Levels Of Social Engagement Research Articles

Developmental trajectories and heterogeneity of social engagement among Chinese older adults: a growth mixture model

BackgroundSocial engagement is closely related to well-being among older adults. However, studies on the changing trajectory and influencing factors (especially time-varying factors) of social engagement are limited. This study aimed to examine the social engagement trajectory of older Chinese adults and explore its time-fixed and time-varying factors, thus providing evidence for the development of strategies to promote a rational implementation for healthy aging.MethodsThis study included 2,195 participants from a subset of four surveys from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey conducted from 2008 to 2018 (with the latest survey completed in 2018), with follow-ups conducted approximately every three years. Growth mixture modeling was used to explore the social engagement trajectory of older adults and the effects of time-varying variables. In addition, multinomial logistic regression was employed to analyze the association between time-fixed variables and latent classes.ResultsThree distinct trajectories of social engagement among older adults in China were identified: slow declining (n = 204; 9.3%), which meant social engagement score decreased continuously, but social engagement level improved; slow rising (n = 1,039; 47.3%), marked by an increased score of social engagement, but with an depressed engagement level; and middle stabilizing (n = 952; 43.4%), which meant social engagement score and engagement level remained quite stable. A time-fixed analysis indicated that age, marital status, educational level, and annual family income had a significant impact on social engagement (P < 0.05). In contrast, the time-varying analysis showed that a decline in functional ability, insufficient exercise (means no exercise at present), deteriorating self-reported health and quality of life, negative mood, monotonous diet, and reduced community services were closely related to the reduction in social engagement levels (P < 0.05).ConclusionThree trends were observed at the social engagement level. Older adults with initially high levels of social engagement exhibited a continuous upward trend, whereas those with initially low levels experienced a decline in their social engagement, and those with initially intermediate levels remained quite stable. Considering the primary heterogeneous factors, it is imperative for governments to enhance basic services and prioritize the well-being of older adults. Additionally, families should diligently monitor the emotional well-being of older adults and make appropriate arrangements for meals.

The impact of internet device diversity on depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in China: A cross-lagged model of social participation as the mediating role

BackgroundDepressive symptoms is more prevalent in middle-aged and older populations, and the development of Internet technology has brought new challenges and opportunities for the mental health of this group. This study aims to explore the bidirectional relationship between Internet device diversity and levels of depressive symptoms through longitudinal data analysis, as well as investigate the mediating role of social participation. MethodsData for the analysis was retrieved from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2015, 2018, and 2020, which included 9259 middle-aged and older adults. The sum of the number of devices mentioned by each participant was calculated to assess the diversity of internet device use, a weighted total score of how frequently and to what extent individuals had participated in various social activities in the past month was calculated to measure the social engagement, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale was used to calculate depressive symptoms. A cross-lagged mediation model and bivariate correlation analysis were employed to examine the longitudinal relationships among depressive symptoms, internet device diversity, and social participation. Age, gender, highest education level, marital status, drinking status, smoking history, self-rated health, sleep duration, and chronic health conditions were adjusted as covariates. ResultsThe results from the three waves of longitudinal data revealed mutual predictive relationships among internet device diversity, social participation, and depressive symptoms. The mediating effect was significant (β = −0.612, 95 % CI −0.796 to −0.429), with significant gender differences observed. Furthermore, our findings indicated that social participation functioned as a protective factor against depressive symptoms, and the association between social participation and depressive symptoms was not a straightforward linear relationship. This suggests that participation in social activities (either high or low) is associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms compared to no social participation, with no gender differences. ConclusionsThis study suggests that there is a relationship between internet device diversity and lower levels of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in China. Social participation mediates the relationship between internet device diversity and depressive symptoms, and different levels of social engagement have different effects on depressive symptoms. It is recommended to increase support for social participation among middle-aged and older adults, strengthen structural social capital, and better leverage the use of the internet to reduce depressive symptoms levels and promote the physical and mental well-being of this population.

Analyzing the Relationship Between Housing and Social Engagement Among the Elderly

Utilizing a large-scale public health survey in Sweden, this paper analyzes the relationship between the fraction of elderly above the age of 80 who live in various tenure forms, and their social engagement. Social engagement is a measure of both social interaction with others, and overall engagement in society. This measure has an established relationship with mental and physical health, even as the causal mechanism are still understudied. Across 130 municipalities, we find that a higher fraction of elderly living in elderly housing is associated with a lower fraction of elderly classified as having a low level of social engagement. We also find that a higher fraction of elderly living in single-family houses is associated with a higher fraction of elderly classified as having a low level of social engagement. The results support that closer proximity to neighbors, and potentially the engagement offered through services in elderly care, increases overall social engagement among the elderly, thereby also assumably promoting better mental and physical health. We elaborate on the relationship between the findings, and housing policies toward elderly populations.

