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to measure depression (DEP) and cognitive function (CF), respectively. Serial multiple mediator models were used. All mediation analyses were analyzed using the SPSS PROCESS macro. Results: 2469 respondents had valid data with mean scores for GDS-15 and MoCA being 1.87 and 21.61, respectively. The direct path from FOE to CF was significant (c’= 0.20, p < 0.001). A higher FOE was associated with better QOS (B = 0.04, p < 0.01), which in turn was associated with fewer symptoms of DEP (B = −0.40, p < 0.001), and further contributed to better CF (B = −0.24, p < 0.001). Similarly, a higher FOE was associated with lower GDS-15 scores (B = −0.17, p < 0.001) which then resulted in higher MoCA scores (B = −0.24, p < 0.001). However, QOS alone did not alter the relationship between FOE and CF. Conclusions: FOE is a protective factor of CF in older adults. Moreover, CF is influenced by QOS through DEP, without which the working path may disappear.

Does the separation from marital partners of Syrian refugees with a residence permit in Germany have an impact on their quality of life?

ObjectiveAround 700,000 Syrian refugees live in Germany, most of them having come alone since 2015 as asylum seekers and waiting in Germany for family reunification. This study focused on separation from marital partner and its impact on quality of life among Syrian refugees with a residence permit. MethodsFor the present investigation, we included only married participants of a larger registry-based study. Therefore, we analyzed 119 participants; 93 of them were married, and their partner accompanied them in Germany at the time of the investigation (partner+), while a further 26 were married but separated from their partner (partner-). The respondents were investigated for mental stress, quality of life and protective factors. ResultsThe partner- group reported significantly lower quality of life in the domains of psychological and social health in comparison to the partner+ group. Higher general quality of life was associated with higher social support, higher sense of coherence and fewer symptoms of depression. Predictors for a higher quality of life were male gender, fewer symptoms of depression, a higher sense of coherence, higher perceived social support and living together with the marital partner. ConclusionFamily separation of Syrian refugees with a residence permit in Germany can have an impact on their quality of life. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our results and determine the long-term effects of family separation.

Convoys of perceived support from adolescence to midlife

Data from 963 Canadians at ages 18 (late adolescence), 25 (young adulthood), and 43 (midlife) were used to explore convoys of perceived social support from parents, other family, friends, partners, coworkers, and children. Latent profile and latent transition analyses revealed two support profiles at each age, distinguished by amount of family support. Those with high family support had a high likelihood (approximately 80%) of remaining in that profile from one life stage to the next, while those with low family support had an equal likelihood (approximately 50%) of remaining there or transitioning into high support. Those with high family support at all three ages had fewer symptoms of depression in midlife than those with low family support at all ages. These findings highlight the prominence of family of origin in social convoys of perceived support and implications of perceived support for midlife mental health.

Variation in Offer of Operative Treatment to Patients With Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis

Operative treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMC OA) is discretionary. There is substantial surgeon-to-surgeon variation in offers of surgery. This study assessed factors associated with variation in recommendation of operative treatment to patients with TMC OA. Secondarily, we studied factors associated with preferred operative technique and surgeon demographic factors variability in recommendation for operative treatment. We invited all hand surgeon members of the Science of Variation Group to review 16 scenarios of patients with TMC OA and asked the surgeons whether they would recommend surgical treatment for each patient and, if yes, which surgical technique they would offer (trapeziectomy, trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and/or tendon interposition, joint replacement, or arthrodesis). Scenarios varied in pain intensity, relief after injection, radiographic severity, and psychosocial symptoms. Patient characteristics associated with greater likelihood to recommend surgical treatment were substantial pain, a previous injection that did not relieve pain, radiograph with severe TMC OA, and few symptoms of depression. Practice region was the only factor associated with preferred surgical technique and trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and/or tendon interposition the most commonly recommended treatment. There was low agreement among surgeons regarding treatment recommendations. The notable variation in offers of operative treatment for TMC OA is largely associated with variable attention to subjective factors. Future studies might address the relative influence of surgeon incentives and beliefs, objective pathophysiology, and subjective patient factors on variation in surgeon recommendations. Surgeons' awareness of the potential influence of subjective factors on their recommendations might contribute to efforts to ensure that patient choices reflect what matters most to them and are not based on misconceptions.

