Higher Levels Of Mental Distress Research Articles

Factors Influencing Formal and Informal Resource Utilization for Mental Distress Among Korean Americans in Southern California.

Despite the high prevalence of mental distress in the Korean American (KA) community, KAs continue to have significantly lower rates of professional mental health utilization than the general U.S. population, making it increasingly critical to study factors related to such utilization. A total of 243 surveys were collected at Korean churches of various denominations in the greater Los Angeles area. This cross sectional study examined KAs' resource utilization using Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use as a multi-level theoretical framework. Level of education and employment status significantly predicted professional health service utilization. Informal resource utilization was significantly influenced by gender, attitudes toward professional mental health services, acculturation, and views of God and religion. Future studies should further explore which types of interventions or resources would be most effective for KAs to decrease their high levels of mental distress based on their unique intersections and cultural realities.

Cochlear implants in adults with partial deafness: subjective benefits but associated psychological distress

Purpose The present study investigated adults with partial deafness (PD) and asked them to rate the benefits of their cochlear implant (CI), their general level of satisfaction with it, and their level of psychological distress. Of particular interest was the role of gender.MethodsThe study comprised 71 participants (41 females) with PD who had been provided with a CI. The Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ) was used to assess the benefits of their CI. Satisfaction with their CI was measured using a visual analog scale. The severity of mental distress was assessed with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28).ResultsOn various NCIQ scales, the average benefits of a CI were rated at 66%. Females gave a lower rating than males. The mental distress experienced by the group was significantly higher than in the general population. Females had more severe symptoms of anxiety and insomnia than males. There was a significant relationship between psychological distress and CI benefit, but only in females. Besides general distress, the most affected spheres were related to psychosocial functioning—“self-esteem”, “activity limitation”, and “social interaction”. Contrary to expectations, there was no relationship between mental distress and CI satisfaction.ConclusionsThe perceived benefits of a CI in subjects with PD relate mostly to the level of mental distress, although gender is an important factor. For females, their emotional state affects how beneficial their CI is perceived. Due to the higher levels of mental distress, females tend to need more psychological intervention and support.

Santé mentale des adolescents selon leur attirance sexuelle : enquête en milieu scolaire

IntroductionAlthough homosexuality is a subject often addressed by the media, little is said about homosexuality in adolescents who are particularly affected by the question of sexual orientation. This work aims to study the mental health of adolescents who report being exclusively attracted to members of the same sex. We explore the evidence for an association between homosexuality and depression, suicide attempts, and consulting a psychiatrist or a psychologist. MethodsWe used data from the cross-sectional study “Adolescent Portraits – A Multicenter Epidemiological Survey in Schools in 2013” (CHU Fondation Vallée, Inserm CESP U1018). Data were gathered through the use of an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire (348 questions) given to students between the “4e” and “terminaleschool” years (comparable to the 8th and 12th grade in the U.S. education system) in three contrasting French geographical areas. The risk of depression was measured using the Adolescent Depression Rating Scale (ADRS). ResultsThe results reflect the survey responses provided by 15,235 young people. Of these, 1.5 % reported only being attracted to members of the same sex (homosexual group). This group contained twice as many girls as boys. Students who did not report sexual attraction, who reported bisexual attraction, or who did not answer the question were excluded from the results (830 students). In the homosexual group, 24 % presented with depression versus 11.5 % of those attracted exclusively to members of the opposite sex (heterosexual group). There is also a significant difference between sexes: 13.2 % of boys in the homosexual group were depressed compared to 29.3 % of girls in the same group; 6.7 % of boys in the heterosexual group reported being depressed versus 16.1 % of girls in the same group. In the heterosexual group, 10.7 % of respondents reported having already made at least one suicide attempt versus 20.7 % of those in the homosexual group. There was a difference according to sex, since 6.3 % of boys in the heterosexual group had a history of attempted suicide versus 14.9 % of girls in the same group. This gap disappeared completely within the homosexual group, as 21.4 % of boys and 20.4 % of girls had already made at least one suicide attempt at the time of the survey. Depressed adolescents in the homosexual group also reported a higher number of previous suicide attempts than those in the heterosexual group (46.9 % versus 31.6 %). In terms of sex, 25.3 % of depressed boys in the heterosexual group made at least one suicide attempt versus 34.1 % of girls. In the homosexual group, 44.4 % of depressed boys reported having made at least one suicide attempt versus 47.5 % of depressed girls. Adolescents in the homosexual group were significantly more likely to report having consulted a psychiatrist or psychologist than those in the heterosexual group (14.6 % versus 6.5 %), regardless of sex (16.7 % versus 4.7 % for boys; 13.5 % versus 8.2 % for girls). This difference was also found among depressed subjects (26.0 % in the homosexual group versus 15.4 % in the heterosexual group). Sexual activity (having already had sex) was higher in the homosexual group than in the heterosexual group (53.7 % versus 37.5 %), and this difference remained significant after adjusting for age. Fifty percent of the sexually active homosexual respondents reported having engaged in sexual activity of a homosexual nature versus 0.7 % of sexually active heterosexual respondents. In the homosexual group, mental suffering appeared to be more severe among sexually active subjects, in terms of dark thoughts (64 % versus 46 %) and a prior history of attempted suicide (29.3 % versus 10 %), but not in terms of depression (27.9 % versus 18.9 %; NS). ConclusionYoung people who reported being exclusively attracted to members of the same sex presented a higher level of mental distress compared to those who reported being attracted to members of the opposite sex. This was especially the case for boys. These findings led to the identification of risk and protective factors that can inform the development of appropriate preventive measures.

