Interpersonal Support Evaluation List Research Articles

Adaptation of Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12) for Mothers of Children Aged 3-6 Years in Indonesian Context

Adaptation of psychological instruments is very important because of differences in culture and context. This study aims to adapt the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12) in an Indonesian context. Initial steps include back-to-back translation, focus group discussions, expert assessments, and pilot studies. From this procedure, the number of items obtained is 12 which is the original ISEL-12 version, there are five revised items according to the context of cultural groups and parenting activities of mothers with children of early child age (3-6 years). The twelve final questions were tested on 533 mothers with an average age of 34.5 years from several regions in Indonesia. Construct validity tests are performed using EFA and CFA. The analysis showed good validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.920) and item loading factors ranging from 0.398-0.816 by showing that the three-factor model was suitable, with values based on RMSEA=0.079, CFI=0.923, TLI=0.911 and GFI=0.918. The conclusion is that ISEL-Ind also has 3 aspects in forming social support for mothers who have children in early childhood, namely, tangible support, belonging support and appraisal support. Keyword: Mother’s; Social Support; ISEL

Adaptation of Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12) for Mothers of Children Aged 3-6 Years in Indonesian Context

Adaptation of psychological instruments is very important because of differences in culture and context. This study aims to adapt the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12) in an Indonesian context. Initial steps include back-to-back translation, focus group discussions, expert assessments, and pilot studies. From this procedure, the number of items obtained is 12 which is the original ISEL-12 version, there are five revised items according to the context of cultural groups and parenting activities of mothers with children of early child age (3-6 years). The twelve final questions were tested on 533 mothers with an average age of 34.5 years from several regions in Indonesia. Construct validity tests are performed using EFA and CFA. The analysis showed good validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.920) and item loading factors ranging from 0.398-0.816 by showing that the three-factor model was suitable, with values based on RMSEA=0.079, CFI=0.923, TLI=0.911 and GFI=0.918. The conclusion is that ISEL-Ind also has 3 aspects in forming social support for mothers who have children in early childhood, namely, tangible support, belonging support and appraisal support. Keyword: Mother’s; Social Support; ISEL

Depression and its associated factors among people living with HIV in the Volta region of Ghana

Depression among people living with HIV/AIDS in higher-income countries is associated with suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy and though counterintuitive. Yet, less is known regarding how depression, social support, and other sociodemographic factors influence outcomes among people living with HIV, particularly in resource-limited settings like Ghana. In view of this gap, this study investigated factors associated with depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in the Volta region of Ghana. A total of 181 people living with HIV from a local antiretroviral clinic was purposively sampled for the study. The questionnaire included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Internalized Stigma of HIV/AIDS Tool, and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12. An independent student t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and chi-square test were conducted to ascertain the associations among the variables of interest. The magnitude of association was evaluated with multiple linear regression. The average depression score among the participants was 9.1±8.8 and 20.4% reported signs of depression. Majority (78%) of participants who were depressed were male compared to females (p = 0.031). In the multiple linear regression, every one-year increase in age was significantly associated with an estimated 0.012 standard deviation increase in depression scores (95% CI: 0.002–0.021) after adjusting for all other variables in the model. Every unit standard deviation increase in social support was significantly associated with an estimated 0.659 standard deviation increase in depression scores (95% CI:0.187–1.132), after adjusting for all other variables in the model. We found a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among people living with HIV especially among males. An increase in age and social support was associated with an increase in depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in this study. We recommend further study using longitudinal approach to understand this unexpected association between depression and social support among people living with HIV in Ghana.