Negative view of the self and symptoms of depression in adolescents

BackgroundAlthough negative self-evaluation is a common symptom of depression in adolescents, there is little understanding of how the self is associated with depression. Beck (1967) proposed that a negative view of the self was a ‘hallmark’ of depression. In contrast Linville (1985; 1987) proposed that holding multiple aspects of the self was associated with lower levels of depression. The aim of this paper is to evaluate these two models of self and depression in adolescents. MethodsYoung people aged 13–18 years (n = 822) reported symptoms of depression (the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) and completed a measure of self-concept, the Twenty Statements Test (TST). We coded responses to the TST to reflect the valance (positive to negative) and the complexity of their self-concept (number of self-aspects). ResultsValence, but not complexity, of self-concept was significantly associated with severity of depression symptoms. The valance of young people's self-concept accounted for 25% of the variance in depression symptoms. Adolescent's with more positive self-concept tended to have fewer symptoms of depression. LimitationsThe cross-sectional design of this study precludes any conclusions about the causal relationship between depression and negative self-evaluation; experimental and longitudinal research is needed to assess the causal direction of the relationship.Conclusions. The results of this study supported the cognitive model of depression. Negative self-evaluation may constitute a risk factor for depression in adolescents and could offer a potential target for prevention and early intervention in adolescents.

P5411Prognostic communication with hospitalized heart failure patients; the patients' perspective

Abstract Background Informing heart failure (HF) patients about their prognosis is an important part of clinical management, particularly at the time of hospitalization. Current European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend communicating this information to HF patients at the time of hospitalization and with any change in clinical status. However, little is known about actual patient preferences, understanding, and attitudes towards prognostic communication with their treating physicians. Methods We surveyed 113 consecutive hospitalized HF patients in a single university hospital. We assessed patient understanding of prognosis (likelihood of survival beyond 2 years), and compared patient expectations to model predictions. Model-predicted 2-year survival rate was calculated by the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM). We also assessed patient preferences for information disclosure using the Prognosis and Treatment Perception Questionnaire (PTPQ). The PTPQ assesses patient beliefs regarding 1) the importance of knowing about prognosis, 2) the importance of knowing about treatment option, and 3) frequency of having a conversation about prognosis during the hospital stay. Results Enrolled patients were predominantly male (65.5%), with a mean age of 73.6±9.6 years and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 46.2±15.4%. Median SHFM-estimated 2-year survival rate was 89.2% (interquartile range: 83.8–92.9%). Overall, patient understanding about prognosis was suboptimal. Among patients with a guarded 2-year survival (SHFM &lt;90%: N=60), 44% reported that their likelihood of 2-year survival was &gt;90% (Figure; red box). However, among patients with favorable 2-year survival (&gt;90%: N=53), 38% reported a likelihood of &lt;90% (Figure; blue box). Regarding treatment options, most patients (98%) desired to learn as many details as possible. Responses varied with regard to information on individual prognosis; whereas 51% wanted to know more about prognosis than their present status alone, a significant number (28%) of subjects answered “never” or “less often” to a query on the frequency of discussion about prognosis. Patient preference for more information about prognosis was associated with female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–5.69), fewer symptoms of depression (1-point increase on Patient Health Questionnaire-2, OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.49–0.87), and previous stroke (OR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.04–8.19), but not other social/demographic or clinical factors (e.g., age, education, caregiver support, HF phenotype and severity, and other comorbid conditions). Figure 1 Conclusions There were substantial discrepancies in patient understanding of prognosis and in desire for more information from physicians. Interventions to improve prognostic understanding are warranted for HF patients, and hospitalization for HF could represent an opportunity for optimization.

Familism and the Hispanic Health Advantage: The Role of Immigrant Status.

It is well known that Hispanic immigrants exhibit better physical and mental health than their U.S.-born counterparts. Scholars theorize that stronger orientations toward the family, also known as familism, could contribute to this immigrant advantage. Yet, little work directly tests whether familial attitudes may be responsible for the favorable health of foreign-born Hispanics. We investigate this possibility using biomarkers, anthropometrics, and mental health assessments from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (N = 4,078). Results demonstrate that the relationship between familial attitudes and health vary depending on the outcome assessed. While Hispanics with strong attitudes toward familial support have fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, those who report high referent familism display worse mental health outcomes. We find little evidence that familism is linked to physical health or that immigrant generation moderates the relationship of interest. Our results challenge assumptions that familism is responsible for the comparably better health of foreign-born Hispanics.

Emotion Regulation in Couples Affected by Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder.

