Interpersonal Support Research Articles

Actively incorporating lifestyle modifications into daily life: The key to adherence in a lifestyle intervention programme for metabolic syndrome.

IntroductionLifestyle modifications are the first-line interventions for metabolic syndrome (MetS) management. The effectiveness of lifestyle interventions depends mostly on participants' adherence to the interventions. The current study was to explore the experiences of MetS patients in attending lifestyle intervention program (LIP) and the factors that influenced their adherence to the interventions.MethodsA descriptive qualitative study was designed following the COREQ guideline. Face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with a purposive sample from the participants who attended the LIP using the data saturation principle. Content analysis of transcripts was conducted following the methods proposed by Graneheim and Lundman.ResultsThe study recruited 27 participants, including 13 males and 14 females. Four themes were identified: (i) the positive and beneficial experiences of attending the LIP, including incorporating lifestyle modifications into daily life, improved physical and psychological health, and empowerment; (ii) facilitators of adherence, including individualized lifestyle education, regular follow-ups, and adequate interpersonal support; (iii) barriers to adherence, including personal resistance, competing demands, and contextual factors; (iv) suggestions for future interventions: with multidisciplinary team, longer term intervention, and more efficient approaches. The findings also indicated that young-to-middle aged patients faced more conflicts with role-related commitments, and were open for e-approaches in lifestyle interventions.ConclusionThe LIP provided positive and beneficial experiences for the participants. Actively incorporating lifestyle modifications into daily life is the key to maintain participants' adherence to the LIP. Culturally appropriate and psycho-behavioral strategies should be adopted to overcome personal and contextual barriers. Special attentions should be paid for the young-to-middle aged population in MetS management.

Predictors of Depression Level among Community-Dwelling Elderly Persons

Elderly people in the community have difficulty taking care of themselves because of their inability to care for themselves in daily life as well as their poor social support system, which leads to loneliness, resulting in depression. The primary objective was to investigate the level of depression and related factors among community-dwelling elderly persons (CDEP). This was a cross-sectional study, and 150 participants were interviewed. The questionnaires included demographics, the Functional Independence Measure, the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form. It was found that participants with different levels of depression accounted for 26%, and education level, living status, chronic disease, daily life function, social support, and loneliness were all significant factors influencing the depression level among the CDEP that could significantly predict 63.4% of the variation in depression level. Nursing staff must understand the level of depression and its influencing factors, encourage the elderly in the community to increase social networks, and integrate leisure into their lives, thereby enhancing the sense of value and meaning of life and reducing feelings of loneliness and depression.

Social support and academic procrastination tendency for students working on thesis, COVID-19 context

The COVID-19 pandemic had several negative impacts, including delaying the thesis completion, which has increased compared to before the pandemic. This study aims to determine the relationship between social support and academic procrastination in students working on their thesis during the pandemic. There were 161 participants, and the purposive sampling technique was used. Furthermore, this study used a quantitative design with a correlational method. The hypothesis proposed a significant negative relationship between these students' social support and academic procrastination. Furthermore, the Tuckman Procrastination Scale and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List were employed. Also, the data analysis was conducted using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 24 for Windows. Before testing the hypothesis, several statistical tests were carried out, such as the assumption test, which included the normality and linearity test. The results showed a significant negative relationship between social support and academic procrastination in the students, and the correlation coefficient value obtained wasr = -0.380 and p = 0.000 (p <0.05). This indicates that the higher the level of social support obtained by students, the lower the academic procrastination behavior carried out, and vice versa. Therefore, the hypothesis in this study is accepted.

