Levels Of Anxiety Symptoms Research Articles

Locus of Control and Mental Health: Human Variation Complicates a Well-Established Research Finding.

Locus of control (LoC) refers to one's expectation that life outcomes and (mis)fortune are driven largely by one's own actions or abilities (internal LoC) or by external factors (e.g., powerful others, chance; external LoC). There is a large literature demonstrating an association between internal LoC and positive mental health outcomes. However, this research is conducted mostly in high-income, Global North settings, with limited consideration of cross-cultural variability. This short report explores how LoC relates to mental health when considered in a less-studied context: in a setting of stark structural violence and in relation to supernatural agents. I conducted a community-based survey in rural Haiti (n = 322) that assessed sent spirit-related locus of control (LoC-S) and mental health. Among individuals experiencing higher levels of daily stressors, depressive and anxiety symptoms were high regardless of LoC-S. However, for individuals facing low-to-moderate daily stressors, external LoC-S (believing one does not have control in relation to sent spirits) was associated with lower depressive and anxiety symptoms, though this interaction did not hold for anxiety after controlling for covariates. Though initially a nonintuitive finding, I contextualize this outcome in relation to ethnographic work in Haiti, showing that the ability to explain misfortune via the supernatural world can serve as a form of blame displacement. In a context where extreme structural violence means that individuals realistically have little control over their lives, an external LoC better reflects lived experience, helping explain the association with better mental health outcomes.

Untangling purpose: examining the nuanced influence of personal meaning and beyond-the-self orientation on youth mental health in unprecedented times

ABSTRACT This modified sequential explanatory mixed methods study explores how the components of purpose (personal meaningfulness and a beyond-the-self orientation) impact youth mental health outcomes (depressive and anxiety symptoms) in the context of COVID-19. We hypothesized that youth with higher scores on the components of purpose (goal-directedness, personal meaningfulness, and beyond-the-self orientation) would be less likely to experience anxiety and depressive symptoms during COVID-19. We also explored in what ways youths’ descriptions of their own prosocial behavior align with the relation between purpose and mental health. Data are from two waves of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Building Evidence in Scouting Together study. Quantitative data are from 4,896 youth and a subsample of 94 youth completed qualitative personal communication Results indicate the personal meaning component of purpose is protective against depressive and anxiety symptoms. However, the beyond-the-self orientation of purpose is associated with higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms. In addition, differences were found between youth who reported higher and lower levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and personal meaning and a beyond-the-self orientation for the following themes: 1) Empathy for others, 2) Desire to change the situation, 3) Solutions to change the situation, 4) Helping at home, 5) Following health advice, and 6) Scouting-specific examples. Taken together, this study provides useful insights into how each component of purpose can uniquely promote or provide a buffer for depression and anxiety among youth.

The relation between internalized homophobia, coping, and psychological distress in French gay men

Introduction Gay men have high levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The objective of this study was to examine the reciprocal influence of coping and internalized homophobia on these symptoms. Method We conducted an online cross-sectional study with 154 self-identified gay men. Four variables were measured: anxiety, depressive symptoms, internalized homophobia, and coping. First, correlations were conducted to examine the associations between all variables. Second, a network analysis was carried out to study all these relationships. Results Our results revealed that anxiety and depression were indirectly related to internalized homophobia, via two strategies: denial and self-blame, and that anxiety and denial played a central role. Conclusion Denial appears to be an interesting therapeutic target for gay men with high levels of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms.

Prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety among patients recovered from COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal

IntroductionCOVID-19 has immensely affected the mental health of all people with prominent effects among the COVID-19 survivors who underwent hospitalisation. The evidence of the long-term mental health implications among the...

The impact of widowhood on mental health: anxiety, depression, and stress among widowed women in Nepal.