Effects of Terrorism Threat Levels Collaborating Stereotypes, Stigmatization and Prejudices on Perceived Interpersonal Social Support in The Reintegration of Ex-Detained Suspected Terrorists into The Community

This article gives important information about effects of terrorism threat levels collaborating stereotypes, stigmatization and prejudices on perceived interpersonal social support in the reintegration of ex-detained terrorism suspects into the community. The main aim of this research is to examine what effects is embedded in terrorism threat levels collaborating stereotype, stigmatization and prejudice on perceived social support in the reintegration of ex-detained suspected terrorists into the community’?. Sixty participants drawn from Kuchigoro Terrorism Internal Displaced Peoples’ Camp (TIDPC), Abuja, Nigeria were used for the study. A modified version of “Interpersonal Social Support Evaluation List: shortened version – 12 items” was used for the collection of data. One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data. Results indicated significant effects, F (5, 54 = 3.223, P = 0.05). This means terrorism threat levels collaborates stereotypes, stigmatization and prejudices impact on the type of interpersonal social support given to ex-detained suspected terrorists by members of the Community during their reintegration into the community. It was observed and recommended that, there is dire need of deliberate creation of terrorism education awareness and application of psychological interventions, as well as putting in place a mechanism for the resolution of interpersonal conflicts among members of the community. The study’s results imply that, the training programs of Correctional Services Personnel should include rehabilitation and reintegration skills.

Religiosity as a Predictor of Post-traumatic Growth and Psychological Distress among Heart Patients: Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support

Objectives: This study investigates the indirect effect of religiosity on post-traumatic growth and psychological distress through perceived social support among heart patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional research design was employed, gathering data from a purposive sample of 140 heart patients, with equal representation of both men and women, from public and private hospitals in Sargodha. Data collection utilized the Urdu-translated versions of the Short Muslim Practice and Belief Scale, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, and DASS-21 to assess religiosity, perceived social support, post-traumatic growth, and psychological distress, respectively. Results: Perceived social support significantly mediated the relationship between religiosity and post-traumatic growth, amplifying the strength of this association. Additionally, it mediated the relationship between religiosity and psychological distress by alleviating the negative impact on psychological health. Conclusion: This study illuminates the positive influence of religiosity on social support while simultaneously mitigating psychological distress among heart patients. Moreover, perceived social support not only diminishes distress but also fosters post-traumatic growth, serving as a vital mediator in these dynamics. These findings offer insights for interventions aimed at leveraging religiosity and social support to enhance mental well-being in this population.

Perceived loneliness and social support in bipolar disorder: relation to suicidal ideation and attempts

BackgroundThe suicide rate in bipolar disorder (BD) is among the highest across all psychiatric disorders. Identifying modifiable variables that relate to suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in BD may inform prevention strategies. Social connectedness is a modifiable variable found to relate to STBs in the general population, but differences exist across subgroups of the general population and findings specifically in BD have been equivocal. We aimed to clarify how perceived social connectedness relates to STBs in BD.Method146 adults (86 BD, 60 healthy controls) completed clinical interviews (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale; Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5) and self-report measures of loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) and social support (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List). Analyses explored differences in indicators of social connectedness (loneliness and social support) between BD participants and healthy controls, and explored relationships between STBs (lifetime suicide attempts and current suicidal ideation) and indicators of social connectedness in BD participants.ResultsBD participants reported significantly higher loneliness and lower social support than healthy controls. In BD participants, perceived social support was significantly related to both ever having attempted suicide and number of lifetime attempts. Interestingly, perceived loneliness, but not social support, was significantly associated with current suicidal ideation.ConclusionsFindings expand the evidence base supporting a relationship between perceived social connectedness and STBs in BD. They suggest that this modifiable variable could be a fruitful treatment target for preventing STBs in BD.