Risk factors of hikikomori among office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective online survey

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has forced people to restrict their outings. In Japan, self-restraint behavior (SRB) has been requested by the government, and some of those decreasing their outings may shift to pathological social withdrawal; hikikomori. The purpose of this study was to examine the risk factors of hikikomori conducting an online prospective survey. An online survey was conducted in June 2020 and December 2020; (1) SRB-related indicators (degree of SRB, motivation for SRB, stigma and self-stigma toward COVID-19, anxiety and depressive feelings toward COVID-19) and (2) general mental health (hikikomori tendency, depressive symptoms, modern type depression (MTD) tendency, internet addiction) were collected. A cross-lagged effects model was performed to examine the association between these variables. Lack of emotional support and lack of socialization in June 2020 increased isolation in December 2020. Besides, MTD and hikikomori interacted with each other. Interestingly, although hikikomori tendency increased depressive tendencies, SRB itself did not have a significant path on any mental health-related variables. Poor interpersonal relationships, rather than SRB per se, are suggested to be a risk factor for increased isolation among office workers in the COVID-19 pandemic. Appropriate early interventions such as interpersonal or emotional support may prevent the transition to pathological hikikomori. The association between MTD and hikikomori seems to reveal the interesting possibility that MTD is a gateway to increased risk of hikikomori, and that hikikomori is a gateway to MTD as well. Future research is required to elucidate the relationship between hikikomori and MTD.

Sex and Relationships in Later Life: Older Adults’ Experiences and Perceptions of Sexual Changes

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to explore the sexual lives of older adults in the UK to elucidate their experiences of sexual changes and problems, and the role of intimacy and interpersonal support in coping with these changes. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 31 participants (aged 66–92, mean = 74, 16 women and 15 men), analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Our analysis generated three themes: Sexual Changes are “Natural,” Sex is the Icing on the Cake, and Maintaining Sexual Connection and Relationship Satisfaction. The participants often rationalized and accepted sexual changes and problems as part of the natural aging process, or as a consequence of other age-related health issues. Sexual activity was seen by many as the “icing on the cake” of a satisfying romantic relationship, built on strong foundations of intimacy, connection, and companionship. Relationship satisfaction and sexual wellbeing can be maintained despite changes to sexual function by retaining a sexual connection through shared experiences, emotional closeness, and support. The findings have important implications for researchers and health providers, and suggest that adopting an “affirmative older age” perspective would be useful for not only future research but also when providing support for older adults with sexual difficulties.

Social support as a predictor of psychological well-being of transfusion dependent thalassemics

Aim: The objective of the present study was to assess the relationship between interpersonal social support and psychological well-being of the Thalassaemic Major patients in the age range of 18-32 years. Method: A descriptive survey was conducted and a sample of 67 transfusion dependent thalassaemic majors from all over Gujarat (male-53, female-14) was drawn through purposive and snowball sampling method. Two tools were employed for data collection, namely Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB) and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL). Both these tools were translated to Gujarati language for facilitating the responses. The data were collected through a google form and analysed employing Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation and t-test. Results: Interpersonal social support has been found to be significantly positively correlated with psychological well-being of the patients establishing the predictivity of psychological well-being of the thalassaemic on the basis of interpersonal social support. No significant mean difference has been found between the males and females on both the interpersonal social support and psychological well-being. Also, no significant mean difference has been found between the two age groups of 18-25 and 25-32 years on both the interpersonal social support and psychological well-being.

Komunikasi Interpersonal Guru Dengan Orang Tua Dalam Membentuk Karakter Murid

The purpose of this study was to determine the interpersonal communication of teachers and parents in shaping the character of students and the impact of interpersonal communication between teachers and parents in shaping the character of students. The type of research is descriptive type with a qualitative approach. The data collection methods used were observation, interviews and documentation from several sources consisting of key informants, namely parents and teachers, main informants, namely students, and supporting informants, namely the head of the madrasa. Technical analysis used is data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing/verification. The results of the study: (1) interpersonal communication between parents and teachers in shaping the character of students is fairly effective because of the implementation of effective interpersonal communication, openness, positive attitude, mutual support, and equality between teachers and parents. The interpersonal communication model is interactional through formal and non-formal communication. (2) The impact of interpersonal communication on the formation of student character, namely; (a) increase the attention and responsibility of teachers, (b) influence student attitudes and behavior, (c) build and maintain harmonious relationships.