In South Asia, particularly in regions with strong patriarchal norms, widowhood is stigmatized, compounding the negative impact of grief and partner loss. This study measured the prevalence of mental health symptoms among widows in Nepal and its relationship to demographic variables. This cross-sectional study surveyed 588 Nepalese widows from six districts in Nepal (mean age = 52.62, SD = 13.99) who had lost their spouses within the past two years. Participants completed the Anxiety, Depression and Stress Scale (ADSS). Analyses examined prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms, using standard ADSS cut-points. Level of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms measured by the ADSS in the sample were also compared with female psychiatric and nonpsychiatric normative ADSS data, and were compared with one available comparison sample (a sample of older Nepalese women). Measures of association between ADSS scores and demographic variables were computed. Results showed that a high percentage of the Nepalese widows reported moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. They also endorsed significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms relative to normative data and the comparison sample. Stress scores were significantly negatively correlated with age, Anxiety and Depression scores were associated with income under the poverty line, and Depression scores were associated with homemaker status. These findings confirm the high emotional distress among widowed women in Nepal, and establish the relationship between emotional distress and poverty, homemaker status, and age. These findings can inform public health efforts and mental health care providers regarding the mental health needs of widows in Nepal.

Adverse Childhood Experience, Parental Bonding, and Fatherhood as Parenting Vulnerabilities to Social Anxiety Severity.

Background: The present study aims to elucidate the association between adverse childhood experiences, parental bonding, fatherhood, and social anxiety symptoms among emerging adults within an Iranian context. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study utilized self-reported assessments to evaluate fatherhood, parental bonding, anxious thoughts, and childhood trauma. The study was administered to 242 university students exhibiting social anxiety symptoms. Among the participants, 181 (74.8%) were boys and 61 (25.2%) were girls between the ages of 18 and 29. In terms of educational background, 64.9% of them held a bachelor's degree, and 35.1% held a master's degree. A majority of them (84.3%) were of middle-class socio-economic status, 6.6% were of low income, and 9.1% were of high income. Results: Analysis via multiple linear regression revealed that individuals with adverse childhood experiences exhibited heightened levels of social anxiety symptoms (R2 = 0.32) compared to their counterparts without such experiences. Furthermore, fatherhood (R2 = 0.28), paternal bonding (R2 = 0.26), and maternal bonding (R2 = 0.26) were all significantly and equally associated with variance in social anxiety symptoms. The findings underscored the substantial correlation between ACEs, fatherhood, and both maternal and paternal bonding with social anxiety symptoms in adulthood. Conclusions: Accordingly, the study emphasizes the importance of thoroughly assessing the multifaceted contributors to social anxiety. Such insights are pivotal for the design and implementation of community-based preventive interventions aimed at reducing the societal burden of social anxiety disorders.

Self-stigma mediates the relationships between childhood maltreatment and symptom levels of PTSD, depression, and anxiety

ABSTRACT Background: Childhood maltreatment is a risk factor for developing multiple forms of psychopathology, including depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety. Yet, the mechanisms linking childhood maltreatment and these psychopathologies remain less clear. Objective: Here we examined whether self-stigma, the internalization of negative stereotypes about one's experiences, mediates the relationship between childhood maltreatment and symptom severity of depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Methods: Childhood trauma survivors (N = 685, Mage = 36.8) were assessed for childhood maltreatment, self-stigma, and symptoms of depression, PTSD, and anxiety. We used mediation analyses with childhood maltreatment as the independent variable. We then repeated these mediation models separately for childhood abuse and neglect, as well as the different subtypes of childhood maltreatment. Results: Self-stigma significantly mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression, PTSD, and anxiety symptoms. For sexual abuse – but not physical or emotional abuse – a significant mediation effect of self-stigma emerged on all symptom types. For childhood neglect, self-stigma significantly mediated the relationship between both emotional and physical neglect and all symptom types. Conclusion: Our cross-sectional study suggests that different types of childhood maltreatment experiences may relate to distinct mental health problems, potentially linked to increased self-stigma. Self-stigma may serve as an important treatment target for survivors of childhood abuse and neglect.

Who Am I? Self-concept in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: Association with Anxiety and Depression.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a progressive condition resulting in reduced lung function and strongly associated with elevated anxiety and depression symptoms. Self-concept refers to an individual's overarching sense of identity, a positive level of which is widely associated with reduced anxiety and depression. There is a significant lack of self-concept research within CF. This study explores the association between self-concept and anxiety and depression in adults with CF. 64 adults living with CF in Western Australia completed validated online questionnaires (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Tennessee Self-Concept Questionnaire 2: Short-Form) and consented to the collection of medical data. Descriptive, t-test, correlation and multiple regression analysis were undertaken. Higher levels of self-concept were associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression symptoms. Lower self-concept levels were a significant predictor of increased anxiety and depression symptoms after accounting for physical health status. Mean self-concept scores for those who required mental health intervention were significantly lower compared to those that did not. This study identifies a significant relationship between self-concept and anxiety and depression in adults with CF. Further research is required to establish causation and test the feasibility of self-concept interventions in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.