Associations of social engagement, and loneliness with the progression and reversal of frailty: longitudinal investigations of two prospective cohorts from the UK and the USA.

Social connections may impact the dynamic trajectory of frailty. Using data from the British Regional Heart Study (BRHS) in the UK (n = 715), and the US Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study (n = 1256), we conducted multinominal regression analyses to examine the association of baseline and change in social engagement and loneliness with progression to pre-frailty and frailty, as well as their association with reversal to pre-frailty and robust status among older adults. A higher level of social engagement at baseline (BRHS: relative risk ratio (RRR) 0.69 [95%CI 0.55-0.85]; Health ABC: 0.56 [0.45-0.70]), as well as increase in social engagement (BRHS: 0.73, [0.59-0.90]; Health ABC: 0.51 [0.41-0.63]), were associated with a lower risk of developing frailty. In BRHS, a higher level of loneliness at baseline (1.42 [1.10-1.83]) and an increase in loneliness (1.50 [1.18-1.90]), increased the risk of developing frailty. For reversal of frailty, higher social engagement at baseline (Health ABC: 1.63 [1.08-2.47]) and an increase in social engagement (BRHS:1.74[1.18-2.50]; Health ABC: 1.79[1.17-.274]) were beneficial. Social connections maybe potentially important and modifiable factors in both preventing and reversing progression of frailty in older adults.

Cognitive function in Vietnam: the effects of war exposure and social engagement

Objective Vietnam is an LMIC in Asia that is experiencing rising cases of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Many Vietnamese adults at risk of ADRD have experienced early-life war exposures, which may have negative impacts on their cognitive function in later years. Methods Our study uses the Vietnam Health and Aging Study (VHAS) to investigate the impact of early-life war exposure on cognitive function in later life while also considering variations in social engagement. The sample consists of 2352 adults aged 60 and older from northern and central Vietnam. Cognitive function, measured by questions from the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and self-rated memory are our dependent variables and five measures related to social engagement serve as independent variables. Results Our results show an association between PTSD symptoms and poorer cognitive function (0.0704, p < 0.05) and self-rated memory (OR = 0.904, p < 0.001; 95%). Similar results are also found among for individuals with lower level of social engagement. Furthermore, several sociodemographic factors exhibit attenuated effects on cognitive function due to variations in social engagement. Conclusion Social engagement is generally beneficial for cognitive health amongst those with early-life war exposure, but it does not necessarily attenuate the effects of trauma.

Social engagement and cognitive impairment among nursing home residents: The role of sensory impairment

Background and objectivesUsing US national nursing home data, this cross-sectional study sought to evaluate 1) the association between lack of social engagement and level of cognitive impairment; and 2) the extent to which this association differs by hearing and visual impairment. Research design and methodsOur sample included 793,846 nursing home residents aged ≥ 50 years. The Index of Social Engagement was categorized as none/lower (0, 1, 2) or higher levels (3 through 6). Cognitive Performance Scale was grouped as intact/mild (0, 1, 2), moderate (3, 4), or severe (5, 6). Multinomial models provided adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) between none/lower social engagement and cognitive impairment. We estimated relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) to quantify the joint effects of social engagement and sensory impairment types. ResultsOverall, 12.6 % had lower social engagement, 30.3 % had hearing impairment, and 40.3 % had visual impairment. Compared to residents with high social engagement, those with lower social engagement were more likely to have moderate/severe cognitive impairment (aORmoderate = 2.21, 95 % CI 2.17–2.26; aORsevere = 6.49, 95 % CI 6.24–6.74). The impact of low social engagement on cognitive impairment was more profound among residents with hearing impairment and/or visual impairment (RERIhearing = 3.89, 95 % CI 3.62–4.17; RERIvisual = 25.2, 95 % CI 23.9–26.6)). Discussion and implicationsResidents with lower social engagement had higher levels of cognitive impairment. Residents with sensory impairments are potentially more susceptible to the negative impact of lower levels of social engagement on level of cognitive impairment.

Dampened motivation in schizophrenia: evidence from a novel effort-based decision-making task in social scenarios.

