Levels Of Psychological Symptoms Research Articles

Recurrent Negative Autobiographical Memories and Mental Health

BackgroundRecurrent symptom-relevant negative autobiographical memories are common in patients with emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression, even among those without a trauma-related diagnosis. Recurrent negative autobiographical memories may also contribute to distress in non-clinical populations. MethodsTo examine the prevalence of recurrent negative autobiographical memories and associated psychological features, we recruited a student sample (n = 101) and a treatment-seeking sample of patients with emotional disorders (n = 123). We hypothesized that recurrent negative autobiographical memories would be associated with higher levels of psychological symptoms and rumination. We also conducted exploratory analyses of participants’ most bothersome memory. ResultsIn each sample, individuals who endorsed recurrent negative autobiographical memories had significantly higher depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms as well as greater rumination. In the treatment-seeking sample, where memories also had to be identified by patients as symptom-relevant, those who endorsed memories also had significantly higher clinician-rated symptom severity for their primary diagnosis. The majority of participants in each sample endorsed moderate or greater re-experiencing (sample 1: 79%, sample 2: 66%) and avoidance symptoms (sample 1: 78%, sample 2: 58%) related to their most bothersome memory. ConclusionRecurrent negative autobiographical memories relate to mental health symptoms in both clinical and non-clinical samples. Further research should explore whether targeting such memories reduces distress or improves wellbeing in these populations.

Predicting symptom response and quality of life to the low FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome: a 6-month longitudinal study

The low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diet is recommended as a first line therapeutic management strategy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)(1). The low FODMAP diet is supported by meta-analytical evidence(2), and demonstrates acceptability and effectiveness for improving symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in 50-75% of individuals with IBS. However, a subset of individuals (25-50%) do not respond to the diet(3). The identification of individual-level predictors of treatment response across all three phases of the low FODMAP diet is currently lacking. The study aims were to assess psychological predictors of symptom and QoL response to the low FODMAP diet in patients with IBS. Adults with IBS underwent a three-phase low FODMAP diet, guided by individualised dietetic education. Predictor variables included levels of depressive, anxiety, and extraintestinal somatic symptoms, stress, treatment beliefs and expectations, behavioural avoidance, and illness perceptions. Symptom severity and QoL were the main outcomes. Questionnaires assessing psychological predictors, symptoms and QoL were administered at five points: pre-dietitian (week 0), post-dietitian, end of elimination (week 5), end of reintroduction (week 13), and end of personalisation (week 25) phases. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify classes of response trajectories for symptoms. Linear mixed models were used to test the effect of baseline psychological scores on symptoms and QoL over time. Cross lagged panel models determined the directional predictive relationship between psychological predictors and symptom severity. 112 participants (89% F) median age 30 ± 17 years were included. There were three classes of symptom response trajectories, including ‘non-improvers’ (21.3% of participants) with high initial symptom severity and minimal improvement, ‘improvers’ (22.5% of participants) with low initial symptom severity and significant improvement, and an ‘intermediate’ group (56.2% of participants) with moderate initial symptom severity and significant improvement. Higher treatment beliefs predicted a stronger initial symptom response (effect on linear slope p = 0.036). Lower gut-specific anxiety, as well as higher levels of personal and treatment control at baseline predicted a stronger reduction in IBS symptom severity and improved QoL from week 0 to week 25. Participants with higher levels of baseline psychological symptoms and negative illness perceptions (i.e., lower emotional representations) predicted a stronger initial and later QoL response (effect on linear (p = 0.006) and quadratic (p = 0.049) slopes). Increased cyclical time beliefs predicted poorer initial and later QoL response (effect on linear (p = 0.015) and quadratic (p = 0.029) slopes). Individuals experiencing lower to mid-range symptom severity at baseline had greater improvement with the low FODMAP diet. Lower anxiety, positive illness views and higher treatment beliefs predict better QoL and symptom response. Personalised strategies are crucial for optimising low FODMAP diet effectiveness in IBS.

