Life Satisfaction Research Articles

"I Don’t has the Desire to has Sex”: Quality of Life and Sexual Concerns of Women with Secondary Infertility in the Tamale Metropolis

Background Infertility adversely affects the general quality of life and sexual satisfaction among women. This study explored the quality of life and sexual concerns among women with secondary infertility in the Tamale metropolis. Methods A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was used. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Ethical approval was received from the Ghana Health Services ethics review committee. Fourteen (14) participants with secondary infertility receiving treatment at the Tamale Teaching Hospital were purposively selected and interviewed for the study, each lasting about 30 minutes to one hour. The interviews were audiotaped with permission from the participants, transcribed verbatim and content analyzed. Conclusion The findings from this study revealed that happiness, well-being and value in life were compromised among these women. Concerning sexual satisfaction, the majority of the participants experienced low sexual drive and physical pain during sexual intercourse which led to poor sexual satisfaction. There is a need for more exploration into the sexual health of women with infertility

Impact of retirement and re-employment on the life satisfaction of older adults in Korea

Impact of retirement and re-employment on the life satisfaction of older adults in Korea

Air Pollution Reduces the Individuals’ Life Satisfaction Through Health Impairment

Abstract Background The impact of air pollution on individuals’ happiness and life satisfaction (LS), and its relationship to other factors became the focus of recent research. Though, the underlying mechanism of how air pollution impacts LS remains unclear. In this study, we examined the direct and indirect effect of air pollution on individuals’ LS through health mediation. Methods We used longitudinal individual-level data from “Understanding-Society: the UK Household-Longitudinal Study” on 59,492 individuals with 347,377 repeated responses across 11 years (2009-2019) that was linked to yearly concentrations of NO2, SO2, and particulate-matter (PM10, PM2.5) pollution. Generalized structural equation models with multilevel ordered-logistic regression were used to examine the direct effect of air pollution on LS and the indirect effect from health impairment. Results Higher concentrations of NO2 (coefficient = 0.009, 95%CI = 0.007,0.012, p < 0.001), SO2 (coefficient = 0.025, 95%CI = 0.017,0.034, p < 0.001), PM10 (coefficient = 0.019, 95%CI = 0.013, 0.025, p < 0.001), and PM2.5 (coefficient = 0.025, 95%CI = 0.017,0.033, p < 0.001) pollutants were associated with poorer health, while poorer health was associated with reduced LS (coefficient = -0.605, 95%CI = -0.614,-0.595, p < 0.001). Mediation path analysis showed that air pollution impacted individuals’ LS directly and indirectly. The percent of total effect mediated through health was 44.03% for NO2, 73.95% for SO2, 49.88% for PM10, and 45.42% for PM2.5 and the ratio of indirect to direct effect was 0.79 for NO2, 2.84 for SO2, 0.99 for PM10, and 0.83 for PM2.5. Conclusions Health plays a major mediating role in the relationship between air pollution and LS. To alleviate the impact of air pollution on LS, future strategies should focus on health promotion besides reducing air pollution emissions. Key messages • Air pollution is related to lower life satisfaction directly and indirectly through health impairment. • Strategies and policies aiming at reducing air pollution emissions and better health would improve the individual’s life satisfaction and lower the mental health burden.

Sense of community, life satisfaction and psychological distress among seniors – HUNT4 study, Norway

Abstract Background Strong sense of community with one’s neighbors may benefit psychosocial well-being. Moreover, local communities with high level of belonging and social cohesion can have a positive impact on public mental health. This study aims to investigate associations between sense of community and life satisfaction - at both an individual and local community level in a Norwegian county. Methods Data from Trøndelag Health Study 4 (HUNT4: 2017-2019) on 22 939 participants were linked to geographic data of residence from Statistics Norway. The basic statistical unit in Norwegian, known as “grunnkrets,” serves to identify participants’ local communities. These units are subdivisions of municipalities, covering geographically contiguous areas that typically include a few hundred inhabitants. This population-based study enables investigation of variation in sense of community, trust, life satisfaction and psychological distress on individual and community level. Results Seniors (median age 70.3 years) with strong sense of community with their neighbors had more than three times higher odds (95%CI 3.08-3.93) of high level of life satisfaction and less than 0.3 times lower odds (95%CI 0.26-0.33) of psychological distress symptoms vs those with low sense of community, adjusted to sociodemographic variables. The average sense of community varied between local communities (N = 284). At this local geographical unit, strong sense of community was associated with high level of trust, enjoying the neighborhood and high life satisfaction. Conclusions The study can inform public health policy to consider development of social infrastructures that bolster sense of community among seniors within neighborhoods. Policy and action plans targeting to increase the overall sense of community in neighborhoods may contribute to create mental health-promoting and age-friendly local communities in Norway. Key messages • At individual level, sense of community with neighbors are associated with life satisfaction and psychological distress among Norwegian seniors. • The average sense of community varies between geographic local areas and are associated with level of trust, enjoying the neighborhood, average life satisfaction, and psychological distress.