Apathy represents a significant manifestation of negative symptoms within individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ) and exerts a profound impact on their social relationships. However, the specific implications of this motivational deficit in social scenarios have yet to be fully elucidated. The present study aimed to examine effort-based decision-making in social scenarios and its relation to apathy symptoms in SCZ patients. We initially recruited a group of 50 healthy participants (16 males) to assess the validity of the paradigm. Subsequently, we recruited 45 individuals diagnosed with SCZ (24 males) and 49 demographically-matched healthy controls (HC, 25 males) for the main study. The Mock Job Interview Task was developed to measure effort-based decision-making in social scenarios. The proportion of hard-task choice and a range of subjective ratings were obtained to examine potential between-group differences. SCZ patients were less likely than HC to choose the hard task with strict interviewers, and this group difference was significant when the hard-task reward value was medium and high. More severe apathy symptoms were significantly correlated with an overall reduced likelihood of making a hard-task choice. When dividing the jobs into two categories based on the levels of social engagement needed, SCZ patients were less willing to expend effort to pursue a potential offer for jobs requiring higher social engagement. Our findings indicated impaired effort-based decision-making in SCZ can be generalized from the monetary/nonsocial to a more ecologically social dimension. Our findings affirm the critical role of aberrant effort allocation on negative symptoms, and may facilitate the development of targeted clinical interventions.

Examining a Healthy Lifestyle as a Moderator of the Relationship between Psychological Distress and Cognitive Decline among Older Adults in the NuAge Study

Introduction: The objective of this study was to examine whether a healthy lifestyle composite score of social engagement, physical activity, and Mediterranean diet adherence moderates the association between psychological distress and global cognitive decline among cognitively healthy older adults (67+ years of age at baseline). Methods: A total of 1,272 cognitively intact older adults (M_age = 74.1 ± 4.1 years, 51.9% female) in the Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging (NuAge) completed a series of self-reported questionnaires to measure psychological distress and lifestyle behaviors, and the Modified Mini-Mental Examination (3MS) to assess cognitive performance at baseline and annually over 3 years. Results: Controlling for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, greater psychological distress was associated with steeper cognitive decline over time among males (B = −0.07, 95% CI: [−0.12, −0.02]), but not females (B = 0.008, 95% CI: [0.03, 0.04]). Although a healthy lifestyle composite score did not statistically significantly moderate the distress-cognition relationship (B = −0.005, 95% CI: [−0.02, 0.01]), there was an association between higher psychological distress and greater cognitive decline at low levels of social engagement (B = −0.05, 95% CI: [−0.09, −0.006]), but not at high levels of social engagement (B = 0.02, 95% CI: [−0.03, 0.07]). Conclusion: This study suggests that the potentially harmful impact of stress on cognitive function may be malleable through specific healthy lifestyle behaviors and emphasizes the importance of taking a sex-based approach to cognitive aging research.

Multimorbidity, Social Engagement, and Age-Related Cognitive Decline in Older Adults from the Rancho Bernardo Study of Healthy Aging.

Multimorbidity is associated with increased rate of cognitive decline with age. It is unknown whether social engagement, which is associated with reduced risk of dementia, modifies associations between multimorbidity and cognitive decline. To examine the associations of multimorbidity with longitudinal cognitive test performance among community-dwelling older adults, and to determine whether associations differed by levels of social engagement. We used data from the Rancho Bernardo Study of Healthy Aging, a community-based prospective cohort study. Starting in 1992-1996, participants completed a battery of cognitive function tests at up to 6 study visits over 23.7 (mean = 7.2) years. Multimorbidity was defined as≥2 of 14 chronic diseases. Social engagement was assessed using items based on the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index. Multivariable linear mixed-effects models were used to test associations of multimorbidity and cognitive performance trajectories. Effect measure modification by social engagement was evaluated. Among 1,381 participants (mean age = 74.5 years; 60.8% women; 98.8% non-Hispanic White), 37.1% had multimorbidity and 35.1% had low social engagement. Multimorbidity was associated with faster declines in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE; β= -0.20; 95% CI -0.35, -0.04), Trail-Making Test Part B (β= 10.02; 95% CI 5.77, 14.27), and Category Fluency (β= -0.42; 95% CI -0.72, -0.13) after adjustment for socio-demographic and health-related characteristics. Multimorbidity was associated with faster declines in MMSE among those with low compared to medium and high social engagement (p-interaction < 0.01). Multimorbidity was associated with faster declines in cognition among community-dwelling older adults. Higher social engagement may mitigate multimorbidity-associated cognitive decline.