Taking care of our future doctors: a service evaluation of a medical student mental health service

BackgroundStudies suggest medical students experience high levels of mental distress during training but are less likely, than other students, to access care due to stigma and concerns regarding career progression. In response, The School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge supported the development of the ‘Clinical Student Mental Health Service’ to provide specialist input for this vulnerable group. This study evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of this service.MethodsUsing mixed-methods, cross-sectional analysis of validated psychiatric rating scales and qualitative feedback, 89 responses were analysed from 143 clinical students referred, between 2015 and 2019. The care pathway included initial review by a psychiatrist, who triaged students to psychologists delivering therapies including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy or Cognitive Analytic Therapy.Efficiency was assessed by waiting times for psychiatry and psychology interventions, and number of sessions. Academic outcomes included school intermission and graduation. Clinical effectiveness was analysed by measuring global distress, depression, anxiety, functioning and suicidal risk. Pre/post intervention changes were captured using t-test and McNemar test with thematic analysis of qualitative feedback.ResultsReferral rates increased from 3.93% (22/560) in 2015 to 6.74% (45/668) in 2018. Median waiting times for initial psychiatric assessment and start of therapy was 26 and 33 days, respectively. All graduating students moved on to work as junior doctors.Levels of distress, (t = 7.73, p < 0.001, df = 31), depression (t = 7.26, p < 0.001, df = 34) anxiety (Z = − 4.63, p < 0.001) and suicide risk (Z = − 3.89, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced. Participant’s functioning was significantly improved (p < 0.001, 99.5% CI 4.55 to 14.62). Feedback indicated high satisfaction with the rapid access and flexibility of the service and the team clinicians.ConclusionsA significant proportion of medical students attending the service scored highly on validated rating scales measuring emotional distress, suicidality and mental illness. Reassuringly they benefitted from timely specialist mental health input, showing improvements in mental well-being and improved functioning. The development and design of this service might serve as an exemplar for medical schools developing similar support for their students.

Psychological impact of the response to the coronavirus/Covid-19 on older people

Any decisions about the care and support provided for older people in response to the current situation with Covid-19 require careful consideration of many factors, not just chronological age. The older population is a heterogeneous group with varying levels of vulnerability and resources. We welcome that the government has recommended people stay at home based on existing medical conditions rather than just chronological age. The self-isolation of members of the older population is likely to result in higher levels of mental distress and loneliness in this population, which requires attention alongside slowing the spread of the virus.

Mindfulness Training: Success in Reducing First Year Health Professional Students’ Study and Exam Related Stress

PurposeStudents enrolling in high stakes, undergraduate entry, professional programs like medicine, dentistry and pharmacy may struggle to effectively achieve the transition from high school. This often results in high levels of mental distress. MethodThe College of Medicine and Dentistry at James Cook University have implemented a health professional self-care program (HPSC) with an aim of helping students recognize stressors and develop coping strategies. The HPSC program has been running for three years in the first year of each of the three courses. The HPSC program was delivered as a series of eight sessions focusing on evidenced based theory with some time for practicing coping strategies. Five-point Likert scale surveys were administered prior to commencing the program and after completion. ResultsAcross the College, students reported significantly improved abilities to reduce study and exam related stress and develop effective coping skills. These results were more pronounced in students that practiced techniques of mindfulness. DiscussionThe HPSC program changed student perceptions in being able to improve their own self-care and reduced study and exam related stress.