Do aversive well-being comparisons mediate the effects of childhood adversity on anxiety and depression?

BackgroundChildhood adversity (CA) is strongly associated with depression and anxiety in later life. Many adults with a history of CA may have internalized an insecure self-concept, which may contribute to negative evaluations of one's current well-being relative to different standards. Yet, there is lack of research on well-being comparisons in adults with a history of CA. Objective: We examined aversive well-being comparisons (i.e., comparisons threatening the comparer's motives) in the context of CA and their predictive value in depression and anxiety beyond self-esteem, emotion regulation, and external control beliefs. Further, we investigated whether well-being comparison processes mediate the relationship between CA and depression and anxiety. Participants and Setting: We conducted a two-wave longitudinal study with 942 adult participants (mean age: 31.56 years, SD = 10.49, 18–75 years). Methods: Participants completed measures of CA, aversive well-being comparisons (social, temporal, counterfactual, and criteria-based comparisons), self-esteem, emotion regulation, and locus of control at two time points, three months apart. Results: CA was significantly linked to more frequent aversive well-being comparisons. These comparisons were associated with greater discrepancies relative to the comparison standard and a more negative affective impact, ultimately contributing to higher levels of subsequent anxiety and depression symptoms. Comparison frequency emerged as key mediator, highlighting potential pathways through which CA affects adult mental health. These associations emerged despite controlling for established variables in this context, namely self-esteem, emotion regulation, and external locus of control. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the unique importance of aversive well-being comparisons in individuals with a history of CA.

Screening for psychosis risk in primary mental health care services - Implementation, prevalence and recovery trajectories.

Early interventions improve outcomes for people at high risk of psychosis and are likely to be cost saving. This group tends to seek help for emotional problems - depression and anxiety - via primary care services, where early detection methods are poor. We sought to determine prevalence rates of high risk for psychosis in UK primary care mental health services and clinical outcomes following routinely delivered psychological therapies. We used a brief screen designed for settings with low base rates and significant time constraints to determine prevalence of high risk for psychosis in UK 'Talking Therapies' services. We examined socio-demographic characteristics, presenting problems and recovery trajectories for this group, compared with people not at risk of psychosis. A 2-item screen selected for specificity yielded a prevalence rate of 3% in primary care mental health services. People at elevated risk of psychosis were younger and more likely to report at least one long-term physical condition. This group presented with higher levels of depression, anxiety and trauma symptoms at assessment and were less likely to have recovered at the end of treatment, compared to people not at risk. Very brief screening tools can be implemented in busy health care settings. The 3% of referrals to UK primary care psychological therapies services at elevated risk of psychosis typically present with more severe symptoms and greater levels of comorbidity and may require augmented interventions to recover fully.

The psychological impact of wrongful convictions: Exploring retrospective trajectories of distress in exonerees.

Although an emerging body of research has examined the legal causes of wrongful convictions, there is little research that examines the psychological impact of wrongful convictions. This study aims to understand the psychological experiences of exonerees, with a focus on the role of meaning-making in individuals' reactions to trauma. The study also aims to examine exonerees' self-reported trajectories of distress throughout their experience of being wrongfully convicted and subsequently exonerated. A total of 46 exonerees completed an online survey. Measures included: Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, World Assumptions Questionnaire, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and a self-reported retrospective trajectory measure. Cluster analysis suggested a four-factor solution: Chronic Distress, Relief and Readjustment, Recovery, and Intense Distress with Minimal Recovery. The Recovery cluster (n = 17; 37.0%) had significantly lower levels of PTSD and anxiety symptoms than the other three groups. The Recovery cluster had higher levels of positive world assumptions and lower levels of searching for meaning than the other three clusters, but there were no differences among clusters in level of meaning made, presence of meaning, depression symptoms, and satisfaction with life. The results revealed that exonerees with more positive world beliefs (conceptualized as an outcome of meaning-making) have lower rates of PTSD and anxiety. Consistent with the literature, results also suggest that the search for meaning may be indicative of increased distress and less recovery. Clinical and policy implications are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Cognitive, Metacognitive, Motivational, and Emotional Predictors of the Intensity of Internet Gaming Disorder among Adolescents.