Shyness, social engagement, and conversational response times in children's dyadic interactions with an unfamiliar peer

AbstractTo be a desirable social partner and develop healthy relationships with peers, a child must be able to engage with peers across a variety of contexts. Understanding the factors supporting high levels of social engagement with peers is thereby essential, requiring the development of nuanced and ecologically valid indices of social engagement. Building on recent adult work, the current study explores conversational response time as a novel index of children's social engagement with peers in a dyadic context. This study further explores relationship between conversational response time and children's shyness. Fifty‐six 9‐ to 11‐year‐old children interacted with an unfamiliar peer in an unstructured setting and completed a self‐report measure of shyness. Children's behaviour was coded for their conversational RTs and overall social engagement. Faster conversational RTs were significantly related to children's own social engagement and marginally related to their partners' engagement. Moreover, higher shyness in children's partners predicted faster conversational RTs in children themselves. New directions for using conversational RT as an index of children's social engagement and implications for accounts children's social development are discussed.

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: A QUALITY-OF-LIFE ANALYSIS

Abstract Older adults are living longer without sufficient efforts from health and social service systems to improve their quality of life (QoL). QoL is a nuanced, dynamic aspect to analyze. Literature shows that higher levels of social engagement provide a range of benefits to physical, mental, and cognitive health, all broad indicators of overall QoL. Social engagement comprises the person’s subjective experience of the richness of their relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine empirically the connection among this richness of relationships — specifically social engagement and perceived quality of relationships — and overall QoL among older adults. The study used a large sample (N=746) of non-institutionalized adults, ages 65 and older, from the nationally representative, AARP Social Engagement and Brain Health Survey. Two primary independent variables (IVs) were quantifiable measures of social engagement and perceived quality of social relationships; covariance controlled for several demographic factors (e.g., sex, ethnicity, income) and general health measures of physical, mental, and emotional health. The outcome variable was a composite score from a popular QoL measure. Analyses involved bivariate regression for the primary IVs, then multivariate OLS regression with each IV to predict quality of life. Results showed that QoL significantly regressed with predictors of social engagement (positively); each health variable (positively); unmarried status; ethnicity of Black/African American or Asian; and male gender. These results enhance our understanding of the relationship between social engagement, relationship quality, and QoL in older adults, particularly those who identify within the aforesaid demographic brackets. Implications are discussed.

INFLUENCES OF HAVING COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT OR DEMENTIA ON SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AMONG OLDER ADULTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract Studies have suggested that promoting and maintaining social engagement are positively associated with various well-being outcomes in later life. One notable barrier to sustaining social engagement in later life is development of cognitive impairment (CI) and/or Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). This study aims to synthesize existing literature exploring the impact of CI and ADRD on social engagement among older adults. We conducted a search of studies written in English language in the following databases: PsychInfo, PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria included: observational studies that were conducted outside of residential long-term care facilities, included social engagement as an outcome variable, and examined the impact of cognitive impairment and/or ADRD on social engagement. Eighteen studies were included for qualitative synthesis. The majority of studies used author-developed scales to measure social engagement. Three utilized formal clinical diagnosis to measure cognitive impairment and ADRD. Twenty unique social activities were included, such as volunteering, attending community groups, and religious services. Four primary themes emerged regarding the relationship between CI/ADRD and social engagement: decreased levels of social engagement, reduced variety of social activities, lowered motivation, and heterogeneity in social engagement. Results suggest that people with CI/ADRD have reduced social engagement, but the evidence is limited due to the inconsistent use of measures for social engagement and CI/ADRD. Future research is needed to develop valid and reliable measures of social engagement that can be used among individuals living with CI/ADRD.

Education on Disaster Mitigation and Social Participation among Vocational School Students in Pangkep Regency

Acquiring knowledge about flood mitigation is highly beneficial for students, as it equips them with a valuable skillset to assist others. This study aims to achieve the following objectives: (1) Evaluate the delivery of flood disaster mitigation education among students of SMK Muhammadiyah Pangkep Regency. (2) Examine the impact of disaster mitigation knowledge on the level of social engagement among students at SMK Muhammadiyah Pangkep Regency. The research methodology employed is quantitative, utilizing a survey-based technique. The study was conducted in SMK Muhammadiyah Pangkep Regency. The study population consisted of vocational students, and a stratified selection procedure was employed to choose a sample of 67 individuals from class IX and class X. The data collection methodology employed questionnaires and document analysis. Methods of data collecting involving the use of surveys and the examination of documents. Data processing techniques involve the manipulation and organization of data, whereas data analysis refers to the examination and interpretation of data. In this case, frequency tabulation using percentage approaches is used to analyze the data, and the results are described in a descriptive manner. The study found that the instruction on flood disaster mitigation implemented in students of SMK Muhammadiyah Pangkep Regency was in line with the teaching guide. (2) Disaster mitigation knowledge has a positive influence on the level of social participation among students of SMK Muhammadiyah Pangkep Regency, as it equips them with the necessary information and abilities to assist others. Students have encountered floods, and the skills and knowledge they acquired have enhanced their understanding of flooding. These consequences highlight the necessity for customized and community-led tactics in managing disasters, ultimately leading to a community that is more resilient and prepared for disasters.

SOCIAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION OF FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS TO THE UNIVERSITY LEARNING PROCESS

This study investigates the social-psychological adaptation of first-year students at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, focusing on the transition from high school to university life. This transition is a critical phase, characterized by significant changes and challenges that can impact students' academic success and overall well-being. The research aims to explore the multifaceted nature of this adaptation process, examining both the social and psychological dimensions. The social aspect of adaptation involves students' integration into the university community, including the development of new social networks, participation in campus activities, and building relationships with peers and faculty. The psychological dimension encompasses students' adjustment to the university environment, which includes managing academic stress, developing effective study habits, and coping with the emotional challenges of this new phase of life. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of first-year students. The survey explores various factors, such as perceived academic preparedness, levels of social engagement, and psychological well-being. The qualitative interviews provide deeper insights into students' personal experiences, challenges faced, and coping strategies employed during their transition to university life. This research is significant as it contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors that facilitate or hinder the successful adaptation of first-year students. The findings are expected to inform the development of targeted support programs and interventions at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, aimed at enhancing student adjustment and promoting a positive university experience.

Leisure as social engagement: does it moderate the association between subjective wellbeing and depression in later life?

To investigate the role of leisure (as social engagement) in moderating the association between subjective wellbeing and depressive symptoms among older Indians. The sample included data from 39,538 older adults (aged 55-80) from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI, Wave-1), 2017-2018. Individual level questionnaire was used to examine the relationship among social engagement, subjective wellbeing, and depressive symptoms. Moderating effects of leisure activities were estimated through interaction analysis and linear multivariable modeling. Low participation in social engagement activities (or leisure) was associated with greater likelihood of depressive symptoms. Leisure activities positively and significantly moderated the subjective wellbeing among older adults with depressive symptoms. Results suggest a significant wealth gradient where affluent older Indians having a clear advantage in heightened levels of social engagement and subsequently lower likelihood of depressive symptoms. Additionally, being in an urban area, co-residence in a "joint" household and belonging to the dominant social groups in terms of caste and religious categories are associated with gains in wellbeing. The direct and indirect effects of social engagement suggest that depressive symptoms can be mitigated while enhancing overall wellbeing of older adults. This holds promise for social policy in redirecting efforts to develop age-friendly initiatives and social infrastructure that enhance the link between engagement and wellbeing.

The Level of Social Engagement in the Success of the Elderly Posyandu Program in Indonesia

The elderly population is an inevitable stage of life that everyone will experience. In Indonesia, the health issues faced by the elderly require the attention and readiness of society, experts, and the government. This research aims to analyze the level of social engagement in the success of the elderly Posyandu program in Indonesia. Qualitative and library research methods are employed. The narrative method is used to analyze the literature, with secondary data collected from databases such as Scientific Direct and Scholar. Results: Initially, 2700 research studies and articles were identified from the databases. After screening for publication year, duplicate titles, and abstracts, 10 research studies were selected. The criteria for the articles or journals focused on social engagement, elderly, and healthcare services. The findings of the research highlight three main points: (1) supporting factors in implementing the elderly Posyandu program, such as community outreach and ensuring adequate facilities, (2) involvement of various services including preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and promotive programs, and (3) the importance of social engagement, which involves active participation of the elderly and receiving emotional and social support from family and the community. Social engagement programs for elderly Posyandu in major cities have shown positive outcomes. Active involvement of the elderly, support from family and the community, improved accessibility, information and education, and emotional support are key factors contributing to the program's success. Based on these successful outcomes, this study recommends the participation of Posyandu in social engagement program activities in other major cities.