Changes of lifestyle and mental health among COVID-19 situation: resident-centered health promotion

Abstract Background Yuzawa town, located in the Niigata prefecture of Japan, is famous for its hot springs and ski resorts. A sustainable action plan for resident-centered regional health promotion (Yuzawa family health plan) was initiated in 2002. Surveys have been conducted every five years. This study aims to evaluate changes of their habits and mental health status between in 2017 and in 2022. Methods The survey of Yuzawa family health plan was conducted in 2017 and in 2022. Questionnaires were composed with living alone, living with marriage partner, living with son or daughter, living with grandchildren, living with brother or sister, health consciousness, attention to health, health concern, awakening in a morning, clockwork life, fitness habits, smoking, taking alcohol, anxiety, loneliness, consultation, resolve suffering, economic problem, handle stress, taking a rest, risk breaching, communication, life satisfaction, talking with family, job at home, intercommunion with friends, greeting with neighbors, relationship with neighbors, occupations, good sleep, taking breakfast, nutritional balance, mastication status, confirmation of food compositions, exercise habits, yearly health check-up, dental check-up, brushing teeth habits, and sleep satisfactions. Chi square tests were used to evaluate changes between in 2017 and in 2022. This study was approved by the ethics committee of Tokyo Women’s Medical University. Results Passive smoking, intercommunions with neighborhood and friends, exercises, and Salt reduction awareness reduced in 2022. Talking with family, taking a rest, attention to health, clockwork life, and sleep satisfactions increased. Conclusions Many changes were shown between in 2017 and in 2022. Because elderly has been able to use a mobile phone, loneliness was not increased. But numbers of elderly living alone have been increased from 2002. Health promotion programs giving health information for elderly is needed. Key messages • Many lifestyle changes were shown between in 2017 and in 2022. • Passive smoking reduced. Taking a rest and attention to health increased.

Predictors of adolescent well-being around the globe: are students from Confucian East Asia different?

Using rich data from nearly 400,000 15-year-olds across 70 middle- and high-income countries and economies participating in PISA 2018, this study investigates (1) global predictors of adolescent subjective well-being (SWB), and (2) differences in adolescent life satisfaction, its predictors and endowments with predictors across world regions and cultures. A particular focus lies on comparing Confucian East Asia (CEA) with other world regions. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regressions and Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition. As measures of adolescent well-being, this study employs life satisfaction, affective well-being, and meaning in life. Globally, adolescent well-being outcomes are found to be most strongly linked to gender, personality, relative SES, relationship quality, peer SWB, autonomy and the learning environment, as well as local cultural factors. Estimations by world region reveal several culture-specific explanations for interregional well-being gaps. In particular, notoriously low levels of life satisfaction among students from CEA countries are found to be associated with low self-efficacy, low peer well-being, as well as with high emotional interdependence compared to other world regions. Emotional interdependence is more strongly experienced among CEA adolescents compared to adolescents from any other world region. Moreover, it is found to be more strongly associated with life satisfaction in the CEA region than in any other region. In line with the former, CEA students show stronger links between other relational factors (parents' emotional support; sense of belonging at school) and life satisfaction compared to most other regions. This study suggests that among the environmental factors that shape the experience of adolescent lives, relationship and cultural factors play key roles and are closely intertwined. Parents, educators and policymakers around the world should focus on creating a positive school environment that promotes well-being, student self-efficacy, a sense of belonging, and a safe space in which failure is accepted as part of the learning process. This is particularly needed in Confucian East Asian countries.

Can a Universal Mindfulness Programme Improve Well-Being in Adolescents?