The Impact of Children Behavior on Depressive Symptoms among Parents of Children with ASD: The Mediating Role of Mindfulness and Perceived Social Support

ABSTRACT Background Behavior problems of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) bring many difficulties and stress to their parents, thus increasing their risk of depression. Recent studies have shown that the mindfulness and perceived social support may play significant roles in improving the depression of these parents as well as relieve their boundary of stress. However, related research conducted under the context of Mainland China is still limited, and no studies have yet explored the mediating effect of mindfulness and perceived social support on the relationship between behavior of children with ASD and depressive symptoms of parents in Mainland China. Objective The present study aimed to examine the relationship between behavior problems of children with ASD and parents’ depressive symptoms in Mainland China and focused on whether mindfulness and perceived social support may act as mediators in the association between child behavior problems and parents’ depressive symptoms. Method Participants were 286 Chinese parents of children with ASD. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D), the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (CAMS-R), and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12 (ISEL-12) were adopted to assess: child behavior problems, parental depressive symptoms, individual differences in mindfulness and perceived social support. Results The direct effects of child behavior problems on parental depressive symptoms was statistically significant (direct effect = 0.137, SE = 0.043, p = .002). Child behavior problems also showed a significant indirect effect on parental depressive symptoms through mindfulness (indirect effect = 0.097, SE = 0.025, p < .001) and perceived social support (indirect effect = 0.088, SE = 0.023, p < .001). Conclusions Two variables, mindfulness and perceived social support both played a mediating role in the influence of child behavior problems on parents’ depressive symptoms. Parental depressive symptoms were significantly related to child behavior problems. Consistent with previous studies across diverse cultural backgrounds, the results of this study showed that the relationship between child behavior problems and parents’ depressive symptoms was, in part, mediated by mindfulness and perceived social support of parents. Mindfulness interventions and effective social support for parents of children with ASD may be needed to help parents raise their children and relieve depressive symptoms.

Association of positive and adverse childhood experiences with risky behaviours and mental health indicators among Chinese university students in Hong Kong: an exploratory study

ABSTRACT Background: Different childhood experiences may affect adult health differently. Objective: To explore the association of different types of positive childhood experiences(PCEs) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with risky behaviours and mental health indicators, andhow PCEs and ACEs are associated with health outcomes in the context of each other. Method: This was an exploratory cross-sectional online survey including 332 university students in Hong Kong. ACEs (abuse and household challenges), PCEs (perceived safety, positive quality of life, and interpersonal support), risky behaviours (smoking, binge drinking, and sexual initiation), and mental health indicators(depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-rated health, multimorbidity, meaning in life, and life satisfaction)were measured. Results: The multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated cumulative effects of PCEs in lowered risks of depression, anxiety, loneliness, as well as better self-rated health, life satisfaction, and meaning in life (p < .05), after adjusting for ACEs. Results also indicated that ACEs had an increasing relationship with poorer mental health indicators, such as anxiety, loneliness, and life satisfaction (p < .05), after adjusting for PCEs. There was also an adverse association between having ≥4 ACEs with smoking and binge drinking. In addition, each type of PCE and ACE was significantly associated with one or more risky behaviours and mental health indicators. Stratified results showed that PCEs had stronger associations with mental health indicators in participants with fewer ACEs. Furthermore, ACEs had stronger associations with mental health indicators in participants with more PCEs than in those with fewer PCEs. Conclusions: In this study, PCE was proven to be an independent protective factor against poor mental health after accounting for ACE. ACE was also proven to be an independent risk factor for poor mental health and risky behaviours. These findings suggest a crucial need for the active promotion of PCEs and the prevention of child maltreatment. The results of subtypes and stratifications can be taken into consideration when developing targeted interventions in the future. HIGHLIGHTS PCE is an independent protective factor against poor mental health after accounting for ACE. ACE is an independent risk factor for poor mental health and risky behaviours. PCEs and ACEs have different associations with health outcomes in the context of one another.