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is multifaceted and can have significant negative consequences. The present study examined the contribution of cognitive, metacognitive, motivational, and emotional factors as predictors for IGD severity. In a cross-sectional study, 703 Iranian adolescents (36.8% females, mean age = 16.98years [SD = 1.23]) completed an online survey. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that the cognitive, metacognitive, motivational, and emotional factors predicted 7.8%, 17.4%, 1.4%, and 1.9% of the variance in IGD symptoms, respectively. The findings indicated that the cognitive factors including some maladaptive cognitions, such as cognitive salience, regret, and perfectionism, and metacognitive factors including some maladaptive metacognitions (negative metacognitions regarding the uncontrollability of online gaming and negative metacognitions regarding the dangers of online gaming) were significant predictors of IGD severity, highlighting their importance in understanding and predicting problematic gaming behaviors. Although contributing to the variance in IGD, motivational factors (escape, coping, and skill development) and emotional factors including emotion regulation (especially reappraisal) played relatively smaller roles compared to cognitive and metacognitive factors. Of the examined predictive factors, metacognitions were the most important predictor of IGD severity. Exploratory moderator analyses showed significant interactions between three predictors of IGD (reappraisal, negative metacognitions, and cognitive salience) with loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Reappraisal was the most frequent predictor and had a significant interaction with these variables. Other predictors independently impacted IGD irrespective of the level of loneliness, stress, anxiety, or depressive symptoms. Based on these findings, special attention to metacognitive, cognitive, emotional, and motivational factors is suggested in the treatment of IGD.

Associations of state and chronic loneliness with interpretation bias: The role of internalizing symptoms

Loneliness is common and, while generally transient, persists in up to 22% of the population. The rising prevalence and adverse impacts of chronic loneliness highlight the need to understand its underlying mechanisms. Evolutionary models of loneliness suggest that chronically lonely individuals demonstrate negative interpretation biases towards social information. It may also be that such biases are exacerbated by momentary increases in state loneliness, or elevated anxiety or depression. Yet, little research has tested these possibilities. The current study aimed to advance understandings of loneliness by examining associations of chronic loneliness with individual differences in negative interpretation bias for social (relative to non-social) stimuli, and testing whether these associations change in the context of increased state loneliness and current levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. These aims were explored in 591 participants who completed an interpretation bias task before and after undergoing a state loneliness induction. Participants also self-reported chronic loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Linear mixed models indicated that only state (but not chronic) loneliness was associated with more positive interpretations of non-social stimuli, with greater anxiety and depressive symptoms predicting more negative interpretations. Implications of these findings for present theoretical models of loneliness are discussed.

Sexual harassment, sexual violence and subsequent depression and anxiety symptoms among Swedish university students: a cohort study

PurposeTo determine the gender-specific impact of recent exposure to different forms of sexual harassment and sexual violence (SHV) on depression and anxiety symptoms three, six, and nine months later.MethodsWe recruited 2229 women and 1274 men studying at Swedish universities and followed them with web-surveys every three months over one year. We estimated mean differences (MDs) of depression and anxiety symptoms between exposed and unexposed at each follow-up, adjusting for prior SHV, prior depression and anxiety symptoms and potential confounders.ResultsFor women, sexual harassment (wide subjective definition) was associated with higher symptom levels of depression (MD 1.0 [95% CI: 0.3; 1.7]) and anxiety (MD 0.8 [95% CI: 0.3; 1.4]) three months later. Unwanted sexual attention was associated with higher symptom levels of anxiety three (MD 0.5 [95% CI: 0.1; 0.8]) and six months later (MD 0.4 [95% CI: 0.0; 0.7]). Exposure to sex against ones will was associated with higher depression symptoms three (MD 1.7 [95% CI: 0.1;3.4]), and six months later (MD 3.1 [95% CI: 1.0; 5.2]). Trends indicated that associations with subsequent mental health differed between forms of SHV among women, and that most associations were more pronounced in temporal proximity to the exposures. For men, we refrain from interpreting the results since they showed high variability and were not robust to sensitivity analyses using multiple imputation to account for missing outcome data.ConclusionsAmong women, several forms of SHV were associated with higher subsequent depression and anxiety symptoms.