INVESTIGATION OF THE PREDICTION LEVEL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS RELATED TO SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION

The aim of this study is to reveal the predictive levels of psychological symptoms of social media addiction in adults. The study was conducted among adults living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The sample of the study consisted of 514 adult individuals, 63% (n=324) female and 37% (n=190) male, selected according to the convenience sampling method. In this study, Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and socio-demographic information form were used to collect data. Frequency distribution, percentage calculation, ANOVA, correlation test and regression analysis were performed using SPSS software. As a result, a statistically significant difference was found in the level of social media addiction according to the duration of daily use of social media. A statistically significant difference was found in the level of social media addiction according to the time of using social media. A moderate statistically significant positive correlation was found between social media addiction and psychological symptom subscales. Depression and anger/aggression among psychological symptoms were found to be significant predictors of social media addiction. The results of the research were discussed in the context of the relevant literature and then suggestions were made for future studies.

Effectiveness of an online dialectical behavior therapy skills training in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized controlled trial

Objective The current study aims to examine the efficacy of an add-on dialectical behavior therapy skills training (DBT-ST) on adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The DBT-ST was applied online under the pandemic conditions that occurred after the study had started. Methods The current randomized controlled trial consists of an intervention group to whom the DBT-ST was applied in online setting and a waitlist control group who received treatment as usual (TAU). Data were collected pre-, post-, and mid-treatment. ADHD symptoms (with the sub-dimensions of inattention and hyperactivity), impulsivity, mindfulness, difficulty with emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, life satisfaction, functionality in daily life, and general psychological symptom levels were measured with self-report scales. The data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA. Results The global ADHD, inattention, and hyperactivity symptoms of the DBT-ST group significantly decreased more than those in the TAU control group. The DBT-ST group also showed a significant decrease regarding difficulty with emotion regulation and increases in life satisfaction and functionality, though the group × time effect was not significant. Conclusion DBT-ST was found effective against the participants’ ADHD symptoms. The treatment was additionally found to improve their emotion regulation and quality of life. Further investigation is needed to investigate DBT-ST in an online setting.

Evaluation of psychological distress, burnout and structural empowerment status of healthcare workers during the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study

BackgroundIn light of several recent studies, there is evidence that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused various mental health concerns in the general population, as well as among healthcare workers (HCWs). The main aim of this study was to assess the psychological distress, burnout and structural empowerment status of HCWs during the COVID-19 outbreak, and to evaluate its predictors.MethodsThis multi-center, cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey was conducted on HCWs during the outbreak of COVID-19 from August 2020 to January 2021. HCWs working in hospitals from 48 different countries were invited to participate in an online anonymous survey that investigated sociodemographic data, psychological distress, burnout and structural empowerment (SE) based on Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Conditions for work effectiveness questionnaire (CWEQ_II), respectively. Predictors of the total scores of DASS-21, MBI and CWEQ-II were assessed using unadjusted and adjusted binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsOut of the 1030 HCWs enrolled in this survey, all completed the sociodemographic section (response rate 100%) A total of 730 (70.9%) HCWs completed the DASS-21 questionnaire, 852 (82.6%) completed the MBI questionnaire, and 712 (69.1%) completed the CWEQ-II questionnaire. The results indicate that 360 out of 730 responders (49.3%) reported severe or extremely severe levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, 422 out of 851 responders (49.6%) reported a high level of burnout, while 268 out of 712 responders (37.6%) reported a high level of structural empowerment based on the DASS-21, MBI, and CWEQ-II scales, respectively. In addition, the analysis showed that HCWs working in the COVID-19 areas experienced significantly higher symptoms of severe stress, anxiety, depression and higher levels of burnout compared to those working in other areas. The results also revealed that direct work with COVID-19 patients, lower work experience, and high workload during the outbreak of COVID-19 increase the risks of negative psychological consequences.ConclusionHealth professionals had high levels of burnout and psychological symptoms during the COVID-19 emergency. Monitoring and timely treatment of these conditions is needed.

청소년이 지각한 부모의 심리적 통제 유형과 우울 증상 간의 관련성

This study aims to investigate the different profiles of parental psychological control, specifically focusing on separation-anxious psychological control and achieve-ment-oriented psychological control, and their associations with depressive symptoms in adolescent children. Participants were 367 middle and high school students in Seoul and Gyeonggi area. The levels of parental psychological control and depressive symptoms were measured using self-report questionnaires. The data were analyzed using t-test, Pearson’s correlations, latent profile analysis, and one-way ANOVA. The findings from the latent profile analysis indicated the existence of four distinct subtypes of psychological control as perceived by adolescent children: high maternal separation-anxiety control (HMSC, 7.1%), no parental psychological control (NPPC, 67.6%), low parental psycho-logical control (LPPC, 17.2%), and high parental psychological control (HPPC, 8.2%). Adolescent children in the NPPC profile exhibited significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms when compared to those in the other profiles. These results suggest that psy-chological control even from a parent may aggravate depressive symptoms of adolescents.