The Multimodal English Learning Strategies, Motivation, and Engagement among College Students in China

In China, traditional English teaching is teacher-centered, and students only passively accept knowledge. In addition, online language learning that is teacher-directed also needs to be further investigated. There is a glaring gap in how teachers explicitly examine how individual differences play a part in multimodal English learning. A questionnaire was distributed to 527 college students including English major and non-English major in China in total. With the results obtained from the data gathered, it was found out that EFL learners prefer to use metacognitive strategies more than affective, social, memory, cognitive, and compensation strategies. They exhibit a stronger desire for career and economic enhancement, as well as a keen interest in becoming global citizens than communicating and affiliating with foreigners, seeking self-satisfaction, and integrating with other cultures. EFL learners demonstrate a relatively high level of social engagement, followed closely by cognitive engagement. Affective engagement and behavioral engagement also receive favorable ratings, albeit slightly lower. It is hoped that this research may be beneficial to the cultivation of English learning strategy use and to improve the overall English proficiency of EFL.

Private and civic actions as distinct types of individual engagement for transforming the exotic pet trade

Abstract In the pathway toward environmental sustainability, it is important that we understand how individuals can make a difference through diverse types of engagement. Theories suggest that transformative change toward a sustainable future requires individuals to engage in not only private actions (e.g. household energy saving, recycling) but also social‐signalling and system‐changing civic actions (e.g. opinion sharing, voting, petition signing and protesting). Yet, past research on pro‐environmental behaviour has primarily focused on private actions, while overlooking individual contributions to facilitating widespread change through civic actions. We use the exotic pet trade as a focal case to understand how individuals may act to promote environmental sustainability through different patterns of engagement and what factors might explain these distinct patters of action. Results from an online survey about behavioural intentions in the United States (n = 527) revealed three types of individual action that could transform the exotic pet trade. Private actions clustered separately from civic actions. Within the category of civic actions, a distinction emerged between lower social‐commitment actions and higher social‐commitment actions, based on the perceived level of social engagement and personal efforts involved. We also found that each type of action was associated with unique factors, highlighting the importance of attitudes, perceived social norms, and relational values for variously promoting individual engagement among the U.S. public. Our findings suggest that these distinct types of action should be treated differently when designing future wildlife conservation campaigns and behaviour change interventions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Associations between childhood ethnoracial minority density, cortical thickness, and social engagement among minority youth at clinical high-risk for psychosis.

An ethnoracial minority density (EMD) effect in studies of psychotic spectrum disorders has been observed, whereby the risk of psychosis in ethnoracial minority group individuals is inversely related to the proportion of minorities in their area of residence. The authors investigated the relationships among area-level EMD during childhood, cortical thickness (CT), and social engagement (SE) in clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) youth. Data were collected as part of the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study. Participants included 244 ethnoracial minoritized (predominantly Hispanic, Asian and Black) CHR-P youth and ethnoracial minoritized healthy controls. Among youth at CHR-P (n = 164), lower levels of EMD during childhood were associated with reduced CT in the right fusiform gyrus (adjusted β = 0.54; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.91) and right insula (adjusted β = 0.40; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.74). The associations between EMD and CT were significantly moderated by SE: among youth with lower SE (SE at or below the median, n = 122), lower levels of EMD were significantly associated with reduced right fusiform gyrus CT (adjusted β = 0.72; 95% CI 0.29 to 1.14) and reduced right insula CT (adjusted β = 0.57; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.97). However, among those with greater SE (n = 42), the associations between EMD and right insula and fusiform gyrus CT were not significant. We found evidence that lower levels of ethnic density during childhood were associated with reduced cortical thickness in regional brain regions, but this association may be buffered by greater levels of social engagement.

Examining the impacts of fitness app features on user well-being

Drawing on the self-regulation theory, the current paper explores the impacts of two types of fitness app feature sets (i.e., personal-oriented and social-oriented features) on users’ health behavior and well-being. The results from fitness app users show that both personal-oriented features and social-oriented features of fitness apps can significantly improve exercise adherence and social engagement of users. Users’ exercise proficiency level negatively moderates the relationship between social-oriented features and (a) exercise adherence and (b) social engagement. High levels of social engagement promote users’ physical adherence to exercises. Exercise adherence and social engagement both enhance users’ subjective well-being, but their impacts on different dimensions of well-being vary. Furthermore, regardless of specific features, sufficient use of fitness apps, in general, can significantly help users lead more positive and healthier lives by maintaining exercise adherence, reducing emotional exhaustion, and improving their satisfaction with the overall quality of life. Our findings offer important insights into the underlying mechanisms that help explain fitness app features on users’ well-being, and on a practical level, provide suggestions for mobile app developers in designing better fitness app products and for exercisers in optimizing the benefits of fitness technology adoption.