Abstract Background Approx. 14% of adolescents experience mental health disorders. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) could be one way to support adolescents’ well-being. We investigated the effectiveness of a 9-week school-based mindfulness intervention on adolescents’ well-being, moderated by gender, grade, and independent practice. Methods In total 3519 Finnish adolescents (aged 12 - 15) from 56 schools were randomized into intervention, active (relaxation), and inactive (normal school curriculum) control groups. Well-being was assessed with two life satisfaction measures (Life Satisfaction [OECD] and The Satisfaction with Life Scale-Child [SWLS-C]) and positive and negative affects (Positive and negative affects [PANAS]) at baseline, at 9 weeks and 26 weeks and analyzed using multilevel linear modeling. Results Significant improvement in life satisfaction (SWLS-C) was found at 9 weeks in the MBI group (β = 0.38, 95 % CI 0.08-0.68, p = 0.009) compared to the active control. Furthermore, MBI demonstrated an increase in life satisfaction (OECD) among boys (β = 0.25, 95 % CI 0.04-0.46, p = 0.016) and 6th graders (β = 0.26, 95 % CI 0.04-0.49, p = 0.015) at 9 weeks compared to the active control. Additionally, MBI participants engaging in independent practice at least once a week had a higher increase in positive affect at week 26 compared to both the active (β = 3.01, 95 % CI 0.55-5.47, p = 0.009) and inactive control groups (β = 2.81, 95 % CI 0.23-5.40, p = 0.026). Those practicing MBI almost daily also demonstrated a higher increase in positive affect at week 26 compared to the active control group (β = 2.95, 95 % CI 0.28-5.62, p = 0.023). Conclusions MBI in the school context seems to have the potential to increase the well-being of adolescents, especially those who commit to regular independent mindfulness practice. Gender and grade may moderate the effects of MBI. Therefore, we need to better understand how gender and age influence the effectiveness of MBI. Key messages • The findings indicate the need to further examine potential mediators and moderators that may influence the effectiveness of MBI on adolescents. • According to this study, regular mindfulness practice in schools appears to be a promising way to improve well-being of adolescents.

Person-environment fit, turnover intention and satisfaction with life. The role of seniority

BackgroundBased on the person-environment fit model, we examined how occupational stress and job satisfaction are correlated with an intention to leave the current workplace or profession and life satisfaction in two groups of midwives with low and high experience.Participants and procedureData were collected between March and December 2022 using a set of psychological questionnaires. Low-experienced mid-wives (n = 152) and high-experienced midwives (n = 174) participated in the study. Multigroup path analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsResearch has shown that midwives of varying levels of seniority experience similar levels of general occupational stress, job satisfaction, intentions to leave their current workplace or profession, and life satisfaction. The study found a negative corre-lation between occupational stress and job satisfaction and life satisfaction in both groups. The correlation between job satisfaction and the intention to leave the current workplace or profession was significantly negative only among low-experienced midwives. In high-experienced midwives, the relationship between stress and the intention to leave the current workplace or profession was direct. In the group of low-experienced midwives, links between occupational stress and all outcome variables were completely mediated by job satisfaction.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that degree of person-environment fit accurately predicts the positive and negative consequences of working conditions for behavior both at work and outside of work. The correlations between stress at work, thoughts of leaving work, and the assessment of well-being differ between low- and high-experienced employees.

Validity of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure for Māori, Pacific, Asian & European adolescents

Abstract Background Ethnic identity is important for positive health and wellbeing outcomes, especially for Indigenous youth and adolescents from minoritised ethnic groups. The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) is widely used to examine ethnic identity as a general phenomenon across ethnic groups. However, evidence regarding its validity for adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds is mainly limited to the US context. This study investigated psychometric properties of the MEIM, for the first time, within a large ethnically diverse population-based sample in New Zealand. Methods We used data from the Growing Up in New Zealand study. Participants were 4500 12-year-olds and included 22.4% Māori (the Indigenous people of New Zealand), 16.7% Pacific, 14.8% Asian and 51.9% European young people. 45.7% were cisgender boy, 37.4% were cisgender girl, and 16.4% were non-binary, trans or unsure. We conducted factor analysis for the 12-item MEIM. Results Confirmatory factor analysis model fit tended to be best for a solution with two factors representing two ethnic identity subcomponents of Exploration and Affirmation/Belonging. A single ‘ethnic identity’ factor showed a slightly weaker model fit. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 2-factor structure with a slightly different item composition as compared to the original MEIM subscales. The findings were largely comparable across ethnic groups. Conclusions The MEIM appears to be a valid measure for Māori, Pacific, Asian and European young people. However, nuances may exist due to unique contexts including structural factors, societal norms and challenges, opportunities and access to cultural engagement. Ethnic identity is strongly linked to health and wellbeing including quality of life, self-esteem and life satisfaction. Therefore, we recommend acknowledging nuances of ethnic identity during an important time of development within diverse cultural contexts, by applying subscales and subgroup analyses where possible. Key messages • The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure is valid and appropriate to use at age 12-years among diverse ethnic groups including Māori, Pacific, Asian and European. • Nuances of ethnic identity should be acknowledged as an important factor for health and wellbeing, especially during critical times of transition for adolescents within diverse cultural contexts.