DEMENTIA CARE PARTNERS’ ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND BURDEN AT HOSPITAL DISCHARGE

Abstract At the time of hospital discharge, family care partners are typically planning to deal with the increased care dependency and medically complex needs of the person living with dementia. Consequently, they experience compounded stress to their psychological wellbeing. This study examined patient and care partner factors associated with family care partners’ anxiety, depression, and burden when caring for patients with dementia at hospital discharge. The sample consisted of 434 patient and care partner dyads enrolled in the Family centered Function-focused Care (Fam-FFC) study. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with care partners’ anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression subscale anxiety; HADS-A), depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression subscale depression; HADS-D), and burden (Short Form Zarit Burden Interview; ZBI-12). Care partner anxiety was associated with higher levels of patient behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD; β=.13; p = <.001). Care partner depression was associated with cohabitation (β=1.30; p = <.001), and patient factors including increased BPSD (β=.17; p = <.001) and lower function (β=-.03; p = <.001). Care partner burden was associated with care partner relationship with patient (adult child; β=-.27; p = .02) and higher patient BPSD (β=.67; p = <.001). Findings suggest the need to incorporate the functional and behavioral status and needs of the patient when preparing the care partner for discharge, which may be especially critical if the patient is discharged to the care partner’s residence.

Individual Differences on Wellbeing Indices during the COVID-19 Quarantine in Greece: A National Study.

The impact of COVID-19 and the associated lockdown measures on people's physical and mental wellbeing, as well as their daily lives and functioning, has been extensively studied. This study takes the approach of investigating the consequences of COVID-19 on a national scale, considering sociodemographic factors. The main objective is to make a contribution to ongoing research by specifically examining how age, gender, and marital status influence the overall impact of COVID-19 and wellbeing indicators during the second lockdown period that was implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Greek population. The study involved a sample of 16,906 individuals of all age groups in Greece who completed an online questionnaire encompassing measurements related to personal wellbeing, the presence and search for meaning in life, positive relationships, as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, to gauge the levels of the perceived COVID-19-related impact, a valid and reliable scale was developed. The results reveal that a higher perception of COVID-19 consequences is positively associated with psychological symptoms and the search for meaning in life, while being negatively correlated with personal wellbeing and the sense of meaning in life. In terms of individual differences, the findings indicate that unmarried individuals, young adults, and females tend to report higher levels of psychological symptoms, a greater search for meaning in life, and a heightened perception of COVID-19-related impact. These findings are analyzed in depth, and suggestions for potential directions for future research are put forth.

Relationship between Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies and Mental Health among Media Professionals in Conflict Zones

Background & Statement of the problem: According to UNESCO, the number of killed journalists has doubled in the last year compared to the previous year, and this clearly reflects the seriousness of their work and its impact on their physical and psychological health. This effect appears in their sleep pattern, concentration, mood, and so on. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and mental health, among media professionals in conflict zones. Methods: This study included 146 media professionals all participants were assessed using the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. The average mean of (psychological symptoms) was calculated and was found to be 1.36 (SD = -0.167) and the means were 1.01 and 1.66 for (phobic anxiety) and (paranoid ideation) dimensions, respectively. Based on the cut-off point (1.33), most of the reported means were significantly above average, with a moderate level of psychological symptoms. The average mean was 3.39 (SD = 417) and the mean of (refocus on planning) was 2.7. As for the mean of (putting into perspective), it was 4.17. As per the cut-off point (1.33). Results: All means were above average. Most of these symptoms were in the moderate levels, the rest were at mild levels. Conclusions (Recommendations and contributions): There is a distinct relationship between cognitive emotional regulation strategies used by media professionals and the resulting psychological symptoms they demonstrate.