Association of COVID-19 vaccination and anxiety symptoms: A Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Cohort longitudinal study

ObjectiveSymptoms of anxiety increased early in the COVID-19 pandemic among people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) then returned to pre-pandemic levels, but this was an aggregate finding and did not evaluate whether vaccination may have contributed to reduced anxiety symptom levels. We investigated whether being vaccinated for COVID-19 was associated with reduced anxiety symptoms among people with SSc. MethodsThe longitudinal Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) COVID-19 Cohort was launched in April 2020 and included participants from the ongoing SPIN Cohort and external enrollees. Participants completed measures bi-weekly through July 2020, then every 4 weeks afterwards through August 2022 (32 assessments). We used linear mixed models to evaluate longitudinal trends of PROMIS Anxiety 4a v1.0 anxiety domain scores and their association with vaccination. ResultsAmong 517 participants included in analyses, 489 (95%) were vaccinated by September 2021, and no participants were vaccinated subsequently. Except for briefly at the beginning, when few had received a vaccine, and end, when only 28 participants remained unvaccinated, anxiety symptom trajectories were largely overlapping. Participants who were never vaccinated had higher anxiety symptoms by August 2022, but there were no other differences, and receiving a vaccination did not appear to change anxiety symptom trajectories meaningfully. ConclusionVaccination did not appear to influence changes in anxiety symptoms among vulnerable people with SSc during the COVID-19 pandemic. This may be due to people restricting their behavior when they were unvaccinated and returning to more normal social engagement once vaccinated to maintain a steady level of anxiety symptoms.

Effects of Transition from Remote to In-Person Learning in University Students: A Longitudinal Study.

Previous studies have shown that the transition from the University environment to remote learning impacted student mental health. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of university environment on anxiety and depressive symptoms in health sciences students. Students at the Technical University of Manabí, Ecuador, with 6-10 in-person semesters, who shifted to remote learning and then returned to face-to-face learning were selected. Students responded to the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). In addition, questions regarding social interaction, physical exercise, mood and sleep habits were also asked. This longitudinal study tracked 323 students during the return to in-person classes and term end. The results showed similar rates of anxiety (GAD-7, p = 0.011-p = 0.002) and depression (PHQ-9 p = 0.001-p = 0.032) among students at week 1 and week 15. Previous diagnosis of depression (OR, 0.171; CI 0.050-0.579, p < 0.005) was shown to correlate with depression levels in week 1, with no changes seen at follow-up. Anxiety levels were shown to be associated with a previous diagnosis of the disorder at week 1, but not at follow-up (OR 0.233; CI 0.085-0.643, p < 0.005). The return to in-person learning among university students maintained levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, underscoring ongoing vulnerabilities to mental health disorders in this group.

Population-based norms for the human papillomavirus-quality of life (HPV-QoL) questionnaire: A cross-sectional multicenter study.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) diagnosis has a considerable emotional and psychological impact on women. To evaluate the impairment this infection leads to regarding quality of life (QoL), several scales have been suggested, such as the human-papillomavirus-quality-of-life (HPV-QoL) questionnaire. This has been validated for the Spanish population and measures the impact of HPV on health-related-quality-of-life (HR-QoL). However, normative values are yet to be developed. Thus, the objective was to describe the population-based norms of the HPV-QoL for Spanish women aged 25-65 years and to test the questionnaire's construct validity. This was a cross-sectional nationwide multicenter study. Women from outpatient clinics in Spain aged 25-65 years, with a diagnosis of past or active HPV infection were recruited. The central tendency, dispersion, and percentiles were calculated for the total score and its dimensions for each age group. Construct validity was tested by analyzing age groups and their correlations with other related scales (12-Item General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-12], Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI], and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]). A total of 1352 women were included in the study. The norms showed moderate and significant coefficients of correlation with other related scales. Significant differences between age strata groups were found according to educational level, sexual dysfunction, sexual activity, mental deterioration, and severity of anxiety and depression symptoms (p < 0.001 in all cases). The total score differed significantly between the groups (p = 0.006). Significant differences in the contagiousness, health, and sexuality dimensions (p < 0.05) were found among the groups. It was seen that HPV infection impaired women's QoL. Dimensions within all test age groups (p < 0.001 in all cases) were significantly different, with the health dimension being the highest contributor to women's QoL impairment, whereas social well-being was the main determinant of QoL. Population-based norms for the novel HPV-QoL questionnaire showed adequate validity and could be a useful tool for assessing the impact of QoL among women with HPV in Spain.