Arts and Mental health

Abstract Art includes performing arts, visual arts, literature, culture, and online/digital products. Its interventions are multimodal, combining a variety of activities, such as evoking emotions, emotional and cognitive stimulation, and imagination. Depending on the type of art, they may also involve social interaction, physical activity and communication. There is a large body of research suggesting that art engagement can enhance different dimensions of mental well-being (eudaimonic well-being, life satisfaction, evaluative well - and positive emotions). Some or all of these benefits have been found in individuals who participate in art activities. Based on these findings, art on prescription has been used in some European countries, including the United Kingdom, and Scandinavian countries. Art on prescription is mostly delivered in partnership with art organizations. The aim of this talk is give an overview on art on prescription in different countries in Europe and enhance understanding of the mechanism for whom art on prescription is a promising intervention in the field of mental health. Building on the mapping and review of reviews challenges of art interventions will be discussed such as study design or evaluating effectiveness and identifying population groups for whom art interventions work best.

Association of Built Environment with Well-Being: An Experience Sampling Method

Abstract Background Well-being (WB) is important because it extends beyond physical health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). From a temporal perspective, WB encompasses two aspects: long-term WB (LWB), such as overall life satisfaction, and momentary WB (MWB), such as immediate mood. While research has demonstrated a positive association between built environments such as urban land, grassland areas, and LWB, there is limited research exploring the association between the characteristics of built environments and MWB. Methods We applied the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) to collect data on the location, detailed environmental characteristics, and the MWB and LWB of adult participants living in Kashiwa City, Japan. Structural equation modeling was used to calculate the correlation coefficients between different built environments and both MWB and LWB. Results Nine hundred reports from 273 valid participants were obtained. In terms of types of locations, it was shown that cafes/restaurants/bars (coefficients = 0.85), culture/sport/education facilities (0.45), and public spaces (0.62) have a positive association with MWB. Additionally, environments perceived as natural (0.43), relaxing, and clean (2.31) have a positive association with MWB. Conversely, being on the move (-0.88) and vibrant environments (-0.58) have a negative association with MWB. Moreover, higher LWB levels were associated with higher MWB (0.64). Conclusions This study used the ESM to measure MWB and confirmed an association with various built environments. These findings provide guidance for city planning and policies that focus on enhancing urban well-being. This study highlights the benefits of places such as parks and cafes that promote happiness and the need for well-designed transportation and roads. These elements are important for developing urban areas that not only meet residents’ physical requirements but also support their emotional and psychological well-being. Key messages • Our findings show that public spaces, cafes, and cultural facilities are significantly associated with MWB, highlighting their role in urban planning as places that promote happiness. • ‘Being on the move’ is associated with lower MWB, indicating the need for well-designed transportation and road environments.

The Relationship between the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Types and Psychological Well-being among College Students in China