Mental Health Issues and Complex Experiences of Abuse Among Trans and Gender Diverse Young People: Findings from Trans Pathways

Purpose: Trans and gender diverse (TGD) young people have reported high levels of mental distress in research studies, specifically depression, anxiety, self-harming, and suicidal behaviors. Rates of abuse are also high in TGD populations, but little is known about how this relates to mental health in populations of TGD young people. This study sought to examine associations between experiences of abuse and mental health outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. An anonymous online questionnaire was conducted to determine rates of abuse among Australian TGD young people (N = 859) and the potential association with poor mental health. Primary outcomes of interest were self-reported psychiatric diagnoses, self-harm and suicidal behaviors, and current anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results: Exposures to six forms of abuse are reported in this article: extrafamilial physical abuse, familial physical abuse, extrafamilial sexual abuse, familial sexual abuse, abuse within an intimate relationship, and other familial abuse (including emotional or verbal abuse and neglect). All six forms of abuse measured were associated with poor mental health overall; risk estimates for some forms of abuse were much stronger than others. Conclusion: The current findings have wide-ranging implications for clinical practice. Those working in TGD health care need to be aware of the high prevalence of violence and abuse among TGD young people and the association with poor mental health outcomes. The findings also have implications for broader societal change and interventions targeting increasing parental support to reduce familial violence against TGD young people.

Study protocol of personal characteristics and socio-cultural factors associated with mental health and quality of life of residents living in violent territories

BackgroundThroughout the world, millions of people living in deprived urban environments with frequent experiences of violence are mentally distressed. There is little evidence about which characteristics of people living in such environments are associated with lower or higher levels of mental distress and how they may cope with experiences of violence.Methods/DesignThis study is part of the research project ‘Building the Barricades’ (ES/S000720/1 ESRC-AHRC GCRF Mental Health 2017), which uses a mixed-method approach. Quantitative and qualitative studies will be conducted in 16 favelas in the area of Maré in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The quantitative study consists of a survey of 1200 randomly selected adults living in Maré and of 200 individuals who frequent the open-use drug sites. The survey will assess sociodemographic characteristics, experiences of different forms of violence, physical and mental health status (including drug use) and active participation in cultural consumption and production. In the qualitative study we will conduct 60 in-depth interviews and 8 focus groups of participants selected from respondents to the survey to assess in more detail their experiences of violence and coping strategies. In order to analyze the quantitative data we will use descriptive statistics and explore associations in uni- and multi-variable analyses. Qualitative data will be subjected to thematic analysis.DiscussionThis is an exploratory study to identify characteristics and coping strategies that appear to help people to overcome experiences of violence in deprived areas without developing mental distress. The findings could inform policies to reduce mental distress and improve the quality of life of people living in urban areas affected by violence.

Using Fraser’s model of ‘progressive neoliberalism’ to analyse deinstitutionalisation and community care

This article will argue that Nancy Fraser’s (2017, 2019) notion of ‘progressive neoliberalism’ provides a conceptual lens that can be effective in the development of a critical analysis of mental health policy in England and Wales during the period of deinstitutionalisation and community care. Mental health policies that came steeped in an originally progressive discourse of choice, empowerment and wider service user rights were introduced by governments largely committed to the free market. In the UK and US, this produced a contradictory position where moves towards a community-oriented vision of mental health service provision were overseen by administrations that were committed to a small state and fiscal conservatism. There were similar developments in other areas. Fraser (2017, 2019) terms this mixture of socially progressive rhetoric and market economics ‘progressive neoliberalism’. Fraser’s model of progressive neoliberalism argues that neoliberalism has colonised progressive discourses. The article outlines this theoretical model and then applies it to the development of community care. It argues that policy responses to the perceived failings of community care focused on increased powers of surveillance, including the introduction of legislation that allows for compulsory treatment in the community. This focus on legislation was at the expense of social investment. The article concludes that the introduction of austerity in the UK has strengthened these trends. For example, The Coalition government (2010–15) introduced new mental health policies such as ‘No decision about me without me’, which emphasised inclusive approaches to service organisation and delivery. At the same time, it followed social and economic policies that increased inequality, reduced welfare payments and entitlements, and cut services. These are all factors that contribute to higher levels of mental distress across society.