Abstract P166: Social Isolation and Social Support Are Associated With Self-Rated Health and Heart Failure Outcomes in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Introduction: Social isolation (SI) and social support (SS) are associated with incidence of heart failure (HF). Few studies investigate how SI, SS, and subtypes of SS (appraisal, belonging, self-esteem, and tangible) measured before HF are related to morbidity and mortality after HF. Objective: Assess whether SI, SS, and subtypes of SS are associated with self-rated health trajectories and HF outcomes among participants with incident HF hospitalizations, and if results differ by sex or race. Methods: We included 2967 ARIC participants (51% female, 27% Black, mean age 59 (SD 6) years) with incident HF hospitalization after Visit 2 (1990-1992). We identified incident HF hospitalization as ICD-9 code 428 in any position and physician adjudicated events; on average HF occurred 17 (SD 8) years after Visit 2. We measured predefined SI categories and tertiles of SS at Visit 2 using the 10-item Lubben Social Network Scale and the 16-item Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, which were assessed as separate exposures. We assessed associations with trajectories of annually measured self-rated health in the 4 years prior to and after incident HF hospitalization, measured by the probability of being in excellent/good self-rated health (0-100% scale), using linear mixed effects models. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations with time to first all-cause rehospitalization and all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazard models. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race-center, employment status, years of education, prior use of mental health medications, and time between Visit 2 and HF. Results: Over mean follow-up of 5 (SD 5) years after initial HF hospitalization, 90% of participants experienced rehospitalization and there were 2378 deaths. Low overall SS had a 5.8% (95% CI 7.8%, 3.8%) lower probability of excellent/good self-rated health over time than high SS; associations of subtypes of SS with this outcome were similar. Low belonging SS was associated with greater days to first rehospitalization (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.79, 0.96) compared to the highest tertile, however belonging SS was not associated with mortality (HR 1.05; 95% CI 0.95, 1.17). Low tangible SS was associated with greater mortality among White (HR 1.14; 95% CI 1.01, 1.28) but not Black participants (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.78, 1.16), compared to the highest tertile. Being socially isolated/high risk for SI was associated with greater hazard of all-cause mortality among females (HR 1.57; 95% CI 1.20, 2.06) but not males (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.75, 1.19), compared to low SI. Conclusions: SI and SS measured before HF were relevant to HF outcomes, but relevance may vary by sex and race. In particular, greater SI was only associated with greater mortality among females, and lower tangible SS with greater mortality among White participants only. Belonging support was associated with some HF outcomes but not others.

Psychological well-being and factors affecting it after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has enormously impacted human activity worldwide, partly due to many governments issuing stay-at-home orders and limiting the types of social interactions citizens can engage in. Hence, this study investigated psychological well-being and factors affecting it after the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 345 participants were recruited in the study. This research was conducted between February and May 2023 in Sarab, East Azerbaijan, Iran. To measure the data, valid and reliable instruments of Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), interpersonal support evaluation list (ISEL-SF), and health-protective behaviors checklist instrument were used. According to the results, health locus of control (r = 0.227; p < 0.001), social support (r = 0.339; p < 0.001), and COVID-19 preventive behaviors (r = 0.376; p < 0.001) were positively correlated with psychological well-being. The strongest correlation was observed between psychological well-being and protective behaviors (r = 0.376; p < 0.001). In the hierarchical regression model, total, demographic characteristics along with health locus of control, social support, covid-19 preventive behaviors, and history of COVID-19 infection were able to explain 57.4% of the variation in psychological well-being. Public healthcare providers' and policymakers' preventive and supportive actions are highly advised for promoting health locus of control and social support in adults after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it is better to include a community's social and environmental changes.

The protective roles of coping self-efficacy and social support for posttraumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study examined the roles of social support and coping self-efficacy (CSE) in attenuating posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among a nonclinical university student sample. Participants (n = 610; 59% female) completed questionaries assessing psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale) at baseline and 6-month follow-up, and social support (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12), CSE Scale, and PTS symptoms (Impact of Event Scale-Revised) at 6 months. A path analysis was conducted using SPSS Amos to examine the direct and indirect pathways from psychological distress to PTS symptoms that are accounted for by social support and CSE, controlling for gender. All direct effects in the path analysis were significant except for the relationship between social support and PTS symptoms. Notably, CSE was directly related to PTS symptoms (CSE: β = -.30, p < .001). There was a significant indirect effect of early psychological distress on PTS symptoms 6 months into the pandemic through social support and CSE (β = .14, p < .001). Individuals with higher levels of social support are more likely to have greater confidence in their coping capabilities, which helps to explain PTS symptom severity after controlling for initial levels of psychological distress and gender. These findings suggest that following a potentially traumatic event, CSE may be one factor to screen for to better identify individuals who are at higher risk for significant psychological difficulties and may benefit from interventions that bolster protective factors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

When, how and why should we involve trusted contacts when serious concerns are raised about a student's well-being?