Aim: This study explores the relationship between Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types and psychological well-being among Chinese college students, examining how cultural factors influence this relationship and identifying key factors impacting students' mental health. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted, focusing on peer-reviewed articles from the past decade. Databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords like "MBTI," "psychological well-being," "college students," and "China." Inclusion criteria included studies on MBTI and psychological well-being among Chinese college students. Results: The review found that 64% of extraverted students reported high life satisfaction, compared to 42% of introverted students. Sensing students showed 58% academic satisfaction, while only 45% of intuitive students reported similar satisfaction levels. Thinkers (60%) and feelers (55%) displayed high psychological well-being linked to their respective environments. Judging types reported 70% life satisfaction, whereas only 45% of perceiving types expressed similar satisfaction. These findings underscore the significant impact of MBTI personality types on the psychological well-being of Chinese college students. Conclusion: MBTI types significantly influence psychological well-being among Chinese college students, moderated by cultural, social, and educational factors. Tailored mental health interventions and supportive environments are essential to address the diverse needs of students. Recommendations: Colleges should integrate MBTI-based counseling services, provide flexible learning options, and promote social support networks. These measures will accommodate varying personality types and improve overall student well-being. Implications: Understanding the interplay between MBTI types and psychological well-being within the Chinese cultural context offers valuable insights for educators and mental health professionals. These insights can inform the development of culturally sensitive interventions and support systems, enhancing the mental health and academic success of college students.

What works to reduce regional health inequalities? A case of East vs West Germany post reunification

Abstract Regional inequalities in mortality are rising across the globe. The case of German reunification offers a unique opportunity to explore how such inequalities can be reduced, or even eliminated: following reunification, a long-standing life expectancy gap between East and West Germany was closed for women and markedly reduced for men in a period of less than 15 years. Drawing from theory on health inequalities, we investigate the contribution of material, behavioural and psychosocial factors likely related to the narrowing of the life expectancy gap between East and West Germany following reunification. We used regional data from official national statistics covering the period 1994-2020 for 15 regions in East and West Germany. Using fixed-effects models with an interaction term for regions in the East, we investigated whether within-region changes in key hypothesised factors (social security expenditure, healthcare improvements, changes in alcohol consumption, and life satisfaction), have had differential impacts on life expectancy at birth and at 65 years. We find that increases in social security benefits in the East following reunification has been the most important factor for lowering inequalities between the two parts of Germany: for every standard deviation increase in social security benefits, life expectancy at birth increased by an additional 0.20 [0.07,0.33] years for males and by 0.15 [-0.01,0.31] years for females in East relative to West Germany. We find the protective effect of social security benefits also for women at 65 years (additional 0.14 years [0.006,0.268]) but not for men. Overall, our findings suggest that increasing social security expenditure could be an effective policy-based tool for reducing health disparities across regions with different levels of economic development. This provides additional support for the relevance of the materialist hypothesis and the political economy of root causes of health inequalities. Key messages • Our findings suggest that increasing social security expenditure could be an effective policy-based tool for reducing regional health disparities. • We find support for the materialist and political economy approaches to explaining health inequalities.

Digital health divide and digital technologies for treating substance-related disorders in Argentina

Abstract Argentina is a country located in the South American region with more than 45 million inhabitants. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses, over 92% of the population lives in urban areas. Additionally, 47% households do not have access to computers, and 12% lack availability of the internet. The present case study demonstrates the effects of the digital divide regarding the use and access to digital technologies in patients who underwent virtual treatment for substance-related disorders in a mental health service in the city of Córdoba, Argentina. This treatment modality included virtual consultation with a psychologist and WhatsApp groups for mutual support. The data obtained is part of a larger research project aimed at evaluating access to digital healthcare treatment, quality of life and patient satisfaction with the use of digital tools for treating substance-related disorders. Participants were adults between 25 and 60 years. The majority of the patients who were surveyed presented cognitive impairment and unemployment status. Those who completed secondary school (79%), stated that virtual consultation was easy to conduct (83%) and WhatsApp group texting information for mutual support was very difficult to comprehend for participating actively (63%). On the other hand, participants who only reached primary school (21%) declared that virtual consultation was easy to do (71%) and WhatsApp group texting information for mutual support was very difficult to comprehend for participating actively (87%). Concerning access, 78% of participants answered that they have difficulties with the availability of digital devices (i.e., smartphones, computers, or tablets), internet connectivity and privacy at home or work for undergoing digital treatment.

Development of a risk index for cognitive decline predicted by adverse radiation events and diet in older oral cancer patients

Professor Norimasa Ogama, Faculty of Nursing, Soka University, is interested in how symptoms such as dry mouth and changes in taste in elderly oral cancer patients could predict the risk of decline in cognitive function with the use of different sensory food experiences. He is developing an index to predict this. While previously at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Ogama saw a range of problems among patients caused by radiation and chemotherapy, including reduced eating and swallowing function, changes in body image and ongoing issues with being able to eat and speak. He began to consider how it might be possible to improve quality of life for such patients, including the ability to enjoy food. This inspired him to work to develop an oral rehabilitation programme that takes into account post-operative life evaluation and its influencing factors in order to significantly increase patientsâ–™ life satisfaction. Ogama and the team are developing a risk index for cognitive decline predicted by the adverse events of radiation and the diet of elderly patients with oral cancer. The goal is to accurately determine the risk of cognitive decline early based on changes to eating preferences and the taste of food, as well as worsening of oral mucositis and symptoms of dry mouth due to radiation therapy. This will be done through the concept of ‘eating deliciously’, based on personal preferences and characteristics.