Predictors of mental distress among undergraduate health science students of Hawassa University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, SNNPR, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionMental distress is a mental health problem which includes anxiety, depression and somatic symptoms. Mental health problems affect society as a whole and no group is immune to mental disorders; however, students have significantly high level of mental distress than their community peers.ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to assess magnitude of mental distress and its predictors among undergraduate health science students of Hawassa University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, SNNPR, Ethiopia.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 students. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using pre-tested and structured self-administered questionnaire. Mental distress among students was assessed using SRQ-20, which is validated in Ethiopia. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to identify predictors of mental distress among students. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance with P-value less than 0.05.ResultA total of 309 study participants were interviewed with a response rate of 99.34%. Among the total respondents 105 (34%) of them were found to have mental distress. In multiple logistic regression analysis, poor social support (AOR = 5.28; 95% CI (2.176–12.84) and current substances use (AOR = 12.83, 95% CI (7.13–23.13), were significant predictors of mental distress among respondents.Conclusion and recommendationsThe overall magnitude of mental distress among students was found to be high. Therefore, it is recommended that mental distress needs due attention and remedial action from policy-makers, college officials, non-governmental organizations, parents, students and other concerned bodies.

Factors associated with mental distress among undergraduate students in northern Tanzania

BackgroundMental distress is a major public health problem which includes anxiety, depression and somatic symptoms such as sleeping problems, fatigue and headache. University students are consistently reported to have higher levels of mental distress compared to the general population. Although university students with mental distress have significantly impaired cognitive functioning, learning disabilities and poor academic performance, the burden of this problem in Tanzania is unknown. This study aimed to determine prevalence and factors associated with mental distress among undergraduate students in northern Tanzania.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College from April–July 2018. Simple random sampling technique using probability proportional to size was used to sample students from their respective classes. Mental distress was screened using the self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20). Data was analyzed using Stata version 15.1. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarize categorical variables while mean and standard deviation for numeric variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with mental distress adjusted for potential confounders.ResultsA total of 402 undergraduate students participated in this study, 14% screened positive for mental distress. Residing off-campus (OR = 0.44, 95%CI 0.20–0.96) and perceived availability of social support (OR = 0.22, 95%CI 0.11–0.45) reduced the odds of mental distress while students with family history of mental distress (OR = 2.60, 95%CI 1.04–6.57) and those with decreased grades than anticipated (OR = 3.61, 95%CI 1.91–6.83) had higher likelihood of mental distress.ConclusionOne in every ten students screened was positive for mental distress. Those who reported a family history of mental illness and lower grades than anticipated had higher response of mental distress. To relieve students from stress and frustrations related to studies and their lives in general, this study recommends awareness creation, counselling to help those with mental health issues, establishment of student drop-in centers for such services and promotion of social and recreational activities at the college.

Changes in mental health, pain, and drug misuse since the mid-1990s: Is there a link?

Drug-related mortality in the US grew dramatically in recent years, while mental health deteriorated among disadvantaged Americans and reported levels of pain increased over the same period. Here we investigate whether increased prevalence of drug misuse between the mid-1990s and early-2010s is associated with higher levels of mental distress and pain. Our results demonstrate higher drug misuse over this period, particularly for older and for socioeconomically disadvantaged Americans. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, we estimate that the prevalence of drug misuse increased by 19 percentage points among those aged 50–76 in the bottom percentile of socioeconomic status (SES). Misuse increased much more at older than at younger ages for all drug types except sedatives, which increased to a similar degree in both age groups. Compared with measures of mental health, pain consistently accounted for a greater share of the period differential in drug misuse among both age groups and across all drug types. Misuse of prescription painkillers exhibited the largest difference in the contributions of pain versus mental health: among older individuals with the lowest SES, pain explained three times as much of the period trend as mental health (60% vs. 19%). Pain was more closely linked with the rise in misuse of prescription painkillers than other drugs. Mental health is a strong correlate of drug misuse (particularly sedative use), but growing drug misuse since the mid-1990s was more strongly linked with rising levels of reported pain than with deterioration in mental health. Pain could be a key factor underlying the association between trends in mental health and drug use: higher levels of pain may contribute to both mental distress and drug misuse. Given that pain, mental distress, and drug misuse are intertwined, successful intervention may require addressing all three factors.