PurposeThis study investigates the relationship between mental well-being (MWB) and social support (SS) whilst addressing the paucity of research on students' support for emergency contact schemes (ECSs) and their views on how and when such schemes should be implemented.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 113 students recruited via opportunistic sampling completed an online survey including the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List - shortened version (Cohen et al. 1985), Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (Tennant et al. 2007) and questions about ECS. A correlational design used the Pearson product-moment correlation to explore the relationship between MWB and SS. A between-subjects design using independent measures t-test investigated differences in SS and MWB between those with and without a “trusted person” (TP).FindingsThe preferred name was “Named Trusted Person Scheme” (NTPS), the preferred TP was parent/guardian or partner, and the preferred means of contact was Personal Tutor to mobile phone. Most students (96%) supported the use of an NTPS when serious concerns were raised about mental or physical health, personal safety or student engagement. Those opposed were concerned about a loss of agency, identifying a TP or the TP worsening the situation. MWB was positively correlated with SS, and those with a TP had higher levels of MWB and SS than those without.Originality/valueThis study addresses the under-explored area of students' support for ECS, whilst enhancing our understanding of the relationship between MWB and SS especially amongst those without a person they can trust. This research provides valuable insights for universities looking to implement or refine such schemes, with the potential to improve students' MWB, academic achievement and retention by enhancing support.

Abstract 19041: The Role of Social Support in Functional Status and Physical Activity in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: A 20-Year Analysis From the Heart and Soul Study

Introduction: Living with coronary heart disease (CHD) significantly impacts patients’ daily activities and physical exercise. Social support influences functional status and physical activity in patients with CHD. Multiple dimensions of social support may be associated with activities of daily living (ADL) and physical activity (PA) outcomes in patients with CHD. Hypothesis: Is higher perceived social support positively associated with ADLs and PA in patients who have lived with CHD for over 20 years? Methods: We analyzed data from the Heart and Soul prospective cohort study from 3-time points: 2000-2002, 2005-2007, and new data that were collected in 2022 among survivors of the original cohort. We measured social support using the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) with appraisal, belonging, and tangibility dimensions. Functional status was assessed using the Lawton (instrumental ADLs [IADLs]) and Katz scales (ADLs) and self-reported PA. Logistic mixed-effects models were employed, adjusting for ISEL dimensions, age, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, marital status, and time. Results: Among 680 patients [(mean age at baseline 65.9 (SD10.2); 121 females (17.8%)], higher levels of appraisal (OR: 1.08; CI: 1.01-1.16) and belonging support (OR: 1.12; CI: 1.05-1.20) were significantly associated with higher IADL scores in the Lawton scale. Only belonging was significant in the Katz ADL scale (OR: 1.11; CI: 1.00-1.29). The tangible dimension was not significant in both scales. All dimensions exhibited significant positive associations with PA, with belonging support showing the strongest association (OR: 1.11; CI: 1.05-1.18) (P &lt;.05 &amp; 95% CI). A positive trend was observed between ADL and PA with ISEL dimensions, warranting further investigation of potential time-dependent effects. Conclusions: In this study examining 3-time points over 20 years, social support dimensions emerged as predictors of improved ADL and increased PA in patients with CHD. Results emphasize the need to foster social support as part of long-term care strategies.

1 Social Support is Associated with Better Memory Performance among Hispanic/Latino, but not Non-Hispanic White Older Adults