Key Factors Influencing Quality of Life in the Disabled Based on Multifaceted Life Satisfaction

Abstract Background Healthy life of the disabled is considered a global social issue, and enhancing the quality of life (QoL) of the disabled is an important task. The disabled have lower multifaceted life satisfaction due to various daily restrictions, which negatively affects their QoL. Research on the QoL of the disabled is ongoing, but there are few comprehensive studies addressing multifaceted life satisfaction. To enhance the QoL of the disabled, it is essential to understand their multifaceted life satisfaction and investigate key factors influencing their QoL. Methods We used data from the 2021 Disability and Life Dynamics Panel (nationwide survey). On the base of Patrick’s model of disability health promotion, we analyzed the impact of multifaceted life satisfaction of the disabled on their QoL by using multiple regression analysis adjusted for gender, age, education level, daily living activities, type and severity of disability, and presence of multiple disabilities. Results The satisfaction with social relationships(β=.535, p<.0001), income(β=.146, p<.0001), housing environment(β=.132, p<.0001), occupation(β=.130, p<.0001), and health(β=.111, p<.0001) was found to have a significant positive impact on the QoL of the disabled. Particularly, satisfaction with social relationships exerted the greatest impact on their QoL. Conclusions Not only health satisfaction, but also social relations, income, housing environment, occupation had a substantial impact on the QoL of the disabled. These findings can support the government in prioritizing health policy development for the disabled and contribute to improving the QoL for the disabled through a comprehensive and integrated approach. The government should develop health policies to enhance social connections and support networks for the disabled, while also considering aspects for improving income, housing environment, occupation, and health. Key messages • Not only health satisfaction, but also social relations, income, housing environment, occupation had a substantial impact on the QoL of the disabled. • The government should prioritize developing health policies aimed at enhancing social relations for the disabled, while also considering income, housing environment, occupation, and health.

JOBS Program Germany for health promotion among the unemployed

Abstract Aim The unemployed suffer from poorer health than the employed, especially in terms of mental health. At the same time, health promotion reaches unemployed less than employed. The “JOBS Program” is an intervention for the unemployed to promote health. It has shown positive effects in the USA and Finland. The aim of this confirmatory study (Hollederer & Jahn, 2023; Jahn & Hollederer, 2024) was to investigate whether the JOBS Program produces similar effects in Germany. Methods A multicenter randomized controlled trial was applied to compare an intervention group (IVG) with a waiting control group (WCG) before (T0; n = 94), shortly after (T1; n = 65) the intervention and about 6 months after the intervention (T2; n = 43). Fourteen JOBS Program trainings have been conducted. Additionally, JOBS Program trainers were interviewed via voluntary computer-assisted web interviews (resulting in 28 interviews). Results JOBS Program Germany was beneficial. Following changes in the primary outcomes were identified from T0 to T1: Compared to the WCG, a multivariate regression estimated that the IVG had (1) a 0.34 scale point higher level of self-rated general health (p = 0.025; scale range: 1-5 points), (2) a 14.52 scale point higher level of mental well-being (p = 0.004), and (3) a 2.74 scale point higher level of life satisfaction (p = 0.049). About 6 months after the training had been conducted (T2), participants in the JOBS training showed better general health status (0.41-point; p = 0.016) compared to the WCG. Furthermore, 78.5% of the JOBS Program trainers were rather or very satisfied with the theoretical contents and 85.7% with the practical implementation. A central obstacle to the implementation was the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of the JOBS Program with respect to the above outcomes, and for older and long-term unemployed, suggesting the benefit of regular implementation for different groups of unemployed in Germany. Key messages • The results of the confirmatory study show positive effects of the JOBS Program on the general health status and unemployment-related mental burden among unemployed people in Germany. • The introduction of the JOBS Program as a nationwide intervention in Germany could be an intervention approach for the unemployed to achieve better health.