0004 Sleep, Team and Social Processes, and Health, Performance, and Safety in Naval Operational Environments

Abstract Introduction Sleep disruption and teamwork are inherent features of 24/7 operational environments, yet little is known about how sleep and team/social processes interact to affect crew readiness and endurance. Methods We analyzed data of 3,434 active duty US sailors (80% male) from the Afloat Safety Climate Assessment Survey. Using structural equation modeling, we specified latent factors of Sleep Health (typical hours of sleep per day and sleep disturbances in shipboard environment); crew team and social factors of Team Transition Processes, Team Action Processes, Team Interpersonal Processes, Unit Cohesion, Psychological Safety, and Social Support; and operational outcome risks of Physical Health (no. days in previous 30 with physical illness or injury), Mental Health (no. days with stress, depression, or emotional problems), Performance (frequency of fatigue-induced functional impairments on duty), and Safety (individual and crew noncompliance, and rate of observed near misses). Results Higher Sleep Health reduced impairments in Physical Health, Mental Health, Performance, and Safety (standardized βs = −0.096 to −0.542, ps &amp;lt; 0.0001, CFI/TLI &amp;gt; 0.980, RMSEA = 0.033). Higher Sleep Health improved Team Transition, Action, and Interpersonal Processes, Unit Cohesion, Psychological Safety, and Social Support (βs = 0.178 to 0.380, ps &amp;lt; 0.0001, CFI/TLI &amp;gt; 0.982, RMSEA = 0.029). Social Support reduced risks to Physical Health, Mental Health, and Performance; Team Interpersonal Processes reduced Metal Health risk; Psychological Safety reduced Performance and Safety risks; Unit Cohesion reduced Safety risk (βs = −0.053 to −0.709, ps &amp;lt; 0.05, CFI/TLI &amp;gt; 0.979, RMSEA = 0.027). Mediation models indicated good Sleep Health enhances Social Support’s beneficial impact on Physical Health, Mental Health, and Performance; Psychological Safety’s impact on Performance and Safety; Team Interpersonal Processes’ impact on Physical Health; and Unit Cohesion’s impact on Safety (indirect effect βs = −0.032 to −0.127, ps &amp;lt; 0.0001, CFI/TLI &amp;gt; 0.967, RMSEAs &amp;lt; 0.051). Conclusion Sleep health improves team/social functioning, which serves an additive protective function and enhancement to crew operational health, performance, and safety. Future work should closely examine these interrelationships to identify mechanisms as targets for policy and procedures to help optimize crew readiness and endurance. Support (If Any) Military Operational Medicine Research Program under work unit N2010.

General and Specific Factors of Environmental Stress and Their Associations With Brain Structure and Dimensions of Psychopathology

BackgroundEarly-life stressors can adversely affect the developing brain. While hierarchical modeling has established the existence of a general factor of psychopathology, no studies have modeled a general factor of environmental stress and related this factor to brain development. Using a large sample of children from the ABCD (Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development) Study, the current study aimed to identify general and specific factors of environmental stress and test their associations with brain structure and psychopathology. MethodsIn a sample of 11,878 children, bifactor modeling and higher-order (second-order) modeling identified general and specific factors of environmental stress: family dynamics, interpersonal support, neighborhood socioeconomic status deprivation, and urbanicity. Structural equation modeling was performed to examine associations between these factors and regional gray matter volume (GMV) and cortical thickness as well as general and specific factors of psychopathology. ResultsThe general environmental stress factor was associated with globally smaller cortical and subcortical GMV as well as thinner cortices across widespread regions. Family dynamics and neighborhood socioeconomic status deprivation were associated with smaller GMV in focal regions. Urbanicity was associated with larger cortical and subcortical GMV and thicker cortices in frontotemporal regions. The environmental factors were associated with psychopathology in the expected directions. The general factors of environmental stress and psychopathology were both predictors of smaller GMV in children, while remaining distinct from each other. ConclusionsThis study reveals a unifying model of environmental influences that illustrates the inherent organization of environmental stressors and their relationship to brain structure and psychopathology.