Evaluation of COVID-19-Related Anxiety and Mental Health Status during the Pandemic among Students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, 2022

Background: COVID-19 has not only damaged the individual's physical health, but also the community’s mental health. The current study is conducted to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on mental health and anxiety level of the university students.
 Methods: In the current cross-sectional study, 216 students from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences were collected using simple random sampling during COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. To determine anxiety symptoms relevant to COVID-19, Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS) was used, and to assess the status of mental health, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used. Data were analyzed through SPSS software. Descriptive analysis statistics was performed using frequency percentages, and mean and standard deviation indexes. Furthermore, multiple linear regressions were calculated with psychological and physical symptoms of CDAS and mental health scores. The significance level of all statistical tests was 0.05.
 Results: 84.3% (182 participants) of the participants had medium and high levels of psychological symptoms of Corona disease anxiety, and regarding physical symptoms, approximately more than half of the participants (55.6%, 120 participants) experienced medium and high levels of anxiety. Both the psychological and physical symptoms of the disease anxiety were associated significantly with mental health (ß standard = 0.14, p value = 0.004), and psychological symptom variable was the stronger predictor (ß standard = 0.53, p value = 0.0001).
 Conclusion: The wide spread of anxiety during COVID-19 lockdown is a warning to health educators and policy makers that significant time, attempt, and funding of the services for mental health should be spent to control anxiety.

Novel symptom clusters predict disease impact and healthcare utilisation in inflammatory bowel disease: Prospective longitudinal follow-up study.

Predicting adverse disease outcomes and high-volume users of healthcare amongst patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is difficult. The aim of this study is to use latent class analysis to create novel clusters of patients and to assess whether these predict outcomes during 6.5 years of longitudinal follow-up. Baseline demographic features, disease activity indices, anxiety, depression, and somatoform symptom-reporting scores were recorded for 692 adults. Faecal calprotectin (FC) was analysed at baseline in 348 (50.3%) patients (<250 mcg/g defined biochemical remission). Using baseline gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms, latent class analysis identified specific patient clusters. Rates of glucocorticosteroid prescription or flare, escalation, hospitalisation, or intestinal resection were compared between clusters using multivariate Cox regression. A three-cluster model was the optimum solution; 132 (19.1%) patients had below-average gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms (cluster 1), 352 (50.9%) had average levels of gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms (cluster 2), and 208 (30.1%) had the highest levels of both gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms (cluster 3). Compared with cluster 1, cluster 3 had significantly increased risk of flare or glucocorticosteroid prescription (hazard ratio (HR): 2.13; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46-3.10), escalation (HR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.34-2.76), a composite of escalation, hospitalisation, or intestinal resection (HR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.45-2.88), or any of the endpoints of interest (HR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.45-2.93). Healthcare utilisation was highest in cluster 3. Novel model-based clusters identify patients with IBD at higher risk of adverse disease outcomes who are high-volume users of healthcare.

Psychological effects of collective political traumas and post-traumatic growth

Purpose Collective political traumas emerge from human behavior as a result of political motivation. These events include destructive and intense violence that disrupt the biopsychosocial processes of people in general. A study was conducted on individuals involved in the conflict between the Kurds in southeastern Turkey and security forces. This study aims to determine whether perceived social support, assumptions about the world, psychological resilience and psychological symptoms predict post-traumatic growth (PTG). In addition, the study examines whether differences existed between the participants’ PTG and the four cited variables according to the type of trauma and major sociodemographic variables. Design/methodology/approach This study recruited 324 individuals who completed the PTG Inventory, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, World Assumption Scale, Brief Psychological Resilience Scale and Symptom Checklist-90-R Symptom Screening List. Data were analyzed using regression analysis, ANOVA and t-test for independent groups. Findings Analysis revealed that assumptions about the world, perceived social support and level of psychological symptoms significantly predicted PTG level. The level of psychological symptoms was significantly higher among individuals exposed than those not exposed to prison. Moreover, participants with low levels of education and income displayed low levels of social support and psychological resilience but high levels of psychological symptoms. When working with victims of collective political trauma, the fact that people who are exposed to prison and torture experience and those with low socioeconomic levels pose serious risks in terms of psychological problems must be considered. Originality/value This research is important because it collects data on the effects of collective political traumas.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Attachment Styles, Self-Compassion, Coping with Stress and Psychological Symptom Levels of University Students

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the attachment styles, self-compassion, stress coping styles and psychological symptom levels of university students.The universe of the research consists of university students studying at universities in the TRNC in the 2021-2022 academic year. 380 individuals selected by randomized sampling method were included in the study. Demographic Information Form, Experiences in Close Relationships-II Scale, Self-Sensitivity Scale, Styles of Coping with Stress Scale and Brief Symptom Inventory were used as data collection tools. It was found that there were significant and negative correlations between self-sensitivity and psychological symptoms in the study. In addition, there were positive correlations between the scores of the participants from the desperate approach , submissive approach and psychological symptom scores.Finally, this study revealed that there was a statistically significant positive relationship between the sub-dimensions of avoidant attachment, self-judgment and the level of psychological symptoms.