Objective:Hispanic/Latino (H/L) older adults are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHW), and there is an urgent need to identify important factors that may help prevent and/or reduce age-related cognitive health disparities. Positive psychosocial factors, such as social support, may protect against cognitive impairment and decline. However, recent research has highlighted that the effect of social support on cognitive outcomes may differ across racial/ethnic groups. Given the emphasis placed on family relationships and support in H/L culture, the current study sought to clarify whether H/L ethnicity moderated the association between social support and cognitive functioning in a well-characterized sample of community-dwelling older adults residing in Texas.Participants and Methods:Participants included 766 NHW and 817 H/L (predominantly Mexican American) older adults (Mage = 66.25 ±8.64) without dementia enrolled in the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities. Participants completed study questionnaires and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Perceived social support was measured using the total sum score from the 12-item abbreviated version of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. Episodic memory performance was operationalized as the z-score composite of the immediate and delayed recall totals from the Spanish English Verbal Learning Test and the Weschler Memory Scale (WMS)-III Logical Memory 1 and 2. Executive functioning was operationalized as the z-score composite of scores from the WMS-III Digit Span, Verbal Fluency (FAS), and Trails B. Analyses of covariance were used to explore racial/ethnic group differences in self-reported levels of social support. Multiple linear regression models examined (1) ethnicity x social support interactions on cognition, and (2) ethnicity-stratified social support and cognition associations. Covariates included age, education, sex, yearly income, and depressive symptoms.Results:H/L older adults reported less perceived social support compared to NHWs (F = 41.16, p &lt; .001). There were no significant ethnicity x social support interactions on episodic memory (ß = 0.04, p = .53) or executive functioning (ß = 0.004, p = .95). However, stratified models revealed that more social support was associated with better memory performance in H/Ls (ß = 0.08, p = .01), but not in NHWs (ß = 0.0004, p = .99). No significant associations between social support and executive functioning were observed amongst H/Ls (ß = -0.01, p = .60) or NHWs (ß = 0.04, p = .29).Conclusions:Although H/Ls reported lower levels of social support relative to NHWs, we observed that social support was linked to better memory performance within the H/L group only. Results suggest that culturally tailored interventions which encourage strong interpersonal relationships and caring for family could enhance social support in H/Ls and thus help to prevent memory decline. Future work should focus on the development of assessment measures that better characterize unique cultural elements of social support within H/Ls, such as multigenerational households, and explore the direct effects of social support on brain metrics.

28 Social Support, APOE Genotype, and Memory Associations in a Community-Based Sample of Older Adults in Texas

Objective:The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene has been identified as a major risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease in late life. Research has shown that APOE e4 allele carriers demonstrate poorer memory performance and accelerated cognitive decline relative to non-carriers, and there is a need to identify potential factors of resiliency against the negative effects of e4 on cognition. Social support may represent one potential mechanism given that higher levels of social support have been linked to better cognitive and functional outcomes in older adults. Thus, the current study sought to examine whether social support moderates the relationship between APOE e4 status and subjective and objective memory performance in a large community-based sample of Hispanic/Latino (H/L) and Non-Hispanic White (NHW) older adults residing in Texas.Participants and Methods:Participants included 1,564 (H/L = 808, NHW = 756) older adults (mean age = 66.36±8.68) without dementia that had enrolled in the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities. Participants completed study questionnaires and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Apolipoprotein e4 status (e4 carriers vs. non-carriers) was determined by possession of at least one e4 allele. Perceived social support was measured using the total score from the abbreviated 12-item version of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. Objective memory performance was assessed using a z-score composite of Story A and B from the Weschler Memory Scale (WMS)-III and immediate and delayed recall trials from the Spanish-English Verbal Learning Test. Subjective memory was assessed using the total score from the Subject Memory Complaints Questionnaire. Race stratified multiple linear regression models, controlling for age, sex, and years of education, examined APOE e4 positivity x social support interactions on subjective and objective memory performance.Results:There was a significant APOE e4 genotype x social support interaction on objective memory performance (ß = -1.10, p = 0.003) in H/Ls such that higher levels of social support were associated with better memory performance in non-e4 carriers (ß = 0.14, p &lt; .001), but not in e4 carriers (ß = -0.13, p = 0.9). In contrast, no significant APOE e4 status x social support interaction was observed on subjective memory (ß = -0.39, p = 0.35) in H/Ls. Finally, results revealed no significant APOE e4 genotype x social support interactions on subjective memory (ß = 0.14 p = 0.77) or objective memory (ß = 0.67, p = 0.11) performance in NHWs. Conclusions: Findings revealed that social support did not mitigate against the negative effects of e4 on subjective and objective memory performance in H/Ls or NHWs. However, results demonstrate that higher levels of social support are associated with better objective, but not subjective memory performance in H/Ls without the e4 genotype. These findings suggest that social support may protect against cognitive decline and enhance cognitive reserve in non-e4 carriers. Future studies should explore other potential factors of resiliency (e.g., diet, exercise) and examine the association between genetic risk and social support on neural markers (e.g., cortical thinning, hippocampal atrophy).