Mental Health Mobile Application with Diagnosis, Sentiment Analysis and Chatbot

Mobile phones are probably one of the fastest growing and most rapidly adopted technologies in the world. The various apps and their health features are still relatively new, but their popularity is growing rapidly. The purpose of this study is to explore multiple elements of mental health applications. This study examines many aspects of mental health-related applications available on the Google Play Store between 2016 and 2020. We used a list of keywords such as mental health, mental illness, mental illness, mental illness remedies, and mental illness remedies to search for apps in the Google Play store. Various applications and programming tools were used to scrape the data. According to our findings, psychiatric apps primarily address the following symptoms: depression, anxiety, general mental health, stress, post-traumatic stress disorders, bipolar disorders, panic disorders, Sleep disorders, schizophrenia, compulsive disorders, substance abuse (drugs and alcohol), addiction (techniques, etc.). The app, on the other hand, offers different approaches to improving mental health. Relaxation, stress management, symptom tracking, soothing audio, journaling, connecting with mental health resources, interpersonal support, meditation, mood tracking, etc. are one of the approaches. These simple and engaging mental health apps have addressed specific mental health issues. The most common strategy for dealing with these issues is relaxation. It was not possible to predict the reliability of these applications based on their ratings and the number of users rated.

Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Women With Breast Cancer.

To examine (a) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and (b) the impact of socioeconomic factors on COVID-19-related anxiety and PTSD symptoms. Women with early-stage invasive breast cancer who were receiving chemotherapy in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. Baseline study variables included economic hardship, interpersonal relationships, and perceived stress. PTSD and anxiety symptoms were collected in June 2020 (T1) and February 2021 (T2). Group comparisons were made using paired-sample t tests, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlations. There were 88 women at T1 and 64 women at T2. At T1, PTSD symptom scores were significantly associated with less interpersonal support, greater economic hardship, and greater perceived stress. Anxiety scores were associated with perceived stress. At T2, anxiety scores were still associated with perceived stress. However, PTSD symptom scores were no longer associated with interpersonal support, economic hardship, or perceived stress. Anxiety and PTSD symptom measurement during a global pandemic is needed to identify vulnerable patients with breast cancer who need targeted support and emergency guidance in nursing practice.

INTERPERSONAL SUPPORT OF PARENTS OF MR CHILDREN

Parents perceive the handicapped child as an extension of themselves and may feel shame, social rejection, ridicule and embarrassment. Parental reactions may be affected by economic status, personality traits and marital stability. In short, an initial parental response may be a form of emotional disintegration. The aim of study was to assess interpersonal support of parents of MR children. Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (I.S.E.L.) developed by S. Cohen and H. Hoberman (1983) was used. 250 parents of mentally retarded children were selected through purposive sampling technique from different MR centres of selected Urban area of North India. Majority of study subjects ISELscore 83.2% was average and 16.8% was good but none had a low and very good. Conclusion of the study suggests that there was need for support to parents who have severe MR children.