The psychosocial determinants of adherence to home-based rehabilitation strategies in parents of children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review.

Involving parents of children with cerebral palsy (C-CP) in home exercise programmes (HEP) is globally practiced strategy closely linked to improved physical performance and functional outcomes for the child. Nevertheless, non-adherence to HEP is increasing at an alarming rate, and little is known about the factors influencing adherence to HEP (AHEP) especially in parents of C-CP. This systematic review aimed to identify the factors enhancing AHEP among parents of C-CP to reinforce the efficacy of rehabilitation practices proposed by health professionals, researchers, and educators. We conducted searches in PubMed, Scopus, CINHAL, PsycINFO, and Embase for articles published up to March 2023, that investigated the factors influencing AHEP among parents of C-CP. A narrative synthesis was conducted using the search results and pertinent material from other sources. Overall, non-adherence rates to HEP were moderate to high, ranging from 34% to 79.2%. Strong evidence suggests that factors enhancing AHEP fall into three categories: child-related (such as younger age and better gross motor function [GMF]), the caregiver-related (including high self-efficacy and knowledge, strong social support, low levels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, and a low perception of barriers), and the physiotherapist-related. For the latter category, the parent's perception of a supportive and collaborative relationship with the therapist is one of the conditions most favourably influences AHEP. Our findings highlight that factors influencing AHEP are multifactorial. Some, such as GMF or the economic and social conditions of the family, are challenging to change. However, the relationship between therapist and parent is an aspect that can be strengthened. These results underscore the importance of substantial training and psychosocial support for therapists to enhance their awareness and competence in building supportive relationship with parents.

Physical Activity in Patients with Advanced Cancer: Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Psychological Correlates.

As cancer progresses, patients may experience physical decline, which can impair their ability to carry out essential daily tasks. The aim of this study was to analyze the levels of physical activity in patients with advanced cancer undergoing systemic treatment and its relationship with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors. A prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study was carried out in 15 oncology departments in Spain. Patients with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic cancer who were candidates for systemic treatment were included. Participants completed demographic information and psychological scales. In total, 508 patients were included in the study, the majority of whom were male, over the age of 65, and diagnosed with bronchopulmonary tumors (36%) and metastatic disease. Based on their physical activity levels, participants were categorized as sedentary (20%, n = 190), engaging in light physical activity (43%, n = 412), or demonstrating moderate physical activity (37%, n = 351). Patients who were over 65 years old; had a worse baseline status (ECOG ≥ 1); lacked a partner; had a lower educational level; or were retired or unemployed were found to have lower levels of physical activity. Those with sedentary physical activity reported higher levels of psychological distress, anxiety, depression, somatization, and physical symptoms, as well as worse functional status, global health status, and well-being. Understanding the complex interplay between physical activity and sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors can help neuroscientists develop tailored exercise interventions that address the unique needs of advanced cancer patients.

University Students' Financial Situation During COVID-19 and Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms: Results of the COVID-19 German Student Well-Being Study (C19 GSWS).

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on students' financial situation as well as on their mental health. To examine the reported change in the financial situation of German university students before and across two time points of the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate its associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms. We used data from the cross-sectional COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study conducted at five German universities (N = 7203). Linear regression models were used to analyze associations between a reported change in financial situation and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Twenty-eight percent of the participants reported to have a worsened financial situation at the time of the survey compared to the time prior to the pandemic. A worsened financial situation at the time of the survey as compared to prior to the pandemic was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms reported in all three depression and anxiety scales [a 1.46 point increase on the CES-D 8 scale (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19; 1.73), a 0.37-point increase in PHQ-2 (95% CI: 0.28; 0.46), and a 0.45-point increase in GAD-2 (95% CI: 0.35; 0.55)]. An improved financial situation, on the other hand, was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. As for the second change, comparing the current financial situation with the situation during the first wave of the pandemic, the associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms were broadly similar. Our findings suggest that students are a vulnerable population in need of mental and financial support during times of crisis. Future research is needed to obtain insights into potential long-term effects of the pandemic on students' mental health.