Resilience, Positivity and Social Support as Perceived Stress Predictors among University Students.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have been trying to identify which personal resources can contribute to minimizing the mental health costs in students incurred due to the restrictions that disrupted safety and predictability in their academic lives. The aim of the study was to verify if and how individual factors (resilience and positivity) and socio-environmental factors (social support and nationality) allow prediction of the level of perceived stress. University students (n = 559) from Poland, Serbia, and Italy were surveyed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), the Positivity Scale (PS), and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12). Personal resources-positivity, resilience, and support-were found to be positively interrelated and significantly associated with stress levels. Additionally, gender and nationality differentiated stress levels. A general linear model (GLM) showed that levels of perceived stress are best explained by resilience, positivity, tangible support, and gender. The results obtained can strengthen students' awareness of personal resources and their protective role in maintaining mental health, as well as contribute to the creation of prevention-oriented educational activities. Nationality was not a significant predictor of the level of perceived stress, which highlights the universality of examined predictors among university students from different countries and suggests that interventions aimed at enhancing these resources could benefit students across different cultural contexts.

The Effect of Social Support on Academic Burnout of Final Year Students of the Undergraduate Nursing Study Program at Harapan Bangsa University

Student burnout can lead to feelings of helplessness, loss of attention or avoidance of the learning environment, and dropping out of dreams. This condition can occur due to excessive workload or continuous academic demands. This creates stress and negatively impacts mental health. This study aims to determine how social support impacts the academic boredom of undergraduate nursing study program students at Harapan Bangsa University. This study conducted correlation descriptive research using a cross-sectional approach. The total sampling involved 84 students. To measure social support, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) scale questionnaires and academic boredom were used. with the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) questionnaire. For analysis, the Spearman rank test is used. The results showed that students experienced academic burnout. The final level of the Nursing Study Program The Bachelor Program at Harapan Bangsa University is the most dominant with the medium category (67.9%). Social support for final-year students of the Undergraduate Nursing Study Program at Harapan Bangsa University is the most dominant in the medium category (65.5%). The conclusion is that there is a relationship with p value 0.009 (p &lt; 0.05), the level of academic fatigue of Nursing students of the Undergraduate Program of Universitas Harapan Bangsa.

The Key Role of Empathy in the Relationship between Age and Social Support.

Aging involves several changes depending on genetic and behavioral factors, such as lifestyle and the number and quality of social relationships, which in turn can be influenced by empathy. Here, the change in the perceived social support across the lifespan as a function of empathy was investigated, considering the mediating role of empathy after controlling for gender and education. In total, 441 people (18-91 years old) filled in the Italian short version of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12), the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ6), as well as the Empathy Questionnaire (EQ), and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test (RMET). The mediation analyses with ISEL-12 showed that age and the EQ fully mediated the relationship between age and appraisal, belonging, and tangible scores. Further, the EQ fully mediated only the relationship between age and SSQ6-People. These results showed that empathic skills are key in the relationships between age and social support. This suggests that empathy can trigger social support and, ultimately, well-being if stimulated across the lifespan, especially from a young age; this would help to form the socio-emotional competence across the years as a sort of cushion that can be useful in the older to fulfill active aging.

Social support and mental health among female employees: the moderating effect of age

The association between social support and mental health at work has been widely established; nevertheless, notably among working women, the significance of age in that relationship remains controversial. This research used age as a moderator to determine mental health from social support. The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List–12 (ISEL-12) and the Mental Health Inventory–18 (MHI-18) was answered by 100 working women (Mage=41.20; SDage=9.80). A significant association between social support and mental health were reported but not between age and mental health. Age moderated the connection between social support and mental health. Younger women demonstrated greater mental health than older women in low-social support environments. With increasing social support, older working women reported better mental health. The findings of this study can be implemented by companies to develop and implement social support methods and policies to improve overall mental health in the workplace.

Social Cognition and Other Determinants of Perceived Social Support in Individuals With Serious Mental Illness.