Breastfeeding Interpersonal Communication, Mobile Phone Support, and Mass Media Messaging Increase Exclusive Breastfeeding at 6 and 24 Weeks Among Clients of Private Health Facilities in Lagos, Nigeria

BackgroundAlthough most health facilities in urban Nigeria are privately owned, interventions to promote optimal breastfeeding practices in private facilities have not previously been implemented. ObjectivesWe tested the impact of a breastfeeding promotion intervention on early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding among clients of private facilities in Lagos, Nigeria. MethodsThe intervention included training for health-care providers on the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and breastfeeding counseling skills, provision of interpersonal communication and support to women at facilities and on WhatsApp, distribution of behavior change communication materials, and mobile phone and mass media messaging. We used logistic regression models adjusted for clustering to measure intervention impact in a cohort of women (n = 1200) at 10 intervention and 10 comparison facilities interviewed during their third trimester and at 6 and 24 weeks postpartum. ResultsThe intervention significantly increased the percentage of infants who were exclusively breastfed at 6 weeks (83% intervention; 76% comparison; P = 0.02) and 24 weeks (66% intervention; 52% comparison; P < 0.001), but had no impact on early initiation of breastfeeding (35% intervention; 33% comparison; P = 0.65). Among infants who were exclusively breastfed at 6 weeks, the odds of continued exclusive breastfeeding at 24 weeks were higher in the intervention arm than in the comparison arm (OR, 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2-2.1). Infants had increased odds of being exclusively breastfed at 6 weeks if their mothers discussed breastfeeding with a private health provider (OR, 2.3; 95% CI: 1.5-3.4), received text or WhatsApp messages about breastfeeding (OR, 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0-2.7), or heard breastfeeding radio spots (OR, 4.2; 95% CI: 1.2-14.7). Infants had increased odds of exclusive breastfeeding at 24 weeks if their mothers participated in a WhatsApp breastfeeding support group (OR, 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0-2.2). ConclusionsA breastfeeding intervention in private health facilities in Lagos increased exclusive breastfeeding. Implementation of breastfeeding interventions in private facilities could extend the reach of breastfeeding promotion programs in urban Nigeria. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04835051.

Received Social Support Scale for Persons with Serious Mental Illness: Preliminary scale development and validation study.

This study investigated the psychometric properties of a newly developed Received Social Support Scale for Persons with Serious Mental Illness (rSSS-SMI). The rSSS-SMI measures three support domains: Day-to-Day Living support, Mental Health Support, and Adherence Support. (a) to examine the item quality of the rSSS-SMI, (b) to investigate the construct validity and verify the dimensionality of the rSSS-SMI, and (c) to investigate the reliability and validity of the rSSS-SMI scores. A sample of 267 community-based case management service recipients with SMI completed the rSSS-SMI and three additional scales (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-Short Form [ISEL-12]; Symptom Checklist-6 [SCL-6]; Satisfaction with Life Scale [SWLS]). Three items were dropped from the scale resulting in a 21-item scale. Confirmatory factor analysis and Item Response Theory analyses revealed our proposed three-factor model fit the data best, with average loadings at .74 (SD = .09). The three-factor model had higher item discrimination and item difficulty parameters than the one-factor model. The rSSS-SMI achieved strong internal consistency with estimates of .94 (full scale), .83 (Day-to-Day Living Support), .84 (Mental Health Support) and .76 (Adherence Support). The three-week interval test-retest reliability coefficient was .59. Convergent and discriminant validity evidence revealed a small, positive correlation between the rSSS-SMI and perceived support (ISEL-12) and symptom distress (SCL-6) and a small, negative, nonsignificant relationship with life satisfaction (SWLS). This study provides preliminary reliability and validity evidence for the rSSS-SMI and confirms our proposed three-factor structure (Day-to-Day Living Support, Mental Health Support, Adherence Support). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Mental health issues among geriatric offenders (Azerbaijan case)

This study constructed a measured quality of life elderly inmate in the Azerbaijan penitentiary system. Incarcerated people often face financial, social and emotional costs due to the imprisonment, and this issue influence their mental health, also interpersonal relationships. Aim : The aim of this research was to examine health issues, the quality of life of older prisoners, and the stimulus that influence their daily mood, especially interpersonal relationship domains. For this purpose, various literature sources were analyzed to answer the main research questions. Method: 54 inmates from 2 different regimes were involved in the research. In order to obtain data questionnaires about quality of life (QOL), and depression were used. WHOQOL BREF, and consists of 26 questions related to 4 domains: physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment. Patient Health Depression Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to determine depression level of inmates Conclusion: As a result, it was determined that there was a relationship between interpersonal support and QOL features. Another hand, a negative correlation between interpersonal support factors and depression scores. The base on analyzing literature and collecting data, some items were identified as future recommendations.