Latent class analysis of attitudes towards drug use and well-being among South Korean young adults

Abstract Background The surge in drug use and lack of awareness about drug-related dangers among young adults have become major public health concerns in South Korea. According to the Theory of Planned Behavior, understanding attitudes towards drugs is crucial, as permissive attitudes may lead to drug use. Thus, the study aims to identify latent classes of drug use attitudes among Korean young adults and evaluate how their well-being influences each class. Methods A total of 301 college students in Seoul, South Korea, participated in the study. Latent class analysis (LCA) was employed to identify unique patterns of attitudes towards drug use. Subsequently, we examined the relationships between auxiliary variables (i.e., well-being, including life satisfaction, self-control, quality of life, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, childhood trauma, self-esteem, stress, family strengths, perceived social support, and stigmatization) and latent classes (i.e., attitudes towards drug use subgroups) by conducting multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results LCA categorized attitudes towards drug use into three groups: Class 1 (Permissive Drug Attitude Group), Class 2 (Moderate Drug Attitude Group), and Class 3 (Critical Drug Attitude Group). Class 2 showed a particularly permissive view on marijuana legalization. In multivariate logistic regression, higher stigmatization (β = .900, p < .05) was associated with membership in Class 1 compared to Class 3. Furthermore, being male (β = 2.272, p < .001) and having higher self-esteem (β = .989, p < .05) were linked to membership in Class 2 compared to Class 3. Conclusions The study enhances understanding of the complex relationship between Korean young adults’ well-being and their drug use attitudes. Effective interventions by frontline social workers aimed at preventing drug use should continuously monitor and address social stigmatization and self-esteem while providing accurate information and education regarding drug use. Key messages • Latent Class Analysis sorted drug attitudes into three groups: ‘Permissive,’ ‘Moderate,’ and ‘Critical’ Attitude Groups. • Individuals experiencing social stigmatization had a higher risk of permissive attitudes, while higher self-esteem increased the likelihood of being in the moderate group over the critical group.

Influences of tea consumption on self-rated health and life satisfaction among older adults: Evidence from the CLHLS.

The benefits of tea consumption as a special diet for health and life satisfaction have attracted considerable attention; however, it is not clear whether the effect of tea consumption on self-rated health (SRH) and self-rated life satisfaction (SRL) is equal among all types of tea, and it is unclear whether these associations are impacted by gender and age in older adults. This study aimed to examine the associations between tea consumption, SRH and SRL in older adults and to explore the role of gender and age. Participants aged 65-105 (N = 78,345) were interviewed in the years 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2018 in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study (CLHLS). Generalized estimation equations (GEE) with the identity link function were adopted to estimate the cross-sectional associations of tea consumption with SRH and SRL. GEE with the logic link function were used to explore the longitudinal associations of tea consumption with SRH decline and SRL decline. Drinking tea at present, especially scented tea, was significantly associated with better SRH and SRL for older adults. Male participants benefited more from tea consumption than females, and the protective effect of green tea consumption on improving SRH and SRL in males was evident. Older adults aged 90-105 with current tea consumption daily had better SRH and reduced risk of SRL decline.

Effectiveness of an integrative model of vocational life design for young rehabilitated drug abusers

ABSTRACT Background The effectiveness of an integrative life design model in preventing drug relapses among rehabilitated youth was evaluated. This model combined Savickas’ narrative life design in vocational counseling, expressive arts groups, and motivational interviewing. Its objective was to enhance life satisfaction and foster long-term resilience against relapse among young individuals recovering from drug abuse. Methods The study involved 70 rehabilitated drug abusers, equally divided into intervention and control groups. After four waves of data collection, 62 participants completed various assessments to monitor drug use behaviors and psychosocial changes. Results The intervention group showed continuous improvement in their self-efficacy to refuse drug use, whereas the control group’s self-efficacy to refuse drugs decreased by T4. The intervention group also had a lower relapse rate than the control group. Participants in both groups demonstrated improvements on various psychometric scales. However, those in the intervention group exhibited more substantial progress over time. Conclusions The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the integrative vocational life design model in preventing relapse among rehabilitated drug abusers. It emphasizes the importance of establishing future expectations and promoting life satisfaction for rehabilitated drug abusers. The study concludes with recommendations for future research and practice.