Can a Smartphone App for Cannabis Cessation Gain a Broader User Group than Traditional Treatment Services?

Background:Treatment demand for cannabis use disorders is increasing in Europe. Mobile phone– and internet-based interventions for cannabis users can possibly help meet the need. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a recently developed Norwegian Cannabis Cessation app reaches a broader or different user group compared to community-based Cannabis Cessation programs (CCP, Nordic abbreviation: HAP).Method:The app respondents (n = 148) were recruited through an online link in the app. A comparative sample (n = 102) was recruited in three municipally based CCPs in Norway. We examined whether app users differed from the CCP population in sociodemographics, substance use, mental health, and well-being.Result:The app group included more women than the CCP group (46% versus 26%, χ2 = 10.9, P = .001), but otherwise the groups were similar for sociodemographic variables. Severity of cannabis use did not differ between groups, but the app sample exhibited a higher depressiveness score on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (mean difference, 0.24; 95% CI 0.04–0.44; P = .018) and lower perceived well-being (3.4 point lower score on the Outcome Rating Scale; 95% CI −5.7 to −1.2; P = .003). Well-being was negatively associated with being in the app group, being older, and having higher levels of mental distress, and was positively associated with the perceived ability to make changes (‘self-efficacy of quitting’).Conclusion:The higher proportion of women in the app group indicated that the app did capture an expanded segment of the cannabis-using population. The app can be an alternative for those who are not yet prepared to seek treatment in formal healthcare services. The high level of depressive symptoms and lower levels of well-being among the app respondents suggest that some app users might need additional support.

Social capital and mental health status among the residents of a neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract There has been an increasing policy making and research for social determinants of health and inequalities in health. In such a framework social capital functions as an intermediate factor at the and it is increasingly investigated in health research. Social capital is defined as a resource that individuals may access through membership in a structure of network with certain values and through sharing these resources reciprocally. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between social capital and mental health status among residents of a small neighborhood on Istanbul. This is a cross-sectional study that has been carried out in Istanbul with individuals of age 18-65 years old. The study sample included 629 individuals selected by a stratified and systematic sampling process. Data was collected via a self-reported questionnaire including items for sociodemographic information, social capital and General Health Questionnaire. We applied Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis Tests subsequent to the normality tests of the distribution, and Chi Square Test for the categorical data. Linear and logistic regression models were used for multivariable analysis. Men constitute 51.7% of the people. Mean age was 40.1 (sd: 12.7). There was a significant association between social capital and being a woman and deprived neighborhood. In addition higher level of mental distress was significantly associated with lower level of neighborhood trust, social support and the higher level of perception that neighbors would take advantage of the participants when they got the chance. However national level trust and sense of people taking advantage of their neighbors were not significantly associated with mental health status. Social capital measured via trust and social support at the neighborhood level has been a determinant of mental health status. Efforts for decreasing socioeconomic inequalities should also include efforts to promote social capital. Key messages Social capital measured via trust and social support at the neighborhood level has been a determinant of mental health status. Efforts for decreasing socioeconomic inequalities should also include efforts to promote social capital.

Associations between negative life experiences and the mental health of trans and gender diverse young people in Australia: findings from Trans Pathways.

Trans and gender diverse (TGD) young people worldwide experience high rates of poor mental health; however, these rates were unknown in Australia. In addition, how negative life events affect the mental health of TGD young people has been largely unexplored. This paper reports on novel mental health findings of Trans Pathways, the largest study ever conducted in Australia with trans (transgender) and gender diverse young people (N = 859; aged 14-25 years). The study was an anonymous online cross-sectional survey undertaken in 2016. Logistic and linear regression models were used to test associations between mental health outcomes and negative life experiences. TGD young people in Australia experience high levels of mental distress, including self-harming (79.7%), suicidal thoughts (82.4%), and attempting suicide (48.1%). Three in four participants had been diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety (74.6% and 72.2%, respectively). Many TGD young people had been exposed to negative experiences such as peer rejection (89.0%), precarious accommodation (22.0%), bullying (74.0%), and discrimination (68.9%). Most poor mental health outcomes were associated with negative experiences. The strongest associations were found for precarious accommodation and issues within educational settings. For example, participants with a prior suicide attempt were almost six times more likely to have experienced issues with accommodation, including homelessness. The current results highlight the urgent need for better mental health care and provide insight into areas for targeted mental health interventions. These findings are pertinent for clinicians working with trans young people and wider society.