The association between psychological distress and alcohol consumption and physical activity: a population-based cohort study.

The COVID-19 pandemic and infection control measures caused changes to daily life for most people. Heavy alcohol consumption and physical inactivity are two important behavioral risk factors for noncommunicable diseases worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its social distancing measures, home office policies, isolation, and quarantine requirements may have an impact on these factors. This three-wave longitudinal study aims to investigate if psychological distress and worries related to health and economy were associated with levels and changes in alcohol consumption and physical activity during the two first years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway. We used data collected in April 2020, January 2021, and January 2022 from an online longitudinal population-based survey. Alcohol consumption and physical activity status were assessed at all three measuring points via the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). COVID-19-related worries, home office/study, occupational situation, age, gender, children below 18 years living at home, and psychological distress (measured with the Symptom Checklist (SCL-10)) were included as independent variables in the model. A mixed model regression was used and presented with coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Analysis of data from 25,708 participants demonstrates that participants with substantial symptoms of psychological distress more often reported higher alcohol consumption (1.86 units/week, CI 1.48-2.24) and lower levels of physical activity [-1,043 Metabolic Equivalents of Task (METs) per week, CI -1,257;-828] at baseline. Working/studying from home (0.37 units/week, CI 0.24-0.50) and being male (1.57 units/week, CI 1.45-1.69) were associated with higher alcohol consumption. Working/studying from home (-536 METs/week, CI -609;-463), and being older than 70 years (-503 METs/week, CI -650;-355) were related to lower levels of physical activity. The differences in activity levels between those with the highest and lowest levels of psychological distress reduced over time (239 METs/week, CI 67;412), and similarly the differences in alcohol intake reduced over time among those having and not having children < 18 years (0.10 units/week, CI 0.01-0.19). These findings highlight the substantial increases in risks related to inactivity and alcohol consumption among those with high levels of psychological distress symptoms, and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increase the understanding of factors associated with worries and health behavior.

A prospective comparison of UK and Malaysian patients with irritable bowel syndrome in secondary care.

The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is now known to be similar in various geographical regions, but there has been no study directly comparing characteristics of patients with IBS between populations. To evaluate clinical and psychological differences between adults with IBS seen in secondary care in the United Kingdom (UK) and Malaysia. Age- and sex-matched patients with IBS from a single centre in the UK (Leeds) and two centres in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu), who fulfilled Rome III criteria, were recruited prospectively. Demographic characteristics and gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms were compared between both groups. A total of 266 (133 UK and 133 Malaysian) age- and sex-matched patients with Rome III IBS were recruited (mean age: 45.1 years Malaysia, vs. 46.5 years UK; 57.9% female). UK patients were more likely to consume alcohol than Malaysian patients (54.1% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.001). Compared with Malaysian patients, UK patients had more frequent abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, meal-related symptoms (p < 0.001 for all), higher symptom scores (mean 268.0 vs 166.0; p < 0.001), greater limitation of activities due to IBS (p = 0.007) and were more likely to report abnormal anxiety scores (p < 0.001). Higher perceived stress (mean 21.3 vs. 19.1, p = 0.014) and gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety scores (mean 50.8 vs. 43.0, p < 0.001) were also observed in UK patients. Finally, UK patients had higher somatoform symptom-reporting scores (mean 8.9 vs. 6.9, p < 0.001). IBS is more severe and is associated with a higher level of psychological symptoms in the UK compared with Malaysian patients in secondary care.

Assessment of mental health status among Chinese nursing staff in the intensive care unit: a network analysis.