Study on psycho-social predictors of smartphone addiction among adult females

This study was conducted to examine the psychosocial predictors of smartphone addiction. Social Support, Leisure Boredom and Life Satisfaction were the predictor variables. For this purpose, a sample of 100 participants was taken. It consisted of adult female population between 45 to 60 years of age from the Punjab state. Data was collected through standardized questionnaires namely Life satisfaction scale (Diener et al., 1985), Leisure Boredom Scale (Aloha &amp;Weissinger, 1990), Interpersonal support evaluation list (Cohen et al., 1985) and mobile addiction scale (Kwon et al., 2013). Results revealed that there exists negative relationship between social support and smartphone addiction and leisure boredom is positively correlated with mobile addiction. Furthermore, social support and leisure boredom came out to be significant predictors of smartphone addiction, social support being the stronger predictor out of the two. Results are discussed as per implications.

Linkage of Optimism With Depressive Symptoms Among the Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Dyads at 2 Years Post Stroke: Dyadic Mediation Approach.

Depressive symptoms are substantial among stroke survivors and their caregivers in poststroke management. Optimism and social support are known to protect against depressive symptoms. However, little is known about how optimism and social support contribute to depressive symptoms among stroke survivor-caregiver dyads. The study's purpose was to examine actor and partner effects of optimism on depressive symptoms through perceived social support among stroke survivors and caregiver dyads in the chronic stage of rehabilitation. Stroke survivors and caregivers (N = 105 dyads) completed the survey at 2 years of follow-up after the first stroke. Depressive symptoms, optimism, and perceived social support were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression, the Life Orientation Test, and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model Extended to Mediation analysis was used to test the indirect effect of optimism on depressive symptoms through perceived social support. Higher optimism was significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms for caregivers (direct actor effect, -0.6844; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.9844 to -0.3844) and stroke survivors (direct partner effect, -0.4189; 95% CI, -0.0789 to -0.0889). Perceived social support availability significantly mediated the association between optimism and depressive symptoms for stroke survivors (indirect effect, -0.1957; 95% CI, -0.3923 to -0.0670). Caregiver perceived social support availability was also a significant mediator between caregivers' optimism and stroke survivors' depressive symptoms (indirect effect, 0.1658; 95% CI, 0.0559-0.3128). Intervention improving dyad members' optimism and social support would be beneficial to improve depressive symptoms of the stroke survivors and caregivers in chronic stroke management.

We only know that we don’t know: attachment patterns and psychological coping during the COVID-19 pandemic – the mediation role of intolerance of uncertainty

ABSTRACT The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic created sudden changes in many areas of daily life and increased uncertainty about the future. Two studies examined the association between attachment patterns and mental well-being during the pandemic, the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty (IOU), and factors related to social relationships and self-perceptions. The results of the first study, conducted at the outbreak of the pandemic, indicated that individuals with high levels of attachment anxiety experienced more negative emotions and fewer positive emotions at that time, and that IOU and perceived social support mediated these associations. The results of the second study, conducted several months into the pandemic, indicated an association between attachment anxiety and avoidance, and perceived stress during the time of the pandemic. Results of Study 2 also indicated that IOU mediated the association between attachment anxiety and stress, and that sense of coherence (SOC) mediated the association between attachment anxiety and avoidance, and stress. These findings underscore the adverse psychological effects of uncertain situations, especially for individuals with a fragile foundation of interpersonal support, thus emphasizing the need for action to reduce uncertainty, especially in times of emergency.