Social support provides protective effects for those with serious mental illness (SMI), but these effects may be attenuated by factors that hinder positive perceptions of support. Improved understanding of social support and its determinants may hold relevance for clinical interventions and provide avenues to promote recovery and improve functioning. The present study is a cross-sectional, correlational analysis investigating the relationships among social cognition (Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test-Managing Emotions subscale), social anxiety (Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale), negative symptoms (Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms), and perceived social support (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List) among individuals with SMI. Data were analyzed for 59 participants from a psychosocial rehabilitation treatment study at a public, urban academic-affiliated medical center in the Midwest. Bivariate Pearson correlations revealed statistically significant associations among perceived social support and social cognition (total perceived social support, p < 0.05; appraisal support, p < 0.01), negative symptoms (appraisal support, p < 0.05), and social anxiety (self-esteem support, p < 0.05). Further, multiple linear regression revealed social cognition remained a significant predictor of perceived social support ( p < 0.05) when controlling for social anxiety and negative symptoms. Overall findings suggest a correlative relationship between social cognition and perceived social support. Conclusions, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

College students’ academic stress during the Covid-19 pandemic: The influence of hardiness, coping strategy, social support, and demographic factorsand

Several research results show that during the COVID-19 pandemic, academic stress experienced by college students increased. They experience changes in how they learn, have difficulty staying focused, and are unproductive during the covid-19 pandemic. This study tests factors influencing college students’ academic stress during the covid-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that hardiness, coping strategy, social support, and demographic factors influence academic stress. The sampling technique employed a non-probability sampling technique with a purposive sampling type, with the criteria for college students in Jabodetabek who did distance learning during Covid-19 Pandemic. Three hundred-six participants met the research criteria. Data were collected by academic stress and hardiness scales and; adapting the interpersonal support evaluation list and coping styles scale. Validation of the research instrument using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) through Lisrel 8.8 software. Hypothesis testing using multiple regression with SPSS software version 20.0. Hardiness, coping strategy (problem-focused-coping and emotional-focused-coping), social support (tangible, appraisal, self-esteem, and belonging)- and demographic factors (gender, level of study) have a significant effect on college student’s academic stress during the covid-19 pandemic (r2=28.2%, p&lt;.001). Variables that have a significant effect on academic stress are emotional-focused-coping (B=0.361, p&lt;.001), self-esteem-support (B=0.117, p&lt;.050), belonging-support (B=-0.271, p&lt;.001) and gender (B=6.885, p&lt;.001). Academic stress is influenced by hardiness, coping strategies, social support, and demographic factors. College students’ academic stress will decrease if students get social support in the form of self-esteem-support and belonging support. The use of highly emotional-focused coping strategies will increase academic stress.

Effects of Personality Style, Negative Stressful Events, and Social Support on Quality of Life and Depression in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that can negatively impact a person’s mental health, including depression and anxiety. The impact of social support on negative, stressful events can be analyzed in relation to different personality styles. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of personality style, negative, stressful events, and social support on depression and the quality of life of MS patients. Methods: This observational, descriptive study utilized a regression analysis method. The study population consisted of all MS patients, who were members of the Zahedan MS Society in Zahedan, Iran, during the 2019 internship. The study sample included 101 patients who were selected through convenience sampling. These patients completed various scales, including the Personal Style Inventory (PSI), Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL), and Life Events Schedule (LES). Results: Negative, stressful events accounted for 22% of the variance in the quality of life of sociotropic patients (P = 0.036), while social support explained 33% of the variance in quality of life (P = 0.008). Moreover, adverse stressful events within this group accounted for 33% of the variance in depression (P = 0.007). In contrast, social support accounted for 60% of the variance in depression (P &lt; 0.001). In the group with autonomous personalities, it was found that negative, stressful events accounted for 22% of the variance in the quality of life (P = 0.014), while social support did not account for any variance in the quality of life (P = 0.204). Conclusions: Social support can moderate and protect individuals from negative, stressful events, particularly for those who are sociotropic or autonomous. However, the moderating effect was more significant in the sociotropic group than in the autonomous group.