Nursing is the key group to provide healthcare services, and it is easy for nursing staff to develop mental health problems. The study aimed to evaluate prevalence of psychological symptoms in nurses working in an intensive care unit (ICU) and the inter-relationship of associations of psychological symptoms using network analysis. This study is a cross-sectional design study. The Chinese version of the Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90) was used to measure the psychological status of ICU nurses. The network structure of psychological symptoms was characterised, and indices of 'Expected influence' were used to identify symptoms central to the network. Network stability was examined using a case-dropping bootstrap procedure. Multiple logistic regression analysis found those who had worked more than 15 years were less likely to experience positive psychological symptoms, whereas nurses working in emergency ICU and other ICUs, nurses working in departments with over 16 beds were more likely to develop psychological symptoms. In addition, 'Anxiety', 'Mental degeneration' and 'Depression' were central symptoms in the network. ICU nurses reported a high level of psychological symptoms, which may affect the quality of their work and worsen public health problems.

Mediator role of resilience in the relationship between neuroticism and psychological symptoms: COVID-19 Pandemic and supermarket employees.

The current research aimed to examine the relationship between personality traits, resilience, and psychological symptom levels of front-line supermarket employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three-hundred and ten (310) supermarket employees participated in the research between March and May 2021. Participants filled out the questionnaire sets online The Demographic Information Form, Symptom Checklist, Five Factor Inventory and Resilience Scale for Adults were presented as questionnaire sets. Pearson Correlation Analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between variables, Multiple Regression and mediation analyses were conducted to discover the predictors of symptom level. It was found that personality traits, resilience and psychological symptom levels are related to each other. Conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness and resilience are significant predictors of psychological symptom level. In addition, resilience plays a mediating role in the relationship between neuroticism and psychological symptom levels. The findings were discussed within the framework of the relevant literature and COVID-19 research findings.

Comparative analysis of psychological symptom levels and childhood traumas of adults with and without separation anxiety

Comparative analysis of psychological symptom levels and childhood traumas of adults with and without separation anxiety

Demographic factors, partial social belonging and psychological resources associated with coping.

The present study investigates the role of perceived partial social belonging (PPSB) in determining societal and individual resilience and positive and negative coping indicators. It is assumed that most people aspire to belong and be integrated into their society. A sense of only partial belonging is therefore distressing for them. Two hypotheses are examined in the current study: (a) A higher level of PPSB will predict a lower level of resilience and a higher level of psychological symptoms. (b) PPSB will mediate the associations between three stress-evoking demographic characteristics (younger age, low income, and gender) and the lower psychological resilience and higher distress associated with these demographic characteristics. These hypotheses were examined using a sample of the Israeli Jewish public (N = 1,502) who responded to an anonymous questionnaire about the investigated issues. The data were collected by an internet panel company possessing a database of more than 65,000 residents, representing the varied components of the Israeli society. The findings supported our hypotheses: (a) PPSB negatively predicted societal and individual resilience and hope and positively predicted distress symptoms and sense of danger. (b) PPSB mediated the effects of the investigated demographic variables on these psychological variables. These results are discussed in association with the concept of belonging competencies. Our findings display that being unsure about one's belonging to a desired social group, has a major role in increasing psychological distress and sense of danger and in reducing hope and both individual and societal resilience.

Epigenetic Regulation of Inflammatory Mechanisms and a Psychological Symptom Cluster in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy.

A psychological symptom cluster is the most common cluster identified in oncology patients. Although inflammatory mechanisms are hypothesized to underlie this cluster, epigenetic contributions are unknown. This study's purpose was to evaluate associations between the occurrence of a psychological symptom cluster and levels of DNA methylation for inflammatory genes in a heterogeneous sample of patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Prior to their second or third cycle of chemotherapy, 1,071 patients reported the occurrence of 38 symptoms using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. A psychological cluster was identified using exploratory factor analysis. Differential methylation analyses were performed in two independent samples using Illumina Infinium 450K and EPIC microarrays. Expression-associated CpG (eCpG) loci in the promoter region of 114 inflammatory genes on the 450K and 112 genes on the EPIC microarray were evaluated for associations with the psychological cluster. Robust rank aggregation was used to identify differentially methylated genes across both samples. Significance was assessed using a false discovery rate of 0.05 under the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. Cluster of differentiation 40 ( CD40 ) was differentially methylated across both samples. All six promoter eCpGs for CD40 that were identified across both samples were hypomethylated in the psychological cluster group. This study is the first to suggest associations between a psychological symptom cluster and differential DNA methylation of a gene involved in tissue inflammation and cell-mediated immunity. Our findings suggest that increased CD40 expression through hypomethylation of promoter eCpG loci is involved in the occurrence of a psychological symptom cluster in patients receiving chemotherapy. These findings suggest a direction for mechanistic studies.