Comparison on predictors of mental health service use among Asian older adults

Studies have mostly examined mental health service use of older Asian immigrant combining all Asian Americans into one group whereas immigration backgrounds and socioeconomic status of each Asian minority group are different. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictors of mental health service use within specific ethnic groups among older Asian adults focusing on Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and Vietnamese in California. The Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations (BMVP) is used to guide the secondary data analysis of a sample of 3,453 older Asian immigrants from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). Logistic and linear regression analyses are performed to examine predictors of mental health service use and the frequency of mental health service use, respectively. As results, mental health‐seeking patterns differ by ethnicity within the older Asian immigrant sample, not being married (Korean), higher levels of acculturation (Filipino), lower levels of neighborhood cohesion (Korean and Vietnamese), higher levels of perceived safety (Korean) and lower levels of perceived safety (Vietnamese), higher levels of mental distress (Korean and Filipino), and having perceived need (all) were related to more visits for mental health services. The study findings highlight the necessity of cultural competency services and programs for each Asian ethnicity.

P.2.022 - Five-factor personality is associated with aggression and mental distress in violent offenders

Background Five-Factor Model (FFM) personality traits, in particular low Agreeableness, low Conscientiousness, and high Neuroticism, have previously been associated with increased aggression and antisocial behavior [1]. Interestingly, the same personality characteristics have also been consistently linked to mental distress [2] and increased risk of psychopathology [3]. This is of relevance as both individual personality differences and mental distress, i.e., subclinical symptoms of stress and depression, have been found to influence important factors in the treatment of violent offenders, e.g., treatment motivation [4] and overall attrition rates [5]. Assuming the same FFM personality traits underlie both aggression and mental distress, insight into this relation could therefore have implications for assessment of treatment readiness as well as inform targeted interventions in criminal aggression. Yet to date, no studies have investigated whether FFM personality traits related to aggression are also associated with higher levels of mental distress within a cohort of violent offenders. Methods Forty male offenders (age, 19–59) with a documented history of violent and impulsive crimes (e.g., murder, attempted murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery) were recruited from two closed state prisons in Denmark along with forty matched healthy non-offender controls (age, 18-54). All study participants completed the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO PI-R), the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), and self-report measures assessing mental distress. Group comparisons for each of the five NEO personality traits were carried out using ANCOVA. Within the violent offender group, linear regression models were used to investigate associations between NEO personality traits and trait aggression and mental distress respectively. All models were corrected for age, education, and IQ. Results Compared to non-offender healthy controls, the violent offenders scored significantly lower on Agreeableness (F(77) = 10.3, p = 0.002), including the subfacets Trust, Altruism, and Compliance. Within the violent offender group, Agreeableness was negatively associated with trait aggression (β = -0.67, p Conclusion Our findings support previous reports that FFM personality traits are associated with aggression as well as mental distress. Specifically, our findings indicate that high Neuroticism is associated with both increased aggression and mental distress in violent offenders. Further, low Agreeableness differentiates non-offender controls from violent offenders and is associated with increased aggression in the latter group. We argue that the inclusion of FFM personality assessment in correctional settings may be used as a stratification tool for targeted rehabilitative treatment in violent offenders.