Female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) is associated with psychological, relational, and sexual consequences for affected women, and their romantic partners also suffer repercussions. Prior research suggests that women with FSIAD report more difficulties with emotion regulation than controls. Yet, whether emotion regulation is associated with the psychological, relational, and sexual well-being of both members of affected couples is unknown. Eighty-seven women diagnosed with FSIAD via a clinical interview and their male partners completed standardized measures of difficulties in emotion regulation, depression, anxiety, relationship satisfaction, dyadic conflict, sexual desire, and sexual distress. A subset (n = 71 couples) also completed measures of emotional suppression and reappraisal in relation to sex. Analyses used multilevel modeling guided by the actor-partner interdependence model. When women reported greater difficulties regulating negative emotion, they reported greater depression and anxiety, and when men reported more of these difficulties, they had greater depression, anxiety, and sexual distress, and the women with FSIAD reported lower relationship satisfaction. When women reported greater emotional suppression, they reported greater depression and anxiety, and lower relationship satisfaction; when they reported greater use of emotional reappraisal, they had fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, and their partners reported lower dyadic conflict. When men reported greater emotional suppression, they had greater depression, lower relationship satisfaction, and sexual desire; when they reported greater emotional reappraisal, they had lower depression and anxiety, higher relationship satisfaction, lower dyadic conflict, higher sexual desire and women reported higher relationship satisfaction and lower dyadic conflict. Emotion regulation may be an important target for interventions to help couples cope with FSIAD.

Familism and the Hispanic Health Advantage: The Role of Immigrant Status.

It is well known that Hispanic immigrants exhibit better physical and mental health than their U.S.-born counterparts. Scholars theorize that stronger orientations toward the family, also known as familism, could contribute to this immigrant advantage. Yet, little work directly tests whether familial attitudes may be responsible for the favorable health of foreign-born Hispanics. We investigate this possibility using biomarkers, anthropometrics, and mental health assessments from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (N = 4,078). Results demonstrate that the relationship between familial attitudes and health vary depending on the outcome assessed. While Hispanics with strong attitudes toward familial support have fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, those who report high referent familism display worse mental health outcomes. We find little evidence that familism is linked to physical health or that immigrant generation moderates the relationship of interest. Our results challenge assumptions that familism is responsible for the comparably better health of foreign-born Hispanics.

Involvement in Sports, Hippocampal Volume, and Depressive Symptoms in Children

BackgroundRecent studies have found that higher levels of exercise are associated with fewer symptoms of depression among young people. In addition, research suggests that exercise may modify hippocampal volume, a brain region that has been found to show reduced volume in depression. However, it is not clear whether this relationship emerges as early as preadolescence. MethodsWe examined data from a nationwide sample of 4191 children 9 to 11 years of age from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study. The parents of the children completed the Child Behavior Checklist, providing data about the child’s depressive symptoms, and the Sports and Activities Questionnaire, which provided data about the child’s participation in 23 sports. Children also took part in a structural magnetic resonance imaging scan, providing us with measures of bilateral hippocampal volume. ResultsSports involvement interacted with sex to predict depressive symptoms, with a negative relationship found in boys only (t = −5.257, β = −.115, p < .001). Sports involvement was positively correlated with hippocampal volume in both boys and girls (t = 2.810, β = .035, p = .007). Hippocampal volume also interacted with sex to predict depressive symptoms, with a negative relationship in boys (t = −2.562, β = −.070, p = .010), and served as a partial mediator for the relationship between involvement in sports and depressive symptoms in boys. ConclusionsThese findings help illuminate a potential neural mechanism for the impact of exercise on the developing brain, and the differential effects in boys versus girls mirror findings in the animal literature. More research is needed to understand the causal relationships between these constructs.

Relationship between pre-stroke physical activity and symptoms of post-stroke anxiety and depression: An observational study.

To explore mechanisms affecting mental health in patients with stroke. The aims were to investigate the association between pre-stroke physical activity and symptoms of anxiety and depression 3 months after stroke, and to investigate how self-reported physical activity changed from before to 3 months after the stroke. Secondary analyses of a prospective observational multicentre study. Stroke patients from 11 Norwegian stroke units. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and physical activity was assessed by self-report. Negative binomial regression was used to analyse associations. The analysed sample consisted of 205 patients; mean age was 74 years (standard deviation (SD) 11.5); 46% were women. Higher activity levels before stroke were associated with fewer symptoms of depression in multivariable analyses with regression coefficient of 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.73-0.97), p = 0.015. Eighty-five (41.5%) patients reported similar activity levels before and after stroke. In this group of patients with mild symptoms of emotional distress, it seems that pre-stroke physical activity might be protective against post-stroke depression, but not anxiety. Many patients with mild-to-moderate stroke report being equally active before and after the stroke.