Job satisfaction and mental health of Palestinian nurses with shift work: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundShift work is associated with sleep disturbances, mental health problems, and job dissatisfaction. Disparities between male and female nurses in the effect of shift work on mental distress and job satisfaction have been scarcely studied. We aimed to examine differences between female and male nurses in the associations between shift work and job satisfaction and mental health. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, male and female nurses were recruited to rate their job satisfaction on the Generic Job Satisfaction Scale and to complete the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30). Associations between shift work, mental distress, and satisfaction were estimated from χ2 tests and linear regression analyses using Stata/IC10. The study was approved by the ministry of health. Written informed consent was provided by all participants. FindingsIn 2012, we recruited 372 registered nurses from the Hebron governorate in the occupied Palestinian territory. 28 (8%) nurses were excluded, and the final sample (n=344) included 213 (62%) women and 131 (38%) men. 338 nurses rated their job satisfaction, and 309 nurses completed the GHQ-30. After adjusting for covariates, men with shift work reported significantly lower job satisfaction (β-coefficient −3·3, 95% CI −6·2 to −0·5) than men with day schedules. Women with shift work reported significantly higher levels of mental distress (3·6, 95% CI 0·3 to 7·0) than women with day schedules. Distress was reported by more women than men, but this difference concerned only nurses working day shifts. No differences in job satisfaction associated with shift work was seen between men and women. We found no demonstrable interaction between sex and shift work for job satisfaction (β-coefficient −1·6, 95% CI −4·4 to 1·2) or distress (−0·03, 95% CI −5·3 to 5·3). InterpretationShift work was associated with low job satisfaction in male nurses and high distress in female nurses. Because the study had a cross-sectional design and both exposure and outcomes were measured using self-report, the results should be interpreted with caution. Further studies should investigate whether shift work affects the quality of patient care. FundingThe Norwegian Programme for Development, Research and Education (NUFU; NUFU pro x1 50/2002 and NUFUSM-2008/10232) and The National Norwegian State Education Loan Funds.

Predictors of Dropout From Inpatient Substance Use Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Introduction:Dropout from inpatient treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) is an ongoing challenge. The aim of this study was to identify demographic, substance use, and psychological factors that predict dropout from postdetoxification inpatient SUD treatment.Materials and methods:A total of 454 patients from 5 inpatient SUD centers in Central Norway were consecutively included in this naturalistic, prospective cohort study.Results:A total of 132 patients (28%) did not complete the planned treatment stay (dropped out). Cox regression analysis showed that higher levels of intrinsic motivation for changing personal substance use reduced the dropout risk (adjusted hazard ratio [adjHR]: 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48-0.79). Higher levels of mental distress were associated with an increased risk for dropout (adjHR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11-1.97).Conclusions:The role of mental health and motivation in reducing dropout risk from inpatient SUD treatment should be targeted in future prospective intervention studies.

A Survey and a Positive Psychology Intervention on French PhD Student Well-being

Aim/Purpose: The present work focuses on French PhD students’ well-being: an understudied working population thus far, which impedes the development of evidence-based policies on this issue in France.The focus of this work is the well-being of French PhD students, on which almost nothing has been published thus far, impeding any evidence-based policy on this issue to be carried out in France. Background: Research studies from several countries have shown that carrying out a PhD can be a difficult experience resulting in high attrition rates with significant financial and human costs. Methodology: The two studies presented in this article focus on biology PhD students from University Lyon 1, a very large French university (~40,000 students). A first study aimed at measuring the mental health and well-being of PhD students using generalist and PhD-specific tools. In a second study, we carried out and assessed a positive psychology intervention (PPI) aimed at improving PhD students’ well-being. Contribution: Our work is one of the first characterizations of French PhD students’ mental health and well-being. As with other recent studies conducted in Western coun-tries, we found a high level of mental distress among PhD students. Our work also underlines the importance of taking many dimensions of the PhD (not only supervisor behaviour) in order to understand PhD student well-being. Cultural specificities are highlighted and can help inform the design of interventions adapted to each situation. The PPI showed pre-to-post positive changes on PhD students’ well-being. Further research is needed on a larger sample size in order to detect more subtle effects. However, these results are promising in terms of interventions that help reduce PhD student distress. Findings: Study 1 involved 136 participants and showed that a large fraction of the PhD students experiences abnormal levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. We found that career training and prospects, research experience, and the impact of carrying out a thesis on health and private life have more impact on PhD students’ mental health than the supervisors’ behaviour. French PhD students’ well-being is specifically affected by career uncertainty, perceived lack of progress in the PhD, and perceived lack of competence compared to UK PhD students well-being, which suggests cultural differences about the PhD experi-ence in France compared to other countries. In study 2, the scores of the test and control groups (N = 10 and N = 13, respectively) showed a clear effect of the intervention on reducing anxiety. Impact on Society: The high levels of mental health issues and reduced well-being in French PhD students reported in this study underline the importance of developing interventions in this field. Improving the supervisor-student relationship is one possibility but is not the only one. Interventions aimed at learning how to cope with the research experience and with the uncertainty with career pathways, and a good balance between PhD work and personal life present other promising possibilities